WIAWT

I'm beginning to notice my blazers aren't getting enough attention, they've just been hanging in my closet & waiting patiently for their chance to make contact with the outside world.  Today I decided to go for a look that has a more preppy/classic feel and this cotton navy blazer fit the bill perfectly!  I kept my ensemble solid with a white oxford button-up and added a few punches of color with a neon red watch and striped socks.  I hope you guys are diggin' my look...
                               

                                             

                                           

 

 

H&M blazer

Thrifted brooch & button-up

Watch- street vendor

StreeT ShoTz~

So I was in a rush earlier today when I spotted this dude in the subway station.  I was walking behind him and, even from a distance, I couldn't help but notice two things about him- 1: he was extremely tall (about 6'2") and 2: his style was bold but somehow tamed at the same time.  The weather in Boston is abnormally warm today considering that its January, and it seems that such weather always gives New England's fashionistas & fashionistos a reason to break out their more fashion-forward duds even if its just for one day.  This fella's look is definitely on the high fashion end of the sartorial spectrum, however the different pieces he incorporates into his look can be seperated and worn in many different ways.  Check him out...

                                  

     Younger guys are learning the secret of the leather jacket which their dads & uncles have known for years, and that is: it instantly makes you look cooler and feel invincible (Fonzie-esque walk not necessary)             

                  

       

His skinny jeans automatically give his look a cool, hipster feel

This beaded tribal-inspired necklace with it's bold gold medallion is definitely a statement

                piece which can be worn simply with a plain white tee or graphic tee

His blond high-top fade & bowler hat are channelling early '80s fashion and I'm diggin' it!

Leather spats over combat boots with silver toe?? This dude was pulling out ALL the stops
unapologetically!

Keep it Stylish, keep it Sexy and always keep it true to YOU! -Mr. Hampton 

FaLL DAyZ

      As you guys have heard me say a million times, fall is my absolute favorite season!  A scarf carelessly tossed over the shoulder and a few extra layers are usually all I need when stepping out into the brisk autumn air.  This past Thanksgiving, right after I left church that morning and just before diggin' into the mouth watering soul food feast that my Mother prepared, I took a few shots of my ensemble.  I kept my look fairly laid-back with earth tones, considering I was about to be immersed in the feasting & hoopla that comes with the Thanksgiving territory!  The holidays are the perfect time to look your best and impress your family and friends so don't be afraid to opt for pieces that fit well and convey a message of "I've been taking very good care of myself since the last family gathering, can you tell? *wink*"  Being stylish is a choice and one which we should be thankful for because, let's face it, looking good makes you feel good!  Stay fly, fellas~

Vest, Aeropostale

Jeans & henley, H&M

vintage brooch

assorted wristbands

Photography by: Nola Hood of Noble Shots

Mr. HamptoN to ThE REscUe!

       Within my circle of friends, I've become the resident style guru.  My homies deem me the style go-to guy and they never hesitate to hit me up whenever they find themselves in the midst of a fashion dilemma, and I, of course, am more than thrilled to offer my assistance.  I've decided to now make myself available to all of my fellas via this blog because let's face it, a lot of you have style questions but don't have a source who's fashion expertise you trust.  Sartorial Suggestions is not simply your run-of-the-mill style blog where I regurgitate a bunch of fashion facts, on the contrary this blog aims to teach the basics of style in a way that can be comprehended by the everyday man.  To get the low-down on what works for your wardrobe and what doesn't, simply email your questions to me at SSb2b1@hotmail.com and include the below personal details so that I'm able to provide the best analysis that works for you:

1. Your city & State and the 1st letters of your first & last name  
2. Race
3. Skin Complexion (light, caramel/light brown, dark)
4. Height
5. Body Type (slim, lean/athletic, husky)
6. Celebrity whose sense of style you admire (if you have one)

I will then answer your questions here on Sartorial Suggestions and provide you with the best info to not only help you to look your best, but also feel your best!  No fashion-related topic is off limits, nor is any question "dumb" or trivial to where I wouldn't take the time to answer it; you can ask ya boy ANYTHING and I will in turn give you my most honest yet helpful answer.  Consider me the younger, African-American version of Glenn O'Brien, GQ's Style Guy :).  Helping you guys is what I'm here to do so start submitting your questions and regularly check in on my blog to see when your questions get answered and your sartorial conundrums solved (that was a li'l GQ jargon for ya!).  As always, keep it fly!

ALteR EgO

        When I try to pinpoint my one signature/favorite style of fashion, I've found this to be a slightly daunting task mainly because my sartorial tastes tend to range from distressed jeans tucked into a pair of combat boots and finished off with a military-style top of some sort all the way to tailored blazers & oxford shirts paired with fitted trousers & sophisticated lace-ups.  Whenever someone asks me what my signature style is, my mind conjures up images of my closet full of eclectic pieces but then suddenly draws a blank.  I'd ask myself, "what is MY signature style?" When I think of specific men, be they celebrities or influential guys in my personal life, I can quickly label or identify their overall style sense; Fonzworth Bentley- preppy with European flair, Lenny Kravitz- fearless rocker chic, then there's me, Willie Hampton-??... Rather than attempting to confine myself to one area of the sartorial spectrum I've realized there's a duality of tastes going on within me and guess what, its ok!  Accepting this reality of what would seem to be a case of style confusion, I've been introduced to a new man whose been shaking things up in my life, fashionwise, for as long as I can remember.. his name is Mr. Hampton, my alter ego.  This dapper fellow is eccentricity personified.  He has a passion for vibrant & unique colors, impeccably tailored pieces, bold accessories and anything/everything that catches one's eye and makes a statement!  He's fearless in his approach to fashion and he's only just getting started.  In my younger days I'll admit I tried to suppress him, mainly because I didn't quite understand him, but I'm officially turning him loose on the world so get ready!  Mr. Hampton is alive and well and is living life unapologetically and to be quite honest, I wish I had've embraced him sooner rather than later. 

InspiraTionaL MomEnt

     Remember my previous post on the Tribes of Autumn photo spread by VMan magazine?  You know, the one that caused many of you to lash out at me in confusion and disbelief?  The one that left you guys asking "how on earth does this dude expect me to incorporate those weird, alien-like clothes into my everyday reportoire?!"?  Well I want to explain, yet again, that the looks featured in those photos are for inspiration and should not be taken literally.  After doing a double-take at a photo of Kanye West's attire from this year's MTV VMAs, I saw that his look is a great example of using an edgy, high fashion photo to inspire a look that suits any man's taste.  Let's break his look down and compare it to one of the Autumn photos...

The above Autumn photo on the left features an overall feel that's very stark and steril with very little color.  The main idea behind each of the 4 looks is that of clean lines, minimalism and dark shades that collide with lighter ones.  Kanye's look doesn't take every single one of these components too literally, rather his attire is a more sporty, urban take on some of the key points of the look of the gentleman on the far left of the photo.  Kanye's look features:

• Denim-on-denim (which can be difficult to pull off if the blue hues aren't coordinated correctly)
• Mostly lighter hues of blue
• Dark shades of blue (in his shirt) that wash into lighter shades going upward
• A shirt that's open at the neck
• An overall minimalist approach (a button-up paired with jeans, high-top sneaks and a few '80s style accessories)

As I come across more prominent men, as well as everyday men, who are sporting looks that feature some of the themes and components of the looks from the Autumn photo spread I'll continue to post them to provide a visual as to how such high fashion looks can be translated into everyday attire.  Stay fly, fellas!

A NighT Out~

       Last week I had the pleasure of attending a fashion event here in Boston and I must say that it was a blast!  The event was focused on showcasing designs & pieces from local designers and boutiques for the upcoming 2012 spring season (the fashion world is always 2 seasons ahead, thus giving you the opportunity to see what pieces will be on the racks beforehand).  Most of the designs were very chic while some were, umm, interesting to say the least (one collection featured items made of latex).  As usual, the runway show featured womenswear leaving the fellas to either gawk at the models or twiddle their thumbs in disinterest.  During the runway show a lightbulb went off in my head and I thought to myself, "the reason Boston's men have very little fashion sense is because they're are no fashion events that cater to them!"  Well, fellas, I have a few things up my sleeve to solve this problem so stay tuned.  On a more pleasurable note, I got a chance to meet some other local fashion PR reps and style bloggers, and I even found myself being photographed by the event's photographers (I'll post a link in the future once I know where these photos will be available to view)!  Below are a few snapshots of my ensemble from that night, and for those of you who recognize my blazer it is indeed the one from my 1st Thrift Store Therapy post!  As always, keep it fly!



I'd planned to wear a skinny black tie but I came across this   maroon knit tie I got from Topman last year.. I think it added 
          an interesting touch!

                             
                                                        

Wristbands are a cool way to add a bit of flair to any formal look and keep it from looking too traditional or stuffy

                 

Aeropastale gingham button-up
Thrifted blazer & brooch pin
H&M socks & beaded wristbands

Jeans- Levi's

Keep it Stylish, keep it Sexy and always keep it true to YOU! -UrbanGent