On my iPod.

New EP out from Coldplay today.  In my opinion, these guys are brilliant and continue to evolve each release.  Plus, I am still on a cloud after their concert last weekend!  

Perfection.

Scott Schuman always hits the nail right on the head.  What a perfect transitional outfit from fall to winter.  Bonus, you can find the Irish Setter boots (by Red Wing) at Nokomis Shoe here in the Twin Cities.  

Scuff them up...let the laces loose....like I said, perfection.

Man of Style: a follow up.

This week, Men's Style.com featured Paul Newman in their Week In Style.  For a slideshow of Paul's signature style moments, visit men.style.com.

Sole searching.

I am not going to make a point of drawing attention to poor choices (or lack of knowledge) when it comes to a man dressing himself.  I would rather affirm, or suggest ways to improve a look.  

That said, I have noticed this type of shoe on too many men not to say anything.

Unless you are in the service industry (which this gentleman was not) these shoes do nothing but look heavy and rather blah!  Instead, opt for something a sleeker and minus the padded ankle surrounds.  

Just sayin'.

Man of Style: Paul Newman (1925-2008)

With a career that spanned the better half of a century, there is no doubt that Paul Newman's style has evolved throughout.  Newman's on-screen signature was a tight undershirt and slacks, along with Steve McQueen and other 60's stars, typically accessorized with a cigarette and a glass of bourbon.  Paul was the type that tuxedos were made for, even if he preferred a simple pair of trousers and classic buttondown.  

After winning the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award in 1993, Newman burned the tuxedo, stating that he would never wear black tie again. Leading Newman to give the remainder of his wardrobe away, claiming that a simpler life is a happier life.  This proving best that true style doesn't need to be of the moment, trendy or even expensive, it should represent the wearer.  In Paul's case, a wardrobe of selflessness, compassion and humility.

Note:  Months ago, when reading GQ's 50 Most Stylist Men issue, I jotted down Paul Newman's name as inspiration for a future posting.  Not only a true man of style, but an individual who gave selflessly for so many years.   I have had the opportunity to meet Paul, and be a part of the camps that were his brainchild.  I know I don't speak only for myself when I say thank you, for the life that you lead has changed mine.  I could not think of a better time to honor him.

On my iPod.

Oracular Spectacular by MGMT. Pure Fun

About face.

When it comes to facial hair on a man, I never really cared for it.  That is until recently.  I am unsure if previously I was just exposed to pubecent boys that couldn't grow in a full beard, or TV screens smattered with Spencer Pratt's flesh tone beard,  or even Ashton Kutcher's spotty beard that never seemed to fill out, that lead to my previous dislike-- but something has caused a drastic change of heart.

Through out history, facial hair has represented a sign or maturity and has been the show horse for those of high social status, or even been a matter of necessity in keeping the face warm during harsh winters. That said, its no wonder that when the first signs of puberty hit, boys start growing in their peach fuzz, even if it looks terrible.

When I recently asked a friend of mine what inspired his new beard, he told me that GQ told him that it was the new "in" thing and judging by the amount of young men jumping on the bearded bandwagon, I would say that said friend is right on track.  

 So..."in" thing or not, a few rules are necessary.

1.  If you facial hair is the same color as your skin, facial hair is not for you.  Try accessorizing your face with glasses, or even a hat.

2. Never, and by never...i mean never, shave along your jawline to "clean up" your beard.  By "cleaning up", you also just fattened up- drawing attention to your double chin.  Rather, trim it..leaving some scruff to cover up that baby weight.

3.  Be adventurous.  If you have mastered the beard....venture off to the Fu Man Choo, or the handlebar mustache.  Use this as a platform for individual expression, it is a guaranteed conversation piece.

4. If your facial hair growing in resembles a flea circus more than a beard, mustache, whatever....it may come in with time, but the growing in process can be distracting, and look lazy.

Just sayin'

It's Hammer Time.

For all of you who thought that you may never have the opportunity to see the great MC Hammer,  don't worry....TONIGHT is your chance, thus proving that he really is "Too Legit to Quit...hey, hey!"

He will be gracing the stage for this year's Glamorama with "fun-loving gal" Cindi Lauper.  

Tickets are still available.  So, hit up American Apparel for any color jeans that you would ever want and pull out your slap bracelets that you have been saving for such an occasion.

I like it when you call me pill popper....

What's not to like about a "prescription for peace?"  Although, I am typically a fan of solid tees on guys, there is something kitchy about this one.  Also,  the human body is as good a platform as any to get your point across (as long as the tee doesn't say "save a wave, ride a surfer" or something ass-like.)  

Find this tees and a few others at Gold Saturn.

Mad Men.

Stylish, provocative, and sexy-- one of the HOTTEST shows this summer (I have yet to watch) is sparking a flashback in fashion for both sexes.  Donning skinny suits, skinny ties and always nursing a scotch and water, the leading men of Mad Men are the driving forces behind this Retro Redux.

Uber producer Mark Ronson takes his influence from an earlier era in both his personal style as well we with some of the artists that he has launched to the top of the charts.  

Enter: Amy Winehouse (pre the deranged shirtless days)

Interior designers are also taking note of the sleek and sexy lines of Mad Men set, and bringing mid-century modern to the masses.

 Potter's Bar, pictured above, is the newly designed watering hole at the Palmer House Hilton in Chicago.  Imagine lounging on buttery leather while listening to Miles Davis or John Coltrane,  yes... these "Mad Men" have it great.

A "murse" by any other name....

While this is a trend that is slowly starting to grow within the Twin Cities, larger cities have been accepting of messenger bags, unisex carryalls, "murses" or man bags, mostly derived from the functionality standpoint of commuter cities.  With more and more Minneapolitains taking to the buses, are we ready to be a part of the "murse" generation?

Over cocktails and french fries last night with two new (and very stylish) friends,  I have to be honest that I found myself shocked when they both used the word "murse" several times.  Yes, this is a term that those of us in the industry throw around with little caution...but it was a bit off to hear it in the real world.  It makes me wonder, would more men carry a "murse" or a "man bag"  if it was called something else- something less embarrassing?  

Feedback?

The return of HyperColor.

While I was working the other night, a couple friends of mine were discussing former trends that we all took part in.  The acid wash jeans, the hightops and tube socks, tightrolling our jeans so tight that our circulation was compromised.

American Apparel has long been drawing influence from decades past, including the return of one of my favorite 80's trend, the Hypercolor tee shirt.  Of course, that is not what they are calling it, because that would be copyright infringement (AND they are still in trouble from the whole Woody Allen billboard incident) Nonetheless, here it is.......

I am still unsure why a shirt that shows when your body heat is rising is popular, but apparently the magic of temperature sensitive pigments is still drawing in the masses. 

Raising Hemlines.

Throughout the season, I have been seeing the hemlines on pants creep their way up the leg, now we are starting to see the same on men's jackets.

I might shudder if I ever see a 3/4 sleeve on a man, but the careful "juj-ing" of a man's sleeve up to his mid arm is starting to catch my attention.

Much like a button down shirt, the blazers and sport-coat sleeves can be easily pushed up the arm for a more carefree, casual look.

PS.  My apologies for not posting more frequently.  Work has consumed my days and nights recently.  I will make more of an effort, thanks fro checking back.

Paging Mr. Feeney.

Keeping with the theme of Lake Como Chic, I am very much in lust with this look. 

Cardigans have not seen this much play since our favorite middle school teacher donned one nearly every episode.  Unlike Mr. Feeney, the look has modernized and has been carried over in to the summer months.   Lucky us, since it seems unlikely at this point if we will be able to go out this summer with out a light weight layering piece.

Photos by the Sartorialist and from J. Crew.

Luck be a polo tonight.....

Photo: The Sartorialist

Have I told you about my thoughts on Lake Como Chic?  Well, I am not sure if I was the one to coin this movement in fashion- or if I heard of this though the grapevine, but at any-rate Lake Como Chic should be at the top of your list. 

Not only a look, but an air about a man- effortless, cool, sarcastic and yet polite, this man is the one you want to hang with, the one you slightly envy... think Frank Sinatra- or George Clooney.

The key to achieving the look, is to honestly not try too hard.  Italians never "dress down" as Americans do, and they have perfected the art of mixing and matching.  Taking a casual friday staple like the polo shirt, and throwing it under a blazer (even a cordoroy one like above) looks less stifled than a dress shirt and has become the trend du jour this summer.  

Try it at your next outdoor fete!  (maybe even try the look with a pair of khaki shorts-cuffed of course- and some driving mocs....but only if you're daring)

Purple Reigns- Lance Carroll

Enter: Lance Carroll looking slightly mysterious, exhibiting the perfect blend of new and vintage. Not to mention donning a fantastic haircut (by Tyler at Denny Kemp).  

Credits:

Vintage velvet blazer, by the late YSL

Purple Vest, American Apparel

Jeans, D&G

Bonus Material:  For all you Prince-o-philes, tonight the Cabooze is hosting "Prince's Family Reunion" featuring former band members of the great one.  Rumor has it that they will have Prince's preferred guitar and pedal array on hand- just incase the patriarch of the family decides to join the party.

Would you, could you?

Stumbled across this while researching another post. I found myself just staring at it. 

I mean, I am a HUGE fan of the vests that have emerged this season- but I feel that this has taken the trend a little too far.  Or maybe- its just the rolled up undershirt sleeves that make it look so uncool.

So...would you? Could you?

A legend no longer of this earth.

After quietly battling a brain tumor, Yves Saint Laurent passed away on Sunday morning in his Paris home.   

Known for creating luxury that every woman wanted (and still wants) to be a part of and bringing safari to the high street, today the fashion world celebrates the amazing life of the revolutionary designer.

François Pinault, founder and former CEO of the fashion group PPR
“Yves Saint Laurent invented everything, revisited everything, transformed everything to the service of a passion, to let woman shine and to free her beauty and mystery.”

French President Nicolas Sarkozy
“He was convinced that beauty was a necessary luxury for all men and all women.”

Transformers.

Typically, the long memorial day weekend signifies bringing out the board shorts or trunks (as I recommend) and hitting the pool. But if any of you were in town this weekend, you bore witness to the chilling temps and wild storms that we are used to seeing in April, resulting in a bit of a canundrum this AM when it came to getting dressed. 

What is one to do when it is 40 degrees when leaving for work, and about 70 when arriving back home? The 30 degree swing can be a challenge for the fashion novice and even seasoned style makers.  

A little layering can make all the difference and allow you to pack away the wool suit and chunky cardigans.  Urban, Gap, Ivy and LD Man are all stocking up on featherweight cardigans and sweaters- perfect for days like today.

Detail Oriented-Patrick Doyle

All right, all right...it may seem unfair to post my brother on here. But when a guy demonstrates finely tuned style knowledge, (wether or not he is related to me) I will acknowledge it.

As seen here, Patrick took evidence from his surrounds (the preppy grounds of George Washington University) as inspiration for his library cardigan and classic cut khaki's.  Now, bringing "The End of Poverty" by Jeffery Sachs, as a little light reading for the graduation ceremony- may have taken intellectual chic a little far.  Let's stick to the clothes next time!

Detail Oriented-Cody Gavin

Even though I have never met Cody, rule of thumb is that 90% of MCAD students have a keen eye for trend and are superior in the execution.  Contributing blogger, Suzy Martin, picked this one out of the crowd (actually, out of her group of friends, but who's counting?)  

The jeans are Andy Warhol for Levi's (Cody found them at Buffalo Exchange) and the mustache ridden bandana is Cody's own design, Cholo.

Yes, that is a gold mustache!

Bluefly's The Tailor.

For those not lucky enough to have a haberdashery in their own city, Bluefly has created "The Tailor."  Promising not to be pretentious, shoppers can find smart designer duds from Etro, Michael Kors and Burberry.  In true Bluefly style, prices will be up to 40% off retail prices.

I don't know if this is the place to head for your first suit, for I can't imagine that an online store will offer tailoring to fit- even if it is called The Tailor.  Something to take into account when calculating the price- will you be spending the amount you saved to get it to fit perfectly? Or are you willing to forgo the fit for a discounted price?

First seen on See Jack Shop.

What is a Porkpie?

pork·pie· (hat) (pôrk′pī′)

noun

a man's soft hat with a round, flat crown

A good friend and I were talking the other night about what he should wear to Steeplechase, a horse raise held every year in Nashville.  Any who have witnessed the hat parade at the Derby- know that what you wear says everything.   The previous weekend, he rocked a white linen suit, floral pocket square and a mustache that could have won him the title of "Phillip Seymore Hoffman look-alike."  So, the goal was to top that.  I suggested he try a porkpie hat, he suggested one of the former "vote-for button" hats- come to realize that we were both describing the same hat.  

The porkpie was made popular by vaudville comedians (like Buster Keaton) and countless jazz musicians and has recently reemerged with the growing popularitiy of toppers- and being worn by trendsetters looking to have something different from the fedora or straw panama hat.   You can find them locally at Heimie's Haberdashery in St. Paul.

Super-heroes unite!

Somewhere on my life list, I have it stated that I want to be invited to the Met Gala to benefit the Costume Institute.  Being that the invitations are more coveted than Super Bowl tickets, and attendees are hand selected by Anna Wintour,  I am hoping that one day- I may be able to cover the event.

It is the who's who of the entertainment and fashion industry under one roof and always promises looks to lust after.  With a theme for each year, the crowd pays homage to the influences of design and entrainment on the fashion industry.  

Monday night, super-heroes (and super powers) united....some faves:

No wonder we love Rag and Bone!  Look at the gold shoes at left.

I nearly forgot that he was one a resident of "the creek"

A tale of the ill fitting tuxedo....  Gentlemen,  in both occasions- the top half is fine, next time...lets try to get pants that fit, and don't look like you are playing dress up.

A (wing)tip or two.

A graphically pleasing shoe such as a spectator tends to look costumey when dressed up to the nines. However, as The Sartorialist points out, dressing down the Swing Kids classic, results in a completely fresh look.

Tip: to keep this look fresh- invest in some Peds, or no-show socks.

I spy.

I will tell anyone, I am an AVID people watcher. To be completely honest- that it all started in a more judgmental manner. Straying from that now, I am so intrigued by cultures, mannerisms, relationships, and body language. My post as a hostess at “my neighborhood brassiere” several nights a week, is extremely fitting for a gal of my interests. Anyone who works in the restaurant industry will tell you, we see all kinds.

Last night, I was witness to a very interesting interaction between a young lady (who had imbibed a little too much liquid courage) and a darling young man. She had been eying several of our (openly gay) servers through out the night, but when Mr. X walked in, she knew she was lust. What she didn’t know before she approached him asking to buy him a drink …was that he was with his wife and parents. While trying to contain my laughter, I was super impressed with how he handled himself- introducing his wife and family, and thanking her for her compliment.

Whether you are gay, straight, committed or single and just not interested, if a woman courageously approaches you with the intent of getting to know you a little better, let her down very gently. Even though it was most likely brought on by booze, I admire and am impressed by the amount of gumption it took to go after exactly what she wanted.