Wardrobe Essential: The Go-To Barber

Most times, Wednesday posts are reserved for clothing and accessories, things that need to be in every man's closet. But something has gone overlooked that is something, or rather someone, that should be at average Joe's disposal.

Most times, your hair is an after thought in the whole style process, but it should be first and foremost. There are few things that are more quickly notices than a man's hair, so why not make the best statement possible and get a haircut from a trained professional. There are three things to consider when picking out the right barber; knowledge, price, and availability. Having someone that not only knows the current hair trends, but also knows which ones your hair can pull off is a invaluable. Of course, you have to be able to foot the bill every month when its time for a cut, so if the price is wrong, you won't go in consistently enough to get the right results. And lastly, this guy or gal, the one with all the skills for just the right price is no good to you if they aren't available when you need it, making it important to set up a regimented relationship that you both can rely on.

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

Tech Tuesday: Shopping with House Account

It's no secret that the nature of retail is changing as department stores have less of what you're looking for and the bigger fashion houses become to mainstream. Boutiques are turning into the focal point of fashion world due to their eclectic assortments, which are usually handpicked by some fashion savvy owners. The only issue is finding, and on the same note, the regionality of these boutiques limiting their availability and exposure to the masses. Instagram can only do so much in showing potential customers exciting new merchandise, so a new app called House Account looks to bring the boutiques to you. Boutiques simply take and post pictures on their page and users from anywhere can view, talk to, and shop them all on the same app. It's still far from the unique boutique experience, but its as close as technology can bring us at this point. All you need to do is register and you'll be on to boutique discovery in no time.

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

Monday Outlook: Lightweight Outerwear

It may be hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel, but come this time next month, you'll be wondering where all the snow went and why all this rain is dampening your day. Unfortunately, the outerwear that gets you through the winter and fall is not the same kind that is going to be suitable for the spring.

Instead of reaching for the insulated, heavy coats that couple to keep out the elements and the cold, begin the search for their lighter spring cousins. The first step in this trend is cutting down the construction of garments, staying in line with the unconstructed craze that we've seen with suits and sport coats. But to add to these efforts, designers have begun experimenting with non-traditional fabrics such as silk and parachute material to name a few; all waterproof by nature without all the added weight from treatments.

Think about the outerwear that's already in your closet, and then figure out what is missing or what needs replacing. Varsity jacket and parka already there, find a new bomber in a silky smooth suede or if that trench coat is getting a little ratty, then update to a walking coat in a lightweight denim. Easy enough, but color is key, and its important to make sure that your new piece (or pieces) can help to transition into fall with the help of some layering; shades of white will be bold, blues will be on-trend, tan will be safe, and everything in between will be nice and flashy.

Check in later tonight for some exciting new tech and next Monday for further trend insight for the coming months!