The Style Guy

ACL recently posted an interview with Glenn O'Brien, GQ's Style Guy. Glenn has been around the block and he knows what he's talking about. Personally, I'm a fan of his column and read it every month. In his interview with David Coggins, Mr. O'Brien talks about the evolution of his advice column, where he is finding good ties, and what he's working on now. I've highlighted a portion of the interview below:

DC: How long have you been writing Style Guy?

GO: I think it’s 10 years. And I was in Details for 6 or 8 years before that.

DC: Do you really get questions from readers or are they fed to you by editorial interns?

GO: They’re genuine.

DC: How have the questions changed over the years?

GO: The GQ readers are pretty young and they just want to know basic things—and it might not be such a good idea for them to listen to their father.

DC: Are there still pillars of wisdom that should be adhered to or are we at a point where anything goes and you make your own laws?

GO: I think it’s about common sense. A lot of people don’t have that. The rules are made to be broken but you have to know them to do it right. Supposedly you’re not supposed to wear black and brown together. It looks like you’re doing that right now.

DC: I’m a rule breaker.

GO: Vincent Gallo does that spectacularly, he wears black pants and brown shoes. Anybody who’s really stylish breaks the rules.

DC: Is giving advice different now?

GO: I think it’s gotten more sophisticated. In the beginning it was a lot about what color socks should I wear with a blue suit. Or should I wear black shoes with a blue suit. One of the funny things that happened as a result of it was that I was asked to write an advice column for Italian Vanity Fair, which I’ve done for a long time and write weekly.

DC: What about this new attention towards American craftsmanship and clothes made closer to home?

GO: Did you see that documentary on HBO called Schmatte? It’s really good. It’s about the collapse of the American garment industry. In 1960 90% of the clothes Americans wore were made in America and now it’s 10%.

You can read the full interview here.

Wish List: Polos

I am in serious need of a few new polos. I have about 6 polos in my closet, and half of them are from Old Navy. That is almost embarrassing to admit. I typically succumb - completely overlooking the quality and cheap material - because the prices are so ridiculously good. A polo for $8? You can't beat that.

They would be great if they didn't shrink 2 sizes in the wash, or stretch out in weird places like the collar. I think the prize goes to the fake Abercrombie & Fitch polo my brother got me in Indonesia which I've been wearing for about 2 years now. That or the forest green, striped polo with the collar that turns up on one side I got on the sale rack at Old Navy 6 years ago. Both have seen better days. Wow, I'm just now realizing the severity of my situation.

I think it's time for an upgrade, whether it be J.Crew or Banana Republic or some other label. I just need something new. Something with a nice slim fit that isn't too long or too short. I'm thinking solid colors that I can use for formal and casual occasions. Something that retails for between $30-40 (that I could possibly find discounted elsewhere... of course).

Any suggestions?

Speaking of Silk Scarves...

What a great mix of color and patterns.

(Photo c/o The Sartorialist)

Blue & Red

I really like the shot of red here. If only I was brave enough to wear a red silk scarf.

I would totally rock this get-up walking my dog on a crisp fall day... with a driver cap on my head and a pipe in my mouth.

(Photo c/o A Suitable Wardrobe)

Textures

Winter Essential: The Tweed Sports Coat

I used to think tweed was for old men. That was before I bought my first tweed sports coat (3 weeks ago). Tweed is a great material for fall and winter. I'm no expert on tweed so I will leave it at that.

I bought this jacket from Banana Republic during one of their '40% Off One Item' sales this season. Looking at this photo, you'll have to excuse my stylist who failed to notice my pocket flap was partially tucked in. Doh!

SALE: Allen Edmonds Shoe Polish $1

Allen Edmonds Premium Shoe Polish is only $1 when you use the coupon code HOLIDAYPOLISH1208 with free shipping.

Winter Essential: Rugged Boots

I remember wearing canvas Vans and Converse Chucks everyday in the city my first winter here, like it was no big deal. I remember accidentally stepping in pot holes full of water and slush as I crossed the street. And I vividly recall my shoes and socks getting wet on the way to work and having to deal with cold feet all day at the office. I didn't wear boots back then because boots weren't cool. But it seems as if there has been a resurgence of the old American work boot over the last couple years. I took note of this last winter and decided it was time to jump on the bandwagon.

I purchased the Timberland Men's Earthkeeper 6 in. Leather Boots from a small shop in the Financial District because they were $30 less than any other shop.

It took a few days to get acclimated to wearing lace up boots, but what a relief it has been. My days of tip-toeing around the city in wet canvas shoes are over. Now I walk where I want, when I want, never taking no for an answer.

If you are shopping around for winter boots, a few good options include the Frye Dakota, the Red Wing Classic Lifestyle, and the Wolverine Burton boot.

And don't forget to winterize your new pair of boots. Click here for the How To.

Quote of the Day

"Flaunting new labels, or any labels for that matter, gives the impression of insecurity."

-G. Bruce Boyer, fashion writer and editor

Trend Spot: Flipping the Bill

SALE: Macy's 25% Off

Macy's Friends & Family sale is going on through 12/7.

Receive 25% off online purchases (restrictions apply) using coupon code MACYSFF* and receive free shipping on orders over $99.

Receive 25% off in-store using the printable coupon found here.

*I've also seen code MACYSFRIEND

Don't Forget About the Pants

The importance of having pants tailored to the proper length is often overlooked by men. Don't settle for this:

'What's the big deal?' you might ask.

It's sloppy. It's careless. It's lazy.

I think it's safe to say that when a man dresses in a suit, he wants to look good, feel good, and, perhaps most importantly, make a good impression. If that is your goal, do yourself a favor, pay the $10 and go get those new slacks adjusted. It just looks better.

There is often debate regarding how big or small the break in the pant should be. I think it's a matter of personal preference. For a smaller man like me, I prefer a smaller break (below) for the same reason I prefer a slimmer cut suit - I don't appear to be quite as small. For a taller man, a bigger break might be appropriate.

Be very specific with your tailor and double check their work. I often have to tell them to 'bring it up a little more'. Make sure your pants are sitting on your waist where you like them when you are being measured. And if you don't feel good about the job they do, don't be afraid to tell them to fix it.

(Photos by GQ & Suits4Men)

An Early Christmas for Me

Christmas comes early for me. I found this Ben Sherman Twill Weekend bag for $99 (originally $199) at Filene's Basement on 79th St last weekend. Yesterday I sealed the deal after a few days of deliberation. What ultimately pushed me over the edge was the 20% off coupon I received in my inbox - exactly what I was hoping for after becoming a fan on the Filene's Basement website.

I first started shopping around for a nice weekend bag after longtime friend Paul Lambon came to visit in June sporting his own, a bag made completely from recycled leather. It had serious character and, in my opinion, gave the already stylish Paul some serious class. I coveted it, and decided I needed to get one for myself. So, I believe a shout out to Paul is in order for getting the wheels turning in my head. Thanks buddy.