Posts filed under 'Shopping Guide'

Spring 2010’s Five Must-Have Mens Accessories

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It’s no secret that the easiest way to update your look is with aptly chosen accessories. Even if you haven’t gotten around to picking up your chambray shirt or splurging on a utility jacket, you can still grab some "quick wins" with our five classically cool accessory picks: the statement tie, the quality moccasin, the canvas tote, the spring snood, and the aviator sunglasses.  So don’t wait - step up your style for spring with these five must-have accessories.

1. Cotton Madras Tie | $59.50 at J Press

2. Grizzly Moccasin | $249.99 at Quoddy

3. Want Organic Mirabel Day Roll Bag | $145 at J Crew

4. Grey Jersey Snood Scarf | $24 at Topman

5. Aviator Sunglasses | $5.90 at Forever 21

10 comments March 30th, 2010

What to Wear March 2010, Menswear Edition

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Days are getting longer (thanks, Daylight Savings Time), the air is getting warmer, and we’re eagerly anticipating Spring.  While the weather may not be Spring-tastic in all areas of the country yet, it’s definitely time to start - or continue - your Spring wardrobe update.  What do we recommend that you add to your Spring 2010 wardrobe?  Patterned shirts, a denim utility shirt, a light cotton jacket, pieces with military influence, and because the weather can still be chilly, a cable knit sweater jacket.  But don’t forget your accessories - update with a pair of old school grey sneakers, driving mocs, a canvas weekend tote, and a dandy-inspired fedora.  

1. Nailhead Oxford Utility Shirt | $98 at J Crew

2. Cotton Utility Jacket | $130 at Banana Republic

3. White and Red Check Shirt | $50 at Topman

4. Cotton Cable Harpoon Sweater Jacket | $198 at J Crew

5. Casual Bomber Jacket | $98.50 at Banana Republic

6. AE Leather Driving Moc | $49.50 at American Eagle

7. Packable Striped Fedora | $13.90 at Heritage 1981

8. Wool Check D.R. Tote | $147.50 (sale) at Jack Spade

9. AE Old School Sneaker | $24.95 (sale) at American Eagle

Guys, what will you be wearing this March?  Share your style with us in the comments!

7 comments March 16th, 2010

Do as Londoners Do: Sport the Perfect Winter Coat

Greetings from London!  What’s striking about London (besides the freezing cold - it’s a far cry from sunny California out here) is the fantastic outerwear.  Both men and women sport coats that are as fashion-forward as they are functional.

For men, the perfect layering coat works as well with trouser pants (for work) as it does with jeans (for weekends).  We’ve seen a number of great jackets and coats that fit the bill.  Here’s five of our favorite mens coats from London destination Topshop:

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Carolyn Massey Navy Scarf Coat | $250 at Topman

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Self DB Bomber Jacket | $158 at Topman

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Grey Wool Mix Crombie Overcoat | $300 at Topman

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Self Duffle Coat | $280 at Topman

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Charcoal Wool Mix Overcoat | $180 at Topman

4 comments December 16th, 2009

Five Cold Weather Coats to Keep You Warm this Winter

Whether you’re going to be out and about or keeping cozy inside this winter, it’s time to update your coat wardrobe.  To make your way through the cold weather, you’re going to want a variety of jackets and coats so that you can mix and match and layer for every occasion.  This year’s must-have coat is the rugged parka (a cousin of the also-ubiquitous puffer jacket), but we also recommend that every man have a nice topcoat in his wardrobe for dressier occasions.  Whether your style runs formal or stays casual, we have a cold weather coat for you:

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All Son National Parka | $98 at Urban Outfitters
Tough out the cold, stormy weather in this parka.  Wear it with a sweater and jeans, as shown, or switch out the sweater for a collared white button-down and a skinny tie for a fetching juxtaposition of casual and formal.

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OBEY Wasted Youth Coated Jacket | $168 at Urban Outfitters
This coated denim jacket can be layered over shirts and tees - and under your overcoat.

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Mayfair Wool Cashmere Topcoat | $257.60 (sale) at J Crew
A wool cashmere coat that’s classic and modern all at once.  Plus, it goes with everything in your closet.

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Heritage Toggle Coat | $355 at Banana Republic
Toggle closures on this classic cold weather coat add a nautical touch.  

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Kai-Aakmann Black Long Hooded Coat | $489 at Oak
Featuring two internal removable layers, this tough, heavy-duty coat will prepare you for whatever winter brings.

1 comment December 8th, 2009

How to Dress Like Don Draper

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What makes Mad Men’s Don Draper always look so sharp?  The key to Draper’s style is a well cut suit (then again, his dashing good looks don’t hurt either).  But while we can’t all look like Draper, you can dress like him. 

Brooks Brothers and Mad Men costume designer Janie Bryant collaborated on a limited edition suit that sold out in a snap, but you can just look for the following details when you’re shopping for (or custom tailoring) your next suit:

Slim Cut Silhouette: Just say no to shapeless suits.  The trim silhouette makes you look slimmer and taller, no matter what your personal architecture.
Medium Gray Sharkskin: If you have only one suit in your wardrobe, make it a gray one.  A gray suit goes everywhere, and it works even when a black suit is too somber.  That extra sheen is from the sharkskin fabric, a popular material in the 1960s and 1980s.
Diagonal Pockets: The slight diagonal of the pockets adds to the slimming effect of the suit.  
Narrow Lapels: Notice the trimmer than usual notched lapels on this jacket.    
Side Vents: Instead of a single vent at the center back, this jacket features two side vents–all the better for the fitted silhouette of the suit.
Sleeve Length: The perfect sleeve length for a jacket shows about a half inch of shirt sleeve.

9 comments October 20th, 2009

Mens Shopping Guide: Six Versatile Jackets Under $150

Guys, it’s time to beef up your outerwear wardrobe and fill your closet with an assortment of versatile coats and jackets that will take you through fall.  What will you need?  A mix of casual and tailored styles in neutral, go-with-everything colors.  Here’s six versatile jackets (all under $150, and most under $100) that will complete your fall outerwear wardrobe:

The Peacoat
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Chino Peacoat | $34.90 at Heritage 1981

The Duffle Coat
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Jersey Hooded Duffle | $91.19 at ASOS

The Field Jacket
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Field Jacket | $99.50 at American Eagle

The Bomber Jacket
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Pinstripe Bomber | $82.07 at ASOS

The Casual Blazer

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Charcoal Shawl Collar Blazer | $80 at Topman

The 3/4 Length Coat
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Long Length Double Breasted Coat | $127.66 at ASOS

What jackets will you be wearing this Fall? Share your style with us in the comments!

3 comments October 6th, 2009

Mens Fall Fashion Preview: Five Pieces You Need for Fall 2009

Guys, it’s time to start embracing Fall Fashion.  Key menswear trends include a strong Americana vibe that gives a nod to quirky British style.  Think preppy classics with special details - but details that don’t take themselves too seriously.  Our sartorial recommendation for the season?  Invest in classic pieces that will keep your look sharp not only for Fall 2009, but for Fall 2010 and beyond.  Here’s five pieces that you’ll want to have in your wardrobe for seasons to come:

The 3/4 Length Duffle Coat

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Gloverall Made in London Duffle Coat | $459.75 at ASOS
How to wear it: Make the bright red color really pop with a pair of dark denim jeans.  

The Classic Flannel Shirt
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Lightweight Flannel Shirt | $34.99 at Gap
How to wear it: Pair this cozy flannel shirt with gray denim and distressed boots for a look that’s urban meets rugged.

The Bright Layering Tee
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Cotton Waffle Knit Crewneck | $40 at Banana Republic
How to wear it: Let a bit of color peek out from under your gray or navy cardigan.  Added bonus for you?  The extra soft waffle knit fabric.


The Slim Shawl Collar Cardigan

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Cable Knit and Sweat Cardigan | $64.37 at ASOS
How to wear it: Wear this shawl collared cardigan over a slim fit shirt.  We love the texture of the cable knit pattern, which pairs nicely with other coarse textures like a medium wale corduroy.

The Sporty Quilted Jacket
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Quilted Four Pocket Jacket | $200 at Banana Republic
How to wear it: We love how you can take this chic quilted jacket anywhere this Fall.  Whether you’re catching a game or strolling downtown, this jacket is a practical, stylish choice.  Pair it with a bright scarf for a playful look.

What will you be wearing this Fall?  Share your style with us in the comments!

2 comments September 8th, 2009

Gap Fall 2009 Menswear Favorites

We turn to Gap for casual classics - and this season, Gap is really delivering.  We’re seeing the key pieces of the season at Gap - and in that sub $100 price range we love so much.  Here’s our five favorite picks from Gap’s Fall 2009 collection:  

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Authentic Fit Jeans in Resin Rinse | $34.50 at Gap
How to wear it? There’s a reason why we love dark denim - it’s so versatile.  You can pair these dark jeans with both casual shirts (like your polos and tees) and more formal fare (like your button-down shirts and blazers).  

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Lightweight Flannel Shirt | $44.50 at Gap
How to wear it?  The key to not looking like a lumberjack is to pair this flannel shirt with fitted, tailored pieces and accessories.

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Fitted Chambray Shirt | $44.50 at Gap
How to wear it?  We love the classic chambray button-down paired with sand colored khakis and a belt.  

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Field Jacket | $98 at Gap
How to wear it? Work with the outdoorsy feel of this jacket and pair it with a rugged, chunky sweater for Fall.

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Cord Jacket | $68 at Gap
How to wear it? Play with color - pair your cord jacket with a brightly colored sweater.  Let the color peek out by wearing the jacket open.

Thoughts on Gap’s Fall 2009 collection?  Have a favorite that we missed?  Share your style with us in the comments!

1 comment August 19th, 2009

J Crew Fall 2009 Menswear Favorites

It’s no secret that we’re fans of J Crew’s classic American style.  We’ve reviewed their Fall 2009 collection and edited it down to the staples that you’ll be reaching for over and over again.  Here’s our six favorite picks from J Crew’s Fall 2009 menswear collection:

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Fatigue Jacket | $168 at J Crew
How to wear it? Wear your fatigue jacket with a bright color inside to get a look that’s thoroughly inappropriate for boot camp.

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Cotton Cashmere Cardigan | $69.50 at J Crew
How to wear it? We’re loving a fitted navy cardigan worn just as it’s shown - with a pair of white jeans.  So fresh and so clean.

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Thermal Henley | $42.50 at J Crew
How to wear it? Pair this supersoft henley with your rugged fatigue jacket for a look that mixes soft and hard.

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Solid Tweed Sportcoat | $265 at J Crew
How to wear it? Mustard yellow (as shown) or blood orange, with a splash of pure white, will make this grey tweed sportcoat shine.

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Secret Wash Button Down Shirt in Scholar Tartan | $59.50 at J Crew
How to wear it? The pattern of the season, tartan plaid, works great under a fitted cardigan and dark rinse jeans.

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Straight Fit Jean in Black Resin Crinkle Wash | $98 at J Crew
How to wear it? Take a break from your standard blue jean, and try these inky black jeans.  Best paired with vibrant colors, like this bluish purple.

Thoughts on J Crew’s Fall 2009 collection?  Share your style with us in the comments!

6 comments August 12th, 2009

Q&A: Summer Shoes for Men

Q: During the summer, I basically feel like I’ve got two choices for footwear with shorts: Teva brand flip flops or Chaco brand sandals. I’d like to get something in more of a ’shoe’ that I can wear without socks. What are some stylish "boat-shoes" or alternatives to boat-shoes?

A: You’re in luck - there are a number of warm weather shoe options open to you that aren’t sandals.  If you want to step out of the house without socks, we’d recommend four types of shoes: boat shoes, tennis shoes, canvas shoes, and driving moccasins. 

The Boat Shoe
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Broken In Sperry Top Siders | $98 at J Crew

Sperry makes the classic boat shoe, and their collaboration with J Crew makes these traditional shoes better than ever.  Between the distinctive custom dark wood color, the off white soles, and the cotton chambray lining, you won’t find a more unique boat shoe for under $100.

The Tennis Shoe
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Springcourt Low Cut Canvas Shoes | $88 at Steven Alan

Springcourt shoes are the original French tennis shoe , but they’re anything but traditional in terms of features.  We’re loving the convenient four hole ventilation channels - so your feet can breathe easy.

The Canvas Shoe
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Zuriick Jakob Mid Top Canvas Shoes | $98 at Oak

These sleek canvas shoes remind us that casual footwear can be as sophisticated as its more formal cousins–and tons more fun.  Love, love, love the ever-so-subtle striping and the bright purple shoe soles.  Editor’s Note: Sizing is limited at Oak, since these shoes are selling fast.  But they were fantastic enough that we wanted to feature them anyways.

The Driving Moccasin
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Millbrook Leather Driving Mocs | $128 at J Crew

We’re digging the rich Italian leather on this driving moccasin.  You’ll also enjoy the rubber sole, which gives you extra traction while driving - or just walking around.

Guys, what are your favorite summer shoe picks? Share them with us in the comments!

15 comments May 27th, 2009

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