Men's Matters Archives | Page 7 of 25 | Blueprint for Style

Men's Matters

What’s Hotter Than A Man In Uniform?

The answer: a man doing his duty to look good (whether military or not)! But this season, you can have the best of both worlds because military-inspired outerwear is in…actually it never went out. You’ll find the answer with Balmain, Belstaff, Dior Homme and Polo Ralph Lauren. You can either pull out your old leather bomber jacket (yes, that’s military-inspired) or you can opt for something that has epaulets, sealed/bonded material, double-breasted buttons, archival details, oversized collars and lapels, or

2012/11/15

Men's Matters

Man Should In-Vest In A Layered Winter Look

I’ve been doing quite a bit of searching for the “right” men’s casual look. I happened upon one here but, I knew there was something more. And then came the November 2012 GQ and the article on rap’s hottest rookie, Big Sean, and a few looks at the field vest – I instantly feel in love! GQ prints a lot of stuff and I don’t necessarily subscribe to all of it but these looks were on — the suits fit

2012/11/12

Bottoms

Updated Men’s Casual #Uniform

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

2012/11/08

Men's Matters

Seal The Deal With This Finisher

Men don’t often get the opportunity to “flash” their style prowess but, with a few accoutrements at play, you can seal the deal in nay work environment. The BELT – not often seen; often forgotten but always worn and an essential with any suit, casual or formal. We love these: Cole Haan, $50 // Nordstrom two-tone, $60 // Nordstrom burnished tan {our fave!}, $60 // Drake’s elasticized braces, $115 // Billykirk’s mechanics belt, $99

2012/11/02

Accessories

Bright Knife, Big City

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)

2012/11/01

Furnishings

US Esquire’s Nick Sullivan Talks Style

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!

2012/10/31

Accessories

A Ordinary Paper Clip Made Extraordinary

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….}

2012/10/26

I Want To Look Like….Javier Bardem

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}

2012/10/25

Men's Matters

I Told You Camouflage Is In

Converse Jack Purcell‘s are classics. Camouflage is kinda new. These are mix of both ~ Converse Jack Purcell Seasonal Ox. The print isn’t in-your-face and the olive base color makes it a wearable neutral. Get it now – it’s going away soon!

2012/10/23

Furnishings

Knot, A Fall Upgrade

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

2012/10/19

Footwear

Designing Jordans

His name is Tinker Hatfield. He’s the designer behind almost every pair of Nike Jordans. Most of his work is done at night or on the weekends. Just thought we’d give you a little information in case you missed it in September’s GQ. You don’t have to be a big fan of Jordans or Michael himself but to know who started your craze is priceless.

2012/10/18

Men's Matters

Cam Newton + Belk = Southern Style

Or so they say…Belk Inc. has teamed up with quarterback Cam Newton of the Carolina Panthers for a men’s line to improve the store’s “modern Southern style” campaign. I don’t think Cam is into fashion design quite yet, so you shouldn’t expect that his signature will mean his creation, but the clothing line will offer “fashion-forward, versatile, professional apparel options for men,” according to Belk. Here are the key pieces of information: the collection will be called Made Cam Newton

2012/10/16

Men's Matters

Please #Tweed

Tweed is a classic. For men, it’s a wardrobe staple. It’s an expanded Essential Wardrobe item. We borrowed it from the Brits but here’s how to make it your own… decide whether to go single or double-breasted: double-breasted is instantly more formal and, frnakly, uptight how many buttons? tradition would tell you two to keep it simple as you on-and-off what kind of pattern are you going for?herringbone, Prince of Wales, donegal, Prestwick, houndstooth, etc what color family? if you

2012/10/12

Footwear

A How-To On Lacing Your Boots

This comes directly from Mr. Porter and while we may not agree with all of their pricing, the advise they dispense is usually dead-on. Here are some helpful tips on tying your boots {send you back to 3rd grade doesn’t it?}: 1. Be consistent with crossovers – either right over left, left or right, or alternating…but do the same thing 2. If symmetry is your thing, reverse the crossovers on the other boot 3. If done correctly, your tie should

2012/10/02

Furnishings

Power Purchase

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

2012/09/25

Grooming

Do You Know Billy Reid?

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

2012/09/21

Footwear

THE Shoe Purchase

I’ve always been a proponent of menswear being seasonless – you dress up your investment pieces and sprinkle in a few trends here and there throughout the year. So when I saw these colorful derbies, I paused. Paul Smith (renowned for his love of stripes) and John Lobb (shoemaker of James Bond) have come together to create shoes like this…..delicious & different! Shopping: John Lobb Chelmsford Derby {in blue} and the Rothley Oxford {in green}

2012/09/18

Grooming

The “Know” on Wearing A Suit Well

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

2012/09/13

Men's Matters

NYFW 2012: Raf Simons

This is classic Raf Simons – he loves shorts and his first haute couture show with Dior is coming up in Paris. He’s known for his mix of sportswear and classic tailoring. I love these sneakers – what about you?

2012/09/13

Men's Matters

NYFW 2012: Bespoken

Bespoken styled the staff uniforms for NoMad Hotel in NYC. Fayed and Goncalves brothers are the designers. Inspired by how sharply dressed the Roma were, albeit a little rough around the edges {the way many a young man of today wears his suit}. Unstructured tailoring keeps Bespoken’s prices affordable. The line is growing including the introduction of a full tie collection. What do you think of the look?

2012/09/11

Bottoms

Men’s Style Lessons to be Learned

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

2012/08/29

Men's Matters

A Coat To Bridge Fall and Winter

Never knew such a thing as “bridge coat” existed until GQ mentioned {I’m still skeptical…} but it’s apparently like a peacoat but longer. Whatever you call, the one being rocked by Trent Richardson is by Banana Republic and only $250 ~ but not available yet. The length and heft make it ideal for casual Fridays, weekends and fall travel. Stay tuned.

2012/08/24

Grooming

Yogurt Makes The World Go ‘Round

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?!

2012/08/22

Furnishings

Old Timer

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

2012/08/20

Footwear

Lace-Ups For Fall

Your autumn wardrobe would be incomplete without a pair of lace-ups. Which ones are you going to get this season? Our recommendations: Warwick toe cap oxfords ($398) ~ Alicante 2 spectator lace-ups ($695) ~ Gold cup suede wingtips ($160) ~ Leather and wool long wing brogues ($425)

2012/08/17

Our Blog

News, Articles & More

What’s Hotter Than A Man In Uniform?

Man Should In-Vest In A Layered Winter Look

Updated Men’s Casual #Uniform

Seal The Deal With This Finisher

Bright Knife, Big City

US Esquire’s Nick Sullivan Talks Style

A Ordinary Paper Clip Made Extraordinary

I Want To Look Like….Javier Bardem

I Told You Camouflage Is In

Knot, A Fall Upgrade

Designing Jordans

Cam Newton + Belk = Southern Style

Please #Tweed

A How-To On Lacing Your Boots

Power Purchase

Do You Know Billy Reid?

THE Shoe Purchase

The “Know” on Wearing A Suit Well

NYFW 2012: Raf Simons

NYFW 2012: Bespoken

Men’s Style Lessons to be Learned

A Coat To Bridge Fall and Winter

Yogurt Makes The World Go ‘Round

Old Timer

Lace-Ups For Fall

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