Skinny Suits

WE'VE MOVED

2011-11-27T23:22:00.000-08:00

And by we, I really mean just me.

Blogger just wasn't cutting it for me. Well, it wasn't so much Blogger as it was myself. I found it difficult to keep it updated, and laying out the pictures was always a hassle, and the themes weren't as customizable as I would like. Anyway, everything is now hosted at www.edwardshair.net. I've been changing around the layout, so expect it to start looking better within a few weeks.

www.edwardshair.net

www.edwardshair.net

www.edwardshair.net

Suede Wingtips + Raw Denim

2011-08-18T13:20:00.000-07:00

Hey! A short post here, I mainly wanted to photograph my raw denim. The jeans are from Kasil Workshop, and they're a mid-weight selvedge denim. Very nice quality. Since this is my first pair of raw denim, I wanted to document the fading process by posting looks with them every few weeks or so. Now that I have some semi-decent pictures of them, I will now proceed to wear them until they can be worn no more. Stay tuned!

Shirt by H&M, jeans by Kasil Workshop, shoes by Hawkings McGill, watch by Timex

Kasil Workshop


Selvedge.

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Why You Should Care About Brand Names

2011-08-17T01:06:00.000-07:00

Oftentimes when I'm talking to someone about clothing, I'll casually ask what one of his or her favorite designers or brands are, to which I get a response vaguely similar to:

I don't care about brands; brands are silly and useless. I just wear what I want and don't worry about designer labels! Tee hee!

No.

One of the most important parts of creating your own style is knowing where to get good clothing. If you're familiar with many different brands and how they fit, you'll have a much easier time of finding clothes that look nice and make you look nice. By knowing what brands fit you well and generally have a style you like you'll be able to more easily pick out clothes than you otherwise would be.

Example: when I go out shopping, I know that most things from H&M aren't the greatest quality, but I know that size medium will most likely fit me well. I also know that I'm size 33 in Levi's jeans and pants and that they always rip at the crotch, and I also know that all of their jackets are too short for my frame. I also know that everything from J. Lindeberg in size medium fits me perfectly and is great quality, and I know that I'm size small in Gant, but size medium in Gant Rugger. I also know that the sleeves on Ben Sherman shirts are always too short for me, and I know that everything from Ed Hardy is really ugly.

You see? I know the strengths and weaknesses of these brands, so I know what to gravitate towards and what to avoid. Knowing this stuff saves me a lot of time, and it makes shopping much more productive.

Of course, you shouldn't be a brand snob and buy stuff only because of the brand name. Rather, you should use the brand name as a general indicator of fit, quality, and style, and then assess each piece by itself.

The moral of the story: brand names are helpful.

Bow Tie + Oxford Shirt + Brown Leather

2011-08-08T02:23:00.000-07:00

I like wearing bow ties. Everyone notices a guy in a bow tie. Sure, some people might make fun of him, but deep down inside, they wish they had the confidence and style to pull off a bow tie. And just a reminder:

Clip on bow ties are NOT cool.

Clip on bow ties are only acceptable if you are:

Under the age of six

Seriously, they're not very difficult to tie. There are hundreds on tutorials on the internet. Just follow one and practice. You're not an infant, you can do it. Unless, of course, you are a infant. In which case, I commend you on reading this early. Good job!

Also, these jeans are from Kasil Workshop (same pair as in my last post). Seriously, a great pair of jeans. Not only do they fit well, they also look good. They're comfortable, and I can tell they'll last me a long while. Thumbs up!

Shirt and portfolio by Topman, tie and belt by Ralph Lauren, jeans by Kasil Workshop, shoes by Bostonian, watch by Timex.

Yes, I realize how poorly I tied this. Don't judge, yo.

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Sailboat Shirt - Kasil Workshop Jeans

2011-08-04T22:22:00.000-07:00

I love clothing with small prints on it, like cowboys, flowers, dots, or in this case, sailboats. They're a way to have fun with clothing, while otherwise remaining serious. In other words, keepin' it real, yo. Plus, it's a fun way to stand out from the crowd without being too ostentatious. From a distance it looks like a shirt with some sort of geometric pattern, but once you get closer, BAM! Sailboats! Anyway, the point is, prints don't have to be tacky. Pair them with otherwise conservative pieces and you'll look great.

And I want to make a special note of the jeans here. They're from Kasil Workshop, and they fit me pretty much perfectly. Without a doubt some of the best fitting pants I've ever owned. I officially give them my stamp of approval. Well, it's not an actual stamp, per se, but, whatever, just look at the pictures.

Shirt by Hawkings McGill, jeans by Kasil Workshop, shoes by Bostonian, watch by Urban Outfitters, bracelet by Barrett Alley

Kasil Workshop jeans

I've taken to wearing leather bracelets. Did someone say "bandwagon"?

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Floral Tie, Floral shirt

2011-08-03T00:17:00.000-07:00

So my friend Spencer over at ProprPostur and I decided to do a floral outfit collaboration.

Floral? But that's for hipster girls! And my grandmother!

Not so! It takes a very confident, self assured man to wear floral prints. The kind of guy who is so secure in himself that it doesn't matter if you think his floral tie is girly. If you're wimpy, forget about it.

I don't know what it is, but I love floral patterns. And not just clothing, either. I love floral wallpapers, bedspreads, even kitchenware. I've always found it to be easy on the eyes, almost relaxing. Anyway, I just wore a floral tie. Not very daring, but still fun.

Sweater and shirt by H&M, tie and bag by Topman, pants by Ben Sherman, shoes by Bostonian


You wish you were wearing this.

Spencer was much more daring. He wore a floral shirt with denim jeans, and topped it off with a red blazer. Basically what I'm trying to say is he's way cooler than I am. You can see more of his style at his site, ProprPostur.

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Pink + Blue

2011-07-08T16:17:00.000-07:00

The other day, I felt important, so I tried to dress the part. Here are some pictures:

Suit by H&M, shirt by H&M, tie by Urban Outfitters x J Press, shoes by Florsheim, tie bar by The Tie Bar

Yes, I know I'm not wearing socks, and I've already received a ton of criticism for it. My response: it was really hot outside.

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Wannabe James Dean - Buffalo Jeans

2011-07-01T12:13:00.000-07:00

The other day, I woke up feeling like James Dean (not like P. Diddy, contrary to popular belief). So I broke out the leather jacket and beat up jeans and tried to look cool. Whether or not I looked cool is totally objective (e.g., didn't look cool at all), but here are some pictures!

Jeans by Buffalo David Bitton, jacket by William Rast, shirt by H&M, boots by ASOS, sunglasses by Ray-Ban

Big thanks to Buffalo David Bitton for the jeans!

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White Jeans - DOCTRINE DENIM

2011-06-27T11:22:00.000-07:00

White jeans: love them or hate them, there are few things more comfortable to be wearing on a blazing sunny day. They're great, because the sunlight reflects off them, which keeps you cool, and from a distance, kind of makes you look like an angel. Or so I hear.

The real problem is that white jeans are difficult to wear. They're not the easiest piece to style. The best thing is to make sure you have a good pair of jeans. This pair is from DOCTRINE DENIM, and it's their slouchy fit. It's a relaxed fit, but they still look clean and structured. Perfect for those days when it's too hot for your regular 14 oz. denim. Here are some pictures:

Jeans by DOCTRINE DENIM, sweater by Gant, shirt by H&M, tie by Ralph Lauren, shoes by Bostonian, sunglasses by Ray-Ban


This picture is totally not staged, contrary to popular belief.

If you decide you're cool enough to wear white denim, here are a few tips to keep in mind.

Wearing white jeans with a black shirt will make you look like a penguin. Perfect if you have happy feet, not so perfect otherwise. Navy blue is better.

Wearing white jeans with a white top will make you look like you're wearing pajamas. Perfect if they are your pajamas, not so perfect otherwise.

Wearing obscenely tight white jeans will make you look awful. Perfect if you like looking awful, not so perfect otherwise. Tight jeans are perfectly acceptable in other colors, but for white, opt for just a bit more room.

What do you think? Leave a comment, let me know.

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Preppy Sweater

2011-06-21T12:58:00.000-07:00

Have you ever seen a piece of clothing and instantly knew that it was perfect for you? That's how I felt with this sweater. There was absolutely no hesitation or doubt in my mind as I purchased it.

I like basic v-neck sweaters, but they bore me. With most v-necks your whole torso is one uniform color, which is fine sometimes, but it gets boring after a while. That's really why I was drawn to this sweater, because the stripes really add another dimension to the sweater, but still keepz things versatile. But whatever. Here are some pictures.

Sweater by J. Lindeberg, shirt by Dolce & Gabbana, tie by Tommy Hilfiger, pants by Levi's, shoes by Bostonian, watch by Urban Outfitters

Thoughts? Criticisms? Leave a comment!

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Varsity Jacket + Doctrine Denim

2011-06-13T23:23:00.000-07:00

I have a secret obsession with the 80's. Not all of the 80's; there are plenty of things I'm glad were left in the past. But I do love some of the music and fashions. I especially love 80's inspired music. A couple of years back I listened to the album 1986 by Kavinsky, and not only was I impressed by the music (it's a great album) but also by Kavinksy's fashion. Take a look at the album cover:

1986 by Kavinsky

Come on, you have to admit this is like the coolest way anyone has ever worn a varsity jacket. After listening to the album, I knew I had to get a varsity jacket. Behold, two years later, I finally found a nice one. It's a definite staple in my wardrobe.

You'll notice that the jacket is from ASOS. I don't play any sports (I actually hate sports lololol), so it doesn't have any relation to any sport. Just thought I'd get that out there.

The jeans here are from an up and coming brand called Doctrine Denim. I had been wearing the same pair of jeans for two years, but I'm definitely making these my new go to jeans. They fit amazingly. They slim the leg but don't restrict movement at all. I definitely recommend them. They are without a doubt the nicest jeans I have ever owned.

Jacket by ASOS, shirt by Just a Cheap Shirt, jeans by DOCTRINE DENIM, shoes by Converse

Oh, you know, just chillin' in the Food4Less parking lot.

Paparazzi shot

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Casual Clothes for a Casual Day

2011-06-06T23:42:00.000-07:00

I have a pair of red PF Flyers, but I'm always at a loss for what to wear them with. They seemed like such a good purchase at the time, but I haven't worn them very often. The main problem I have is that when when I wear them with jeans, my outfit feels too casual, and I never knew what else to pair them with. Then, a magical spark of inspiration hit me (all my other pants were in the wash), and I decided to wear the sneakers with a pair a gray wool pants.

Shirt by Just a Cheap Shirt, pants by H&M, shoes by PF Flyers, watch by Urban Outfitters

This is what I do with my lips right after I apply chapstick, which, due to this dry weather, is every five minutes.

Watch detail.

I don't know why, but the wool pants make this outfit work in a way that jeans couldn't. It makes things serious enough for me to not look like a little kid in red sneakers, but still casual enough for running errands.

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Bow Tie + Gingham Shirt

2011-05-25T00:20:00.000-07:00

I bought a gingham shirt with a white contrast collar a while back, and had no idea how to wear it. Then, one morning, I had no other clean shirts, so I was forced to make this one work somehow. I'm not trying to brag, but man, did I make it work.

Suit and shirt by H&M, tie and belt by Ralph Lauren, shoes by Bostonian

I forgot where I got the pocket square from.

This definitely turned out to be one of my favorite outfits ever. There was something about the contrast between the collar and the gingham pattern on the shirt that really made the bow tie stand out. I don't think it would have worked as well any other way.

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What I Wore to Prom

2011-05-18T11:53:00.000-07:00

After my previous post, What to Wear to Prom, in which I was rudely condescending and acted like I knew everything, I'm sure you're all wondering what I wore to prom. Wonder no more!

Suit by H&M, shirt by Dolce & Gabbana, tie and pocket square by The Tie Bar, shoes by Florsheim, sunglasses by Ray Ban


Notice the black piping on the pocket square. Notice it.

The smallest of accessories make the biggest of differences.

The suit was pretty slim cut already, but I still had to have the waist and sleeves taken in. No matter what suit you buy, you're probably going to have to it altered.

Also notice the outfit was incredibly simple. There really was nothing fancy about it. I focused on the fit and details rather than trying to wear crazy colors. Keep it simple, you want people to be looking at your date's outfit, not yours. That doesn't mean you should dress poorly; you should look incredibly sharp, but don't outshine your date by trying to wear crazy colors and stuff like that. She put more thought into her outfit than you did for yours.

Another thing to note is that the suit was a dark navy, not black. It really doesn't matter which you choose; it's a personal preference, really. Under indoor lights, midnight navy looks like a richer shade of black. I went with navy because I couldn't find a black suit that was well cut. Navy also will make you stand out from the crowd a bit more, as everyone else will be wearing a rented black suit.

You might also notice that I'm not wearing a belt. Again, keeping things really simple. Formal outfits are about clean, simple lines, and a belt would have broken the lines. Either wear button suspenders, or have pants that fit extremely well.

Most beautiful girl at the prom.

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Why Your Blog Sucks

2011-05-17T14:12:00.000-07:00

My reaction to most blogs.

I hate ninety-five percent of all blogs. Mainly fashion blogs, but my hatred and disdain also apply to personal Tumblrs and Twitters and blogs of all types.

But Edward!!!! How could you possibly say that you hate all these blogs??? You're just a meanie!!!

Maybe so, but at least I'm an honest meanie. Why do I think most blogs suck? Here are a few reasons.

No original content

I try to read a wide variety of fashion blogs to expand my sartorial horizons, but it's hard finding one that isn't just pictures reposted ("stolen") from some fashion show. The worst thing about these blogs is that they often offer no commentary on the pictures they post! What's the point of having a blog like that, when I can just see the same pictures, except in better quality, on the designer's website?

Now don't get me wrong, there's nothing wrong with posting other's pictures, but when you don't even offer your thoughts, it's not even really your blog. There's nothing interesting about it. Take your own pictures, or write interesting commentaries. Or both.

Blogging for followers

When I'm on Tumblr, and I see someone posting one of those, "promote me and I'll promote you!!!11one" I instantly unfollow. I have a Tumblr because I like to read about what's going on in people's lives, and I like to see amazing photographs, and I like to talk to some pretty cool people. I don't want my feed to be littered with spam.

Whatever you're blogging about, you should love it. You should be doing it even if you didn't have any followers. Having followers is great, and knowing that people are looking at your stuff is even better, but no one wants to looks at a page full of promos. When you really start posting because you love to be posting, that's when people will start reading your blog.

Poor/uninteresting writing

A year or so back, this young girl asked to interview me for her fashion blog. I checked it out, and was pretty appalled at the writing. She tried to use complicated words when a simple word would suffice, and the writing was very unnatural sounding. I could totally tell it wasn't part of her everyday vernacular, so the writing was not only uninteresting, but it also sounded really fake.

But then on the other hand, I see blogs where people write like, "omg went 2 teh mall bught teh cutest shoes ever they r so kewl lolol xd :p"

How can you even read that?

The blogs that are the easiest to read have the simplest writing. Don't try to be fancy. Unless you really are fancy, in which case, go for it, because you're just keeping it real, nam sayn' dawg??

The point is, write in a way that's interesting to read. You're not writing an instruction manual, and you're not writing a text message.

In conclusion

I'm not saying my blog is the best blog out there (we all know it is, but, that's not what I'm getting at). What I am saying, is that you should be having fun with your blog. Make it your own. Don't try to be something you're not. When you really get into it and start writing for enjoyment, people will start reading. And even if they don't, you'll be having fun, so it won't matter.

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Skinny Jeans + Blazer (Part 2)

2011-05-11T22:48:00.000-07:00

Vaguely similar to my previous post, I'm wearing black skinny jeans and a navy blazer. I wanted to use similar pieces but create a different feeling to the look. I think it definitely has a different vibe than the last outfit.

Blazer and shirt by H&M, jeans by Levis, shoes by Florsheim, belt by Polo Ralph Lauren, tie by Tommy Hilfiger, collar bar by The Tie Bar, watch by Bulova

Also notice that I got a haircut.

Also notice that I have some facial hair going on.

Same with last outfit, the accessories really pull everything together. The outfit would suck without the collar bar and the pocket square. It's interesting that the smallest things can make the biggest difference.

What do you think?

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Skinny Jeans + Blazer

2011-04-20T22:58:00.000-07:00

Recently, I was pretty sick, so I lost a lot of weight (mostly muscle). And so, none of my clothes fit the same. Some look better, some look worse. My suits, in particular, looked worse. The jackets fit fine, but the once slim pants are now really loose, and totally ruin the silhouette. Fortunately, I found an old pair of black skinny jeans that were previously obscenely tight, but now are only moderately tight. So for church on Sunday, I decided to pair the black skinny jeans with a gray suit jacket. Here's what I came up with.

Jacket by H&M, shirt by H&M, tie by Ben Sherman, jeans by Levis, boots by ASOS, glasses by Ray-Ban

Looking down due to teen angst.

Because it's really necessary to see what an outfit looks like from behind.

Please note the tie bar and pocket square.

In retrospect, I should have worn shoes instead of boots, because the boots mess with the silhouette of the jeans, since they're so tight. Maybe that's not a problem, but it's something to keep in mind.

Also note the accessories: the tie bar and the pocket square. Without them, the ensemble would look a tad too plain, especially since the black jeans are so plain. They really have no texture.

How would you wear skinny jeans and a blazer?

Prom: What to Wear (Guide for Guys)

2011-04-15T23:29:00.000-07:00

Around this time of year many high school students start preparing for prom. And by high school students, I really mean only the girls. I expect most guys don't put very much thought into what they're going to wear. While most girls are out looking for the perfect dress months in advance, most guys settle on the first suit they find, or worse, rent some cheap tuxedo. Really, it isn't fair that girls get all dressed up while their dates usually usually look like they're wearing their older cousin's hand-me-downs. For all the guys looking to step up their style, this post is for you.

What NOT to wear

First of all, remember that a prom is formal. That means no jeans, sneakers, t-shirts, or anything else casual. Everything you wear has to be formal. However, there's a lot of nonsense that passes as formal wear, so here's a list of things that will make you look a tool:

Her smile is a smile of disdain.

Sneakers with a suit are not formal. You may think by matching them to your vest or tie, you somehow have more "swag" than everyone else. The only thing you have more of is stupidity. Cut it out.
Those shiny, colorful sequined vests, with the bright matching tie? Wrong. And matching them to your date's dress is worse. (Pictured)
Don't even think about going without a suit jacket. Not for one second.
Square toed shoes are not appropriate for prom. Actually, they're not appropriate for anywhere. Burn them.
Unless you have model good looks, don't go all flashy. Even if you have model good looks, you should still probably not be flashy.
Black shirts should be avoided if you want people to take you seriously.

Now that we have some basic "Do Nots" out of the way, we can start focusing on what you should wear.

Match the formality of your date.

Before anything else, you should make sure what your date will wear. If she's going to wear a glamorous dress, you should match it up with a glamorous tuxedo. But if she's going more casual and simple, you should too, with a simple suit. Going by yourself? Look as glamorous and as sharp as possible. You definitely want to be the best dressed of all the guys. And girls, too; might as well. That way everyone will be too fixated on how good you look instead of the fact that you don't have a date.

Your suiting options.

You are either going to wear a suit, or a tuxedo. You don't have any other options. Deal with it.

Best choice: black tuxedo, or a midnight navy tuxedo.
Next best choice: black suit, or a midnight navy suit.
Okay choices: dark gray suit. navy suit, a lighter gray suit.

You don't have to wear a tuxedo. If you can afford one that fits well, than you certainly should wear one, but if you don't have the resources, then a well fitting black or midnight navy suit will work just as well. Midnight navy or black? It's up to you. Some say black is more formal, but others say that a really dark blue is darker than black, and looks better under indoor lighting. Your choice. You definitely don't want to go with light blue here. Dark gray can also work, but I think it tends to make you look like you just got off of work. A lighter gray might be better, but that's only if you can't get your hands on something else.

Most importantly, whatever you choose, make sure it fits well. It should be very slim fitting, and the pants should be hemmed correctly. Make sure the sleeves show half an inch of shirt cuff. If your suit doesn't fit well, no matter what style it is, it's going to look bad. So be sure to take it to a tailor and have the necessary alterations done. This really isn't an optional step. It will make your suit (and therefore, you) look so much better. Trust me; it's worth the extra money.

"But can't I just rent a tuxedo?"

Haha! Good one. Why spend 100 dollars renting a tuxedo that looks cheap and doesn't fit well when you could spend a little bit more money to buy your own tuxedo or suit that you can wear for the rest of your life? Weddings happen, funerals happen, formal dinners happen, so you'll need a nice suit for all these occasions, so the suit will pay for itself in just a few formal events.

"What shoes do I wear?"

You should wear black shoes. Black round-toe leather shoes with a leather sole. No square toes or rubber soles. The laces should be straight, and you should polish the shoes the night before. Brown shoes are great, but they're more fitting for daytime and less formal events.

"Cummerbunds? Vests?"

No. Unless the vest you're wearing is part of a three piece suit, then don't. Keep it simple. But if you do happen to wear a three piece suit, then feel free to take your jacket off, because vests are really cool looking. It drives the ladies wild. Or so I've heard.

"Shirt color? Bow ties? Regular ties?"

White shirts are best. It should be as perfect as you can get, because a great shirt will take attention away from any faults of the suit. If you wanted to compliment colors with your date, feel free to wear a pale blue or pale pink shirt, as either of them will look great with a black or blue suit. Again, make sure the shirt fits extremely well. You might think it doesn't matter because the shirt will be covered by your jacket, but trust me, it does. Ill-fitting shirts become untucked really easily, and can ruin the silhouette of the suit.

And you do NOT wear a black shirt unless you want to look like a cat burglar or a member from a lame punk band.

As for ties, you really have a lot of freedom here. If you want to go really formal, then go for a black bow tie. It doesn't matter what GQ says, clip on bow ties are not acceptable. Learn to tie one; it isn't that difficult. Or you can keep it almost as formal with a black tie. Wear whatever tie you desire, just make sure it matches your outfit, obviously, and make sure the width of the tie roughly (doesn't have to be exact) matches the width of the lapels on your jacket. Remember to keep things formal.

"Accessories?"

A nice black leather watch is appropriate, and can really add some depth to your outfit. If you don't have one, try to borrow one. If you can't, don't sweat it too much, but really try to get your hands on one for the night. Make sure the color of the metal on the face and buckle of the watch match the metal on your belt (gold with gold, silver with silver, etc.)

Your socks should match your pants. It doesn't have to be exact, just within the general shade. Feel free to wear socks with subtle stripes or patterns. I wouldn't recommend especially loud socks for formal events. I think they'll detract from your outfit during formal situations. Or if you're really daring, try going with no socks. By no socks, I really mean socks so low cut that no one can tell you're wearing socks. Once again, not a feat for the faint of heart, but it can look good. Tread carefully.

You should wear a thin leather black belt, to match your leather shoes. I think silver buckles look best with black, but it's really up to you. Make sure the belt isn't scratched up or anything. Or you can wear suspenders, as long as they're button on suspenders (not clip ons). Up to you. Belts are much easier, though. However, if you're wearing a tuxedo, then you can't wear a belt. You have to wear silk suspenders. And they definitely can't be clip on suspenders. So plan accordingly. But if your pants fit really well, you could just forgo the belt and suspenders, but that's only if your pants fit perfectly at the waist.

If you're wearing a regular tie, a tie clip is a nice touch. Just make sure it's not scratched up.

As for pocket squares, they aren't necessary, but they look cool. The easiest option is to use a white cotton pocket square, and fold it so just the tip shows up, like this:


Brandon Flowers is always appropriate.

Silk pocket squares can also look great, but they're a lot more difficult. If you're really good with colors and textures, then by all means, go for it. But remember that there's beauty in simplicity.

Wear a French cuff shirt if you can, and wear nice cufflinks. You can really be pretty creative with the cufflinks. Don't have a French cuff shirt? Don't worry about it, you can get away with a regular button cuff.

"What if I look better than my date?"

A valid concern. Thankfully you can't really compare men's and women's fashion so you can't really look "better" than her. Whew! Disaster averted!

Most importantly:

Be sure to wear a smile. And be sure to have fun. Sounds cheesy, but looking great won't matter if you don't have a good time, so enjoy yourself!

Need help with your outfit? Think this post sucks? Leave a comment, or email SkinnySuits@me.com.

Ask Skinny Suits: What do I wear on a night out?

2011-04-09T00:01:00.000-07:00

This is a new section of the site, where I'll try to answer any of your sartorial minded questions. What to wear, how to wear, does this make me look fat, etc. Email any questions or comments to SkinnySuits@me.com.

Kunal asks:

I was wondering what your thoughts are on wearing a light shirt w/ black skinny suspenders and jeans at a nightclub in NYC. I am a 23 years old male(if it matters). Can you please give me some tips on what(and how) to wear for a night out?

Deciding what to wear can definitely be the most difficult decision of the day. It can be even more daunting if you don't know the formality of the situation, or what your friends will be wearing, or where you'll be going. I confess, I'll often get completely dressed and right before I walk out the door, I'll go back and totally change my outfit, just because it doesn't feel right. So you're not alone in this.

As a general rule: Dress Up

Always be dressed slightly better than where you expect to be. I'm not saying you have to wear a tuxedo to a family barbeque, but you should always make sure you're dressed well enough that if an international supermodel drives up in a Maserati, you won't be in sweatpants. Unlikely, but hey, you never know. You never know who you might meet at that quick trip to the grocery store, so be prepared.

From what I understand, most nightclubs have a dress code, so you probably won't want to look sloppy. A light button front shirt, jeans, and skinny suspenders would be perfectly appropriate. It's not a difficult outfit to pull off, but there are a few things you have to keep in mind.

The jeans need to fit really well. Skinny/slim jeans are best, but not too tight, obviously. Don't even try wearing baggy jeans with suspenders. You'll look like a kid who gets all his clothes as hand-me-downs from his older cousin. Also, the jeans should be a clean, dark indigo rinse, with minimal fading (none is best). No faded, beat up, or torn jeans. Also, you can wear black jeans, but just make sure they aren't faded or turning gray.
A light colored button front shirt is perfect. Light colored, not dark, because we all know how I feel about dark colored dress shirts. I recommend a light blue shirt, not white. I think plain white shirts often come off as too formal, and light blue is nice to most complexions, and works great for both casual and formal situations (and everywhere in between). A light gray is also very nice. The shirt should be fitted at the waist, and should have high, slim armholes, so it won't become untucked when you're getting your groove on. That's another thing, make sure to tuck in your shirt. Don't even think about leaving it untucked.
Make sure to wear leather shoes. Black, if the suspenders are black. Don't wear any shoes with square toes. Just, don't.
I'm going to assume the suspenders are clip on suspenders. If so, it's totally okay to wear them with jeans, but don't wear them with dress pants. Clip on suspenders with dress pants just aren't right.
And most importantly, wear a smile. Sounds cheesy, but hey, life's better when you smile.

Hopefully this has been of some help. Have any comments or criticisms? Leave a comment!

My Leather Biker Jacket

2011-03-31T23:28:00.000-07:00

For quite a while, I've wanted a leather biker jacket (as opposed to any other type of leather jacket). I picked this one up a few months ago, and have since worn it very, very much. It's from Justin Timberlake's brand William Rast. To be honest, I don't think most of the brand is worth wearing, but the leather jackets (they have quite a few) are superb. Just the right length; fitted, but not tight. Great silhouette, and the asymmetrical zipper is a great touch. If you search around on eBay you can find some for pretty cheap, around $200, which really is a steal for good quality leather.

Up close view of the leather jacket.

What differentiates biker jackets from any other type of jackets are the large lapels, the asymmetrical zipper, the many other zippers, and just the general embellishment. Here's a far away view:


I was having a bad face day, so I looked down.

Note that I'm six foot three inches and this jacket is a size medium, so it probably won't be too short for most people.

How do I wear a leather jacket?

The really cool thing about leather jackets is that they can be dressed up and they can be dressed down. Wear one to church (like I did) with a white shirt, a rep stripe tie, and gray wool trousers. Or wear it to school with skinny jeans, sneakers, and a plaid shirt. Or wear it to a family dinner with a crisp shirt, a gray sweater vest, and nice jeans. Or wear it with a white v-neck t-shirt and skinny pants while you go to bail your cousin out of jail. It really is a versatile piece of clothing, and definitely deserves a spot in everyone's wardrobe.

Most importantly, a well fitting leather jacket makes anyone at least 2.5 times cooler.

No One Cares Where Your Clothes Came from.

2011-03-30T23:21:00.000-07:00

We've all met him, in some way or another. You know, that guy. The guy who's always talking about how much his house is worth. Or how much he paid for his brand new Italian sports car. Or how expensive his shoes were. Or how his suit was custom made on Savile Row. Whatever, it doesn't matter the thing, it's just rude. And annoying. People may be friendly to him on the surface, but deep down, they resent him for being so flashy.

You see, when people like that flaunt about how much they spent on, let's say, a pair of shoes, they're really trying to put themselves above you. They're trying to say that their shoes are better than your shoes because they paid more money for them. I'm better than you because my things are nicer.

This really comes from insecurity. A really secure person, who doesn't care what others think about him, wouldn't even care what you thought about his shoes, let alone how much he paid for them. And why should he? He doesn't justify himself based on what others think about him.

Remember: No one cares how expensive your clothes are.

But Edward! I don't do this! How could you possibly think I would be this rude?!?!

You have a valid point, voice in my head. I really doubt any of us actually flaunt our wealth. In fact, most of us don't have wealth to flaunt. However, things slip out in everyday conversation, without even realizing it. For example, I complimented this girl on her shoes once, and she said, "Thanks; they're Dolce & Gabbana."

In my humble opinion, this is the same thing as flaunting one's wealth. All I really said was that she had nice shoes, but she had to go and point out their brand name. Seriously, unless someone asks for the brand name, keep it to yourself. Same thing as bragging, even if subconsciously.

Remember: No one cares what brand you're wearing.

But Edward! I would never do this! I'm actually very thrifty and never pay for than 75 cents for any of my clothes!

This brings me to my last, and perhaps most relevant point. Perhaps even more than my disdain for people that flaunt their wealth is my disdain for people who flaunt their thriftiness.

"I never pay more than 10 dollars for any of my clothes"

"I only shop at thrift stores"

"I would never pay full price for anything"

The absolute worst is when I compliment someone on a piece of clothing, and they tell me it was on sale, or they got it a thrift store, or whatever. I didn't ask where you got it, I just said it looked nice. Guess what? People who say stuff like this are saying it because of the same reason people who brag about their wealth do: pride. When you constantly tell people of your thriftiness, you're really putting them down, because you think you're better than them because you're too smart to pay full price.

I'm guilty of this. I'm sure you have been at some point, too. Thrift stores have become a trend in the past few years, and people think it's cool to tell everyone that they shop at thrift stores, because they're too cool for retail stores, or whatever. Keep that to yourself.

Remember: No one cares how little you paid for your clothes.

So whenever, someone compliments me on something I'm wearing, I just say smile, say thanks, and change the subject. Unless they specifically ask for more info about it, that's all you really need to do.

Now I know that not everyone who does stuff like this does it because they want to degrade someone, who because they want to feel superior. However, that's the way it comes off. Hey, don't blame me, it's just the way it is.

Saddle Shoes!

2011-03-28T12:37:00.000-07:00

Saddle shoes are awesome. More casual than plain leather lace-ups, but more dressed up than sneakers. To me, they've always carried a youthful connotation. They are certainly better at expressing one's youthfulness than sneakers are.

But Edward! What are saddle shoes?

Ah, I'm so glad you asked, imaginary voice in my head. Saddle shoes are basically lace up shoes with a contrasting leather strip that covers the eyelets and runs down to the outsole. Like these:


My beautiful Cole Haan saddle shoes

Also, most saddle shoes have a strip of leather that runs down the back of the shoes, like this:

If I wasn't me, I'd be jealous of me.

And most saddle shoes have rubber soles, which gives them a casual air. And it also makes them very comfortable for walking around the town. And running around the town. And running from the police.

But Edwardddddd!!!! How do I wear saddle shoes??!?

You'd be surprised at how easy it is to match saddle shoes with your outfits. I wouldn't wear them with most suits, as they're not formal enough to match well with very fine materials. However, they look great with a light cotton or linen summer suit, especially if you go sockless.

As for casual outfits, they go with pretty much anything. Jeans, khakis, whatever. They look especially great with no socks and a rolled up pant. The possibilities are endless.

What do you think of saddle shoes?

The Ugliest Word in the English Language

2011-03-25T22:13:00.000-07:00

Webster's Dictionary defines "classy" as:

A: having or showing class
B: having or reflecting high standards of personal behavior
C: admirably skillful and graceful

Personally, this is how I define "classy"

A: a disgusting word usually used by someone of no class to describe another person of no class doing something of no class, like posting drunken picture on Facebook
B: See A
C: See A

I'll admit this seems a tad harsh, but it's the only way to express my disdain for this word.

It seems the word was once used appropriately, but thanks to people who misuse it, it's meaning is now the opposite of what it once was. The problem is that people (mainly teenage girls; but not you, I know my readers are too cool for that) started using it to describe something that's definitely not reflecting high standards of personal behavior. They started using it sarcastically, except now the sarcastic meaning has become the real meaning.

Told you so.

But Edward! Me and my friends use the word classy all the time and we aren't like that at all! You're mean!

But aren't there better words for describing something full of class? Maybe it's just me, but I have a hard time taking anything described as "classy" seriously.

Let's all expand our vocabularies and never use this word again.

This blog shall not die!

2011-03-23T10:33:00.000-07:00

I've been pretty occupied and uninspired these past few months, so there haven't been many (read: any) posts of late. But have no fear! I have so many things to write about (read: complain), so in the next few weeks expect actual content.

Thanks for reading!

Mickey Mouse Sweater!

2010-12-27T11:51:00.000-08:00

I got this Mickey Mouse sweater for Christmas. I do say, it fits pretty perfectly. Also, it was pretty much the perfect day for pictures. The light was great and there were leaves everywhere. Did you all have a nice Christmas? What were the best gifts you got? What about the worst? Let me know!

Interview with NBC's TheFeast.com

2010-12-21T13:22:00.000-08:00

Recently I was interviewed for TheFeast.com, a website owned and operated by NBC Universal. Be sure to check it out and share it with your friends on Facebook and post it on your refrigerator.

Read it here.

Umbrellas and such

2010-12-21T13:03:00.000-08:00

It was raining all day on Sunday, but it wasn't very cold, so an umbrella was necessary, but a coat wasn't. This is the outfit I came up with. Not very interesting, but I think the simplicity is the reason it works so well with the umbrella. The shirt is pale blue, but it looks white under the light. BUT IT'S BLUE!

Also: notice the tie bar. STYLE POINTS!

Also also: notice the boots. It just wouldn't have been right to wear my lace-ups when the streets and sidewalks were wet. From a completely practical point of view, chelsea boots are much more appropriate for wet weather, seeing as they are much more water proof than a pair of wingtips are.

Because I love to stroll up and down my street in suits.

Also, if anyone has any suggestions about the layout of this blog, let me know! I'm really bad when it comes to design, so that's why the site looks as messy as it does.

Also also also: if there is anything you would like to see on this blog, let me know!

More Jumping Nonsense

2010-12-14T11:30:00.000-08:00

I really didn't feel like wearing a tie the other day, but most of the times suits look pretty boring without that strip of silk. So I put on a cardigan vest instead! I liked how it gave the outfit a more casual feel, even though it was still a suit. The open collar also added to the laid back look. Here is another picture:

Totally natural.

Also! The buttons on the shirt are the same color as the sweater! Is that awesome or what?

Blog Lovin'

2010-11-24T20:42:00.001-08:00

Follow my blog with bloglovin

The ugliest sweater I could find

2010-11-24T20:13:00.000-08:00

I had to take a picture, simply because the clouds were so nice. Maybe I should have changed; my outfit was kind of sloppy. It was super cold that morning though, and the sweater keeps me warmer than a jacket does.

Here are some more pictures.

SEXY FACE

Unnatural pose.

I'll be honest: although I like wearing a sweater like this occasionally, I really do prefer jackets, or at least thinner sweaters. They're so much more comfortable.

Remember what I said about wearing sunglasses indoors?

2010-11-22T21:10:00.000-08:00

Yeah, well, I take it back. It's just way too much trouble to take them off every time I walk into a building, especially if I'll only be inside for a few minutes. Also, on those days when I only get like two hours of sleep and I feel horrible and I look like a mix between an old man and a pug, sunglasses are just perfect, because they hide my tired eyes, and I can nap when I'm walking.

Obviously, I'm not going to wear sunglasses during a class, but at the mall? Maybe.

But, whatever you do, don't be this guy:

"Which way is the jerk convention?"

Richie

2010-11-17T18:49:00.000-08:00

This wonderful photograph was taken from the book, Suburbia, by Bill Owens. What a cool kid. I wish I was that cool when I was a kid.

Actually, I wish I was that cool now.

Say no to dark dress shirts

2010-11-16T19:55:00.000-08:00

This man is not cool.

When most men go shopping in preparation of a formal event, like a wedding, or funeral, or prom, or inaugural ball, they tend to gravitate towards dark dress shirt, as if dark dress shirt are even remotely attractive. Well, they're not. Just look at that guy. I could end this post right now, with my point proven, but I shall continue!

I have always thought that dark dress shirts are really unattractive. Dark red, black, deep blue, dark purple; gross. They just don't look good. They tend to look washed out, and tend to be made by cheap brands, so because they are darker in color, you can easily see that they are cheaply made.

I have also always though that "royal" blue shirts are equally horrible,.

Unacceptable.

Seriously. Your hair color, skin tone, and even the color of your suit will look way better with a white shirt, a pale blue, shirt, even a pink shirt. Come on, who would you rather look like?

This guy...

...or THIS guy.

It's a very real choice. Now, sometimes, only sometimes, a guy can make a navy blue dress shirt look good, and I've seen burgundy shirts work okay as well. But for the most part, you're better off sticking to lighter colored shirts,

Bolo ties

2010-11-15T20:46:00.000-08:00

You would be this cool if you were wearing a bolo tie.

I love bolo ties. Granted, they're weird, and no one except farmers wear them anymore, but, they have some sort of western charm about them. I tried to wear one the other day. Notice I said "tried."

I don't know, I think I could have looked more western. Anyway, this tie belonged to my grandfather. It was his favorite. I wish I could find a picture of him wearing it, because he wore it all the time.

It's kind of neat, really. I don't know what kind of metal the jewel is made of, but the bands are real leather, and the whole thing feels hefty. I love seeing actual farmers who wear these as formal wear. It's just so, western.

Does this make me a bolo head?

What I Wore to a Formal Dinner

2010-11-09T19:38:00.000-08:00

I attended a formal dinner and service for the ordination of a pastor last friday. Since it was a once in a lifetime event, I had to dress up. Here's what I wore:

I've always thought that navy is a better color than black for tuxedos. I think it looks better under light. Unless the light is soft and dim, black usually ends up looking harsh. But, black is still good. Preferred by most actually, so the choice is really between black or navy.

If there's a lesson to learn here, it's that formal wear does NOT involve bright, ugly, shiny, sequined vests and matching ties. It also doesn't have anything to do with anything other than a crisp white shirt.

This man has no friends. Don't be like him.

I've also become aware of the fact that I look like a dog. If you're laughing, it's because it's true.

Supply & Demand

2010-11-01T13:01:00.000-07:00

Supply & Demand

I was feeling quite well dressed yesterday, so I decided to take some pictures. Naturally, my dog had to just get in the way:

Talk about annoying. Anyway, been extremely busy of late, but I have several new looks I'm going to photograph, and several blog posts I want to write. Go hype the look! I'd appreciate it with all of my heart.

this isn't a question but.. you're always looking so dapper :)

2010-10-19T19:01:00.001-07:00

Aw, thank you dear.

Ask away, kids.

The Case Against Black

2010-09-17T23:44:00.000-07:00

You look like a cat burglar.

I can't count how many times I've heard someone say, "Black goes with everything," or, "Black is the most elegant color," or, "Black is the most flattering color for everyone."

Yeah, wrong.

Black is a very harsh color. It looks pretty bad against most people's skin tones. Also, the contrast is too harsh against most other colored clothing, so it ends up looking kind of weird. Black also looks horrible when worn in the daylight; it looks cheap. And some people think that black is instantly slimming. Not really. Being slim is slimming. All in all, it's not as versatile or as elegant as one might think.

Don't get me wrong-black can look great, but it's important to remember to avoid wearing black during the daytime, unless it's a dark cloudy day. Even then, a dark gray or navy blue would look better. This doesn't really apply to shoes or accessories though.

Yeah, just my opinion, and there are exceptions, and I could go into it more, but I;d much rather go to bed. Leave comments and stuff!

LOOKBOOK.nu: "SO CALLED PARTY OVER THERE" by Edward Honaker

2010-09-13T12:49:00.000-07:00

LOOKBOOK.nu: "SO CALLED PARTY OVER THERE" by Edward Honaker: I liked the look of this outfit. Both the pants and the sweater are kind of slouchy, and the brown shoes also keep things not too formal. However, I think a white shirt would have made better contrast. Oh well.

Combs

2010-09-09T11:24:00.000-07:00

The cheap combs I use

I own about four combs. I say that because I'm never quite sure where they are. Right now, from what I remember, I keep two in a drawer in the bathroom, so they are always there when I need to comb my hair or whatnot. The other one I keep either on my dresser or in my pants pocket, where it probably rests right now. I use this one for when I go out somewhere, and feel the need to have a comb on me, just in case. It actually makes for a great improvised shoe horn (Disgusting you say? Well, ruining a perfectly good shoe because you didn't want to get a dollar comb dirty is more disgusting, if you ask me.) I have no idea where the fourth comb is, it just up and disappears, only to show up several weeks later in the refrigerator. Talk about cool hairstyles.

While these ACE cheap plastic combs have served me well, I can't help but think there's a more stylish, manly option available. Like, a well made metal comb that doesn't have hair product stick to it or something like that. Something that won't bend when my hair gets longer. Maybe even something with a case. Or something that won't bend when I have to use it as a shoe horn. And preferably something that won't pierce my scalp.

I've looked, but I haven't really found anything. so if you know of such a product, or just have a comment, or just want to yell at me, feel free!

10 Followers

2010-08-17T15:20:00.000-07:00

THANKS GUYS I COULDN'T HAVE DONE IT WITHOUT YOU!!!!!1111one

But seriously, I hope none of you expect anything even remotely informative, humorous, or articulate.

Why your laces should be straight

2010-08-14T20:17:00.000-07:00

On leather shoes, your laces should be straight, rather than crisscrossed. It really is a cleaner look. Crossed laces are much more casual, suited to athletic shoes and sneakers. Look at how clean and sleek this shoe looks; it just wouldn't be as nice if the laces were crossed.

Crossed laces on leather shoes are somewhat of an abomination, as if trying to make dress shoes like athletic shoes. But these are usually hideous shoes that should be avoided at all costs.

You're not fooling anyone. Disgusting.

If you think these shoes are cool looking, you are probably angry about something, and should be reading about politics or something.

The historical reason that shoes are laced straight is because back in the day, boots were laced straight so if one needed to remove his boots quickly, he could just cut the laces in one easy movement. For some reason, the practice stuck.

Thoughts?

Short Suit Jackets

2010-07-16T11:03:00.000-07:00

The Peewee Herman special.

Nah, just kidding, Thom Browne, you look great.

Can we please cut it out with the short suit jackets? They make me angry. The other day I was at H&M, and I found this midnight navy suit, really nice quality (well, as nice as you can get at H&M, anyway). I tried on the pants, and they fit perfect, very slim, but with enough room to move around. Then, I slipped on the jacket. It's only came down to just below my belt! Talk about unflattering. It really was a shame, because it was a well constructed suit, with an otherwise great cut.

The reason jackets are cut shorter is because it lengthens the legs, which in turn makes the man look taller. This comes at an expense, however. When the jacket is shorter, there is less room to taper the waist, and a smaller waist makes one's shoulders look bigger and everything below look slimmer.

What a great suit. I'm so buying stock in his company.

I personally don't like short suit jackets so much. I think they make one look like a female flight attendant, and I think that's a look you generally want to avoid. Plus, with a shorter jacket, your posterior shows, and that's just weird when you're wearing a suit, you know? Suits are supposed to be flattering. Also, being the height that I am, I don't need to lengthen my legs any more, so I would much prefer a more defined waist.

Don't get me wrong, cropped suits can look really good, but you have to pull it off just right. But for now, I prefer a longer suit jacket.

Classic Sneakers

2010-07-05T13:04:00.000-07:00

I'm not much of a fan on sneakers in general. I think they are worn too much, and rather inappropriately. Of course, they have their time and place, but it's important to remember that time and place is not, contrary to popular belief, all the time.

Anyway, as far as I'm concerned, there are only two types of sneakers that can be worn by someone over the age of 20 without bringing shame to the family name: Converse and PF Flyers.

Converse

Converse are THE classic sneakers. I'm sure most everyone has owed a pair in his or her lifetime. They are comfortable, stylish, and inexpensive, and they look good. What more could you ask for? I might get called crazy for this, but I'm comfortable wearing Converse for all types of athletic events, even running.

At around $40 dollars, you'll get a shoe that lasts several years, and even looks alright when it's completely beat up and dirty.

PF Flyers

In my not-so-humble opinion, PF Flyers are cooler than Converse. Why? Because you see them less often, and that's always a plus. Anyway, the two brand look very similar, with just minor exterior differences. One selling point for PF Flyers is that they have arch support, so if you're the type who has high arches, you might want to consider these over Converse. Also, the arch support makes PF Flyers feel more like athletic shoes, so they are extremely confortable for walking, running, sports, whatever.

At around $50+ dollars per pair, PF Flyers are more expensive than Converse, but they feel slightly more durable, so it's definitely worth it.

Of course, I'm sure there are plenty of other cool looking sneakers, but none of them are quite so classic as these two. And for the record, I'm not necessarily against other types of sneakers (I've always wanted a pair of Nikes), but these are definitely the safest options.

Do you like these sneakers? Know of any other types? Think I'm an idiot? Leave a comment!

Sunglasses Etiquette

2010-06-30T23:33:00.000-07:00

I recently purchased a pair of the classic Ray-Ban wayfarers. I never owned a nice pair of sunglasses until now, so I've been thinking of how to wear them without looking like a jerk. Namely, this guy:

Man, you be so cool.

After some deep thought (yeah right), I came up with this short list of sunglasses etiquette.

Don't wear sunglasses indoors - Hopefully, this should be obvious. Some people might think it makes them cool and mysterious. Well, I guess there is something mysterious about bumping into things due to lack of sight.

Take off your sunglasses when speaking to someone who isn't also wearing sunglasses - I always find it very unnerving when someone who is wearing sunglasses tries to talk to me. How can I trust them if I can't even see their eyes? Even worse is when I'm trying to talk to someone wearing sunglasses. How can I be sure they aren't gazing off into the distance, or falling asleep? More than anything, it's a trust issue.

However, if both of you are wearing sunglasses, that's perfectly alright. Don't ask me why, it just is.

Keep in mind the connotations that sunglasses bring - In a sense, sunglasses send the same message that headphones or hoodies do, "back off." Sunglasses don't exactly make you look inviting, but that may be what you're trying to achieve. It might not be appropriate for a Sunday picnic with Grandma Jenkins, but it could be just the thing when you really need to get something done, or are simply pretending to get something done (don't pretend you haven't done that).

Of course there are exceptions to all these points, like if some passerby asks you a quick question, no need to take off your sunglasses, so use your better judgement.

Have any rules of your own? Leave a comment!

Welcome to my blog

2010-06-30T23:12:00.000-07:00

This is where I will talk about my thoughts on menswear, manners, and just stuff in general.

Enjoy.