Category Archives: Fashion

The Big (Spring) Short

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The sun is shining, the warmth of a mid-spring breeze blows in and all of a sudden it hits you. Could it be shorts weather already? Well, if you’re anything like me, this early warm weather is met with a bit of apprehension. Something about dawning shorts and showing a bit of leg when parts of the country still have snow in the forecast may seem a bit odd.

This time around I’m showcasing a versatile look that blends the comfort of sunshines warmth, with the need for a light sweater when it cools back down. It’s a preppier take on my normal style, for sure, but an achievable one if you have the want to pull it off. Take a super comfy collared cardigan from Life/After/Denim, layer with a short sleeve button up that breathes and a pair of lighter colored shorts. Voila! I love this cardigan for many reasons. Comfort should never be sacrificed for style. I get the best of both worlds with a standout shawl-collared cardigan while still paying homage to classic Southwestern Americana. The linen lightweight button up from Rodd & Gunn is also a winner and can be worn dressed up or not. Lastly, Billy Reid has my heart with these classed up shorts.

Enjoy the sun, but be prepared for the shade with this spring ready look that is perfect for your next weekend outing.

Southern Staples

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Opening the door for that special someone. Minding your manners. Knowing exactly when to say “Bless your heart”.

These are all things that we consider staples of modern society in the south. Another staple? Owning a lightweight button up and knowing how to perfectly pair it with a spring styled blazer for a classic look. Fear not dear reader, I’ve ventured to the depths of the south to bring a renaissance of sorts when it comes to pulling off the look mentioned above.

Enter Pax & Parker, the brainchild of founders Winston Parker Ley and Alari Ann Paxson. Based in Fort Worth, Texas, Pax & Parker is a collection-focused specialty store offering an elevated assortment of ready-to-wear and accessories for men and women. The store is designed to provide the ultimate shopping experience without all the noise and pretenses of a traditional big-box luxury retailer. Expertly curated, their designer labels represent the best in the industry while many are exclusive to Pax & Parker. Purposefully housed in a small-format space, they have the pleasure and capacity to personally connect with each customer to provide a truly gratifying experience. At Pax & Parker, they believe in quality textiles, classic designs, and modern silhouettes.

In working with this bright, young new store, I am bringing the styles and feel that the quintessential gent should strive to curate in his own personal wardrobe. Take for instance this light, off white blazer from Rodd & Gunn. Perfect for when the weather heats up or when the pressure is on during a business meeting or date and you need your jacket to breathe. When paired with this sharp, textured Billy Reid button down, it’s the perfect spring look to impress. I’ve chosen a more casual look with the jeans but a pair of chinos or even cords would work just fine.

Stay tuned for the next part of this series where we will be focusing more on playful prints…

Interior Motives: Top Knot Dallas

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Feast your eyes on Top Knot. They say we eat with our eyes before our tongues and I’m drooling over the interiors at Dallas’ latest addition to the touted dining scene. Warm rich wood meets pops of color and quirky touches in the Top Knot den. Perched a floor above it’s popular sister restaurant, Uchi, this visual stunner sets the tone with its subtle nods to modern design.

If your lucky enough to score a booth, you’ll be treated to an unparalleled view of a magnificently designed dining room and bar that is sure to be bustling once doors finally open on February 3rd. There are also a selection of other tables. You’ll find everything from high chaired communal tables and large party perfect situations. On a perfect, warm (or at least bearable) day you could find yourself feasting on Chef de Cuisine Angela Hernandez’s soon the be famous Hot Fried Chicken Bun and sipping on a cocktail. This location will be the restaurant groups first foray into liquor based libations and if the space is any indicator, I am sure the playful bartenders will shine. I am told there’s even a nod to Dallas’ M Streets neighborhood with a cocktail named ‘The Armistice’. Sample the ‘Mezcal Mule’ and ‘Birdhouse Bramble’ as well!

While I was just treated to visuals for this first run around, be sure to check back for my full look at what you can expect menu wise when Top Knot opens next week!

Do It in Denim

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Shirt: Lacoste; Jeans: Paige

It’s casual Friday and normally that means donning your best pair of jeans and working your way about the city. What if we switched things up and wore the denim on our shirt instead? I’m starting to like the sound of it. While the winter blues bogs down most of the country, I’m bringing a little sunshine to your Friday style with this casual yet styled look.

I’ve always believed in blending denim into a laid back look. Something about the textures, colors and feels that denim provides really sets of a look and can keep us looking our best even when we don’t have time to coordinate a full outfit. Lacoste has perfected the art of the denim button down. By using different dyes and colors of the material, the shirt stands out and sets a more sartorial tone then your dads old denim. It’s a cool update to your basic blues. This denim button-down shirt features a slim fit and a contrast pocket. I love the soft material and the rugged stitching. Invest in denim that really sets an outfit off.

One last piece of advice, when putting together a denim driven outfit don’t be afraid to pair denim with denim. The style doesn’t always have to be the blues we know but rather can be colors of tan, burgundy or even black to mix and match your best. Experimentation is the forefront of the dapper nature of mens fashion, so don’t fear a little out of the box denim duo.

Layered in Adventure

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Jacket: Zara; Pants: Paige

Layering has been super important to me this season. Will an abundant array of options to keep warmth in and the cold out, it’s kind of a game to me to see how things layer. If you’re wearing multiple layers — all of them stylish — and you get hot, you can take one off and still look sharp. When you start to cool off, you slip the top layer back on and still look put together. In a sense, smart layering enables you to look great in a wide range of temperatures without heading home to change.

One of my more favorite finds recently was this super transitional and comfortably cool jacket from Zara. It’s a velvet bomber jacket that is soft enough to keep suitors close and warm enough to keep you moving during your winter adventures. I found myself hugging the fabric and wanting to find a way to make it work for every outfit.

As you all know, I am a huge foodie so on our most recent trip to New York City this jacket was my go to for hopping from restaurant to restaurant. Some of my memories from the vacation included oysters from Mermaid Inn Oyster Bar, Spaghetti from Scarpetta and of course, a huge ice cream cone from Big Gay Ice Cream!

In general, layering is a four-season look. I found that fact to be especially true this time around. This jacket lends itself naturally to fall and winter — when changing temperatures make it convenient to have pieces you can take on or off throughout the day — but with the right wardrobe pieces and the right materials you can have a layered look all year round if you want.

Needless to say, we had an absolute blast in NYC and I certainly can’t wait to go back. Layer your next trip with a bit of adventure!

Plaid in the Park

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 Shirt: J. Crew ; Jeans: Bonobos

Simple things tend to bring us the most joy. A loyal friend, a good cup of coffee or a trusted pair of old boots might do the trick. I find the most pleasure in the art of trekking. Taking the road less traveled, getting outside and blending in with nature. Call me the camouflaged connoisseur of taking to the streets and finding out how to find my drum.

Sorry if my metaphors seem a bit much. I’ve just returned from New York City, you see. The city bustled with traffic of all means, noise pollution and a certain spark that only this time of year can bring. Through it all, though, I found a sense of wonder hidden in the majestic sprawl of Central Park. The feeling called to my inner outdoorsman and so I ventured into the depths of the concrete jungle and dawned a new persona.

The king of the fashion jungle in winter time seems to be the mighty plaid. You’ll find it on scarves, belts, jackets and more. My favorite way to wear it? Shirting. Yup, call me a lumberjack because my affinity for perfectly mixed lines puts me in my happy place. After I’d seen a stretch of the park including ponds, mountains, fountains and lawns, I concluded that I’d better get home before dark. I cherished the ability to rock my new favorite plaid button down for a stroll and only wished that my next adventure would be as soothing to my outdoorsy soul.

Bundled Up with Bonobos

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As Thanksgiving nears, I tend to begin thinking of things that I am grateful for. One of those things is the ability to dress up in sweaters and fun pants to embrace cooler weather. I recall years past when I was gifted itchy, sweaty knits from relatives while putting on a smile and trying not to scratch. Fast forward to my adulthood when I have traded the itch for cross stitched and sided with comfort. I used to have a hateful relationship with wool. It was itchy. It would bind and squeeze. Most importantly, it smelled an awful lot like my Uncle Jimmy.

That scarring sentiment is not shared when it comes to alpaca. You see, alpaca is cut from a different cloth quite literally. An alpaca blend adds some luxurious softness to the West Coast style. Yes, your weekend sweater is here. Add a pattern that gives it some personality, and you are set. Even better? The alpaca blend means it’s extra soft and warm. Bonobos is saving us all this Holiday season with a sweater that wraps you in the best feels all season long. Another family photo saved where you look miserable because the itchy, scratchy passed down wool sweater is bothering you.

Another outfit staple I am thankful for? The trusty pair of dressed up jeans. Bonobos created a special kind of the classic pant called the Moleskin Jean. Wondering about moleskin? Here’s the skinny, and no, they didn’t skin any notebooks or hurt any moles. It’s actually a thick cotton fabric with a pile that’s sheared on one side. In layman’s terms, that means these pants are incredibly warm and soft—think flannel or velvet, but sturdier. If you’re in the market for comfortable fall and winter pants that can go with just about anything, the Moleskin Jean should be on your list. I’ll be wearing mine straight through until spring.

SHOP: Yakima Alpaca Blend Popover | Moleskin Jean