Pantone Fashion Color Report Spring 2013
Navy Seersucker:
You can look great without boiling in our spring and summer heat.
There are many variations, but here are three:
Bonobos
Mr. Porter
Z Zegna
Thursday, August 16, 2012
Yep. I’m a woman who is obsessed with bags (and shoes). Here are a few manly bags worthy of checking out:
The Weekender by Everlane
Fuller British Tan Wax Rucksack by Earnest Alexander
Jonathan by Ally Capellino
Oil Finish Le Chameau Tote Bag from Filson
Barbour Pocket Messenger from Jack Spade
Vintage Handmade Antique Genuine Leather Messenger Bag from Neo
Abingdon Garment Bag from J. Crew
E. Holmes Laptop Case from Wheelman & Co.
Waxed Rucksack from Archival
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
Photo Credit: The Sartorialist
I’ve been hearing that question quite a bit lately. “Shouldn’t my socks be the same color as my shoes?” NO. Your socks should match your trousers NOT your shoes. Think of it this way: If you’re wearing black shoes and socks with grey trousers, the matching socks & shoes will trick the eye to give a “boot effect” which isn’t flattering to say the least. By not matching the sock to shoe, you separate the shoe from the trousers. I aim for clients to add color and stand out by wearing socks with personality instead of directly matching the socks and trousers. You could also try showing of your incredible shoes and some ankle by rolling the pant leg or wearing a short break. Have some fun!
Photo Credit: Jak & Jil Blog
Photo Credit: GQ
Rolled chinos with no socks from J. Crew
Short break and no socks from Ovadia & Sons
Curious about where to find colorful socks? Here are some links for all budgets:
The Gap
J. Crew
Happy Socks
Pantherella
Paul Smith
Paul Stuart
I’ve been doing quite a bit of work cleaning out closets lately, and these are the four most important rules I go by to remove clothing. Purge items if:
1. You haven’t worn it in a year. Don’t hang to a t-shirt just because you had your first kiss in it (assuming that wasn’t last week).
2. It has holes, stains, or is ruined in any other way. Okay, maybe keep one or two items you can wear to mow the lawn or work on your car, but please keep them to dark colored shirts. No one wants to see your armpit stains.
3. It doesn’t fit anymore. Too big? Good for you! Either have it tailored to fit your new body or donate it. Too small? Remove the item if it’s from high school or perhaps college. Be honest with yourself- if you’re not currently working hard to fit in the smaller size then remove it.
4. It doesn’t fit your style now. Was it a trend that is long gone? Does it seem immature for what you’re striving for now? Just because you received plenty of complements on that item a long time ago doesn’t mean you need to hold onto it. Aim for classic, permanent style rather than trends.
Other things to think about:
-The rules above apply to shoes, underwear, socks, outwear, ties, and other accessories.
-Buy hangers that all look the same. Having all the same hangers is aesthetically pleasing. Plus, a closet full of wire hangers isn’t really grown up, right? If your budget allows, try to invest in wooden hangers. If not, there are plenty of other options such as velvet no-slide hangers, plastic, metal, and so on. You can find deals online at Amazon or other retailers where you can keep an eye out for sales!
-Fold sweaters – don’t hang them. Hangers will cause the shoulders to stretch and become thin.
-Donate your unwanted items! Don’t throw them away because I’m sure someone else could use them.
Good luck!
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!
