5 Trends that Need To End in 2015

As a rule, I don’t regularly comment on trends or give out opinions one way or the other. Style is personal and what you make of it. Plus, there’s something to be said for keeping it positive in a field that can sometimes be overwhelmed by negativity. But reflecting on the year that was in menswear and having been a participant in the conversation for nearly two years now, I thought I’d review some of the things we might collectively want to forget about this year. So, here are five trends that need to end in 2015.

Before I get into this, I want to put something out there. How do a lot of these trends flourish? I blame the internet and social media. This may sound hypocritical since it’s the internet and social media that give me this very opportunity. But as an “influencer,” I feel an immense responsibility to you, my audience. A responsibility to be authentic, to have integrity, to produce content that expresses my point of view, my aesthetic, and that is not controlled solely by marketers and brand campaigns.

Style Resolutions for a Better-Dressed 2015

Happy New Year Everybody!

The first of the year is a time for starting over, making resolutions and setting new goals. If dressing better is one of your goals, here are five simple resolutions that will have you looking your best through all the adventures of 2015.

1. CLEAR OUT THE TRASH

If you have a closet or drawers full of old clothes that you don’t like wearing (but for some reason often reach for in a pinch) clear it out. Make piles for: donate to charity, sell on eBay, and bring to the tailor for alterations.

2. CLEAN & ORGANIZE YOUR CLOSET

Keeping your bedroom clean and your closet organized is one of the best things you can do to make proper use of your wardrobe. Organize your closet in a way that allows you to see all of your options and know exactly where items are stored. (“Closet Set-Up” article coming soon)

3. PLAN YOUR WARDROBE PURCHASES

Impulse shopping does not make for a solid reliable wardrobe. Make a list of the essentials you need and build a wardrobe the smart way. This will also allow you to save some money by giving you time to shop around in places like second-hand shops or websites like eBay.

Brands To Watch : Jay Butler Leather Goods & Shoes

You may know Justin Jeffers for his blog The Fine Young Gentleman or from his contributing work with the Business Insider. It’s now time to know the FYG for his design skill. Recently, Jeffers launched his footwear & leather good brand, Jay Butler. I’ve known Justin for just over year now (of, course he’s a Philly guy), so I’ve had time to pick his brain and get deep into his creative process as he was developing the Jay Butler brand.

In the coming weeks, Jay Butler will roll out its much awaited first footwear collection (i’ve seen the prototypes–they’re pretty damn good), however; its leather goods collection is in full swing and available for purchase online. Equipped with an assortment of wallets, card cases, valets, money clips and key chains, you can expect some high quality leathers to boot. For the traditionalists, you’ll have your run of calf leather wallets and other accessories such as the Sibley iPhone Case or Calf Leather Bi-Fold Wallet. Now, if you’re looking for a bit of pop & panache Jay Butler has created some beautiful pieces using crocodile, sting ray and ostrich materials in eye catching colors. Below is my favorite piece, the Waverly Red Croc Card Case. I’ve being using this card case for the last two weeks and it definitely my go to wallet. It’s a bit stiff at first, but, after 3 days of use, it broke in rather well.

The Finishing Touches feat. Brandon Murphy

Our friend Brandon Murphy, as previously featured here, is an up-and-coming stylist in NYC with a range of clients from corporate executives to professional athletes.

Most of his clients just want to look as cool as he does, so we asked him to share a few of his personal styling tricks with us.

TEXTURED TAILORING

Brandon knows a thing or two about pairing fabrics together. Notice the variation in the textures here; flannel jacket, oxford shirt, tweed vest, worsted trousers, pebbled boots.

This is also another version of the 3-piece mash-up.

SUITED ON THE MOVE

A well-dressed gentleman can be tailored for any occasion, even if he’s on the move.

Here Brandon pairs a trim-cut suit with a beefy turtleneck and a pair of sneakers that are perfect for pounding the pavement in NYC.

The finishing touch here is the denim collar peaking out of the turtleneck.

DON’T FORGET THE ACCESSORIES

Here’s a move we don’t see very often: long-sleeve polo layering, which works great under a flannel jacket.

It’s all about the accessories here again; the tweed newsboy, the lace-trimmed pocket square, the braided leather belt… It’s the details that bring a look together.