A Diva State of Mind

A few months ago, I urged all of the young professional guys out there to Step It Up in terms of dressing up to go out for a night on the town.  For those of you still looking for other stores to purchase the necessary attire to help you step your game up besides Nordstrom, EXPRESS and other mall retailers, I have found another resource that just might help you.

Founded in 2008 by “three regular guys trying to make their mark in the corporate world,” Instructions Apparel is a fashion resource for men both in and out of the workplace.  The founders of Instructions found that the desirable items men look for are far too expensive, it’s often difficult to find a shirt and complementary tie at the same location and bargain shopping rarely produces quality fitting shirts and ties.  In order to solve these three major issues men face when shopping, Instructions offers men stylish shirts, complementary ties and recommendations on what to wear for different occasions.

As a dedicated brand to making men look and feel good, Instructions offers 7 Basic Instructions for men’s apparel:

1.  Make sure your socks and belt match your shoes.

This is often overlooked, but it is the most important rule with respect to The Art of Dressing Well. We recommend that you stick with basic colors such as a dark brown, tan, or black shoes. Other colors will be difficult to match, and therefore should be avoided.

2.  Match Your Shirt & Ties

On our site you will see our recommendations for shirt and tie combinations. These recommendations provide a combination of solid, paisley, polka-dot and striped ties.* We match these ties with a variety of shirt colors ranging from solid white to pink stripes. Thus, don’t be afraid to experiment with colors. With respect to formal attire, ties are the means by which you express individuality.

While ties are a great way to express yourself, keep it tasteful. For example, going into a job interview you would wear our solid white or light blue shirt with a solid color or paisley pattern tie. Yet, once you’ve landed that great job, you can mix and match from our entire collection. Most importantly, be sure that your tie complements your shirt, suit, sweater and all other accessories worn.

*Instructional Note of Inquiry: For our collection, which consists of modern-fitting shirts with a spread-collar, we recommend knotting your tie with a Half Windsor knot.

3. Wearing Brown and Black together is a no-no!

When wearing brown slacks you should wear brown shoes. This rule also applies when wearing black. If and when you seek to express individuality, do so with your shirt and tie. Mixing brown and black has been tried by others with very little success.

4. Pinstripes

Pinstripes are a safe and stylish alternative to the solid-colored suit. As opposed to wearing a solid gray suit, try a gray pinstriped suit. There are no particular colors that should be avoided.

Your own personal style will dictate which colors work for you. However, certain color combinations should be avoided. In particular, beware of complementary colors. These are colors opposite one another on the color wheel, such as red/green, yellow/purple and blue/orange.

5. Watches

A nice watch is the single most important accessory a man can own. We, at Instructions, suggest that you invest in a quality watch. If you prefer owning multiple watches, wear the appropriate watch for your outfit: A sports watch is not appropriate to wear with a shirt and tie.

If you prefer leather bands, wear a black band with black shoes and belt; a brown band with brown shoes and belt. A watch with a silver or gold band is the safest choice for all occasions.

6. Pocket Sqaures and Ties Clips

Pocket squares and tie clips are the icing on the cake for the well-dressed man. We, at Instructions, believe that a little goes a long way in The Art of Dressing Well. One would be amazed at how a tie-clip and a plain white-pocket square will liven up a suit on its dullest day. Go the extra mile and invest in a plain silver tie-clip and the appropriate pocket square for your ensemble.

In the Dress for Any Occasion section of our site, you will see various recommendations of pocket squares for each shirt and tie combination.

If you are unable to find a pocket square with our recommended color scheme, there are always two great options:

1. A solid colored pocket square the same color as your shirt or tie;
2. A plain white pocket square (It is important your shirt has white in it).

7. Casual Wear, i.e., a “Night out on the town”:

Dressing properly and stylishly for a night out can sometimes be challenging. You want to stand out from others for your impeccable style, not because of inappropriate attire.

To avoid being just “the guy in the sweater vest”, consult our recommendations to pair our selection of shirts together with a variety of denim jackets, blazers, and v-neck sweaters.

For more tips on putting your best foot forward and to purchase stylish shirts and complimentary ties, visit www.theartofdressingwell.com

 Please note: These are tips from Instructions, not A Diva State of Mind

Five years ago, Reggie Black was studying abroad in South Africa.  While overseas, he also worked for an urban store.  While working at the urban store, Black realized hat last thing he wanted to do was work anyone except himself.  From that realization, BLACK Collection was born.

BLACK Collection was born in 2005 in Washington, DC by Reggie Black and Dylan Chase.  The BLACK Collection is a small line; Black calls it exclusive. “BLACK Collection is for the “Individual” that has unique style; uses fashion as their method of personal expression and will not tolerate resembling others.”

The line currently features 11 pieces, made up of track jackets, tees and intimates.  The collection pieces are simple.  As Black says, “Less is best.”  The clothing is unisex, so all pieces can be worn by both men and women.

Midriff Tee

Shield Jacket

INDIVIDUAL: Summer Edition

BC Vee

BLACK Tee

While the line enters its 5^th year, it hasn’t moved as fast as Black would like, but that isn’t discouraging him. “It’s a beautiful struggle,” he says. “I stay humble and continue to work. I always try to produce better pieces than what I’ve done in the past.”

What does the future hold for the BLACK Collection? Black does plan to expand outside of tees and track jackets. And as long as he continues to stay humble, grind, and network, the BLACK Collection has a great future ahead!

To check out the entire BLACK Collection, visit www.blkcollection.com.  You can also follow the collection and Reggie Black on twitter @BLACKCollection & @iamreggieblack

Daring. Innovative. Classic. Animalistic. Fun.  Those are the five words Marc Clark would use to describe his collection Marcc.  Born and raised in PG County, MD, Marc is turning heads in the fashion industry.  Known for his bowtie brooches and fenced glasses, worn by celebrities Rihanna, Estelle and many others, Marc is catching the attention of the biggest trendsetters in fashion and entertainment.

Marc has always been into fashion.  He started off directing high school fashion shows and is the founder of the Catwalk Classic, a high school fashion show competition in Prince Georges County.  He has over 10 years of experience in the fashion industry which include managing retail stores and directing fashion shows and events.

I had the pleasure of talking to Marc last week at The Collective, a fashion event at Policy, that featured his collection.

ADSOM: What is the inspiration behind your bowtie brooches and fenced glasses?

Marc: Everything. Being here at this event is providing inspiration.  Every aspect of life and everything I encounter inspires me.

ADSOM:  Who are some of your favorite designers?

Marc:Marc Jacobs, Karl Lagerfeld and Jeremy Scott

ADSOM: What advice would you give to aspiring fashion designers?

Marc: I would advise aspiring designers to stay persistent and motivated.  Stay focused and true to your brand and know your target market and audience.  Above all else, network your ass off!!

ADSOM: How would you describe your personal style?

Marc: I would describe my style as daring.  My style reflects my mood at the time.  How I feel that day reflects how I dress.

ADSOM:  Where do you see the Marcc line going in the future?

Marc: The collection is always evolving.  Last year, I only had 1 bowtie and this year I have a line of bowties, glasses and foxtails.  I plan on launching a kids line and turning Marcc into a lifestyle brand that will feature clothing and accessories.

To check out the entire Marcc collection visit www.marcclark.com .

Follow designer Marc C on twitter @TheRealMarcC and on Facebook

T.I. may have been out of the spotlight for the last year, but that doesn’t mean he hasn’t been working. The hip hop star is out with his new clothing line, AKOO. I had no idea T.I. had a clothing line, but at the same time, I’m not really surprised? I mean, these days, who in the hip hop world doesn’t have their own clothing line?

AKOO is a true reflection of T.I. style; casual tops (tees, polos, button ups) to pair with cargo pants and jeans. The collection is urban, casual, and stylish all at the same time. It reminds me of something my PG county guy friends would wear; they are all stylish without trying at all. All they seem to wear are polos or tees with jeans. For those of you guys looking to go from regular to fly but want to keep that laid back style, check out AKOO. Here are some looks from the new spring collection:

T.I. Rocking AKOO

Competitor

Dynasty

Federick

Visit www.akooclothingbrand.com to shop the entire collection.

One of my guy friends hit me up the other day and asked “how do I go from a regular to fly?”  That’s a question many of us ask, especially now when the weather is turning warm. In Become The Fashionista You Want To Be Without Going Broke, I spoke to the ladies.  So it’s time to speak to the guys on the similar topic.

If you want to go from “regular to fly,” here are a few suggestions:

1.  Wardrobe Assessment

First, go through and see if there is anything you don’t wear. If you haven’t worn it in over a year, it’s time to let it go. Now the guys I know aren’t really into the trends of the season, so I’m going to suggest you have the What’s In Your Closet wardrobe essentials along with cargo shorts, graphic tees  for spring & summer and button up shirts (not just white).

2. Change the way your wear one item

One way to expand your wardrobe is to wear one piece multiple ways. For example, if you have a number of polos, wear them with jeans for a night out with the boys; pair them with shorts for a casual daytime look or wear them with khakis on casual Fridays at work. The key is to mix and match pieces in your closet, so every time you wear something, it looks new.

3. Search for Coupons and Deals

Searching for coupons is time consuming, I know.  But if you want to get a deal, because these days there is a coupon for everything, take the time and look for coupons and deals at your favorite retailers. Also check the website of your favorite retailers.   The third option would be to just ask when you’re in a store if there are any current coupons available.

4. Shop Modern Men’s Stores, ask for help in a store and look at mannequins to get ideas

I know it sounds foolish to look at mannequins, but I definitely do when I need ideas.  That’s what they’re there for; to give you ideas on how to dress yourself.  Also ask a sales associate what they feel is in this season; they SHOULD know. Stores like GAP and EXPRESS are very modern in terms of menswear and are great options to update a wardrobe.

 5.  Spread out your shopping trips

Spread out your shopping trip.  You don’t have to purchase everything in one trip to go from “regular to fly.” (You’ll go from regular to broke!!)  Accumulate new pieces in your closet overtime.  In the meantime, mix and match what you already have.

Luckily for you guys, men’s trends don’t really change from year to year, so whatever you do purchase this year will most likely be in style next year.  Hopefully with these suggestions, you guys can go from “regular to fly” in no time! :-)

At this point in our young professional lives, we should all own a suit.  It’s shocking to me that some of my guy friends do not own one single suit!

We are at the point in our lives where we’re interviewing for jobs, attending professional functions and various events where khakis and jeans just don’t cut it.  In those more professional situations, coming dressed looking your best is going to be required. And that means, wearing a well tailored suit. 

Now I know suits can be expensive. But guess what, it’s also an investment! A suit helps you acquire the attention you otherwise wouldn’t receive: it may help you reach the next level in an interview or catch the attention of someone in a networking situation.  You should always show up because you never know who you’re going to meet.

With our economy still in the midst of a recession, many men’s suit retailers have been slashing prices tremendously to move inventory out of the door.  Here are three companies you should check out when you’re ready to purchase your first or next suit:

 JoS. A Banks

This is the place to go for the classic suit!! And they have great deals too! Remember, if you find a suit that you just have to have, but isn’t necessarily the perfect fit, you can always have it tailored. Since suits are investment pieces, that’s the one thing I would suggest you have tailored if necessary.

They are currently promoting their “Famous $199 Sale.”  Purchase one suit for $199 and get the second one for $99.  They’ve had even better deals, but 2 suits for $300??? You can’t beat that! Not only will you find great suit sales at JoS. A Banks, but you can also find great deals on other men’s apparel such as Ties, Shirts, and Sweaters (Executive Shirts & Ties: 3 for $99; All Silk, Cotton & Merino Sweaters: 3 for $99).

Indochino

While JoS A Banks offers a more classic, traditional style, Indochino offers styles to fit the “modern gentleman.” Indochino offers custom made suits, ensuring your suit to fit you just the way you prefer.  Here’s how it works: spend about 10 minutes following Indochino’s online guide to taking your own measurements.  Find the suit online that you like and provide your measurements.  If you aren’t comfortable taking your own measurements, you can also search for a local tailor in your area.  If you rather purchase the suit and then have it tailored, you have the option of ordering a suit without providing your measurements.

Suits are listed by Category, Price, Occasion and Others (which include “My First Suit).  This is a great site for the young professional looking to make his own mark in the way he professionally dresses. AND the suits are very reasonably priced considering you have the custom-made option.  I would definitely recommend a site like this for a young professional looking for something a little more modern and stylish.

(Now that I think about it, I think I know someone who owns an Indochino suit.  And he’s always dressed to the nine!)

Giltman

Under that suit, you’re going to need a shirt, tie and nice dress shoes! Check out Gilt Man.  Just like Ideeli, a site where women can purchase designer fashions for 60-80% off the retail value, Gilt Man offers the same thing for men.  And I’ve heard it can become addictive too. 

As the company likes to say “Think of Gilt Man as the hardware store selling the tools for life: workware, playware and lifeware.”  Like I’ve said before, you don’t have to go broke to look good. If you want the designer label, you just have to know where to find a great deal. Gilt Man is the place where you can purchase “killer stuff at killer value”

With these 3 options to purchase a new suit, there isn’t any reason that a guy in his mid twenties doesn’t have a great quality suit.

I went out to Teatro Goldoni this past weekend for a friend’s birthday. And we definitely had a great time.  It was a semi-formal cocktail party hosted by BBE and Dave & Ray Entertainment and everyone looked great!! It was nice to see ladies in dresses and guys looking dapper.

Like I said before, the party called for semi-formal attire which means NO JEANS. Now for most ladies, that isn’t a problem; we can pull out a short dress or skirt in a minute. On the other hand, a lot of guys don’t seem to like that dress policy so much. Many guys who we invited to attend the party said they wouldn’t come to the party because they didn’t want to wear dress pants. Are you serious?!

Being that we’re all 24-26 years old, it’s ok to get a little dressed up! Guys, that means you can go out on a Friday or Saturday night in slacks or khakis. Jeans aren’t always necessary. Be the grown man that you are and step it up! It’s sad that you feel like you’ll be “uncomfortable” if you aren’t wearing jeans. You’re going to be drinking and dancing anyway, so will you really notice. And believe me, ladies love a guy who puts a little effort into his appearance!

So the next time an event calls for semi-formal, it’s ok to put on a pair of slacks, collar shirt and a tie (or sweater). Hey, you can even bring out the suit!  Believe me, you’ll look great.  Everyone else will be dressed the same way and the ladies will love it too! AND you’ll also look like the young professional that you are. Remember, first impressions are everything, so let’s STEP IT UP and dress to impress!