I wanna be like Mike.

Wondering what to wear for tonight's home opener? Head on over to Status at Calhoun Square to get your hands on the newest creation from the basketball great.   

Home (and Away) Air Jordan 1's are available in limited numbers, priced at $100 each and unfortunately are only available in White Sox colors.  

Disclaimer:  ability to dunk- SOLD SEPARATELY.

Thanks MC for the tip!

Detailed Expert-Michael Bastian

"If guys step back and are just honest about what they think looks good on them, it’s really hard to lose. You can spot guys who take on personas that are not theirs." -Michael Bastian on how men should interpret the latest trends

Michael is the former fashion director for Bergdorf Goodman, who is know putting his knowledge to the test as a designer. For the full interview, follow the Details link on Men.style.com.

On the horizon.

With the experience of designing for Marc Jacobs and recreating TSE, it is no wonder that Richard Chai's first menswear collection is stellar.  The coats alone are worth lusting after, and he no doubt will display his extensive knowledge of knit wear.  

No word yet on where to find the collection this coming fall.  But for now, enjoy the pictures.

Fade into blue.

There has always been something charming about things in my life  that get better, more comfortable, more familiar with each use.  I find that the same charm applies to clothing. 

Sure, the excitement of a new shirt, or pair of jeans is a wonderful thing.  But it doesn't relpace the feeling of slipping on that pair of jeans that have fit perfectly for years, and instantly make you feel like a million.

Designers are drawing on the nostalgic feeling that we all crave and recreating classics, and even wearing them in for us.  I'm not talking the "Abercrombie" worn in, but a more graceful approach that doesn't make you look like a tween.  

Most recently we have seen a resurgence of the chambray shirt playing into the whole Blue Collar trend. 

 Its not the easiest thing to wear, especially when paired with jeans, 

the whole blue on blue can get a little confusing. 

For ease, look for a lightweight chambray and pair with cuffed khakis- 

or even a pair of linen pants.

Try pairing a chambray shirt, under your gray suit for a more 9-5 friendly look.

Technicolor dreams.

No need to be bland this spring. No matter if you are a conservative dresser, or one who flaunts the latest trends- there is something out there for everyone. Pick a few colors that will coexist with your wardrobe, and will help bring you out of the winter in style.



Although he looks fantastic, this may be a little too much for the average man to try. If more conservative, try possibly pairing bright canvas belt with your chinos. Photo: The Sartorialist www.sartorialist.blogspot.com


For the more daring, rock out a pair of colored jeans or trousers, but keep the shirt simple and not distracting. Photo: men.style.com


A basic button down in a bright hue paired with your dark suits could make the transition to spring a little easier on your wallet. This shirt, $19.50 at Old Navy

A bright trench/ sneaker combo packs enough punch to amp up your basic khakis.  Be cautious of matching too much.  Mix up the classic lines of a trench with something unexpected, like a pair of Nike Low Dunks.  Trench: Burberry (also available in electric blue)

Photo: Men.style.com

Pour Homme...or her?

On a daily basis, I carry about 5 magazines with me. Not only do I get a mini workout while toting around 10 lbs. of the latest trends in fashion, literature and music, but I am never short on reading material. 

Earlier today, while rummaging around for my latest copy of Details…I found myself wondering, “What is that smell?” I know what you’re thinking- and no it wasn’t some part of my lunch from a week ago that I never got around to- put a more pleasant smell.

I flipped through the pages searching for the culprit of making my bag smell so…well, sexy! But my discovery was a little unexpected, the combination of Bvlgari Aqua (for men) and Gucci by Gucci (for women) was delightful!

I have know a few women that prefer the muskiness of a man’s cologne…but would you wear a woman’s perfume? 

Rogan's Heroes.

Named as designers to watch in the November 2007 issue of Vogue, Rogan offers classics lines with an off-beat twist and prides itself on being consistently inconsistent.    

I'm currently loving their Spring 08 line, full of denim (apparently an amazing fit), knits and just a hint of gingham!

You can find Rogan locally at Intoto, or head to the website for other locations.

(Take notice of the cuffed/ rolled pant leg...again!)

(and again!!)

Upgrade your Friday.

If you are like 90% of the men in this city, you wear clothing that is way too big for you. 

 I am not saying that you should run out and invest in a full spandex outfit (a' la Eddie Murphy in the Nutty Professor) but your clothes should not look like you are swimming in them.  Not only does it look sloppy, you look bigger than you actually are.

In this months GQ, they have picked men off the street and given them the oppertunity to upgrade their look.   Pulling them out of their business casual slump, the editors of GQ made these men look smart and put together (and also nearly unrecognizable.) 

Photos: Men.style.com

Although I can't offer an upgrade, there are a few simple ways to amp up your look.  

• With pants or trousers- look for a slimmer leg and AVOID pleats.  Sorry if this crushes you, but pleated khakis are not cool.  
• With a blazer- go down in the size until the seam hits your shoulder points.
  
• With a casual shirt or button down- the bottom of the shirt should be long enough to tuck in without going past your hip points and should graze your torso without being tight.

Attention moneybags!

Are looking to drop a few hundo on some duds this weekend?  Well then, you're in luck.  Head on over to Neiman Marcus this Friday or Saturday for the Spring 2008 Hip Event.  

When you spend $500 (or more) the contemporary department, Neimans will throw in a D&G watch- a perfect accessory to those short sleeves you will be wearing in no time!

Britain's sought after hair...for men!

I promise that I will not make a habit out of posting a women's look, as an inspiration for men.  That said,  I was reading yesterday that Faran (of Fashionista.com) while in London, noticed that the current demand in mens coiffure is that of Ms. Deyn. 

 Although, Agyness' look is completely androgynous- I can't imagine spotting a hairstyle on that of the opposite sex, and wanting to make it my own.

Best of all, these pixie haired boys have even coined a term for themselves- we'll see if the "Ag Hags" make their way stateside.

Feeling Blue?

Ease the pain by hitting up Denim Days at Bloomingdales. Designer denim rarely goes on sale, but for the next few days- If you buy two or more pairs, you get 20% off! An added bonus, free shipping if you spend $150 or more. See www.bloomigdales.com for the full scoop.

Hey, your Irish is showing.

I hate that St. Patty's day has fallen on a Monday!  But it does give me the opportunity to witness all the glory that is "holiday dressing."  You know the type, the festive christmas sweaters, the fake shamrock tattoo on the cheek, etc.  I will admit, it is mostly women who are guilty of this- but I have also seen some logo tees roaming the skyway this morning that should be saved for the after work celebration at McGovern's or the Local.  

If you are planning on showing your Irish pride, opt for something more fashion forward.

Get in the game!

Yesterday while doing a little research into swimwear (more on that to come), I stumbled upon the Rugby Style Guide. Even though the nearest Rugby (Ralph Laurens trendier and edgier line) store is in Chicago, we are able to log on and watch video tutorials on the latest trends and even sign up to get email trend alerts.

Now playing:
-How to master the tight roll that I have referred to several times.
-How to tie the perfect bowtie, or more complicated knots.
-How to amp up the smaller details in your wardrobe.

Plus, get advice and insider information from the Rugby sales team!

The Hunted.

I am not lying when I say that I have hunted for this bag.  After seeing a friend with one, and (in my ignorance) assuming that it was a limited edition item from L.L. Bean, I searched for options that mimicked the bag that I had totally crushed on.  

I went to army surplus stores from Florida, to New York, to Minnesota and always walked away empty handed, never finding the perfect balance preppy and edgy- and unexpected twist.  Lo and behold- while researching the boat shoe piece....I FOUND IT!!!  Sure enough, hidden underneath the "Hunting and Fishing" tab on llbean.com was my bag!  Ranging in price from $19 to $30, this is the perfect bag for a weekend away- or toting your waterfoul as the website lists as a use!!!

Fine Tuning

Take a listen to Vampire Weekend.  It takes a bit of getting used to, but worth it.  

A horse of a different color...a shoe rather.

For years, the boat shoe has been a staple of the both the upwardly mobile and old money alike.  Designed with the practicality of  a non-slip shoe for the deck of a sailboat in mind, the Sperry Top-Sider (designed in 1935) has become the cornerstone of nautical style.   Other brands, Rockport and Tommy Bahama, have followed suit designing their own interpretations of the classic.

After years of the same, tired visage- the boat shoe has been revived and given a facelift.  No longer for Zach Morris types only, the range of color is reaching out to the masses and should be embraced.  

A more daring color choice, but the burnt orarnge could complement your summer tan quite smartly.  What to wear with orange?  Stay safe with earth tones- but I would love to see this with turquoise.  Maybe I'm crazy!

With such a blue scene happening for Spring, whats not to love about these?

It might be a stretch to try these with blue jeans, but possibly with a pair of white chinos or linen pants.  If you are daring, give the new "tight roll" a try.  (See my third entry)  

Try these with an off-beat pair of plaid shorts and a Hanes v-neck for summer ease.

Mr Carosi would not object to Zach wearing such uniform friendly shoes.

Buy these in bulk!!!

My sources tell me that there are Tom Ford sunglasses available at...wait for it...COSTCO! Thats right, grab your supersize cart and head on down. Apparently, they are available for $150. A far cry from the $400 it would cost you elsewhere.

Coming up short?

Fashionista.com is posing the question, "Do you feel that a 'short suits' is on trend?"



Although not the first I have seen of its kind, I think that this is the first time I'm seeing a department store stand behind it. What do you think? I could see the short suit gracing the sweltering streets of New York this coming summer, but I am not sure Minneapolis is ready.

If you are daring enough to try, make sure that you have a base tan (no pasty ankles please), that you choose the correct footwear (i.e. converse, vans or perhaps a lightweight driving moc), and you chose the right arena to debut such trend (your conservative 9-5 may not be the best place.)

Warming trend.

With the fast approaching spring comes melting ice, and lets face it the trashing of your pant hems. Rather than chock it up to the war wounds of the season- tuck half of your pant legs in the inside of a pair of combat boot (or other rugged footwear) and rock out one of my favorite "I'm not trying too hard" looks. Your pants will thank you.

Style tip: Make sure that the boots of your choice hit right above the ankle.