Style Never Dies.

It's probably 'cause I've gotten better at looking at things in the long term, but lately I have been thinking about how my own personal style has developed over the years, and what it will eventually evolve into a few seasons from now. I occasionally read forums and articles on men's fashion and a question that's often asked is how to dress "appropriately" for a certain age, occasion, profession, or look.

I need to look this good when I'm 60 [via]

The most common answer is a general one: "Wear clothes that fit well." I'll be the first to admit that I'd never exactly followed this rule when I was younger. Hell, I was a teenager as prone to trends as the next kid. Unsurprisingly, I went along with what was popular (in an effort to become popular myself), and all along mistook those fashions for real style.

Fashions fade, style is eternal.
- Yves Saint Laurent

Over the past couple of years, I've noticed that I've started simplifying the types of clothes that I buy. I'm going for more subdued patterns and colors, and building a nice combination palette from a few select pieces. When the weather permits, layering (that makes sense) is a must. I still wear T-shirts, but I'm trying to phase slowly out of graphics tees -- or at least, anything with loud designs and colors on them. Basically, I want to wear clothes that look as good put together in five or ten years as they do today. Although it had a pretty good run, somehow I don't think Affliction will still be around.

Style is an expression of individualism mixed with charisma. Fashion is something that comes after style.
- John Fairchild

I guess my goal is to become a sharper, classier dresser. Don't think Mad Men status or anything like that, because I'm nothing like Don Draper. But I like to think that I've injected an "expression of individualism" in what I choose to wear out on a daily basis. Yes, some of the things I own (and still currently wear) won't be in fashion in five years, or even next. But I can guarantee you I won't appear on the Don'ts section on Vice (yeah it's jokes but daaaaamn). And that's always a good thing.

I hope. Now where did I put my jean jacket? I heard they're back in.

Retail Therapy 002: Goorin Brothers | Duckbills.

I have an ongoing love affair with hats. I, like millions of other kids, used to rock the prerequisite baseball cap back in high school and thought nothing else of it other than a way to 1) rep a sports team and 2) not do my hair. Then came college and the real world, and my hat collection expanded exponentially to include not only beanies/skullies, but fedoras, newsboy caps and duckbills (which are my most recent obsession). Every few weeks I'd go somewhat out of my way to buy lids with new tasteful patterns and colors -- not to mention being on the receiving end of the occasional wonderful gift. Currently I have a decent-sized collection including items from English Laundry, Triple 5 Soul and other quality brands.

However, hats made by Goorin Brothers remain my all-time favorites. I'd usually pick up a new Goorin hat every time I visited an Urban Outfitter, and they have never disappointed me with the fit and style. Their designs are understated and classy. I was extra amped when I found out that they have an actual shop in the U-District in Seattle! I now have an additional stop to make during my visit to Washington in about a week :)

Browsing their site, these are the duckbills that caught my eye:

"Lost Crown"
The contrast of the design is striking.
I like the juxtaposition of the pinstripes
with the organic, flowing vine-like shapes.


"Peyton"
A dope purple-and-green combo in a
"soft and colorful custom tweed." This looks
sharp, stylish and super-comfortable.


"Bethany"
This one really seems smooth and solid,
with an inviting texture and classy color.
Thumbs up to the castle logo on the side too.

Ah man, these just look so freaking freshhhh. I don't usually get excited about clothes, but hey I just love hats. Hopefully the Seattle store has at least one of these in stock; I'll have to treat myself to a small birthday present!

Dangoon Jacket Update.

So my Dangoon hoodie/jacket is finally on its way! It took a couple of weeks longer than I expected, but I guess that's what happens when you order something that has to be sourced from retailers in Hong Kong. According to FedEx, my package is in transit and should be here by Monday.

globe-trotter

I don't really shop for clothes online at all, so I find myself anticipating the arrival probably more than I should.

Retail Therapy 001: Dangoon | Funnel-Neck Zip Jacket.

I have never considered myself a shopaholic. Back when I was working full-time, I limited shopping to a couple of times a year and bought pieces mostly for the office. I do have to admit my greatest impulse buys were caps/hats (damn you, Urban Outfitter!!) but they are largely timeless, so I like to think of those as investments -- plus I can still rock 'em with no hesitation. So no, shopping wasn't really the addiction for me as it was for some of my friends.

Lately though, I have gotten the itch to buy something. I'm currently phasing out the baggier casual clothing I used to wear on a daily basis and replacing them with slimmer gear that actually fits better (yes Mom, you were right). Since the weather is definitely getting colder, I wanted some some new autumn outerwear, but didn't feel like rocking anything from the usual department stores found here in Kansas City. I turned to the Web.

I'd read about YesStyle a few weeks ago, so I decided to visit the site. Apparently they're the fashion arm for YesAsia, a huge site where you can buy Japanese/Chinese/Korean DVDs, electronics and music. I figured it might be cool to get some gear from overseas, and found this jacket from Dangoon, a South Korean fashion brand:

Dope silhouette. It's got "unusually cut side pockets, zipper hardware on the sleeves and body and a funnel neck with straps." Not your run-of-the-mill top. I really like the features, fabric and the cut so I'll give it a try. Since the order is being shipped from across the Pacific it'll take a couple of weeks to get here, but I'm thinking it'll be worth it. I'll post an update when I get it in the mail ...

Scarf Weather.

Today, if you hadn't been aware, is the Autumnal Equinox, signifying that the night and day are about equally long. Also known as the First Day of Autumn -- my absolute favorite season -- this event can only mean one thing:

SCARF WEATHER IS FINALLY UPON US! *cue trumpets*

Hollaaaaaa!! Very soon it'll be time to break out the knit caps, hoodies, light jackets, sweaters and other clothing layers. About time too ... I was getting tired of coming out of work to find that my car had mysteriously transformed into an oven, and having my clothes stick to me at inopportune times. Seeing as I hate sweating when I'm not supposed to be sweating (and I perspire very easily), the change to cooler weather will be welcomed with open arms.

I haven't really been clothes shopping much since I went back to school almost two years ago; I relegated shopping to every few months and hit up consignment stores when I did go. I'd never paid them much notice before, and I'm kinda mad at myself now for not doing so then. When Gen lived there a few years ago, she upped me on consignment shopping during one of my visits and it was like I damn near experienced Retail Enlightenment. I mean how are you gonna pass up perfectly-fitting designer denim for about $20-40?

You can't. (If you can, your will is definitely stronger than mine.)

Not that I ever used to buy cheap stuff, but since I started consignment shopping I've been retro-fitting my wardrobe with some choice apparel. Yeah I'm buying fewer things now, but that only means that I'm more careful with choosing the items I end up purchasing and taking home. I like to think that my "look" has been narrowed down and upgraded as a result. WIN!

So here's to cooler, more comfortable weather! And best believe: I got my scarves on deck.

Roof With A View.

I don't normally pay attention to these kinds of things, but on a whim I entered to try to win a couple of VIP passes to a fashion show on a rooftop at the Plaza in KC next week.

Looks interesting ... I've never been to a fashion show so if I win it could be a cool experience.

More info on Standard Style Boutique's VIEWS Rooftop Fashion Show here.

Weather Or Not.

Been crazy slacking this month with posts, so I want to get at least another one down before the month ends. Is May over already?

Although I've lived here for a year and a half now, I keep forgetting about the spring weather in the Midwest. One day it can be in the mid-50s and cloudy, then jump up to a blazing 90 the next -- causing havoc in closets and dressers everywhere. You have to pay close attention to the day's forecast* if you want to be anywhere close to dressing comfortably -- there's little room for error.

There are only three weeks left until the official start of summer on 21 June. I have mixed feelings about this. On one hand, I do love warm weather and all the outdoor activities that become available (swimming, jogging, mugging people, etc.). So in the next few weeks I plan on soaking up some Vitamin Diesel and getting a little color before Jose refers again to me being a lovely blinding shade of "office pale". Besides I've been cooped up in the hospital too long; it's good to have a change of scenery after work that doesn't involve staring at some kind of screen. Word to Hulu.

On the other hand, I hate dressing for summer. As the temperature goes up, guys become severely limited to the type of clothes they can wear (shorts and a t-shirt with sneaks or flip-flops), whereas women still have a variety of combos to pick from (shorts, skirts and dresses paired with an endless selection of tops and footwear). I'm not the most fashion-forward cat around, but I much prefer fall attire over summer gear. I'm talking light jackets/hoodies, scarves, a fitted tee, a good pair of jeans, and kicks that don't look like a Technicolor muppet threw up on them. Word to Tim Gunn.


Obviously this option's not quite realistic when it's 80+ outside, so I'll be content with the cargo shorts and the flippy-floppies (word to Andy Samberg). After all, the summer fashion philosophy for guys consists largely of comfort over style. I can definitely get with that, and will enjoy the summer months nearly upon us ... but when the weather gets a little cooler, best believe my Scarf Game will be strong.

*I've stopped paying any attention whatsoever to the extended forecast. The weather's just been too unpredictable lately to bother planning what to wear even two days out. Now I just wake up, check the temperature for the day and look out the window to see if it's raining. (Well, not that it really matters much 'cause I rock scrubs 40 hours a week. Hunter green ones at that.)