Threads for Thought: Cocktail Cuffs

You may find yourself wanting to dress up for an occasion but don't want to be the guy that over did it, but you still want to stand out. Everyone has a nice suit, sport coat, tie, shoes, whatever the item may be, they're all quite commonplace in today's world of men's wear. So what's something that you don't see out there as much as other items, if at all?

I forgot to mention, this is the quintessential Bond shirt.

There is a specific type of shirt out there that has a special cuff on it, which may help with the whole differentiation problem, the cocktail cuff shirt. This cuff is the cutaway cousin of the French cuff shirt that makes it much less formal and all the more unique. Unlike the French style, the cocktail cuff doesn't require cuff links; it's just like any other barrel or mitered cuff shirt you own, just with some extra fabric to fold back over.

Simplicity is key with cocktail cuff shirts.

Keep this one simple, solid neutrals or simple patterns that pay some respect to formality, because the cuff is what you'll want people to pay attention to. The arm of your coat will fall nicely over top the cuff (if not, the cuff may be too big), giving the whole look an extra bit of contrast without any extras. The only thing you have left to do is partake in exactly what the shirt was named for, have a cocktail or two and relax!

Check in tomorrow for this week's edition of Friday Faux Pas and next Thursday for another piece that deserves your consideration!

Wardrobe Essentials: Tweed

I have already detailed across the spectrum of my blog that fall and winter is all about texture, all about creating definition with rich fabrics and fine details. There won't be any shortage of options available and the main operative is going to be find the quintessential cold-weather fabric.

Old photo, but still Nick Wooster rockin some tweed.

If there ever was such a fabric, tweed is it, and it can be found in just about any piece of clothing out there. Suits, sport coats, vests, shoes, hats, ties, pocket squares; if its something you wear, it definitely has a tweed rendering. The herringbone tweed is the most common variation, originating in Scotland (good on ya Scots!) and is also the most distinguishable with its high contrasting color combinations and alternating orientation of the weave.

Rich texture all around.

My best advice for your hunt is to get tweed that you're going to wear. There is no wrong choice when it comes to the pattern, but if you simply don't wear vests, then don't get a vest. Traditional tweeds will be wool or a wool blend meaning a higher price point, but that doesn't mean you can't find wool substitutes. On that note, I'm willing to bet that you could find a nice tweed sport coat at your local thrift shop or goodwill, so check that out for a cheap alternative.

Notice the rich color variations in the fabric.

Check in tomorrow for a fashion piece that deserves your consideration and next Wednesday for another essential style piece!

Tech Tuesday: SnapTrax

You already wear hats as it is, so why not throw some technology into it and call it a day? That's the exact thought that the team at SnapTrax had and have since started funding for their little innovation. Utilizing my favorite new technology, Bluetooth LE, their hats can connect with your phone for a variety of purposes. Temple mounted microphones and speakers allow for seamless and clear communication between you and your device for a phone call, directions, Siri request, etc. The team also plans to develop an app alongside their headgear to make for a more comprehensive experience, with the intention of making both software and hardware available to outside companies for 3rd-party development.

Check in tomorrow for a style piece the needs to be in your wardrobe and next Tuesday for more exciting technology!