Active Sportswear – are you for real?

Given the massive focus on active sports wear due to the recent focus on the World Cup & Wimbledon – MSP is looking into semi-casual sportswear for blokes, which is proving itself to be more sophisticated than ever before. Active Sportswear also covers sports that aren’t so commercial such as fly-fishing, hunting, sailing, aviation and hiking. No offense fellas, we are aware these sports are dear to your ticker, yet in the light of their social popularity, only the select authentic few are passionate about them. (ps- aviation style/fashion to follow in next week’s blog).

Many moons ago, we saw that luxury brands such as Chanel and Louis Vuitton were venturing into the sports arena with the likes of Adidas and more, to create a semi-casual yet premium look, which quite frankly – worked. The price tag lowered, the ranges expanded, and men could move out of their gym gear and still feel like themselves (in sports clothing) and wear this to outings without having to feel like a tosser and dress in something appropriate that they weren’t comfortable in. Like? Yes.

So in ’style speak’ here’s what’s happening.

Denim textures are changing, there’s more of a rugged appearance developing, shoes are distressed more and more, (which reminds me of a funny story to tell you about a friend of ours and his new R.M Williams, and how he accidentally de-stressed them while stressing himself!), and there is a more sublimated depth to the fabrics.

Because MSP is all about keeping it ‘macho’ and ‘real’, I’m not even going to write about the deceptive trends that I see rising over the horizon when it comes to the faux fur that is being sewn into velvet jackets and hoodies, which will give you a ‘plush’ feel about yourself – it’s way too dandy for the likes of blokes that I chat to. But I am pleased to announce a more engineered nature to the sportswear that is emerging. Knits are being reworked in every manner by designers, and metallics are shining through but if you don’t want to wear your gold Nikes down the street, then that’s fine. We’re happy for you to do so in the comfort of your own home. But don’t be shocked when you see them on the shelves. Just slowly turn away, and walk to the ‘authentic and manly’ shelves and sigh quietly under your breath. You’ve escaped a bullet. Bond.

One area of sportswear that is sitting on top of the ‘uber-cool ladder’ is the virtual leather patches hanging over shoulders or on the elbows of jackets, the finer piping around pockets and the gloves that are needed in the southern hemisphere right now. What is going on with the cold-snap! Freak!

Men either can handle their clothing snug, or they need it to be loose. Depending on your body shape of course. Climate performance jackets are now multi-purpose and user-friendly. Much like an iPad. They’re adaptable, which is a big YES to the men who don’t want to look like they’re trying too hard in the fashion arena, and most are reversible which gives you a satisfying feeling that your money is well spent. Fleece tops are being reworked, but if you are like me, you’d prefer a sheep-skin jacket that is a little vintage. Some designers who are trying to innovate are taking the classic sheepskin and making it into something that is a cross pollination of a hoodie and a terry toweling cardigan. Don’t go there!

One area that I am really digging in this new emergence of sportswear is the 2011 adaptation of the cropped khaki or hiking pant. Snapping just under the knee, you’ll find the functionality when you’re doing your ‘crouching tiger hidden dragon’ the design gives you more flexibility and doesn’t pull at your crouch. We’re diggin’ it! The colours are still in dark and heavy shades, and we’re still feeling like men when we go hunting. Loving it sick!

Best Jeans for Men

Distressed, ripped, tattooed or all-dark and sleek – jeans are now very OK, Monday to Friday, 9 to 5, in the office and out of it, as everyday wear in men’s clothing. They’re so ‘in’, that Yves Saint Laurent even once commented that, “I wish I had invented blue jeans. They have expression, modesty, sex appeal, simplicity – all I hope for in my clothes.”

When it comes to jeans dudes, you don’t have to go super-tight, but at the same time, don’t be afraid of going to a tighter cut than what you might normally feel comfortable in. Slim tapered jeans look great on most men, but if you’re not game, a straight leg or boot cut will function just as well.

Jeans are accentuated best by the shoes you wear (see examples in the image gallery below) and by the top you choose to match the jeans with.

In summer, a simple tee will do, and in winter, try layering – wear a white tee or singlet, a jean shirt (open) and a dark biker leather jacket also open worn over the jean shirt – HOT!

When it comes to designer jean labels, True Religion, Levi, Rock & Republic, Diesel, even JAG, all offer edgy, progressive design inspired by rock & roll and bikers with an emphasis on modern silhouettes and sleek fits. And if you hadn’t thunk it already, the denim industry is a trillion dollar heavyweight that has a finger in every fashion label – and the ad campaigns for denim go through the roof – both in originality and price, as denim marketers try to catch your attention.

Ignore the hype and look for the best deals possible: You can get great specials on jeans (particularly at the end of a season), but without a special, a really good pair can be found for around $140 or so if you shop cleverly. This is not unreasonable, a good pair of jeans should last you a long time if taken care of properly.

Here’s a breakdown of the best jeans styles around and a bit of info on what you should pick for you!

Straight and Loose Fit

Straight jeans are cut the same width from thigh to hip and seem to suit most men, especially those a little heavier all round. Straight jeans also suit the older gentleman because they tend to be more classic and traditional but please, please gents DO NOT TUCK your shirts into your jeans unless you have a waist to die for. Big tums accentuated by tucked in shirts are not flattering at all; instead try a dark, untucked shirt with a u-shaped silhouette to make you look slim.

Loose fit jeans have more room on the bottom and thigh by about an inch. They have a tapered leg but it is a bit looser than the classic cut. Loose or relaxed fit jeans are the most popular for men because they generally feel more relaxed and they allow men to move more and be active.

Boot Cut

Western jeans are a similar fit to classic jeans because they have a slim fitting bottom and thigh, but instead of a normal leg they have a boot leg cut which simply means the jeans are tighter around the bottom of the leg.

Slim

‘Slim fit’ is exactly that – slimming and tapered all the way down from thigh to heel. Suited to the slimmer and muscled man.

Tight & Skinny

A trend that’s been around for a while (and that doesn’t look to be going away that quickly either) is the ’skinny jean’ – a blood constricting fit, cut throughout the leg. Tight jeans are particularly popular with teenagers and young adult males. This generation is currently in the midst of a jeans revolution. Skinny jeans are a part of the younger generation’s culture and way of expressing themselves and making their own fashion standards.

Carrot Jeans

Carrot jeans are for the brave. The very, very strong and courageous. This new, and growing trend made for the trend mad youth market is suited to the daring male fashionista.  Apparently a brainchild of the Levi Corporation, the style was “inspired by the Tokyo’s underground subcultures and (is) a fresh attitude to an otherwise tired and drab denim world”. As the name suggests the jeans are baggy around the thighs – sometimes excessively roomy a la harem pants – and taper down to a narrow ankle. Not for me folks, not for me, but if you’re game, please rock the carrot by all means!

And finally, here’s a sneak peek at Mangano’s new denim for men ad campaign. HOT!

‘Pick up line’ Pants?

There’s a new boy in town – he belts out Sinatra in the shower yet he’s preppy, he rides a muscle bike in chinos and  powers through the jungle in custom tailored pants. And he swears by LA clothier, Franklin + Gower.

Imagine printed pants and shorts that make a statement with a piped trim that’s a talking point fo’ sho’. Better still, pants that become your best pick up line!!!

Founded by long-time friends, Paco McCauley and Eduardo A. Braniff, F+G clothes scream individuality with prints, color and flair the mainstay of the F+G lovemark that’s finding a home in many a strong male’s wardrobe. The company philosophy is simple: smile often and keep positive. Their brand promise is “experience the easiest and most fun possible” and clothes that bring “color, humor, and life to every occasion”. Everybody dance now!!

F+G is quintessentially LA although very different from the Silver Lake hipster and the Beverly Hills suited power broker. It’s smart, confident and successful, with a thread of quirk running through.

F+G claim to be committed to giving back to the Los Angeles community, manufacturing their clothes 100% in the area and employing locals. Hmmm, LA needs some giving back. Last time I visited (Jan ‘10), I wanted to hand out AID and food stamps at the corner of the Beverly Wilshire; that’s how sad the California’s economy seems at the mo’.

Back to the clothes. F+G online shopping experience is a tad different. You can design your own “competitive advantage pants or shorts”, selecting from a range of cotton twills, micro and wide wale cords and seersucker fabrics, pick your cut and size and then trim them in wild stripes or mild pipes depending on the nature of the evening (and morning) you are after.

Not good with decisions? F+G offer a list of recommended (and highly effective) looks: dressed up cords for your classier conquests, tricked out cotton shorts for when laid back is the order of business. Either way, their pants and shorts are going to look great on … and off!

www.franklinandgower.com

Get your sexy back with Timberlake – budget style

TIMBER!!!

Pull together some Timberlake style on a budget with the JCPenney crew – jcp.com. 

Disclaimer: No trees milled into subsequent paper money were involved in the making of this shout-out on behalf of the JCP crew! There might be a long lunch organised by JCP’s PR however next time we in the Big Apple or wherever they live in the States, preferably the Big Apple. With Timberlake … and his mum … no cats, I’m allergic.

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?

Let’s talk about Sex-eee-ness…

We’re never ready for that electable feeling of manliness that can creep into our groins when traipsing home from the boxing ring in sweaty Lonsdale’s and smelling not far from an abattoir. But you’re feeling good. Damn Good.

And we’re never expecting the moment when you’ve fully serviced yourself in the shower, sung few tunes of Sinatra or T.I. in the foggy mirror before towelling yourself off like you’re whipping numchucks around your body like your 5pm Ninjitsu class. You hear that Dolce and Gabanna suit calling your name in the next room so you mince on in, as if it’s to be greeted by the girl of your dreams cascading down your pillows. But once dressed, you feel like a garbage bag of beer bottles.

So what is it!

Blame hair loss, even bad lighting – nothing can prepare you for this cruel dichotomy. And what’s even crueller is – Men who possess an innate manliness tend to do the least worrying about how they measure up to the very mystery of sexiness.

So let’s firstly establish one thing – Sexiness has nothing to do with Sex. It’s inextricably linked to sex as a concept but totally separate from the act. Yes fellas, we’ve all head it before, feeling sexy is a state of mind and sex starts in the brain. If you can get into her head – it’s done and dusted. But let’s get back to you.

Despite the preoccupation with sexiness; it gracefully transcends age. You may be feeling threatened by those Gen-Y’s with their uber-cool ‘off the clock’ magnetic pull of every 25 year old kitten that you’ve got your eyes on, but fear not my friend, sexiness has a lot to do with posture, voice intonations, dress code, smell, dimensions of your ‘Guns’ and owning yourself, more than you think. It’s about being at home in your skin and having a healthy dose of Ego (not one that you park in your garage every night).

So, if you’re wanting to hear more about sexiness, how to attract a women through your style, your dress, your tone of voice; we’ve got the e-book for you!

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.

Loose fitting clothes – art or deception?

There are reasons why men wear what they wear. And at Style Power we have looked into the psyche of why we do such a thing. Men will usually wear what they are use to or have seen. But they also wear clothes to purposely look good or bad. (I see you’re perplexed) In this instance, loose fitting clothes are to hide something, and in most cases it’s a body that men don’t feel good in. And this is the reason why in our e-book we unpack the archetypes of men as well as disclosing 3 key body shapes to educate you in what will really look good on you, and more importantly make you feel good.

In a word loose fitting clothes represent, sloppy. Eek. (Unless of course you are a rapper). Choose clothes that fit your body. This might take some experimentation by mixing and matching certain cuts and styles until you find the right fit for your body that is flattering; but it is worth the time.

Pull your socks up!

We all make fashion errors now and again, but some fashion mistakes made by men are never forgotten. Back in the late 18th century to make a mistake in fashion was almost unforgivable, and those who witnessed your mistake did not want to be seen with you, so they would not invite you out on their next occasion. They saw it as a lack of knowledge and to dress badly was evidence that you were ignorant towards social graces. We may have more liberty today to wear clothing as a form of expression than acceptance, but we are still judged harshly for our fashion faux pas.

Now a man’s finances may inhibit him from buying something that he really wants, but that should not affect his dress sense or grooming skills. The one title that a man does not escape from is that of a shabby ho-bo.

A big no-no in fashion for me is wearing “Socks with Sandals”… Scrolling through my catalogue of fashion images I came across a very high-end designer who is determined to avenge the socks with sandals look. Unless you’re living in Italy and the rest of your garment is Versace I don’t think you can pull this one off. I understand that when it is chilly outside we all dream of the warmth of the summer sun, but wearing socks with sandals doesn’t make the seasons change any faster. If you want to wear sandals this badly, move to the Bahamas. In fact, the Stylemeister is there right now sipping on a little pina-colada. Hey dude!

Stunner-Esque Shades

Coming out of the fog and concrete jungle of LA is a meticulously designed sunglass label called Dita. Not only stunningly hand-made in Japan, the high grade materials of this masculine design lets the frame compliment the features of the wearer. The founders, who were friends since grade school, have a love for design and photography so it’s a powerful combination for this stylish vintage inspired eyewear to take ground in the sunglasses market.

A selection of gradient lenses gives you a seductive peak as to who the wearer is glancing at. Gray, tortoise, burn brown and black are favourites of this polarized stunner-esque eyewear and the frame sits powerfully on your dial with its straight-across bridge design.

The frames are titanium and you have a very cool selection of the hardware/divots choosing either antique silver or 12K gold plated. And no need to worry about that red dot on either side of your snoz when removing the sunnies ever so slowly; the nose is rubber padded as to eliminate this embarrassing aftermath. Send in your script and Dita will fit the lenses for you. What great service!