There’s something about French Men…

…I don’t know what it is, but if you’ve seen the silent film The Artist, you will know what I am talking about. There is a certain charisma that French actor Jean Dujardin exudes off the screen. Something that not just any actor could pull off without speaking!

When I stumbled across these photos in this months GQ I had to share with you! Jean Dujardin to me seems like a more charming, dashing version of Jon Hamm. Maybe it’s the accent? Check out this great quote from his GQ interview; “I learned to tap-dance for The Artist. I love dancing in general, and making girls dance. My generation doesn’t do it enough.” YES! All men take note.

Enjoy the fashion in this photo spread. Lots of stylish plaid suits to come for spring/summer.


Notice, no socks? If you are wearing a light summer suit it is essential that you do not wear any socks! Which means you’d better be wearing some nicely kept leather loafers!

Plaid shirt with a plaid suit. This works because of the ratio the shirt to the suit. The shirt has more of a bold larger check, and the suit is subtle. The pocket square keeps it nice and classy, despite the lack of tie.

This is a bold look, you’d have to be very confidant to pull this one off! Reminds me of 1970′s James Bond. If you want to try this, avoid over referencing the 70′s by keeping your shoes modern and your lapel and shirt collar narrow.

Every guy should try this look. It’s a classic, and one of my personal favorites. You could wear this with dark jeans for a semi-casual look or wear the full suit to a wedding, without overdoing it. Notice the pocket square? I’m sensing the pocket square is the new tie.

If you haven’t seen it yet, here is the trailer for The Artist. (I recommend checking it out before The Oscar’s on Feb 26th, because its sure to win)


Best Dressed at The 2012 People’s Choice Awards

It’s the start of the awards season, and if THIS is what we have to look forward to, I’m not going to have too much to write about! Everyone seemed to go quite tame and a little on the casual side this year. However, I was able to scrounge a few favorites, and of course my least favorites!

Best Dressed Female:

From the new series “Once Upon A Time”, Ginnifer Goodwin. Amazing hair, stunning make up, shoes are killer and that dress is bold but fits her like a glove. A+ for her!

Best Dressed Man:

Ian Somerhalder from the show “Vampire Diaries”. Had he worn a tie with the pocket square it would have been too dressy. He had the perfect amount of class for an event like this.

Worst Dressed Female:

Kelly Osbourne. Considering she’s is on E! Channel’s “Fashion Police” you’d think she would have made a little more effort. (Her Mom, however looked STUNNING!)

Worst Dressed Man:

Chris Klein. Not quite sure why he was there, but WHITE skate shoes on the red carpet? Really?! No no no!


5 Tips to keep the ladies and still have a Decem-beard

November/Movember brought us boys with mustaches and December/Decem-beard brings us boys with beards. Ladies could be fans of either; so for my manly readers out there, I have a few tips on how to maintain a good-looking beard without looking like a hobo.

1. Long beards looks best with short hair:

2. Maintain the neck beard!

If you have a serious case of neck hair, front and back, PLEASE shape your beard. Just because you are growing one, doesn’t mean your chest hair can attach to your face hair. Ewe.

3. Short beards can have longer hair:

4. Keep your fashion in check:

If you’re thinking of wearing that giant oversized hoodie and ripped up jeans you’ve had since high school, think again. Lets be honest, no girl will give you a second look with OR without a beard. Good hair, good beard AND good fashion equals swarms of chicks!

Vs. 

5. Comb your beard:

This is for all my men with curly beards! Take 5 min in the morning and comb it out. Even add a little wax to help tame those curly strands. If you are blessed with straight facial hair, then feel free to run wild and grow a long beard! Curly beards are best kept short.

Conclusion

Whatever you do, don’t EVER, I mean EVER let your beard be the only thing people notice about your face. No girl wants to dive in for a kiss if she can’t even find your lips! If this is the case, that means it’s BAD. So don’t let that sexy face be hidden behind horrible facial hair.  Example:

Gross Vs. Handsome


Get the Look: Jude Law

Last week Jude Law made an appearance at the Beyond Time: William Turnbull premere wearing an awesome look for fall. Jude is known for his edgy but effortless style, and I love this look because it’s easy for men to wear and for you to modify to fit your personal style.

If you are more classic, stick to a straight leg cuffed jean like Jude has done, and if you are more fashion forward go for a skinny cut jean tucked into your boots. Maybe fedora’s aren’t your thing? Go for a slouchy touque/beanie instead.

Take a look at my Get The Look style sheet below for some inspiration. All the items you can purchase online at Asos.

Get The Look: Jude Law

 

Get The Look: Jude Law by rachelekehler on polyvore.com


Asos Black Cropped Leather Biker Jacket (Black is the New Black Favorite!)
$359 - asos.com

Grenson Sharp Brogue Boots
$259 - asos.com

River Island Biker Leather Jacket
$270 - asos.com

H By Hudson Bekker Pull-On Boots
$225 - asos.com

Barneys Leather Zip Jacket
$198 - asos.com

Diesel Shioner 882 Slim Jean
$158 - asos.com

Nudie Thin Finn Black Coated Indigo Skinny Jeans (Black is the New Black Favorite!)
$198 - asos.com

Diesel Larkee 73 Jeans
$180 - asos.com

H by Hudson Thursom Chukka Boots (Black is the New Black Favorite!)
$155 - asos.com

Paul Smith Jeans Two Tone Leather Belt
$99 - asos.com

Base London Joust Waxy Leather Chukka Boots
$117 - asos.com

Asos Carolyn Massey Fairtrade Scarf
$79 - asos.com

Polo Ralph Lauren Chunky Bobble Beanie
$99 - asos.com

Asos Lace-Up Brogue Boots
$79 - asos.com

Religion Inset Chain Belt
$81 - asos.com

Bailey Of Hollywood Tino Trilby
$68 - asos.com

Asos Knitted Ribbed Fleck Scarf
$22 - asos.com


Matching Men at The Oscars

The Oscars brought us some good-looking hosts, but what caught my eye was the men introducing the award nominees. They seemed to co-ordinate their outfits this year!

First was Josh Brolin and Javier Bardem in white Tuxedos:

It seemed as though they had some sort of inside joke going on, because towards the end Javier could hardly hold it together. You could certainly tell these guys were good friends.

Then we got to see two more good-looking co-starts Jude Law and Robert Downey Jr:

The two of them were matching in Navy, which is a pleasant change from the normal black suit. Jude and Robert obviously had some great chemistry, dissing each other in front of everyone! I love it that RDJ can make fun of himself. Doesn’t that make so much cooler then he already is?


What a suit can do for a man

It makes him instantly MORE hansom:

Jon Hamm

George Clooney

Gerard Butler

Justin Timberlake

Jay-Z

Leonardo Dicaprio

Matt Damon

Point being, a proper fitting suit should be a closet staple. Every adult man should try wearing one now and then, instead of still wearing this:

I giant tie, with a giant boxy shirt and pleated high-waisted pants or khakis is a menswear SIN. Next time you’re shopping,  make sure you TRY EVERYTHING ON, and ask a sales associates opionin on size and fit.


Another Gossiper can sing.

I’m beginning to wonder which cast member of Gossip Girl can’t sing?! (Leighton Meester attempted a solo career, Taylor Momsen in her band The Pretty Reckless and Ed Westwick has a band called Filthy Youth.) Everyone on the show seems to be on the verge of a budding music career. I guess they always have something to fall back on if the show ever goes down the drain. (lets hope not!)

The next cast member I am going to gush about is Penn Badgley since Dan a little bit of a guilty pleasure. I have always had a soft spot for his character. There I said it. The most boring character from last season still is one of my faves. Wait- Vanessa is the boring-ist!

This video is of Penn Badgley looking extra dapper on the set of a photo shoot for Bullett Magazine. Around the 2:00 min mark you can hear his soulful vocals. Who knew? Could he be in the front running as the most talented singer from Gossip Girl?

Click the link below to watch the video.

Bullett Magazine + Penn Badgley from BULLETT MAGAZINE on Vimeo.


Cute Couple Alert!!

Ok how cute are Diane Kruger (Inglorious Basterd’s) and Joshua Jackson (Dawson’s Creek, Fringe) these days? Have you seen them around lately? I must mention that Diane is her own stylist, make-up artist and hairstylist as well as Josh’s, which gives gives her even more bonus points in my eyes!

They first got on my radar at the MET Ball:

Look at how dapper Josh is! And Diane is elegant in white Calvin Klein.

Then the appeared at Karl Lagerfeld’s film presentation party doing some lawn bowling and looking classy, fresh and like they were having fun!

Loving Josh’s rolled up pants and Diane’s high-waisted skirt with the fedora and side braid.

More recently they were seen at the Chanel Cruise line presentation:

Here they are heading on to a flight. seriously, could they get any cuter?

There is such an ease to their style- which is what makes it work. MEN take note- Josh is someone to get fashion inispiration from- he is ON POINT with men’s fashion right now.


Men in Shorts

Due to the recent flood of great weather, I feel the urge to guide men in the area of buying shorts. Similar to my ladies shorts post, there are quite a few nice styles at Urban Outfitters. First, here’s a few tips when buying shorts:

-If you are under 5’9″ the length of the shorts must be 1″-3″ above the knee. Anything longer will end up making you look shorter.

-If you are over 5’9″ you can wear a longer short. No capri’s please!

-Think about the footwear you are wearing- it must be a sandal or a casual city shoe, NO chunky white gym shoes or dressy loafers.

-Do NOT wear socks. If you must due to a foot issue, make sure they are ankle socks!

-Trunks/board shorts are NOT meant to be worn anywhere else but the beach!!!!!!

$49

$34

$98

$68

$49

Footwear from Urban Outfitters that is appropriate to wear with shorts:

$50

$84

$45

$55

$18 If you are wearing a flip flop, just make sure its at the beach!


Farewell Men’s Vogue

What is this economy coming to? Another major company is downsizing. VOGUE. Their men’s magazine is finished. They have fired most of their emplyees and are only planning to print 2 issues per year. So DON’T get a subscription! If I were you I wouldn’t get a subscription for Vogue either! Their numbers are going down and Elle’s are going up!!


Mantyhoes

Yes you read right…they’re male pantyhose. If you’re like me you’re thinking WTF?! I thought those were left to ballerinas… I guess not!

Male Pantyhose Support Sites – EMancipate for Mantyhose (GALLERY)

(TREND HUNTER) Do you, as a man, love your mantyhose but feel alone in your passion for tights? If so, then E-mancipate is the place for you. One passionate mens pantyhose wearer, Harisnya, cherishes them so much that… [More]


Men’s fashion doesn’t have to be boring!

Have fun with your wardrobe- who says you cant wear colored socks? 

There isn’t anything better then a sharp dresses man!


Who wore it better?

These are two of the most stylish men out there…but who do you think wore this suit better?

Will Smith or David Beckham?


People Magazine Names the HOTTEST Bachelors

Do you agree with these choices? Should Mario Lopez be the cover boy? For me. growing up in the 90′s all I can think if is Slater in Saved by the Bell when I see Mario Lopez!

Terrance Howard- (Iron Man), GREAT actor…the new Denzel Washington I think.

Gerrard Butler- He can sing (Phantom of the Opera) and he looks good in a loin cloth! (300) Defiantly one of my top pics! AND he’s SCOTTISH!!

Brett MIchaels- Singer in Poison. (really? He’s kinda plastic looking, don’t you think?)

Adam Levine- Singer in Maroon 5. Yes he looks good in a suit- and he can sing!

Penn Bedgley, Chace Crawford, Ed Westwick- Starring men in Gossip Girl. Great choice…I love Penn, but isn’t he dating Blake Lively (Serena Vangerwodson)? So I don’t think he counts….


Capture the look of David Cook.

In case you haven’t heard the buzz, finally a rocker dude won American Idol. David Cook was an instant favorite…and not only do we love his voice, we also love his style!

Here are a few tips to help you make David’s style your own:

1. Buy a layered chain necklace. He’ s ALWAYS wearing one, two or three!

2. Invest in a good slim fitting black blazer. Make sure it fits though the shoulder and the sleeve ends at the top of your palm.

3. Get a dark straight leg jean. Make sure it is clean denim!

4. You must layer with a printed t-shirt!

Now that I got you started, you can experiment with the look by adding, a fedora, changing up the t-shirt for a poplin and a skinny tie or trying trying some skinny jeans. Have fun with the rocker look and wear it with confidence! (oh and if this look doesn’t already help with the ladies- you might want to think about investing in a guitar!!)

all of these looks can be found at Urban Outfitters


Portobello West

This past Sunday I was inspired by a ton of Vancouver fashionistas. I went to Portobello West for the first time.

I saw lots of clothing and jewelery and spoke to many designers. Here are a few of my favorites:

Bueno Style- handmade vintage recycled jewellery.

Dotted Loop- recycled, antique jewelery

Chelsey Freyta- handmade art as jewellery

Adhesif Clothing Company- nouveau recycled fashion

Kdon- modern designer fashion and hats

I hope this has inspired you to shop locally! (when you can of course…) If you click on the link to their websites you can also shop online. And if any of the designers featured here would like to be showcased in further detail just contact me!


Bad Hair Day?

So the new hat for men (and woman) this season is the fedora. Its a classic look but paired with a neck scarf and slim jeans makes it a modern hipster look for spring. You can never go wrong with basic black- but if your daring try a printed fedora or colored one. Don’t over think it! Just be confident in your new look.

Here are some tips when buying the right fedora:

- Make sure its the right size! You don’t want it sliding over your ears or leaving a red mark on your forehead when you take it off.

- Wear it so that the brim is tilted slightly towards your eyebrows. You can also wear it slightly askew.

- If you have larger more angular facial features, you should wear a lager brimmed fedora, ( like the London ) if you are shorter in stature and have a rounder face think of a fedora that almost looks like a bowler hat- small brim, and rounder. (like the Balboa)

www.petergrimm.com has a large selection of trendy comfortable hats. You can shop online and they ship to Canada. They also have a size chart online, just to make sure it fits right!

Teddy- $42

Balboa, $42

Climate, $42

London, $42


Transitioning into SPRING!

Gentlemen…looking to update your winter wardrobe for spring and not spend thousands of dollars? The key is ACCESSORIES!

A hot new fashion look for spring is, cuffed pants! This doesn’t cost you anything- all you have to do is make sure your STRAIGHT leg pants are long enough to cuff! Make sure the cuff is only about 1″- 1 1/2″ wide, and only roll up your hem twice, otherwise it will start looking too bulky.

Another not so expensive way to update, sunglasses!

Plastic colored frames are a great new look.

For suiting- forget all the back. Try new colors, even if that means just buying a new tie. Popular colors for men this spring are: orange, kelly green, yellow, aqua, lavender and pink.

You also want to think about your shoes. With cuffed jeans or skinny jeans a neon color converse or a white sneaker is a great new look. With dress pants opt for a brown or tan colored shoe.

On a final note- in order to achieve this updated look you WILL have to go shopping! Its not that scary, just trust your instinct and the salesperson!


Thats just…Dandy

Dandy- a man who places particular importance upon his appearance, refined language and the cultivation of leisurely hobbies.

Giorgio Armani, fall ’08

Dries Van Noten, fall ’08

Neil Barrett, fall ’08

Although the look of a dandy is to wear a 3 piece suit, the key to pulling off the look of a dandy is HAIR and SHOES.

For hair go with a slick cropped style. Think George Clooney or Jude Law.

At the end of a perfectly tailored narrow leg pant, you should find the perfect statement shoe. Here are a few ideas from Gravity Pope.

This is a great look that you can wear to the office. Once you take your blazer off its a great look for wearing out after work. Feel free to add a scarf and instead of the tie for a more funky look!


Neckties…how to REALLY wear them!

Men- this one’s for you!

so, I am sure you all know how to tie one- or at least your girlfriend does…but they key that most men forget is HIGHT and WIDTH of the tie.

Height: When you are finished tying your tie, it must have 1 dimple just under the knot- and it MUST sit AT your belt buckle. The tip of the tie must skim the belt. This is a key error I see way too many men doing!

There are current trends that show a shorter tie, but only attempt this if you are wearing a high fashion, well tailored suit and you have washboard abs under that poplin!

Width…I am all for the skinny tie, but if you are an older gentleman or don’t have the best waistline, go for the regular fat tie but keep the rules of hight in mind! A skinny tie is always a bit more casual…so if you’re heading into court or meeting the boss- this might not be the best look for you.

Print Mixing:

Don’t be scared! You can do it! Just think, OPPOSITE. If your shirt has a skinny stripe, your tie should have a wide stripe. If your shirt has a bold flower print, go for a smaller less dominant pattern with your tie.

But don’t forget COLOR! Try to match at least 1 color in the shirt and tie.


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