Friday Faux Pas: Fleece

With fall soon approaching, there are going to be a plethora of cold weather options out there for you to choose from. Cashmere, merino, flannel, shearling, or whatever your fix, just make sure this specific fabric is not on that list.
This is fleece. Don't do fleece.
Fleece is a synthetic fabric develop in the 70's by a cold-weather active wear that was meant to be similar to wool's insulating factor while being significantly lighter. Whether or not this is true, fleece is just a knock off of a quality fabric that isn't all that much more expensive. Fleece, in my personal experience, tends to be less breathable and provides your outfit with much less texture than wool items. Even if you're not a fan of any variety wool, there are plenty of heavier cotton options out there that are just as high of quality; just avoid the fleece please.
Looks good, but still fleece.
Check in tomorrow for another stylish celebrity influence and next Friday for the next installment of my Friday Faux Pas!

Threads for Thought: Turtlenecks

This topic meshes perfectly with the insights of the past few Monday Outlooks as it will be a popular piece in stores. Not so much considered faux pas, but they definitely aren't a widely accepted piece in the men's world; this fact might be a little different this fall and winter.
Seeing as the move is towards mixing and matching professional and casual, the turtleneck is the perfect addition to a suit or sport coat, creating an elevated sophistication to the look. Yes, its going to look slightly nerdy, but I heard somewhere that smart is in (queue the pictures of NBA post game interviews in their faux glasses). There isn't really much to say on choice of color or fabric, its just like any other sweater you own, but there needs to be a significant emphasis placed on the texture. Anything too plain Jane and you'll look like you're wearing Under Armor, so get something with deep ridges or visible stitch variations that will add some much needed gravitas for the winter.
Check in tomorrow for the next installment of my Friday Faux Pas and next Thursday for another fashion piece that deserves your consideration!

Wardrobe Essentials: Dark Denim

This spring and summer saw a full-fledged plunge into the world of indigo and denim, from the deepest and darkest selvedge to super faded and distressed lightweight denims. The fall/winter looks to stay suit with the involvement of denim in style, and it'll be the same story season after season after season, denim is going no where.
There is one denim in particular that you need to have in your closet that will be just as easy to wear casually as you can dress them up. Dark denim is so hard to find these days as designers look to add "character" to their jeans, whether its garish branding or treatments to age the denim. Thankfully a movement of selvedge companies have helped to reinvigorate the love of natural denim, and now you can find it in just about every store.

With the variety out there, its up to you to find the right jeans for you. If you're one of the so-called denim purists, then go for selvedge, but if you're not up to breaking in a pair of jeans, then just avoid them altogether. For the jean shopping, remember that it is a process that is going to take more than just taking a pair off the shelf; dress comfortable and wear shoes that you'll be wearing with the jeans. Make sure the fit is perfect to what you want them to fit like except in the waist, get those a half size smaller as the jeans will expand with wear.
7 for All Mankind: $178
Ralph Lauren: $100
Gap: $70
Check in tomorrow for a fashion piece that deserves your consideration and next Wednesday for another essential piece for your wardrobe!