Collezione has been enjoying quite the resurgence these past few months with the insanely massive success of their Philippine Map collections (Thanks Rhett Eala!). Now, in an attempt to offer something new, they've released these sweet knitted belts with a brass ring buckle to re-nab those who've already had their patriotic fix.
I for one was actually very excited to have found these, as I've been looking for belts just like this for quite some time now. The ones in friggin' Ralph Lauren were so goddamn overpriced, it was so refreshing to see the price tag of these babies clock in at just P785.Yeah, a bit expensive for a fabric belt, but considering its versatility and quality, it won't take you a long time to see that it's damn sure well worth it.
I'd definitely go for that off-white number right there
"They define my lifestyle as a wildlife with style." -- Kid Cudi
Relatively new on the scene, Cudi made an impression on me not just with his sick beats, but also his fly style. Distancing himself from the oversized garb of his peers, Cudi opts for a more streamlined look by wearing clothes that actually fit. But what makes his style truly memorable, though, is his ability to combine casual classics and make them look oh so damn cool.
His trademark look includes specs, leather jackets, hoodies, slim jeans, and his favorite, Air Jordans. He was actually even arrested once for causing a ruckus after being forced to wear Reeboks at a Reebok event. (Talk about a man who fights for his passion!) Seriously, though, his knowledge of fits and what looks good together must've come from his years of working retail at American Apparel and Dean & Deluca. Of course, having Kanye as a mentor doesn't hurt too.
Ultimately, what makes his style pop is his attitude and swagger. I've seen many pictures of him just wearing a basic crewneck shirt with jeans and nice kicks and yet he still looks very put together. Some people just have that something in them I suppose. Well, to me, there is no better mark of being a true style icon than doing that in regularity, just like Kid Cudi.
A shining example of Cudi's sick accessory game
Cudi effortlessly manages to just make classic pieces look fresh
A love for layering that is something to behold
Cudi in his trademark specs
Proof that a white shirt accentuated by sweet necklaces always looks good
The red hoodie was a fine touch
Dope shades, Kid
For your viewing pleasure, a video of Kid Cudi's smash, Day N Nite.
Still quite obsessed about reinterpreted oxfords, I would now like to bring up Rachel Comey's and Common Project's updated versions.
Ms. Comey's seems to be made out of a canvas material like the Grenson Fosters I featured last month, but in white and with a beautiful green sole. Common Project's take, on the other hand, utilized gray nylon for its material sans laces.
Both beautiful options if you ask me. I just wonder why no one has yet to have the same design epiphany locally with regard to these classics. Still keeping my fingers crossed, though, just in case that fateful day comes.
A fresh and sportier take by Rachel Comey
I love the gray on these kicks from Common Projects
A closer look for greater appreciation of the nylon upper
Band of Outsider's Scott Sternberg is a genius in selecting personalities for his "Boy" line for women. First there was comedienne Sarah Silverman and now, the getting-oh-so-mind-blowingly-hotter-with-age Marisa Tomei. Finally, someone with an eye for perfect celebrity endorsers! Man, I think he and I should definitely hang.
I don't care what you'll say. "Queer Eye for a Straight Guy" was one of my favorite shows in its heyday. I learned quite a lot from watching and while I don't agree with everything Carson Kressley preached (see awkward layering and combinations), there's one tip he always gave to the unwilling participants that I still follow even to this day.
I'm talking about cleaning out my closet, gents! Yes, decluttering and letting your closets breathe is yet another skill that only so few of us have mastered. I mean, look at your closet now. Stand up and open it. Notice the shirts you supposedly love and yet have not used in god knows how long? Those ain't yours anymore!
Looks familiar doesn't it? Well, except for the girly bags...
Well, my rule of thumb is that if I haven't used it in 3 months, it's time say goodbye (except for seasonal items). Much like in a basketball team where some players just get booted out of the rotation and become benchwarmers, you just have to know how to let all that dead weight go. No renewing of contracts whatsoever.
My suggestion: Sell them! Heck, if you liked them so much, someone will too, provided that the quality is still nice. If no one wants to snatch them up, give them away to charities, to your local taong grasa; hell, giving it to anybody is better than rotting at the back of your overstuffed closet.
With awesome fall collections already coming out, there really is no better time for you to clean out your closets and make more room than now!
A little cleaning and your closet can look like this!
Some weeks back, I wrote about what I thought were the Top 10 Clothing Essentials for men. Today, I'm back with yet another, but this time, we go to my favorite part of a man's wardrobe. If you've been following the blog for quite some time, the answer's easy: Shoes! Yes, we will now talk about glorious, magnificent shoes.
Why the hype? Well, ask anybody and they'll tell you that shoes make or break an outfit, period. It doesn't matter if you're wearing the most flattering look. With wack kicks, all the effort you put in looking good won't mean a damn thing at all!
So with that, let's go to the pairs that I believe you should have in your closet. If nothing else, get these time-tested classics and watch as you step out in style for years to come, whatever the occasion!
1. The Formal Shoe For formal shindigs, there's really no better choice than a fine pair of leather oxfords. Just get the shape (no square toes please!) and quality right and you'll have a pair that'll help you look sharp and professional when you need it most.
These Swear Jimmy 1 Oxfords in Black are just beautiful!
2. The Grown Up Casual Shoe Weekends shouldn't mean an automatic shift to sneakers. Even on your off days, why don't you start wearing more dressed up options? Try loafers and see how they add sophistication to casual wear. Trust me, when you advance in age, you'll be glad that you embraced shoes like 'em early in your years of youthful exuberance. (Runner Up: Boat Shoes)
Penny Loafers are a great investment. Just ask your grandpa!
3. The Simple Sneaker While I suggested going for more grown up options, you shouldn't dare starve yourself of your sneaker needs. Lord knows there's nothing better than these kicks for those days when you're going to have lots of mileage on those feet of yours. Just go for the simple classics and give your feet the comfort and style it damn sure well deserves.
It doesn't get any more classic than a pair of Chucks!
4. The Athletic Shoe A necessary pair for your workouts and occasional run around the block. If you say you don't need it, then it's probably time for you to get one. Everybody needs exercise, bruh, and you best be getting to steppin' if you're going to use those slim shirts and trousers for a long, long time.
Take it from me, Nike Frees are as good as advertised!
5. The Wild-Card Sometimes you just want to be different. For those times of self-actualization, help yourself to a pair of dope statement shoes that just beg to be looked at! For me, it's my all-red plimsolls. For you, it might be Air Yeezys, brightly colored suede moccasins, or even patent lace-ups. Just build up the courage and watch as the eyes come your way, son!
Now that's what I'm talking about!
A final word, though. While this list may seem a bit too short for shoe enthusiasts, I would like to believe that when it comes to shoes, it doesn't matter how many you have. It's about what you have and if all five pairs above suit your purposes already, by all means stick with them and let them serve you until their soles wear out!
I'd definitely go for that off-white number right there
