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Fashion Featured Technology

Four Mid-Range Watches Your Collection Needs

When you’re ready to step up your watch game, but aren’t quite ready for the Rolex, the solution is our good friend: the mid-range watch. Mid-range watches grant us the style, craftsmanship and high-quality movements associated with high-dollar watches without the out-of-this-world price tag. Whether you’re upgrading from your tried-and-true Casio or simply want a nice watch and can’t justify the cost of a top-shelf timepiece, here are four of our favorite mid-range watches on the market right now:


Longines Men's Mid-Range Watch

  1. Longines – L2.128.4.78.3

Heritage watchmaker Longines offers stylish, high-quality Swiss watches at approachable price points. They boast several collections, including the Master Collection, in which this model finds its home. This watch features painted Arabic numerals, blued steel hands and an elegant alligator strap that you can wear just as easily to the office as to a charity dinner. With automatic movement, water resistance to 30 meters and a scratch-resistant sapphire-crystal case, this is a timepiece that has plenty in the form and function departments.

SEVENFRIDAY Men's Mid-Range Watch

  1. SEVENFRIDAY – M1/03

Launched in 2012, Swiss brand SEVENFRIDAY is catching up to its big brothers in the industry by offering unique timepieces that offer modern style with a retro feel. Their M1/03, strutting with its square shape and rounded, radial face, equates to a watch that stands out from the crowd. Rotating display discs, powder-printed numerals and subtle gold highlights set this watch apart, making it a timepiece to remember.

Rado Men's Mid-Range Watch

  1. Rado – HyperChrome Automatic

Another young gun from Switzerland, Rado, launched in 2010 and features some of the most high-tech watchmaking processes out there. From their use of hardmetal to their unique process for refining and polishing ceramic, Rado is quickly making a name for itself among watch connoisseurs. Their HyperChrome Automatic watch combines some Rado’s greatest achievements, utilizing their high-tech ceramic finish and anti-reflective sapphire crystal to create a sleek mid-range watch that’s unmistakably modern.

Hamilton Men's Mid-Range Watch

  1. Hamilton – Khaki Field Officer Auto

Take a Swiss heart and put it into one of the Hell’s Angels – that’s Hamilton in a nutshell. This brand, boasting “American Spirit + Swiss Precision,” is taking the mid-range watch market by storm with its combination of classics, rugged military-inspired throwbacks and out-there designs. The Khaki Field Officer Auto features similar tech specs as the other watches on the list, with the exception of a heightened water resistance depth of up to 100 meters, in case you have to eject over water during a dogfight. This tough-looking classic, featuring the high-tech movements Switzerland is known for, embodies its brand entirely.

Photos courtesy of manufacturers

Categories
Fashion Featured Lifestyle

Fresh Spring Style from SWIMS’ Menswear Collection

As the slush melts away and you no longer require a pair of waders to stroll down 10th avenue, it’s time to update your spring wardrobe. Featuring color-blocked polos, functional windbreakers and waterproof statement loafers you can take it straight from the boat to Sunday brunch, Norwegian brand SWIMS offers timeless menswear classics with modern and sustainable materials.

SWIMS Spring Menswear 2018

SWIMS is a brand with humble beginnings. “A Norwegian student is strolling the rainy streets of Manhattan wearing grandpa’s old galoshes. That’s where it started,” they state on their website. SWIMS goes on to attribute their fellow Norwegian countrymen as their fashion inspiration, noting them as “famous for fearlessly adapting between the heaviest winter months to the ‘warm’ summer months on the fjord.”

 

SWIMS Spring Menswear Windbreaker

 

SWIMS features understated and functional clothing, shoes and accessories, as well as statement pieces with bold pops of color for a look that’s as appropriate for spending Memorial Day cruising the Hudson as it is for casual, rainy day lunch plans. By focusing on the little things that make the difference between “good” and “great,” SWIMS’ menswear line is quickly making its way into America’s hearts and closets. Subtle stretch panels to facilitate easy movement, quick-dry fabrics, technical layering — SWIMS’ attention to detail and production quality are both major players in their appeal.

 

SWIMS Spring 2018 Menswear Paloma Shorts

 

Another notable aspect of SWIMS’ Spring 2018 collection is the addition of their Paloma hybrid shorts. “Hybrid shorts,” if the term is unfamiliar to you, describes a pair of shorts you can wear to a casual barbecue as comfortably as you can wear them in the pool. These shorts use a waterproof material specially designed not to soak and feature an interior elastic waistband, but they look just like your favorite chinos. Forget packing post-party bathing bottoms and snag a pair of the Paloma hybrid shorts from SWIMS this spring.

Photos Courtesy of SWIMS

Categories
Fashion Featured Lifestyle

Spring 2018 Menswear Inspiration: Balmain

The bad boy of high fashion, Balmain, gracefully carried their retro styling and hard-earned edge into 2018 with their Spring/Summer menswear collection. While the collection certainly focuses on monochrome, it is anything but dated. Focusing on intricate embroidery, bright pops of color and statement knitwear, Balmain’s looks for Spring 2018 aren’t for the wallflower.

Balmain menswear Spring 2018

The overall trends from the collection call on clear, classic French inspiration, while cleanly pushing the boundaries in a way that only Balmain seems capable of. What’s the takeaway? Many guys will be hard-pressed to incorporate a baroque-patterned bomber jacket into their everyday outfit, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t a few tips to be gained from a glance at their lookbook. Let’s get into what we learned from Balmain’s Spring 2018 menswear collection.

The first, and one of the most prominent takeaways, from Balmain’s Spring 2018 menswear line is the prominence of black and white pieces. Plain black or white tee? Toss it on with contrasting bottoms and be on your way. A black blazer over a white turtleneck? No problems there. Leave the April pastels in the past and go monochrome this spring for a more contemporary look.

Another tonal tip we can take from Balmain this spring is the introduction of bright pops of red. Balmain joined several other designers in touting red accents this year, and it’s no coincidence. Whether it’s a belt, a watch, a tie or a red-accented statement sweater, slipping some rouge into your wardrobe this spring will put you on-trend and give your outfit an understated boldness.

As for head-to-toe inspiration, this season is all about contrasting bold patterns with more subtle pieces. Statement jackets combined with plain t-shirts, loud sweaters with toned-down trousers — to stay stylish as the flowers in Central Park start to bloom, do your best to steer clear of competing patterns.

Photos courtesy of Monica Feudi / indigital.tv

Categories
Fashion Featured

Alfredo Beretta’s Crocodile Skin Belts Are the Statement Menswear Piece Every Guy Needs

Guys, it’s time to forget the rules about belts. The “one black, one brown” guidelines we grew up with no longer apply, and your go-to belt that has suffered one too many Thanksgiving dinners could use a break. With a combination of bright pops of color, traditional craftsmanship and modern style, Italian designer Alfredo Beretta offers an alternative to boring menswear: their ultra-stylish crocodile skin belts.

menswear red leather belt by Alfredo Beretti

Founded in Milan in 1947, the Beretta family is an industry pioneer whose members perfected leathercraft and timeless style without cutting corners. “Our bags are so precious because they represent the meeting point of two different aspects: time and dedication,” the brand states, adding that the “precision in details, smoothness and perfection to the touch of every single piece, prove the merit of the artisan.” This commitment to excellence certainly isn’t lost on their modern collection of menswear belts, bags, shoes and other accessories, which are crafted with the same exquisite materials and masterful attention to detail that put them on the map in the first place.

How do these belts stand out? Besides the obvious quality of the product, they are one of the few practical menswear statement pieces out there that manage to provide a pop of color without being over-the-top. The intricate stitching, natural pattern and understated buckle come together to form a piece that will turn heads — and won’t make you look like a traffic light.

menswear grey Alfredo Beretti belt

Break free from the stale rules dictating how you hold up your pants. Make a stylish statement and swap out the well-worn board meeting standard for one of Alfredo Beretta’s sleek crocodile skin belts. They come in bright red, royal blue and a soft grey to turn up the volume on any slacks, jeans or chinos you have laying around, and they are available for purchase at Farra Noir.

Photos Courtesy of FarraNoir

Categories
Fashion

The Best Shoes to Wear with Jeans

 Your shoes can either make or break your outfit, so it’s essential to get the choice right. As such, all gents should know the best footwear styles to partner with their pants. Unfortunately, when it comes to jeans, finding the perfect shoes can be difficult. As jeans are available in a wide range of silhouettes, not all shoes will suit all styles. Luckily, we’re here to help you decipher the right shoes to wear with jeans. Whether you are looking to buy fashionable footwear to suit with your skinnies or stylish shoes to complement your straight-legs, we’ve got you covered.

Matching Jeans Styles with Shoes

Whether you’re wearing skinny, slim, boot-cut, straight-leg or tapered-leg jeans will affect which shoes look best with your outfit. Therefore, finding the ideal footwear to suit your best jeans can seem complicated. But, if you follow a few simple rules about style and proportions, you’ll be able to select the perfect match every time.

What shoes to Wear with Skinny jeans

These days, most gents own a pair of skinny jeans and why wouldn’t they? Skinny jeans are modern, sleek, and completely stylish. But, there is one thing that can instantly ruin an awesome outfit with skinny jeans: the wrong shoes. When you’re rocking your skinnies, it’s important to note that not all shoes will work well with this tight-fitting denim style. In particular, shoes that are thick or chunky will make your feet look awkwardly large next to slim legs.

As such, it’s best to stick to simple and streamlined styles of footwear. Chelsea boots are a particularly good choice thanks to their slim and smooth silhouette. Choose a pair in black or brown leather, and you’ll always have shoes ready to wear with skinny jeans. Oxford shoes are another excellent choice and are perfect for more formal events. Sneakers, on the other hand, are ideal for casual occasions, but you must pick a slim pair to avoid looking like a clown.

What shoes to Wear with Slim Jeans

Slim jeans are appropriate for a range of looks and, therefore, you can wear them with a range of shoes. However, as with skinny jeans, it’s important to remember to balance a slim pair of pants with a slim footwear style. To do so, avoid bulky shoe styles, such as lace-up boots, and choose designs that are a little lighter. Loafers, for example, are an excellent choice and look great when worn with slim jeans. Together, the combination is sleek, stylish, and well-balanced.

Other footwear styles to consider when donning slim jeans are sneakers and derby shoes. While sneakers are ideal for casual outfits, derby shoes work perfectly with more polished ensembles. Just be sure only to choose pairs that are a suitable size and shape. While your shoes can be a little thicker than those you would wear with skinny jeans, they must still achieve a balanced, slim aesthetic. If you do choose a design that’s wide or thick, select it in a dark color, such as black, for a more flattering appearance.

What shoes to Wear with Boot Cut Jeans

Unsurprisingly, boot cut jeans look fantastic when worn with boots. Thanks to their shape, which flares out slightly from the knee to the ankle, boot cut jeans sit perfectly over a pair of boots. So, when you’re rocking this classic style of denim, you just need to select the type of boots that you want to wear. You can easily do so by choosing the style that best suits your overall outfit. For example, if you’re rocking a smart casual or semi-formal outfit, Chelsea boots are an ideal option. If you’re donning a casual look, on the other hand, lace-up boots will be a better choice. Square toe cowboy boots for men are a great pairing with boot cut jeans for a more rugged look.

Alternatively, if you’re not a boot-loving gent, you can consider wearing your boot cut jeans with a pair of derby shoes instead. To nail the look, you just need to ensure that they balance out the wide hem of your pants. To do so, opt for a pair with a thick sole and a round toe. Also, ensure that your jeans are long enough to cover your ankles but short enough to show off at least part of your shoelaces.

What shoes to Wear with Straight-Leg Jeans

Straight-leg jeans are a classic denim style that every gent should own. They provide a minimal and clean aesthetic but are far from boring. In fact, these understated pants can be quite exciting and are perfect to wear with fashionable casual and smart casual outfits. All you need is the right shoes and shirt, and your straight-leg jeans will project a sophisticated, stylish and contemporary appearance.

When choosing your shoes, look to styles that are both refined and relaxed, such as brogues, suede boots, white sneakers, and loafers. Each of these footwear styles will appear excellent when partnered with your straight-leg jeans to achieve a laid-back, luxe look. As your straight jeans are neither tight nor loose, there’s also not much need to worry about proportions. Both broad and slim shoes can suit this style of denim well.

What shoes to Wear with Tapered-Leg Jeans

Tapered-leg jeans fall somewhere in-between straight-leg and slim styles of denim. As their name suggests, they also taper and feature a looser fit near the thighs and a tighter one near the calves and ankles. Due to this shape, it’s important to select shoes that will help balance your overall appearance. Chunkier styles and those that finish higher on the ankle will add weight to the lower half of your legs and offset the extra fabric up top.

If you like to pinroll or cuff your jeans, you should consider choosing a style of footwear that is low and wide, such as leather sneakers or derby shoes. Choosing suede derby shoes over leather styles will also add more texture and weight to the look while maintaining a sophisticated aesthetic. If you don’t plan to show off your ankles, you can select either high-top sneakers or chukka boots for a fashionable and flattering appearance.

Looking for the perfect sneakers? Check out these top 15 best Asics walking shoes.
Categories
Events Fashion

NYFW Menswear Recap

That’s a wrap for Men’s NYFW. From July 10-July 13th, the fashion industry has been introducing menswear collections for Spring/Summer 2018. The old and the new came out and presented collections in a fashionable manner.

Menswear is booming here in New York City and the energy is increasing each year for men’s fashion. Each season, we’re in awe of how far menswear has come, and we can’t wait to see how the menswear for Spring/Summer 2018 trends develops in street style.

While we loved many collections, we’ve put together a list of five of our favorites we saw this past week:

Deveaux


Photo courtesy of Deveaux

Deveaux is a New York-based luxury menswear label, who made its debut on  the  runway for the CFDA’s NYFW: Men’s at EN Japanese Brasserie on July 12th, 2017.  Their inspiration came from the complex yet beautifully simple works by Japanese architect Tadao Ando, playing with depth and visibility through the use of color-blocking, embroidery, and trompe l’oeil detail. The color scheme featured blacks, beiges, greys, whites and olives.

Palmiers du Mal


Photo courtesy of Palmiers du Mal

Palmiers du Mal debuted their latest collection, 2018.01, “Palm Wednesday,” at the Rose Bar at Gramercy Park Hotel on July 12th. The collection was inspired by universal, unisex shapes and dove into a deeper narrative set around the idea of dismantling authority. There was shown an exploration of colliding worlds, with brash Dalmatian print splashed against a creamy velvet, a wild French made African tribal mask textile, exclusive to the brand, with soft silk rose piping atop sumptuous ecru French Terry Cloth.

Christopher Lowman


Photo courtesy of Christopher Lowman

On Monday, July 10th, Christopher Lowman introduced its SS’18 collection to a crowd of fashionistas at the HGU New York Hotel. Inspiration came from the modern day college student battling the everyday chain of emotions such as financial instability and mental health issues that leads to the possibility of becoming a college dropout. It created a classic and refined fit for the modern man with a highly individual sense of style to bring together Christopher Lowman’s SS’18 collection called HARVARD PUNK’D.

David Hart


Photo courtesy of Vogue

David Hart’s SS’18 collection was full of striped blazers, buttoned high, over Huaraches made with Toms; neck scarves worn sash-like; pocket squares and Panama hats; banana prints; and knitted polos. Its inspiration derived from a Cuban traveler in spirit due to the designer’s trip never occurring. He channeled the panache of Habana Vieja, mixing a quiet mid-century ‘swagger’ with a sense of contemporariness.

Bode


Photo courtesy of Vogue

Emily Bode’s label, which is now just a year old, launched its SS’18 collection and revolved its setting around a familiar one: one’s own home and history. Bode used older materials in ways that modern stories could be told. Through floral patterns and relaxed stripes, it conveyed a message of a collection that is at ease at home, which is why the models were presented on beds.