August 31, 2011

MAD WITH PLAID

Just like well tailored suits, tapered shirts and trousers – dressed up or down make you look good. Trust me, even the sartorially challenged can make an impact.

Here's what I wore today at work:

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(Plaid Hackett Brompton tailored fit in red, bespoke denim trousers and tan cap toe lace-ups)

SAG HARBOR AND FOUR MORE

It does feel like the end of times – earthquake and hurricane Irene in the east coast of the United States, the tsunami in Japan a few months ago, local Filipino designers retagging suits out of boredom, and a huge number of the population replacing actual books to e-books on Kindle or iPad. Horrible!

Just like exposing an awful mangina in public, seeing it again is like anticipating the apocalypse, hoping for a second chance in the world of slim trousers and bespoke shirts.

Anyhoo, my canceled two day sojourn to sandy and sunny south (thanks to an unexpected typhoon) yearned me for simpler times in bed, wrapped in my white sheet with a number of unread books purchased a few months ago.

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Just like my obsession with anything classic and vintage, I prefer reading books and sniffing each page than owning an iPad.

I have been alcohol free since Saturday and I just recently finished four books from my nightstand - Bare Blass: Bill Blass’ biography, Cotton by Christopher Wilson, Snark by David Denby and First in his class: Bill Clinton’s biography.

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(Sag Harbor by Colton Whitehead)

Currently, I am on my first chapter of Sag Harbor, a story about a black student at an elite prep school in Manhattan who every summer, spends it at the Hamptons.

I understand I have to get out of bed, trim my bush (beard) and change into my blue seersucker short trousers but again, I cannot stop sniffing every page of this book – I must stop!

August 27, 2011

LONDON CALLING: PAUL McGREGROR

Sure, I love looking clean, crisp and well pressed in my usual white dress shirt and dark denim trousers but guess what, I cannot seem to pull off tailored chino shorts paired with a nice blazer.

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(Paul McGregor, online retailer and Owner of Brighterman)

I recently got the chance to squeeze in my already hectic schedule with Paul McGregor’s for a quick chat on looking good, staying stylish even off the clock and why having the perfect summer bag is all that matters.

What do you do?
I'm the owner of the online retailer Brighterman, who specialize in men’s accessories. I established Brighterman about 2 years ago and from that have been heavily interested in the fashion industry. I'm also a freelance fashion journalist, writing for online publications such as FashionBeans, Styloko, TheStyleKing, Pinstripe Magazine plus a few more... I like to keep busy! I'm also a huge football (soccer) fan and produce music when I get the time.

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Describe your personal style.
Currently its quite elegant, I am a huge fan of the smart/casual preppy look and that's what I have been rocking for a while now, especially summer. I've had an obsession with pairing tailored chino shorts with a decent shirt and linen blazer and brogues or loafers, accessorizing with a pocket square, a decent watch and maybe a tie or bow tie depending on how formal I want to push it. I'm also a fan of retro casual, graphic t-shirts and cardigans hit home with me. This being said, I don't like to categorize my style, if I like something I wear it.

If we go through your closet, what would we find a lot of?
Secrets... On a serious note, linen blazers and shirts. There both timeless garments which go with most looks.

Who or what inspires your personal style? Can you briefly talk about it?
I take inspiration from a lot of sources, whether its just random street style photographs or people I see down the high street. I've always been a fan of JFK (John F Kennedy) and the way he dressed effortlessly. Although i'm not a fan of imitating trends, I do like to take inspiration from them.

What is the one item of clothing in your wardrobe that best represents you?
A light grey, Ralph Lauren blazer. The neutral color makes it go with anything, and its tailored for a perfect fit.

What are the things in your bag? Would you mind sharing?
As a lot of my trousers are slim fit, I don't like stuffing my pockets. So your normal necessities such as a phone, wallet and mints. Then depending on where I am heading, maybe my Macbook, notepad or a book, I am a big reader!

What do you love most about London?
It's never quiet. The busyness gets my adrenalin pumping, and the culture is great. I love places like Brick Lane and Shoreditch, they have some great little cafes and vintage stores. I live just outside of London though, as I do like a quiet retreat.

And the least?
The prices.

Here is a peek into this stylish retailer’s summer bag.

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WHAT IS IN IT? I have been using this red and white striped A&F bag for the last few weeks, perfect for summer. The items I have included are a pocket square ready to wear if I am looking to formalize a look on the spot, reading material, a notepad, my wayfarers and normally my phone (blackberry) - Although its currently broke so I could not include it! The bags pretty roomy, so if I wanted to take my blazer off I use the bag to store that also.

August 24, 2011

BASIC MATTER 26: THE CLASSIC CAP TOE FROM ALDEN

I believe clothing and appearance really speak about a persons taste. The clothing you wear reflects that taste level and understanding.

I have always been simple and very traditional with the things I pick. I like solid colors hence having more than 5 white dress shirts in my closet and a number of classic patterns like gingham and plaids - things that can’t necessarily be dated or go out of style for long like my recent purchase online.

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Yes, I finally got my pair of black cap toe Alden dress shoes – pretty classic and perfect for dressier launches, client meetings and formal affairs.

Like my trusty tan brogues, black cap toe dress shoes are the most formal shoe you can own. It works with every gray, blue, black trousers and tapered denim jeans.

And oh, make sure they have a rounded toe with leather or wooden soles and are made from real leather. Paying a little bit more is always worth the money!