-42-

This Bitch, [sticks both thumbs up in the air, points at chest] went to New York Fashion Week. Rowe and me trekked all the way over to Lincoln Center to see the Michael Kors show. Ms. Rowe and I sat bright eyed and bushy tailed waiting for the excitement to begin. We were both decked out in errrrthang Michael Kors. Me- a striped yellow and white Sweater T-shirt, zippered skinny jeans and luggage leather gladiator sandals. Rowe in a camel wool crepe blouse, camo skinnies and white leather gladiator sandals. She looked like a total babe!
Celebs galore filed into the tent, as well as other fashion bloggers, editors, photographers and anyone else important in the industry. Rowe and I were so so happy to be part of this experience. I had been to the Michael shows a few times before, but this was BY FAR my favorite collection.

The show was absolutely fantastic. Kudos to you Mr. K for putting together such a great line. It was so freakin American and chic. I think what was great is that anyone could pull off the looks.
I JUST LOVED IT! You can check it out right here!
Rowe and I then booked it backstage where we happened to run into little Reynolds! She was looking absolutely ferosh in an MK bright red sweater cropy topy and a high waisted plaid hunting skirt. She's the coolest chick I know. We were slightly regretting wearing such warm outfits because it was a zillion freakin degrees, but hey, we looked cool so who cares.
A marvelous time was had by all! I strongly suggest you check the line out.

Me and Rowe

The MK Show

MK

Me and Reynolds

Getting grilled by Katie Holmes

Karolina Kurkova and Rachel Zoe

-40-

New Balance 574 “Rugby Pack"

New Balance x Herschel Supply Co. 420
Coming Soon

New Balance sneakers really are great. Despite the recent dig they got from Zack Galifianakis' skit on Saturday Night Live as being the shoe for "chubby white guys", (and yes, some of NB's colors and styles may in fact be for that particular demographic) NB really has upped their game. They've partnered with many brands in the past, trying out new color combos, sneaker shape and style. I am a huge fan of their partnership with Herschel Supply Co. The paisley accent on the inner lining of the shoe is just fun and totally masculine with the colors combinations. 

There are dozens of shoe blogs/sites/stores that highlight the latest sneakers to hit the scene while paying special attention to all things New Balance. A few of my favorites are HYPEBEAST, Feature Sneaker Boutique and Highsnobiety. 

New Balance is fairly affordable, (Sneakers range from $65- $200) and are pretty trendy. 

I think they work for anyone, not just the chubby white guys!

-35-

Just because it is summer doesn't mean you're going to be rocking some shorts or swim trunks the whole time. Let's take a look at some pants that are pretty hot right now.

Not all chinos are created equal! When most guys hear "chinos" they think of their dad's double pleated dress khakis with the intense crease down the front of the legs. Well gentlemen, I've got news for you, there are now slimmer cut, pleat free, sans crease chinos that come in a variety of colors and are pretty awesome. NN07 (No Nationality 07) makes beautiful chinos that can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. Pssssst! Some of them even have cargo pockets! And don't hate on the idea of cargo pockets. Remember when you all rocked those pants that zipped into shorts?? Those always had cargo pockets and everyone was sporting them. Well NN07's are not so 'cargo-y' and very clean looking.

You also must, Must, MUST check out GANT's WWII inspired Rugger Pre-Fall 2013 Collection. The collection as a whole is fantastic but the trousers are by far the best of seen. Slim fitting and tailored bur relaxed.

Sid Mashburn's classic but colorful trousers are just so fancy. They are tailored beautifully and have all the features of a well crafted pant.

I have wholeheartedly become obsessed with Bleu de Paname and their take on menswear. They make clothes for men and women and have been featured in plenty of editorials! Great Parisian brand! Just pause on reading and go check out their blog! 

Topman, another brand that I really like, seem to be big on the chino game. The flat images of the pants look like the pants have curvy legs like Beyonce, but don't worry, they actually fit really nicely. Don't get me wrong, Beyonce has fantastic legs... for a lady. Some of Topman's prints are a little ambitious, but I do like the tapered leg at the bottom of the pants.

Edwin is a Japanese based brand that is incredibly fun and eccentric. I really like the Chino 55-Dot Cotton Denim pant.

You might notice that a lot of guys lately are cuffing the bottom of their pants.
STYLING FUN FACT: If you're on the shorter side, might I suggest not cuffing the bottom of your pants. A cuff generally accentuates the length of your legs. It is almost like an exclamation mark, your leg is the line and the cuff is the dot at the bottom. It appears that your legs are shorter than they actually are. If your pants are a bit too long, have them tailored to a particular length you are comfortable with. A nice, shorter hem is right above the bottom of your fibula, (your ankle bone that pops out.)

That's all I have for you today! If you have any style tips, questions, feelings - whatever, let me know and I'll try to help you out! I've also posted some tunes for your below!

Happy listening

• Midnight Dancers, Wolf Gang
• Mine is Yours, Cold War Kids (The entire album is phenomenal)
• This Charming Man, The Smiths
• 1957, Milo Greene 
• Big Parade, The Lumineers

-34-

Good Looks

So remember that time you graduated college and then had to go out in the world and be a real person? Well if you don't... it happened. Hopefully you've been applying for jobs and coping with the fact that you are an adult now.

It's hard today, being in the digital age. Nothing is face to face anymore. Online dating for example, you find your match through a website and then eventually meet them in person. I'm not against this in any way, but it's just not for me. Applying for jobs, we're told to submit our resume's online and then hope for the best. It could be weeks until you get a response, sometimes even months. You need to be able to stand out amongst all of the other candidates that are applying for the same position as you and hopefully if you do get called in for a meeting, make an awesome impression.

• Look Professional! Employers want to make sure they are making a good investment in hiring you. Similarly to the getting ready regimen I mentioned in my 'going out post' you should do the same here.
• Shower
• Shave
• Comb your hair out of your face, don't be afraid of a little bit of product
• Deodorant and a teensy-tiny-itty-bitty dab of cologne
• Brush your teeth-mouthwash/floss

• FILE YOUR NAILS! 
• Make sure it looks like you take care of your hands. I'm sure your girlfriend or one of your girl-friends can lend you an emery board. If you feel like you can swallow your pride, go get a manicure. Most guys feel too nervous to go get one, but the ladies at the nail salon have been doing this a long time and will make your nails look so good. You could probably just be a hand model. You might really enjoy your manicure and start going every week.

• Dress the part.
• Under no circumstances should you EVER go to an interview in jeans and a t-shirt, no matter what the position is. Even if you applied to be the assistant to the assistant, you dress like you are being interviewed to be the top dog. Save all of your pennies, go buy a good suit. There are plenty of shops that you can go to to purchase one. If shopping for a new suit is not in your budget, find an old suit or one of your dads old suits that may be a little to big on you and take it to a tailor. It will be much easier for the tailor to take in a slightly bigger suit than to let one out that is too small. You can look through magazines like GQ, Details, Esquire, Vogue Homme, Another Man or Vman to look at the fits of suits and see what you like. 

• Shoes
• Your shoes speak volumes of the person you are. Okay, that sounds super dramatic. I mean more of how you take care of your shoes. If you buy a good pair of leather shoes, make sure you clean and polish them. If they are suede, go over them with a suede brush. Your shoes should last you a few years, and they have the chance to look brand new after every wear...that's if you take proper care of them. Kiwi literally has everything you will need to clean your shoes. Also peep Foster & Son, their shoes are amazing!

• Bag
• Say goodbye to your dirty Jansport backpack that you've had since freshman year of high school. Go buy yourself a sleek leather or canvas bag. You'll be able to quote Allen from the Hangover, "It's where I keep all my things. Get a lot of compliments on this. Plus it's not a purse, it's called a satchel. Indiana Jones wears one." I promise, you will be taken a lot more seriously if you have a clean looking bag. 
• Stock & Barrel Co. 
• Head Porter
• Makr
• Ally Capellino
• Billy Kirk
• Yuketen  

Make a good first impression!
Wouldn't it be so cool to stick out as the well dressed, confident, smart guy?
Don't underestimate yourselves gentlemen, best of luck to anyone on their job search!

-33-

ERRRRBODY'S GOIN SURFIN'

I recently became interested in swimwear. Guys are no longer wearing the knee-length swimsuits their moms bought them when they were younger but going back to the original surfing roots. Guys are getting a little sexy and raising their hem lines back up. Sometimes a bit too short! There's the fear that something is going to pop out! But I guess that's the excitement in rocking those lil' shorts.

I did some investigating and found an array of brands that have ventured into swimwear land.

MNii
My favorite thing about MNii is that this California based board short company originated from Hawaii! All of their shorts range from $125 - $165 and come in a bunch of colors, prints and I do believe I saw some color blocking in there.

MNii explains their shorts are, "not just a pair of board shorts, but a memento, a badge of honor."

Mollusk
Mollusk's site opens to a trippy video of what appears to be surf culture from around the world, backed by the song 'Pink Elephants On Parade' from the Disney Movie, Dumbo. At first I was kind of put off by this film, but then I began to navigate the website and I totally got it. Their pieces are an homage to surfers throughout the ages. I really liked their printed Cactai board shorts and their Katin Deliver board short in peach and blue. Mollusk's shorts have a slimmer leg that I think it looks really flattering. ($54 - $84)

"Over the years Mollusk has developed into a cultural institution that integrates surfing, art, craft, music, film, and visual media. We sell products handmade by friends and neighbors, host art shows in our intimate galleries, and function as a concert venue. Our storefronts in San Francisco and Venice Beach have become hangouts and homes for surfers and artists living in these urban, beachside communities. Beach bums unite."

Saturdays Surf NYC
Saturdays Surf seems to be the current brand taking New York City by storm. It's a surf shop based in the West Village of the Big Apple. They sell literally everything: apparel, wetsuits, surf boards, art, hair products and even coffee. You know how much New Yorkers love coffee!  The brand was founded in 2009 by Colin Tunstall, Josh Rosen and Morgan Collet. It specifically caters to all things any NY surfer dude would need to escape this crazy city and catch some waves. Their shorts are indeed short, but they are well made and super stylish. Board shorts are $65 - $75 and come in dozens of colors, prints, patterns and solids.

Onia
(Pronounced O-nee-a) This brand is just so fancy. Their shorts are made from the most amazing fabrics and the hardware that makes up the shorts, (metal snap, buttons, eyelets) are industrial pieces from Japan. The shorts are tasteful and well constructed. You have to check out their website, I really liked the feature where they show you all the elements that make up each of their shorts. Great brand, cool shorts, a little pricey, but totally worth it. ($120 - $195)

"At Onia nothing is overlooked in our pursuit to produce the finest swim shorts and beachwear possible. With a highly intricate and multi-phased production process we strive to provide options for the man lost in beachwear purgatory. We use only the most skilled and innovative designers, source only the highest quality fabrics and finishings, and use factories that are on the cutting edge of manufacturing technology."

I wanted to give it a go and hop on the surfing bandwagon! No, I don't know how to surf, BUT I do know how to make clothes! So I made a pair of board shorts! They are printed with planets which is kind of silly, but they were so fun to make! Check them out!

Now go sign up at your local Cross Fit, get that summer beach bod and buy yourself an awesome pair of board shorts!

SUMMER JAMZ
Floating Vibes, Surfer Blood

High School Lover, Cayucas

Get Lucky, Daft Punk ft. Pharrell

Pompeii, Bastille

Sweater Weather, The Neighbourhood

COWABUNGA DUDES!

-30-

A guy friend the other day asked me if it was okay for men to wear bracelets. Without much thought I told him yes. I didn't see why not. My entire lifetime of going to sleep away camp and seeing guys wearing brightly colored friendship bracelets seemed totally normal.
Then I thought, "No wait... that was camp, are male bracelets cool to the rest of the world?"
Of course they are! Plenty of designers have come out with stylish bracelets for guys that don't look feminine in any way. You can rock one or a few on your wrist, they'll give you an edge. I don't think you should be too over zealous and stack up a bunch of bracelets, but have fun with it. 

Burkman Bros -Woven bracelets that almost remind me of the ones from camp
Miansai - All around awesome stuff
Kiel James Patrick - Similar to Miansai, but also really fun bracelets
Yuvi Alpert - BEADS!

NY Mag did this absolutely rad illustration on the history of the "Man Bracelet"

-29-

Don't fear prints! They've become very trendy, especially in menswear. It's easy to get overwhelmed by paisleys and flowers, but guys, MAN UP! Don't be afraid of a lil' ol' flower. Obviously you can never go wrong with plaid, stripes, buffalo check or even polka-dots. There are some sweet brands that have been pushing prints like these!
 
Hentsch Man
Our Legacy
Norse Projects
Mountain Research
Bedwin & The Heartbreakers
Engineered Garments
Shipley and Halmos
Bodega
Gitman Bros

Suggestion: Look for prints that blend in with the shirt they are on. Navy flowers printed on a dark navy woven. Even accent prints are fun and give pieces a little pop!

-28-

This past weekend, I turned 22! I Celebrated with friends and family at Houston Hall, a beer garden with a huge crowd and enormous ceilings, so you don't feel too claustrophobic. We all had a wonderful time, despite the hefty line outside and the snow flurries. We really did enjoy ourselves once we got in.

There were plenty of twenty-somethings just all looking to have a good time. Obviously everyone wants to let loose and drink the night away, but there are still ways to get your drink on without looking like a sloppy mess.

At the start of the night, get yourself in the right mindset. Long week at work, fine, put that behind you and focus on the weekend. Do you plan on making it home into your own bed? Perhaps with a lucky lady? Clean your s*%@ up! In all seriousness, when you come home tipsy and stumbling around your apartment it's easier if you're not falling over all of your stuff. Put it away. Also, no matter how intoxicated your "friend" is she will eventually wake up in the morning and see your messy abode. Even if it's just a one time thing, at least make a good impression and have a neat place.

After you've cleaned up, start getting yourself ready. Do not just put water on your hands and rub them through your hair. You might think you don't smell, but you do.

SHOWER! SHAVE! WASH BEHIND YOUR EARS!

When you get out of the shower, under no circumstances should you EVER douse yourself in Axe or any cologne for that matter. De-od in your pits and you cologne a little spritz. It doesn't need to be across your whole chest. Spray some in your hands and dab the cologne on the parts of your body that emit the most heat: nape of your neck, wrists, behind your ears and a little on your chest.

Comb your hair away from your face, use whatever product you are comfortable with and run a hair dryer through it.

Brush your teeth and use mouthwash, your breath smells better longer.

Getting dressed is not as hard as you think. Start at the bottom. I suggest a dark denim or black pant. Boot cut or slim leg. A slim fitting khaki is also good. Pretty basic, right? Also no crazy embellishments or embroidery on your pants or butt pockets. It's awkward.

Invest in a good belt while your at it.
Tanner Goods
Makr
Billy Kirk

If you're old enough to go to a bar, you are old enough to dress like an adult. Leave the graphic t-shirs at home and throw on something chic and simple.   I'm all about brand support but it's distracting and not for a night out. (If you really, really, REALLY want to sport a graphic t/sweater just make sure it works with your look.) A henley always look good, even a plain t shirt. You can never go wrong with a classic button down. You don't need to layer a t-shirt under your button down. Generally guys do this if they sweat a lot to absorb their perspiration, but I think you'll just be hotter. Try a lightweight cotton, your body will be able to breathe.

Throw on a nice blazer, coat, leather jacket, or a sweater and be on your way.

The following is a list of a few brands that have some basic/essential piece.
Raleigh Denim (Linked an amazing video with it!)
Wings + Horns
Twothirds
Simon Miller
Save Khaki 
Engineered Garments (For the more ambitious)
Steven Alan
S.N.S Herning
Velva Sheen
York Street by J.Press

Be confident, not cocky and just have a good time.

-26-

There is nothing sexier than a guy and his dog. Bouncing around New York City, I see a lot of people walking their dogs. I know, just being a dog-lover myself, when I see anyone with their pet I immediately shriek, probably so high pitched that only the dog can hear.

I started to notice that people were much friendlier towards me when I had my dog by my side. They get these sweet smiles across their faces or point at her and whisper something to the person they are walking with, (I'm assuming they're saying nice things. At least I hope they are.)

I'll keep this post short and sweet. Gentlemen, if you don't have a dog, save your money, commit to the responsibility and get a puppy. Think back to economics, opportunity cost, what are you giving up to gain? Give up some free time, spend money to feed and clean something else and you will gain phone numbers and dates and maybe even a girlfriend or boyfriend, (whatever you want.)

P.S. If that doesn't work for you, at least your dog will love you.

P.P.S. You can literally wear whatever you want when walking your pup. Heck, you can go out naked. Only a small handful of people will judge you.

-25-

My dad kept getting on my case about watching Boardwalk Empire. I always wanted to watch it, but I already have so many shows, how could I possibly fit another one in! I decided to go ahead and start season 1. I have no idea why I didn't watch from the start. I cruised through all three seasons and was incredibly inspired. Fashion trends, no matter how old, never die. Who knows, maybe the flip hair-do with frosted tips will come back.

A look that guys with straighter hair should at least try is the Undercut: Short all around, long on top. Jimmy Darmody, Michael Pitt, has the coolest undercut I've ever seen. It's sleek and I'm sure with a heavy duty pomade, a comb and a good hairdryer anyone can do it. Unfortunately if you google "undercut" or search it in tumblr, you'll find a lot of girls sporting one. They have their hair long all over but one of the sides is shaved close to the head. It's one of those hair styles, that on a girl, would probably take a lot of maintenance, but hey, that's fine.

The tie pins, plaid suites, brightly striped shirts with usually a white collar, and vests with high break points. They just look so cool.

Mens fashion has taken a bit of a turn. Men have become more comfortable with just a woven button down and khakis. Sometimes they don't even wear a jacket! Which is totally okay, but it doesn't hurt to invest in a good 3 piece suit.

fabulous sketches by everydayimharrowin

Something to be mindful of, a high break point can be flattering on the body, for a vest, jacket or coat. For those of you who have a little bit of a tummy, this takes the eye away from that.  The break point is where the left side and the right side of the jacket/coat/vest meet at the center front of your body. It's a mature look that does impress. Vests shouldn't be so snug that your struggling to breathe. Actually, nothing should ever be that snug. If you can reach out like you have your arms wrapped around an invisible person and you're comfortable, then the vest fits. It should not be too big that you're swimming in it either.

A good fitting suit is always a must. Believe me, even if a passerby knows very little about mens fashion, they can always tell when you're suit is too tight, or too baggy.

It's okay to splurge on staple pieces. The ones you will get a lot of use out of. Looking professional and put together will not only impress in the workspace but also on a night out on the town.

Take tips from the past people.

Bravo Mr. Scorsese. Bravo.

-24-

I caved.
Got myself a Tumblr. It was bound to happen sooner or later. I think Tumblr is an incredibly smart company, but also, it's a fun way to express yourself in images. I always pinned pictures from Tumblr to my Pinterest, but I never considered getting one, until now. My Tumblr is called Ten P.M. and it is primarily menswear images, although I do throw a cute picture of a puppy out there every now and then.
I think it's cool that just like there are celebrity bloggers, there are Tumblr celebs. I mean, different actors, musicians and fashion icons have them, (James Franco, BEYONCE, Frank Ocean, Nick Wooster, Local Natives, Aziz Ansari and Joseph Gordon-Levitt) but there are people that just have the coolest Tumblrs, they become Tumblr celebrities. Some of my favorites for example are:

• GtheGent 
• Revelment
• All Roads
• Will Hunt Goods
• Single Malt Scotch
• What Should We Call Me
• Redwood Collective
• Rainy Days and Blankets
• A Well Traveled Woman
• Kanye Wes Anderson
• GQ Fashion
• Miki Miyuki-Zoku

I am not even close to being the only one with a menswear Tumblr. People have dedicated theirs to beards, watches, cars, tattoos, shoes, space, surfing, skateboarding, runway shows, women's fashion, awkward situations, even sex. Yep, be careful. You could be scrolling through someone's Tumblr seeing pictures of baby ducklings and cupcakes and all of a sudden there's a black and white image of two people going at it. It really catches you off guard and makes you wonder a lot about the person who created that Tumblr.

Don't let that steer you from wanting to create one though.  It's easily just another way to get inspired and find new fashion trends OR to thoroughly procrastinate even more. Either way, it's a lot of fun!
Here are the types of images I've been posting. What do you think?

 

-23-

Turning a new leaf people, I'm going to blog a lot more on menswear, because I really haven't been. So here we go.
It's getting pretty freaking cold outside, and although we all want to look trendy in our winter gear, be smart about your purchases.
I remember being in a design class and my professor wanted us to create an outerwear collection. I hoped right on that because I do love me some outerwear. I sketched all types of jackets, most of them were big, puffy and the bottom of the jackets went to hips.
My professor sat himself in front of me and shuffled through my sketches. He shook his head and said, "Listen, this problem doesn't apply to you, but you need to understand that when dressing a man, especially in cold weather, you have to trap in the heat." I told him I was confused how that wouldn't apply to me. "Cover his junk." He then pushed himself away from the table and continued to walk around the room.
I was kind of surprised that he just said "junk" in referring to a man's nether regents. BUT IT'S TRUE! If you are going to purchase a jacket, make sure you invest in one that is long enough to cover your junk. The last thing you want is to be walking on a blustery day and have a cold gust of wind hit you there. I wouldn't know... because I'm a girl, but I can't imagine that would feel very good.

-2-

I generally get asked six standard questions from people who know I am in menswear.
The responses I tend to give are usually accompanied by an awkward chuckle and an eye roll. I sometimes think my eyes will roll so far into the back of my head that I could pass out. I never have, but it's always a possibility.

Questions:

1. "Woah, that's cool... Why menswear?" (Pretty basic, this doesn't get an eye roll.)
2. "No wayyyyyyy!? How do I look?" (The drunk guy hitting on me at a party... Not that this happens very often, sadly, but when it does, this is it.)
3. "When I get married, will you make my husband's tux?!?!" (My girl-friends)
4. "When can we buy your shit in the stores?" (My guy-friends)
5. "Can you make me a smoking jacket or a trench coat?" (Once again, my guy-friends)
6. "Did you get a job yet?" (My Parents) 

Answers:

1. I tend to feel like menswear found me, I always wanted to be in fashion. It's what I sort of gravitated to when applying to colleges. I met with a college recruiter who said I had a masculine portfolio and she put me through to the menswear programs at different schools. (There's much more to that story but that's generally all I get to say given the person's attention span.)
2. ...awkward chuckle and an eye roll...
3. Of course
4. I don't know, 10 years? 
5. ...awkward chuckle, eye roll, will you pay me?
6. ...awkward chuckle and an eye roll...