AP stuff and Tom Ford's store

I was browsing the Associated Press image wire and came across these. Jamie Foxx looks cool in that Shaft kind of way. You will never look  bad in a black turtleneck, pea coat and gloves. Throw on some great sunglasses and you're a star...if that's the look you're going for. 

Mr. Smokey Robinson looks smooth here at the Grammy Awards Nomination Concert last night in New York. His suit is definitely Tom Ford. Everyone from Steve Nash to Usher to Will Smith to David Beckham has been wearing Tom Ford for well over a year. The former Gucci head's designs are noticeable by the wide peak-lapel jackets with ticket pockets and tapered waist. They're mainly two-buttons. I visited his store on Madison Ave and more or less salivated for a good half hour. It's a beautifully designed menswear shop made to look like a home. There's lots of dark wood shelves. Most of the clothing is behind glass, which can be intimidating but, just ask and the Associates will help. A view of fresh flowers, and elegant foyer are included. There's a fantastic shirt closet with anything variety you can imagine. And, if it's not there, you can more than likely have it made. Problem is, shirts start at around $400, suits...about $3,500, shoes; $1,500. It's a fantastic world to be in if you love men's clothing, as I do. If you can't swing the prices but, love the cuts, take your suit to reputable tailor and give your specifications.

That's it for now.

Until...

K

Quantum of Solace

I saw Quantum of Solace on opening day...by myself...in the afternoon. Normally, this would sounds creepy but, I was getting some work done on the car and the theatre was just across the street. Before the movie, while I was at the service department, I watched Thunderball on my Powerbook. Now, as far as sartorial matters go, a great deal can be learned from two James Bond movies 40 years apart. Both contain 007 in beautifully cut dinner jackets and suits. Mr. Connery's Bond isn't as dark as Craig interpretation and this is echoed in the wardrobe. Connery had various tones in black and neutrals like brown. His trousers were cut with less of a break and the bow tie was slimmer; fitting for the times. Craig's era is very contemporary, yet timeless in the same moment. The suit of the suits of both eras are slim, but not skinny. If anything, the quality of the equipment renders Craig's wardrobe a bit sharper but, that's a technology thing. Craig sticks to black, blue and white throughout the movie but it's done in a way that makes a man say, "I wanna look like that guy." He wears the suits effortlessly. He proves, as designer Tom Ford said, that basic isn't boring, it's classic. I say, take a cue from Bond's selective color palette. Those classics will never die.

Until...

K

What is a Stydol?

It's a quite ridiculous word I just came up with. Style-Idol. My two for the past few months are (drum-roll...) Daniel Craig and John Legend.

Both of these men consistently score sartorial goals or serve up style aces (I'm partial to soccer and tennis). Of course, both men were in the press a great deal in the last few months. Craig was promoting his second take at 007 agent James Bond in Quantum of Solace and Legend was promoting his new album, Evolver. Naturally, with high visibility like that, a man should be prepared. Occasion after occasion, these two showed up in perfectly tailored suits, great shoes and immaculately groomed. That last one should be a given, but these days, entertainers walk the Red Carpet in loosened ties and unkempt hair. Craig continually stepped out in elegant dark suits and ties in fairly muted tones while promoting the 23rd Bond movie. Legend, meanwhile is a bit edgier in his choices; ties over cardigans and jackets, suit trousers tucked into riding boots. His evening attire however, is on point. Slim dinner jackets, trousers and ties. He's stepped out in lots of black and silver.

Until...

K

Recession Shopping

So we're officially in a recession, so the Feds say. I'm sure you weren't previously aware. I'm hearing this term pop up from every major fashion media outlet: recession shopping. Apparently ways to save money include not spending it (Serious!); going to clearance racks; and discount stores. Hmmm. Again, hmmm. Wasn't that obvious all this time? Perhaps not.

 I guess I've been "recession shopping" for the better part of my adult life. Not spending a ton of money really is quite easy (and you can still look great!). Here are some of my lifestyle shopping tips, because saving money is always positive.

1. Clearance racks. Style isn't about what a magazine said was in seven months ago, it's about what works for your body type, personality and lifestyle. I love reading GQ, but of course it's beholden to advertisers (which aren't giving up that much these days). Bypassing regular-priced items and heading to clearance is a great way to not put out so much cash at the register. Gap always has clearance items but, Gap covers the basics. Why not pick up a classic crewneck sweater in a neutral color or tone? 

2. Discount retailers. TJ Maxx, Ross, Marshall's are just a few of the spots to pick up deals all the time.

3. Consignment shopping. My fiance and I love it! She's picked up some really gorgeous basics from St. John and not so basic pieces from Jean-Paul Gaultier. I found a great pin-striped charcoal, 3-piece suit. Yes, 3-piece is all over the mags right now but, it's also classic. Think Steve McQueen in the Thomas Crown Affair or Mr. Sean Connery in Goldfinger.

4. Shop on the weekends!!! Having worked in retail, sale and clearance items are further reduced on weekends. If you squeeze in on a Thursday night, you may even find the associates putting up sale signs. Good sales clerks will honor the discount even if it's not technically Friday.

When I think up some more tips or ask my better half, I'll come back by.

Until then...

K

Style Minute launch

Hey, I'm back and have launched my style minute program. Here and on YouTube, I will be chatting about style and dispensing what I know and  am learning about style.

Politcal powers...and spouse 2

OK, so there's no cooler couple than the Sarkozys...among Heads of State. However, come Nov. 4 (perhaps the wee hours of Nov. 5) A new champion will be crowned. By far the most electric, make-you-get-off-your-lazy-ass-and-vote, former community organizer, Change-banner wielding man in my era, Barack Obama will take the torch as the best dressed Head of State. He's got Malcolm X's commanding presence, tall, lean and oozing confidence. The can't-sit-in-your-chair--got-to-stand-the-fuck-up-because-of-the-stirring-oration-skills of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and the gentlemanliness and elegance of John Fitzgerald Kennedy. In short, a perfect package. Dark two-button suits, lots of light blue ties, a black chronograph (I read it could be a Tag) and a swagger. I know style and Capitol Hill are about as close as Newt and Hillary, so there's a lot he can't do. Tom Ford said he'd trim down Barack's suit, I'd be all for it if he wasn't running for POTUS. Somehow, American's don't want their presidents to be too stylish or care too much about their image or be too analytical and intelligent (GWB). I agree with the ever stylish Mr. Ford in pricinple, but for this election, barack's on top of things.
Now for his wife, Michelle Obama. Check on this website, http://thakoon.com/ she does lots of Thakoon (watch the DNC on Youtube and see). She commands crowds Cindy McCain couldn't imagine and looks great doing it.

Political powers...and spouses

Does anyone look better than the Sarkozys? The French President Nicolas Sarkozy pretty much stays with dark, three-button suits, pale French cuff shirts and dark ties. And guess what? There's no Head of State that pulls it together better. Mr. Bush should take a tip from his French counterpart on where jacket sleeves should end. "Props" to the man who wore a lavender shirt to the UN General Assembly. What Sarkozy was possibly thinking: "I know I'm short, but my poll numbers are climbing and take a look a my wife." Nuff said.

Carla Bruni-Sarkozy is equally stunning in flats and gobs of Dior (she already towers over her husband, heels just woulnd't help anyone). Even casual, the two make a fierce couple. Why? Fit. Everything looks good on them. Sarkozy's poll numbers would probably double if it was style alone. Here, take a look at what The Cut had to say about them (and some pics)