Finding the Perfect Winter Hat

The Winter is fast approaching (at least where I am) and scarfs, hats and gloves are already starting to emerge from their bleak, desolate and much forgotten storage places. Winter accessories can drastically improve what is ordinarily a dreary outfit. Now, while there is no article that is more important than the other (in my opinion) lets just focus on one aspect of the attire that keeps you the warmest, the hat.

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Alright, it may seem simple, but trust me this is a must have. Sometimes simple is the best thing for you. Having a black hat with some matching black gloves is something so standard that you may overlook this. So, if you are in this category of need, check this out, and check out their site HERE, they have a very nice selection at reasonable prices. moving on...

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Alright, this is kinda like a mini cable knit beanie. I chose a cream color because I know a lot of people like that look, and I'm kinda on the fence. I mean, I hate hate hate white cars; so awful, so ugly, so boring but every once in a while a cream colored car comes along and shocks me. I suppose it would work if you really do like it, but I'm totally indifferent right now, I can't hate on it, and I can't support it. It's kind of like the way I feel about TV shows, they'll surprise you every now and again (Modern Family, Community). Anywho, I think the more bang for your buck is the green cap as you can wear it with black, gray or brown jackets.

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These loose fitting beanies are very popular these days and its definitely not due to their functionality as most wear it loosely atop and back on their heads. This is the laid back, casual, maybe-I-didn't-shave-the-past-couple-of-days-and-I-don't-care look. Very appropriate if you're going for a rugged style. If you do go for a dark colored beanie, then maybe consider black, tall boots, dark skinny jeans, and a leather jacket or dark peacoat. That outfit would look B.A. You can find these hats almost anywhere these days, so don't spend a fortune getting one.

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Now, if you're into the ski patrol/lumberjack look this the hat for you. Ear flaps are very youthful and exude much more of a laid back sentiment. I honestly picked this one because it has black and brown in it so you can wear it for almost any colored jacket. This website has a TON of different styles for you to peruse, and for reasonable prices too. Check out their hats HERE, its pretty crazy how many they have. Regardless of which design you go with, you're essentially getting the same affect of an outdoorys guy (think Colorado, Montana, etc.), so maybe consider that with what your jacket, pants and boots are saying about your outfit. Hopefully they coincide. This isn't exactly a dressy hat, but lets be honest, we're not always dressy guys. This is a good mix up to wear to work on a Friday or a weekend activity. Keep it casual, but don't mix and match dressy and casual, stick to one or the other and you'll be good. A thick sweater, straight fitting jeans, big boots and a casual jacket would complete this look.

Bag It

You carried your books to and fro in college and your backpack is wearing down. This gives you the opportunity to upgrade your worn out cloth Jansport to a more professional and appropriate look for the workplace. On your commute to work, you don't want to be confused for going to class when you're actually headed to an important meeting. I'm sure you all know that by dressing professionally you gain respect, your peers take you more seriously and if dressed well, you're more confident. Well, this goes for each article of clothing, including accessories, namely today's entry: Bags. And for those who just can't get away from backpacks, I threw one in that I think you'll like.

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Alright, if you just can't pull yourself away from the backpack and want to hold onto college just a little longer, which I would highly recommend in the professional environment you do not, or if you're in need of a bag for the weekend around town, I would recommend this backpack by Fjällräven. This is a vintage khaki backpack that is a great weekender backpack for getting around. Out of the professional setting you don't always need to have a messenger bag to carry your things, that's where a backpack comes into play. But, don't you still want to be stylish, so consider this retro, outdoorsy pack with leather straps.

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You're young, and you're not yet ready to transition straight on to the traditional all leather briefcase, so I would recommend a combination of canvas and leather in this briefcase by Filson. Filson has been around a long time and definitely knows how to make some classically styled luggage and travel gear. With brass zippers and leather pulls this bag doesn't cut any corners. A great look for a young professional who is not ready for the full on leather bag.

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For those of you who are ready for the all leather look, I direct your attention to the antique leather dowel briefcase by Schlesigner. A classic antique and throwback design that simply improves with age. Keep it simple, keep it clean and keep it professional. You don't have to aggressively demand attention with accessories, as long as its well crafted it can be simple. Modesty is the key with this bag. Albeit simple, it still looks smart.

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For those of you who like a little more "busy" or eye catching accessories, this is the bag for you. The Saddleback Leather Co. has created this briefcase (multiple colors) with great confidence that you'll enjoy it and enjoy it for a long time as it offers a 100 year warranty. That's a good thing, because you can enjoy this smartly designed and equipped bag for years on end due to its straight forward design. This bag offers no breakable parts like zippers or snaps and claims it can be converted into a backpack, altho I don't see how. Regardless, this piece is brilliantly designed and crafted with incredible quality (100% full grain boot leather) and pride. (Ed. note: whats up with the coffee cup in the picture?) Get this bag and enjoy for years on end.

A Fashionable Salute

Today is Veterans Day, as you may know because your bank is closed. So in honor of our veterans past, present, and future, I present to you our salute to military fashion.

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Brought to you by our Navy men and women, the Peacoat may be the most timeless article of mens fashion, and this piece is no exception. Schott’s has pulled a flank on the classic bulky peacoat, you will find this piece to be nicely tailored and very form fitting. This simple alteration makes this a first class Peacoat. Discharge the price, this guy will see many tours of duty over the years.

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Ah, the classic Aviator shades (not sure where they originated but I see the Marines taking some credit). Personally I love Aviators, probably because I have a big head and they are the only sunglasses that look good on me. Our friends at Eagle Eyes don’t play around either, they are certified by NASA, it has to be good. I like this gun metal look with the lighter lenses, not your traditional Aviator style. A higher quality and cheaper price than your typical Rayban’s these glasses are a steal, if that doesn’t sell you the free space pen should.

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You may not actually be a “Guardian of the Pacific,” but the US Army will lend you their M65 Field jacket for the time being. Perhaps the greatest part of any military gear is it functionality. This jacket is a medium weight, water repellent, has a hidden hood, a removable quilted liner, and Velcro cuffs. All of these features will keep you styling even on a rainy day.

Winter Jackets that will Toggle the Mind

No. You don't have to wear a snowmobiling jacket to stay warm this winter. There are definitely stylish solutions out there. Yes, of course you want to stay warm, as do I. That doesn't mean you have to compromise style for function. You can have both, but you gotta look. Lucky for you, I did that. Here are a couple jackets that I've been eying lately....I guess I'm on a toggle bender right now...you'll see.

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Here we have Banana Republics Heritage Toggle Coat in what they're calling a Camel color. My opinion is its green. Regardless, this is a traditionally styled coat with simple clean lines. They offer this coat in a black as well, and I'd say most people lean on getting a darker color for the winter normally, but I think green is absolutely ideal for winter months. You can very easily go from wearing brown boots, belt, etc to a pair of black boots, belt, etc with no clash. Green is a multipurpose/neutral color foundation to build from for almost any outfit. Go green this year and expand your outfit options.

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Here we have an incredibly stylish Paddington coat by Corpus. This is the more classic color (black) that offers a wide collar with hood, in a tough wool blend with kick ass leather belt-esque toggle closures (adjustable). The lining inside is a attractive contrasting plaid along with welt pockets. Also, there is a removable zipper hood. I will say that the back of the jacket is slightly boring so if I were to get this jacket, I would definitely consider going to a tailor and putting a back slit in. There are tons of pictures at the site for a further look. This jacket has that great classic look with it's updated leather toggles. You'll stand out with this fashionable coat in the winter time when most are buried under boring trenches and mountain climbing gear.

Don't Forget About Belts

I dare say, a mans belt can be the most overlooked piece in a mans wardrobe. Too often men settle on a belt that falls under the description of “it’s not terrible.” This is tragic. From this moment on you should consider every article of clothing an adjective that says something about you, and what are you saying if you settle on a belt that “is not terrible?” So, to help you on your new adjective hunt I have put together a short list of a few belts to better describe your inner man.

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This belt comes to use courtesy of Belts.com, the lack of a designer name will keep a few Yen in your pocket while maintaining that fresh cut man style we are working for. I really like this lighter color. It should pop against any pair of pants you put on, and it can be a great way to liven up your winter black and grey. This belt can perform multiple functions, wether you pair it with jeans and a T for your casual days, or khakis and a button up to the office, if you keep it clean it can go anywhere. This belt is also equipped with snaps so you can change out the buckle whenever your inner Lane Frost wants to show himself (just do not let that be too often).

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I’m really liking the pattern on this Lucertola brown leather belt by Robert Charles piece I found over the pond, the Brits sure know their stuff. Not to mention, it is handmade in Italy and only about 67$? Sign me up. It comes in a few different colors and the pattern looks equally cool in each of them. This belt will compliment a nice pair of dress pants and like light colored khakis. Not a whole lot to this guy, personally I love it.

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You are a grown up. Own a stunning black belt. No one will ever notice it if you are wearing the right suit, but bring out the wrong belt and your 2000$ suit can look like you stole it off a bum. This simple Kenneth Cole piece can be worn with any pair of dress pants you own. Keep this belt on your dress pants though, I can not endorse the black belt with jeans. The Kenneth Cole name brings with it an expectation of quality, and I would expect nothing less. Belts like this are a timeless investment, and this one happens to be reversible for all of your formal wear needs.

Jeans Please

Jeans. For a guy, they're probably the most important aspect in an outfit. Jeans are essentially the canvas or foundation in which you create your outfit. Now, the classic and safe look right now is dark colored jeans. But picking up a pair of jeans can be tricky. Here are some tips that'll bring you to the forefront of fashionable jeans.

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Above are probably my favorite jeans currently. These are A.P.C. New Standard Jeans. They're incredible. These thick and rigid indigo jeans will give you unique, authentic fading and wear as you break them in over time. And yes, you'll have to break them in a little. It seems a lot of people notice their tight fit when putting them on for the first time. Don't worry, they'll loosen up plenty. I'm confident you'll love them. These jeans are also made from unwashed selvage denim, which is important. This gives them their incredible thick feel and rigid look for clean cut straight lines. For those of you who are unaware washing jeans is not a great idea. It diminishes the life of the jeans by fading the color and reducing rigidity. So grab these up for a incredible pair of jeans this fall and winter.

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Alright, everyone, I really don't understand this but Rag & Bone jeans are the hardest things to buy online. Maybe it has something to do with being a kick ass brand or maybe it has to do with supply. I don't know. All I know is that if you can find a pair of these incredibly modern yet traditional jeans at a local boutique or high quality department store then buy them. They are awesome. This pair isn't exactly what I was looking for online from them but I honestly couldn't find anything. Go to a department store and try on a pair, you'll love their classic look.

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Here we have a pair of Nudie Grim Tim in a Dry Dirt Organic color. Ridiculous name. But these jeans are super nice. Clean, simple, dark indigo errr, Dry Dirt Organic, with a sleek sheen. I like the form fitting (not skin tight) pants these days opposed to the baggier look right now and these pants fit perfectly for that look. Throw in the fact that they have orange stitching and you have a complete pair of amazing jeans.