Get it Poppin

        As of now, were approaching the halfway point of spring. The days are warmer, the sun is out longer, and your list of outdoor events are starting to pile up. And most important to me, polo season is right around the corner. While I'm not really excited about baking in the sun, I just can't resist taking advantage of the beautiful scenery outside. But we don't have to be a slave to the sun's vicious rays. We can help relief some of the torture by a simple flip of the collar.

       The trend started when the sailors and fishermen who were in their boats on the open water for hours on end, they were looking for a way to stay cool. So they popped up the collars on their shirts. When they got back to land at the end of the day, they left their collars up and all the landlovers took notice and started to imitate the look. And hark, a trend was born.

I personally like to employ the look on those sunny days just because it feels so much better when the sun isn't beaming on my neck. However, I do have one very important rule that will keep you from looking like a poser....NEVER. POP. YOUR COLLAR. AT NIGHT!!! There's no reason for it. The suns not out. Your just trying too hard. #thatisall

Polo Shirt~Duck Head(Thrifted), Chino Shorts~Polo Ralph Lauren(cut off), Penny Loafers~Bass, Watch~Tommy Hilfiger, Belt~JCrew, Sunglasses~H&M

Madras Plaid Shirt~Polo Ralph Lauren, Chino Shorts~Polo Ralph Lauren, Desert Boots~Aldo, Belt~Army Navy Surplus, Watch~Timex, Sunglasses~H&M

Purple Power

These days, just about every guy walks around saying "real men wear pink" as if they're making some type of stand against something. My question is who the heck wears purple? Definitely not enough guys as far as I can tell. I'm not sure why most shy away from the color. It's the color of royalty for goodness sakes! There was a time when it was the most expensive color in the world to produce! With that being said, ur making a big mistake if you're not mixing some into your wardrobe.

So I'm here to tell you, sport some purple in either the lavender variety (as shown below) or a deep oompa loompa purple (coming soon). You'll be sure to seperate yourself from the masses and make that stand that all the guys wearing pink thought they were making. And if you're worried about finding something to go with it, its simple. Just treat it as if it was blue. Whatever goes with blue will go with purple. Just think of them as cousins.

Lavender Dress Shirt~Express, Club Tie~JCrew, Trucker Jacket~Levis, Chinos~Polo Ralph Lauren, Belt~JCrew, Tie Bar~Meeting Street, Watch~Timex, Sunglasses~H&M, Loafers~Bass 

All Patched Up

Even though I thouroughly enjoy winter weather, the spring/summer season is by far my most favorite time for dressing. With all of the pretty flowers in full bloom, this time of year provides great inspiration for wearing all types of vibrant colors. Which leads me into my next warm weather essential: the patchwork madras shorts. 

Madras (pronounced mad-ruhs) cloth dates back to the 19th century India when they noticed the Brittish soldier's tartan plaid uniforms. The Indians attempted to recreate the pattern using their native yarn which as it turned out was actually much lighter in shade. Almost as if it had been sun faded. They called it Madras because that was the name of the Brittish city that it first came from. The Indians not only liked the way it looked, but they were also in love with the fact that the fabric was extremely lightweight which allowed it to be worn comfortably in their extreme temperatures.

Over the years, the Madras fabric has been used to make blazers, tote bags, shirts, ties, and just about anything else you could imagine. Especially including, patchwork shorts. 

Look what came in the mail todayyyy!!!! 

Polo Shirt~Hollister, Madras Shorts~Polo Ralph Lauren, Canvas Sneakers~Aldo, Belt~JCrew, Watch~Timex, Sunglasses~H&M

Rugged Edge

Spring is now upon us. And in the south, that means temperatures can easily bust into the 90s. What's the remedy you ask? A pair of broken in chino cloth shorts. They're very soft yet durable. When u find a pair with a good fit, it just feels natural. Like you were born with them on.

Now for those who think my shorts are too short, I would like to remind you that they're called shorts for a reason.  And in my opinion, nothing longer than an inch above the knee should be permitted. I personally prefer about 4 to 5 inches above the knee for two reasons.  #1, I've worked hard for my legs. #2, the shorter the shorts, the more proportioned you will look. Which for short to medium height guys, this means that you will actually appear taller.

If you're feeling adventurous, then you can also choose to turn those regular shorts, or even pants for that matter into cutoff shorts. To achieve the look, put on the pants or shorts that you want to cut. With a pencil, look in the mirror and sketch a line where you want to cut. Take them off, fold them one leg on top of other, and with a ruler trace over the original line. Then take a pair of sturdy scissors and slowly make your cut. Put them back on to make sure they are at desired length. If satisfied, put them in the washing machine and then the dryer. Once fully dry they should have a frayed ragged edge. But they will also have loose threads hanging off. With the scissors, slowly get rid of those loose threads while keeping the frayed edge in tact. And then your all set. These shorts provide a great look for a family cookout, hanging out at the beach, or as depicted above, enjoying a milkshake outside praying that it will cool you off. What's in the cup you ask? Cheesecake and Tiramisu. Splendid!!!

Shirt and Shorts~Polo Ralph Lauren, Boat Shoes~Sperry Top-Sider, Belt~JCrew, Watch~Timex, Sunglasses~H&M, Milkshake~Marble Slab Creamery

Blue Blazer in the Bluegrass

I'd like to start of by welcoming you all to my new blog. I've decided to join the masses (which goes against everything I love) and enter the blogging scene. Hopefully I'm able to create a different and unique experience and separate myself and become a legitimate presence in the fashion world.

With that being said, here goes. So this weekend I was in Louisville for a business training conference. My wife and I have been a part of the Amway corporation for a little over 2 years now. Every 3 months a large group of us go to different locations in the southeast to get special training from the leaders in our business.

Packing for the trip was simple. I had one blazer, one tie, light desert boots, dark desert boots, dark denim, grey trousers, one polo, and a few simple button downs. I used to be a habitual overpacker, however, over time I've learned to be more and more efficient. The best advice I can give you is to keep it simple. Bring things that you can mix and match, or dress up and dress down. No more than 2 pairs of shoes tops. Take the time to fold. I know it may suck but it will save on space, And your clothes will be less wrinkled. If possible, as soon as you arrive at your destination, hang your clothes up. This will help to release any small wrinkles but not the larger ones so again, take the time to fold. And wear your jacket while traveling simply because they are the most difficult to pack and are the most stubborn with wrinkles. Packing light also helps to keep your footprint to a minimum which comes in handy when you are traveling with a large number of people.

Shirt~H&M, Tie~JCrew, Blazer~Higgins (thrifted), Trousers~Express, Socks~Tommy Hilfiger, Desert Boots~Aldo, Watch~Timex, Sunglasses~H&M, Tie Bar~Meeting Street

Polo~Polo Ralph Lauren, Blazer~Higgins (thrifted), Trousers~Express, Desert Boots~Aldo

Shirt~Express, Tie~JCrew, Blazer~Higgins (thrifted), Tie Bar~Meeting Street

Shirt~American Eagle (thrifted), Tie~JCrew, Blazer~Higgins (thrifted), Jeans~Lands End Canvas, Desert Boots~Clarks, Belt~JCrew, Tie Bar~Meeting Street, Watch~Timex, Sunglasses~H&M

If cheesecake is on the menu, I gotta have it!!
Turtle Cheesecake (courtesy of Jason's Deli in Shelbyville, KY)