On Branding...

I decided to save this post for a day where most people will be too busy watching football or finishing up there Christmas shopping. Being newly out of college, having a limited source of income, looming college loan repayment, and not knowing where I may be 2 months from now, I have to be very savvy with anything I buy. Do I really need that amazing camel wool peacoat? Maybe not, but what if I move to New York...you see my dilemma.

Now one of the things I am particularly frugal about is splurging on designer brands when there is an equally attractive option for half the price. Clearly, the more expensive item will be of higher quality, last longer, and allow you the self gratification of knowing you own a pair of Gucci Horse-bit Loafers or a Louis Vuitton dress shirt. In some instances, however, skimping on the designer item is just not an option; the quality and workmanship of a designer suit (Ralph Lauren Purple Label for example) cannot be substituted for a similar get up at H&M.

By all means, if you have the money to, buy the top of line. Get those loafers from Ferragamo and that sweater from Burberry, but if you don't have that kind of depth in your pocket, here are some options:

Gucci Lace-up: $530

ALDO Johniken: $110

Both examples are representation of the lace-up, cap-toe design; very dressy and timeless. The quality of the Gucci shoe is obviously going to be better, but if you don't have the means to get them, then ALDO is a viable option.

Girogio Armani Tie: $117 on sale

TheTieBar.com Ground Stripe - Red: $15

Very similar ties in that power red that needs to be done right in the office. Although the colors are different, both are a Jacquard woven, 100% silk tie that won't dissapoint.

I could do this all day, finding affordable alternatives for expensive designer items, but I think you get the gist of it. If you don't have the patience to be savvy, but have the money, splurge knowing you'll get a quality product. But if you work at it just enough, theres a good chance you'll find a quality product for a great price.

Happy Sunday everybody!

Winter Style to Influence the Spring?

As is the case with any winter outfit, layers are not only critical for keeping warm, but in also allowing you to make as big a statement as possible with a combination of fabrics, patterns, and colors. 

Take this gentleman for example (picture courtesy of Tapiture.com). His layers may be toned down in color, but spans the spectrum in use of fabrics as well as patterns; from the cotton to leather and the gingham check to the spread polka dot...seamless, beautiful look!

With spring soon approaching, I am curious to see if the same layering trend with stick with the lighter weight fabrics and pastels of the season.

Check into my Instagram for even more thoughts and advice @SParryStylings!!!!

Friday Faux Pas: Flip Flops

This is officially the start and first real post on the blog. (Tentatively) I will be posting on this day, Friday, about particular fashion faux pas. As I will reiterate throughout this page, these posts are simply my opinion and not an attack on anyones beliefs or style, and if you have alternative opinions, please share with me. Ok, on to the topic at hand.

FLIP FLOPS...

Now don't get me wrong, flip flops are a great choice for going to the beach, hitting the high seas, washing your car, or maybe running a quick errand...down the street...where no one will possibly see you. As with any part of fashion, there is a right time and right place for everything. For the flip flop, that time is "almost never" and place is "next to your front door in case of emergency". The only lower form of footwear than flip flops would have to be Crocs, which are my biggest fashion no-no. You may be thinking "Of all the possible topics, you picked flip flops..." and that decision is two fold; I live in Florida where sandals are more common on people than T-shirts and because a close friend of mine wore flip flops with jeans.

Lets go through the process of my friend getting ready: throw on some jeans, a belt, short sleeve button up shirt, a nice watch, and then take the time to style your hair. After all that effort to put together a casual outfit to walk around the mall, he puts on flip flops and flushes it all down the drain. In the effort it took to thread that thong between his toes, he could have easily slid on some casual loafers or boat shoes, making a complete outfit. I could care less what the sticker value is, which designer made them, or even more importantly, how much more comfortable they are than shoes...unless you are partaking in a sea voyage, you shouldn't be wearing flip flops.

Lets take a look at some high profile examples shall we:

Clearly, both examples show an outfit that required a lot of effort to put together but are both equally ruined in the choice of footwear. LEFT: Judging from the background, this red carpet event must be the Emmy's and this outfit would have been made complete with a dressy, black loafer or even an edgy suede, berry wingtip to add to the playfulness of it all. RIGHT: I'm guessing the designer running this show was going for a mesh between laid back and dressy, and I have no problem with that until you throw in a pair of "mandals"...a simple, khaki derby shoe (suede, canvas, leather, you pick) or a similarly colored, streamlined work boot, and its an outfit.

I think I'm getting the point across that if you are going to put in the effort to make a stylish garb for the day that it shouldn't fall short due to a pair of sandals. If you are too lazy to bend down and tie up a pair of casual shoes or sneakers, then get some versatile driving loafers that can be worn with just about anything.

Thank you for reading, come back again tomorrow!