Treat Yourself!

You shopped for everyone else now hook yourself up! There are lots of great menswear sales going on including good deals on shirts at Thomas Pink. The staff is helpful (I was at the Wall Street location) and the investment is worth it. Get over there now while the selection is good.

New Posts Coming!

Fully functional again post Sandy. New posts coming soon. I've had a lot of time to think of new topics!

Styling Tip

When taking a new suit to your tailor for alterations, ask for a swatch of fabric before leaving. You can use it when selecting shirt and tie combinations.

Alchemy Hour Mens - Maplewood, NJ

Broke up the black today with these dark polkadot socks from Alchemy Hour Mens. The shop opened in August and is an extension of the 22 year old owners Alchemy Hour boutique. www.alchemyhourboutique.com

Maria Rowley, Guest Blogger - J. Hilburn

Folks, I'm pleased to have a guest blogger who will present a woman's and professional stylist's point of view on menswear.  Maria Pope Rowley, a fashion industry specialist for over twenty years, brings a wealth of experience to her job as your style advisor. She is an Associate Partner with J. Hilburn, which was recognized by Inc. Magazine as a pioneer in men’s fashion with its unique hybrid business model of a robust internet presence and a personal style advisor for each client/customer.  

She has a love of textiles and an eye for details.  She is organized, tenacious and creative.  If you are in the Boston area and looking for a stylist, consider Maria.  As a member of J. Hilburn Boston’s team of style advisors, she is happy to consult with you at your convenience.  So without further adieu - here's Maria.

Thinking Ahead

Fall always presents challenging moments in the day when it is either too hot or too cool.  To deal with this, start of by making sure your basics are at their best.  Inspect your dress trousers, sport coats, button down shirts, sweaters and jeans.  Jeans play an important role in your wardrobe, so make sure they are a great fabric and fit for your body.  Cooler weather offers so many options for self-expression.  A sport coat paired with a quality tee shirt or sweater looks great when worn with jeans or trousers.    Consider a great pair of boots or shoes with patterned socks.  And what about that belt? (Yes guys, we women DO notice your belt!)  Check it out and make sure it fits and is not worn out.

Take advantage of this time by making a personal statement with your fashion by layering your button-down shirt with a vest, cardigan, sweater and/or sport coat. Finally, go for a little panache.  Consider a scarf at your neck or a pocket square and don’t shy away from color.  It needn’t be bold.  Subtlety, especially in fall, works just as well.  Shout without saying a word!

Maria Pope Rowley, Associate Partner, J. Hilburn Men’s Clothier 617-365-6210

Maria.rowley@jhilburnpartner.com * about.me/mariarowley

Make Friday A Little Less Casual

So it's Friday, you have no meetings and you can take your attire down a notch. Before getting too comfortable consider wearing a knit necktie. It has a casual look by design but you'll look like a guy that's always ready to roll up his sleeves, loosen up the tie and get things done.

Among other things, a style icon

Dressed in Calvin Klein from his recent NY Times article.

Contrasting Patterns

If you've been reading my little blog here you know how much I like accessories. Good ones make a basic outfit interesting. I just got these BR glen plaid pants and pulled out these houndstooth socks the wife bought me. I'm feeling a little British right now.

Men's Underwear - Decisions, Decisions

Been shopping for men’s underwear lately?  If it seemed that there were as many choices as there are varieties of Campbell’s soup, you weren’t imagining things.   The menswear industry is trying to get guys to move from buying underwear only when their current collection is falling apart to buying underwear that meets a need.  This isn’t a bad thing.  Novelty and special occasion underwear have been around for years but now in addition to the tighty-whitey, blooming boxer short, and boxer brief, there are underwear styles suited to the type of garment you’re wearing.  If your underwear bunch up under your slim fit khakis you can fix this by wearing a pair of slim fit boxers.  Men can now buy compression garments for a slimmer look and there is even underwear made from fabrics designed to keep guys cooler while working out.  Next time you’re out shopping pick up a pair.  The extra cash is worth the extra comfort.

Feelin' Fresh

Can't let the summer go by without getting a fresh pair of kicks!