Tastehunter

Amsterdam-based Scotch & Soda finally found its way here into the US, opening their flagship store in NYC’s Nolita just 2 days ago. I ran in briefly today to check it out in person. The place was absolutely jamming. They had a number of youthful, urban-prep pieces including jeans, khakis and sport shirts, but the crinkled wool blend blazer below ($235) caught my eye immediately with its stylish details. I’m particularly into its black fabric + white stitching beneath the collar, patch pockets and striped cotton lining. This blazer strikes the perfect balance for Fall: it’s at once both neatly tailored and ruggedly ready-for-anything.

I dropped into the imaginative, spooky-meets-elegant menswear shop Hollander and Lexer on Atlantic Ave in Brooklyn this week just as new Fall items were being unpacked and put onto racks among a number of summer sale pieces. If you’re fighting a losing battle with the heat even at this point in the summer, I’d suggest checking the place out: they’ve got a great selection of linen, much of which is seriously marked down.

Below are a few of my favorite pieces along with a couple of looks I put together mixing and matching from Summer and Fall.

Hollander and Lexer lightweight cotton checked jacket (originally $240, now $120) with Schiesser’s supersoft henley ($140). The wide shawl collar and print on this jacket give it a really unique vibe, and the buttons on the henley lend some visual interest — as opposed to just a plain t-shirt but also without overpowering the blazer the way a graphic shirt often can.

EM’s of MASONS cotton-linen blend khakis (originally $190, now $95). Fantastically lightweight: airflow is a good thing!

Rag & Bone lightweight jeans (originally $265, now $132.50). Love the chipped paint detail on the buttons — makes me think of a sink in a decrepit old clinic somewhere.

Hollander and Lexer navy linen jacket with cotton lining (originally $425, now $212). Great interesting details like the vertical slit pockets and epaulets.

I don’t often make it to the outer boroughs, but this trip was worth it!

I was trolling J. Crew’s website today in search of sale items for a client and found all kinds of markdown goodness. Now is the perfect time to scoop up those “nice to haves” — things that aren’t a necessity but would be a useful addition to your wardrobe if the price is right. J. Crew is offering an additional 30% off all sale items until midnight on Thursday, and shipping is free if you spend over $150. I love this grey linen shirt, originally $69.50, on sale for $34.99.

For an end of summer backyard shindig, pair it with these navy shorts (originally $49.50; now $27.99),

and these Sperry boat shoes (originally $118; now $69.99),

…roll up your sleeves, and you’re good to go!

(Sale code is “SHOPNOW”.)

In case you missed it, Rath & Co. was featured on last Friday’s The Early Show talking Casual Friday and what people can and can’t get away with. The video can be seen here. Below are more thoughts on the topic:

• When Casual Friday rolls around, make sure you don’t forget that you’re still going to work, so some level of “business” needs to be involved. They always say to dress for the job you want, and that’s a good rule of thumb. If you’re going to the beach straight from work, you can find somewhere along the way to stop and change. Swim trunks + office does not lead to promotion!
• Guys should beware of wearing shorts to work. Everyone is fitness conscious these days — that’s great. We know you spend hours at the gym working on your quads, but you don’t need to display those gams at work! A little mystery doesn’t hurt.
• I saw a guy walking down the street recently in dress pants and carrying his dress shirt with a messenger bag slung across his shirtless torso. It looked uncomfortable and beyond strange. Instead of tearing off your clothes as soon as you hit the elevator, look for light colors and breathable fabrics like linen and lightweight cotton. I also like a blend of microfiber polyester and rayon because it wicks moisture away from the skin and doesn’t wrinkle easily in humidity.
• If you work in a creative field like advertising and want to wear whatever you please so that you’re comfortable enough to channel that inspiration, be sure you’re not doing so in a way where you show too much skin. There are plenty of other ways to express creativity: bright colors, fun patterns (like the purple plaid Billy Reid shirt in image above) and unique accessories like an interesting belt from APC or a punchy tie bar from J. Press over a knit tie (see below).

Happy Friday!

You may think I’m all kinds of crazy for saying so, but some of the coolest clothes I have seen recently were worn by animals. Not just any animals, but rather the fanged, furry stars of Wes Anderson’s The Fantastic Mr. Fox, which I finally saw on video a few nights ago. These critters sport beautifully tailored suits, sumptuous knits, and cozy corduroy, all of which have me jonesing for some brisk Fall weather. Of course, the blazing NYC summer is still in full effect, but the fact is, Fall/Winter clothes have already dropped, and you’d be hard pressed to find a decent selection of summer gear anywhere other than at a sample sale.

And so it was no surprise yesterday that when breezing through Bergdorf’s men’s department, I was immediately drawn to these relaxed but stylish cashmere and wool-silk blend neckties by Breuer for Bergdorf Goodman ($145-175). They would be perfect for a fox, badger, gopher, or yes a person, on those frigid winter days when even your eyeballs are cold. Particularly well-suited to those in a creative field, these ties manage to offer both a bit of self-expression and a nod to business dress. These bad boys are great with tweed suits or rough-textured odd jackets. I’d also like to see them worn more casually with a denim shirt. A four-in-hand or any simple tie knot is best here, as this fabric is thicker than that of most ties, and you want to keep your knot proportional to your face. These ties might look more relaxed, but if worn properly, they’ll give you an extra edge. So make like an animal and prepare early for Winter — it’ll be here before you know it.

If you’ve ever wondered what colors will bring out the handsome devil in you, you might want to consider having a color analysis done. This is a process by which someone trained in color drapes you in various fabrics to determine your optimal color palette. The idea is that the “right” colors will brighten skin tone, even out complexion, smooth skin texture, balance the shapes of your features and make you appear rested and younger. The “wrong” colors will dull skin and drain your coloring, making you appear tired and sallow…not cool at all!

Check out this video of me with the ever-dynamic Mary Schook on a Chinese news hour that aired this past weekend. In it, we discuss how colors relate to the Asian population, namely women. Yes, color analysis may sound super girly, but it’s of particular relevance to guys, and here’s why: women can get away with wearing the “wrong” colors because they use makeup to help negate any ill effects those colors may have on how their skin looks. Most men, however, don’t wear makeup, so it’s crucial if they want to make flattering clothing choices that they know what colors will look fantastic on them.

If you’re in the New York Tri-State Area or metro-Boston and are interested in getting your colors done officially (and in English), contact me.

Mandals: the name alone evokes snickers, sneers, and talk of Volvos and wheatgrass. Urban Dictionary defines them as, “An unfortunate fugly fashion mishap involving sandals.”  But I’m here to tell you that the wearing of mandals doesn’t have to be such a hot mess. If you choose wisely, you can avoid embarrassing questions like “how was your hike?” when all you are doing is riding the cross town bus.

When it comes to mandals, less is more. Think fewer straps, buttons and buckles, just say no to velcro, and you’ll be in good shape. As Tim Gunn says, “The more seriously one takes the mandal, the more ridiculous one looks.” Here are some of my fav options available now…

$100 and under

Barneys Sanuk Saddle Up Thong $29

You can’t go wrong with a classic leather thong sandal like these. They’re simple, easy and summery but not as informal as your standard beach flip flop. Throw them on with jeans or chinos, and it’s a done deal.

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J Shoes Mirage Sandal $49.99

I’m also very into these Mirage Sandals from J Shoes. The stitching, canvas and rivets give them a cool industrial feel. Originally $148, they’re now marked down to $49.99. Check them here.

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First by Jeffrey Campbell Huaraches $99

These First by Jeffrey Campbell huaraches caused a stir when they first appeared on the Loden Dager runway last Fall. If you prefer more coverage than other sandals or flip flops provide, huaraches are a great way to achieve that while still letting your feet breathe. Plus you gotta love their handsome Latin American vibe.

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Cole Haan Felipe Thongs $99

I like the added detail of the croc stamping on these leather bad boys from Cole Haan. It gives the look some visual interest and dresses them up slightly.

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$100-$200

Saks Fifth Ave V-Strap Sandals $155

Still dressier are these babies from Saks. The leather has a rich, luxurious feel. They would work well with a seersucker or linen suit.

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John Varvatos Lakota Woven Slide $122

If flip flops don’t do it for you, check out these woven slides from John Varvatos. I like the variation in texture between the different straps. Also on sale now, these were originally $175.

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$200 and up

Ferragamo Leather Sandals $295

These sandals from Ferragamo don’t fail to impress with their contrast stitching and subtly-detailed hardware. A little panache goes a long way.

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K. Jacques for Opening Ceremony Sandal $265

For a more lively look — or, if you’re heading to St. Tropez, and you want to make like the locals — check out these limited edition Barigoule sandals from K. Jacques’ first ever collaboration with Opening Ceremony. They’re the Jesus sandal on holiday.

Of course, it goes without saying that if you’re going to bare your toes, make sure they’re clean and well-tended to, and whatever you do, don’t combo up your mandals with socks:

Socks + Mandals = Fugly Fashion Mishap for sure.

I was walking up 6th Ave the other day when I came across this cool cat. Meet Neal Ohm (brilliant last name — a constant reminder to stay chill). This guy knows how to put together an eye-catching ensemble. It’s no surprise that fashion is in his blood — his grandmother started the women’s department at Barneys with the Pressman family back in the 70s.

Here are the deets on his look: navy windowpane suit from Dolce & Gabbana, French cuff shirt Brooks Brothers, bowtie Robert Talbott, shoes Paul Smith, shades $10 off the street, and pinup girl cuff links vintage from a London flea market (the dreaded iPhone camera did not come through for me on my shots of these, but trust me, they were way cool).

I can’t think of a more American brand to give a quick shout out to on this most American of all American holidays than Gant, even if the company is now Swedish-owned. Gant was founded by Bernard Gant, an industrious Ukranian immigrant whose dream was to become “a real American.” His first job off the boat in 1914 was sewing shirt collars in a sweatshop in NYC’s garment district. In 1941, he started his namesake line, which epitomizes tried and true American style — “casual, comfortable, reflecting the good life and leisurely lifestyles on the American East Coast.”

I snapped this picture of a Gant handloom madras shirt, known as “The Hugger” at the very cool, industrial-inspired Gant Rugger store ($115; 353 Bleecker St; 212.620.5949). This lightweight, ultrasoft cotton charmer would be a sound choice for a weekend that I sure hope finds you in full-on cocktail, bbq and firework mode. The good life and leisurely lifestyle indeed!

Check out the stealth pinup girl patch hidden behind the cuff. She looks ready for the long weekend too…

Happy bday America!

As seen on the Brilliant Event Planning blog.

Every groom should look dashing at his wedding. If the dress code permits, ditch the tux in favor of a well-chosen, perfectly-fitting suit. The beauty of buying a knock-out suit is that once you have it, you can wear it for different occasions like job interviews or other important events. It’s a wise use of your wedding budget, and all guys look fantastic in a well-fitted suit.

Here are some of my top tips on suiting up your wedding:

1. Color: A navy or grey suit with a white shirt and black shoes are excellent options. If you’re not asking your groomsmen to buy the same exact suit as yours (which is a great way to build goodwill with them, especially if budget is an issue), you should give them guidance on color. In this situation, opt for navy because if you just tell them, “buy grey suits,” you’ll end up with all different shades and patterns. Black can work too, but it’s a strong color that not everyone looks good in, so go with the easier-to-wear navy.
2. Time of Day: If your wedding is a more casual, daytime affair, you can wear a navy blazer, shirt, and tie with khaki, grey or seersucker pants. To look really pulled together with this option, match the metals of your belt buckle and watch to the buttons on your blazer. So if your buttons are gold, wear a gold buckle and a gold watch. With silver-tone buttons, opt for silver accessories.
3. Ties: Neckwear provides a nice way to coordinate with the color the bridesmaids are wearing and with the color scheme of the overall event. Look for ties that pick up on colors that will appear elsewhere in the wedding. If you’re wearing a suit and you’d rather stick to a more classic and simple style for yourself, try a long white or silver tie, and let your groomsmen do the color thing. That way, you’ll have a look that pulls the event together as a cohesive whole.