The bow ties we love are: (1) white cotton pique, (2) black silk, or (3) red silk print bow tie [our favorite!] Now for some satin-trimmed tuxedo or jacquard pants, a velvet or wool tuxedo jacket, a nero collar or bib-front tuxedo shirt, and (depending on how seriously you take yourself) leather slippers, loafers or Lanvin‘s sneakers.
I don’t even know if any of my male readers ride a bike buts if they did, this lock would be IT! There are cheaper ones; there are definitely more functional options; there are locks with less savoir faire; and there are even locks that had more features but…… This Alexander Wang bike lock ($145) of matte black metal and faux snakeskin is a standout! It might actually warrant a lock to lock up the lock — definitely not a
Whether you’re going from The Terrace Bar at the Park Hyatt in Instanbul or Virgin Atlantic’s First-class lounge in London Heathrow Airport, or headed to your room on the ninth floor of Andaz Shanghai, you need to arrive in style. A requirement for any man: a carry-on that says you mean business {even if you’re traveling for play}! Remember: it doesn’t have to be leather but it needs to be trim, with enough outside pockets to avoid digging around, organized
I like Gem Knives because they’re practical and functional but pretty! Well, I’m certain no man wants to hear that they’re carrying something “pretty” but the custom made inlaid stones and painted wood are fabulous. Unlike regular pocket knives, these are longer and leaner {that IS something every woman wants to hear}. Check them out here…..the bright blue one has my name all over it (maybe I’ll head to Maine or the great outdoors to put it to use)
You’ve GOT to check out this three-minute clip on the Mr. Porter website: it’s Nick Sullivan, Fashion Director of US Esquire, sharing some insights on his dress philosophy. The two big takeaways for me (and you): no tie clips style evolves…but takes snippets from fashion Click here and check it out!
It’s quirky. It’s fun. It’s practical. It’s old. It’s sterling silver. It’s by Paul Stuart. Leave it this American arbiter of stylish menswear to take something as mundane as a paper clip and kick-it-up a notch. The result is a sterling silver paper clip. If you’re a minimalist, this is a must-have {I kinda want one myself….}
If you want to look like Bond’s nemisis, Javier Bardem, here’s what you’ll need to do: Rock suits that are slim fit. Nix your gut (if you have one). Consider button downs a wardrobe staple. Take something non-conventional (i.e.,tuxedo jacket) and wear it a mundane setting. Have ruggedly handsome good looks. Remember that each piece of your tuxedo can be worn separately. Buy a suit like this. {original photos removed}
Did you catch my play on words?! Seriously, for men, ties and bowties can be expensive but this new website is terrific. The Knottery {mentioned in GQ} has modern ties, not too skinny or fat, starting as low as $30. I can’t speak to the quality or their staying power but the fabric selection is spot-on and they’ve even got pocket squares. A new tie not enough for you? Join Bryn Keith and I on November 13th for Tie-Bow: Fit
We love silk knot cuff links ~ they are slightly less formal but still mean business, in a more modest way. And the price means you can scoop a few different options… Shopping: silk knot cuff links, $10
What watch(es) do you own? Are they new or old? Ornate or simple? Any movements? You can still be ‘king of the hill’ with old duds. J.Crew in conjunction with Mougin & Piquard (a defunct French brand from the 1920s) re-upped the classic pilot’s watch and now it can be yours. They have an alarm and a waterproof case. We love them because: what’s old is new again leather wears well the movements make sense nothing beats a classic priced
This is a picture of Kenyatte Nelson, a PR big-wig with P&G Prestige. This picture was featured in Details Street Style section and I wanted to get your take on whether you liked it the look or not. My opinion: overall I love the use of color in some of the accessories (but not all to avoid overkill); and the fit and styling of the jacket is absolutely perfect. The rolled up jeans I’m not too hot on although very “in”
For men, this is simple because it doesn’t require quantity just the right baseline to get you started. Esquire produces The Handbook of Style and I love their insights and share them with you often. Recently, I conducted a corporate training session on “Dressing for Your Corporate Climb” and here’s one of the tips I shared with the men around wardrobe basics: 5 shirts 4 ties 3 suits {your first should be navy or grey, then the other and then a
A watch doesn’t have to be diamond-encrusted or have a fully handmade movement like a Patek Philippe to be fabulous and heirloom-worthy. a watch is men’s jewelry – it says who you are and who you aspire to be know what you’re looking at…. water resistant– you can shower with it but avoid swimming; it’s resistant not waterproof quartz– powered by a battery and more accurate than other movements complication– anything beyond timekeeping like calendar movement– all the itsy, bitsy
Karlsson’s Vodka Batch – 2008 Vintage: 2008 Country: Sweden Producer: Karlsson Tasting Notes: only 1,980 bottles made in 2008; potato-based; earthy and peppery vodka This is what you give the man with everything, but who many need a little zip added to his day (or his drink)…!
It’s not for everyone….but I didn’t need to tell you that, right? This Hollander & Lexer Picasso waistcoat ($73) says suave and confident. It adds a dip of dapper to denim, and dresses down slacks just enough….you either like, rock it, and roll with it; or no. Again, it’s not for everyone but if you’re looking for a wardrobe item that can flex for you without showing all of your muscle, this is an item to consider. Hollander & Lexer
Brooks Brothers invented seersucker in the 1920’s to American’s who needed a material that could withstand the summer heat ~ the smooth and puckered texture provided more breathability and prevented the fabric from sticking to the skin. Aren’t you happy you can be cool with seersucker?! Bonus: the word “seersucker” is derived from the Persian word “shir-u-shakar” which means “milk and sugar,” relating to its smooth and puckered texture. (thanks for the cue Brooks Brothers) Now to wear seersucker and
Recently Conde Nast Traveler did a piece on 11 mobile stores to visit and we were intrigued…and now fully engaged! Last week, we highlighted Bootleg, a women’s footwear shoegasm in Austin, TX. This week we checked out Aetherstream out of San Francisco, CA ~it’s kinda like the SWAT team of Aether’s bricks-n-mortar outfit. Aetherstream features tailored, technical lifestyle apparel for men. It’s weekend and outdoorsy gear that is anything but grungy ! more rugged individualist. We haven’t been inside but
I was in deep thought this weekend when I came up with this thought ~ it’s the way a man dresses in his down time that truly shows you who he is and what he’s about. During the day, it’s all about the “uniform” ~ whether that’s a Brooks Brothers suit in a law office, a Fedex polo for deliveries or, an American Airlines uniform if you’re a pilot. So what differentiates the dapper don for the everyday joe is
Here’s what I have to back it up….according to NPD Group: men’s apparel sales are one of the brightest spots for retailers right now men’s apparel sales increased 4% last year to $55.71 billion driven by…. tailored clothing (up 22%) dress shirts (up 14%) neckwear (up 34%) {but not men’s jeans [down 1%] or woven shirts [down 8%]} Bloomingdale’s, Macy’s and Saks Fifth Avenue men’s fashion directors all say men’s apparel sales are trending nicely and making the biggest bounce
Shopping List: Paul Smith striped cotton-blend socks, $20 Ralph Lauren Black Label crewneck merino wool sweater, $395 Timex vintage army steel watch, $150 Acne Roc satin slim cotton-blend chinos, $210 Lanvin suede and leather sneakers Acne texas denim shirt, $200
Pocket squares are tricky. How do you fold them? Well Brooks Brothers did a terrific illustrative guide on pocket squares whether a puffed, square-ended, triangle, or multi-pointed fold. Bookmark it ~ illustrative guide to pocket squares
What do you think of this Hayden Huya‘s wooden wallet? Clearly a different medium….but is different always good?! I’m partial to a soft, leather card case simply because it’s no-fuss and won’t look like you have a hard-on on your butt.
This is the ‘beginners’ version of men’s cool furnishings 101. Activist Eyewear created this beautiful, easy to rock bowtie handkerchief set in collaboration with up-and-comer Alfred Julius. The heavyweight microfiber of the handkerchief makes it truly usable, but it’s in limited quantity (only 50 produced worldwide)! Grab yours now, $105, at Activist Eyewear.
Sounds a bit weird, right? But the premise is easy: most men dress for the opposite sex. Ok, there are exceptions out there ~ men who don’t give a crap about anything other than what they want to wear, but for most men, women are very strong influencers of style. Married men are often at the whimsy of their other half. Single men are at the mercy of demanding girlfriends, or even just the allure of any sexy woman that
This briefcase is perfect ~ nothing says “I’m not a businessman” more than a briefcase that can’t fit anything. This Jean Shop leather briefcase works to go crossbody or to carry in-hand; and the medium-brown leather color is guaranteed to age perfectly over time. Its’s big enough to fit your laptop but small enough that your bag doesn’t look empty (read: crazy) without it.
Washington, DC Metro Area
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