Look of the day - Part 87

Fedora and Trilby Hats – What’s the Difference?

A debate is beginning to develop over what constitutes a fedora. The two have almost become homogeneous due to the changes they have gone through since they were regarded as de rigueur for any self-respecting gentleman. In fact you would be more than forgiven should you not be able to pick out the aesthetic differences between the two.

So next time that impeccably dressed man at the bus stop asks you the differences between a fedora and trilby, simply quote the following. A fedora is conventionally defined by its wider brim, band and bow. Trilbies in contrast possess a narrower brim and ribbon. The confusion between the two has really developed as more American designed trilbies have a wide ribbon similar to that of the classic fedora.
The wide ribbons are not the only feature that has muddled many a man; brim size and crown heights have also become part of the grey area. This trilby-fedora hybrid has laid waste to the pronounced wide brim fedora of yesteryear. Luckily in this case half measures very much do avail with the modern fedora suiting 21st century sartorial dress to a tee – combining very well with the clean cut and slim line approach that so often epitomises the term well dressed.

The Return of the Fedora?


Playing its part in the resurgence of the pocket square and sartorial approach to dress, Mad Men and its protagonist, the ever dapper Don Draper, may well receive part of the accolade should the fedora make a return. Coupled with the release of Matt Damon’s recent blockbuster, The Adjustment Bureau – which has the fedora playing a central role within the film plot – the stage is certainly set for the fedora to make a star-studded comeback.

Structured head wear as a whole has seen a dip in popularity, and deciding to don anything other than a beanie creates a statement – something many of us men avoid like the plague. For the few who swear by a hat as the perfect touch to any outfit, the ‘trilby’ is their go-to piece. The fedora has essentially become a lost art, a legend – anonymous to the younger gentleman.
Pop culture has laid the foundations and the brick work has been readily placed by the designers. It is up to us, the common man to cement the fedora in its rightful place… perched on top of our heads, possibly with a slight tilt.

“For a man to have rank, he must wear at least one hat.” – Hardy Amies

source:Fashionbeans,Google

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Street Style Inspiration

photos:Google

The Floral Print

Look of the day - Part 67

April Inspiration

Spring/Summer 2011 Men's Fashion Trends - The Biker Jacket

Perhaps the biggest factor is the ageing of looks from previous seasons, in particular the military trend. This trend has been with us for the last couple of years now, with varying degrees of popularity, but during A/W10 it reached its peak, the market is now saturated with trench coats, nautically inspired knitwear, t-shirts, military boots and all manner of accessories, and is now beginning to become very thinly spread and over worked. This is certainly not to say that these items have now become unfashionable, rather it is time for change. Hold on to your military inspired items (particularly if you own a camel trench coat – a fine purchase) however, as they will remain completely timeless and transitional in the future, and set you in good stead for this new look, saving you time, money and effort. But before we get too deep into this, let’s have a peek at the fashion worlds take on The Biker Trend.

Burberry Prorsum S/S11 Runway

As you can see from the looks above, Burberry have really taken a shine to this new trend, breaking away from their well known and highly regarded trench coat staple to produce a wide range of leather pieces that suit this new trend perfectly. But you might still be wondering how military and biker trends go together. Simply put, this is just an extension or development of the basic military trend; there is still the emphasis on simple, chunky and rugged items, but they are used in a different way or mixed with other pieces that don’t necessarily fit the military trend. You could also look at it as an original trend in that it takes the stereotyped biker look and makes it infinitely more fashionable with a focus on a smarter style; more tailored, refined lines, using trousers and shirts whilst retaining the darker colour palette synonymous with the biking world.

Biker On The Runways

Of course the mainstay of this trend will be the Leather Jacket, nothing new here really, the choice is all yours regarding what style you wish to sport, as long as it isn’t one of those horrible branded, faux leather racing jackets, that only work at a race course… if you’re a racing driver. Also just because you wear full leather gear (safety first) doesn’t mean you are now fashionable; still looks too much in my opinion. I’m becoming distracted, actually being a motorcyclist and the biker trend isn’t necessarily linked. And here in fact is the key. Just as wearing military inspired clothes won’t make you a soldier, wearing a leather jacket does not make you a biker. These clothes allude to and suggest, giving you much greater flexibility in how you can model your outfits.

How To Wear

So what is the best way to tap into this new look? Personally, I would make use of the items currently on trend. Mix chunky footwear, military boots or otherwise with slim jeans or chinos (either tucked in or cuffed so they hang just above the ankle), a statement t-shirt and then your chosen leather jacket for that casual, laid back look. Keep colours fairly neutral or dark for the authentic image, using blacks, greys and whites, but if you are feeling adventurous, you could introduce more colour, maybe with a pastel jumper or cardigan, keeping in with the lighter palettes of spring but not being overly garish or in your face.
If you’re feeling really, really niche, go for the outside choice with a leather jacket that isn’t black – dark red or a very deep green perhaps. Feel free to mix in vintage pieces to give your final outfit a bit of flair, paying particular attention to accessories as these will really help to bring your outfit together and create a strong link back to the traditional biker look. You could even chuck in a paisley neckerchief or light coloured silk scarf to suggest some bohemian influence, and remember what I said about mixing in the military, your shearling/aviator jacket will work perfectly with this look to.


source: Fashionbeans;Google

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Spring/Summer 2011 men's fashion trends - Coloured Trousers

Nick Wooster in coloured trousers

Chinos and trousers are nothing new and the exclusivity of jeans as men’s staple casual legwear finished many seasons ago.
I’m not endorsing a full throttle leap into the effort. If you’re a bit of a ‘colour novice’ most definitely do not attempt to fish out a pair of old luminous chartreuse trousers reminiscent of the disco era.
If you’re a bit apprehensive of donning a colour a bit more ‘out there’ so to speak, but would like to be a bit more adventurous with your wardrobe choices this summer, start out by changing a familiar colour through shades. Alternate hues of red and purple are becoming more and more common on the high street. Once confident with your berry or plum legwear, electric blue or even pink chinos will seem far from intimidating.


 Celebrity Coloured Trousers Look Book

How to Wear

There are 3 key tips to pulling off these more vibrant and adventurous of garments:

1. Compliment the colour – Pair the chinos with a shirt, polo or tee that compliments the colour of the trousers. That does not limit you to picking a shirt of a different tone, try paring greens with blues and violet/purple with yellow – it’s all about experimenting with unique palettes. Just as camel married navy in the winter months, look out for colour combinations to take you in to spring & summer. To tone down a colour-fronted look, pair your coloured chinos with a simple white or grey tee.
2. Confidence – Let yourself and your outfit do the talking. Standing out is not an arrogant trait; in fact many people warm to those with the confidence to be at the centre of it all. Confidence is key to any outfit but when using bright colours don’t let your mannerisms contrast the image your outfit is purveying.
3. Choose Wisely – This covers both buying the trousers and wearing them. When buying a pair of coloured chinos, ensure they are transferable with the rest of your wardrobe. Investment is essential – especially if you’re working on a budget. For example buying a set of candy pink chinos may not be too wise if your wardrobe is built on earthy tones – instead, move to a lighter palette gradually. When it comes to actually wearing the trousers, situation is hugely significant. If you’re going to be wearing them in a more formal atmosphere, bright yellow trousers may not go down too well. On the other hand, you may very well be able to pull off a red pair if coupled appropriately, allow your look to tie in with the modern interpretation of breaking the suit.

The ‘Colour Pop’ Trend

The prestigious tag of ‘essential’ can effortlessly be applied to these garments without garnering too much resistance due to their sheer versatility.
Coloured trousers will lend themselves to all occasions and are easily incorporated when getting on par for almost all the spring/summer trends we anticipate. The most obvious trend that these trousers will be associated with this season is the colour pop trend.
Extravagantly bright colours are set to soon be a staple of many-a-outfit (like the colour blocking trend women are going through) and wardrobes are on their way to resembling a packet of skittles. In a nutshell it’s not just trousers that will be getting a makeover but socks, tees, jumpers and even underwear is going to get a taste of this rainbow.
Don’t be misled, yes colour will be vital but pairing complimenting colours is still very much the number one priority. Toning down with monochrome anchor pieces can also help shake off that ‘try hard’ label that may rear its ugly head.
Use bright coloured accessories to own this look and break up a sea of bore.


source:fashionbeans.com/

Christian Louboutin Nuria Men's Flat

The sandals are now available at Christian Louboutin online store at price of  $545.

Spring/Summer 2011 men's fashion trends - Gladiator Sandals

Men and women have adorned the gladiator sandal, in its simplest form, before records began. Notables such as Julius Caesar, Pythagoras and even Jesus himself sporting the trend – dapper fellas. Fast-forward 2000 years and the gladiator sandal has re-emerged, albeit undoubtedly more popular with the females then us warriors of the wardrobe.

As is the norm with many modern fashion trends, gladiator sandals transcended genders and appeared last summer in what can only be described as a ‘minor trend’. However, with the summer fast approaching this year could well be time for the gladiator sandal.

How to Wear

• Leave the socks in their draw. Socks and sandals are almost always an incomprehensible mix – to a similar effect of badly coordinated double denim.
• Wear the garment and not the other way around. If you are self-conscious about donning something such as gladiator sandals, leave them on the shelf in the store. Your reservations will undoubtedly show up and draw attention to your discomfort in wearing them. You will do nothing but leave what was originally a well put-together outfit looking a former shadow of its once stylish self.
• No overgrown toenails or un-kept feet please. Grooming shouldn’t be too alien to most I’d hope. If your phalanges are going to be on show lets have them looking tip-top; that goes for the rest of your exposed foot as well. Moisturise, clip and even polish if you feel it’s needing; I’m talking clear gloss here not red, pink or black.

During the warmer months you’d be hard pressed not to notice the number of flip-flops, sandals and other toe baring footwear that the male population embrace. Gladiator sandals have yet to join any such list of what would be classed as the norm, and are likely to be met with a few questioning glances. Fashion however is no stranger to controversy; in fact it embraces it and swallows it whole.

source:fashionbeans.com/

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Spring Outfit

ZARA Young Man Lookbook

 

Usher in Burberry Prorsum Spring/Summer 2011 biker jacket

On the latest issue of The Hollywood Reporter , Justin Bieber takes centre stage with his mentors lL.A Reid and Usher on the side.

The leather jacket is available online at Luisa via Roma.

D&G Spring Summer 2011 Mens Shoes And Bags

Espadrilles soles are invading mens footwear this Spring Summer 2011 season. From Balenciaga, Louis Vuitton to Prada and now D&G. It's espadrilles fiesta out there! Designers are going crazy with this shoe inspiration that dates back to the 14th century. Originating from the Pyrenees, these casual flats made in fabric and characterised by jute rope sole were once worn by peasants and now fashion fans all over the world.

D&G has basically taken the espadrilles and exploited them into as many incarnations as they can. With eyelets, as slip-ons, with Hawaiian fabrics, with gingham checks and denim... you name it, you have it.

It is nice to leverage on a classic design, but somehow when you overdo it without modifying too much to create a surprise, it lacked imagination. And these shoes can be from any other lower priced brands since fabric and jute rope are what they are. There can be no 'more luxurious' versions of these materials.

Source: MyManyBags