MORE THAN JUST CHURROS

Diego Montes Iglesias, the genius behind Los Maldito Mocasines

They say every man looks good in a suit, but some guys still manage to look better than others. When duty calls, always rise to the occasion with a few casual basics, dress them up and yes, look like a million bucks.

It is true that the smallest of touches leaves the biggest impressions.

Sprezzatura  - perfecting the slightly imperfect, Diego Montes Iglesias, the genius behind Los Maldito Mocasines, embraces color and wears his navy and linen blazers with original detailing like second skin and have a damn good time doing it, may it be double breasted or single button.

Talk about swag, you just got to love a man who is confident!

STRAP WORTHY AND THAT THING THAT GOES TICK-TOCK

As I write this, I’m actually pinching myself due to a cancelled trip to attend the First Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie Exhibition ( Watches & Wonders ) in Hong Kong . On a brighter note, I did Art Basel a few months back  - that should shut me up.

Speaking about watches, It’s time to get a grip on the most important accessory in a man’s wardrobe, which btw isn’t your trusty Velcro military watch you have had since high school.

Aside from that perfect mother of pearl cufflinks I got from mi abuelito, for most men, a watch is the only accessory they get to invest in, so why not make it an exceptional timepiece? Seriously, it is better to have one great watch than several cheap ones in plastic.

“When you rest your hands on a conference table, a refined watch makes a big statement.” – Jim Moore, Creative Director at GQ

Imagine wearing a sports watch to a gala or pairing a vintage robot-like digital watch in chrome with your bespoke navy suit from Sid Mashburn – disaster!

For many men, building the perfect wardrobe is like a dumb blonde putting together a puzzle – no, it isn’t! Contrary to what a lot of men think, building the right wardrobe is like following the yellow brick road to emerald city or tasting a rainbow.

With my daily choice of wardrobe, I have always preferred my watches to be as precise and understated as my suits and pressed shirts – thin, simple, sleek yet strong with either black or brown leather strap for work and ribbon in traditional prep for the weekend.

Still clueless? David M Robinson, a premier retailer of fine jewelry and watches has everything you need from those drool worthy Patek to your classic and timeless Rolex. Take a peek! 

ON A PLAID NOTE

“Style is knowing who you are and what works for you” - Frank Muytjens

Spot on!  I have always been a big fan of Frank Muytjens, J. Crew’s menswear design genius. Like him, I like to keep things understated with a hint of heritage. I like old things like mi padre and mi abuelito’s old classics – the usual gingham, plaid and oxford.  

(Uniform dressing at the luxury carpet factory- Navy trousers, micro check shirt from Steven Alan and my trusty loafers. To get my look, see image below)

Mad for plaid? When was I never? Despite being a huge trend last year, the perfect pattern still matter. Like your favorite basic white dress shirt, the plaid shirt is an anchor for every man’s wardrobe, complimenting your trusty blazer may it be navy or khaki, solid pullovers and yes, chinos on weekends; seriously, choose wisely – there’s too much of it right now.

A couple of my closet staples in plaid are from J. Crew, Club Monaco, Orvis, Ralph Lauren and Steven Alan. Oh, the joy of plaid paired with chinos, bare ankles, red socks, penny loafers, boat shoes and wingtips –  please stop me from drooling.

OLD FAITHFUL

After rummaging my closet over the weekend, I have discovered a few that deserved a second chance hence, out of the charity bin. 

Aside from a couple of old bespoke shirts from Bowen Co., I’ve also discovered a few lace-ups like these old pair of oxfords in burgundy from Calzoleria Toscana. ‘Lavorate a mano’ or hand made to a degree, these pair never hurt my feet and yes, they smell buttery great!