One thing about Fall that gets me more excited than I probably should is BOOTS. Boots pretty much rock my world, and I’m thrilled that it’s time to start looking at what’s in stores this Fall.Here’s why boots are so awesome:1) Boots are a great way to distinguish your work clothes from your “going out” clothes.2) [this one’s sneaky] Since boots often have thicker soles than regular shoes, they can give you a little help in the height department.3) There are loads of different boot styles that allow you to create your own unique look (we’ll go over a few below), and designers are always coming up with hip new details.4) Because boots are not as ubiquitous as, say, regular dress shoes, wearing stylish boots will set you apart as someone who is “in the know” about style.And here are 3 great boot picks for this Fall in various price ranges:Up to $250
Topman - $100 Don't let the buckle scare you. It's a subtle touch that will only be visible when you're sitting down. $250-$500
Rag & Bone - $450 - The roughed-up suede makes them gritty and masculine, but the half captoe maintains the polish. $500 +
Officine Creative - $690 - These boots are made from a gorgeous glossy cognac buffalo leather and will look great with both your jeans and dress pants.Have you ever worn boots before? If not, I'd love to hear why. Leave me a comment below.
How to Create Layered Outfits
I’ve been getting more and more requests from clients wanting outfits with interesting layered combinations. These types of looks are comprised of simple, classic pieces (things everyone should have in his closet), but when pulled together correctly, they become a whole greater than its parts. It's clear that some thought was put into the look, but there's no risk of looking like you tried too hard. If you’re the kind of person who wants to be noticed for your style but not right away (i.e., “who’s the sharp guy in the corner…?”), this style of dressing is perfect for you.In order to have a wardrobe where you can do this you must first collect enough pieces that combine well. Below are 12 essentials to get you started mixing and matching:1) Navy blazer – note: this must fit impeccably or the entire look is shot.2) Grey sportcoat – see note above. 
3) Thin hoodie – I like this fleece wool one from Thinple because it’s polished despite being a hoodie.4) Great-fitting jeans – dressy and dark or weathered and sporty are fair game but please nothing crazy on the back pockets.5) Casual pants like chinos or corduroys. 
6) Patterned t-shirt – this Missoni shirt would look terrific peeking out beneath a solid navy henley, under a sportcoat. 
7) Henley – solid neutrals should be your first choice, but once you’ve got a few as a foundation, you can go for something with a pattern or pop of color.8) Workshirt/Shacket – denim, corduroy, flannel worn untucked and either unbuttoned or buttoned partially (to show the layers beneath). Note: when wearing with a lightweight jacket (see #12), it’s OK if the hemline on this piece is longer than the jacket. It adds to the outfit's visual texture. 
9) Thin sweater – think v-neck, zip-neck, or cardigan. Cardigans in my opinion get a bad rap. They aren't just for grandpa looks. In fact, as part of an interesting layered combination, they take on a whole new life. Stylist tip: leave the top and bottom buttons undone. (Ryan Gosling, as usual with all things sartorial, knows what's up.) 
10) Thick sweater – a shawl collar is always a good choice, or the one from Agnès B above I just got for a client. I love the stripes inside the collar. With menswear, the snappily-dressed devil is in the details.
11) Thin outerwear-type vest – wear over or under your sportcoat (you won’t be able to button the sportcoat with the vest under it; that’s OK.) You can go for down as in this great street style shot from The Sartorialist above, or if you want a more manly man vibe, I am very much into this weathered leather number from Billy Reid. 
12) Lightweight jacket – here’s a good one from Belstaff.13) Boots – most layered looks that you'll be building are going to be casual, so boots like chukkas, chelseas or lace-ups are in order to complete the look. 
14) Scarf – a lot of guys think wearing scarves as part of an outfit (as opposed to just keeping warm) is “advanced” dressing. They’re right! But if you're reading this article, that's proof you're committed to the cause, and you are absolutely up for it. Here’s a shot of a well-tied scarf I saw on a mannequin last week. The way to execute this is 1. fold the scarf in half lengthwise; 2. put it around your neck with folded end on one side and loose ends on other; 3. pull loose ends through loop; 4. tighten slightly; 5. tuck one of the loose ends up into knot.Keep an open mind when shopping for a wardrobe that works for this style of dressing. Items you might not otherwise consider (like a cardigan) can suddenly become appealing when you see them in combination as part of the whole. Same goes for the Missoni shirt in #6. Maybe it feels a little much on its own, but with just a peek showing as part of a look, it’s perfect. Generally when adding layers, you’ll go from thin to thick as you move out from your body, unless you put a down vest under your sport jacket. And if you get warm, you can easily remove one layer and still have a pulled-together look. Nothing is dependent on anything else. What I really love about dressing this way is that it allows you to build a wardrobe of basic essentials ("the canon" as one of my clients calls it), but you get to play around and show your creativity in pulling together combinations.How do you like to layer your outfits?
Your Fall Shopping List
Even if you’re still rocking shorts and polo shirts, the time is now to make plans for your cool weather wardrobe. I’ve been pounding the pavement and interwebs hard looking for the best items for my clients as the stores are flush with new merchandise. If you’re planning on doing some Fall shopping yourself, I must warn you that one of the worst things you can do is to go shopping without a plan or, at the very least, a list. Just wandering into a store aimlessly is for sure the easiest way to end up with nothing at all, or worse, to get pushed into buying a pile of clothes you’ll never wear. With that in mind, I created this list of 18 must-haves (or nice-to-haves) to inspire and keep you organized as you craft a smart Fall/Winter wardrobe.Transitional jacket -- think peacoat, car coat, or other medium-weight optionLeather jacket -- here’s how it should fitOvercoat -- buy now while the selection is good, and there’s still time to have one custom-madeOuterwear vest -- wool/cashmere/down, as in the header imageLined raincoat -- you can also get one with a zip-out lining, which is one of the most versatile garments you can ownDress boots -- yes, you can wear these with your suit!Bad weather boots -- look for options that are waterproof and have rubber soles for tractionWool/cashmere socks -- if you're tall or have very long legs, get ones that go over your calves so your legs remain covered when you sitWool/cashmere ties -- perfect for frigid days in combination with a scarfHat, gloves and scarf -- don't wait for someone to give these to you as a holiday gift!Winter-weight casual pants -- Incotex makes great corduroys and moleskin pantsHeavier-weight sport shirts -- a trim-fitting flannel is a great weekend go-toHeavier weight dress shirts -- in more tightly-woven fabrics like oxfordFall/Winter suits, dress pants and sportcoats -- look for tweeds, flannels and heavier-weight worstedsMenswear vest -- wear with jeans for a stylish going-out lookSweaters -- v-necks, polo-necks, henleys, thin cardigans and thick shawl-collared cardigans are good optionsLong sleeve tops -- in thick materials like waffle-knitHoodie -- look for one that's super soft and trim-fittingRemember, autumn is all about layering, so even if for example the idea of a thin cardigan or outerwear vest don't appeal to you, think about them in combination with the rest of your wardrobe. The more you can mix and match pieces, the more versatile what you own will be.If you'd like more tailored help with your Fall/Winter wardrobe, contact me. I'm currently booking appointments for the first week of October.Cheers,Julie
Give 'Em the Boot
Are you ever stuck with what to wear on your feet when the weather turns foul? Today the sun's shining in NYC, but recent events prove the need for protective footwear. Below are my top 6 picks in a range of styles.
1) Grenson Spike ($485) -- For the sharp-dressed man, these Grensons are an update on the traditional LL Bean duck boot (another solid option if you're a more of a traditionalist). Don't be afraid to rock them with a suit.
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2) Blundstone 500 ($150) -- These boots were originally made for ranchers in the Australian outback, so they should be able to handle a trek through midtown Manhattan. The water-resistant leather keeps you dry without sacrificing style, and the front and back pulls and elastic side panels make them easy to pull on and off.
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3) Concepts x Sorel ($250) -- I am very much into the handsomely quirky combination of materials on these boots: leather + herringbone + rubber = perfection. On top of that, they're seam-sealed waterproof and have a removable washable liner for when your dogs bark.
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4) Diemme Roccia Vet ($373) --This medium blue packs the perfect punch of color when you want to think outside the box -- but not too far outside it. It also comes in a number of other color combinations (many of them not for the faint-hearted), which you can view here. The flexible, no-slip vibram sole will keep you upright even during an arctic blast.
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5) DVS Shoe Company Yodeler Snow ($130) -- Another completely waterproof option, the Yodelers were designed by pro snowboarder John Jackson. Though they're undeniably sporty, they also have a sleek vibe that works for city life just as well as mountainside.
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6) Brunello Cucinelli Cashmere Lined Winter Boot ($1120) -- Definitely an investment, these high-performance babies are lined with the brand's signature premium cashmere. They're elegance meets functionality at its best. And if you take care of them, they'll last a lifetime.
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Designers and stores alike have been putting increased emphasis on stylish, weather-friendly boots over the past few seasons. And that's good news because you no longer have to rely on frumpy footwear to get you through the muck. Even if you don't consider yourself a boot guy, or have never owned anything like this, I encourage you to try it out. It's a great way to mix things up with your wardrobe. Don't forget, if you're going to be in an office all day, it's perfectly fine to carry your dress shoes and change into them once you arrive. And if you're wondering about the tucking question, I wrote an entire article on that: click. But whatever you do, promise me you won't brave the cold without a solid pair of boots this winter.Do you have a favorite boot from this list -- or otherwise? Leave me a comment below.
How to Wear Spring's Statement Shoes (+ Rath & Co. Featured in WSJ)
A 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.
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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.
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2) 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.
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3) 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.
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4) 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.)
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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!
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.) 
The 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. 
The 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. 
The 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.
Tuck? See above. 
The 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.
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)
Amped: Diemme Roccia Boot, $395
Lace-up
Classic: Alexander McQueen Lace-up Boot, $721
Medium Amped: Rag & Bone Grouse Boot, $450
Amped: Peal & Co. Leather and Tweed Boots, $598
Chukka
Classic: Mark McNairy Grey Suede Chukka, $355
Amped: Oliver Spencer for Topman Postman Boots, $298
Chelsea
Classic: Ralph Lauren Dinsdale Chelsea Boot, $575
Amped: Bottega Veneta Ankle Strap Boot, $970
Ankle
Classic: To Boot New York Buckle Ankle Boot, $398
Amped: Jimmy Choo Rugged Ankle Boot, $850
And that about covers my Fall 2011 boot picks. As always, I welcome your comments and questions. Happy stomping!
Valentine-Worthy Date Looks
A lot will dictate how well you pull off your Valentine's date look. Success depends on aligning your selection with what you'll be doing, where and with whom. That said, here are a few ideas that will hopefully inspire you to create your own looks for whatever your Valentine's Day plans hold. Keep in mind that the best choice for you is determined by your coloring, body type and personality, so these are meant to be broad suggestions.Casual dinner at your neighborhood joint...Navy blazer + thin grey cardigan (skip the top and bottom buttons) + white v-neck t-shirt + colorful pocket square + dark straight leg jeans + laceup bootsI love the addition of a thin cashmere cardigan beneath a blazer. It adds both warmth and visual interest. The colorful pocket square shows her that despite your decidedly casual look, you recognize the day’s significance.
Fancy night out...Navy suit + lavender dress shirt + grey pocket square + brown cap-toesThis year Valentine’s Day is on a Monday, which means most likely you're meeting her straight from work. This is the perfect excuse to wear one of your most versatile pieces: the navy suit. Pair it with a lavender shirt (points for thinking outside the white and blue shirt box), and as you leave the office lose the tie and unbutton your top two shirt buttons.
Somewhere in between...White jeans + grey blazer + black and white plaid dress shirt + penny loafersContrary to what you might have been told, white jeans can (and should) be worn year-round. They’re a refreshing and sharp-looking surprise in the dead of winter, and they look terrific with black and grey. Try them without a belt for a leaner look.
And all looks are, of course, + flowers.
Boots for Your Suits
These days I often get asked what shoes a guy can wear in the snow that will work with his suit but that won't leave his socks dripping wet or his rear end black and blue by the time he gets to the office. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
1.// A pair of overshoes from Neos, Sierra Trading Post or Tingley (above, very sophisticated businessman) are a no-fail option that will save both you and your expensive lace-ups from the elements. Nice dress shoes are an investment after all, and there's no shame in protecting that..
.........2.// Boot up with a pair of waterproofed lace-up ankle boots with rubber soles for traction. Those above left from Lands' End Canvas ($149) are a good option for the days post-storm where the sidewalks are pretty much cleared and your main goal is to make sure you don't do a face plant in black ice on the way to work. Rubber soles are your friend. For those with deeper pockets, I also like the Alden Plain Toe boot in Kudo leather ($425, above right) because the oiled leather holds up great in mucky weather..
.......3.// Wear something more classically meant for winter conditions like those from Sorel for CONCEPTS (above left, $180) or Tod's (above right, $545) for the commute and simply change into your dress shoes once you get to the office.Nothing like some boots for your suits to help you protect your assets this winter!
Men's Holiday Gift Guide
Few things make me happier than inspired and successful holiday gift shopping. Below are ten holiday presents to consider for your husband, boyfriend, dad, brother...or to pass along to well-meaning gift-givers with a nasty Christmas sweater habit.
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1.// Travel Ashtray: Your guy fancies himself a modern-day Don Draper? It doesn't get any more Mad Men than Phillipi's Black Habana travel ashtray ($88). Its black leather case, magnetic closure and stainless steel details all make me want to go pick up a bad habit.
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2.// Man-Bags: Gorgeous textured leather, intricate stitch detailing, and off-center zipper...this specimen, above left, from Doucal's ($278) is the man-bag to end all man-bags. But lucky for obsessives like me, there will never be an end to man-bags. So if you are looking for something a little more undone, then check this on the right from Will Leather Goods ($289). I like the distressed leather, grommets, contrast handles and of course the buckle closure at the bottom (see here). Very vintage army feel.
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3.// Manhattan Kit: Sazerac Straight Rye Whiskey ($25-150), Carpano Antica Sweet Vermouth ($25-35), Griottines brandied cherries ($25), Angostura Bitters ($13), and a tray that makes large ice cubes ($10). Side note: some people fear they "might look like a pansy" if they throw an ice cube in their whiskey glass. But Whiskey Expert Josh Wortman says it's perfectly ok to use the ice cube trays above (and in fact as the ice melts, some liquid can open up the flavor -- so it tastes better). Says Josh, "I use these trays all the time at home. The idea is you get good coldness with minimal dilution. You do want some dilution depending on the spirit." So let your man enjoy his Manhattan with minimal watering-down and minimal pansiness with this all-encompassing kit.
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4.// Shot Glasses: Ok, so I'm very a bit partial to bulls. In keeping with the cocktail theme of the previous entry is this bull's head shot glass ($28). It's perfectly calibrated so it balances right-side-up on its horns and nose. So your guy can attend to Important Things sans worry over spillage. (The shot glass also comes in bear, deer, moose, rabbit, ram, rhino.)
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5.// Wool Coat: If your man still wears a fleece jacket or ski parka over his dress clothes, the jig is up. Every guy needs a coat that is both warm and grown-up looking. A great option is this wool driving coat from Rag & Bone ($795) because the style is classy, the length is modern, and the interesting details like double-welt pockets and black shawl collar give it a little extra steez. Buy it in the same size as his suit jackets (those that fit well!).
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6.// Lace-Up Boots: My men's boot obsession is no secret, and this season designers have failed to disappoint with all sorts of options for this style. If your guy is into intricate detailing and statement-making, then I'd recommend these from Roberto Cavalli (top row left, reg. $1150, now on sale for $690). The high shine, dramatic broguing, lug soles and buckle detail are all attention grabbers. A toned down option in the same color and with the same degree of shine are those above from Gucci (top row right, $795). If he prefers to fly even further below the radar, then check out those in the bottom row from Giorgio Armani. The matte finish leather is a much subtler statement. (Pant-tucking not required.)
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7.// Glen Plaid Tie: Christmas ties get a bad rap. Take a pass on those that blink, sing or come with their own greenery, and give him something a little classier. This red and green glen plaid tie ($88) from Engineered Garments will give him that holiday flavor without the nasty aftertaste.
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8.// Man Jewelry: The problem with how many guys wear jewelry is that they take it to extremes (see Seasons 1 and 2 of Jersey Shore). For anything beyond the typical wedding ring/watch/cuff-links/tie clip, there's an art to wearing men's jewelry well. Two key points to keep in mind that will keep him clear of getting all Mr. T on you: keep it simple and not too sparkly and make sure he feels like himself in it, like he's been wearing it for years. With that in mind, here are two options to consider. Nautical is always a big theme in menswear, and along those lines I like this Hooked bracelet from Miansai ($55, above left, comes in other colors). Pair it with a nautical watch and maybe a simple rope bracelet, and you've created a look that's both easygoing and personal to him. If that's too sporty, then consider this necklace from Maison Martin Margiela ($125). It's solid and ruggedly stylish, and best of all, you won't have a Situation on your hands when he wears it.
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9.// Leather Belt: I love the non-traditional hardware and leather loops on this Apolis Pelican Belt ($138). Plus the fact that you get to roll it up and stick it in a tin can when you're done wearing it! What guy wouldn't love that?
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10.// Rath & Co. Gift Certificate: But the most effective way to guarantee your man looks his best this holiday season? Give him a gift certificate to Rath & Co. Until February 15, 2011, we're offering $50 off the purchase of all services. We'll tell him his best colors, hair styles, patterns and styles. We'll clear out his closet and even shop for him. We pretty much do everything except clean and cook dinner. Heck, we don't even do that for ourselves.
Rath & Co.'s Back to School Edition
Growing up, whenever a new school year rolled around, the only thing that made me not want to hide in the Indian Burial Ground near my house was the prospect of getting new clothes, particularly that all-important first day outfit. At this point in my life, I don’t really have an excuse to get a new Fall wardrobe every year but the idea persists. For Back to School 2010, I’m making my selections from a male perspective. So here you have what I would choose for back to school if I were a guy…
As you may have heard before, you are way TOO COOL to be still wearing a backpack. A messenger bag, on the other hand, is the perfect fit for one’s manly carrying needs. I’ve been lusting over this Moore & Giles beauty ($485) in Nubuck Bison for some time. It would house my laptop perfectly (I measured – I’m good like that). I love the texture on both the bag and the shoulder strap. This bag crush is not going away anytime soon..
Next up on my hit list is a pair of jeans from Billy Reid's collection for Levi's. The designer's prize for winning GQ's Best New Designer Award was to collaborate with Levi's and create a collection of tailored workwear denim. The results go on sale September 10, at 12:01 AM Eastern Time..
You can never have too many well-fitting shirts, so here again I'm hitting up Billy Reid and his "dressy-casual whiskey-soaked style." The John T. shirt ($195) in blue & green strikes me as a nice way to incorporate some darker Fall colors without looking drab. Very cool how they've matched up the seams in back to create diagonals in the pattern (see below) -- a little extra Southern flavor on that flavor. I like it with these brown pants, but I'd also like to see it with charcoal grey, either on bottom or as a sweater or jacket.
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It's a little out there, but I could so rock this Barney's printed wool bow tie ($75). The patterned shirt actually tones down the loudness of this piece's message..
If you're boot-obsessed like me, then you too hold the belief that no Fall shopping trip would be complete without a new pair of boots. Right now, I'm definitely vibing with the Diemme Roccia Vet boot (€280), which come from a collaboration between Diemme and Japanese retailer Beauty & Youth United Arrows. With the contrast stitching and colored laces and soles, they strike the perfect balance between stylish and masculine. They come in a couple different colorways -- my pick for myself would be the brown with blue laces above. You can get them here..
My final picks are this cotton trench coat ($160) and lightweight denim scarf ( $24), both from Topman. Budget-friendly and machine-washable: doesn't get much better than that....school's back in session!
Heschung's Gentlemanly Spring Boots
It was cold and windy here in Manhattan today, and so of course my first thought was boot-related: "what can a guy wear on his feet on a chilly pre-Spring day when the temperature barely makes it over 50 degrees?" He can't bring out the old rugged Red Wing-types (although they are just about my favorite thing in the world), as that would be pessimistic. It's almost May...we should be peeling off layers, not putting them on! There's got to be some middle ground. And that's when I thought of Heschung's Ginko Boot ($575). I spotted them in Barney's about a month ago, and they caught my eye for their unique look. They're elegant and a little less serious than some of the tougher boots I've featured in this space. The contrast between the tan leather and natural canvas makes them stylish in their own quiet way. And I love the how the stitching pops against the canvas background.Oh, P.S., I just added a separate blog category for BOOTS. So now my boot crush is official.
Preview of Billy Reid Roper Boot Fall/Winter 2010
It snowed all day here in Manhattan with no end in sight, and so my thoughts have turned to boots as per usual. The folks over at Billy Reid were kind enough to share with me the above preview shots of their totally dope Roper boots for Fall/Winter 2010. Of course, this is not the kind of footwear that's appropriate for today's brutal conditions, but anyone who's read this blog knows that I will look for any excuse to talk boots. I did my fair share of drooling over 2009's installment of the Ropers, but Billy Reid managed to reinvent them in several gorgeous new finishes in addition to the original mahogany, and now I can't decide which I love most. The black ones have just the right subtle touch of biker style. The worn toe of the light brown ones imply a rough and tumble masculinity that I find very appealing. And the dark brown brushed leather ones are just a little bit cowboy. Three unique new flavors of a much-loved boot. Billy says that one thing every man should own is a good pair of boots. In this case, I'd bump that up to three -- one for every mood!
Rathie Spies: Bloomingdales Sale...My Enthusiasm for Boots Cannot Be Curbed
I have made no secret of my obsession with men's boots. I was therefore understandably amped to find many of my favorite styles on sale at Bloomingdales today.
Red Wings, originally $230, on sale for $138.
Billy Reid's Roper boots, originally $450, on sale for $270.
To Boot's Andy boots (at very top of image), originally $395, on sale for $237.
To Boot's Burro boots, originally $398, on sale for $239.
Fiorentini and Baker's Sub-A boots, originally $445, on sale for $222.In the words of Larry David...pretty good. Pretty, pretty good!
Rathie Spies: Ben Sherman Sale Alert
This week I was looking for classy, tailored clothing with a certain cool factor for a client, and I decided to check out Ben Sherman in Soho. As luck would have it, practically the entire store is 50% off! We scored a blazer, a button down, and a pair of amazing boots (not on sale, but how cool is the graduation of color in the leather from light at the top to dark at the toe?)
all for $350. They had huge variety of nice casual button-downs like the one above for $35. Many others had interesting details like pearled/metal hybrid buttons and epaulets. If this sale doesn't spell stockup, I don't know what does.(Note: You can also find sale items online here, although the prices on the website don't reflect the additional half off.)
Puddle Jumping and Lady Carrying
True, I have been posting a lot lately about men’s boots, but in the winter, sometimes all you see on a person is his outerwear and footwear, and that’s why I'm a little obsessed. My general feeling about mens footwear is that it should be streamlined and not chunky or clunky. However (and maybe it's the Maine in me), but when it comes to boots and outdoor gear, I love the look of something rugged and tough. It just screams out masculinity. Like this is a guy who would scoop me up, carry me across a puddle and deposit me on dry curb.Here are my picks for rugged, lady-scooping goodness:
Red Wings
Red Wings have enjoyed a monster resurgence as of late, largely due to smart partnerships with some major clothing companies.
These babies above are a J. Crew exclusive. If you get them, make sure you go with the “dark wood" color. "Dark straw" is a color no one should ever put on his or her body, I don't care how close to the ground it is.I also really like the cleverly named Irish Setters.
All that distressing though limits them to weekend wear unless you work in a casual office setting. A work-friendly option in this line would be these.
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Wolverines
Here is another classic American brand that makes you think of cattle hides and country gentlemen. They have several elegant styles, but my favorites are the Burton,
the Ascot,
and the Darby.
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Filson
These are a great choice too (and currently on sale!). The website says they're "a favorite of upland bird hunters," but I assume they'll work just as well for when you're heading out to chug beers and watch a game..
Billy Reid
I’m really drawn to these Roper Boots as well. It's wellington meets cowboy boot in the best possible way...brilliant!
Rathie Spies: Vintage Boots
I came across these sick vintage men's boots at Manhattan's Chelsea Flea Market yesterday (lower level of the garage at 112 West 25th Street, btw. 6th and 7th Aves). The top pair are 1942 French Army boots, priced at $80. These are a great way to get that butt-kicking, rugged work boot look without having to run through the trenches yourself. The ones below are also French, from the 1930s, and priced at $100. This classic style has a great worn-in patina that will only get better with age. I love the rich, mahogany shade of leather. Prices at this market are negotiable.
Ten Holiday Party Do’s and Don’ts for the Stylish Man
1. Hair product can tend to make your forehead shiny, so wash your face after application to avoid that lacquered look.2. If the weather is foul, and the party you’re going to isn’t dressy, try wearing a dark wash, slimmer cut pair of jeans with rugged boots. You can even roll your jeans up neatly as seen here:
3. Be prepared for the occasional host who asks guests to remove shoes at the door by wearing dress socks that are in good repair – you could even try a pair of red or green ones (not both!) for subtly festive flavor. I like these which are on sale from J. Crew.4. Do keep your facial hair trimmed for holiday festivities. The only people allowed to have big furry beards are Santa and Randy Moss. When your facial hair brings to mind a certain fake beard from Jackass: Number Two…that’s a party fail.
5. Make sure your hair isn’t greasy on the day of the party. You should be looking slick…your hair, not so much. If you’re unsure if it looks dirty or not, ask a female friend whom you trust to be straight with you.6. If you wear cologne, spritz once (or twice max) on your neck, then put the bottle down. While it’s true that in the wild animals are attracted to each other based on smell, less is more when it comes to people.7. No matter how festive you’re feeling, don’t wear any decorative ties, sweaters, etc. with things like reindeer or Santa on them. See #2 for how to add a dash of holiday spirit. If you absolutely cannot do without novelty clothing items, put them on a patient friend, like Robert.
8. If you tend to have an everyday uniform like jeans and a t-shirt with a button-down thrown over it, try thinking outside the box for casual party wear. Pair one of your cool graphic t-shirts (no sports team tees please!) with a military cardigan and a nicely fitted pair of dark jeans.9. If you’re going to a party that calls for “black-tie optional”, and you don’t own a tux, instead of renting one that surely won’t fit right, another “option” would be to wear a black, navy or dark grey suit with a white shirt and a dark either plain or patterned tie.10. If you wear glasses, make sure the lenses are clean. Ladies want to see your handsome eyes, not the smudges on your glasses.