Tag 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…

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

Prabal Gurung Shows “Grace Under Pressure”

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Fashion Group International of Dallas (FGI of Dallas) recently announced that designer Prabal Gurung will receive the Career Achievement in Fashion Award at the annual Night of Stars Gala, an event held to honor the fashion stars of the fashion industry.

The Nepalese fashion designer began his career in New Delhi, India. While studying at New Delhi’s National Institute of Fashion Technology, he designed with Manish Arora and apprenticed at numerous local production houses.

In 1999, Gurung moved to New York where he interned for Donna Karan while attending Parsons The New School for Design. During his time at Parsons, he earned the Best Designer Award at the annual Parsons/Fashion Institute of Technology design competition. Gurung joined Cynthia Rowley’s design team straight out of Parson’s. He spent two years with the design and production teams before being appointed design director at Bill Blass. Five years later, Gurung left Bill Blass to launch his namesake collection at New York Fashion Week. In 2010, Gurung received the Ecco Domani Fund Award and was the recipient of the CFDA Swarovski Award for Womenswear. The designer’s eponymous line is sold in over twenty countries, is featured in fashion’s top publications and is consistently worn by the world’s most prominent women. The collection is currently showcased at Neiman Marcus, a Dallas fashion staple store.

I was given the opportunity of a lifetime to sit down with Gurung and chat over coffee about inspiration, pop culture and the future of fashion.

On receiving the career achievement in fashion award from FGI Dallas.

PG: “It is exciting, as a designer you don’t plan to receive certain awards or achievements. It is a byproduct of the work that you put into the collection and brand to receive such recognition.”

ESD: You’ve had some unique opportunities throughout your career (Designing for Airlines, First Ladies and celebs). Can you speak to that?

PG: “We are very careful about who we dress. It’s a matter of “Am I inspired by this woman? Would like to sit down and have coffee or lunch with her? Am I creatively motivated, inspired or challenged by what they are doing?” It’s very important for me to have that kind of relationship. All of these women that I’ve had the opportunity to dress I also know they have plethora of choices and racks of clothes to choose from. The fact that they decide to wear one of my designs, it isn’t up to me anymore there are lots of factors. I am truly grateful that they choose my designs over others.

I have been such an advocate for inspiring women, to celebrate them and when it resonates with them, it becomes more than just fabric, needles and sewing.”

We got to talking about some of his fondest memories and Gurung mentioned that Kristen Wiig happens to be a wonderful date. The designer also reminisced on his close relationship with powerhouse women like Michelle Obama, Demi Moore and Amanda Seyfried.

ESD: Motto for staying true to inspiration and brand? 

PG: “You know, for me personally before I got into fashion, my motto has always been ‘Grace under pressure’. The world that we live in there is so much information, so many things out there on social media, you might feel that your life is less than. You feel that you need to compete. I’ve always been very clear and confident that my path is going to be mine and not imitate other. Generally speaking, amongst my designer friends we notice comparison. My philosophy is competitive and I push my limits, but there is a need for depth, levity and humor.”

ESD: What does the future of fashion look like? Any words of advice to up and coming young designers?

PG: “Sure. If you’re getting into fashion and design because you want to be famous I don’t think that’s the right goal. Fame is a product of your hard work. I’ve never chased recognition; I wanted to make beautiful products for the right audience. I now have a platform to talk about my passions, my foundation and get to business. Other advice? Be clear on who you are and have a sense of self. Understand why you are doing what your doing and that the glamorous side of things will be 1%, the rest is hard work.”

ESD: One woman you would love to see wearing your collection?

PG: “There isn’t one, there are several.”

ESD: Amy Schumer? Caitlyn Jenner?

PG: “Yes! It’s so funny, I was just about to mention. Amy, Adele. You’re just moved by the pure ferocity of their talent. Even someone like Angelina Jolie or Hillary Clinton, I want to work with women who are impacting the world in some way.”

We wrapped by discussing his love of Dallas, he spoke to the polite nature of the locals and love of dressing up for any occasion.

Prabal Gurung is set to be honored at the FGI Night of Stars Gala this weekend. Proceeds from the event fund FGI of Dallas’ foundation scholarships. This past April, FGI of Dallas presented over $45,000 in cash scholarships and prizes to 16 college students.