christian ross

A Fashionable Thursday

Spring has almost sprung. Yes, I realize that most of those to the north of me are still experiencing brutally cold weather, nice changes are in effect in my neighborhood including a nice string of lower 70°F days. Now is the time to be on the look for winter sale items since stores are stocking their shelves with shorts and swimwear.

A quick browse through Gilt this week found a few gems that could work well on most any man. Sadly, since Gilt is almost a deal-a-day type place, you have to act fast before the deals are gone.

Ben Sherman – Shawl Collar Pullover

Perfect for dressing up a bit or just hanging out on the back patio with buddies. Bonus: front pocket for holding your cigs… err gum.

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AFT – Personal Style Rules

While I’ve never put pen to paper with it, I do have a mental list of rules I go through when deciding what to purchase or wear. I have to remind myself regularly that the things that grace AFT are all personal style choices and each of you has your own take. With that said, I thought it might be useful to try and pen a few of my rules in case it helps anyone else in their endeavor to put their best foot forward.

I’ve mentioned one or two before – like matching your leathers – but there are plenty more that are worth sharing in this space. I’m hoping I’m not the only one that has rules to my wear, I’d love to hear yours as well.

• The tip of your tie should touch the top of your belt buckle. Wearing a tie down past your belt has a tendency to make you look shorter. Inversely, wearing a tie that’s too short has a tendency to make you look like a clown.
• Speaking of belt level, your dress pants should be worn on your waist. It’s taken me a while to learn this one. Your waist isn’t around your hips, nor is it at your belly-button. It’s somewhere in between. Find it.
• Wear an undershirt. And I don’t consider a “wife-beater” an undershirt. I’m extreme on this one, but it’s one I wholeheartedly believe in. I wear one with everything from t-shirts to formal dress. Also, no bacon neck allowed.
• Learn how to tie a decent knot. I’m a Half-Windsor guy, but you should find one that works for your body type. And for the sake of all humanity, don’t do the Merril Hodge. Ridiculous.
• I don’t do short-sleeve button down shirts. I’ve tried. There’s a fine line between computer nerd and Hawaiian shirt guy on this one and I don’t want to come off as either. If you are one of the few who can pull this on off, do yourself a favor and never incorporate a tie with it. You’ll thank me later.

Five should be enough to get us started, I’ll probably add more down the road. Hit me up with your personal rules either below or on Twitter, it might be something I’m missing out on.

A Fashionable Thursday

It’s been a minute since I’ve thrown out some new pieces. I intended to do a personal AFT of things I was gifted for Christmas but it hasn’t happened yet. To ease back into it, here’s a few random pieces that should work well for any male.

HELM Ray Ray Boots – $395

Two things I don’t have in my shoe collection at this point. Handmade in Italy and leather soles. I fully intend to remedy each. These boots absolutely rule. Dress them with a decent pair of slacks or wear them daily with your jeans. Upon purchase however, you are fully expected to also begin riding a motorcycle.

via HELM

Ledbury Blue Windowpane Worker (Slim Fit) – $135 | Massimo Bizzocchi brown silk tie – $65 (Gilt)

I had a blue-checked shirt at one time, but after seeing this, I’m glad I have no idea where it went. I’ve said it before, but I’m a huge fan of the spread collar and this one is a real treat. I paired it with a brown tie that is sadly sold out at this point but you could get away with something similar. (more…)

A Fashionable Thursday v14

Accessories to help make the man

Ties: I’m not sure a tie is classified as an accessory, but you should wear them anyways. This week’s additions come in gray, brown & party.

Gray: J. Crew Wool bright-stripe tie – $69.50
Brown: Topman Brown Textured Check Tie – £10.00
Party: Topman Bright Coloured Check Slim Tie – £10.00
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A Fashionable Thursday v13

As my list of things in life that I want to learn to do grows, my time to accomplish each task dwindles. Learning to sketch obviously has a higher chance of happening than my most recent scheme, learning to design and create my own clothes. My desire to do so stems more from a chance to get clothes in a fit I love rather than a desire to produce something new an innovative for the masses.

Coincidence that A Continuous Lean posted a video by Oxxford Clothes of Chicago – maker of completely hand-sewn tailored suits – this week showing the painstaking process that goes into creating fine quality clothing by hand? Probably not.

via the always awesome ACL (and re-blogged by several)