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Urban Legend at the Rodeo

Posted on March 31, 2008 by admin Filed Under Articles, Celebs, Events, Fashion | 1 Comment

John Legend is not only an amazing singer/songwriter/musician, he’s also a style icon. Soulful stylehounds eager to expand the scope of their intellectually ironic, urban-centric closet look to Legend for guidance. He’s classic, tailored, old-fashioned fashion whose wardrobe denotes a hint of high-brow and a heavy dose of hip-hop flavor.
It’s no wonder, then, that a recent appearance at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo witnessed Legend wearing a belt buckle and cowboy hat with all the authority of an actual cowboy. The accessories were given to him by rodeo officials.
“I have good stylists,” the star modestly remarked. This look, however, was all his. Replete with sneakers and a biker jacket, onlookers said he appeared cool, comfortable and apropo.
The trick to pulling off Legends city-fied country look is not going overboard. Keep most of your normal, everyday gear in tact and add one or two harmonious accessories.

For What It’s Worth

Posted on March 28, 2008 by admin Filed Under Special Buckles, Vintage Belt Buckles | Leave a Comment

There are many ways to honor loved ones who’ve passed. I once wrote a blog about all the memorable things my Grandpa said and the country music he loved so much. One young woman keeps a piece of her Father close by wearing his favorite belt buckle. She doesn’t know where he got it or what it’s worth, but it is invaluable to her. What a beautiful way to honor the memory of someone dear. For the full story, click here.

Reagan’s Belt Buckles Trickle Down

Posted on March 27, 2008 by admin Filed Under Politics, Special Buckles, Video | Leave a Comment

Here’s an interesting story. The Reagan library has lost most of The Gippers prized belt buckle collection. A November 2007 NPR Radio Show, The Ramble, reported that hundreds of belt buckles “could not be accounted for”. One host suggested checking the waistlines of library employees or searching ebay for the items.
As far as fashion goes, seasonal must-haves fall in and out of favor faster than you can say “Tear down this wall” but owning a piece of presidential history is always cool (even though, in this case, highly illegal). Maybe spreading the wealth by sharing his renowned belt buckle collection is the former Prez’s post-mortem attempt at an economic stimulus package. You heard it hear first…the definitive analysis of Reaganomics.

Click here to listen to The Ramble (at about a minute into the show).
Above Photo Courtesy Ronald Reagan Library.

To Match or Not to Match?

Posted on March 25, 2008 by admin Filed Under Fashion | Leave a Comment

…The debate continues. In the history of menswear, much has been said about matching belt to shoe. Brown leather boot with croc belt? Burgundy wingtips with black suede belt? I’ve pontificated on the merits of matching metals in previous posts–silver cufflinks with silver buckle with silver watch, etc–but haven’t broached the color/textile quandry.
Frankly, I’m undecided. A turned out man knows how to create a “story” with his clothes and, in doing so, may decide matching doesn’t properly complete his look. Most men, however, are probably best advised to stay, at least, within the same color family when it comes to belts and footwear.
For a knowledgeable take on this read A Suitable Wardrobe. In a world where former Mickey Mouse Club Members have their own clothing lines (ahem, Justin Timberlake), this style consultant’s commentary is sophisticated, relevant and timeless.

Fashion or Faux Pas…Following in Fred’s Footsteps?

Posted on March 24, 2008 by admin Filed Under Celebs, Fashion, Fun, History | Leave a Comment

I adore Fred Astaire. Like most people, I see him as dashing, dignified and debonair–words not often employed by women describing their contemporary, nay courtly, loves. He wasn’t the hottest or most hulking film star but he had panache and his fashion IQ has earned him a spot in the 20th century style icon compendium compiled by nearly every individual with a TV and the AMC Channel.
But here’s the rub: Not everyone can follow in Fred’s footsteps, dancing or dressing. A blogger who noticed Fred’s penchant for wearing his belt buckle at his hip asked readers to comment on his appropriation of the look (click here for photo). My opinion? No. Most people would not understand the irony of being purposefully disheveled; rather, you’d be considered (ironically) sloppy for wearing your buckle in a manner it was not intended.
Another of Fred’s faves was tying heavily patterned, brilliant silk scarves through his belt loops. Sorry, but I wouldn’t recommend this either (unless you’re a mannequin at The Gap). It worked for Fred because a) he did it first, b) hot pink polka-dot neckerchiefs worn as belts look ok in black and white and c) he’s Fred…he can do whatever he wants. Style Guy, one of my oft-quoted, authority-who-agrees-with-me links, agrees with me on this.
Fred is sipping champagne in Heaven with Coco Chanel and Jackie O. He’s earned the paisley cravatte wrapped round his waist and the belt buckle at his hip. Dance to a new tune and make a new belt statement.

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