PaiRing the ParKa

        Certain elements of fashion never cease to bring back fond memories of my childhood.  Not only do they give me the chance to reminisce on styles and trends that have fallen by the wayside never to be resurrected, but I'm also able to see what has stood the test of fashion's ever-changing timeline.  The Parka has indeed held its place on the sartorial spectrum as one of the most versatile pieces a man of any age & taste level  could have in his closet and has done so unapologetically!  I can remember the bulky, faux fur-lined hood, heavy-duty zipper and pockets scattered about and covering practically every inch of this garment.  As much as it may have felt like a straightjacket, weighing down my just barely 4-foot frame at that time, I could never deny that it kept me warm in even the harshest of Northeastern winters.   The name Parka and Anorak are used interchangeably to describe this coat who's original purpose was to keep the Caribou Inuit (early bands of caribou hunters who lived in Northern Canada) warm during hunting excursions.  Originally made from either caribou or seal skin and rubbed with fish oil to stand against moisture, the Parka clearly has street cred making it a mainstay in today's market of flimsy fashion trends.  Both fashionable and functional, the Parka has parked its hefty, down feather-stuffed body on our store racks and is in it for the long haul.  But don't worry, it'll keep us warm every step of the way!  

GQ endorses it.  Enough said!

Dan Trepanier of The Style Blogger Shows us how to rock a Parka even with a suit

Designers are taking risks with the Parka to showcase its versatility

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

StrEEt ShoT~

Wazzuuuuuuupppp?!! *Martin voice*... Its been quite a while since my last post and for that I'm extremely apologetic.  The last thing I want is to make you guys feel as though I've forgotten about you and for this reason I'm back with a new Street Shot!  I was walking in the mall when this dapper young gentleman walked passed me.  In true Mr. Hampton fashion I took notice of his ensemble and did a quick about-face and approached him.  I love to see younger guys embracing traditional elements of fashion and putting a modern spin on them and that's exactly what caught my attention when it came to Sean's look (that's this gentleman's name).  His look featured texture, a dash of color and an overall modern twist on a traditional look!  Check him out...

His double-breasted blazer is well tailored and falls just at his hip which keeps it from looking bulky & oversized like the blazers back in the day... and his navy blue woven tie was a nice touch!

His side parted hair, slightly cropped pants and inch of exposed shirt cuff is reminiscent of the 1950s which is the pinnacle of male style



2 of my famous suggestions to you guys are shown here: simple, sleek black shoes and a small pop of color which is featured in his printed socks.  Well done Sean!

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

STreeT SHoT~

     In my last post I praised Louis Vuitton for its grand fall collection, but the main component that caught my eye were the massive collars that the majority of the looks featured for this season.  I've noticed most men in Boston tend to shy away from a items that have any sort of dramatic flare because I guess it makes them feel as though they're overdoing it.  While I'm all for approaching fashion with a sense of caution (if you're a newbie), my biggest piece of encouragement to you guys is to HAVE FUN!  I ran into the below gentleman today in Medford and as he passed me on a stairwell my eyes immediately caught the standing collar of his coat and I had to catch up with him.  He says he's originally from Africa but has been in the U.S. for some years and is currently working at Zara.  His look had a slight boldness about it while still being anchored.  Check out his look!...



A high collar adds both structure & a bit of drama to any coat.  You can't go wrong!



 If you're afraid of this type of coat in lighter colors (ie. light brown or tan) making you look overdone, opt for one in black... it'll still make a statement

 

 

 His skinny acid washed jeans & converses is channeling Brooklyn, NY and I'm diggin' it!

 

 

 Summer may be over but a pair of retro shades is a cool way of adding a fun feel to any ensemble!

 

 

 The duffle bag is a great alternative to a briefcase for us younger guys

 

 

 Since the weather is still fairly cool, a few summer-inspired chains/necklaces are more than appropriate.  Also, imagine how dope this coat would look with a knit scarf come winter!

 

 

 

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



Plush Richness: Fall 2012

      If you've been following my blog, at this point it goes without saying that Fall is one of my favorite seasons!  I've never been disappointed by the bold, unapologetically rich creations that designers send down the runway to proclaim the autumnal season.  Its almost like fall runway shows serve as grand announcements to those with their ears to the fashionable streets of New York, Milan, Paris & London that the dawn of a new trend-setting season has begun!  This season is all about opulence in every sense of the word; plush fabrics, massive collars, big brooches, gemstone tones, the works!  Now, I'm not one to get wrapped up in big name labels but I can't help but appreciate the artistry behind what many of these designers create for any given season and this season Louis Vuitton absolutely made my head spin!  LV has set the bar for outerwear this season and I will, no doubt, be following it's lead.  Its all about being bold & daring, rockin' statement pieces that are a step above the rest and ultimately not being afraid to pull of a look that's unique.  Below I've gathered some photos of a few of LV's looks/pieces as well as options for how you can duplicate these looks without breaking the bank...

This was the very 1st photo I saw of the 2012 Fall LV collection and it literally stopped me in my tracks! (I'm sure you guys can see why)

Duplicate this look- grab the chunkiest scarf you can find, wrap it around your neck until you no longer can then finish it off with an oversized brooch (pics below).  Confidence is a MUST in order to pull off this look!

 Feather brooches add a fun, airy feel to your look and can help soften the overall look of heavy/chunky fabrics.  Etsy.com has great feather brooches at desireable price points~

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Duplicate this look-  Treat yourself to a velvet blazer as it's the perfect choice for those upcoming holiday parties, formal events or just a night out (currently on sale at Macys.com through 9/8, but its ok to splurge if you can't find a sale).  Toss in a metal arrow brooch like the one below to add distinguished flair to your ensemble.

  

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Duplicate this look- The coat in the first pic is a modern take on the '90s nylon jacket and as with everything else in fashion, inspiration often comes from the old skool.  Opt for a belted nylon/nylon-style jacket with a standing collar (Burlington Coat Factory always has nylon in stock) and if its not belted like the one in the pic, you can always add a belt yourself.  

Just looking at this coat is giving me flashbacks of the coats I wore as a youngster.. You couldn't tell me I wasn't fly back then lol!

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Duplicate this look: Once again we're seeing more nylon & velvet so if you haven't yet hopped on the bandwagon, now is as good a time as any!  Taking our cue from the 3rd look from the left, reach for a slim fitting flight jacket and adorn it with a few graphic pins (below) and you have a look that's fun and can even be worn with dress trousers & loafers.. who said being stylish couldn't also be fun?!

 

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

Model Watch: David Agbodji

          A renowned fashion designer once said "...the problem with using Black models is that people pay more attention to the model rather than the garments they're modeling."  This statement can very well be understood when one calls to mind the strong, ethnic features of African models in particular, but these very same features that some designers & photographers deem distracting are the exact physical attributes that other members of the fashion world exalt.  Such striking features couldn't be more apparent when one takes even the slightest glance at top international model David Agbodji. 

     Born on May 8, 1987 in Paris, France, Agbodji has been surrounded by creativity his whole life; his famly is chock full of artists who paint and draw.  When he came to live in the US he made the Bronx, NY his home and during high school he'd take trips into the city which is where the bug of modeling entered his ear.  Photographers and scouts from modeling agencies would constantly approach him after being stunned by his rich ethnic look but he'd continuously decline their offers.  It wasn't until he walked in a friend's fashion show while attending NYU, and saw all the female attention it garnered him, that he decided modeling would be an interesting path to explore.  He signed with Request Model Management in New York in 2009 and shortly thereafter his 6'1" frame blew the roof off of the fashion world!  He's currently represented by 8 different agencies across 4 countries.  In 2010 the Calvin Klein brand was so enthralled by his rich brown skin and signature full African features that they made him the face of the brand and renewed his contract for the following Fall collection.  Along with being featured in an article by Models.com which highlighted diversity in the modeling industry, Agbodji walks in just about every runway show for major high fashion designers such as Dolce & Gabbana, Louis Vuitton, Bottega Veneta and his chiseled jawline & piercing eyes have made his photographs to be some of the best seen.  Agbodji continues to fascinate & inspire the fashion world not only with his painfully striking looks, which make him one of the most versatile models in the business, but also with his humility and sincere love of art of all kinds.  Successful, in demand models like Agbodji, who are of African descent, make it clear to the naysayers that Black is most definitely beautiful.

STrEEt ShoT

     Often times its the simplest details that catch my eye.  I was strolling down Newbury street and caught a glimpse of this young guy in my peripheral vision as he was chillin' seemingly without a care in the world.  His name is Graham and he said he's here in Boston studying at Emerson College for the summer.  The overal vibe of his look was extremely simple but with eye-catching details, and as I approached him he had an air of youthfulness that was both chic and refreshing; that fresh, youthful look that is always on trend in the fashion world.  His haircut, black framed glasses and the hue of his complexion is reminiscent of the main character in the old animated movie The Pagemaster and the fact that such a laid-back look could evoke such a vivid & artistic image in my mind is proof that fashion & style is a powerful form of expression.  I'm always inspired by the everyday stylish guy because his sense of style is genuine and striking... Stay fly, fellas!



A pair of glasses are a great way to add panache to any ensemble!




His mismatched wrist accessories keep his simple look from bordering on boring




Though it was a warm summer day, I couldn't help but appreciate the fact that he added some texture with his woven socks & suede wingtips!




He's overall vibe says "I'm stylish without looking as though I'm trying to be"... That's the way it should always be~

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



Back 2 the Basics: The Loafer

       No, I'm not referring to the stuffy leather shoes with the double tassel & penny insertion point at the toe that were popular from the late '70s to the early '90s.. you can breathe easy now.  Those shoes were once the universal sign of preppiness to the utmost and were anything but "relaxed."  Not anymore!  What's quite interesting about this shoe is that it actually became popular when its style & design was produced by the Spaulding company in the 1930s to look similar to the shoes worn by Norwegian farmers.  But loafers have evolved since then and have become the go-to shoe for the stylish, everyday guy who wants style & versatility without all the fuss of a lace-up.  Not only have they evolved in terms of once being most appropriate for work to now being staples at events such as outdoor wine tastings, they've stepped out from under the shadows of black & brown leather and have taken on a more sleek look in the boldest textures & color choices.  Whether you're a seasoned fashionisto who loves all things daring & dashing or just a regular guy who desires comfort without having to sacrifice style, there's a loafer for you!  What makes this shoe so cool is its versatility; it can be paired with slim/skinny jeans for a hipster look or with dress slacks when you're headed to the office on those summer work days.. there's no excuse for not having at least one pair of loafers in your shoe rotation!  Stay fly, fellas~





Ryan Gosling always evokes the charm of an old skool hollywood leading man while looking effortlessly chic.. Just be sure to lotion your ankles if you're gonna go sockless like him!

Though his tv persona irritates my very soul, Scott Disick is clearly a naturally stylish guy who pulls off velvet loafers quite well


  



<~ I, personally, don't recommend this type of loafer where the sole extends up the back of the heel because it gives the look of a house slipper

I prefer this type which consists of a basic sole that stops at the bottom of the heel ~>

                                                                                     





If you're the type of guy who can pull off loafers with tassels without channeling Bill Cosby circa 1986, go for it!

 

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