Cool down your material

 It’s almost the middle of July, and the heat index will only be increasing for the next month or two.  Depending on what geographical area you reside in, summers can be brutal not only on your skin, but also on you wardrobe decisions.  The last thing you want to be doing is sporting a gorgeous suit that does the opposite of making you look good, because it's out of season due to the type of material it is.  Now, let me make this clear for those who do not know the difference between seersucker and linen. These are two different materials, which give off two different looks. 

* Linen is woven from the stems of flax, a vegetable fiber.

* Has twice the strength of cotton.

* Absorbs and releases perspiration quickly, thus allowing the fabric to "breathe". Linen is one of the most breathable fabrics, making it especially cool and comfortable to wear in the heat.

*Lightweight and absorbent.

* Not stretchy.

* Wrinkles easily.

* Seersucker does not refer to the fabric, but to a certain structure of fabric.

* It is usually made of cotton, but can be made from rayon or other synthetics.

* It has a puckered style so that it lifts off your skin and lets air circulate.

* Cotton seersucker is very breathable and cool in the summer.

Now that you the difference between the two, let us continue on with how to wear either one. Here are some suggestions on how and what to wear with both materials.

(1) Depending on the color of your suit or blazer, I would suggest that you wear lighter colors.  Besides the fact that softer colors are worn during the spring/summer, harder colors will take away from the effect that these materials create. I say this because darker colors attract more heat and the purpose of these materials are to lessen this effect.  Basically you will just be looking like a walking oxymoron if you decide to pair up the two.

(2) It’s ok to wear wingtips shoes with either material, but you want to give of a relax look so loafers or a casual shoe would better add to the image your trying to portray (remember no socks are a plus also).

(3) If it’s imperative that your wear a dress shirt and tie, try to wear a dress shirts that is a lighter material.  This also helps to eliminate you sweating and adds to your “relaxed” look.  If you have a choice to wear a tie or not, go for the option of not majority of the time.  An oxford shirt is what I prefer to wear because the small buttons help to keep your collar from expanding out of your jacket or blazer (unless you want to give off the Tony Montana look).

(4) I can’t stress this enough, a pocket square is essentials in today’s fashion sphere.  Be creative; try different color schemes and designs.  Your pocket square is a reflection of your personality.

(5) You can’t go wrong with a color V-neck T-shirt.  If your suit or blazer is a different color other then white, a white V-neck is always a crisp look.  But other then that, colors such as light purple, blue, pink, yellow, green, gray and orange are great also (these colors should all be pastel or soft).

(6) If you’re wearing a more casual shoe, change up your leather belt and add some color into your ensemble.

(7) If it’s a requirement to wear a tie at work or wherever you will be wearing these materials, a “skinny tie” will suit you best.  Regular size ties give off a more powerful and bold image, again you’re “relaxed” and “cool” so make sure your whole make-up complements your style.

(8) If you are a person who is just getting more into fashion, pleated pants, shorts or any pleats in that regard have become obsolete.  Unless you’re going for a specific look, stay away from this style on pant.  Flat front plants have replaced the guy who likes to sport pleats (thank God).

(9) You can mix-match your linen or seersucker colors.  For example, a white color blazer with a light blue pair of linen shorts are a good combination.  Grab your watch, throw on a nice stripe or solid oxford shirt and a pair of navy blue suede or tan leather loafers and you are on your way to the roof-top pool party downtown for a night of cocktails and laughter.

(10) Both of these materials wrinkle fairly easy, so you may want to steam them every once in the while.  But, not too much because you will ruin the material.  Actually linen looks a little bit better when it has some wrinkles in it.  Remember the casual look is the goal, so don’t give off a look that you spent an extent amount of preparation on your attire.

Not only do you want to be comfortable in these materials, you want to wear them with confidence.  Even with this advice, if you don’t carry yourself with confidence these tips will only take you so far.  The man makes the suit, not the other way around.

Adios gentlemen!

The All White event! (Happy Memorial Weekend)

Memorial Weekend has now arrived, and every weekend here on out there will be a host of all white functions to attend. The most difficult part we usually face is the challenge of abiding by this theme while still trying to be creative and different from the next person.  If you have not yet had the opportunity to attend an all white event, there will always be a person who tries too hard to stand out and does so by making a complete fool of them selves.  Trust me, you want to stay within the theme while still making a statement.  Here are some useful ideas that you can play with in order to get your mind generating for your upcoming events.

Pocket Square:

BROOKS BROTHERS

ALEXANDER OLCH

If you plan to wear an all white suit, incorporate a colorful pocket square.  This will enhance your look instantly.  A sharp pocket square will look good in any color on top of an all white based background.  Remember you want to wear lighter colors, so look into pastel colors and brighter schemes.  You can never go wrong with a plaid, striped, paisley or polka dot design.  Try to stay away from solid colors, you already have on plain white and you don’t want too look basic.   

Watch:   

J CREW

If you want go with a more subtle approach, switch up your wrist wear.  It’s time to pull out the canvas interchangeable time piece.  This is a quick and easy way to spruce up your watch because it has several different bands that you can choose from.  If you do not have this type of watch you need to invest in one this summer.  It will come in handy when you have those days you just want to wear a nice V-Neck of T-Shirt.

Footwear/ Belt:

TODS

JOHNSTON & MURPHY

COMMON PROJECTS

CONVERSE ALL*STARS

GANT

AMERICAN EAGLE

Now let’s say you want to sport some flat front white pants with either a button down,V-Neck top or Military shirt (long or short sleeve).  The next option for you to do is to wear some color in your footwear.  Depending on the type of event, you can wear a nice colored loafer or casual sneaker (no socks).  You don’t want to go over board with this, but this is a definite way to separate you self from the rest of the other guys.  If you want to wear a belt, remember it should complement your shoes.  I would go for a cotton belt during this season, unless you are wearing leather shoes then you would have to wear that same type of style around your waist. 

Hopefully these tips will be beneficial to you while you’re brainstorming the perfect outfit. Have a blessed weekend, be safe and enjoy!

Survey says... Wingtips!

COLE HAAN

When a lady looks down to view what type of footwear a guys has on, she should NEVER be disappointed.  A gentleman always should take pride into what type of shoes he is wearing.  Whether it is a causal sneaker, dress shoe, loafer or even sandals, the first thought that should run through her mind is class.  Think about it, if you take notice to what you put on your feet (what you walk on) how do you think everything else about you will be perceived? Elegant footwear is such tasteful beauty whether it is on a man, or woman.  If you invest in a good pair of shoes and take care of them, I promise you that they well be available upon years to come.

The Wingtip shoe is so versatile because it can be worn in many different ways.  You can dress them up with a nice suit or slacks or even dress them down with a nice pair of jeans or casual shorts.  FYI- Since the summer is around the corner gentlemen, your dress socks should stay tucked away in the sock draw.  Showing a little bit of skin is a good thing during this season, it gives off a cool but confident demeanor.  Whether you prefer to wear socks or not, the Wingtip shoe should not be in question.  I will tell you this much, walking and talking has never looked this good!

ALLEN EDMONDS

SALVATORE FERRAGAMOS

Your walking RESUME The "Pocket Square"

The Pocket Square is a piece of your fashion resume.  To better describe, if it was to be on a resume, it would surely be located under the experience section.  The beauty of this small but very important material is that you can dress it up or down how ever you choose so.  When guys hear about pocket squares, most think about the traditional white cotton pocket square folded and placed so only a hint of cloth is visible.  Although one can never go wrong with that color or fold, this style is mostly worn when going to events that are more conservative.  Now as you decide to spruce your style up with the perfect finishing touch, a colorful pattern or unique combination is the icing on the cake. Also, remember that you do not want to over match your colors, some times adding a totally different color scheme is the difference maker when you choose to sport your resume. 

Here are some examples on how to incorporate a pocket square when dressing.  Notice the different ways they are used and how they complement the rest of their ensemble.

Watch your Etiquette...

Leisure Watch



               Dress Watch



Etiquette has been described as the conventional requirements to social behavior and proprieties of conduct as they were established in class or community or for any occasion. This definition is according to the Webster dictionary.

One of the most ignored distinctions out there is the difference between dress watches versus sports watches!

Most people are selecting their watches not for appropriate value but just the opposite. Why wear a little silver trinket easily hidden by your shirt cuff when you have the option to wear a diamond-studded watch bigger than a Flavor Flav’s neck watch, drawing the attention to your apparently limitless disposable income?

Assuming you are a gentleman, a wristwatch should be slender, plain, and elegant if you are attending a formal setting, i.e. black & white tie and charity events; Let’s just be safe and say an event that requests the attire of hard bottoms and a suit coat. However, this may be of surprise to you but visible timepieces are traditionally not worn with formal evening dressing, because timekeeping is not considered a priority, or at least shouldn’t be.

If you so choose to indulge yourself, the watch needs to be as slim and sleek as your tuxedo. Black tie is classic formal wear; keep your timepiece in the same league with a leather strap and basic black or gold face. Keep those chunky chronographs with the compasses at home or on the fishing boat, you need to be dressy, not flashy here.

A man should never bring his ”toys” to the office; try to refrain from exercising your freedom of fashion in the work place because it will not get you the well-deserved promotion. Sport watches (no pun) should be confined to leisure time.

Though fashion rules are less strict, respect for social settings should not be. Therefore, let’s do our research on our invitations, respect the suggested attire (in its entirety) and we guarantee our respect for ourselves and whom we do business with will grow.

Ahh Yes! the "Briefcase" and "Superman"



Kenneth Cole

 Briefcase- At first, handbags were men’s accessory which they abandoned when it became synonyms with women. But as men’s fashion grows more streamlined, their handbags are once again making a comeback.  If you are a business man or a guy who deals with any type of business, you should consider looking into purchasing this item.  A briefcase screams class and elegance.  The greatest attribute about this item is that it can be worn with any thing, or actually with even nothing if that’s your vice.  If you’re any thing like most guys, you aren’t the most organized individual.  The Briefcase allows you to conquer this flaw while looking good all at the same time.

J.W. Hulme Co

Duffle Bag- EVERY man needs a duffle bag, especially if you travel a lot now or plan to travel in the future.  Have you ever seen a guy walking through the airport with a classic American style vintage leather duffle bag strapped to his shoulder? He virtually looks like Superman because he gives off this persona that he is harboring classified documents with in this unique looking bag.  Whether you have seen this happen or not, you need to be that guy.  This is an item that you will have for years upon years, the more worn down it is, the better it looks.  Now honestly, how many things you can say that about?!  

                                                        HISTORY

The very first handbags were literally crude pouches fashioned from leaves and animal hide. However, the first documented use of handbags is from the 14th century of Egyptian hieroglyphics which depict men carrying little sacks around the waist. Called pockets, these handbags were hung by thongs at the back of the girdle, and were used mainly by men to carry flint or money.

By the 1400s both men and women were using handbags, which gradually became a status symbol. People would adorn their handbags with jewelry or embroidery to reflect their wealth, and use expensive materials such as silk.

The term handbags actually only emerged in the 1900s, and was used to describe the luggage (similar to today’s satchels or briefcases) that men would carry. In the 50s, certain designers gained reputation for creating bold, beautiful and elegant handbags. This signaled the emergence of important designer houses: Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Hermes. Up to this day, handbags carrying their labels command a premium price.

5 Sexiest cities for a single man to visit

Summer is approaching and it is time to grab your passport gentlemen.  We have selected the most sexiest cities for a single man to mingle.  These cities are filled with beautiful women, awesome scenery and great entertainment.  You owe it to your self to be treated once a year to a wonderful vacation alone or accompanied by friends.  We recommend that you visit these areas before you decide to tie the knott or seriously get involved.  Trust us, it's in YOUR best interest.  What city will you choose?


5: Tel Aviv- Israel

Israel's best beach town has a stellar nightlife, and the women aren't bad either.


Nightlife: 10

Women: 7.5

Sport: 7.5

 
4: San Sebastian- Spain

San Sebastian is an under-the-radar Spanish beach town with an impressive number of Michelin-rated restaurants.


Nightlife: 8

Women: 7.3

Sport: 6.5

 
3: Bangkok- Thailand

Bangkok, which has become a wildly popular party city in recent years, is known for its legendary beaches and dirt cheap prices.


Nightlife: 8.5

Women: 8.8

Sport: 7

 
2: Miami- Florida

This is no surprise here: with its gorgeous beaches, sexy women and unmatched nightlife, single men know Miami is an unbeatable vacation spot.


Nightlife: 9

Women: 8.4

Sport: 7


1: Sao Paulo- Brazil

Sao Paulo, home of the 2014 World Cup, is a haven for fútbol aficionados and a perennial favorite for its food and women.


Nightlife: 10

Women: 7.4

Sport: 8