“Man of Style”: Part Two

Posted on February 27, 2008 by admin Filed Under Articles, Celebs, Fashion, Fun, Quotes | 1 Comment

I’ve been so opinionated lately–see recent posts–I thought I’d shut up and let someone else on the soapbox. Yesterday’s post on “Men of Style” referenced Tiger Woods penchant for rodeo belt buckles and mocked GQ as a bastion of pseudo-style. Well, it’s a new day.

In 2004, GQ’s Style Guy responded to an inquiry re the Pro Golf/Western Belt Buckle connection. But, he didn’t know the reason why the trend had appeared on the fairway…it’s fun to be in the know, isn’t it?

Another Style Guy inquiry, this one circa 2001, asked whether the metal on ones belt buckle should match that of his cufflinks. I say yes–see post on must-have accesories for Men–and, guess what, so did Style Guy!

Let’s be honest, I was looking more for validation than a second opinion. Back on the soapbox, old gal.

***And for another, much more comedically written, commentary on Golf and cowboy fashion, click here. Unfasten your belt buckle so you can belly laugh.

How to be a “Man of Style”

Posted on February 26, 2008 by admin Filed Under Articles, Celebs, Fashion, Fun, History | 1 Comment

Clooney Fashion vs. Style: It’s like comparing apples and oranges. A fashionable man changes his taste according to mid-month deliveries of GQ. But the “Man of Style” is timeless. In terms of clothing, he knows what he stands for and what he just can’t stand. Think Robert Redford, George Clooney. These guys trandscend trends and top-sellers and dress according to their own personal panache.

But what is fashion, really? Seasonal must-have’s are, often, not seasonal at all. A 1990 New York Times article touted belt buckles the “new jewelry” for women. A 2002 Golf Digest article explained Tiger Wood’s frequent donning of a rodeo-esque belt buckle and it’s soon-to-follow pervasive appearance on golfers young and old. Today, rappers are sporting iced out belt buckles with their initials in diamonds. All this leads me to believe that fashion doesn’t really fluctuate all that much.

My advice: If you like belt buckles–western belt buckles, modern belt buckles, blinged-out belt buckles or leather belt buckles–buy one and wear it often. That way, if you commit a crime against clothes and wear blue when the fashion Gods deem brown the new black (confusing, no?) you’ll still be a Man of Style. At least, that’s what The New York Times, Golf Digest and P. Diddy say. And they are the authorities.

The $25,000 Belt Buckle

Posted on February 20, 2008 by admin Filed Under Articles, Fashion, Fun, Special Buckles | 1 Comment

mechanical belt buckle That’s right! Swiss designer Roland Iten has graced us with what every man needs (insert eye-rolling here)–a $25,000 belt buckle. I may offend some by saying this but, COME ON! No amount of “precision engineering” and “quality materials” can justify this price tag. If you disagree, I’ve got a plot of swamp land in Florida to sell you. Long live real men in boots and (reasonably priced) belt buckles!

5 Must Have Accessories for Men

Posted on February 18, 2008 by admin Filed Under Articles, Celebs, Fashion, Fun, Top Fives | 3 Comments

sartorialist photo My Valentine’s Day post got me thinking about men and fashion. The two don’t have to be mutually exclusive. Below are my suggestions, with a little help from Russell Simmons and the Seattle Times, for the top five accessories every well-dressed man should have:

1. A GREAT BELT BUCKLE. Whether western or minimalist, a stylish belt buckle dresses up everything from jeans and t-shirt to slacks and blazer.

2. CUFF LINKS. Debonair and seriously sexy. Makes me think of a time before casual Fridays, when men dressed for dinner and women dressed their age. timex watch

3. A WATCH. Timex, Tag, Rolex. No matter. Just match your other accessories to the metal–silver, bronze, etc–you choose for your watch.

4. A RING. Most men don’t don one of these until they’re hitched, but a simple band worn on the right ring finger is contemporary cool.

5. A GREAT PAIR OF SHOES. Could be cowboy cowboy boots boots, could be wingtips. Just choose something that reflects your personal style and run with it. And speaking of running, no track shoes unless you’re on the track.