SIMPLE BUT ELEGANT

REVAMP May 2011

2011-05-01T03:44:00.001-07:00

A Few Beatitudes On Style

2011-03-20T14:02:00.000-07:00

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

2011-03-03T21:11:00.000-08:00

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

2011-02-24T00:46:00.000-08:00

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

2011-02-04T19:58:00.000-08:00

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"

2011-01-26T09:02:00.000-08:00

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”

2011-01-18T00:49:00.000-08:00

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

Simple Tip: Blaze it Up

2011-01-12T13:56:00.000-08:00

Kojo Twumasi(Tip of the Day Editor)
There's a certain notion with people of my cohort to associate a certain type of clothing to a specific time and/or place. It seems that whatever clothing are associated either the "dressy" feeling should only be associated with formal events which include your occasional banquets, church, etc.
While it may be true that everything got its time an place I'm a strict believer that time and place should not fully restrict the bounds of your fashion. So heres a simple tip to make you look different from your average urban/suburban/rural teen.

The plaid shirt hit the fashion strip with aggressiveness a few years ago and ever since then we have been acquainted with the good, the bad, and definitely some ugly. It seems that when it is worn, it is either that "roll up the sleeves look" or the "complete open buttoned look.

Move away from that trend and instead drop a blazer on top of it. It is a sure way to clean up your look w/o looking---well, "too dressy." In this one, i have on a faded black and white plaid shirt from GAP with a striped grayish blazer in order to keep the color scheme neutral. I personally enjoy using the khaki's because it adds a more casual look to it

Add in a pocket square if possible because it adds a stylish component to yourself. Try not to completely match with your outfit just make sure it complements.

Move away from the Jordans, Air Max, Foamposites and nikes and wear some loafers, flat shoes, or even laced shoes. It is winter so i advise that you wear boots. (In a few weeks) The look can definitely be pulled off.

A blazer can also be thrown over a sweater. The blazer is from Macy's the Scarf is from American Eagle, the plaid shirt is from GAP, the khakis are from urban outfitters, and the pocket square is from Target. Its a simple but great look that can make you look spiffy and truly place you on that "college flow look."

IT WORKS, ITS SIMPLE, ITS ELEGANT, JUST BLAZE IT UP!!

The Right Fit SIMPLY Cuts the Right Edge

2011-01-05T22:02:00.000-08:00

Kofi Twumasi

Gentlemen, the most important aspect in wearing a suit, is wearing it suitably. This simple act always gives the outfit a distinguishing edge and it speaks a tone of elegance which compliments yourself. Through several observations in functions, churches or events I have attended numerous, of men have been doing quite the opposite, of what should be done correctly with one of the most finest garments ever created. I have noticed oversized suits with sleeves ridiculously longer than their arms, baggy slacks, slacks that go over their shoes, I mean that is the straight definition of what I call “The Mess Around”.

Unacceptable

In turning this “Mess around” the first step is picking the correct style of suit. Now there is three button suits, Four button suits, so called pimp suits all of those are highly unacceptable in this era, when trying to find the proper type of suit. The style of suit which your eyes must immediately always pounce upon is the two button or the one button suit (classic suits that have been adorned by America’s well dressed men). With the guidance of the agent/tailor assisting you in the store the first move in getting the well deserved fitting is to make sure you are measured correctly from top to bottom. Next, is to make sure the sleeves of your coat are shortened just right above the little bump on your wrist, Then the pants of the suit must be hemmed and the three ways in getting it done correctly is by going with the full break, half beak, or no Break. Finally the aspect which gives the suit the justifiable look is the waist suppression. The suppression gives the suit the right fit giving you the right edge.

There you have it Gentlemen, you have now gotten yourself a Tailored Fitting suit, which simply distinguishes you from the next person in the room. You can now boast yourself with confidence of simplicity, elegance and originality.

Sleeves rest on the Bump of the wrist

Fitting/Tailoring
Sleeves Rest on the Bump of the wrist
Waist Suppression
Style of Suit-Two Button

Outfit
Suit-Caravelli

Cary Grant Known For wearing one/two button Suits
(An Individual that made this style of Suit Popular)

SIMPLE BUT ELEGANT: BE AN ORIGINAL 12.31.10

2010-12-31T08:10:00.000-08:00

The Prelude

The Blog has finally arrived. It features Elegance, style, and creativity done in simplicity.This blog follows four individuals whose style is divergent from their cohort. We range in style and showcase talented, creative individuals who strive and live to be original. During each week of the month the blog will feature the sections: Tips of the Day, Everyday Style, The Art of Suits, and Individuals/Groups that produce creative art-forms(Poetry, Fashion,Music,etc.). Our goal and mission is to reach out to the multitude who want to make a bold transition in their style. This blog is versatile and is open to others(males and females) interested in this project. Remember to drop in comments and give in your opinion on the different posts we will display on this blog. Thank You.
SIMPLE BUT ELEGANT: BE AN ORIGINAL

There is nothing better than style being glamored and ushered in by Men who look in improving the lifestyle of People in the mindset of creativity

Below Represents a snapshot of the different categories and features this blog will try to exemplify and educate our followers on.

THE ARTS OF TAILORED SUITS-THE ELEGANCE OF A PERFECT GENTLEMAN

Kofi Twumasi

The Elegance of a perfect gentleman is grooming himself with an attire that speaks confidence and boldness about himself. This mission is accomplished by wearing a suit which has been a staple for the workingman's wardrobe.

The versatile attire fits occasions from classy dinners with loved ones to forlorn appearance in the third district court of appeals.The real beauty of a suit is its simplicity and adding a couple quick details to adorn the outfit. You must always remember that you must dress to impress and the idea in being a gentleman is to learn that SOMETIMES LESS IS MORE. This feature will breakdown the piecing of a suit, the different unique looks to pull of with a suit, the necessary accessories to make the look more interesting, the variations of the different colors, the right fit which gives the right edge, and how to wear them with Simplicity, Elegance, and Originality.

Mills Duodu

EVERYDAY STYLE AND CREATIVITY: KEEP IT SIMPLE, JUST ADD PRESSURE.

The "Everyday" Guy dresses in a way comfortable for the season, therefore you have to showcase something different that corresponds with the weather but leaves you distinguished. In a sense the apparel makes the man. Shakespeare says so. During this winter, set your style. Put the Donegal blazer under that warm, cotton, vintage sweater, with gloves replacing handkerchiefs. Fitted trousers is a must. Over-sized clothing is not stylish, but the epitome of Failure. Try experimenting on something new.Wear corduroys or knitted pants instead of jeans. Throw on an ascot with a pair of boots( John Varvatos / Urban outfitters) or loafers. Be color savvy.After all we still dress to impress. It's not about how much you spend, its what you buy and how you put it together. KEEP IT SIMPLE BUT ELEGANT, but APPLY PRESSURE!

Bright Mensah

What makes a person Fashionable

Style is described in many categories it could be in design, fashion, your character or your physical appearance as a human. But to me style is a distinctive manner of expression, a distinctive manner or custom of behaving or conducting oneself, or a particular manner or technique by which something is done, created, or performed.

Fashion is all about inspiring and being inspired. If you find yourself inspired, and then you find unique, flattering, risky pieces that exemplify it, that is fashion. You're creating something. The pairing of a shirt, a belt, and a pair of shoes is not trivial compared to an artist's pairing of colors or a poet's pairing of words. Buying expensive clothing doesn't make you "fly" or fashionable, but the way you arrange your clothes match them and put them together is what makes you fashionable in my opinion. And I am also a strong believer in what fashion does, because i think fashion creates confidence.

Kojo Twumasi

Tips of the Day

In a world mostly filled with people that do not know their identity, many teenagers wake up with the personal challenge of finding themselves. Such a challenge is solved through the understanding of one's origin, present time, and understanding of the individual. However confidence in self identity is also expressed through clothing or the lack thereof. Therefore to make that challenge of yours more bearable, I will be providing a simple tip every week on how to take a snapshot of fashion from different angles. How to mix the dressy with the casual, the preppy with the urban, and heck even how to make a v-neck elegant. Not expressed in rich nor gaudy, the apparel oft tells the man. Just because u wear clothing from a fashionable designer doesn't mean you have style. SBE is here to show you that less can actually equal more.