Vote for Change (Of Clothes)

Today is the final day of voting in Esquire's Best Dressed Real Man. If you have a moment or 30, please vote!

Get the look

If you happen to get stuck in the art of dressing look for inspiration in magazines. They're a great tool if you want something different and can't quite figure it out. Take an ad or photo when you go shopping. Ensembles in magazine's certainly aren't meant to be worn with only the accompanying pieces. Just because you like everything about the outfit, doesn't mean you wear only those items together every time. It's that shirt/tie/link/square in a box combo mentality.

That said, it's a great visual inspiration. Magazine's often tout the best quality items (which indeed are fine) but don't necessarily match every man's wardrobe. 

I'm a walking example of this today. I was ironing my shirt and realized I had put together something worn by Jason Stathum several months before. However, at a much lower price point. This is a two-fold message. Magazine looks can be had for less. It just takes some time and digging.

In the September 2008 issue of GQ Jason Stathum has on jacket ($2,650, part of a suit) and shirt($645) from Louis Vuitton; tie by Thomas Pink ($105); jeans by A.P.C. ($155); shoes by Brooks Brothers ($568); and tie bar from Thom Browne. This look was specifically for wearing jeans at the office; it's simple and clean. This look can go anywhere but, the proportions must be correct. Slim, not skinny, jacket, tie and jeans.

I did the same look for considerably less today. Jacket by H&M ($50); shirt by Missoni ($60 on clearance); tie by Polo Ralph Lauren (an astonishing $2 tucked away behind dozens of undesirable ties at TJ Maxx); jeans by A.P.C. and tie bar by Geoffrey Beene.

The Perfect Tie

The black silk knit tie (which I'm wearing today) is the most versatile tie in my collection of about 30 neckties (in varying colors and fabrics). It's the tie I can easily dress up or down. Charcoal suit, white shirt, black silk knit tie. Check. Jack Purcells, slim black trousers, denim jacket, said tie. Check. 

Knit ties still aren't all that common. Getting some men into a necktie can be a nearly a Herculean ordeal. Tell him he only needs one and the complaints will (hopefully) fade. The soft, nubby texture makes it perfect for the summer. The square bottom lends a more casual feel to it, making it a fantastic match for jeans and a simple white shirt. 

Sure, you can wear other ties with jeans and a suit but, this one can go formal (much like in several Ralph Lauren Black Label ads). Black silk ties can go formal but, look stuffy when paired with a sneaker like an Adidas Samba or Chuck Taylor. Meanwhile, silk knit tie in other colors may work well with a multitude of jackets, suits and jeans but, they'll never be as elegant as the tie in black. 

This is the go-to tie.

The perfect denim

For my recent birthday, I received what has now become the perfect pair of jeans. I have a pretty solid collection of denim: Levi's, Helmut Lang, Earnest Sewn (I'm a sale shopper) but this new pair trounces them all. The fit in unparalleled, the wash is that shade that works in the office and at the lounge, the cut and fit hit the bottom of my mocha split-toe oxfords and look just at home with my "vintage" Fila hi tops. They're not dangerously low-waisted as all men are not A&F models, nor are they too high. The straight fit is what I usually stick to. These are slim but, not hipster skinny. 

What you'll love about the lack of stitching is the jeans are at home just about anywhere. I prefer not to wear jeans to say a church or a elegant dinner but, one wouldn't be out of place. Trendier jeans have their places and times. The New Standard, however, works at all times.

I've read about the A.P.C. New Standard for some time now. I've read the praise fashion editors have headed on the unadorned pant. I must say, I'm experiencing what they're written about: how the jeans are stiffer than cardboard, how they eventually conform to your body, how the understated aspects and superb fit make more of an impact than an embroidered 'R' on a back pocket could ever make. So far, they're the perfect jeans.

Vote for Change (Of Clothes)

Much love

In spreading the word for Esquire's Best Dressed Real Man. I've gotten an tons for support for friends, coworkers and relatives around the country and hemisphere. It's still early but I want to thank everyone for spreading the word. I also want to direct you all to The Gentleman's Standard and The Style Arbiter, both of which are in my favs. These two sites are amazing sources of style information and inspiration. The men behind them are quite stylish as well.

Funk up your eyewear with Paul Frank

I've worn glasses since I was a boy of seven. That was waaaay back in 1990. Big was in. That's what I had. Big, clunky glasses. Throughout the years, I never warmed up to the idea of visiting the optometrist. I wished I didn't have to wear those nerdy specs. That and, I got stuck in the restroom while waiting for an eye exam once, which further traumatized me.

I always went for basic, non-descript frames. No need to rock the boat. As I got older there were two major instances: I nearly passed out when I tried on contacts (can't touch my eye for anything), and I concluded that a laser and eye shouldn't meet. I'll have these glasses for my life.

OK! Why not embrace them and make them part of my ensemble. Eyewear should play into your overall look. Why treat it like that that awful-tasting side dish. It's such a big part of style and it took me time to realize it.

*Make glasses an extension of your personality

*Don't be afraid to experiment with color and shapes

*Take a trusted friend or spouse when you pick out frames

*Think outside the box; if you have a great pair of sun glass frames you like, get prescription lenses for them

*Check ebay for vintage frames

*Don't limit yourself to the frames at your local eyeglass emporium

*Hop on those two-for-one deals. Having two (or more) pair of eyeglasses gives you some options in the morning.

Try Paul Frank. They make some absolutely amazing (and affordable) frames. Like the ones above.

Check out Paul Frank at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Paul-Frank-Optics/113189870365 and paulfrank.com

Sandal weather

When the temp rises you wear thinner materials, right? You ditch the wool suits in favor of linen and cotton pieces, don't you? If not, I heavily suggest you do so but, today is about the feet. Let them breath during the hot summer months.

Ditch the socks, do away with boots, no heavy lug-soled shoes when it's 90 degrees outside. Turn up the style on your feet. Try sandals is shades of brown and black. Like these above. The thin soles lend a dressier feel to the footwear (summer dressy), rather than thick-soled sport sandals with Velcro and padding. Think leather, rather than rubber.

When these are worn, however, one must make the feet presentable. That doesn't mean an all-out pedicure (though it's great to have one). At the very least, make sure you toenails won't cut anyone; clear out any dirt or particles of sock from under the nail; no ashy feet.

Flip flops have there place. The beach and the locker room. The American youth has made everyplace flip flop accessible. Real shoes are safer, more stylish and more creative. That said, they're a great place for a shot of color.

Esquire Best Dressed

I've made it into the Esquire Magazine Best Dressed Real Man contest. Check it out at
http://www.esquirebdrm.com/

New Post---Finally

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