Threads for Thought: Neoprene

With the way that the snow is falling, wind is blowing, and temperatures dropping all over, its time to cover ways to stymie the elements and remain functional and fashionable in the same clip. Its easy to throw on a puffy Eskimo coat and look like the Michelin Man, but its time to change up your outerwear experience.
To say "just layer on the cashmere and down" is one thing, but to actually be able to and not feel like a waddling duck is another entirely. So its a matter of finding a combination of warmth and weatherproof-ness (wind, rain, snow, etc.) all in one item. Now think of an item that looks just like fleece at a glance, but under closer inspection, turns out to be made out of wetsuit material; this is neoprene and its hitting the scene hard. Technical clothiers have known the benefits of neoprene for years, maintaining a supple nature while keeping the weather out while insulating. This is all well and good, but trudging around the city in a wetsuit just isn't acceptable, so designers have begun developing stylish silhouettes and trendy pieces, all in the winter wonder fabric, neoprene. The only tip to go by: don't get anything that wouldn't be stylish, neoprene or not. With that said, neoprene hasn't really clicked with the mainstream market so it may take some searching, but pounce on the chance when it arises.
Check in tomorrow for this week's installment of my fashion faux pas and next Thursday for another piece that deserves your consideration!

Wardrobe Essentials: The Tan Suit

Despite the fact that the "worst" snow storm in history just hit the northeast and the fact that winter is still relatively young, now is the best time to prepare your closet for the spring thaw. Some items can wait but others need to be taken to the tailor and this happens to be one of these items.
Even though the seersucker suit/sport coat reigns king during the spring, the tan suit is supreme all year round and especially during the warmer months. This fall and winter, you saw an explosion of tan outerwear, straying away from the traditional blacks, grays, and blues that would normally abound. It's time to do the same with the classic navy and light gray suit in your closet, and bring out a fresh new khaki suit.
Even Obama is on board.
Anything that can be worn with navy or gray can be worn with tan, so the styling procedure is easy and already ingrained in your sartorial repertoire. The color combo to play with this Spring will be the tan-brown combination, playing on the same color family for a pseudo-monochromatic look. When deciding on the fabric, cotton will be option A, B, and C, but if that simply isn't an option, a lightweight wool suit will work just as well and will act as a great transition piece from winter to spring and summer to fall.
Brooks Brothers: $598
J. Crew: $456
Topman: $300
Check in tomorrow for a fashion piece that deserves your consideration and next Wednesday for another essential style piece!

Tech Tuesday: Ditch the Old Sim

There are over a million apps on the app store and surely a good number of apps on your particular smart device, but of all the apps out there, one has the most users worldwide. WhatsApp is a very simple app, providing exactly what a normal phone would utilizing cellular or WiFi connection, but without charging you any data usage fees. Only problem is, for a phone to work, it needs a SIM card and those work with a specific carrier and carriers charge fees. Luckily for over 700 million users (a tenth of the world) the team at WhatsApp has developed the WhatSim, a SIM card that'll run you a little over $10 which enables you to talk and text free of charge. This new card is connected to over 400 operators, enabling usage in over 150 countries, all without any roaming charges; the only thing left to do is order one!

Check in tomorrow for a style piece that needs to be in your closet and next Tuesday for more exciting tech!