Hem and Haul: Arden Reed Custom Suit Piece I Wrote for Edge on the Net

Hey guys, check out my latest fashion feature for Edge on the Net. I wrote this profile of mobile custom suit makers, Arden Reed, which features a 3-d body scan and quick 15 minute single consultation all in the back of a truck. I interviewed the co-founder to see what his inspiration was and what's next for this exciting New York menswear brand

 

 

Check it out: http://www.edgeonthenet.com/style/fashion/Features//156528/hem_and_haul:_arden_reed_custom_suits

Check Out My NYFW Spring 2014 Ricardo Seco Review

New York Fashion Week is in full swing and I am covering some great shows for Edge on the Net. Make sure to check out this review I did on Spring 2014 Menswear from Ricardo Seco

http://www.edgeonthenet.com/index.php?ch=style&sc=fashion&sc2=features&sc3=&id=149171

My Hudson Made Workwear Piece is LIVE

Part of my crazy busy of late is a new company I've started writing for, Hudson Made. Hudson Valley, New York based purveyors of rustic and artisinal items for men, home and life. 

This company sources great pieces locally and offers up a whole lifestyle built on the story of each piece. I had the good fortune to write my first article for them (which they loved!) about the history of workwear and its rightful place in modern fashion. 


Definitely give it a look-see

http://blog.hudsonmadeny.com/?p=1673

If I Had a Nickel...

I'd actually look the part of refreshed and ready for the long work day EVERY day

(Yes, attention definitely needs to be brought to mes yeux!) 

Peter Jensen's Spring 2014 Collection is a Study on Andy Warhol

British designer showed his men's spring 2014 and women's resort 214 simultaneous in London and took advantage of this tandem project to play up Andy Warhol and his famous gaggle of gals from The Factory 

Andy was deviously intrigued by people. He always was fascinated with finding out what made these madcap people around him unique and then siphoning it out of them...
"I always run into strong women who are looking for weak men to dominate them"

He was an avid social critic who loved to document every moment and felt far more comfortable as the artist than the subject of scrutiny... 

I love Los Angeles. I love Hollywood. They’re beautiful. Everybody’s plastic, but I love plastic. I want to be plastic.

He was crazy shy and insecure...

I just do art because I’m ugly and there’s nothing else for me to do.

He embraced commercial products for both their simple design and commerce... 

An artist is somebody who produces things that people don’t need to have.

If You're Heading to the Beach This Weekend

Make sure you do some extra squats first, fellas, as the silhouette for men's swimwear has creeped up faster than the US economy, that's for sure

Funny, I just happened to write up a trend piece on this very topic for the new and improved 
Viral Fashion

Wanna hear about it? Here it goes: 

http://viralfashion.com/2013/07/the-tide-is-high/

Doin' It: Last Night's Viral Fashion Relaunch Party

I write for an online fashion magazine, Viral Fashion (in case ya' didn't know) and last night Mr Taurus put on our Summer best and attended the relaunch party (new fancy website: check it) at Soho gallery, Yellow Korner

(As the menswear editor, you know I had to kill it in a vintage Madonna "Who's That Girl?" concert t-shirt, suspenders, paper bag waist pants and my fave carpet bag) 
















(Mr Taurus was Summer fashion diva ready in his mesh jersey tank and cutoffs with a vintage luggage bag. Cutie.) 

Comeback Week: Stefano Pilati Ermenegildo

Stefano Pilati made a huge comeback this week at his premier outing for Ermenegildo Zegna. Easily one of the most anticipated shows of milan men's fashion week (Pitti Uomo), Pilati did not disappoint with his typical stret and art scene flourish added to classic tailoring. This is what he masterfully accomplished at YSL before being unceremoniously dumped. Well Kerring's lost is the family Zegna's gain and this collaboration felt like that. A unification of signature label pieces filtered through the eye of a showman with tailor tendencies. 

Particularity of note were lightweight, neutral suits with layered long sleeve t-shirts rolled back at the cuffs

The suit was lent both an urban, laidback cool as well ad an indifference to a suit. I enjoy that aggressive approach Pilati always takes. His is never just a version of house tropes, but rather a rebuttal. How easy would it have been for him to just send out clean business suits in the typical Zegna mold. Easy, but boring. Rather he roughed them up with modern styling and laissez faire. "These details add personality, mine inevitably, and that of Zegna as the world knows it," Pilati told Women's Wear Daily the day of the show

The styling is indeed a reflection of Pilati's languid style: nothing's buttoned. Everything's tossed on with only your eye on the clock as you dart out the door. But it's your foresight to curate such a mix and match wardrobe in the first place and, well, your confidence that makes it work 

This irreverence is refreshing and feels like, in this age of running behind and distractions, the way to dress.



Plus, words aside, this is just a damn beautiful coat 

Welcome back, Stefano. The phoenix has risen once more (tip of my hat to any who get that reference) 

Move Over Karl Lagerfeld

Nick Graham, chief executive of NGO Inc and founder of Joe Boxer, had a lot to say in an op-ed piece for Women's Wear Daily about men embracing their inner peacock








From the grad 'em title, "Men are the New Women", Graham shot off a string of bon mots including 






"I don't mean men should start dressing like Lady Bunny, but we can go much further than we do" 










"Style is like knowing someone all your life; a trend is having dinner with someone and never seeing them again" 

On how retail has changed: "We can no longer hide behind a store door that opens at 930 a.m. to let people buy what we tell them to" 










On how color has taken over menswear: "Don't get me wrong, I like brown; it looks great on camels and trees" 

Read the whole piece featuring tons more quotable quotes here: http://www.wwd.com/menswear-news/retail-business/think-tank-men-are-the-new-women-7002640

My New Fred Perry Sneakers Made it Out the Box Today!

These cobalt canvas killers I nabbed off eBay a month ago and have been waiting for the infernal rain to stop. 

Got a clear day today to slip 'em on and take off

Burberry Men's Spring 2014 ... You Just Get Me

Child, I want EVERYTHIN from Christopher Bailey's latest outing for Burberry Prorsum 

Ooh mesh tank over shirt and tie? I've literally rocked this look! 
























Loud obnoxious prints? YES, please! 

Sweater vests? A staple of my wardrobe

And I'm a man who loves a broach 

Man, I don't even NEED to buy any of this. I got it all in my closet already! #Score 

Once Again, Jonathan Saunders Carries My Heart in his Hands

Colorblock briefcases are now part of my ever revolving wear to work wish list 

I Gotta Invest in Some Christopher Kane Spring 2014

Cuz these structured sweat pieces 

would actually inspire me 


to go to the gym

And the short set above would show off 

my killer gams









Maybe not the Tevas, though 

Every Gent Needs

I'ma start a new regular post on It Can't All Be Dior on pieces essential to a men's wardrobe since that might be one of the most commonly asked questions I receive. 


As a gent who quite often wears a tie, I can't rave enough about a navy with white pin dot number. It is an essential for every wardrobe as it pulls every look together. I was fortunate enough to inherit my grandfather's insanely versatile vintage Yves Saint Laurent, but I love this cotton option from Good Heavens on Etsy

Skinny, preppy and sophisticated. Like the Renata Boeck of ties. And the first of the list of things, Every Gent Needs

(Handmade navy and white pin dot cotton tie, $37 at Good Heavens, 

http://www.etsy.com/listing/128290906/nova-a-navy-cotton-spotted-necktie?)

Michael Bastain x Uniqlo: Your Perfect Summer Wardrobe Solution

It's been hotter than Hades in the shade in New York and you know what that means: tank tops and flip flops. Ugh. 


But if you're a guy with an office job, you can't exactly rock a board short and $1 thongs, nor can you commit to the 'proper attire'. 


Somewhere in between is the sweet spot and now New York based American Menswear designer and the 2011 CFDA Menswear Designer of the year,  Michael Bastian, just collabed with Uniqlo on a whole range of Summer work wear answers 

Mostly polos, the assortment that also includes button front shirts, tees, shorts and pants delivers considerable style at a fraction of the cost of Bastian's mainline. 

But mostly it just fills a major void for Summer menswear with some structure and oomph 





I liked so many, but the one I sprung for is this retro style with mini paisleys. The navy collar is perfect for concealing perspiration while the white feels crisp and the cotton lightweight 

Genius! Grab some now, from $19.90 http://www.uniqlo.com/us/search/bastian

Yup, the Beard is Gone

With temps hitting 90 today and major change on the horizon, 

it was time for a facial hair revolution 

Thanks for the Memorial Day Weekend Ad: The Magic of Macy's?

I don't know if it's that magic they always talkin' about, but I kinda want this star print shirt on this model

Maybe it's the capital in the background or the subway campaign being completely shot in my old backyard of D.C. but I am feelin' this shirt with my French Connection red shorts and no shoes. And margaritas. Ah, the countdown for the Memorial Day four day weekend has begun, honey! 

Pajama Party

While I wait back to hear from the HUGE pitch, check out my latest menswear piece for VIRAL Fashion on the menswear pajamas as luxurious day wear trend. 

Features quotes from Hugh Hefner! 




Linky LINK: http://viralfashion.com/viralfashion/mens-fashion/2013/05/15/pajama-party/

Wood You Read My Latest Piece for Edge on the Net?

A great little number on accessories made of wood that will stoke your inspiration for flashy looks as the weather warms up




Kindle your affection for wood bow ties, 

wood sunglasses 


and a bundle of more options. 







Chop, chop here's the link: 

http://www.edgeonthenet.com/style/fashion//143735/going_with_the_grain