MEN'S STYLE

Lacoste is one of those brands you can never go wrong with. The label founded by Jean-René Lacoste recently teamed up with Opening Ceremony and this polo shirt is one of the items available. It’s available in three colors and I chose it in pink because I deeply think it’s a great, flattering color for men and those who think it’s for women are 100% wrong.

Photo via Lacoste

These H&M chino shorts in 100% cotton.

Photo via H&M

It seems we’re living in a time where every brand and logo might become fashionable, so H&M celebrates Post-it with a small collection and among all the items available I picked this sweatshirt, available also in white with black prints.

Photo via H&M

I saw this shirt on Instagram and found it beautiful and stylish. The sage color is a plus, a bit unusual and flattering. I find Cuban collar shirts pretty cool, and a great alternative to tees and classic shirts. I dislike short-sleeved shirts and usually find them cheap, unless they’re Hawaiian shirts or Cuban collar shirts, which I looove.

Photo via Reiss

Brandani made inflatable poufs that are useful and versatile. They’re washable and made of polyester so you can place them everywhere, both indoors and outdoors. All the six patterns are beautiful. The one I chose is molecule.

Photo via Brandani

If you like Coca-Cola (unfortunately I had to give up drinking it a few years ago but I hugely loved it), you’ll find this books by Assouline great. They collect images of people of film, music, sport industries enjoying a Coca-Cola.

Photo via Assouline

Photo via Assouline

I have a thing for brands that have a history. Armor Lux was established in 1938 by Walter Hubaker, who wanted to produce high-quality underwear. The brand expanded over time and now it makes clothes, accessories, home items and grocery. This sweatshirt is available also in white and gray.

Photo via Zalando

Represent chelsea boots in beige suede, perfect for spring.

Photo via Farfetch

I don’t know if men have a thing for vinyl records (in a good way), I never met a woman fixated with vinyls and their maintenance as some men usually are (I love men’s devotion to records, by the way) but I found this cleaning kit by Men’s Society and I think it’s useful. In case you don’t have one, yet.

Photo via Men’s Society

For this sixth post about men’s style I decided to talk about some trends for next spring. Three good ones, three ugly ones and one that can be tricky but also challenging.

The Good Trends

Trench coat. I know, it may seem impractical and, with the crazy weather, chances are you may wear a trench coat only a few times, but it’s a beautiful piece of clothing, it immediately elevates a casual/sporty look and women with good taste find it classy. If a full length trench is not for you, try a shorter version.

SALLE PRIVÉE “Thom” – Photo via Mr Porter

Zara (on sale) – Photo via Zara

Burberry “The Sandringham” – Photo via Burberry

Blue jeans. In classic blue hue. Possibly straight and not skinny. And that don’t expose your ankles. A breath of fresh air.

H&M – Photo via H&M

Saturdays NYC “Luke” – Photo via Matches Fashion

AMI – Photo via Mr Porter

Clashing colors. Don’t be afraid to embrace some bold colors and patterns. Many people think colors and patterns are not manly but it’s not true. It’s a cliché.

Versace Jeans – Photo via Farfetch

H&M – Photo via H&M

Think about these three trends together: blue jeans + a sweater/a shirt in clashing colors + classic blue jeans (+ good shoes) = perfection.

The tricky but challenging trend

Cowboy boots. With the right attitude and the right styling they look great. But a fashion mess is around the corner, and if you don’t feel comfortable wearing them you will look ridiculous.

Robert Redford with not completely picture cowboy boots.

 

Visualizza questo post su Instagram

 

Some mountain style inspiration in the form of Robert Redford and Camilla Sparv in the Downhill Racer, 1969. #robertredford #style #menswear #vintage #classic #icons #cool #skiing

Un post condiviso da GENTLEMAN’S JOURNAL (@thegentsjournal) in data: Gen 3, 2019 at 11:56 PST

These boots by Society are Chelsea boots with some “cowboy” vibes. I love the words printed on the elastic band.

Photo via Zalando

The ugly trends

I usually ignore trends I dislike, but once in a while I make an exception. Please don’t even consider these three items.

Bucket hats. Seriously, not even Leonardo DiCaprio looks good with a bucket hat. Even when he’s surrounded by 20some lingerie models.

Full leather outfits. They may good look on the runway, but many looks do and then turn out to be awful/ridiculous/impractical in real life. Plus, leather pants make you sweat a lot and, unless you wear clothes once then throw them away or return like influencers and celebrities do, keep things simple and stylish with a leather jacket.

Cycling sunglasses. Unless you’re a cyclist and you actually need practical (but ugly) sunglasses. With all the beautiful sunnies available, why going for unflattering ones?

And since I love quotes…

So true. I know people who keep saying they are not interested in fashion, they don’t follow trends, they’re not into this or that, but at the end of the day they are only annoying. And they also seem insecure.

And these are some links I found for you:

The grooming habits of Chris Hemsworth, Jamie Dornan, and David Beckham. Kit Harington may convince you to grow mustache.

Things you shouldn’t drink before a workout and things you shouldn’t do in the gym.

For this fifth post about men’s style I chose some items for the cold weather that, at least here in Italy, seems to be coming.

I immediately liked this Kent & Curwen sweater. It has a vintage vibe that makes it look like a timeless piece, a sweater worn by students of an elite college. The appliquéd rose refers to the year the brand was established, 1926.

Photo via Mr Porter

This cardigan is 100% synthetic but I love it. It’s Zara and it looks so cozy.

Photo via Zara

I’ve always liked men who wear hooded sweatshirts in neutral, solid colors. They look so cool under a leather jacket and add a casual touch to an outfit, when worn under a jacket/coat. This one is by Uniqlo.

Photo via Uniqlo

As I was writing I realized Keanu Reeves wears a sweatshirt and a biker jacket in “My Own Private Idaho”, a 1991 film directed by Gus Van Sant also starring the late River Phoenix. I’ve always had a crush on Reeves and I love many of his films, like “Speed”, “The Matrix” trilogy, “The Devil’s Advocate” and most of all, “Point Break”.

River Phoenix and Keanu Reeves in a scene of “My Own Private Idaho” – Photo via Pinterest

Accessories are so important, they’re useful (of course) and they can elevate a basic outfit. A warm scarf is an essential winter must-have. This one, in silk and cashmere, is by Marina D’Este, a historic Italian brand, famous for the use of silk. It’s available in two colors and it’s on sale. The fact that high quality clothes and accessories cost much less than those by cool brands often amaze me.

Photo via Forzieri

These boots by The Rail because I think Chelsea boots are some of the most beautiful and flattering shoes for men. I’m not into dad sneakers, furry mules, slides and other trendy but unflattering footwear. Shoes say a lot about a person. Oscar Isaac said that “for me, with a character, you start with the shoes”. It’s the same with style.

Photo via Nordstrom

If you want to spend a lot of money to buy those ugly, unflattering dad sneakers (I prefer to call them “things”) brands are making millions with, I can’t prevent it. But if you prefer to buy classy sneakers that will make you look actually good, go for one of these I chose for you. You’d also same a lot of money! How great.

Diadora Heritage (GAME H CORE S) available also in gray and red – Photo via Diadora

Vans (Sk8-Hi Reissue Ghillie) – Photo via Vans

Puma (Heritage Basket Classic sneakers) – Photo via Farfetch

Are you looking for corduroy pants but you’re not sure if you actually want to wear them? Go for these affordable ones by H&M, available in dark blue, rust and Burgundy.

Photo via H&M

If you think that men in (faux) fur don’t look good it’s time to change idea. Look how beautiful this faux fur double breasted coat by Guild Prime is. It’s such a perfect evening coat and it’s available also in dark green (even if the site says it’s black) and in white, which is sooo beautiful.

Photo via Farfetch

I hope you liked the items I chose for you, let me know in the comments! And if you missed the previous posts about men’s style check them here.

Let’s start this post about men’s fashion and style talking about wedding and how to dress for it when you’re a guest. I never met a man who was glad to attend a wedding. As far as I know, when it comes to a wedding ceremony almost every man thinks “oh no, what am I going to wear?” or “oh no, I have to wear a tie”. Is this a cliché? And when the wedding is set in the hottest months of the year, it’s even worse. It’s understandable. Male elegance is still associated with being very dressed, while women can look well put together even with a light frock and the right accessories.

Since writing a post about wedding dress code would have been pretty complicated, I decided to keep it simple and give you some fundamental advice. I asked some experts in etiquette so what you’re going to read is sure as hell.

You can never go wrong wearing a blue suit and a white shirt. The hue of blue depends on your age and the location and the type of wedding. Socks are not particularly popular now but, unless you will attend a wedding on a beach, wear socks. Knee high and ribbed socks in blue or in black are considered a perfect choice. I have a thing for silk socks. And since silk is a thermoregulator fabric, your feet and calves won’t be too hot. A discreet tie is a must but it’s better not to wear it at all, instead of wearing it loose. Lace-up shoes are another must. These are the main rules when it comes to dressing for a wedding.

Alexander McQueen said that “you’ve got to know the rules to break them”.

I love men elegantly dressed but I think a man can find his own elegance, regardless of blue suits and white shirts. Being true to oneself is important and being respectful towards other people is important, as well. Some people think that clothes are merely pieces of fabrics we use to cover ourselves and that they don’t count but going to a ceremony dressed like you’re going to the supermarket only proves you think the event you’re attending doesn’t require an effort. A stylish, polite man can always find the perfect balance between personal style and etiquette.

If you can afford (and want) to buy Tom Ford clothes and accessories, you basically can’t go wrong with Mr Ford when it comes to class and elegance.

Tom Ford shirt and tie

MUST-HAVE ACCESSORIES

I read an article on GQ about why we need to wear sunglasses (not for stylish reasons, but health reasons). Besides the fact that I don’t know how people can go without sunglasses, I’ve always thought that men with the right sunglasses are so handsome.

Need I say more?

Un post condiviso da 🎬🎥 Klassics are King 🎼👑 (@klassicsareking) in data: Lug 26, 2018 at 3:28 PDT

CINEMA AND STYLE INSPIRATION

If you haven’t seen “American Gigolo” you must watch it. The film, directed by Paul Schrader, is not particularly good but it’s famous and still celebrated for the clothes of its male protagonist, Richard Gere. If I think about “American Gigolo”, three things come to my mind. Richard Gere exercising upside down, Richard Gere matching jackets, shirts, and ties and “Call Me” by Blondie (the score is by Giorgio Moroder) . The wardrobe of Gere, who plays Julian Kaye, an escort who lives and works in Los Angeles, was mainly designed by Giorgio Armani, whose career skyrocketed after the release of the film (in 1980).

And since I love quotes…

SalvaSalva SalvaSalva SalvaSalva SalvaSalva SalvaSalva SalvaSalvaSalvaSalva SalvaSalvaSalvaSalva SalvaSalva SalvaSalva SalvaSalva

SalvaSalva

SalvaSalva

SalvaSalva

SalvaSalva

SalvaSalva

SalvaSalva

WHAT WOMEN WANT

Pool floats. Let’s keep this topic light, this time! It’s summer, it’s hot (at least where most of the readers of this blog live) and people are in the mood for having good and relaxing time, possibly by the sea or by a swimming pool. Women particularly like pool floats, they’re so cute and comfortable. And Instagram-friendly.

Unicorn and flamingos are lovely but a bit hackneyed, so what about something more different? I found a French brand that makes beautiful and chic inflatable accessories. It’s called the nice fleet.

Un post condiviso da the nice fleet (@thenicefleet) in data: Mag 27, 2018 at 5:50 PDT

Un post condiviso da the nice fleet (@thenicefleet) in data: Ago 27, 2017 at 3:44 PDT

SalvaSalvaSalvaSalva

SalvaSalva

I realized I love to write about menswear and male style. I find it a bit more challenging. So, let’s start this third post with these words by Charles Hix, the author of “Looking Good: A Guide for Men” and other best selling books about men’s style and self-care. In the ’70s and the ’80s, Hix also provided style advice on the pages of GQ. We live in a world where appearance counts. It always did and probably will always do. Taking care of ourselves, which includes the way we look, is a form of self-love and self-respect. And dressing well is a form of good manners.

CINEMA AND STYLE INSPIRATION

“A Single Man” is a must-watch film. Every framing, outfit, interior is so refined. What else could we expect from a film directed by Tom Ford? Colin Firth and Julianne Moore both look great but my favorite fashion moment is the scene with Aline Weber and Nicholas Hoult laid down on the lawn. They both look so beautiful and stylish.

MEN AND STRIPES

Vertical stripes are among the main trends of summer 2018. I love stripes and I think vertical stripes particularly flatter men while horizontal stripes look better on women (it’s a bit of a cliché but they lend us a Parisian look). I know there’s already plenty of choice when it comes to classic striped shirts, but this summer men can indulge in something a bit different. Play a bit with colors and the size of the stripes and you’ll look stylish and cool.

Guild Prime

I love unbuttoned shirts worn with white tees.

Un post condiviso da 진격의 J (@19wang88) in data: Lug 30, 2016 at 2:35 PDT

And worn without tee but not so unbuttoned. Instagram is not reality. SalvaSalva

Un post condiviso da Giaro Giarratana (@giarogiarratana) in data: Giu 18, 2018 at 7:46 PDT

WHAT WOMEN WANT

Good manners. Because they make a difference. Ralph Waldo Emerson said that “life is short but there’s always time for courtesy”. I know we’re living in times where chivalry may be mistaken for sexism. I know women who would consider a man who holds the door for them a male chauvinist. But there’re women who deeply appreciate what they simply consider a kind gesture. If you do a kind, chivalrous gesture and it turns out not to be appreciated, just think that it’s not you, it’s the other person who is not civil enough to be grateful. But, of course, don’t overdo. If you see a woman (or a man) who is easily carrying a suitcase, don’t think she (or he) is waiting for somebody who will do it for her (or him). Don’t offer your help and insist. That’s not chivalry, that’s intrusiveness.

As writer Joyce Rochelle said “what a loss it would be if feminism killed chivalry”.

Personally, I particularly love these gestures:

It’s considered pretty outdated now, but I love when a man pulls out a woman’s chair to make her sit. There’s a scene, in the third season of Fargo, where Ewan McGregor/Ray Stussy pulls out Mary-Elizabeth Winstead/Nikki Swango’s chair when they arrive at a bridge tournament. I find it so gentlemanly! But very few men do it, nowadays, and they’re often waiters in restaurants of a certain level.

Chivalry (from a waiter) in “His Girl Friday” (Film Still)

When a man walks outside of a sidewalk/street, letting you walk on the inside and safer side. The origin of this gesture is ancient (and disgusting). If a man walked on the outside part of the street he prevented the contents of a chamber pot from being emptied on a woman. With the passing years (and the invention of toilet), walking on the outer side of the street has been considered a kind gesture because it prevents the theft of a woman’s bag. I also appreciate when a man walk behind me while we climb a staircase and walk in front of me while we descend it. 

When a man holds the door. To every human being, no matter the sex and the age. It happened to me, a few times, that a man saw I was behind him, in a store, and not only he didn’t hold the door for me, but he even pulled it to shut it in front of my face, as if I shouldn’t benefit of his effort. That was beyond rude.

The door is already open so Cary Grant let Rosalind Russell go first (Film Still)

Be sure that a woman gets home safe, waiting for her to enter her house is not only a kind gesture but a sign that you are a human being.

I consider myself a feminist, even if this term is often misused, and I appreciate chivalry. It’s not about gender equality, it’s about being kind and show a woman (a partner, a friend, a colleague, or a complete stranger) that, in a way or another, you care. For the record, I hold the door for other people and it shows that men appreciate it, too. I like to pour water or wine when I eat with someone and I do many other things. I appreciate kindness and I am kind. Believing in gender equality means that, as a woman, I wish to be treated equally, not that I want to be treated unkindly. Being kind and chivalrous with a woman doesn’t mean you consider her a lesser human being, that would extremely sexist.

A BRAND TO KNOW

Holiday Boileau is a French brand I recently discovered. I like men with white pants and these, with the blue piping, are perfect to put together a cool summer look. The brand takes its name from Holiday magazine, a famous American magazine published from the ’40s to the ’70s and recently revived.

SalvaSalva SalvaSalva SalvaSalva SalvaSalva SalvaSalva SalvaSalva SalvaSalva SalvaSalva SalvaSalva SalvaSalva SalvaSalva SalvaSalva SalvaSalva SalvaSalva SalvaSalva SalvaSalva

SalvaSalva

SalvaSalva

SalvaSalva

SalvaSalva

SalvaSalva

SalvaSalva

SalvaSalva

SalvaSalva

SalvaSalva

SalvaSalva

SalvaSalva

SalvaSalva

Let’s start this post about male fashion with a piece of clothing that has quite a bad reputation but that can be cool and stylish, the Aloha shirt, also known as Hawaiian shirt. Maybe it’s because Leonardo DiCaprio wore one in “Romeo+Juliet” (even if not printed in a typical Hawaiian pattern), but I’ve always liked them.

Leonardo DiCaprio as Romeo Montague – Screenshot from Pinterest

If a man has the physique du rôle, the Hawaiian shirt is sooo sexy. Take a look at Alexander Skarsgård and Rami Malek, don’t they look so stylish and manly?

Un post condiviso da Alexander Skarsgård Online (@alexanderskarsgardonline) in data: Apr 17, 2018 at 11:29 PDT

Onia

All Saints

A friend of mine swears by KY’s, a brand that sells original Hawaiian shirts. You can buy them on eBay, too.

Take a look at this video to get some inspiration.

The Hawaiian shirt seems to be appreciated by many costume designers. You may remember Brad Pitt in “Fight Club”, Al Pacino in “Scarface”, Christian Slater in “True Romance”, Johnny Depp in “Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas”, the King himself, Elvis Presley, in “Blue Hawaii”, just to mention a few man who looked great wearing it.

CINEMA AND STYLE INSPIRATION

A great film to watch for some style inspiration, both for men and women, is “The Talented Mr. Ripley”. Directed by Anthony Minghella, starring Matt Damon, Jude Law and Gwyneth Paltrow (and Philip Seymour Hoffman and Cate Blanchett), the film is a psychological thriller adapted by a novel written by Patricia Highsmith (which I read and liked very much) that will easily put you in the mood for a stylish holiday in Italy.

SalvaSalva

SalvaSalva

SalvaSalva

And since I love quotes…

SalvaSalva

SalvaSalva

SalvaSalva

SalvaSalva

SalvaSalva

SalvaSalva

WHAT WOMEN WANT

Men with manicured hands (and feet). No one like dirty or jagged nails and rough hands and feet and you don’t need to go to a salon to get your nails done. You only need a nail clipper, a nail file and a scrub and a good moisturizer. Hands are such an important part of our body and I don’t know a woman who doesn’t pay attention to men’s hands.

L’Occitane en Provence Shea Butter Hand Cream

SalvaSalva

SalvaSalva

SalvaSalvaSalvaSalva

SalvaSalva