This Weather is Really Chappin' my Hide

I really enjoy the snappiness that a sharp, supple leather jacket lends to an otherwise ordinary pant/shirt base. But, with that being said, you have to get a quality hide that can withstand the sometimes harsh elements of your particular climate. I find that finer leathers, even though they my be more supple, have a density of skin that is a true wind blocker. Couple a fine leather with shearling or a Thinsulate (TM) cloth as liner and you won't be worried by the weather. Fashion meets function and you stay toasty and sharp in the same foggy breath.

Remember names like Schott, Belstaff, Gucci, Shipley & Halmos, John Varvatos, and Harley Davidson.

Snug as a Bug in a Rug

Fall/Winter weather and the Holiday season brings me to think of Robes, Pajamas and lounging apparel. The season seems to rush in and catch me unaware and unprepared. I love coming home and playing Mr. Rogers by taking off my “work” clothing and slipping into my “nesting” clothing complete with comfortable shoes and soft pants and top. What do you have along those lines? Are you a smoking jacket type of guy or lounge pants and top? Here are a few ideas.

A few names to remember in your search for fine lounging apparel are: American Essentials, James Perse, Derek Rose, Burberry, Calida, Lands End and LL Bean.

Hat Madness

Whatever happened to the venerable hat? Whatever happened to the days when without one, you didn't leave out the door to your profession? Whatever happened to your hat and coat being taken by the maitre d' before being seated at dinner? Whatever happened to the etiquette and custom of "doffing and donning?"

Men, men, I say to unto you, get familiar with the names, Borsalino, Stetson, Resistol, Dobbs, Betmar, Bollman, Kangol, Bailey, and Tilley to name a few. Reintroduce yourself to the polished and finished appearance that a hatted man exudes. Bring back a dash of the flash that was commonplace to a more refined time. As I sometimes say…”do yourself a favor” and don a nice brim.

Soak it up like a Sponge

I received a long awaited facial Saturday at my local Barneys New York. I was contemplating a new regimen of “all natural”skin care productswhen I came acrossthe opportunity to sign up for a complementary facial to testSponge skincare products. SPONGE products are hypoallergenic and are free of parabens,sulfates, propylene glycols, petrochemicals, artificial dyes and synthetic fragrances.

What I really came to understand is that a facial is an exercise in rejuvenation. I am not a die-hard metrosexual, receiving regular mani/pedi, and messages but I do like the idea of having an indulgence to look forward to. Do yourself a favor and soak up something new.

www.spongeskincare.com

If it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck

Use em for hunting only, because there are plenty of sleek galoshes to keep your tootsies dry on these upcoming rainy days.

It used to be that the choices men had to afford them dry feet were either drab black "overshoes" or clunky lug soled boots. Not any more. Designers are realizing that new stylings are as easy as allowing the rubber to meet the road. As long as the barrier between the feet and the street is waterproof, designer's imaginations have taken over.

Swims have always had the (left) overshoes but have recently added the (right) rubber loafers to their lineup.

Is Snivalry Dead?

As colder weather sets in and sniffles start, I am beginning to gather my handkerchiefs but find that I need to retrieve them from my two favorite girls. And, as I gather the begged and borrowed handkerchiefs from around the house I remember the instances of their departures from my possession. I was reminded of times when a mother needed to dry her eyes at her daughter's graduation or when a baby's nose needed dabbing while on public transit or the time I forgot my pocket square and pressed my handkerchief into service. But I find that the simple but necessary handkerchief has gone underground on the public landscape. I see fewer and fewer men prepared by carrying them.



What has political correctness and hand sanitizer done to the integration of function and fashion? Handkerchiefs, penknives, fountain pens and money clips with cash have been replaced by cell phones, atm cards and handi wipes. It is my opinion that fashion should embellish the necessary items that both men and women should possess in venturing out into society on their daily regimine.



Carrying a handkerchief has been a staple of gentlemanly conduct that was handed down to me from my father and from his father. The minimalist approach to dressing is fine as long as the mandatory mens complement of items are present before walking out the door. I hope to be expressing my views on a few indispensable items every man should possess and carry.

All of the handkerchiefs pictured on this page are cotton, or cotton/linen blends that can be used to arrest bodily functions as well as enhance one's appearance. Thank you to Saks, Neiman Marcus, and Nordstrom for providing the pictures and more importantly the sources to maintain my manliness.

Football Clothing

Here's item two:



Stay warm during that tailgate party!

Takers Clothing...please!

Rodney Dangerfield wanted is Wife gone with a variation of that line, but if I could take the Clothing from this movie, I would be set.

I thoroughly enjoyed the movie and loved the fashions presented in the movie, “Takers.” The film was both an action and attraction movie somewhat following in the bloodline of my favorite “Bond” genre. I think of Bond being its own class of film but Takers comes close and is a must see.

Speaking of the clothing, Idris Elba, T.I., Michael Ealy showcased Gucci, Versace, all of whom made a strong showing in this movie. Paul Walker and Hayden Christensen, modeled a few Dolce Gabbana pieces and, John Varvatos had the perfect mannequin in the personage of Chris Brown.

One very elegant scene had Elba in the lead with a form fitting white Gucci peaked lapelled jacket and black undertow. The movie actually had me fantasizing about a couple of the pieces. This is one runway show I may have to see again.

Gene Hiller's Brings Back Memories

I guess you have wondered where I've been and the quick answer is that I have experienced another forced sabbatical. Shopping has been a part of the time off, but it’s been for lamps, bedding and other sundries for my daughter's big college move. During this time, we have also revisited people, places and things that have formed her younger memories and adventures. Undoubtedly, it involved Clothing and Shopping being that she is MY daughter.

Todays revisit involved going to Sausalito and visiting Gene Hiller's Menswear. This was a blast from the long ago past. Tom Gangitano, a main man and fashion advisor, who built a lasting and supportive relationship with my father and myself, was there to greet me. He is still charismatic as is the store itself. The visit made me daydream of the luxuries of my youth and relive the vibrant enthusiasm that fine Italian clothing imparted to me in my twenties.

There are simply not enough superlatives to describe the Management, Staff, Service, Tailoring, and Clothing that make Gene Hiller's Menswear a "must do" on your next trip to Sausalito, CA. Please do yourself a favor and visit Gene's website, www.genehiller.com.

Also, thumb through the online catalogue to get feel for the exquisite articles of clothing Gene carries and the Philanthropic partnership shared with the community it serves.

Are You Ready for Some FOOTBALL?

I am back people with the wardrobe picks for a great fashionable football season. The items I am focusing on can be adapted to both home/big screen or stadium/big screen venues.
As I see it, you need to have an item of clothing that shows you support a team without suggesting you are a billboard for said team. Hats, tee shirts, hoodies and jackets fit the first category whereas Foam Cheese Blocks and KISS make up fit the second.
For ease of selection, I suggest buying only NFL licensed gear. That way you are never in fear of buying a great looking "BENGELS" tee, or "DOLPHENS" hat.
Make sure that you purchase only NFL approved apparel.
This week I will be posting items to make the football season a little more BEAR-able (pardon the pun).

Ok...Real Quickly

You are trying to get out to the door to the event at the Boardwalk but first you have to shower and get that squeaky clean feeling to start the day. You reach for the one product that will do the job. Kiehls All-In-One Refueling Wash.



But you can't brave the sun's glare and damaging rays without a layer of defense so you reach for the Kiehls Cross Terrain UV Face Protector



What will it be the driving shoes, loafers or flip flops?? Well regardless of choice, there will be a lot to mobile activity and the tootsies need a little protection as well so let's rub em up with Kiehls Dry Run Foot Cream.

Spring/Summer Scarves

Scarves are an essential item in some countries and customs. They are used as decoration or a functional accessory to the uniform they accompany. Wikipedia's entry reads: "A scarf is a piece of fabric worn on or near the head or around the waist for warmth, cleanliness, fashion or for religious reasons."

Due to the various fabrics used to make scarves, I find they can also be used for protecting the neck from the sun rays and thereby afford some cooling relief on hotter days. Looking at all of the fashion designers offerings this season may visually explain the variations for scarves.





Check out offerings from these designers to see more: Burberry, Missoni, Alexander McQueen, Cole Haan, Chanel, Etro, Lanvin, Hermès, Nicole Miller, Ferragamo, Emilio Pucci, Dior and Prada, for example.

And Put Some Pep in Your Step

I am always trying to find a little something to put the accent on an otherwise inconspicuous ensemble. Well, you have heard the saying: "The Devil is in the Details" I try to get a little devilish with my socks. Remember these names: OVADAFUT, GENE MEYER, DI PIO, KJ BECKETT, TED BAKER and DORE DORE.

Keep them doggies movin'

It is my intent to keep you up to date from your top to bottom and lets call this is a "bottom" post.
Them doggies need a comfortable and attractive covering to keep em movin' and I think the designers have come up with some great looks to put on our feet for these summer months. "Toms," in particular have made their way to the forefront via an altruistic marketing plan. "One for One" With every pair we purchase Toms gives a pair to a child in need. Indeed! We can do our part and look pretty stylish as well.
In my view, Toms are the new Espadrilles. Many designers have offerings for this style of footwear.







Espadrilles are sold everywhere. They can be found at Urban Outfitters Inc., Forever 21, Toms, and Hermes.



Thanks to the Sartorialist for showing the Toms espadrille in action. Also, thanks to Hermes and Toms for making great versions!

A Little Sweet Tee?

Nothing like a little sweet tee to keep you cool and collected.

I should've told you I'd be gone for a moment to the South but it came upon me suddenly and I had no time to alert everyone of my trip. As always, the issue when you are going away is, "what to pack?" The country is experiencing so many small microclimates that you must have layers to accommodate the differences.
Today I would like to consider the tee as both casual and dressier piece to accentuate a day to night outfit. I find this relevant, because I found the greatest tee shirt and cotton vee neck sweater combo at the recent Saks sale.
Tees are an easy item to through on when the right collared shirt is not in your wardrobe or at the cleaners. But, having the right tee that will go from brunch to dinner with equal aplomb, can be a chore to find. Style-wise, tees can be Henley, Crew, or Vee Neck and will come in many different fabrics. I tend to stay simple with a crew neck but also note the crew neck can be high or have a lower scoop to the collar bone. My favorite is cotton or cotton/silk blend. The sheen and color of the material is what separates the rich from the chaff when I am choosing that perfect tee. Brioni, Kiton, Polo, Dries Van Noten, Brunello Cucinelli and Lacoste all make fashion tees. Look for great vibrant colors and choice fabric and you will never go wrong.







Thanks to http://www.virtualclotheshorse.com; http://www.ehaberdasher.com and http://www.shopthefinest.com/
for these great photos of some great tees!!!

Open, Open, Open

While impatiently awaiting the Barney's Warehouse Sale doors to open (or any sale doors for that matter) my mind reflects back on that commercial where a women is peering through the plane glass of a store chanting the words above.


I have been so distracted with my day job and child that I have been somewhat catatonic with thoughts colliding into each other inside my head. But I wouldn't be me without a good deal of those thoughts being related to my appearance and next purchase. With my blog thought and personal needs at issue I have been pondering what is a building block item that I need? What would be most versatile and what would get the most wear? For me the big 3 are pants, shirts, and sweaters. But this time around, Sweaters seem to stick in my mind.

So, what kind of sweater...heavy, light, cotton, wool, blend, zips, buttons, v neck, crew, cardigan...oh my?! All sections of the country have their own micro-climate and one should choose accordingly. Style must always be a consideration but that’s where I find the general knitwear scene to be lacking.

Personally speaking, I believe sweaters have not been up to par over the past 10 years. Coogi became crass, Missioni became common place, and for a while no one had really stepped up to carry the banner. IMHO the current sweaters are Italian or British or Scottish. Names that come to mind are Avon Celli, Borrelli, Brunello Cucinelli, Malo, Loro Piana, Bamford, and Pringle.

What Would Bond Wear?

You know...Bond...James Bond.  I don't know how many of you have viewed my profile but if you do, you will see that I like almost all things "Bond."  I genuinely love the clothing Bond wears in his movies.  This new Bond is outfitted in smart and sharp ensembles that fit both his physique and his various sorroundings.  I also like the way he is not dusted off and re-clothed in each scene.  He is more like the rest of us who have to fight and dine in the same outfit.  Often times, I find that I ask myself, "What would Bond wear?" on a particular occassion.  Being that it is Summer, I was able to take tips from his last movie, "Quantum of Solace."  Particularly, his attire in this movie allowed me to lose my fear of wearing black or dark colors in the heat of the Summer.  I also, learned that one can couple a cableknit with light tee shirt between Memorial and Labor Days. 

Of particular note, with the new Bond is his use of simple but elegant clothing pieces which should form a basis for anyone's wardrobe.  The Polo, The Tee, and Cableknit Cardigan are indespensible items that if kept plain and simple can be interchanged to create numerous combinations. 

My suggestions are: Sunspel polos and tees, and "pick your own" label cardigan.  Ralph Lauren, Vince, Bennetton, and Brooks Brothers make nice shawl collared cardigans and are good starts.
http://www.sunspel.com/mens/polo-shirts
http://www.ralphlauren.com/family/index.jsp?categoryId=2727509

But if you don't know where to begin, go here: http://www.jamesbondlifestyle.com/

Staying in the Hunt

 
   In the heat of the summer, many are asking themselves the question “what do I wear in this heat?”  Simplistically, the heat should dictate that less is more and therefore this wondering becomes somewhat of a situational oxymoron.  But, hey, don’t sweat it; I’ve got you covered.  

What do people who live in some of the hottest and most intense tropical climates wear?  They wear Safari Jackets, hats and weightless coverings to keep themselves cool and comfortable.  Without dating myself, I remember Mill Valley excursions with my dad and a special store that had a curious feel like it could have been in Disneyland. Still guessing?  It was the early days of Banana Republic and Safari gear was the mainstay.  Today, we see many mutations of the traditional Safari Jacket.  Here are a few variations, but the most traditional Safari Jacket will have a belt and vented back slits to facilitate the flow of air and release of body heat.