Wednesday, December 30, 2009

5.Essentials.For.Men.This.Fall/Winter

Listen guys, I know you'd rather wear your good old levis and worn down sneakers but let’s be real, sometimes we need a little assistance here and there, once in a while, in the dressing up department. And it’s all about ESSENTIALS! You don't need to do too much (or in a lot of cases, too little) to look good without feeling lost or out of place. Here are 5 essentials every man should have in his closet this Fall/Winter (basics that should last you more than just one year, but are completely in trend this season).

1-A.Good.White.Crisp.Shirt
No need for fancy here. Just a regular button down white crisp shirt is a MUST in any man's wardrobe. The white shirt is like the little black dress for the ladies, a classic essential!

(gap-$30/g-star-$130/diesel-$75)

2-A.Well-Tailored.Pea.Coat
Another MUST, a well tailored pea coat (or its double breasted counterpart) never goes out of style and can be worn for any occasion. Choose a neutral color like the blues or the grey's if you already have a black coat.

(g-star-$330/g-star-$430/marcbymarcjacob-$820)

3-A.Good.Fitted.Pair.Of.Jeans
Those baggy, rapperish-1990's jeans that are faded and completely ill-fitted must be thrown out! It’s time to invest in a nicely fitted pair of jeans, preferably a dark-hued one to be worn for any occasion and try to stay clear from worn out, faded or torn up jeans. Sure they are trendy and cool-looking, but you can't own a car if you don't have money for gas! Think basic first.

(j.crew-$80/levis-$60/marcbymarcjacob-$85)

4-A.Knitted.Sweater
Invest in a knitted sweater or cardigan. Sure it can make you look older, wiser, and give you more credibility...whats wrong with that? And don't forget, quality is much better than quantity, therefore invest in good quality fabrics such a cashmere, and merinos and virgin wools. Sure, it is more pricey, but they will last you more than just one season; think investment pieces.

(vince-$325/rafsimons-$365/diesel-$265)

5-A.Laced-Up.Pair.Of.Boots
Essential! Sneakers are fine, but boots are better as they are more versatile...think combat-military meets chic-dressy for a night out, a casual encounter or shovelling snow in -15 degrees outside.

(jeffrey campbell-$295/schmoove-$280/diesel-$300)


Now men, go shopping!

-The.Shoe.Freak


(source: ssense.com, revolveclothing.com, gap.com, gq.com, saksfifthavenue.com)

Tuesday, December 29, 2009

TV.Fashion.To.Watch: Mad Men

Mad men is not only a well written and acted show, but also a great reference for fashion of the late 50’s and early 60’s. The costumes and clothes, for each character are simply great. The ladies look incredibly put together and the men are sharp in their tailored suits and skinny ties. And it all seems effortless and modern. As riding boots, bows, plaids, furs and lady-like couture dominate today’s runways, its fun to see how references to earlier years are overwhelming. Many of Mad men’s costumes can be worn in today’s world, and would look straight out of a magazine. And the Men are not too shabby either with their well constructed suits, bow ties, cigarette pants, vests and cardigans.

Ladies and men should look like this, therefore, people, watch Mad men and take notes!
See below for a few shots of the cool ladies and men fashion:

or check out an interesting article below on the relationship between Mad Men and today's fashion trends:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/nour-akkad/mad-men-fashion-report-th_b_136325.html


-The.Shoe.Freak

Monday, December 28, 2009

Designers.To.Support: XV

XV is a Montreal-based fashion company offering handmade accessories that are one of a kind. This fresh new and trendy brand, formed by the talents of Xiao Wei and Vivian Lam, already have a cult hipster following, and trendy hot Montreal boutique-spot U&I carries their line.

*Prices vary as they are uniquely-crafted pieces.

See a sample of their collection below:


visit
http://xvmood.com/ for the rest of the collection.
or at U&I (3650 St Laurent, Montreal, Quebec)

-The.Shoe.Freak

A.NEW.DAY

Today is a new day...the beginning of a journey...where fashion meets the world.
The birth of The.Shoe.Freak! Enjoy!