The Art of Color Blocking
One of the things that many men are afraid to experiment with on their fashion journey is color. Incorporating color in your wardrobe can add life and character to your entire presentation. The main hesitation that men have in adding pieces of color to their outfits is when they allow thoughts of, "I don't want to look like a clown" or "Vibrant colors may make me look effeminate" to consume them. This, of course has become a mainstream falsification only among those who are not educated in regards to men's style and fashion. In this blog, I will address some very simple ways to incorporate color into your closet in a manner that is tasteful, selective and appropriate.
The first thing to keep in mind when learning to add color to your clothing pallet is to treat color more as an accessory as opposed to a primary. In an article entitled 5 Ways Women Want You To Dress by Al Mulhall, he very simply states: "A few splashes here and there can be good and will easily update clothes you already own. Try to accessorize with color though, rather than incorporate it into a whole look". This is where we get the notion of "color blocking". Color blocking is wearing strategically complimentary yet contrasting BOLD colors in one outfit.
Traditionally, color blocking has been more commonly seen on women that it has on men. This trend of color blocking among women has quickly transitioned to men's fashion as well. When done properly, color blocking is the easiest way to enhance your wardrobe without having to spend a lot of money to do so. Most personal and celebrity stylists generally determine which colors work best for an individual based on their skin tone and/or hair color. Typically, the darker your skin tone is, the brighter colors you can accessorize with. This, like anything else in the world of fashion is only a guideline and subject to vary based on your individual style interpretation.
In summation, here are some practical ways to color block:
Consult the Color Wheel: Primary colors combined with complimentary colors are always a good place to start.
2. Start off by investing in a few solid bright-colored chinos, blazers or cardigans if you do not already own any. Choose a neutral color such as white, black, grey, beige, etc. to compliment your bright piece. The key is to keep it simple, but coordinated. Shoes, accessories, grooming, as well as the fit of your garments all play a part in being able to pull off a color blocked outfit right.
3. Try out your work and be confident in wearing what you've put together. Sometimes by checking out other dapper gents who have mastered The Art of Color Blocking, we gain the courage to give it a shot ourselves. Follow their fashion journey not to mimic them, but to use their style manners as a guideline.
DRESS LIKE A GENT
Quick Guide to Shoe Care
In this article, I will address some practical ways to care for your shoes. Being that I am such a shoe connoisseur and have been for some time, I can tell you that the maintenance of the shoes you own is just as important as the type of shoe you choose. Throughout the years, I have run in-numerous guys, young and old included; who wear nice shoes, but who have failed to properly take care of them. A good shoe without proper maintenance can result in short life span of the shoe where the soles are worn out beyond repair and the leather is too degraded to be restored. On the other hand, when the shoe is treated with care and not over worn, they can have a life span of up to 10+ years. Please be mindful that the quality of shoes you purchase has a lot to do with how long they will last as well. For example, a shoe that is not completely leather or very partially leather, may not hold up as long as a quality pair of footwear would. In a future post, I will go into detail regarding choosing quality footwear and what to look for. Below are a few easy-to-follow steps as to how care for your shoes:
#1
It is recommended that you shine your shoes as soon as you get them. This will condition the leather and give a nice shine to your new shoes. Be sure to shine them regularly and not to wear them several times a week to allow time for the shoes to breath.
#2
If the shoes have already been worn and this is not their first time out of the box, be sure to remove the shoe laces and sweep off any dirt and dust on the shoes by using a soft bristled brush to do so. This will eliminate any of the pre-existing debris prior to applying the shoe polish or conditioner to your shoes.
# 3
After removing your shoes from wearing them, be sure to insert cedar shoe trees which will help to absorb any moisture in the shoe as well as re-form the shape of the shoe itself. When there is moisture trapped inside of the shoes for a period of time, there can potentially accumulate mold on the inside. Cedar shoe trees not only help to absorb the moisture, but also serve as a deodorizer for your footwear.
# 4
Another way to preserve your shoes is to purchase a good waterproofing leather conditioner for them. Products such as general leather conditioner found at your local shoe cobbler or other products such as Sno-Seal are ideal to use. Simply apply the conditioner throughout the entire shoe using a soft non-abrasive cloth and allow 4 - 6 hours before wearing so that the product can effectively saturate into the leather.
* In the event that your shoes get extremely wet, it is advised to stuff a towel in your footwear in order to soak up any existing moisture. Sitting the footwear near a heat source to dry them is not at all recommended as this can dry out and crack the leather.
#5
Another thing that we tend to neglect which plays a major part in the longevity and preservation of our shoes is to make sure the soles are not too worn out. The pressure that we put on our shoes upon walking in them over a period of time causes the heels and toe of the shoe to wear down significantly. In order to get more wear on the shoes, it is recommended to get toe taps and heel caps installed on your shoes. These can be put on by a professional shoe repairmen (AKA a cobbler) or can be installed by yourself if you are YouTube savvy enough to learn how to do so. I typically prefer to have this done professionally just to assure that it is done right and lasts. Toe taps and heel caps come in metal, rubber and adhesive. Metal and rubber of course are the ideal ones to choose. Remember, it is best to do this earlier in the life of the shoe than later to avoid having to have the entire sole replaced as a result.
#6
Finally, one more thing I would suggest in shoe care is to practice using a shoe horn to put on your shoes. This is especially important if the shoes are somewhat fitting in the heel portion. Sometimes, when we are too lazy or rushing, we have a tendency of forcing the shoes on by the "push and twist method". The problem with this is that this can permanently ruin the back of your shoe when done perpetually. Try to get into the habit of using shoes horns more often to prevent this from occurring.
For more info on how to use a shoe horn, I would recommend that you check out this quick step-by-step article by posted on ehow.com.
Simply follow the link: www.ehow.com/how_2083833_use-shoehorn.html
DRESS LIKE A GENT
How To Develop Your Personal Style
In this blog, I would like to focus on the #1 Question that everyone asks, which is; "How do I develop my personal style?" Not only are people asking this question, but it is becoming more and more common for people to invest in hiring their own personal stylist to spruce up their everyday look. As previously mentioned, it is foundational that we recognize that style itself is something that is both personal and individualized. With this being said, it is important that the individual take time to discover his/her personal tastes in clothing. Again, we all have a general, preset style type about us, but oftentimes, we lack the know-how to enhance that style by putting the appropriate pieces together. Sometimes, it helps to just take an overview of your closet by paying attention to the types of items that you tend to gravitate toward. Perhaps you tend to go for a certain color or a certain embedded design in the clothing you usually buy. These are generally the types of things that make you feel good and can help to assessand build your personal style. What I would like to do in this blog is to outline a few, practical style developing tips that I believe will serve as a quick and easy guide to help you in your journey of personal style development. Please note, these are only suggestions and can very well be altered by the individual. Here goes a few:
Style Tip # 1 - Define your ambitions by writing them down and dress in a way that compliments your ambitions. This is the best way to discover your personal style, build it and refine it.
Sometimes, it helps to pay attention to what types of things you wear that get the most compliments. Generally, this will help you to recognize the types of combos that people determine display the “best you”.
Style Tip # 2 - Identify style icons that you admire and use them as guides as you build your personal style. Follow their style journey and pay attention to their consistencies, how they dress for various occasions. Keep in mind, you're focus is not to mimic another person's style, but to use them as a guide which can in turn
Style Tip # 3 - Shop in your own closet first. Style rarely requires expensive shopping and most of the time, we already own several items that can be used in enhancing our personal style. Purge your existing wardrobe of pieces that are not complimentary of the type of image you are aiming for. As you aspire to build a style that best fits your ambitions and your individuality, build upon some of the things you already possess.
Style Tip # 4 - Don’t try so hard – Style is only complicated because we make it more complicated than it should be. Find an outfit that you believe you look good in and wear it, but remember that a person’s individual style should look great on and seem effortless. It is often when we try to overdue it, that it looks more like a disaster and creates distraction.
Style Tip # 5 - Wear Color, but Carefully. A few variations of color are fine and can serve to update clothes you already own. Remember to accessorize with color more so rather than incorporating it into a whole look. Of course, this is subject to a person's ability to wear it right and because style is personal, the individual has every right to be more daring with colors as long as it's not overkill. I will actually be sharing in a future post on Colors and Color-Blocking to provide you with more details on how to incorporate color in your style.
For more information or inquires in regards to this topic, style consultations or personal styling, feel free to leave your comments on the main page or shoot me a message.
DRESS LIKE A GENT
Today's Style Inspiration: Sir Marlon DeNon
In my next post, I will be sharing on How to Develop Your Personal Style. And one of the things that you will hear me mention is the importance of choosing your own personal style icon(s) as a guide toward enhancing your style. A style icon is not one whom you should try to mimic since style itself is something that is both individualistic and personalized. The style icon however, is one in whom you look up to in order to build your style. They can both directly and indirectly help to expand the way you think concerning what to wear and how to wear it.
Speaking of which, for my first Style Inspiration Choice, I would like to feature Sir Marlon DeNon. Professionally, Sir Marlon Denon is not only an Exemplar of Classic Style, but he also is a Creative Director, Writer, Vocalist and Motivational Speaker. In my opinion, he is indeed a true blend of both style and class. Although I have never met this brother personally, I can appreciate by what he posts on his Instagram, the consistency of his style. His ability to combine colors and vintage-like pieces to his wardrobe is simply remarkable. He is, in my opinion, a modern-vintage, classy, retro gent type who seems to effortlessly layer the right clothes together in way that is simple, tasteful and appealing.
Often times, when people attempt to recreate an image that is considered vintage, it sometimes ends up looking dated and frankly, just out-of-style. This, however is not the case with this gent. With him, it's as if he has somehow voyaged back into the 40's, 50's and 60's and strategically regathered essential moments from these time periods; managing to gracefully reintroduce them in a modern and relevant form of style. Another thing I respect about Sir Marlon's style is the way he sports the hats!
I personally, have shyed away from wearing hats formally, but lately, have opened up my mind more and more to incorporating some of the more classy Fedora or Derby-Style hats into my wardrobe. My man Sir Marlon is definitely a game changer when it comes down to wearing these victorian-style hats the right way! Simply put, this gent Sir Marlon DeNon is well-deserving of a Feature in Today's Style Inspiration Blog and I eagerly anticipate seeing some more of his art work in style unfold in the days to come. Thanks Sir Marlon!
Sir Marlon Denon's iG: @sirmarlondenon
DRESS LIKE A GENT
What's a Gent?
Gent is the short version of the word "Gentleman". It refers to the poise, attitude, manners and lifestyle of an exceptional man. Not only that, but a gent is also a type of man whose interactions are professional, delightful and full of substance. Dictionary.com defines Gentleman as a well-mannered and considerate man with high standards of proper behavior. Throughout this blog, you will hear me use the words gent and gentleman interchangeably.
Most people tend to be familiar with an idea of what a gentleman is. We've heard that a person is considered a gentleman for being mannerable and polite; by doing things such as saying "please" and "thank you" or opening up the door for others. This indeed, is a good starting point where it concerns being a gentleman, but essentially, to be a gentleman is by choice. I personally was raised to be respectful and polite as a gentleman should be and I do believe that this helped to enforce a certain "gentry" in my life. You say, "Now what does that word gentry mean!?"
Gentry is a term used predominantly in the UK to describe a breed of people of good social class who by position of birth were next below the nobles. The scriptures read in 1 Peter 2: 9 - 10, "But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; 10 who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy." I love these verses because regardless to one's social class, it's good to know that through Jesus Christ, we are not just below the nobility, we are The Nobility by way of the new birth. Anyway, that's the preacher in me bubbling up! Truth is, we should all feel good about ourselves regardless to how much money we have, what type of job we have, or regardless to what we've never had. Once we realize this, let us dress in a manner that is befitting. Hence the notion to "Dress Like a Gent".
See, it has been proven that others judge us by the way we dress before they hear anything come out of our mouths. Whether this seems unfair or not, it is a fact and can be used to our advantage if we play our cards right. Why, because there are opportunities that dressing well can open up for you, positions and careers that you can obtain and maintain by consitently governing yourself as a gentlemen ought. Think of it like this... I will dress and act like the best man I can possibly be and in the process, I will set an example for men to follow in hopes of revolutionizing true gents! Let us collaboratively, make this effort every day.
DRESS LIKE A GENT
My Style and The Way I Wear It, Matters
My style and the way that I wear it, matters! We all individually have a certain style about ourselves. The fail, is when we are not in touch with that style and it remains dulled by our lack of knowing how to develop it. Most people when you ask them how they would describe their personal style in words would say, "Whatever is comfortable" or "Trendy" or "What I can afford and fits well". The key is getting in touch with your style by being in touch with who you are and your ambitions. As far as how to develop your personal style, this will be a topic that we will discuss on a future post. Whether we are dressed casual or dressed up for business, we should keep in mind that our style is a form of communication without words.
As we mentioned in the previous blog, people judge us by what they see us wear before they ever hear us speak. In fact, in an article entitled Dress Code or Note, What You Wear Matters by Organizational Psychologist; Eva Rykrsmith, she speaks of how what we wear has an effect on our performance, ourselves and on others. She describes how what we wear has an affect on the way people perceive us, but even more so, the way we dress can affect how we behave. This, to me is a very powerful fact about why we should step it up in the way we dress. Eva mentions a case study where behavior was observed at a roller rink.
On the nights where there was a strict dress code enforced, there were fewer accidents and less noise. She states: "In an old article in the Academy of Management Review, scientists theorized that exhibiting actions not in line with the expectations of how one would behave when wearing that clothing creates a psychological conflict called cognitive dissonance. And to relieve the conflict, people will change their behavior to match their dress." Of course, in order to enhance one's style to fit the bill, there oftentimes has to be a learning as to how to do so. But, I find that a large number of people tend to shy away from the challenge because they feel it requires too much energy and thought and they would much rather just keep it quick and simple.
I can remember once interviewing for a notable, high-end department store for a personal stylist position. When I walked with one of the hiring managers throughout the department store, he did an entire survey of what I was wearing and even asked me if the shoes I had on were Allen Edmonds; of which I am proud to say, were! Although, I ended up not getting the position there, it stuck with me how he was impressed by the attention I put into my attire more than my experiences and how this helped our interview flow smoothly. Shortly afterwards, I ended up landing another position that even paid more where my style became an asset to the type of work that I would be involved in. That is a valuable lesson I will never forget. I think it's more than just having a knowledge of name brands and fashion sense, but our style and the way we wear what we wear gains us people's ears and even their favor.
In short, we should not shun the saying "dress to impress" because it has been proven since the Renaissance until now to open up great doors of opportunity because the people wearing it have the confidence necessary to possess these new opportunities.
DRESS LIKE A GENT