Celebrity Saturday: Neymar

He's playing in the biggest sporting competition in the world that his country is hosting, on one of the best teams in the tournament, and he just so happens to be the best player on his team (and one of the best in the world at his position). Couple his talents on the pitch with his out of this world hair and you've got Neymar, Brazilian soccer superstar and fashion icon. He has remained off most style radars simply because up until last year, he played for the Brazilian club, Santos, but he is sure to make some waves at his new home in Barcelona. He had a major animated spot in Nike's most recent World Cup ad and used the spotlight of the whole thing to make a 90's retro power move and frost his tips. As Nike would say, #riskeverything!

Check in tomorrow for an overview of the past weeks topics and next Saturday for another stylish celebrity influence!

Friday Faux Pas: Fat Tie Knots

I am one of the few people that think ESPN sportscasters (especially Kevin Negandhi) deserves an article in an upcoming GQ at some point. But I think the only thing stopping them from their moment of fame in the style world comes down to how they tie their neckwear.
The Culprit: ESPN.
There is no clear sign as to wear this little trend began, although probably with former athletes and Wall Street tycoons, but it is a style pandemic that needs to nipped in the butt. I've seen knots tied as thick as about 90% of a men's neck and it just looks foolish and ruins whatever garb you may have on. The knot shouldn't be any thicker the tie itself and if you're one for thicker ties (2.75-3.5 inches) you shouldn't even consider that as a tie knot width.
The Aftermath: Everyone doing it.
Unless you're a professional lineman or an Olympic weightlifter,you should be using one of a few select knots for your neck. Four-in-hand, half Windsor, and the Windsor (pushing it) should be your go-tos and really the only knots worth knowing. All of them are classic and refined with my personal favorite being four-in-hand, giving you and longer knot than the Windsor and creates an effortless dimple. And if you're concerned with covering up the open space of a spread or cutaway collar, stop yourself and then embrace the openness of the collar, don't fight it.
The Solution: Stop with the fat knots.
Check in tomorrow for a stylish celebrity influence and next Friday for the next edition of My fashion faux pas!

Threads for Thought: Banded Collars

There's a certain breed of man that prefers casual over formal and refuse to, or at least are very uncomfortable, wearing a collared shirt (Shquilly). Am I one of them, not at all, but I am just as open to the idea of having a new style of shirt amongst the rest of my shirt arsenal.
Take a second look. Not your typical collar.
Banded collars have been around for a while, but have recently become very popular, all thanks to that aforementioned casual group and the warm weather that comes with summer. Just think of a collared shirt and cutting the collared part off, leaving just the button up feature, and you'll have an idea of what a banded collar shirt is.
As casual as it is dressy.
I think they are a delightful mix between a shirt and a Henley that can be dressed up just as easily as it is dressed down. Seeing as ties won't work with them, get adventurous with patterns and colors and play around with it under a sport coat or just by itself. And even though this shirt is great for warm weather, there's no rules saying it can't be layered in to your fall and winter wardrobe, so opt for cotton as opposed to linen or silk and avoid any seasonality.
Ralph Lauren: $170
J. Crew: $98
Orvis: $59
Check in tomorrow for the next installment of Friday Faux Pas and next Thursday for another fashion  piece that deserves your consideration!