Sandals.

I love the summer. It gives me an excuse to wear less clothes, this includes my feet. Getting to the title of the blog- sandals. I love wearing sandals but there are many crimes against style that can be committed when selecting which to wear. Sandals, especially flip-flops (or as some might call them thongs) can look very flimsy, cheap and juvenile. There are sandals for different occasions. In my view a stylish summer wardrobe should consist of at least the following:

• The 'athletic' sandal- This sandal if for going to the beach, taking a hike, messing around in the backyard...it can sometimes sneak its way into your casual wardrobe when used appropriately. These sandals can be flip-flops, strappy or whatever you please. Consider quality and performance in your selection-a flip-flop wouldn't be great on a hike. You get the point. (Picture to left the Chaco z/2 available at chacousa.com)
  

• The 'all-purpose' sandal- The 'meat and potatoes' if you will. This is the sandal you will likely wear the most. Again consider quality and materials. Where the athletic sandal can be made of more athletic rubbers, etc the all-purpose sandal likely should be a more expensive material- leather, suede, etc. For me a brown leather flip-flop can be dressed up for a casual dinner or can go with me to a ball game. (Picture to left Rainbow Sandal available at Journey's, buywake.com, and many other retailers)
  
• The 'dress' sandal- It pained me a little bit to call it that because there are certain instances where sandals are too casual. In lieu of a 'dress' sandal consider a boat shoe (see earlier post), a loafer or a dress shoe sans sock.
  

Avoid:

• Cheap foam sandals- I'm sorry Old Navy (perhaps for showering in the dorm?)
  
• Colors that get dirty quickly (White sandals are especially offensive)
  
• Nasty feet- If you're wearing sandals trim you toe nails and take care of any problems you might be having down there.
  
• Wearing sandals when they are not appropriate. Use your judgment.

The Old is New Once Again...

One of the things I love to do as well as some of my most stylish friends is to bring classical, traditional men's tailoring into a young, often casual style. What's great about this is that you can make small purchases that can add a lot of style. Integrating men's suiting fabrics and suiting elements is the way to do it; they provide texture and contrast when paired with more casual elements. Include fabrics and patterns like tweed, lightweight wools, herringbone and pinstripe (avoid zoot suit high contrast pinstripes). Pieces to look for are:

• Suiting Vest- This is one of my favorite ways to bring classical influences into an outfit. Try a vest with a cool tee, dark jeans, and sweet kicks (high tops?) for a funky casual look. With this leave the vest open to keep it casual. At night, switch the kicks with a dressier option and leave the jeans on. Try the vest with an oxford tucked in and the vest buttoned up. When looking for a vest think neutral colors so you can get a lot of use out of it. My best tip with vests? Get the right size! you don't want to look stuffed in it when it's buttoned up or if it's too big you'll look like you're wearing daddy's clothes.
  
• Suspenders- Suspenders are cool. They keep your pants up and show that you are willing to try something a little different. I wouldn't wear a pair of clip-on suspenders with a suit (high end suits have button-on suspenders and generally means there are no belt loops). When wearing suspenders casually do not wear a belt. It's a little redundant. People will think "Why does he have such a hard time keeping his pants up?" Try wearing suspenders with denim and heavier fabrics (the clips on suspenders are rough on lighter fabrics). A great look is: jeans, black suspenders, a button-up oxford, dress shoes (think streamlined not clunky) and a splash of color with a bandanna in your back pocket. Experiment with these great stylish items!
  
• Blazers- This one is somewhat self explanatory. I like to wear blazers instead of a conventional outwear when needed-it just brings in that classical element I've been blabbing about here. I would say that a cotton blazer is great for spring/summer (think light colors) and wool/corduroy for fall/winter.
• Hats/fedoras- Sometimes these can go south really quickly-try not to look like you're trying too hard. Throw a fedora on with a casual outfit and you can get an eighties nerd-chic look that is worth a try.

Style and the quest for it is fun. Integrating classic elements with a casual style is one of my favorite tips for stepping out of the herd.

This is cool...

This is super cool. It's called the Thermochromatic Tee from American Apparel. The Jersey T-shirt, made with a temperature sensitive pigment that changes between two colors - one when cold, one when warm. It like wearing art...or at least the cutting edge of fashion today (many high end designers are playing with these inks).

($28) Comes in several different colors.

Graphic Tees.

Herd. Listen up! It is time to stop with your lame sauce graphic tees. I'm not saying graphic tees are bad but certain subject matter is just tacky/lame/unflattering/make you look like a fool. I apologize but it had to be said. Can we please try and avoid the following:

• witty phrases/graphics
• beer/drinking related
• the 'Doughtry' Tee (named for the terrible musical group/artist Doughtry) aka the Tees with way to much random crap on them...lions/velvet/metallic/dramatic words/phrases (Avoid Ed Hardy Tees)
• ill fitting/stained/unflattering tees
  

Instead, try and look for more artistic graphics, finer fabrics and things that don't give off a 'douche' vibe. One of my favorite resources to find such T-shirts is:
http://www.threadless.com/
Threadless is inexpensive and sells limited edition artist-created tees. You can also submit your designs to the site!

Wear graphic tees just avoid the common mistakes made by the herd.

Ideas from the shows.

Here are some of my favorite looks from the Spring 2009 fashion shows.




Marc by Marc Jacobs Spring 2009
I like the layering here. This would be a great stlye for a first date, a night on the town or anywhere a t-shirt and shorts would be too casual. I like the idea of a blazer with shorts/rolled up jeans/manpris/etc.







Micheal Kors Spring 2009
I like the slim fit of the plants/shorts/manpris here. It's a more tailored look. Have a pair of pants with a damaged hem? Hem them up and BAM! you've got a great new look. Also, plaid shirts are huge this spring. Herd, give this look a try.

Good Lookin' Out.

Use these great looks from H&M for Summer 2009 as inspiration.

Neutral on the subject.

There are some misconceptions as to what is a 'neutral' color when putting together one's style. Fellas neutrals are any color that has is universal and can be paired with any brighter and more saturated color or with a more dominant pattern.


The most obvious/most recognized neutrals include:

• black
• white
• gray
• tan/khaki/beige/taupe
• navy

Other neutrals that you should try and use to add an extra dose of style are (but are not limited to):

• burgundy/maroon
• hunter green
• less saturated versions of most colors
• very dark versions of most colors

The thing with neutrals is that they provide a great base for an outfit or if done properly can make up an outfit entirely. This is especially stylish during these hot summer months when light, neutral colors can keep you cool. When putting together an entirely neutral outfit stick to very similar shades an mix up textures and patterns.
Images from men.style.com and The Sartorialist.

Summer Time!

Friends, style must extend to the beach/pool/whatever you like to get summery by. My tip? No not your near man-capri length baggy board shorts but the more tailored and short option: the box cut board short/boardie/trunk. These take a little more confidence because you are showing a bit more leg but hey you can do it! Anyway, for those of you with confidence and the 'bod to match go short for those a little more self conscious an inch or three above the knee is the way to go. Comrades feel free to experiment with color and pattern though classic solid color trunks are a stylish option as well. Here are some options to consider:


American Apparel: Polyester Micro-fiber Board Short ($36)
















Urban Outfitters: Quicksilver Cashola Boardie ($58)


















Urban Outfitters:
Quicksilver Tri Hard Boardie ($39.99)
















Urban Outfitters:
Maui & Sons Yoke Print Boardie ($56)
*MY PICK

















Urban Outfitters: Insight All Sorts Boardie Mid ($52)


















Original Penguin: Copper Top Swim Trunk ($59)


















Available at ADAM ($165) shopadam.com

The Basics 2...

Unfortunately the cardigan has gained a bad rap with our generation. Many of the herd believe it is for old men. If that is so then those old men have learned from experience what is the right way to dress. Wisdom.. I believe a light cardigan is a style basic because of it's versatility and classic style. The cardigan can be paired with a t-shirt, jeans and some sneakers for a casual look. An oxford, dress pants and a dress shoe for an updated business casual look. A light weight cardigan can even be paired with shorts on a cool summer night. The list goes on and on.

When deciding what colors of cardigan to buy think neutral first (gray, black, white, navy, burgundy, hunter green) and then when you have the basics branch out to more vibrant color options.

Two great finds from my style archive include the Black Baby Rib Cardigan from American Apparel (top photo) and the Feathers Textured Cardigan from Urban Outfitters (bottom). If you are unsure if cardigans are for you try a less expensive option like the men's section at Forever 21 where a good 'starter cardigan' will cost you about $20-$35. To up the style ante try a vintage inspired cardigan with stripes on the sleeve for the classic varsity sweater look.

GIVE CARDIGANS A CHANCE! They are a style basic.

Underwear..

Style is all about the details. These details should include your underwear, manties, manderwear. GASP! Let's face it at one point or another someone will get a glimpse of you underwear. Which is not to say that you should 'sag' your pants. That is a style crime. We are no longer in middle school people. That is a way to stand out from the herd for the wrong reasons. I digress. My friend Nicole says that "nothing is more disappointing than seeing a guy in his underwear and there is a Fruit of the Loom Tag."There are more options out there than traditional boxers and 'tightie whities.'

Options include:

• Traditional Boxers- Be sure to buy the right size your boxers should not bunch up in your pants. Also, if you are wearing tighter pants boxers are not the right choice.
• Boxer Briefs- "The hybrid" This option is very popular and provide support and for my money more style. Consider the quality of fabric and the look and quality of the waistband with these puppies.
• Trunks- My personal, all-purpose underwear choice. These are essentially the same as boxer-briefs but are shorter on the leg. These provide a more athletic appearance and are more comfortable around thicker legs.
• Briefs- There is more to the brief than the 'tightie-whity.' Briefs have come a long way my friends. They are a great option and provide support and comfort. Tip: try microfiber fabrics for additional comfort. These are the best option when wearing a thin, lightweight wool suit. Visible underwear lines are not okay.
  
• Thongs- If you're feeling fancy give them a try?

The best tip of all: Clean is best. If your underwear has run it's course send it out to the pasture.

Great article that addresses the options for men's underwear:
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124225793987017277.html

Great underwear resources:
http://www.c-in2.com/c-in2/
http://www.2xist.com/flashsite/default.asp
http://store.americanapparel.net/men-underwear.html
http://www.cku.com/category/index.jsp?categoryId=3001620&cp=3001611

Wayfarers.

So I love wayfarers. I've worn them for years and they are definitely a big trend right now. They can be classic, funky and fun. Nowadays you can find these stly basics anywhere WALMART, Urban Outfitters, Sunglasses Hut and party stores. I believe sunglasses should be inexpensive because if you're anything like me you'll lose them. Anyways...here are some examples and what they might say/add to your style.


















So this is the classic. Black. An interesting twist on these is that are matte finish. These will go with pretty much anything. To me these are give that modern James Dean or JFK on Martha's Vineyard.

















These Green Wayfarers are for the more adventurous guy. Still neutral (yes, hunter green is a nuetral) these sunglasses give a funky flair. If you have the guts throw them with anything. Have some fun.


















Clear Wayfarers. Give them a try.



















I must have these wood grain wayfarers. It's a fun twist on the classic tortoise shell wayfarer.

Sunglasses are a great and inexpensive (all of the above are from urbanoutfitters.com) way of adding some style. This is a great place to start to stand out of the herd.

Boatshoes..

I have a sort of love/hate view of boat shoes. I appreciate their ease and they are perhaps a more 'dressy' alternative to a sandal but I feel that they are overdone. Washed out if you will (nautical pun intended). Shoe designers of the world must share my view of this classic and they have responded by updating the boat shoe in different colors and textures. In lu of traditional tan try white cotton, orange, perforated leather and more athletic looking options. In this way they have been given a less 'preppy' attitude.

Try, for instance, the CLAE Romare Lo
(REVOLVEclothing.com) also available in blue.


Ben Sherman Guilfest- White/Off White/Dogtooth
(Zappos.com)

The Basics...

There are a number of things a stylish man needs, the basics if you will. What is the most basic clothing item for most people? Not underwear (we'll address that later) but denim. JEANS! We won't discuss fit here because that's a whole series of blogs to come, but what should every man have...

Every man should have a basic pair of dark wash jeans. I'm sure you've heard it before. My favorites you may ask?

LEVI's 501 Jeans

These jeans bring together my favorite things:

• They are reasonably priced. (about $50)
• They are classic. (Iconic even)
• They provide a neutral base for the rest of the outfit.
• They can be dressed up or dressed down.

How to wear them:
Here's where we take this simple basic and make it 'stylish'....

• Try cuffing the bottom as shown above. This protects the denim from stepping being stepped on and reinforces that decidedly 50's, classic flair inherent to Levi's.
• Throw a (carefully folded) handkerchief in your back pocket. This is one of my favorite tips. It's like a pocket square in a suit jacket. You can add color and pattern. Don't worry about 'matching' but coordination is key. Think about the colors tomes/saturation.
• If it's warm roll them up. Be careful to roll them up evenly and smoothly so they still look tailored and not sloppy. This shows a 'care free' and easy-going attitude and shows that you don't take yourself to seriously. Sometimes shorts just don't provide the warmth needed.
• Finally, think belts. This is a whole different subject. But think "is my belt as casual/formal as the rest of my outfit?" and "Is this belt doing anything for my proportions and will my pants stay up without it."

Well friends I'm excited to start this blog and I hope you enjoy. Fellas, go basic with your jeans and you might start to stand out from the herd.