VESTS!

   You could say that vests are my fashion addiction. Another layer, another chance to twist up an outfit and add something extra. I started wearing vests several years ago (prob 2008) and was instantly hooked. My first vest was from Express and looking back, it wasn't the best fit at the time but I was still learning. As you may notice they quickly became a stable in my wardrobe.

     I love their versatility. You can dress it up or down, wear them with dress shoes or sneakers, or layer it with a blazer. Fit is essential when choosing a vest. You don't want to look like a square with no shape and sloppy. Nor do you want to look like you've out grown your vest and see buttons pulling or fabric stretching. A nice tailored fit with a little room to move is best for a slim, modern look. When you are shopping remember no box and no pull.

    Another thing I look for when buying a vest is creativity.  I like something unique. I have a few simple vests that I play up with wildly patterned shirts and vibrant colors, but for the most part I really enjoy a unique vest with a cool plaid pattern, dark red or interesting color, zippers and buttons. Details like patterns on the back and stitching all help bring style to your outfit.

Mint Green Trousers

   These mint green trousers from GbyGuess are probably my favorite pants. What a great color for spring! I wanted to share the many different ways I have styled them.
     You can dress them up and down. I have paired them with dress shoes, sneakers, ties, bowties, dress shirts, jackets, vest and sweaters - basically everything.

  -->> Right: This was a winter look. I loved the pants with the Express sweater and H&M bowtie. I had fun putting this together. 

<<-- Left: I went for a more laid back look with this one. A plain white Express dress shirt, un-tucked, sleeves rolled up, big Aldo watch and sneakers. Good casual Friday look (depending on your job)

-->> Right: Favorite look! I worn this to my former church one Sunday to see all my old friends and Media buddies. Paired the pants with my favorite GbyGuess blazer with dress shirt and bowtie. I must say, this look got some great reviews and lots of people liked it. It's okay for guys to be whimsical. It's fun, creative and entertaining.



<<-- Left: Similar to the previous look, but instead of the jacket I paired it with a vest and white belt and watch (however, I think the watch was a miss.  I will wear a more simple watch next time). Don't be afraid to make mistakes. Sometimes you hit it, sometimes you miss it, but every time you are growing and stretching your creative mind.



 -->> Right: Got a bit chilly out in April! HA! Really enjoyed this one, came to me while I was trying to find something to pair the pants with other than a dress shirt (Hit it!).  The sweater and scarf are from H&M and I wore sneakers. I worn my Guess leather jacket.

Spring Blazers

        Colorful jackets/blazers are in this year, there are so many different colors and patters to choose from. I love blazers, it's one of my weaknesses. Most of my blazers are grey, black, or dark blue. I finally purchased two Spring Blazers from GbyGuess. I had been eyeing them for a few weeks and the moment I saw them go on sale I jumped on it!

         They were originally $60 each, but they were on sale for $30 each and then I had a $10 reward. I immediately had ideas of how to wear them. Ha!

      The first one I wore was the coral (some think pink, but looks coral in person). I was originally going to dress it up, but thought it looked better casual.  
      So I went for some off white jeans from Forever21, paired it with my Aldo sneakers, white shirt and black/white striped tie. Everyone loved it.
      I wore the blue one yesterday and decided to dress it up. I paired it with  my GbyGuess black skinnys, Express shirt and polka dot tie and Aldo dress shoes. This one will also be good with jeans and sneakers. For an even more dressy look I can pair it with slacks and a bowtie.
 

All About the Details

     This is one of my favorite jackets! I got this from Buckle back in 2011 and have worn it a handful of times. I usually wear it in the winter/fall, but it was a bit chilly out so what better time to wear it.

    I love all the details from the buttons, zippers and layers. It's right up my ally! It's pretty comfy also. I paired it with some black skinny jeans from GbyGuess and  Aldo dress shoes, which also have the details (hardware) to match the jacket.  I added a pop of color for extra whimsy with my new purple socks.

    When looking for jackets I like something different and unique. I have a few simple blazers/jackets but love the ones with some extra details that give it an artistic flare.

Pattern Mixing

     Remember the rule: "If wearing a solid shirt then wear a pattern tie" and vise versa? Well, that rule and the idea behind it are meant to be broken!  I used to have this mindset when I started wearing dress shirts and ties. I'd wear a striped shirt with a solid tie or solid shirt with a pattern time. I'd never mix patterns or colors. Eventually, I got bored and started experimenting and pushing the norm (what could I get away with..hmm). I've grown to love mixing patterns together. It's just another way to express yourself, stand out and be different.

      A rule to keep -->> never wear patterns on top and bottom, unless you have the body type to pull it off (usually taller and leaner). If I'm going crazy on top with mixing and layering I try to keep my pants simple, then add a pop of color/pattern with my socks and style with nice shoes.  

       Mixing patterns has taken off this season, so this is the time to take risks in this area if you haven't. Warning -->>There are times when being simple is a better choice, say at a job interview or an important meeting (depending on the type of work).  When this happens you can still mix patterns, simply choose your colors differently (like blues, blacks, grey, dark green). Your boss may not approve of you wearing hot pink! Ha! Know your environment.

        Other than that I'd encourage you to go ahead and mix polka dots with plaid, gingham and stripes,  paisley and checker board, the combinations are limitless. I have added some of my favorite pattern combinations in my blog, but I have worn many more. Almost all my outfits include some amount of mixing and matching, it would be impossible to share them all, so check them out on instagram (Username: newman03). This is just another way to be creative and have a little more fun with your wardrobe.

  

Express: Fit and Style

    Express is one of my all time favorite stores.  I have been shopping there for as long as I can remember. My wife, best friend at the time, first introdcued me back in High School. Back then it was called "Structure", anyone remember that?  The fit of their clothes is superb. 

      The other day I was in need of some slacks. I had a Kohls' coupon, so I thought, "Let me check there first and see what they have". I ended up finding my favorite "slim" fit slacks, but once I tried them on they still felt really loose. Against my better judgement I bought them, figuring they weren't sooo bad (yeah right!). The next day I received a coupon for Express (go figure) and needed a few new dress shirts. While I was there I tried on some slacks and wow, perfect fit like always (of course)! I had to get them. There is no way I can keep my Kohls' pants now. It's just not the same. Sometimes it is worth spending the extra $$ to get the fit you want. Honestly, the price difference wasn't much. Express has some really good deals and they are always mailing out coupons, which is great! Usually I receive buy one get the other half off or for $20.

      Slim fit is what's in right now. So I believe a lot of designers are trying to be current and jump on the bandwagon, but lack the passion and experience to make a quality fit for men. Express on the other hand has nailed it! This ain't their first rodeo! 

     The two shirts above were buy one get the other half off. Even the fit of the shirts are superb. I love how everything is becoming more fitted in men's fashion. I recently tried to wear some of my older Express shirts from a few years back and they feel like parachutes. It's time to clean out my closet, except for ones I pair with my sweaters in the winter months.

       I am also a fan of  the bowties at Express. As you know bowties are trending.  I'm thrilled it's taken off and risen in popularity. It gives men more accessories to express themselves. Why should women have all the fun?  I've purchased some really great bowties from Express (see picture below).      

      All in all I recommend Express. I give it a 10 for fit and style. 

Bottom Picture- Today's look: Express shirt & bowtie, Aldo boots, Kohls socks, GbyGuess belt and dark wash jeans.

   

GbyGuess

   In the next few posts I will be sharing what I love about some of my favorite stores. I'll give you advice about great looks and deals - each store has it's strengths.
    I will start with probably my favorite store, GbyGuess. They continually have amazing deals. I make it a point to check their site often, for the newest items and sales. Their blazers & jackets are second to none in my opinion. They are reasonably priced ($35-80, depending on sales) and have great detailing such as, zippers, buttons, layers, colors, patterns and the fit is perfect for my body type. I don't feel or look like a square (very important if you want to look fresh & current), there is some structure to it, which gives it a tailored feel.
      I usually wait for a sale (warning: the down fall is they may be out of your size. So if you can afford it and love it -->> grab it fast or miss out). When I love an item I don't mind paying full price because I get my money's worth. My GbyGuess jackets and blazers last me several years. I'm continually finding ways to refresh an older jacket - making it look new. 
      Another reason I shop at GbyGuess is for their ties, ties and more ties! Most of my skinny ties are from GbyGuess because of their great color selection and patterns. It allows me to be creative. The best part is  I usually pay $5-10 for each (occasional full price). I've noticed that they put 1-2 ties on sale once a month and then it goes back to full price ($20 or so).  So, if you love skinny ties, check out the site for time to time. I hope one day they will start selling bow ties, since that's the new thing (I will blog on that later).
      GbyGuess has a ton of great items. Including dress shirts, my next favorite item. Some have cool detials such as: buttons and zippers. I have my eye on the coral and mint green (colors of spring) shirts right now, I may have to splurge on them soon.
        Speaking of mint green, you may have noticed the mint green pants I have in several pics here and Instgram  (username: Newman03) which are from GbyGuess. Those pants are prob my favorite, I pair it with sweaters, scarfs, vests and jackets. When it comes to foot wear I match it with either dress shoes or funky grey sneakers from Aldo (blogging about Aldo later). You can dress them up or down. Color shows off your personality. Don't be intimidated by it.
       So what do you think? Will you be adding GbyGuess to your shopping list? Let me know, and share what you love about GbyGuess.

Newest Fashion Blogger

   Hello! I'm excited about this new blog! I love sharing insight and things I've learned when it comes to men's fashion. This blog is (like the title states) for real men on a real budget. We all look through GQ, Details and Esquire magazine and see stuff that we would love to buy (myself included), but lets be real, not everyone can afford that $1,000 jacket for $300 pair of loafers (at least not with out breaking the bank). I myself have an everyday office job with a mortgage, wife and 3 children...I mean dogs (a basset, two Shih Tzu's). You don't have to spend a lot of $$ to look great and feel good. I shop at stores like: Express, Guess, GbyGuess and Aldo to name a few. I enjoy being creative mixing patterns, layering, mixing colors, etc.  I look forward to sharing my creativity with you.