Just A Touch of Color

The pattern I'm wearing today follows the ethnic trend that is found in this season's menswear trends and styles. When I wear any sort of pattern, I like to make sure that it stands out against whatever I am wearing. As previously mentioned in many of my other posts, patterns should be noticed and not overshadowed by a combination of too many other statement pieces. That's why, with this Aztec patterning on my backpack, I decided to use a very colorless pallet of whites, greys, and blacks for the sake of letting the backpack stand out against everything else. The watch that I am wearing luckily matches to some degree the oranges in the backpack's fabric (a little touch which I really like about the whole look). 

As far as where I got everything, it's all very affordable. The jeans I'm wearing are from a thrift store like any other in your neighborhood and I was lucky enough to purchase them for around $5. My 3/4 length baseball tee is from American Apparel, which at this point in my posts might be recognized as my favorite store, and I purchased it for around $25. As for the shoes, they are identical to the white ones I wore in my post "Spring Green" and were around the same price. Equally loved, but probably worn more often as I wear black more than I do white. I'm not able to tell you where I found my watch as it just appeared in my closet randomly one day. (Now if only that happened more often!) Lastly, my backpack was purchased in Los Angeles last summer from a street vendor for $20 and I couldn't be any happier for making that purchase. What do you think of the backpack? Could you see yourself wearing it? 

Denim Delight!

What was Mario's favorite fabric? ... Denim, denim, denim!

One thing that I never really expected was for all denim outfits to come back. Making its appearance on the runway this season from the likes of Valentino and Versace was a little unexpected to be honest, but I took the chance to go along with it. I mean, who knows better than these high end designers, right? So, with that I decided to try out an (almost) all denim outft myself. Using some simple things that I had in my closet like a denim jacket and jeans with matching wash, I was able to scrape together this number (right). Now, I personally think that this is the only outfit that I can pull off in all denim, but that doesn't mean I can't piece together different ones wearing this denim jacket that I got from Forever 21. It's such a light wash that it can go with just about any shade, color, or pattern (like polka dots!). It's nice to be able to have those options, too! Now, a lot of guys don't have jean jackets, so if you're one of them that doesn't mean you can't take part in this spring and summer trend. Mess around with what you already have! Try different outfits with the denim jeans you already own, and if you're feeling super adventurous, look into buying a denim shirt or backpack like the ones pictured above. Your only style limitation is yourself, so if you feel like trying something new, then why not? Also, if you're like me, you can't always afford to go out and buy trending items right away but if you have that urge, don't be afraid to thrift! Check your local thrift or consignment stores for lightly worn clothes similar to what you're looking for! It's well worth the hunt if you find just the right thing you're looking for. So again, denim is the word for this season! Try it out and see how it works for you :)

Passion for Pink!

Most men might be shied away from the mere thought of wearing pink, but as they say, only real men wear pink. This color trend is actually something that I am very excited for this spring and summer. As you can see (pictured above) I love color blocking and mixing different shades together to make one collective outfit. It's what you might call, "Fifty Shades of Pink." My most preferred articles of clothing to wear as pink are in the collage above - button-down shirts (from Ralph Lauren), loafers (from +ASOS & +Sperry Top-Sider), and shorts. All three forms of those are worn in the picture of my outfit below. Although the collage items are a bit more costly, there are some alternatives to the price.  

In my picture I am wearing a pink shirt found at +H&M for around $15. Can you believe it?! So cheap! The darker pink corduroy shorts I found at Target for around $20 and I paired them with a pair of dark pink (almost purple) loafers I found at Crossroads Trading Company for about $13. You don't always have to spend tons of money to look great! If you're not afraid of a little pink, I suggest you go out and try to find some for your wardrobe. If you're not into statement pieces, maybe try something subtle like a pair of wayfarer sunglasses of a watch like the one by ICE pictured above (available at +Macy's). Don't be afraid to be adventurous! Define your style, don't let your style define you.

Take Me Back... Please?

Late post! Well, as things are starting to wind down during finals week, I can't help but think about that little taste of summer I got when I was at +Coachella . Here you can see me relaxed and soaking up the sun in one of my favorite festival outfits from the fun-filled weekend. I paired my favorite corduroy shorts with a self-made tribal top using a plain t-shirt from +American Apparel. I loved the color combination of the chocolate brown and bright turquoise. I paired the shorts and shirt with my +Steve Madden troopa boots and folder them over for a more "I just threw these on" look. And lastly, no Coachella outfit would ever be complete without a fedora and equally trendy clubmaster sunglasses. I wish I could go back now! One more final to go before my summer dreams become a reality! Thanks for following :)

Spring Forward in Style!

Now that we've moved into daylight savings, you have more time to wear your favorite clothes during the day. Wear clothes that you love, like your favorite plaid shirt, with a pair of laid back denim jeans. Accessorize with a nicely accented watch and a belt to pick up the hues in your shirt. There's also something about this watch that just draws me in. The classic leather straps give the whole outfit a very simple, yet dapper touch that the look needs to stay well kempt (you can find a similar one here from +American Apparel). Don't forget to add the finishing touch of a few sprays of cologne before you head out for the day. I suggest one of my personal favorites, +Lacoste Essential for men - the scent is bold and lasts all day.

Sunshine and Sperrys!

 Bright and sunny days call for bright and fun outfits. Don't be afraid to wear colors to match the Spring weather outside your window. Dress accordingly! I like to take full advantage of whatever sun I can get, so I wear lighter colors to keep cool. Button-Ups are always a nice touch to any outfit, and the floral patterns pictured here add a little touch of originality. Sperry's overall are a very comfortable shoes and I just bought my own pair not too long ago. I've yet to regret the decision, and as a matter of fact, I maybe wear them a bit TOO often. Nonetheless, I love them! How would you dress up your +Sperry Top-Siders?

 

Sunshine & Sperrys by anchoneze on Polyvore

Mix & Match

Before you say anything, I know, I know, this look is completely a winter or fall look. The warm colors, the thick coat, the earthy tones... They all scream cold weather. However! One thing that you might not consider is how easily you can change that up. Replace the navy anorak with a navy t-shirt or v-neck and you have a completely different look. The desert boots are a personal favorite as well (I have four pair) and you can easily find many different colors and styles on the +ASOS site. I'm not sure how I feel about the all-brown rucksack pictured above, but I am ALL OVER the navy canvas rucksack with the lighter brown accent on the pockets, close, and base of the bag. How would you change up this look to make it spring & summer appropriate?

Rainy Day Apparel

The one thing that I love about this look is how simple it is. Some people might contest that the converse are a bit too childish for the sophistication of the coat and formal look of the dark denim, but I think that it would be TOO dressy if there were any other shoes with the outfit. The +Nixon Watches makes the outfit a bit more clean and crisp which I personally enjoy, and the same goes for the white button-down. Overall I think this outfit has a sort of air that resembles a "I tried, but not too hard" attitude which is perfect for rainy weather. Since the rain changes our attitude and desire to wear more relaxing clothing with a laid back attitude, I think that thing collection of clothing exudes just that.