White Pants and Springtime nubucks

It's beautiful outside, and that means it's time to start looking like danger. Had a great experience shopping with Max Esposito and fellow fashionista Leah Garvin on Newbury Wednesday, and we went wild.

Here's my outfit for today, inspired by that afternoon on Newbury, lets break it down.

Shoes | English Laundry Oxford's in Grey Nubuck, $80

Pants | Zara Coloured Jeans in White, $40

Belt | Arbitrary brown belt that I didn't pay enough for and looks cheap, need to replace.

Shirt | Express Men's 1MX fitted in Light Grey | $40

Accessories | H&M

Sunglasses | Ray Ban New WayFarer RB2132 Black/Black, $120

So I wanted to look spring-ish without going overboard. The shoes, you can't really see but look a lot like this.

Simple oxford in nubuck, classy, but a little dangerous. The pants, woo, I took a leap of faith on this one. Max and Leah gave me the okay to purchase them and I'm really glad I did. The top is what gave me the most trouble, I wore the grey button-up because I didn't have a v-neck that was either white, black, or grey. I panicked and wore the button up, which was my first time wearing it because I consider it rather dull. But when you are wearing white jeans you can't just swag out with what ever the hell you want, you have to be careful. The line between "that idiot is wearing white jeans" and "wow, he looks good today" is a fine one.

Don't go overboard, but try new things always.

It's a beautiful day, walk down to Newbury and if you don't have the money, try some things on that are straight danger and find a new Spring look.

Never stop, and Swag On

Everyday watch, everyday hair, and Desert Boot season

So I decided to put up what I wore today, despite not having a complete pic of my outfit (but it is similar to my outfit fit from the first party bus, white button down and jeans)

Although I am excited for Boat Shoe Season, for those who danger it's also Desert Boot season, and that's something to get tingly about too.

I have a number of desert boots, but if this is your first time around the block, go with Clark's (the Original) like I did today

Now I decided to rock a solid cuff on my jeans, just because it's spring, it's finals, and I'm the only guy who is not going to be in sweatpants around BU, I though I would draw attention to myself.

Alright next up, my watch. I have maybe 5 because I like a variety and they don't bury you with your money so I continue to buy things I technically don't need. I love watches. A good picture of a watch is like porn, only to read on and find that a lot like Marisa Miller I can't afford the $xx,xxx price tag to have it in my life. So I started disecting what makes a watch look good. I found this nameless piece in NH and wear it more than my $300 and up watches.

This watch is clean, leather strap is key, strong bezel and even has a little weight to it which surprised me.

The last bit is something I have been fighting with for awhile. So I spike/flop my hair into some kind of BS fauxhawk, that I think looks decent. Now I don't suggest copying my hairstyle, but odds are you need some kind of paste/pomade/gel to get your hair to look the way you want.

I had been using CREW FIBER for awhile, but I prefer to do my hair every day and at $20 for 2oz, it was starting to cut into my shoe fund, which is unacceptable. I tried Garnier, Axe, Big Sexy Hair (also pricey) and finally came across THIS:

Suave Styling Paste | $3 (target)

Three dollars...When I saw the price tag I thought for sure it had to be a lie, or a terrible product. But I owed it to every guy out there who buys different kinds of gels every week and stays frustrated. This stuff is great, it might be as much as $4.50 at a CVS or Walgreens, but I would have gladly paid $10 for this. You need very little, and at sub-$5 you can look better everyday.

While writing this I cuffed my jeans above my ankles, just to try it out. We Danger.

Swag the fuck on people, happy warm weather days

$50 Oxfords and $85 Converse worth buying

So there's this unspoken rule that I'm about to break. More or less, you shouldn't buy sub-$100 shoes after college. This goes for all forms of shoe, running, dress shoes, casual shoes, $100 will get you a decent pair of kicks in any category. There is always the Chuck Taylor exception to this rule, where you think it's acceptable to drop $40 on a pair of classic chucks...Don't. Upgrade to Jack Purcell's for an extra $20 OR danger like I do and get something like this.

Jack Purcell Brogue Leather | $85

Broguing is just such a money-look on a good set of shoes, but I digress. So I was kicking around looking at shoes as usual and came across a pair of $70 marked down to $50 Docker Oxford's that I think are worth it. They are at Macy's and they are a classic, simple, brown oxford that may not last you as long a a $100 pair, but a go to pair of shoes you don't have to worry about, that also match 99% of your wardrobe seems like a decent idea to me.

Dockers Gordon Cap Toe Oxford | $50 (macys.com)

A brown cap toe oxford will never go out of style, matches nearly every set of pants you own, and can be dressed up or down for work or a night out. $50? That's 5 Long-Island Iced Tea's at best. Man up, and drop that half-century note on a timeless look from a quality company.

Keep it simple, keep it classy, and swag on.

So you need a blazer...

A good friend of mind who is becoming more and more fashionable as time passes, decided he wanted a blazer. He went out and looked for one, and got overwhelmed and decided, "blazers aren't for him."

Maybe you are unsure how to wear a blazer, but for $50 make your way to Newbury St. H&M and take a chance.

I have two of these. One that's darker grey and one that's lighter. $50 you can take a chance on all around looking better. Here are some quick tips for how and when to wear:

The Workplace:

Ok so maybe you don't have a job that requires you to wear a suit and tie, doesn't mean you should default to the same button-up and khaki's everyday. Add a blazer, light-colored patternd shirt, if you really danger a tie, and just to keep you in your comfort zone you can stick with khaki or slate colored pants

The Newbury st. Coffee date:

You probably like this chick, but somehow you got suckered into getting coffee at 2pm. Worse things have happened though, and it's a perfect time to swag on. Dark wash jeans, boat shoes, V-neck shirt (no patterns or stripes today) and a dark blazer. Casual. Sleek. Danger.

The Everyday:

I like to mix it up between collared shirts and deep-v's under my blazers. If you are wearing a collared shirt be sure to tuck it in, and also know where you are going because you are going to run the risk of looking overdressed (which doesn't exist, but if you are new to this "being fashionable" thing you might feel uncomfortable). If this is your first blazer keep it simple. Don't go wild with colors or stripes or accessories. Wear a decent watch, a simple shirt, clean pants and because it's spring a pair of Sperry's or if you're not there yet a classic white tennis shoe.

Make the blazer yours, own it, rock it, and swag on.

The Messenger and The Weekender: How To

So, I remember back in the day when backpacks were the only thing that mattered. Every fall your Mom, or in my case grandmother, would buy me a new one and I thought it was the most monumental decision of my life. That was about, a decade ago. If you are still using a backpack for any reason other than to sneak alcohol into parties (knowing damn well if you lose said backpack it would be a GOOD thing), you need to stop, drop, and upgrade.

Ben Minkoff - Nicky Wazwear Messenger | $395

Now you don't have to drop 400-big ones on your first messenger bag, but you should look for similar qualities. This one from Ben Minkoff (you can find this at Bloomingdales or Endless.com if you need) is classic. Good neutral colors, a few extra pockets, and the strap details are perfect especially if you are a beginner to the fashion world.

The key is to know when to use a messenger back (probably 4 days a week) and when to use a weekender bag (gym days, long days that require change of clothes etc) like this one:

Fossil - Decker Duffle | $278

Personally, I like the darker brown on the bottom right but the choice is yours. The point is to know that you need BOTH these bags to wear them properly. An oversized messenger will bother you in everyday use, and an over-stuffed messenger just looks childish. It's ok to need back up supplies, just remember to use the right bag bringing them.

Happy travels everyone, and swag on.

Spring Outfit | Tokyo Co. Steez

Look at this mans outfit. So simple and yet nearly perfect for walking around everyday. Nothing overdone, nothing too far outside your comfort zone. Let's break it down from the ground up

The company is Bedwin and the Heartbreakers and they are fly as hell, straight out of Tokyo.

Shoes | B&HB x Converse and

Jack Purcell allstars

Pants | Dickies "the Circus"

Jacket | B&HB "the Micheal" Blazer

Right now there online shop is down, but I can tell you these guys are not exactly cheap. They make a quality product, I mean, have you ever seen a pair of Converse so perfect? I know I haven't. I also know there's a HUGE difference in how grown you look when you upgrade from the canvas versions to leather. If they are special edition like these even better.

Regardless, the man's outfit is simple and perfect. The subtle watch (which I can't see but looks like a basic brown leather watch) puts the whole outfit into the category of "YOU SHOULD TRY TO LOOK LIKE THIS EVERYDAY."

Learn, my friends, and swag on.

Adidas Swag??

It might be boat shoe season, but these are fresh. Adidas hasn't exactly been bringing the A-game the last decade with breaking new ground. The classic three stripes, just aren't as classic anymore unless your sub-17 years old. Regardless, they swung for the fence on this one and like when Papi is at the plate this is outtta here.

Adidas | SLVR line

There is so much perfection from a sneaker here. Texture. Simplicity. Splash of color. You could rock these with anything and get away it. Thank you adidas, for restoring my faith in you.

Don't be afraid of yellow, and Swag On.

Party Bus Attire

So it's officially party bus season, and that can only mean one thing...You have permission to wearwhatever wreckless outfit you can come up with.

Scratch that, it also means its Boat Shoe Season.

I chose this outfit so lets break it down.

1. Sunglasses | Forever 21 Men's $5.80 (Knew I would lose these, and did. win)

2. NYC subway token necklane | H&M $20

3. White button up | H&M $20

4. LV Monogram Belt | Somewhere in Chinatown NYC $50

5. Bullhead Jeans | $60

6. Sperry Topsiders | $75

One of the cheaper outfits I can throw together, but perfect for Party bus destruction. H&M's button ups are great for spring/summer because they are so light and if you destroy it, no big deal. I also always cuff my sleeves because I am a 15.5" neck (medium) but nearly a 17" arm so any shirt that is a long cut just looks funny all the way down. The jeans I have had a long time, but keep because they are really long and can run this kinda high cuff that I admit I am still experimenting with, but we danger.

Hope you approve and as always swag on.

Spring Attire and One man's Swag

**disclaimer** this guy has more style than you. Or me for that matter. So let's break it down and learn.

Pants that don't bunch at the shoe and also the double cuff to above the ankle is in. Your pants, are too long. Bottom line. That ball of denim at the top of your shoe doesn't look good. This guy rocks the high cuff brilliantly, and obviously the right pair of shoes is key (desert boots or classic lace ups to start, ditch the tennis shoes)

Classic brown low-profile lace-ups are a must for wardrobes. The simpler the better to start, personally, I'm getting wingtips for a bit of extra swag.

Jackets are going to be huge this spring, if they aren't already and this one is classy, neutral, and will go with a number of wild tie and shirt combinations. His hat, you can't wear. You aren't ready, I'm not ready.

Also, notice how many buttons are done up on his blazer. ONE. you always leave the bottom button undone. Also the tie. It's perfect. The outfit is insanely neutral with one pop of color and this yellow was the perfect choice to tie it all together.

Pastels are good all around, and in layers can really upgrade your outfit without looking like you are just trying too damn hard.

Learn from this man, and swag on.

Local Steez | Conscious Minds Ink

So these guys are pretty sweet. Using there own designs printed on bamboo or recycledmaterial based shirts these guys are all about keeping the creative lifestyle alive.

My boy Bill on the right, local to Boston University

They are small, but have grand ideas. The coolest thing is the material, this is no regular graphic T and once you put one on you will know what I am talking about. The bamboo based material is top quality and feels as such wearing it.

While your wardrobe's graphic t-shirt collection should be dwindling at this point in life, I am all about supporting local start-ups and, too be honest, my T-collection is still quite extensive. So if you are like me and can't part with the T's, upgrade them with these.

Great designs and much more on the way, peep there site http://store.consciousmindsink.com/

These. are. amazing.

Bottom line is I am getting a pair. They are handcrafted and in a dark wood, which they do offer a variety they could go with a lot of outfits. From 50 feet you are just wearing sunglasses, from 10 you'll be breaking people's necks as they walk by trying to figure out exactly how so much swag was fit into a single pair of sunglasses.

The group of friends that started Shwood are from Portland Oregon trying to make a creative living, always support for that. And they make a bangin product, 3 ply construction with Carl Zeiss Polarized lenses, good choices all around.

They have a number of different styles, I would definitely stray towards the darker Indian woods, you'll be more likely to wear them and have them actually go with your wardrobe.

Shwood Ganby | $98

$100 for handcrafted originals? Don't think twice, just danger.

Check out there online store http://shop.shwoodshop.com/

swag on.

Herringbone

Grey is a great color all together. Herringbone is even better cause it gives your coat some wild texture and it really widens what you can match it with.

Up on JackThreads right now I found this little beauty.

Lira Brigade Jacket Reg $96 now $49

$50 for a jacket is not a lot so don't expect high quality but if you are interested in moving into a more stylish jacket with wilder collars and pockets this is a cheap spring solution to get into it.

as always, swag on.