I’m not sure how your neighborhood was this weekend, but in Dallas we got some much needed cooler weather. All this talk of how to balance the end of summer cool air with remembering the heat will be there tomorrow got me thinking. I am always struggling to find the perfect outfit that performs its chic duty, while allowing me to transition at will when the weather takes a turn. I’ve teamed up with American Eagle Outfitters to talk about some of my favorite transitional outfits that fit the end of Summer to Fall move. These folks get it! After hearing more about their styled collections and innovative new clothing, I inquired more about what it takes the complete a look. “Styling a strong outfit is sometimes like constructing a building: you have to start from the bottom.” I couldn’t agree more.

One of my favorite trends of the moment is the jogger pant. American Eagle has these style must haves in just about every fabric, color and fit. I was instantly attracted to them based on the versatility they allow the person wearing them to basically perform a ‘convertible clothing’ swap at any moment. Pairing their olive toned cargo jogger with a fun print button down and a stylish boot can really prove my theory. I found the pants breathed easy as I ran errands or arrived at an event or dinner. There are so many pairings to be made with a good dressy jogger that can be perfect for the office or after hours happenings.

My new favorite way to wear this trend is a bit sporty and more casual. The heather gray fabric jogger I am sporting above is the classy way to stay comfy when roaming about town. With a relaxed fit, drawstring waist and cuffed bottom, this is where style and comfort come together. For cooler nights as we enter a new season, a signature graphic hoodie t-shirt is the perfect combination for these pants. Don’t think twice, this comfy combo is nice.

Fall transitions are a snap, even when the weather fluctuates. American Eagle makes winning combinations that let you own your style no matter the time of year.

Hot dogs, hamburgers, lemonade and fireworks. Usually that combination about sums up your July 4th holiday, but now its time to step up your game. Growing up, I looked forward to the BBQ, outdoor fun, pool time and parades around Dallas. Now with all the patriotism in full force, I’ve moved into the time in my life when the perfect American outfit is the end goal while partaking in all the aforementioned activities.

I am giving you two looks today, because ‘Merica. If you’re more about prepping it up while manning the grill or sipping on a nice cold beverage with you’re friends, I got you. If you dare to rock a more casual look at the lake or attempting to beat the heat/humidity on a hot day, look no further.

I am such a fan of pairing bright hues of the quintessential patriotic colors with simple additions. For instance, my first look above combines my new favorite distressed-dyed shorts from J.Crew and a slim tipped polo finished with tipped detailing at the collar and sleeves, so you’ll look just as cool as the guys from the Rat Pack—the only difference is you’ll have a cell phone. Keeping it cool in shorts but allowing your prep to come through a bit is what the holiday weekend means to me.

Needing a bit more formality to match the fourth of July debauchery? These washed chinos from Bonobos cue hints of fun but have you a bit more dressed up for your fourth! Throw on a slim-fit short sleeve button up and your be sure to enjoy a breezy, buttoned-up afternoon to evening look.

I dare you to show your patriotic side without the cheesy flip flops or tank top. While those are a safe choice for the weekend, it probably won’t net you a second look from Lady Liberty.

Fashion lovers in Dallas rejoice. The severely dapper store, Suitsupply, is opening its first Dallas outpost on June 18th!

“Suitsupply creates an entirely new market in men’s fashion that sets them apart from any other existing boutique retailer. Their combination of the use of only the finest fabrics, European styling, unbeatable in store service and within an attainable price bracket is a revolutionary approach to men’s fashion.”

Dallas is know for to-the-nines fashion approach as of late and Suitsupply is taking heavy notice with its latest move. Started by Fokke de Jong in 2000, in just 14 years Suitsupply has grown to over 60 stores in Europe, the United States and Asia, in cities such as Milan, London, Zurich, Amsterdam, New York, Toronto Shanghai and Singapore.

Suitsupply will hold the grand opening of it’s 6,700-square-foot Dallas flagship in West Village at 3700 McKinney Avenue on Thursday, June 18th.

The W Dallas – Victory Hotel & Residences is setting the bar high for Summer event season. With an amazing line up of activities that begin in May, I know that the Victory Park hot spot is going to be buzzing with beautiful people, amazing music and fun for all. Check out the events above for more on the offerings W Hotels is bringing to Big D!

The perfect addition to your wardrobe, the henley is an essential shirt. I love the soft feel it provides and the ability to layer it with other pieces to create the perfect look. A mix between a light sweater and a long sleeve tee, the henley has quickly become a go to piece for me to rock when out running errands or heading out on the weekends for a late lunch or coffee stop.

My newest henley, the one pictured above, comes courtesy of Mizzen+Main. The company set out to create the next great American brand and bring innovation to classic menswear. Combining advanced performance fabrics with a refined, traditional style, they have changed the way men approach this staple of their wardrobe with a shirt that is moisture wicking, wrinkle free, has four way stretch, and requires no ironing or dry cleaning. Obviously they know their stuff.

So whether your an all button guy or a “trying to imitate Brad Pitt” with all the buttons undone, you are sure to find use for this coveted everyday essential. Rock the henley and experience the comfy, cool and dapper life.

Well it warms my heart and butters my biscuits to know that the art of community still exists in the fashion world. Northern Grade, a roving pop-up market featuring carefully selected American- made brands and products, is coming to Dallas April 18 & 19th! The market was established in 2010 as a way for fans of brands to connect with the creators and designers to shop in an intimate space.

Jogger: Zara; Shirt: J.Crew

Despite a few showers and clouds here and there, Spring is here whether you like it or not. I embrace the season with open arms as a chance to bring out the lighter weight shirts and rock the floral prints. There are safe ways to welcome the warmer weather and windy occasions. I recently snagged a pair of joggers that are adorned with playful florals and tropical driven designs.

Some become skittish when challenged with the notion that spring prints can be masculine. My way of breaking down the barrier is to match the print with a neutral top or shoe. Balance is key when it comes to floral prints for guys. Too much color and print and yeah, you’re gonna stand out like a mai-tai or tropical drink. However, if you tie a print and neutral piece together, you are bound for dapper greatness. Take for instance this light weight linen shirt. It casually brings the outfit together without putting a damper on your print party. It’s the little moves that make a big difference!

The beer, the soda bread and the pinching. It’s the one time it’s perfectly normal to show your four leaf clover in public. Oh come on, lighten up people. It’s enough that an entire city dyes a river green every March 17; must every post-college drinker dress head-to-toe in the color as well? I think not.

I’m Irish by heritage so I love St. Patricks Day and all the green things that go along with the holiday. It’s a time for good food, loads of drinking and friends dressed in greenery galore. Whatever shade you pick, make sure you choose the right base. One of my favorite finds recently is this amazingly vibrant and comfortable tee from Vince. With a classic Jersey V-Neck style and perfectly green color, this shirt is perfect for the occasion and will keep you cozy through the debauchery.

While the luck of the Irish applies to everyone on this holiday, it takes planning to create a green inspired outfit that is both classic and fun. Try this option on for size while you celebrate this year.

T-Shirt: Vince / Jeans: H&M / Boots: J.Crew

Snow Day. Buckets of the white stuff fell across my fair city today and of course, I unleashed my inner kid. One of my favorite things to rock on a snowy, freezing day is jeans. Comfy, fitted, beautiful blue jeans.

Paige Denim continues to evolve, but remains devoted to the details. They only partner with the best wash-houses in the country, which happen to be in their hometown of Los Angeles. Every style we create is wear-tested, and tested again. They are completely obsessed with designing pieces you’ll live in-jeans that go from morning to moonlight; the perfect pair that works like a charm, always; pieces to help you stand tall in what you’re wearing, and take you exactly where you want to go.

That’s why when I saw the snow outside, I knew just the pair I wanted to rock. Soft and sleek, these denim beauties take me from day to night and allow me to move with ease. Now, back to the snow! Stay warm, friends.

What do you get when you combine 3 savvy entrepreneurs, a knack for dapper style and vision? A brand with socks appeal.

“After years of wearing other socks and experiencing the same problems, we decided to set out on a journey to create DeadSoxy. We knew we wanted to create a high-quality well-designed sock and a brand with a soul. Dedicated to the mission, we spent hundreds of hours learning, used dozens of manufacturers, and tested 53 samples over two and a half years. The result is a sock that we absolutely love and a brand with a purpose. We don’t chase trends; our design philosophy is built on the notion of ‘simple yet significant.'”

Now I know what you’re thinking. How the heck could this sock brand be any different? Well after visiting with one of the founders, Michael Romine, I’ve got some perspective. The team at DeadSoxy see socks differently. For them, it’s all about exploring personal style and experimenting with the dapper lifestyle in baby steps. Whether it’s adding a colorful stripe in your socks or trying a new touch on the same ol’ business attire, Romine reiterates the DeadSoxy credo. Designed to inspire and created to influence, DeadSoxy is an instrument of expression and a gateway to great first Impressions.

I myself am a huge fan of the super comfortable and supportive Clarksdale and ‘The His’ variations. They add a flair of fun but still complete my everyday look with ease. Launched just this week, DeadSoxy is worth a check out. Be sure to let them know I sent you!