Boots For Fall - A Buyers Guide

Image: Wolverine

It’s officially fall, so that means its boot season.  When I say boots, I’m not talking about hiking, snow, cross country or hybrid boots.  I’m talking about stylish, modern boots that you can wear to the office, out to a nice dinner or casually out on the weekends.

Style Makeover - Video From AlphaM

My pal Aaron runs a mens style and lifestyle blog called I Am Alpha M and he's doing style makeovers in a big way.  Check out the first video in his series.

Style Inspiration

Image: absolutebespoke

One of my favorite go-to looks is a fitted sport jacket or blazer with jeans. You can look dapper and casual all at the same time. Swap in some brown boots to dress it down, or go for a nice pair of loafers to step it up.

Monday OOTD - Outfit Of The Day

It's officially sweater weather here in Seattle, but that doesn't have to mean boring.  I put this fall orange v-neck sweater over a denim shirt and paired it with a patterned tie and light blue sport coat.  Go with tan or grey chino's or even dark wash jeans.  Loose the tie and jacket and it's still a smart look for fall.

Wool Sweater: Banana Republic
Denim Shirt: Express
Jacket: Express
Pocket Square: Express
Tie: Nordstrom

Macy's Mens Night Out Live Updates - EVENT RECAP!!

Tonight is the night!  It's the Macy's Mens Night Out event at Macy's Bellevue Square from 4:00 to 8:00.
I'll be live-blogging from the event and here's how I 'hope' it works out; I'll be posting updates and photos right here on this post, or on the 40 Over Fashion Facebook page.  It all depends on the WiFi signal whether I'll be posting here or to Facebook.  Either way, I'll be posting updates, so if you can't be there in person (I hope you will be) you can still catch some of what's going on.
:)

40 Over Fashion Has a Facebook Page!

Feel free to "Like" the 40 Over Fashion page on Facebook!

:)

Pulling Looks & Styling Models - Macy's Mens Night Out

Yesterday afternoon I met with Sarah from Macy's to go over some of the details for the Men's Night Out event on Saturday.  They had a few small changes in plans, but I think it'll work out even better. 

Attitude & Style.. At Any Age

Image: royalfashionist

New Styling Assistant

Everyone, please say hi to my new styling assistant!  He's a foam half mannequin torso lined with fabric and he's got a metal pole up his ass (or at least where his ass should be).

No More Shoulder Bumps

Image:macgyverisms

Don’t you hate those annoying little hanger bumps in the shoulders of your shirts and sweaters?  Since it’s the beginning of sweater season, it’s time to fix the problem so you look your best and help keep your clothes lasting longer in the process.  

Macy's Mens Night Out October 25th - UPDATE

Alright guys, I have a pretty exciting update on the Macy's Mens Night Out coming up this Saturday October 25th from 4:00 to 8:00pm.  I had a meeting over the phone with Sarah, a sales manager for several departments at Macy's.  She wanted to brain storm ideas on how they could incorporate me and my blog into their event.

The ABC's of Mens Fashion - Link

Image: seenheardknown.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com

 A pal of mine in Toronto sent me this link to a Buzzfeed article, so I'm sharing it here with all of you.

----> Click for link <----

:)

Monday OOTD

Going with pink and blue for today's Outfit Of The Day.

Macy's Men's Night Out Next Saturday

Come join me and my pals at Macy's in Bellevue Square on Saturday October 25th from 4:00pm to 8:00pm.  They've not only invited me to come, but they've granted behind the scenes access (more details coming soon).

You can enjoy music from the live DJ, get wardrobe ideas from the runway show, get your shoes shined, grab some refreshments and enter drawings for free stuff.  How cool is that?!

Up your style game and come see what's going on in the world of menswear.  You might be surprised at how comfortable dressing well really is. :)

I hope to see you all there!
:)

Attitude & Style.. At Any Age

Attitude & style.. at any age.

Image: Pinterest

Lightweight Jacket For Fall

It's fall in Seattle, but you'd never know it.  As I type, it's 74-degrees outside.  If there's one thing I can assure you of, the fall weather will be here soon enough.  It won't start getting really cold for about another month or two, so I feel lightweight jackets during this time of year are invaluable.  It's just cold enough to need some sort of outer layer, but not cold enough to need a full-fledged winter coat.  That's pretty much the story around here until late June anyway.

Blue Friday OOTD

Wool trousers and blue cardigan sweater from Banana Republic

Custom made french cuff shirt from Modern Tailor

Blue suede double monk strap shoes from Nordstrom

Socks from Gap

#GOHAWKS

Mini Style Makeover with Ray

I had the pleasure of spending the day with my childhood friend, Ray the other day who I’ve been friends with since the 7^th grade.  We’ve fallen in & out of touch over the years, but every time we connect it’s just like old times. 

The V-Neck Sweater

Image: Landsend

As the winter months are fast approaching, it’s time to evaluate your sweater inventory.  Let’s take a close look at the staple in the sweater family, and one of my favorites, the V-neck.

The Perfect Jeans?

Okay, I’m not usually one to get all excited about a new pair of jeans, but I’m about to make an exception.  I have found what may, quite possibly, be the best fitting & most comfortable pair of jeans I’ve ever owned. 

Attitude & Style.. At Any Age

Happy weekend everybody!  Notice his tie matches her skirt.  Well played, sir. :)

Image from Pinterest

Attitude & Style... At Any Age

Image: fashiongrandpas

Front Row Fashion 2014 Presented by Bellevue Collection and Vogue

Front Row Fashion was yet another outstanding event that’s part of Bellevue Fashion Week hosted by The Bellevue Collection and Vogue Magazine. 

40 Over Fashion is a Bellevue Collection Street Style Winner!!

Hold the phones, everyone.  May I have your attention please.  40 Over Fashion has been awarded a $500 gift card to Banana Republic and a big coffee table book from Vogue!
Seriously?!  How cool is that?!  $500 at Banana Republic?!  That's awesome!

Here's what happened.  I was one of the winners of the Bellevue Collection "Street Style" contest on Instagram.  Essentially, you post photos to Instagram wearing that days outfit, or any other fashion-related image of yourself or your clothing using the hashtag; #BFWstreetstyle, and they choose the winners.  I was lucky enough to be one of the winners!  If you're not following me on Instagram, please feel free, @40overfashion.

I'm blown away and incredibly honored.  Bellevue Collection hosts an amazing Fashion Week each and every year and they're pioneers in retail fashion in the Pacific Northwest.  No other shopping venue in the region has more to offer in terms of retailers, products, selection and overall quality of experience.  If you haven't been to Bellevue Square (Bellevue Collection) in a while, you owe it to yourself to stop by and pick up a few things for your fall/winter wardrobe.

Pocket Squares 101 - Five Simple Rules

Image: blog.stickyj.com

Pocket squares are a small detail that make a big overall difference for not a lot of money.  It's also an easy way to differentiate yourself from the pack and stand out for the right reasons.  If you're wearing a jacket with a breast pocket, you should have a pocket square in it.

Independent Designer Runway Show 2014 - Bellevue Fashion Week

Last night we attended the 3rd annual Independent Designer Runway Show.  It's part of Bellevue Fashion Week and it was our first time attending this particular show.  It's a show where several local designers all compete for a cash prize.  I'm sorry to say, there were no menswear lines, only designs for women.  It was still a fun event. 

Attitude and Style.. At Any Age

Image: Pinterest

Image: Pinterest

Seattle Rocks The Runway 2014 at the Paramount Theater

Last Saturday night was the Seattle Rocks the Runway fashion show at the Paramount Theater.  This was the third year for the show and the first year at the Paramount.  It was a superb event in every way that I saw and experienced.  The Paramount Theater seemed like the perfect venue and I hope it’s there again next year. 

Attitude And Style... At Any Age

Age doesn't matter.  It's not an excuse to give up.  It's an opportunity to play.

guardian.co.uk

Seattle Rocks The Runway

Tomorrow night, September 20th at the Paramount Theater is Seattle Rocks The Runway Fashion Show.   Be on the lookout for my review and pictures from the event.
#SEArunway

What Women Think About Men's Style

Image: Pinterest

Why dress better?  Why give a rat’s ass what people think?  Why give a shit about your appearance? 

Why all the fuss? 

New Charcoal Gray Suit From Suit Supply

If you only have one suit in your wardrobe, make it charcoal gray.  It's the most versatile suit you can own.  It's good for weddings, funerals, evenings out and you can easily wear the jacket and trousers separately. 

Bellevue Fashion Week 2014 - Seattle Men's Fashion Blog

Image from the Bellevue Collection web site

There's a lot of fashion-based events happening between now and the end of the month.  I'm not sure about all of the history with Seattle Fashion Week or Metropolitan Fashion Week or if they were at one point even the same thing, but there's currently no official "Seattle Fashion Week".  However, Bellevue Fashion Week is still going strong and they host terrific events.

Proper Jacket Fit - Seattle Men's Fashion Blog

As a Seattle headshot photographer I see this almost on a daily basis when guys come in for new headshots.  They'll bring in a suit jacket or blazer and it'll be at least two sizes too big.  They have no idea, and that's the thing.  Guys simply don't know how a jacket should fit and they rely on the salesperson who's just trying to sell something.  Keep in mind that 99% of the time, the salesperson will sell you something that's too big because you'll feel comfortable in it.

Understanding Dress Codes - Link

The following link is to Business Insider and an article written by Antonio Centeno from Real Men Real Style.  It helps to unlock the mystery surrounding dress codes and what's appropriate attire for various occasions.

Link ---->  Click here.

:)

New Casual Sport Jacket from H&M

I'm always on the hunt for a good-looking & great-fitting casual kick-around jacket that can transition from work to play.  About two weeks ago we were at the mall and decided on a whim to stop into the H&M store.  I have to admit, I'm not a huge H&M fan.  The garment quality isn't that great, the fabrics look and feel low rent and most of what they have is for a younger demographic.

Dressing Up For Air Travel - Link

Here's a link over to an article on Slate.com about dressing up for travel.  It's a good read with many solid points.  Click here to get to the article.

:)

GQ's Project Upgrade - Three-Peice Suit How-To

GQ does a great job grabbing guys off the street and giving them a style makeover.  Take a look at this amazing transformation.  Let the suit work for you!

Mixing Patterns - How to Wear Pattern Shirts With Pattern Ties

 

Image: looktastic

I'll be honest, mixing patterns used to freak me out.  I still have to be careful, but once you learn this one general rule, you'll be a pattern mixing master and you'll start separating yourself from the pack. 

What is a Driving Moccasin and Why You Need Some

Image: francovannuci

Driving moccasin's (also known as driving mocs) are a current version of the traditional soft-sole moccasin.  They're usually made of soft flexible leather or some sort of soft synthetic leather.  They typically have either large tread pads or small tread dots on the sole extending up the back of the heel similar to a racing driver's shoe.

Suit Supply Seattle Visit - Seattle Mens Fashion Blog

I've been in the market for a new charcoal gray suit for a while now.  I've been thinking about going with another custom suit from Indochino, but I wanted to go check out the offerings from Suit Supply in downtown Seattle.  Suit Supply is a European company that sells great fitting suits at affordable prices.  I've been inside the Seattle store once before, but I didn't have long to stay so I was really looking forward to another visit.

Dress Up Your Jeans - Seattle Mens Fashion Blog

Dark wash jeans are one of the most versatile items of clothing you can own.  They can easily go from ultra casual to dressy with just a few simple changes.  I'm all about being comfortable, and jeans are definitely one of my go-to items when I want to step up from casual.
Here's a few examples of how I dress up a pair of jeans.

Firstly, shoes.  I'll show three different shoe options from casual slip-on to dressy double monk strap.

Style Inspiration - Seattle Mens Fashion Blog

I'm not sure why, but I'm not a huge denim-shirt-guy.  I only own one and I hardly ever wear it.  But after seeing this denim shirt with a great-looking green jacket, I might be a convert.
What do you think? 

Image from Pinterest.

Two Things You Can Do Right Now To Step Up Your Style Game

Going out this weekend?  Maybe you're hitting the town, maybe you have a date or maybe you're just heading somewhere for a nice dinner.  The following two suggestions can pump up your style game for zero dollars.

My Style, White Chino's - Seattle Men's Fashion Blog

The weather forecast here in Seattle is taking a turn for the worse for the Labor Day weekend, but honestly, we've had a pretty great summer here. 

Blazers & Sport Coats - Seattle Mens Fashion Blog

Image: theygotstyle.tumblr

As much as I hate to admit it, fall is fast approaching.  How are you in the sport coat department?  Personally, I could use a few more casual sport coat options so I've been looking around.

My Style, Summer Standout - Seattle Men's Fashion Blog

 

Today's summer outfit is almost entirely from Express.  I realize the shirt color may be a bit bold for some, but it could easily be replaced with white.  I'm not too afraid of color when it compliments a look, so I go for it when I can.

ALS Ice Bucket & Donation Challenge

I donated to www.alifestoryfoundation.org and I encourage you to do the same.

Inspiration - Make it a Great Week!

Image: Pinterest/weddingpartyblog

My Style with Blue & Black Checks - Seattle Men's Fashion Blog

In an effort to make this blog more personal, I'm breaking out of my comfort zone from behind the camera to being in front of it.  I hope to make these "My Style" posts a regular occurrence here.

BBC Documentary - The Perfect Suit

For your viewing pleasure.

Part 1

Are You Too Old For Butt Bling? Seattle Men's Fashion Blog

I get it, you have a bad-boy streak and you wanna let people know it.  You're out rockin' your Affliction and Rock Revival jeans with tears and rivets all over the place, you've got your biker boots on and probably some crazy t-shirt with a dragon on the back.  You're letting the world know you're a bad-ass.

Behind The Scenes of Mario Testino's Best-Dressed Shoot - London

A little style inspiration and behind the scenes photo shoot.

Smart Casual - Resort Casual -- Seattle Men's Fashion Blog

It's been quiet here on the new blog for a few days, but for good reason.  I've been tucked away in Hood Canal, WA. being pampered like a celebrity at the Alderbrook Resort.  Fancy dinners at fancy places with fancy people drinking fancy drinks takes a lot out of us, but we endure. :)