NEW WEBSITE IS UP AND RUNNING!

Hey all,

The time has come. My new and improved website is officially up and running!

www.thestyleblogger.com

Also, make sure to reset your bookmarks and/or favorites with the correct address.

Unfortunately, I wasn't able to transfer my old posts to my new site. However, the old posts will remain available on this site at www.mensstyleblog.blogspot.com.

See you on the other side!

Yours in style,
SB

UNDER CONSTRUCTION

www.THESTYLEBLOGGER.com is in the process of revamping its website.

Check back soon for a new and improved site. 

Yours in style,

SB

Cherry, Eh?

The 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics came to an end yesterday, and we (us Canadians) went out with a bang! A great win, for a great nation.

For those of you who watched the game, you probably didn't forget a short interview with a man named Don Cherry. Cherry, an NHL head coach turned tv host whose best known in Canada for his analysis on "Hockey Night in Canada" is quite a unique fellow, eh.

Now I wouldn't go so far as to call him a style icon, but I have to say, we can all learn an important lesson in cojones from Cherry. For the record, I don't necessarily agree with his clothing choices, but I can certainly appreciate his "this is me" attitude.

Cherry is certainly not afraid to be himself and have a unique sense of style, as we can see from his custom-made floral-print double-breasted jackets and collars stiff and upright enough that he could take a nap standing up.

Think of him as the Canadian Craig Sager (although Cherry definitely takes the crown).

Regardless of his crazy costumes, I think the lesson to be learned from this man is important: don't be afraid to be yourself. Don't dress (or act, or strive, for that matter) to "fit in" with those around you. Don't be afraid to take risks because you are afraid of what your friends, or co-workers, or whoever might think. Express yourself and be true to who you are, in the way you dress, and otherwise.

Thanks for reading.

Your in style,
SB

New items added to eBay store

Hey all. Been busy reworking the layout of the blog...stay tuned for major upgrades!

As for now... new items have been added to my ebay store.

Yours in style,
SB

The New Layering: Denim Jacket

One of my favorite looks is finally hitting the streets in a big way. Recently I've been seeing denim trucker jackets worn as layers under outerwear. I love this look! (and have for some time). Here are some recent examples shot by GQ's new street photographer during NYC fashion week:

For the record, I've been rocking this for over a year now, but I'm an honest guy...I stole it from Kanye West, who has been pictured doing this as far back as 2008. Trend-setter? Love him or hate him, I think so!

If you're going to try this look, your best bet is to get a fitted denim jacket (preferably a vintage Levi classic trucker) and wear it buttoned, with your outerwear (darker in color and contrasting in fabric) left open. 

If you're not into playing copy-cat, this can serve simply as an inspiring "new" way to wear layers. At the very least, it can help you think outside the box. 

Yours in style,

SB

Simple Alterations - Part II

So much positive feedback. And I can't stress the importance, and benefit, of simple alterations.


Can jacket sleeves be "opened" (made working)?
Yes. However, this is very tricky work, and only a very good tailor (one who works for a custom clothing shop, for example) will be willing and able to punch holes in a garment. Cost: approx $25-35 per sleeve


Can pleated pants be made flat-front?
Technically, yes, but this involves remaking the entire waistband of the pants, and re-engineering the fit. The results can vary, not to mention it is very expensive. Cost: just get some new pants, it will likely be less expensive and you can ensure the proper fit


Can a shirt be taken-in (made slimmer)?
Absolutely. I've had the body slimmed on dozens of shirts. It's a simple cut and sew. Also, the sleeves can be taken in as well. Cost: $15-30 body, $10-25 sleeves

Can shirt sleeves be made longer?

No. (unless you find some similar fabric to be added at the shoulder...which is ridiculous...so no)

Can shirt sleeves be made shorter?

Yes, by some seamstresses. The sleeve is removed, fabric is cut, and sleeve is re-attached. Cost: $20-35 per sleeve. 

Thanks for reading. 

More to come...

Yours in style,

SB

What a tailor can & can't do (Part 1 - Suit Jacket/Blazer)

I've said it time and time again, looking good in your clothing is all about fit! It's much better to have a $250 H&M suit that fits properly then to have a $2500 Armani suit that doesn't. Trust me!

With that said, when shopping for tailored clothing it is important to understand what alterations your tailor (and by tailor, I mean your typical local seamstress) can and cannot do. So here is a brief FAQ of basic tailoring services along with approximate price ranges (based on NYC prices).

Can the shoulders be extended (made larger)?
No.

Can the shoulders be taken-in (made smaller)?
In theory, yes, but this means reconstructing the entire jacket and can be very expensive (in many cases, more expensive than the jacket itself). For this reason, make sure you buy a jacket that fits properly in the shoulders! Cost: not worth it

Can the sleeves be made longer?
In most cases, yes, but only by the amount of fabric that is available on the underside of the sleeve, up to the beginning of the sleeve lining (see pic below). Also keep in mind the if the jacket has working or "surgeon's" buttons, those holes cut in the fabric cannot be covered or moved. A good tailor can, however, add a button hole or two if necessary to balance the extended sleeved (I wear 5 buttons on my sleeves anyway). Cost: $15-30 per sleeve (extra button hole(s) not included)

Can a suit sleeve be shortened?
Yes, but again, if the buttons on the sleeves are functional, then shortening the sleeve can bring the button holes awkwardly close to the end of the sleeve. Handle proportions with care. Cost: $15-30 per sleeve

Can a jacket be let-out (made roomier) in the sides?
More than likely no, because a typical off-the-rack suit comes with very little seam allowance on the sides.

Can a jacket be taken-in (made slimmer) in the sides?
Yes! This one alteration can make a significant improvement in the fit of the jacket. Cost: $25-$60

Can a jacket be made longer?
No.

Can a jacket be made shorter?
In theory, yes a jacket can be "chopped", but this is risky because it can throw off the balance of the pockets as well as the proportion of the button stance. Cost: $80-100+

Can the "roll" at the back of my neck be removed?
Yes, but only by an experienced tailor. Cost: $50-75


Lastly. Is it worth paying $50-100 in alterations for a jacket or suit that wasn't very expensive?
ABSOLUTELY.


More to come...

Yours in style,
SB

R.I.P.

This week the world lost one of the most gifted artists of our generation.  

R.I.P. Alexander McQueen

Tip-of-the-Day: Tie/Lapel Ratio

I've received many comments and questions regarding my recent post about super-skinny ties, and the correct ratio/sizing. Here is a simple rule that can easily help with your proportions:

Your tie, at it's widest point, should be about the same width as your lapels (or slightly slimmer, but never wider).

This will give you a good balance. And as we all know, life is all about good balance.

Yours in style,
SB

My New Ebay Store

Hey All,

Just a heads-up. I am constantly in the process of cutting down my closet, so from time to time I will be listing some of my beloved clothing/accessories for sale on eBay.

Check in for new items by clicking HERE (or click the new eBay link on the right side of the homepage).

Hope I can pass something on to my readers!

Yours in style,
SB