Detailed Expert-Veronique Nichanian

Photo: The Sartorialist
"Wearing a scarf is about attitude. A man should just wrap one around his neck, maybe two times—but not tightly like women do. It should be nonchalant."

 -Veronique Nichanian, menswear designer for Hermes.

Mind the Gap.

It is a rare day that I will post two references to the Gap, but that is apparently about to change.  One of my (and seemingly the world's) favorite blogger, Scott Schuman (a.k.a The Sartorialist) was shot yesterday for the new Fall 08 Gap Ads.  

Any of you who read your DNR or any other fashion industry publication, know that Patrick Robinson has officially taken over as creative head for the Gap, and according to Scott...he has put a brought fashion back into the house of khaki.

When it is stated by the man who Time Magazine has named one of the top 100 design influencers...I'll buy it.  The first delivery of the new duds hits stores this month.  

Macintosh for Gap.

The Gap has lowered its prices on an already affordable classic.  The Macintosh, which every high end designer has made a version of, is now available for the bargain price of $69.99.   With a waxed canvas outer layer to protect from the elements and an already established classic silhouette, this is a sweet deal for spring.

Cleveland Rocks!

For good portion of my life I have been paying attention to the style of different groups of people, and trying to attempt to capture the style myself (albeit, most of the time I got it horribly wrong.) Now I realize that many of my mistakes were just me being ahead of my time, and have in a completely backwards way....landed me in a career doing exactly that, studying the trends of groups of people and recreating the look on others.  

Recently, I (and many others) have been drawing inspiration from an unlikely group, snowbirds.  Back in the day, I used to sit in church and scoff at the amount of  what my mother coined as "Full Clevelands," wearing both white shoes and a white belt, and "Half Cleavlands," only wearing one or the other; when I was taught that wearing white before labor day was a big no no.  

Color me suprised when the thing that used to ammuse me during church would become a white hot trend for Spring 08.  Although, I'm unsure to how long it will last, right now.... the (full or half) Cleveland rocks!

Some faves....

Clarks Desert Boot $94

Suede Bucks J. Crew $138

Native American embossed belt $38, Urban Outfitters.
Dip Dyed white oxford, $495, Paul Smith (Available locally at Intoto)

Looks like June to me.

In the magazine industry, we have to work several months ahead of schedule in order to get the items to press and delivered on time.

Pros: I have the advantage on knowing current trends before most people and getting to spend the entire day outside on the first nice day of Spring.

Cons: Having to fake that it is June when there is still ice on Lake Harriet (and no leaves on trees), or Christmas in October, or Spring in December. That, and the fact that I am usually over a seasons trends before the season even starts. Take notice of the cardigan, Hane's v-neck tee, and the vintage chambray shirt, some of my faves for the summer.

Here are a few sneak peeks as to what we are working on for June. For all looks, make sure to pick up the June issue of Minneapolis/St. Paul Magazine.

Andrew and I are attempting to wrangle Maggie, my sister's dog that she so generously lent to me for the day. I am not sure if this is before or after she stole half the loaf of bread out of the picnic basket.
Our luxurious accomodations...by the end of the day- it looked like the closet of the RV had exploded.

You would never know that he couldn't play guitar. He said he took requests, but it never manifested. Still waiting on Free Bird.

Models: Andrew Shaw- Chosen Managment, Chicago and Shannon O'Hara- Ford, Chicago.

Styled by Liz Doyle and Melissa Colgan.

Fine Tuning

Did you hear, Gavin Rossdale has gone solo??? I stumbled across the single while browsing new music Tuesday on iTunes...and was a little sceptical of his ballad writing abilities, and the 30 clip of Love Remains the Same didn't leave much to be desired.

Maybe is was pure exhaustion last night, but I heard it again on the radio... and nearly caught my self singing along. Its no Glycerine...but maybe my love for Mr. Rossdale remains the same.

Groveling.

Again, I apologize for my lack of posting. I had all intentions of getting some posts up sooner, but my new(er) role of Editorial Stylist for a local publication has been consuming a lot of time. But, you will be benefitting from this as well.

To gain your forgiveness, I offer a thousand apologies and some behind the scenes photos from our 14 hour shoot Wednesday.

Polo in Beijing.

Famed Americana designer, Ralph Lauren, is set to design the wardrobe for the opening and closing ceremonies of the Beijing Olympics. In years past, the role of outfitting the greatest of American athletes has fallen upon Roots, a company based out of Toronto. Apparently this year, the US Olympic Committee is looking to embrace the quintessential American look by calling on its golden boy.

In addition to the wardrobe for the opening/closing ceremonies, Lauren has been commissioned to create what they are coining as "Village Wear," for athletes to wear during their down time in, you guessed it, The Olympic Village!

What's next, little surgical/pollution masks emblazoned with the RL logo for the athletes to wear?

I'm wondering....will Ralph bring home the gold?

Not lazy, just busy.

My apologies to the few who check this regularly. Work has kept me busy for the last few days. Working on a few things now, check back later!

Student life.

While doing a little research for my full time job today, I stumbled upon a little nugget of information. J. Crew offers students a 10% discount with a valid student ID!

Is it just me, or have they done a poor job at advertising to the struggling college student? (or any student for that matter?)

Maybe it is time to use the ID for more than a discounted ticket at the movies!

Save the animals.

Urban Outfitters has always done a great job at reinventing vintage faves, and even taking used clothing from unwearable to desirable. But I am afraid that this crosses the (thick, black, not to be crossed) line.




Photos: Urbanoutfitters.com

Even though there is a subculture out there that will wear anything the grab attention (even if they pretend not to care). If you are a part of that select group, stick to the originals. Head over to your local Salvation Army, or ARC and you might even find a tee shirt with a bald eagle, or baby sea lion on it. Bonus, no one else will have it!

I'm afraid of critters.

Photo: Jcrew.com

A thought.....I know today was 60 degrees and beautiful out, but it seems a little premature for the flip flops and "critter shorts" from J. Crew. Instead, try foregoing the socks and rolling the pants up a little.

Photo: The Sartorialist

Tough as nails.

For years, the word manicure has been associated with a salon or spa full of women, so it is no doubt that men tune out as soon as the word is uttered.  Although walking into the lion's den of a nail salon can be extremely intimidating, men are not to be exempt from a little routine maintenance.  

Winston's Barber Shop offers a male only environment, complete with a pool table and ESPN on flat screens, and offers a full menu of spa services for men.   Manicures and pedicures happen here on a regular basis, along with facials, straight-razor shaves and even massages.

If you are a DIY sort of guy, there are plenty of options to help.  Far from delicate, this nail kit from Ace, has a "guy's guy" in mind.  The Nail File Pick (below) includes a ring brush, nail scrubber, pick and file.  The convenient 4-in-1 tool is only $6.99 and available at Amazon. No excuses now!

 

Just crew it.

Thanks to to the ladies at Glam Chic, here is a peek at J. Crew's fall line. Now I know that talking about fall is next to sacrilegious, especially with snow still on the ground, but it is always fun to be in the know.  

Bonus, if you invest in a pair of white jeans or pants for this spring, you can transition them to spring by pairing it with a rugged trench and a pair of Wallabees. (see above image)

One Republic.

Unless I was missing something, I thought that Banana Republic was a go-to when it came to wearing the classics.  You know, the "I've procrastinated to the last second before finding something to wear to my friend's wedding" store.  That said, I was a bit suprised to read on Fashionista that the retail chain had come up with a new line to appeal to their Classic Shopper.

Perhaps feeling the need to keep up with the J. Crew Collectors and Vintage lines and Brooks Brothers' partnership with Thom Browne, Banana has introduced their Monogram Collection. The collection is filled with cashmere suits and sweaters, crisp button downs and slim shorts, classics (recreated in current silhouettes) that could be easily incorporated into any man's  wardrobe.

Here are few faves.

If you build it, they will come.

At least that is what Keith Dorsett of Elsworth is hoping. After a strong career in the menswear department of Macy’s, Keith decided to take his extensive knowledge of men's fashion and open his own store. Funny enough, it’s only a stones throw away from his former stomping ground ( just through the men’s shoe department and across the skyway.)


Elsworth joins the likes of Len Druskin Man and Ivy Man + Design in the resurgence of mens stores opening downtown. Keith is excited about bringing shopping back to the downtown area and is hoping the trend continues. "It is not going to be an over night transformation, but I'm in it for the long haul."

Elsworth is currently stocked with John Varvatos suits,  Ted Baker ties, and some FANTASTIC silver dress shoes from Kenneth Cole.  Head on over, and prove Keith's (and James Earl Jones') theory to be correct.