Fashion OVERLOAD!!

     



        Now, I'm all for the fashion-forward man because I've recently come to my senses and refuse to continue to dilute my personal sense of style simply to please those around me.  However, while eating my lunch in the cafeteria at work the other day, my ear picked up on a rather disturbing fact coming from Wendy Williams' overactive mouth as she yapped non-stop on her daytime tv show (two females at the table across from me were tuned in, ya boy wouldn't, of my own accord, sit and watch such a show); Mrs. Williams stated that a popular trend, which started with celebrities in Hollywood, is on the rise and it entails men and young boys walking around with painted fingernails! (I can almost hear both of my Grandmothers gasping from their graves)..  Fellas, there is such a thing as going too far!  Painted fingernails hold their origin with historic women, it was a fashion statement which represented a woman's desire to maintain a radiant and precisely manicured appearance, even down to the very tips of her fingers.  Cleopatra would apply brightly colored henna to her nails and common woman were only allowed to use pale colored nail polish as not to compete with royalty.  Though both male and female nobility of ancient Japan would grow their nails to extreme lengths as a sign of them not doing any manual labor, only females are known for actual fingernail painting.  Again, I'm all for men of the modern world taking risks with their look, however, I only advocate doing so within reason.  I wouldn't applaud a man sauntering through Times Square wearing a tutu simply because it's a sign of fashion risk-taking.  Let's be mindful of one thing: regardless of what attempts we make at pushing the sartorial envelope, certain trends and fashion statements will always be held firmly in the original gender from wich they derived.  No matter how pop culture may try to spin it, nail polish will ALWAYS serve as a representation of femininity and should, therefore, have no place on a man's nails.. that's the way I see it.

   Men are as welcome at a nail salon as Lady Gaga at a Baptist revival crusade

Spring Basic: The Boatneck Shirt



         I've never been one to get caught up in trend-following simply because trends, themselves, change as quickly as Diddy's roster of Making The Band artists.  I tend to take note of the current trends then adopt those which strike a chord with my own personal style; the boatneck shirt is an item which was featured in this month's GQ and has definitely grabbed my attention for the upcoming season!  This shirt's style is pretty basic: it features a wide, horizontal slit neck opening and typically comes in horizontal stripe prints, it basically provides the minimalism & comfort of a basic pullover but with a small tweak to make it that much more stylish.  This shirt was originally made for sailors (hence the stripes) as it's wide neck opening allowed for quick and easy changing when their clothes got wet.  There are a number of unique styles that I wouldn't have typically worn in the past (ie. during my oversized-white-tee-and-Nike-airforce1s phase) which are beginning to catch my eye since I've devoted myself to tossing something a li'l different into my spring/summer repertoire, this shirt is one of them.  Brands like H&M and Urban Outfitters carry this shirt in a wide array of eye-catching patterns and prints and have even taken a modern approach by making sweaters in the very same style: swooped, partial button-up neck with a slim-fit torso, these sweaters will serve you well on those cool spring evenings while keeping you looking laid-back.  Do yourselves a favor and add a boatneck top to your warm weather sartorial rotation in place of, say, a henley?  It's open-neck style will, no doubt, keep your body temperature down and you'll suddenly want to walk with a slight playa-style limp and your hand in your pocket.. if anyone asks you why you're doing such things just tell them I gave you the ok to do it!

Tips:

• For warmer months, choose a shirt with a pattern that's light yet bold (ie. white with electric blue stripes)
• Pair with khaki shorts or chinos and boat shoes for a relaxed look
• Hit the gym and work on those shoulders and pecs! This shirt sits low & wide thus leaving your upper neck area quite exposed. 

SOoo AMPED!!

     At the moment my facebook page is filled with posts where I'm venting about my cold weather woes.  Boston tends to play this cruel joke every April where the weather will get extremely warm and sunny for roughly a few days, then the unthinkable happens.  This year I'm determined to think positive thoughts and be as optimistic as possible in hopes that spring and summer will come rolling in at any moment now.  As part of my attempt at summoning the warm weather I'm envisioning cool looks which incorporate splashes of color, light-weight fabrics and funky accent pieces.. this photo spread will help breathe life into your spring/summer wardrobe, show you how to strike the right balance when wearing colorful items as well as how to dress up your look while still maintaining a casual and laid-back feel.  But most importantly, fellas, have fun with your look!  

(photo credit: theblaquebook.com)

(photo credit: theblaquebook.com)

(photo credit: theblaquebook.com)

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