DESIGN FOR MEN

These days, it is all about the rucksack, or as mom used to call it, the knapsack. These bags are no longer just for kids transporting books to and from school. The key to carrying off the look as an adult is simplicity – avoid crazy prints and stick to the basic materials, canvas and leather. The following versions which are great for the weekend or for an overnight trip. And hay, it doesn’t hurt that they make you feel like a kid again.

Ally Capellino Rucksack in plaid (above)

Archival Clothing Rucksack in black

Makr Farm Rucksack

IMAGE CREDITS: Selectism

Check out these custom  Maurice Lacroix timepieces designed by three of the world’s most prolific designers.  Wallpaper* and Lacroix teamed up to find the designers  –  French designer Gwenaël Nicolas of  CURIOUSITY, multi-platform designer Arik Levy, and fashion designer Neil Barrett.  The watches are being auctioned on Wallpaper and the proceeds will go the charities of each designer’s choice.  Bidding on each watch starts at €4,250.  Click here to go to the article on Wallpaper.com and to bid on one of these beauties.

Raw and Essential

by Arik Levy

Five Continents

by Gwenaël Nicolas

Bonded Watch

by Neil Barrett

IMAGE CREDITS: All images from Wallpaper

The sun is out and it’s time to shed all those layers. Here are some looks that I am excited about as we transition from Spring to Summer. Tank tops are great ways to stay cool but often guys don’t wear them appropriately. Keep the wife beaters for under dress shirts and spring for a few tank tees with a subtle graphic. The tank top above by Dolce & Gabbana is a great way to show off the work at the gym.  This season rather than wearing tanks with jeans, play around with dressing the tank up with trousers and down with shorts or cut offs.

Take the plaid into spring but punch it up with a splash of color and try white jeans to brighten up the whole look.

Chambray, chambray, chambray – it is really hot right now.  Chambray is essentially a lightweight cotton which involves white threads woven in with a colored warp.  Typically you see these shirts in blue but I love a light gray especially paired with white jeans.

Dressing up a bit this summer is all about layering.  I am into keeping blazers and pants dark (navy or dark green) but with a white or subtle striped shirt.

IMAGE CREDITS: GQ and Details

David Yurman has done it again! Loving these necklaces from the Wave Collection, inspired by the stunning antique Japanese tsuba shown above.  A tsuba or sword guard is a flat metal disc that helps keep the sword balanced and protects the hand from sliding up the blade while in use.  Tsuba originated in Japan around the late 14th century and the one above dates back to the 19th century, during the Edo period.   The necklaces pick up on the wave motif in the tsuba.  I love the richness and depth of the relief.  I am curious about pricing.  I could see myself wearing the silver one with a white v-neck come spring.  Check out my previous post on their tag necklaces, by clicking here.
IMAGE from Details Magazine

The online editorial Sewn From the Soul from Street Etiquette blows me away.   In celebration of Black History month, seven stylish friends from New York united to create an piece that speaks to our history and the evolution of style. The power comes in their clear interest in incorporating styles from the past while infusing elements of today. The monochromatic palette ties the ensembles together which range from rugged and casually hip to refined and sophisticated. I had to include some favorite shots but these are just a taste.  The shot of this little boy made me think about how my mother and my aunt used to dress me, classic and dapper.  Can we get kids to dress like this again?  I would wear just about all of the looks portrayed in this editorial.  My favorite outfit is the gray turtleneck and wool trousers with the white belt worn by the guy on the far left.

Definitely check out the Sewn from the Soul  editorial by clicking here.  I am feeling quite fortunate to have found their striking blog as well, talk about inspiring fashion.

Trapped at home due to what I am calling,The Great Snow Storm of 2010,  I am coping by fantasizing about warmer weather, specifically spring gear.  One of my favorite stores, Reiss did me proud with their Spring 2010 collections for their main line and 1971 (more casual, less expensive) line.  The following are some of my favorite looks.

IMAGES from Reiss

The Fall 2010 Collection of Louis Vuitton is masculine and rugged. They focused on tailored silhouettes in rich fabrics and simple colors.  Loving the mixture of  gray with black as well as brown. The dapper sportscoats are great – I love the use of contrasting fabrics for insets and armbands. The shall cardigan/jacket above on the left – I just need. Their bags in this collection are streamlined but eye catching, particularly curious about the one in the image on the left below.  Already hunting for low cost solutions.

IMAGES 1 and 2 from GQ, Image 4 from TMagazine

One redeeming quality about winter is the gear – layered looks, warm sweaters, scarves and other accessories.  Being stylish this winter does not have to break the bank.  Check out these great affordable looks.

Layered in Gray
Coat  from Zumiez
Black skinny tie from Target
Gray dress shirt from Zara
Black  jeans from G-star
Black belt from Guess
Model: Kenny Leddy (also pictured above)
Photography: Jay Fuertez

Splash of Color
Great look for New Years
Black Velvet Blazer from Macy’s
Plum Dress Shirt from JCPenny
Model: Seth Travis
Photograpy: Jay Fuertez

Military Inspired
Field jacket from the model’s wardrobe
For alternative try Fatigue jacket at JCrew
For Dog tags, consider David Yurman
For cord pants, JCrew
Model: Seth Travis
Photograpy: Adam Medders

Sophisticated Urban
Great outfit for a night out
Plaid jacket from Express Men
Black velvet vest and
Purple tee from Target
Model: Seth Travis
Photograpy: Adam Medders

Special thanks to On Display Men for providing these exclusive photos of Seth Travis of New York.  Check out the On Display Men website for Seth’s image gallery and an interview with the up and coming model.

To see more work from the photographers, check out their sites at JayFuertez.com and AdamMedders.com

This Beautifully Made editorial from Rake magazine blew my mind.  Business attire for the daper professional with a retro spin. I am feeling the throwback to the fabulous 50s illustrated in one of my favorites, the Godfather.  Thanks to the incredible styling by Mark Anthony they had me with the first look – I need that heavyweight herringbone wool coat and hat.  Oh and the gloves too.

Images 1 and 3 from stylecrave, collaged image 2 from statu-esq style. Photography by Derrick Santini

Also in their Nov/Dec issue, GQ dressed actor, Joseph Gordon – Levit in some very stylish ensembles, all from “low-cost, high style labels” such as Club Monaco, Topman, and the Gap.  Two outfits really caught my eye and both cost less than $250.  Love the mixing of plaids in the shirt and tie in the Uniqlo outfit (top).   The H&M ensemble (below) is another favorite, pairing black and white striped tee shirt with Herringbone blazer and wool pants.  Don’t be surprised if you see me on the street rocking either outfit.  .

IMAGES from GQ