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Pick of the Week: Fire Down Below

Posted on April 1, 2008 by admin Filed Under Fashion, Fun, Special Buckles | Leave a Comment

Firefighters are hot!…retrieving kittens from trees and families from burning buildings. Very sexy! Which is why the firefighter belt buckle, sold on Amazon, is so cool. Every man, from accountants to electricians, can wear the metal buckle and get in on the “hero” fantasy all woman secretly harbor. Polished silver chrome and a pewter satin finish give it depth and an expensive look that exceeds its actual cost. Pair with jeans, black blazer and a cool pair of colorful sneaks for a night out. Just don’t tell the ladies you’re an actual firefighter, unless you are.

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.

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.

Going to the Chapel with Panache

Posted on March 19, 2008 by admin Filed Under Events, Fashion, Special Buckles | Leave a Comment

I’ve been to more weddings in the last couple years than I can count on two hands. Most of them look pretty much the same–bride in Scarlett O’Hara dress, groom in black tux, enough flowers to decorate the Rose Bowl Parade. So when I stumbled upon photos of a recent Austin, Texas wedding, wherein the groomsmen wore Texas belt buckles, I thought it was a great idea. The buckles reflect the style and culture of the bride and groom without looking over the top and the groomsmen look comfortable in their suits and ties with a touch of what is familiar. Great way to personalize a wedding without looking like they came from a rodeo!

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