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.

Coming across a family owned business that is keeping things real from the bottom to the top is a hard find these days. Discovering sheer talent and commonality for a trade or product inside the bounds of family ties is even tougher. Luckily, sawyer was born out of adventure and spirit by the mother and daughter duo, Kim and Sawyer Bannister.

Inspired by love of travel, the sea and the 60s & 70s vintage décor, it prompted them to launch sawyer, an adventurous and spirited collection.

“Strikingly unique and stunning, the hand-poured, cut and polished creations have a luxurious and architectural appeal.  No two items are alike – complete with their own story to tell.  Special attributes of the coloring process, natural shells, semi – precious stones and precise attention to detail, add to the overall beauty and specialty of each piece. The natural materials are from the design duo’s private collection of items collected during their travels – often found during a family walk on the beaches in Jamaica or hunting for semi-precious stones in South Africa.”

If you’re looking for something truly unique and original, sawyer is it. Apart from being family owned, portion of the proceeds from sales of sawyer products goes to a selection of charities and organizations – from children battling cancer to Alzheimer’s research and heart disease.

Long live the family jewels that keep chic pieces and the heart of hardworking spirit alive.

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.

Shirt 1: Here; Shirt 2: Here; Shirt 3: Here

 We all have them. Those ‘saying’ shirts in the back of the closet. The ones that we bought at one point in our life when ‘TxT me LatR!’ and ‘Uncle Smokeys Surf and Sand Shack, Late Night Lessons’ seemed like a good message to pin across our chests. Well my friends, I’ve come to you with the help of Tumbleweed TexStyles to show you a new kind of screen print shirt.

Co-Owners Brian Wysong and Jeb Matulich are two educators on a mission. In the early stages of company development, Brian and Jeb wanted a company name that would match their enthusiasm and vision. Brian and Jeb utilize their collective passions and pour them into the company so that they can grab hold of every lover of Texas and ultimately promote the emergence of a refined Texas culture. A Texas culture that is prideful, that is artsy, that is creative; and doing it all in style.

Since conception, the brand has expanded it’s rolodex of saying and styles to include glassware, totes, gear and even Oklahoma. And y’all these shirts are so so soft! They are the kind of shirt you would wear to a concert one night and brunch the next weekend. With a passionate backing and designs that are creative and one of a kind, you can’t miss out on this brand. Head to the shop and check out their latest!

It’s no secret, I love a good shirt that works for me. A shirt thats made with quality material and lasts years without wear. It can be the shirt that you got your first job offer in, a first date shirt or one that was gifted to you by a special someone. A man truly feels like a complete when he buttons up in his best and can face the crowds in a well made shirt.

.Bk is a Brooklyn-based limited edition menswear startup that’s breaking down the conventions of men’s fashion—seasons, mass production & hyper-macho branding—and replacing them with genuine storytelling. They release a hand-numbered menswear collection, produce a digital & print micro-publication called The Dossier, and create an immersive pop-up event to go beyond being just a brand. I was recently gifted a piece from their latest collection and I can’t seem to get it off. Not because it doesn’t fit, but because it happens to be one of the best shirts I’ve ever owned. Quality craftsmanship and dedication to detail makes the shirt. Knowing that your shirt is one of 100 is pretty cool too.

Support the shirt movement this Holiday season and share the gift of quality menswear. Head over to .Bk and browse their latest! Don’t gift that special someone another mass-produced shirt. Take 30% off with code → BKHOLIDAY.

Now that the turkey is gone and the lights begin to glow, there’s one thing left to do. That’s right, it’s time to rev up those Montblanc ballpoints and start your holiday wish list. Through the years, we begin to evolve our holiday wants and wishes into things that seem more practical or realistic. I say this year we take a bit of that and combine it with a whole lot of ‘treat-yourself’ to form the perfect list. Being a Texas boy, I had to include some local favorites this year but fear not, there are plenty of things available by click-of-button method as well. Let’s not kid ourselves, I am an online shopper first and an crowded mall venturer last. Shall we?

I’ve shared the grooming magic of Niven Morgan with you on the blog several times so of course their ‘man made’ line is making it on my list this year. (Psst! Enter SAVE20 when checking out before December 1st to save 20% on your order)

I am absolutely in love with any knitwear that keeps my ears warm as the weather cools and this Save Khaki knit field cap from STAG Provisions provides just that.

When you travel as much as I do and you find yourself needing a new soundtrack with each trip, you’ve got to have powerful sound to go with it. These Panasonic headphones have kept me company on many a distant travel, plus their metallic finish goes with any outfit.

Now whether you’re a Texan by birth or trade, you know the affinity for tees and jeans. I recently stumbled upon Tumbleweed TexStyles and found that with a great name comes seriously comfortable shirts and accessories. “While we want our consumer to feel stylish, we also want them to be comfortable.” They offer quality shirts with comfort and style in mind; perfect for the true Texan at heart.

Through my travels, I have also been able to learn about some of the best restaurants. Recently some good friends of mine returned from Charleston and raved about a meal at Husk. Sean Brock is the mastermind behind some game-changing restaurants in the south, and as a true believer that every gentleman should have a selection of cook books in his library, I’ve included one on my list. Pick up a copy of his new book,Heritage, and get lost in recipes that include all the comfort food (think food to eat at home) and high-end restaurant food (fancier dishes when there’s more time to cook) for which he has become so well-known.’

It’s a rule in my household that no one is allowed to look pretty when unwrapping holiday gifts. The morning allows us time to spend together in our comfy clothes, enjoying each others company and prepping our stomachs for the second largest feast of the season. With that said, my favorite way to stay comfortable on that morning is to rock a pair of Bonobos‘ uber-snuggly sweatpants. We’re talking French Terry fabric that is plush and extra-soft. Solid choice for hitting the streets as well, which I love!

All about that case, bout that case. I am always dropping my phone and until recently, the folks at the genius bar knew my timeline for phones by date. I cannot get enough of this case from Spigen that holds all my cards and does it in slim fashion. For the tech-boy in your life, you can’t go wrong!

It may not be long, but my list is full of useful things that will only enhance things as we move into yet another year in dapper style. Happy shopping and make sure to spike the eggnog! (oops!)

Tucked in to the Bishop Arts neighborhood across the street from a winery, Glass Optical has quietly opened. Father-son duo, Stephen and Paul Wilkes, are changing the way Dallas views eyewear and sunwear. The Oak Cliff-based shop is one of the first stores in Texas to exclusively sell the work of independent eyewear designers from around the world.

“We as a culture care so much about how things are made and where they come from that we think this type of concern should also be taken with eyeglasses, especially because they become a part of an individual’s
persona, and are worn every day,” Paul Wilkes says.

The neighborhood is already know for it’s cozy and tight knit feel and Glass Optical brings that into the shopping experience.

More than the cool interior and independent designers, what matters most to Glass Optical at the end of the day is the level of comfort, education and quality experienced by their customers.

“It’s less about the brand on the temple of the glasses and much more about how well it is made, how it feels on your face, how it looks on you,” says Paul. “I don’t want you to wear something because it has a logo stamped on the side, I want you to wear something because it’s well made and you enjoy the product.”

Glass Optical is located at 833 Davis St., Dallas, TX 75208

For more information, visit glassoptical.co

If the weather does in fact turn for the wetter this weekend, here’s my guide to staying cozy, calm and cool while dodging rain clouds.

Comfort Eats

Pop in to one of my favorite cafes at lunch, Toulouse, for a Crispy Soft Shell Crab Sandwich that’s sure to please with glass of bubbly bliss. Because when it rains, I pour.

Car services will be surging this weekend with the cloudy skies, so opt for an early dinner and post meal drink at the booming Trinity Groves district. The ‘drunken noodles’ are a house favorite at Chino Chinatown, then pop next door under the awning to newly opened Kate Weiser Chocolates.

Brunch is better in the rain and Meddlesome Moth in the Design District is serving up a  mean one! My go to choices here? Mother and Child Reunion (peppered grits topped with a fried chicken breast, two eggs, and jalapeño gravy) and East Texas Jelly Flight with Biscuits. Yum!

Dry Inside

Even been a tourist in your own city? Rain filled weekends provide the perfect opportunity to do so.

Sure the forecast calls for grey skies, but ‘Til Midnight at the Nasher will be in full swing for arts lovers. Peruse the works of ‘Provocations: The Architecture and Design of Heatherwick Studio’ who has been called the “Leonardo da Vinci of our times.”

Book it over to the Granada Theater to watch native Texas Charlie Robison tear up the stage. Known for playing classic rock covers during his live shows, his set will make you forget about the dreary clouds outside.

Drip, drip, drop … shop! When all else fails, head to the mall. NorthPark Center holds a treasure trove of things to do when the weather turns. Just opened Pirch holds free demo cooking classes every day at 6:00pm and Ted Baker London is offering 20% off full priced product for the duration of the month with a valid student ID. Donate $10 to St. Luke Foundation, Help USA or Sundance and receive 20% off your purchase at Kenneth Cole.

See? You’ve already forgotten about the wicked weather change. Eat, play and be merry this ‘goodbye to summer’ weekend!

It’s easy to get lost in the mix of fanny packers, glow stick swingers and card sharks if you aren’t careful. Through a Texans eyes, even Sin City seems big. If you play it right however, there is a way to see Vegas and leave without a burn mark on your pockets or your reputation. Recently, I ventured to the city of bright lights and theatrics for a swift 48-hour vacation and what I came back with was a different sense of the place. Sure I’ve done my fair share of Vegas trips filled with boozing, gambling and debauchery but this time it was different.

My first night there, I ventured to Downtown Las Vegas. Where it all began. What I stumbled upon was a number of new restaurants, bars and entertainment venues that struck me happily surprised. You’ll still seen the bustling seas of folks meandering about under the ‘Freemont Street Experience’ but make a sharp turn towards the warehouse district and a different atmosphere is abound.

Kerry Simon is an American celebrity chef and restaurateur based in Las Vegas. Simon is also known by the moniker “Rock n’ Roll Chef”, given to him by Rolling Stone Magazine. A just opened Carson Kitchen appeared like a mirage and dinner was decided. It was lively but not crazy and the decor was a nice modern casual. Chef Simon, who sadly is currently suffering from advanced stage MRSA, has created an excellent nook of creative culinary serenity in a showy city. Shared plates like Roasted Young Beets with pistachio, orange and goats cheese or piping hot Bacon Jam filled with baked brie and sided with toasted baguette slices were the perfect way to start. The Baked Mac & Cheese was also spot on in all its gooey glory. It’s all about the nibble factor here, over an expertly made cocktail of course.

The next day came and the brace for what was to come later that afternoon was imminent. A turn in the sun while poolside is a very Vegas kind of weekend but this was to be no ordinary Saturday afternoon. Encore Beach Club, an award-winning day club venue at Wynn Las Vegas, is a scene from your dreams. Well that is if you have priority access like the kind I was treated to. Party fiends from all over the world come to this ‘day club’ to dance to the tune of top DJ spinsters and well, imbibe in whatever ends up in their glasses. On a normal day, waits can exceed 2-hours and the cost of cover easily climbs to $75 a head for us gentlemen. Once you’ve decided it’s worth it, your regrets flush away and ecstasy in excess floods in. This Dallas guy was humbly overwhelmed by the toned, tanned, young and rich crowd so people watching was the name of the game this time. Heck, I even got to see WILL.I.AM take a turn behind the DJ booth. Cool!

That evening, I was treated to the VIP experience at Le Reve: The Dream. It is the premiere theatrical experience at the Wynn Las Vegas Resort & Casino and I was in awe the entire time. From the seat-side service of chocolate truffles and champagne (only in Vegas!) to the aqua theatrics taking place in front of me, it truly was a dream that sent me home happy.