REVAMP May 2011

A Few Beatitudes On Style

Kojo Twumasi T.O.D Editor
So this weekend my friend and I went on a little field trip because I was looking for some gear to put together for the next day. So he helped me out with some footwear. As we were shopping, he gave me a few beatitudes on style.

On the subject of socks

- He first observed that many males either fall back to their solid color white tube socks, black, or gray polo socks,when putting an outfit together. He pleaded with me to divorce myself from that norm.
- In fact he said "You are a styler now, the time for them is never, you can figure out the place on your own."

Therefore...

"Happy are they that reserve their white tube socks and black socks for the gym."

- One thing that I do is that I invert the socks too see whether there are some more interesting designs, be careful with this one though, you don't want to make it look like you actually did it.
- I bought these socks from Express and their inverted design was very appealing.

Therefore...

"Happy are they that add some color to their socks."

- External Tip: Here's a suggestion He learned from the style sage that is pretty interesting: Attempt to match socks with pocket square if you are wearing a blazer.

Gray Levi corduroys = $40
Corduroy can always work, many peers are stuck on blue jeans and cargos, dont be afraid to venture.
Striped Cardigan from urban outfitters $30

...Now on the subject of footwear, He told me...


"Happy are they that invest in a nice pair of lace ups."

- The right shoes will do great justice for an outfit. Put more thought into them instead of picking any random one up from Conway, VIM or Payless.
- Be careful of which shoes you try to piece with a casual outfit. Most Arlo Dress shoes won't work even though they may piece well with slacks.
- Also be cautious with loafers. Some of them have an excessive point that can throw off the whole outfit.
- This one is known as brogue. (I will develop this real quick)
- You can find shoes like these in Aldos. However they may cost a little too much so a store I went to search for some shoes is MJM.

He also left me one more supplementary beatitude...

"Happy are they that buy shirts with sturdy collars."

- Make sure your collar does not sag, it creates a sloppy look to any outfit. Most wide collar shirts are sturdy. Also Investing in collar stays will also keep them sturdy.

- People, Enough with the pancake collars please. =]



Enjoy Elegance

THE PURSUIT OF EXCELLENCE

Bright Mensah-Style and Creativity Editor

Ladies and Gentlemen originality and distinction is a key component in to adding spice to an outfit. You can add props, accessories, and or jewelry to refine and to add “swagger” to your outfit of choice. My goal is to help you to pursue the perfect outfit with props and accessories that compliment your attire. You never want to be someone with “just another outfit” or “just another suit”. You want to eliminate your competition with an extraordinary outfit that will marvel your peers and that will exemplify you excellence

But to put the icing on the cake you always have to pursue excellence. And to pursue excellence you must have a more mature mindset and demeanor. And to have a more exquisite appearance you have to dress Simple but Elegant.

Elegance With a Dash of Flavor

The Style Recipe

Mills Duodu-Everyday Style Editor
Completing a masterpiece recipe takes the basic ingredients and an addition of a special flavor to heighten the quintessence of its taste and elegance.you're thinking does this have anything to do with style??everyday attire? Yes! you can allude THE CONCEPT OF PUTTING TOGETHER AN EXQUISITE MEAL TO DRESSING WITH STYLE AND ELEGANCE. put yourself in place of a master chef, a stylist, and put your outfit together with a unique formula, your own secret recipe. Take a look for a moment. One usually puts on a pair of jeans without knowledge of its influence on you appearance in an outfit. The jean is one of the most versatile articles of clothing you could wear. You can place it with some sharp, vintage boots, polished oxfords,boat shoes, or the classic cross-trainers.

A bag just adds flavor to an outfit just the same as Shiraz Sauce on a Fllet Mignon. You can see that the accessories added richness and a more complete feel to the look.

Check out the Pocket Squares

In the end the outfit shows style as well as creativity. There is a mix of colors and a variety of design. It is not so hard to do, it just takes creativity. You should create your own Flavor, make it zesty, spicy, sweet, however you like it. Just remember to keep it "Elegant With a Dash of Flavor!" :)

“Dressing a Shirt with Elegance: The Wide Collar

Kofi Twumasi C.D. of Blog

Gentlemen, the most exciting piece we’re vocal about when you piece a suit together is the proper dress shirt which glamors major attention. Our love for the correct dress shirts stands out more than anything on a well fitted suit . The different type of dress shirts range from the timeless club collar to the classic wide collar or to a much fancier name the spread collar. Each variant collared dress shirt serves a purpose with the suit, time and is also critical when matching it up with the right tie along with the correct tie knot.

SIMPLE BUT ELEGANT MAGAZINE STYLE EDITION
Featuring-Kofi Twumasi(SB) Omar, Chris, & Photographer Christine

ENJOY ELEGANCE

There you have it my fellow Gentleman of style, the simplicity and elegance of the most legendary collar created the wide collar. In future post I will educate on other collars and which type of tie you must lean towards. But I have given you a taste of the collar in which every gentleman should own and boast about with a bold look

Yours in Style,

SBE

Style and Elegance: "The Gentleman's Way"

Bright Mensah-Style and Creativity Editor

True gentlemen seem to be a dying breed in this modern age. Fashion is a focal point in our society today. Ladies and gentlemen I am here to inform you that we are here to promote fashion and capture the minds of those willing to become more fashionable. The best way to do it is “THE GENTLEMAN’S WAY.” People are concerned with being too flashy and sometimes It doesn't make your average person look presentable, but I am here too show you a couple of tips on how to make you look distinct and to stand out.

The Bow Tie



The Bow tie has many aspects to it. You can’t be one dimensional about wearing it. there are so many things and outfits and combinations you can use with this simple accessory. It can make your outfit look fly and have people marveled in amazement!

The Self-Tied Bow Tie



The self tied bow tie is one of the best things to wear if you want to look classy. It gives you a sharper look and a cutting edge. You can wear these types of bow ties any where and for any occasion. Now gentlemen stop wearing the bow tie so plainly, the bow tie is supposed to bring a “WOW” to the facial expression of many people. If you want to wear it then wear it right. As a stylist I suggest you add some flavor to your outfit. Make sure it’s a jaw dropping entrance everywhere you go. The striped bow tie is one of my personal favorites. With the striped bow tie you can go casual, preppy, classy, and even formal depending on the color. You should wear the striped bow tie with a designed dress shirt, because you have to make sure your outfits speaks inside and out and from top to bottom!



The way you put your outfit together and the color coordination with your bow tie and outfit really determines how good your outfit appears. I suggest that you not always try to match your bow tie with your dress shirt all the time. If you have two off colors like a baby blue shirt and a pink bow tie you can achieve an extraordinary look. Also try to make sure when you are wearing a self-tied bow tie it stands out by the size, color, and design. Also try not to over do it, make sure your outfit is still simple but elegant.

Swiss Beats for an example wore 2 different colors but they complemented each other. His shirt was a striped purple shirt and he complemented it with a yellow bow tie now that’s what I call fly! In the photo on the right Swiss Beats approaches his style in a different aspect. This time he rocks a polka dot bow tie . The polka dot bow tie look is excellent for dressing preppy because it stands out so much with the design. Gentlemen try your best to mix your style up and try new things. Mix, match and create your ideal outfit. If you have confidence in your outfit, then the opinions of others won’t matter.

How to Make It Work

Gentlemen Stop trying so hard to make the bow tie work. Sometimes the bow tie can look corny by wearing it with a suit jacket. Forget that and own the bow tie. Grab a nice dress shirt a v-neck sweater roll up your sleeves throw your skinny jeans on and make it look hot. Remember the bow tie doesn't make the man, the man makes the bow tie.. The gentleman above in this picture has on Louis vuitton boots, and khaki pants tucked in the boots, a dress shirt a fitted pea coat and to top it all off a bow tie! This gentleman is just simply going with the flow, and throwing on the bow tie swags out his whole outfit!

The Purpose of Wearing a Bow Tie

The reason why I believe you should wear a bow tie is because it serves man

any purposes depending on the color of your choice. If you want to wear a bow tie to make a good impression at a job interview or to look stylish amongst your peers then you should go for it. You can wear bow ties with suits. If you wear a polka dot or striped bow tie then I suggest you wear it with a nice blazer or a cardigan of your choice, because it illuminates your outfit and it gives many people a unique perception about your style. These are some of the stores where you can find a good quality bow tie.

Macy’s

Century 21 clothing store department

Burlington Coat Factory

Notable Fashionable Celebrities

Dwayne Wade

 It’s time you started dressing up and adding a little pizzazz to the wardrobe. Dwayne Wade the All-Star MVP guard was named NBA’s best dressed player in 2006 by GQ Magazine and among the top four of Esquire’s Best Dressed Men in the World for the second consecutive year in 2007. Wade also never fails to add a colorful pocket square of his fashion signatures to every suit and blazer for added flair. He knows the best way to do it is “THE GENTLEMAN’S WAY.”

Pharrell Williams

 Pharrell is well known for his hip-hop style and casual looks. Pharrell’s Style is

mainly blazers and jeans, but there is something about every garment that stands out, if you can find yourself a loud blazer or bright shirt combined with a smart waistcoat, you can pull off Pharrell’s style. Most of his looks are usually topped off with a more casual watch to go with his hip-hop casual style. Notice how Pharrell and Dwayne Wade both are sporting the bow tie in their outfits. They know the only way to go is “THE GENTLEMAN’S WAY.”

A Distinctive Appearance

Pay attention to this photo, two out of four of us are wearing bow ties. I (Bright Mensah) am wearing the black bow tie and Kofi Twumasi is wearing the striped bow tie. Notice how we look distinct in this photo. We stand out, even though Mills and Kojo look dapper we have the edge because of our bow ties but ultimately we all look smooth and we all know the best way to do it is “THE GENTLEMAN’S WAY.”

It's Still Elegant: “The Urban Twist”

Mills Duodu-Everyday Style Editor

It seems like the average customary culture is biased to one aspect of clothing, therefore the results are different taste in clothing and the wearing of attire. To loosen one’s mind of this cultural dressing stigma, pay close attention. I am here to bring you the “Urban twist.”





Taking a survey around your present neighborhoods, you may find a common suit of attire. For example, those residing in Manhattan might like to dress in what is called a “preppy” look while others in Queens would put on the “casual” look. The trick my fellow cohort is to adjust and make a combination of those styles. Think of it as a compromise, an insight, a new idea.

Let us take a look at the outfit I have on in the photograph here. As you can see, there is a mixture and hint of both “preppy” and “casual.” The Urban Twist look here consists of a pair of converses, a cotton flat-ended necktie, an oxford shirt, and a throw on jacket. 



Outfit

Pants- H&M, Sneakers- Converse, Belt - Banana Republic, Shirt- American Apparel, Necktie- Lord&Taylor Cotton ties.

Sneakers Casual, basic wear

The NORMAL critique
Pants – Both casual and preppy and sets off a blend in an attire. The pants bring out the rest of an outfit, so people let us try our best to stay away from over-sized(baggy) pants.



Shirt- Preppy used to dress for normally formal events.

Necktie- Preppy, seen as part of formal wear, and “tie-occasions” such as interviews, church etc.

Jacket- casual, adds what you would call a bad-boy look

The Real Deal:

As you can see, there is nothing wrong in combining the two contrasting looks of clothing. There is always the task of being circumspect in your choice of clothing. You can wear that tie that you never used for that useless interview… with sneakers. You want the best of both worlds.Try something new. Dress cap-a-pie in style, Try the urban twist!


P.S : REALLY STAY AWAY FROM OVERSIZED CLOTHING!

SNAPSHOTS OF PHOTOSHOOT-ENJOY ORGINALITY

THE URBAN TWIST