Without a doubt, there arrives a time when a gentleman just wants to kick back. No big meetings that beg your attendance. No dinner galas that require your presence. The only thing that beckons your audience is lazy relaxation. Maybe a few cookouts. Perhaps an excursion to a beach, a park, or wherever the day takes you – you could venture no farther than your couch. And that is okay. Nevertheless, whatever you decide, you still need to track time. Last week, one of my contacts reached out and sent me an array of jazzy, colorful timepieces just in time for spring, all courtesy of Timex. Now, my experience with Timex has been pleasant. They are a trusty and reliable source of time tracking. So, I wanted to share a few pictures from their new spring collection. All the watches pictured here clock in (pun intended) at less than $75.00, and in some cases, less than $50.00. And as a bonus, the Weekender editions have straps that can be interchanged with other bright straps that fancy your mood – watch out now (corny pun intended again)! For more purchasing information, please visit Timex for details.

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Source: Alan See

Simply stated – this works. And it works extremely well. I love when gentlemen venture outside the safe confines of the proverbial paint-by-the-numbers, sartorial box. However, please note, such experimentation should be executed in a sophisticated and classy manner. When creative, stylish thought is tempered by intelligent practicality; the reward can be a gorgeous portrait of stunning elegance – as evidenced by the deft coordination above. The slightly aggressive powdery brown check. The mildly coarse mossy green hue. All brought together on a calming canvas of white. Note: If your jacket bears an assertive pattern like this bullish check, a solid necktie (with slight hint of texture) is probably the best partner to introduce into the equation. However, a necktie with a discreet pattern could work as well. So, take a studied look, draw the necessary inspiration, and dress accordingly gentlemen.

Trust me, I fully appreciate the forward attention that has been afforded to the newly styled, contemporary gentleman – we deserve it. After a decade or so of being woefully neglected and blatantly ignored; the industry has decided to offer a myriad of natty and stylish options for our disposal. And for the most part, gentlemen everywhere have readily seized upon the opportunities. However, some have enthusiastically dove overboard. Delicately dancing on the margins of runway fashion, a new breed of extreme dandy has emerged, peacocking and primming for all to see. Gentlemen – and I say this with love – please cease and desist with the wild, gaudy pageantry that desperately screams for attention. Look, I get it, style is certainly in the eye of the beholder, but when I saw GQ endorsing a puffer vest being worn over a suit, I thought to myself that enough is enough. I even spotted a gentleman rocking high heels with a suit. What is that all about?

It just seems that men are throwing a wild variety of sartorial elements together and hoping to become that next Internet style sensation. Sometimes, it works. However, sometimes, it just looks silly. Listen, broadening your color palette is happily encouraged. Experimenting with varying fabrics is resolutely endorsed. Coordinating different patterns is roundly supported. Nevertheless, wearing an orange parka over a black tuxedo jacket with gray pinstripe trousers – all in the name style – is just lunacy. I’m not trying to be judgmental, and exhibiting pompous conceit is certainly not my intention. My only motive: preventing some wayward soul, thumbing through various magazines or scouring the Internet in search of sartorial inspiration, from looking like an utter fool. Throwing together a hodgepodge of expensive items doesn’t make you stylish, and raiding the neighborhood thrift store doesn’t automatically make you creative. Dressing should be organic, never forced. Remember that next time when you rock those wingtips with your overalls and fedora.

Alas, my foolishly misguided crusade against the imminent reign of camouflage has been suppressed, well, at least for the time being. For it seems that every time I open a monthly publication dedicated to style, or arrive upon a manufacturer’s fresh inventory of spring merchandise by way of the Internet, I am greeted by unapologetic visuals of camouflage. And this is quite peculiar, given that a distinct characteristic of camouflage is stealth and disguise. Needless to say, the push for this trend is growing in strength as designers and advertisers are flooding the shelves with this sartorially pert pattern. So, let us assume that you have relented and allowed the passage of camouflage into your closet. Well, if you are seeking to make a statement, Suit Supply has been kind enough to supply you with the proper accoutrement to accomplish that objective – the camouflage monk strap. You cannot get anymore brazen than this. The rakish charm of the monk, combined with its unmistakable skin makes for one bold set of kicks. Again, not my preference, but for a gentleman that wants to add a kick to his khaki suit or cotton trousers, this pair of monks could be for you. Just no complaints when its popularity wanes – hey, we’re trying to warn you here. Shop responsibly friend.

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.

Esquire has its own style manual. GQ has its own style manual. Hell, even Details has its own style manual. Well, it would now appear that luxury e-commerce site Mr Porter has published its paperback version of a gentleman’s go-to guide for exquisite, impeccable style. Compiled by Mr Porter’s Editor-in-Chief Mr Jeremy Langmead, this style guide is an amalgamation of sound advice that ranges from tips from contemporary style icons to lessons in gentlemanly etiquette that strives to refine your swagger. Mr Porter Paperback: The Manual for a Stylish Life, that’s the full title and it’s only Volume 1, certainly looks the sartorial part. Looks like I will be ordering a copy to add to my book collection – I’m a semi-hoarder. I’ll be sure to check back in with a review. For ordering information, please visit Mr. Porter HERE for more details.

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Fantastic news friend, that sartorial bandwagon for Now-And-Later flavored footwear is still stationed outside, so now is the perfect opportunity to procure a ticket and hop aboard. Honestly, the foreseeable future appears to be stocked with an array of colorful kicks for gentlemanly consumption, so purchasing a cool pair seems less risky than, say, a year ago. Having invested in a few pairs myself, I have concluded that shoes not tinted in standard shades of black or dark brown are actually worthy investments. They smartly afford an outfit added depth and new perspective. So, instead of reaching for those tried and true hues, now a gentleman can complement a faint hint of green in his sport shirt, pick up the shade of burgundy in his watch band, or synchronize with the light blue in his pocket square. Boom – dressing has never been this fun in quite some time. Take advantage gents – take advantage.

Must-have: a cool pair of medium brown brogue wingtips in your footwear repertoire – striped socks optional.