Sir Mix-a-Lot

I like to mix, patterns and I cannot lie, you other brothers can't deny.....Sorry. Please forgive me. Let's try this again. I rather enjoy the act of mixing patterns. Those who indulge in this undertaking dare not argue. However, its one of those things that many are afraid to try. Heck, there are some who even outright speak against it. But I think if you're ever going to create an interesting wardrobe then obtaining this skill is essential.

Once you understand the concept, its fairly simple. Rule #1, make sure you're combining complimentary colors. We all learned about the color wheel back in day care so understanding what goes with what should almost be instinctive. Rule #2, many who are adventurous enough to try typically screw up this part. When mixing patterns you must make sure that they are of the same scale for example, you can't wear small stripes with large dots. It must be relatively the same size. Now as you all know, some rules can be broken. Ultimately your just going to have to use your own judgment. In a few of the following shots you will see that I indeed broke that rule.

There are two ways to go about mixing. The first and easiest way is to mix patterns that have the same color like this.

Bengal Striped Shirt~Hollister, Tie~Tommy Hilfiger, Tie Bar~Roundtree & Yorke, Watch~Nautica

The second and slightly more challenging way is to mix using contrasting colors like the rest below. Its kind of obvious which style I prefer. I think this way has more character. It provides an emphatic BOOM!!! And the majority of the time, that's just how I like it.

Bengal Striped Shirt~Hollister, Tie~Austin Manor(Thrifted), Tie Bar~Meeting Street

Madras Plaid Shirt~Polo Ralp Lauren, Tie~Gap(Thrifted), Tie Bar~Meeting Street

Gingham Shirt~Polo Ralph Lauren, Tie~Trevira(Thrifted), Tie Bar~Meeting Street

Plaid Shirt~Old Navy(Thrifted), Tie~Vintage(Thrifted), Tie Bar~Meeting Street

Bengal Striped Shirt~Polo Ralph Lauren, Club Tie~Vintage(thrifted), Tie Bar~Meeting Street, Watch~Timex

Bengal Striped Shirt~American Eagle(Thrifted), Madras Tie~Andhurst(Thrifted), Watch~Timex

Gingham Shirt~Express, Club Tie~JCrew, Tie Bar~Meeting Street

Marco POLO!!!

Ready. Set. POLO!!! This is my one of my favorite sports. In my opinion, it's the best way to spend a Sunday afternoon. It's the perfect family outing. For kids it's like going to the zoo, the dog park, and the playground all at the same time. For adults, its a networking event, bar, fashion show, and (if your single) the perfect place to meet your future spouse. 

The game of polo is actually the oldest team game in the world. Based on hieroglyphics found in ancient tombs, the game easily dates back over 2000 years. The game was initially used to help train soldiers for battle on horseback and over the years the game was developed. The game is played worldwide with the best competition in Argentina, England, Dubai, and stateside in Aiken and West Palm Beach. Charleston is growing as a strong polo community as there are rumors that starting in the Fall, they will begin to have matches every Sunday here at Hyde Park. But don't quote me on that.

Now I'm one of those weird people who actually come to watch the game. And let me tell you, it was awesome. Competitive right to the very end. Won on a last second penalty shot. But I must be honest, I did manage to snap some photos of some well dressed gents, attention commanding ladies, and some of the cutest kids you've ever seen. If you're one of those people who always say "I'd love to go but I don't know what to wear", then this post will serve as the perfect "What to Wear to a Polo Match Primer". Enjoy!!

On Me:Oxford Button Down~Polo Ralph Lauren, Tie~Polo Ralph Lauren, Chino Shorts~Polo Ralph Lauren, Blazer~Max's(Thrifted), Sunglasses~H&M, Loafers~Bass, Watch~Timex
On Wife:Linen Dress~Express, Shoes~Fergalicious, Hat~Scala
On Daughter:Polo Shirt~Polo Ralph Lauren, Chino Shorts~Polo Ralph Laurel(Cutoff,Thrifted), Flat Shoes~The Children's Place
On Son:Oxford Button Down~The Children's Place, Madras Shorts~Polo Ralph Lauren, Loafers~The Children's Place, Belt~Vintage

Turn the Key

Those who know me personally know that I hate following the pack. I typically observe the masses and do the opposite. So when it comes to sunglasses, I make no exception. These days you typically see people wear either wayfarers or aviators. Now I will admit that they are popular for a reason. They're a classic, they most likely will never go out of style, and they go with just about everything. However, regardless of they're appeal and popularity, I still get a thrill out of finding things that are equally attractive but still currently under the radar. So if you feel the same way I feel, then you should pick up some keyhole sunglasses.They're very simple from far away but as you get closer you notice that the bridge is actually in the shape of a keyhole. Hence the name.  

Last month, my wife and I took a trip to Palm Beach and I conveniently misplaced my sunglasses right before we left. So once we got there, I dashed into H&M(an inexpensive European version of Express) and stumbled upon these beauties and have rarely taken them off since.

Shirt~H&M, Tie~Thrifted, Blazer~Higgins(Thrifted), Chinos~Dockers, Desert Boots~Clarks, Pocket Square~Vintage, Watch~Timex, Belt~JCrew, Sunglasses~H&M 

Check 1, 2

For those of you looking for a way to give your wardrobe a jolt of energy without having to completely change everything, look no further than the gingham pattern. 

Gingham (pronounced /giNGəm/) which dates back to the 17th century, was originally a simple striped pattern but about 100 years later they began to weave it into the checkered pattern that we know today. As the years went on, the pattern became more and more popular. Arguably the most famous wearer of this pattern was Dorthy from "The Wizard of Oz" with her blue gingham dress.

If done properly, it can be very versitle. But if you do it wrong, then you run the risk of looking like a picnic tablecloth. Here I will show you how to wear 3 different gingham shirts in 3 completely different situations.

1. Fun at the park- Dont be like most dads who show up to the park wearing slouchy cargo shorts and a Steelers t-shirt. Yes I know your just gonna be running around and your not trying to impress anyone. But whats wrong with looking good for yourself? Take a little pride in your appearance. It takes no effort to throw on a gingham button down. You'll be the best dressed dad (or uncle, or older brother) at the park.

On Me: Gingham Shirt~Polo Ralph Lauren, Chino Shorts~Dockers(cutoff, thrifted), Boat Shoes~Sonoma, Watch~Nautica, Belt~Army Navt Surplus, Sunglasses~H&M
On Isaiah: Polo Shirt~Polo Ralph Lauren, Shorts~The Childrens Place, Boat Shoes~Sperry Top-Sider

2. Running Errands- Lets face it, everyone hates running errands on a Saturday. We'd much rather spend our time outside enjoying the nice weather. So we just try to throw on something as quick as possible and go do our running around. But just because we hate doing it, it doesnt mean that we have to look like we hate doing it. As I previously stated, it takes very little effort to do this. And the blue and orange pattern is enough to punch some life into an otherwise mundane task.

Gingham Shirt~Tommy HIlfiger, Jeans~Lands End Canvas, Desert Boots~Clarks, Belt~JCrew, Watch~Timex, Sunglasses~H&M

3. Meeting the Parents-This can be a very nerve wrecking time. Your so focused on making a good impression that you end up playing it too safe and you end up looking like all the other boring guys she's brought home in the past. However, injecting some gingham in your outfit may do the trick. Her dad will think you've got some spunk, some character, a little panache. And if you play your cards right, he may be able  to overlook the fact that you stole flowers from the front yard.

Gingham Shirt~Express, Tie~Tommy Hilfiger, Blazer~Max's(thrifted), Chinos~Polo Ralph Lauren, Penny Loafers~Bass, Watch~Tommy Hilfiger