Tax Season Essentials

It's Tax Season, and you know what that means - tax refund checks are be coming. If you're not on the receiving end of a check from the state or federal government, don't fret, it could be worse. Probably.
Since most of us will be given a nice chunk of change from the U.S. of A., we should be extra responsible with that money. And when I say 'extra responsible', I'm not referring to saving (that's a fool's game), I'm talking about making a shopping list. No one can argue about responsible shopping, if one chooses to shop blindly with their refund, chaos will surely ensue. My suggestion is this; do your taxes, find out the amount that's hopefully coming you way, and hop on the interweb to start browsing what's available. Also, because Luxe is as generous as they come, we put together a list of five different that deserve careful consideration, as they are what every man should be possession come April, all the way until August.

 

That pesky time of year when it's not warm enough to go without a jacket, but just hot enough to make you sweat in your cotton lined jacket, this nylon windbreaker from Barbour is the solution for every spring temperature. The unlined nylon jacket, that will repel rain as well as beads of sweat, is lightweight and ideal for the transition in between spring and summer.

 

Buy a watch is an investment, no matter what time of year. So, when you've got a little bit of spending money, go for J. Crew's collaboration with Timex. The military watches are classic, simple, and come in a variety of colors, plus their bands are all interchangeable - so when you're feeling like you want a change, no need to buy a whole new, just switch out the band.

 

A summer of sunshine is nothing to gripe about, especially when you're sporting a nice pair of sunnies. The fashionable eye wear company, Warby Parker has a number of excellent choices for sunglasses, as well as optics. And most of their optical and sunglasses match, so there's also no need to fret of shape and color, just pick what has worked for you in the past with W.P.

 

A summer essentials list is complete without the perfect beach bag. If you're lucky enough, you'll be beach at this summer while the sun is setting, so why not match the sunset to you bag? Jack Spade's newest collection of bags features the reinvented Coal Bag, complete with zipper and sunlight-esque fade. The newly zipper closure is great for the beach, so you can keep the sand out, and the valuables in without worry. 

 

No matter what beach vacation you go, a sweater is always a smart thing to bring. And since you're on the beach, why not make it a nautical? Any Breton stripe will make you look like a beach regular, and keep you warm on those breezy nights on the beach.  

Decorate Your Wrist

As a person that wears a watch everyday... it's the first thing I put on in the morning, I always have something strapped to my wrist. However, it looks like fancy timepieces are not the only thing to go on mens' wrists lately. Stylish men all around the world, young and old, are decking out their wrists with multiple bracelets of various calibers. From prayer beads, to the friendship-style string-tied bracelets, men are stacking them above their hand and adding a little fuss to their look. I generally like this look, especially with the right clothes. I'm not rocking any bracelets yet, I'll probably wait until it's no longer cool, but if I did, I would deck out my lower arm with Miansai bracelets, specifically the casual gold Hook bracelet. Because the pieces are small, it seems one can wear their collection of bracelets to any occasion, excluding black tie events. I would suggest more than two, to make the statement, but no more than five, to avoid looking too messy. Pairing different styles of bracelets with a nice watch can really add a good amount of contrast to a look, definitely making you noticed. 

Michael Bastian Spring '13

It's that special time of year that only comes twice every twelve months, New York Fashion Week. The spring shows were kicked off with Fashion Night Out this past Thursday, then the mirage of fashion shows and presentations took over Manhattan until this coming Sunday. The best show thus has definitely been the Michael Bastian runway show. The entire collection is almost like an homage to warm weather with the loosely tailored suits, the thin but layered knits, and the light-weight fabrics. The sexy collection is still sophisticated, like all of Mr. Bastian's collections. The top 15 looks (out of 42) are shown below.

The Half Placket Dress Shirt

We're not in the business of giving out too many compliments, but when we see something that really gets us all kinds of excited, we (I) can't help but to give it a little praise. The half placket shirt is a trend that has always flown under the radar, I would say it has never lived up to its full potential. Sad, right? It's simplicity in design, combined with its amish-chic feel really speaks to me, naturally. It is basically a dress shirt, but the buttons do not travel all the way down to the bottom... much like a polo shirt, but with a more structured collar and a lighter material, not the pique knits. If there's anything you should be buying this fall, it should definitely be a half placket shirt.

Details of Menswear

 

Let's talk detail. It's no surprise that I am drawn to fashion photography, having spent the last few months in the fashion department of a magazine. I think images of clothes can be quite beautiful, and the idea of them being comparable to a history text, letting people, centuries from now, look back to see what trends we are embracing now. Having said that, photographs of clothes are beautiful, especially when their close up. It allows the details on the garment to be displayed. Take the image of the khaki trench coat below, seeing it from that angle, that close, really gives a sense of what a trench coat is, and what makes them so intricate. Or the numerous pictures of the a few different pieces of an outfit, put together, and zoomed in to display each facet of the look, without the obstruction of too much to look at it. Check out all the photos below, they give off a certain appreciation of dressing and what goes into a pattern, and how those patterns, among other things, work with whatever else you wear.

Arpenteur Autumn/Winter '12

It's no surprise that a french company would make impossibly chic clothing, but it is pretty surprising to see what's so chic about Arpenteur's Autumn/Winter '12 collection. The Lyon-based design team of Laurent and Marc took the classic french work jacket and updated it in the simplest of ways, but still making truly new; the guys kept the design of the jacket almost the same as the original, but then added a few different color options to innovate it in a subtle way. Arpenteur, which means land surveyor in french, also offers deconstructed blazers, updated nautical sweaters, along with a variety of other classics that will suit anyone's wardrobe.

Belstaff Fall/Winter Ad Campaign

The reinvented Belstaff's Autumn/Winter ad campaign shows the beautiful collection, with even more beautiful people. This was one of the best collections for fall, and with models like Ewan McGregor, Ben Hill, Janis Ancens, Karmen Pedaru, Ymre Stiekema and Maud Welzen sporting the clothes, the clothes become even more beautiful. Photographer Craig McDean captures Manuele and Michele Malenotti's vision for the brand beautifully; the richly textured clothes that have that certain quality of ruggedness worn in a stately home filled with antiques, but still being offset by a masculine motorbike.

Jack Spade Stowaway Tote

 

Who doesn't love a surprise? Especially the kind of surprise that allows you to pack with a little ease. Now it's not so surprising that Jack Spade designed the perfect travel bag that is the equivalent to a tent. The Stowaway Nylon Tote can carry quite the load, or can collapse down to nothing more than a knapsack. The featherweight nylon material adds no extra weight and allows you to stuff it anywhere when not in use. I can imagine this bag will be a travelers best friend upon their return with more stuff than what was departed with. And in true Jack Spade fashion, the nylon is stronger than traditional nylon, so feel free to bring it to the beach, on a weekend getaway, or to the office when your regular bag is just too heavy for the summer heat.

Lanvin '13 S/S Shoes & Accessories

 

A love for Lanvin is like a love for a surprise. The french fashion house is always one to bring about the unexpected. Their 2013 Spring/Summer collection was mainly black and white, but the shoes and accessories that are in the same collection are anything but black and white. The Derby-style shoe is what stands out in the collection, all having reinforced rubber soles and some in colored exotic skins, each choice is surely able to stand on its own. Also the wide range of accessories from jewelry to belts will add just as much interest to the overall look. All the accessories are adorned with different leather, beads, or metalwear, something some what different for the house. With a collection like this, it is definitely the shoes and accessories that make the overall look work. 

Patterns Down Below

 

Let's talk pattern. If you resist warm weather, like myself, you most likely take solace in shorts during the warmer months. One can't go wrong with the classic Bermuda short, I own multiple pairs. Hopefully when you sport the (unpleated) Bermuda, you at least cuff the bottom to sit somewhere above your knee... it gives it a little style without demanding much effort. But if the shorty shorts don't give you enough style, go for a pattern. Patterned shorts are having quite a moment this summer, and why shouldn't they? They're comfortable, different, and serve the purpose of regular shorts but add more personality. And who doesn't love personality? There is definitely no shortage of patterned shorts this season, especially from brands like Burkman Bros, and Mark McNairy, along with some of the more luxe brands like Piombo and Comme. These will definitely carry the wearer from day to night activities, but one must cognoscente that the shorts do no look like a swimming suit. There is a fine line between patterns for land and sea. 

Person of Interest: Milan Vukmirovic

Every so often I come across someone who seems to be everywhere, but I have no idea who they are or what they do; but the man or women must be a person of interest because they are at all the right events, and looking undoubtedly stylish. After noticing his luxe sense of style on The Sartorialist (multiple times), and then in the front row of some great fashion shows, this suave bald man was spotted all over Europe at the A-list events. After a little bit of digging, I found his name, and then the details of his extremely respectable career emerged. Milan Vukmirovic is a frenchman who most recently left his post as Creative Director at Trussardi 1911, designing clothes and accessories for the Italian label. He also left   his position as editor in chief of the French mens fashion magazine, L'Officiel Hommes (which he founded). As far I can see, he does still co-own a portion of the Webster, a super sleek clothing store in Miami; by the way, that's really just in the past two years. This veteran professional has been apart of a number of successful ventures in the fashion world, including cofounding the hugely successful and chic Paris store Colette, he was the design director at Gucci under Tom Ford and creative director at Jil Sander. Not only is he savy in business and design, but he is also a photographer, who has photographed major ad campaigns for Giorgio Armani and Hugo Boss. Mr. Vukmirovic has shown longevity with a taste for everything, his short but jam-packed career has resonated with me, and given me the insight and inspiration to not limit myself to one field or position, and plus he is one of the most unfussy stylish men I have seen in a long time. 

The Summer of Suede Shoes

 

Summer time means hot temps, and hot temps means a hot body, and not in the attractive sense. When the mercury rises, so does your body heat, but that doesn't mean you should shudder from wearing suede on your feet. Choosing a suitable pair of shoes for the months between May and September isn't an easy task, but you can definitely count on a choice that involves lightly colored suede to keep you current, and cool - in all senses of the word. Almost all of the classic footwear styles now come in a suede variation, with pops of color, or toned down hues for the more serious gentleman. Some of the untouched suede choices are the classic pair of bucks from Gucci or the insanely cool and chic brogue. But some of the new choices include classic boat shoes decked out in suede along with some basic sneakers, both variations being transformed into something outrageously stylish and really appropriate for summer time.

Summer Essentials

 

As the sweaty warmer months of summer approach, I naturally start to compile a list in my head of things that are absolutely necessary for summer. And this is season is no different, in fact it is only elevated, due to my summer plans. Come the middle of May, I will be moving east for three months to work in New York City. Although I live in a big city now, I can only imagine the differences between Chicago and NYC, and what better way to prepare myself than to shop? Take a close look at my guide to summer above, and see what you're missing.

The Button Game, Part II

Let's pretend for a moment that I am The One you think about when getting dressed in the morning, probably because of my passion for fashion intense interest in what you layer on your body. Just kidding, I don't really care. To each their own. Whatever. But if you do actually care about what is going through my little head when thinking about what I/you want to sartorially express next, you will have to acquire a great number of buttons. Yes, I'm talking about buttoning that woven shirt all the way to the top. Shatter the glass ceiling that is your neck. When you halt buttoning one to three buttons from your jugular, it can look pretty suave and sexy, but lets face it, I am not suave and/or sexy. I will then take the Amish approach to dressing by limiting all skin exposure - except for where it counts... my face, aka, heaven on Earth. I find this trend to be very minimal, and in my recent monotone-style of dressing (that being black), it gives a very linear look, which who could ask for more, am I right? Anyway, I especially like this look because anyone can virtually do it without have to buy anything new, and it really changes your whole look. Just try it. And shut up about it.

Oh, and obviously after reading this post, it's pretty apparent how much I love buttons. Feel free to read another post, where I profess my love for cardigans (because they have buttons). I may take Suze Orman's advice and tattoo a row of buttons down my chest, so it always looks like I'm wearing a jacket.

 

All images courtesy of The Sartorialist 

All Tied Up

 

Bonjour! I'm back, and ready to blog. My sincerest apologies for not posting anything for an entire month. Apparently working and going to school takes up a lot of the time that I had recently reserved for writing about fancy things. But if any of you were wondering how my experiences are going in the wonderful world of public relations. It's great! I've made black about 70% of my wardrobe, I've mastered steering a clothing rack, I've become very pushy, and most of all, I developed a healthy amount of rage. I feel as thought it's where I belong. But back to what makes me happiest... featuring clothes I can't afford. And to stay in the spirit of me being "tied up" with other commitments, let's talk about neck ties. Get it? As far as I'm concerned, Spring is rapidly approaching, if it's not already arrived, and it is ushering in a new sense of dress for the warmer temperatures. First stop, a silk knit necktie situation. These light and airy pieces of soft silk that hang down your torso are the perfect way to welcome spring, especially if the colors are bright and bold. These aren't your average solid silk ties, because the ribbed texture brings a light quality. And jackpot, the texture makes for an easier time tying the knot. So I don't get myself too worked up about getting back on the blogging bandwagon, I will end it here: just buy a knit tie for Spring.

More Ami Please

 

Menswear fashion week has come and gone, but some lasting impressions were made. Standard Luxe has featured Ami before, and the brand's Fall 2012 line is definitely just as great. The line's designer, Alexandre Mattiussi has the smart philosophy of designing clothes for his friends, making them wearable, unique, and most of all, fresh. My absolute favorite look in this collection is featured right below the text, the navy suit with a drop-crotched pant, and a wool scarf; all looks which have been featured on Luxe before. I am seriously considering trying to incorporate a drop-crotch pant into a suit for work; I just think the silhouette of the pant looks so new and cool. But this collection has a lot of other great looks, from great jackets, awesome sweaters, and some really neat prints. Ami is a fairly new brand, but if they keep altering classic looks with subtle updates, they will be around for many more seasons.

 

Photos courtesy of Style.com

European Menswear F/W 2012 Trend Report

European Menswear fashion week for the Fall/Winter season was concluded yesterday, and packed a powerful punch of style. With the weeks worth of shows across the Atlantic, there were some key trends being done by multiple designers. Some of those trends please me, other do not. If only that meant something.

 

Ermenegildo Zegna

Starting off with a pleasing trend was the different take on the jacket; moving from the generic colors and fabrics of blazers, many of the designers showed blazers in different colors like reds and greens (multiple shades). I especially like this look because it's add a little something on a classic look.

 Ermenegildo Zegna

Secondly, a popular idea at the shows this year was dropping the shoulders on coats and jackets. It is quite contradictory to the trend of the tightly tailored jacket that we've seen in the past few years, change is always inevitable. The look is a little bit more casual, may be confused with sloppy. I think I can get on board with it.

 

Valentino

Another look that seemed to be prevalent overseas was the cape. Did I not call that weeks ago? This is a very specific look, and that takes a lot to pull off. I have to say that I enjoy the guts it takes to wear one of these. But if one is looking to sport a spiffy cape, it is most easily done when dressing for a very formal evening. They go great with a tux.

Burberry Prorsum

The last trend that I noticed this past week was the birth of the "man clutch". I'm sad to say that this happened, but I suppose there's nothing I can do. Many of the designers showed models in formal attire accessorized with small leather pouches that can only be called clutches. Everyone knows that I'm a big fan of the portfolio, usually worn at your side, but these are not the same. And it's just not good.

All photos courtesy of Style.com