Yahoo!’s Shine article about Fashion’s High-Tech accessories seemed odd at first glance, but being the techie geek that I also am, ended up being quite fascinating to see.

A digital clutch that is also a laptop?  From Vivienne Tam??? Sounds very “Go go Gadget” and Penny to me.

Calvin Klein USB Memory Shades?  Now that’s something to think about.

A watch that is also a phone with a Bluetooth headset?  Didn’t Swatch make this stuff years ago?

What do you think?  Is this fashionable enough for the fashionistas, or is this Fashion’s attempt to cater to the geeks as well?

Just recently saw an article from Yahoo! about 7 style mistakes that all guys make, and I do think that they have some great points that, thankfully, are being addressed.

The Leather Jacket

The appearance of a clothing piece should accentuate the body type of a person, and this is usually done through the tailoring of that piece.  So yes, I agree that it shouldn’t be baggy or slouchy, and it should create a better form/shape of that person.  The jacket should feel “snug,” as the article pointed out, but it shouldn’t restrict movement and flexibility.  I do have to say that I like their choice of the bomber jacket from Dolce & Gabbana.

The Barack Obama Jeans

I haven’t owned a pair since the 80’s, and even looking at the “trends” now, the 80’s are coming back.  But just because the trend is here doesn’t mean it will last.  Stick with darker denim that has room for the crotch and makes your appearance straight and tall.  Bootcut jeans are typically very nice for slimming down one’s physique.

And yes, get rid of the Seinfeld-esque sneakers and go for something more stylish, hip, and put together.  H&M was suggested, but I can also argue for brands like Coach, Cole Haan, Armani Exchange, Kenneth Cole, and Steve Madden.

The Cheap Tie

I’ve been on a case that accessories should be invested upon as much as one can possibly afford (at a reasonable amount, of course).  Why? Because accessories also accentuate your physique as well as the overall look.  It helps polish your attire and oftentimes makes things “fit” together.  Cheap ties, as in most things cheap, don’t possess the quality necessary to withstand the wear and tear.  They feel coarse, the prints look cheap, and the threads/material feel like they’ve been made with bamboo.

Sagging Suit Pants

Ahh, yes.  The sagging pants.  Shameless confession: I can’t really say I haven’t done this, but I have repented and moved on long time ago.  It’s easy to really get stuck in this rut, especially if you are shorter than the average person.  I agree with the article: take your pants to a tailor.  While it is much better to find pants that fit both vertically and horizontally, it oftentimes do not happen, especially in the sale racks.  So, if you buy something on sale at Banana Republic that works on the waist, but not length-wise, take it to a good tailor, or for an extra $10 bucks or so, get the store to hem it for you.

The Pancake Collar

Honestly, if you have the money to buy a great suit, you should also have (or try to invest in) the time to take care of the suit AND its other parts: shirt, shoes, accessories.  I know we all get lazy at times, and I know that a lot of guys just give up and figured a great suit will negate the sloppy shirts.  Well, the suit in and of itself may be great, but again, it’s all about the whole and not just the sum of its parts.  Take the time to iron your stuff if needed.  Or, as the article suggested, buy shirts with firm collars and invest in collar stays (those plastic things).

Right Suit, Wrong Belt

I can even make the case for the right suit but the wrong shoes as well.  I went to a friend’s wedding once where the groom (my friend) wore an awesome tux and Birkenstocks.  Yes, he’s from the Pacific Northwest and he’s an outdoors kind-of-guy, but a good outfit doesn’t have to be ruined by the shoes or accessories you wear.  Each piece of accessory or clothing needs to compliment the outfit.  I like the article’s point of view; if you have things that don’t fit the suit or the outfit, retire it.

The Oversize Suit

Come on, people.  This isn’t the 80’s with the massive shoulder pads.  Today’s modern suit is form-fitting, and even if you don’t think form-fitting is going to look good for you, think again.  Lots of suits are made specifically for your type of body (granted some are quite expensive), but these suits don’t just make the man, they make them look fantastic. And even if you do get a suit that looks a little big, invest in a great tailor that can help you look great for that job interview or that work-related lunch meeting.  You’re not just investing in what you wear, but you’re investing in your confidence and overall appeal, both short-term and long-term.

To all you guys who don’t know how to shop, or don’t like shopping, and to all the girlfriends and wives who shop for their partners:

Labor Day sales are here! I’ve listed quite a few places where you can get quality clothing (and I mean quality!) for fractions of their original prices!

Kenneth Cole:

Kenneth Cole New York Modern Chinos

Check out these chinos from Kenneth Cole.  $59.99 was $68.00. Take 50% off!

KENNETH COLE NEW YORK LONG SLEEVE WHITE GROUND BLACK STRIPE SHIRT

Check out this long sleeve White Ground Black Strip Shirt from Kenneth Cole.  $69.99 was $158.00 .  Take 50% off!

Kenneth Cole New York Deal Me In

New York Deal Me In.  $99.98 was $145.00.  Take 50% off!!

Armani Exchange

Check out these sales from Armani Exchange!

Deal of the Week: Icon Logo Thermal

Armani Exchange Woven Panel Jacket

Armani Woven Panel Jacket.  Was $88.00, now $39.00.  Take an additional 20% off!

Armani Shouler Logo Henley

Armani Shoulder Logo Henley. Was $48.00, now $29.00.  Take an additional 20% off!

$50 and Under deals!

Macy’s

Labor Day sales at Macy’s are usually quite good. Check out some of the products they have on sale!

Calvin Klein Petrol Faded Dark Indigo Jeans

Calvin Klein Petrol Faded Dark Indigo Jeans.  Originally $44.98, now $29.99.

Kenneth Cole Reaction On The Loose Ornament Loafers

Kenneth Cole Reaction On the Loose Ornament Loafers. Was $98.00, now $56.24.

With the economy as it is, it’s not unusual to be more selective on what you buy.  Retailers are pushing sales right and left to boost their revenue and to get you to buy something, even to the point of lowering their prices for some sweet deals.  This kind of buyers market makes it easier to shop.

With a list of clothes and accessories handy, take note of retailers’ sales, both online and offline.  Subscribe to RSS feeds, emails or other engagements from retailers to get their sale notices.  When you’re out and about, wandering around the mall, take note of which stores are having their sales and when they end.  Typically, you can find better deals at the tail end of their sale, but at the cost of finding the right size (especially for the average person).

** NOTE ** Don’t just give out your email address or any contact information just because.  Be aware that, even in submitting your email address to other companies, it can be sold or given to their associate companies to do more targeted marketing of their products.

Steve Madden

My Brand Of The Week of 8.31.09 goes out to Steve Madden, makers of quality shoes at affordable prices.

I love their modern styles and subtle avant-garde influences.  What really stands out to me about Steve Madden, and quite frankly is very impressive, is how comfortable — VERY comfortable — their shoes are.  I think I have owned about 10 pairs of Steve Maddens so far, and even at this moment, am on their site looking for cool shoes to get.  With shoes that makes your feet comfy, it gives me the perfect impression that their customer loyalty is based on the customer’s needs, without sacrificing style and quality.

When you’re out in the mall and looking for things to buy, or even just window shopping, a fail-safe catch is usually finding something simple and classic.  In this case, any solid/plain colors with the right texture and cut will create boldness and sophistication in the presence of something simple.

For example, pairing solid color pique polos from Ralph Lauren with dark denims will present a simple yet classic casual look.  Pair up solid polos from Banana Republic with chinos, khakis, or even a pair of pinstripe will dress up the outfit quite nicely.  Even chic and modern ouftitters like Express will pair up their polos with dark bottoms to create a more modern, chic outfit that’s both sophisticated and classic.  Moreover, the clothes are usually quite comfortable.

Plain and solid colors are usually easy and simple to find, and it doesn’t take much to create a simple and elegant piece that is comfortable to wear.

Style, if it’s broken down to its essence, is all about personality.  The clothes that you wear brings out your personality, your attitude, and essentially your whole persona, both the good and/or bad.  Understanding the right kinds of styles, clothes, and look that compliment and accentuate your personality and personal style will be determined by how you see and present yourself.  Thus, when someone sees your style, your personality and persona should breathe through it.

In addition, to know personal style and presentation are essential and imperative factors in deciding your shopping habits.  We all have somewhat of different personality styles that bleeds through different situations and circumstances.  These situations and circumstances, however, should all point to who you are as a person and as a person of style, and should have a sense of consistency throughout.

If you don’t know who you are and your personality style, there is always room to start today.

So you want to buy more stuff?  Maybe a gadget for your bachelor pad, or some sweet kicks for that football game?  Or maybe even something nice to wear for a date?  Best thing to do first is to analyze and assess what you have and what you don’t have.  Go through your closet and figure out:

1. What fits loosely – To keep or not to keep?
2. What fits tightly – To keep or not to keep?
3. What needs to go – DEFINITELY to go.

If you can’t fathom throwing away your nice Armani suit that hasn’t been worn in 3 years because you’ve gained 50 lbs., donate it to your local charity or put it on consignment.  Knowing what you have to work with is much easier in the long run to buy pieces that will match your current outfits and style personality.  It will help you assess what you NEED to buy to complete your outfits, and hopefully won’t distract you from spending too much on things that you don’t really NEED when you’re out shopping for those pieces.

Banana Republic

My Brand of the Week of 8.24.09 belongs to Banana Republic, whom I have had a great “relationship” since 1999.

If I can say one thing I love about Banana Republic, it’s their classic blend of style.  A healthy mix of contemporary feel with modern sensibilities, “BR” has a great way of appealing to various body types.  I love their choice of color palettes, the texture and style of their clothing, and the feeling of comfort and ease that I get when I wear their clothes.  A very good brand that has much to offer in terms of mixing and matching attire to perfect that day-to-day look.

Rock on with your bad self, BR.

Kenneth Cole

My Brand of the Week is none other than Kenneth Cole, makers of great, comfortable, and modern menswear and accessories.

What I love most about Kenneth Cole is its pound-for-pound value.  Whether it’s shoes, ties, suits, watches, tees, or other clothing pieces, they have often surpassed my expectations on what I see great clothing should be.  Their looks are sophisticated, classy, and stylish, with variable hints of minimalism and modern flair.  Their tailoring is fitted, their materials classic, and their outlook is never about steering away from class.  Rather, their style displays an embodiment of modern class and sophistication without sacrificing value and comfort.

I love the way I can look good with their clothes and feel good about my purchases, knowing that they have a long-lasting durability to their products.

Kudos to you, KC.