Pocket Squares Mixing and Matching

As you're probably aware by now, I'm a big fan of pocket squares.  The right pocket square can make an already outstanding outfit look even better, and they can set you apart from the rest of the pack.  They tell the world you're a guy who knows what he's doing and you care about details.

Alpha M Style Makeover - Video

My pal, Aaron is at it again!  He's doing about 5 or 6 style makeovers this season and this is the 2nd one in the fall series.  Pay close attention to the difference in how his clothes fit and how properly fitting clothes makes him look 10x better.  Even if you're slightly overweight, you can appear slimmer with better fitting clothes.
Click the video below to watch the amazing transformation.
  

Adult Braces - 6 Month Smile - Video

Okay gang, like I mentioned in this earlier post, I'm getting braces.  I decided to make a video before I get them on, and then continue to make videos throughout the process.

Nice Tie, Bro - Video from The Tie Bar

The Tie Bar partnered with Vanity Fair Fashion Market Director, Michael Carl on an on-street styling session titled Nice Tie, Bro last month.  Nice Tie, Bro invaded the Financial District and Bryant Park, updating guys looks with the quick addition of a necktie, pocket square or tie bar.

Casual Cool

One of my favorite "go anywhere" looks is a jacket & jeans.  It's casual, it's cool, it's polished and you have lots of room to play with details.

Attitude & Style.. At Any Age

Image from Pinterest

Men's Grooming - The Why and How

I tried to avoid this subject for as long as possible, but there’s just no getting around it.  We have to talk about grooming.  Call it manscaping if that helps you, but grooming is the proper term.  Think about it, we brush our teeth, we trim our nails and we get regular haircuts, so why should managing body hair be any different?

OOTD - Outfit Of The Day & Outlet Shopping

Today's post is about finding bargains at outlet stores.  It's no secret that most of the items sold in outlets are made specifically for that brands outlet store, not their main store.  If you're okay with that, you can save some money.  For example, I picked up this military inspired wool blend jacket at the Banana Republic outlet in North Bend for only $40.  It seems like everything in the North Bend store is always 40% off anyway, so couple that with finding this jacket way back on the discount rack with previous mark-downs, you really can't go wrong.  I also picked up these patterned blue trousers last year for about $40 (40% off $69).

If you're looking for suit separates, jeans, sweaters or jackets and don't want to pay full price at the main store, try the outlets.  You won't find the exact same things from the main store, but you might just find some great deals on something very similar.

Jacket: Banana Republic
Custom Shirt: Modern Tailor
Knit Tie: Nordstrom
Tie Clip & Cuff Links: The Tie Bar
Trousers: Banana Republic
Shoes: Aldo

 

 Images from a collaborative photo shoot with Valerie at Mapleleopard

Style Quote Of The Day

"Style is when they're running you out of town and you make it look like you're leading the parade."

~ William Battie

Have a great weekend!

Image: Pinterest

3 Ways To Wear - Cardigan Sweater

I've been meaning to get this post up this for the last few days and I'm glad I finally have the chance. I feel like one of the biggest problems guys have is not knowing how to wear something, or not knowing what to wear it with.  Guys will find something they like in the store, but struggle with how they'd actually wear it or what it goes with.  In this post, I hope to address that problem.

One of the staple items for fall is a sweater.  More specifically, the cardigan sweater.  Now, I'm not talking about the chunky, heavy knit cardigans from the 1970's.  I'm talking about trim fit, lightweight cardigans that can layer with just about anything.  The sweater I'm using as an example is the Navy one above from Banana Republic (click here for the direct link)

The first method is ultra casual.  I went for a weekend feel with a plain white t-shirt, tan chino's and white fashion sneakers.  Go with the cardigan buttoned or unbuttoned in this look, but always leave the bottom button un-done, regardless.

Chino's: Banana Republic

Shoes: Puma

T-Shirt: Gap

Next up is still casual, but slightly more elevated.  I went with grey jeans, a blue gingham shirt and brown boots with a brown belt.  The boots & jeans dresses this down a bit while still remaining polished and current.  Swap out the grey denim for light or dark wash denim and go with black boots or your favorite loafer.  The options are endless.

Jeans: Gap

Shirt: Express

Boots: Aldo

The last look is the style monster.  I started with textured grey wool trousers, brown shoes and a navy suit jacket.  The easy choice would've been a white or blue dress shirt, but I went with pink, just because.  To top it off, I paired up a blue polka-dot tie with a pocket square with a blue border.  This look works just about anywhere this time of year and you'll absolutely kill it at holiday parties.

There's about a million different ways to make up outfits using one staple item.  The trick is to not over think it and do your own thing. :)

Trousers: Banana Republic

Shirt: Express

Jacket: Indochino

Shoes: Allen Edmonds

Tie: Banana Republic

Pocket Square: The Tie Bar

The Rise of the Lumbersexual & Metrojack - Link to Article

Image: gearjunkie

I saw this article come across my Facebook feed today and apparently this is a real thing.  I got a pretty good laugh out of it.  Especially the part about the 'Metrojack'.  Click the image above to go read the article over on gearjunkie.

:)

OOTD - Outfit Of The Day

I was contacted recently by Valerie, a local fashion blogger at Mapleleopard about photographing her for some of her upcoming blog segments.  I agreed to do it with the stipulation that she had to photograph me as well. :)  It was an eventful afternoon which included getting locked out of my studio for about 30 minutes, but at least it didn't rain.  Anyway, be on the lookout for a few more posts from this shoot coming soon.

This outfit choice is a very simple and casual layered look for fall.  Since the jacket is dark, I went with light wash jeans and dark grey shoes.  The sweater is a two-tone blue zip-up that goes perfectly with the jeans and jacket.  For the shirt, the easy pick would've been blue, but I wanted to contrast a bit so I went with a custom made green & white gingham.

Shoes: Steve Madden
Jeans: Banana Republic
Shirt: Modern Tailor.com
Zip Sweater: Banana Republic
Sport Jacket: H&M
Pocket Square: The Tie Bar.com
Socks: Soxy.com

 

It's Never Too Late - Cosmetic Dentistry

This post falls under the category of; it's never too late.  Whether that means learning a new language, working on your health & fitness, starting a new career or fixing your teeth.  In my case, I'm getting my teeth fixed.