Friday, December 26, 2008

A special gift to my readers ... thanks for visiting my page.

This posting is a milestone for me. This is the first time I have ever done a blog using a live model to demonstrate the look. I’m excited about this one.

What I have done is put together the latest trend for men’s style … and I have a great model to put it together. Each picture is a piece by piece aid in pulling off the look.

This look has graced everyone from Justin Timberlake, to Zac Efron, to Pete Doherty, and so on. Lots of celebrity men have tried this messy chic look, and it’s a good look. I highly recommend it as a fallback look for an evening out. Now, you at home can make it yourself with just a little bit of advice from Oliver B. Styles. So, let’s get started putting this together.

The first thing you should start with is a pair of jeans. Black jeans with a bit of gray bleaching have been used here, but explore whatever color you like. This is strictly the basics here. You will also need a contrasting shirt. We have a very light gray shirt to contrast against the black. If you have light blue jeans, maybe a dark shirt. Don’t forget a belt. My model is wearing a very simple belt. With the look completed the belt will draw your attention to the crotch … which is where you want the attention sometimes ;-).

Now we can throw in the vest.
Notice that the vest doesn’t match perfectly with the jeans. It isn’t supposed to. Remember that fashion is no longer about matching. It’s about complimenting pieces that create an overall look. Write that down.
We are on to the tie. The tie is important. It makes the look more evening. Without the tie, it’s more of a casual day outfit. You want to tie a single Windsor knot to the tie, and leave it hanging. It must hang just at your shirt’s opening. The shirt should have the top button and the next under it undone. So tie your tie to that point. It should look like you were wearing the shirt and tie all day, done perfectly, and are now undoing it a bit to relax on your way out. If it helps you to get it right to do the shirt and tie completely, then relax it a bit, then go for it. I'm much more meticulous about things so I am pretty good at making things look sloppy without starting off correctly. But if that's not you, start clean, and work your way into the mess.

Ah, the 60’s! Dean Martin, martinis, and terrific hats. This hat is classic:In fact, I saw Sean Connery wearing this hat in “From Russia with Love,” and a similar one in "Goldfinger." To take this 60’s classic to the 00’s, cock it to the side, or wear it more up to the back of your head ... kind of like Boy George used to wear his hats in the 80's (yes, that is back, I promise you). My model demonstrates the cocked to the side look. I find that the "cool guy" (whatever that means) wears the hat cocked. The more artistic, sensitive at times guy, will wear it in back like Boy George. Don't knock it either way, it looks good.

Alright, accessories. You know I love accessories. Because this is a more rock, celebrity look, this is rock accessories that break my general rules of over accessorizing. You will need a nice watch, and rings. Take a look at my examples:



My model is wearing a Guess watch, and for a semi-expensive good watch, I recommend them for the men. The rings have been strategically placed on his hands. I am not aware of what store they came from, but you can find this style of rings even in kiosks in an airport, so don't worry about the search. Any guy who has rings will have some of these stashed away from his cool Lorenzo Lamas biker fantasy he had when he bought the things. I have three. That would be the way to do them. Yes, I am that particular about the placement of the rings. He had on another one and I made him take it off because it didn’t look right. Anyone who knows me knows I am meticulous, even about the unorganized look ... I know, I'm anal. I can't help that, but I can help you look less sloppy.

To finish it off, there are shoe options.


The top is the dress shoe and the bottom is a biker boot. If you are going to an evening party, use the dress shoes, and tuck in the shirt. If you’re going to something more casual, like a night out at a bar, try the boots and untuck the shirt. My model is going with the tucked version, so dress shoes it is. And there, you have a stylish, and versatile, look.
Simple, isn't it? Most of this stuff can be found in the average guy's closet, and he has no clue the treasures in there. Instead he always picks up a dorky t-shirt and torn jeans for every occasion.

And there, my first blog with a live model is done. Let’s all thank my model for his participation in my blog. Does it look good?

Damn, I'm good. Here's to style. Cheers!