Category Archives: Accessories

Tie The Knot. What a perfect name for the season. And as more and more couples are looking to actually tie the knot, here is an opportunity for the Dandi to (k)not only look stylish (see what I did there!?!), but to also benefit a number of LGBT organizations.

Jesse and Justin
Jess Tyler Ferguson and his fiance Justin Mikita have created this wonderful line of bow-ties for the dapper Dandi in all of us. Their mission is to help LGBT causes as well as use their visibility as a couple to support gay marriage.

Stylish and very Jesse…

…and they just released their spring collection last week at Avenue in New York with a plan to add cufflinks for the summer collection.

They are also looking to team up with a stationary store and create wedding invitations with the proceeds going on to benefit marraige equality.
Creative ways to raise money and raise awareness. Got to love it!
Tie The Knot ties are available exclusively at The Tie Bar!
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From what I am beginning to understand Nordstrom Anniversary Sale are some of the three most popular words to be put together in a sentence in the history of the world.

- Hunter Boots
I even hear there are websites and blogs dedicated to sharing inside and covert information about what is actually going to be at this sale.

- Frye and Adam Derrick
Well guess no more! I had the priviledge of being invited to an early preview and get a sneak peek behind the curtain (literally) and there are goodies galore! The pictures you are seeing here are just some of the few delights that will await you in all Nordstrom stores and online starting July 20 – August 5th. (GO SHOP!)
For you newbies wondering what the big deal is I’m here to tell you, you can purchase your entire fall wardrobe during this sale plus stock up on your favorite grooming products and save $100′s upon $100′s of dollars. Not to mention you get the opportunity to experience some of that great service Nordstrom is known for.
I went home with some fabulous grooming products, from my absolutely favorite new facial cleaner – ‘purity made simple’ – I feel like I want to leave it on all day (don’t). It really is the best cleaner I have had for my face, ever! Since I am more the andro Dandi I also love the Anastasia Beverly Hills ‘Brow Wiz’ which creates those precise lines and helps blend the brow. Now that I think about it this can be used for masculine and feminine Dandi’s.

- Diesel Jacket
And I love, love, love (did I mention that I love it!) the L’Occitane Almond Milk Concentrate. Honestly I love all things L’Occitane so there is no contest here.

Okay, now back to clothes.
What you see here are my favorite picks. However, there is so much more to choose from; Marc Jacobs, Rag & Bone, Kors, Klein, Cole Haan, La Mer…just to name a few.

- 7 Diamond
If you’ve never been this is something you cannot afford to miss. If you haven’t been in awhile this year looks like it will make you a very happy and Dandi camper. If you are a regular you don’t need me to convince you.

- (My Favorites!)
A big thank you to Kelly Skahan for letting me and my sweetie preview this years Anniversary Sale. We had a blast!
(Oh by the way, amazing news – Topshop and Topman coming to Nordstrom in September! (can you believe!?!)
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Leave a comment | tags: Cole Haan, Hugo Boss, Marc Jacobs, Nordstrom, Rag & Bone, Topman, Topshop | posted in Accessories, Designers, Fashion, Grooming

I’ve got to say I love the name. Clearly a very irreverent Dutch bunch. And stylish to top it off. GSUS Sindustries started off in a skate shop in Arnhem, The Netherlands back in the early 1990′s.

(Love these blue shoes!) This casual line launched in the United States and in the Caribbean this spring which makes it a great line to get a hold of a wear for the season. You will definitely be the first on your block.
(www.g-sus.com)

These are some great dapper Dandi casual duds. They will still give you that sharp presentation but let you relax a little bit.

But as you can see above, don’t get too relaxed, we have our expectations! (I absolutely love the red shoes and red accent brought in by the belt…I hate to say it but I will…it adds a great “pop” of color!)
Photos courtesy of:
designerdenimjeansfashion.com,
nyc-fashion.com,
whattoweartoday.com
Links:
http://thesoulmagazine.wordpress.com/2011/06/30/sam-sarpong-and-gsus-sindustries/
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On my recent trip to Barney’s Co-op I found quite a few things I loved. Quite a few, but to narrow it down I picked this fabulous bag from Marc by Marc Jacobs…

And this one by Jack Spade…

Whether you are headed to a meeting or a cabin overnight this Jack Spade bag is great. And certainly if you are tired of the old structured, I’m my dad briefcases I think the Marc by Marc Jacobs is a great way to carry those law briefs for summer.
And it these weren’t enough here are some more pics from these two collections just in case you want to try something a little different.

Marc by Marc Jacobs. Black and White. Sleek for night!

Love how they styled this with rolled up Chino‘s. Pair this accessory with a casual blazer and bow-tie. Marc by Marc Jacobs.

As I just bought a structured soft fabric bag myself of course I think this one is brilliant! Jack Spade.

I like Jack Spades accessories a lot so here’s a few more to decide from.
Buy:
www.jackspade.com
www.barneys.com
www.marcjacobs.com
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Hugo Guinness is a Brooklyn-based London-born artist extraordinaire who Coach has collaborated with for this mens’ targeted collection.

Guinness, known for his childlike linocut prints, has put his artistic touch on the reversible totes above and these impeccably crafted wallets.

Looking for a gift for that special Dandi? This key ring will make you a hit with anyone you know.

- LOVE THIS!
And if you are looking for a gift for me (aw, you shouldn’t have) I am in love with this Hand Cuff Electronic Zip Cord Case (and I don’t even have that many cords.)

I love a beautiful store and this one makes me drool so if you are ever in Manhattan do check out this gorgeous Coach Men’s Store.
- 370 Bleecker St.
New York 10014
- 212-243-3612
- Price:
$$$
- Shop Type:
Belts, Ties + Cufflinks, Shoes, Jewelry & Watches, Men’s Clothing, Gifts & Novelties
Photos courtesy of:
essentialhomme.com,
dustyburrito.blogspot.com.
blackbook.com
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Today is the first day of spring and after last nights near tornadic winds and lightening that made it feel like the paparazzi was outside the window it’s good to talk about what’s in the stores to make the day seem a little bit brighter.
Today’s feature is Zara, one of my favorite shops for well-made clothes that are on trend and will leave you with some money in your pocket for food and rent.

Outrageous and fun t-shirts that can be worn with jeans and go well under a blazer.

Chino's are back again this season in lots of colors. This should be a staple of your spring and summer look.

LOVE this robin's egg blue blazer! Wear it with shorts, chino's or your most outrageous print pant!

Topsiders are a Preppybaba's dream shoe. They never go out of style and you are ready for any and all boating invitations.

This bag is a weekenders dream! Part bowling bag and photography bag in design. It's structured sides, depth and width allow you to fold your shirts, shorts, trunks, add your Dopp, then hit the road!
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Leave a comment | tags: Butch clothing, Butch Fashion, Butch Style, Clothing, Preppy Fashion, Shopping, T-shirt, Zara | posted in Accessories, Bags, Fashion, Retailers, Shoes, Shoppes

I love modern interpretations of classics. Shipley and Halmos give very (dare I say) hip lines to their collections so if you tend towards a more Americana look you can change it up with more European lines.

And certainly you will find a full range of licenses from most luxury brand designers but Shipley & Halmos also have a full range of what any Dandi would need. Love these boots, I’d definitely wear them with the suit featured.

Need a bag? (And I am always stressing bags, please get your wallet and keys out of your pockets.) These are fabulous and summery, so you can use them f for work or for the beach.

And then if boots, bags and suits weren’t enough (and they do have a full collection that isn’t just suits!) You can hide your superstar eyes behind some of these great frames. It’s a win-win in my book.
Photo’s courtesy of:
trendhunter.com,
selectism.com,
framegeek.com
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I love pocket squares. I really, really do. I think they are the quintessential dapper accessory for any Dandi who wears a suit. Talk about giving your look that extra-extra that most suit wearers take for granted. Plus they still have a practical element that any woman would find extremely gentledandi if ever in need of a tissue.

Polo Ralph Lauren Museum Paisley
Now the trick with this is to carry two pocket squares, one for looks or the lady in distress then another, more in the guise of a handkerchief, in your back or inside jacket pocket for yourself. (No germs shared that way)

Liberty of London
What color should you choose? I like loud (surprise!) but it still must have some common thread that ties in the weave of my suit jacket, tie and shirt. This is another place besides your tie or socks to have some fun.

Brooks Brothers Madras
How to fold it? Well for one thing please oh please do not try to hard. I wear the version that is styled in the first picture, but a lot of Dandi’s, 007 and the Mad Men crew comes to mind, wear what is known as the Clean Edge. Fold the square in thirds and then in half, place it in your pocket with the edge about a quarter of an inch above. I’m not big on rules so do it whatever style gives you that individual Dandi touch.
Photos courtesy of:
cheappolo.info
urbantakeout.wordpress.com
gentlemenstandard.blogspot.com
mensfashion.thefuntimesguide.com
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2 comments | tags: Brooks Brothers, cheappolo.info, gentlemenstandard.blogspot.com, liberty of london, Mad Men, mensfashion.thefuntimesguide.com, Polo Ralph Lauren, Suit (clothing), urbantakeout.wordpress.com | posted in Accessories, Fashion
A way to add an androgynous feel to any outfit of course is to add a tie. Now I like the traditional menswear ties and bow ties but this is not to say that by wearing a menswear inspired tie that you are not bringing the full Dandi affect. In fact you are and these Dandi’s prove it.
I say I prefer the classic menswear ties but sometimes the truth is that I too like to mix it up and wear a looser, longer look by using lace, satin or even a wool blend. I like lots of color around my neck most of the time but these looks give you an idea of how to mix it up and take it out of the traditional which I am always a huge fan of.
Tie Designers – Left to Right:
Jason Wu
Jason Wu
The Kooples
Dolce & Gabbana

Speaking of bow ties aren’t these silk and lace ones fabulous!?! These wonderful pieces of neckwear are from a line called Marwood and they are the creation of designer Becky French. These ties definitely take Dandi to a whole new level.
Available at marwoodlondon.co.uk

Of course no article about ties would be complete without talking about the Four In-hand necktie which is the most common type of menswear tie. It can be literally a pain in the neck to wear but if you want to pull off being a natty Dandi then you must wear one on occasion.
The four in-hands of the new millennium are sleeker, longer, slimmer, and sharper so throw away your old fat ties and this is one item that you might want to avoid buying from vintage and second hand shops, they are bound to be too wide and dated. Keep it fresh when tying your outfit together with this accessory.
Photo of menswear inspired ties courtesy of Vogue
Lace bow ties courtesy of Homme Essential
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Leave a comment | tags: Accessories, Anne Catherine Frey, Bow tie, Clothing, Dandi, Janelle Monae, Jason Wu, Justin Timberlake, Kanye West, Liya Kebede, Men, Necktie, Shala Monroque, Shopping, The Kooples, Ties | posted in Accessories

Writer's shaved head

Tools of the Trade
I have been wearing my hair short for over a decade now. Before I went bold, bald and free my curly locks fell way beyond my shoulders. It started off getting shorter and shorter over time and then before I knew it it was a little over an inch. Now a days I keep it as short as I can get it and what I love most about it is the process of doing it myself. This is one of the rituals that a Dandi gets to do that is equivalent to actually shaving the face, which most Dandi’s do not need. It is a wonderful and loving ritual that can be shared with a loved one, by letting them cut your hair for you, or a part of your daily grooming routine.
All clippers come with different size guards, so you don’t have to go as short as I do. I sometimes use them but since I don’t cut my hair everyday I usually leave it without a guard and begin by shaving my head front to back, then the sides and then I trim up the back and get rid of the clipper tracks by going perpendicular, around my head, to even it all out.
I use a razor for my side burns and to cut definition around my hairline. I don’t find that the clippers ever get close enough. I used a Braun for years until it finally broke. To hold my over while I got it repaired a got the Norelco 3-in-1 shaver and I love it! I skipped getting my Braun repaired, this Norelco is so much easier to use. It is cordless and it has the same 10 hour charge I gave it 4 months ago and I cut my hair at least once a week. Amazing.

Always start with clean hair and if you want to keep lyour hair on the longer side, use the different guards to create a layered look. You will need a mirror to look into your bathroom mirror from behind to make sure the back of your hair is even and your neck trimmed. Use scissors to even out longer hair around your ears and follow the directions specific to your clippers on cleaning and keeping the blades oiled. If you’ve never done this before it can take a bit of getting used to. Don’t freak out, the good news is hair grows back and even if you cut a patch in your hair it will become less noticeable in less than a week. If you do cut off more than you intended, leave your baseball cap in the closet and cover it up with your favorite fedora. If nothing else you’ll still carry yourself with a bit of swagger.
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Leave a comment | tags: Beauty, Dandi grooming, Hair, Hairstyles, Health, Norelco, Shaving, Shopping | posted in Accessories, Grooming