1. Silence & Noise Sequin Cardigan | $68 at Urban Outfitters

2. AE Cropped Denim Jacket | $49.50 at American Eagle

3. Soleil Paisley Silk Tunic | $88 at J Crew

4. Confidante Silk Romper | $34.80 at Forever 21

5. Fingerless Leather Gloves | $32 at Topshop

6. We Who See Fringe Boot | $78 at Urban Outfitters

7. Paint Print Cardigan | $24.80 at Forever 21

8. Dolce Vita Jordan Pant | $158 at Urban Outfitters

9. Floral Printed Full Skirt | $58 at Urban Outfitters

10. Max C London Slouchy Bow Bag | $47.59 at ASOS

11. Shirred Sleeve Boyfriend Blazer | $34.80 at Forever 21

12. Sweeping Ruffles Shirt | $98 at J Crew

Zippered Snap Moto Jacket | $32.80 at Forever 21

Parisienne Sailor Blouse | $55 at Topshop

Rosette Dotted Skirt | $29 at Twelve by Twelve

Cobweb Snood | $32 at Topshop

Washed Leather Conical Stud Shoulder Bag | $135.98 at ASOS

1. Etienne Aigner Ravine | $78.95 at Zappos

2. Steve by Steve Madden Melin Oxford | $98.95 at Nordstrom

3. Steve Madden Harah Oxford | $79.95 at Nordstrom

4. Steve Madden Tuxxedo Brogues | $69.90 at Zappos

5. Deena & Ozzy Wingtip Oxford | $58 at Urban Outfitters

6. Brodie Leather Ankle Boots | $325 at J Crew

7. Elsbeth Leather Oxfords | $225 at J Crew

Hi everyone,

The holiday season may be over, but the travel schedule continues.  For the next two weeks, I’ll working out of London and Paris.  

While I’m on the road, expect (fewer) posts on broader trends, especially those inspired by the sophisticated style of these chic capitals.  

It’s also quite literally freezing out there, so there’s good news for all of you in chillier climates than my native California - I’m likely to return with even more inventive ideas for looking cool while still staying warm!

As befits the season, we’re wearing a lot of black these days.  But to keep black from being basic, we’re dressing it up with texture.  Mixing textures - shine with matte, rough with smooth - allows us to add visual interest to an outfit, while still maintaining a nearly monochromatic look.  FWIW, monochromatic dressing helps add visual height - great news for all of us who would like to add a few inches without towering heels.  Here’s how to combine three distinctive textures for a look that’s simply chic:

1. Start with a plain white button down and a textured pencil skirt.  Note the mix of smooth (shirt) and rough (braided leather on the skirt) with this foundation combination.
2.  Add a bit of shine to the look with a sequinned vest - a wonderful foil to the matte foundations of the outfit.
3. Finish off the look with black accessories, as befits the near monochromatic outfit.  The lace on the clutch handbag adds a new dimension of texture, while the fringe detail on the lace-up military-style boots adds the final cherry on top.

Unless you’re staying inside, you’ll want to finish off this outfit with a good warm coat.  You can try the big over small look with a hip-length puffer - or go classic with a wool (or wool-cashmere blend) topcoat.  Either way, keep the silhouette simple.

How would you mix and match textures?  Share your style with us in the comments!

1. Lock Leather and Suede Purse | $42.49 at ASOS

2. Kelsey Ruffle Top | $69.50 (sale) at J Crew

3. Chain Trim Boucle Blazer | $34.80 at Forever 21

4. Military Button Front Skirt | $19.80 at Forever 21

5. Ombre Horizon Coat | $595 at J Crew

6. Jeffrey Campbell Class Bootie | $168 at Urban Outfitters

7. Leather Tassle Frame Bag | $110.48 at ASOS

8.  Tie Side Harem Trouser | $65 at Topshop

9. Knitted Stripe Lace Jumper | $70 at Topshop

How would you wear Parisian cool girl chic?  Share your style with us in the comments!

Hi everyone,

Ready or not, Christmas is upon us.  We’re packing up for the holidays, returning for a brand new year of fashion and style on Wednesday, January 6. 

While we’re looking forward to the New Year, it’s time to start thinking about New Year’s Resolutions.  Personally, I’m resolving to do a wholesale closet cleaning to refresh my wardrobe.  Invest in new, classic-with-a-twist basics.  And push my personal style boundaries to mix things up a bit.  Who knows what I’ll try wearing this year? 

Do you have any New Year’s Resolutions that you’d like to share? 

As far as what one “should” buy, my answer really depends on a few things, none of which concern what season is currently in store.

I am a firm believer that if one splurges on clothes, one should first splurge on essentials, items that never go out of style.  These pieces should be your first priority: a wool charcoal single breasted suit, a wool navy single breasted suit, a couple pairs of shirts (either solid white or solid light blue), a couple of ties (solids and stripes only for now), one pair of black leather oxford lace-ups, one pair of brown leather oxford lace-ups, a wool overcoat (either in navy or charcoal), and a dress belt (black and brown reversible; keep the egregiousness of the belt buckle to a minimum).  I am also assuming you have a pair of dark navy jeans, with no fade or ridiculous embellishments on the rear pockets, as well as solid navy or charcoal sweaters.

This is the foundation of a well-dressed man’s wardrobe; the colors I pick –navy and charcoal- are the two most versatile.  Notice I did not pick a black suit.  I don’t know when it became acceptable to wear a black suit during the daytime, but it is not “appropriate.” 

If you don’t yet have all of these items, get them.  If you feel like you know about proper fit, from reading posts on this site, or from reading magazines, or from other respected forums (Ask Andy about Clothes is a classic), feel free to shop around.  If you are less-than-confident, go to a respected department store and trust the TAILOR (not necessarily the salesman).  Listen to what he has to say, and follow his advice.  Note that magazines such as GQ and the like often pick up on trends that are not deemed “traditional” fit.

Now, if you DO already have these items, pick up pieces from what I am arbitrarily deeming the second “tier” of the foundation.  These items include classics such as bomber jackets, wool peacoats, scarves, mackintoshes, trench coats, slacks, blazers, and suits in colors not previously mentioned (keep them wool, for now).

If you also have these second tier foundation items in your closet, you can start to find more novelty, trendy items.  Read through the trends highlighted on this site; there are plenty and not worth listing here.

As for what I’ve bought recently, I’m never one to buy and tell (designer wise), but I will say that the items included a navy oilcloth peacoat, a crewneck gray sweater, a wax cotton jacket in a fantastic dark olive, and a navy windbreaker with a vivid red detail.  I also managed to find a great pair of cords on Gilt, as well as some ties.  I think my next purchase will be a toggle coat.

If you really are insistent on brand names, I would suggest buying items that do not have labels or logos showing.  You pay for brand names for fit, details, texture and quality of construction (well, you should anyway), not so you can show people how much you can spend.  I have a pretty firm “no logos” rule.  I would make exceptions for jeans from Dior Homme (the “slash” is a logo of sorts) and items from Martin Margiela (the 4 thread indentations are a clever subtle logo).

As far as my favorite stores, I really don’t want to be a walking advertisement for a designer, so I make a conscious effort to mix it up.  Here’s a few of my favorites: I like Steven Alan for button downs; H&M for novelty trendy items; Gilt.com for anything; Alexander Olch for ties; and James Perse for t-shirts.  Michael Kors (the designer himself) is known for loving peacoats, and it is reflected in the peacoats he sells.

One last word on style: an item isn’t a good deal just because it is on sale.  It’s a good deal if you would have paid more than the price for that item, regardless of what the price is and regardless of whether it is on sale or not.

Just because it’s raining out doesn’t mean that your need to water down your sense of style.  Simply adjust to the weather by layering and finishing off the look with a sleek umbrella and pair of rainboots.  Layers of clothing will keep you cozy, and the rain gear will keep you dry.  Here’s how to look slick, even when it’s raining out:

1. Start off your look with a simple foundation: a horizontal striped tee and a pair of straight leg jeans.
2.  Layer a cozy cowl neck sweater on top of the horizontal striped tee, letting the sleeved tee peek out from under the sweater.
3. In warmer climates, all you need is a light jacket to finish off this outfit.  In cooler climates, try a warmer coat in a fabric like wool or cashmere.  Or alternatively, with either climate, try a trench-style raincoat. 
4. Complete the look with your rain gear: a pair of over the knee rainboots (a silhouette that’s very in right now) and a clear bubble umbrella.

What would you wear to look slick in the rain?  Share your style with us in the comments!