Post: #251

(06-22-2012 10:53 PM)kickboxer Wrote:  I just bought a shirt that says "Sleeps well with others".

It's calling you houston....

Post: #252

(06-26-2012 08:24 PM)hypesession Wrote:  This is pretty corny, but one time I'll never forget I saw this guy at a pharmacy or something when I was fifteen and he had a really confident attitude, like he just didn't worry too much about anything. He was about 6'0 or so and ripped. Not bodybuilder level but athletic, like he could throw some weight around.

Anyways, he was wearing a t-shirt and it said "Yeah... I work out."

It was a perfect match for his demeanor.

The Slayer shirt is a nice conversation starter for both legit, quasi, and pseudo metalheads. Taxi driver was an awesome movie, but anybody i see with a t-shirt of that it's already on the wrong foot, I would avoid you, personally. It's kinda weird, because he was a psychopath.

I think for t-shirts it's solid to wear stuff you're associated with. For example, I was in the US Navy, so i'll wear Navy gear sometimes. My uncle went to a couple ivy league schools so I'll wear some of that and get approached b/c of that. I'll wear shirts of local bands that I've seen and know. Fav. sports teams. Institutions I'm involved with or like, brands I want to promote.

Whenever I see a guy with a fresh t-shirt with some big brand, or movie reference, or crazy design I think, 'Wow he actually went out of his way to shop and buy that,' especially if it's out of left field. The perception --to use the taxi driver reference-- is 'alright, he must really like Robert de Niro's character in Taxi Driver. Robert de Niro's character was violent and crazy.' If that's what you want to co-sign, then ok. It's hit or miss I think because maybe t-shirts aren't the best platform for high fashion statements. For me, a go-to is a generic white tee. The cheaper, the better.
Harlem white tee.

Reminds me of a mate who was wearing a syracuse jersey in a gym once, some hottie was given him attitude. He asked her what her problem was and she replied "all syracuse guys are dogs".
Sounded like he could have closed her but he is super beta.

Post: #253

I have been having a hell of a time finding a solid penny loafer. I am specific about what I want: Brown (deep, something that will take a decent shine), penny, leather sole.

These Tods are a good contender.


I am having trouble even pinning down a shop that could get me exactly what I want. Even Ferragamo and Gucci are a little light in this regard. I seem to get a little closer when I hit some resellers online, but I have never bought a shoe online.

I own a pair of Churchs black wingtips and they are dope. Solid shoe but the price is high for a loafer.


I dig these Ferragamo's but I cant track them down.


Any ideas out there for online shops that hold a good amount of high end shoes? Also, which way do you guys go for sole. Leather? Rubber? I am hesitant to go with rubber, but it would open up a lot of options for me.

Any one ever heard of Mezlan? Spanish made shoes. They have what looks like a decent loafer but I am unsure of the brand. They seem to fall in the Cole Haan type of category.

Post: #254

(05-17-2012 09:35 AM)RioNomad Wrote:  

(05-17-2012 12:24 AM)rudebwoy Wrote:  Rio - I wear colour, Orange being my favourite colour against my black skin.

I read an article the other day about the best colors for certain skin completions. It said dark guys should wear color. I'm white, so color doesn't work as well for me. Black guys can get away with wearing some cool shit that probably wouldn't look good on me.

This is one of my favorite style sites. Dude has some really good looks. http://mensstylepro.com/

I wonder if everyone on here thinks I'm black because of my avatar and the jacket pic that I posted a couple of times lol?

This is an interesting topic. What colors to wear. My take is, and it's not just mine, if you have dark hair/dark eyes/light skin, bottom line you want to wear contrasting colors jusy like your skin/hair/eyes are contrasting. For example, contrast your shirt with your pants and jacket. Let's say you have light skin/light eyes/light hair. Now, you don't want to contrast your clothes as much.

Post: #255

Want to drop some miscellaneous data.

First, some fashion website suggestions for your own research:

Http://www.dmarge.com/category/style
Australian mens fashion blog. Lots of good photos. Posts mainly introduce single standout pieces of a brand. Lots of unheard of niche designers. Also get the occasional season clothing line launch images. Seeing the cover image of the post can clue you in on where the look is heading. I think this blog does a good job showcasing styles that are not too "runway" and more accessible. Nevertheless, the costs are a little too much for me at this point. I usually boil down what i see to army surplus or antique store finds. Also, it gets a little mainstream GQish, and pushes hipster stuff which i hate.

Http://www.selectism.com
A balance of individual pieces and more lifestyle/ runway lifestyle. Much more season launch images of entire lines of clothing.

http://www.etsy.com/search?q=Mens%20brac...in=0&max=0
Etsy is the mecca of handcraft hobby homemade stuff. Girls love this site for finding jewelry and other junk. They guys who upload homemade stuff are most likely spergy, but i think there is a good opportunity for men to add some unique peacocking conversational pieces. If you try to hit up the hipster crowd, saying you got it off etsy is a good dhv (infield seal of approval!)

Now for some personal stuff. I tend to wear three different levels from casual to suited up.

First is pure casual. Plain solid v necks or crew tshirts with plain few-pocket shorts. Wear a teenie gold chain, various leather bracelets, throw in a fossil watch. Usually this look is for going where there are highschool/college age girls. Fossil is a cheaper brand but good for rapport. Girls around here get some popular purses from there. These Aldo shoes (no socks) really kill. Best money i ever spent.
http://www.aldoshoes.com/us/men/shoes/ca...kofutua/32

Second is middle ground. It took a while to feel comfortable this way. Solid v neck untucked over slim fit *plain front* slacks. Favorite is gray with a dark navy v-neck, sometimes blood red. The catch is to add the above linked sockless shoes. They really pop. Usually wear a seiko dive watch and a more blingy but small stainless chain. Let me preach about the value of slacks with a pair of silk boxers. The boys ride more free than rosa parks after civil rights. People are so unused to seeing a man wear slacks in a casual way, i get comments left and right, usually replying about my happy nutsack to break conversational ice.

Last is a typical suited combo. Favorite is a navy pinstripe blazer with light brown slacks. Skinny tie over white fitted shirt. Have been experimenting with more fashion-esque unbuttoned cuff rolled ATOP a pulled up blazer sleeve. I have a brass fossil watch with a big cream dial that looks like a 2 grand piece when added to the effect. Shoes ride a fine line between formal/informal loafers.

Finally i always wear gold framed gradient tinted Ray Ban Aviators. Haircuts are inspired by various euro club football haircuts.

The most important personal takeaway i would suggest is being creative with shoes. It makes hungover streetwear feel design label, and it makes suited up feel chill.

Hope this inspires some 'cocking out there.

Post: #256

I went for these Mezlan shoes in the end. So far they have been great. No where near as soft and subtle as the Guccis and Ferregamos, but surprisingly similar in construction and leather quality as the Tods and Churches. I bought them from my tailor and he only sells the handmade, made in Spain shoes. *Warning me that Mezlan also has a made in Mexico line, and he recommends avoiding them.

They are full leather sole as well, which I require on all my dress shoes.


I also bought a new pair of Persols. The folding Steve McQueen ones. They are pimp. Best shades I have ever owned. They are just enough swagger to make things interesting.





I picked this up for the fall winter/ trip back to Scandinavia. Lambskin, and amazing details. I cant wait for this to break in. The colour will be dope.

Post: #257

If I had plenty of spare money I'd dress like Ryan Gosling in "Crazy Stupid Love."


Since this is not the case, accessories are my friend. Sunglasses, a time piece, Most important Nice shoes/sneakers. Everything else casual and plain.

I rock these in this color and black on casual days


When ever I go out and actually think there might be competition dressed well
I wear these. Well something very similar



I own a nice ass Armitron watch that I purchased from Kmart, people always seem to think it's expensive and ask me about it. Never Fails

Until some fat whore sat on them I owned a pair of these




Beyond all this I have a few dress pants, nothing too fancy, and some jeans. I dress a certain way depending on my mood. I honestly wear plain kmart V-necks damn near everyday. I make sure they're tight because I have a slim athletic build.

People love the way I dress, and I live in NY ( The Fashion Capital) so that's saying a lot being that I'm not as fly as I would like to be.

Post: #258

(08-07-2012 08:12 PM)Laner Wrote:  I went for these Mezlan shoes in the end. So far they have been great. No where near as soft and subtle as the Guccis and Ferregamos, but surprisingly similar in construction and leather quality as the Tods and Churches. I bought them from my tailor and he only sells the handmade, made in Spain shoes. *Warning me that Mezlan also has a made in Mexico line, and he recommends avoiding them.

They are full leather sole as well, which I require on all my dress shoes.


I also bought a new pair of Persols. The folding Steve McQueen ones. They are pimp. Best shades I have ever owned. They are just enough swagger to make things interesting.





I picked this up for the fall winter/ trip back to Scandinavia. Lambskin, and amazing details. I cant wait for this to break in. The colour will be dope.

Those persols are great, real classic style and you can't go wrong emulating Mcqueen's style. Love that watch, in fact anyone got any hook-ups on classic watches...seems like I have to drop the cash.

Tod's are amazing, mad cool if you ask me. There is a great outlet store north of NYC if you are ever there.

Post: #259

Laner - I like those types of shoes a lot but I think they look better on guys who are 30+ or at least look that age.

Post: #260

Laner - great choice on the McQueens, I've had them since they were re-released, I must get asked about them at least twice a week. Look great on and set you apart...I love aviators as well but seems like everybody is rocking them and sports frames.

Post: #261

What I've found to work for me since I've become more muscular and lean, is to wear clothing that doesn't draw attention to itself but emphasizes my body.

* Plain and simple tees - no graphics
* Perfect fit - cut at the shoulder and not loose at the waist
* Slim fit jeans - not gay skinny or thug loose
* Nice shoes - either clean sneakers or smart casual ones
* A unbuttoned cardigan - it frames your torso

Remember, it should be about the painting, not the frame. And really, who wears dress shirts with graphic stitching, or Ed Hardy?

Plain tee:


More noticeable-but-still-simple tees:


Jeans and sneakers:


Pants and smart casual shoes:

Post: #262

(01-11-2012 03:40 PM)el mechanico Wrote:  I have a question. What do you keep in the closet to keep your clothes smelling fresh all the time? Mine has my laundry room built into it.

If you use those fabric softener sheets, you can just keep the box in your closet and your whole closet will smell like fresh laundry.

Post: #263

(09-28-2012 06:41 PM)chakri Wrote:  

(01-11-2012 03:40 PM)el mechanico Wrote:  I have a question. What do you keep in the closet to keep your clothes smelling fresh all the time? Mine has my laundry room built into it.

If you use those fabric softener sheets, you can just keep the box in your closet and your whole closet will smell like fresh laundry.

That smell fades away pretty damn quick when you're running around town. I don't even bother and just make sure they don't stink. I let my deodorant and cologne do the rest of the work.

Post: #264

I'd advise younger cats to avoid bespoke and fly threads. I've worn custom since I was 14 for prep school. When I went to a good college in the US, I was ostracized as the freak foreign kid with an expensive closet. I learned to adapt to culture there and toned it down - eventually gave most of it away to charity or buddies with decent fashion sense. Not many kids rock style at that age, you just need to be in shape and rock v-necks and nice jeans; leather jackets do some damage too if worn with boots.

As you become an upperclassman, I'd advise going business casual, it makes you look ambitious and can be equated to wearing a suit when you are older and can be played till you are around 24. You will always need to dress a notch above everyone else, keeping it simple and clean is the way to go. After that age, you should be rocking a suit, learn as much as you can about fashion and try a few suits. Go custom once you have figured out if it's your style, buy the cloth separately and get measured by a good tailor, go to a few stores you like and try their suits on, see if you like the style. Then fly to Asia and get several made for dirt cheap, you can go for heavy hitters but it's wiser to do that once your older.

For shoes, if it's a good brand in a classic style, buy it. Always shine those shoes. For watches, don't go for the gizmos or bling, classic style always trumps that - walk into any luxury watch store and look at the most simple watch, it's probably one of the more expensive ones. Remember to clean it regularly, toothpaste does a good job. Lastly, you need to wear the suit like a second skin, guys in white shoe finance jobs know this. It needs to be part of your natural swagger.

Last week I walked into a store that sells $8,000 bespoke shoes for a mystery shopping visit. I was wearing my $200 travel suit (I've quit bespoke out of practicality recently), $100 shoes (Freshly shined) and my watch (Omega). I walked in an asked about the price of shoes - sales associate stared at my shoes for a good 3 minutes. She couldn't figure out how much I was worth, eventually she gave in as I was totally at home in my threads. If you carry yourself well, with decent grooming, style and threads you can go far. Though at higher levels you really do need to go bespoke.

I now rock business casual but have 2 suits (1 BS, 1T) and 3 blazers (1 BS, 2T). I have a habit to shop strategically twice a year since clothes have become less of a priority for me over the years. Don't wear anything off the rack, pay a little more and get it tailored or if you aren't much of a shopper, go bespoke with classic style once and your closet should last you at least 3 years.

As for the daily look i'm gunning for : http://images.theage.com.au/ftage/ffxima...x455,0.jpg

Post: #265

Well said Brownman.

I feel for you on having to dress down. One of my friends growing up was from a very wealthy and classic British family. He was an only son and his dad dressed him from Harry Rosen and private school uniform. When he finished high school he still had wide open account at Harry Rosen and could just pop in and take what he wanted when he wanted.

His parents divorced and it hit him hard and he rebelled and started working for a friend as a concrete finisher. He needed to dress down, big time. But he had no idea, and would wear $600 Tods with a $40 pair of boxy levis and all sorts of combinations that would look ridiculous.

Its too bad, he never really recovered I think and ended up marrying his first "real" girlfriend and having a kid. He still works construction and his Dad has a new family. He never forgave his Dad and eventually I think his father stopped trying.

Sad story (I hope he is happy, but the cracks are still there).

Post: #266

    This is what I want my first suit to look/fit like. Can somebody give me a breakdown of it? What do I ask for at the tailor? I see the lapel is skinny, looks like two button, and spread collar. The arm holes make the coat looks like it isn't custom just tailored. Would you consider that a dark blue color? Is that considered a sports coat? Any other thoughts?

Preppin to get home. Work, gym, read, get my shit straight for return home, poker, get as much cheap shit as possible out here, and sleep. 4 more months unless I extend again. This summer is going to be crazy ha! I plan on getting 3 suits before I leave. Poker will pay for it ha.

Post: #267

That spread collar isn't flattering to the guy in the pic.

Post: #268

J-Crew has some good quality, good priced Italian wool suits.

The cut is actually very good. High arm holes (which it sounds like you want) and a slim fit. A pretty classic style, nothing to get dated. Note the pick stitching as well, it is a nice detail.

Navy is a great colour as well. Its very easy to work with, as its not so business as black, the jacket and pants can be worn separate, and it can be played a bit more fun for a night out.

I also agree that the collar does work in this situation. Might just be the angle though, as those collars can look pretty dope.

Post: #269

(11-19-2012 02:48 PM)TexasMade Wrote:  This is what I want my first suit to look/fit like. Can somebody give me a breakdown of it? What do I ask for at the tailor? I see the lapel is skinny, looks like two button, and spread collar. The arm holes make the coat looks like it isn't custom just tailored. Would you consider that a dark blue color? Is that considered a sports coat? Any other thoughts?

Preppin to get home. Work, gym, read, get my shit straight for return home, poker, get as much cheap shit as possible out here, and sleep. 4 more months unless I extend again. This summer is going to be crazy ha! I plan on getting 3 suits before I leave. Poker will pay for it ha.

This is a Ludlow suit. The lapels in combination with the roll of the lapel give it away as one.

Here's a link to the suit:
http://www.jcrew.com/mens_special_shops/.../28130.jsp

I actually bought this suit as my first suit, same color as the guy in the picture ironically enough. It put a hole in the savings I acquired from my summer job, but I felt like it was worth it. The suit is half-canvassed, and the quality of fabrics are nice. It has a slightly slimmer cut to it, high armholes, and the lapel width is a little slimmer than the standard 3-3.5" lapel. Yet, it isn't to the point that it looks cartoonish. Ultimately, I feel like the suit is a good buy if it is exactly the look you are going for (the suit costs 650$'s with the pants included). I have been looking around styleforum still, and I have found better buys than J-Crew/Suitsupply when it comes to the "off the rack" type of suits.

If you are going to a tailor to get a suit made for you, I would highly suggest you do some research first. Just because "a tailor" makes it "custom" does not mean that you are getting a good deal or a high quality suit.

Post: #270

Where do you bigger/swole guys shop. I'm having trouble finding shit that fits my city is mostly Asian dudes or twiggy hipsters so the stores don't have a big selection of sizes. I went to h&m tried on a size 42 coat and I could barely move my arms and that was their biggest size. Gap had a sale and an xl coat was too short and tight under the arms.

Post: #271

I am 6'2" and have a large chest but I like my jackets to fit snug. I use a tailor for almost everything (not t-shirts, but I have used one for my polos).

Sizing can depend on what style you are looking for. H&M is very euro sized, as are places like Zara. Try US brands, they often have a greater range of sizes.

Shoot me what style you are looking for and your budget and I can give you some suggestions.

Post: #272

Good dress shoes for dark blue jeans anyone?

Post: #273

Aldo, so good price. Mr. B's do leather soles on their shoes, so you should get a long life out of them with re soling, polishing, etc.

Post: #274

I bought the Mr B's tan brogues, people always give them a second look.

The J-crew suit is a nice grey, personally I think it is alot of money for the quality. I think you are paying alot for the name, sometimes DKNY does some nice suits for cheaper. You can also get made to measure for that price, but I find you have to get a decent tailor.

Post: #275

Damn I should've picked up some of those shoes today.

My haul: 3 v necks, 1 checkered/plaid shirt, navy trench/peacoat, Clark's desert boots, Brown suede boots, black dress shoes. All for under $400

Laner I'm trying to define my style. I'm young so I'm starting to move away from the more street style of university kids and into more classic style that fits with my age group. I'll usually wear tshirt or a vneck with dark jeans, nice coat and now I'm moving away from sneakers and skate shoes.