Slick up your style, classic guy!

Are you a “classic”? Do you like the tailored look; sharp edges and slick, dark silhouettes? Are you a man after Cary Grant or Clooney’s style?

Here are the essentials to get that enduring, classic look:

Suits and jackets: dark, silhouetted, tailored, fitted well.

Shirts:  Classic black, white and blue in colour, well cut.

Accessories: Slick ties, unique cufflinks, classic timepieces.

Shoes: Minimalist, clean lines and the occasional shine.

Your brands: Burberry, Prada, Hugo Boss BLACK, Paul Smith London & PS Paul Smith, Kenneth Cole, Polo Ralph Lauren.

To cut that dashing figure, just make the following items are in your wardrobe!

First impressions count & girls don’t want to interview

Summer was a great girl with luscious, long, black locks, a quick smile and a fun, bubbly personality.

When Tom first saw her he was intrigued by her sharp mind, gentleness and genuine joy. He too wasn’t a bad specimen, with a kind heart, a shy smile, great guns, and quick wit.

They’d met through mutual friends and they quickly became part of the same crowd, hanging out at barbeques, dinners and beach parties.

Overtime Tom became increasingly enchanted with Summer and her great personality. He started vying for her attention in the hopes of scoring a date but each time she’d laugh him off gently. She’d smile easily at him, and chat and laugh but he just could not get her interested in him in anything other than being a casual pal. Worse still, he could tell she never gave him a thought after they parted company each time.

Then came the day their friends hosted drinks after work. Tom sauntered into the bar in a beautifully tailored, form fitting D&G suit and … Summer nearly passed out. The ‘Tom’ standing before wasn’t the slouchy baggy pants, oversized T, Nike tottin’ homeboy she knew. He looked like a smart, successful and confident man and in one moment, she too was enchanted.

Months later, after they were engaged, Summer let him in on what had changed her mind about him – his new-to-her, elegant style had made her consider that he was a man worth taking seriously.

True Story!

Tom learnt a powerful lesson – what you wear and how you wear it leaves others with a very strong impression of who you are. Your style is tied very closely to your identity and more than that, to your image. Tom burnt his oversized jeans and Ts and bought shares in D&G.

Style is for real men, not posers.

Right now all over this planet, decisions are being made on who to promote, who to date, who to hire and who to fire; with a strong emphasis on the overall impression that the subject leaves on the decision maker.

Although ‘MENSTYLEPOWER’ does not in anyway promote image over character, we do encourage gentlemen all over the world to take the time to think about how they are perceived – what does your image say about you? Are you Shabby? Flabby? Crabby? Or Sexy? Seriously, ask yourself the question and if you can’t honestly answer it, ask a chic – your sister, girlfriend or gal pal.

Do you get compliments on your style often? Do you enjoy the feeling that comes from being told you look good? Or do you only get that feeling on Sundays at church, or at funerals, when you drag out your only suit?

Your image strongly determines your career path, your personal happiness and your self-confidence. It’s elemental, right?

The problem is, many men simply don’t know what to wear or how to wear it.

This what you’re going to learn from us: Style involves understanding how to wear clothes that suit you. One guy can throw on a pair of jeans and T-shirt and looks great, while another guy can wear a T-shirt and jeans and look horrible.

Most men don’t suit most high-fashion trends so DON’T wear it simply because it walked down of a runway in Milan. There are quirky men who can carry off ‘quirk’, but most men can’t.

Alternatively, the homeboy look – oversized, really sloppy pants hanging off a man’s waist – gives the impression the man is just as sloppy in his private life.

The tight, bum squeezer is also a no-no! Others won’t easily trust you’re comfortable with yourself (and your sexuality) if you’re constantly mincing around in overtight trousers and jeans.

When you’re trying too hard it doesn’t work. When you’re trying too hard or not at all, it shows!

MENSTYLEPOWER focuses on helping you make a great first and lasting impression that’s unique to YOU – individuality rules and reigns in our world!

MENSTYLEPOWER will give you the confidence to try something new because looking good is not complicated – if you have a few simple, key, modern and yet comfortable and elegant wardrobe items.

And because we believe that style is also about character MENSTYLEPOWER discusses the importance of character, integrity and chivalry as attributes of the stylish man.

Take the ride with us and become the coolest YOU in town.

Dolce & Gabbana Menswear – Spring Summer 2010

It is THE coup de foudre of this fashion season and probably the best ever collection to come from any one menswear designer in years.

Imagine solid colour accented with detailed trimming that is presented in a bold almost brash fashion. Imagine a collection where white becomes the new black and black is presented in new and ever inspiring shades of the hue that you’ve never ever imagined. Imagine bling and sparkles come alive in this the most masculine and geometric of designs to come from the genius minds of Domenico Dolce & Stefano Gabbana.

The collection is sheer manliness; it screams elegant masculinity from the rolled up trouser cuffs (a 20s trend making a truly inspired comeback) to the erstwhile rough and tumble yet elegant jean designs that have become synonymous with D&G and blocky black single button suit jackets that are visual sex on tap.

And we can’t go past the finale – the striped bling-shine, crackin’, fitted tuxedo suit that would certainly leave any James Bond fan and character breathless.

The MSP team is extremely thrilled with this amped, spiffy, cray cray, hoppin’, off da heezie, tight, kick in the pants collection!! Enjoy and if you can afford it get some of these pieces into your wardrobe; namely – a pair of the slim black casual trousers (roll em up for the best effect), a crisp white shirt and white trimmed jacket, a striped suit and that HOT tuxedo jacket. And don’t forget those sleek dress shoes … a must have for any self respecting gentleman!

What does Jeffrey Donovan aka Michael Westen wear?

OK dudes, we’ve heard your numerous cries of help and we’re here to render assistance. Many of our searches and requests on the MSP site have been pleas for us to uncover what the heck Jeffrey Donovan wears, on the popular TV show ‘Burn Notice’.

If you haven’t heard of it, ‘Burn Notice’ is a very well written tongue-in-cheek spy caper that’s obviously got a massive (underground?) following and its star, the wry and dry Michael Westen (played by wry and dry Jeffrey Donovan) has become a cult phenomenon. I know coz I watch the show religiously and I love it so much that nobody, and I mean nobody, is allowed to speak to me while its on.

In probably one of the best characterizations on TV today, Westen is the unlicensed private investigator/spy/soldier of fortune who manages to remain highly fashionable, while being consumed by the desire to find out why he has been burnt (i.e. blacklisted as a CIA spy/agent).

Westen is highly trained in various forms of martial arts, such as Sambo, which he uses when pretending to be Russian or whatever other nationality is required to bring about his own kinda loose justice. His cool demeanor and sarcastic tongue gets icier as he battles and outwits an array of mobsters, con artists, contract killers, professional thieves, drug traffickers, sex traffickers, deadbeat dads, arms dealers, kidnappers and war criminals without breaking a sweat in his very cool designer threads.

Here’s a breakdown of his wardrobe. Enjoy and beg us no more!

NB: Westen is a one-woman man and boy are we loving that here at MSP. There’s nothing like a man who’s committed to his woman and not to childish playa antics. Swagger!

Best Suits for Men

A successful investment-banker in a sharp Italian suit, a lawyer about town in an elegant two-piece affair, a politician on television in a formal suit-and-tie: all these members of the male species depend on their suiting and style to gain them standing and instant respect in their public life. Wearing an impeccably tailored suit is already a statement of affluence and impeccable taste, while the cut and style speak volumes about the wearer even before a single word is spoken.

The suit became commonplace in late 17th Century France. Louis XIV, the ultimate emperor of style led the charge towards a more casual and comfortable attire for men during his 72-year reign, shifting the style of male clothing from the doublet, hose, and cloak, the fundamentals of a man’s wardrobe, to coats, vests, and breeches – the three predecessors of modern male attire.

Suits are the ultimate business statement making an impression at interviews, in boardrooms, during cocktails and formal dinners. Why? A suit is still seen as a way to gain respectability and a man wearing a well-fitted stylish suit means business.

So how do you pick the best suit for you?

1. You need at least one fantastic suit in your wardrobe.

If you don’t have much money then probably the one item to make a large one off investment in is your jacket. Don’t feel shy spending at least $500 for a great suit – even more if you can afford it. Then substitute it with a couple more light-weight suits and jackets in the $200-$400 range to help mix things up.

2. Always make sure your suits and shirts fit well around the collar.

Don’t buy oversized collars, they come across as slack and lazy. And too tight, well, we all need to breathe now don’t we??

3. Match the suit to your lifestyle

Some men can easily mix patterns, suits, stripes, loud pocket kerchiefs, silky shiny materials, hats, tophats, and blinged up cufflinks. Some cannot!! It’s important to find the style that suits your personality, fits your career (bling in a conservative law firm certainly won’t go down that well!) and helps you ease forward in the game of life.

4. Accessorise!

Ties are the one accessory for men that can really be personalised and allow you to express yourself and add some color and diversity. Ties can be suited up or dressed down with jeans and a white shirt (open top button and loose knot). Wander into second stores to dig up some classic and vivid ties with vibe and spirit, and perhaps spend a bit more on some nice new (perhaps black or red) versatile ties.

5. Find the right fit for your body:

* If you’re a big guy:

Remember there’s more of you to love, so wear your bulk with pride. Wear lightweight, suits built from heavier textiles will only add weight. Soft, worsted wools are your best friend. Choose darker colors which give desired slimming factor plus they’re classy and classic. If you’re going to stripe it, make it a solid vertical to create a sleek, slender visual. The jacket: Two buttons are optimal – they won’t draw attention to your bulky frame and stay single on the vent, which will give you the extra room you need minus the extra attention.

* If you’re tall and lean

Add weight with heavier fabrics – on a tall, skinny guy, lightweight fabrics will hang and make you look all the more frail. Heavier wools like tweed or a heavier weight worsted wool that hold their form is the smart decision; and give you much-needed proportion and the appearance of additional weight. Colours – opt for the greys and classic browns – Lighter colors, will add weight to your overall look. Jacket? Three buttons create height and length, tall guys, with their longer torsos, can pull this look off successfully. Keep it classy with the single vent – Although taller, slimmer men tall, skinny men have two options for the vent: we advise that you stick with a single-vent or ventless jacket which is always the classier choice.

* If you’re slight and shorter than average

Avoid loud patterns – The print of an overly bold pattern screams for attention and will only draw attention to your slight frame. Subdued, chilled out colours and small stripes, if any, will be far more stylish for you. Stripes – For shorter men, the next best thing to a shoe with a higher sole is a suit with vertical stripes. As stripes run top to bottom, they tend to draw the eye upward. Plus, they also lengthen your frame by elongating the look of the suit; giving you the illusion of appearing taller than you really are. Go for double vents – Small guys, the double-vent jacket was created with you in mind. The dual slits (or vents) along the side emphasize the outside lines of the body; in doing so, they establish an attractive, longer silhouette that complements and lengthens your frame.

More about suits …

The Bespoke Suit:

These are custom made by a tailor from a pattern created entirely from the client’s measurements, giving the best-fit and free choice of fabric. Some of the most expensive suits in the world are painstakingly hand made by an increasingly scarce breed of extremely skilled tailors. These tailors know how to make suits that hide physical flaws and highlight attributes, without sacrificing comfort. Machine use is minimal, and each and every nuance of a client’s spoken and unspoken needs are met and often exceeded. Brioni, Attolini, Kiton, Luigi Borelli and Caraceni are some of the best known names in Italian bespoke suits. Some of the world’s most expensive suits are the Kiton K50s exclusively tailored by Senor D’Orsi, one of the finest tailors in the world. He makes not more than 50 suits in a year, each costing up to 50,000 USD. The fabrics used on a bespoke suit are usually the best, mostly worsted wool for business suits. These fabrics are used in the counts of 80’s and 90’s, or super 100’s, super 150’s and higher. The counts in the range of 80’s and 90’s also feel great and usually last longer than higher counts made at even the best clothing manufacturers. For those who can afford it, a bespoke suit made in the super 150’s fabric can be an absolute asset. It feels fabulously comfortable to wear and looks even better.

Made-to-Measure Men’s Suits:

Not every one is privileged enough to get a bespoke suit made, but there is a range of suits which is nearly as good. With made-to-measure suits, (a pre-made pattern modified to fit the client, with a limited selection of options and fabrics is available) it is possible to achieve a degree of customization because the tailor takes up to 25 measurements of an individual body, and these are then sent to the factory. Here, alterations are made to already available basic patterns in order to achieve the best fit possible. Special requests like extra pockets, specific fabrics and linings, and a certain design and style can be accommodated. Some of the best fabrics, threads and interlinings are used, which helps guarantee a quality suit. But the production is assembly line, and many tailors work on the suit at different stages of production, unlike the single tailor for the bespoke suit. Ermenegildo Zegna su Misura does some of the best fittings in the made-to-measure industry. A good deal of technology goes into the making of these suits and their fabrics. Some Zegna suits use fabrics like Micronsphere which has all the great qualities of a worsted but is also stain-resistant, or Cashco, which is a blend of cashmere and cotton, making it an all-weather fabric.

Off-the-peg Designer Men’s Suits:

Though these cost about half that of a good made-to-measure Italian suit, they are still worth the money. The first and foremost advantage is speed, no agonizing fittings and long waits for the suit to get ready, and if chosen carefully, an off-the-peg suit from Prada, Armani, Versace or Gucci fits quite well and is unbeatable for casual elegance and comfort. The trick is to shop around for the right size, cut and look. What is more, off-the-peg suits are good for those who are looking for variations and for different types of fabrics and styles. The beauty of an off-the-peg designer suit lies in its ability to change from season to season, and to bring in a hint of casual flair to the conservative world of men’s business clothing.

Ready to Wear:

These suits are mass produced, least expensive and most common. You’ll find them in department stores and they’re a good option for the budget conscious shopper. If you’re diligent in shopping carefully and following the tips above on getting the best fit for you, these suits may allow you to look suitably elegant in business attire and save your pocket at the same time.

Gaspard Yurkievich who?

Gents watch out for the Fall Winter 10/11 Paris men’s fashion collection from Gaspard Yurkievich Homme.

Masculine suiting with just a little peppering of true artistic designer-wear, where the shapes are curved like the bonnet of a Ferrari. We are loving the journey from traditional suits, to new artistic shapes to the shop floor for our readers to enjoy.

Adding a slightly casual look to his range, he underlays his grey, charcoal and matte suiting with large bold French striped shirts, jumpers and wools. Later taking out the strips and adding subtly tie-died fabrics that seem to swirl around the shapes of a man like a vampress mist, giving this collection another dimension. A real WOW factor!

The shoulders in Gaspard Yurkievich ready to wear range take on a pinched look which adds flavour and confidence to the already brilliant shapes.

And if you thought that wasn’t enough, the end of his runway show brought out suiting with leather squares sewn into blazers and jackets and the length of the trouser was shortened to give a glimpse of stunning sockery. Brilliant!

Gaspard Yurkievich accompanied half his collection with accessories such as overnight bags, back packs and the ever present ‘man bag’. Very masculine and a stunning achievement for this underground designer.

The Westwood Homeless

Right so this must be the new way designers are showing off their ranges, because if you put all this stuff together for your daily outfit, you’d be looked upon as some homeless duff. Right? So, in viewing these pictures, you can see that the consumer would more than likely say, “Ok, I love the belt on that look, and maybe the shoes on this look” but all in all, is it a piece-meal collection or one peppered with utter genius?

“Last night the press release for Westwood’s menswear collection, for Milan Fashion Week, declared: “Perhaps the oddest of heroes to emerge this season, Vivienne Westwood found inspiration in the roving vagrant whose daily get-up is a battle gear for the harsh weather conditions . . . Quilted bombers and snug hoodies also work well in keeping the vagrant warm.” Yes. The homeless.

Of course, in the candy-colored world of Vivienne Westwood, homeless people are all young with great bodies, high cheekbones and flawless skin, and they all have super-styled hair and brightlycolored clothes. And sometimes they’ll walk around in big goofy hats or even teddy bear heads!

Darlings, you just can’t write about it! Well….I just did.

SO – we all know that inspiration comes to artists in various forms, but for a high level designer such as Vivienne Westwood to be inspired by the homeless means there has been a scary increase in percentage of these forgotten people. So if that is the case, and she is riding the dusty coattails of these people; then every piece sold from the collection, should have a percentage donated to the homeless. Our belief is if the influential are going to take something from the homeless who have nothing, then something should be given back. Agree?

Vampires and their Hair

Quite unknown and obviously youthful, Kristen and Robert have exposed their real-life relationship which obviously has developed from their silver screen tension. Clearly Robert Pattinson is the heart-throb of nearly every teenage girl on the planet. And included in this group are Gen X and Baby-boomers who are happy to reminisce on such days when innocence of a first love flourished. Robbie has by-passed the Hollywood code of conduct and rule book, to draw in his co-star with chivalry, gentlemanship and respect. Wow – those are words not used nearly enough in the media these days, but the question remains…are they here to stay or are we going to have another Rihanna and Chris Brown saga?

Pattinson is to me, very uncomfortable in real life. He’s shy, awkward and with his angular face washed of the Vampire makeup of the alluring character Edward Cullen, the dangerous predator disappears and the true person remains. Feeling comfortable in your own skin must be one of the most difficult life lessons, and yet many of us blokes don’t get it until we’re starting to get that salt and pepper look on top and we give in. Oh well, youth has eluded me so I may as well just accept my look. Yes! Do that! But do it now.

The Vamprish style has always been controlled by black. Black isn’t a colour, it’s a shade. So it will sit well on anyone. Because the pupils of our eyes are complimented and the composition of this shade brings focus to the face. The timeless look of this style is in the fusion of loose fitting jeans, ties, vests and tailored jackets. Absolutely no jewellery. The best palette is charcoal, grey, deep blue, black, metallic and white. And as for the hair – that ‘just got out of bed’ look is the go.

You don’t need to be Royalty to have a Tailor!

It’s downright unseemly to have a tear in the crotch of your trousers right? So where do you go to mend this? Is there a service where someone can stop by your place to give you what you want in terms of fashion attire? And not just any attire; we’re talking custom made suiting and tailoring.

In Miami, USA, an absolute veteran has moved into his own field of providing custom made suiting and tailoring right in the comfort of your own retreat.
He knew he could lower the price of custom made suits by eliminating the retail overheads and use his contacts to access fabric mills in various countries. The Stylemeisters like him already!

The masked hero, sends out an army of his highly trained reps to men’s doorsteps to measure shoulder widths, arms lengths, torsos, waist size and more, to tailor up a magnificent suite for your body. He then ships your specs to meticulous tailors in Hong Kong who make your power suit within weeks. So who is this genius? We’re talking about Enzo Sartori.

Enzo is a perfectionist when it comes to fitting the right suit to your body shape and size. He’s also passionate about the right fabric for your attire. The secret mills that he sources his product from also make suites for Calvin Klein and Valentino, so you are getting a super deal!

The Stylemeisters are very pleased to see the return of the suit. It seems that disposable fashion is starting to wane and the nostalgic days of old are returning with chivalry. You don’t need to be part of the Royal lineage to have a tailor, all you need is a mobile phone to call Enzo and sit back with a cognac and cigar for your perfect suit to arrive.

Confidence to look good!

It's time to find the best YOU!

Clothes make the man. We say it over and over in our E-book. If you don’t believe me, take a close look at the women who stare you up and down when you walk through the street. A-huh, they are checking you out. And since the first impression is your external architectural style-map (because they haven’t had a moment to sit down and listen to your incredible take on world politics) this is what you’ll be judged on. Or think back to that pang of jealousy you felt the last time you were sitting in a pub with some mates, downing a Leffe Blond Belgium Beer (now that’s a nice one) and you saw an impeccably dressed guy walk into the pub and immediately command the attention of the room. Your jealousy was scoffing sentences in your head like, ‘humph, so what he looks like Brad Pitt with his Armani suit on. It’s probably fake. Who cares, I don’t. I’ve got $1mill in the bank and I’m driving a Maserati. Twit, if he thinks he can walk in here as if he owns the place’. Ha – I’m laughing as ten years ago I probably did that! But back to the topic at hand. You want to be that guy! You want to command the attention of the room. You want to have every head turn to you when you walk adorning your Prada suit. Right?!

We have created an E-book that we’re pretty chuffed about because it’s covering so many topic to bring the best man out in YOU. When you’re not sure what to ditch in your wardrobe, or what pieces to invest in for your new ‘look’, then we have the most classic, and edgy tips for you. We know that women have been driving and dominating the fashion scene for decades, and now, more than ever (in this time of instant gratification), we need clarity and simplicity. Don’t get dismayed with advertisements screaming ‘buy me, buy me’…we know you’re confused. So we went to work, late nights, sleepless nights (Well that was Style-meister) to help you out. You don’t need to blow your savings budget to upgrade your wardrobe. Take it one step at a time. We know when you feel good about your appearance, you’ll naturally project confidence.