Timeless Timepieces

Not too long ago I had a discussion with some guys about watches. The topic was whether cell phones would ever replace the watch and on this issue there tended to be two camps. The first one believes that using a cell phone for telling time and foregoing a watch altogether makes perfect sense and is just a natural evolution in timekeeping. Watches are, to them, old fashioned things that multifunction cell phones and PDAs far outperform.

The other camp believes the first side is just plain clueless. A watch, particularly a well-crafted, mechanical watch, possesses an intangible and emotional power that a cell phone, with all its bells and whistles, can never match. (more…)

Start Your Own Image Makeover

People often tell me that they want to update their look, upgrade their wardrobe or get themselves organized – but don’t know where to begin. Getting started can often be the scariest part of making significant changes in your life; but once you understand what steps to take, you’ll be on your way.

How you project yourself in public matters a great deal and, like with most things in life, what goes on behind the scenes has a big impact on what everyone else sees. (more…)

Washington, D.C.: Nearly Stylish

Washington, D.C. has long held the unenviable reputation of being a boring, ill-fitting and shoddy kind of town when it comes to fashion; men’s fashion in particular. Over the past few years however, D.C. has made some dramatic changes. We’re going upscale and fast becoming a serious luxury market. If you’re in the area make sure stop by the stores after visiting the sites.

Iconic American style giant Ralph Lauren has made a major investment in D.C. with a year-old 16,000 square foot flagship in the tony Chevy Chase section of town. Chevy Chase makes no secret of the fact that it wants to become known as the Rodeo Drive of the East. Lauren also opened a new Rugby store and restaurant in preppy Georgetown and a boutique in Tyson’s Galleria, a super premium shopping mall a short drive from downtown. (more…)

To Vent or Not to Vent

In fashion, as in many global industries, certain cultural indicators are resoundingly obvious.  They are the things that clearly say “French,” like a Hermes briefcase, or “American,” like a Louisville Slugger baseball bat. Often, they are immutable, solid and stable examples of permanence in a fast changing global marketplace.

However, as the saying goes, the only constant thing in life is change. A classic of traditional American style is being exported. The single vented jacket is becoming quite popular overseas. In return, American men are fast becoming quite the devotees of the double vent. Only a short time ago it seems wearing one or the other put you in a clear camp; American or Anglophile. Not so much anymore. (more…)

‘Smart’ and ‘Stylish’ Goes Hand in Hand

Being called stylish can mean so many things. You dress well; you’ve got a nice haircut, cool bag, nice car, impressive art collection. Even how you walk down the street can be stylish – look at John Travolta in Saturday Night Fever. Then there’s the kind of stylish that transcends the mere suit or fancy watch; being smart. Smart is very stylish.

Now, I’m not talking about book smart or theoretical physicist smart. To me, smart is being curious about the world around you and seeking out different points of view; these things make you an interesting person. (more…)