Spring is near, but in my part of the world it seems as if summer has already arrived! Below are a few of my favourite looks from a few Spring/Summer collections that I gravitate towards. Take note of the tangerine, grass green, and dazzling blue pops of colour.
Pantone Spring 2012 Color Report
Band of Outsiders
Band of Outsiders
Band of Outsiders
Michael Bastian
Michael Bastian
Michael Bastian
Bespoken
Ovadia & Sons
Ovadia & Sons
Ovadia & Sons
Ovadia & Sons
Ermenegildo Zegna
Ermenegildo Zegna
Ermenegildo Zegna
A few weeks ago I saw a young man at a local pub wearing braces. To say the least I was happy to see this, but after further investigation I noticed he was also wearing a belt. I approached the young man to compliment him on wearing braces, and he proceeded to tell me that he even sewed the buttons onto the trousers himself! Astonished, I gave him a high five, but then asked him why he was wearing a belt. He explained “fashion vs. function” and as our disagreement became heated he proceeded to tell me that women do not know anything about men’s fashion. Well okay. I complimented his braces again, and politely exit the conversation.
Needless to say, belts should never be worn with suspenders, and belt loops should not accompany trousers with suspender buttons. Even though some men alternate a belt or suspenders with one pair of trousers, suspendered pants with empty belt loops is one of those dodges, born of convenience that thwarts both convention and good taste. [...] While most rules of dress are made to be bent, this doesn’t happen to be one of them.” -Alan Flusser
If you’re interested in learning how to wear braces you’ll find the information in this article by Antonio Centeno from A Tailored Suit: Men’s Suspenders – Why and How to wear Braces with Trousers
Don't be this guy.
Another issue I’ve run into lately is the lack of knowledge about men’s shoes. I won’t bore you with the story that caused me to write this, but I’ve found that not too many young men know about the “monk strap” shoe. Monk Straps are surprisingly versatile where you can dress them up or down… with a suit or jeans. Wear a single monk strap with your suit or roll up your denim to show a little argyle sock with a double monk strap for a casual look. They don’t have laces for those who don’t prefer them.
Norwich - Men's Plain-toe Monk Strap Dress Shoes by Allen Edmonds
Double Monk Strap by John Lobb
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
The holidays are coming up… treat your lady right with these new fall looks:
China Girl by Huit
In The Mood by Huit
Pensive Bra by Princesse Tam Tam
Ruby Lace Bow by Princesse Tam Tam
Iconic Collection by Fleur of England
Panna Cotta by Mimi Holliday
Creme Brulee by Mimi Holliday
Malicieuse Sissi by Aubade
Retro Sculpt by Aubade
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
I know, I haven’t posted in a while. My only excuse is that I’ve being busy. So here it goes:
HELM For A Cause:
Until November 20 HELM will be donating 10% of their in house proceeds to the Seton Breast Cancer Center in Austin, Tx. AND You get a FREE pair of Pink HELM laces when YOU support the cause!
Earlier this year I purchased the Jarmon Leather Boots from HELM. I was able to meet Joshua and James to talk with them a little bit about the shoes. What creative folks they are and I can’t wait to see what they will be showing us in Spring 2012. I wasn’t able to wear my boots much before the summer heat arrived but they’ve been getting more wear since the weather has started to cool down again. I’ve fallen in love with my Jarmon boots and they are constantly getting compliments. I truly feel that I’m walking around in a piece of art which is exactly what HELM strives to achive. Below are my Jarmon Leather Boots:
Recently I came across Sarabi Studio, Handcrafted Minimal Furnishings. They use 100% of their materials from local sources and and whenever possible they work with reclaimed or responsibly forested woods to minimize the environmental impact. I love their clean lines with the mix of wood and metal. Below is their Linear Bench:
On another note, I’m super excited about a new type of grocery store opening up in Austin. They will be the first package-free and zero waste grocery store in the United States. “in.gredients is a collaborative effort between business, community, and consumers with the goal of eliminating food-related waste while supporting local businesses and farmers.”
Now that Thanksgiving is just around the corner, please remember to support your local farmers and businesses when preparing your feast!
Saturday, August 13, 2011
It’s been awfully hot this summer here in Austin and it seems the weather has been blistering where ever I travel. I’m ready for the cool weather, falling leaves, layers, warm fabrics, sweaters, tweeds, cords, and tall boots.
First, I’ll start with PANTONE‘s colours for Fall 2011:
Now, a few fall looks from some of my favourite designers:
Cool greys from Simon Spurr
Rich browns and warm greys from Ermenegildo Zegna
Layers from Bespoken
And few more odds and ends that I’ve found here and there…
Striped Champbray Tie from J.A. Christensen
Henry Grey Wax Laptop Sleve by Earnest Alexander
Navy Beefroll Penny Loafer by Oak Street Bootmakers
Checked Twill by Eton
The Wayfarer has been hot but another vintage frame is making it’s way back onto sunny summer faces. If you’re searching for a new look try on the Clubmaster by Ray Ban this summer. The Yukel by Moscot and the Romiley by Paul Smith are two very similar classic styles. Already have a pair of Wayfarers or are they a better fit for your face? Don’t worry – they are timeless.
Clubmaster by Ray Ban
Yukel by Moscot
Romiley by Paul Smith
GANT Rugger - Straw Fedora
Paul Smith Shirt - 100% Cotton Slim Fit Woven Pin Dot Shirt
J. Crew - Irish Linen Ludlow Suit
Drakes London - Untipped Woven Shantung 7cm Dark Lilac with Saffron and Ecru Stripe Silk Tie
Lacoste L!VE - White Hat
New England Shirt Co. - 100% Cotton Light Blue Gingham
Michael Bastian - Windowpane Jacket
The New England Shirt Co. Light Blue Gingham shirt can be found at STAG menswear boutique in Austin, Texas.
Simon Spurr - Khaki Suit
J. Crew - Old-school Textured Stripe Tie
Life After Denim - Red Chambray Laguna Short
Gant by Michael Bastian - Seersucker Blazer
Earnest Alexander - British Tan Wax Overnight Bag
David Hart & Co. - Chambray Stripe Tie
Moncler Gamme Bleu - Cartigan
HELM - Timmy Bob Boots
Thom Browne - Stripe Knit Tie
Gant by Michael Bastian - Khaki Suit
You can find the Life After Denim Red Chambray Shorts, Earnest Alexander British Tan Wax Overnight Bag, and HELM Handmade Boots at STAG menswear boutique in Austin, Texas.
I recently took a trip to NYC and Boston where was able to attend to a few suit & tie, business type events. I was appalled that not one man was wearing a pocket square in his suit jacket (I could also complain that most of the suits were black and if there was a grey one, I can’t recall seeing it paired with brown shoes – but I won’t get into any of that today). I felt a slight discomfort seeing all these naked suits standing around knowing that men do not have too many options to accessorize when in a suit. To show that I’m not ranting for any darn reason, I came across an interview by Racked where Nick Wooster (Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman’s men’s fashion director) stated “The one must-have men’s accessory is the pocket square. It’s the easiest, quickest way to make any ordinary jacket look extraordinary.” So, gentlemen please, add a splash of personality to your suit jackets or blazers to stand out from the sea of bland, lifeless, and (hopefully not) ill fitting suits.
Below are a few springtime pocket squares that caught my eye:
Ernest Alexander - Horatio Pocket Square
Paul Stuart - Phineas Cole - Linen Paisley Pocket Square
The Hill-Side - Organic Cotton Flax Stripe Pocket Square
Drakes London - Cotton Lawn Handkerchief, Daisy Motif Print
J. Crew - Gingham Pocket Square
Paul Stuart - Lavender Plaid Pocket Square
Nick Wooster in Seersucker
Temple Re-Purposed Canvas Weekend Duffle Bag
Pierrepont Hicks Briggs Cotton Tie
The Hill-Side Selvedge Lightweight Gingham Chambray Pocket Square
Patrik Ervell Standard Buttondown
David Hart & Co. Spring Madras Italian Cotton Tie
NyThan James 72 Hour Trunk
You can find The Hill-Side Selvedge Lightweight Gingham Chambray Pocket Square at STAG menswear boutique in Austin, Texas.