V-Style For Men

The Mexican Pullover Hoodie For Men

The Baja hoodie has been embraced by many chilly folks of Mexico as well as stylish men of the U.S. Dating back to who knows when, this vibrant outwear has been seen in GQ, sported by hot tall men of my youth and weirdos to boot. No longer is this simply ethnic apparel or Northern California debauchery, but a style statement that flicks its thumb at a blazer and turns its back on a plain sweat shirt. This Mexican pullover is for men tired of the same old thing and cares to add a little pattern, a little life and a little salsa to their wardrobe. Did I mention I find this an incredibly attractive look on men?

Tips for wearing the Mexican hoodie in a style driven way: Do not wear this to any kind of office unless it is a home office in your own home. Do not wear it if you smoke weed a lot or have long shaggy hair. Definitely don't wear if you are dabbling in crack and refer to yourself as a hippie. We are trying to make a fashion statement not dress you up like a stereo type. Do not wear if you are a Mexican struggling with the English language. Do not wear with slacks, but chinos are good. Do not wear to a club, but feel free to wear it to a dive bar. Lastly, if anyone makes fun of you, accuse them of racism and demand they buy you a drink.

How To Soften A Motorcycle Jacket

If you have a motorcycle jacket that is purely for show- meaning you do not drive, ride or plan on using motorcycles in this jacket - and you feel like said jacket is pretty stiff there are some ways to soften that jacket up for a more laid back look. Let me emphasize again though, that softening it will reduce the leather's tear strength. This can result in some unfun injuries if you fell of a bike while wearing the softened jacket.

Some might say put it in the washing machine, but if you do that be prepared for unexpected results like staining, warping and who knows what else. Although perhaps that is your intent. Designers like Duckie Brown have been known to thrown some leather in the wash and see what comes out, fingers itching.

I recommend letting it soak in a tub filled with untainted cold water for an hour. Avoid cleaning the tub with cleaning products prior to the soak to ensure no bleach stains. Once it dries simply wear it as often as possible (in your house maybe) to add natural wear to the look.

How To Wear A Sweater Underneath A Blazer

Find me a man that doesn't understand the greatness of Robert Redford and I will show you a boy. Beyond creating the Sundance Film Festival, donating his time and money to numerous causes, acting-writing-directing some good roles and looking damn fine, Redford has also mastered wearing the sweater underneath the blazer. Small beans compared to the other feats in his life, but this is a fashion blog.

First put on a collared shirt with some weight to it - long or short sleeve will do, but no jersey or soft fabrics that will bunch. Then you want to get a long sleeve light weight sweater in a crew neck. Put that on over the button front. Make sure the collar is out and the hem of the shirt is tucked in. Lastly you will top it off with a blazer that fits you well if not a teensy bit big. A snug blazer will not do. Pair this with jeans for a rougher look. Víola, you are stylish.

Of course you can always skip the collared shirt and simply wear a thin crew neck sweater underneath the blazer, but that will look a bit too... slick.

Tom Julian's Nordstrom Guide To Style

The economy is improving! Who knew? Not my unemployed brother... but, with the holidays upon us, a gift that can not only help to improve ones look, but in turn, help them get that paycheck we’ve all been looking for is just the thing.

Follow the sage advice of 30 ROCK’s Jack Donaghy, "dress for the career you want, not the job you have," and look into a copy of Tom Julian’s The Nordstrom’s Guide to Men’s Style for that job-hunting friend or your own unemployed arse.

In a saturated job hunters market, you have to stand out, whether it is your resume or how you present yourself. TJ (as I like to call Mr. Julian), recommends adding the classic masculine look of tweed. “Tweed is not just for college professors anymore” and when you’re sporting the cloth of the educated man, you’re going to stand out. So, if you’re looking for a job as a business ethics professor or a bartender, heed Jack Donaghy’s Words of wisdom: “never follow a hippie to a second location,” and look the part…the stylish masculine part.

Clothing Review: Life After Denim's Military Jacket

By John Serbian

I’m not the type to wear a polo or button down shirt with epaulets or something I could put a bandoleer through, (though that sounds cool)  but Life After Denim has changed my mind. They have made a very stylish, yet subtle military jacket that I was pretty stoked to put on. Its definitely fashionable, (which is not something I like to portray - hence not being too keen on epaulets), but without being overtly so.

The feel of the jacket alone is a statement of its quality, the fabric being a very good tweed cotton with an attractive texture. The stitching too is noticeably well executed, not that I have tailor training or anything, but it just looks and feels well made. I love too, that the inside was made with the same attention to detail with a cool and soft plaid pattern. Heck, the hidden button snaps seem to be of superior quality as well. Plus the fit is great. Not too bulky like other military inspired jackets, and sits close to the body without making me look like a lady.

Now the real kicker that won me over is the amount of pockets. Seven, count em’, seven pockets fellow nerds. The first thing I always check for in a jacket is the inside pocket, and low and behold. Not to mention the outside lower pouch pockets have pockets behind them! My dreams of toting all my crap around and still keeping my mitts toasty has been realized. Can you tell how excited I am? What can I say I am sucker for quality you can see and pockets to boot.

A Different Kind Of Jacket

For many men, stepping out of their fashion box is about as hard to do as admitting that they like some chick flicks (Dirty Dancing, anyone? I know you loved it). For the fashionably tenuous a jacket offers the perfect opportunity to try something new. If you’re not feeling it or don’t feel comfortable it can always go over a chair or your shoulder.

The Belstaff Roadmaster is one mind blowing option for you. Made and designed in England since 1924, this jacket oozes masculinity. I mean, put this on and you look like Alec Baldwin leading the Doolittle Raid in Pearl Harbor. Go Michael Bay on that ass.

If you’re not up for raiding the Pacific Islands, you can always try a little Elvis Costello. The Velvet Sports Coat by J. Crew is perfect to dress up or dress down with a little flair of Rock and Roll. And, as George Costanza has pointed out, when you’re rocking Velvet, the ladies can’t help but touch the fabric. Wink.

Life After Denim

Jeans, jeans and more jeans. Can we get more boring? Everyone needs a pair of jeans, yes, but do we need to wear them everyday? No. That is why I can truly appreciate the new brand Life After Denim. I know they aren't doing something different persé: chinos, cardigans, jackets, sweaters and corduroy are there, but they are doing it well and not shoving another denim brand in my face - I like that.

In particular I like the Wicker Park button front shirt, their military jackets, and the Midnight Bomber jacket. A great way to bring style to your casual wear as well as nights out.

Tony Parker For London Fog

“Hello Sailor,” may or may not be what you want to hear when you’re out on the town, but if this London Fog Sailor coat is good enough for Eva Longoria to rip off her man, Tony Parker in a fit of passion, then it’s good enough for you. Now, I’m generally not in the business of touting that just because an NBA player is wearing it and he has an attractive girl at his side then you should wear it (See: Dennis Rodman/Carmen Electra). 

But, London Fog’s new ad campaign for winter coats and trenches nails it. Eva and Tony share their love for each other and London Fog in a set of racy pictorials that almost harkens back to old Hollywood. So, throw on your London Fog trench, take your lady out to a foggy Pier and give her a kiss, Bogart style.

Dolce & Gabbana Military Jacket For Men

Dolce & Gabbana can make some pretty ridiculous stuff for men, but I have spotted a must-buy. The military inspired jacket for men is a chic purchase that will stick with you for years to come. Pair with denim, slacks, casual pants, corduroy and call it a day. The cooler season calls for a timeless, but stylish jacket to wear with everything and this is one of those jackets.

Wear A Leather Jacket Like Brad PItt

It doesn't matter if you light your cigarettes with twenty dollar bills or if you work in retail, every man needs a bit of vintage in his closet. This fall check out your local vintage shop or thrift store and look at the previously worn goods. Items to grab are aged to perfection cotton t-shirts (preferably without sweat stains), belt buckles with a man feeding his donkey, plaid trousers, funky zip ups and a 1970's brown leather jacket a la Brad Pitt in Fight Club.

A 1970's jacket strolled down Gilded Cage's runway for Spring 2010, but instead of taking the easy way out and dropping a grand on a remake pick up the genuine article. If your neighborhood shop doesn't seem to have it, one was spotted at the Rusty Zipper.

Wear it with denim, chinos, capris or fine corduroys. Don't wear it with slacks, shorts, thick corduroys, silk lounge pants, sweat pants or leather pants. You know to be on the safe side, don't ever wear leather pants.