Cottage Chic Chap
Dear boys…men (whatever), you have the heart of a lumberjack (outdoorsman), but the big city area code. Well the cottage chic look, as requested, is the perfect style to get you through the winter.
For tops focus on thick knits. For me, a cowichan is almost the definition of the cottage sweater. Plaid is obviously a given, flannel for a cozier feel, or cotton for a sleeker look. Since demin was and is so popular this year I figure why not throw this into the cottage chic look too!?
Although you might imagine a cottage pant as a beat up cargo, I’m gonna go ahead and say that a slim-fit khaki or slightly worn out cord is much more appropriate for you city slickers trying to give off the ruffing-it style. Go for a leather boot that resembles more of a desert boot, or an authentic hiking boot. Take a chance with the shoes, I mean if Sorels came back in style, pretty much anything is worth a try.
Having lived in Whistler, I can’t say anything about outerwear accessories, without saying purchase a slouchy toque. For a warmer more up-North style, go for the fur-lined hat, ear-flaps and all. Scarves are sometimes a touchy subject with boys. Let’s just say it looks way better than a neck warmer or balaclava AND it’s +5 points in any girl’s book. Of course the typical go-to for a cottage style is a parka, but if you want to try out this season’s must have jacket, go for a leather/shearling.
Philip Sparks – let’s go fishing!
Philip Sparks is a Toronto based menswear designer. Having just showed his 7th collection, two weeks prior to LG Fashion Week, we think it’s more than appropriate to give everyone else a little taste of this designer. Sparks’ designs are recognized for the heirloom tailoring techniques, creating classic but modern looks. The last two seasons have circled around the theme of, what I will call, “let’s go fishing.” Spring ’10 is inspired by cottage life and the 1950′s Canadian Pacific Railway gateway ads, where as Fall ’10 takes inspiration from the classic novel Moby Dick. Both have nautical themes and can be incorporated into the spring must-haves for men and new styles of the season.
GOLD.FACED.BOBBY
Well boys, you asked for it, so here it is. These looks are GQ’s “best new looks for the season” but the following four are our personal faves.
1) The Denim Shirt- Versatile, comfortable, casual, but iconic. You can dress it up, paired with a fitted sport jacket, or down with jeans. Just remember to mix up the wash if you are wearing jean-on-jean!
2) Fitted Blazers & Neutral Outerwear- This season it’s all about the fitted blazer. Perfect to dress up a casual outfit and acts as a light-weight jacket for a night out. On those chillier rainy summer nights opt for a neutral water resistant, but always tailored, jacket.
3) Upturned Cuffs- So you may not be convinced on this, but pair your lightly rolled up cuffed jeans with some boat shoes and you are set for a stroll through the park or a visit to the island. This is the perfect outfit-tweak for the transition into summer.
4) The Light-Weight Plaid Shirt- This winter it was all about the plaid flannel, and as I’ve told many, in my opinion you can never have too much plaid. For the warmer months try on a light-weight cotton plaid bottom-up. This plaid is a little more sophisticated and a little less hipster.
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Don’t forget to read up on our past post of spring must-haves for men!
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oh boy, spanx me hard!
well boys, the weather is getting warmer and you know what that means…BEACH SEASON!
now, now, don’t get your briefs in a bunch, we have just the thing for you! yes that’s right folks, you can firm your chest AND flatten your stomach, and us girls will just think you’ve been working on your fitness! all you have to do is invest your well earned cash in an undershirt from the new men’s Spanx line. it may sound ridiculous, but check out the before and after:
now if that doesn’t convince you, lets just remember that Beyonce and Tyra wear Spanx, so they must be cool! but please do not forget that yes, this may be one way to charm us with your new hot bod, but as soon as the shirt comes off, the jig is up!
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GAME ON!
yes, please!
boys boys boys… here you go. wear this, and things will be ok.
Emporio Armani Menswear Fall/Winter ’10
this next one goes out to the boys…
Matthew Williamson will introduce a men’s collection for Spring/Summer ’10. having already collaborated with H&M with both men and women’s wear the designer is set to take on this new project.
“I wanted to start a menswear line of slim-fitting, luxury cashmere jumpers in a range of great colours. I know these jumpers will become season-less staples in my own wardrobe” -Williamson. sounds great to us!
the collection will of course incorporate the designer’s signature prints and embellishments, we’re just hoping this will translate well with all the boys out there… the collection will be available starting in February at Harrods, and the Matthew Williamson flagship store and online store.
man up.
it’s no mystery that for some time now women’s clothing has been influenced by menswear. last year we saw the “boyfriend” jeans, blazer, etc. etc. this year it’s time to step it up. ladies it’s time for you to man up, put down the girly frocks and channel your inner Grabrielle Chanel (yes, “Coco before Chanel”). think YSL Le Smoking jacket. skinny, fitted blazers, white pressed oxford shirts, and maybe even a pocket square? for a more casual look throw on a jean jacket…but please no jean-on-jean, we don’t need a ’90s throwback.
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