INSTAGRAM AND OOTD's - BECAUSE GETTING DRESSED IS A RITUAL

(Because details are meant to be subtle. They should be noticed and not gawked at - Zac Posen. Follow me on Instagram)

Sometimes, something as superficial as picking a good outfit will actually have profound repercussion on your well being.  Believe me, getting dress is a ritual.

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.

THAT GREEN SHOP ALONG ST. FRANCIS

The modest, green front and well curated 600 square feet menswear wonderland, The Men's Shop by Club Monaco along St. Francis Yard in Wan Chai, Hong Kong is what I call “my little piece of heaven.” 

Baskets filled with knickknacks from the East Coast, red bandanas, recycled notes, racks filled with chinos in red, green, navy and khaki – think Americana! And oh, they have a good selection of bags from Filson *drool*.

While items go for around HKD1,500 to HKD 3,000, it’s worth getting drained financially. Get your plastic handy and some extra cash just in case. Next stop, Moustache.

BRIGHT YOUNG THING

It’s all about confidence – high five to that! Many are mentally confined to simply wearing either navy, gray, black and khaki trousers - liven up your wardrobe with basic Nantucket reds.

I rarely see anyone wear them here (rarely meaning, only my friend Leif-Erik ). Like trousers in lilac, powder blue, salmon and canary yellow, red trousers are literally a staple piece in most stylish mens' wardrobe and definitely not a trend) and it’s appealing to see just how put together one can get when they just give it a shot. Note to self, they should be cut slim not skinny and never baggy. And oh, I like mine with a quarter to zero break – I just can’t stand looking sloppy

(Myself in J. Press trousers and plaid shirt from McNeal at Fonsies 60's birthday. I can't be a hippie, i will always be preppy haha)

Looking for one? There’s always Ralph Lauren, J. Press, Club Monaco and Murray’s Toggery Shop.