Untie Your Shoe Strings... Take Off Your Cufflinks...

Greetings Gentle Readers,

Just coming to you with a little something short and sweet. Oft in our #AfternoonTip series of Tweets on Twitter (Are you following us on Twitter? You should be... if you were you'd already know this! @SartoriallySvvy or just click here) we talk not only about how to put together and pull off great looks, wardrobing secrets, and tips to up the ante on your personal style, but how to care for your precious pieces, and how to add polish and panache and those perfect punches to every ensemble. So, we figured why not bring a bit of that to you, our dear gentle readers in something a little longer than 140 characters. Something that people often fail to realize, is that it's not only having quality garments, but caring for them, and ensuring that they last and stand the test of time. This way, they'll look as great in 10 years as they did the 1st day that you bought them... That being said, we decided to bring you the 4 essential items every Sartorially Savvy gentleman should have on his dresser. And ladies, you might think this is strictly for the fellas, but, you should take heed also. Perhaps you can impart a little wisdom (or a nice gift) to your favorite gentleman. So, without further ado...

The Fantastic Four

1. Shoe horns: Remember when you were younger and you'd try to stuff your foot into your shoes without unlacing them, and crushing the backs, (and effectively jeopardizing the structural integrity of the shoe, taking years off its life, rendering it close to unable to keep your foot in place in the shoe) and you'd hear your mother yell at you (or in our case, knock you upside your head) and tell you to unlace the shoes and use a shoe horn. Well, all that is for a good reason, though you may have not known it at the time. And now that you're older, and probably investing a bit more into your footwear, your mother's instruction still holds true. And sure many of you may think that using your finger(s) to get into loafers and lace-ups alike is just as effective, but we're here to tell you, it's not. Not only does using your finger stretch out the back of your shoes, over time, making them too big, but it's inefficient! A shoe horn goes in the back of your shoe, you slide your foot in, and you're good to go. Whereas, using your finger, you're jamming your foot into the shoe, and trying to get your now crushed and stuck finger out. Can we say, counterproductive. You can get a shoehorn everywhere that shoes are sold. Most higher end places will give you a shoe horn when you try on a pair of shoes, and you can keep it.

2. Collar Stays: Probably the most obscure on our Fantastic Four, but they've been around forever. Look in the collar of any proper dress shirt and you're likely to find a pair of collar stays. A collar stay is... well, it's pretty self explanatory. It's a metal tab that keeps a collar in place, crisp and stiff. They also prevent the dreaded "pancake collar" where the collar of your shirt falls completely flat and spread out... like... a... pancake. If, on the rarity you purchase a dress shirt, and it does not already have collar stays, it will assuredly have the slots for them underneath the collar. When you're not wearing a tie, collar stay is especially pertinent to keep the collar crisp (Even though you should still keep them in when you're wearing a tie too). Just a little personal tip (that we learned the hard way ONE good time) always remember to remove your collar stays when laundering your dress shirts.... Just trust us on this one.

3. Tie bars: A recent resurgence in retro styles (Thank you "Mad Men") has made this vintage accessory in vogue once more. Tie bars have been around since since the 19th century when wearing ties 1st became popular. Designed to keep ties in place and looking neat and clean; a tie bar fastens a necktie to a shirt, effectively keeping it from moving, come rain, sleet, snow, wind, hail... etc. Throughout the course of time, these utilitarian tools have become, as most things do, stylized, turning into one of the most acceptable and popular forms of jewelry for men. Tie bars come in various and sundry shapes, styles, widths and sizes... it's kind of a "whatever floats your boat" type deal. So, by all means, express a little personality and personal style. (P.S. if anyone would like to donate that Thom Browne for Harry Winston tie bar that's pictured here... we'd greatly, greatly, greatly appreciate it. Just saying...)

4. Cufflinks: Continuing our trend of functional yet stylish pieces... brings us to the classic cufflink. Before there were buttons to fasten the cuffs of a shirt together, other devices had to be used. Cufflinks are designed only for use with shirts which have buttonholes on both sides of the cuff, but no buttons. These may be either single or double-length (French) cuffs, and may be worn either "kissing," with the ends pinched together, or "barrel-style," with one end overlapping the other. Kissing cuffs are the usual standard. Like tie bars, cuff links are standard issue when it comes to men's jewelry, and thus, are often ways in which many men express personal style, personality traits or hobbies (Which is precisely how you should treat them). Play tennis? Cop a pair of tennis ball &raquet cuff links... Can't think of a hobby that you'd like binding the cuff of your shirt, a pair of classic monogrammed links is always in style and can become a heirloom for generations to come (vintage shops and thrift stores are excellent places to find unique links to start or add to your collection). (Unrelated side-note: Dear Santa, it would be magnificent if these Cartier links magically appeared in our collection... once again, just saying.)

And that wraps up our Fantastic Four. So remember fellas (and ladies looking for great gift ideas for fellas) these 4 things should be on your dressers for the rest of your days... Because a truly Sartorially Savvy gent knows that style's in the subtlety. Until next time, we remain...

Stylishly yours,
Sartorially Savvy
"Fashion fades, style is eternal." ~Yves Saint Laurent

P.S. For your up to the minute tips on staying classically stylish, timelessly chic, and always Sartorially Savvy follow us on Twitter (@SartoriallySvvy or click here)

Silk Lined Blazers... Diamond Cream Facials... VVS Cuff Links...

Greetings Gentle Readers, (Cue music) It's the most wonderful time of the year.... Kids jingle belling and all that jazz... It's also the time of year for opulent occasions, office parties, jazzy cocktail receptions, festive fetes and the like, which means dressing for them. Dressing this time of year can be a little tricky; you'll get 4 different invitations with 4 different dress codes ranging from "festive chic" and "dressy cocktail" to "holiday casual" and "cocktail casual." And all of them mean separate things!! Now, before you drive yourself crazy, check out our break down of what exactly these terms mean here... But for a little more specific instruction, we've got you covered with a personal favorite. Holiday parties and end of the year gatherings are optimum times to step it up a little... go for a little more drama and style. Now being a well dressed and stylish usually means avoiding all things sartorially over-dramatic, but there's something to be said for combining the two. Which is precisely what we're here to tell you how to do... Enter: The Statement Blazer. The joy of something like a statement blazer is that it takes something you as a Sartorially Savvy reader are well versed in (a blazer) and kicks it up a notch. Now, if that sounds daunting, worry not fellas, we've got you. Sit back, relax, and take notes...

Statement Blazers: How to pull 'em off...

1. Think Outside the Box: The crayon box that is... well, in the cliche way too... But mainly the crayon box. Now is the optimum time to experiment with bold colors. Take for example Drake's look; Mr. Graham's rocking a deep teal that makes the color statement of his entire ensemble. Bold, but not too out there, complimentary to his skin tone, and eye catching (in a good way). A key to pulling off a bolder color like this is subduing everything else about your ensemble; Drake paired his single-button, shawl collar evening jacket with a crisp white dress shirt and black slacks. This keeps the focus on the blazer. And as we always say, every ensemble should have a focal point. In these instances, this will be your blazer. When Estelle stepped out to a recent movie premier in head to toe McQueen the look, she followed this philosophy to the tee. While her all black basics are chic and stylish, the focus is her stunning blazer by the recently deceased British designer. Estelle's look shows that the ladies can play this game too. And well... Ladies, don't be intimidated. Follow the leads given here: Pick a brilliant color or pattern, and subdue the garments you pair them with. This doesn't make the remainder of your ensemble boring as Estelle's cropped leather pants ensure; just subdued. A special note about a jacket as formal as this; leave the jeans at home. The silken texture, the shawl collar, and the single button all say evening, meaning, pair this with slacks, or if the occasion calls for it, maybe even tuxedo pants.

2. Touchable Texture: Ok, so, see that lovely lovely Sports Illustrated swimsuit model with John Legend there? What is it that Johnny boy has that you don't? Is the the platinum plaques? The Grammy's? The ridiculous talent? Well, maybe... But it's also that amazing velvet blazer. A velvet blazer might not land you a Sports Illustrated model... but it'll sure have the cuties unable to keep their hands off you and your touchably soft jacket... and who knows, maybe even one of them will be a Sports Illustrated model. The point here: Now's the perfect time to try a little texture. Velvet is an excellent choice. Many designers and retailers make velvet blazers, and this time of year, they're in no short supply. We suggest trying in a deep, rich jewel tone like navy blue, emerald green, or eggplant purple. All other blazer rules apply here; as always fit is essential. When it comes to accessorizing, take a cue again from Mr. Legend and try a pocket square. Patrick Robinson, creative director of Gap, also gets it right and borrows cue from our "All Black Everything" post. Also unlike the aforementioned more formal option, you can pair a velvet blazer with dark jeans for a more dressy casual look (make sure the occasion which you're attending is jeans appropriate). You can take the route of Mr.'s Legend &Robinson and pair with a shirt and tie, or opt for a v-neck sweater.

(cue music)... And lots of holiday cheer!!! It's the most wonderful time of the year!! And hopefully, your best dressed time of the year... That 'bout does it for this go 'round. Until next time, we remain....

Stylishly yours,
Sartorially Savvy

P.S. For your up to the minute tips on staying classically stylish, timelessly chic, and always Sartorially Savvy, follow us on Twitter (@SartoriallySvvy or click here)

Pretty, Witty, Girly, Worldly....

...One who likes to party, but comes home early.

Greetings Gentle Readers,

As the holiday season approaches, and with it, annual parties, gatherings, fetes, shindigs, and balls; "What to wear??" is often in the foremost thoughts of even the most well heeled woman. So, we decided to take this opportunity for a little preemptive measure...

The party dress is as substantial as suiting in a well dressed woman's wardrobe, especially this time of year. Now we're not talking about just some ole' frock that you throw on, or a simple and chic black number you wear to the annual office Christmas party, we're talking about a knock-down, drag-out, head-turning, neck-craning "Who is THAT?!?" number. The one you have in your closet when you want to, as Beyonce' said, "Pull out the big guns." That being said, obviously, this isn't the piece you wear to every single shindig you venture to this season... But for that epic occasion, the one you started planning for as soon as you found out about it? We've got you covered... So, ladies, sit back, relax and let's get it poppin'... Shall we? Looking great knows no shape, size, or skin tone. So, just because you're not runway thin (or even if you are) it doesn't mean you can't be the best dressed belle at the ball. That being said, finding the perfect party dress can be a bit of a daunting task... So, we've decided to equip you with 3 sure-fire tips to finding something that you'll absolutely love, and everyone will love on you (some might love it so much, they try to get it off you... but that's another topic for another time)

3 Points for Picking the Perfect Party Dress

1. Dress YOUR body: Dress the body you have, not the one you want, but the one you are currently in possession of. Actually, this is a tip for everyday... But it's particularly poignant here because trying to dress the body you wish you had, or the one you used to have, is counter productive. That woman doesn't exist. She left when you lost that 20 lbs you had been trying to lose since junior year. So, let's address... edit, let's dress the woman standing before us, and ensure she's as breathtakingly beautiful as possible. Of course, all of this correlates directly back to our favorite topic, fit, as we always say, "If it doesn't fit, it doesn't work." So, once the hurdle of dressing the body you currently have, and not the one you used to have or the one you wish you had, focus on finding the perfect fit.

Accent Your Assets: Once again, you should be doing this whenever you get dressed, but, it takes on a different meaning here... As often times if you have luscious legs, or killer cleavage or a beautiful back, you can't really show them off in the office... now's when you can. Plus, playing to strengths de-emphasizes any areas that you might not be so secure about. The dress pictured to the right is a perfect example of playing to your strengths... The lovely Miss Butler has the decolletage for sweetheart necklines, and this is what we chose as a focal point for the fete she was attending. The ruching on the dress helps camouflage problem areas and adds elegant details to this saucy number and the champagne color pops perfectly off her mocha skin tone. Now, perhaps cleavage isn't your most powerful weapon... Maybe you're a more leggy lady, go with that! Hike those hemlines up (as long as you can keep all necessary elements covered, you're good) Kia's legendarily long legs were walking through our mind when we pulled the dress to the left for her. If legs are going to be your focal point, keep it short on bottom and fairly conservative elsewhere. Keep in mind that the focus is on the legs. Not on the legs, the arms, the cleavage, the back, and so forth.

3. Go Bold or Go Home: These are annual occasions that we're talking about dressing for. The people in attendance might be people you only see a few times a year, and honestly, even if you see them everyday, this is a special occasion. So play to win. Go for drama. Be bold, be daring and step outside your comfort zone (even if it's only one step, it counts.) Hike up the hemline, or hike down the neckline (notice that *or* there... pick one), try bold color combinations and different silhouettes. Remember the old adage: no risk, no reward. The drama created by the movement of the dress to the left is one of our favorite things about the look that we pulled for the lovely De'Ven. What would otherwise be a simple navy tank dress is transformed to a statement piece that pulls in the eye. Use drama to take your look up a notch. Be bold with unexpected, asymmetrical necklines, draping and cutouts. To the right is one of our favorite looks from the S/S 2011 Gucci show. The intricacy of the knotting on the bodice creates drama and coupled with the luscious saturation of the burnt orange color in in the skirt makes for a showstopping number; definitely big gun worthy. Another one of our favorite aspects of this look is that nothing about it is particularly "scandalous," yet, it's still very sexy. This means that you don't have to show an inordinate amount of skin to be sexy and bold.

Accessorizing

If you've noticed on most of these looks, the accessories are kept to a minimum, something about that makes them all the more chic to us... a bracelet here, necklace there, small earrings... that's all you need. The stories here are the dresses. To tell an accessory story, you'd need to simplify the dress you chose. The goal here is a cohesive, well put together ensemble with the focus being on the dress. Keep "complimentary" in mind when choosing shoes and accessories. That about does it for this go 'round. We're sure you, our dear, gentle, well dressed reader will knock 'em dead this holiday season, as you do every day. Until next time, we remain...

Stylishly yours,
Sartorially Savvy
"Fashion fades, but style is eternal." ~Yves Saint Laurent

P.S. For your up to the minute tips on staying classically stylish, timelessly chic and always Sartorially Savvy follow us on Twitter (@SartoriallySvvy or click here)

So Pop You Layer...

Greetings Gentle Readers,

We hope you had a peaceful and positive Thanksgiving. We're just coming out of our turkey-induced coma, hence the delay since our last post. But, we're back! As the weather turns from "quite chilly" to "a bit brisk" we get to employ one of our favorite cold weather dressing techniques: layering.

We love layering for several reasons; proper layering not only keeps you warm, but creates depth, texture, adds sophistication and style and helps enhance a color story. So, this go 'round we figured we'd shed a little light on a few of our style secrets to help put the fellas on game as to keeping warm, while looking cool. For the fellas, layering is exclusively a top-heavy activity (How exactly would one pull off 2 pairs of pants anyway?). That being said, we'll be focusing on pairing shirting (button-downs, polos, etc), sweaters, and blazers/suit jackets in chic combination. Without further ado, let's pop this off shall we?

3 Laws to Succinct, Stylish & Sophisticated
Layering

1. Fit: By now, you should have known this was coming... Honestly. We keep trying to tell you, that fit, is everything. Here's why it matters here. You see the look up to the left? Everything from this S/S 2010 Ralph Lauren look is tailored to fit this model and he looks crisp, clean and polished. If you layer ill-fitting garments, it only exaggerates that which does not fit and throws off the proportion of the ensemble: if your sweater is too small and your blazer is too big, then it appears as if you got dressed out of 2 peoples closets, neither of which are your own. Simply put: every tag on each of your garments should read the same size (with the exception of blazers/suit jackets, which should read your REAL jacket size, not some imaginary 1 size up #)

2. Color Story: Layering is prime time to tell a stylish and sophisticated color story. If you glance at the look to the left, as well as up to the right at Mr. Gross you'll see what we mean by "color story." When you layer, you have the opportunity to mix and match different shades, hues, and tones. Lance Gross is using greys and blacks to tell his color story, a classic combination that works for every skin tone, every shape, and ever size. A color story should use multiple shades, hues and tones; matching the exact blue in your tie to the exact blue in your shirt to the exact blue in your sweater is basic and trivial. A more grown up, stylish and sophisticated option would be to use different blues and other complementary colors, as illustrated up to the left and directly to the right. Use your layers to tell your color story. Remember, it's not about whether or not it matches, as long as it goes.

3. Depth & Texture: Effective layering also means creating depth and texture, additional effective agents of style and sophistication. One of our personal favorite ways to pull this off is with an oxford, cardigan, and blazer, as illustrated in the 1st look (the Ralph Lauren runway look) and to the left. It's a bit unexpected to pair a blazer with a cardigan (most would expect a vest underneath a blazer/suit jacket) but it's a timeless and classic combination. A ribbed cardigan or a tweed blazer are perfect pieces to add touches of texture, and both would serve the double purpose of adding depth as well.

Accessorizing layers is really quite simple as well. Stick to pieces that compliment or contrast with your core garments. For example, for the look in blue that we pulled, we chose a tie that had blues and a yellow in it this tied (no pun intended) the blues in the garments together with the the yellow in the pocket square. Topped off with a little lapel pin, and called it day. When layering in muted color stories, such as the one pictured on Lance Gross or the grey and black look up to the left, an accessory in a pop of color can add a nice accent. As always, keep coordination in mind. Well, that about does it for this installment. Until next time, we remain....

Stylishly yours,
Sartorially Savvy

"Fashion fades, style is eternal." ~Yves Saint Laurent

P.S. For your up to the minute tips on staying classically stylish, timelessly chic and always Sartorially Savvy, follow us on Twitter (@SartoriallySvvy or click here)