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men's must-have shoe for spring, loafer
Footwear

The Men’s Must-Have Shoe This Spring

You guessed right if you said….the loafer is the men’s must-have shoe for spring! Not just any loafer ~ it will require a little bit of structure, a longer vamp {we’ll talk more about that later}, and have something interesting about it like contrast piping, chambray material, atypical color, etc. Our favorite — for ALL those reasons is the Ponto {by Mr B’s for Aldo}. Set into spring…lively!

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How Should Your Jeans Fit?

We get the question of how jeans should fit from men all the time: what about relaxed or bootcut? low or medium rise? “I don’t want it too snug…” The answer: a midland rise (between low and medium), fitted in the seat but not overly baggy (they’ll give with time), and check out the fit on your calf, it should have room but not hug. Done!

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Men's Matters

Love A Man in Blues

One of my favorite blogs to look at is blacktiemind ~ and one of my favorite looks is a man in a tie and blue jacket. Find a similar jacket here

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Footwear

Sneaker Alert: Adidas Roundhouse

I’m a sneaker feen ~ and I didn’t know it! But I saw these Adidas Roundhouse sneakers [for men] and got jealous! They’re cute, sleek, and make a statement but not too loudy. They come in a variety of colors including the black on grey [pictured below] but also a silver on black and seven other options! I don’t hoop but wish I did…. Agree?

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Men's Matters

Men’s Shopping

location: Montreal owner, Michel Brisson place has a Savile Row service ethic emphasis on suiting especially bigger sizes on-site tailor Get to Michel Brisson Indeed, I’ve been and it’s worthwhile!

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Men's Matters

Givenchy’s Riccardo Tisci

He’s only 38-years-old. Italian. Knows menswear. Has rules of style. He’s a dark, happy designer {read more}. Here’s what you can learn from him: Every man should own a hooded sweatshirt Four items worth spending on are a baby-blue oxford shirt, nice underwear, classic socks, and a watch Men should have “one strong accessory“ Mix things up with your clothes ~ try classic with street, one designer with another Read more here.

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Grooming

Irrefutable Fact: Men Love Tech

You know it’s true! Even if these aren’t tech-savvy, men love gadgets and are always looking for a techy shortcut to an old problem. The Subject: Fitness The Solution: Working out The Tech Shortcut: Misfit Shine Made from lightweight yet rugged solid aircraft-grade aluminum, the Shine is the size of a quarter and can be worn as a wristband, brooch, or clasp to track your every movement, from bike pedals and swim strokes to the steps you take walking around

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Furnishings

Prints, Patterns & Stripes

Men are monochromatic, so this is a chance to add a little spice to the mix with prints, patterns and stripes. You don’t have to do all out but, here are a few simple suggestions that can add some pop to an outfit! Items shown {from left to right}: Alexander Olch check pocket ’round’ ~ Sunspel striped jersey boxer-briefs ~ Paul Smith striped socks ~ Hentsch Man ikat printed tie ~ Oliver Spencer graphic tee ~ Sunspel check boxer shorts

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Colors

The Navy Suit Blues

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 ~

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Colors

Men’s Fall Color Report 2013

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….

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Fashion

A Man’s Travel Bag

Seriously, I am ecstatic about this bag {look at the picture}! Any professional man that wants to state his style individuality along with his packing prowess – this is it! The bag is by Kaufmann Mercantile. The bag is handmade in California. It’s canvas and leather. Dimensions (18″ wide x 11″ tall) make it perfect for weekend getaways. Price is $179.

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Men Are More Than Jeans, Dapper Dons Less Denim

I love jeans and even as a stylist, my most comfortable outfit includes a pair of jeans (ok….or a dress!) but for men, the options are more limited. Nonetheless, this is my petition for trying something different — a pair of grey trousers. Denim is awesome but even the internet’s dance phenom Lil Buck shows you how to rock it without being overly restricted. To get you started, here are our trouser recommendations: Closed Clifton slim chinos, $135 {with quarter pockets}

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Grooming

Men’s Facial Hair

“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

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Wall Street, Custom Suits & Men’s Aversion to Fashion [Video]

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

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Footwear

Use Your Rubbers

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.

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Furnishings

Men’s New Year’s Eve Party Essential

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.

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Men's Matters

Turtlenecks…?

Apparently there are rules to wearing turtlenecks and Esquire has laid them out clearly. And we concur….. Cotton is good but thin merino wool is better. Turtlenecks were not meant to be worn alone. If you have a short neck, no turtlenecks for you. [our own addition] The saggier the neck, the worse it looks ~ keep it tight! Black turtlenecks are slimming but also very Giorgio Armani-esque. Try a little color… Our advice: if you’re in a cool climate or

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Men's Matters

Five Step Plan to Custom Suit Perfection

If you don’t have or want to spend $2,000 on a custom suit, likely no one would look at you sideways ~ that’s a lot of dough. But if you walk around in a suit that is oversized or ill-fitting, you are sure to catch the side eye. The solution: a custom suit for less! Show up in your favorite suit. For most custom clothiers, it’s a skosh easier if you can say “I love this fit. This is my

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Accessories

Tougher Than Metal

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

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Fashion

Out With Old Dopp Kit, In With The New

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:

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Men's Matters

Men’s Outerwear: On Sale

I got a “nicety” email last week because my “Can’t Miss Hit List” didn’t have items for men, so although the feature focuses on one item, I wanted to make sure I didn’t leave the men out this week. Kenneth Cole outerwear is on sale TODAY at HauteLook and my two recommendations are: Double-breasted wool peacoat, $74 (available S – XXL; black, charcoal or navy) Wool Topper Coat, $69 (available L, XL, XXL only; black) Styling tip: opt for a

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Fashion

Men’s #Travel Carry-on

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

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Men's Matters

Manly Makeover

Ripped from the pages of November’s GQ— this is SO big! Suits that are too roomy instantly add weight to your frame A grey suit is a professional man’s essential but consider a fabric with some character DC does these striped ties…..the rich, vibrancy of green pops without being ostentatious The pocket square is a finishing element: white with dark trim = DC, more colorful = fashion show or an Award Show (MTV, Soul Train) Is there anything about the

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Heady Purchase

A waistcoat or vest. It’s just essential for fall/winter if you want to impress the ladies, channel a bit of English style, or get more out of your dark colored suits. Tweed is meaty enough to work in cold weather A vest is more dapper than a professorial sweater vest or Mr. Rogers cardigan You can still wear it with your suits…duh! Go bargain, mid-tier, or high-end {original photo from GQ removed}

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Men's Matters

Dumb Jock-ey!

I don’t know who did it first (maybe Under Armour) but, I have NO idea what took Jockey so long to come out with this slim fit tee with stay dry fabric. Slim fit means it stays ‘in your pants‘ Slim fit means no extra bulk and bunching Stay dry fabric means you don’t sweat the small stuff or show sweat stains Jockey means you’re not paying out the wazoo Easy buy (consider the black tee too): $29.50 for 2-pack

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