Femme Friday Quick Pick: Marc Jacobs Tote
You absolutely can never go wrong with a bag from Marc Jacobs, especially one under $70. This is the perfect fun Friday find to start your weekend off right!
Go forth and dress well. Happy Friday!
Miss Marc Packables Shopper via Zappos.com $68
Femme Friday: Seersucker
Seersucker is the quintessential fabric for summer and definitely deserving of its own Femme Friday post. One could argue that its the most classic, recognizable warm weather textile worn the world over. Traditionally seen in red or iconic blue, seersucker is the perfect casual, comfortable staple that’s neutral enough to be worn with almost any color to any occasion.
Forget diamonds, this cool cotton is a girl’s best friend.
Row 1: Striped blazer via Zara $80; Jessica Howard dress via Von Maur $90 Row 2: J.Crew swimsuit $82; Lafayette 148 New York skirt via Nordstrom $148 Row 3: Striped shorts via Zara $40; J.Crew Café capri pant $98
Not Your Daddy’s Jorts
I unapologetically love jean shorts. They elicit images of long summers filled with beaches, backyard barbecues, and bonfires. Although jean shorts have often been pegged as the trashy cousin of conventional denim, they’ve been resurrected in recent seasons by fashion designers and mass market retailers alike.
Plenty of brands like Levi’s and American Eagle offer a variety of fits and washes, but Zara strikes the perfect balance between style and value. Their jean shorts are available in an excellent mix of colors and seem to hit at a good point on the leg. I also like that should I get these shorts on and find they’re more Jim Dangle than anticipated, shipping and returns are free.
And yes, I suppose you could just cut off an old pair of jeans and make your own, but that post would have been shorter and far more anticlimactic.
Top left: Denim bermudas $50; Contrasting chambray shorts $70 Bottom left: Fantasy side strip bermudas $60; Bermudas $60. All images via Zara
Thou Shalt Covet: Nike Free Run+ 2
Whoever said money can’t buy happiness never owned Nike Free Runs.
As a former avid runner struggling to get back in shape, my Free Runs have been a God send. They’re lightweight, super comfortable, and fit well enough to wear sans socks (something I’ve never done before). As a runner of almost 15 years, I can honesty say they’re the best pair of running shoes I’ve ever pruchased.
My original pair of Free Run+’s are nearing the finish line so I’ve got my eye on the Free Run+ 2′s available from Zappos.com for $90 to $100.
The only problem ahead of me is picking out a color (probably blue).
All images via Zappos.com
Hal Jordan Goes Green (& You Should Too)
While slipping on an alien ring and transforming into an intergalactic superhero is my preferred way of going green, I suppose wearing eco friendly clothing is just as good (but not really).
Being environmentally conscious doesn’t mean dressing like a third generation hippie anymore. Companies are increasingly offering cool and stylish options for guys who want to look good without needlessly ravaging Mother Earth. I’ve collected 4 products that are just as eco fly as they are eco friendly.
Shirt: Made from natural seeded cotton knitted and sewn in Los Angeles.
Shoes: Vegan friendly and constructed from recycled and sustainable materials.
Watch: Accented with a bamboo dial, this Sprout watch is made from corn resin that’s “99% biodegradable to carbon dioxide and water within 365 days.”
Pants: The yarn for these Bonobos jeans is partially spun from recycled beer bottles. Thanks to Mr. Webbos for posting these last week and Buffalo Dandy for doing a more complete write up today.
Farm Tactics baseball tee via Unionmade $55; Earthwise Classics via TOMS $54; Sprout watch $65; Bottle Rockets denim via Bonobos $135.
The Green Lantern image was scanned from my own collection but copyrighted by DC Comics Inc. in 1983.
Femme Friday: Pin Up Swimwear
There is something undeniably iconic about the vintage pin up girl. She’s beautiful, feminine, sexy, and yet classy enough to earn respect as well as admiration. Women wanted to be her and men wanted to, well you know.
When I stumbled across this 1940′s print ad of Rosemary La Planche (left) and Alma Carroll (right) at an antique mall earlier this week, I was immediately drawn to its color and subtle sexiness. The swimwear featured inspired me to hunt down some modern pieces patterned after suits from days gone by. Anthropologie, known for its vintage, feminine feel, offers these beautiful, simple swim suits worthy of being pinned on any wall (or blog).
Nothing says femme quite like these gems.
A special thanks to my friend and photographer Erica from Erica Lee Style for her helpful tips on women’s swimwear, of which I knew nothing about.
Row 1: Yakima bikini by Nanette Lepore $174; Sweetheart Patchwork Maillot by Camilla and Marc $218. Row 2: Dolly Gingham Maillot by Seafolly $168; Kamini Swimsuit by Nanette Lepore $192. Row 3: Star-Scattered Bikini by Pez D’Or $136; Natalie One-Piece by Seafolly $148. All images via Anthropologie
The Church of Chuck Taylor
I was feeling a bit adulterous after today’s previous post. And while my eyes may stray from time to time, I always come home to Mr. Taylor. There’s just something special about unboxing a new pair of Converse that elicits excitement like nothing else.
Since it’s been an Americana sort of week for me, I decided to post some Chucks that read and bleed red, white, and blue.
For idolizing another, Mr. Taylor, mea culpa.
Top left: All Star Slip $47; John Varvatos Star Player Ox $165. Bottom left: All Star Core Hi $45; John Varvatos Star Player Mid $145. All images & shoes via Zappos.com
Style Inspiration: Me
I consider myself a pretty stylish guy (hence the blog), so I thought I’d put together a look directly inspired by an outfit I wore earlier this week. And no, this isn’t a fun house mirror, unless said mirror is over 70 years old and was one of the deadliest, coolest machines in the skies during World War II. Yep, it’s the side of a P-51 Mustang I photographed on Monday at the Grimes Gathering of B-25s in Urbana, OH.
While it’s impossible to be me, you can certainly dress like me.
Saint James for J.Crew meridien II hoodie $285; Levi’s 511 skinny cut-off shorts $54; Ray-Ban Original Wayfarer $150; Timex Weekender via Need Supply Co. $45; Puma Limnos sneaker via DSW $35
Femme Friday: (Not So Short) Shorts from J.Crew
Where was I when hot pants took over? Seriously, what happened to women wearing classic, mid-length shorts? It would seem that the shrinking inseams of men’s shorts have pushed women’s shorts to ridiculous extremes. As a sir, I can appreciate a pair of gorgeous gams, but men (rather gentlemen) will always respond more to class than skin. And few retailers exemplify class more than J.Crew.
On this Femme Friday, remember that no shorts (regardless of length) will ever be as sexy as the confident woman who wears them.
7″ Sailor short $60; 5″ Harbor-stripe short $50; 9″ Chino short $48; 6.25″ Denim short $80
Reap What They Sew: Farm Tactics
Simple is good. Simple and made in America is even better. Such is the case with California based Farm Tactics. They specialize in quality, hand crafted pieces simply designed to be perfectly comfortable.
No frills. No fuss. Just really great clothes.
Natural loose knit slub tee $38; Coral ombre slub tee $37; Slub terry sweatshirt $80; Camo rock climbing tote $88 Available here or UNIONMADE
Navy Blazers Under $100 (Sort of)
A good lightweight navy blazer is a warm weather staple no man’s closet should be without. Being that my own spring sportcoat was under $100, I figured you gents might appreciate equally economical options. And yes, the ASOS blazer is technically over budget, but skipping 2 lattes from Starbucks should cover the difference.
All are 100% cotton and 100% cool.
Top left: Cotton blazer w/ elbow patches via Zara $100; Merona Kensington Blazer via Target $40 ($35 in store) Bottom left: H&M blazer $99; ASOS Slim fit canvas blazer $108
Take This, Wednesday
It’s amazing how easily $3 Target shoelaces tackle a hump day slump. Boots via Aldo.
Nobody Calls Me Yellow
Nine times out of ten, there’s no way you’d catch me wearing yellow. I’m willing to make an exception for any of these cool kicks. Ranging from mellow to “Hello!” these sneakers epitomize spring and are sure to brighten your day.
If you ask me, I’d say they’re pretty mcfly. Anyone?
Top left: Vans Authentic $45; Generic Surplus Borstal Mesh $62 Bottom left: Puma Tekkies $38; SeaVees 05/65 $88 All via Zappos.com
Thou Shalt Covet: Filson laptop bag
There’s an epidemic sweeping this nation: awful laptop bags. You know the ones I’m talking about; cheap canvas, usually black or blue, a random company logo, and more mesh than a Right Said Fred comeback tour. No, thank you.
Might I instead suggest this bag from Filson. Constructed from durable twill and made in the USA, it’s stylish yet rugged enough to endure everything you’ll no doubt cram into it.
From home to work to coffee shop, lug your laptop the right way.
Easter Outfit & DIY Reversible Bow Tie
Here’s yet another obligatory “What I Wore on Easter” post.
I was feeling festive so I decided to wear some color, actually a lot of color. I usually don’t wear yellow, and I only own this sweater because I found it on clearance last year. I used 2 pieces of scrap fabric to make a reversible bow tie that I think pairs perfectly with this look.
Thanks again to Buffalo Dandy for giving me the bow tie pattern! And might I add that he was looking quite dandy himself!
Instagram would have come in handy for this one.
Bow Tie Friday: Neon Shoelace Tie
It’s a bow…that’s tied…on Friday.
I happen to like my clever interpretation of Bow Tie Friday. The neon shoelace really pops against my dark denim shirt (Levi’s). Consider this my teddy boy twist.
Can I at least get credit for creativity?
Femme Friday: Fashion, Photography & Footwear
If beauty is the in the eyes of the beholder, then it certainly helps if those eyes belong to my good friend and newest MM contributor, fashion photographer Rachel Yacapraro. In our eight year friendship, Rach has consistently been one of the most beautiful and stylish women I’ve known. Now the freelance photographer behind Iacapraro Photography in Chicago, she uses her fashion aesthetic to shoot weddings, events, portraits, gallery openings, and artwork. Her stunning work has been featured in several issues of F-Stop Magazine and in an exhibition at the 2011 Milwaukee Avenue Arts Festival.
Also holding the mantel of style savant, Rachel was kind enough to gather a few of her favorite, albeit funky, heels for today’s Femme Friday. Afterall, who knows women’s fashion better than a fashionable woman? For more information about Rachel and her work, visit her website or find her on Facebook.
Have a very femme (and Good) Friday.
Top left: Sandal with methacrylate heel from Zara $129; Sam Edelman heel from Urban Outfitters $200. Bottom left: Gyllenband from Aldo $75; Aztec woven sandal from Marc by Marc Jacobs $360
H&M Swim Under $30
While I’d love to endorse $148 GANT hippo swim trunks (because I love them), a lot of guys don’t have the gumption or cash to swing them. Thus for cheap, appropriately cool swimwear, H&M is a good bet. My only concern with H&M’s selection isn’t the price, it’s the length.
But as inseams continue to shorten, it would seem that me and my chicken legs will be doing squats for the next two months.
What say you, gentleman? How short is too short?
Top left: Swim shorts $13; Nylon swim shorts $18 Bottom left: Patterned swim shorts $18; Block strip swim shorts $25
Tosh.0 #highfashion
I think most people (at least the normal ones) can agree that the fashion industry has a tendency of taking itself a little too seriously. Sometimes we just need to step back and poke fun at ourselves. Enter Tosh.0. This season comedian Daniel Tosh has been satirically sporting high fashion looks that have often been as ridiculous as they are expensive. To honor tonight’s final episode of #highfashion, I’ve put together a little ensemble of my own from Comme des Garçons, a designer I inexplicably love.
You may think it’s kooky and even a bit tacky. But at the end of the day, they’re just clothes, guys.
Circle pattern sport jacket $1,510; Dotted leopard shirt $525; Circle pattern bermuda short $540; Jack Purcell low top $125. All from Barneys.
Pretty Penny: Generic Man wingtips
Just because I’d have to dig for change in every couch in the Ohio Valley to afford certain items doesn’t mean they don’t deserve a mention. And isn’t that the fantasy of fashion; dreaming about things that you’ll probably only see in magazines and incredibly creative and clever menswear blogs based in Columbus, Ohio?
I think so.
Wingman Oxfords by Generic Man. $375 from Park & Bond
Boots Under $100
Simply stated, I’m a boot guy. Winter, spring, rain, or shine, you’ll probably find me sporting footwear that could kick a sandal’s ass. I’m also a Zappos.com guy, due in no small part to it’s amazing selection, fast shipping, and exceptional customer service. So before you go tanning your toes, check out these boots, all from Zappos.com and all under $100.
And unlike those boat shoes you just bought because GQ told you to, these kicks can tackle winter weather (even in Ohio).
Top left: Dom suede by Generic Surplus $92; GBX $70 Bottom left: Rag by Bed:Stu $90; A/O 7 Eye (olive canvas) by Sperry Top-Sider $90
Femme Friday: Club Monaco
The web has been buzzing this week about the revamped Club Monaco website, and with good reason. Club Monaco has stepped up its game with modern, chic clothing and accessories that feel both romantic and reminiscent. I’m riding the wave for this week’s Femme Friday by presenting four of my favorite women’s pieces from the new collection.
See something you like? Take advantage of free shipping & returns through April.
Lainey Dip-Dyed Silk Dress $190, Stella Stretch Bracelet $50, Liana Headscarf $60, Cory Striped Sweater $80
DIY Bow Tie for Bow Tie Friday
Inspired by fellow men’s style blogger and bow tie enthusiast Buffalo Dandy, I made a bow tie to commemorate my first Bow Tie Friday. The pattern was pretty straight forward and I used fabric that I happend to have. For my first go at it, I’m pretty pleased with the results. Paired with my Coca-Cola sweater (I was inspired by D&G) from Target ($7 on clearance), this bow tie is the perfect escort into an amazing weekend.
Go forth and dress well.
Pattern and instructions can be found here. A word of cautious, I have a small neck and this fits me perfectly so you may need to adjust accordingly.
Thou Shalt Covet: Bow ties from The Tie Bar
To prep you for Bow Tie Friday, I’ve gathered some of my favorite finds from The Tie Bar. The online retailer offers a bevy of patterns, materials, and styles (including reversible) large enough to satisfy even the most discerning dandy. And at $15 each, they’re as affordable as they are snappy.
So this Friday, start off your weekend with a bang and a bow.
Row 1: Seersucker Gingham; Powered Madras Row 2: Floral Wonder; Pastel Paisley Row 3: Powered Madras; Pure Chambray Row 4: Seeksucker; Table Plaid
