Dissecting "Fall According VMan"~

       Ok, so the general consesus was that my previous post on the Tribes of Autumn photospread by VMan magazine was a bit baffling and pretty much went over many of your heads.  I'd gotten some feedback from a few of you stating the images, colors and garments in the photos came across as odd and that you guys didn't quite understand where I was going with it all.  Got it!  I knew those photos were going to present a genre of fashion that many of you have never been exposed to, which is why, toward the end of that post, I encouraged you guys to view the photos with a broader and more artistic eye.  High fashion photos such as those are what I call inspiration pics because they provide a wildly artistic and untamed image from which I can draw new & fresh ideas to incorporate into my wardrobe.  You may be wondering "how, on God's green earth, can I pull any of those pieces into my everyday wardrobe?" Fret not, fellas, because ya boy has your back as always.  When pulling ideas from high fashion images, you're not necessarily looking to duplicate the image in it's entirety.  Rather you're dissecting all of the different components of the shot and taking bits & pieces as the inspiration for your look.  "How do I do that?," you ask?  Below I've pulled a few of the photos from the Autumn post and have translated some of the components of each photo into pieces you'd wear as an everyday look as well as for more fashion forward occasions.  Let's get to it...

Main theme: Stark pieces in muted tones with a straight/linear cut and also either an elongated or shortened cut.

My Look: a boat-neck pullover (1st from left), a fitted blazer with horizontal stripes at the waist (2nd from left), or a long winter coat that falls at your lower-thigh and has with shaggy faux fur at the collar.

Main theme: Winter overcoats in bold colors/patterns, large buttons and cropped collars

My Look: a plaid zip-front coat or peacoat (black-on-red and black-on-gray would be easiest to find) with plain, long, linear stitching, large button detailing down the chest and collar that button close to the neck (a zip-front can also work, as well as smooth faux fur on the collar).      

.example:

Main theme: bold metallic pieces accented with pieces in softer tones.

My Look: a bold metallic blazer in mustard, gold or olive green (this is a very bold look, confidence is necessary!) paired with navy or dark pink trousers.  If a blazer is a bit to bold for your taste, you can opt for a sweater over a bold collar shirt (1st from left) or a muted tee with colored trousers.  The combinations are pretty much endless.

Main Theme: Monochromatic Checkered Patterns.  Slim, straight fit.

My Look: a sweater in bold checkered pattern but with muted tones like black, gray and navy (a small pop of color works like the fella on the right).  Keep the look anchored with straight, flat front, slightly high-waisted trousers.  The polished black lace-ups are a nice touch to any dark, casual ensemble.

Main Theme: '60s & '70s inspired cuts & textures, mostly dark earth tones.

My Look: This look is all about flair, both figuratively and literally, in that it's all about long lines and flaired collars and trousers.  Go for a thick wool sweater over a shirt with a pointed collar.  These trousers are dark and are cut high in the crotch and flair out around the ankle thus creating the look of long & lean legs.  I'm digging the side-zip boots with a bit of a sheen to them, they'll add funk especially when paired with slim, straight-leg trousers.  A quality peacoat is a classic finishing touch!

 Main Theme: Pattern-on-pattern over a white base, plush texture.

My Look: I'll admit I scratched my head on this photo, where do you even start?  Remember it's not about trying to be a replica of the photo, just take bits & pieces.  Pair patterned trousers with a pattern tie and a solid white shirt.  Rock a long, pattern jacket (cotton/faux fur lined adds texture) like the fella in the rear of the pic, it doesn't have to be worn with a total pattern ensemble if that's too detailed for yout taste.

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

Fall 2011 AccordinG to VMan

Yes, fellas, it's about that time.  Fall will be rolling around in a month 1/2 and nothing gets me more excited than seeing all the new fall pieces making their debut at my fav stores!  As I've watched the summer selection dwindle down to graphic tees and a couple pairs of colorful shades, I've taken it as a signal for me to begin immersing myself in the latest photos for the upcoming season and getting a move on my fall wardrobe.  VMan magazine recently did a tribute photospread for fall 2011, entitled 'Tribes of Autumn,' which debuted a few new pieces from various designers; the spread featured pieces by Dries van Noten, Raf Simons, Neil Barrett, Kris Van Assche, Dsquared2, Alexander McQueen, John Galliano, Thom Browne and numerous others.  What I found to be interesting was: though this was a collective shoot, the artistry behind each photo (there was one photo per designer) captured the unique mood of that individual designer's collection.  Let me say, these are high fashion photos therefore they're very edgy, wildly artistic and unconventional.  Any of you, fellas, who may be new to the world of high fashion, view these photos with an open mind and from creative point of view, this will allow you to appreciate the beauty of this genre of fashion.  Style is about having fun and trying new things with your wardrobe so don't get stuck in being too political when it comes to fashion.  Keep it fly and edgy~

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

WIAWT... 7/29/11

   It's rather cloudy today... grrr!  Those who know me best will tell you that I absolutely despise cloudy/ rainy weather, it messes with me emotionally and just puts me in an overall weird head space.  To keep myself from sinking any lower into my cloudy day blues, I'm rockin' a bold color pullover, rocker shades and a pair of high-top sneakers that I'd forgotten were in my closet.  Dreary weather doesn't control my wardrobe, ya boy keeps it funky at all times!  Keep it fly, fellas!

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

Be BreeZY~

Fresh off the heals of being slapped in the face by my local newspaper's 2nd page article notifying all of Boston that GQ mag thinks this is home to the worst dressed men in the country, I'm laying out the basics of summertime style in 2011.  During this past spring as I was brainstorming ideas for the look I'd be going for for the upcoming summer season, I took my que from prominent men in the entertainment and sports industries whom I've come to respect as men of great style.  I'd automatically ruled out athletic jerseys, plain tees and baggy denim shorts so I needed inspiration to help take my summer wardrobe to the next level.  So I thought to myself "what would Kanye & Pharrell wear?" aka WWKFW?   Immediately I was hit with a bucketload of images of skinny, colorful chinos cuffed and paired with boat shoes or mocassins, I saw slope-neck, loose-fitting tees, assorted bracelets & wristbands and bright high-top sneakers... BINGO!  It's all about the beachy look!  As a result of my sartorial epiphany I did a complete wardrobe overhaul, honestly I don't think I carried any items over from last summer.  This groundbreaking moment which brought about summer fashion clarity for me drove me to dissect the wardrobes of Pharrell, Mr. West and a few other guys whose wardrobes caught my eye.  I realized summer fashion is about minimalism because lets face it, fellas, it's entirely too hot for wardbrobes of excess.  It's all about bold colors anchored by muted items, items with a more relaxed fit, aviator shades and, of course, funky footwear!  Take a look at these pics as they are a few of the looks which inspired my summer transformation and let them breathe life into some of your, uhmm, breeze-challenged ensembles.  Not all of us have the fiscal means to Jetset to Dubai or hunt for that one-of-a-kind accessory in the marketplace in Marrakesh but hey, who says we can't look as though we do?  Keep your wardrobe breezy, literally...





Kanye. Relaxed-fit pieces in shades of white will always keep your body cool




Slope-neck tees keep your body open to the breeze (and you look like an effortless fashionisto!)




Pharrell.  If your new at all of this, start by pairing one item in a bold color (his red-violet boat shoes) with neutral pieces.  This way the item of color stands as the focal point without your ensemble being too loud.




A nice tailored look for a mid day stroll down the boulevard



Don't forget to toss in a fragrance that's fresh & crisp.  Here are a few choices that are longlasting and warm weather-friendly...


   
 Vetiver Carven- my uncle gave me my         Essential by Lacoste- light notes of citrus
1st bottle at age 11 (I recently found            keep it fresh & clean but still masculine 
 it online after years of searching)

 ______________________



My dude Ed Westwick rockin' the aviators




Dwyane Wade.  His look says it all: great fit, great color, nice touches with the brooch and pocket square.  I can dig it!




Don't be afraid to undo a few buttons, have some fun (so long as your look isn't bordering on "Fabio"... enough said)!




Ryan Gosling.  Prime example of tailored yet relaxed, his look is effortless & cool



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

Bean ToWn Fashion BlunDers

      I'd like 2 have a moment of silence to deal with the sorrow of Boston, my home town, being ranked the worst dressed city in the country by GQ magazine... *closes eyes, rests chin on clenched fist and shakes head*...  Ok, enough of that!  To be quite honest I'd be lying if said I'm surprised at our ranking on the sartorial totem pole because, let's face it, my hometown has quite a bit of work ahead of them if they wish to dig themselves out of this one.  Boston is a melting pot of both cultures and fashion trends, however, the problem with Bostonians is they get stuck in any one particular fashion trend for far too long, ie. the neon colored, N.E.R.D inspired clothing, shapeless dress shirts or square-toe shoes.. we tend to have a hard time letting go.  I can attest to the fact that a person dresses in a way they feel will be acceptable to those around them; for years I surpressed my true sense of style because I didn't want to be too different or stand out from what everyone around me was wearing but, that God, I've been cured of this!  When a person looks around at their fellow city dwellers' attire, they tend to follow suit even if it means appearing as though getting a good look at his/herself in the mirror prior to walking out their front door was the last thing on their mind. 

People often tell me that I dress as though I live in New York or LA.  Why is that?  My attire is never over the top or extremely flashy so why is it that people don't feel its appropriate for Boston?  The overall culture of Boston is very business/education oriented which leaves very little room for creativity.  Such a culture, for the most part, has left Bostonians very rigid and devoid of the desire to be expressive in terms of fashion, and it doesn't help that all things fashion related are mostly confined to NY, LA and Europe.  Thanks to companies like H&M, Forever21, Zara and Club Monaco extending themselves to the northeast, Boston has been able to at least have a peak at the trends of the moment and have access to fashionable items.  Though it wears me down every time I see my fellow Bostonians still hitting the pavement in oversized jeans (still hanging of their hind-parts, smh), shapeless button-ups and bubble coats I will not give up on them.  We, as a city, have the ability to adopt trends of all 4 seasons and make them distinctly our own and the day will soon come when the name 'Boston' will be on the tongues of fashion's elite as being a city of truly unique and diverse style.

What we're doing wrong:

    According to the Boston Metro, men's image consultant Emmi Sorokin says Boston's biggest downfall is sports gear.  Men in particular are clinging to sweats, hoodies and sneakers instead of broadening their style sense to include items of higher quality and better fit.  Metro says GQ feels Boston females are mostly to blame for this, stating "Beantown ladies are easily impressed with the hoodie-wearing boys that pass off sports gear as fashion."  Fellas, not only will women learn to appreciate our attire once they become accustom to the sight of us in more tailored pieces, but we'd also be creating a culture where taking pride in ones appearance will become a chain reacton.


How do we make it right?

    A big part of being stylish is appropriateness.  One's profession and overall lifestyle are what dictate his style choices and below I've laid out a summertime style-o-gram tailored to each man's specific lifestyle which identifies the common mistakes most men make as well as the items that will help you correct these mistakes.  I always say that having great style isn't about being flashy or having the brightest, loudest ensemble in the room but rather it's about fit, texture, color and a cool accessory or two thrown in.  What's your lifestyle?...


The Student/Artist                        The Cubicle Guy

                     
Mistakes: overly distressed den-              Mistakes: blousy button-ups     
im, flip-flops, worn out sneakers,                 with tee shirt showing, baggy/     
schleppy tees.                                                       ill-fitting khakis with heavy         
                                                               pleating, square-toe/worn out    
Opt for: straight leg, slightly distre-          shoes.                                             
ssed jeans, fitted tees in cool colors                                                              
with humerous/thought-provoking            Opt for: tailored shirt with ta-
words or phrases. mocassins, Conv-           torso (tag will say "modern" or     
erses or espadrilles.                                           "athletic fit"), slim or tapered        
                                                                                    khakis or chinos with light, we-     
                                                                                    pressed pleats, dress socks in        
                                                                                    unique colors like lilac, green,        
                                                                                    royal blue or even stripes (yes,     
                                                                                    you can take it there).  A sleek     
                                                                                    watch, nothing overdone, will         -
                                                                                    add a nice finishing touch.               
                                                                                    Simple black/brown lace-ups or    
                                                                                    slip-on loafers.                                   
                                                                                                                               
The Executive 

                                                                                                                        

Mistakes: Baggy/box-shaped suits in only navy or black, “white shirt only” syndrome, bland tie, worn out shoes.

Opt For: tailored suit in gray or khaki with slim lapels, tapered shirt with pattern and/or color, pants with one inch or less of break, color socks (yes, Executives can take it there as well), tie in a bold color/pattern, sleek lacups with thin sole and minimal stitching/patterns(no slip-ons.  Ok, maybe for casual fridays).

                                                                                                                  
    
To my Bean town fellas, let's make the effort to look our best now matter where we're going or what our lifestyle is.  Yes, it takes effort but you'll start to feel better about yourself and the payoff will be huge, trust ya boy!  Most important, let's never end up at the top of anyone's Worst Dressed list again.  With a little education and practice all of Boston's male population has the ability to develop a real sense of style.  Keep it fly!
                                                                                                                                 
                                                                   

Want more defined biceps? Check out 'Bigger Biceps' under the Physical Fitness tab at the top of the page

STreeT ShoT

     I was running across the crosswalk dodging oncoming traffic but did an immediate about face when I spotted this gentleman walking in my direction.  I'm a straight-up fanatic for a well-fitting blazer (cropped at the hip just right, slim sleeves and tapered torso), not only does it accentuate the physique as if you were born in it, but it automatically makes you look more put together which sends the message that you know exactly what your doing in terms of choosing quality pieces.  This fella's navy blazer was the first thing that caught my eye and as he came closer his pale pink shirt popped very nicely.  His overall look has a preppy feel but he paired his blazer, button-down and skinny khakis with navy sneakers (with khaki-colored soles) and a cool white belt which kept his look relaxed.  A truly stylish ensemble is all about the details; I noticed the embroidered crest on the pocket of his blazer as well as the brass-style buttons on the sleeves all of which made his look even more interesting than when I first saw him from afar.  I love these random moments where good style catches my eye because it reminds me that Boston is full of fashionable people, you just have to keep your eyes open for them.  As always, keep it fly!

(Note: clicking on each photo enlarges it and allows you to zoom in, this will help you to better see the details of the clothing... Enjoy!) 

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