Shopping
Utilitarian footwear has been trending for sometime now. Brands like Carhart for example, have experienced, in more recent times an instituted sort of credence in the fashion realm.
LL Bean, otherwise known as the brand name of Maine and all things East Coast, are running on the same gamut and their Bean Boots are no exception. We adore these duck boots with rubber soles and leather uppers. They’re unisex but retain a sense of ruggedness and a stylish carelessness too. They’re perfect for boys, girls, men, and women of all ages, styles, and tastes.
We’ve paired the versatile boot with pieces for both genders and the result is fashionably fluent across the sexes.
It is matter of fact that the turtleneck is back. However, thankfully, the turned-over collar on this piece unique piece of winter wear has shed a lot of weight, reworked its personality, and is more than ready to rewrite its definition in our sartorial lexicon. Like ugly Christmas sweaters and pleats, turtlenecks have spent much of their time defining eras much of us like to forget. Their occurrences seemed present only on those who were fashionably inept or well, just too old or out of it to care. This resurgence nonetheless, is a genius mix of reinterpretation and refurbishing. The result is luxurious and tight-knit, breaking the grid of your ensemble, however you put it together.
Below are some of the new fangled ways in which the turtleneck is making some great impressions:
1) Sharp, defined and refined. Enough said.
2) With a suit or even just a blazer, a turtleneck can put the shirt to rest and actually, give it a run for its money. This pairing is perfectly suitable for the office and a night out on the town, having a drink with friends.
3) For a twist, consider throwing a vest over a turtleneck and your favorite pair of jeans.
4) Layered with a cardigan, color, warmth and shape present much visual interest to entertain.
5) The most romantic and prized is layering a turtleneck with a trench. The look is almost always flawless, reminiscent of a scene from a movie, only it’s real and you’re the hero of your own story.
Images courtesy of GQ
FIVE FINDS: HOLIDAY GIFT IDEAS FOR MEN
It’s the season for holiday shopping again! Like a recurring déjà vu, figuring out what to get for friends and loved ones always seems like such an arduous task. Truth be told, part of the problem is obsessing too much about the gift itself. At the end of the day, it’s truly the thought that counts. Don’t you just love clichés? Nonetheless, if this were true you wouldn’t be reading this anyway and would probably be busy buying star names at the International Star Registry instead.
Below are 5 great finds to gift a friend, loved one, or, yourself!
1) There are many amazing things going for these shoes. First, and foremost, for every pair you buy, Tom’s will donate a pair on your behalf. That’s like giving someone else a gift for free! Second, in buffalo plaid they scream winter wonderland like no other. But more importantly, thanks to the ironic propensities of the hipster movement, plaid isn’t going anywhere and so it’s hardly an exclusively seasonal item. Finally, the extreme comfort of these is that they’re comfortable enough to double up as house slippers.
$54 www.toms.com
2) Sweaters? As a holiday gift? Ground breaking! We know. Well, it’s definitely much more suitable than gifting trousers. Plus, Top Man really nailed it with this one. This Charcoal Pattern Sweater employs the right ratio of holiday spirit and functional cool. The colors are exceptionally fun and pair really well with almost anything.
$80 www.topman.com
3) This is an item that is full of cheer! Having said that, don’t get this for the guy who owns a lot of Patagonia stuff, or the guy who’s so into things of an ethnic look that they own a poncho and a bag with indigenous patterns on it. Regardless, such items, when employed sparingly, can festively bring a touch of color and texture to any ensemble.
4) If you are serious about accessories, you know they’re actually worth the splurge. This classic bowtie by Rag & Bone is a both an elegant and simple gift. It’s especially suitable for one who doesn’t own a bowtie, bringing forth an opportunity to up the ante on the dandy factor. But most importantly, this is a perfect supplement to anyone’s formal miscellany.
$105 www.barneys.com
5) Everybody love’s Target! They’re the pioneers of bringing affordable, good design for all, a mantra that has become almost standard across the board. Timex is also another brand worth loving just as much. Their collaboration with J.Crew in recent years has brought forth an indubitable respect for a solid, American brand that is affordable and stylish. At $35, this is a great, stylish gift.
$34.99 www.target.com
Whether you’re looking for something that won’t break the bank, simply on a budget, or perhaps exchanging gifts at the office holiday party, we’ve selected some really understated but great gifts that are bound to please everyone, regardless of age, taste and background.
1) This makes for a fabulous stocking stuffer. In fact, anything by Santa Maria Novella does! This isn’t your average soap. It is made with whole milk, which will coddle and soften, dry and razor burned skin. Triple milled, this little guy takes soap to a whole new level. Finally, this bar actually lasts longer than the average because it is hand pressed.
$16 www.lafcony.com
2) Yes, candles aren’t groundbreaking, but if you live in a place like New York and space is always an issue, you’ll always find that consumable gifts are always more than welcomed. Further, the fact that these are compact and available in all letters is just an added personal touch.
Hey, it’s not like getting a mug with a letter on it…
$10 www.westelm.com
3) Everybody should use eye cream. Especially men. And with a relatively macho looking package, who wouldn’t want to slap some of this good stuff on their sensitive eye area? At twelve bucks a pop, the folks at Anthony, the experts in male grooming, have managed to create a really effective and affordable product at the same time.
$12 www.amazon.com
4) Yes, you can doodle on smart phones these days, amongst many other things, and we are certain that everyone you know owns one of some kind at this point. However, because of that, we have become a nation who is charmed by anything handwritten. These notebooks are elegant and unique. Plus, they look really cool, come in a 3 pack, and have some really nice paper in them.
$14.50 www.jcrew.com
5) The MoMa Design Store makes some really neat products. And these Finger Print designer cufflinks are no exception, especially at this price point. Any guy would appreciate this quirky, but stylish set.
Building from the ancestry of the iconic fashion house, Versace’s collaboration with H&M is set to be an exhibition of Technicolor splendor and bold dynamism. Hitting stores on November 19th, the classic Greek key will be found on scarves, beanies and other accessories. Notably, it will be studded in gold on black tees and leather.
Following Target’s successful stint with Missoni, the Versace collection is affordable for Versace, but pricey for H&M (some dresses will run you well above $200). Regardless, this is set to be a sartorial milestone marked collectively for men and women’s wear, and also the home. The collaboration is the first for H&M, which includes a small collection of decorative pillows and interior accents.
Dresses dominate the women’s collection, bringing forth an emphasis on archival Versace. Color, pattern and daring cuts are the recurring themes of this collaboration. That said, a black silk crepe dress with Grecian button echoes Versace’s nineties louche with simplicity and grace.
The menswear collection is focused on sharp tailoring and the prevalent Versace notion of the loud and bold. Nonetheless, sophistication is maintained with fine details and chic delivery, notably, the gold corner tips that accentuate the shirts’ collar points. Shirt makers will be sure to pick up on this detailing trend. Duly noted is a pair of hot pink leather lace ups. These could make quite the dashing statement with a black suit.
It is September, well past Labor Day and the season is officially changing! The fashionably intelligent gentleman knows that trends come and go but there are always those classic pieces that ring most true for each season. Below, are five pieces that we believe should be more curated for the fall as opposed to simply being purchased. Just think before you purchase these items. For they are the backbone of any gentleman’s fall wardrobe and warrant the investment.
ONE: The Trench
This is sort of like a friend that you’ll always have around. He never lets you down, especially when those spring showers come around. But he also gives you a lot of mileage as the fall season begins and paves way for a winter filled with harsh elements. Best of all, he doesn’t cramp your style when you’re wearing a suit. As a tip, invest in a classic style like in tan or black. Subtle patterns are fine; just don’t make your only trench a bright red one.
TWO: The Chambray Shirt
This piece started as a trend but the heavily twilled cotton is here to stay. A staple in retailers like J.Crew and Gant, it is the perfect shirt for looking professional and also staying warm and stylish all at the same time. In blue, Chambray has never looked better. It is the perfect complement to browns, tobaccos, camel and virtually any other color you fancy.
THREE: The Tweed Jacket
Other than the obvious warming function of this piece, the tweed jacket brings unrivaled fashion flexibility to your outfits during the fall season. Channel upscale easily with a crisp shirt and trousers. Simultaneously, express casual cool with denim and even a t-shirt.
FOUR: Cashmere Cardigan
Yes it’s luxurious and elegant and no, it’s not only for women. Cashmere, especially in a staple like a cardigan, catapults the garment’s practicality to the realms of the plush. Indeed, this one is for the fashionably intelligent. A creative alternative to blazer, it brings with it a sense that is untroubled, perfectly suitable for the office or an evening out on the town.
FIVE: Wingtips
Wingtips are the perfect piece of fall footwear. The low-heeled shoe is uniquely characterized by robust leather and decorative perforations. This brings forth a sense of functionalism and elegance. Much like the tweed jacket, wingtips double up as dressy and casual at the same time.
It is inevitable that when you are from New England and have an affinity for your boat shoes and Nantucket reds, (or a rope belt or anything with an anchor on it) you are going to be made fun of. The truth is, preppy style is a credible movement and a defined American style that has inspired the world over, even the Italians.
The trick is not don all the aforementioned items together at the same time.
Consider the following combinations for a look of great Prep style:
1. Boat shoes, khakis and a grey tee. The combination does not call too much attention to itself and stays in prepster territory sans the Wasp jokes, keeping your integrity intact.
2. If you’re going to wear anything with an unmistakable nautical theme make sure it’s the only nautical thing you’re wearing. For example, if you’re into those rope belts then pair that with flat front grey or tan shorts and a simple button down shirt.
Stripes
3. Stripes are considered heavily nautical, French and preppy too. Due to their classic propensity, we now seem them all year round. A sweater with wide horizontal navy stripes is a great look with chinos and a trench.
4. Whimsy is fun. Anchor prints on a tie or a shirt or even whales repeating on trousers or shorts are fun. Just pair with solids and don’t overdo the bright colors. Stick to one fun element and keep everything else restrained. It will make you more interesting and actually highlight some whimsy but in an understated way.
Although it may not be present in all its glory, Spring is here. Dress up for the weekend and for the jaunty season. For a comfortable and relaxed look, incorporate bright colors, with breathable fabrics, and geometrical prints.
Polo ($40), Cardigan ($50) and Shorts by Top Man. Bag ($298) by Marc by Marc Jacobs and Espadrille ($78) by Jeffrey Campbell.
