This past Tuesday, I participated in a style segment on Breakfast Television. The segment was on when to skimp vs. when to splurge on items in your closet. Here’s a few shots of the first look: What I love about this look: Splurge Items The blazer/sports coat has an interesting yet subtle pattern to it. It’s a deep indigo (which can look like deep blue or purple) with a rich orange undertone in the plaid print. I like the classic cut because this means that you’ll have this rotation for at least 10 years, if not longer. ~ The Helm Clothing ($975) These cords are a slim cut- they aren’t for everybody. I get that. If these don’t suit your bod type, feel free to swap it out for a more forgiving cut (you certainly don’t want to feel ‘restricted’ when wearing these pants). I like the shade of brown in these pants; they can be worn throughout the fall and well into the winter. ~ The Helm Clothing ($360) I’d call this a refined desert boot – in chocolate brown. With the right care, this suede boot will last you a long time. Feel free to pair these boots with jeans or a casual pant. Also, if you feel up to it, go for a totally different look – maybe a layered look on top with slim fitting jeans, a bright coloured sock and this boot. That would be a great weekend casual outfit. ~ The Helm Clothing (on sale for $249) Skimp Items This dress shirt can create many different looks – whether we’re talking dressy casual (as shown here) or weekend/everyday casual. While it is a reasonable price point, the material is a bit thicker and is slightly better quality than you’d expect. This is great because the shirt won’t lose its shape after a couple of washes- BONUS. How you wear this shirt is all in the styling. Our model has it buttoned up all the way- that’s just a style preference. Do what appeals to you. ~ Express Men ($69.90) A fun, and cheap, way to show your eye for fashion is to add a handkerchief. Find one that is trendy and speaks to your personality. The one I’m showing on our model is really casual (and dresses down the blazer) and has a few different patterns and colours in it. By folding it differently (so as to show a different colour and pattern), I’d be able to create a slightly different feel to this look. Double duty on a less expensive item- yes! ~ Express Men ($14.99) Now, I’d normally say invest in a great quality belt but I found this one – in a neutral colour – at a reasonable price. It’s genuine leather. Make sure you look for quality of the stitching before spending money on a less expensive belt though. ~ Express Men ($39.90) Within the next week or so, I’ll be doing a breakdown of each of the looks from the style segment. Stay tuned. Credits: Hair: House of Tin Salon Makeup: Makeup by Bean Model: Diljot Styling: Moi! Clothing:
Casual menswear: yes, we’re finally moving into warmer weather!
Here’s a segment I did for Shaw TV’s Press 2 Play… sorry but you’re going to have to start at minute 4:15. I’ll make sure this is fixed for the next one. I often help clients with their professional attire so I decided to switch it up and give my male readers some interesting options for casual wear that are on-point while not being too “out there”! These three outfits are great to take you into warmer temperatures (hopefully, we’ll get there someday soon) and can certainly be taken apart to build other outfits as well. The segment starts at 4:15 into the video so feel free to start there. Outfit #1: Casual weekend day outfit – feel free to shed some of these pieces as it continues warming up! Outfit #2: Casual datenight – that third piece, this patterned sweater, dresses up the outfit. Swap it for a blazer if that’s more your style Outfit #3: A guys night out – to make this outfit more YOU, go ahead and add a different pocket square and a jean that best fits your body shape If you’re in Edmonton and want to find some of the pieces I featured here, go check out Brothers Clothing. There’s a reason they’ve been around since 1973. Enjoy! Have a question? Ask it.
Part 3: Winter to spring… wait, it’s still cold outside!
Alright. So we’re at the last outfit from my recent style segment on Breakfast Television. What I’ve shown in this segment is styles that will help you move from light winter days into spring. Because it’s still cool outside (ok, cold), I find that people struggle with wanting to look a bit more “springy” and, as a result, end up walking to work with bare legs and uggs… when it’s still about 0 degrees. How tragic. Here’s the last outfit from this segment. Of the three looks, this one has the most spring-like feel to it. You’re going to love the light hair and makeup that had been paired with this outfit. Model #3: Kelsey Allin Casual work day… or a fun afternoon out (I love it for both) Why it works: If you love the 50s, this is something you’ll likely be drawn to. I’ve put a modern spin on this retro-inspired outfit. The accessories (love that leopard print pendant), collared blouse and soft updo keep this look firmly planted in 2013. I love that this outfit is reaching out for summer. It is great to start introducing in your spring wardrobe because it’s still going to keep you warm (double layer of long sleeves) yet has an obvious nod to spring with the bright colour contrast. I paired a sandal to show what you can start adding to this outfit as we inch closer to spring. In the meantime (or, if there’s still snow on the ground in your neck of the woods), go for a closed-toe shoe and nylons… you don’t want to feel like a nob walking down the street with sandals on in March. ;) The skirt will work in both your spring and summer wardrobe. Ladies, if you are short, this skirt length will likely be too long for you (it will overwhelm you). Just look for something that finished at or just above your knee. Thanks to House of Tin Salon, Makeup by Bean and Gravity Pope.