The Stylist's Manifesto

Ok, I’ll admit it, I’m not particularly fond of pink on dudes. However, if it’s the right hue, and utilized appropriately, pink can be a nice accent to nearly any ensemble. Notice I said accent, meaning like anything else, too much is a bad thing. Let me show you what I mean as we travel to the dark side of the moon…

The wild ones all the way! Brando would rock this on the daily without hesitation! And fortunately for us, it’s not heavy at all so feel free to don this joint right NOW! $124.00 @ karmaloop.com.

SoCal stand up! Straight off the surfboard we bring the heat with this Hollister tee in Neon pink! No where to run, nowhere to hide with this making itself known from beneath the marlon jacket from above. However, with the jacket and the rest of the outfit that will follow, the pink isn’t too obnoxious and the neon hue makes it far from effeminate. On sale for an incredible $11.90 @ hollister. PS: This, like all hollister tees is MAD comfortable and super soft! How do I know? I have this particular tee.

Some dark, vintage wash, distressed jeans are a perfect companion to our ‘Modern rebellion’ aesthetic. The distressed look ties into the jacket like nothing else and the dark wash perfectly balances the neon of the tee. Also on sale for $19.90 @ hollister.

The supra thunder is a minimalist interpretation of the classic hi-top. Because of its simple design and construction, it won’t detract from the rest of the ensemble. $64.00 @ karmaloop.com.

A great accent in a smoking hot color! The time teller by nixon in bright rubine is an incredibly slick way to accent our tee from above. The high gloss finish is a nice way to balance out the muted jacket and canvas kicks. Bright enough without going overboard. $55.00 @ turntablelab.com

*Bonus*

Totally optional but highly recommended, these Nixon headphones are a fun alternative to the standard white earbuds that come with your iPod/iPhone. And what a great way to bring out that bright blue from your new hollister tee, no? $50.00 @ karmaloop.com.

Hopefully I’ve demonstrated how to carefully rock the fair shade without looking like a prissy schoolgirl. When in doubt, rock only one pink item with your outfit and make sure it’s neon. Periwinkle isn’t for the timid.

PS: All karmaloop gear is 20% off with my rep code: ss37193

Certain occasions call for more upscale pieces. The normal gear worn on a daily basis just isn’t enough. Either sex absolutely NEEDS to rock these higher priced items from time to time. This is the stuff to save for. Let’s begin.

Us:

Why not begin with a knit wool sportcoat by Mr. Lauren. This is a tailored, modern fit version of the knit blazer we saw in my previous Le Mans post. But coming from the black label, we know the comfort level and durability is mad elevated. And with the sweater weight, it’s perfect for the warm weather. $750 @ Sak’s Fifth Avenue.

For summer, we’re going to go ahead and bring out the white denim. But for these, note the contrasting black stitching, it breaks up the white and subliminally nods to the dove gray knit sport jacket (black + white = gray, dig?). $286 @ Nordstrom.

If white is a bit bright for your taste, go ahead and grab some light wash denim instead. These are semi-distressed and lend a ruggedness to the ensemble, perfectly balancing the crisp jacket. $328 @ Nordstrom.

Keeping with the freshness of the outfit, we’re going to choose this textured micro check button-down from Armani. Light and airy (since it’s a silk and linen blend), this’ll fit right in with our sportcoat. $315 @ Nordstrom.

This raw oxford is actually linen! What a beautifully unique twist on such a classic. The unfinished stitching is phenomenal and definitely sets off the rest of the outfit. $295 @ Nordstrom.

If the oxford is a bit too formal for you, why not slip into these Adidas Y-3 hayworth mid’s? The unique pattern is absolutely magnificent! The translucent rear panel especially! $304 @ Zappos.

Simple and elegant. Bold and bright. The fresh-from-the-kitchen 51-30 from Nixon is all-ceramic (5 times harder than steel!) and just stunning! I’d probably give one of my kidneys for this one! $2,395 @ Watchismo.

This linen scarf (a breezy linen/cashmere/silk blend from Brioni) is a beautiful lavender that is a perfect garnish to the look we’ve created today! Be sure to tie it in an ignorant way, since nothing in this post is mediocre. $375 @ Sak’s Fifth Avenue.

Last but not least, let’s ditch the traditional messenger bag and go for a brazen duffle. Trust me, if you show up at the next client meeting and drop this deep blue leather duffle bag by Gucci on the table, gasps will follow. And don’t think Italy doesn’t know how to make a durable bag! This will definitely survive the spray of lake michigan when you carry your gear in it on your boat. And yes, it’s roomy enough to carry your baby’s bathing suit too! $2,390 @ Sak’s Fifth Avenue. Now, about said lady of yours…

Them:

This silk blend strapless dress has a very pretty laser-cut floral print that shines beautifully next to the other florals you’ll see this spring/summer. Unique and gorgeous! $695 @ Sak’s Fifth Avenue.

Christian does it again with these oh-so-romantic lace and satin pumps! The subtle and sexy floral print is a perfectly feminine compliment to the dress we started with. $995 @ Sak’s Fifth Avenue.

For a splash of color, why not go with Mr. Louboutin’s coral patent pumps? A traditional silhouette, but with an amazing designer’s usual flair! $735 @ Sak’s Fifth Avenue.

Pearls are a timeless and enduring piece that should always be a part of a woman’s jewelry collection. If you’re curious about where to start, why not begin with these Mikimoto pearl/white gold/diamond earrings? $2,550 @ Sak’s Fifth Avenue. 

Fortunately. Mikimoto makes a stunning companion piece, this necklace! The same beautiful cultured pearls, also paired with diamonds set in white gold. Note the floral scheme we’re maintaining, perfect for spring and summer! $2,750 also @ Sak’s.

*Sigh* Prada, why must you be so hot?! This evening bag by the famous design house is a metal mesh with some bangin’ detailing throughout! Not subtle in the least, stepping out with this one will definitely set you apart! $2,100 @ Sak’s.

If Prada wasn’t belligerent enough for you, hon’, Judith Leiber has you covered with this austrian crystal and brass covered evening clutch. The starburst pattern goes wonderfully with the dress we selected and the matching jewelry! $3,995 @ yep, you guessed it, Sak’s Fifth Avenue.

This agate bracelet by Zoe is a free flowing feminine statement. The thin platinum and diamond strip is a modern and elegant plus to an already gorgeous piece. $7,700 @ Barney’s New York.

Mark Davis has crafted this exquisite bangle inlaid with amethyst and gold that is a gorgeous burst of color for our outfit! And the pattern is a great nod to either of the evening bags above. $4,380 @ Barney’s New York.

Even though this post was priced higher than my usual ones, there can be no denial of the style that has been shown here. When the pocket book allows, grab at least a few of these items and I promise you, male or female, you won’t regret it!

With spring in full effect and summer hot on its heels, now’s the time to shine . What better way to do just that then to add a bit of gleam to your scene? I’m talking about that oh-so-lovely gold of course! Although it must be rocked VERY carefully, it’s an awesome way to elevate your outfit. And don’t be afraid of throwing it in the mix alongside some of the more unlikely colors/materials that still complement it tastefully. As a general rule, if you’d wear yellow with a color/material, gold will probably look just as good. Check out the examples below for not only us gents, but you ladies as well and hopefully you’ll be inspired to leave those silver and bronze haters at the bottom of the podium!

Fellas

Instead of white, we’re going to start with a salmon button-down. The lightly washed, reddish hue goes perfectly with not only the gold accessories we’ll be featuring, but the fresh vibe of the warmer seasons.

To maintain the fresh aesthetic, why not rock a linen suit? It’s lightweight and always up to date. If you’re feeling more casual, iron out the pleats in front and ditch the jacket. Either way, you’ll be confidently stylish regardless of the venue.

Aviators = hotness. Period.

The TK Society’s are only for those that ‘own the swag supermarket’, don’t try these if ‘you just a bag boy’. Regardless of confidence, have the linen slacks come over the tops. The reason? Because we don’t want to overwhelm the senses! Gold is like bright colors, it should be a garnish, not the whole meal. Because not everyone can pull these off though, we have the following:

The oxford has been re-imagined in so many ways and this example (sibling of the gulf blue version in my ‘Le Mans’ post) goes perfectly with our post today! The contrasting light stitching nods to the linen while the red ties well into the salmon button-down. These are still ignorant, yet not as brazen as the Tk’s.

Chunky and bold, this nixon Chrono is absolutely stunning set against the linen/red background we’ve created. No further explanation needed. Now onto the ladies…

Ladies

There’s never a problem with the simple black dress. We’ll start with this timeless staple that should be part of every chica’s wardrobe.

Since it’s spring and about to be summer, I chose a beautiful Jimmy Choo sandal for you ladies. Paired with the above dress, you’re on well on your way!

Enamel and gold always make a great pair. This ring is no exception.

When considering the following options, be sure to choose only one. You don’t want to rock the watch AND the bracelet. Asymmetry will always put you a rung above everyone else fashion-wise. And we never want to overdo things with gold anyway.

Chunky? Sure, but who cares? Throw a little ‘boyfriend’ into your look for a change! Or, if you’re not a ‘watch’ chick, try this:

This geometric bangle has a combination of gold and silver, perfect to go with the Choo’s from before! And it breaks up the gold a bit.

*Bonus*

This large necklace compliments the gold and enamel ring like nothing else! More than likely I’d suggest you wear this/the ring/the watch, not the bangle. Trust me, it’ll be a jaw-dropping combination!

With a nice launch pad for ladies and fellas alike, I expect to see alot of smoking looks making good use of gold this spring/summer!