Friday Faux Pas: Too Big Tie Bar

There are a multitude of issues that men seem to have with tie bars. Where do they go? What color? What style? How big/thick?The list goes on and on, but my biggest concern comes down to the width.
Everything was good...until the tie bar.
There nothing that irks me more than to see a man who got something stylish put together and then falls short because his tie bar is thicker than his tie. This slip up portrays one of two attitudes: my ties are way too skinny or i don't know what I'm doing here, either way, these aren't Things your want tacked on to your style resume. There's a little thing in the math world called the golden ratio and its relevant to your world because it deals in proportions and getting a detail on par with this ratio will be very noticeable. Pertaining to the tie bar, it should take up about a third of the width of your tie or the opposite being two thirds, keeping true to the ratio. Seeing as your standard tie is 3 inches, you're going to want to keep it simple with anything between one and two inches, that way you have absolutely no chance of it being wider than your tie!
Just stop. Go home and start over.
Got a little caught up yesterday so check in a little later for a stylish celebrity influence and next Friday for the next edition of Friday Faux Pas!

Threads for Thought: Biker Pants

Casual pants are quite easy to come by, especially right now with stores transitioning into fall and bringing out all the cold-weather bottoms. But for the overwhelming majority, most casual pants share the same bland design with changes essentially only to the fabrics and pocket configuration.

Going hand in hand with a combination of different trends and leading into upcoming fall trends, biker pants are going to be a reliable addition to your everyday garb. This variety can be distinguished by the accordion fabric or the addition of zippers around critical joints on the pants, like the knees and ass, in effort to make "riding your bike" comfortable. For those of you that don't ride motorcycles, this means that you're going to be adding some much needed edge to your fall and winter looks while paying homage to some serious mid-century motifs. If you're feeling a little flush, splurge on the luxe leather pair for a style piece that will last for years and years, or utilize the abundance of waxed denims out there to get the look without breaking the bank.
Balmain: $1500
Ralph Lauren: $395
Zara: $30
Check in tomorrow for this week's installment of Friday Faux Pas and next Thursday for another piece that deserves your consideration!

Wardrobe Essentials: Windowpane Three-Piece

There are very few purchases in your life that become focal points in your wardrobe. One of those purchases tends to include suits due to the fact that they can be worn as a suit altogether, just the jacket as a sport coat, or just the pants as dress slacks; throw a vest into that mix and the combinations are endless (not really, but bear with me).
David Gandy doing his David Gandy thing.
This coming fall/winter season as well as seasons before it and for many seasons to come, the windowpane check will be in high demand and high fashion. Plaids are a quintessential cold-weather pattern, and windowpane is a unique twist on the category, blowing the proportions out of the water with narrow lines and broad spaces between. Most men are lacking in this necessity and having one in your arsenal will give you that extra leg on your competition.
Idris Elba doing his thing too.
I argue for the three-piece variety for two reasons, warmth and versatility. The vest acts as an extra layering piece, keeping the crisp winter air out and you comfortably warm. As for versatility, the trend is toward separates, meaning that your new suit will look just as good together as it will when worn with a couple pieces missing. Northerners should be in the market for a heavier wool, and a tropical wool or cotton if you're in the south, but no matter what the fabric, make sure its a chalk line windowpane for added texture and definition.
Indochino: $729
Suit Supply: $599
Check in tomorrow for a fashion piece that deserves your consideration and next Wednesday for another wardrobe style staple!