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Archive for the ‘Do's’ Category

More on Affordable Hats

Friday, November 20th, 2009

Per a few requests: here are a few neutral newsboy hats under $25!! As seen on the LKc Style blog by several “Street Smarts” hat-wearers and also in a recent post regarding David Beckham.

Kohl's_DockersSolidIvyHatKohl’s Docker’s Solid Ivy Hat only $14.40!

Macy's_CountryGentlemanWoolHatMacy’s Country Gentlemen British Wool Cap $22

And for something completely different, if you’re feeling particularly bold:

BrooksBrothers_CountryClubSeersuckerIvyBlueBrooks Brothers Country Club Seersucker Ivy $24

The Perfect V is not just for the Ducks anymore: Sweater Vests are Back!

Thursday, November 19th, 2009

I finally got around to seeing 500 Days of Summer (well after Summer and all the hype of the movie).  The movie was an artistic and well-dressed version of real life: get your heart broken, chase your dreams, and always go karaoking  at least once a month. If you’re finding yourself grasping for a business casual look, especially for the upcoming frigid months, consider some V-neck sweaters and cardigans showcased in this all-to-relatable movie.

Photo Courtesy of IMDB

Photo Courtesy of IMDB

Macy's Alfani Sweater Zip on sale $18.74!

Macy’s Alfonsi Zip Up on sale for $18.74!

PacSun_VurtEverydayCardiganBlack

PacSun Vurt Everyday Cardigan $24.50

Street Smarts: Northwest + Hats

Tuesday, November 17th, 2009

I found myself in the Northwest again recently and noticed the (necessary) love affair with these guys and their hats.  Hats can be an awesome addition to most outfits if appropriately matched. Consider these two Oregonians and their very different but stylish looks with hats:

2009.11.14_BlazeInPortlandBlaze in front of a cozy fire. Great outfit for day or night.

Nice crisp shirt w/ the sleeves rolled up just right.

2009.11.13_DucksGameGearing up for the game in something a little more casual.

But notice how the brown in the hat coordinates with the brown in the shirt.

On Not Smelling Like an Armpit

Wednesday, November 11th, 2009

I was doing a little research on men’s cologne the other day and found a few that were particularly appealing. Before purchasing a cologne consider the following:

–Don’t overuse it. Put one dab/spray on your neck in the morning or before your date.

–Good colognes are a little more expensive than Axe body spray, but even a little bottle should last a LONG time.

–Every man has a scent that will work best with their own skin. Try different ones out to find your best fit. Listen to the ladies too.

Yves Saint Laurent L’Homme (Save $14 via LKc Style!)

Lacoste Elegance (Save $29 via LKc Style!)

Gossip Girl Guys: Chuck

Tuesday, October 27th, 2009

A female reader recently wrote to LKc Style:

“Hi! My boyfriend is obsessed with Chuck’s fashion…and none of the Gossip Girl blogs seem to write about it. Any tips about where to find his stylish numbers?–Thanks! (an old friend of the Possessionista)”

Old Friend–I won’t judge your boyfriend for being obsessed with the Gossip Girls…TV can be violently addicting…especially when it’s about good looking people with lots of money! Chuck is always very well and uniquely dressed but usually at a lofty price tag. Here’s a few of Chucks always-colorful looks at PBS prices:

Pic from This Crazy is Catching

macys_club-room-conductor-jacketClub Room Conductor Jacket @ Macy’s for $33

Pic from Bright Young Things

express_argylesweatervestExpress Argyle Sweater $49

macys_clubroomestatepinpointClub Room PinPoint Buttondown @ Macy’s ONLY $10!!

The ideas= lots of color + always tailor your blazers and pants just for your body + add a bowtie when necessary + LOTS of argyle. Also go to Shop Gossip Girl to search looks by character–however, you’ll find much of the stuff is rather expensive! If you have any other specific looks /photos in mind, I’ll shop it on the afforadable circuit!! Let me know!

Un-Holey Jeans

Tuesday, October 20th, 2009

A  reader wrote me a query recently: Something I have been struggling with lately is buying a good pair of jeans.  I’m a t-shirt and jeans kind of guy, but some of my stand by jeans are now wearing out and when I look at American Eagle type places they all have those pre-fab holey jeans, and I refuse to into an Abercrombie & Fitch.  Thoughts? Thanks for the question CC.

The world of jeans is so vast it’s scary. I don’t blame you or anyone else on the planet unable to find their go-to jeans brand on a regular basis. I have a couple things to say before I make a few recommendations:

1. Every man has a different shape and size. A lot of jeans won’t fit you and that’s normal. Try a couple pairs on in different stores and you’ll see differences in brands.

2. Go for a dark wash (coloring). It’s classic, slimming and can be casual or dressed up a bit.  A light wash might make you look like a cast member of Saved By The Bell…so, don’t do it, Preppy.

3. There are TONS of super expensive jeans…I say you can find awesome quality jeans at a reasonable price. Consider paying $40-80 for a good pair of jeans that you’ll have for many years (instead of $20 jeans that you’ll have for one year).

4. Find a sale on the jeans you like–$60 can become $40 with coupons or seasonal discounts.

A few I like:

levis_loosestraight569jeansshakergreyLevi’s Loose Straight 569® Jeans in Blue Steel $40

(previously mentioned in the blog post on Details Magazine Alternatives)

Gap’s Selvage Authentic Fit Dark Rinse $88 (Other Authentic Fits go for only $50 too)

(also: I wouldn’t usually recommend cuffs like this photo)

David Beckham Kicks it in Cardigans

Sunday, October 18th, 2009
Image from People.com

Image from People.com

Fan e-mail forwarded from my friend The Possessionista: “I have an obsession with David Beckham!! I saw this sweater on him from the PEOPLE website and I want to buy it for my husband!! It looks so cozy!! Do you have any idea where it came from? Thanks so much! Smiles, Lesia”

Lesia–David Beckham makes me sweat a little too. LKc Style readers should take note as well…not for the sweats but for the sweaters. He’s been seen all over town(s) rocking some pretty nice sweaters and cardigans giving a whole new look to the old-man-next-door style. He’s been noted for wearing Scotch & Soda, Hugo Boss, and Abercrombie & Fitch lately. I haven’t been able to identify the exact chunky cardigan David’s wearing, but here are a couple of equally cozy alternatives:

jcrew_woolcashmerecableknitcardiganSPLURGE: J. Crew Wool Cashmere Cable Knit Cardigan $158

gap_shawlcollarcardigan

FOR LESS: Gap Shawl Collar Cardigan $78

Guys–for your lady friends go e-mail Dana @ The Possessionista for similar inquiries on femme fashions.

Affordable Fall Alternatives for Details Magazine

Thursday, September 24th, 2009

If you’re not pouring over men’s magazines, particularly men’s fashion magazines, I can’t blame you. First, most of the looks are absolutely ridiculous, over-the-top, non-real-people outfits AND/OR out of real-people price ranges. (If you can pull off ridiculous outfits and have lots of money…call me or go to Details Magazine…if not, keep reading and know you are normal, average, probably not taking naked pictures with hot models, and that we still love you).

Details Magazine September issue provided a “10 Ways to Modernize Your Wardrobe” spread with some actual decent suggestions, with the exception that they’re all very expensive for an average joe. Here are suggestions very similar to their article but that might fit into your budget this year. Treat yourself to a few new necessity items if your old ones are wearing thin.  ***LKc Style budget: $369.22, Details Magazine Budget: $10,500.00***

Macy's Quilted Weatherproof Vest $34.99

Macy's Weatherproof Quilted Vest $34.99

AdMen Horn Rimmed Sunglasses $14.95

AdMen Horn Rimmed Sunglasses $14.95

Old Navy Cord Blazer $49.50

Old Navy Cord Blazer $49.50

Top Man Grey Twill Canvas Satchel $50

Top Man Grey Twill Canvas Satchel $50

Buckle Stripped Rugby Sweater $21.25

Buckle Stripped Rugby Sweater $21.25

Robert Wayne Gash Response Leather Boot $89.95

Robert Wayne Gash Response Leather Boot $89.95

Five Four V-Neck T-Shirt $15.60

Five Four V-Neck T-Shirt $15.60

Armitron Dress Watch in Black $36.99

Armitron Dress Watch in Black $36.99

Levis Loose Straight 569® Jeans in Blue Steel $40

Levi's Loose Straight 569® Jeans in Blue Steel $40

Nixon ShowOff Wallet $15.99

Nixon ShowOff Wallet $15.99

Street Smarts: Birthday Suit

Wednesday, September 9th, 2009

20090909_geyer-001b

Here’s Geyer dressed up for his birthday and about to grab some boots of beer for his birthday @ the Chicago Brauhaus in Lincoln Square. He’s smartly dressed in a hipster-meets-prep uniform. Great use of monochromatics (using different shades of the same color–in this case blue–to create depth) w/ a pop of yellow. The brown shoes make it old school casual and tie in the glasses.  This is a great weekday casual event outfit. Happy Birthday Geyer!

Green Clothing

Wednesday, September 2nd, 2009

Poll: Do you buy sustainable/green/organic clothing items and why?

Have any of you specifically sought out green clothing stores or clothes? Were you aware this niche market even existed? I am curious to know how big the green movement is affecting buyer behavior…it definitely seems to have perforated buyers’ decisions on cars (obvious direct and immediate benefits to less $$ for gas) and houses (reduced utility bills, etc)…but are people looking as much for green clothes? If you can buy green for the same price, would you do it?

There are affordable green clothing companies out there with decent style:

Green Tee Clothing

$32 Bubbly Blue Graphic T @ Green Tee

$32 Bubbly Blue Graphic T @ Green Tee

Even @ Target!

$32 Certified Organic Cotton Military Jacket

$32 Loomstate Certified Organic Cotton Military Jacket

Nordstrom

$29 Organic Cotton Dress Shirt--More Colors too

$29 Organic Cotton Dress Shirt--More Colors too

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