April 10, 2009
Jeff Wyatt’s Look of the Day… For Men
By Jeff Wyatt
An essential for any Spring wardrobe is (without a doubt) the cardigan. It adds an air of sophistication to most any look. I personally love pairing a cardigan with a simple dress shirt, bow tie, and shorts during spring.
This cardigan from the Spring 2009 Gucci men’s collection is one worth coveting. The look is simple enough, with the shirt’s pop of color nicely complimenting the almost turquoise hue of the cardigan, all set on a black trouser. We’ll let you decide how you feel about the floral shoe… I enjoy them though.
The thing that stands out – besides the color of this cardigan – is the perfectly executed button work. In my opinion, the closures are what make or break any great cardigan.
If your wardrobe is without a great cardigan or two (I recommend at least a blue and a gray) you should definitely pop into Gucci, and do yourself a favor by picking up this versatile essential.
- Spring 09 Blue Cardigan from Gucci
March 31, 2009
Jeff Wyatt’s Look of the Day…For Men
By Jeff Wyatt
Sometimes you want to wear black, but without the severity. I know that doesn’t make much sense at face value, but every once in a while you want to fall into that gray area between gray and black…
And for those times, there’s this exceptionally chic and well tailored jacket from the Hugo by Hugo Boss collection. The collar, placket, and subdued pattern on the chest are exquisite. The coloration of a dark charcoal – not quite black, and definitely not gray – is impactful. Hugo’s piece has mystique that draws the attention of passers-by, for a second glance.
This is definitely a staple piece for any wardrobe that will prove to have longevity. Hugo Boss fantastically combined both simplicity and elegance, while maintaining a classic, masculine line.
Hugo by Hugo Boss F/W 09
March 20, 2009
On a Beautiful, Personal Note…
By Jeff Wyatt
I’m sure everyone has heard the news which I was privy to some time ago, that Mr. Lorenzo Martone and Mr. Marc Jacobs have gotten engaged! I completely scooped WWD, but kept it secret. 
I work with Lorenzo daily and could not be happier for the both of them.
For all of you who do not know Lorezno: there is no kinder, more giving human being and Marc is so blessed to have him for his partner through the rest of their lives. If there were more Lorenzos in this world, we’d all be better for it!
I wish the both of them all the happiness and love this world has to offer; and I hope Lorenzo the muse can continue inspiring Marc for so many years to come – both professionally and personally – and Marc to do the same for Lorenzo.
Parabéns!
March 20, 2009
Jeff Wyatt’s Look of the Day…For Men
I… just… died! At least that’s how I felt when I first saw this look from Paul Smith’s Fall/Winter 09 runway show. It is perfection! This is the type of suit that even Cary Grant would have had to admit could have made him look better - no small feat my friends, no small feat!
The three piece suit is a favorite of mine, and this one hits all points perfectly. The trousers are cut wonderfully and play between lapel sizes on the vest and jacket is amazing. Coloring is perfect and the plaid tie accents impeccably. Notice also the playful color clash of the attache case and shoes, as well as the belt. What is brilliant about accessories choices is the beaded wristband matching the shoes.
If this suit is in your closet come Fall 2009, compliments will indeed come your way, compliments of Paul Smith, of course!
From Paul Smith's F/W 09 Collection
March 12, 2009
Jeff Wyatt’s Look of the Day…For Men
It’s always such a tease to have to view collections that are 6 months from hitting the stores (courtesy Fashion Week and line previews), but this look is one to wait for! It screams refined, yet casual all in the same breath, and is the perfect outfit for a chilly spring or fall date.
Note the classic peacoat in a remarkable shade of blue (our fave color!), with the foundation of sophisticated black basics and accessories of quality and versatility.
Courtesy of Louis Vuitton, designed by the incomparable Marc Jacobs, it’s a look that looks simple, but so effective. This one will definitely turn the ladies’ heads… even the ones who aren’t lucky enough to be on the date with you.
Louis Vuitton Pea Coat on Black with Signature Briefcase
February 17, 2009
Belly Up to the Tie Bar, Boys!
For seasonal and trendy updates, ladies generally can mix up their closet of basic clothing with inexpensive, yet colorful accessories, such as scarves, bangles, belts, bags, and even their shoes. But, for the guy who has to wear a suit to the office (or those with neckwear-required corporate policies), following color and pattern trends can be cost-prohibitive. At $50 or more per necktie, a little silk color and style statement becomes a $250 per workweek investment.
And then, there is the guy who keeps forgetting to untether his neckwear from the random-woman-of-the-prior-night’s bedpost, as he dashes off to the workplace – in that same charcoal suit. That is a time that having a stand-by tie or two (and a toothbrush) in the office drawer or glove compartment of the SUV would be convenient.
Former attorneys Greg and Gina Shugar came up with a solution that will work for you, or your fave man, too. They developed The Tie Bar in 2004, an online retail outlet of Shugar-designed, handmade, 100% silk neckwear. Sick of paying for tie-after-tie to keep his power suits updated and, well, powerful, Greg wanted to provide other men just like him with affordable, stylish options.
“Ties are the only accessory for men that allow us to change up our everyday work attire. And I wanted to create a place where men didn’t have to spend a fortune to do so,” says Shugar. “At $15 per tie, men can now update their wardrobe every season and not feel guilty.”
Yes, you read that right: $15 per tie.
Now, men can buy ties for every mood, without sacrificing a great deal of cash or quality. For this season, we selected some wonderfully breezy, islandic styles that will powerfully accent your neck – or her bedpost:
Find these and many, many more for $15 each, at www.theTieBar.com. (But, you’ll have to get that spare toothbrush at the drugstore.)
February 17, 2009
Abi Ferrin’s “Primavera” for Spring 2009
As part of her “Primavera” line for Spring 2009, and inspired by women she knows (as well as those she might have just met), Abi Ferrin fuses bright color and playful designs to brighten our days, as we try so desperately to rebound from both winter doldrums and economic woes.
A Dallas-based designer, Abi recently showed in New York during Fashion Week and continues to design for socialites, celebrities, and fashionistas, including Hayden Panettiere, Jennifer Hudson, Rachel Bilson, Molly Sims, Kelly Ripa, Vanessa Williams, Kristen Bell, Christina Aguilera, and many more.
Still relatively fresh and unknown in the world of fashion, Abi’s styles are some you can easily incorporate into your closet of name brands, while knowing that your “Lucy” dress will be the only one at the charity cocktail, or your “5 Way Top” will dress up your denim nicely, without instant off-the-rack recognition.
When asked about her growth as a designer, and where this collection stands in respect to trends, Abi replied, “I wanted to create a collection that was truly representative of my unique style and flair as a designer, rather than a collection that reflected current styles and trends. People who have watched me from day one will definitely recognize elements of continuity, while all the time I am evolving.”
Named “Top Texas Designer” by Stanley Korshak and the Dallas Fashion Incubator in 2007, we are guessing that the evolution of Abi Ferrin has just begun. You may find her latest styles at www.abiferrin.com.
February 17, 2009
Spring Fashion: Caribbean Bound
Top Spring ‘09 fashion trends for the ladies are: ruffles, zippers that adorn, loose pants that taper at the ankle, Panama-style hats (like light Fedoras), Bohemian print dresses, stacked bangles on the arms, low-hanging chandelier earrings, long and chunky necklaces, jumpsuits, animal prints, military jacket styling, mixing of patterns (stripes and dots and other “taboos,” as seen on the runways), pastel dressing, black-and-whites, and – you could have guessed it – even neon.
Spring’s “new looks” appear just like any joint showing of Michael Jackson and Diana Ross in the mid-1980’s, or one of our high school class group photos, minus the Bon-Jovi-Jersey bangs.
When shopping for bangles that remind you of Valley Girl, pop colors of The GoGo’s, jumpsuits of Xanadu, loose britches of Hammer, ruffles of Charro, Prince’s jacket, and Stevie Nicks’ floral-print housedress, keep the breezy colors of the Caribbean in mind.
Not in themselves tumultuous, the most favored fashion colors for Spring are:
As terrible as it might seem – to combine islandic brights with any of the aforementioned trends – as long as you maintain subtlety and hit upon only one or two trends at a time, you will survive the Great Fashion Hurricane of Spring 2009 without becoming much worse for the wear.
January 4, 2009
6 Winter Fashion Must-Haves For Men
By Jeff Wyatt
Winter has once again blanketed memories of summer in a fresh batch of snow and it’s time to get ready to look your best while covered from head to toe. Invest in six great pieces that will last and help you look your best this season. Here is a guide to the winter staples you should be looking to pick up:
- Turtleneck:
A form-fitting chunky cable-knit turtleneck should be your go-to sweater for the season. Be it patterned or a simple black, a great turtleneck can carry you through all winter occasions. This is a place to spend a little extra and get a fine wool or cashmere, as trust me, it won’t go unnoticed. - Topcoat:
The most dignified of all fall and winter accessories is the topcoat. When done properly, it adds an air of glamour to a man’s wardrobe. It can instantly transform a man into Cary Grant – or Louie, the stubby-legged tragic hobo. Be sure that your coat not only fits properly in the body, shoulders, and arms, but also that it does not fall any longer than mid-kneecap. When reaching past mid-knee, this coat begins to blunt the leg and give the wearer the appearance of being shorter. Keeping it mid-knee, or slightly higher by an inch or two, will ensure the legs appear elongated and reflect the dignified look you really want. - Gloves:
You definitely want to go with form and function on the gloves. Yes, warmth is paramount. I cannot deny this fact. Being one who is sensitive to temperatures, I always opt for warmth. However, big, puffy gloves constructed of some odd synthetic fiber and laced with a purple hue are unacceptable. Find a great leather pair lined with fur. As much as I’d like to recommend cashmere-lined gloves, they just don’t retain the warmth that is needed by January. - Scarf:
Being a fan of only basic tones in the winter (blacks, grays and browns), I have always chosen to go with a much more subdued scarf. I have a gray cashmere scarf that has already accompanied me through seven winters, and it is still kicking. However, the scarf is a garment that, if you so choose, can be vibrant and edgier. Try a red and green plaid in the Scottish tradition, to infuse a little color into the wardrobe. For a little touch of fun, tie it as you would a necktie, with a wide knot at the top. It is a look many don’t even explore when donning a winter scarf. - Hat:
I personally alternate between a thin wool stocking cap by Dolce & Gabbana and a rabbit fur hat from Theory, in the winter. Both are black and both are exceptionally warm. And really, that is the goal for any hat in the winter. If it fits your style and keeps you warm, then you should be happy. As long as it’s not a synthetic, blended, red and blue monstrosity with a yarn ball on the top (that your mother gave you in 3rd grade), you should be alright. - Boots:
Let’s face it, there are some ugly boots out there. This is a department of male fashion which has yet to catch up to women’s. A couple of years ago, I found a decent looking no-name brand pair that are completely waterproof and keep me warm. This is one of those areas where I have to just recommend web research, to find a pair that are completely waterproof and will suit your feet, in particular. There are plenty that are waterproof for short spells outside, but if you live how I live in a Manhattan winter, you can spend an hour or two in the snow, and at that point, not all waterproof boots are created equal.
Ensure you maintain these basics for each winter, and that they look great, as they are timeless classics that will suit you warmly through many cold seasons to come.
