You’ve heard it many times before, “details matter.” It’s true; details are the finishing touches of personal expression. They are often what separate average guys from truly interesting men. Whether big or small, exuberant or subtle, details drive the messages we use to define ourselves to others. Not too long ago, my fellow MensFlair contributor,…
Tag: Cultural
The Roots of American Preppy
This column grew out of a recent discussion on this blog about the relationship between classic and preppy styles. The subject quickly became an effort to identify the real roots of American preppy and what it means today. New England preparatory schools, conservative protestant values and social stratification together created an environment that produced the…
Dressing the Candidates
There is a big job interview going on right now. It’s for a particularly high profile position; the pay is alright but nothing stellar. There’s an unusually large amount of job stress because it’s rather 24/7; you just can’t seem to escape the office.That being said, the perks are pretty good: a fleet of aircraft…
Moving Forward
This column originally appeared New Year’s Eve on MensFlair.com; I decided to post it here in it’s entirely. Hopefully it conveys some of my thoughts about this blog and the importance of remembering that how we present ourselves to the world really does have an impact on others. To be honest, I’ve been rather dreading…
Quick Examples of Good Customer Service
Though I have not written about it too much, I am a very customer service focused person. Having spent years in high-end retail and now the association business, I know from good customer service. I also have rather high standards for myself when it comes to helping others and providing personal service; in another life…
Ralph Lauren: Collector & Cultural Curator
I am a little behind the curve on this one, but I jut saw the preview for a fascinating documentary on Ralph Lauren’s vintage automobile collection: “The Ralph Lauren Car Collection: Speed, Style & Beauty.” Considered to be one of the finest of it’s kind in the world, this collection encompasses many marque’ names –…
Style & Smarts
Being called stylish can mean so many things. You dress well; you’ve got a nice haircut, cool bag, nice car, impressive art collection. Even how you walk down the street can be stylish – look at John Travolta in Saturday Night Fever. Then there’s the kind of stylish that transcends the mere suit or fancy…
Global Style: London, Paris and yes, DC
When one thinks about the centers of international style, Washington D.C., let alone the United States in general, does not jump to the top of most people’s list. And while there are many men who travel internationally, shuttling from an important breakfast meeting in London to a vital lunch in Vienna, few really do it…
Hot Style: Miami
Of the Cuff is down south for a few days; South Beach in Miami, specifically. The difference in style here is remarkable, though not surprising. Men’s fashion in D.C. tends to center on the New England ethic: stylish but understated, essentially the modified Anglophile look. Miami? South Beach? Not so much. Here, the Latino and…