True Blue

Zara navy leather varsity jacket, Gap textured sweater, J.Crew plaid collared shirt, Levi's skinny jeans, H&M classic slouchy hat, Ralph Lauren Denim & Supply chambray scarf, Calvin Klein shoes 

Urban Expression

Accessories make the man, or so they say.  You've heard it a million times: Accessoiries elevate your outfit and show your personality.  They are the best way to display your unique style, especially when you're on a budget.  A scarf for instance, is the first place I go to when I want to address a trend that might not have the longevity to invest in a costly designer piece.  Accessories make or break and outfit.  And in my opinion within the category of mens accessories, we don't get nearly enough options as I'd like.  Shoes, watches, subtle jewelry, large bags, and a hat or scarf if you're daring.  Throw us a bone here!  When searching for the perfect accessories I often peruse through woman's options also in order to find the perfect items.  When I'm feeling adventurous I love to dance on the line between masculine and feminine.  Sometimes a man just wants to wear leopard print.  Is that so wrong?

Urban Outfitters trilby hat, Aldo tortuous shell glasses, Ann Taylor Loft leopard print scarf, J Crew military jacket, H&M vest

Chasing Fall

Happy Fashion Week!  New York has been bustling this week as the top american designers show their Fall 2012 collections.  While this week means fashion shows, industry parties, and stunning ensembles for buyers, press, and public relations, it means quite the opposite for me.  It means that I'm totally exhausted!  Fall 2012 is always the most challenging season because it coincides with Chinese New Year and is difficult to get samples made on schedule from overseas factories that lose focus months in advance of the holiday and then close up shop for close to two weeks causing endless delays.  While chasing outstanding Fall samples like a bounty hunter and trying to put together outfits with what I have so far to show for Market Week, I'm also designing Holiday/Resort season now, and finishing up Summer production fittings. While other people are prancing around Lincoln Center in Derek Lam, I am at the other end of town wrangling my line together like Derek Had-A-Little Lam.  Therefore this fashion week I'm keeping things cosy and comfortable, focusing on showing color in my outfits instead of tailoring.  And I'm skipping the industry parties to snuggle up in bed and get some much needed rest and relaxation.  I hope that everyone has a great week, and keep up the good work!

Marc by Marc Jacobs jacket & t-shirt, J.Crew Sweater,  Levi's jeans, Ralph Lauren Denim & Supply chambray scarf, Clark's chukka boots, H&M slouchy hat, Topman colored socks

Nevermind

What's that smell?  ...Is it? ...Could it be?  ...Why yes, I know!  It smells like TEEN SPIRIT.  As a youngster, at around the same the time when I started paying closer attention to clothing in a serious way, it happened to also be when 1990's grunge hit the scene hard.  Albeit I lived in a clueless small town deep in the fly-over states where a university sports sweatshirt was the preferred apparel item worn one size too large not ironically, this grunge movement still made quite an impression on me.  Grunge style clothing was a cool and attainable way to look like the people I saw on MTV, and synced perfectly with the teenage angst I felt the need to express through my wardrobe at the time.  Kurt Cobain was and always has been a fashion icon of mine.  Then recently grunge started making its way back into mainstream fashion, and I was at the front of that line with arms full of waffle knit and plaid flannel.

J. Crew sweat shirt & t-shirt, Gap plaid shirt, Topman chambray joggers, H&M slouchy hat, Jack Purcell shoes from J. Crew sample sale, Michael Kors watch, Marc Jacobs bracelts

This oversized runway watch from Michael Kors is my absolute favorite.  I wear it everyday, and it's a staple part of my look.  You can see it in closer detail at the online store that  I curate at StyleOwner.  Check it out!

Inspiration:

Glimmer

Recently I had the honor of being a bridesman in my best friend Andrea's wedding party.  Besides the fact that I can't make it through a post on Style Me Pretty without audible sighs and squeals, the entire experience of being involved with her wedding was one of the best of my life.  I loved being there every step of the way, helping to plan and prepare.  The couple's vision was so sophisticated and beautiful, I couldn't help put it caught up in the excitement along with them.

Of course no wedding would be complete for any bride-to-be without a debaucherous bachelorette party!  We couldn't let Andrea be swept off into the sunset without giving her a fabulous night beforehand that she would never forget, or would forget entirely if all went well.  We decided on a theme of shimmer and shine, complete with a sequin suggested dress code and confetti glitter to spare.

I love dressing up for special occasions, but deciding exactly how I wanted to sparkle throughout the night was initially somewhat difficult.  Although sequin tuxedo jackets have been making their way onto the men's runways recently, I couldn't justify that large of a purchase.  As soon as I saw these black glitter oxford style shoes I knew that they were perfect for the event.  They provided a much needed keystone for the rest of the outfit.  Finally, I added one more masculine touch of shine with a flashy gunmetal neck tie.  I was totally prepared to throw some glitter and make it rain!

Marc by Marc Jacobs jacket, H&M vest, J. Crew plaid shirt, Marc by Marc Jacobs skinny jeans, H&M shimmer tie, Bakers shoes

The party was a success!  We had the best time clinking our champagne flutes in celebration and dancing late into the night.  I woke up covered in glitter, and discovered that I had aimlessly spread the shine throughout my entire apartment.  Frankly, that's pretty standard way for me to wake up.  That's the life of a bridesman.  It's a glittery job, but somebody has got to do it.