Archives for Fashion Forward

Six pairs is enough.

According to fashion expert Brock McGoff an adult male only needs six pairs of shoes for almost every day. Start with white canvas sneakers and light brown boat shoes for warm weather casual. A pair of medium brown dessert boots (chukkas) for jeans, cords or chinos. Dark brown loafers for business casual, brown wingtips for business downtown. And a pair of black cap toe oxfords for special occasions from black tie to funeral. If you’re a country guy, add boots for work.

New for summer.

Fashion never stops innovating, and this season’s no exception. Iridescence is a hot look, on a holographic dresses or metallic clutch. Netted mesh is seen in breezy tops and daring insets. Full skirts are back for a ladylike silhouette. The classic white button-down blouse was seen with necktie detailing, embellishments and asymetrical cuts from Rachel Zoe or Viktor & Rolf. Sweatshirts have taken on a luxe status with bright colors, splashy patterns and a classic slouchy silhouette. Power suits with coordinated color separates feature bold patterns and bright colors. And lots of runways for spring/summer looked like training camp with athletic dresses, baseball caps and letter jackets. See the InStyle pictures

Uncode the invitation.

Your clue to choosing the right garb is sometimes confusing. Here’s a quick guide. Black tie is formal wear, tuxedos and cocktail or evening dresses. Black tie optional allows a dark suit. Resort formal is warmweather code for bright and lightweight clothes. For semi or business formal, wear a cocktail dress or dressy suit that would be appropriate in the board room. Cocktail attire is short, elegant dresses and dark suits. The little black dress is perfect. Dressy casual is trousers and a sportcoat for him, a dressy pants look for her. Casual includes jeans, tshirts and sneakers. Got it? You’ll always have more fun wearing the right outfit (and we’ve seen every variation including red sneakers and white tie).

Dressy biking.

When the urban commute is by bicycle, carrying an extra set of office clothes can be a drag. So San Francisco designer Parker Dusseau has created a Commuter Suit that breathes, wicks and allows a range of motion while presenting a classic downtown look. They’ve built the suit of Superwool with a touch of spandex and engineered shoulder seams, crotch gussets and button cuffs to make riding comfortable.  They’ve even created a moisture wicking dress shirt to complete the commuting ensemble.

Denim, America’s favorite fabric.

When Gold Rush miners needed durable workwear, a pioneering merchant by the name of Levi Strauss used serge de Nîmes to create a riveted “waist overall” that changed fashion forever. Until the 1950’s the best denim in the world was made in the US, but  manufacturers bought new large looms, replaced indigo with synthetic dyes and began pre washing denim to provide more fabric at a lower price (and quality). Japanese companies bought the old looms and cornered the market for first quality premium denim, called selvage. Pre-50’s vintage jeans had clean edges, deep blue color and so do today’s high-end selvage denim garments.

Men’s trends for 2014.

Double-breasted blazers, bright neon sneakers and bold floral prints are here for spring and beyond.  Looks include plaid and checked blazers over khaki and denim. Decorative prints range from over-scale traditional florals to tropical prints inspired by Hawaiian favorites, watercolor batiky-tie-die and classic designer camo.  And welcome back the classic favorite polka dot.  Man up and stow your gear in a leather bag, brief case style.  See Details magazine’s top trends from Europe at http://goo.gl/qSpc3Z

Lace is back.

Every runway, from Dior to Vera Wang, is showing lace for spring/summer 2014.  WWD says, “Whether cutwork, crochet or eyelet, this ancient handiwork takes an au courant chic look for spring.” Dolce and Gabbana contrasts black lace with bright blue in the their cruise collection www.swide.com/?p=307049. Going beyond the typical, graphic mesh inserts and webbed overlays added interest and zing to yet another life for lace. http://goo.gl/pOVGWk

Best fitting chinos.

America’s favorite work-casual pants, chinos look even better when they fit properly. First, they should not need a belt to stay up. Avoid pleats — unless you want to look like your stomach is bigger. The legs should be comfortably close, without pinching or causing resistance when you move. Choose a length so there’s a single break.  That’s the crease at the bottom of the pants where fabric meets shoes. If you’re wearing slim chinos without socks, you probably want no breaks. If fit and finish on your chinos is important, talk to us. Our alterations specialists can custom fit any garment.  Read the complete How Clothes Should Fit here.

Beanie or stocking cap, there’s nothing warmer.

Pull on a snug knitted cap to keep out the cold and add some style to your bundled-up look. Knit or crocheted hats made of natural fibers should be handwashed in cool water. Soak for twenty minutes in a mild detergent, agitate gently and never squeeze or wring. Rinse in cool water, lay flat and air dry. Synthetics can be machine washed in cool water, gentle cycle. Air dry to prevent shrinking. Or bring your beanie to the experts.  We’ll clean and block your cap to like-new freshness.

The rarest wool on Earth.

The rarest wool on Earth. Once the exclusive pleasure of Incan royalty, the silky wool from the Peruvian vicuña is the ultimate in luxury. Loro Piana is the major maker of vicuña garments, and a simple scarf is about $4,000. … Continue reading