Style, your own interpretation

For a while now I have been browsing, reading and absorbing bits and pieces of information from different men's style blogs. During this time I have witnesssed how people tend to make negative comments about another person's style choices, which to me doesn't really make sense especially when such commentary is directed towards a gentleman who is well versed in all things style related. I tend to shy away from acts of criticising another's style choices, especially in an open forum. Constructive criticism...well...that's also another avenue I have chosen not to traverse. I guess what I'm saying is that why can't we just look at something and appreciate it for what it is, or even, which is even way more important, the time and effort that goes into producing it.

I think for the most part I publicly praise and privately, to myself, criticise. There's so much style out there that not one style can be described as the ultimate, the style that tops all styles, so rather appreciate what is before your eyes and if it not to your liking, let it go or just don't say anything at all. The way some style bloggers are admonished, berated and insulted is shocking, especially by those who hide behind internet anonyminity. Constuctive criticism, somewhat, consistently flows from people who have an online identity and who have a meaningful contribution to make. When it comes to style I have come to realise that it is an individual's choice, taste and most importantly, personal expression. Therefore who am I to tell them that they are doing it wrong or don't look good while doing it..?

The lesson for me has been in appreciating and acknowledging those who put in the effort to look, not good, but presentable. It goes a long way too in this fickle world where the outer appearance means much more than what's inside. Another lesson is that, some people pull off certain looks with the utmost of ease, therefore in an instance of idiosyncratic and quirky expression, they are able to make simple what seems to be near impossible to me. They get a pass, not for doing the unthinkable, not for trying the look in public, but, they get a pass for being themselves.

With that said gentlemen I present to you Craig Sager:

All pics taken from Sportsillustrated

This man is truly a style icon, in his own right and, his dress sense has become a true extension of his personality. If you've always been the perfect dresser then be the first to criticise Mr. Sager.

PG: Man to man, generation to generation.

Hidesign Sale - One mo'gin

One day only, this coming Saturday. I know if I was in the Johannesburg area I wouldn't miss it, especially after pay day.

In honour of Made to Measure

A friend, fellow blogger, an all round inspirational dude, has just taken an indefinite hiatus from his blogging duties to focus on more important things. I find his blog to be very informative, inspirational and motivating, so much so that I started my own men's style blog. Well in honour of Dennis Cahlo from Made to Measure I decided my attire to work today would be all him.

Dennis unveiled this look at the start of Spring, for me, however, this is an Autumn look since we are on opposite sides of the seasonal calendar.

Red and white candy stripe, contrast collar shirt (Meltz R100).

Khaki jacket (Fashion Fusion R200).

Cotton blend pocket square (Woolworths set of 6 R80).

Dark brown Celio D-ring belt (Meltz R60)

Timberland jeans (J.A.M Clothing R80).

Chocolate brown cap toe oxfords (Woolworths R274).

Thanks for all the inspiration Dennis. I know you'll be back.

PG: Man to man, generation to generation.

Dress according to the season, it's only right

I made a mistake last week. Since it is autumn the weather has been on and off, with the heat being more prominent. Much to my ire too. With the weather being it's confused chilly self, on one such day last week, I decided to wear driving mocassins without socks. I was dressed relatively warm from the ankles up but I ended up being cold on my feet. It's autumn and that means I should change my casual footwear. Driving mocassins are appropriate for spring and summer, not autumn.

Enter the desert boot. The scenario I described above would've been perfectly punctuated by a desert boot, not driving mocs. And, they are so cheap at R150 a pair. Their versatility and aesthetics cannot be denied. Dress them up or down you're bound to make the right impression. Two of the most popular colours are grey and sand. As times have changed and styles have evolved so the desert boot as well, in terms of colour schemes and designs.

I can't help but think that the chukka and desert are related. I've had more love for the chukka than the desert but now age has turned me onto both of them as necessities for my wardrobe.

PG: Man to man, generation to generation.

The R250 grey suit, in all its splendid glory

Some people have been waiting for this post for the longest time, including myself. It's been a long time coming. You will remember the grey suit I bought in Johannesburg sometime in February and then proceeded to write and show it in all it's flawed glory. Well earlier last week I finally picked it up from Soli Omar Tailors and they had finally done the work I needed on it. All at the cost of R200/ 25$ / 19 euros. The work I needed done:

- Jacket to be taken in at the sides.
- Sleeves to be shortened.
- Pants waist to be tightened.
- Turn ups/ cuffs on the pants.
- Pants length shortened.

I decided to complement the suit with a navy and brown window pane check shirt by Ralph Lauren R29, a solid navy tie R70, a white pocket square (set of 3 R25 Soli Omar), R15 tie bar (thrift shop).

What couldn't be done at the tailors though was the opening of the sleeves to make them workng cuffs. I was referred to an arcade off Commercial street, where Salim, a Pakistani was able to do the job. I was pleased when I showed him the jacket and what I needed done and he replied with a sense of assurance. Based on the work that was done I ma going to be taking more of my jackets and suit jackets to have working cuffs inserted. I chose to have the boutonniere and cuff button holes stitched in navy blue.

The shoes are a pair of tan cap toes I bought from Woolworths last month on sale for R274/ 26 Euros/ 36$. I decided to take them to my cobbler and had them dyed in a deep chocolate brown.

The fabric of this suit is heavy especially on the inside. I'm just glad I finally got it to work and work it. For me this is the perfect suit to wear to an interview. Men's style is also about experimenting and testing various things. Out of this test I was able to have my suit fixed to a proper fit and also the different stitching on the button holes and lapel. Things I wouldn't of known if I wasn't into dressing properly.

PG: Man to man, generation to generation.

NBA Individual Award Season: ROTY Style

Subtle chalk stripe. Dimpled fuschia tie. Violet shirt. NBA Rookie of the Year, Tyreke Evans.


                         PG: Man to man, generation to generation.

NBA Individual Award Season: MVP Style

I love basketball. It's a sport I picked up in 1994 while in high school and dropped soccer completely for. Now and then I will post about basketball or sports and their relation to style. I've done this before and I'll do it again.We will start with none other than the NBA's best dressed man, Lebron James, the 2009/ 2010 NBA Most Valuable Player.



Grey is a base colour. If you have grey as your foundation, what you build on and around it can never be wrong. Which is why my favourite piece of this ensemble is Lebron's tie. I love the knot and more importantly the colours incorporated into the tie and how the blue and brown pattern just blend and complement the shirt and suit.

                              PG: Man to man, generation to generation.