Mint Condition

As spring is upon us it has become increasingly apparent to me that my wardrobe is simply not prepared.  Every once in awhile I reach a point where I don't like any of my clothing and crave something new.  And by "something" I actually mean "a great deal of things".  So, I have spent the last couple of weeks focusing on searching out a few great new pieces in preparation for warmer weather.  This has lead to a hiatus in outfit posts, but I think you'll be pleasantly surprised at the upcoming results.  Everyone deserves to treat themselves with something new every now and again!  Whether or not this is really true, or just what people with shopping addictions say to make it all better, remains to be seen.

I can't properly describe in words my current obsession with the color mint green.  Even though coral is dominating stores as the most popular fashion color this spring/summer, I assure you that light powdered green is coming next.  If you're a Zara shopper, you already know what I'm talking about.  The floor is filled with it, and customers can't seem to get enough.  If you haven't already, it's time to go green.  But don't feel limited to this color only.  Light pastel tones, or "powdered brights", are ready to take front a center stage when everyone is tired of bright primary colors.  I've already started stocking up because let's face it: bright orange, kelly green, and canary yellow just aren't my colors.  As a designer, and as a fashionable person alike, I'm screaming for pastels.  I found this spearmint t-shirt at Urban Outfitters, practically sold out, and it is exactly what I needed to start preparing for the summer.  I have a serious Mint Condition, and I'm ready for some therapy.  Retail therapy, that is!

Marc by Marc Jacobs blazer, H&M vest, Urban Outfitters BDG spearmint heather t-shirt, Levi's skinny jeans, Converse all black All-Stars, Urban Outfitters trilby hat, Ray-Ban white wayfarers, Michael Kors runway watch, ASOS black carry-all bag

This is what I look like all of the time.  Sorry 'bout it. Tweet me at @ChChChCheckIt!

Special thanks to my beautiful friend Dawn for taking these photos before a boozy brunch session.  She's a talented illustrator, and I'll be posting her work for you all see some day soon.  I know you'll be as impressed as I am.

Beatnik

Marc by Marc Jacobs trench coat, Oscar de la Renta cardigan, H&M v-neck t-shirt, Zara mustard corduroy pants, Workshop Andrea Jovine infinity scarf, H&M classic slouchy hat, Urban Outfitters reader glasses, Clark's chukka 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

Unbe-weave-able

I love Brooklyn.  I lived in Clinton Hill for my first eight years in New York City.  Although I live in Manhattan now, Brooklyn molded me into the person that I am today and I will always consider myself a Brooklyn guy to my core.  Whenever I get a chance to go back and hang out there I jump at the opportunity.  I love the culture and style of Brooklyn, and the food and nightlife is unparalleled.

Recently I've been seeing backpacks everywhere and slowly but surely decided that I had to have one.  I'd say that they are the must have accessory this year especially for men.  I've been shopping around for the best one for months, and I was surprised at the option that I finally settled on.  It is actually a design for junior girls, but who's really counting?  I found it at JC Penney by Olsenboye.  JC Penney has been in the news early this year for introducing a brand new pricing structure, and then more recently has been caught up in a controversy after hiring Ellen Degeneres as a spokesmodel.  As a strong believer of equal rights, I made it my mission to support JC Penney in their decision to stand behind Degeneres.  Although truthfully that was only slightly what tipped the scale for me.  I actually love this bag!!  It's a great design.  I love the faux leather colorblocking combination, and the trim on the straps makes it feel really cool and special.  And at only $35 it wasn't hard on my budget in the slightest.  I compared this bag to all other similar options that I found, and it won over the others hands down.  I'm actually really excited about this purchase.  Also, I'm kind of a major Olsen Twins fan, so that certainly didn't hurt either.

photos courtesy of my good friend and current Brooklynite Diane

Marc by Marc Jacobs trench coat and printed shirt, H&M henley and slouchy hat, Levi's skinny jeans, Repeat Cashmere infinity scarf, Frye motorcycle boots, Urban Outfitters reader glasses, Olsenboye backpack

Dark Days

My first outfit post is a standard look for me: dark and downtown.  While researching trompe l'oeil I found this printed t-shirt that looks like a shredded distressed sweater.  It reminds me of punk rock underground fashion, but delivers this concept in an easily attainable way.  I paired it with a standard leather jacket, skinny jeans, and classic slouchy hat.  The overall feeling is dark and moody, with a touch of roughness.

The oversized scarf feels like something off the streets of Paris, and I love the proportion when it's piled on around my neck.  I have multiple pairs of these motorcycle boots, and wear them almost every day.  I love them because they are not only stylish but stand the wear and tear of the city, and add a bit of much needed height to my stature.  Finally, mixing macabre jewelry gives this edgy outfit the perfect final touch.  Now let's rock out!

Urban Outfitters jacket, Zara t-shirt, Levi's jeans, H&M hat, Zara scarf, Frye boots, Vintage necklace with White Trash Charm lightening bolt, Chloe necklace, Alexis Bittar ring

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