How to 4th of July style?

Dear readers, in order to keep your style juices flowing and keep things interesting and fun around here, A Man of Style decided to have an addition to our authors.... which so far included only me :)... and what could be a better time to do it than Independence day???
So sit back, unbutton your jacket, release your tie and allow me to introduce Lis Collins! Lis...they are all yours.....

Ah, 4th of July. Time for burgers and barbecuing, parades and streamers and fireworks of course! It's the one time of year you can dress like a flag and get away with it. But who wants to look like a flag? Thanks Betsy Ross, but no thanks. Here are a few patriotic options, sans flag. 

In the 5 boroughs there are two events that are synonymous with 4th of July. Start your day off right at Coney Island and watch master eaters devour hot dogs. End it in style at Hudson Terrace rooftop with a few cocktails.

Hot Dog Contest

On one end of the cultural spectrum, there's the annual Nathans Hot Dog Eating Contest, in Coney Island. Contestants come from all over the world on this sacred national holiday to do what Americans do best- eat. Legend has it the contest began in 1916 as a way to settle a dispute on patriotism between 4 immigrants. This may or may not be true, but I still can't think of a better way to spend the 4th than with historic roller coasters, hot dogs, and the beach

The ketchup may be flying, but with this red gingham buttondown from Asos, you've nothing to worry about!

8 tips to dress up your bermuda shorts!

Who says you cant dress up with shorts, or wear shorts for work??? Unless you are in a conservative, corporate setting than shorts can be as stylish, as respected and as business looking....it will just come down to what are they made in (suiting fabric, Chambray, cotton twill, etc.) and how would you wear them.
As a matter of fact history support that and back in the day Bermuda shorts used to be called dress shorts. They were worn by the British army and were considered appropriate business attire for men when made of suit-like material and worn with knee-length socks, a dress shirt, tie, and blazer.
Here are seven tips that will help you to dress up your shorts:

• Fabric - Pay attention to what they are made in, for example when done in suiting fabrics will automatically make your short more dress appropriate as oppose to washed cotton twill.Generally any fabric that has a bit of shin such as chambray will look good as well.
• Fit - as always this is a crucial element, if you want your shorts to look dressier you need to make sure they are FITTED, cause a looser, baggier shorts will make you look shlumpy and casual so make sure to have them tapered and fitted.

The Snood - A must have for the cold weather.

Chunky snood from Allsaints

I guess the snow storm out put in a real winter mood, staying warm inside surfing the web in search of what to wear to keep me from being cold ...but still stylish when I'm outside, this next item has a weird name but will definitely do both - the snood!

Carlos Tevez from Man city

Actually those of you who are Football (soccer) fans like me, (especially the ones who follow the English Premier League) have probably seen the snood hit the sports news lately, when more and more players started wearing it during the games, derided by commentators and creating a whole debate among players, managers and fans on whether players should or shouldn't be worn on the field. Which in my opinion was simply a drama to create more news...if it keeps players warmer what is the problem with that??? I haven't yet to see a goal scored using a snood....
Well than what is a Snood (also known as a headgear or a neck warmer)? - it is simply a tubular neck scarf often worn by skiers or motorcyclists that can be worn either pulled down around the neck like a scarf, or pulled up over the hair all the way to the nose to protect the lower part of your face. it actually not just protecting your face but also since it covers your mouth and nose you end up breathing into it which creates even more heat to warm your body.

Is it cool to wear a tie?

Gingham tie from Asos

Did ties become more cool to wear nowadays? well, it depends what type and how would you wear it but generally It looks like it is....
Over the last few seasons we have witnessed men's designers adding ties to their lines, this category is expending and is not just the property of business or corporate men anymore, the variety of men's neckties is inspiring  and they became a fun and cool accessory even for the casual dresser and the hipster guy.

Gant Rugger at Asos

Skinny Ties - As a result of the above change the silhouettes of ties (like most men's clothing categories) got slimmer, the 3.5" wide ties a la European style were pushed aside making room  for the 2.5" wide and less ties, the fabrics choices are getting nontraditional with versions in wool, cotton, cashmere, linen and seersucker among others, and the colors and patterns are pushing the envelope even more with mufti color plaids and bold stripes or checks taking over.  A skinnier tie in  fabrics such wool, cotton and even knit (with a cut off edge which i never got) as oppose to the classic silk ones can be worn with a more casual jacket or jeans and sneakers, the traditional matching rules of dress shirts and tie do not apply here, you can wear plaid on plaid, mix colors and patterns and it doesn't need to be as restricted  to wear a tie anymore (unless its business or black tie suits we are talking about) the tie can be worn looser on your neck while your shirt doesn't have to be tucked in...or you can wear your tie with a denim shirt.....

Skinny ties from Asos

Hacket on Asos

Bow Ties - The preppy look influences on the the runway put the bow tie high on the trend list for the coming seasons, a plaid or polka dot bow tie in bright colors is an accessory that will boost your look with style and Schick this fall! And not just in your best friend wedding....
So yes, ties seem to be cool again, younger men are showing more and more interest in them and designers are responding, the casual market has adapted them adding a lighter and less restricted feel to this classic traditional category. This holiday season your grandfather or father will not be the only ones who will appreciate a tie as a gift......even your younger brother will do! 
And now you can shop my Amazon store for cool skinny tie.
If you dont know how to tie a tie check out Tie-a-tie.net

The cardigan sweater - what to choose and how to wear?

Converse by John Varvatos

My first memory of a cardigan is of my grandfather, he wore them quite a lot. He had some that were thinner in solid color that he wore at times under suits and some that were chunkier with big textured leather buttons that he wore out on on its own or under a jacket or even just at home to keep him warm. My guess is that almost everyone who is reading this have somewhat a similar memory to that of their grandparents, after all the cardigan is known as the grandpa sweater! My second memory happened many years later when Kurt Cobain sport the cardigan look, i especially remember the time when Nirvana played their MTV unplugged and he was wearing this green/yellowy vintage looking one over T jeans and snickers....that was Grange in its best (and also one of the greatest moments of Rock if you ask me...).

Amy way enough of my memories. The cardigan is a great item for transitional weather when temperature changes through out the day and layering is in order. I like that its easy to incorporate it into your day with any style whether you go casual or more dressy like Pep Guardiola (the Barcelona manager shown below) sporting it under a suit.

Pep Guardiola in action and style....

Now days there a lot of cardigan style to choose from, from a classic with leather buttons to a zip-up with cardigan and much more. below are some of the main styles you should concider:

Findings - ASOS Notch Detail Glasses

Notch detail glasses from ASOS

WHY: For most of my life I have been wearing glasses.....back in the day when I was a kid the selection of frames was very limited and lets face it kind of ugly! So wearing these big frames was soooo nerdy looking that for the first few years as a kid although i needed them badly i just wouldn't wear them until it was impossible for me to ignore the need for them....but over the last 20 years or more glasses or actually the frames became more of a fashion accessory with a huge selection to choose from to the degree that any designer/brand now days rush to license their name to a line of frames since people look for an excuse to wear glasses. I even saw a debate on one of the blogs on whether someone who does not

Findings - Gingham blazer from ASOS Tailoring

Gingham blazer from ASOS Tailoring

WHY: I like blazers in general (although unfortunately i don't have too many occasions to wear them), but I LOVE blazers when they carry more of a young and fun  feel especially for summer.  The small gingham cotton fabric on this blazer is young and hip and it breaks the seriousness of it, allowing for it to pair nicely with a T or a button down shirt and either shorts or jeans and snickers. I love the contrast trim detail  and narrow lapel, and as always fit is essential so this snag tailored fit just seals the deal for me......not to mentioned the reasonable price!

INFO: 100% cotton gingham with contrast trim, fully lined with 100% cotton body lining and 95% polyester 5% viscose sleeve lining, one button style and tailored design.

PRICE: $126.82

WHERE: ASOS.com

 

Findings - Tommy Hilfiger Brooklyn Shorts

Tommy Hilfiger Brooklyn Shorts

WHY: Summer is here faster than we anticipated and finding shorts that can look smart and stylish for the office but casual and easy for a weekend stroll is hard to find. I like the fabric of these shorts, it has a nice shin to it, and i think that the small pocket detail on the front (right) under the waistband and the contrast of the white stitching add a sophistication making these shorts look smart and expensive. The fit seems nice around the waist and hips although I (for my self) would like to have the leg opening a little slimmer.

INFO: 100% Cotton, stylish welt back pockets and contrast stitching.

PRICE: $101.45

WHERE:  ASOS.com