PLAID = LOVE

I have said it before. I love plaid. Here is just another example of a plaif that can be paried with nearly everything- a blazer, a tie, jeans, cords, vests and sweaters.






American Rag from Macy's ($29.98)

(photo from men.style.com)

Looks I love...

I love this look. The crew neck sweat shirt with the white oxford and the cuffed pants is both casual and put together. Also, I love the mix of neutrals here- the grey, white, charcoal and brown of the shoes.

While I don't suggest that everyone duplicates this look there are lessons that can be taken from it:

1. The cuffed/cropped slim-fit pant
2. Crew neck sweatshirt (much more put together than the average sweatshirt)
3. Layering
4. Fun accessories like the white summer fedora


Photo from men.style.com

Accessories: Designer Watches

Almost everyday I wear a watch. Recently, while shopping for a Christmas gift I found that many architects have designed watches. Generally speaking, they are refined and simple--just as a watch should be.


Frank Lloyd Wright by Bulova (amazon.com)
















Piero Lissoni
Alessi Tic Watch (allmodern.com)








Franco Sargiani
Alessi Tanto X Cambiare Wrist Watch
(allmodern.com)











Franco Sargiani
Alessi Tanto X Cambiare Wrist Watch with Black Dial
(allmodern.com)

V-NECKs for cold weather

As my followers might remember I love a v-neck. V-necks tend to make us look taller and thinner because they make the neck look longer. This season many retailers are selling deep cut v-neck sweaters. They are great by themselves, with a crewneck t-shirt underneath (no layering of v-necks please- you'll look like a tool), a button up shirt (plaid is a great choice) and even a polo shirt can look great.





Penguin ($69)













Urban Outfitters ($39)

CHAMBRAY/DENIM SHIRT

Here are some examples of how to wear a denim/chambray shirt (a'la men.style.com)

Dress it UP or DOWN

The Chambray Shirt is one of my favorite looks this season and in my opinion is a classic piece that has real staying power. It can be dressed up or down, here's how:

Dress up:

With a great knit or cotton tie, perhaps a tartan plaid, and a cord blazer. Put it over a pair of thick wool pants and wing-tips OR a more casual khakis and a pair of boots (see 'What your feet need this season')

Dress down:

Khakis, sneakers and leather bomber jacket. Or you can try boots, a simple cardigan (leave the shirt un-tucked)

For an edgier look:

Try it with a pair of black jeans and some kickin' boots. Throw on a dressier blazer or even a dark skinny tie.

(Vintage Chambray Utility Shirt- J Crew $98) Note: Chambray does not equal denim. They look similar but Chambray is more like a lightweight poplin.

What your feet need this season

This season boots are both necessary and a great way to up the ante when it comes to your style. Boots can add texture, color and an edginess or toughness that might be missing. Here are some of my favorites:










UO Sandstorm Boot
($100 Urban Outfitters)








Ben Sherman Brown Suede Emission Boot
($99 Urban Outfitters)














Timberland Brown Earth Keeper Lace-up Boot
($170 Urban Outfitters)