“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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