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A Perfect Shirt-n-Tie Combination

Lately, I’ve been obsessed with highlighting ideal shirt and tie combinations so, today I continue with a gorgeous duo that says “Yeah I’m classic but I have zest!” Designer: Turnbull & Asser (if it’s good enough for the Prince of Wales then why not you?) Style Notes: solid dark knit tie (I favor navy because it’s refined and sedate but not austere like black); and a classic checked shirt…what makes it pop is the checked coloring! Price: shirt ($295) and tie

2010/01/19

More Winning Shirt-n-Tie Combinations

Shirt ($118) and tie ($50) by Bloomingdales Style Notes: Plaid, especially tartan, is classic and while we wouldn’t recommend it for your next big day in court or pitching your next greatest ideal to your Board, it’s very work appropriate for Fridays, academic environments and the likes. The dark tie tones the shirt down a bit — and with a dark blazer, you’re in business! Where? The Men’s Store at Bloomingdales

2010/01/14

Winning Shirt-n-Tie Combinations

Shirt ($415) and tie ($195) by Borelli Shirt and tie combination: a khaki and white check shirt (+) gray flannel tie — (+) a grey or navy suit = classic! Why? Every grey or navy suit is conservative, and the splash of understated color mixed with the texture of monochromatic tie says ‘you’ve arrived…in style’!

2010/01/12

White Shirt Style Tip

Tell your dry cleaner you want your white shirts cleaned without starch and pressed by hand. It’s pricier but worth it—they’ll last longer. After all, if you’re investing in the shirt, it’s a good ideal to make sure your cost-per-wear stays low…

2010/01/11

Let the Brightest Item in Your Closet be a Grey Sweater

It’s simple: If you’re going to own one sweater, make it a charcoal gray v-neck. It goes perfectly with a dark suit in fall or winter and with jeans or cords in spring. (pictured: DKNY V-neck sweater, $95) [courtesy of GQ Rules]

2010/01/07

Don’t Sweat the Technique!

Gentleman, the Holiday season saw retailers putting everything up for sale including sweaters and the likes. Off Saks 5th is still having 60% off all cashmere sweaters (it’s worth a run through) but what if you’re not the sweater kinda fella? No worries — you are and just don’t know it yet! You just need to find the right one for you…..here are some insights to get you started: Think material: cotton, cashmere, wool (merino, worsted, etc). Cashmere will be

2010/01/04

Be Cool & Stay Warm

The look for fall/winter and, might we add, in general is trending toward a slightly leaner and slim silhouette for guys…and you’ll see this in the new selection of thin ties, slim-fit shirts, and narrower cut suits. But, as winter approaches, you need to ensure you are contemporary, stylish, warm but cool — and a v-neck sweater will get you there! Every designer and store has one so, there’s no mystery when it comes to locating one but do opt

2009/11/23

Playing it Close to the Vest at H&M

When I say “vest”, what comes to mind? Personally, I conjure thoughts of Abercrombie & Fitch-esque kids running around or even an old man with a cigar but, not at H&M. Right now, they have a terrific outdoor, perfect fall date herringbone tweed vest that is worth running in to grab! You can layer it with a sweater and jeans, wear your fitted leather jacket under it perhaps, or go more “blue blood” and pair it with a striped henley

2009/11/19

Corset Cardigan

Corset cardigan is a no-no fellas, and it’s easy to avoid! Corset cardigan is the phenomenon where you wear a cardigan but it’s too tight or creates ‘false’ bulges, and you look like a slightly overstuffed sausage. To avoid this craziness, implement two strategies: (1) ensure your shirt underneath the cardigan is more fitted so that it fits into your pants and stays in your pants; and (2) leave a button or two undone at the bottom. Now you’re cool….

2009/11/16

Dear Blueprint…Need Help!

Today kicks off a new feature on the Blueprint for Style blog titled, “Dear Blueprint…Need Help!“. The goal is to field a question posed by you all and provide a quick (and hopefully useful) answer….think Pauline Phillips aka Abigail Van Buren less the coiffed hair and newspaper ink! So, here we go…. Question Posed: I read a lot of style and fashion magazines and read several of the online publications as well. Every publication has a ‘must have’ list for

2009/08/21

Ties, Shirts & Suits – How To Make Them Work…

I have some definite know-how when it comes to pulling men’s business attire together but, I don’t know it all. So, I’ve pulled together expertise from a variety of sources, vetted it (some people are not reliable), and created this quick crib sheet on how to coordinate ties, shirts and suits. READ IT – did we get it right?!?

2009/07/09

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