Category Archives: Style & Substance

All the Smoke – Replica by the Fireplace – A Smoldering, Signature Scent That Sizzles in the Spring

April 15, 2026 By in Grooming, Style & Substance, What I'm Wearing Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

As a gentleman of a certain age, I have discovered that my scent palate has slowly evolved to reflect more mature sensibilities. And those mature sensibilities dictate a measured, easy-going approach to living life. Now, life is undoubtedly, sometimes exceedingly complicated. Therefore, when the inevitable intrusion of stress introduces itself into my everyday affairs, I employ grounding techniques that bring me back to center. Grounding is a coping strategy utilized to calm one’s mental health and well-being when under duress.

Grounding refocuses and reconnects you to the present moment; its purpose is to reduce anxiety, fear, stress, and feelings of being overwhelmed. I ground myself by dutifully engaging my senses: touch, sight, hearing, taste, and for the purposes of this post, smell. I wholly enjoy the aromatic nuances of a great-smelling cologne. When perfectly executed, its notes carry me to a safe, soothing space within my mind. I smell great, I feel great. Today, I wanted to talk about one of my favorites – By the Fireplace.

  • Maison Margiela Replica-By the Fireplace is a 2015 release created by perfumer Marie Salamagne. The Replica line is a collection of fragrances designed to replicate intimate memories from specific moments, places, and feelings from a person’s life. The Replica line offers an array of fragrances that range from strolls on the beach to vibing in a jazz club to relaxing by a toasty fireplace.
  • Curiously marketed as a unisex scent, I would humbly disagree with that assessment regarding By the Fireplace. Definitely true to its moniker, the surprisingly realistic aroma of charred wood is both strong and masculine. The warm, sweetly smoky fragrance offers an elegant interpretation of a rustic vibe, evoking the cozy vibe of cuddling by a crackling fireplace. Yes, this is cuddle-buddy approved. It’s warm, deep, and slightly sweet.
  • Top notes: pink pepper essence, orange flower absolute, and clove oil. Middle notes: chestnut accord, guaiac wood oil, and cade oil. Base notes: vanilla accord, cashmeran, and Peru balsam.
  • Did You Know? Studies show that vanilla has been associated with to elevating a person’s mood, relaxation, and reducing negative emotions.
  • With this easily distinctive cologne, a gentleman can safely apply 3-4 sprays without tripping a nearby smoke detector. A gentleman should get a solid 6-7 hours of performance, and perhaps even longer, depending on individual body chemistry. It projects reasonably well, but it won’t choke out an entire room of people.
  • However, I would not consider this smoldering scent appropriate for the office, as the smoky notes of chestnuts and guaiac wood may not be pleasing to everyone. Surely, a considerate gentleman is mindful of other people’s sensibilities. Warning: The delicate line between smelling like a cozy, warm fire and a burning inferno can be turned on its head by over-spraying. To be sure, this fragrance is meant to be enjoyed within close quarters of that special someone. It’s intimate. It’s cozy. It’s inviting.
  • By the Fireplace is formulated for the slightly weathered, sophisticated gentleman who is self-assured and unapologetic in his masculinity. It is a casual fragrance best suited for evening wear. When I think of this cologne, my mind envisions silk/cashmere sweaters coupled with soft cotton trousers and slick loafers.
  • By the Fireplace is a cologne built for cooler temperatures, preferably fall and winter, but during this sneaky season of “false spring”, surprise drops in temperature could provide a prime opportunity for wearing. However, as soon as those temperatures hit 70 and higher, By the Fireplace can quickly become a little cloying to the nose.
  • Maison Margiela Replica-By the Fireplace retails for $170.00 3.4 oz. and $89.00 1.05 oz. By the Fireplace is available at Maison Margiela, Macy’s, Sephora, and other fine men’s department stores. If a gentleman is savvy enough to stay informed regarding sales, FragranceNet.com may also be a viable option to procure this scent at a steep discount.

Style & Substance – Standing on Business (Casual) – An Unabashed Endorsement for the Hybrid Dress Shoe

February 9, 2026 By in Style & Substance Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

Approximately one month ago or so, my YouTube algorithm recommended a video that highlighted three men’s styles that should have been unabashedly abandoned in the year 2025. To my astonishment, the hybrid dress shoe was unceremoniously identified for such cancellation. And I wholeheartedly understand, the marriage of formal and informal shoe aesthetics can succeed stylishly, or lead to a Frankenstein furnishing of fashion.

More than a decade ago, the rise of the hybrid dress shoe arrived with some unsightly offerings. The inelegant execution of a refined dress shoe upper and cushioned sneaker outsole resulted in a clunky, unbalanced piece of footwear. Nevertheless, as with any experimental creation, trial and error is required to steadily improve the final product. I believe more and more brands are nailing the execution. Therefore, don’t reserve those dress hybrids to the trash bin so soon.

In my humble opinion, the dress shoe hybrid offers a useful combination of utility and practicality. They bridge the divide between business formal and casual. Now, the office dress code at my job prohibits wearing sneakers unless approved for medical reasons. And for a gentleman such as myself who prefers to break up cubicle monotony with a walk around the office floor, a traditional dress shoe can be quite unforgiving on one’s feet. Heaven forbid a colleague utilizes a standup desk. The soft midsole and outsole can help ease potential aching feet.

Comfort also extends to long commutes across parking lots or if you are standing for an extended period of time (perhaps a PowerPoint presentation on tap). The versatility of a hybrid allows for an appealing appearance of an Oxford while ensuring the walking comfort and cushioning of a sneaker. And yes, loafers can fit the bill as well. Our office allows for business casual attire, so the dress hybrid is perfect compromise. And added bonuses such as improved traction and better durability about the sole make it even more practical.

Now, as much as I am a strong advocate for hybrid dress shoes, I do abide by a principled set of personal rules and protocols. I do not wear hybrid shoes with suits or dress trousers. I understand that some personalities in media wear dress hybrids with suits, but the presentation looks a bit uneven and odd from my perspective. Denim jeans or cotton pants would be my preferred bottoms of choice. Uppers should still retain the presence of quality leather, so the shoe does not project a cheap aura. So, where should a gentleman begin to look for a distinguished dress hybrid?

Whether wingtip, cap-toe, plain toe, tassel loafer, etc., I have a few brand recommendations. Cole Haan, Magnanni, Johnston & Murphy, and Grenson are reputable brands I have found success throughout the years. Johnston & Murphy are the most affordable ($100-150) with sales seemingly always ongoing. Style can be hit or miss, as J&M sometimes leans heavily into the sneaker aesthetic on some models. The more casual the shoe becomes; you are probably better off just buying a full-fledged sneaker.

Magnanni and Grenson offer the most style but are expensive (we’re talking North of $400 dollars here), so look for sales when you can spot a few. Cole Haan offers comfort and affordability ($100-150) with continuing sales on par with J&M. Cole Haan tends to be more aesthetically pleasing than J&M with a variety of dazzling colors for selection. On par with Cole Haan, Grenson also offers great comfort. However, their wedge soles tend to be thicker, so select wisely to match your own style. Personally, I do not mind a few centimeters added to my height!

I think it is a tad bit premature to announce the demise of the hybrid dress shoe. As office dress codes have relaxed over the years, a hybrid shoe can provide a gentleman a service of form and function. A gentleman is afforded a polished, professional presentation while reducing the possibility of aching feet. A few pairs in the gentleman’s closet would most definitely elevate his business casual attire up a few notches.

Style & Substance – Square in Square Geo Woven Silk Necktie – David Donahue

August 16, 2025 By in Style & Substance Tags: , , , , , , , Leave a comment

The old saying is slightly cliche, however, health is most certainly wealth. And to be certain, a gentleman’s health encompasses many facets representing the mind, body, and spirit. Now, the reference to wealth is not necessarily bound to the accumulation of monetary assets. Rather, in this context, it is the abundance and value of his personal human capital. It is human capital comprised of the aforementioned mind, body, and spirit. It is a gentleman’s responsibility to allot the proper care, resources, and management toward these three key areas. Being a good steward for one’s health and well-being should not be viewed as a complicated, fussy exercise. Simply, self-care should be intentional activities that encourage positive effects on your well-being.

For example, two weeks ago, I unexpectedly found myself temporarily freed from the duties of being a father and husband. Cognizant of the fleeting time I possessed, I escaped away to a local shopping mall. Once there, I treated myself to a good movie (The Fantastic Four) and procured a jazzy David Donahue necktie on sale for an incredibly low $33.00 – marked down from $135.00. I have a deep affinity in my heart for neckties. One could argue that I own too many (do not ask). Nevertheless, some gentlemen collect watches, others have tastes for fine liquor, and many others love cars. I on the other hand gravitate to the beauty of a lovely necktie. I like the feel of different fabrics, as well as looking at the beauty of diverse colors and decorative patterns.

The necktie pictured above boasts a rich, beautiful hue of plum that will pair nicely with either a lavender, pink, or solid white dress shirt. The necktie’s abstract, geometric pattern can playfully complement any conservative leaning dress shirt -think solid or striped- that hangs in a gentleman’s closet. The 100% woven silk adds subtle texture and a medium weight that is sure to guarantee an exquisite dimple along with a graceful drape. It was a great afternoon. If but for a few hours, I was able to enjoy the temporary emancipation from life’s demands. And when your plate is a full course meal of requests, problems, and conflicts that require a substantial amount of personal attention – it can be exceedingly overwhelming. Therefore, it is imperative that one carves out time to introduce calm into chaos. It can be as simple as a movie and necktie. Be well and be the first to put yourself first.

Style & Substance – My Midlife Stylish Phase and the Dignity of Aging Gracefully

June 14, 2025 By in Style & Substance Tags: , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

To be sure, I am certainly not the same gentleman I was thirty years ago – at least not in the physical sense. My years of youthful virility are slowly disappearing in the rearview of my life. My body’s check engine light sporadically illuminates as mysterious aches and pains quietly arrive unannounced. My creaky joints are a touch stiffer, reflexes are a shade slower, and small regions in my beard are producing hues of eggshell white. And to add insult to emotional injury: My son just beat me in a game of H-O-R-S-E with three midrange jump shots with his eyes closed. The rascal peeked no doubt; he is no Michael Jordan. I digress; this brother is aging. Now, I can either go kicking and screaming, or I can accept the reality that Father Time comes for us all. I have determined that I will not be that older gentleman that is blind to the inevitable, stark reality: Father Time is undefeated.

That brings me to today’s post. A few months ago, my wife and I were invited to a birthday celebration. As I began to assemble my outfit, I thought about the type of crowd that would be in attendance. I figured guests would be around the same age as the birthday couple. Now, ten years may not seem like a huge differential as it pertains to age groups, but one would be amazed how much change can transpire within a decade. And for reference, I am North of 40 years old. Quick aside: During my high school years, one of my uncles considered himself the consummate playboy. He was a handsome gentleman with an abundance of charisma to spare. However, as he grew older, his advancing age did not match his youthful presentation. I love the guy, but as years passed, it was obvious he was attempting to prolong his glory years. Not me. I do not have the desire to be the 50-year-old gentleman that dresses like he is 30 years younger. The outfit may whisper young adult, but the vanishing hairline and gray beard screams, “Get off my lawn!”

Nevertheless, I am wise, and there is no reason to compete with men decades my junior. I realize that a gentleman can still present himself with grace and polish without the appearance of desperately clinging to days gone by. There are simply too many stylish options at a guy’s disposal to not look fantastic. So, what do I do? For a semi-formal occasion, I still lean into a trustworthy, dark navy suit anchored by a mature necktie, an elegant pocket square, and sharp-looking dress shoes. If navy is not an option, I would reach for a charcoal grey one. If I am feeling a little saucy, and I do not want to present as too stodgy, I will opt for a dress shirt with either an interesting pattern or unconventional color to make the look pop.

On this evening, I chose a blue/white dress shirt with a small repeating diamond print, complemented by the minimalist vibe of my conservatively striped dark navy necktie. The suit was dark navy. My shoes were black cap-toe oxfords. I rounded out the look with a fanciful flower lapel and topped off by a gentleman’s crown – in this case my Bailey. Side note: I have unapologetically embraced the exercise of wearing hats as a part of my ensemble. It should be an item in everyone older gent’s starter pack. With my now salt & pepper beard, I carry the look off well. Not pictured here, but I did decide to rock blue paisley socks. Nevertheless, my sartorial selections were rightly indicative of this stage in my life – intelligently grown-up with just enough playful interest to garner quiet respect. Call it my midlife stylish phase. When I looked at a picture from that night, I could not help but recognize how I have aged. But I look handsome and distinguished. And I am cool with that.

  • Suit – Hart Schaffner Marx
  • Shirt – Forsyth of Canada
  • Necktie – Eidos
  • Pocket Square – Burberry
  • Flower Lapel – Hook + Albert
  • Socks – Paul Stuart
  • Shoes – Allen Edmonds
  • Watch – Tissot
  • Hat – Bailey

Style & Substance – Knock Your Socks Off – A Modest Endorsement for Colorful & Patterned Socks

June 8, 2025 By in Style & Substance Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

There is something to be said about the contemporary gentleman that grants thoughtful attention to his appearance, or at the bare minimum, conveys the impression that he gives a subtle damn about it. Generally speaking, a man will direct his focus on garments that are decidedly most visible: shirt/sweater, pants, and footwear. Simple. A gentleman’s socks, on the other hand, are quite the distant afterthought. Your hosiery deserves a lot better; don’t you agree? Your standard collection of solid blue, brown, and black socks are rightly exhausted, and a gentle refresh is definitely in order. As we have transitioned into spring with summer steadily on the horizon, a gentleman’s options are plentiful with colorful & patterned socks in stock and at the ready for purchase.

So, why should a gentleman elect to employ the services of a pair of seemingly garish hosiery about the ankles? Short and sweet answer: personality. You can quietly, smartly distinguish yourself from the homogenous masses. Allow me to recount a true story for the audience. One day, I was walking around a local mall on my lunchbreak, and I crossed paths with a former colleague from many years ago. After exchanging pleasantries and inquiring about one another’s families, she playfully commanded me to show her my socks. Sheepishly I raised the hem of a pants leg to reveal my sock selection for the day. I do not remember what I was wearing, but I do remember that she nodded with approval and complimented me for staying stylish.

The sartorial exercise is not terribly difficult to execute. As a simple rule of thumb, especially when the occasion is informal, I attempt to not match my socks with my trousers. Instead, I coordinate my socks with a top, necktie, or pocket square. And on the occasion when that is not a possibility, I aim for a lighter hue to make by socks stand out from my pants. For example, if my pants are dark blue, I would then opt for a shade a touch brighter and mix in an interesting pattern to ensure a distinct difference in appearance. Especially for warmer seasons, I lean into whimsical motifs that may see flowers, bees, flamingos, or butterflies adorning my ankles. However, if that direction is a bit much, one can never go wrong with variegated stripes, polka dots, or a combination of the two.

Ultimately, the objective should be to infuse your presentation with a hint of personality and character that elevates your style above the monotonous, humdrum offering of dark and solid. And if the execution strays a bit off course, no worries, you are a gentleman willing to take sartorial risks. I am willing to bet that you hit the target more times than not. It all starts with opening your mind and starting the process. There are plenty of shopping destinations such as Target, Macy’s, T.J. Maxx, and DSW that are stocked with affordable options for a gentleman. You can experiment with what works with your outfits without breaking the bank. You need only worry about the compliments you receive from the public!

Style & Substance – There’s Levels to This – Embracing Color & Texture for Autumn Layers

November 9, 2024 By in Style & Substance Tags: , , , , , , Leave a comment

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Without a shadow of doubt, autumn is definitely my favorite season. Cooling temperatures offer the opportunity to skillfully deploy an assortment of beautiful, stylish layers that provide warmth and visual polish. And as the leaves around us begin to slowly transition into an array of fanciful hues, so does the gentleman’s clothing options burst with color and promise. At a gentleman’s disposal, colors such as apple green, pumpkin orange, barnyard red, rustic brown, or burgundy wine can add a visually pleasing aesthetic to his presentation. As far as textures are concerned, a gentleman can reacquaint himself with trusted staples such as merino wool, cashmere, lambswool, suede, and corduroy. In addition to those reliable mainstays, he can explore and expand into new territory with moleskin, alpaca, mohair, and angora. And as for those layers, thoughtful consideration should be afforded to sweaters, vest, shirt jackets, and sport coats. Besides providing much-needed warmth to address rapidly falling temperatures; layering offers a multidimensional benefit in terms of look. Wait – I almost forgot. I would be remiss if I did not mention gloves, hats, and scarves. Those items in and of themselves offer a plethora of options and creativity! So, let us not waste more time. Let those layers pop.

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Style & Substance – Larrimor’s in Pittsburgh, PA

September 15, 2024 By in Style & Substance Tags: , , , , , 2 Comments

Perhaps I am old-fashioned. When I offer my patronage to a business, especially for the very first time, it is always pleasant to receive an extra touch of appreciation in the form of good customer service. I have been hunting the market for a hybrid shoe in the form of a sneaker & monk strap. One extremely stylish pair garnered my attention some time ago, but the price-tag was too expensive for my wallet. Subsequent discoveries were also too pricey for my budget. And then the Johnston & Murphy Bolivar Monk Strap crossed my radar. An offering from their higher tiered J&M Collection, I patiently waited for a sale that would never arrive on a variety of websites. However, one day a Google search returned a suggestion for a business in Pittsburgh, PA called Larrimor’s. Now, I am sometimes suspicious of businesses on the Internet that are unknown to me. I performed a little Internet research that revealed it was indeed a legit business.

Much like other businesses that have an online presence, new customers can receive a discount code if they subscribe to receive special offers and the latest company notifications via email. And as fortune would have it, Larrimor’s had the J&M Bolivar Monk Strap in its inventory, and they had an offer for 15% off retail for new customers. And on this particular day, both shipping and sales tax were waived too. This deal was too good to ignore. Decisions were made and the acquisition was approved. So, all things calculated and considered, a $300 pair of shoes were reduced to approximately $233. It was my birthday – and I had been chasing a deal on these shoes for literally MONTHS – so I decided to treat myself. Sometimes I catch a sale too late, and then my size is no longer in stock. We have all been there gentlemen – dragging our feet on a sale way too many times with a disappointing conclusion.

So, my order was placed online on September 1st. To my surprise, I received a personal email from Jen (an eCommerce Manager) confirming the details of my order with an estimated delivery date of 5-6 business days. I received my order on September 9th. No, it was not Amazon lightning fast, but I am not from the generation of instant gratification. Sometimes patience is a virtue, and good things come to those that wait. And wow, these shoes are slick (pictures to come later). Inside the shoe box was a handwritten note from the Larrimor’s team and an additional offer for a 15% discount that will expire in 30 days. I truly appreciate the handwritten, personal thank you card. It is sadly a lost practice in an age of impersonal interactions between people. We are in a time where we definitely could use more of these kind gestures of appreciation. Now, the inventory on the Larrimor’s website isn’t as plentiful as larger, big brand chains. However, I am glad my Google search alerted me to their existence. I will definitely check them out going forward in the future.

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What I Am Rocking Nowadays – Brooks Brothers Henry the Sheep Graphic Sweatshirt

February 24, 2024 By in Life, Style & Substance, What I'm Wearing Tags: , , , , 2 Comments

wp-17038147131765754874386596539114Nowadays, this is what life as a father looks like for me. I am a gentleman of a certain age and grace that now resides in a suburb of Detroit, Michigan. My beard is markedly adorned with dignified speckles of white and grey now. My woeful hairline retreated from battle decades ago. My children are growing older now, and Father Time did not sit idly by on my behalf. School events are becoming plentiful, and it is important a father attempt to attend as many as humanly possible. Therefore, school events beg for a presentation from a gentleman that looks the part of a parent. I have always reasoned with myself that I would not be the guy in his 40s foolishly attempting to look like a guy in his 20s. Hello Cliff Huxtable sweaters. Now, I was able to purchase this graphic fleece sweatshirt from Brooks Brothers on a substantial seasonal sale. The goal was to juxtapose a lighthearted, fashionable centerpiece with my otherwise serious demeanor.

An unserious, quirky sweatshirt; I have been able to rediscover and renew my creative personality traits after shedding over 70 pounds. I had a serious health scare back in July 2023, and I have been on the challenging road to improve my health. I will probably write about the experience in later posts. For now, I am enjoying clothing again and expressing my personality through my personal style. Layered over a button up shirt, this sweatshirt was definitely a conversation starter. I signed up to volunteer at my daughter’s school’s open house, and my Henry the Sheep top elicited a lot of compliments and questions. I paired the top with some Mugsy jeans, a Paul Stuart corduroy cap, and Sperry boots – all items middle-aged father approved. I have a few more sweaters I am waiting to rock in the future, and it appears the weather is going to present ample opportunities to sport them. Now, these types of sweaters are definitely not for everyone. You cannot take yourself too seriously, and you need to come to terms with an advancing age that pleads for suitable attire. I’m good on both accounts.

What I’m Wearing Right Now – Dior Fahrenheit

November 25, 2023 By in Style & Substance, What I'm Wearing Tags: , , , , , , 2 Comments

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To be quite honest, unquestionably, Dior Fahrenheit is not the type of fragrance that will endear itself to the noses of gentlemanly masses. Perhaps the shift by designer fragrances toward sweeter, unisex scents have greatly influenced today’s market. So, Fahrenheit’s aggressive and serious scent profile could be reasonably unappealing and surprising to many men. Personally, I like the boldness of the old-school, masculine vibe that Fahrenheit superbly offers. Because sometimes, the moment calls upon a robust scent that exudes ruggedness and strength to perform. And this is especially true when a gentleman is challenged to shift toward the cooling temperatures of autumn and winter. Possibly staring down the approach of inclement conditions; striking the right notes (see what I did there) can set the tone for the season.

Top notes are nutmeg flower, lavender, cedar, mandarin orange, chamomile, hawthorn, bergamot and lemon. Middle notes are violet leaf, nutmeg, cedar, sandalwood, carnation, honeysuckle, jasmine and lily-of-the-valley. Base notes are leather, vetiver, musk, amber, patchouli and tonka bean. Many describe it as having a strong gasoline odor, but I think those sentiments are greatly exaggerated – unless a gentleman goes absolutely berserk with the atomizer. It is a deep, warm fragrance with firm touches of leather and wood. Fahrenheit demands the presence of a leather jacket, shearling, denim, corduroy, boots, flat caps and woolen fabrics – not all at once of course. Best suited for late afternoon or evening wear; Fahrenheit is an unapologetic, long-lasting scent that can instill confidence, readiness, and boost self-esteem. It definitely has a home in my cold season rotation. What is a mainstay in your cologne rotation during this season?

Style & Substance – Home Office Decor – Apple & Cinnamon Scented Pinecones

October 26, 2023 By in Style & Substance Tags: , , , , , Leave a comment

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Days are progressively shorter. Temperatures are quietly declining. And look out – stores are already stocking shelves with Christmas merchandise. Yes, it is officially autumn. Autumn is absolutely my favorite season of the year. It is replete with a wide, wonderful array of warm hues, beautiful textures, and euphoric fragrances. Fun fact about me: Over the years I have developed an affinity for home decor. Since transitioning to a work-from-home environment, I have fully embraced the practice of decorating my humble workspace with stylish & unique accents. The pinecones pictured above having been calling my name for a few weeks now. And so, while out for groceries at Market Fresh, I decided to stop procrastinating and purchase these apple & cinnamon scented beauties gifted from nature.

Generally, I lean favorably toward rustic sensibilities, but these pinecones also afford a touch of an earthy, unexpected sophistication to my work environment. Pleasing to the senses, the sweet & spicy combination fills my office with a calming and cozy aroma. So, when the workday becomes challenging, I strive to absorb all the refined furnishings around me to comfort my spirit and relax my mood. At only $5.99 for a bag of 10-12 pieces, I adore the aesthetic and scent these pinecones provide my home office space. I provided a home in the form of a simple glass platter for display. If you currently have a home office but have yet to add an aromatically & visually stimulating accent to your space, I highly recommend adding a dash quiet refinement to your room. However, if you have already decked out your work environment with stylish splendor, I invite you to share your own experience or recommendations for home office decor. I look forward to hearing from you.

Style & Substance – Wurkin Stiff Magnetic Collar Stays

April 24, 2023 By in Style & Substance Tags: , , , , Leave a comment

Wurkin Stiffs

To be perfectly honest, in my humble opinion, the renaissance of men’s style was experiencing a slight decline perhaps 10-15 years ago. Mind you, not totally extinct, but the fickle interest from the mainstream had begun to dramatically wane. The COVID-19 pandemic granted no favors as white-collar workers migrated from the office to their homes. Business attire was certainly not at the forefront of everyone’s minds. Sure, menswear was still being discussed, but the conversation felt very much unserious. Popular men’s magazines would lead you to believe that wearing a dress like Russell Westbrook or tattered hobo wear like Kanye West was the evolution of men’s fashion. Absent were instructions related to proper business casual attire, how to coordinate color & pattern, or how to simply knot a necktie. Seriously, they would have you believe -no disrespect intended- that Pete Davidson was the next fashion icon.

Well, since no one has the courage to be brutally honest with you, it is all celebrity nonsense. Walk into your next job interview dressed like you just rolled out of bed; let me know how it works out for you. For those of us that live in the real world, celebrity fashion does not translate well to normal everyday lives. Do not be misled, a gentleman’s presentation still matters. In a normal world, it is still important to present oneself with a certain level of care and nuance. And as more and more of the population return to the office, appropriate work attire is becoming relevant again. Therefore, I wanted to revisit a company I discovered years ago – Wurkin Stiffs. Sometimes I can be a little obsessive compulsive, and floppy collars on my dress shirts were driving me insane.

Wurkin Stiffs was the solution to my dilemma. Collar stays are small inserts (either metal or plastic) that slide inside a hidden pocket underneath the shirt’s collar. What is the purpose of this accessory? Collar stays provide form and weight to the collar to keep it anchored and neatly in place. Wurkin Stiffs takes that function to another level – their collar stays are magnetic! The magnetic collar stay is inserted into the collar’s pocket as usual. An accompanying magnetic button is then placed underneath the shirt at the point of contact with the stay. Trust me, you will never know it is there. The magnets are very strong, so you need not worry of your collar flying out of place during the course of the day. A friend just reached out the other day because they were frustrated with their collar staying in place. Wurkin Stiffs immediately came to mind. If you are experiencing shirt collars that just won’t cooperate, I highly recommend you check Wurkin Stiffs out.

https://wurkinstiffs.com/

Style & Substance – Put Some Spring in Your Step – An Unsolicited Endorsement of Color Feat. Sperry Top-Sider

April 24, 2021 By in Style & Substance Tags: , , , , , , 2 Comments

March 20 designated the official first day of spring in the Northern Hemisphere. Nevertheless, here in the great state of Michigan, our expectations are never high because we understand the mercurial temperament of our weather. And on cue, after enjoying temperatures that fluctuated between 60 and 70, we were awakened to the sight of fresh snow that had adhered to various surfaces. It was nothing new. Yet, the sheer audacity of snow in April was eye-roll worthy. Despite the temporary visitation – it had all melted by late afternoon – the calendar definitely indicates the season is spring, so the time for a gentleman to prepare his warm weather attire is now.

Earlier this month, I was contacted by a representative from Sperry. Their spring collection was rolling out, and I was offered the opportunity to feature one of their shoe selections. Now, with spring in the back of my mind, I wanted to feature a shoe that had spring written all over it. Enter the Bahama II Sneaker. Bright. Bold. Playful. Plaid. I readily admit that this casual shoe may be a bit too much for the average gentleman. There is a lot to consume here. However, I am humbly requesting that you hear me out on this one. Gentlemen – you need a little color in your life. Trust, there is a time when our clothes can confidently compliment dark and dreary. Now is not the time. And now I’m going to tell you why.

Now, regarding the affairs of gentlemanly attire, the utilization of color remains quite the polarizing issue. The mere suggestion of incorporating hints of vibrant color into one’s wardrobe provokes passionate, hostile defiance. We’re not debating politics here gentlemen – calm the nerves. An intelligent deployment of lively hues demonstrate that a gentleman has granted some much-deserved thought beyond the requisite triad of black, navy, and brown. And we’re not requesting that you dress from head to toe in eye-popping pink, yellow, and orange. Not at all. Rather, a smart placement of color can raise the mundane into a realm of thoughtful, energetic style. Don’t you deserve a little lively style in your life? Keep on reading.

For example, a gentleman can coordinate these plaid sneakers with a relaxed, neutral shade of color for his trousers and shirt. Cream trousers with a light blue polo top can nimbly play off the blue in the sneakers while keeping the shoes the highlight of the ensemble. And quite honestly, with the plaid design, a gentleman can select any of the colors woven into its fabric. I don’t know who needs to hear this: It’s okay to assemble an outfit that does not look like you blindly grabbed something from the laundry basket. No one is asking you to dress like a bag of Skittles Sunday through Saturday. The only ask here is that you don’t fight this recommendation so vehemently. It’s not an attack on your manhood. Trust me. It has been argued that bright, warm colors can actually have an uplifting effect on mood and emotion. So why not give it a fair chance?

Sperry is that quintessential brand that offers a myriad of colorful kicks that embrace the renewal and rejuvenation that embodies spring. A gentleman really cannot go wrong with a pair of Sperry Top-siders during the spring and summer seasons. Here, the Bahama II Sneaker offers a salt-washed breathable, canvas upper with hand-sewn moccasin construction. This shoe is built for backyard cookouts, friend & family gatherings at the park, or simple leisurely stroll through your neighbor on a sunny day. Step into spring with the right splash of color with Sperry. They have a little something for everyone. Trust me, you will not regret it.

Style & Substance – Paul Stuart – Fanciful Fall Fashion

November 3, 2020 By in Style & Substance Tags: , , , , Leave a comment

The coordination and contrast of color is a distinguishing hallmark of Paul Stuart. Autumn affords a prime opportunity for a gentleman to flex sartorial flair with a daring combination of hues that complement the season. Layers are a gentleman’s best friend from checked merino wool scarves to corduroy flat caps because warmth is the name of the game – wear it well.

Style & Substance – Polo Ralph Lauren – Quilted Field Gloves

February 26, 2020 By in Style & Substance Tags: , , , , , , Leave a comment

Regarding Michigan weather during prime winter months of December through March, I am unapologetically serious about my outerwear and accessories. When the temperatures begin to steadily plummet and the wind chill makes it feel unbearably lower than the reported forecast, common sense drives me to retrieve the warmest apparel from my closet. So unlike some of my brethren than prefer a light coat, no hat, and no gloves – I definitely fully equip myself to battle Old Man Winter. Especially when my vehicle or home needs clearing of heavy snow, I require suitable protection from potential frostbite. Over the years, I have amassed a varied collection of gloves to shield my hands from harmful exposure. And perhaps my warmest pair is pictured above – the Polo Ralph Lauren Quilted Field Glove. For a mere $68.00, I found a surprisingly warm pair of gloves that have provided cozy service through some very frigid days. Seriously, their appearance belies the warmth and insulation provided when the cold outside makes naked hands almost unbearable. The quilted back is polyester while the palm is a decent grade of leather. The lining is polyester and olefin, which greatly contributes to its insulating qualities. There is ribbed hem around the wrist along with a discreet  button closure. They are very lightweight and fit perfectly. I’ve owned my pair for a few months now, and after withstanding the rigors of shoveling snow or brushing my car off, they have maintained good integrity. If you are a gentleman in the market for a good winter glove, this offering from Ralph Lauren is a tremendous bargain.

What I’m Wearing – Cole Haan – ZeroGrand Stitchlite Oxford

December 11, 2019 By in Style & Substance Tags: , ,

It should not be a well-guarded secret – if you have been diligently reading this blog space – that I am an ardent admirer of the Cole Haan ZeroGrand collection. As I outlined in a previous post, these business casual oxfords are insanely comfortable and incredibly stylish. Lightweight and flexible, the ZeroGrand collection is very forgiving on the feet. True story: Recently I received my flu shot at a nearby CVS, and the pharmacist was rocking a pair of ZeroGrand. I complimented his choice of shoes and he stated it was his preferred footwear for standing all day. The collection also boasts an array of striking color combinations that affords a gentleman the ability to smartly coordinate with his outfit.

The particular pair pictured to the right is the Cole Haan ZeroGrand Stitchlite model. Advertised as java, the chocolate hue lends enough versatility to complement numerous shades of khaki or brown. Regular retail price is $180.00, but I was able to capitalize on a Cyber Monday deal, which effectively lowered the price-tag to $85.00 – with free shipping. Generally, I don’t participate in Cyber Monday sales, but this deal was simply too good to ignore.

Currently, this same model is still on sale, but not as steep as my catch at the time. Priced at $139.95, it is still respectable, but it might be wise to wait for a post-Christmas and New Year’s Day sale. The temperatures are steadily dropping week after week, so if you are contemplating a pair to sport around the office, ensure that you reserve some heavy boots to keep your feet warm and dry as you walk around outside. Because an outside winter shoe it is not.