From GQ Italy

Defense of the white shirt, from the kind of people you all really want to be listening to (note, article is in Italian, so prep your translators, and comment if the translation doesn't make any sense, and I'll translate the translation)

http://www.gqitalia.it/moda/articles/2012/3/la-camicia-bianca-da-uomo-la-storia-gli-abbinamenti-come-portarla

This Whole No-Sock Thing

As much as I enjoy GQ, I do have a few things at which I continuously shake my head. I don't have the most conservative color palate for a closet, but tight pink-ish jeans are not for me. Also, I like pants that have a professional length break. This means the pant legs are as long as my legs, not bunching up over my shoes, and not resembling a preparation for an event that requires an ark.

That said, I've come to notice several pages worth of rolled up pant legs (rolled several times over), which reveal shoes with no socks. This whole no-sock thing is a prevalent as anything that has ever graced the pages of this time honored publication.

I've been giving it a whirl, and I have to admit, it's not the worst idea in the world. I live in Los Angeles, so it's pretty much Spring/Summer 12 months out of the year (sorry, 59 degrees is NOT cold). This has given me the chance to go sockless for a few Sundays, and I think I've figured out the rules:

1). NEVER attempt this in the office. It's a casual weekend look, not professional.
2). A light dusting of baby powder in the shoes will prevent the shoes from a premature death by sweat.
3). Do not attempt a full day if your feet are not accustomed to being in shoes without socks. Walkabout for an hour or two, then get some socks on. This will prevent cuts and bruises (learned the hard way).
4). This look works with oxford shoes, loafers, or canvas. Try 'em all, and see which is most "you".
5). Do not roll up your pants and extra 3" to show you aren't wearing socks. You'll look like a jackass.

This look may be too extreme for many, but if you're on the fence, give it a whirl with the 5 bullet points above. If you like it, you've discovered a brand new look, which is always good. If you don't, it's not like socks are going out of style anytime soon!

Preview of the Next Month

First and foremost, the (long) overdue pics of the versatility of the 3-piece-suit will be surfacing in the month of April -- just need to make sure my wife is available with an iPhone camera, lol

Also coming in April, I have 2 article concepts ready to execute. One will be on renting a tux vs just buying one. Following that will be a way to gain a whole new wardrobe by getting to know your friendly neighborhood tailor.

I keep trying to make a commitment to updating this at least once a week on Sundays, but life keeps bumping this from my to do list. Rest assured, I have not forgotten you all!

Lookbook Update

Taken in the Nordstrom in the Grove... in the middle of the stuff-for-Yoella section.

Latest Look

3 Piece Suit = Many Day Help

Anytime I can create an equation to make getting dressed easier, I need to share it. Many consider the Three Piece Suit a bit over the top, but I cannot disagree more. It gives one that formal edge, without having to go all tuxedo. It's important to look at a three piece suit in a solid color, not a plaid or checkerboard, or stripe. This is simply because most of us don't walk around in plaid pants all day. The three piece also lends a lot of flexibility to your closet. Observe: * Worn as a three piece suit * Worn as a two piece suit (hang up the vest) * Just the pants * Wear the jacket with a pair of jeans (provided the jacket it fitted. Looser blazers ruin this look) * Vest with the pants * Vest with jeans and a dress shirt * Vest with jeans and a t-shirt All of these looks from one dang suit. How else can you buy 7+ looks, all at the same time? I'll pull my three piece out of the closet in the next day or two, so the pics will certainly be there as a follow up.

Mission Statement's Up!

Check it out! The method to my madness, in 344 words (7 of which are in Latin).