January 2012
9 posts
A 21st Century Fashion RETROspective
In school, teachers instructed us that in the closing paragraph of an essay it was necessary to touch on every major point made throughout the rest of the paper. Looking around at the fashions of recent times, I feel like a similar process is at work. Thus far, the styles of the first part of the 21st century have been a rotating shout out to the decades from the latter half of the 1900s. The...
The Essential Series: The Polo Shirt - How Polo...
This essential got it’s start long before a horse or polo player had anything to do with it. Like most essentials, it came out of necessity. Not too long ago, the sports of gentlemen were extremely strict in regards to the attire that could be worn while playing them. Tennis was no exception. It wasn’t long until a man by the name of Renee LaCoste, 7 time grand slam champion, decided...
Tie Tuesday: Blanket Linings Make the Best Ties
The Hill-Side makes downright killer ties. Every time I see one of their ties, the following image sweeps over me: I’m sitting with a hot cup of joe on the table in front of me. I’m wearing a pair of plastic frame Warby Parker’s and working on some sort of creative project on my Macbook Pro. Oh, and I’ve got this killer tie on that’s made from a wool blend blanket...
Street Style: Seeing Pitti Through a Computer...
Each week I’ll alternate between the Head to Toe segment and Street Style. This week it’s time for the latter.
This past week was Pitti Uomo in Florence, Italy. Pitti marks the start of the fashion season for Fall 2012 shows.The great thing about the streets of Pitti are that they’re a place where the latest trends take a backseat to personal style. With some of the best...
My Latest Purchase: NFL footballs, NBA basketballs...
It’s been a couple years since I bought a pair of boots. Come to think of it, I haven’t had a truly proper pair of boots, ever. Recently I went to Chicago with some close friends. It was a great time in the city, and a great time to find My Latest Purchase.
There are few stores that spend serious time curating their selection. Most stores carry overpriced poor quality items. The...
The best find under $30: Cords are better than...
Every other Thursday, I’ll post an item you can buy if you forgo a couple meals that involve leaving a tip. The idea is to share an item that’s extremely affordable and instantly steps up your look.
Here’s to the first item: Slim fit Cords from Lands End Canvas.
Lands End, I know, you’re thinking “that’s where my dad gets all his dress shirts with his...
The Essential Series: The Only Thing I know about...
It was a hot muggy day during WWII that Nathan Clark spotted a crepe soled boot while on tour in Burma. Fascinated by this boot, he began to see a pattern among it’s wearers….it was exclusively being worn by british military officers who came to Burma via Cairo. Little did Clark know that the soliders were having these made at the local bazaars in Cairo. After returning to Somerset,...
Tie Tuesday: How far will $16 get you?
Welcome to the first installment of Tie Tuesday 2012. For Christmas, I imagine a lot of you got cards with a nice green note from the treasury inside, so why not use some of it on a great winter tie? I’ll be the first to admit that I don’t enjoy spending a lot of money on ties. That’s why this tie was perfect: It’s gray (one of my favorite colors), wool (perfect for...
Head To Toe: Medieval Times, Old Navy and String...
We’ve heard all the magazines and “experts” tell us to reach for heavier fabrics when the thermostat starts flashing numbers below 50. I’m all about the stronger fabrics if 1) they make sense to me and 2) are functional. The items pictured above accomplish both of those things.
Club Collar Corduroy Shirt: I was fascinated by the return of the club collar shirt a couple...
December 2011
12 posts
The Final Curtain Call
When I set out on this journey several months ago, I did it for one reason: My love for personal style and clothing. Thread Counts is still in its’ infant stages and there’s still lots of work to do. Lots of adding, removing, changing and refining is needed. But for now, I want to say thanks. Thanks to those of you that read the blog. You have no idea how much that means to me. Thanks...
Fair Isle, Fair Game
My Christmas vibe is created from the following elixir: one cup Starbucks Peppermint Hot Chocolate, three tablespoons of a classic Claymation film, two parts idyllic mini-Christmas village, one Christmas Cookies Yankee Candle, the biggest civic lighting display you can find; Bing Crosby and the Andrews Sisters, Sufjan, and Charlie Brown Christmas music on shuffle; and last, but not least, one Fair...
"All I want for Christmas" Part 5
Between being sick, vacation and technical difficulties, this week’s content has left something to be desired. It’s a week late, but here is the final installment of “All I want for Christmas.” Enjoy!
I’ve always had a bit of an unfair advantage at this time of year. Having a birthday just twenty days before Christmas (and a brother whose birthday is just few days...
"All I want for Christmas" Part 4
Brian is one of my closest friends. As soon as I decided to do a Christmas “wishlist” series I knew Brian would be the first person I contacted. Yet again, he didn’t let me down. I mean, who doesn’t want a novelty printer they can control with their iPhone? Hope you enjoy this list as much as I did.
Your style should be an extension of your personality. And your style ...
All I want for Christmas" Part 3
I read a lot of blogs. However, there are few that have kept my attention over time. The Midwestyle would be one of them. Per their site, “We’re a few young men born and raised in the Midwest….We’re learning how to look sharp on a budget and when it’s worth it to shell out a little extra cash….We’ve got roots in mid-America and an affinity for ...
"All I want for Christmas" Part 2
When I met Jonathan, he was wearing a sharply tailored blue blazer via Thom Browne. I automatically knew he had style. Lucky for you, he was willing to share his Christmas wish list. And by the way, not only does he have great style, he also appreciates some of the finer things in life. Enjoy!
1. Shoes
(Left to Right)
Burberry Prorsum Brogues: Casual, but a substantial shoe: perfect for...
"All I want for Christmas" Part 1
With less than two weeks til Ole St. Nick drops down a chimney near you, I thought it appropriate to provide you with some gift ideas for a friend, brother or yourself. To assist, over the next 5 days, I’ve asked several friends and fellow bloggers to share 5 items they have on their Christmas list. Up first is my friend JT. Enjoy!
While it’s currently a terrible time to have just...
My Latest Purchase
Whenever winter rolls around I’m always in search of a strong sock to keep me warm. My problem is i can’t find a pair that can stand up to my heavy wear. Last weekend I solved that problem. In fact, I was fortunate enough to find TWO great pairs.
Here’s some quick info on this purchase: These socks are made in Vermont at the last remaining sock mill in that state. They have...
The Essential Series: Why You Need to Retire Your...
So far we’ve covered three essentials:
Pocket Square
Chinos
Jeans
This week we’ll cover an item that is important, but it’s even more important this time of year. It’s the topcoat. To clarify, there is a difference between a topcoat and peacoat. So what is the difference?
Topcoat - a wool jacket that hits at or slightly above the knee.
Peacoat - a wool jacket that...
Tie Tuesday
Starting today, Tuesday will be the day of the Tie. Here’s the first one:
Lands End Canvas Corduroy - This tie looks like a typical blue tie, but it’s corduroy. Such a simple and subtle way to mix it up. And a hefty corduroy is perfect for the colder weather.
Click here to purchase.
Head to Toe: Christmas Party Edition
Christmas is right around the corner. That means most of you will be attending parties with cheap eggnog and store bought sugar cookies. Today’s outfit is intended to get you ready for those parties, without looking as cheap as the food.
1. White Oxford Shirt - A simple and timeless classic. It’s more laid back than a pinpoint dress shirt, cause you’re not going to the...
My Latest "Purchase": A lesson on quality
Are some items worth a higher price tag? Over thanksgiving weekend I was tearing through an old drawer of scarves and watch caps in preparation for an upcoming ski trip. I had no idea what awaited me. After pulling out several items, there it was in all it’s glory - A Pendleton Woolen Mills scarf. Honestly, the guy who found a copy of Scarface in the Wal Mart $5 DVD bin couldn’t have...
November 2011
14 posts
The 5 Best Items I Saw, Over Thanksgiving Weekend
I spent a lot of time perusing through different stores this weekend. I saw enough items to bring my bank account to $0.00 in a matter of seconds. But out of all those items, these are the 5 best:
1. Billy Reid “Dublin Cardigan” - Made from Donegal Wool, some of the best Irish wool in the world, this cardigan is a slight variation on the traditional cardigan. It has that classic...
Head to Toe: How to Wear White Jeans after Labor...
This week, we’re taking the “Head to Toe” segment to new heights. Last week, I kept it simple and showed you an extremely basic weekend look. For this week, I wanted to tackle a more complicated look. Here’s what I love about this week’s look: It works on the weekend, on campus and at the office (business casual).
Here are the details:
1. White Jeans
2. Chambray...
Where to Spend Your Money on Black Friday
Looking for some discounts this weekend? I went ahead and took care of the hard part for you. I searched high and low and found some of the best deals. Here are the stores/labels offering up a little extra incentive this weekend:
JCREW - 25% off purchases of $150 + free shipping
Gant - 30% off entire purchase
Urban Outfitters - 50% off sale items
Park and Bond - 30% off sale items
Cole...
Why Denim?
I wish I had invented blue jeans. They have expression, modesty, sex appeal, and simplicity - all I hope for in my clothes.
-Yves Saint Laurent
Why Denim, you say? Why not? We owe this essential to a German immigrant who headed west to open a branch of his brother’s dry goods business. Soon, he teamed up with a tailor from Nevada, and the “501” was born. Jeans started out as...
A Sartorial Hierarchy of Needs
Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. For almost seventy years this model of human development has been a pillar of modern psychological thought. Mr. Maslow’s guide breaks personal human advancement down to five stages: physiological, safety, love/belonging, esteem, and self-actualization. With a little hemming and by taking in an inch or two here and there, this insightful schema can be fitted to...
From Head to Toe
Sorry for being MIA these last couple weeks. Not to worry, I’m back.
I’m implementing a new segment on Mondays. It’s called Head to Toe. I’ll give you a full outfit from head to toe and tell you how to make it work for you. Here’s the first one:
“The weekend” - a dreaded phrase when it comes to clothes. Guys, you kill it all week in the fashion sense,...
My Latest Purchase 3.0
Until the last couple years, the typical dress shirt shelf was stacked with a cut of cloth that could double as a wind sail from the Golden Age of Pirates (seemingly came with a parachute built in). The fit was horrendous! It had gotten to where it was better to save your money and just buy a paper sack. Fortunately, designers wised up
Now designers are creating great fitting shirts so you...
The Fight for Style
Designer/Label of the Week will be back next week. In the meantime….
One of the hardest things to do is avoid being fashionable. The majority of the clothing industry is geared towards being fashionable. There’s nothing specifically wrong with being fashionable. However, what happens is most guys forfeit their style for fashion.
Here’s the about style - it’s so hard to pin down. And...
Something Legit Shares Their 5 Fall Essentials
We all know cooler weather is here to stay. Therefore, it’s time to grab those must have items for fall. I asked Laura and Lauren over at Something Legit to give me their 5 essentials for fall. Enjoy!
Hi this is Laura and Lauren from the men’s fashion blog, Something Legit. As we like to say, we’re two girls helping guys get it together in the fashion sense. Ben graciously...
Weekend Street Style
This is Cedric. There’s something to be said for a guy who looks comfortable in his clothes. Nicely done.
Friday.Weekend.My Latest Purchase
When I set out for this purchase I knew exactly what I wanted. There was no settling for mediocrity. One stop wouldn’t get the job done. Many stores, with their poorly lit dressing rooms and lackluster satisfaction couldn’t slow me down- I was on a mission. And after hours spent and miles walked- I found ‘the one’.
Why is this jacket so great? Why is it ‘the one’? For starters, it’s...
The Staples
What do you feel most comfortable wearing?
Is it that old, favorite pair of jeans?
Is it that jersey knit polo that fits you just right?
The picture above showcases the items that I feel most comfortable wearing.
I’ve got a trusty pair of selvedge jeans (Gap), a cyan gingham button-up (J. Crew), a pair of white bucks (Fossil), a khaki OKC Thunder hat (Thunder Team Store), an...
Chinos
Well, it’s Wednesday again so it’s time for the second installment of the Essentials series. This essential got it’s start in the 1860’s when the British Military made it an official part of their uniform. Now it’s gone mainstream and over the last several years every label/designer from GAP to Band of Outsiders is doing their take on them. The great thing...
Designer/Label of the week
Menswear has taken off in the last couple years. Designers and labels are popping up everywhere. The interesting/frustrating thing is that many of them are unattainable to the average consumer. Each Tuesday I’ll highlight a designer or label I really like that’s accesible. Cause let’s be honest, what’s the point of talking about something you can’t actually buy?
...
October 2011
13 posts
An Extra Helping of Street Style
This is my friend Brian. Brian gets it when it comes to creating and refining his own style. I like everything about this look. He’s got a great pair of slim chinos on and a sharp contrasting v-neck sweater . Also, the understated timex watch and white bucks don’t hurt.
Street Style
Last Thursday night I was at a Charity event and noticed several guys who were doing a lot of things right in the clothing/personal style category. However, there was one imparticular guy who was doing everything right. I never had a chance to snap a full picture of his outfit or meet him. Fortunately, I did manage to snap a picture of his shoes though. He was wearing a beautiful pair of...
My Latest Purchase
Well, it’s Friday again which means it’s time for the “My Latest Purchase” segment. This could be one of my most thought out and favorite purchases ever. This purchase was over 6 months in the making and it was well worth the wait. The purchase? Persol sunglasses. Persol was started in 1917 by Guiseppi Ratti. The name Persol means “for the sun.” There’s...
Billy Reid Sunday Coat
If their is one thing I want with Fall right around the corner this is it:
I’ve tried this jacket on three different times, and it is as phenomenal as it looks. It’s 100% Donegal Wool, the pocket flaps and collar are lined with leather, the buttons are made of buffalo horn and to top it off….the fit is spot on. Not to mention, it’s one of the most versatile jackets...
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The Pocket Square
Each Wednesday I’ll cover an essential item of a man’s wardrobe. Today is the pocket square. Something about a pocket square says “I took the extra time to get the details right.” If there is one flaw with guys and the way we dress it’s that we don’t pay enough attention to the details. Every guy can put on trousers and a jacket, that takes no...
Designer/Label of the Week
Menswear has taken off in the last couple years. Designers and labels are popping up everywhere. The interesting/frustrating thing is that many of them are unattainable to the average consumer. Each Tuesday I’ll highlight a designer or label I really like that’s accesible. Cause let’s be honest, what’s the point of talking about something you can’t actually buy?
So...
Weekend Style
Thought about this guy several times this weekend. Three words come to mind: effortless, cool and comfortable. This is weekend style at its best. Have a good Monday!
If you’d like a more personable approach to helping you discover your own style or have any questions, email me at : thestylegentleman@gmail.com
1 tag
My Latest Purchase
Ever Friday I’ll post something that I’ve recently purchased. Here’s my first one: Most guys need a cap during the winter. I’m not talking about the kind with your favorite team on it. I’m talking about a functional cap that will keep you warm when the mercury drops. In the case of a cap, less is more when it comes to the design. Your cap shouldn’t be an...
1 tag
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Renaissance
It’s something I’ve thought about for months if not years and discussed with tons of friends. The idea behind this blog is actually quiet simple. I’m a guy who has a love for style and is frustrated with the lack of it. I’m tired of guys dressing like the mall displays they see. Most guys don’t even know it but their abandoning their identity, which is the one place...