Now, you may not be familiar with footwear brand Terrem, but you should be. Their 2009 fall collection features a number of killer boot-inspired sneakers.

These are my personal favorites. Tough, stylish and season appropriate.

Cheers,

-JM

As I discussed in my last post, I had to take a small.. um, sabbatical from blogging for a few days. During that time, some of my favorite brands released their AW 2009 collections. By far the most surprising (to me) was Messagerie.

The high-end Italian menswear line is far from a household name, but damn, this is a step in the right direction.

Their winter collection includes tailored suits, shirts, coats, jackets, bags and accessories. Not only does the new line create a clean, sophisticated look, it manges to make bow ties look cool.

Just when you though Pee Wee Herman had killed the bow tie forever...

-JM

The number one topic that I have been getting emails about since starting this blog is men's fashion. I have been getting questions about stylish, but appropriate attire for meetings, interviews and everyday life. So, as part of Life Is Nothing Without Style, I have decided to start a style series entitled "You Need." The series will chronicle items that every grown, professional man should have (but many don't). The first item up is a biggie... a perfectly fit suit.

What many men (especially young men who have never had a job that required a suit) don't understand is that the FIT of your suit is it's most important feature. Think about the last time you saw a man in a suit. That man always appears to be one of three things: a businessman, a church deacon or a defendant. Trust me, you do not want to look like the second two. When people see you in your suit, you should exude the sophistication, intelligence and confidence of a man who lives a certain lifestyle. In other words, the way you wear your suit should tell people this is who I am, I'm not just dressed up for a special occasion. You wear the suit, it doesn't wear you.

A prime example is shown below. The man in the photo is Evan Ng (photographed by Paola Kudackp). It may appear at first glance that he has received some kind of high style make over. In reality, these are the effects of a perfectly fit suit.

How to buy the perfect suit:

Have yourself professionally measured by a tailor (most higher end menswear shops have one on staff).

Buy European, slim fit or tailored fit suit.

Have the tailor take in or let out the suit as he sees fit (he knows more than you, just trust him).

Buy from a quality brand. Ralph Lauren, Oscar De La Renta, Calvin Klein and DKNY all make great suits at good prices.

Never buy your shirt and tie in a box together. EVER.

Stay tuned for a follow up piece on how to adorn your suit.

Cheers,

-JM

In the 1920's, a great fedora or derby was a staple of adult male clothing. Unfortunately, over the years, their popularity has dropped significantly. As was the case with finely tailored suits and vests, modern society essentially slid the fedora to the back-burner in favor of a more casual look. But, men looking for a smart, classic look have never quite abandoned them (particularly those with less than perfect hairlines). I have never been moved to buy myself one, but I must admit, its a great look.

If you really want to see this hat work, take a look at the men who have made them iconic. Great examples are Frank Sinatra, Humphrey Bogart & Michael Jackson. In recent years, Johnny Depp, Justin Timberlake and Ne-Yo have pulled the look off very well also.

There have been a few notable attempts to bring the fedora back over the years, most notably by Michael Jackson. Recently, those attempts have been sticking. Both men and women looking to class up otherwise very casual outfits have turned to the fedora (and very often, the vest).  The most important thing to remember about the fedora is that it is an accessory. In other words, buy the hat that matches your style, don't try to build your outfits around it.

Before I sign out, a tip of the fedora to the greatest entertainer of all time.

Cheers,

-JM