For the Fellas: Best Board Shorts

Surf's up! Whether you're a dad or just a single dude, when the summer comes a callin' you suddenly find yourself lounging shore-side. Beach time shenanigans are the best under a blazing sun with food, drinks, and surrounded by good friends, no? Make sure you're looking your best in an awesome pair of board shorts. You can wear them to lay out in or into the water. Plus, you throw a shirt on and they double as fancy going out pants! You guys are really lucky...your summer outfits take a lot less thought than us gals.

Complimentary color done in a large print makes these trunks terrific. Ambiguous "A' Board Shorts, $49, Nordstrom

At first glance the print looks like a shark detail. Up close it's actually humming birds! Who doesn't love a sensitive guy? Ambiguous "Long Beaks" Board Shorts, $49, Nordstrom

I like these a lot! Classic camo takes a shark-fin turn :) Quicksilver Waterman "Camofin" Board Shorts, $69.50, Nordstrom

 

Father's Day: Unique Gifts for Dad

Father's Day comes but once a year so try to make the dad in your life feel equally special with a unique gift idea. Many people give things like ties and cufflinks but not something slightly more interesting...not something that no one else has.

To help make you a better shopper this June 17th, I've done a little pre-pulling for you. Shopping sites like Etsy, Uncommongoods, and even Hallmark, I found various items to make sure your gift isn't just great, but also thoughtful and unique.

Let's start with presentation. One of my favorite things in the world to do is wrap presents. This is why I totally understand why Tori Spelling's mom had a room in her house just for gift wrapping. If I could, that would be me. As far as I'm concerned, it's just another place in the gift giving process where you can be creative and show a little love. Hallmark has some great gift wrapping choices. I love all the primary colors and clean patterns.

Make the dad in your life feel like a hero with a Superman gift bag. Find these and various other wrappings at Hallmark

Once you've found the perfect gift wrap, you next need to find the perfect card. Nothing says I love you like a homemade card but if you don't have time to make one, you can still capture that same handcrafted feel by finding one through an independent artist. Lucky for you there's already a trusted community in place it's called Etsy. If you know me, you know I love Etsy and for Father's Day they didn't disappoint. This one was my favorite. I related to it immediately:

And all the other scary bugs that came along! :) Find this at Etsy

After the card and gift wrap have been established, it's time to consider the gift. This is where all the hard work pays off. But, it's also where we tend to put a lot of pressure on ourselves. Questions inevitably come up: What did you get him last year? Does he have this T-shirt already? He doesn't really wear ties anymore...so maybe a flask?

To keep from driving yourself crazy, think about what makes dad happy. What does he do for fun? What makes him laugh? What does he need but doesn't have? This is where you can have some fun and find things that he won't have but will appreciate.

These 7 glasses will jazz up any guys current dishware selection but would especially smart for the dad who enjoys a good liquor from time to time.

 

Don't we all feel like one of these sins, sometimes? 7 Deadly Sins Glasses, $72

For the dad whose home office tends to be constantly inundated with paperwork, make his life a little more organized with a cool paperweight.

Now all of dad's paperwork will be SAFE" (Sorry, couldn't resist the pun). "SAFE" Paperweight, $42

For the dad who likes to geek out on science, light up his life with this (totally awesome) moon clock.

It glows in the dark too! Moon Clock, $32

For the hipster dad, keep him looking cool with these fresh socks.

Shark socks, nuff said. They sell themselves. Shark Socks, $9

For the foodie dad, give him the world...with various global salts.

While we're on the subject of food, why not also cook dad breakfast in bed? Salts of the World, $35

For the handyman, give dad the gift that keeps on giving. A multi-tooled tool!

Dad might just be able to rule the world with this pen. Contractor Pen, $21.25

For the dad who likes to bike, keep him accessible with this bike accessory.

Dad will even be able to listen to good music while he bikes to and fro. iPhone Bike Mount, $40

And for the dad who walks to the beat of his own drummer, make sure looks good while doing it.

It's a joke gift but the most stylish one I've ever seen. Wood Bow Tie, $24

I hope you and the dad in your life enjoy this annual holiday and I hope you find some inspiration in these various gifts. Happy Shopping!

 

Image(s) courtesy of uncommongoods.com, hallmark.com, Etsy.com

Get A Custom Suit From Combatant Gentlemen

New men's suiting company, Combatant Gentlemen, promises quality suits at a more than reasonable price. By cutting out the wholesale process, the LA-based company has created a new, online shopping process for the young men of the world, aiming to help them an afford suit so they can (finally) land that dream job. Plus, the suits can be slightly tailored for a better fit.

Outside of affordability, Combatant Gentlemen also includes a very accessible, approachable, and eager-for-feedback staff (they are currently a team of 3!). This brand new start up has a very promising future.  Check them out at www.combatgent.com.

Plus, for a limited time, join their email list for "a chance to get fully suited, compliments of your friends at Combat Gent."

  Image(s) courtesy of combatgent.com

Father's Day: The Gift of Style

Let's talk about Father's Day! It's time to celebrate the guy who gave you life and say "thanks" by giving him gifts he'll use and love forever because they came from you. This year, why not give the gift of style? Your dad is great so make sure he looks great for "his holiday" with a great outfit. (never enough "greats" for dad) Lucky for you I'm a personal shopper and can lead you through the process of picking the right items for your papa...which is especially helpful if he doesn't have anything ;)

Since guys are limited in what they have available to them (no skirts and dresses. SO SAD!), let's start with the basics: jeans, a good shirt, a layering piece, shoes, and accessories. If chosen correctly, each of those items can yield a very stylish looking dude, dads included.

First up, the shirt. Instead of a plain white T, pick a shirt that has a little more detail to it. This way it'll be more versatile in your dad's wardrobe plus it's a stylish option for when he just wants to wear it as it.

The stripe is interesting and subtle. It's still a grade up from plain white T. American Rag T-Shirt, $8.99

Next, the layering piece- a sweater. Pullover, V-neck sweaters are every guys (and girls) best friend. They're perfect for layering and are also great as is. Again, find one with interesting visual detail, like a print or a texture.

Sometimes a bold color or unique color can be a great visual detail. Tommy Hilfiger, $34.99

Third up, the jeans. Folks, do your dad a favor and DON'T buy him skinny jeans and DON'T buy him over-sized jeans. Just find him a slim cut jean. It's a winner for every guy. And if you're dad's a little meatier, look for a straight leg and/or relaxed fit. It'll work the same way- proportioned to his overall physique.

Stylist tip: if your jeans are on the floor, get them hemmed! Nothing says "frumpy" like a scrunched up jeans. (Same goes for you ladies!) Guess Jeans, $89

Let's start putting the finishing touches on this look- shoes & accessories OR "Stocking stuffers" for Christmas but on Father's Day, "extras 'cause you love him".

Shoes, as we all know, can make or break a look. I've pulled two options for you, a casual shoe and a more dressy shoe, to suit most dads.

Love the grey color in this lace-up. It's dressy in silhouette but also works from day to night.

Every guy needs this kind of shoe in their closet. Stacy Adams, $90

I like to think of this as the "sexy sneaker". Why? Because it's not really a functional athletic shoe but it has the silhouette of a dress shoe. So the happy medium is a more slender sneaker that offers a little more comfort but also style.

This is an especially great shoe for bay area dads living in the city. Diesel, $90

A classic classic CLASSIC "man-ccessory" is a watch. Why do you think women covet men's watches so much? Because they're big and they have a presence. They are uniquely tied to menswear and we women know a good thing when we see it.

This is minimal, streamlined, and uber cool. Plus, it tells time. 'Nuff said. Unlisted watch, $29.98

Last, a great pair of sunglasses. Hands down the most universally flattering shape to a face is the aviator. Think of George Clooney. He tends to wear them which is exactly why it's a good idea for dad.

George Clooney WISHES he looks as good as your dad in these bad boys. Michael Kors, $99

Hopefully your dad feels as cool as he's sure to look this Father's Day. And if you're a dad yourself, enjoy the moment. You deserve it!

Image(s) courtesy of macys.com

"Honey Don't"- Men, What Not to Wear This Summer

In the article "Honey Don't: Menswear Faux-pas", Women's Wear Daily (WWD) asked some of their favorite fashionable ladies what their take on bad men's summer fashion looked like.  Some of the answers varied from obvious...

"...I don’t like that Speedos thing. I see it in France and Brazil all the time. In Brazil, it’s different, I think, because there that doesn’t count, it’s fine. But here…no." - Doutzen Kroes

 

...to equally obvious but pretty darn funny...

"A rhinestone T-shirt. You don’t look like a man. You look like an idiot." - Sophia Bush

I read this and had to add my two cents on the topic.  Living in the San Francisco Bay Area where tech is king, I've seen plenty of this "uniform"...

"Pleated khakis and short sleeved button-down shirts for work. Don't forget multiple cell phones attached to belt."- Jennifer @ Beyond Black

So I ask you, if you had the chance to ask your man "Honey, don't..." in regards to his wardrobe, what would you tell him not to wear this summer?

 

Swimwear 101: Best Swimsuits for Men

It's just as important for guys to look good at the pool as it is for women.  Unlike the trend in womens swimwear, smaller swimsuits on men are not always sexy...

case in point

...unless you look like this...

... so stick to shorts.

But when there are so many eyesore versions to pick from, how do you choose?  Will you go the route of of the many men who've gone before you and wear what can only be described as something you picked up last-minute at a gift shop somewhere (see left)?  Or will you opt for something a little less Hawaii 5-0 this summer?  The basics of all clothing, including swimwear, is a balance of proportions.  Don't go for anything too small or too short.  Nothing too long (ie- hangs down to your calves) or too baggy.





Personal Shopper Picks: from Norsdtrom

Sundek Volley Wim Shorts $119

Simple enough to throw on a tee and sandals and head off the beach into town.  I personally prefer this shorter (not short) length because it's a little more universal for the average man's proportions.

Hurley "Puerto Rico" Recycled Board Shorts $49

Again, could easily go from swim to walking shorts.  Think about it in terms of having to pack one less item on vacation.  Just throw this on with a polo and some slip-on shoes and you're good to go.

Ezekiel Strip Board Short $54

It's a print... It's a color... But what it's not is a suit you will regret wearing again a few years from now.

BOSS Black "Tigerfish"Volley Swim Shorts $89

While they not be the most exciting pair of trunks at the pool, it's really hard to mess up the overall look of black swim trunks.

Penguin 'Scalloped' Volley Swim Shorts $59

Goodbye Fantasy Island, hello Bay Watch.  I promise the cute girl at the bar won't miss you in these!

Additional image(s) courtesy of Gooole Search

How To Series: How to Care for A Wool Suit

This one goes out to all the guys in the audience. I'm sure most of you, if not all of you, own a nice wool suit. (If you don't, go out and get one immediately because it's a staple to your closet!) The one thing I'm guessing is that not one of you knows how to properly care for it. If you've been throwing it in the wash* or dry-cleaning it regularly, you're doing a great disservice to your clothes.

shop.com

Rule number one, and the one you might find most surprising, your suit only needs to be dry-cleaned about twice a year. Extensive cleaning, on any garment not just suits, wears the fibers down reducing their strength and luster.

Rule 2: After wearing, dust the suit off and remove food stains with a stiff, wool bristle brush. There are great websites offering menswear accessories that are both functional and attractive.

3-for-1! Great for traveling. vavraitaly.com

Rule 3: Be sure to brush the suit lengthwise. This is in tune with the direction (weave) of the threads and won't break them. It's similar to shaving in the direction of your facial hair to avoid ingrown hairs.

Rule 4: Hang your suit on a contoured hanger to maintain the shape of the shoulders. Make sure it's also thick enough to hold the weight of both pieces of your suit. Use the clamp hanger for your pants, which should be hung upside down to hold the crease through the center of the leg.

Look for cedar hangers, another 2-for-1: cedar is the best wood to keep closets/clothes fresh and free of moths

Rule 5: Always store suits uncovered (more breathable) and away from direct heat (this one's fairly obvious, no?)

Rule 6: Try to let your suit "hang out" for at least 24 hours before and after wearing. This allows the wrinkles time to fall out and helps the suit keep its shape. 

I kinda want one of these! A great idea: suit valet

If you want a more detailed account of how to care for your suit, go here or here. Either site is an excellent resource for information. There's even an entire section devoted to shoe care!

--Happy cleaning guys!--

 
* As a general rule, your suit should never be submerged in water.


hanger image(s) courtesy of google product search

Holiday Parties with Ugly Sweaters and Ties

It's officially December. I can't believe it. The turkey and stuffing and ham and mashed potatoes are still fresh on my tongue! But, December has its moments. One of the best- and possibly worst- reasons why this month can be fun is it's the official start to holiday parties. Sometimes the prospect of what to wear can be daunting. Is it office appropriate? Where do I find an "ugly" Christmas sweater? Should I wear a suit? It's like you've just come from seeing all your family, which can be overwhelming enough, and now you have to figure out how to dress for all the parties you'll have to attend. Luckily, you have me- perpetual shopper!

A great online source, if you've got time to wait for a package, is uglyxmasparty.com. The name says it all. There are so many cute and yet somehow still ugly sweaters, you're bound to find one you (secretly) like. Plus, they're also an Etsy store!

Uglyxmassweater.com, $24

If you need something now, hit up the always reliable Nordstrom. A cute cardigan with a festive theme will suffice for most Christmas sweater parties. You don't always have to go ugly.

Fair Isle cardi, $38.

Guys, if you have that hipster-style, then include this sweater in your daily rotation for winter. If not, just wear it as a gag. Either way, it passes as a holiday sweater. And if you have a girl like me, she's probably going to steal it from you when you're done anyway.

Urban Outfitters, $74

Last but not least guys, if you have to wear a suit this year do so with a novelty tie. The suit makes you look good but the tie shows you're fun. I could show you where to go to find a tie but you know where they are. Any clothing store worth its sand is going to have festive ties this time of year. Instead, I'll show you how to TIE that fabulous tie once you've purchased one. It's the gift that keeps on giving. Isn't that what this time of year is all about?

ABCNeckties is the go-to resource for anything you ever wanted to know about neckties, including a history of them! Over 15 different types of tie knots exist (who knew!?) with great names like Balthus Knot, Cavendish Knot, and Half Windsor knot. There's also a video accompanying each type with a step-by-step process for how to get the job done. Gentlemen, prepare to be fit to be tied.

abcneckties.com, $10

 











Image(s) courtesy of Google Image Search
 

Wardrobe Inspiration: David Beckham

Who's wardrobe inspires your style?

David Beckham looking not only sexy, but quite stylish.

Image(s) courtesy of Shrimpton Couture and Google images search