External Validation aka Shopping

There are a couple of key elements to keep in mind when shopping for clothing.

First of all I'm not sure that shopping is the correct term.

Shopping is the examining of goods or services from retailers with the intent to purchase at that time. Shopping is an activity of selection and/or purchase.  - Thanks Wikipedia. It all sounds so impersonal. What are we doing, buying a refrigerator? 

I would rather call it "external validation".

A great deal of emphasis is put on validating ourselves from the inside out. Many books have been written on the subject of "an inside job". Yoga studios and meditation centers abound in major cities. All of these practices are not only good for you, they are also necessary for a less stressful way to get through life. Knowing yourself and being comfortable with who you are is essential for personal growth............and so is the way you look!

Looking good will directly and immediately influence the way you feel. We can spend a lot of time on that subject - and we will - but today I want to talk about the basics of the external validation experience aka shopping.

The Body
1. Know your body - There's no such thing as the perfect body. We all have flaws that need to be addressed when choosing the clothes we wear. Yes sometimes a six pack stomach can create a problem when choosing the proper slacks.

2. Know your sizes - Most men do not know their sizes and tend to buy sizes bigger than they need.

3. Know your fit. - It is a myth that wearing baggier clothes make you look thinner. It is the absolute opposite. Wearing baggy clothes makes you look like you're wearing baggy clothes.

4. Know what colors work best with your skin tones. - Avoid colors that wash you out. Orange and greens are not colors that work for everyone.

The Experience
1. Always try on the clothes before buying - Trying on your clothes will save you time and money in the long run. Take a minute to go into the dressing room and try the clothes on. Look in the mirror. Remember the mirror is you friend, it will never lie to you.

2. Stop impulsive buying - It's easy to go into a fashion blackout once you feel that high from your first purchase. Before you know it you're buying anything and everything in the store. Don't do that, you'll regret it later.

3. Stay away from big department stores whenever possible - If you are new to the world of shopping or just don't like doing it, you want to stay away from big department stores or major franchise. The experience can be overwhelming. Too much of a good thing is bad. Shop in smaller shops where it is more manageable.
4. Shop with a buddy - It is always best to shop with a buddy - or someone close to you - who is not afraid to tell you the truth and/or can encourage to take chances..

5. Find a stylist you can trust - I'm not talking about a private stylist that will charge you a fee. - Although if you can afford one, it could be quite helpful. - I'm talking about finding a salesperson with experience who has your best interest at heart and is not desperate to make his numbers for the month.

6. Avoid shopping in a bad mood - If you are feeling upset or out of sorts, it may not be the proper time to go shopping.  Shopping is always better when you're in a clear state of mind.
Except for those engaging in retail therapy, which can be very effective and I will be writing about that subject very soon.

7. Set a budget for yourself - It is always best to have a realistic budget in mind when going shopping. Familiarize yourself with today's price points and know which store best suits your budget.Shopping beyond your means can be a very unpleasant experience.

There's nothing negative about shopping when done properly.  I suggest you follow these simple suggestions and you will not only have a successful experience, I guarantee you will have a fun time doing it and feel great about yourself when you're done.

For any question regarding personal shopping or styling, you can contact me at:  vincentspov@gmail.com

Basic Essentials for Spring and Summer

Before you start sprucing up your spring and summer wardrobe, let's make sure you have the basic essentials covered.

It is easy to get carried away with trendy pieces when we go shopping but the key to a complete and efficient wardrobe is to make sure that the basic essentials are covered. By basic essentials I am referring to those neutral, standard pieces that you can wear all season long and will make it possible for you to be wardrobe ready for any occasion.

AG Matchbox jean is the perfect jean this season. A dark wash is preferred when pairing with a blazer or dress shirt and a second pair in a medium wash - pictured above - will also come in very handy for a more casual look.

Gingham is it. You cannot have enough gingham this year. I suggest starting with a basic blue or navy long sleeve gingham shirt and add more colors as you go.

The desert boot. Just like 50 is the new 30 - at least in my world - the dessert boot is the new sneaker. Wear it with jeans, chinos, linen slacks, shorts or even a summer suit depending on the occasion.

The Khaki suit will forever be a spring and summer standard. Try and find a slim fitting suit with traditional lapel and this will ensure at least a couple of years of wear without having to replace it with a more current model. Pair it with a brown lace up shoe, dress shirt and tie for a more upscale look.

The navy blazer is a year-round basic essential. Choose a cotton or light weight wool for spring and summer. If you happen to live in a tropical climate state, the light weight wool could be used year-round. Pair it with your dark wash jeans and a white dress shirt and you can't go wrong. And don't forget the pocket square detail for that extra pop!

The white dress shirt. Not much to say about the white dress shirt except you need at least one for every season. This is as basic as it gets. Avoid the classic fit unless you are in need of the extra fabric.
It is also worth mentioning the flat front charcoal grey dress slack for that dressier occasion that does not require a suit. Light wool slacks will serve you year-round.

The Hartford linen shirt. For that casual night-time look the Hartford linen shirt is a total must. In an array of colors, here's your chance to add a some pop to your wardrobe. Find the color that works best with your skin tone and pair it with jeans, slacks, or shorts.

Yes to seersucker anything for spring and summer. Start off with shorts and build your way up to the whole suit.

 

The slim fit chino. As you may have noticed by now, is all about slim fit this year and chinos are no exception. Khaki is the way to go for your first one and then graduate to grey and navy as you go along.

The Black polo shirt. Smedley happens to make the best sea cotton dressy polo shirt in the market today. Though a bit pricier than most other brands, this is the polo shirt to own. I believe black has a place in our wardrobe year round and my suggestion is the black polo for spring and summer. Pair it with your khaki suit, a pair of chinos or grey slacks, and you can never go wrong.

The board short. Here is where you get to have fun and introduce a bit of whimsy to your wardrobe. Going to the beach is fun and your board shorts should be too. Keep in mind that Speedos are back this season, but I know that a board short is a basic essential and a Speedo is a risky addition for the more daring fashionista. But either is acceptable this season.

The tennis shoe. Yes I did not say sneaker, I said tennis shoe. Converse has been giving us the tennis shoe for decades but Paul Smith has designed the newer sleeker version and it is a true must-have this season.

I hope this clears up a little bit of the what the basic essentials are for this season. If you have any questions regarding designers, where to buy any of these items or personal style issues, feel free to comment on this posting or email me directly at vincentspov@gmail.com

As always your fashion sponsor is here to be of service to you.

Live well and look fierce doing it!

John F. Kennedy's Presidential Style

John F. Kennedy was undeniably America's most stylish president to date.

When most people are asked whom they think the best US president in history is, most come to the conclusion of John Fitzgerald Kennedy - JFK - the 35th president of the United States. Few people however, comment on his sense of style, which - in my opinion - contributed to his mass appeal. Always dapper and appropriately dressed on every occasion, JFK reached the heart of many with his charm and good looks. Being the most photographed president at the time - think back to the pre-paparazzi era - his style was always captured for all to see.

As a child of wealthy parents JFK was always impeccably dressed as demonstrated in this early photo. Notice the Four-in-hand tie knot with tie bar in perfect harmony with the white dress shirt and notch lapel jacket.

For his wedding day JFK took a page from his neighbors across the pond and sported the morning suit, which was the perfect compliment to wife Jackie's stunning wedding creation.

For public occasions JFK's style called for a suit and tie, usually dark brown, black or blue - as well as pin stripes sometimes - but always tailored to create a boxy silhouette that will draw attention to the broad shoulders and face. For footwear, his style was equally conservative. JFK preferred the standard black or brown dress shoes or loafers to pull the look together. 

It's been widely reported that JFK was quite the ladies' man, and it wasn't just because he was the leader of the free world at the time; it was also his impeccable sense of style. JFK's style was the standard for men of the 1960's. 

The key to JFK's style is to have a well-tailored suit. While JFK didn't have a specific designer for his suits, he did favor the styles that were made by Brooks Brothers. 

The traditional and very chic white slacks and navy blazer was another of JFK's signature looks for the less formal occasions like Sunday mass service.

When it comes to casual wear, JFK's style can best be described as country club chic. His style was most consistent with soft linens or cotton pants and polo shirts than the jeans and T-shirts look. JFK managed to maintain a look that was casual and comfortable but still looked polished.

Even for casual affairs, his style had an air of sophistication to it.  Casual slacks with a lightweight, cotton button up shirt or a polo shirt worn open were standards for JFK.

The casual side of JFK's style can also be topped with a sweater vest or light casual jacket. 

The footwear side of casual JFK style tends to be a bit more sporty consisting of canvas deck shoes for on the boat, or leather moccasins or spike-less golf shoes.

Fashion icons or world leaders are not born everyday. On May 29th, 1917 lightning struck twice with the birth of JFK. 

The world will always be a better place because of JFK the president and fashion for men will always have a standard to uphold because of JFK the style icon.

 

Tom Ford plays Oprah!

When it comes to fashion choices the last and only word should be yours. Wear whatever you want to wear, regardless of anybody's opinion.

During the last week I had a couple of people ask for my reaction to Tom Ford's latest declarations. In a recent interview for the Daily Mail of London Tom Ford  had this to say:

"Flip-flops and shorts in the city are never appropriate. Shorts should only be worn on the tennis court or on the beach."

In the article he talks about being a gentleman and how he prides himself on being one. He also gives tips on how to be a "modern gentleman". He goes on to share his thoughts on men who don't work, people who judge and opening doors for women.

What I observe happening to Tom Ford - and therefore share it with you - is the Oprah-like experience.

Oprah-like - Anytime, anyone, anywhere claims that whatever they believe; is the only truth and they feel the need to impose that on others.

We live in a world where people like to be lead. We watch reality TV, we read tabloid magazines, we follow trends in fashion,  etc. There seems to be a real lack of responsibility - or laziness - when it comes to being autonomous and exercising our individuality. That is all fine and good. For there to be followers there must be leaders. My only issue is when absolutes are presented. Like for instance, Tom Ford's latest remark:

"Flip-flops and shorts in the city are never appropriate. Shorts should only be worn on the tennis court or on the beach."

I respect that this can be true for Tom Ford himself but I don't agree that it applies to every man in every city.

I can see how Tom Ford can feel that Flip-flop sandals should only be worn at the tennis court or at the beach, however in cities like Miami, Los Angeles, Santa Fe, and others where temperatures can reach the 100 degrees mark, it is absolutely OK to wear a pair of Flip-flops when going out to run errands or even to a friends house as long is a casual affair.

When it comes to shorts I disagree with Tom Ford completely. As a matter of fact one of Tom Ford's designer colleagues Thom Browne has created a fashion empire and is best known for designing and wearing suits with shorts himself. I can see how this is not a look for everyone, however the option is there and it is absolutely acceptable to wear shorts in the city.

In the article Tom Ford also comments on the importance of the image we present to the world since it will influence how others react to us. Once again this is a personal matter. How we want to be perceived is entirely up to us. 

A couple of philosophies I live by are:

To thine own self be true - and - the mirror is your friend.

Three rules for dressing I live by:

1. Know your body, 

2. Dress age appropriate, 

3. Make sure what you are wearing is suitable with the occasion you are attending.

These are the philosophies and rules for dressing that work for me. I share them with you in case you can use them too. If they are suitable to you, by all means incorporate them in your life and have fun. By the same token if you disagree with me and your way is working for you, I support you completely and respect your gravitas.

If you follow me on Facebook where I share my Fashion Tips of the Day you know there are fashion issues I feel very strongly about, like pleated pants, excess fabric on garments and acid wash denim - to name a few. At times it could easily be said of me that I too have been Oprah-like. However it is just my opinion and my experience. Ultimately it is up to you to wear what you want to wear and feel the way you want to feel. You are responsible for your own look every single day of your life, so do with that what you like. 
I will stick to my three rules of dressing and go on about my day.