Fall/Winter Headwear, Part II

1. Worsted Cadet Cap

Cool, similarly-shaped but slightly more unique, warm and “style-forward” than your typical every-guy baseball cap.

This olive cadet cap is cut from a traditional menswear blazer fabric (olive worsted wool with subtle yellow windowpane pattern) which looks great with a casual, laid-back look.

I slip this thing one whenever I’m rushing out the door without time, or will, to style my hair (at times I miss having a short buzz-cut…considering bringing it back for summer 2011).

*New Feature: Where I Wore This: Menswear illustration class at FIT.

Olive wool cadet cap by Hats in the Belfry. Wool herringbone down vest by Penfield (size S). Chambray shirt by Rag&Bone (size M). Henley by Polo Ralph Lauren (size M). Brown corduroys by H&M (34). Belt by Banana Republic. Shoes by LL Bean. Leather wrap bracelet from NYC street vendor. Watch by Montblanc.

2. Cashmere Ivy/Driving Cap

Black cashmere ivy cap by Hats in the Belfry. Grey suit, white shirt and herringbone tie all by Michael Andrews Bespoke (custom made, my own designs). Loafers by Bally. Leather gloves by Saks Fifth Avenue. Cashmere scarf by Johnston’s of Scotland. 2″ silver tie bar by Tiffany & Co.

The “Ivy” or “Driver” is a traditional cap that can be worn for a number of occasions, depending on the color and fabric. A black 100% cashmere, for example, works well dressed-up. A herringbone Harris Tweed, on the other hand, works better casually (see look 4 below).

Bonus tip: this is not a “newsboy” cap. The ivy cap has a one-piece top making it slightly more sleek and streamlined than the traditional newsboy (also called a “cabbie” or “Gatsby” after the Great Gatsby) which has a rounder, fuller, paneled top with a button.

Where I Wore This: corporate event where I gave a presentation about building and accessorizing the “perfect” business wardrobe.

3. Corduroy Trapper

On those “freeze your #$% off” kind of cold days, you need all the help you can get. It doesn’t get much warmer than a fur trapper hat, especially one rendered in a winter-weight fabric like wool flannel, knit cashmere or this brown corduroy.

Bonus Tip: I picked up this vintage military parka for $40. It was bulky and oversized. I had both the body and the sleeves tapered and now it’s one of my favorite outerwear pieces for blizzard-like conditions. This is the warmest coat I’ve ever owned, and I’ve worn it with just about everything this winter, from a sharp business suit to a chunky knit cardigan.

Where I Wore This: running errands/grocery shopping (on a cold winter afternoon).

Corduroy/fur trapper hat from NYC Street Vendor. Vintage olive parka. Cardigan by Caufield Prepatory (size 3). Jeans by APC (“new standard” 32). Boots by Kenneth Cole. Gloves by Hilts & Willard.

4. Tweed Ivy Cap

As mentioned above in look 2, a tweed Ivy cap is a traditional rugged cap that works best with a casual look.

Bonus Tip: wearing an ascot (especially a silk one) with a casual look can be fairly tricky as it inherently implies formality. A “neckercheif” (cotton bandana or small square scarf) loosely rolled and tied around the neck is a more casual, rugged, and surprisingly “manly” alternative. If you’re going to try it: just like with an ascot, unbutton only the top shirt button and make sure to push the wrap as low as possible on your neck, so that it just “peeks” out subtly. On top of being an unusual accessory, I like the neckerchief because it keeps the neck warm without the hassle of taking it off and storing it indoors (as with a traditional scarf). More on neckwear coming soon.

Bonus Tip II: it’s always nice to implement something with a little sentimental value, or a piece that has a bit of a story into your look. This “neckerchief”, for example, is an old bandana that my oldest brother Leo used to wear on his head during his days as a local soccer star.

Where I Wore This: casual meeting with workshop pattern-maker to finalize production details.

Tweed ivy cap by JCrew. Oxford shirt by Thom Browne (size 2). Tweed vest byMichael Andrews Bespoke (my own design, part of THIS three-piece suit). Chunky sweater by Polo Ralph Lauren (size M). Neckerchief vintage bandana. Belt by Banana Republic. Brown cords by H&M (34). Boots by Kenneth Cole. Wooden bead bracelets from NYC Street Vendor.

sursa:thestyleblogger.com

Fall/Winter Headwear, Part I

There are a large number of hat styles for men (outside of the go-to everyman baseball cap) meant for different occasions and impressions.

Here, 3 different headwear pieces that can help keep you warm, and stylish.

1. Narrow Brim Fedora (Hip Casual)

A grey fedora is a very classic, and stylish hat. Rat Pack chic. Wearing it loosely and slightly tilted on the back of the head is an easy, nonchalant, not-taking-myself-too-seriously way to add a hat as an accessory.

On hat etiquette: as I’ve written in the past, sunglasses are the one accessory that should always be removed immediately upon walking indoors. Hats are similar, but not as strict. In my opinion, hats should be removed upon entering a place where you are welcomed and/or plan to stay for an extended period of time, as well as anytime you are sharing a meal. No need to take it off in every store on a shopping trip, but if a friend welcomes you into their home, it’s respectful and comforting to remove it.

Felt fedora by Rag&Bone. Leather jacket by Ralph Lauren Purple Label (size M). Vest and trousers by MAB (bespoke, part of 3-piece suit of my own design). Shirt by H&M (size M). Vintage rep tie (my late grandfather’s). Watch by Montblanc. Boots by Paul Smith.

Note: the tie twist (as referenced here).

2. Narrow Brim Fedora (Retro Business)

The late 1950′s/early 1960′s continue to be a strong influence on current menswear. Grey flannel suits with slim notch lapels, crisp white shirts, narrow ties, we’ve heard it a thousand times before. One thing that does slide under the radar far too often, however, is the business hat.

Just because you’re wearing a suit, doesn’t mean you can’t wear a hat. In the past, a suit actually called for a hat, especially in colder climates.

On those not-so-cold winter days, I prefer leaving the overcoats and going with a heavy suit, thick oxford shirt (plus undershirt) hat, scarf and gloves.

On avoiding “hat head”: Having a short, clean and simple hair cut makes it easy to put on and remove headwear without pressing-in aggressive “hat head”. Style your hair as usual before putting on your hat and make sure to put it on correctly according to your hair style. For example, if you have a front-to-back hairstyle like mine, put on your hat from front-to-back. Essentially, you want your hat to hold your hair in it’s desired place, so when you take it off your hair will be slightly pressed-down but held in it’s proper shape.

Felt fedora by Rag&Bone. Grey donegal suit by MAB (bespoke, my own design). White oxford shirt by Thom Browne (size 2). Vintage tie. Wingtips by Scarpe Di Bianco. Alligator belt by Ralph Lauren Purple Label. Watch by Montblanc. Pocket square is a quilted paper towel.

Bonus tip: loose or forget your pocket square? Fold up a couple paper towels. Just make sure to use a thick high-quality one with quilted texture, and nobody will know the difference. And if you have a cold and need to blow your nose in a pinch, or if you are under fire and need to wipe your brow, you can quickly use one and throw it out.

Gabe and I both use this trick from time to time. One day we were both doing it at the same time, Gabe: “yea, but my sh-t is designer paper towel – the original Bounty quilted-quicker-picker-upper – your sh-t is some no name toilet tissue. Haha.”

3. Knit Cap

Easy. Warm. Casual.

Looks best with a sharp, snug fit – increase the roll-over until the hat sits flat against every part of your head.

Marled knit cap by J.Crew. Plaid peacoat by Ralph Lauren Polo (size M). Jeans by JBrand (size 34). Suede wingtips by Bass. Gloves by Uniqlo.

4. When You Can’t Mess the Hair

If you are concerned with messing-up your hair (or have a hairstyle that doesn’t work well under a hat) you can still keep your ears warm with some simple neck-wrap earmuffs.

Earmuffs from NYC street vendor. Subtle plaid suit by MAB (bespoke, my own design). Shirt by Thom Browne (size 2). Scarf by Kenneth Cole. Leather & suede double monkstrap shoes by Scarpe Di Bianco (my own design and my new favorites – more on these coming soon). Watch by Montblanc, Pocket square by thetiebar.com.

sursa:thestyleblogger.com

Give-Away: “Winter Essentials”

How the winner will be chosen:

One lucky winner will be randomly selected from all of the entries on Feb 16th.  You can enter as many times as you want. Like a raffle, the more times you enter, the better chance you have at being selected as the winner!

Items Included:

1. Brown Kenneth Cole “Cross My Mind” Boots (size: winner chooses 7-13)

Retail: $215

2. Black 100% Cashmere Newsboy Cap by Hats in the Belfry (size: winner chooses S-XL)

Retail: $98

3. Dermagenics Anti-Aging Facial Moisturizer

Retail: $85

4. Charcoal 100% Lambswool Scarf by Johnstons of Scotland

Retail: $79

5. Grey Wool Herringbone Tie by Michael Andrews Bespoke (designed by SB)

Retail: $69

6. Oatmeal & Orange Wool-Blend Boot Socks by J.Crew (size: one size)

Retail: $16

7. Olive Army Supply Fingerless Wool-Blend Gloves (size: one size)

Retail: $6

Look 1. Boots, Socks & Gloves

Turtleneck sweater by Hugo Boss (size M). Down vest by The Gap (size S). Corduroys by H&M (size 34). Wool Boot Socks by JCrew. Boots by Kenneth Cole. Fingerless gloves from Army/Navy Supply Store in Lower Manhattan. Bracelets from NYC Street Vendor.

Look 2. Hat, Scarf & Tie

Cashmere newsboy cap by Hatsinthebelfry.com. Wool herringbone tie, charcoal trousers and white french cuff shirt by MAB (all my designs). Charcoal wool scarf by Johnstons. Leather braces by Trafalgar. Loafers by Bally. Tie bar by Tiffany & Co. Watch by Montblanc. Gloves by Saks Fifth Avenue.

sursa:thestyleblogger.com

Club Bamboo(scurt istoric)

"Bamboo International Sporting Club" scrie pe una dintre placile de la poarta clubului. Pe placa alaturata este pomenit si numele Zerillo's, un nume despre care cu siguranta ati auzit, club foarte in voga la sfarsitul deceniului trecut, care frapa printr-un decor superb si care a contribuit decisiv la stabilirea in Romania a luiRosario Internullo, invitat fiind de echipa lui Joshua Castellano sa mixeze in cadrul unei petreceri de acolo.

Deschis in iunie 2001, Bamboo si-a schimbat deja de trei ori infatisarea. Daca la inceput era un club de sezoncald, dotat cu terasa la malul lacului Floreasca, dar si cu o parte special-destinata petrecerii in sine, clubul a capatat, pe langa schimbari radicale de decor (la acest capitol, Bamboo sta cel mai bine dintre toate cluburile din Romania), de-a lungul timpului, un restaurant select si mai apoi, o piscina in toata regula. Anul 2004 a gazduit, la piscina clubului, un pool-party in compania invitatului special Carl Kennedy, unul dintre DJ-ii americani promitatori la ora respectiva. Daca in trecut, Bamboo se mandrea cu o suprafata de 1500 metri patrati, in primavara, numai clubul in sine se intindea pe 1600 metri patrati, alaturi de terasa care mai inghitea si ea alti 800 metri patrati.

In primavara anului 2005, Bamboo devenea, intr-un singur week-end, cel mai cochet club din sud-estul Europei. Bazandu-se pe o investitie de aproximativ 4.000.000 de euro, clubul frapa printr-un decor futurist, fosta piscina fiind acum acoperita si traversata de doua pasarele, iar zona din jurul ei fusese populata cu mese si, in fiecare seara fara exceptie, de cei mai bogati si fitosi oameni din Romania. Fostul club, dotat cu un pupitru mai generos, dar si cu o mare statueta care il strajea, era dedicat muzicii mai usor digerabile, aici putand fi ascultat in premiera hit-ul Morandi - Love Me.

Inevitabil, reprezentantele sexului frumos au luat cu asalt clubul, atat la mese cat si pe ring. Cand gloria clubului incepea sa fie resimtita si peste hotare, stirile posturilor de televiziune au anuntat cum un foc misterios a mistuit intreaga investitie, din club alegandu-se doar scrumul si cateva obiecte salvate in graba. Foarte curand, Bamboo a renascut din propria-i cenusa. Intai, a fost gata terasa, inaugurata in compania clientilor fideli si sprijinita si de o mare parte a presei. Apoi, incepand cu toamna acestui an, a fost data in folosinta o aripa a clubului, prevazuta cu lobby, un loc departe de zgomotul din interior, prevazut atat cu mese cat si cu bar separat, continuarea fiind de fapt un dreptunghi ocupat in cea mai mare parte de mese si de un bar oval cu o lungime apropiata unei laturi a acestuia.

Pentru spectacole, prezentari de moda, dar si pentru dansatoare si cantareti, a aparut in premiera in Romania o pasarela care traverseaza barul pe deasupra. In prezent, spatiul permite amplasarea a 73 de mese pentru 700 de persoane, capacitatea totala fiind de 1.500 de persoane, fata de 5.000, cat era inainte de a lua foc. Sonorizarea este Outline de 15.000 W, clubul dispunand si de patru ecrane speciale, plus 20 de plasme si doua sisteme laser. De-a lungul timpului, celebritati internationale, dar si autohtone, au trecut, cel putin o data, pragul clubului Bamboo.

Amintim in treacat nume sonore ca Jean Claude Van Damme, Steven Seagal, Wesley Snipes, Pink, Angelina Jolie, scriitorul Paolo Coelho, sportivii Bobby Robson, Adrian Mutu, Adrian Ilie, Cristi Chivu, Bogdan Stelea sau multiplul campion de motociclism Valentino Rossi, regizorul Francis Ford Coppola, formatii si cantareti ca 3 Sud Est, Blondy, Corina, Anda Adam, O-Zone, DJ ca Rosario Internullo, Pagal, Marco Briguglia, Shlomi si Zidan (Israel), Todd Garden, Lacey Lizz, dansatorii de la American Dream (S.U.A.) si Mondo Perrent (Israel), plus Hermes House Band. Bamboo este clubul unde oricine se poate simti bine, indiferent de statutul social sau de grosimea buzunarului.

Chiar daca esti student, chiar daca esti om de afaceri in toata regula, trebuie sa stii ca atata timp cat respecti regulile clubului cu privire la tinuta si comportament, nimic nu ti se poate intampla. Muzica care se asculta sipe care se danseaza este una comerciala, cu influente latino-house. DJ-ii rezidenti sunt formati si crescuti de club. Spre deosebire de restul peisajului bucurestean, Bamboo si-a respectat intotdeauna clientul, atat din punct de vedere al serviciilor, cat mai ales din perspectiva securitatii. Pe viitor, Bamboo va da in exploatare si cealalta aripa, la care acum se lucreaza pe branci. Abia atunci clubul va fi definitivat, chiar daca si acum functioneza cu seri pline ochi.

sursa:http://clubbinvibes.3x.ro

Sfaturi ca să reduci factura la întreţinere

Izolează ferestrele şi uşile

Vrei să plăteşti o factură mai mică la întreţinere? Pentru asta, trebuie să ţii cont de câteva sfaturi care îţi vor aduce economii substanţiale.

Montează termostate - montează termostate pe radiatoare (robinet cu senzor termostatic) economisind astfel până la 20% din factura pentru încălzire;

Aeriseşte economic - aerisirea camerelor trebuie făcută în mod eficient prin reprize de scurtă durată. În timpul aerisirii, termostatul caloriferului sau al radiatorului trebuie închis;

Orientează căldura spre interiorul camerei - pune între calorifer şi perete o folie de aluminiu astfel încât căldura emisă să fie orientată către interiorul camerei;

Nu acoperi caloriferul - caloriferul nu trebuie acoperit cu perdele sau draperii pentru că vei bloca distribuirea căldurii în încăpere şi vor creşte înregistrările repartitoarelor;

Izolează ferestrele şi uşile -foloseşte bandă adezivă sau înlocuieşte ferestrele de tip vechi cu cele care asigură o izolare termică mai bună;

Foloseşte aparatură electrică clasa A+ - aceste aparate (frigider, maşină de spălat) vor consuma mult mai puţină energie electrică decât cele din clase inferioare;

Curăţă periodic frigiderul - frigiderul trebuie poziţionat cât mai departe de sursele de căldură şi trebuie curăţat periodic pentru că stratul de gheaţă creşte cu până la 20% consumul de energie electrică;

Montează sisteme individuale de măsurare - sunt absolut necesare sistemele individuale de măsurare: robineţi termostatici, contoare de apă, contor de gaze naturale, contor de curent electric.

sursa:click.ro