Tag Archives: Dandi Fashion

In Step

Salvatore

ferragamo.com

‘Tis the season when wedding bells ring, flowers are made into corsages and boutonniere‘s, and the blood pressure of many a lesbian bride and groom rises in anticipation of the most beautiful day of their lives together.  Now when it comes to that special day there are a lot of factors to take into account for the groom.

lanvin.com

lanvin.com

Certainly the groom Dandi should go forth and get a well-fitted suit, if in the budget perhaps even one tailored uniquely to them.  But as I’ve pointed out often in my blog many a time.  I like shoes, a lot.  So it stands to reason that I believe when you are getting dressed up, whether it be for the one time (hopefully!) special event of your wedding or some other more formal occasion

christianlouboutin.com

christianlouboutin.com

…one should start with their shoes.

louisvuitton.com

louisvuitton.com

I have noticed that a good pair of shoes can make you feel like a million bucks.  I think it’s mainly because it’s one of the few things that we can see constantly on our own person, unless we spend a lot of time passing a mirror for quick admiring glances.

paulsmith.com

paulsmith.com

That said, of course fit, matching your loved one in a complementary versus matchy- matchy way (unless you like that sort of thing) should be utmost in mind,

luoisvuitton.com

louisvuitton.com

but a proper pair of shoes will take you a very long way.  Now as you’ve noticed with this last picture of fancy shoes I’ve put up it’s not as formal as the rest.   If dressing like you’re a cast member of Downton Abbey isn’t your style then definitely have fun with your footwear choice.  (It may be the only say you have in the matter. :)

Allen Edmonds Fifth Avenue - vtamour.com

Allen Edmonds Fifth Avenue – vtamour.com

Not wearing a traditional black tux?  Then black shoes are probably not going to be your thing either unless you are working with grays or blues.

pedroshoes.com

pedroshoes.com

And even then don’t be afraid to have fun (but do avoid looking like you are on your way to the prom.  Remember there will be pictures permanently reminding you of your choices.)

rafsimons.com

rafsimons.com

Not a formal kind of Dandi?  That’s okay too (of course it is!)  Even if you’ve been rangled into a tux you can still pull off some personality by adding an elegant kick to the mix instead of a patent shoe (which I assure you will increase your will to dance in the wee hours of the night.)

PB

 


Esther Quek

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Okay, maybe I do over use the word fabulous, but really, it’s such a great word to describe so many things…and people, and well Esther Quek deserves this word more than most.

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This woman can rock some menswear and…

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she knows how to help Dandi’s of all kinds do the same, in fact it’s her job.

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She is the group fashion director of the classic menswear magazine The Rake (gotta love it!)

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This fabulesta is not afraid to mix patterns (a very preppy approach to dressing) and she really does capture the masculinity of menswear dressing while still making it distinctly her own.

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I encourage my readers to think outside the box of the sometimes boring American menswear magazine aesthetic.

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It’s a good place to start and get ideas but I find European, Asian and other style influences to be beneficial and necessary to stand out as a Dapper Dandi.

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Don’t be afraid to try new things, mix colors, patterns and textures.  This can be done simply with a scarf or tie, or with a colorful pair of pants or signature jacket. Whatever you do remember to have fun and that all-in-all fashion is a reflection of your greatest image of self.

PB

four-pins.com

citizencouture.com

cocokelley.com

guerreisms.blogspot.com

 

 


A State of the Republic

Spring time is just around the corner but for some of us (and strangely this Austinite is included this time) winter and her cold, wet, windy days are still chilling our bones and inspiring our layering prowess full force.

image

One of my favorite places to shop, because I know I can always find something I love, and their menswear fits my body without alterations (which is fantastic)  is Banana Republic (not big on the name, but what can you do). One of the other reasons I like to shop here  is because they really try to do new things and bring new ideas and design to what really is a preppy aesthetic and their sales staff is very helpful, even with a Dandi picking out clothes for herself on the men’s side.

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As we fade out of winter into spring there are  some very good looks here, and when I was in our local store doing a little shopping myself here are some of my favorites.

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PB


It’s getting Haute in here!

Tees

…yeah I did…but I had too.  How could I  not title a post like that when I’m about to  talk about the latest in a growing plethora of butch, genderqueer, fashion start-ups, this one with the name of HauteButch!

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The offerings and designs are what is being called by the fashion world “urban”…I call them butch style.

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I do so love the design of this coat (model on the left), and I hope to see more of this kind of design for this line, fitted, fashion forward and edgy.

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These kicks are hot.  More please!

Shoes

 

HauteButch is for the fierce butch female.  The line is affordable and they promise quality clothing with a design range from blazers to (my favorite of course) preppy pastel polos and shoes (something not as prevalent in the latest incarnation of queer owned style houses.)

The HauteButch moto – they are the “go to destination for all things butch.”  K. Michelle is the brainchild and Karen Roberts, co-founder and director.  They say of their brand that HauteButch is about  bridging the gap for their customers “between their selves, styles, lifestyles, and values.”

Check them out today!

Oh, and while you’re at it, 2013 is upon us and they have a hot new calendar that is a must have for butch’s and fem’s alike.

Nik-calendar-pic-with-watermark1-222x172

HauteButch

Got style questions? I’ve got answers – just ask me in the comment section below!

PB


Denim (n)on Denim

Armani
Armani

One of my favorite looks for myself is definitely denim on denim.  And I love it on everyone from cowbois to fashionistas, but don’t ask my sweetheart what she thinks of the look, let’s just say it’s not her idea of style.

Yet I think it is one of the sexiest, yet casual-yet can be dressy styles anyone can master and it is most fabulously worn with a great pair of worn, battered, but still completely butch as heck, boots.  But that’s just me.  And of course I would be remiss (and behind the trend) not to single out the most durable and honored king/queen of all the denim icons – the classic jeans jacket, it is oh so truly cool.

Now most of us already have one, or two, or even more  than we’d care to admit of these “image of Steve McQueen provoking” jackets  in our closets.  Perhaps you completely forgot you had it or have unwisely decided it was too worn out or frayed to even wear anymore.  Au contraire dear Dandi, now is the perfect time to pull it out and style it up.

Got rid of yours years ago?  Well here are some new designs to spruce up an old idea.  The jean jacket for S/S 2013 is not just made from old school denim, designers are serving us up new fabrics and more than just your basic blues to chose from.

Or no color at all as seen here with Public School’s coated denim with leather sleeves.

Not into leather? Black Apple makes this wonderful distressed number with pleather.  But what makes denim and the classic jean jacket design look it’s best, to me, is the personal touch.  So here are some street-wear inspirations to stir up your sartorial juices.

Street Style

B&W

Street Fabulousness

Denim Therapy

Tie

images

 

gq-magazine.co.uk                                                                                       labdailyblog.com                                                                                               outsapop.com                                                                                              blackfoxstyle.com                                                                              blog.denimtherapy.com                                                                                       pinterest.com/leannemark

PB


Surface To Air

Quirky, hip, and modern.  I love this label because it is so cool in so many ways that it is almost a not brand at all but a lifestyle.  The name really says it all Surface to Air.  Even the name is creative. And theses folks aren’t just clothing designers either.

This is a multi-disciplinary creative group started by Jeremie Rozan.  They are a consulting laboratory, producing amazingly creative campaigns, music videos, gallery show and a clothing collection.

And they are not limited to working amongst themselves.  They collaborate with musicians, other artists, even a restaurant and a nightclub.  They also are opening stores all over the place.

I think it’s safe to say they are definitely a ‘new thought’  business model and clothing design company ahead of its time.

 

Photos courtesy of:

oystermag.com,

thebestfashionblog.com,

wealthcode.com,

porhomme.com


Lapo Elkann

You know how I said that as a Dandi I would want to reincarnate as Tom Ford.  Well, if he isn’t available I’ll jump into Lapo Elkann‘s skin and closet anytime!  Talk about everything that I love about being a dapper Dandi.  Elkann lives it.

He neither takes himself or his fashion so seriously that he becomes one note.  And his clothes always fit impeccably which is always the point.  No matter how much you spend on your clothes Dandis, make sure they fit!

Sure, I love all of his Savile Row suits, and his preppy leanings.  But I also love the way he accessorizes.  This is a Dandy not afraid of scarves, ascots, prints, and stripes.

When I grow up I want to be just like him…and did I mention how much I love cars!?!  I could stand being the heir of Fiat.

Photos courtesy of:

asuitablewardrobe.dynend.com

thesartorialist.com

ayyy.com

ahh-serie-a.livejournal.com


DSquared

Do you remember (if you are old enough) that Doublemint gum commercial quote – “double your pleasure with Doublemint gum?”  Well Dean and Dan Caten of DSquared are like that for me.  The more they design the merrier I get.

I am a jeans wearing Dandi at heart.  Mainly because they go with everything and DSquared jeans are not only interesting and innovative on the runway but in your closet as well.

Of course these brothers are so much more than jeans.  They have such an impeccably witty style.  And that’s not even talking about their designer collections.  I love the way the brothers still dress alike.  True wonder twin power!

Though these brothers are Canadian they certainly have the American style of dressing down to the last detail.  Their stuff is sexy, provocative, always with a fun theme, and always fun to wear.

 

Photos courtesy of:

fashionisgreat.com

gq.com

vogue.co.uk


Richard James

Internationally known tailor Richard James, known as the ‘modern face’ of Savile Row is now collaborating and creating luscious bespoke inspired ready to wear all over the place.

Not only has he dressed the biggest names in English society but Hollywood icons as well .  And if that weren’t enough he is sharing his craft by being a teacher to the next generation of tailors and cutters (awww…).

These suits are a classic but modern interpretation of the traditional British suit (even with tennis shoes as styled above).  Richard James  creates clean tailoring and beautiful silhouettes.  Though Richard started out with suits he has expanded into shirts, knitwear, outerwear, swimwear, accessories, and shoes. (Gotta love these shoes!)


Lets face it, when I think of Bespoke, British and Savile Row the next thing that pops into my mind is not SpongeBob but sure enough this Richard fella has the good sense to know a great character and actually teamed up with SquarePants to create a limited capsule collection.  This jacket is made-to-order.  I’m going online now!

Photos courtesy of:

kitmeout.com

gq-magazine.co.uk

fashionreview.co.uk

selectism.com


Moncler

I really love Moncler’s way of turning sportswear into something truly fashionable.  White was one of the running themes in this spring collection.  I think that they do some very interesting things when it comes to some of the tried and true looks for spring.

This look reminds me of something that you might wear to a private school. Lol   I think that I like everything here only worn separately.  I love the outer coat and the jacket and the shorts but I wouldn’t wear them all together.  And check out the shoe socks.  And of course the ever present headband lets you know that Moncler is yet another designer giving a nod to the upcoming Olympics.

And if you weren’t really convinced that there were nods throughout this collection we have cute numbers like this one that give the feeling of a Fencer on his way to a match (overdressed none-the-less).  I would wear this jacket with just about everything I own. Love it!

Photos courtesy of:

dismagazine.com

gq.com

downcoatstore.com


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