Men's Spring 2014 Shoes: It's Worth Talking About

Top Left to Right: Dolce and Gabbana Men's Spring 2014 lace-ups, Dior Homme, and Prada sneakers.
Bottom Left to Right: Calvin Klein Collection Men's Spring 2014 shoes; Louis Vuitton Men's silver oxfords

Are Menswear Designers Competing Against Zara?

A Men's Turtleneck for Fall 2013 Trends| You Need it

The Perfect Watch for Father's Day

These are the perfect watches for any father - young, mature, or fashion savvy.

Father's Day is almost here, and looking for the perfect gift for a dad can be one of the most stressful hunts of the week. A father can be quite a picky man whether they say not. Especially when it comes to  being fashion savvy, clothes may not be of good choice when gifting someone unless you really know their great taste. All that being said, accessories are the perfect gift when it comes to father's day, such as this exclusive Daniel Wellington watches. 

A watch has some magic of its own, because it is what makes the man. You see he ports a Rolex, then he must have a lot of money to wear it. Now, I know most of us can't afford to buy such a luxurious piece of status, but there are many watches out their that have a luxury feel without breaking the bank account. Daniel Wellington's watches are just the perfect father's day gift for any man who wants a refined, masculine timepiece on their wrist. Their minimalistic, light and beautiful designs make them of great appeal to any region of men. 

Their navy nylon colored wristband watch are a great selection for the dad who likes to be on top of the most recent fashion trends, whilst their dark brown crocodile leather watch cannot let you down. They also come available in two watch face colors - rose gold or silver - and are water resistant for those busy dad's. Prices range between $199 - $229 USD. Luxury was never this affordable. 

What will you give your dad on this Father's Day?

Alexander Wang's Cool Urban Shirts Collection

Alexander Wang can make any guy look Urban Cool. An exclusive collection for Mr. Porter only.

Raf Simons' Floral Prints are Masculine

Raf Simons' floral prints may take some time to incorporate into men's wardrobe.

What is wrong with a man wearing a floral print shirt? Only that he has the confidence enough to pull it off.  And that's what fashion has been all this time in menswear. This season, it was Mr. Simons turn to design a 13-piece capsule collection that will only be sold exclusively at online luxury men's retailer, Mr Porter. The collection consists of shirts, t-shirts, shorts, sweatshirts, high-top sneakers, and a bomber jacket, all of which are designed in vivid floral prints any men could actually wear. 

What I alway admire about Mr. Simons interpretation on menswear is that he always knows just how much to exceed and keep minimal. He seems to have a limit as to wear he'll cross the boundary, something that has gained him some more followers in men's fashion. Any type of feminine prints may be a subject of worry for other men, but Mr Porter knows exactly who they're selling too - the stylish and confident man who knows who he really is. As a customer, I particularly would be interested in purchasing a t-shirt or white button-down floral shirt to include into my special collection of designer pieces. One thing for sure is let the prints do most of the work and tone it down with neutral (black) shorts or trousers and cool shoes as Mr. Simons would have in mind - minimal. 

Yes, it may take time for most men to shift into this new type of era. Pink became a color most men got comfortable wearing over the years. But Raf Simons may become the greatest designer he is already, in giving men the confidence to pull of these floral print numbers. 

Gap Men's Colored Slim Khaki's Are Worth a Try

Spring is the time when you get to dress in more colorful outfits - not that you can't in the winter - but, more people are open to do this in the spring/summer time. Lately, I've been trying to search for a good pair of pants that won't break the bank. I was debating whether to purchase or not a pair of Gucci mustard colored pants, which retailed at $740. Not too expensive for a pair of pants, huh? I was just fascinated by the choice of colored trousers in Gucci's Spring 2013 menswear collection. The colors for me happen to be so vivid yet masculine.

I've owned a pair of men's Express chinos - various neutral colors - which I still happen to love for its slim fit and lengthening effect that I feel makes me look taller. The colors are fresh, and the pants are nice, but the Express man is more of a urban city guy who tends to keep his patterns and colors toned down. I wanted something more vivid. I am also a fan of H&M's pants, but I am the type of person who likes to experiment with different brands. I was seeking for something fresh in my closet.

I had been hearing great reviews by recent customers who had visited the Gap store at a near mall where I live. I decided to take a quick visit to the store and see what they had available. I was impressed by the various menswear colored pants (khakis) Gap had available in their store. I decided to try on a pair and was very amazed by how well they fit. The colors were the type of hues I was seeking forth in. Also, the fit felt slim-relaxed, which I refer to being comfortable, lengthening, fresh, and slim, not tight. I personally liked the pants, and I purchased it. 

I also went online to see if they had more colors available. And guess what? They happened to have a sort of similar pair of mustard khakis, but in canary yellow, as they named it. There are various colors of them available online. Immediately as I saw it, I came up with an outfit I could pair these pants with. What I love about Gap's pants is that you can go any way you want to - dress, casual, or semi-formal - for any necessary occasion. Put on a nice a blazer, jacket, or layering shirt, paired with any accessories, and your outfit is done and clean.

Gap mustard colored khakis // Levi's vest // Gucci horsebit white loafers // Luis Morais bracelet // Gucci sunglasses // Anderson's leather belt

In conclusion, I am not a regular Gap customer, but I also happen to like their assortment of shirts and polos, besides their khakis. I thought it was very casual and pleasing for the young and average male customer.  I might as well return soon to see what else I can get inspired by.

Are you a regular customer at Gap?

Warby Parker | 1922 Limited-Edition Collection

Warby Parker 1922 Collection available online at warbyparker.com

GSR X Belstaff - A Collaboration Worth Your Investment

A tartan motorcycle jacket from GSR X Belstaff men's collection.

Belstaff is literally one of the best British luxury brands that exists. Very rarely are there brands that manage to succeed based on their iconic pieces. A Belstaff belted jacket is just as iconic as a Chanel tweed jacket would be. What makes a Belstaff jacket a favorite among many is not just it's quality, but it's wearability. 

Belstaff knows how to sell to the man who does not only look for something to stay warm and dapper, but  also seeks for the jacket that fits their lifestyle. Most of their outerwear pieces pertain particularly to the man who is quite adventurous - motorcycle riding, hiking, camping, etc. Their jackets are of superb quality that can be resistant to tearing, are waterproof, have built-in protection (shoulders, elbows, and back), are comfortable, and breathable without suffocating yourself. And much more included in a single jacket. What more can a man ask for? I call this a man's best investment of his fashion life.

I must say I feel Belstaff markets to the young adult in their late 20s. Not that this means anything, but the reason I state this is because the GSR (Goodwood Sports & Racing) X Belstaff collection totally appeals to a more younger audience - fresh, adventurous, and spirited. Their is definitely a great amount of Belstaff heritage injected into this collection though, but in a much more cooler version.

Details here are stunning, which speaks a lot for such a supposed collaboration. This appears more of collection that should carry on soon to a second round. In other words, the heritage sportswear british brand of GSR, and the lifestyle habits of Belstaff collide in one of the best menswear collaborations that I have ever seen personally.

Dark brown belted motorcycle jacket and blue jacket from GSR X Belstaff collection.

The tartan motorcycle jacket, dark brown belted jacket, and the details in the rubberized blue jacket are impeccably wearable for any occasion. It doesn't matter if it's day or night, zipped or unzipped, either way would work fine. At the end, isn't this what every man wants? Not have to worry which way pleases the best.

Casualwear polos, shirts, and t-shirts from the GSR X Belstaff men's collection.

Besides their great jackets, casualwear here should be of great interest. I love the effect that the tartan button down shirt and the oat printed jersey shirt offer. The knitted, diamond-shaped patterned polo shirt should be one to have a look at for it definitely does not appear like your average polo you may have in your closet. Normally, I am not crazy towards white t-shirts, but this t-shirt obviously does not seem to be like the one you would use for your sleepwear. For $195, somehow sounds convincing. 

Which coat or jacket would you love to wear?

Krink X Coach | Best Menswear Accessories

Krink X Coach collection now available at Coach online

Hermes Luxurious Crocodile T-Shirt

Hermes Crocodile T-Shirt (Spring/Summer 2013) that retails for $91,500

Hermes has been in the center of attention lately for its upmost ridiculous t-shirt retail price. This crocodile t-shirt above retails for $91,500. No, I did not make a typo. If you were to buy this t-shirt (I wonder who would), you would be paying around $8,000 simply in taxes. Seriously? This could pay for a good college education, a car, or a moderate home. In the South I could purchase a good luxurious home.

Whoever were to buy this item I'd believe it would be only for the sole purpose of showing off how much money they have. You know I'm a freak when it comes to designer clothes, but this t-shirt in particular I don't know. I recently came across a Burberry crocodile trenchcoat that retailed around this particular Hermes price tag. I know Hermes is well known for its luxurious couture craftsmanships, such as its Birkin Bags which begin at a retail price of $10,000 and above, but sometimes luxury can exceed its standard limits. 

In general, if I even had thousands of dollars, I would never agree upon purchasing this t-shirt. There are so many more things one would be able to do with this amount. I love Hermes though. Who wouldn't?

Would you buy this t-shirt if you had all the money in the world?

Raf Simons X Fred Perry

From left to right: Short sleeve panel shirt, V-neck houndstooth sweater, and Knitted jacquard shirt.

It has been no secret how big of a fan I’ve been for Raf Simons. His position as new creative director for Christian Dior brought him more prestige than what he already was when at Jil Sander. Menswear has been no difference for this designer. Everything he designs is meant to be a trend setter for the men seeking to look “fashionable.” It is only for him where I can state his collections are truly on the fashion spot for men. They never fall in the side where something can look sort of bizarre for a man. You know what I mean. 

For spring, well renowned menswear brand, Fred Perry took the time to include a collaboration collection with Raf Simons. If you have not seen the collection then you must go see it. I guarantee there will be something for you to get your hands on. This is what I love about Simons. I don’t know how he does it, but he always manages to make a colorful patterned sweater or a cheetah print shirt appear so masculine. The three looks above are just some of the clothes I truly like. I honestly want to get the third look from the right (blue-green knitted jacquard shirt). It’s a must have for spring.

Do you like this collection of Raf Simons x Fred Perry?

Stripes and Cardigans - What Every Men is Seeking For

As you know, spring is just around the corner. Since next week is the last week of February, I thought why not post a pre-spring collage. Stripes have always been my best friend when it comes to t-shirts. I don’t know why, but I feel a t-shirt should be youthful, cool, and stylish. Yes, a plain t-shirt can be stylish too; I still prefer color in my shirts (designs/prints).

I always say there is no excuse for trying to look your best – creativity is the key ingredient. As you can see, I did my best to lower the prices on most of these outfits. I usually stick to retailers, such as Zara and H&M, when it comes to fair prices. H&M does great when it comes to the most recent fashion trends.

Style Tip: Take a t-shirt, such as the one above, and pair it with a cardigan. A cardigan can do wonders to your outfit; this could be a great investment to think about. They can be worn both formal and casual. You could even layer a navy blazer over it if you’d like to.There are so many ways you could shift around with these outfits above.

Do you have any other ideas to share?

Shop the Looks Above:

1. Lacoste Sneakers (similar here)2. H&M Jeans (here)3. Ray-Ban Aviators (here)4. H&M Striped Shirt (here)5. J.Crew socks (similar here)6. H&M Cardigan (here)7. Timex x J.Crew Watch (here)8. Gant Fedora Hat (similar here)9. A.P.C. Belt (similar here)

A Touch of Color Can Hype Your Look

A touch of color can truly enhance your overall outfit. Don’t be afraid of wearing colors, and by that I don’t mean dress like the rainbow.

Prints may not be your best friend, but colors such as this Burberry cashmere sweater maintain that masculine feel you’re searching for. The look above is as casual as it can get for those who want that minimalistic touch. It’s up to you to decide how minimal you want to be. 

Most of these items can be purchased at Mr.Porter or La Garçonne.

1. Burberry Brit (Chartreuse) Cashmere Crew Neck 

2. J.Crew Blue Brushed Slim-Fit Trousers

3. J.Crew White Cotton Shirt

4. A.P.C Derby Crepe Oxford Shoes available at lagarconne.com

5. Garrett Leight Acetate Sunglasses

6. Dunhill Leather Belt

7. Bottega Veneta Leather Messenger Bag