All Black Everything

"Black cards, black cars, all back everyhing..." Greetings Gentle Readers,

The aforementioned are the words of the immortal Jay-Z and the topic for this posting. Recently, we've noticed a resurgence in this monochromatic aesthetic and decided to take a closer examination at this black out of sorts. The look is simple enough to explain and pull off. It's all black. So, wear all black. As with everything, fit is once again key. Black is probably one of very few colors that can be worn head to toe in the same tone and not look like a crayon, especially for the fellas. One of our favorite things to do with All black is to play with texture. Mixing texture adds adds very stylish layers and airs of sophistication and elegance. Gents, since we'll be focusing on you this time around; Here are 3 ways to add texture to your all black ensembles:

1. Textured Sweaters: Cable knit and other knit sweaters are prime opportunities to do this. the weaving gives your garments some depth, detail, and pattern.
2. Black Denim: As a general rule, stick to black jeans. Black Denim jackets generally aren't the easiest to pull off. A great fitting pair of black jeans however, work with the greatest of ease.
3. Blazers: Blazers come in a variety of materials, and are your safest and most stylish opportunity to add texture to an all black ensemble; Think velvet, wool, ultra-suede, and cotton.

All black is as easy as it is stylish, and just like with other colors, coordination, not "matching" is key. You can also play with tones and hues, and use different blacks in your looks. It doesn't have to be all blue-black, or all washed black, just all black.

Accessory wise... You can pretty much go crazy when rocking all black. Just be aware that if you choose a contrasting accessory scheme, your accessories will make the statement instead of your apparel. Which is fine, if that's what you were going for. Play with pocket squares, neckties, scarves, lapel pins, and even jewelry. Remember, however, that against a monochromatic background, your accessories stand out that much more, and to avoid chaos, moderation is key. Of course, you can also do the total opposite of that, which is what we did for the look we pulled pictured here. The homie Daran needed an all black look for a photo shoot, and rather than tell an accessory story, we decided to keep it crisp and clean. Whatever you decide to do is a matter of taste.

All Black-tie Everything

As the days turn to nights a little sooner and the season approaches to be dressed to the nines, all black is a very elegant evening statement. Gents, here's your opportunity to break out the shawl collar, slim cut option like the one Yeezy's rocking here, and step it up a little. 'Ye pretty much nails the evening all black. A little pattern on the pocket square, a pleated tuxedo shirt, the velvet on the tux slippers, the perfect fit... nuance, style, sophistication, and elegance. This is an excellent modern interpretation of a classic shawl collar tux.

'Ye's look, however, isn't your only option... If you're more traditional, you can go with the peak lapel style of Nick Cannon which also works excellently. It's all a matter of personal taste. Nick's look is a classic satin finished, peak lapel tuxedo, worn with a black dress shirt and accented with a white pocket square and patent leather lace ups. Interestingly enough, both gentlemen have elected to go sans tie, which is a more modern interpretation of classic black tie rules.

Honestly, we'd rock either look. What you choose to use as inspiration is entirely up to you, but both are excellent models. Of course, make sure your fit is right, and you're pretty much good to go.

Accessory wise, we're leaning a little bit more towards Mr. West, but with much respect for Mr. Cannon. Something about the velvet tux slippers speaks to our soul. But, we wholly understand that "it ain't for everybody." Nick's patent lace ups will never lead you astray, and are a go to option in case of doubt or wonder. We also like Kanye's pocket square and the je ne sais quoi with which it is placed. But again, Cannon's crisp white option is perfectly fine as well.

To sum up. Wear all black. It's simple, classic, chic, sophisticated, and stylish. You pretty much can't go wrong. Until next time, we remain...

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

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

Like A Boy...

Greetings Gentle Readers, Menswear inspired pieces have been a reoccurring theme in many women's wear collections for many seasons, and why not? The pinpoint tailoring, sharp lines, and streamlined silhouettes of menswear is offer a different viewpoint from many women's wear design aesthetics. and when pulled off properly, menswear and menswear inspired pieces on women are very alluring, sexy and stylish.

Take, for example the look pictured to the left from the S/S10 Ralph Lauren collection. Chanel Iman looks like she stepped perfectly preserved from 1929 in front of 10 Wall St. yelling "Extra! Extra! Read all about it!!" This is one of our favorite looks from not only the season, but in quite some time. In fact, yesterday when we Tweeted the look (are you following us on Twitter? You should be! Click here to solve that whole issue!) our exact words were, "2 words, well, 2 sounds actually, 'yaht. ZEE!'"

The entire aesthetic works on every level, from fit, fewer designers nail razor sharp tailoring like Ralph Lauren, to color story, navy is a classic menswear color, especially in suiting, to accessories which all play perfectly into the silhouette and balance a masculine aesthetic on a feminine silhouette... Ok, this is starting to sound like a love letter to Mr. Lauren... which, was not our intent. Well, not for this post at least. So, here's how to pull of a menswear inspired aesthetic in 3 easy steps.

3 Steps to Successfully &Stylishly Pull Off
a Menswear Inspired Look

1.Fit: We cannot say it enough. Fit is EVERYTHING. Especially here. Menswear is known for its razor sharp tailoring, streamlined design, and sleek silhouette. Keep all of these things in mind; take your blazers to a tailor to have sleeves taken in or shortened (or both), have pants hemmed and taken in (or both), keep blouses lean and close to the body. Crisp and clean is what we're going for here.

2. Color Story: While we (obviously) are a bit enamored with the look that Ms. Iman is rocking here, we understand that using only a menswear only color palette is a bit restricting, and takes some of the fun away from being a woman. You have opportunity to play it up here a little bit... A sharply tailored blazer in mauve is going to work on a woman in ways that *most* men wouldn't be able to pull off. Play with color a little, you can combine a typical menswear color like the aforementioned navy, or charcoal grey with a mauve or peach for a very sophisticated color story.

3. Accessories &Details: Ok, so, know how we said fit was everything... Well, it still is... But... with a menswear inspired look... so are details and accessories. Fit, and accessories &details, are really the only two ways to make a distinction between actual menswear and a menswear inspired look. Take for example the pictured RL look, the slacks here are a uniquely feminine detail. The cropping billowing of the slacks, is something that would not occur in modern menswear, were Ms. Iman to travel in time, she'd seamlessly fit in with the Depression-era pageboys the look pays homage to. Also, T-strapped heels and pearl earrings add feminine needed feminine touches to balance out the masculine aesthetic. When doing menswear inspired ensembles, keep your accessories ultra feminine, sky high heels, big sunglasses, pearl earrings, broaches. Be careful not to do it, one or two of these will perfectly balance everything. A note on your shoes: to keep with the smooth silhouette, we recommend a menswear inspired shoe, like an oxford, lace up, brogue, loafer or saddle shoe... with a feminine twist. Take the Louboutins pictured here: The classic mans lace up is obviously the source of inspiration, however these Loubees are undeniably and unequivocally feminine... Perfect balance... best of both worlds.

That about does it for this go 'round. 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)

Before He Speaks, His Suit Bespoke...

Greetings Gentle Readers, We'd noticed recently, that we hadn't done anything for the fellas (Well, of course, you count posting pictures of Halle Berry in mini dresses...), and being fair and balanced, we've got to hold the gents down. Fellas, we know that few things are as important to have in your wardrobe as a good suit. But beyond it's obvious usage, one of our favorite things to do is break up our suiting for more casual, yet still smooth, chic and sophisticated looks, this is especially useful with 3 piece suits as illustrated here. One of the best things about breaking up suiting is the openness of interpretation.. You can pretty much rock it how you will. For fall we like do a shirt and tie with jeans, in the summer a crisp white v-neck t-shirt is a smooth alternative. Rocking the slacks and jacket with a t-shirt, or lightweight sweater works well too. It's really open to interpretation and the possibilities are kinda limitless.

This is also a great opportunity to show personal style; tell an accessory or color story. It's casual yet, cool and kinda dressy at the same time. If it's a lighter suit, as the one pictured here was, play it casual and cool with lighter jeans. For evening, it would be just as easy to sub in a pair of darker denim. With darker suiting, we'd definitely recommend sticking with darker denim. Play it up, mix and match. pairing a tee shirt with suiting is probably one of the few times you can rock that Thundercats t-shirt and not look like you belong at a comic convention.

As always, the most important thing is coordination. Know what color combinations work well for you and with with what you're wearing. For example, were the suiting pulled for this look a darker grey, we might have gone with a different hue of yellow for the shirt. Coordination is key. The yellow here works with the grey in the suiting and the brown in the accessories. Our pop of personality was the skull tie bar that we re-imagined as a lapel pin. All of these things work together to create a polished, yet cool and casual aesthetic which should be your goal. That's about it for this go 'round. 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)

Why It Works: The Golden Goddess

Greetings Gentle Readers,

Today's look of the day comes from the always alluring Ms. Halle Berry. This weekend at a Spike TV awards ceremony, Ms. Berry donned this Reem Acra dress that seems to have been made for her. She looks as if she was just dipped in sequins and sent onto the red carpet. Completing the look are shimmery Christian Louboutin peep toes, and Lorraine Schwartz hoop earrings.

Quite frankly, we love everything about this look. It's one of the best we've seen in quite some time. Everything is done correctly. It follows all the rules of The Statement Dress and is timelessly stylish. Should someone pull this dress in 10 years, it will work as perfectly as it did here.

3 Reasons This Works

1. Fit. We can't say it enough. Fit is THE biggest make or break factor for any ensemble. If it fits, 9 times out of 10, it works. If it doesn't fit, 10 times out of 10, it doesn't work.

2. The color story is perfect for Ms. Berry's skin tone. The gold in the dress and shoes plays perfectly off her sun kissed and golden skin. She looks fresh, effortless, and beautiful. The lesson here: If you know a color or color family works for you, USE IT. We're all about using what you know works. Like, the old saying goes, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it."

3. The accessories are perfect. Now, we could easily go into how the Loubees Halle's rocking are perfect because of their shimmer and how they play perfectly into the golden goddess theme... But that's obvious, and what we like most about this look is what Ms. Berry didn't do. Notice the lack of jewelry other than the hoops. We absolutely love a bare neckline. Especially on a dress with shimmer and sparkle. The dress is its own jewelry, (much like what we said here) Where it would be so obvious to put a necklace, there is none, making an even bolder, fresher, and more stylish choice. We love it. When you have an ensemble like this, under accessorize just has Halle's done here, it will likely work as well for you as it did for her.

That about does it for this go 'round. Hopefully this has been a helpful posting, and the Golden Goddess becomes a part of your arsenal! Either that or, you're like us, and just got to oggle the always stunning Ms. Berry... Regardless, we're fine with it!! Happy hunting gentle readers! 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 just click here)

Why It Works: La la's Lacroix

Greetings Gentle Readers,

In the wee small hours of this morning we're bringing you a little something new... Starting with this post, from time to time, we'll be examining some celebrity red carpet looks, and telling you why they work and how you can translate it for yourself!!

The other night, media personality and newlywed La la Vazquez was spotted about town in New York City in this look. Many celebrity blogs applauded her bold effort and the ensemble received positive reviews from most readers (we all know there will always be haters...)

Mrs. Anthony's figure flattering frock is a vintage Christian Lacroix piece that perfectly accentuates her hourglass figure. Harkening back to our previous post on The Statement Dress, this piece is a perfectly prime example of precisely what we preached!

Here are 3 reasons this look works

1. The dress fits La la PERFECTLY. The hem line shows off her legs very nicely an hits just where it should for her height and proportions. She likely used a little shapewear or foundation garment to achieve this perfectly svelte and slim silhouette. You should do the same when rocking skin tight garments as well.

2. The dress is the focal point of the ensemble. With such a bold print, so many colors, and high hem line, this dress was going to be the focal point of the ensemble. Everything she wore with the dress was downplayed and kept the focus on the dress.

3. It's perfectly accessorized. La la kept it simple with a small bracelet, and black Casadei (right on trend!) platform pumps as her accessories. The black is a subtle nuance in the dress and the color of the shoe plays back nicely into this.

How to make this work for you

If you can find/afford vintage Lacroix, then by all means, we encourage you to go out and acquire this dress! It will work for almost every body type. If your shoulders are a bit broader, we'd avoid this but other than that, you should be fine. Don't be afraid of print!!! Another reason this dress works so well is that the base color of the print is a water color blue/purple that will brighten almost every skin tone, as it has done for La la here. Find prints with base colors and hues that work well on your skin tone. However, this dress would work just as well if it was solid black because of the impeccable fit. Remember, fit is always key. That about does it for this 1st installment. Stay tuned for what's to come!!! Until next time, we remain...

Stylishly yours,
Sartorially Savvy
"Fashions fade, 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 simply click here)

Look At This Peacoat and Tell Me He's Broke....

Greetings Gentle Readers,

At first, this post was honestly just going to read as follows:

"Dear Mr. Raymond,

If you wouldn't mind parting with this peacoat, I'd greatly appreciate it.

Very truly yours,
Sartorially Savvy"

Which was just what we Tweeted when we posted this picture (Are YOU following us on Twitter? You should be!!! How else do you expect to get your up to the minute tips on staying classically stylish, timelessly chic and always Sartorially Savvy?!!? You can find us @SartoriallySvvy or simply by clicking here) However, upon closer examination, this is another opportunity to shed some light on a classic wardrobe staple that is timeless, classic, and always in style:

Peacoats are hip bone length heavy wool or wool blend coats, usually noted for their broad lapels, double breasted cut, large wooden or gold buttons and are usually navy, black or camel colored.

While yes, they work for both genders. Peacoats work especially well for the gents. Wear them with your casual wear, as your suit jackets are likely longer than most peacoats and a rule with outwear and suiting is that any thing you wear over a suit must be longer than the suit jacket. So, fellas, as the leaves turn from green to yellow and red, do yourself a favor and look into a peacoat for the upcoming late autumn and winter. So, here's a quick "What to look for" when peacoat shopping:

1.Cop your peacoats in the same size as your suit jackets/blazers. If you're a 40R, get a 40R, no need to go up a size. Outwear is constructed with the intention of layered garments going underneath it. No need to compensate for this. Peacoats should stop right about your hip bone, or just below. mid thigh and we're talking bridge and duffel coats, and that's a topic for another time,

2. Peacoats are great ways to dress up casual wear; boots, jeans and a sweater looks that much more polished when topped off with a great fitting peacoat. Try chinos, loafers, button downs and cardigans also. You can easily incorporate your peacoat into your overall look for polish and panache.

3. Look for peacoats with detailing in buttons, buckles, and other embellishments for touches of personal style.

4. You don't have to cash out to get a great looking peacoat. Even though we might being feenin' like Jodeci for that epic Burberry F/W10 piece Mr. Raymond's rocking... sometimes, that's not in the budget. A GREAT place to look for a peacoat is an Army/Navy surplus store. Peacoats are standard issue naval garments, so, you should be able to find one here on the humble.

That about does it for this 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 just click here)

How To Pull Off: The Statement Dress

Greetings Gentle Readers,

It's time for another "How To Pull Off..." this time the topic at hand is the Statment Dress. The Statement Dress is... well, self explanatory it makes a statement, and usually, a dramatic one. The statement dress is one that requires minimal, if any, accessories, and is the focal point of any look. That sheer sequined number you've had your eyes on for a few weeks? That's a statement dress. The black backless, draped silk chiffon gown you've been drooling over? Statement dress. A statement dress speaks volumes without you having to say one word.

For the featured look, which we pulled for New Years Eve, we choose a tunic that had metallic and iridescent tones in it and was made of a shimmery fabric. By having such an attention grabbing fabric, we kept the accessories very simple. The tunic was semi cinched at the waist, and we added a wide belt that was in a complementary hue to the iridescent purple in the dress. Since it was a special occasion, we also had the tunic shortened a few inches as well. the rest of the jewelry was minimal, simple on the ear earrings and a few bangles. The dress was one that could either be worn open necked, or pulled to the side for an off the shoulder look, which is what we choose to do. We also cinched the sleeves for a blousey look. The nude pumps added to the long lean line of the leg that we created by shortening the dress, and added to the overall visual appeal. The bag was a bronze tone that was also found in the dress and topped off the look perfectly.

The focus of the look was the dress, hence having everything else play back into or off of it. Statement dresses know no particular style, shape, or silhouette. Your statement dress should be one that compliments your assets, hides flaws, and makes you feel beautiful, confident and sexy. Find styles that compliment your shape and amp up the drama with bold color, sparkle, shimmer, and daring hem or neck lines. Of course, as always, fit is key. You want to be completely comfortable in your statement dress because the ultimate trick to pulling off any garment is confidence. Use shape wear and foundation garments to pull off the perfect silhouette in your statement dress. That's what their there for. The women you idolize and ogle on the red carpet have on the same Spanx you do to get those killer hour glass figures.

As we said, to accessorize your statement dress, keep it simple. The focus is the dress, find shoes, bags and jewelry that all play off tones found in the dress or are complementary colors. Keep jewelry to a minimum, no need for a necklace and bracelets and earrings. One or two will more than suffice. Remember fit and confidence are key!!! You want to make the right statement. That about does it for this time around! 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 just click here)

Fall Essentials: Take Three

Greetings Gentle Readers, It's time for another round of fall essentials! As the days turn to nights a little quicker, and warm days give way to cool nights... We're here to have you putting your best (dressed) foot forward!! Just like in the previous 2 "Fall Essentials" posts, we're going to cover 3 of our must haves for fall. These are in no particular order and work for both genders. This time around, we're bringing you, 2 garments and a color combination. Let's begin shall we....

1. Cable knit Crewneck Sweaters: Classic like shell toe Adidas and a Kangol, the cable knit crewneck sweater is to your wardrobe what bread is to your diet; that is, it’s a staple. For those who don’t know, a crew neck is the most popular and common type of neck in most tops. It’s etymology comes from the sweaters worn by oarsmen, or those who rowed the oars on boat. These men were the boat’s crew… hence, crewneck. Crewnecks are round and collarless. Pretty simple right? Bet. The next part is just as simple, the cable knit refers to the stitching producing a pattern resembling the twisting of two ply cable. Basic enough right? Cable knit crewnecks are staples because of their classic nature, widespread availability and ease of wearing. Make sure you have your size and proper fit; The shoulder seam should be at your shoulders, not the middle of your bicep and the fit should be fairly close to the body, without too much excess on the sides. You can rock them solo, or put a button down oxford, tee, or polo underneath or a jean jacket or blazer over top. Cable knits come in almost every color and texture. Stick to natural fibers (wool, silk cashmere, etc) with these because they’ll last longer and keep their shape better than synthetics. Pair these with jeans and sneakers for a casual weekend look, or slacks and loafers, or a pencil skirt and pumps for look that goes from day in the office to a night on the town. Be sure to cop the cable knit crewneck in your signature or favorite color, and when pairing with an oxford or polo, try either the exact same color for a sophisticated monochromatic look, or a contrasting complementary color. Make it your own, play with color, texture, and accessories.

2. Dark denim: Another wardrobe staple, this one is a bit more year 'round than the sweaters... But has a particular place in the fall as well. By "dark denim" we mean indigo, or closest to the natural color of denim before washing and wear. It may be referred to by some brands as "raw." Dark denim is the most versatile of all washes, having the ability to go from day to night, dressed down to up, and in some instances from out to the office. Be it skinny, straight leg, slim, trouser, or boot cut, they all work best when dark and classic. Avoid over embellished pocket detail or hyper whiskering or anything else that makes jeans look to trendy and young.

3. Eggplant & Hunter: One of our favorite color combinations for fall is eggplant purple and hunter green (We've even played off it in the ensemble pictured by pairing eggplant w/lime green instead) The reason this combination is particularly perfect for fall is because it combines rich, saturated and darker hues. Hunter green is an earth tone that is reminiscent of the weather and season as is the eggplant. Both are distinct, mature and sophisticated and the combination provides an unexpected twist. While we wholeheartedly encourage you to try this combination, "Essential" here is the principal; combine rich saturated colors in unexpected ways; wine &chocolate, crimson & cream, slate & navy, etc. You can do this in your garments and accessories, mix and match! As long as the hues are complementary, you're good to go. Remember always that your accessories should play into the overall theme of the look you're going for. For example, if you're going to rock crimson & creme, we'd suggest brown (or a hue of brown like chocolate or caramel) shoes, and gold jewelry, the whole thing just paints a warm color story. Likewise, if you're doing slate grey and navy blue, both are cooler tones, so black shoes and platinum toned jewelry works better, or you can infuse a touch of heat in a red shoe, but make it a red shoe that plays it cool with a silver buckle or silver hardware. See where we're going...? Utilize rich color this fall! It paints a timeless, chic, sophisticated and stylish picture. That 'bout does it for this installment... Until next time we remain...

Stylishly yours,
Sartorially Savvy

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