Manolo for the Men Fashion and Lifestyle Advice for Men

July 5, 2013

Robert Owens Tailored Skirt (FOR MEN) – The Review.

Filed under: Bad Fashion,Men's Fashion — Erik Nabler @ 7:07 pm

Now, I am as fashion-forward as the next man (actually I am not, but let us engage in willing suspension of disbelief here) but when I look at the Rick Owens tailored skirt for Men (On incredible sale-marked down from $1457.79 to 499.00 on Gilt) I am struck by the exclamation, “Wuck?”  I challenge you to look at this picture and not say “Wuck?!?”.

Seriously?  Radical Islam has gone too far, now.

Seriously? Radical Islam has gone too far, now.

 

This begs a lot of analysis. First, who thought up $1457.79? $1458 is just too high for a skirt? Second, why would a man need a skirt? Especially a maxi. I can tell you from my travels in San Francisco that men’s hem lines are moving up, not down. And it doesn’t even have a decent slit. This is a serious problem as you are going to have to do some fast running to get away from the people with decent taste that are going to try and pummel you to stop the rot. Did he get the idea from watching kids do sack races?

My best guess is that this is some kind of publicity stunt. I bet they don’t even have any stock to sell. Probably all photoshopped. I dare one of the Manolo’s readers to try and buy one. I bet they tell you it is out of stock. Here is the Gilt link to the skirt.

Postscript: Not knowing much about Rick Owen’s and his work, I googled up some stuff. After looking over the pictures of his “creations” I am now convinced that he is a clever hoax who doesn’t even exist. Clearly his creations are the work of some kind of fashion prankster. Kudo’s to you, interweb humorist!

April 21, 2013

Men’s Stud Earrings

Filed under: Men's Fashion — Harry X @ 12:49 pm

Men’s stud earrings will make you look charming and definitely put you in the spotlight. Why should women be the only ones who look fabulous all the time when men have the option of accessorizing with something as beautiful as men’s studded earrings and stand out from the rest? For many, studded earrings not only offer an opportunity to look different but also to look handsome at the same time. One of the most popular styles among diamond earrings are diamond stud earrings. Available in different cuts, these earrings are a must have. The variety makes them well suited, according to the different requirements, and provides the potential buyers a wide range to choose from to look absolutely amazing.

The different men’s stud earrings designs include diamond stud earrings, diamond cluster earrings, prong diamond earrings, and funky designs such as the skull head studs. These earrings are classic, elegant, and are an essential part of a startling wardrobe. The earrings are available in various cuts such as the round cut. Since they are made of gold and silver, they prove to be a sound investment for your future as well, thus not letting your money go to waste. Also, the diamond makes your earrings look even more appealing and magnificent, adding charm and personality to the jewelry. Along with being beautiful to look at and leaving others in awe, diamond is one of the toughest materials on earth. This makes diamond earrings very strong and virtually unbreakable.

Choose the size and design that would suit you most and make you look extraordinary. Available in all shapes, colors and sizes of diamonds, these earrings can be made of gold and silver. The price range also varies according to the intricacy of the earrings, the value of the diamonds used, the amount of gold or silver used, the craftsmanship, customization and various other factors. For most satisfied buyers, stud earrings tend to become a staple, a glittering and valuable item added to the individual’s jewelry repertoire which can be used to accessorize almost any outfit and worn anywhere.

For a wide variety of diamond studs for men in a number of different designs, you can check out traxnyc.com; a company that gives you the option of either choosing from their collection of earrings or ordering a custom made earring according to your needs. Their specialization in jewelry over the last few decades and experienced craftsmen, gives them an edge and allows them to make it worth the money for the customer. The studs not only add charm and variety to your current jewelry collection but essentially serve as an investment, considering the rise in prices of precious stones. TraxNYC has served celebrities like Akon and Ludacris, and will surely be able to provide the perfect stud earring to go with your style and tailored to your liking to complete your look.

March 24, 2013

The Growth of Men’s Fashion

Filed under: Men's Fashion — theMaterialist @ 10:20 pm

For many years, fashion has been the domain of women. The major fashion shows around the world were geared towards women with designers creating extravagant haute couture dresses and clothes for females. In the past, men’s fashion always seemed to take a back seat but with demand increasing, things are slowly beginning to change. The fashion industry has finally discovered the huge marketing potential in men’s fashion and at the same time, more males are becoming increasingly style-conscious. Even men, who may not appear to be so interested in clothing combinations from the outset, grumble at the limited selection of options they have in stores that cater for both male and female fashions. Sociologically, this could be due to a whole range of reasons, from urbanization to the glamorization of top sport stars.

Business fashion and accessories
There is, in fact, one exception within the fashion realm in which men have always played a dominant role and that is the business suit. In the corporate world, dress codes are geared towards men and there are clear and precise guidelines on what that includes. For many years, the sector has been and in a certain way still is a male dominated sector. This is a trend which has found its way into the business fashion world. For men, this brings the huge advantage that one always knows exactly what to wear. Even if the dress code for a business invitation is not precisely stated, one can be sure to always be on the safe side with a suit and a tie. After all, in more corporate sectors it is always better to be slightly overdressed than the other way around.

While the streamlined business fashion for men has the advantage that not much time and effort is spent on finding the right outfit, it also makes it somewhat difficult for the style-conscious man to set himself apart and create his own unique style. Here is where stylish accessories can come into place and create that unique look that will get the wearer noticed. The most stylish and popular accessories are, without a doubt, stylish luxury watches. For example, sophisticated men’s watches by Ulysse Nardin match almost any business suit and are a statement of style and confidence. It is the unique combination of fine craftsmanship, art, technology and functionality that make high-end watches the perfect accessory for the business world.

March 12, 2013

The Monkstrap for Men

Filed under: Shoes — Harry X @ 10:18 pm

Lately, I’ve been spending a lot of time thinking about monkstrap shoes, mainly because they appear to be the men’s shoes of the moment, and because they occupy a unique place on the fashion spectrum. Monkstraps are what I would call shoes of intermediate formality; more formal than loafers, but less formal than wingtips or cap-toe oxfords. And because of this, you can wear them with almost anything from all but the most formal suit, to trousers and sports coats, or even jeans if you’re bold enough.

In my mind, however, the monkstrap’s strongest associations are academic. I think of it as something worn by smartly-dressed English professors in brown tweed suits, the sort of shoe that is exactly fussy enough, and exactly stylish enough to make you want to read poetry out loud to a classroom of lovely young coeds.

MensDesignerShoe.com has a wide selection of monkstrap shoes. Here are three of my favorites:

Moreschi Bristol Calfskin Monkstrap

The Moreschi Bristol Calfskin Monkstrap in black or brown, is a simple, luxurious, traditional Italian monkstrap. I love that brown color.

Santoni Suede Double Monkstrap

Double monkstrap shoes are especially hard to pull off without seeming overly dandyish. However, the suede finish of this double monk strap from Santoni negates some of that.

Stemar Cremona Suede Monkstrap

Finally, if suede is your thing, I very much like these simple single monkstrap shoes, the Cremona from Stemar, as being something that you could wear everyday, with a huge variety of outfits.

February 24, 2013

Clothing the Extra-Tall Man

Filed under: The Big Man — Harry X @ 11:50 pm

Amare Stoudemire and Anna Wintour

Here’s a scene from last fall’s Fashion Night Out, Vouge editor Anna Wintour with the New York Knick’s Amar’e Stoudemire, who is widely considered the best dressed man in the National Basketball Association.

Finding clothes that fit Stoudemire’s 6’11” frame is not easy. In fact, I have a young nephew, 16 years old, who’s just north of 6’8″ and is still growing. His mother is beside herself trying to locate reasonably priced clothes, knowing that he may outgrow them in six months. (Do you have any idea how hard it is to find 38″ leg jeans?)

Obviously, Stoudemire, who was paid more than $18 million dollars last year, can not only afford to do top notch custom tailoring, but even better, many top menswear designers, like Gucci and Tommy Hilfiger, are lining up to dress him.

Amare Stoudemire in Calvin Klein Tuxedo

For example, here he is in a Calvin Klein tuxedo, which given his size undoubtedly cannot be purchased off the rack. What Stoudemire proves, however, is that with a little effort, a little cash, and a willingness to experiment, the big and tall man can can kit himself out in grand style.

February 13, 2013

On-screen Inspiration

Filed under: Celebrity — Harry X @ 11:37 pm

Let These Men Shape Your Look
Cary Grant Suited Up
You know the feeling when you watch a film and want to be the guy you see on screen? He’s cool, he’s got all the best lines and, most importantly, he’s dressed in a way the everyman could only dream of (and possibly does). But it doesn’t have to be that way. Here at Manolo Men, we’ve had a look through GQ Magazine’s definitive list of the ’25 Most Stylish Films of All Time’ to bring you your brand new idols. Take a cue from the characters discussed here to make this year your most good-looking yet.

North by Northwest (directed by Alfred Hitchcock, 1959). For chic smartness, nothing beats a suit. But this needn’t have you reaching for the black jacket and trousers and white shirt arrangement. Cary Grant’s character shows us another route to striking sophistication via the grey suit. Epitomising gentlemanly style, a pick from Hackett’s range of men’s suits is the way to go for the Hitchcock hero’s look, while the brand’s innovative twists will make it thoroughly appropriate today.

Warren Beatty in Shampoo
Shampoo (directed by Hal Ashby, 1975) received the following glowing review from GQ: “No film better captured the free-love fantasy that was LA in the 1970s.” With the legendary Warren Beatty talking the lead, that may come as no surprise, but the innovative way his character blends casual and smart is a style revelation. Reminiscing about the film, designer Tommy Hilfiger confided: “I wanted to be Warren Beatty. I wanted to be cruising around Beverly Hills on a motorcycle with a pair of jeans and a tuxedo shirt.” Of course, a look like this takes confidence and the right attitude to pull off, but there are other ways to work this hybrid style: smart outerwear can bring up the tone of any trouser and T-shirt combination – be inspired by Cerruti 1881’s Fall 2013-14 collection.

Purple Noon (directed by René Clément, 1960) provides another perfect blend of smart and casual via khaki colour schemes, shirts with rolled-up sleeves and loafers worn with sockless feet. Set against a beautiful Mediterranean backdrop, this film’s leading man, Alain Delon, seems so effortlessly stylish you won’t be able to resist browsing the SS 2013 men’s fashions with new-found appreciation of light-hearted patterns and laid-back fabrics in your heart.

February 11, 2013

Don’t Forget the Knitwear

Filed under: Sweaters — Harry X @ 11:20 pm

The word ‘knitwear’ tends to conjure up images of lumpy jumpers, embarrassing cardigans and unwanted Christmas presents – but there’s a lot more to it than that, and modern fashion houses have been busy making it sleek and stylish again. Not only is knitwear snuggly and warm, it gives you a great new texture to play with when putting together an outfit: whether you’re layering a thick woollen jumper over a dress shirt or just giving a pop of colour to your workwear with a bright scarf.

Of course, you can just let knitwear speak for itself: this polo shirt-inspired Merino wool jumper from Original Penguin is a great example of how knitted pieces can work well on their own. Not only does it show that woolly doesn’t have to mean chunky, but the subtle cable knit design lends it a casual, yet refined look. Check out their site for more examples of their knitwear range.
Mabley Cabley Merino Wool Jumper
No discussion of knitwear is complete without a mention of the cardigan: it’s an amazingly versatile and often-overlooked piece of clothing that can do wonders for bridging the smart-casual gap. It can make a playful stand-in for a blazer with a shirt and tie, but looks just as good buttoned up underneath an overcoat, doing what it does best: keeping you warm.

In terms of colour, this is really up to you – but bear in mind bright, garish woollens can look a bit, well, bright and garish. Muted blues, greens and greys, rich burgundies and dark mustards are all good colours for knitwear, whether you go solid or stripey.

February 7, 2013

Spring Essentials

Filed under: Men's Fashion,Sweaters,Trousers — theMaterialist @ 9:10 am

It may not seem like it at the moment, but spring is definitely on the way, which means you’ll need to take a look in your closet and see if need to update any part of your wardrobe. Macy’s men’s department has a few options that will stand you in good stead in during the coming change of seasons.

Ralph Lauren Mock Pullover

One thing that will make spring proceed more smoothly is this mockneck cotton sweater from Ralph Lauren. For my money, the best colors are derby blue (shown above), buff, and if you’re under 25 and willing to stand out, chrome yellow.

joes-jeans-wilkes-brixton

As for what you should put on your legs, traditionally I’ve been opposed to anything that not a button fly Levi’s 501, however, I’ve been warming up lately to Joes Jeans, especially to these straight-leg, Wilkes Brixton coated jeans in black. They’re both in style and sufficiently understated so as to appeal to my desire for tradition.

BOSS gaberdine blazer
Finally, with a change of pant, jeans or slacks, this tan gaberdine blazer BOSS Black could do double duty at work, or for a more casual occasion.

December 19, 2012

The Sport Jacket

Filed under: jackets,Men's Fashion,Outerwear — Mr. Henry @ 4:57 pm

What is the well-dressed man wearing today?

On the streets of New York today, increasingly you see men wearing something different from a worsted wool, tailored two-button coat with well-turned lapel. Instead you find weather-resistant jackets deriving inspiration from diverse sources – military, mountaineering, and cycling.

First, the urbane man lost the necktie. Next, he shed the sport coat. The well-dressed man’s windproof zippered jacket speaks not of adherence to royal and ancient country club rules, but of working-class insouciance, big-city nonchalance, and no-nonsense practicality, men’s simple fashion Instead of a suit coat, the modern man chooses technical outerwear.

To those interested in the history of fashion, mention must be made that, like so may other fashions originating as actual sportswear, the modern suit jacket originated as a hunting coat for riding to the hounds. The seat vent allows the jacket to drape elegantly astride the saddle.

Most sport jackets today appear to have devolved from military uniforms, specifically the flight jacket and the motorcycle jacket.

Even on beautiful autumn days when air is crisp and leaves are turning, Mr. Henry does not ride motorcycles. Consequently he finds the motorcycle jacket to be an unnecessary accoutrement.

With extra zippers, extra belts, and metal studs, the motorcycle jacket strikes an aggressive, predatory pose. Its ethos of violence is sartorial overkill.

Though the wearer may think he is saying, “I am Marlon Brando as Johnny in The Wild One.”

In fact he says, “I flunked the entrance exam for the Highway Patrol.”

November 14, 2012

How to Wear Your Knitwear

Filed under: jackets,Outerwear,Sweaters — theMaterialist @ 8:11 am

The guys at Northern Threads took some time to share their thoughts on knitwear and how the modern gentleman should be wearing his:

So it’s that time of year, you’re making, (or at least should be) the transition from those nice bright tees and short chinos, right? Maybe not but I’m sure you get my point – it’s time to put the summer wear to one side and move the knitwear/ sweatshirts to the front of your wardrobe. But as seasons and trends change it can be difficult to make such a transition, read on for some pointers on what’s hot, what to wear and how to wear your knitwear and supporting garments this season.

The Classic Fair Isle Crew

It’s essential to have a quality Fair Isle Crew in your wardrobe and this season is no different, the reason they’re essential is because they’re timeless, classy and the options are endless with a crew neck. This season it’s all about the print so grab a Fair Isle crew neck a sharp shirt – possibly a classic check pattern. Go for darker colours and your set for the winter.
I’d definitely say Barbour’s new collection is one of the best places to start when it comes to searching for a classic Fair Isle crew neck with a print.

A Good Cardigan

If you’re reading this section, great – those who seen the title “cardigan” and moved on to the next section will certainly be missing out this season. So cardigans have had a rough time in the past but it’s different now, they’re cool. Throw on a chunky cardigan (open or fastened, depending on your mood) with a checked shirt and there you have it – the new redefined cardigan look is yours to show off.
Mix It Up

Go wild and go for printed, chunky knitwear, Fair Isles or even knitted shirts, whatever you’re using to warm up this season – go wild. Printed fair isles are common this time of year but this season in particular patterns are in and they’re great, no matter what your age.

A Knitted Jacket

The weather’s unpredictable in the UK so the combination of a warm knit that doubles up as a jacket seems like the perfect solution, so why not give it a go? There are some great knitted jackets around at the moment so you’ll certainly be spoilt for choice but be sure to grab a well crafted one. To style it up you can throw on a checked shirt and a stylish pair of jeans and the look is complete.

When it comes to looking for trendy knitwear in general I’d say here is a good place to visit – just remember a classic Fair Isle crew, a good cardigan, a knitted jacket and DON’T FOGET TO MIX IT UP! Stick to these tips and you’ll look the part this season.

October 18, 2012

Choose The Right Coat This Winter

Filed under: Men's Fashion,Outerwear — theMaterialist @ 7:05 am

Choosing the right winter coat is a notoriously tricky task. It is the first item anyone will see when you walk into a room, so you have to get it right. Ensuring it will match everything from your ironic Christmas jumper to your purple-suede Clarks, while still being on trend, makes things even more complicated.

Fortunately for you, the high street is your friend again this year, with Debenhams in particular faring well with their selection of men’s coats for the colder half of the year.

The blue vs black battle continues to rage on, with blue the undisputed victor this time around, especially in darker navy shades. Nautica’s navy lightweight duffle coat ticks all the boxes, will provide you with ample protection from those icy winds and pesky snow showers while also being very much on trend.

One of the more controversial hits of the season is the puffa jacket, and it is unsurprisingly causing quite a stir online. Although they are viewed by many as an abomination best left in the nineties, designers such as Ralph Lauren and DKNY have featured the much-maligned puffa heavily in their 2012 collections. Whatever your preconceptions are about the puffa, it is difficult to deny that they provide a welcome splash of fun and colour to the usual proliferation of identikit pea-coats doing the rounds at this time of year.

At the other end of the spectrum, military styling is in its ascendency again, possibly as a homage to the guardsman’s jacket-toting Libertines, whose debut album Up the Bracket is celebrating its tenth birthday this month. The notched collars are perfect to keep out passing gales.

Despite all this, without doubt the biggest winner this season is leather, with Hermes, Belstaff and others pairing leather coats with trousers and even shirts in a move that makes the double denim fad seem tame by comparison. One of leather’s greatest selling points, however, is that it can be worn all year round, so no need to consign it to the wardrobe again when the clocks go forward come spring. A well-fitted leather jacket is a staple that everyone should have in their collection, with its current popularity ensuring that you have plenty of options to find the perfect version for you.

Most people only purchase one winter coat, so it is imperative you need to choose the right garment for you that provides versatility and protection from the elements at the same time. Ensure it is something you will not get tired with quickly as the winter weather will mean you will be pulling it on for many months yet. Be it a statement puffa or a sophisticated trench, you have a huge variety to choose from, so be sure to make the right choice.

August 27, 2012

Manly Man Cross Branding

Filed under: Men's Fashion — theMaterialist @ 11:41 pm

It used to be that an old-school agro-industrial company like John Deere or Massey Furgeson would be satisfied with producing farm equipment, and maybe a line of promotional gimme caps, something their sales reps could give away to corn farmers, which could be as as a badge of allegiance to their favorite brand of tractors.

John Deere Gimme Cap

John Deere Gimme Cap

Nowadays, things are different. Now the modern multinational industrial conglomerate feels the need to cross-brand itself into a variety of markets. Witness how Caterpillar has used its position as one of the world’s preeminent brands–the most storied and best-known maker of earthmoving equipment in the world–to cross-sell us boots and shoes.

At first glance, this would not appear to make sense, Caterpillar D-9 bulldozers and ladies shoes don’t seem like a good fit. But if you follow the progression in this market, it makes perfect sense.

Caterpillar has a brand famous for toughness and reliability, and nearly 100% name recognition among working men. So, sell tough and reliable work CAT boots (available at Uttings Outdoors) to working men

Colorado Boot from Caterpillar

Colorado Boot from Caterpillar

Not only does this make perfect sense, but it turns out, it’s a big money maker for a brand that suffers when construction goes into a slump, as it has over the past four years.

Much more interesting than work boots, however, is something like this…

Zachary Chelsea Boot from CAT

Zachary Chelsea Boot from CAT

The Zachary Chelsea boot from CAT, a moderately priced casual boot with a distressed urban flair.

This sort of boot above would seem to have almost nothing to do with this…

Caterpillar D-9

Caterpillar D-9

And, yet, here we are, crossbranded from heavy equipment into vaguely metrosexual footwear.

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