When you get dressed in the morning, what inspires you? Who do you see as a stylish icon – who do you emulate? Do you turn to certain books or magazines for a creative shot in the arm? I’m not only talking about clothes; it could be ideas on pens or bags, watches or shoes,…
Tag: Style Guides
Choosing the Right Footwear
Men being men, many of us tend to see shoes as utilitarian, something we need, but not something on which to spend a lot of time. Once we have to look good though – an interview for the top job, a friend’s wedding, or a big date – we’re scrutinizing our footwear like a panicked…
Style Guide: All About Socks
Several years ago, during the run-up to my wedding, I found myself in the midst of a quandary. My best man and I were locked in sartorial combat over socks; or hosiery, whichever you prefer. At issue was this: should socks match the trouser or should they be left open to personal interpretation? This was…
Timeless Timepieces
Not too long ago I had a discussion with some guys about watches. The topic was whether cell phones will ever replace the watch and on this issue there tended to be two camps. The first one believes that using a cell phone for telling time and foregoing a watch altogether makes perfect sense and…
D.C. Style: Evolving Classics
Washington, D.C. has long held the unenviable reputation of being a boring, ill-fitting and shoddy kind of town when it comes to fashion; men’s fashion in particular. Over the past few years however, D.C. has made some dramatic changes. We’re going upscale and fast becoming a serious luxury market. If you’re in the area make…
Style Guide: Venting
In fashion, as with many global industries, certain cultural indicators are resoundingly obvious. They are the things that clearly say “French,” like a Hermes briefcase, or “American,” like a Louisville Slugger baseball bat. Often, they are immutable, solid and stable examples of permanence in a fast changing global marketplace. However, as the saying goes, the…
How to Start Managing Your own Image
People often tell me that they want to update their look, upgrade their wardrobe or get themselves organized – but don’t know where to begin. Getting started can often be the scariest part of making significant changes in your life; but once you understand what steps to take, you’ll be on your way. How you…
New York Notebook
I’ve been in New York City on business for the past few days and am happy to report that it’s still the cool, hectic, stylish and compelling city I love. In addition to my meetings, NYC was hosting the 62nd session of the United Nations General Assembly. That means, apart from the backroom dealings, geopolitical…
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…
Style Guide: The Wallet
From billfolds to pocket secretaries, the wallet is one of the most personal items a man carries all day, every day. In addition to credit cards and cash, IDs and licenses, your wallet is often home to those personal scraps of memory and nostalgia unique to you. Unlike your bag, your shoes or even the…