The Guide: The Shoe Essentials

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!

The Art: Jacques Magazine

FHM's "tastefully done" shoots are fine for what they are, but there's really nothing like good old fashioned erotica done right. Yup, not porn. Erotica. And there really is a difference. Take my new fave, Jacques Magazine, for example.

It treats nudity as an art form by making sure its shoots come across as fashionable as opposed to just throwing the goods out there in a very in your face way. Oh, did I mention that they also have a no-airbrush policy in effect? Now that, that, my friends, is how you do tastefully done.

A discerning eye could see how this mag defies conventions

For more of the amazing mag that should be distributed locally, click here.

Photos courtesy of Jacques Magazine

The Guide: The Case for Cords

I don't know about you, but I've just gotten tired of wearing the same old jeans over and over again. I know, I know. I've already voiced out this discontent in my previous endorsement of casual trousers, but for those of you who still need a little more convincing, I now offer to you the case for the corduroy.

The oft unappreciated corduroy

Long hailed as "older gentleman" favorites, cords have been on a mini-renaissance these past few years with brands like Ralph Lauren and Levi's offering tapered fits for the all the hip youngins out there. Now in slimmer straight cut versions, I tell you, if you haven't even tried one on, you're missing out on comfort unlike any other!

Look at how relaxed he feels. Definitely the work of the cord suit

I only became an official believer when I got my first and only pair last year from Urban Outfitters though. It was a Levi's 514 (Slim Straight) and from the first time I tried 'em on, I knew it was over. I'd been officially converted into an advocate for the textile. Hell, with different colors to choose from and an unbelievable texture which just begs to be touched, what in the name of everything that's holy would you still have against it? I say get one today and see/feel the difference for yourself, you hard to convince jean-wearing person you!

The colors they come in are amazing! Different but never showy

The exact pair I have (Levi's Cord 514)

Photos courtesy of GQ, Ralph Lauren, and Levi's

The Item: Ace Hotel New York Uniforms

I've always perceived hotels to be overly sophisticated and too high-strung for their own good. I mean, I don't mind the richy-poo atmosphere, but wouldn't it be nice to go to someplace a little more laid back? Honestly, I think "the problem" begins with the clothes of the employees.

Doormen in silly outfits, waitresses looking like they're part of a play, bellboys looking like, well, bellboys - it all makes for a wonderfully unreal portrayal of the outside world. While some would argue that the outfits makes their stay more luxurious, I prefer the more modern clothing of the employees from Ace Hotel in New York.


As you can see, Ace Hotel New York ain't your typical Peninsula or Shang. It's younger, hipper, and above all, it embraces New York culture and style in all its wonderful aspects. Thus, these ultra cool "uniforms" for their staff.

Get this: The typical male employee outfit usually consists of drab green monochrome Chucks (created exclusively for Ace), classic black Doc Martens, Levi's jeans, and custom fitted L. Gambert shirts, topped off with a Glen check Coto tie and a Surface to Air tie chain. In the coming months, the doormen will sport Uniqlo cardigans and Spiewak peacoats to beat the cold. Damn, now that's how you do it!

In all honestly though, it ain't even about the brands. It's about the aesthetic, the idea to take in the sensibilities of the hotel's setting, rather than imposing old tired interpretations from god knows where. A well deserved bravo, to you Ace of New York! I'll check out and hopefully stay at the hotel the next time I vist NYC!

Undoubtedly the coolest and most stylish doorman you will ever see

Makes you think if all their workers are models, yes?

The Coto Tie and the beautiful Surface to Air Tie Chain

Who thought housekeeping would ever be this chic?

Photos courtesy of Cool Hunting

The Item: Fruit Sticky Notes

Talk about food for thought! Those crazy Japanese did it again with these witty Fruit Sticky Notes that make writing so gosh darn tasty. And healthy too. Okay, I'll stop with the corny wordplay now. Please don't mind me and just take a bite out of the bountiful offerings below. I know, I know. I did it again. Sue me.

We all know about "an apple a day"

But what of this pear?

A little instruction never hurt nobody

Look at the clever packaging

Don't they just make you want to buy a case?

Photos courtesy of Fubiz.net

The Guide: Walking Away

Last Friday, my girlfriend and I dropped by Zara in Power Plant to check out the last day of their Mid-year Sale. Now I didn't plan on buying anything (my girlfriend scored some sweet shoes for 1,000 bucks), but I just can't deny the impression that these plain old white sneakers had on me!

Talk about standing out in a crowd

I know they were as basic as can be, but I just had to try them on. A bit on the snug side with the no-show socks, but I forced, nay, managed to make them fit. However, as I was admiring the kicks in all its plain glory, it hit me: I don't need 'em. Yes, it was one of those great moments of personal enlightenment!

Beautiful but just not for me

I realized that I already had several shoes that can fill in for its purpose as a casual shoe. Heck, I even have 2 white shoes already that I rarely use due to the fear of contamination. It'd be downright selfish of me to get these and deny a person the joy of having them. With that thought, I took pictures to remember the shoes by and bid them farewell.

I liked the gray heel and subtle striped lining peeping out

But it is time to say goodbye

The next time you see shoes or any other item you'd like to have, just ask yourself first what purpose it will serve you. If the need is already being catered to by something very similar, just walk away and think of the poor soul that will have cared for them better than you would've in all your fashion gluttony!

Yes, my friends, learning to walk away is one of the greatest lessons one should learn in his continued style maturity, one that will save you not only money, but closet space for the items that you actually use with regularity. Makes enough sense, doesn't it, bruh?

I hope these babies found a home!