STreeT ShoTz

This passed weekend Boston experienced record breaking warm temperatures so a friend of mine called me and suggested that we hit the streets for some sun and shopping (of course ya boy is always down to shop!).  Warm weather is a luxury we don't often experience prior to early-mid June here in the northeast therefore Boston's fashionistos waste no time enjoying the warmth while clad in their sportiest gear!  Knowing this I kept my eyes open for guys who's looks weren't over the top but still maintained their cool factors and the below fella was the epitome of this.  His look was laid-back in every sense of the word and the minimalism was right on beat with the tone of spring/summer!  Being stylish doesn't have to entail having the absolute brightest/loudest ensemble in the room, but rather its about being strategic about the pieces you mix & match to create an interesting look.  Prior to snapping his pics, this dude asked me "can I smile?" A guy who has fun with his style & aint afraid to show it?  This is definitely someone who you'd wanna take your summer style cue from!

His relaxed fit striped shirt reminds me of a similar shirt I picked up at a thrift shop last year.  Now I see why I liked his so much!

Pairing lace-ups with shorts is becoming a popular trend!  The key is to opt for shoes that have a broken-in look rather than ones which look sleek & brand new; this will keep your overall look relaxed & laid back

Keep your accessories simple when going for a relaxed look; a distressed necklace/medallion & a few wristbands will suffice

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

  

BoLD ChOicE

    I must say I had a blast taking the topic of color and going in-depth in my previous post!  Quite honestly, I learned a lot, myself, while researching the science of color and the detail that's involved when attempting to create a cohesive, color-inspired look.  Not only do I want to simply explain the nuts & bolts of color combination, but I want you guys to actually see more of the vivid items that make up a daring wardrobe that would put the sun to shame!  Now that you've graduated from the color wheel (last post) its time to experience the fun of actually putting together a great ensemble that takes risks!  When it comes to us, fellas, incorporating bold colors into our looks, the magic is in the details... ie. a dashing pair of shoes, a uniquely-colored bag or bracelets & other embellishments.  Let's consider this to be the wrap-up of our lesson in the colors of spring/summer...

• When you want to keep your look more on the laid back & casual side, adding something as simple as a unique bag and cool wristbands stacked one on top of the other until you lose count can get the job done in no time! 

   Notice how the 3 beaded bracelets on this guy's wrist add a subtle splash of both color and cool~ 

Step it UP before stepping Out!

European men have long known the secret to rockin' a bold colored shoe but its about time that we, American fellas, quit letting them have all of the fun! 

A pair of loafers is the easiest way to add both style and comfort to any summertime look.  Remember to keep your shirt & trousers fairly neutral when wearing a bold shoe; you don't want to risk looking like a Prince impersonator!

 I don't care WHAT y'all may say about this boot, I think its HOT!  Paired with dark, skinny flat-front khakis and a tailored trench coat, I could stand directly beside George Clooney on the red carpet and the reporters will go "there's Willie and, umm, what's that other guy's name??" Yeah, they'll make you look just that good!   

Be Bold!  Be Strong!

Don't shy away from patterns.  Pieces that feature both color and an interesting pattern are what I like to call win-win pieces!  The only way to set yourself apart from the usual Abercrombie clad guy that we so often see on the streets of Boston is to opt for items that make a statement!

~The Complete Look~

Here are a few examples that incorporate the different elements of a bold, colorful look all tied into one cohesive look!



A shirt with an interesting pattern, cool wristbands mismatched & piled high all come together & create a look that's daring but not the least bit over-the-top.  Interesting fact: this shirt Kanye is wearing was actually made for women but he's clearly succeeded at pulling it off!  See how much fun one can have with fashion?!


 ___________________

• I, personally, like this particular look because it uses bold stripes to create a somewhat futuristic appeal while keeping the overall silhouette simple.  Since the shirt is pretty bold on its own, pair it with simple skinny yet interesting wristbands and finish it off with a pair of all-white Converses. 

                                      





Theophilus London, indie rapper/songwriter/producer who has been featured in GQ for his unique style sensibility, and also whom I've admired for some time.  Look at this interesting combination: a gray & turquoise patterned blazer, red jeans, black & white sneakers and a snap-back cap... Look at how well these seemingly unrelated colors come together & compliment each other beautifully.  Taking risks can have a great payoff!