J. Crew – Mr Porter

I will readily submit, it is probably painfully premature for most gentlemen to concern themselves with spring attire. My friends in Houghton, Michigan are getting buried beneath a metric ton of snow as we speak. And bravo to Michigan Technological University for canceling classes for two consecutive days, which is an extreme rarity for students. But I digress, it does not hurt to appreciate the exquisite beauty of a fine spring necktie to lift the spirits. So gentlemen, you need not worry for too long, spring is on the way. I promise – really. So, let’s take a look at a beautiful necktie that is sure to provide a needed jolt to your attire. Because, and we are positive with the following assumption, you have most likely drudged around all winter with somber hues carefully draped around your neck. Good news friend; emancipation is on the way. So, what makes this necktie the great liberator? Well, for one, it arrives in a jaunty gingham pattern. And two, it’s woven with 100% cotton. Both are certainly not your customary winter staples. Here is how it should be worn…

Okay, I stand corrected. What do I know? Obviously, rocking camouflage should not be frowned upon, and instead, welcomed with loving arms. As graciously demonstrated by Mr. Russell Westbrook – special coach for the East during the NBA All Star Celebrity game. On second thought, no, I think I will leave the camo for brothers with enough sartorial flexibility to get away with it.

Underrated and unappreciated; unfortunately the color brown has been buried beneath an avalanche of lively, energetic color over the last few years. And color is fine – trust me, it really is perfectly fine. However, don’t forget those chosen hues that are meant to convey a conservative demeanor. Of course, we are speaking of the usual suspects: black, navy, and charcoal gray. But even with that selected array of traditional colors, brown is still left curbside, largely ignored because the only people who rock brown on the regular are United Parcel Service workers. Well, what can brown do for you? In my humble opinion – a lot. So, in an earnest effort this incorporate a little brown into my wardrobe, I have slowly added some select pieces into my closet. Pictured above are two examples. The shirt is courtesy of Peter Millar; a contrast collar dress shirt with a wicked light brown glen plaid print. The necktie is a Hart Schaffner Marx with a deep chocolate color with a subtle repeating stripe that spans the length of its body. Both were purchased on separate occasions, but I was surprised to see how well they both worked together. A little aggressive with the pattern coordination? Perhaps. My wife voiced her disapproval upon seeing the two paired together. Nonetheless, I fancy both the shirt and necktie as a couple. Sure, I could wear each separately, but I don’t think I’ll be divorcing this pair anytime soon.

Seriously, if I had the omnipotent authority, I would ban all clothing with camouflage print that did not serve military purposes. Yes – I said it! Now, before I become inundated with a bruising flood of hate mail, allow me to first say this: I get it. I get that camouflaged attire, within the realm of fashion, is meant to be edgy. It is meant to brash. It is meant to be a form of eclectic rakishness that delivers a middle finger to established sartorial convention without a morsel of compunction. Or, perhaps, it is just meant to be fun and not taken too seriously. Well, whatever the reason is behind the sudden insurgence of this trend of the moment, it irritates me. You see, the thing with trends are that they are just that – trends. So, when you rock that camouflage necktie from 2013 in the year 2014, it is going to look painfully dated. Now, in the world of fashion for men, style changes very slowly. So, most shifts will be slight, and you should be able to extract some worthy longevity out of what is being offered today. However, camouflage, from bow ties to dress shoes, probably won’t produce much staying power. But, if you are a gentleman with an infinite, disposal amount of cash and can spring for some $500 camouflaged oxfords, or you have a modest budget and can grab something from Ebay or a thrift store, then more power to you. You just should be forewarned that you probably won’t be wearing it too long. And for many, that may be perfectly acceptable. But, for me, I’ll sit on the sidelines for this trend.

Trust, people can tell a lot about a gentleman from the shoes that he wears, even something that he may not want them to know. How we present ourselves in general – our clothing, grooming and demeanor all reveal aspects of who we are, but a shoe can speak volumes about someone’s character. It dramatically changes the look of an outfit and gives an immediate impression as to who you are and what you represent. A shoe can reveal your age, social status, character, and personal level of success.

Shoes not only serve a practical function but are also more revealing about your personality than you think. Apart from the obvious – trainers for sport or a formal brogue for work, your selection of footwear offers intimate details about your individuality. An extrovert, perhaps an artistic gentleman, will wear flashy, daring, and brightly colored shoes. An introvert may wear safe, practical shoes that won’t make such a bold statement.

Take a look at the shoes you are wearing now. Are they clean? Do they shine? Are the heels worn down? These details say something about you and may influence how you are perceived, the service you receive, and the level of confidence you exude. Shoes transmit immediate socioeconomic status, and failing to wear the right shoe with a chosen outfit or keep them clean makes a statement. Not all shoes are suited for every single occasion. It is advisable to have a clear idea of when to wear certain styles. Here, we have partnered with UK’s premium department store House of Fraser to offer a simple guide to help you step in the right direction – of course, with the right dress shoe.

Starting February 1st, e-commerce site Park and Bond will be closing its online doors and be fully absorbed by Gilt Group’s other luxury retail site – Gilt. The closing has been in the works for some time now, and I was able to score a cool pair of chocolate suede wingtips from Grenson a few months ago. They are very comfortable, the suede is extremely supple, and the deep chocolate-brown is beautiful. Of course with the snow, sleet, and slush; I have been compelled to box and shelve these two until the streets are emancipated from the wintry, frothy muck that the season has bestowed upon them. Hopefully, that day is coming soon…real soon.