It’s not just about shirts and ties with us. As you have seen with our previous blog entries such as Habits To Live By and the Rat Pack, it is our prayer that when we provide the apparel and advice that ensures you look the part, you will act the part accordingly.

Where am I going with this? Well since you asked…

Last Tuesday as I was at my desk  spending my morning perusing ebay working diligently, I remember a phone call from my woman where she expressed frustration about how she and many other high-heeled women have to stand up majority of their morning and evening train rides to their respective destinations, although multitudes of rude ass men sit comfortably in their seats like they don’t know they have a de-facto affirmative duty to offer up their seats to said women. Frankly, this pisses me off.

It’s not about my woman or any other woman in particular, it’s much bigger than that. It’s about the men of my generation and our failure to emulate the style, class, and dignity of the generations before us.  As we’ve discussed at-length in prior posts, the men of the generation(s) before us were cut from a different cloth. Much to my chagrin, in this instance, the more things have changed, the more they have NOT stayed the same.

I know, I know.  To be a man, you have to see a man, and a lot of guys my age haven’t unless you count Don Magic Juan or Marion Barry and the like, lol. I get that and accordingly want to send a special shout-out to Reaganomics and the Prison Industrial complex for the lack of a male presence in many brown and black-homes.

To you, our faithful followers of the blog and more importantly our loyal customers, make sure you act the part. We”ll make sure you are dressed the part.

Let’s get back to throwback manhood. Let’s do better.

In life, we always have two options: be a part of the problem or a part of the solution. Choose wisely. Veritas.

At Instructions, we pride ourselves on being ahead of the curve and thus you should only purchase your shirts and ties from us because we know what we’re doing and for practical purposes, consider ourselves peerless.

Jean jackets here, going green there, etc. We know you and you know us. We expect a lot from one another. You expect us to provide you with more than just rhyme and reason for why you should but shirts and ties from us. In this same vein, we know that you take our advice, incorporate said advice with your own sense of style, and proceed into your fashionably forward future.

So far we’ve covered the denim revolution (shout out the return of denim shirts/jackets), khakis , skinny ties, and such. Per an article from GQ and more importantly co-signed by Instructions, glasses are the new shake. Learn how and where to wear them here:

….Just another accessory to add to the repertoire. Whether or not you decide to incorporate any or all of the trends we’ve covered thus far, the basis of our operations is covering the basics…meaning everything contours to your frame, asthetically and stylistically.  If you shop with Instructions, follow the advice of guys such as the good folks over at GQ, you’ll know better.

When you know better, you do better. Shop with us and we’ll make sure you do. Veritas.

I recently caught up with my buddy Ty to get some insight on fashion in the LA area.  An aspiring model and actor, Ty moved from Michigan to LA a couple of years ago.  For those that watch the ‘Amazing Race’, you may have seen him.  He sheds some light on fashion, culture and women.

1. Give me one word to describe LA fashion?

Trendy

2. What do you see as a staple in men’s fashion in the Los Angeles area?

Fall and winter are defined by jackets. Not USC’s (Unnecessary Sports Coats) but jackets with the military shoulder straps have become a staple in LA fashion.  Kanye said it best “y’all cats wear blazers cause y’all can’t dress no more.”  LA is a very warm city but at night it can get kinda cold depending on the season.  In the summer, screen print T-shirts have gone out of style, but fitted polo’s, v-neck shirts and thermal Henley’s are typical of what people wear.

3.  Is there any type of shirt or tie pattern that is more popular than others?

As for shirts I wouldn’t say that there is one pattern that is more popular than others.  As for ties, skinny ties are definitely popular here.  They are worn both in the workplace with European cut suits and out at night with modern cut button-up shirts.

4. Coming from the Midwest, what do you think would be the biggest difference in not only fashion, but how men carry and present themselves in the LA area? What about the overall culture?

The biggest difference is that people aren’t as friendly out here.  People act very “Hollywood” and definitely fake it until they make it.  The overall culture is very diverse.  In Michigan, we had whites, blacks and chaldeans for the most part.  In LA you have all of the above and also Mexicans, Indians, Armenians, etc.  LA is a cultural smorgasbord as I love every part of it.

5. What do you like the least about LA fashion?

Skinny Jeans!  I personally have gotten away from baggy clothes (as should the rest of society not on 23 hour lock down).  I love European cut suits but skinny jeans have taken the word “fit” too far. Anytime a man has to wiggle into his jeans there is a problem.

6. What do you like most about living in LA?

Weather, women, and if I smoked, weed (hear great things about it).

7. Describe to me some of the craziest fashion you have seen in LA? Man or woman?

Forgive me for this stereotype but considering the aggregate, the Asian race is best dressed.  Men, women, little boys, little girls are all fly.  I feel like Asians start a lot of trends that they don’t get credit for it. That being said, I saw one asian girl who took this Lady Gaga thing a bit too far.

8. Are the women in LA snobby like they are portrayed in the media?

The women are not THAT snobby.  I think its all in the approach and who is approaching, but I’d be lying if I didn’t say a Range Rover doesn’t help.

Instructions Apparel thanks Ty for his insight!

www.theartofdressingwell.com

After two years in business we thank each and every one of you for all of the support.  We looking forward to taking you with us on our journey.  Marcus Ware, a founding partner of Instructions Apparel takes time to answer some important questions and let you in on our next steps.  Check it out!

Ever hear the phrase, “Some guys have all the luck”? Of course you have. If you’re like me, certain people come to mind: Tom Brady, Sean “Puff Daddy” Combs, Frank Sinatra, and my all time favorite hero, Richard Morgan Fliehr amongst  some other very luck bastards that can be described as “the man”. We can arguably add Reggie Kardashian as he’s known in my barbershop Bush to the list.

The guy’s had a pretty good few years: in the last five years, he’s won a Heisman Trophy, a NCAA football national championship as an all-world athlete at USC, a Super Bowl Championship with the New Orleans Saints, in addition to scoring with a lot of beautiful women I’m sure endorsements with Subway, Adidas, and countless magazine covers. Fame, fortune, and the adoration of women of all hues? There’s no denying it, Reggie is the man.

But if I had to put my hand to my hairline and salute him for one reason in particular, it’s the fact that he (like myself) believes in being a throwback to old school masculinity…i.e. dressing with a sense of style which shows that while he gets paid to play a child’s game, he’s very much a man with his ensembles. You have to commend the guy for that.

Thus, it hurt my heart when my brother Sheku sent me this link, where I felt Kim Kardashian made my guy Reggie look like a eunoch. Oh Reggie… You are the 2010 winner of the Duane L. Smith, “Put some shame in your walk award”. It’s ok. Nobody’s perfect right?

Despite allowing Ray-J’s his “better half” (anybody seen that tape?) to steal the spotlight, we still should salute Reggie for holding down the fort for those of us who believe that dressing well for the battles of everyday life is a big part of winning said battles.

Get like Reggie (sans your woman stealing your thunder, of course).

www.theartofdressingwell.com.

Knowledge is power. Veritas.

So, the opening episode of Celebrity Fit Club aired recently.  Now trust me, usually I don’t watch such crass TV (that’s what I’m supposed to say right).  Most of the contestants didn’t really stand out to me.  But, the ones that did have definitely fallen from grace.  Kevin Federline (now known as K-Fat) has definitely seen better days.  But the most striking to me was definitely Bobby Brown.  Clear your mind of the cocaine snorting, crack smoking Bobby of the late 90’s and 2000’s.  Jog your memory and remember the classic hits, the gumby cut, and the dances that we all did at those sweaty basement parties.   Don’t forget about how Bobby tore up the eighties; “Every Little Step I Take”, “My Perogative”, and most importantly “Roni”.  Honestly, Roni (and my mother) probably made me the hopeless romantic that I am today.  Fellas, as we always talk about, never fall off!  Don’t be the popular guy from high school who you see years later who looks like he should be changing the oil on your car.  Now ladies, you have a responsibility in this too.  Motivate your man, work out with him, give your honest opinion about things.  Even though you will always love him (“no matter what he looks like”), encourage him to be the best in everything that he does and be open for him doing the same for you (feel free to give us some constructive ideas).

*Side note: I actually just listened to Roni 5 times consecutively.  Great song!!*

I recently caught up with a buddy of mine Stephen Nemeth to get some insight on fashion in the UK.  A man all about going green, Stephen recently left Washington, DC for Leeds England to pursue a Masters Degree in Sustainability.  Having been there for almost 1 year now, he sheds some light on culture and fashion.

What is the biggest difference in fashion in the UK vs. the US?

It’s hard to choose one. I think clothing here signifies less about your cultural tastes than it might in the U.S. In the U.S. someone wearing skinny jeans, a fitted vintage tee, and Converse might signify that they are a hipster (or hipster wannabe), and you might be able to deduce the kind of music they listen to, the movies they might like, etc. Here, it probably just means that the person is just following a trend of skinny jeans and fitted tee shirts. It seems that people in the U.S. tend to use clothes as a cultural signifier of themselves more than they do here.

What is something that many men wear there that you thought was different or even strange in the beginning?

Casual attire-wise, so many people wear sweatpants out and about on a daily basis. Maybe it’s a function of living in DC for too long, but I want to go up to a lot of them and say “is it that much harder to put on a pair of jeans?”

With regard to business attire, the tailoring on the suits is much better. Even the cheapest suits have a much more tailored fit than the ones in the states. There are also (thank god) far few Tabasco and Snoopy ties on grown men.

Are there any tie patterns that are more popular there than in the US?  What about accessories such as shoes, scarves or even pocket squares?

With regard to ties, I can’t say I’ve noticed a particular pattern that’s more popular, though there seems to be fewer Repp striped ties, surprisingly, more solid color, or solid color with a tiny pattern. There are a lot more scarves here, generally. With regard to business shoes, they tend to be slimmer and far less chunky, with fewer square toed shoes. For casual shoes, everyone seems to own a pair of plimsolls. Messenger bags tend to be a bit louder and more varied than the ones in the states.
What do you find yourself wearing that you may think twice about wearing in the states?

I definitely wear far skinnier jeans than I would have in the states. Also, you can go into a lot of clubs in Leeds without really dressing up. Tee shirts, jeans, and trainers are completely acceptable.

What do you like most about the culture in the UK vs. the US?

People in the shops, and perhaps in general, in the UK tend to be far more polite and engaged. In the U.S., half of the time, it feels like I’m burdening the cashier or clerk with my presence. I rarely have that feeling here.

What is unique about the way men in the UK present and/or carry themselves?

I think people in the UK tend to be less focused on brands and more on the actual clothes. Don’t get me wrong, clothes splashed with “Bench,” “SuperDry,” and “Abercrombie and Fitch” logos abound, but people seem to be more concerned with the trend than who actually makes the clothes, in general. I think men over here tend to be more fashion conscious, though, that may be because the trends are more easily accessible owing to cheap fashion in places like TopMan, Primark, and H&M.

If you ever come back to the states to live, what part of the UK fashion will come with you?

I’ll probably be a bit less conscious about wearing something that I’m on the fence with. If you like it, wear it.

If you had one word to describe fashion in the UK, what would it be?

Jumble.

Are woman in the UK friendlier, easier to approach?

It seems to be about the same as in the States. If you’re approachable, they’re approachable.

Thirty inches last week. Twenty inches more to come.

This isn’t the title of some cheesy mid 90’s porn flick, it’s the Mid-Atlantic region’s weather forecast.

Yeah, anybody in the Washington D.C. area will tell you that this winter’s snowfall can be described as “crazy”. It’s not even so much the weather as it is all the challenges that the weather brings. Whether it’s trying to shovel your car out the snow, trudge your way to the nearest metro rail, or fighting over the last carton of Vanilla Soy Milk at the neighborhood Giant grocery store, this winter’s snowfall has been trying on many fronts.

“Trying on many fronts”…Never have words rang truer than when it comes to trying to dress for this crappy weather. If you’re like me, you still want to put a fashionable foot forward, but not risk doing so at the sake of freezing to death.  That being said, here are a few pieces I recommend investing in that will be your stylish bridge over the troubled waters of freezing weather:

The Flannel Suit:- Huh? A flannel suit? Oh yes, and no, this is not the same flannel that Al Borland was wearing: if you check out any decent suit store (Banana Republic, J. Crew, Jos A. Bank), they have a fine selection of flannel suits that allow out to stay warmer in colder climates and still have the appearance of your everyday wool suit.

Cashmere Scarf:- Hopefully at this point you are in ownership of a cashmere scarf, but if not, get it done, like yesterday. The cashmere scarf can be dressed up or dressed down. It’s so grown man. So necessary.

Wool Pea Coat:- Again, hopeful at this point you are in ownhership of such, but like the cashmere scarf, this should be a staple in your closet. You can wear a pea coat over your suit, with jeans and a v-neck t-shirt, or with any other combination under the sun.

So he were are: take a stroll over to your local Jos. A Bank (for suits only, their shirts and ties compared to ours… well… frankly it’s like comparing a candle to the sun) and try a flannel suit. Even more importantly, add a cashmere scarf and a pea coat to your closet, asap.

Stay Warm. Stay Fresh. Veritas.

Men all over the world are taking more of an initiative to keep themselves up.  As we learn how to be well dressed men, we must also learn how to take care of our bodies. Some of us spend $70 per month on gym memberships that only get used once a month.  Others don’t workout at all because they are too cheap to spend $70 per month on a membership.  Let me give you some guidance on a 20 minute workout that you can do in the comfort of your own home.  Don’t tell me that you don’t have time either, my mom always told me, “you make time for what you want to,” i.e. drinking beer and/or having sex.

EXERCISE                        SETS   REPS

Body-weight squat                               2     15

Side-to-side lunge                                2     10 *

Inverted push-up                                 2     10

Push-up                                              2     10

Close-grip push-up                               2     10

Lying torso raise                                   2     10

Weightless concentration curl                2     10

Crunch                                                2     15

* Each side

Instructions: Perform these exercises as a circuit; go directly from exercise to exercise without resting, and rest one or two minutes once you complete the first circuit before beginning the second one. If you can get through the circuit twice and have time left over, try getting a third circuit in.

Next, let’s be disciplined in our diets.  Some men were born with the gift to eat pizzas and fries for life and maintain a six-pack.  The reality is that 80% of us on earth ain’t like that.  Below livestrong.com sheds some light on how fruits and vegetables should be added to your diet EVERYDAY:

Fruits and Vegetables

Men need to eat between six and eight cups of fruits and vegetables every day, depending on their activity levels and age, reports the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Younger, active men who average more than an hour of physical activity daily should consume 4 cups of vegetables and 2 1/2 cups of fruit every day for optimum health. Older, less active men over the age of 51 who achieve fewer than 30 minutes a day of physically exerting exercise need 2 cups of fruit and 3 cups of vegetables.

Meals

There are simple ways to incorporate the daily recommendations of fruits and vegetables into a man’s daily diet, reports the CDC. Adding fruit to cereal and yogurt, snacking on fresh fruit throughout the day and eating salads can help men achieve their requirements. In addition, men should make a habit of filling half their plates with vegetables at every meal.

Lastly, give your faces some love fellas.  No need to be dressed well with ashy skin.  Be secure in your masculinity, go to ’skin care’ aisle at CVS and purchase some facial products for yourself.  Below khaleejtimes.com gives us some basic tips for keeping our faces looking good:

·Men should start caring for their skin from the age of 18-20.

·Daily beauty products should include a face wash, facial cream/balm and an eye cream.

·Drink three liters of water every day; that will cleanse the body system and your skin will glow.

·Avoid caffeine, fizzy drinks, alcohol and smoking as they damage the skin (all the crap that we love so much!).

·A healthy diet and regular exercise are important for one’s well-being which reflects in the skin quality.

Creeping our way into the spring (the season for weddings, pastel polos and v-neck tees) we all find it necessary to stock up on new shoes.  Of course we need new sneakers and loafers, but it’s time to throw away those salty hard bottoms that got you through the winter and get some new ones.  My mother always taught me that shoes are the most important piece in a mans’ outfit.  LA times gives us some wise insight in this recently published article (http://articles.latimes.com/2010/jan/24/image/la-ig-shoes24-2010jan24?pg=3).  I have dissected the most important parts, giving you some tools to forever live by.

Step 1: Test-drive several models

In a typical day of walking, human hooves endure several hundred tons of force, doctors say. And ill-fitting shoes are the villain behind 1 out of 6 Americans’ suffering corns, calluses and other ailments.

Dr. Dennis Frisch, a spokesman for the American Podiatric Medical Assn., recommends starting with a few basics. Get measured, shop in the afternoon (feet swell during the day), try on both shoes and buy the size that fits your larger foot. Also, make sure you can wiggle your toes and have three-eighths to half an inch between the longest toe and the end of each shoe.

Avoid shoes that feel like they need “breaking in,” Frisch cautions. Although fine leather requires several wearings to soften and mold to the foot, a shoe that’s painful in the store is probably bad news.

“Try different styles and sizes,” he advises. “To find the right fit, you have to invest time.”

Step 2: Avoid sports cars

Meghan Cleary, a footwear author who bills herself as America’s shoe expert, says black and brown control the color spectrum, and lace-ups trump slip-ons “if you want to be taken seriously” in the business world. She encourages men to experiment with colors, but in understated ways, such as black wingtips tinged with deep auburn or deep green hues, or hand-burnished for a different texture.

Cleary rates cap-toe, wingtip and split-toe designs as a virtual photo finish. All are fashionable, she says.

Step 3: Check the tires

“If you mostly sit at a desk, thin soles are fine,” says Frisch, the podiatrist. “But if you get off the subway and walk 10 blocks every day, the shoe is going to hurt and wear out sooner.”

Step 4: Examine the upholstery

“My shoes are cow leather, not calfskin, pigskin or deerskin,” says Kenneth van Dissel, who sold footwear in college and now works as director of engineering at South Coast Plaza. “The other skins don’t fare well in an industrial environment, where my job takes me. My shoes go from plant floor to board room. My highest regard is for cordovan [horsehide] shoes. They last decades.”

Step 5: Look under the hood

Beyond quality leather, craftsmanship is the surest sign of luxury footwear. Eye the stitching on the sole and upper for precision. Be sure the insole is all leather, which wicks away perspiration, lets the shoe breathe and molds to the foot. The inside back of the shoe should be a rougher material, such as suede, to grip your heel as you walk.

Step 6: Cost and maintenance

All our experts agree that you truly get what you pay for with footwear — up to a point. The summit of shoedom — custom shoes such as John Lobb’s $6,200-plus designs — are “great for people with a difficult fit, but the average person doesn’t need them,” Frisch says.

So, what is a reasonable price for top-notch dress shoes? Frisch says $75 minimum, but Daniels suggests at least $200 for high-quality calf leather. And Cleary goes higher, estimating $400 to $500 for corporate-caliber footwear.

Cleary’s dream brand is Dries Van Noten, a Belgian designer. Other panelists place Bontoni, Ferragamo, Cole Haan, Artioli and Prada in the shoe stratosphere. But most rate John Lobb — the footwear worn by James Bond in 2006’s “Casino Royale” — as No. 1. Entry-level prices for these brands range from about $150 for low-end Cole Haans to $1,120 for John Lobb’s cheapest off-the-shelf model.

Duffy says he used to blanch at such prices, until he did the math: “You can buy a cheap pair that needs replacing every year, or one good pair that’s going to last.” Cedar shoe trees, leather creams and resoling can extend the life span of pricey foot duds to a decade or more, experts say. But there is a catch. You need to buy at least one other pair and rotate wearing them, according to the podiatrists’ group. Leather needs to breathe, and using the same pair every day will wreck them.

It seems like with fashion, as with everything else, the more things change, the more they stay the same. With that being said, the Men’s Denim’s Jacket is back. Oh yes ladies and gents.  I know, I know. I am forever telling people about the danger of following “trends” (Ed Hardy t-shirt anyone?), but this is one that will surely having staying power. Denim is back in a major way. It wouldn’t be right if I didn’t give props where they are due: shout out to Kanye West for literally being years ahead of everyone else with the denim movement. The culture of designer jeans has gone above the waist-line; denim shirts and jackets are what’s hot for 2010…and most likely beyond.

However you have to be careful when wearing a denim jacket. You don’t want to get a jacket that’s a tacky clash with your jeans and you end up looking like this guy. You also don’t want a jacket that is the exact same as your jeans, ergo the “denim outfit”.  Some may differ, but I think the idea of wearing the “denim-outfit” came and went about 10-12 years ago. Frankly, we don’t need it to come back. Ever. Real rap. Your best bet is to mix your jacket with a pair of denim that clash, in a good way, kind of like my man Zac Efron does here and so what if it isn’t the guy’s most masculine pic. You all get my point, lol.

Nonetheless, I digress. Denim shirts and especially jackets are back in a big way for guys. Everybody hop aboard the Denim Love Train. I’ll see you aboard. Veritas.

We all know the stories. Cain killed Abel. Sampson cut his hair. Tony killed Manolo. The guy from Sister Act 2 sent his  band member into a 10 year downward spiral of alcoholism because of Claudette Ortiz. Now I’ll admit, losing arguably the finest woman on the planet at the time to your best friend might make you throw back a beer or 15. However, at some point you have to remember who you are. As my dad often quotes Shakespeare’s centuries-old adage, “To thine own self be true”… or something like that.

This brings me to my point. My man, 50 stacks, Brad Pitt. Now when he hooked up with the fair damsel pictured above, most of the world over was in awe. Did two people NOT look better together? I mean c’mon. We’re talking about  unarguably the world’s most sought after guy hooking up with Lara Croft who’d stamped her billing as the hottest woman on the planet this side of Halle Berry.

But we’ve seen what has happen to my guy Brad. I don’t doubt that he loves that woman. Heck he might even like her too, lol! But the man has gone from this guy to this guy. Now it’s not that bad of a drop off… but clearly he isn’t putting forth the effort of the days of old. Call it being comfy, but..actually… nevermind. No need to open a can of worms. :)

Guys, let’s promise ourselves that when we all find our own Angelina, despite nature taking its course (getting thin up top, thicker around the middle, etc.), we’ll do our best to stay the Brad Pitt of old. If not for a sense of self, then do it so that you don’t become blogger fodder. Just my 0.02. Veritas.

Well supposedly PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) thinks so.  Besides doing things like jumping on the stage at an awards show and taking the mic from a winning candidate, Kanye and Amber Rose wore these high priced coats during Paris Men’s Fashion Week and refused to take them off.  Vice President of PETA Dan Matthews stated, “He and his girlfriend look like pathetic creatures from a shabby roadside zoo.”

First, I wonder who asked him to take off his coat?  Did they think that hanging his fur on the back of his seat would make things better? Secondly, if Kanye wants to wear furs, that’s his business.  Do I like the look of them?  Short answer; not really.  Wearing a fur coat is an act that only a handful of people choose to do, i.e. pimps, choice people from urban areas (you know what I am talking about) and pretentious rich folks.  My thoughts, if you are a normal working class individual driving a coupe or mid-size vehicle, stick with pea or trench coats, hoodies and trendy H&M jackets.  There are many options out there that are stylish, yet unique enough to set you apart from the rest.

In short, unless you are trying to overcompensate for something or play/played for a professional sports team, make PETA happy and spend your money on something other than a fur coat.

Unless you’ve been in a cocoon the last ten days, you know that Haiti- the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere-has faced the worst earthquake, hell the worst natural disaster of any kind, in its 200+ year history.

If you are like me, I’m sure you were almost moved to the point of tears seeing the horrific images of so many injured, maimed, and dead men, women, and children. As result of the massive earthquake-which measured in at over 7 on the Richter Scale – and the scores of subsequent aftershocks, some estimates range as great as four or five hundred thousand possible casualties. I’ll let that soak in… 400,000- 500,000 casualties. That’s the amount of people that died during the 9-11 attacks…150 times over.

Thankfully, many organizations are going above and beyond the call of duty to help. There’s ol’ faithful- the American Red Cross, there’s Wyclef’s organization, Yele, and scores of others.

For all you kind-hearted wanna-be sartorialists out there, I implore you to donate any clothing you can to Dress for Success. This is an organization I’ve donated clothes to over the years and more than ever before, could use all of our help. Also, check out Career Planning, an organization in the same vein, which emphasizes job placement as well. Of course there are many others, but you guys catch my drift.

Many of us are more blessed than we realized. To whom much is given, much is expected. Accordingly, I implore all of you to pay it forward, give a little so someone else can have a lot. Veritas.

As Fashion week in Milan Italy gets underway, one thing that peaked my interest (besides these shoes Chris Brown is wearing) is the rise in popularity of the color green.  Scott Scuman (The Sartorialist) called it when he said that “all the cool guys are wearing green as an impact colour here in Italy”, as exhibited in the above picture.  Green is an underutilized color that is good for the man not so into pastel colors, but wants to show flair.  When wearing green, be careful of the tone and amount that you wear.  This picture may paint a more vivid picture.  Wearing green as the dominant color, go with a darker shade.   If you want to wear a lighter shade, keep it at one accessory, like a pocket square or a scarf.

So, I know in many of our blogs we talk about watches and how well they compliment outfits.  Well, it’s true.  A nice watch compliments even a “not so stellar (shitty)” ensemble.  But, in corporate America you have to be careful with how daring you want to be with your wrist wear.  In short, no light blue bubble gum bands, no crazy ICE and no large faces with numbers displayed like an alarm clock.  With watches, keep it sleek and simple, just like we always preach.  A couple of years ago my dad bought me a Kenneth Cole watch (black band, square face with silver outline) that the public loves.  I wear it in both formal and casual settings.  Also, I was given another Kenneth Cole watch (Brown band, round face) by my beautiful girlfriend that everyone loves as well.  When at work, go with a round or square face.  As for the band, stick with brown, black or silver.  Also, stay with the regular format of the hand that goes clockwise; numbers, slashes or nothing at all (Movado) I will let you decide on.  Watches are like underwear, once you start wearing them you feel like something is missing without them (unless you are a rock star, a freak or a woman).

I know to most, khakis remind you of that summer you worked at the golf club or that stint that you had at private school before you were kicked out.  Khakis are underrated in my book and have more sex appeal than you may think.  Khakis became well known during the Second Boer War.  The British forces became known as khakis because of their uniforms.  The name is derived from the Persian word khak which means dust or ash.  Alright, I’m done with the history lesson for the evening.  Now listen up and let me give you a mental picture.  Let’s get some khaki pants, a nice button-up or polo shirt, a nice watch and the appropriate shoes and you are money.  Now, when you rock khaki pants the color of your shirt should be pastel or close to.  Don’t ever consider wearing black or gray, not a good look.  As for shoes, you can go with a loafer, trendy sneaker or boat shoes, which should be brown, cream or blue.  You can do other colors, just not black.   Broaden your horizons and consider my recommendation.  Fine, don’t listen and you will be ironing those same dirty jeans (you know the smell) all spring and summer!

What would you rather have? One of these? or $111 Million Bucks? Exactly.

Not too much to say here… but in case you haven’t heard, All-Star point guard Gilbert Arenas has been suspended indefinitely by NBA commissioner David Stern for carrying/brandishing guns during a purported argument with a teammate. Yeah, you heard that correctly: Gilbert Arenas, who is blessed enough to get paid millions to play a kid’s game ended up in a dispute with a teammate where he pulled out three guns… talk about being a studio gangster.

Due to Agent Zero’s great decision-making skills, with each game he misses, he stands to lose about $147,200 of the $16.2 million he will earn this season in the second of a six-year, $111 million contract. As of Wednesday he had $9,429,505.41 remaining for this season…

Yup, you read that correctly… $147,200 per game… (insert me shaking my head in disgust!).

Personally, I’ve always been a fan of Gilbert Arenas. As a college player I felt he was seriously over-looked. Despite a stellar collegiate career, he slipped to the second round. Hell, he even wears the number zero because he’s always felt he had something to prove. I guess when he brandished those guns that day, he still had that “I have something to prove” chip on his now potentially unemployed shoulders.

But then again, why am I surprised? It’s not like his decision making skills have always been the sharpest. After all, he did show up to his 25th birthday party (which was one of the best parties I’ve EVER been to, fyi) dressed like this:

*In 2010, if you are Jemaine's size, do not buy Suge's size. Please!*

Now, we all know that New Years Resolutions are so passé.

We all know the usual suspects: lose 10 pounds, “get involved” (whatever the hell that means), go to church. Blah, blah, blah.

We all know the types: the Fortune 500 executive in the $200 Brooks running shoes, fanny-pack, too-small runners’ shorts and the “I eat a lot of fancy dinners” stomach.  He jogs down main street USA the first Saturday morning after the new year; we have the buxom debutante  you saw doing her best Coyote Ugly imitation on Saturday night at the local waterhole, now sitting in the front row in church on Sunday morning; and lastly, the soccer mom at Gold’s Gym going 3.5 mph on the last available treadmill attempting to work off those love handles from the holiday season.

We don’t believe any of you! Do you know why? Because you are like the rest of us! Come February, you will be back to your same over-eating, over-drinking, non-exercising ways.

However, unlike you brave souls, I am creating a list of “resolutions” that are actually possible.

My top 5 fashion To-Do list for the 2010 year:

1) Purchase a navy-blue blazer.

-Let’s get this clear: when I say blazer, I don’t mean the jacket/coat from your Jos A. Bank Suit or some random tweed joint your buddy left at your house in a drunken stupor. I mean, thee blazer.  A navy, wool blazer with gold buttons. This is a must do.

2) Dressing for the occasion- all the time.

-A few blogs ago, I talked about the Rat Pack and how they dressed for business, all the time. Whether it was running up the street to the store, a business luncheon, or a night on the town, they represented the essence of male masculinity in their appearance at all times.

3) Not spending too much money on trends.

-Now if you know me, you are probably saying, “The nerve!” “The audacity!” I’ know that I have spent many a dollar following trends that died a quick death (Ed Hardy T-shirt anyone?). But you can stay abreast on the latest fashions without breaking the bank. Prime example: In 2009, flannel shirts regained popularity. I purchased two- for the prices of $25 and $28 respectively.  In 2010, Denim Shirts are making a comeback. I have purchased a Ralph Lauren denim shirt for only $40 (hooray for Holiday sales!).

4) Invest in timeless pieces that will stand the test of time (read: Fitted Trench coat, a “grown-man” watch that costs more than $200, Cashmere Scarf, black pea coat, etc.).

- Quick story. I happen to have a Burberry scarf that is rather pricey. I have had many of my peers tell me that was “too expensive”. But you know what? They spend that much and more following “trends” (Red Monkey Jeans anyone?). Quality is worth the investment, and will stand the test of time.

5) Stop wearing clothes that do not fit.

-This does not really apply to me because I know better, but if you are 6′0″, 180 lbs, WHY are you wearing a XXL sized button up? I am 6′3”, 210 lbs, and I don’t wear a XXL. Neither should you.

To this, I will leave you with a famous quote courtesy of author Chili Davis…

“Growing old is mandatory, but growing up is optional”.

In 2010, let’s “grow up” our clothes. Veritas.

Let’s go down the list, My, My, My, Rub You the Right Way, Wrap My Body Tight, the list goes on and on.  If you were born in the late eighties then you should write Johnny and thank you letter.  One question I want to ask Mr. Gill personally though is, how low is too low?  Johnny, I see you have been in the weight room and you may have pecs that women drool over.  For the first and only time in my life (until I have a daughter) I will say this, “Leave something to the imagination.” My opinion on this is simple, if your shirt reveals the area where if you are hit, the wind will be knocked out of you, you should wear something underneath.  Let’s let the ladies continue their tradition of showing cleavage.  If you need some ideas on what to put under these v-necks or button-ups,here are some simple tips.  For v-necks you can go with a button-up or a t-shirt.  For button-ups (that you want to button down to the fourth button) I would say go with a t-shirt, v-neck or round depending on your flavor.  Trust me, I can appreciate having one or two buttons undone, but when you venture to the third one I get nervous.  Also, don’t use the weather as an excuse; you would break a sweat in the heat even if you were nude.  Happy New Year!

In short order, well all need to figure out WTF we are going get ourselves into on Thursday (NYE). Bottom line for me is champagne, the lady of my life and hors devours, i.e. fried shrimp and grapes.  Now, something more important to think about is what items will present themselves as new trends for 2010.  2009 was all about V-necks, cardigans and military style shirts.  More than likely these items will carry over to the New Year, but what else can we add to the repertoire?  I was reading GQ magazine and they are hyping up the jean style shirt.  In a strange way I can see this catching on.  The jean style shirt is different and seems to be a piece that is versatile.  You can wear it with a blazer, with a tie, without one, etc., etc.  With confidence, a nice watch, and some trendy shoes/loafers I think it can work.  For those of you that dare to be different, try it out.  Personally I recommend not wearing it with the jeans the same color as the shirt (unless you are a baby, jean outfits are not acceptable under any circumstance).

So are tattoos really addictive?  Look around the NBA (Kenyon Martin), music industry (Soulja Boy) or even your apartment building (Random kid who idolizes Lil’ Wayne) and I am sure you will see some ridiculous tattoos on people.  Let me think of the evolution of tattoos.  It was once cool to have one on your bicep, i.e. a cross or a maybe a rose (for the ladies).  Then there was the craze to have either barbed wire going around your upper arm or some type of Chinese writing somewhere.  Nowadays you have to have at the minimum 3 tattoos, maybe a sleeve and one on the side of your neck of something spiritual.

Tattoos are a form of personal expression and I am all for it.  The thing to remember is that when you have them in the professional world keep them covered.  From interviews, to doing work at your cubicle, to company banquets, keep them under wraps.  Even though your boss may be cool and lets you take an extra five minutes for lunch, uphold your professional image. Now in the heat of the summer for your company picnic, I am sure there is no other choice but to throw on a tank top and let the office see that you are somewhat of a rebel.

A Well-Dressed Man On A Mission

As many of you know, I was born in THE city that was more responsible (well, definitely in my mind, lol) for America’s forward progress in the 20th century than any other: Detroit, MI.

Oh yes. Detroit.  Creators of the automobile? Yep. Creators of the American Middle Class? Yep. The birthplace of the Motown Sound…. and fyi, it’s not just about “Motown”… Detroit is the birthplace of some of the best produced music on the planet.  Listen to these guys or this guy here and you will know why I love Detroit with all that I am, through and through.

Today, unfortunately is a different day. As with any other great American metropolis, Detroit has fallen on hard times. Ensuring quality education for the city’s youth has taken a back seat to a cuspid of political corruption and an unemployment rate that some estimate as high as 50% (although I believe that’s a rather steep estimate).

But a few have come forward to right these wrongs: one of whom is a particularly well-dressed man: Robert Bobb.

Former City Administrator and President of the Board of Education for Washington, D.C., Bobb is the newly appointed Emergency Financial Director for the Detroit Public Schools. This man takes his appearance seriously. Do not be fooled by the (sometimes unkempt) beard… those spectacularly tailor-made pinstripe suits, french cuff shirts, and power ties, shows the man is about business. His ensembles are proof of that.

Why this topic? Why Robert Bobb? I think in highlighting any and all things that reflect the art of dressing well, we have to salute the men on the front lines, who maintain a great sense of style. Who says you cannot do a difficult job and look good doing it?

To learn to be a man, you have to see a man.

To be a well-dressed man, you have to see a well-dressed man.

Glad I have had a chance to introduce you to Robert Bobb. Veritas.

Congrats on The Dream and Christina Milian tying the knot.  In the early 2000’s Christina Milian was by far my number one draft pick.  The Dream can now put all of his love ballads to constructive use.  The thing that took me back was his wedding attire though.  Point blank, the man is wearing Capri tuxedo pants and stockings.  Hey, be different, have style, set trends, but don’t overdo it!  I know you have seen the dude at the club with the shirt, tie, blazer, vest, cumber bun, shades, necklace, earrings and a cell phone earpiece.  As we always say here at Instructions, keeping things simple goes a long way.  You all get the point.  I guess the good thing is that he didn’t cheat on his wife and get into an accident in his own driveway (Ok, I’m done talking about Tiger).

Ok, I had to say something about Tiger Woods and his infidelities.  My opinion is that if you are famous, you shouldn’t get married.  Do like Diddy and let your woman know that you are never going to settle down, and if we have children your check will be in the mail on time every month.  If you are worth almost 1 BILLION dollars you will always have women worshiping the ground you walk on…among other things.  Actually, if you are worth more than $100,000 with a nice car and apartment you may have the same luck.  Now, I am not a proponent of cheating, but Tiger, if you are going to cheat then at least get some better looking chicks.  I am going to blame it on his attire.  If he were a better dressed man then his mistresses would have been more enticing.  Has anyone ever seen Tiger outside of attire?  I have, and it’s not pretty!  Tiger, use your “indefinite break from golf” to be a better father and husband, and to also purchase some clothes other than Nike polos and khaki pants.