Men's Style

Reader Question: Stylish Leather Porfolio

Question: I need advice! Looking for a father's day gift for a CEO that can be used daily! I want to buy a nice, stylish leather portfolio that can also accommodate an iPad. Preferably not a cache with a handle but more of a "man-clutch" for lack of a better word. -- LindsayAnswer: Hey Lindsay, what a nice gift idea! So for your mutch (sounds more manly than "man-clutch"), you want something durable since he'll be carrying it everyday, and it needs to be strong enough to hold the iPad. Check out Coach's Crosby Leather Portfolio ($298). It's the perfect size for an iPad + some other stuff, feels v professional, and won't scratch because of the pebbled leather. It comes in black or brown here, and a cool striped version here (see below left and right).Men's Style: Leather PortfolioHappy Father's Day to your man, and let me know how you do!-Julie

Memorial Day Weekend Go-Bag

Men's Style Long Weekend Packing ListMemorial Day weekend is almost here, and with it, the start of the summer. Whether you're making a quick getaway or staycationing, you'll want to kick your season off with a stylish bang. With that in mind, I created a Pinterest board with my summer weekend essentials. Check it out here.What are your must-haves for a long summer weekend?

Spring 2012 Menswear Trend Report

Spring has not quite sprung yet here in NYC, but I've already been hitting the pavement and interwebs with my styling clients' needs in mind. Even if you aren't planning on a complete wardrobe overhaul this Spring, transitional periods like now are great times to take a look at what you own and consider strategically adding a few items that will help you get the most out of what you have. With that in mind, below is my roundup of Spring 2012's menswear trends, along with corresponding suggestions.Trend #1 Old HollywoodSpring 2012 Men's Style Tips: Old HollywoodClean, crisp and confident, the Old Hollywood trend is timeless. In many ways, it's a nod to style icon Cary Grant, known for his simple block colors and classic style. Think white pants, double breasted tailored jackets or sportcoats. For both, make sure the fit is slim, and for the latter, also have it cut on the short side, just covering your seat. Look for white pants from designers like Simon Spurr, Hermes, DSquared2, and Ralph Lauren Black Label ($295) below.Spring 2012 Men's Style Tips: White PantsTrend #2 SuburbiaSpring 2012 Men's Style Tips: SuburbiaSpring runways abounded with checks and plaids, frequently in silhouettes that had a 1950's suburban feel. Think of it as what you might wear to a summer barbecue: gingham, camp shirts, polos and blazers. This blue and green check shirt below ($185) from Billy Reid is an easy example of how to rock this trend.Spring 2012 Men's Style Tips: Check ShirtTrend #3 Urban SafariMen's Spring 2012 Style Tips: Urban SafariSafari jackets were introduced as part of the British military's tropical uniform. They're lightweight for easy mobility and typically contain expandable front pockets. I like the safari jacket because with it, fashion goes hand-in-hand with function, as it can come in many materials and colors (usually neutral) and have additional details like contrast stitching and an attached waist belt. The gorgeous leather one below from Bottega Veneta ($8100) is a luxe example of this look -- let's hope those safari pockets are loaded with cash though because this jam does not come cheap! Of course, there are plenty of other styles out there that are friendlier on the wallet (see here and here). Other ways to incorporate safari style into your wardrobe are via linen fabrics and silk-blend shirts.Men's Spring 2012 Style Tips: Safari JacketA word of caution: when choosing neutral jackets, try to choose a shade that's flattering on our skin tone. Most of us look better in either cool tones (blue-based, like grey) or warm tones (yellow-based, like tan or olive).Trend #4 Naval AcademyMen's Spring 2012 Style Tips: Naval AcademyBrands like J. Crew and H&M presented collections with a maritime aesthetic, as seen in details like stripes, ribbed knits, blue/red/white color palettes, nautical prints, Bermuda shorts and Fisherman's sweaters. This pocket square ($65) from Richard James is a peppy way to work the trend into dressier outfits.Men's Spring 2012 Style Tips: Pocket SquareI hope you found this trend report helpful and inspiring as you get your wardrobe in gear for Spring. As always, I welcome your comments and questions. And if any of these trends resonate with you, but you're still not sure how to implement them, please contact me for more tailored help.Runway photos courtesy of Fashion Snoops.

Successful Spring Layering: How to Roll in Like a Lion (or Lamb)

Happy (almost) Spring! Of course, one day's sunny and sixty-five could be another day's stormy and forty, so don't forget to dress strategically. The key to successful Spring dressing is layers. Below are five tips on how to layer for everything from lion to lamb, along with my top picks for Spring layering pieces.1) Wear thin combinations of layers, like a fine cashmere sweater, a Spring jacket, or a lightweight t-shirt. The more thin layers you wear, the more you can adjust to your comfort.2) Consider the vest. From down to leather to suiting fabric, there's a vest for every occasion. And remember, with a down vest, you can wear it over or under your suit/blazer.3) Just because you're not wearing your puffer doesn't mean you can't wear gloves and a scarf. I love the cool, nonchalant look of winter accessories on their own, without a heavy winter jacket.4) For days where it's too cold to wear your lightweight jacket but too warm to wear your heavy one, wear two lightweight jackets. Try a denim jacket beneath a one that's cotton-twill or nylon.5) This is pretty intuitive, but typically the easiest and most visually pleasing way to layer is to wear the lightest weight layer closest to your body, going thicker as you move away from it.And here are just a few of my Spring layering picks...

Lightweight Jacket

men's style: waxed jacket

Belstaff Gangster Waxed Cotton Jacket ($645): I admit, one of the main reasons this jacket caught my eye is its name (but let's be real, can anything from Mr Porter truly be categorized as "gangster"?). Name aside, it has a great trim fit, and waxed cotton is a good way to get the look of leather without the pricetag.

Vest

men's style: knit vestRag & Bone Milano Waistcoat ($255): This vest is is a nice piece because even though it's a sweater, it doesn't fall into the trap of looking frumpy (which sometimes can happen with open sweaters like cardigans and vests). The buttons, pockets and triangle-opening at the bottom give it a pulled-together, suiting feel.

Lightweight Scarf

men's style: lightweight scarf

Yigal Azrouel Tonal Colorblock Scarf ($135): Throwing on a lightweight scarf like this one is an easy way to cut the chill without risk of overheating once you go inside.For more specific Spring outfit ideas, click here. And if you'd like more tailored help with your Spring wardrobe, contact me.

How to Dress Like You Mean Business: What Would a CEO Wear?

There's a lot of great info out there on what to wear for dates, but not so much for a high-level business role like CEO. Whether you're looking for a C-suite position or you already have one and want to dress the part (this can define your relationship with your staff), your appearance is key to your success.Appropriate attire will vary based on the type of business environment you are in. A Fortune 500 company is likely to have a much more formal dress code than that of a smaller tech company, which, in turn, is apt to be even more dressy than a start-up. Below are eight tips on how to dress like you run things:What Does a CEO Wear: Power Ties1. Dark colors and straight lines signal authority. So a navy suit and with a strong shoulder and a red tie connote power and authority. For the smaller tech company or a culture where you want to be slightly more approachable, it might be a textured red tie with polka dots and a navy blazer. (Tip: many websites allow you to shop by color, which is a great time-saver.)2. High contrast color combinations are perceived as powerful (that's why a tuxedo is so eye-catching); just make sure you're not wearing too much contrast for your own natural coloring.How to Dress Like a CEO: Laceup Dress Shoes3. For dress shoes, opt for lace-ups over slip-ons. You'll gain credibility that way.4. While we're talking footwear, it's important to keep your shoes clean and well-maintained. Find a great shoe guy and take your shoes in as often as needed for polish and retooling. Here in Manhattan, my go-to is The Leather Spa.5. Get good haircuts. A lot of guys discount the importance of a great scissor cut, but it can truly make or break your look.What Does a CEO Wear: Quality Attache Case6. Invest in high quality accessories like a leather carry-all or portfolio. You'll use these things everyday, so it makes sense to spend a little more on them, as your cost per wear will be lower.7. Make sure your clothes fit right. A good fit not only flatters your body, but it also shows that you've taken the time and effort to make yourself look good, and that you're aware of where and how to choose clothes that suit you.8. Have confidence in your choices. For example, if you decide to wear socks with an interesting pattern or a color you've never worn before, dive right in. If you don't own what you wear, people will pick up on that. The absolute most important element of your outfit is confidence!

Scenes from Paris

I can't believe it's already been three weeks since my trip to Paris. I had a spectacular time wandering the city and checking out all the shops on my list. When it comes to how the men over there style themselves, I will say this -- French men wear scarves like nobody's business. Even once indoors, the jacket comes off, but the scarf stays on. It's clearly an integral part of the outfit. Below are a couple mannequin shots I took outside Eglé Bespoke demonstrating different ways to incorporate a scarf into your look.how to wear a scarfhow to wear a scarfNote in both images how the scarf doesn't cover up the other detail at the neckline -- tie knot or collars. It actually adds visual interest and dimension to the look, making it more sophisticated. Another nice thing about adding neckline detail is that it draws the eye upward making you look taller and flattering your chest. On top of that, the vertical lines created by the downward drape of the scarf are slimming...scarves for the win!Below are a few more images from the trip:Doorway on Rue du Mont ThaborColorful cufflinksLooking out the window of the Musée CarnavaletTaxidermy ceiling at Musée de la Chasse et de la NaturePatterned socks are a small detail that pack a lot of style punch (remember, only a sliver of the pattern is visible to others)Snowy night on Pont des ArtsCaught myself in this one

Your Valentine's Day Survival Guide

What is said to be the most romantic day of the year is coming up, so on that note, below are my top five tips on how to get this Valentine's Day thing right this year!

___________________________________

1) Get her flowers. Yes, it may feel trite, and she may have even told you not to do so, but trust me, she wants them. Pass on the carnations and go with a bouquet of roses -- white or purple are a nice change from the standard red.

___________________________________

Men's Valentine's Day accessories2) Accessorize yourself. Valentine’s Day is a fantastic time to inject your everyday look a shot of romance. Don’t worry, I’m not talking about anything strange or tacky (tuxedo’d monkey holding flowers: I’m looking at you), but rather selecting an accessory or two that shows your date you put a little extra thought into your outfit. If normally wear solid socks, this might be your day to bust through the Gold Toe barrier. Try these jammies from Paul Smith ($33). Remember, just a peek of the pattern will be showing (er, depending on how the evening goes). The dyed copper tie bar ($15) above Pauis another great option that gives a lot of style bang for minimal buck.

___________________________________

Valentine's Day gifts for women3) Bear gifts. She said she doesn't want a present? Of course she wants a present (see point #1). You can do no wrong with lingerie from Kiki De Montparnasse. Another tried and true gift is jewelry. But think outside the Tiffany box on this one; it'll show her you put some effort into finding something unique and special for her. I am a big fan of Borgioni's triple diamond slice necklace for its unconventional take on diamonds by the yard.

___________________________________

Handmade Valentine's Day Card4) Step away from the Hallmark aisle. Hand crafted greeting cards are luxurious (c'mon, it's an $8 card) but not that luxurious (c'mon, it's only $8). The few additional dollars you'll spend on the card above from Kate's Paperie will go a long way.

___________________________________

Valentine's Day cocktail5) Quaff romantically. Staying in for the evening? Whip up a signature Valentine's cocktail. The Riviera is about as red as you can get due to its use of blood orange juice and Dubonnet rouge.Wishing you all a happy and stylish Valentine's Day...Cheers,Julie

Off to Paris!

Eiffel-Tower-Night-LightsI leave for Paris in less than 48 hours, and I am beyond excited for this last-minute trip. Many French brands and shops don't sell/ship outside Europe, and I can't wait to research those that aren't available in the U.S. Lots of time will also be spent observing how the everyday Parisian man puts it all together (love me some street style). Some of the shops I'm going to hit up for menswear are Arnys, Tremblay Alvergne, Merci, Pierre Talamon, Rosewood Chaussures, and the pop-up Le Bazar Des Poilus. Where are your fav places to shop in Paris?

How to Wear Spring's Statement Shoes (+ Rath & Co. Featured in WSJ)

Spring 2012 Men's Shoe TrendsA big thank you to The Wall Street Journal for including me in the recent article, Spring Shoes for Men Step Brightly. The piece discusses how men's footwear is trending toward colorful uppers or soles and "statement" elements like spikes and wild patterns; my advice on how to incorporate this trend into your wardrobe is included at the end of the article.After speaking with the WSJ reporter, I had an outfit brainstorm, and below I share with you a few specific looks that incorporate Spring 2012's shoe trends.

___________________________________

T&F Slack Men's Shoes

1) A great Spring combo would include a pair of neutral shoes with a neon sole like the bucks, above, from T&F Slack. Pair them with white straight-leg jeans and a denim shirt for a casual night out.

___________________________________

Tod's Men's Competition Shoes2) If the shoe itself is brightly colored, like Tods' royal blue Competition Shoe, go with a dark wash, straight-leg jean, a grey henley shirt and a navy vest.

___________________________________

Esquivel Men's Boots3) If neon shoes are too much of a commitment for you, you might dip your toes in the trend by adding color via your laces, as with the Esquivel shoes above. Because the color pop is not too prominent, you can play around by incorporating other colors into your look. Pair these boots with dressy jeans and a sport shirt that has some yellow in the pattern, like the one below from Polo Ralph Lauren. The reason yellow and purple work together is that they are complementary colors, meaning that they live opposite from each other on the color wheel. When used together, complementary colors intensify each other and create a harmonious color scheme.

Polo Ralph Lauren Men's Shirt

___________________________________

Jimmy Choo Men's Provocative Paisley Slipper4) For a shoe where the detail (as opposed to the color) is the statement, like Jimmy Choo's "provocative paisley" slippers above, you want to keep the rest of your look tailored and simple. Wear these with a midnight three-piece suit for a posh night out, or for a more casual event, try a medium grey dress shirt and black or charcoal grey pants. The important thing to keep in mind with shoes like this is that they need to be in line with your personality, and wearing them with confidence is key. (As an aside, check out this fun Bond-style video detailing the Burlesque silhouettes hidden in the print.)

 ___________________________________

I hope the post above gives you ideas for your own combinations if you decide to rock Spring 2012's shoe trends. Let me know what outfits you put together!

New Dads: Keeping Stylish While Keeping Your Cool

This article originally appeared on the Deposit a Gift blog.
 

There’s lots of advice around on how new moms can keep it together fashion-wise after a little one arrives on scene. As a men’s Image and Style Consultant perhaps I’m biased, but sometimes new dads have just as much trouble maintaining a fresh sense of style. The keys are to keep it straightforward and functional, and below are six tips on how new dads can do just that.

___________________________________

Masculine Baby AccessoriesThe heading may sound like an oxymoron, but there’s a whole industry catering to hip dads who don’t want to carry around flowered diaper bags. Companies like Diaper Dude and Storksak design bags with these dads in mind: they come in solid dark colors like carbon grey and army green, not to mention in brown and black leather.

Men's Storksak Jamie Bag

 ___________________________________

Stylish FunctionalityIt’s no secret that you need to tote a lot of gear when you have kids. Luckily for the fashion-conscious dad, slim cargo pants are currently on-trend, so these guys can stow some of what they’ll need in those pockets for easy access. I like this khaki pair from Lands’ End Canvas, the black camo’s from Rogue or J Brand’s vintage trooper cargo.Lands' End Canvas Men's Slim Cargo Pants

___________________________________

Dark MatterThe first thing I usually hear from clients who are parents is how easy it is for clothes to get ruined from drips, drools and worse. With this in mind, new dads should look for machine washable clothes in forgiving dark colors.

___________________________________

Know Your FabricsStyle-savvy dads can further protect their clothes by wearing stain-resistant fabrics. A company called Nano-Tex has engineered an incredible fabric called Nano-Care Stressfree that literally repels stains; brands like Gap, Levi’s and Eddie Bauer sell clothing made with this technology. New dads can also protect themselves from looking worn out by wearing fabrics that look better when a little wrinkled. Think chambray, linen or flannel shirts and washed cotton chinos from inexpensive stores like Uniqlo.Men's Linen Shirts

___________________________________

Basic GroomingIt can be easy to get lax about haircuts, hair trimming and shaving once the little one shows up, but part of looking good is maintaining these elements of style. Many hair stylists make house calls, making it easy to fit cuts into your busy schedule.

Men's Shaving Brush and Stand

___________________________________

Stay OrganizedWhen you’re sleep-deprived, you won’t want to contend with a messy, confusing closet. Clean and organize your closet regularly so you can get dressed quickly. And if you need help, call in a professional.

___________________________________

Most importantly for new dads: Have a clear game plan at the outset. There’s no need to descend to a dad jeans + hoodie combo when you can just as easily put on a casual sport coat and well-fitted jeans – even if you’re just heading to the park. I hope the above tips help, and I welcome your questions and comments!

Video Blog: Mixing High and Low in Menswear

In today's video blog, my friend, client and style comrade, Tony Martignetti and I demonstrate how to mix high and low in menswear. We hear about this a lot in relation to women's style but not as much for men. The idea is to be strategic about your clothing budget, putting your money toward classic pieces that will stand the test of time, and looking to fast fashion stores like Urban Outfitters, American Apparel, Uniqlo and H&M for trendier items. Tony's custom shirt is from Cego ($125), and his chinos ($58) are from American Apparel. What do you think? How do you mix high + low?Tony is the founder of Martignetti Planned Giving Advisors. Tweet him here and check out his weekly radio show here

To Tuck or Not to Tuck: Wearing Boots

One of the first things women notice on men is their shoes. No, really. Below I take you through the main categories of boots and explain what to wear with each and address the tuck-or-not question. (Hint: it has nothing to do with whether or not you have nice ankles.) Work BootThe Work Boot – Utilitarian and rugged in feel, but handsome nonetheless, the work boot is best worn casually. It’s often water-resistant with a warm lining and therefore great for negotiating snow drifts. And besides, if there’s any falling timber on the Upper East Side, you’ll be ready. Note: this boot looks better when it’s a little beat up.Tuck? Yep, especially when there’s a layer of slushy muck along the sidewalk. You might need to cuff your pants once or twice for this, and you can also try leaving your boots untied or loosely tied (depending on how long your laces are – you don’t want them dragging through black puddles) and pushing your pants easily into the tops. Don’t worry about making sure each pant leg looks exactly the same. It should be a little undone. Chukka BootThe Chukka – Originally worn by polo players (the name is derived from the word chukker, the playing period of a polo game), the Chukka is now worn by all men, regardless of whether they carry a mallet. This low-style boot can be dressy or casual, dictated by the material it’s made from – usually suede or leather. Wear them with jeans, chinos, dress pants or a suit, depending on how refined the boot material is.Tuck? Never. Lace-up BootThe Lace-up Boot – These boots are your most versatile option and come in a range of heights. Pull them on with jeans and a leather jacket (make sure the shade of the jacket leather is the same as that of your boots). Or wear them with a suit for a sharp-dressy look that also keeps your ankles warm as you power across town during an arctic blast.The lace-up boot is a candidate for one of my favorite fashion moments: the nonchalant half-tuck. While you’re welcome to play it safe and wear your pants over your boots, why not show a little lace and let the bottoms of your chinos or jeans – cuffing or rolling optional – fall casually into the tops of your boots? Don’t make it too perfect. Note: if you’re feeling noncommittal (or are short on time), lace them halfway, then wrap the laces around the tops of your boots a couple of times and tie them, as in the image below.Boots Tied Around BackTuck? See above. Chelsea BootThe Chelsea Boot – Formerly reserved for riding your scooter around London to visit your favorite Beatle, the Chelsea boot now gets a lot of airplay in mainstream menswear. This style is often characterized by an elasticized side panel that makes it easy to pull on and off – great for zipping through airports. Wear with dark jeans for a night out or with your suit for an effortlessly sleek look.Tuck? Don’t even think about it.So that covers my general rundown on boots. For specific boot suggestions, please contact me directly. And, as always, I welcome your suggestions and comments.

2011 Holiday Gift Guide

December is here, and you know what that means: 'tis the season for presents up the ying yang! Below is my top-ten list for holiday gifting. I hope you're able to find something on here for whoever is on your list (including yourself), and if you'd like shopping help tailored specifically to you, please contact me.Lanvin men's cufflinks1.// Lanvin rhodium cufflinks ($335) - Manly in an edgy yet subtle way, these cufflinks will match just about anything in your closet.2.// Microphone speaker ($24) - This quirky little speaker from MollaSpace comes in gold or silver tone. Perfect for the guy who likes a little extra attention.Men's wool hats3.// Wool hats - It takes a certain who-gives-a-damn attitude to wear a pom-pom hat. I like this one from Gant by Michael Bastian (above left; $85) because it has an old school feel, like something a Royal Tenenbaums character would wear. For a less statement-y but still stylish option, try the Christopher Kane hat (above right; $375). The houndstooth pattern is a nice upgrade from the standard solid skully.Men's Astrakhan hat4.// Astrakan ambassador hat ($385) - If the giftee in question is more traditional and appreciates old-world style, I would recommend this luxurious Astrakhan hat from the A Suitable Wardrobe store. It's great for travel because it packs flat.Viktor & Rolf Patchwork Hat5.// Viktor & Rolf patchwork scarf ($388) - A scarf is an easy holiday gift because you don't have to worry about fit. I'm a big fan of this patchwork number from Viktor and Rolf. All of the different patterns and textures give it a rich and interesting feel.Hugo men's pocket square6.// Hugo pocket square ($8) - There's no need to sacrifice style if your gift budget is modest. Snap up this gingham flannel pocket square from The Tie Bar. Its blue and black color combo is sharp in an unexpected way.David Family Wines 2007 Pinot Noir7.// David Family Wines 2007 Pinot Noir ($62) - Act fast: David Family Wines is about to end sales on their 2007 Pinot Noir, at which point it will go back into the cellar for additional aging (to be re-released in 2 years for $85/bottle). This gift is perfect for the discerning wine-lover: not only is it unbelievably delicious stuff, it also features a smart-looking leather label.Manhattan tools8.// Up Your Manhattan Game - In other booze news, after giving us the right ingredients for a solid Manhattan in last year's gift guide, this year whiskey enthusiast Josh Wortman shows us what tools to get. He recommends a Japanese glass mixing cup ($53), a bar spoon ($18), and a julep strainer ($11). Josh also likes these very small batch bitters ($18) made by soon-to-open Dutch's Spirits Distillery in upstate New York. And if you need recipes, grab PDT's new cocktail book ($16).Miansi tie bar9.// Miansai tie bar ($66) - Adding a tie bar is an easy way to take your steez to the next level. Don't be afraid of the pattern on this one from Miansai. It would work well paired with a solid grey wool or cashmere tie and the blue and black pocket square in #6 above.Tenue de Nimes x Travelteq men's laptop bag10.// Travelteq X Tenue de Nîmes laptop bag (€395) - Time is of the essence if you're into this handsome limited edition Tenue bag: only 50 pieces were made. The mashup of two traditional materials - Florentine Vacchetta leather and Japanese selvage chambray - gives it a classic-meets-modern style.There you have Rath & Co.'s 2011 Holiday Gift Guide! Hopefully there is something on here that nails it for you/your guy, or at the very least it inspires you to come up with your own thoughtful surprises. Happy gifting!

Outfit-Building Through Color-Linking: PS by Paul Smith Henley

PS by Paul Smith Men's Henley'Tis true, I talk about henleys a lot in general as smart layering pieces, but this number ($310) from PS by Paul Smith is currently at the top of my favorites list. Here, the devil is in the details: the marled wool and red button thread stitching are just the right unexpected touches to make its wearer stand out without being party-pants obnoxious. I got this piece for a client during Mr. Porter's Friend's and Family sale a few weeks back, and in person the red button hole thread is much more visible than in the image above. The cool thing about this detail is that it allows you to wear red elsewhere in your outfit as a way of pulling an entire look together. With that in mind, here are some ideas of how to style it:Under a sport coat...GANT by Michael Bastian Prince of Wales sport coatOpt for a neutral-colored fabric with a thin red line running through it as part of the pattern like this GANT by Michael Bastian sport coat. (Red elbow patches optional.)Under a sweater...Polo Ralph Lauren men's cashmere sweaterBecause both red references are on your top half, wearing a red sweater like this one above, from Polo Ralph Lauren, is a bit of a no-brainer. Bonus: if you want to tie in your bottom half, add socks that have some red in them like those from Corgi below. Note that solid red socks would be overkill.Corgi men's socks Under a sport shirt...Bonobos men's check sport shirtAnother somewhat straightforward choice, throw it on under a sport shirt that has red in its pattern, like this one from Bonobos, as an alternative to a v- or crewneck t-shirt.With red footwear...Red men's deck shoesRed deck shoes like these from Polo Ralph Lauren and Shoo respectively are as bold as I'd suggest you go for pulling in red elsewhere in your outfit. Of course, bright red shoes are not for everyone, so as always, make sure to stick with what suits your personality when choosing your look.With red laces...Diemme Roccia Vet men's bootsWearing red laces like those in these Diemme boots is a more low key way of bringing your upstairs and downstairs together.Using the red button thread stitching on this henley as above is just one example of how to subtly tie in any color in one part of your outfit with the same color elsewhere. You can do this with almost any clothing detail. As always, I welcome your questions and comments about how to accomplish this.

Rath & Co. on the Radio

J & J Secrets of Style and Beauty Radio ShowYep, that's right! Beginning next Tuesday (11/22) at 8PM, I will be teaming up with Julia Dalton-Brush, men's grooming expert, makeup artist, beauty editor, and owner of Brush Beauty for an engaging and informative weekly radio show, called J & J Secrets of Style and Beauty. The show will be your weekly dose of all things style, beauty and grooming. We'll have lively interviews with trusted experts from fields ranging from men’s and women’s fashion and hair styling, makeup, style and beauty blogging, to modeling, event planning, charity organizations, and beyond. Tune in for fantastic tips and tricks and to get your questions and dilemmas answered. We will be taking live calls and tweets throughout the show, so please follow and tweet us here. Read more about us and our show here, and tune in Tuesday nights from 8-9PM eastern standard time. If you can't make it live, all shows are recorded so you can listen at your leisure.

Product Review: Philips Norelco Vacuum Stubble and Beard Trimmer Pro

Philips Norelco Vacuum Stubble and Beard Trimmer ProThe nice folks at Philips Norelco recently sent me their Vacuum Stubble and Beard Trimmer Pro for testing. We tried it on Rath & Co. team member Josh, who usually sports a bit of neatly trimmed stubble. Here's how it went:-We loved the vacuum design. It was a major bonus not having hair fly all over the place while shaving.-The blade felt big, sturdy and soft. We didn't need any fancy products for it to be comfortable.-Josh liked being able to shave in reverse with it. The trimmer he nomally uses sometimes pulls on his hair painfully when he does that, but he had no issues with this one. We did notice some hairs in the sink though he used it backwards (which might mean we weren't supposed to do that).-It was nice to be able to customize what length stubble you're going for. The Trimmer Pro has 18 settings from 1mm-18mm.-We also liked the options for faster and slower speeds.Overall, this is an excellent product for no-brainer trimming if you want to get that "next day beard" look, without waiting for your hair to grow in after shaving and hoping it does so evenly. The Stubble and Beard Trimmer Pro retails for $59.99, and you can get it here. If you have any thoughts on this trimmer, or any others that you like, we welcome you to share them in comments or tweet me here.

A Rath & Co. Wedding: Sarah and Jonathan

Groom wedding stylingOne of the crazy fun ways we spend our time here at Rath & Co. is styling grooms and groomsmen for weddings (sometimes the brides get in on the action too). I recently got pictures from a beautiful wedding I styled for Sarah Jenks and Jonathan Brajtbord, above, back in June. Sarah is a bridal weight loss coach, and Jonathan is a urologist -- certainly a case of opposites attract in terms of her eastern and his western approach to health care, but it works. They were ridiculously happy, and not to mention all over each other, at every point in the wardrobe planning process.Details: The color scheme for the bridal party was grey and pink. We got Jonathan into a winning three-piece suit from Simon Spurr, a white dress shirt from Michael Andrews Bespoke, a pink and grey stripe tie from Billy Reid, and a pair of black Lucchese cowboy boots (the man is a Texan, after all). The groomsmen all wore gray suits, white shirts, and the same Billy Reid tie as Jonathan. The couple wanted some uniformity between the groom and groomsmen, with Jonathan standing out marginally. So we opted for a three-piece suit for him and two-piece suits for the guys. And the ties matched the pink of the bridesmaids dresses. More pictures below.Congratulations Sarah and Jonathan! You guys rock.Groom Styling Groomsmen ties match bridesmaid dresses Read more about Sarah and Jonathan's wedding here.

Fall 2011 Boot Picks

Hard-wearing, versatile, and a step up from sneakers, boots really were made for walking. One of the things I love most about men’s boots is the wide variety of styles. This Fall especially, designers have thrown out a lot of interesting details, giving you the option to go classic, or amp it up with something more fashion forward. Below are my top boot picks for Fall 2011, listed by type of boot. In each category, I’ll give you a classic choice, followed by one with a little more flavor.

Work Boot

Classic: Red Wing for J. Crew Work Boot ($280)Red Wing for J. Crew Men's Work Boots Amped: Diemme Roccia Boot, $395Diemme Roccia Men's Boot

Lace-up

Classic: Alexander McQueen Lace-up Boot, $721Alexander McQueen Lace-up Men's Boot Medium Amped: Rag & Bone Grouse Boot, $450Rag & Bone Men's Grouse Boot Amped: Peal & Co. Leather and Tweed Boots, $598Peal & Co. Leather and Tweed Men's Boot

Chukka

Classic: Mark McNairy Grey Suede Chukka, $355Mark McNairy Grey Suede Men's Chukka Amped: Oliver Spencer for Topman Postman Boots, $298Oliver Spencer for Topman Brown Chukka Men's Boots

Chelsea

Classic: Ralph Lauren Dinsdale Chelsea Boot, $575Ralph Lauren Dinsdale Men's Chelsea Boot Amped: Bottega Veneta Ankle Strap Boot, $970Bottega Veneta Ankle Strap Men's Boot 

Ankle

Classic: To Boot New York Buckle Ankle Boot, $398To Boot Men's Buckle Ankle BootAmped: Jimmy Choo Rugged Ankle Boot, $850Jimmy Choo Rugged Suede Men's Ankle BootAnd that about covers my Fall 2011 boot picks. As always, I welcome your comments and questions. Happy stomping!