Everything?

How many times has Jay-Z said it?
How many times has every rapper repeated it?
"All black everything."
I think they're onto something...
Well obviously they're onto something. When hasn't black been THE color for everything? Has anything ever really been the "new" black?
The answer is no. No, and no, and no some more. Black is classic, never goes out of style and is slimming (says my inner QVC salesperson). You don't have to wear all black all the time, but a black suit jacket to style your look up, black dress shoes to add sophistication to a casual look, a black dress shirt rather than just a tee.
In my opinion if you have a good amount of black in your closet then you're on the right track.
Just don't start using black lipstick, wearing military boots that lace to your crouch and referring to yourself as Thangorn, guardian of the troll empire or whatever the hell you do on World of Warcraft. I don't care. I've got a blog to run.

I'm just going to be very straight forward...

Be as cool as Steve McQueen and get a thick ass wool cowichan sweater.

Over 30 years after his death and he's still taking us to style school.

It can come from anywhere.

Tonight as I sat at a local Taproom. I notice a man siting at the table next to me who is wearing a baby blue cashmere sweater, light wash jeans, thick grey wool socks, and red Chuck Taylors. It was a look that I had to do a double take on. It was very casual, but very impressive.
Just goes to show inspiration can pop up anywhere.

Stick your neck out.

How often do you wear a button down/dress shirt open, showing off a little chest?
It is THE essential for men. One in blue, one in white. Those are key.
It's just as easy to throw on as a tee, but chances are you will get more comments about how nice you look if you wear a collard shirt. Hands down.

Now onto the subject at hand.
When you're wearing a collard shirt and you don't want to go too formal, but you do want to dress it up a bit then try a neckerchief. Not an ascot. Don't get those two confused. An ascot can be very formal, a neckerchief on the other hand can go either way.
Tied simply and worn tucked or falling out of the shirt, Silk or cotton, it is a great addition to a simple outfit and you can go wild with patterns.
I use a classic blue and white bandanna pattern neckerchief more than anything.

What does it all mean?

Men, how do you feel about jewelry?
It's a touchy subject for men.
I think if a man wants to wear jewelry then it has to hold some significance to him.
For example; I wear a necklace that has 2 charms on it that remind me of times from my younger years, and a ring that my grandfather made from a tarnished piece he found on a shoreline that I came across in an old jewelry case of his.
These things have stories behind them. They are conversation pieces that could serve useful for first encounters or breaking down your style if asked.
Of course watches are a completely different thing. You should have a metal daytime watch, not too flashy or bulky. Something sophisticated. You should also have an evening leather band watch. Be it Black or brown leather. It depends on which color you wear more often.
Whatever accessories you choose to wear make sure it has a purpose.

How Paul Bunyan would do it.

Every man needs a red flannel in his arsenal.
It can be vintage or brand new, but it is an essential. It works for summer nights around a fire and, you guessed it, as part of a suit.
Yes, lately you have been seeing plaid in suiting. On suit jacket, shirts, contrast lapels, but I want to take it a step further.
Maybe it's because of where I'm from and that you have to find creative ways to be fashionable during winter weather advisories or maybe it's because I just love flannel dammit. Whatever the case may be, if it's cold then use warmer materials. Plaid is a very popular pattern all year round, but plaid and flannel are the perfect marriage. Like Tom and Katie. Oh wait...(too soon?)
Wear the classic red and black check flannel with a black suit, wear your red and forest green with blue contrast flannel with your grey suit. The choice is yours to make, but it will be a choice well made regardless because you're warm and stylish.

In–vest

So I was remembering an outfit I threw on last year. It was a typical winter day in Northern Michigan and I wanted to class up my usual quilted down Patagonia vest, so I put my grey wool blazer over top. I really liked the way it looked. So I go into the shop I worked at and one of the customers said to me "Doesn't the the blazer go underneath?"
I laughed it off and walked away.
It wasn't really until lately that I had been seeing such a look on multiple street style sites which gives me a little smirk if satisfaction.
Yeah it's cold during the winter months, but that doesn't mean that all you are able to wear is are insulated, down, waterproof, wind proof... You get the idea. Things can be altered. If you have a cardigan and a pullover sweater that you like then wear them together. Winter gives you the opportunity to experiment with a ridiculous amount of layering.
At least that's the case in Michigan.

Seeing Red

Is it just me or has there been a steady increase in red accents in the world of fashion? Above any color it has been red. Red bottomed shoes, red socks, red pocket squares...
It even goes as far as the pants, the sweaters. Oh my!
I'm not saying it's a bad thing. I'm saying there he's been a definite surge of one particular color. And I like it!
I myself own red socks, a red pocket square, red cuff links and multiple red ties. It's a damn good color. It's a masculine color and it's one that doesn't scream "LOOK AT ME! I'M HIP AND FASHIONABLE!! WOOOOOO". To the best of it's ability it is discrete with being ruled out.
If you don't own a few pieces of red, then I would start looking around.

Be a purist.

When it comes to buying cologne, it can be tough. What brand, what scent or persona you're looking to achieve from it or the season. All of this goes into account when choosing. Not to mention the price. We all want that disposable income to be able to buy any and all scents that our heart desires but most of us are dead ass broke half the time and the other half of the time we're buying drinks for the girl that will probably forget our name by next Tuesday.
So let's meet somewhere in the middle. There are particular ingredients in colognes and perfumes that send our senses a whirl, but then the top layer consists of things like lavender and buttercream. Things that really don't scream manly. So why not cut all those out.
Find which scent you like the most. Is it Vetiver, patchouli, tea tree, sandalwood? All these can be found in colognes made by such designers as Tom Ford, Marc Jacobs, etc and you can just buy those oils. They can range from $10-$30 depending on what you choose, but it is a significant savings and a little dab will do you.
I myself use bergamot oil.
I use 3 drops. One on either side of my neck and a third on my wrists.
Seeing as it isn't diluted by alcohol the scent will last you the whole day without having to reapply. Perfect for the man on the go.
Put it on right when you get out of the shower. That way your pores are open and your skin will soak it all in and you're good to go.

Now sit back and wait to be complimented. Chances are you will be asked quite often what your cologne is and you will be able to respond with something that is uniquely your own.

...

You know what.

I'm not even going to break it down.

Just do this.

Ode to Nick

My friend Nick made a comment to me earlier this afternoon about being on the lookout of a nice cheap turtleneck. It got me thinking.

The steady reemergence of the turtleneck in mainstream fashion is exciting to me. Seeing as men's fashion has been taking a turn to the past with vintage bomber jackets, slimmer fitting pants that have a higher rise one the hip, and shirts that are tailored to your body type perfectly, it is only right that we bring back a classic such as this as well. And let's face it, who doesn't want to be Steve McQueen?

Styling the turtleneck can be a difficult task sometimes. Best way I have found with my J.Crew Hemmingway style wool turtleneck is to not over think it.

It doesn't require much layering because the focal point will be the turtleneck wether you like it or not.

So top it with a (who'd have though?) vintage leather bomber jacket, or wear a blue dress shirt underneath for some shirt tail contrast coming out of the bottom. Once you put on a turtleneck the only thing you should have to worry about is your pants and shoes. You're good out the door. That's the beauty of it I think.

For some men it will be a daring choice, but a good one nonetheless.

(You can also do this. This works too.)

Essentials of a Man

It's photo's like this that I love coming across as I scroll through feeds and Tumblr pages.

These are essential:

• A perfect pair of casual dress pants.
Preferably a color that goes with all looks.

• A worn in beige cardigan.
If you're fortunate enough to have a well dressed grandfather at your disposal, go through his closet on your next visit. Chances are he has a few from his younger years that he would be happy to share.

• A pack of fresh white tees.
You can never have enough.
Try a few brands to figure out which you like most/what fits your body type the best.

• A pair of versatile white trainers.
Don't worry about getting them a little scuffed up, they can be cleaned up nicely with a wet rag. Plus a little dirt adds character at can give you the perfect amount of ruggedness.

• Throw your favorite pair of sunglasses on and you're out the door.

Sometimes it's just that easy.
Style doesn't always have to be carefully thought out. It can be as easy as popping the shawl on the cardigan that give you that extra edge.

Don't pass by without identifying.

Isn't this the life.
Who doesn't want throughout the day to find a nice spot to set up base and retire into their own world for a while. For some it's at home, but for others home isn't where you want to be constantly.

Now, to the untrained eye passers by would see this man, recognize that he looks nice, but that's it.
This man is wearing a crisp pair of Nike running shoes, accented with a light wash jean and a soft slub neck shirt. The details are what make it. The simplistic color palate of makes it a perfect choice for a hot summer's day or when you rushing for the door, but still want a fresh out if the dryer look.

Short and Sweet

A man's facial hair is ultimately his most prized accessory.

Thank you, Michael!

Earlier I talked about how excited I was about the Spring/Summer 2013 line of Michael Bastian and the runway show that was going to be streamed live via GQ.com.

It was truly fantastic. The man knows how to make a suit casual for the summer for coolness and comfort, but give you an unparalleled looking fashion sense.

I am not one to ever buy a full look. Bits and pieces here and there that would eventually make up my personal style, but when it comes to Michael Bastian I am swoon and would buy everything a wear it just how it was styled.

Here a some shots from the show that I really enjoyed, along with the full runway video.

 

 

 

 

A Must Watch

Tomorrow at noon one of my favorite designers and a large influence for me, Michael Bastian will be debuting his Spring 2013 line live on GQ.com. If you have the opportunity you should check it out. I'm sure it will not disappoint knowing how amazing the Fall/Winter line was.
Feel free to check that out here.

Keep in mind.

I've found lately that the best styles are coming from thrown together looks from online fashion stores. It gives you simple ideas and that's all a man needs to look good everyday.
Most guys don't like to overdo it. They like to take 10 minutes to get ready in the morning, shake some product through their hair and walk out the door.
These styles help. A nice dress pant, a fresh out of the dryer tee, maybe with a little imperfection in it for character worn with a dress shoe or a trainer. It depends on the style pant, but there are options other than jeans and khakis. Keep that in mind.

Oh, the simplicity!

This is look is so simple yet impressive. It's a throw together look out of the suit category of ASOS.
Plainly put together to show what it would look like on a person.
A clean look with a twist. Everything is a little shorter, a little more fitted and that's what's great about it. It's a perfect suit for a night on the town that can have things added to it to fit your exact style like a pocket square or a different colored pair of shoes.
Every man should have a classic black suit in his closet, but for the suit enthusiasts like myself it is always nice to have more than one option.
This can easily be that option.

-Spencer