Don't be Afraid.

In previous posts I have a scarf on with a story behind it. Coming back to New York I seen my aunt and cousins(females) with a scarf, and I loved the design. I then set out to go get the scarf, 90% of the reason I wanted it was because I like how it looked,and the other 10% is because I never seen a guy with a scarf like it. Now I present you with a not so masculine combination of colors just to stick by my style mindset: Don't be Afraid.

What not to wear!

Dads...

Do not ever wear

Blazer

t-shirt

Jeans

Sneakers

That is all.

Don't even give yourself the chance.

This post is inspired by a philosophy I keep and this post

http://h1gher.wordpress.com/2010/03/19/corsinelabedoli-its-not-for-everyone/

When leaving Georgia,and coming to New York, I packed only the GREAT clothes. No graphic tees,and no baggy pants etc. Now if i want to dress down my only option are some no name sweats, either polo boots or common projects,and a polo hoodie. Even when i dress down i don't have a chance to look bad.

When applying this to yourself,just lock all your old "What was i thinking" wear in a closet,and you'll find yourself without an option to look bad.

Shirts:i have many options,all either button downs or polo sweaters, and a rugby by polo. I have VERY FEW white plain t-shirts,and i don't believe i've worn one out this year yet...which i might soon.

Pants:I have 3 options my levi 501 stfs (had them about 6 months,fades coming slowly but surely) polo corduroys,and black dress pants.

shoes: again 3 bad dress shoes,polo ranger boots,and common projects trainer boots.

Yes my wardrobe is limited,and I'd rather have limited than my old overpacked horrible street-wear ridden wardrobe.

PLEASE UNDERSTAND: I do not hate street-wear,but i have old school parents,and i attended a private school (Linden S.D.A.) K-8. I wear clothes that I can wear around my parents,and the people that raised me at that school,and not have to explain anything. Please remember the quote that every style-conscious person should know "Dress for the job you want,not the job you have" especially if you're unemployed.(I don't mean by the economic definition of unemployed)

Most important rule EVER!

1. You Can Never Overdress - http://rulesformyunbornson.tumblr.com/

This is what i wore to school today,why? I don't know. When i got dressed i just kept piling things on...

Blazer- Brooks 346 - $idk

Tennis Sweater- Lacoste - $40

Rugby(under sweater) - Polo-$40

(NOT SEEN)

J press belt-$12

polo cords-$40

polo ranger boots-$150

Shopping around 101: Prices

shop around- look for the best available price or rate for something : they shopped around for cheaper food.

I just seen a pink sweater for like $100 and I was like WTF. So i started on my hunt for a pink sweater,and I don't even want one.

I found a few on my favorite shop around site. http://www.shopstyle.com/

Outfit Price: Yours Truly

First of all i would like to point out the prices. The tie(Land's End),and pocket square were $5 each at the Brooklyn Flea. My father bought the shirt for me in about 8th grade and I'm pretty sure it was $20. The denim jacket was...$70. Pins DSA pin from school(free) & Ralph Lauren tag from a vintage shirt.Levi 501 stf $40 & polo ranger boots $150

The price i paid for the denim jacket was way too high,just keep that in mind.

0-99

The basics of a wardrobe are what separate someone interested in fashion,and someone interested in style.

Get yourself the basics before you try to get the luxuries. Need some examples?

Don't let that spongebob tie be your only tie(You'll thank me at the board meeting.)

Don't let your only pair of shoes be the green and hot pink ones. If you disagree with me so far think of it this way. If you have a classic outfit,and then throw these special items in every once in a while,they will stand out more,and last longer. I've yet to cover my basics,which is why I'm hesitant to go out there and get things i don't need.

Have a signature look,people will remember it. I hope one day while someone is imitating me they know exactly how to dress. Whether or not your signature look is "cool" you should have one.

You will never have to replace you're basics. Your basics are the things that you rip,and love how they look when you patch em back up. These are the things that your son will ask to borrow when he's trying to define his style.

Go out,and get your basics. Need help? You'll need

a grey,or navy suit

a striped tie

a bright colored tie

a white oxford

a white dress shirt

yellow,dark blue,and a shade of red colored sweater

dark suit pants

classic khakis

sweat pants

dark&light jeans

very dark shoes

a plain leather black or brown belt

a classic coat for every season(peacoat for winter,and trench coat for spring for example)

I think I'm missing something

(Inspired by http://rulesformyunbornson.tumblr.com)

GTFO

Living in Georgia for 3 years i missed N.Y. so much. At first people were saying "Oh it's too slow for you" but they didn't understand the artistic value of New York. BUT! I realized i stayed inside 24/7 in Georgia,so in N.Y. if i don't have a reason to stay in like to study or something, I'm going to stay out and have fun 24/7. This is also a good way to find things to buy rather than shopping online at retail prices. Today it's the Brooklyn Flea http://www.brooklynflea.com/ see ya there

Oldest Items on the list

My oldest items on the "Things to get" list are the classic L.L. Bean boots,and the Clarks Desert Boots.

I was introduced to the wonders of the Bean boots by http://sartoriallyinclined.blogspot.com/ . When i started reading,almost every other post had something to do with these boots. At first i was too infatuated with my new purchase of the Polo Ranger Boots to appreciate a nice, hardcore boot. I was reminded today about my loves checking http://streetetiquette.com/ the guys that can make an outfit smeared with turd look good. I want these in a kind of Red&Green fall leaves color i seen once,but can't seem to find again...

My story of the desert boots is like the story of a girl you come to like. I always saw them,and always ignored them. They are such a good blend with everything and they don't take all the attention like other shoes. I finally started liking them when i seen them in colors other than black and tan. I want them in a dark suede blue,and i will get them in that color,even if i have to buy some blue suede dye...

So...that's $200 worth of shoes on the "Things to get" list,let's see if i can get em for $140

Next semester

Because I started this blog mid-season you didn't get to see much of what I thought of the winter. I wish I had a camera because the winter is the best season for layering, especially in New York. As we know, the fashion world is always 1 step ahead though. I realized while looking at clothes that I'm still for some reason drooling over sweaters that i won't be able to wear until next year! So... I will start to change my focus on madras shirts, white pants, fringed moccasins, and maybe a blazer to use as a coat for those cold spring nights. I also decided to do outfit analyzing as a regular post (hoping for some guest posters), and I am ALSO considering putting together certain outfits and prices.

I need white pants

(Picture from ralphlauren.com)