She Knows Best » Suits

VMAN Magazine’s “Gentlemen Of Leisure”

Dexie Wharton — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 23:41:49 +0000

For the upcoming issue of VMAN Magazine set to be released on November 17th on newsstands near you, you’ll find a 10-page spreadsheet of Spring 2010 looks titled “Gentlemen of Leisure.” The concept was shot by CHANEL designer and fashion legend KARL LAGERFELD. Here are previews of the fabulous spreadsheet.

The looks were heavily inspired by the stylish influence of Duke of Windsor, Rudolph Valentino, Gary Cooper, and Baron Nicolas De Gunzburg. The models, namely Baptiste Giabiconi, Iris Strubegger, and Oriol Elcacho are visions of elegance and fine tailoring from way back when. This is definitely a nice way to pay homage to the fine-cut suits to bring elegance in Spring 2010.

Designers worn by the models for the photoshoot were Dolce & Gabbana, Salvatore Ferragamo, Louis Vuitton, Lanvin, Versace, Comme Des Garcons Homme Plus, Yves Saint Laurent, Dries Van Noten , etc and brilliantly styled by JACOB K.

Grab your copy of the new VMAN Magazine issue on November 17th to see the complete “Gentlemen of Leisure” looks.

(Images Credit : Karl Lagerfeld/VMAN)

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Trim Looks For Fall 2009

Dexie Wharton — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 01:00:27 +0000

After perusing Marc Jacobs Fall 2009 RTW collection which features a trim and military-inspired looks, I am not surprised at all that trim silhouette is part of the top trends for Fall 2009. The streamlined, and structured look which exudes sexiness, clean, and “eye-on-the ball” kind of focus.

You can never go wrong with a classic cut of black blazer over a striped sweater from Armani Collezioni. The large chevron blazer has notched lapels with 2 front buttons.

Pardon my brassiness but I can see myself drooling over a Man wearing this Versace Pinstriped Suit and Spiral Striped Shirt. It’s clean, classic and oozing with sex appeal.

For casual options, D&G offers this colorblock sweater over a light gray shirt and power fit jeans. A definitely trimmed casual attire for a guy who means business no matter what day it is.

Gucci is not about be left behind with this Fall trend by featuring a skinny cardigan over a plaid shirt dress and regular-fit jeans outfit. Interestingly enough, it features some of the Fall trends I’ve already discussed here namely the plaid, and knitwear.

More example of the trim trend are at Neiman Marcus to serve as a guide for Fall fashion this 2009.

(Images : NM)

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Indochino 40-Characters Suit Monogramming

Dexie Wharton — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 11:34:38 +0000

You can personalize your cellphone, cars, iPods, shirts, etc. How about personalizing your suits?

Indochino

Indochino will provide you with 40-characters suit monogramming.

“Monogramming and custom clothing go hand in hand” Says Indochino Co-Founder and CEO, Kyle Vucko. “What I love about our version of monogramming . . . it is more like phrasing, it opens up a whole new way to have fun and personalize your suit.’

Since it’s inception, costumers have been very creative with their monograms. Some of the examples are :

“Mike Gibson : The Keg Steak House” (restaurants)

“John Markoff : The Marriott Hotel” (hotel staff)

“This one is for you : Matt Damon” (jokes)

Two fonts are available to pick from(Times Roman and Brush Script)and in 3 colors (white, black, or navy). Forget the 3-letter insignias, go for the 40 characters. I mean, if you’re going to monogram your suit, you might as well go for it, right?

Visit Indochino for pricing and availability.

(Image : Indochino)

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The Summer Suits Guide

Dexie Wharton — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 01:53:27 +0000

Have you guys been paying attention to all the Suits Guides that I’ve been compiling from Esquire’s The Handbook Of Style? You never know, you might get quizzed about them later . Next up, let me introduce you to the 3 Summer Suits you should familiarize yourself with.

White Suit

White Suit — match it with a patterned shirt and a modern necktie. Buy this white suit at Men’s USA for $149.

Seer Sucker Suit

Seer Sucker Suit — Make it modern by dressing it down by wearing a light-colored sweater underneath. Buy this seer sucker suit at JoS A Bank for $129.

Khaki Suit

Khaki Suit — this is probably the easiest suit to pull off out of the 3. Layering works with khaki suits. Think light sweater over a shirt and tie. Finish it off with a pocket square. Buy this khaki suit at JoS A Bank for $199.

The light colors and breathable fabrics of these summer suits are made to weather the hot days of summer in between May and September.

(Images : JosABank, Men’s USA)(Source : Esquire’s The Handbook Of Style)

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9 Patterns You Should Know

Dexie Wharton — Sun, 15 Mar 2009 20:37:57 +0000

In continuing with my efforts in sharing with you all the tips and tricks from Esquire’s The Handbook of Style, here’s another installment dealing with the 9 Patterns You Should Know.

Glen Plaid

1. WINDOWPANE — This is like a 2-in-1 pattern because while it’s good for business suits, it could transition to a party suit as well.

2. HOUNDSTOOTH — This is good for bold jackets and special occasion suits.

3. CHALK-STRIPE FLANNEL — Perfect for cold-weather suits that mean business.

4. PINSTRIPE-WORSTED — This is for any kind of business.

5. BIRD’S EYE — For when you want the Women to notice you during cocktail hours.

6. HERRINGBONE — The pattern for casual blazers and cold-weather trousers.

7. GLEN PLAID — The office’ classic suits pattern.

8. MADRAS — This is meant for warm-weather blazers that paired with jeans.

9. SEERSUCKER — For sharp looking suits and pants in a torrid heat weather.

There’s a pattern for certain time, weather, and occasion. I hope you learn something.

(Source : Esquire’s The Handbook of Style) (Image : SmartBargains)

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The 4 Must-Have Suits

Dexie Wharton — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 19:07:30 +0000

According to Esquire’s The Handbook Of Style, there are 4 essential suits that a Man should have in his wardrobe. These are : The Staple, The Spare, The Pinstripe, and The Bolder Check.

Navy Blue Suit

The Staple = Navy Blue Suit. It’s considered to be a classier suit than a black one. A navy blue suit has the qualities of a suit preferred for a formal buttoned-down business situations. $79 from Men’s Italy.

Light Gray Suit

The Spare = Light Gray Suit. For some variety, pick a light gray suit instead of the wintry flannel. $99 from Men’s Italy.

Pinstripe Suit

The Pinstripe = Fine Pinstripe Suit. It’s always in style and is the perfect suit for an easy transition to bolder patterns. $259 from ITALSUIT.

Glen Plaid Suit

The Bolder Check = Patterns Like Glen Plaid. For a creative and fun options, a glen plaid suit is the right pick. Adding texture and depth in your wardrobe couldn’t hurt. $623 from Smart Bargains.

(Images : ItalSuit, Men’s Italy, Smart Bargains) (Source : Esquire The Handbook Of Style)

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Men’s Fashion Guide For 2009

Dexie Wharton — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 12:35:59 +0000

The consensus for Men’s Fashion in 2009 is to be bold, masculine and adventurous. There are a lot of different ways in achieving these 2009 trends which I would go through with you in this post and throughout the year with articles in the coming days by featuring the celebrities, shopping finds, designers’ collections and so much more. I hope you will find ways to implement them in your wardrobe without losing your own fashion identity. If we really think about it, the best fashion trend that will always be right every year is to not go overboard with the trends that’s plastered in our faces everyday. I’m sure at this point of your life, you have established your style that speaks volume to who you are. You know what looks good on you and what fits your body frame. The trick lies on how you would incorporate the trends without looking like you are trying too hard to look like a model in a runway show or the magazines. Be trendy this 2009, or any year for that matter, but ALWAYS be true to yourself at the same time.

Now, let’s talk about what fashion has to offer to help you guys look good this 2009.

Suits – Monochromatic suits are supposed to be taking the backseat this year. Be bold by adding a different hue with your suit. Start with a colored button shirt or a bold silk necktie.

You should also pay attention to the masculine details like the broad shoulders to complement the classic tailoring and modern silhouettes.

Double-Breasted Suits and Jackets — As illustrated early on by celebrities like Tom Cruise and Ed Westwick, double-breasted suits and jackets are big in 2009 Men’s Fashion Trends. You don’t need to hide your masculine frame anymore. Double-Breasted suits and jackets are here to tailor your shape and style.

3-piece Suits — Mismatching of the 3 pieces is taking a backseat as well. Stick with the same fabrics and prints. In short, pinstripes with pinstripes, plaid for plaid, houndstooth with houndstooth, etc.

Colors — You will have fun adding colors in your wardrobe. As well you should because there is life beyond the black and grey hues. Venture out into the world of pink (in moderation of course), blue, red, green, and others.

Designers like Gucci, Dolce & Gabbana, Burberry for examples are coming out with blues and greens in their collections, respectively. Think of linen pants, colored oxfords, sneakers, shirts, and accessories

Burberry Fit Polo, $125. Gucci Exotic Lace-up, $1295.

The Deep V-Neck Trend — Much to my chagrined, fashion designers are really pushing the deep v-neck trend. They tested the waters last year. I can’t blame them though. Maybe it’s a way to stick it to Women’s Fashion who keeps adapting the Men’s trend into their palette. I mean if I was a Man, I’d be pissed off too if my wife looks so much better in a Man Suit . No wonder there’s the Manty-Hose desperately trying to make it into the cut. If women can successfully pull off a deep V-neck trend, why can’t Men do it also? The clincher there is, Women can get away with showing come cleavage because they’re anatomically hairless in the chest. Well, most Women anyway. If the day, location, and occasion warrants it, Women just usually wear a tank top underneath a deep v-neck top or dress.

There are 2 things I would suggest if you really want to get into the deep V-neck trend.

Shave you chest, Please! Who cares about the itching afterwards. As long as you can wear a deep v-neck shirt 2 times a week, all the itchiness (perhaps redness) will all be worth it. OR, for a longer clean shaven chest, get your chest waxed and have a 40 Year Old Virgin painful (yet oh-so-Hilarious)moments with your friends.
OR, don’t jump into the deep V-neck trend at all. It’s as simple as that. Sorry, but neither Ed Westwick (Chuck Bass, Gossip Girl) nor Burberry Prorsum Degrade V-Neck Cardigan is going to change my mind.

American Apparel Deep V-Neck Tee, $22. Burberry Prorsum Degrade V-Neck Cardigan, $1195.

Well, there you go. Like I reiterated in the beginning of this Men’s Fashion Guide In 2009 article, the best trend that works every year is to not go uberly-trendy. Fashion Trends are good as long as you don’t go overboard with them. That my friends is the best fashion advice I can give you in order to Look Good In 2009 (or any year).

(Images : SKB, Bauer-Griffin, Neiman Marcus, American Apparel) (Sources : Men’s Flair/Fashionising/Various Magazines/Thoughts On Designers’ Collections)

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6 Suit Terms You Need To Know

Dexie Wharton — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 20:32:03 +0000

In the first chapter of Esquire’s The Handbook Of Style, the book delved on Suits. Before I share with you the details on The Perfect Suit, I would like to share the 6 Suit Terms That You Need To Know.

1. The Drop : This means the suit’s shape. If you hear the term “drop six” from a tailor that doesn’t mean he wants you to drop on the floor and give him 6 push ups. He is actually referring to the trouser waist size that’s 6 inches smaller than the chest.

2. The Jigger : It’s the 1 single [always] fastened button in a double-breasted jacket.

3. Bosom Pocket : These are the pockets that are cut into the suit’s fabric. A flap usually covers the pockets.

4. Ticket Pocket : This is the 3rd pocket located above the side pocket of a suit’s jacket. It’s normally the on the right side. It usually has a flap as well.

5. Kissing Buttons : This shows how the cuffs are sewn to overlap the sleeves. Mostly found on expensive suits.

6. The Syce : This denotes the armhole. The size and shape which tells the jacket’s size.

There you go. Just a little catch up on our suit’s terminologies

(Source : Esquire : The Handbook Of Style) (Image : Men’s Warehouse)

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The Hoff Says "Yeah"

Dexie Wharton — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 18:45:16 +0000

Well I don’t really now if The Hoff is saying that but looks like it if you study his hand gestures. Except that mouth doesn’t really show it. My point? Ummm nothing. I saw this picture of David Hasselhoff and I thought yah know, he’s not looking that bad. Except for that drunkard video of him downing a hamburger (not THAT was bad), The Hasselhoff seems to have bounced back and doing well. I hope so anyway. At least this time he’s wearing a nice pinstripes suit. Maybe he needs to upgrade his hair? What do you think?

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Link Of The Week : Indochino

Dexie Wharton — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 12:14:29 +0000

Indochino is new up and coming online custom suit retailer. It specializes in custom tailored suits for a fraction of a cost. Order your fabric, pick a style then take 10 to 12 minutes to measure your fit. Within 2 weeks you get your custom tailored suits at your doorstep.

Visit Indochino for your custom tailored suit.

(Image : Screenshot)

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