Fashion Meets Sweat

 Men's fitness and fashion have not traditionally been in the same sentence when discussed. Many fashion experts considered it a fashion oxymoron. But today, men have a variety of options for looking good while working up a sweat, thanks to advances in technology, cultural changes in society and fitness clothes that double as casual wear.

Technological advances have made clothes that help support your body while you work out and make you feel better as you exercise. These clothes, made from man-made fibers, promise to keep you dry by effectively evaporating sweat and providing support for your hard working muscles.

 For your super-fit guy, you want to consider any items made from moisture wicking material like Nike's Dri-Fit and Pro-Fit lines or Adidas' Clima-cool options. 

Most major sportswear manufacturers make fitness wear from a similar material and technology. These clothes were once popular only with runners and bikers, or worn underneath pro athlete uniforms. Today, they're seen on the backs of weekend athletes everywhere.

 In the past, men's workout gear was pretty basic; cotton sweatpants, t-shirts or cotton sweatshirts. Now there's a wide variation of colors and styles to be found on sporting goods store hangers, and in high end department stores such Saks fifth Ave.

Today, you're as likely to see men’s fitness fashion in shopping malls as casual wear as well as in your gym. Some men sport their golfing shirts and sweater vests while shopping or out “just chill’n” (like me). For men, fitness gear has become an acceptable casual wear, but just should be worn in the Saturday morning hours in my opinion or sporting events.

Major fashion designers and clothing companies have also entered the fitness fashion market. Still, you can't go wrong with the purchase from one of the more recognized names in sporting goods, like Nike and Adidas; they have stepped up their design game to produce fitness fashion that is as stylish as it is functional.

 Now this is how the material works. Nike Dri-Fit goes above and beyond a typical moisture-wicking material. Instead of simply wicking sweat and other moisture away, Nike Dri-Fit moves moisture to a fabric layer away from the skin where it can evaporate. This leaves the skin protected, comfortable and cool. The material blend for Nike is 62 percent cotton (5 percent of which is organic), 34 percent polyester and 4 percent spandex. Now, Adidas offers a similar product called ClimaCool, which is made from 100 percent polyester and allows air to flow continuously through it. Likewise, Reebok makes a 100 percent polyester product called Reebok PlayDry that also offers excellent ventilation, thus reducing skin irritation. Finally, Under Armour offers a line of apparel that keeps an athlete's skin dry and cool and helps disperse odors which what most of the guys I noticed in Starbucks Saturday must have been wearing, because there was no stench in the café ( this is my number one choice). Men make your choice; the workout apparel for us has truly evolved. Until next week, “Stay Style Connected!”

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Looking Cool in the Right" Shades"

Guys, we have always used sunglasses or shades as we called them back in the day to look cool. Now the trends in sunglasses has reverted back to the trends we grew up on.The latest trends in men's sunglasses are retro, boxy, bold, masculine and over-sized. The hottest brands are Gucci, Ray-Ban, Armani Sunglasses, and X Loop's collection of plastic and metal eye-wear. Fellas, slide on a pair of Ray-Bans or a pair of over-sized Gucci sunglasses and tally all the complements you’ll get.

Ray-Ban Wayfarer

The retro style is very popular; I personally wear English Laundry, which is based on the same style as the Ray-Ban Wayfarers.

English Laundry

For the past few years the aviator style has been highly popular, with Gucci sunglasses being right there at the top offering a bold stylish look.

Gucci

Whether you're on the beach, the golf course, or “kicking it” at the family reunion, choose to wear one of the latest styles and hottest trends in men's sunglasses. Check out what your favorite celebrity maybe wearing for the trends in eye-wear,or create your own unique style.

 Consider the shape of your face when selecting a frame. Shades can be decorative or simple, bold or colorful. Choose a frame to match your personality, taste and mood. But remember eye-wear not only enhances your style, but also offers protection against harmful ultra-violet rays, and as a preventive measure why not keep an extra pair in your vehicle, for those hurried moments when you've left yours behind. From casual to chic, to bold and stylish, the choice of styles and cost in men's sunglasses vary, but there's definitely a pair that's sure to fit your budget and taste. Until next week, “Stay Style Connected!”

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Scents For the Season

A man’s scent is also one of the accessories a guy should take pride in. Even after you have left the room it should still be on the ladies minds. So fellas, with the change of season there should be a change of fragrance.The heavy colognes you wear during the winter months should not be worn in the summer. Summer weather dictates a lighter approach to your signature scents. During the summer months you need to wear colognes with citrus or floral top notes that ride lightly over musk and spice bottom notes. The definition of note in cologne is different than what it means in music.  The top note is what you get when you open the bottle and smell. The middle note is really the heart of the cologne; the body and helps to produce the scent. The base note or final note of cologne to holds together the fragrance. But back to the topic; the floral notes should be in the background as most men should only have a hint of floral notes to give off a fresh smell. No guy wants to smell like a woman, even though there are plenty of unisexed scents on the market; stay away from them.

Summer colognes for men work best in the heat and humidity, the opposite of how winter colognes work. The good thing about summer colognes is that designers will put out versions for each season, so it’s easier to pick the type you need. Choose your signature scent wisely; it will be what stays on people’s minds once you have left the room; besides your style ensemble. Keep it simple don't over do it. And please never choose your scents alone; get a second opinion. Until next week,” Stay Style Connected!”

These are my five top picks for the Summer.

Counter clockwise: Prada, Le Male by Jean Paul Gaultier, Bleu de Chanel, YSL Frozen, and Hugo Red

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Its Your Wedding Too!

                                                      

                                                              

Men are always questioning what to wear to their wedding? I have recently been approached by a quite a few ladies inquiring on how their men should dress for their wedding( and I mean their's, not mentioning its the guy's wedding also). If it’s an evening ceremony the choice is obvious; the traditional black tuxedo and tie. But loose the cumber bun, it’s a little dated. A little dash of flavor can be added to the ensemble by wearing a patterned tie or bow tie with a colorful pocket square to match the color scheme of the wedding. For weddings before six in the summer spring month’s guys should stay with tuxedo colors such as white.

                                                                    

Another acceptable option for grooms wear is a suit. The appeal of this option is that it can be worn in a less-formal wedding setting and also can be worn for other occasions. The wedding suit is much more flexible in terms of fabrics, colors and styles than the traditional tuxedo. If your wedding is in the morning or afternoon, a lighter colored suit can be appropriate for example, tan, white, or light blue. You can also engage in lighter fabrics for the anticipated warm days such as linen look (100% linen will give a wrinkled look in pictures) or seersucker. With suits there are many style options ranging from one, two, or three button jackets to double breasted. Any of your choices will be versatile with a straight tie or bow tie.

                                                  

Guys’ one final tip; only wear black shoes with the black tuxedo or black suit. With your other style options go for a caramel color lace-up shoe. Wearing a black shoe with anything other than black will completely diminish the look of your ensemble. Keep it classy! Until next week," Stay Style Connected!"

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Don't Confuse Your Style!

Guy’s I had a completely different topic for this week, but seeing Dwayne Wade in his pre-game entrance changed all of that.

Guy’s you have heard me say I’m all for experimenting with your own personal style, and to identify your style with your personality. But, go back to one of my earlier blogs where I raise the question, “Can I get away with this look?” If you have to ask the question then it’s not the look for you. Gentlemen you may think there should not be rules to experimental style, but there is. When attempting gender crossing looks like D-Wade did you must ask yourself if this is the image I won’t to portray to the public. He and his stylist took a risk of taking a staple piece from women’s spring wear (The Capri’s) and decided to venture into making it an unisex ensemble. Well, it flopped!  D-Wade is known for his controversial style choices, but this went too far. He is engaged to one of the prettiest black women on earth and he decides to dress like her. Fellas, there are a lot of unisex styles that can be pulled off; scarves, flower lapel pins, and some cases flower patterned shirts. But Capri’s are not one. D-Wade fire your stylist she’s hurting your off court image. Until next week” Stay Style connected!”

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“Top “it Off with the Right Hat

The purpose of summer hats are to protect our heads from the sun. Let’s be real people, we wear them for style; to accentuate our coolness! But guys you must wear the hat made for the appropriate seasons. The key I believe is to wear hats that look like they should be worn in the summer. Don’t wear felt or velour hats when it’s 90 degrees out. You may think you look cool, but most people are probably just wondering if you’re on crack. So let’s try to find a way to keep your heads protected from the sun, while simultaneously learning the distinction of different hats styles with the ones that I consider my picks for the summer listed below:

 The Straw Fedora

For real summer style throw on a straw fedora. The fedora will always be classy, but the straw adds summer class. It gives you the same style affect as the winter felt does.  It Keeps you cool and makes you look even cooler.

 Porkpie

 

The Porkpie is a great alternative to the fedora. While the fedora is classy the porkpie is more relaxed and casual. They look great with summer linens and cottons, especially when there made from straw like the one pictured.

The Straw Baseball Cap

I call it the Frankie Beverly. The straw baseball cap is perfect to top off casual wear such as with shorts, sandals, and t-shirts.

The Boater

The Boater has always been popular in my family for decades, and it will become more popular after this Friday’s release of Leonardo DiCaprio in The Great Gatsby. It’s vintage and brings an unusual element to summer style. Now it takes a fashionably confident person to pull it off; it’s not for everyone. But, you will see me sporting mine this summer.

So there you have it, my four ideas for fashionable summer “lids” that you can add to your style repertoire. Just remember, just because it works for someone else doesn't necessarily mean that it will work for you. Style is a very personal, but once you find your own you really start to make impressions. Until next week, “Stay Style Connected!”

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“Fit In” With Your Jeans

Gentlemen this week we’re going to discuss jeans. It’s getting warmer now and that means a lot of evenings out with your lady or the fellas. The staple of every man’s casual ensemble is denim jeans. I remember when the most expensive pairs of jeans you could purchase were Jordache and Calvin’s (as they were called back in the day). Now designer jeans these days range from $220 upward. Mind you most of those jeans do fit well and made from the finest denim in the world, but who says they’re for all guys. I posses pairs of the best known jeans currently; True Religions, 7 For All mankind, and Joe’s Jean’s, grant you these are all great jeans and if you can afford them, then do so.

 But for quality and fit I always return to Levis. Levis are the best inexpensive low maintenance jeans on the market and always fit into dressy/casual atmospheres. Levis have been around for 140 years, and continue to be relevant, innovative, and always competitive. For the man on a budget and requiring a quality jean, Levis are the choice.

 For heaver gentlemen look at Levis 559’s they are a great fit. Stay with tradition; Levis are great.  And choose a dark wash, the dark colors always make an outfit "pop!" Now tradition does not mean go back to wearing Cross Colours (you know who you are). Until next week,” Stay Style Connected!”      

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“Watch” Your Style!

This week gentlemen I’m coming to you with tips about a much down played, yet sometimes over dramatized accessory; the wrist watch. The key accent to any men’s style is a classy watch. The watch guys, is the single most observed accessory on a man next to the neck tie. Even though the handy electronic devices we carry day in and day out all posses the means of telling time, let’s not overlook the watch. A stylish watch can give prelude to a man’s style sense; it can let others know you have class and sophistication. Your watch doesn't need to have the bevel encrusted with diamonds or have the face as the one around Flav’s neck, it needs to be simple. It needs to sync up with your lifestyle.

Your watch can be simple and make a large impact on you style image. Sure you can go and purchase a Rolex or a Cartier and have your style be associated with name recognition, or you can go simple and inexpensive and get the same affect. Believe it or not but I've given props to guys wearing a nice Citizen and a Timex. I personally go with Fossil brand (My favorite).

 I get more attention on my Fossils than I do my Gucci. Fossil has been around since 1984, and is stylish, reasonably priced watches with a fifties feel to it; they’re a great value. All I’m saying explore inexpensive (between $110-$200), yet quality minded watch brands. But make sure to align it with your personal style, it will make a difference. Until next week, “Stay Style Connected!”

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Get More for Your Money

 Fellas don't let your wardrobe break you, learn to mix and match. Guys’, learning to mix and match your clothing has a lot of rewards. You will able to increase the flexibility of your wardrobe without having to buy new pieces, which is helpful for those of us on a budget. You can change your look with a few essential pieces.

First, purchase basic pieces (slacks, jeans, blazers, and shoes) for your wardrobe in black, brown (tan), or navy, these will be used as your base colors and will help you manipulate your look every day. One of these three colors every day will be the anchor of your ensemble. You should have dress shirts to match your dark base colors in plaid and stripes. Buy a dark pair of denim jeans, which can transition your look from day to night. One tip: acquire more tops than bottoms. More attention is paid to a person’s upper body than the lower. So, wearing the same bottoms with different tops will give the facade of an extended wardrobe. After you have your basics, buy a few v-neck t-shirts and ties to wear optionally with pants and jackets. Here is an example: Your basics are the top three photos; the wardrobe extensions are the bottom six.

                                                                                                                                       

It's quite simple and much more economical than purchasing six different ensembles. And no-one will really notices you are recycling your basic outfits.Try this yourself, you may come up with more combinations than six. Until Next week," Stay Style Connected!."





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Can’t See the Forest for the Trees!

This week fellas I’m coming to you about your natural born accessory; facial hair. Guys if you have ever heard the saying” you can’t see the forest for the trees”, the saying goes for facial hair too.  You could have put together an eye catching ensemble you will catch looks, but if you’re not groomed properly it will surely go unnoticed. If you are one of those guys who just can’t grow a full beard; let it go no need try anymore. Now, if you’re blessed enough to be able to grow a descent beard; then keep it trimmed. Don’t look like Shia Lebeouf or Brad Pitt between movies or kids.

 And if you’re sporting so much gray that it makes you look much older than you are; then there’s nothing wrong with applying a little “Just for Men”, it’ll be just your secret. Guys emulate the likeness of Will Smith, Justine Timberlake, and John Legend; these men are always impeccably groomed.

One last note gentlemen, invest in a pair of nose hair trimmers, no-one wants to see the bush growing in your nose. Ironically my best friend seems to supply me with a new pair each Christmas. Until next week, “Stay Style Connected!”

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Now That the Season Has Changed, So Should You!

Well gentlemen, it’s officially spring, and summer is just around the corner. It's time to store away the sweaters, boots, and wool suits. It is time to add a little color in your life. Guys unlike women our summer wardrobe is typically limited with options. We have shorts, polo’s, t-shirts, tennis shoes, Khakis, and sandals. Even though we don’t have many options, we can still spice it up and look like grown a—men! And as fresh as Andre 3000 in our summer attire.

               

Fellas, venture in to brighter colors such as, yellows, greens, reds, and oranges. Colors give a youthful yet fresher look to normal polo’s and t-shirts. When wearing t-shirts please avoid ones displaying large logos and pictures and gravitate towards the plain colorful v-neck cuts versus the crew neck; they give a more adult look. Then there are the shorts, as long they don’t protrude beyond the bottom of the knee cap ( Hip Hop is dead, for the grown a-- man) you’re fine. Stay away from denim because it doesn't give your man section air to breath, and add colors to your shorts and khakis also, so that they aren't as mundane as usual.

 Fellas, if you haven’t already invested in seersucker, do so; the material is very comfortable and can be worn in casual and dressy environments, and is always a good look for warm nights out with your lady.

Guys please leave the Nike's and Air Jordan’s to the kids, when wearing tennis shoes this spring/summer try Polo or Sperry brands; the evenings should be dedicated to nice sandals and boat shoes. Spring is here guys so look cool while being cool. Until next week “Stay Style Connected!”


                                          Don't let me catch any of you in this!

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The Easter Sunday Quiz

Gentlemen, Easter as you all know is this coming weekend. And if you have been following my blogs you are more than ready to look great on Sunday; this will be your test. Some of you may even be ready to experiment with a new look; if you feel froggy then leap! But I just have just a little piece of advice; Easter and spring are both representative of pastel colors. So my advice to you fellas, is leave the pastel colored suits to the female escort liaisons (Pimps), it is ok to partake in pastel shirts and ties. Guys, experiment with wearing suit jackets and complementary colored trousers, double breasted suits, window pane pattern sports coats, or a bow-tie this Sunday. Whatever your look for Easter service is have confidence in it; it’s the best accessory you can posses. Besides, many of you have to look good because you’ll probably be called out for not attending service since last Easter. Until next week, Stay Style Connected!

DO

Don't

For those of you trying your hand at tying a bow-tie for the first time click the link below.

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T5PTLV-L_sk

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SIZE DOES REALLY MATTER IN STYLE!

From time to time gentlemen, I will allow readers to request topics or maybe even author a blog. This week I will allow a faithful reader to author a topic sensitive to him. Although Men's Style Connection does not condone or support the opinions written by the guest author; It is topic that should be addressed. bruthas get informed. Until next week "Stay Style Connected!"


 SIZE DOES MATTER!

As a larger man (width, not height), I have learned a few wardrobe tricks to accentuate the positive and camouflage the obvious, especially when wearing suits and grown people clothes (reference to previous blog on T-Shirts & jeans on adult men). For starters, there is no such garment as an off-the-rack suit. All suits can be altered to fit the owner. Most discount and department stores offer some alterations. It may cost a little more, but a suit that fits you will be appreciated more than a suit that looks borrowed from dad for a job interview or date.

If your six pack has turned into more of a keg as you get older, fear not camouflage is available and nobody will know you are covering the extra ponds. When purchasing a suit, have the trousers adjusted to your true waist (over the belly). DUNLAP is not attractive when wearing any type of suit. Dunlap is when your belly "done lapped" over your pants. Once the pants are properly measured, get a larger belt or suspenders. You have two options with suspenders, either the clip-on suspenders or have the tailor add suspender buttons on the suit pants. Be sure to have the length of the pants highlight your socks and shoes. Be sure the pants highlight and not overexpose, meaning don't have them cut too short (remember they are longer now because we cured the dunlap issue).

Now to the jacket or blazer. Tight jackets on larger men are not cool (no matter how it looks on your slimmer friends). Make sure the jacket has enough room to button when standing. A buttoned jacket will also camouflage the dunlap. Have the cuffs tailored to expose the cuff links and watch.

Finally, look in the mirror when putting on your necktie. Be sure to adjust the tie so it does not stop short of the desired length. If the necktie does not accent your new more tailored look, try a bow tie, ascot or no tie at all. Now that you look more stylish, a well placed pocket square, cuff links and a nice watch may be all you need. Make sure the shoes are shined to ensure the overall presentation is stylish and compliment worthy.

Now that you have upgraded your look, go out and represent for the big guys.

Have fun getting the new compliments :-)

M.J.B.

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The Resurrection of the Pocket Square

    I frequently watch old black and white movies; not just for the appreciation of the classics, but often to see how style has been resurrected or has evolved. Recently, I had a conversation with one of my friends discussing the correct way to wear pocket squares. I know some of you may call them handkerchiefs, but in my opinion handkerchiefs are used to only blow your nose with or wipe sweat with. But back to the topic at hand; in watching some of those old movies I noticed that men always had a pocket square in the upper left breast pocket of their suit jackets at all times. The only issue is they were always white. Clark Gable was one of the best during the 1930’s; he always had one in place on and off the camera; formal and causal.

 Fellas, adding a pocket square to you suit or sport jacket ensembles always adds flare and class, whether it is formal or casual; tie or no-tie. The only difference between now and the 1930’s is that there are more patterns and colors available to spice up outfits.  To me it’s a fashion must. And guys figure out the way you want to insert your pocket square to fit your image there is no wrong way. The best I've seen currently in tucking the pocket square is Nick Cannon. Maybe his weekly allowance is spent on pocket squares. Whatever it maybe, he get my props. Until next week, Stay Style Connected!

                     

Tucking pocket square variations

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"Pimp" to" Primped"

   Last week a friend of mine sent me a fashion poll inquiring whether we men preferred one, two, or three button suit jackets. Well any of those styles in suit jacket are acceptable; I personally am partial to the two button suits or blazers. But wearing any suit jacket extra long with multiple buttons (more than three) is just offensive. A respectable gentleman with any style sense wouldn't be caught dead in a modern day “Zoot suit”. I relished in the fun and fashion men had with style during the Harlem Renascence, but realistically let’s leave that fashion declaration where it belongs; in the 1920’s.

To be admired for style and respected in any social setting, with all do respect to the Bishop but, ditch the T.D. Jake’s look and cross over to Steve Harvey chic. Hey, Steve Harvey  made the change from “Pimp” to “Primped”, you can too. Until next, “Stay Style Connected!”