The Happening: Suit Up!

Formal occasions are always well received on my end because it presents a chance to just bust out my suits and look downright fly. Luckily for me, thus was the nature of the event for my dad's induction as the President of the Rotary Club of Greenmeadows last night (congrats, father!).

Anyhow, onto the details. My dad discouraged me from wearing a bow tie (must be the traditional nature of the club), so I just went with the classic suit combo: Gray suit, white french cuffed shirt, red medium width tie, and brown oxfords. I must say I was happy with the look, though I feel the need to get a navy blue suit soon for variety.

Overall, it was a fun night. I took snaps the whole night and just in case you have formal events coming up soon too, don't you hesitate to send me an invite, okay? I'd love to dress to the nines again and feel especially dapper in my suits, you know, just like Barney friggin' Stinson. Now can I get a high five on that one?

Getting ready for the night ahead

There's nothing like a perfect tie dimple!

A little editing here and there...

And voila! A classic look that I would LOVE to sport more often!

The Art: "Deadline" Post-it Stop Motion Movie

And here I was thinking that post-its just reminded us of the impending work to be done. Note to self: Never look at post-its the same way ever again!

The Item: Jsen Wintle and Joey Samson Bow Ties

When I first saw these Jsen Wintle Bow Ties, I couldn't take my eyes off them. And then I realized why. The one at the very top resembled the Joey Samson designed bow tie my girlfriend gave me for our first anniversary. And I love, love, love that bow tie, for so many reasons as you may have figured out.

While these may not be especially made for me, I'd still have no problem taking them in. Eccentric and beautiful as they are, they'd instantly make a plain, boring ensemble interesting and fresh. That is, if you'd let 'em. Same goes for my red bow tie, but if you ask me, the risk's definitely worth taking!

These fuzzy bow ties are fun...

But there's nothing like my first!

For more works from the magnificent Mr. Wintle, click right 'ere!

Photo courtesy of Selectism

The Guide: The Ten Essentials

So I was watching Tim Gunn's Guide to Style over the weekend (don't ask) and he had a segment on his show where he identified the ten essentials every woman should have. Watching that got me thinking. When it comes to us guys, why doesn't anybody make a show to guide us? Well, probably because most guys don't care, but aye, there's the rub.

We should care, to look at least decent anyways. And so to answer this important question of national, nay, global interest, I did a lot of research and pondering over the past few days and have compiled a list of what I think are the ten items that every guy should have in his closet. I understand that our views may vary, but for me, these are clothes I will swear by, and will probably be wearing too, till the day I die.

Call them timeless, classics, permanent, or what have you, it'd be wise to invest in high quality versions of these items as they will be the foundation of the stylish wardrobe you will have for years to come. Trust me.

1. White Button-down Oxford Shirt
There's nothing in your closet that will be as versatile as this. Day to night, shorts to pants, jeans to chinos: It's a great choice every friggin' time.

Secret Wash Oxford from J. Crew

2. Basic Shirt
When in doubt, go to the basics. The best option on those casual days where you don't want to do any thinking, but still want to maintain your cool.

Best Crewneck from Gap

3. Perfect Fit Jeans
Skip the ripped and faded trends and go for a no-nonsense pair with a dark wash. Get it in skinny or straight (not loose, please) and prepare to abuse the hell out of it.

Dark Wash 511s from Levi's

4. Slim Trousers
A fantastic alternative to when you're not abusing your jeans. It makes for a more grown-up look, but with the recommendable slim fit, never ever old.

Slim Fit Chinos from Dockers

5. Dress Shirt
Job interviews, high society dinners, meetings with the boss: These are times when no other shirt can do.

Classic-Fit Poplin Regent from Ralph Lauren

6. Dress Pants
To go with that dashing dress shirt of yours. You don't want to come up short at the bottom do you?

Anthony Wool Gabardine Pant from Ralph Lauren

7. Suit
You may not use this everyday, but damn it, when that formal occasion comes, you'll be more than happy that you had a fine navy blue/charcoal gray number ready to deploy.


8. Pique Polo Shirt
The quintessential piece of sportswear you should own, though not worn as baggy as those NBA players you love.

Twin-tipped Polo from Fred Perry

9. Shorts
With the smoldering heat in this country, having a pair gives you a comfort option while still looking quite handsome. Go for basics which are cut above the knee and show off the calves you've been working on, man!

Tailored shorts from Topman

10. Versatile Jacket
Protect all these essentials with an equally timeless jacket that will not only keep you dry, but also at the top of your style game whatever the weather.

The G9 Original in Natural from Baracuta

By the way, did you notice that you can mix and match the items above to create so many looks? That right there is the mark of true essentials! Just build around these pieces and you'll bear witness to the amazingness that is your closet in no time. So good luck, gentlemen, and take that, Tim Gunn!

The Rundown

• The Prodigal Shoes: Just like my white Gap Oxford Shirt, gone and back again are these beautiful Fred Perry x Raf Simon tasseled loafers. Congratulations, my friend! {Alphabetical}

• Trendy Schmendy: When it comes to style, nothing beats a classic uniform that stands the test of time. {Buddha Banana}

• So Near, Yet So Far: The WWE Smackdown and ECW Superstars stayed within meters of where we ate dinner after the show. A true "sayang!" moment for one of their biggest fans in the country. {Chuvaness}

• X Marks the Spot: Roam Magazine invades Cubao X with a travel fair that is oh so pleasing to the eye. {Project Manila}
  

The Guide: Tying Your Own Bow Tie

I've noticed lately that more and more people are now wearing bow ties. A real welcome change, I have one more request though: Please people, let's not depend too much on clip-ons.

It just may be the purist in me, but I believe that you're gonna wear a bow tie, tying it is an intrinsic part of the process. I mean, every time I finish putting my knot together, I have a sense of accomplishment, a mini life victory of sorts. It makes me feel very grown up. On the contrary, clip-ons remind me of little boys during their first communions. I know I wore one then.

Well, friends, it's time to grow up. I actually just learned to tie a bow tie last year when my sweet girlfriend game me two Joey Samson bow ties for our anniversary (thanks hun!). The day after I got 'em, I scoured the internet for tutorial videos and practiced until I mastered the art.

Today, I share with you the two videos I thought were most helpful. May it serve you as well as it did me and guide you from those manufactured clip-ons to a knot that you can call your very own.

Here's an American tutorial from some gents from South Carolina.


And here's a British version from the people of the world famous Savile Row


It's funny how old guys are featured in these videos almost all the time. Just affirms my belief that grandpas really know a thing or two about style.