from He Spoke Style - Men's Style, Fashion, Grooming, Tips and Advice

Tan: your favorite “transitional” brown.

Man. You wouldn’t know it just by reading the site, but if you’ve been keeping up elsewhere – like the podcast – you know that I’ve been traveling for the past five weeks and I’m actually finally home.

Needless to say, I’m thrilled to be home, but it does always take me a few days to settle in and get my groove back. Which is my way of saying that if we’re a little less topical than usual here today, now you know why.

| WEARING | Suitsupply blazer, Saks Fifth Avenue shirt, Yves Saint Laurent pants, Oliver Peoples sunglasses, Rolex Datejust watch, Loafers c/o Tod’s | PHOTOGRAPHY | by Rob McIver Photo

In addition to planning our editorial calendar for the next month or so – those denim month stories aren’t going to write themselves – I’m using my downtime to take some of my own advice and get my closet ready for spring.

The heavier wools and tweeds are getting repositioned towards the back and the lightweight pieces like my cotton suit and linen blazers are moving to the front.

One of the best parts of this process is re-discovering old pieces, like this lightweight wool double-breasted blazer. You know already know how I feel about browns and I’m not averse to them in the spring. A light tan is a great “transitional brown.”

Thanks, as always, for reading and have a great week.

Stylishly Yours,

Brian Sacawa
He Spoke Style

The post Transitional Tones: Tan Double-Breasted Blazer first appeared on the men's style blog He Spoke Style - Men's Style, Fashion, Grooming, Tips and Advice

from He Spoke Style - Men's Style, Fashion, Grooming, Tips and Advice

5 of my favorite productivity apps that help me and the HSS Team get. shit. done.

I am always on the hunt for apps to help me be more productive. This applies to both my role here at He Spoke Style as well as in my personal life.

As the HSS Team has grown recently and we’ve starting increasing our content volume, adding new content franchises and expanding horizontally, it’s become even more important for me to be able to manage everything (and everyone) easily and efficiently – wherever I am. As a result, I’ve come to rely upon a few choice methods for doing so.

Here are five of my favorite productivity apps.

1. Google Drive

I used to use Dropbox, but I find the global availability of Drive to suit my needs – and the needs of my team – much better. I’ve become extremely adept at media management and creating folder systems, which my mother, who used to complain about my organizational skills, would be proud to know.

Seriously though, if you have trouble managing your digital mess, shoot me an email because I can probably help you out. The ease of sharing and ability to manage permissions is a big plus.

2. Asana

Quite simply, Asana has been a lifesaver. Since the team has grown, I’d been looking for a global solution for managing and keeping track of everyone’s tasks. (N.B. It’s more of an aid for me than my incredibly self-sufficient and driven team.)

The Asana interface allows me to assign tasks and deadlines, create teams, have conversations within and about specific tasks (meaning no long-ass and confusing email chains), and share files. I can’t tell you how comforting and calming it is to have everything all in one place.

3. Alarmed

If you’re an iPhone user, you’re probably familiar with Reminders and Alarmed isn’t that much different. It’s a pretty straightforward reminder/timer app that’s a little bit more powerful. Also, I find it much easier to use and enjoy the various types of reminders you can set, including ones that are dependent on location.

4. Google Sheets

I hate Microsoft Excel, but I love Google Sheets. I know they’re basically the same program – how much different can spreadsheet programs be? – but to me Sheets is way more intuitive.

I use it for everything from creating a monthly global marketing calendar, keeping track of upcoming shoots and as a living idea dump for myself and members of the team. Add to that the fact that it’s easily accessible across my devices – iMac, MacBook Air and iPhone – and it is truly an invaluable tool.

5 A Notebook

No, this isn’t an app you’ve never heard of. I’m talking about a good old fashioned paper notebook and pen. As much as I like managing things in digital form, I have a lot of trouble keeping track of things – especially things of the inspiration variety – in a digital place.

Not that I haven’t tried. But, for me, I’ve found that I just plain forget about things – even if I’ve taken good notes – if they live someplace on my iPhone or computer. I love being able to flip back and forth and often rediscover old ideas in a notebook.

My favorite: a monogrammed Smythson.

What productivity apps can’t you live without? Chime in and share your favorites!

Stylishly Yours,

Brian Sacawa
He Spoke Style

Photography by Rob McIver Photo

The post Apps to Help You Be More Productive first appeared on the men's style blog He Spoke Style - Men's Style, Fashion, Grooming, Tips and Advice

from He Spoke Style - Men's Style, Fashion, Grooming, Tips and Advice

A leather overnight bag is small in size but big on style.

When it comes to stylish travel bags and luggage, leather is where it’s at. A high-quality leather bag is extremely durable, will look better with age and telegraphs that you’re a man who cares about style.

We’ve already discussed the full/medium-sized leather duffle. A leather overnight bag is a smaller version with many of the same pros and cons. But, the well-prepared and rakish traveler has the perfect bag for every occasion and situation.

Pros: Versatile – can be used for work, play, travel and just about anything in between; small (see below, also); lightweight; very stylish; fits only and exactly what you need and nothing else.

NOT BIG ENOUGH? Try a full-size leather duffle bag.

Cons: Small – not a bag for multiple-day trips, unless you’re an extremely good packer; not a bag you’ll want to take out in a rain storm.

| WEARING | Billy Reid jacket, Neiman Marcus shirt, J.Crew jeans, Goorin Bros. hat, Beams Plus scarf, To Boot New York loafers | LUGGAGE | Leather overnight bag c/o Ted Baker | PHOTOGRAPHY | by Rob McIver Photo

I have to be honest and say that I use my medium-sized leather duffle much more than my overnight bag. But that’s a result of the kind of traveling I do. Most of the trips I take are weekend jaunts up to NYC or multi-day stays somewhere, so I need a little more room than a smaller bag affords.

DON’T MISS: How To Store a Leather Duffle Bag

Having said that, it is nice to have a smaller, but equally stylish, leather bag to take with me when I only have to spend one night somewhere. I’ve also used it as an airplane carry-on, when I’ve got to check a suitcase and don’t want to be rolling my carry-on as well.

Perfect For: Day trips, a quick overnight stay, heading to the gym in style; train travel; the guy who’s out in the city all day and doesn’t know where he’s going to end up; rakish carry-on-only airplane passengers.

Our Pick: J.W. Hulme Leather Overnight Bag

Thanks for reading.

Stylishly Yours,

Brian Sacawa
He Spoke Style

The post Grab and Go! The Leather Overnight Bag first appeared on the men's style blog He Spoke Style - Men's Style, Fashion, Grooming, Tips and Advice

from He Spoke Style - Men's Style, Fashion, Grooming, Tips and Advice

Tax refund? What’s that? If you get one, why not treat yourself to something above?

There’s a lot that I love about being a small business owner. For example: being my own boss; managing a fantastic and dedicated team; being creative on the regular; and putting something out into the world that I know reaches and connects with people all over the place.

However, if there is one time of year that I miss not being the captain of the HSS Enterprise, it’s tax season.

I remember the days fondly, when a “bonus” from Uncle Sam would appear in my checking account. Sometimes I was responsible with it and put it (or at least a portion of it) in savings, or a CD, or towards a credit card. Sometimes it became the vacation slush fund. You know, thinking back on it, I guess I always was more or less sensible in how I dealt with it.

But what fun is that?!

Sometimes it’s nice to treat yourself, especially if you’ve been working hard and, therefore, deserve it. So what better time to do that than when you’ve got a fat tax refund burning a hole in your pocket?

Your new spring/summer statement piece? Tod’s denim double-breasted blazer.

However, the question is: what should you buy?

Your first inclination might be to stretch every dollar by shopping for things on sale. But with the seasonal transition, it’s not really the best time to be bargain hunting. Even big retailers like Brooks Brothers have precious little on sale at the moment. And places that are perpetually on sale don’t have much to get excited about either.

My recommendation is to splurge a little. Get that one expensive thing that you consistently back down from or leave in your online cart because you know that it’s something you don’t really need and it costs a little (or perhaps a lot) more than you really want to spend.

We’ve all got those things. Maybe you’ve already bolted to MR PORTER or Amazon to examine your wish list?

If not, I’ll be the devil on your shoulder. Scroll through the HSS shopping list above for some ideas.

Thanks for reading. And happy shopping.

Stylishly Yours,

Brian Sacawa
He Spoke Style

The post What To Buy With Your Tax Refund first appeared on the men's style blog He Spoke Style - Men's Style, Fashion, Grooming, Tips and Advice

from He Spoke Style - Men's Style, Fashion, Grooming, Tips and Advice

What is raw denim? The simplicity is in the definition.

There are lots of variations on premium denim these days – selvedge denim, “designer” denim that merely touts a covetable name, denim made from tech-y and stretchy fabrics (yeah, we aren’t quite sold on those either), and on and on. But if you’re a true denim-head, raw denim is where it’s really at.

And part of what’s so great about raw denim is just how simple the concept is. Raw denim is really just that – raw. Meaning, the indigo-dyed denim hasn’t been washed, rinsed, or processed in any way (except sanforization, which we’ll come back to). And that’s it! The simplicity is in the definition.

| ALMOST BRAND NEW | Brian’s A.P.C. New Standards circa three-plus years ago. About five to six months of wear.

However, in order to understand the real beauty of raw denim, you have to know a quick thing about indigo dye. Indigo dye is unique in that it doesn’t absorb into the fibers of the garment. Instead, it merely coats the fibers, which means it can rub off over time.

Without this characteristic, you’d never be able to get those oh-so-covetable “sick fades.” But since it is indigo, as the pants crease repeatedly over time, whiskers and patinas set in with beautiful and personal results.

This leads to one of the greatest things about well-worn raw denim. After several months (or years) of wear, those characteristics are truly unique to you in every way. As the fabric molds itself to your body, the patterns of wear and dye-transfer are a one-of-a-kind product of how the fabric interacts with your body.

| A WELL-WORN PAIR | Three years later. They got even more worn after this photo. We’ll be showing a side-by-side with a brand new pair soon as part of Denim Month.

Now let’s talk real quick about some of the other effects of raw denim.

First, remember that it’s unwashed, and that most other garments you purchase come washed for a reason. Largely, because it gets the initial shrinking out of the way. Raw denim, being unwashed, however, will shrink.

The exception is that sanforized denim we mentioned before. While technically still raw denim – and, therefore, yielding the same great fades – sanforized denim has been put through a process involving heat, rollers, and more in order to minimize shrinking down to about 1% (regular raws can shrink an entire size, or two).

A second note is that unwashed and unworn often means stiffer and rougher out of the box, which can in turn mean a decent break-in period. You can minimize this break-in by choosing lighter-weight denim, although heavier denims yield more intense fades and tend to last longer.

A pair of raw denim, broken in over time, is almost like a bespoke suit.

Finally, as great as those fades are, they are the product of dye coming off of your jeans. This means there’s a pretty good chance that that dye is ending up somewhere else, like on your white sneakers (which are easy to clean) or grandma’s bright white couch.

But in the end, it can be safe to say that a pair of raw denim, broken in over time, is almost like a bespoke suit – perfectly fitted to and unique to your own body and not just a piece of clothing off the rack. And what’s better than that?

Thanks for reading.

Stylishly Yours,

Adam Lehman
He Spoke Style

Featured photo via unknown; All other photography by Rob McIver Photo.

The post Style Defined: Raw Denim first appeared on the men's style blog He Spoke Style - Men's Style, Fashion, Grooming, Tips and Advice

from He Spoke Style - Men's Style, Fashion, Grooming, Tips and Advice

Why is settling into a new – or back into an old – routine so hard?

If you’re a creature of habit – if you do your absolute best work when you’re in a good routine – you know how difficult it can be to find your groove again when that routine has been upset and turned completely upside down.

This week on That’s It, I wanted to talk about the struggles of settling back into a groove after traveling as well as the perennial problem of figuring out what to wear when the seasons change.

How can we make these transitions smoother?

Thanks for listening.

Stylishly Yours,

Brian Sacawa
He Spoke Style

The post That’s It: Episode 7, Transitions first appeared on the men's style blog He Spoke Style - Men's Style, Fashion, Grooming, Tips and Advice

from He Spoke Style - Men's Style, Fashion, Grooming, Tips and Advice

White denim is seasonally agnostic but always feels at home during the spring.

How’s your spring transition going? Hopefully a little smoother than mine. But now that the weather is actually feeling a little bit more springlike, hopefully we’ll all start to find our groove – especially when it comes to getting dressed in the morning.

One of the requests we received for Denim Month, was to discuss the seasonality of denim as it relates to color. So, what better way to kick off spring than by breaking out the white denim jeans?

| WEARING | Suitsupply blazer, J.Crew shirt, jeans and belt, Sunglasses c/o Garrett Leight, Rolex Datejust watch, Drake’s pocket square, To Boot New York loafers | PHOTOGRAPHY | by Rob McIver Photo

Though I believe white denim to be seasonally agnostic, it does seem most at home during the spring and summer months. Show me a better way to give a nod to the crisp, fresh air and optimism that spring ushers in.

During the early spring, if you’re going to go without a lightweight coat and just a blazer, choose a button-up that’s made from a thicker fabric to stay insulated. I keep the shirt I’m wearing around specifically for these times of year.

Spring also means braided belt weather.

About time to revive that old debate, don’t you think?

Thanks, as always, for reading.

Stylishly Yours,

Brian Sacawa
He Spoke Style

The post Crisp and Clean: White Denim for Spring first appeared on the men's style blog He Spoke Style - Men's Style, Fashion, Grooming, Tips and Advice

from He Spoke Style - Men's Style, Fashion, Grooming, Tips and Advice

But if you’re desperately in need of a Coachella-cleanse, this post’s for you.

Tired of all the flower power, too short-shorts and Jesus sandals – and yes, we’re talking about men – filling up your social feeds? Personally, our eyes got really sore from all of the rolling they did this weekend and articles like these can be blamed.

He Spoke Festival Style? Not gonna happen.

So, let’s consider this week’s roundup a detox to bring you – and us – to a happier place.

I’m gonna be honest. I would have the same reaction as this grandma in a self-driving car. Hence, why I left the active cruise control driving up to Brian and Rob in Europe last year.

Fun fact: the water you drink is older than the planet you’re on.

Who would you rather: Coachella or Berniechella?

Don’t forget to file your taxes today! Once you do, check out our guide on what to blow spend your refund on.

This video shows the progression, or carefully connected, beginning and end to many of your favorite TV series.

A group of craftsmen are highlighting a nicely curated spring collection over at Bloomingdale’s. We’re especially coveting Thomas Callahan’s Vince Bomber.

Speaking of bombers for spring . . . how about some more?

The future of going to the movies? Everyone texting, apparently.

Question of the week: Can fashion be art?

Researchers are still testing just how bad the double-dip really is. Seriously, don’t do it with salsa.

I’ve never seen a cat not be afraid of a vacuum cleaner – until this.

Thanks for reading.

Stylishly Yours,

Robin West
He Spoke Style

Featured photo via We The People Style.

The post This Is Not a Post About Festival Style first appeared on the men's style blog He Spoke Style - Men's Style, Fashion, Grooming, Tips and Advice

from He Spoke Style - Men's Style, Fashion, Grooming, Tips and Advice

When life’s a beach you wear a linen blazer and linen trousers to work.

In a month we’ve devoted to denim, it might seem premature to be bringing up subject of linen. But if we’ve learned anything about transitions, it’s that they are unpredictable – not to mention, being notoriously hard to adapt to.

Also, unless your workplace is cool with the sharp casual dress code, you’re not going to be sporting your best pair of selvedge denim jeans to office.

Tailored linen, on the other hand, is perfect for work on those warmer days. Here’s a springtime office outfit idea featuring a linen blazer and linen trousers.

As you know, a navy blazer is the one garment that every guy needs to own. However, as much as we like to discuss the Perfect Navy Blazer, there really is no such thing.

First of all, four season fabrics are a myth. No one fabric can be perfect all year round. Secondly, a navy blazer – even paired with dark denim – can sometimes come off a little more formal that you’d like.

| WEARING | Suitsupply blazer and shirt, Saks Fifth Avenue pants, Drake’s tie, Rolex Datejust watch, Oliver Peoples sunglasses, To Boot New York shoes | PHOTOGRAPHY | by Rob McIver Photo

And therein lies two of the great joys of menswear – the countless fabrics and weaves as well as the endless variations of color within one hue. I generally go darker in the fall and winter and lighter in the spring and summer.

Linen pants sometimes get a bad rap – they’re seen as baggy numbers with drawstrings that you wear as loungewear around the pool. A good pair of tailored linen trousers changes that game.

If you’ve reserved some money from your tax refund for made to measure clothing, consider investing in two or three pairs of linen trousers instead of a suit.

Building up a dedicated collection of separates will compliment and expand the possibilities of your already versatile suit wardrobe.

Your neckwear should match the texture – that visual “feel” – of the pieces you pair it with. A shiny silk tie with this blazer and pants combo would stick out like a sore thumb. Choose one with a rougher texture.

Thanks for reading.

Stylishly Yours,

Brian Sacawa
He Spoke Style

The post It’s Not Too Early: Linen at Work first appeared on the men's style blog He Spoke Style - Men's Style, Fashion, Grooming, Tips and Advice

from He Spoke Style - Men's Style, Fashion, Grooming, Tips and Advice

The best (well, our favorite, anyway) and most amazing travel Instagram accounts.

Is travel on your brain too? It’s on mine.

Maybe it’s because it’s really and truly finally spring, which means that summer vacation is going to be a reality before we know it? Or maybe it’s because I just got back from traveling and am itching to hit the road again?

Actually, come to think of it, it’s probably not the latter.

It is more likely because filling up my Instagram feed are any number of amazing travel photos. You know the kind, right?

Well, if you don’t, here are six of our favorite travel Instagrams to follow.

1. Max Muench

What To Expect/What We Love: Ridiculously beautiful landscapes, perfect composition, pops of color and the occasional human element that just freaking makes you want to go to wherever that photo was shot.

Follow: @MuenchMax

2. Lucy Laucht

What To Expect/What We Love: Bright colors, pastels, beaches, NYC, the occasional (perfect) out of focus shot, food and close-up shot.

Follow: @LucyLaucht

3. Passion Passport

What To Expect/What We Love: Amazing photography from amazing places all over the world, many “how the hell did they take that photo” moments and angles, a diverse and strong range of colors.

Follow: @PassionPassport

4. Tiny Atlas Quarterly

What To Expect/What We Love: An impressive combination of spectacular land/cityscapes with just the right amount of silent, calm and intimate moments sprinkled in.

Follow: @TinyAtlasQuarterly

5. Gabriela

What To Expect/What We Love: Symmetry, simplicity, humans in amazing environments.

Follow: @gmateus

6. Condé Naste Traveler

What To Expect/What We Love: One of the premier travel Instagrams, beautiful photography that is never too perfect, which makes traveling to the places in the photos something that’s attainable rather than just a pipe dream.

Follow: @CNTraveler

Got a favorite travel Instagram account? Share it with us in the comments.

Thanks for reading.

Stylishly Yours,

Brian Sacawa
He Spoke Style

The post Fuel Your Wanderlust: 6 Amazing Travel Instagrams first appeared on the men's style blog He Spoke Style - Men's Style, Fashion, Grooming, Tips and Advice

from He Spoke Style - Men's Style, Fashion, Grooming, Tips and Advice

8 ways to wear white jeans this spring

Based on the popularity of last week’s white denim-anchored outfit, it would seem that there’s quite an interest from guys wanting to incorporate a pair into their spring wardrobes.

Interestingly, this comes despite the fact that white denim has not featured significantly in the pages – both in print and online – of the major men’s style publications this season.

I remember a time when it seemed like everywhere you looked, you’d see any number of articles on white denim. Perhaps it was “trending” two or three years ago, but as we know, trends do tend to come and go.

The fact that we’re still interested in white denim, however, tells me that it’s not a trend. And that’s a good thing. Because who doesn’t like a nice pair of white jeans?

Now how about those outfit ideas?

From the office to a casual weekend, here are eight ways to wear your white jeans this spring.

1. Crisp Office Attire

We’re fond of calling black jeans your “in-between” dress pant, but in the spring white jeans can serve a similar – albeit, seasonal – role. The best part about them is that they are crisp and clean. And styled with an equally sharp button up and silk knit tie, you’ve got a sharp look for just about any day at the office.

2. Casual Coffee Date

Another beautiful thing about white denim, is that it is more or less a blank canvas. This means that you wear just about any color you want with them. They will also take on the character and tone of the items you pair with them. Try layering a lightweight knit sweater for a comfortable and casual look.

3. Friday Night Happy Hour

A fresh approach to happy hour attire. Break out the linen blazer and the denim shirt. Relax, unwind and stand out in all the right ways.

4. Creative Workwear

Another simple office look with spring touches like a blue linen blazer, madras tie and horsebit loafers. I guarantee that if you wear this tie tomorrow, at least five dudes will ask you where you got it.

The Allen Edmonds Grand Cayman has been in my wardrobe for over three years now. Same pair still going strong.

5. Italian-Inspired

I’ve always felt that there’s something Italian about white denim. Maybe it’s because you tend to see ultra-stylish guys like Alessandro Squarzi wearing them all the time. Play up their Italian-ness with a few key items, like a double-breasted blazer and suede double monks.

6. The Monochromatic Thing

An (almost) all-white outfit is a bold move. And also one that requires vigilance when moving around, sitting on, or learning on anything. If you’re brave enough to rock it, wear it with confidence and be sure to carry one of these with you at all times. Actually, that goes for any time you walk out of the house wearing white jeans.

7. Date Night

I like how white denim stands out without really standing out, if you know what I mean. It’s sort of an advanced-denim style move that easily sets you apart. And there’s no better time than to stand out and above than when you’re on a date.

8. Weekend Casual

White jeans, t-shirt, classic sunglasses, boat shoes. Done. Your casual weekend outfit choice has never been easier.

Thanks for reading.

Stylishly Yours,

Brian Sacawa
He Spoke Style

Photography by Rob McIver Photo.

The post What To Wear With White Jeans first appeared on the men's style blog He Spoke Style - Men's Style, Fashion, Grooming, Tips and Advice

from He Spoke Style - Men's Style, Fashion, Grooming, Tips and Advice

5 Ways to Stop a Shaving Cut from Bleeding – hey, we’ve all been there.

If you shave with a safety razor – even if you’ve done your homework and are doing it with the right technique – chances are that, eventually, you are going to cut yourself shaving.

Maybe you slip. Maybe you have a pimple. Maybe you’re just a little too heavy-handed with that brand new blade. Hey, no shame. It happens to the best of us.

However, if you do happen to cut yourself shaving, you’re going to have to do a little triage. Below are five methods for getting a shaving cut to stop bleeding.

(N.B. All of the methods below work, so we’ll skip listing the “pros” of each method. However, each way has it’s own drawbacks, so we’ll mention those.)

Toilet paper.

That old standby. Come on, we’ve all used this method. And if you haven’t, you’re not a real man! Just kidding. It’s almost magic how it works.

Cons: You’ll look ridiculous if you walk out of the house and forget you’ve used it; cut will often start bleeding again when you take off the paper.

Styptic pencil.

One of the first post-toilet paper methods I tried. It’s very effective and easy to travel with, as most versions come in a small plastic tube.

Cons: Leaves a white residue that needs to be rinsed off – can’t just use it and run out of the house; breaks apart easily after a period of use; not very cleanly since you have to rinse your blood off after every use.

Styptic powder.

After becoming upset with the styptic pen’s white residue, it felt like I discovered the holy grail of shaving cut stoppers when I discovered Nick Relief. I works great and does not leave a white residue, but…

Cons: Leaves a brown residue that must be washed off after application; can stain clothing if you forget to wash it off.

Liquid styptic.

This is my favorite method. Doesn’t sting. Doesn’t leave a residue. Works quickly.

Cons: Tastes like crap (if you happen to get a cut near the corner of your mouth you will taste it).

Witch Hazel.

Similar to liquid styptic; available in many different scents, which could be nice.

Cons: Stings.

If you cut yourself shaving, how do you stop the bleeding? Chime in below.

Thanks for reading.

Stylishly Yours,

Brian Sacawa
He Spoke Style

Photography by Rob McIver Photo.

The post Nicks Happen! How To Stop the Bleeding first appeared on the men's style blog He Spoke Style - Men's Style, Fashion, Grooming, Tips and Advice

from He Spoke Style - Men's Style, Fashion, Grooming, Tips and Advice

This is not ‘Nam. This is style. There are rules.

The idea that there is a blueprint for style is one that I find completely preposterous. However, it’s something that many, many people believe in. There are even people who peddle “methods” for dressing well, breaking the “elements of style” down into a series of flash cards that can be put together like a puzzle to make you into your most stylish man.

I really don’t buy it.

Sure, there some basic foundational things to know, grasp and understand as if they were gospel. And there are reasons you should. But there’s no prescription for good style. And following a formula or copying someone else’s look exactly usually yields some less than great results.

Today on the podcast, I talk about the so-called “rules of style” and their merits (or lack thereof) as well as issue of snobbery, elitism and why pop radio is so repetitive.

Take a listen and chime in with your thoughts.

And if you like the podcast, why not give us a five-star rating in iTunes?

Stylishly Yours,

Brian Sacawa
He Spoke Style

That’s It is edited by Mack McLaughlin.

The post That’s It: Episode 8, Rules first appeared on the men's style blog He Spoke Style - Men's Style, Fashion, Grooming, Tips and Advice

from He Spoke Style - Men's Style, Fashion, Grooming, Tips and Advice

Tailoring: it’s not just for suits

Two tailored items: one dressy, one casual. The result? A casual and simple spring outfit idea.

| WEARING | Vintage Yves Saint Laurent waistcoat, Al Bazar shirt, A.P.C. jeans, Allen Edmonds belt, Goorin Bros. hat, Watch c/o Timex, To Boot New York loafers | PHOTOGRAPHY | by Rob McIver Photo

Whenever you’re looking for a way to dress up a casual look, reach for a waistcoat – a.k.a. the sleeveless blazer; a.k.a. the most versatile part of any suit. It has the ability to elevate even your most worn-in pair of jeans.

THE MORE YOU KNOW: Difference between a vest and waistcoat?

We often speak of tailoring as it relates to part of your suit – the jacket, waistcoat or pants. It’s true that a little tailoring goes a long way, and that’s also true when it comes to casual wear, like a pair of jeans.

My A.P.C. New Standards would not fit the way they do – my all-time favorite pair of jeans, actually – if I didn’t have them tapered and hemmed. You can actually see where they used to be hemmed higher now that they’re sufficiently well-worn.

Thanks, as always, for reading.

Stylishly Yours,

Brian Sacawa
He Spoke Style

The post Vested Interest: Rugged Tailoring first appeared on the men's style blog He Spoke Style - Men's Style, Fashion, Grooming, Tips and Advice

from He Spoke Style - Men's Style, Fashion, Grooming, Tips and Advice

We can’t start taking about the week that was without taking a moment for Prince. Two of my personal favorite clips being shared around the inter-webs is his guitar skills making an appearance (below at 3:27) during “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” with Tom Petty and a cover of Radiohead’s “Creep” at Coachella in 2008. Can we also think about how amazing it is that in a world where everything was so documented and over-shared, he was able to stay so private?

Everybody’s a critic journalist.

Questioning the state of men’s fashion – an industry that appears either too ‘mature’ or too over-the-top, in our opinions.

In similar news, GQ rounds up it’s 13 Most Stylish Men in the World to which we ask, “HUH?!”.

We saw John Oliver and Tom Hanks during Tribeca Talks on Friday, and while his stories about being in the biz were fantastic, his story about Kevin Bacon was the highlight #BFCUKB.

Do we need to do a post on what to buy mom for Mother’s Day? It’s only 2 weeks away…

ICYMI, we rounded up our six favorite travel Instagram accounts that you should be following.

If you’re on Twitter and also enjoy smart advertisements, may we also suggest Brilliant Ads?

Our latest contribution to the Robb Report: how to style a trench coat.

We’re not going to make cheesy Lemonade/Bey jokes since you’ve probably seen enough of that, but we do want to point out that there should not be confusion between the chef Rachel Ray and the “designer” Rachel Roy…

If I won the lottery, I’d definitely use my riches to give Bill Murray a ride in from the airport, wouldn’t you?

Thanks for reading.

Stylishly Yours,

Robin West
He Spoke Style

The post Making Lemonade first appeared on the men's style blog He Spoke Style - Men's Style, Fashion, Grooming, Tips and Advice

from He Spoke Style - Men's Style, Fashion, Grooming, Tips and Advice

In the spring and summer, we wear shoes without socks and defend talk about wearing shoes without socks.

We already know that fashion is cyclical. And we also know that the arguments discussions we have about fashion and matters of style seem to be repetitive as well.

Ever since the season has turned decidedly towards spring and afternoons have become a bit warmer, I’ve noticed that I’ve automatically begun to jump feet first into another perennial and contentious issue: wearing shoes without socks.

Let’s lay out a couple of the arguments and talk about how to go sockless the “right” way.

The Detractors – Two Arguments Against Wearing Shoes without Socks

1. Your feet sweat. This is actually a very good reason to avoid going sockless. After a day of walking around without socks in any pair of shoes, you’re going to have some sweaty and stinky feet as well as some nasty smelling shoes.

Some people will recommend using some sort of powder – talcum powder, Gold Bond, et. al – to curb this issue. In theory, it’s a good idea, there are some drawbacks.

First, any powder will be messy. On the floor, in the shoe, there’s no way around it.

Second, a powder will not last all day. Not even close. And when it wears off, your feet will start sweating and you’ll be right back where you started.

I had a pair of white Sperry Top Siders that I used to wear without socks all the time, all summer long. I tried the powder thing and needless to say, it didn’t help them much.

| WEARING | Blazer c/o Reiss, Brooks Brothers Black Fleece shirt, Vintage Yves Saint Laurent pants, Goorin Bros. hat, Rolex Datejust watch, Loafers c/o G.H. Bass | PHOTOGRAPHY | by Rob McIver Photo

2. It looks bad. Really? Seriously? Tell that to legions of stylish men all over the world. This is the type of prescriptivist style conservatism, that I do not understand and will never understand.

The only credence I will lend to this rationale, is that in some cases, it might be true. However, this is entirely dependent on the context and/or situation.

Would you wear shoes without socks to an important business meeting? Probably not. Unless it was in Italy and with a bunch of other rakish Italian gentlemen.

As always, exercise good judgement and some good old fashioned common sense when in doubt.

Shoes “Without Socks” Done Right

The best way to wear shoes without socks is actually to not wear shoes without socks. But, in this case, we’re not talking about calf-length or over the calf socks.

Giving the bare ankle illusion that you’re going sockless without the detrimental sweat or stench is best accomplished with a pair of “peds,” which are also often referred to as no-show or loafer socks.

They’re small and can’t be seen in your shoe (unless, you’re really looking for them). They wick the sweat (and smell) away. Our favorite no-show socks for the past couple of years have been these from J.Crew.

Where do you stand on the shoes without socks “issue”? Chime in below.

Thanks for reading.

Stylishly Yours,

Brian Sacawa
He Spoke Style

The post Real Talk: Shoes Without Socks first appeared on the men's style blog He Spoke Style - Men's Style, Fashion, Grooming, Tips and Advice

from He Spoke Style - Men's Style, Fashion, Grooming, Tips and Advice

7 Keys to Take Your Instagram Flat Lay Photography to the Next Level

There’s something about a perfectly styled Instagram flat lay, isn’t there? The best ones seem so effortless, simple and tossed off – almost like they’re the Instagram equivalent of sprezzatura.

If you’ve ever attempt to take a good flat lay, you know that the sprezzatura analogy is apt. Making a flat lay seem careless and natural – even though you’ve put a lot of thought into it – is kind of an art.

Not only that, but getting it just right can be frustrating. Okay, extremely frustrating. Fine, maddening even. Don’t pretend like you haven’t been there.

Now, I’m not saying that I have an advanced degree in Flat Lay, but as it is one of the Insta-isms I find fascinating (and somewhat evocative), I’ve dedicated some time to learning how to take a good one.

So here are a few key things to focus on next time you’re trying to style that perfect flat lay for Instagram.

1. Lighting is key.

Natural light is what you’re after. Indirect, diffused natural light is the best. To get the most crisp and natural-looking shots with great color, shadows and depth, avoid harsh sunlight and dark environments at all costs.

2. Choose your items.

Unless you’re going for a minimalist shot with only one item, choose three things to focus on and make the shot about them.

You could pick your items based around a theme – like travel, for example – or build around a specific color palate. My favorite flat lays are always the ones that have colors that are complementary.

3. Choose a background.

The most engaging flat lays are the ones that have a textured background that is clean and simple. There’s a reason why the marble table top is such a coveted background.

Once you’ve chosen your items and your background, an advanced flat lay maneuver – and one that I try to incorporate whenever possible – is to create a sub-background. (Yes, believe it or not, this is part of the thought process.)

In the example in this post, my couch is the background – or canvas – and The Rake magazine and my hat are the secondary background layer.

4. Arrange.

This is perhaps the trickiest and most frustrating part of taking a good flat lay – learning how to style the items. It’s hard to give a specific formula for this, but a good starting point compositionally, is to obey the rule of thirds.

One thing I’ve found to always be the case as well, is to know that things need to be a lot closer together than you think.

My workflow is to arrange the items how I think they’ll look good, then rearrange them after I’ve seen how they appear in the frame. Over time you develop your own visual vocabulary and it gets (somewhat) easier.

5. Take the shot.

Actually, take many shots. And by “many”, I mean, A TON. Don’t think too hard about it and move your phone (or camera) around liberally. Closer, farther away, rotate. Go nuts.

If you’ve got something specific in mind, try to get that shot for a bit and then forget about it and try something complete different. Some of my favorite shots have been “accidents” that I wasn’t trying to create.

Confession: I regularly take 50-100 different shots for a single flat lay. Sometimes you get lucky and it’s one shot, one kill. That’s highly unusual, however.

6. Choose the best one.

I prefer to choose the best shot based on looking at them in a grid, i.e. in the photo library. Seeing how a photo exists in square format helps me to decide on which has the best composition. Then favorite the contenders.

After doing that, my trick is to actually touch through them in Instagram. Open the app, choose favorites folder and see which one looks best in the app.

7. Edit.

I don’t think it’s a stretch to say that what actually makes a good Instagram photo – flat lay or otherwise – is the edit. Really. It’s all in the edit.

I’m not going to share my exact photo editing workflow here – that’s an entirely different post – but I use a combination of Snapseed and VSCO. Most photos take me about a minute to edit.

One key to a great edit is to never overdo it. You want photos to look natural and a good edit will look very natural.

Thanks for reading.

Stylishly Yours,

Brian Sacawa
He Spoke Style

Photography by Rob McIver Photo.

The post How To Take Perfect Flat Lay Photos first appeared on the men's style blog He Spoke Style - Men's Style, Fashion, Grooming, Tips and Advice

from He Spoke Style - Men's Style, Fashion, Grooming, Tips and Advice

Before & After – It’s amazing to think that these A.P.C.s were exactly the same

One of the best parts of investing in a quality pair of selvedge denim jeans is the way they become a part of you over time. Every fade, whisker and hole tells a story – a personal story.

After four years, I finally bit the bullet and bought a new pair of A.P.C. New Standards. My original pair is easily my favorite pair of jeans ever and I thought it would be interesting to share a few photos of the old and the new, before and after.

In this instance, the photos speak louder than anything I could write.

Thanks for reading.

Stylishly Yours,

Brian Sacawa
He Spoke Style

Photography by Rob McIver Photo

The post A Selvedge Story: Before and After first appeared on the men's style blog He Spoke Style - Men's Style, Fashion, Grooming, Tips and Advice

from He Spoke Style - Men's Style, Fashion, Grooming, Tips and Advice

The HSS team shares stories of their all-time favorite pairs of jeans

As Denim Month on HSS comes to a close, the team thought it apropos to share with you stories about our favorite pairs of jeans.

The truth is that everyone has some kind of special connection to a certain pair of jeans. And it’s hard to describe that connection. But we know what we feel and we know you’ve felt that too.

Brian Sacawa, Founder

It should come as no surprise to long-time HSS readers that my all-time favorite pair of jeans are my very first pair of A.P.C. New Standards. From the very first style post on HSS to recent editorial, you’ve seen them during the best of times and the worst – or most advanced – of times.

I actually hadn’t heard of A.P.C. until a friend of mine – the same friend who recommended looking into whether “style guy” was trademarked – mentioned to me that he had bought a pair of selvedge denim, which just so happened to be A.P.C.

Selvedge denim was new to me and I was excited to do it “right.” If you’ve ever bought a pair of A.P.C.s, you know that they come with an information card that gives you different “recipes” for how to care for/break them in. I chose the semi-extremist recipe, which has you wear them as long as possible without cleaning – for me that was nine months – and then soak them for their first cleaning.

Chris thought this was insane. I distinctly remember him expressing his disgust with this once when we were in the car together.

Once I made it through that initial break-period, I had them tailored – hemmed and tapered – and they quickly became a part of me and integral to my personal style. You can see them through the years if you scroll through the Style Guide archives. It’s kind of amazing to see how they’ve evolved over the years.

Rob McIver, Photographer

My all time favorite pair of jeans… That has to be a pair of Lucky brand boot cut button flies. They didn’t earn that stature instantaneously, but over time they were like slipping into a second skin.

Those jeans saw me through nights out with friends, first dates with my girlfriend (now wife), cool nights around a campfire staring up at the stars, backpacking around Switzerland, you name it and they were there.

Retiring them was long overdue, but it was difficult because of all the adventures we had together. They were great and just thinking of them for this little writing assignment has put a smile on my face.

Adam Lehman, Writer

I’ll readily admit that my favorite pair of jeans is almost a guilty pleasure. Whereas most menswear enthusiasts would be head over heels for a pair of crisp raws, or some high-end selvedge, my absolute top choice is Bonobos’ base-range light wash jeans.

The thing is, those jeans just fit me perfectly – which is a tough thing to find for a guy my size. I’ve tried the requisite entry-level raw/selvedge denim, but half the brands don’t make a size small enough for my scrawny waist, and the ones that did were either too pricey or were super limited on options as far as cut goes.

So when I got those suckers and they fit like a glove, I wore them as often as possible. Add to that a new job with a far more relaxed dress code and I quickly had that pair so broken in that the fit and feel was just too hard to beat.

Maybe down the road, with a few more Benjamins in my pocket to shop around, I’ll find a crisp pair of selvage with the perfect taper to take my jean game up to a whole new level, but for now I’m holding on to what I’ve got.

Robin West, Digital Strategy

I’ve actually been a “skinny” jean girl for just under 11 years and have gone through at least 50 pairs. Some had a bit more stretch, some a bit more relaxed and most actually from Levi’s.

The one thing that they all had in common is that they would get baggy knees and inch down more and more as the day goes on. Most of you have probably seen girls pulling up their jean waist not knowing why they are doing the “losing my pants dance”, but this is why.

Last November, I finally decided to try a high-waist version from Madewell and immediately fell in love, even though they were two times the price I’d been used to paying.

They were perfectly soft (if jeans have less than 98% cotton they can feel stiff), they fit like a glove, they were just the right wash to dress up or down and after 20+ wears they fit just as well as the first time I put them on.

And they stay in place! The fear of Madewell possibly not having them next season or changing the wash pushed me to buy the exact same pair again at the end of December. Now that I think about it, I should stock up on more…

Chris Sarangoulis, Contributing Editor, Whiskey & Cigars

My favorite pair of jeans come from an era about twelve years ago when boot cut bordering on bell bottoms was the thing. I had a pair of low rise, boot cut, button fly Levi’s. At the time, this trifecta of jean heaven could not be beat. They were so soft I could have gone jogging in them.

This pair was the first jeans I wore until they literally disintegrated. Towards the end of their life, they were assigned to painting duty.

I was hoping that a new trend for paint-splattered clothing would emerge so I could once again wear them with pride. As we know, this did not happen. (I’m still waiting!). However, their ultimate demise was a hole in the crotch.

Share the story of your all-time favorite pair of jeans in the comments.

Thanks for reading.

Stylishly Yours,

The HSS Team
He Spoke Style

The post HSS Writers Prompt: Favorite Pair of Jeans first appeared on the men's style blog He Spoke Style - Men's Style, Fashion, Grooming, Tips and Advice

from He Spoke Style - Men's Style, Fashion, Grooming, Tips and Advice

Entertaining in style with Gulden Draak belgian beer and a charcuterie plate

I have to be honest and tell you that I am not a huge beer drinker. Actually, I rarely drink beer. However, there are certain times when I get a ridiculous – and I do mean ridiculous – craving for beer.

And when those cravings set it, it’s for one of two very specific types of beer. It’s either got to be something extremely light and crisp or something Belgian.

It’s probably the ex-bicycle racer (and possibly saxophone player – Adolphe Sax was born in Belgium, after all) in me, but there is a special place in my heart for Belgian beer. And one of my favorites is Gulden Draak – a beer that I’d characterize as bold but aggressively smooth.

A great beer is one thing, but pairing it with great food is another. Robin and I are hosting some friends at the apartment this weekend, so I set out to put together a perfectly well-balanced charcuterie spread to pair with our bottles of Gulden Draak.

I find the flavor profile of Gulden Draak to have touches of chocolate and caramel. It’s got a very full and smooth mouthfeel and a long, bittersweet finish.

Keeping that in mind, here are the meats, cheeses and condiments we chose to pair with the beer.

The Meats

Our meat selections represent the spectrum from mildly spicy to smooth.

1. Finocchiona. A coarsely ground hard pork salami seasoned with fennel pollen and fennel seed. A nice complement to the smoothness of the beer.

2. Jamon Serrano. A smooth cured ham with a nutty flavor. Flakier than a typical serrano. A good mid-range taste.

3. Peppercorn Pate. A coarsely chopped pate with peppercorns and red wine wrapped in pancetta. This meat selection offers an excellent contrast to the other two meats and a nice bit of textural interest.

The Cheeses

1. Comte. Comte cheese is part of the Greyère family. It’s complex – fruity, nutty and toasty – and has a medium firmness.

2. Von Trapp Oma. This is a “washed rind” cheese. It’s soft, like brie, and has a buttery peanut flavor. A word or warning, that this cheese has a bit of an aroma and something of a funky odor, though not overpowering. Perfect on a slice of hearty bread or with a some jamon serrano.

The Condiments

A few favorites to complement any charcuterie plate.

1. Cornichons. That tiny French pickle you can never go wrong with.

2. Whole Grain Mustard. I like to put a dab of mustard on each of the meats. In this instance, it works best with the finocchiona and the jamon seranno.

3. Fig Spread. The fig spread pairs nicely with the pate as well as both cheeses.

We’re pleased to be partnering with Gulden Draak on this post. Share your favorite Gulden Draak moments using the hashtags #ConquerTheDragon or #GuldenDraak on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter to be entered into a drawing for some Gulden Draak swag. Cheers!

Thanks for reading.

Stylishly Yours,

Brian Sacawa
He Spoke Style

In partnership with Gulden Draak. The opinions expressed herein are mine alone and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Gulden Draak.

Photography by Rob McIver Photo

The post Perfect Pairings: Beer, Meat & Cheese first appeared on the men's style blog He Spoke Style - Men's Style, Fashion, Grooming, Tips and Advice