I love navy blue {who doesn’t know that if they’ve read my posts?!} so, when I read this article in Details Magazine, it only made sense to share. Blue is a very conventional color but the predominant shades of blue for this season are anything but…. Know your blues: cornflower ~ a washed-out azure, it’s a a more common color for a button-down shirt than a suit and looks terrific with a darker blue like navy della robbia blue ~
I’m not suggesting that men should walk around sporting bright red or emerald green on an everyday basis but, a hint or pop of color in a sea of navy can do wonders for morale! If someone “forced” your hand, which color would you add to your closet? I’d suggest samba or acai ~ both are rich, deep and lush but not too brash so as to offend your neutral senses….
“Back in the day” having facial hair meant you simply needed to have the genes that allowed for fruitful growth but, that was then and this is now. Today, you need to trim it up and make it neat to win any double-takes or brownie points with the ladies. I had a chance to see facial hair done right the other day….he has it trimmed just perfectly around the lips, the sides come down to meet the beard without looking
WSJ talk with contributor J.J. Martin about the new style standard for men of means ~ the custom suit. The custom suit says so much without saying a lot ~ you can go with an English tailor {known for more rigid styling}, Italian {known for softer cuts and fabrics}, or stay local {Bryn Keith}. The custom suit is about a little bit of fashion but, more about personalization, understated wealth, perfect fit, and convenience (once you’ve ordered your suit that
Swims is the ultimate in protection (not Trojans) but, if you’re interested in hanging loose, we love love love Prada‘s answer to soggy weather! This shoe was introduced at the Milan fashion show – it’s dipped in rubber to save your investment. However, sometimes going cheap is all you really need and, in those cases, these or these will do.
You travel (a lot or a little)? You use shaving cream? You need a toothbrush? You hate spending money unnecessarily? You need to be a little better organized? If you answered “yes” to these questions (or even just “yes” to the first question) then you need DC’s dopp kit. Features: 600d polyester construction outside hook to hang kit outside zip pocket inside mesh section 3 stretchy thingys to hold your razor, toothbrush, etc full-length zippered section on the inside Price:
I’ve been searching for a look that said dapper but not too dandy, casual but not too relaxed, polished but not too formal, and individualist but not too out-there! Here it is; and here are the building blocks for the uniform: Blazer Straight leg denim or trousers V-neck sweater, thin-gauge Button down shirt Now all you have to do is focus on which style of blazer works best for you [loving this ONE, two, or three] ensure your denim are
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!
Well Details Magazine interviewed him so we though we’d share some of his great style insights. Billy Reid is an Alabama native, menswear designer. Here are his tips for looking good {many of which we agree with}: always wear an undershirt always carry a handkerchief never go to an interview in something you’ve never worn before some clothes look better when they’re well worn {but that’s different than worn out} travel light – plan around one suit and mix it
According to Patrick Grant, owner of Norton & Sons and E. Tautz (Saville Row mainstays), your suit jacket should “…. come down to the first knuckle on your thumb.” As if that weren’t enough for today, here are three more great styling tips for suit purchases: When your jacket is buttoned, you should be able to fit a fist between your chest and the fabric Your jacket should reveal about half an inch of shirt cuff Choose fabric according to
This is Corey Hackett {Etiquette coordinator for Philos Elite Image Company, manager for Club Monaco, and celebrity stylist and image consultant for Forefront Image Company} and he was featured in Details Magazine‘s Street Style. What do you think of Corey’s style overall? We think there are a few lessons to be garnered: not all trends need to be followed ~ the rolled-up cuffs are a trend most men can skip Corey rocks this cable-knit sweater but I think the lapels
Thanks Details Magazine for this information…… According to a new study from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (and Harvard researchers back this up), mice that ate vanilla-flavored yogurt grew bigger testicles, were able to inseminate females faster, and produced more offspring. Researchers used several yogurt brands but “…active probiotic bacteria is likely the important thing.” says MIT’s Susan Erdman, who co-conducted the study. Yogurt anyone?!
Details recently did a piece on the Complete Guide to Slip-On Shoes and somehow these slip-on sneakers slipped into the line up. Why? How? I’m unsure but, for any professional man who understands that his style quotient rests heavily on what he wears after hours, this is not your answer. they scream grunge they are frequently seen on skateboarders the checkered-pattern version {seen below} was seen in Fast Times at Ridgemont High they won’t match anything in your closet…..I hope
Your face is your calling card; and if you’re calling card is wrinkled, dirty, road-weary, or just not fresh, who’s going to want it? No matter the season, climate, or apparatus, we’ve done our research to provide the top keys to getting the best shave ever: You’ve got to soften the skin ~ this is using a pre-shave because you need your products to tenderize and penetrate the skin For double-edge razors, you must have the razor angled at least
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”
I’ve seen them. I’ve felt them. I’ve even fondled them {does that sound slightly unnatural?}. I’ve laid eyes on them post-first-wash. I’ve reveled in their beauty and simplicity. Indeed James Perse‘s stretch-cotton jersey boxer briefs are ‘the truth‘. They’re soft, supple, breathable yet fitted enough to keep everything in check. You don’t have to dump out your entire underwear drawer yet ~ just buy one…and I’m 90% certain you’ll be on the hunt to acquire more. You may even feel the
We’ve been doing some informal (read: stealth) recon on the contents of men’s dopp kits, and we wanted to give you the scoop on our study results to date. Here are the top 9 items: toothbrush deodorant shaving cream razor facial moisturizer nail clippers toothpaste {we’re still not sure why this wasn’t at the top with toothbrush} contact lens/solution small bottle of leftover hotel moisturizer Do you agree? Are missing something? Share HERE, so we can perfect the contents of
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
The right suit highlights your physical upsides and downplays your shortcomings….does yours? If you don’t get Esquire, here’s an easy cut-out they did a while back that kinda hit the nail on the (proverbial) head ~ we tweaked it a bit but the bones remain. You are… You want… You should avoid… Long & Lean (e.g., Barack Obama) horizontal lines to create breath/broadness; three-button jackets that match the scale of your torso vertical lines (they emphasize your height); tight suits and
Well the real truth is it’s not all of Hugo Boss but rather their top-of-the-line Boss Selection line that is being folded into the Boss core brand. Remember Boss has – Boss Black {upscale, modern}, Boss Orange {urban cool}, Boss Green {sportswear}, and Hugo {contemporary line}. What does that mean for you and why should you care? If you don’t own or have never aspired to wear any of their made to measure suits then this doesn’t affect you. If
Men’s suiting can be a mystery and it shouldn’t be (we’ve all seen the guy above and thought “nice suit but that’s not for him“)…it’s the one area where there isn’t much grey – either do it right and look right, or you’re wrong. When you’re buying a suit: Prioritize – you want several suits but navy blue is the standard. After that comes charcoal grey. Resist the temptation to get black (it’s for undertakers, busboys and hitmen). Spend wisely
Question: Should I wear wool in the summer? Any tips on the right colors? Answer: Yes; and yes. The right suit colors are light grey, khaki or stone. Interesting that gentlemen from areas with desert-like conditions will tell you that wool is the most comfortable fabric because it regulates body temperature. In it’s thinnest form (super 100’s), wool breathes easily and stretches thanks to the fiber’s natural elasticity. Bonus: creases fall out when hung up ~ that won’t happen with
Fellas ~ summer means you can see the ladies out showing more skin, but it also means you’re likely going to be flashing a little more as well. It starts with your face and a recent GQ video did an excellent job covering sunscreen, a too-much-sun snafu, and exfoliants. It doesn’t take much but a little time and you can make it count!
Grooming is the gift that keeps on giving ~ because a fab face is the first thing you see on any man (and then his overall style). Whether it’s The Art of Shaving‘s kits (our favorite is the TSA-approved, 4-piece sandalwood scented carry-on kit for $50), or razors (Gillette’s most advanced technology in the Ivory Fusion razor for $80 but get 20% off with code “DAD20”); or just an old school, manly shave at The Grooming Lounge. And, of course, we would be remiss if
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
Washington, DC Metro Area
barnettm@blueprintforstyle.com
(209) STY-LISH
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