Okay, so the thought of bypassing your trusted hosiery, as you slide into your loafers, has definitely aroused your interest. An earlier post about wearing loafers with your suit has sealed the deal. That’s it, you are sold. However, the idea of strutting around the office with your naked feet housed within your favorite leather slip-ons, well, that doesn’t sound terribly appealing – at all. Especially if you want to kick off the shoes and stretch your toes, trust, no one wants to see your dogs barking underneath your desk. Please spare your coworkers the sight and keep those bad boys locked inside a kennel. Now, if going totally barefoot is not your cup of tea, yet you still want a no-sock appearance, a cool pair of shoe liners may be the best option for you. Take these shoe liners from Johnston & Murphy for example. They’re absorbent, machine washable, and anti-microbial. And, a gentleman can still manage a no-sock appearance, maintain the integrity of his insoles, and calm the fears of his dogs breaking their leash. Thanks in advance.
Monthly Archives: November 2012
Brotherly Love – Suit Supply
If a gentleman is going to go with a no-sock presentation, he definitely has to look like this. Boom!
Heritage – Cab Calloway & The Nicholas Brothers
The Nicholas Brothers were a famous African-American team of dancing brothers that consisted of Fayard & Harold Nicholas. A friend of mine sent me a video of their famous routine from the movie Stormy Weather and it was simply amazing. Their style of tap dancing was a composite of acrobatic technique, fabulous athleticism, and fearless innovation. Growing up in Philadelphia, neither brothers had any formal dance training. They would eventually go on to become stars of the jazz circuit during the height of the Harlem Renaissance. They also had successful careers performing on stage, film, and television. With all due respect to modern performers of today; nothing matches the sheer energy that the Nicholas Brothers display when they launch into their routines. No CGI or stunt doubles required. Ladies and gentlemen – enjoy.
The Standard #19
The sharply styled, contemporary gentleman is fully cognizant of his immediate surroundings. He surveys the landscape around him and makes intelligent sartorial decisions. Once assigning himself to the notion that people do not notice what you are wearing, this gentleman has experienced a maturation process that speaks quite to the contrary. He is wiser and more seasoned now. He understands that people will take a snap mental inventory of his presentation. One’s appearance can be a subtle indicator of social status and character. Yes, your attire is a non-verbal form of communication; your clothes articulate a message and people readily listen.
Well, who comprises the audience that is so attentive observant? Your current or potential employer certainly notices. Man is not judged by resume alone. No. Sophisticated attire could be that extra 10 percent you require to differentiate yourself from the next applicant. In this economy, you might need it. Your first impression should be a lasting impression.
Speaking of impressions, observe your lovely lady’s eyes widen and the corners of her mouth curl into a sly smile when she sees your effortless elegance. Yes indeed, every woman loves a sharp dressed man; never underestimate that fact. Ponder the impression you leave on the youth and especially your own children when they absorb the gentleman’s confidence and class.
There is power in your presence, wield it wisely. Your peers even record mental notes. Please. Men are all about competition. Females usually take flack for their ritualistic judgment of each other, but do not be fooled; men want to bring sartorial A game to the table too. We are just a little more disguised with our attitude. We attempt to act like we don’t care, but we do. Employer. Spouse. Co-worker. Sibling. Son. Daughter. No matter the person, recognize that they recognize what your style articulates about you. Dignified. Confident. Masculine. Intelligent. Trustworthy. Definite characteristics the contemporary gentleman should exude.
Style & Substance – The Wool Bow Tie
Quite a few years ago, the incomparable bow tie staged a furious return to the world of men’s style. Championed by a few well-dressed dandies, fearless gentlemen across the nation secured at least a couple to seamlessly weave into their wardrobe. Wise move gents. But, before we could become buried beneath a superfluous heap of whimsical cloth, or driven to insane irritation because of its exaggerated usage, the trend leveled off and the bow tie became an ordinary, contemporary staple in a gent’s closet. Demonstrating surprising sartorial sustainability, the bow tie appears to be here to stay. And not as a silly or quirky conversation starter, we are of course adults here. No, these bow ties are serious. Not convinced? Check out the seriousness of this wool flannel offering from Phineas Cole. Devoid colorful polka dots (although those are popular this fall) or rambunctious animal motifs, this bow tie coveys a quiet sophistication requisite of a refined gentleman – a standard we should all seek to retain.
Deals And Steals – Brooks Brothers Veterans Day Clearance Event
Seriously, this is one of those time to take advantage of a fabulous bargain. There are a multitude of great finds that a gentleman can discover; my favorite being those Brooks Brothers v neck sweaters. And at 70 percent off retail, a gentleman simply cannot fail. So, what are you waiting for, head over the right now and snag a deal!
Gain The Proper Footing – 9 Loafers Under $200
Yes, you read the title correctly – 9 loafers clocking in just shy of $200.00. Now, the key to selecting the right kind of loafer, especially for the office; it has to look like it belongs. And by that we mean it should exude a level of professionalism that works for Monday when you punch in and Friday when you punch out. And if you’re salary, well, congratulations they will work just as well for you too. Nothing obnoxiously ornate; just clean and simple designs with the occasional flourish of a tassel or metal bit. You can even add a bit of color as the week comes to a close. Every distinguished gentleman should have, at a bare minimum, two pairs of stylish loafers at his disposal. At these price points, you really don’t have a reason not to.
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Style & Substance – The Suit & Loafer
Esquire – Tony Kim
To be sure, pertaining to matters of a gentleman’s suit, its style, more specifically how it is worn, has slowly transformed over the decades. What was generally unacceptable decades past is now being passionately embraced by a younger demographic; and they have vigorously applied their own spin on the gentleman’s standard uniform. Take for instance the gentleman’s dress shoe and how it is married to the aforementioned suit. The dress oxford, be it a cap toe or wingtip option, has long been the widely accepted choice for proper footing. No more. Over the years, the loafer has been welcomed as a viable selection. Initially frowned upon by the establishment, the loafer is now being actively recruited to fill the shoes of, well, your regular dress shoes. And the look works – extraordinarily well in fact. Tassels, metal bit, or maybe just a plain vamp; rocking a pair of clean, chiseled loafers with a suit just isn’t right – it’s right now. However, here at The Gentlemen’s Standard, we endorse wearing some socks to complete the look. But hey, we’re based in Michigan, so the weather doesn’t grant many days of sockless aplomb. So, go ahead, rock your loafers with confidence gents. Boom!
UPTOWN Gentleman: The Need For Tweed
The historical narrative of tweed states that the name itself is an ironic corruption of the word twill. Perhaps due to bad handwriting on a merchant order combined with the immediate proximity of the river Tweed in Scotland, the term tweed gained popularity and has been around centuries later. Now, that slice of history is interesting, but today’s gentleman is more concerned about style and functionality. Autumn begs for clothing that offers depth and character. The rough, woolen fabric offers much-needed protection from the cold and wind. Originally purposed for weekend forays into the wilderness, today’s tweed can be found everywhere from neckties to loafers. Here are a few items that should be found in your closet…
Trust me, during this time of the season, tweed should be making its way into your closet – if it’s not there already. Why? Well, besides keeping you warm under the duress of falling temperatures, it just looks so damn masculine and rich. And not rich as in money; rich as in it affords incredible depth and stylish intricacy to your look. Apologies – I’m babbling. Check out the remainder after the above introduction at the usual spot over at UPTOWN MAGAZINE. Boom!
Style & Substance – The Wool Necktie
Stylishly inconspicuous. Fashionably unobtrusive. Quietly entering the room, its presence is announced by its reserved elegance. Sometimes in a gentleman’s life, he is required to exude a sober & restrained presentation. The solid wool necktie is there for his assistance. Set against the background of an immaculate white dress shirt, the gentleman displays great grace and aplomb in his excellent execution of elegance. And given the eventual transition into autumn and winter, neckties arriving in wool are an intelligent choice. Wool provides some serious visual depth to the usual dress shirt & necktie combination. Don’t worry about any difficulty knotting your necktie either. Given wool has exceptional resilience, knotting a perfect four-in-hand is quite easy. And the fabric returns to its original shape just fine. Opt for dark hues such as navy, brown, or gray. Pair with a fine merino sweater or tweed sport coat for a discreetly handsome ensemble. Every gentleman’s closet should maintain a few in circulation. You won’t be sorry.
Thinking About – The GOP
The sloppy handling of the of the Auto Bailout, for which he never stated, “Let Detroit go bankrupt.” Maybe it was the less than eloquent description of 47 percent of the population. Perhaps it was Hurricane Sandy and her momentum halting influence? And surely the healthy helping of adoration Chris Christie heaped on President Obama didn’t help matters. All factors spelled possible defeat for Governor Mitt Romney. Nevertheless, there was but one path to 270 electoral votes for the Romney Campaign. However, that would mean betraying and departing from a far right, radical ideology that had previously positioned Mitt at the coveted big dance – the 2012 Presidential Election. Alas, his pivot towards middle was perhaps too late, and his positions during the Republican Primaries rendered him defenseless against an expanding electorate. He had been handcuffed to an ideology that has his party on the cusp of political impotence. The electorate expanded – more Latino voters and more young voters. Plus – more women in the Obama column. And the Republican given, white male voters, had shrunk. So, going forward, where does the Republican party go from here? With a fiscal cliff looming, we shall soon see.
The Standard #18
Firmly standing upright under an unrelenting, blistering storm of vitriolic contempt and caustic distrust, the successful gentleman remains undeterred in his journey towards triumph. Triumph – born of an unwavering resolve and complete assurance in his abilities; this gentleman cannot be denied what he has tirelessly striven for. And despite ardent attempts to trivialize his work, undermine his legitimacy, or boldly question his intellect; ignorance and hatred will be trumped every time. Believe it. No amount of mockery can shake his confidence. He is resolute. He is intelligent. He is courageous. More importantly, he recognizes that there exists individuals consumed with hubris and guided by conceit, which ultimately hastens their downfall. So, he stays in his lane and does what he does best – win. Are you a winner?
Vote!
And so, it all comes down to this. President Barack Obama. Mitt Romney. Two gentlemen enter and only one leaves with the crown. My guess is we won’t know the eventual winner until the late p.m.; perhaps around 11 o’clock. Watch closely for results from Ohio and Florida. If Romney wins Florida, it could be a long night. If Obama takes Ohio, Romney will most likely have to run the table of swing states (Wisconsin, Iowa, Nevada, New Hampshire, etc.) to block the president from 270 electoral votes. Should be interesting. Stay tuned. And more importantly – VOTE!!
Mr Porter – Mr Justin FitzPatrick – Art of the Shoe Shine
There is nothing contained in a gentleman’s presentation that should elicit the same level of deference that a well-polished shoe should elicit. Seriously – nothing at all. And the explanation is really quite simple: There isn’t another element in a gentleman’s dress that requires the same labor and attention that a high-gloss, mirror-shine pair of oxfords demands. Trust, a gentleman needs to apply a little elbow grease to achieve the necessary glassy effect. And I would be remiss not to mention the meticulous diligence toward step by step details. Still not convinced? Take a look at this video produced by Mr Porter featuring shoe aficionado Justin FitzPatrick. After you appreciate the work, take yourself over to Mr. FitzPatrick’s blog THE SHOE SNOB for further shoe admiration. You won’t regret it.
Style & Substance – The Lapel Flower
For the distinguished gentleman, the past few years in style have been quite fascinating. For what seemed like an eternity, a gentleman’s options in the sartorial arena were largely ignored, or simply forgotten altogether. Smart, stylish selections were scant in local department stores. Knowledge was segregated within privileged circles of the few. If an average gentleman so desired to step his dress game up, he would definitely be challenged in meeting that objective.
However, recently, the Internet has granted the widespread sharing of such sacred knowledge. And a gentleman no longer has to scour department store after department store in search of a discreet piece of elegance. Yes, the Internet has also given rise not only to online versions of popular upscale stores, but the independently owned small business is seeing some shine as well. Which brings me to hook + ALBERT and the aforementioned discreet piece of elegance.
It was not that long ago that many gentlemen took to inserting a colorful silk knot in the buttonhole on their lapel jacket. And then what followed was a contemporary take on the classic floral boutonniere. Instead of adorning your lapel with a fresh floral offering, such as a carnation, a gentleman could choose from a variety of crocheted cotton or wool replicas. I have been studying this look for awhile now; debating on whether or not the look would complement my personality.
Every gentleman’s style should coincide with own character. And so, I have chosen to give it a shot. Some may dismiss these small bundles of fashion as trendy. They may be right. Who knows how long they will be popular. Nevertheless, I think they provide a quiet injection of well-appointed grace. Nothing too ornate, but visible enough to elicit approving admiration. I’ll be ordering a pair in the weeks to come. I’ll let you know how it turns out.