Florida Agenda

By Manley Guy

The 94 days of Summer 2012 are more than a season—they reflect a state of mind about how you see yourself. I’m not talking here about shedding a few pounds, or toning up an incorrigible buttock. (Who can’t benefit from that, no matter how S&M—Stand & Model—perfect you may be?) It’s about dressing like a big boy who knows the difference between jammies and a dressing robe, and how to dress for Rosie’s Sunday Funday as well as Friday date night at J. Marks.

Whether during those long sunny days at work, or for lost weekends in your fave, off-duty threads, SUM12 means loosening up—but not quite letting yourself go completely slacker—with relaxed suits, an even more relaxed “what-the-hell” attitude (which screams “time to ditch work”), that translates to khakis and a polo shirt. Ready? Time to get real. Get Rid of It If you haven’t worn it in a year—say “buh-bye.”

Out with the Old (Swim Trunks) … in with the blue. It just so happens that the ultimate manly color—especially in SUM12—looks amazing near the ocean. (And on you.)

Casual Button-Downs It’s summer: Be loose (just not with the Goose, or the mousse). Washed cottons create a rumpled-vibe that that makes every day Casual Friday. Button-down collars, contrasting stitching, bold colors or patterns—all make a casual shirt anything but careless.

Polo, Pony? “The Great Gatsby” hits theaters this Christmas, auteur Baz Luhrmann’s take on the F. Scott Fitzgerald literary classic about isolation and excess. (Oh, yeah— Leonardo DiCaprio is in it!) Polo shirts with tipped sleeves, stripes of any size, and contrast collars add a throwback feel to SUM12, and make you look like you are in the thick of it at Ascot (“chin-chin” to Liz and Pip).

Ride ’Em, Cowboy Men of Scandals and Ramrod take note: Colorful denim is experiencing a “moment,” and an understated shortsleeve button down makes me warm, Daddy. Toss it up a wrung, Hoss, if your below-the-waist wardrobe leaves you limp.

Shirts, Not Baggers T’s are must-have warm-weather basics, an American tradition that is the perfect seasonal skin—but nothing with holes, Skippy (and see “Get Rid of It,” above). Sunglasses That Say “You” Be bold in style, with shades that fit your face and clothes, and make you distinctive from all your friends.

Summer Sportcoats Ask my editor: Hot weather is no excuse to lose the jacket. Substitute lined, wool sportcoats for lighter, easier fabrics, like linen. Whatever feels comfy, these look great with a pair of jeans, and T-shirt or collarless job. Woof.

Are You Watching Me Now? For SUM12, get yourself an affordable timepiece that has a chunky face, flexible band, and rugged, Steampunky details (plus water resistance—you are planning to hit the beach, right?) that ooze manliness for even the most elfin twink, and will make you look sharp, even if— big deal— you’re running late.

Walk in These Shoes SUM12 is loafers, boat shoes, and white tennis shoes—none of which require socks

By AJ Cross

According to a recent survey of data
compiled from leading men’s magazines
such as Esquire, GQ, and Complex,
South Florida ranked in the top twenty
places with the “worst dressed men in
the country.” My guess would be that
this is due to the casual attitude men
here have, helped along by the high
temperature. I have to admit that after
reading the data, published by “Wire
Image,” we could definitely stand to
step up our wardrobe, boys. I have been
to New Year’s Eve events, weddings, and
funerals where men arrived in board
shorts and sandals: really?

Where have the black tuxedos gone?

Where are the pinstripes, bowties, and
suspenders? I think tha t there is a sad
trend that emphasizing “less is more”
when it comes to men—perhaps why so
many of us frequent Go-Go bars. I
personally love the mystique of a welldressed
man. The hottest thing about
Superman was that you had no clue
how hot he was as Clark Kent.

Fashion designer Tom Ford responded
to the survey by stating, “I think the
bottom line is that men simply have no
idea how to dress themselves. Even
YouTube gives demonstrations on how
to navigate your way around a bow
tie. There should be academies for
men’s fashion.”

Ask and you shall receive! Let me give
you some tips:

Tip#1: Pleated pants are out. The
trend is a clean, flat front pant with no
cuff and a modest break. The pant
should be just right in fit; not too snug
and not too full.

Tip#2: The belt and the shoes should
be in the same color spectrum. Black
shoes and a brown belt are NOT cute.

Tip#3: White still rules as the choice
of color for button-down shirts, but
it is BORING. Spice it up with a
light blue checkered shirt, or multi-color
bold pinstripe, or solid salmon or
micro-dot pattern.

Tip#4:“Formal” means tux or a suit
in the tux family. “Business casual”
means slim-fit khaki flat-front pant,
brown belt, clean shoe or loafer, and
slim-fit (European cut) button-down.
A man should look like a man.

Tip#5:If you want to wear sequins, satin
pants, a shirt you can barely breathe in,
or heels, then you might want to wait
till I write about trani-fashions.

Tip#6:Learn how to tie a bowtie.
There is nothing more pathetic than
a clip-on.

Tip#7: Know your tie knots and when
to wear them. According to W
Magazine the basic four are “Four
in Hand,” “Half Windsor,” “Windsor,”
and “Shell Knot.”

Tip#8: Vests are for guys who can’t
find a shirt that actually fits (or
lesbians), so unless the vest is part of a
three piece suit, donate it to Poverello
or Out of the Closet.

The bottom line is that there is
something sexy about a well-dressed
man, and about understanding the
current fashion trends. The ability to
know that you should be wearing a size
thirty-four jacket instead of a thirtyeight
will make all the difference
between looking like a stud and looking
like a dud. I hope that the next survey
finds South Florida men evolving into
the fashion leader.

AJ Cross

AJ CRoss is originally from
Montreal and has written the
“Cross Eyed” column for seven
years. He lives in Fort Lauderdale
where he serves as budget advisor
to the City Commission

By ERIC CHRISTIAN

Just when you thought the iconic house of Versace was becoming obsolete, you are soon to be in for a rude awakening! A big, loud and brash rude awakening that is. The wait to see and purchase items from the Versace for H&M collection is soon to be over. This is indeed the latest collaboration that is stirring all the buzz in the retail and fashion world!

For the fashion junkies that are familiar with the legendary fashion house, expect bright prints, bold colors, and reinterpretations of the iconic blazers, leather jackets, and pants. Plus, a first for the H&M designer collaborations, expect a home-ware collection too, including pillows and a hot beaded bedspread!

Versace’s men’s collection for H&M is a mix of sleek tailoring and pieces

with bold, eye catching patterns. Suit jackets and trousers come in either black, or pink, while a black tuxedo jacket has metallic tip trims on its pockets, and shirts have metallic wing-tips on the collars. Versace’s palm prints are used on t-shirts, as well as on thin-knit cashmere sweaters, while print is also used on velvet bombers, jeans, and even underwear. There is also a mix of classic pink and turquoise button down shirts that have matching tailored, skinny pants. Furthermore there is a striking range of black and white geometric printed shirts, tops and t-shirts.

There’s leather in the men’s collection too, with a quilted leather jacket trimmed with gold studs in the Versace classical Greek pattern, which is repeated down the sides of black cotton shorts and a rolled-sleeve t-shirt. As we ll as a stunning black top coat with leather sleeves and collar. Accessories include embellished beanies and patterned caps, embellished or print scarfs, as well as hi-top sneakers, brazen jewels and dress shoes.

The US and Canada will release the collection on November 19 in select stores. I got word that Palm Beach will definitely be one of them releasing the collection on November 17! The collection will be available in about 300 stores worldwide. I urge all you fashionistas that want a piece of this excitement to be at the stores at least two hours before they open!

The price point for the collection is not as low as what we saw with Missoni for Target. You will still be looking at shelling out over $200 for leather pieces. T-shirts are coming in between $25 and $65 with jackets around $150. Still, when you consider a leather Versace jacket is likely to cost over $2,000, you are still grabbing a bargain!

For fashion, luxury personal shopping, styling, closet editing, and shopping tours, contact Eric Christian at eric@styleconciergemiami.com or visit the website at www.styleconciergemiami.com.

By Eric Christian

The fall and winter season is just around the corner.  While many of us in Florida and warmer sections of the country are still enjoying swimsuits, the beach and the sun, those in cooler climes are contemplating and beginning to prepare their wardrobes for the seasons ahead. Sooner or later, the temperature will drop, and with it will come heavier clothing needs. Fortunately, fall and winter fashions are available for purchase in stores now.

So what better time for the Style Concierge to tell you the fall/winter trends for men this season?

Velvet Hits the Runways
Velvet has been around for quite some time now. It’s considered very classic and timeless if worn correctly. Velvet should never be worn over velvet but with denim, trousers, and khakis. It’s now come back as a “new” trend for the fall. It’s most commonly seen in burgundy, black, navy blue, and chocolate.  It’s seen this season in runway shows from many designers including Lanvin, Gucci, Dsquared2, Dolce & Gabbana, and Etro.

Military Influence is Back Again!
For those of you who don’t like it, guess what? Seems as if it’s here to stay! Channel your inner sergeant when you stock your fall and winter wardrobe this year – from army green, mocha, and brown to waist and double-breasted trench coats that flatter the body and hide any embarrassing flaws during the cold winter months. Designers such as Alexander McQueen, Neil Barrett, Versace,and Burberry Prorsum continue to keep this trend alive this fall/ winter 2011/2012 season.

It’s All About Shearling
According to Women’s Wear Daily, the outerwear trend for fall/winter 2011 is shearling.
This season, many designers such as Burberry Prorsum, Ralph Lauren Purple Label, Rick Owens, Balmain, and Boss Black created their key jackets, coats, and blazers using this material that has become popular again.

I am certainly excited this fall/ winter season to see what everyone will be wearing. Any of these styles can be found in all major department stores.  For those of you that are on a budget, select look-alike styles at stores like Zara, Gap, Banana Republic, Top Shop, and H&M stores.

Ralph Lauren Purple Label Shearling Jacket

For styling, luxury personal shopping, editorial and shopping tours, contact fashion & style expert Eric Christian at eric@styleconciergemiami.com and online at www.styleconciergemiami.com

Dolce & Gabanna is synonymous with high style and classic European flair in the fashion world. The Italian fashion house is known for its extremely fashionable and in-your-face menswear. The name is praised and applauded everywhere you go. Sure enough, for their Fall/Winter 2011 menswear runway collection, the duo did not disappoint.

You can always count on Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana to give you haute, sexy, masculine looks with a twist of fun and ruggedness. This year, as the models strutted down the runway, it kind of seemed as if there were looks and styles being presented from the past 20 years. There were looks for everyone in that show: The glamorous club guy in v.i.p., the biker, the street kid, the gangster and the man on Wall Street. There were wide-leg trousers, no-pleat pants and wide lapels on the jackets reminiscent of the 80′s. There were also hints of the 90′s and today with the fitted Bryan Ferry t-shirts, bleached, acid washed jeans, suspenders, cargos and heavysoled boots. It also appeared the designers incorporated the use of many vintage and olden-days style – one of them being braces (known to many of us today as “suspenders”) and the dropped crotch pant that added swag and flair to the collection.

There were also accessories that were key pieces in the collection, from black framed geek shades to the fedoras made of canvas and suede. In terms of the color palette of the designs, there were less monochromatic colors and more of grays, reds, burgundies and, of course, black. As far as texture, there was wool, especially in the coats and some pants, velvet and sequins in the suiting, and cotton in the shirts and pants.

As you can see, the two designers, Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana, got our attention for the Fall/Winter 2010/2011 Menswear collection. And, they make us wait impatiently until the next season comes out to see what other surprises they have prepared for us. The collection can be found at any Dolce and Gabbana boutique nationwide, or via the web at www.dolcegabbana.com.

Fall is approaching quickly, so be the first to layer yourself in this season’s rugged fashion. Whether you are enjoying the nature of a park or exploring a downtown urban oasis, enjoy warm colors and textures that are both practical and trendy. We’re showcasing many diverse options to suit the eclectic styles of fall.

Jaco Palo crocodile motorcycle jacket (price upon request, www.jacopalo.com). Versace Collection Circle jacquard woven shirt $250, at Neiman Marcus. Xtreme belt in aged bark $29, at Overland. Axist heavy wash denim straightleg jeans $55, at Kohl’s. Right: Shearling and suede zip/snap vest $949, and Hopper tote $335, both at Overland. MICHAEL KORS snap military shirt $125, at Neiman Marcus. Apt. 9 jeans $54, at Kohl’s.

MICHAEL KORS purple check plaid shirt $125, gray Moncler puffer vest $525, and Joe’s dark denim jeans $158, all at Neiman Marcus.

Right: MICHAEL KORS Watts check multi-pocket shirt in granite $195, and 7 for All Mankind jeans $198, both at Neiman Marcus. Woven black braided belt $28, at Kohl’s.

GAP blue striped wool scarf $24.99, at GAP. Center: Pure cashmere scarf in cranberry $55.99, at www.thepashminastore.com. Right: Banana Republic mini-stripe scarf $49.50, at Banana Republic.

Leather newsboy hat $39, at Overland. Diesel leather patch gray and green zip-front sweater, at Neiman Marcus. Apt. 9 jeans $54, at Kohl’s. Center: Neiman Marcus cashmere V-neck sweater with toggle closure $395, and Joe’s dark denim jeans $158, both at Neiman Marcus. Right: Vince sweater $275, at Neiman Marcus. Axist heavy wash denim straight-leg jeans $55, at Kohl’s.

Photographed by Chad Chisholm
Styled by Nick Mangiapane, Kevin Hopper and Dahlia Weinstein
Models: Kawyn Furstoss, Spencer Neveu, and Daniel Zimlich of Wilhelmina

In this week’s Style & Entertainment we envisage a somewhat cooler temperatures and look to what is hot in Fall fashion, get ready to layer yourself in autumnal hues, strong statement jackets and rustic accessories in Style, Paul Rubio shows us the travel delights of Hollywood, Florida, a seaside haven that has finally received some TLC from the LGBT Community in Travel and Michael French reminds us of the pitfalls and insecurities that accompany gossiping in Home.

Hooray For Hollywood… Hollywood, Florida Has Many Charming Factors

Autumn Returns As the blazing temperatures of Summer calm down, look great in this season’s rustic Fall fashion.

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