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

You may have noticed that despite all the recent talk of the new blog design that it still looks the same. Here’s why: circumstances arose that forced us to change developers. It was a tough decision, but one that had to be made. It will ultimately lead to a better experience for both us and you! I honestly can’t be more excited about the new team of developers we’ve got working on the new site — true industry veterans. Expect a launch in mid to late August.

Until then, it’s going to remain business as usual, beginning with these links that caught my attention this week.

Which shoes can you pair with which suit? Check out this handy visual guide.

We’re big fans of hats here, but apparently not everyone is. There’s a debate about it going on at Esquire.

These are the most stylish men of the 1950s. Agree or disagree? And who would you add to the list?

How well curated is your home? Here are 10 things every gentleman should have.

You probably already follow many of these top street style blogs already.

I never went to summer camp and don’t ever intend to as an adult.

A mapping app that takes you down the most tree-lined route.

It’s Tour de France time! Here are 10 of the best books on cycling.

Airbnb launches in Cuba. Let’s go!

How to raid your girlfriend’s toiletries.

How to meditate when you’re pissed off.

The Prietoni: a Negroni variation to make NOW.

And finally, this week’s WTF: a tortilla record.

Thanks for reading and have a great weekend.

Stylishly Yours,

Brian Sacawa
He Spoke Style

The post Hitting My Stride 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

There’s nothing like a great Made to Measure experience. If you’re in the market for a new suit, it’s the way to go. Since starting HSS a little over two years ago, I’ve had the opportunity to go through a variety of Made to Measure programs. And it’s about time I start reviewing them. First up, Knot Standard.

| WEARING | Knot Standard suit, Al bazar shirt, Drakes tie, Oliver Peoples sunglasses, Brooks Brothers suspenders, Tateossian and L. Jonas bracelets, Korchmar bag, Allen Edmonds shoes | PHOTOGRAPHY | by Rob McIver Photo

My appointment was at Knot Standard‘s New York Flagship location. They also have showrooms in Washington, D.C., Dallas, Austin, Houston, Chicago, and Dubai as well as an online shop. As always, when it comes to ordering Made to Measure, it’s best to visit a showroom in person. You’ll get personalized service, the peace of mind that you’re being measured properly (no at-home guess-work), as well as the ability to see and touch all of the fabric, lining, and button options.

MUST READ: Tips For Your First Made To Measure Experience

I was assisted at the showroom by Lewis Malivanek, who happens to be Knot Standard’s Creative Director as well as infinitely knowledgeable about menswear and the ins and outs of the custom suit making business. It’s a marketplace that has become increasingly crowded and over the past couple of years, Knot Standard has done a lot to make themselves stand out from the rest.

The Basics. From the extensive fabric books, I ended up choosing a Holland & Sherry Super 100’s worsted wool with a bold pinstripe. Notch lapel (a little wider on purpose), three flap pockets, side tabs, and dark horn buttons. Classic styling for a classic pinstripe suit. A word on the lapels: one aspect of Knot Standard that impressed me in relation to other made to measure programs, is that I was able to choose how wide I wanted them to be. Usually, there are a couple of samples and what you see is what you get. Having that sort of control was a big bonus.

Jacket Fit. I consider myself fairly lucky, in that off the rack clothing tends to fit me very well. Jackets, in particular, rarely require any alterations. This was no different for me at Knot Standard.  The 36R sample jacket was so spot on we didn’t want to touch it when the suit came back for my second fitting.

Trouser Fit. Pants are always a touchy subject and I tend to be very particular. I don’t like a high rise and I prefer them to have a slim (not to be confused with skinny) and tapered silhouette. I want to be able to actually wear and feel comfortable in them. Credit Lewis’s expertise, because when the pants came back, they fit perfectly in the waist, and I’d never had a more perfect taper without having alterations after the second fitting. We needed to lengthen them slightly, but that was a relatively minor fix.

Price. Basic prices range from $495 – $995. In the showroom, you can spend a lot more depending on what level of fabric you’re interested in, thanks to the extensive library of fabrics offered.

The Verdict. An absolutely amazing experience. From the showroom visit to the fit and and quality of the garment, Knot Standard sets the standard. It’s the best made to measure suit I own.

Thanks for reading.

Stylishly Yours,

Brian Sacawa
He Spoke Style

The post Made To Measure Review: Knot Standard 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

It’s been a while since we’ve posted a new cocktail recipe – we’ve been focusing on whiskies recently – but digging through the archives, I remembered three drinks that are perfect for those hot summer days we’re right in the middle of.

Dark and Stormy

Rum, ginger beer, and lime juice. The Dark and Stormy is smooth with a little bit of a bite.

CLICK HERE FOR THE RECIPE.

Daiquiri

The best mixed drinks are often the simplest. It’s also what makes them so classic. Perfect proportions are the hallmark of the venerable Daiquiri.

CLICK HERE FOR THE RECIPE.

Aperol Spritz

Maybe it’s that I just got back from Florence or that I’m an Italian style fanboy, but I can never get enough of the Aperol Spritz in the summertime.

CLICK HERE FOR THE RECIPE.

Thanks for reading. And cheers!

Stylishly Yours,

Brian Sacawa
He Spoke Style

The post 3 Summer Cocktails To Make Now 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

It’s been a great week in NYC attending the first New York Fashion Week: Men’s, but I have to tell you that I need a vacation! Prior to this busy week, I was on the road for 23 days with only one day at home before hopping on a train to take care of business in NYC. Thankfully, I’m headed to Tulum today for a week of extreme relaxation. Though I intend to spend the majority of my time laying on the beach or by the pool with cocktail in hand, I do plan to clean up for a few nice evening meals. Here’s how I’m staying tropically tailored.

| WEARING | Suitsupply double-breasted blazer, Al Bazar shirt, Brooks Brothers pants, Goorin Bros. hat, Oliver Peoples sunglasses, Tateossian and Dee Berkley bracelets, Allen Edmonds loafers | PHOTOGRAPHY | by Rob McIver Photo

The right hat. A straw hat is both practical and stylish. It shields my face from the sun while lounging around the pool or at the beach, while instantly giving a dressed up look a little bit of a tropical vibe.

Unbutton it. I’m a fan of unbuttoning my button-ups one button further than I usually do during the summer. So instead of the top two, I do the top three. It’s casually cool, confident and sexy. It also helps to dress down a double-breasted blazer.

Accessorize with color. I’m usually pretty conservative when it comes to the beads on my right wrist and tend to stick with brown and black just to balance everything. However, with the tropical environment, adding a little color seems appropriate. The Dee Berkley collection has some great options.

Loafers FTW. You’ve got to have a killer pair of loafers. I’ve gotten a ton of mileage out of my Allen Edmonds Grand Caymans over the last few years.

MUST READ: Join the great socks or no socks debate!

Thanks for reading.

Stylishly Yours,

Brian Sacawa
He Spoke Style

The post Tropically Tailored: Tulum Bound 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

It’s no secret that I’m a huge fan of Italian-inspired style. Classic tailoring with just the right amount of flair to give it a personal touch to stand out from the crowd. Here’s one way I did it recently with my pinstripe suit.

| WEARING | Suit c/o Knot Standard, Brooks Brothers shirt, Luciano Barbera tie, TBD sunglasses, Tateossian and Dee Berkley bracelets, Suitsupply loafers | PHOTOGRAPHY | by Rob McIver Photo

A navy suit with a bold pinstripe conjures images of investment bankers and power players. I styled it in that vein last week. Thinking outside that box might be difficult, especially with the pinstripe making such a big statement. Different patterns can play well together, however, so don’t be afraid to experiment. I picked up this great Luciano Barbera tie recently and love the playful contrast.

Nothing says Italian style quite like a devil-may-care pocket square fold. The best ones require no thought at all, though they might require a couple tries to get it “just right.” Check out our guide on how to fold a big pocket square for a tutorial.

Sunglasses have a big impact on a look’s overall appearance. What better pair to finish off this Italian-inspired look than these honey-colored frames from my friend Fabio’s company, The Bespoke Dudes?

Thanks, as always, for reading.

Stylishly Yours,

Brian Sacawa
He Spoke Style

The post Pinstripe Suit, Italian Flair 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

Men’s grooming has exploded over the past five years or so. One of the earliest “men’s grooming experts” I remember was Kyan Douglas, who starred in Bravo’s hit series Queer Eye for the Straight Guy. Since then, Kyan has continued his career as a men’s grooming guru on television and in a new partnership with men’s grooming brand JS Sloane. I recently had the opportunity to speak with Kyan about that new partnership and get some of his thoughts on current men’s grooming trends, masculinity, idendity and what the future holds.

Brian Sacawa: Let’s talk about men’s grooming trends first. There seem to be two main things going on – the Mad Men-esque side part, which I’m obviously a fan of, and the large well-manicured beard. On the surface these seem to be diametrically opposed, but might they be a little more connected than we think?

Kyan Douglas: Yes, there are definitely two kinds of things going on right now – the “Don Draper” side part and “lumbersexual” beard culture, as you mention. Both of these things are about men grappling with a sense of identity, especially during a time when gender roles and men’s identity are up in the air. We’ve gone through times with huge movements for women’s rights, minority rights, and gay rights. But what about the straight white guy? He’s having to figure out who he is in the midst of all that.

We are always growing and evolving and I think we’re starting to see a recalibration of what it means to be a man in America these days – an older model of masculinity that is clear and acceptable. In terms of beard culture, it’s also a reaction to a different mode of masculinity and a desire to touch base with something that is simple, authentic, and centered in itself. On the surface, we see a huge aesthetic difference between guys who embrace the dapper look versus the lumbersexual look, but they’re very similar in that they are both ways men are exploring identity and trying to find a way to express an authentic self.

BS: You’ve had many amazing opportunities throughout your career. Why have you chosen to work with JS Sloane.

KD: Things happened organically with the brand. In general, I don’t chase things, I prefer to let them unfold. Joann [Kuno, creator of JS Sloane] contacted me and sent some products, which I started using personally. People in makeup room at the Rachel Ray show said my hair was looking great and then Joann asked me to help her develop a new product. Through that collaboration we discovered a mutual interest in the history of barbering and men’s grooming products.

BS: How does JS Sloane fit in to current men’s grooming trends for the American Barber?

KD: In principle, it’s a very practical perspective – classic men’s grooming products are necessary for that and the nouveau barber experience. JS Sloane has really gone back and been inspired by that old Hollywood dapper barbershop experience. Functionality is spot on. The products are simple, straightforward, and innovative. They’re also water-based and very user friendly.

BS: You and Joann hit it off so well she agreed to go on a cross-country road trip/barbershop tour with you! Tell us about that.

KD: It’s called “Celebrating the American Barber” and it came about from our shared interest in barbershop evolution. Think about it. We went from 80s androgony to 90s salon culture to 2000s metrosexual. How does that happen? I also just like road trips and wanted to go around, check out shops all across the country, and tell the story of the new American barber.

BS: There are a lot of men’s grooming lines out there now. How does JS Sloane differ from other men’s brands.

KD: There’s a really strong connection to the feel of the old world barber shop, old world grooming products, and old Hollywood. It’s inspired by that moment in time from the approach to barbering to the packaging. Their customer service is very old school as well – products ship same day.

BS: Alright, take out your crystal ball and tell us where men’s grooming is headed.

KD: Tough question! I wish I could predict the future. However, the spirit of what drives men to make choices becomes acceptable in a lot of different ways. I see more space for people to be individuals with fewer and fewer people jumping on trends.

Isn’t that refreshing?

Over the past month or so, I’ve given most of the JS Sloane line a try – minus the beard oil, of course. I can vouch for Kyan when I say that it’s very easy to work with. The Mediumweight Brilliantine is one of my favorites. It keeps my hair in place but doesn’t look like I’ve got product in. Plus, it’s flexible enough that I can still run my fingers through it, which has become something of a reflex.

I hope you enjoyed this interview with Kyan as much as I did. Leave your thoughts on men’s grooming trends in the comments. And do let us know if you like interviews like this. It’s something that I’d love to do more of in the future.

Thanks for reading.

Stylishly Yours,

Brian Sacawa
He Spoke Style

Disclosure: Compensation for this post was provided by JS Sloane. The opinions expressed herein are mine alone and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of JS Sloane.

The post Masculinity & Men’s Grooming: A Conversation with Kyan Douglas/JS Sloane 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

Getting the most out of a suit means knowing how to dress it down. During New York Fashion Week: Men’s we partnered with Gilt for a classic 1 Piece/3 Ways editorial. The focus: a grey windowpane suit. Here’s one way to dress it way down for a night out on the town.

| WEARING | Z Zegna suit, Al Bazar shirt, Ray-Ban sunglasses, L. Jonas bracelet, Lanvin sneakers | PHOTOGRAPHY | by Lydia Hudgens

The easiest way to dress down a suit is to simply lose the tie and unbutton your shirt one more button than usual. It projects a cool confidence that would work perfectly at a dark cocktail bar or at a swanky club.

If you’ve followed HSS for a while, you’ll remember my stance on sneakers with a suit. It doesn’t always work, but sometimes it’s warranted. If you do it, make sure the sneakers complement the suit both in style and quality. I don’t break out my Lanvins on a daily basis, but it’s nice to have them in the arsenal when the situation calls for them.

MUST READ: Can you wear sneakers with a suit?

Bonus tip: forget a pocket square when you were packing? (Like I did for this trip?) A paper napkin works just as well in a pinch. Hey, sometimes you have to improvise! Did you notice until I mentioned it? Be honest.

Thanks for reading.

Stylishly Yours,

Brian Sacawa
He Spoke Style

The post Gray Windowpane Suit: Night Out 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 classic suit always looks great with classic styling. Here’s an “all business” approach to a gray windowpane suit with little summer color thrown in.

| WEARING | Z Zegna suit, Reiss shirt, Oliver Peoples glasses, Saks tie, Tateossian and L. Jonas bracelets, Watch c/o Uniform Wares, QG Custom pocket round, Suitsupply double monk strap shoes | PHOTOGRAPHY | by Lydia Hudgens

Give even a classic business look a bit of a seasonal touch and a lot more character with a little color. Pinks, dark purples and burgundies are “no-brainer” pairings with a gray suit. Keep your fabrics seasonal as well, even at the office – linen shirt, lightweight cashmere tie, and silk pocket round.

If you wear eyeglasses, you know how important it is to find the right pair for your face and style. Though I’ve acquired a few pairs over the past couple of years, I’d been on the lookout for a regular daily pair. The Executive II from the new Oliver Peoples Vintage collection won hands down for me.

MUST READ: See this suit transformed for a night on the town.

Can you wear brown shoes with a gray suit? Of course. Nothing looks better, in my opinion. A pair of chocolate brown suede double monks add some polish and an Italian flair.

Thanks for reading.

Stylishly Yours,

Brian Sacawa
He Spoke Style

The post Gray Windowpane Suit: All Business 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

Does anybody actually carry cash anymore? I certainly don’t. And that’s never really a problem until you need to settle up with a friend, who say, wanted to put brunch on their credit card for rewards points purposes, or something like that. I’ve used various online payment services in the past, but it’s not a very quick transfer, sometimes taking a few days for someone to receive their money. I’m always on the hunt for new apps that make things easier and more convenient and Square Cash has found a permanent place on my iPhone.

I put the app to the test when I was on the road for three weeks a little over a month ago. I roll with a few guys and we actually cook our own food in our room every night. It’s cheap and we eat very healthy. However, this requires a cash transaction every day as we have to pay the dude who went to the supermarket. Square Cash totally transformed that experience.

Instead of having to carry around a huge stack of one dollar bills, I just connected my bank account, imported my contacts – you can be selective – and invited them to the app. (An added incentive is you’ll receive $5 when an invitee accepts and then makes a transaction.) You can either send or request money from someone extremely easily. The interface is simple and easy to use. You can also decline a request – my buddy Chris of Whiskey Room fame got in the habit of requesting $5-10K from me every day… Jerk.

There’s no transaction fee – unless you’re a business, then you’ll pay 1.9% – and the money ends up in your bank account very quickly. We found that there was a slight difference in time it took depending on the financial institution of the person you had the transaction with. If you shared the same bank, it seemed to go quicker, while it took maybe an hour or so longer if the other person used a different bank.

I’m definitely a Square Cash fan. Here are the Top 4 ways the app has made my life easier:

Splitting a check. If someone wants to put a bill on their card because they get rewards points, Square Cash is a great way to instantly settle up with the paying party.

Paying for gas. Perfect for road trips. Forget about trying to estimate gas for an entire trip or waiting until the end and tallying up all your gas receipts. Instantly settle up each tank down to the penny.

Groceries. On the road, we cook in the room with three guys. One gets the groceries, one does the cooking and one does the dishes. Before Square Cash we used to round cost up or down because we were dealing with paper money, but now we can settle up every day and not ever have to keep a running tally.

Random bets. $20 says you won’t eat that rotten banana…

Let us know in the comments: Have you tried Square Cash?

Thanks, as always, for reading.

Stylishly Yours,

Brian Sacawa
He Spoke Style

Disclosure: Compensation for this post was provided by Square Cash. The opinions expressed herein are mine alone and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Square Cash.

The post Does Anyone Carry Cash Anymore? 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

With any suit, you should always look for ways to achieve maximum versatility. No piece of a suit can get more mileage as a separate than the jacket. Wrapping up our 1 Piece/3 Ways partnership with Gilt, here’s one way to style a gray windowpane suit jacket as a separate.

| WEARING | Z Zegna blazer, Reiss shirt, Oliver Peoples sunglasses, Watch c/o Uniform Wares, E. Bannister for He Spoke Style pocket round, Tateossian and L. Jonas bracelets, Chelsea boots c/o Jack Erwin | PHOTOGRAPHY | by Lydia Hudgens

When it comes to suit separates, not all jackets are created equal. In other words, not every suit jacket can be worn as a separate. Fabrics with a sheen don’t pair well with casual bottoms like chinos or denim. Wools with a pattern and/or bit of texture work well. If you’re ever unsure, use my favorite style rule: if it doesn’t look like it works, it doesn’t; if it does, it does.

A blazer with denim and an unbuttoned shirt is my classic “sharp casual” look. A no-brainer for happy hour drinks, a first date, weekend brunch or coffee.

Big news this weekend is that we’re finally rolling into development for the new site. We’re working with a fantastic new team and I know that the slight delay in relaunch will have been well worth the wait. Also, we’ve been in talks with a production company in NYC for a brand new “on the street” style video series for the blog and YouTube channel. Lots of great things in the queue!

Thanks for reading and have a great weekend.

Stylishly Yours,

Brian Sacawa
He Spoke Style

The post Gray Windowpane Blazer: Off Duty Weekend 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 designs are ones that perfectly combine form and function. When I take a moment to think about those items I use on a daily basis that I consider to have a beautiful and outstanding design, those are the things that also function the best and are most useful to me. When something is attractive and well-constructed – a made to measure blazer, a finely tuned automobile, a mobile phone – you want to wear it, drive it, use it. It’s always great when beauty and utility go hand in hand.

| WEARING | Saks blazer and pants, Al Bazar shirt, Watch c/o Ferragamo, Oliver Peoples sunglasses, Dee Berkeley bracelets, To Boot New York loafers | PHOTOGRAPHY | by Rob McIver Photo

A timepiece is the perfect example of a sartorial detail that you want to be beautiful and function impeccably – you want to be arrive on time in style. The new Ferragamo F-80 watch is both of those things.

I’m pretty picky when it comes to the quality of accessories. I’d much rather have a small collection of very high quality items than an expansive one of cheaply made pieces. So the Ferragamo F-80 is a welcome addition to my timepiece arsenal.

I love the combination of sporty attitude with sophisticated details, like the guilloché dial and the decorative screws on the bezel. The rubber strap is a cool casual contrast to the otherwise classic design, which makes it suitable to wear whether I’m dressed up or dressed down. It also just feels super solid. Looks great, feels great, works great. That’s the trifecta right there!

Thanks for reading.

Stylishly Yours,

Brian Sacawa
He Spoke Style

Disclosure: Compensation for this post was provided by Ferragamo. The opinions expressed herein are mine alone and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Ferragamo.

The post Ferragamo Timepieces: Form & Function 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

Have you not heard? Tulum is the place to be. Roughly a two-hour drive south of Cancún, it’s a beautiful and laid back paradise free of all the tourist trappings found in it’s well-known neighbor to the north. I recently vacationed there for nine days and had an absolute blast. If you’re considering going, I highly recommend it. Here’s the HSS Tulum Travel Guide – a few of my favorite things to see, do, and drink!

Getting There and Getting Around

Shuttle, Taxi, Bicycle. Unless you’re planning to do some sightseeing outside of the general Tulum area, there’s no need to rent a car. Unless you really want to look like a tourist – then make sure to get the Jeep. A roundtrip ticket for two people with SuperShuttle from Cancún to Tulum was $178 USD. Once you’re at you’re hotel, taxis along the main Tulum Beach road generally run about 100-150 pesos one-way. Nothing is really that far, however, and getting around by bicycle was my preferred method.

Eats & Drinks

| MEZCAL FTW | Just one of the amazing cocktails on the menu at Gitano.

If you follow on Instagram, it may have seemed as though I ate and drank my way through my entire vacation in Tulum. That is partially not true. There was time spent sleeping, swimming and sightseeing. But, yes, a lot of time was spent sampling ceviche and drinking cocktails. In total, we ate at 10 establishments, but here are five favorites.

1. Gitano. In someplace where it would be possible to call everywhere my favorite place, Gitano was truly my favorite. Hands down. The food was incredible and the cocktails – all mezcal-based – were out of this world. Oh, and the setting: absolutely dreamlike. Tables under a canopy of palm trees, low benches to lounge on and a disco ball in the jungle if you care to stay late and party. If you go, make sure to ask for Fernando and tell him I sent you.

2. Mezzanine. This was a lunch stop on the way back from the Mayan ruins. It’s on a deck overlooking the beach, had fantastic ceviche and the most perfect margarita I had during the entire trip.

| ABOVE | Amazing food and craft cocktails under a canopy of palm trees in the jungle at ARCA | BELOW | Shrimp and mashed bananas with coconut at Papaya Playa

3. ARCA. Though I was bummed when we were unable to get a seat at Hartwood (talk about a scene!), that feeling passed quickly when we sat down at ARCA. A recommendation from my friend Fernando of Gitano, the food – all locally sourced – was exquisite. Ditto for the setting. Tulum has a very inventive and burgeoning craft cocktail scene. The drinks at ARCA were top-notch.

4. Posada Margherita. An authentic Italian restaurant in Tulum? You bet. I know what you’re thinking: why on earth go to an Italian restaurant when you’re in Mexican food heaven? All I can say is, try it because you will not regret it.

5. Único. We found Único on a whim but it turned out to be a very memorable meal. Brian Sernatinger formerly of Gramercy Tavern and Craft is the head chef, so you know it’s legit. The space is very slick and modern and is part of the Mi Amor hotel. I look forward to returning.

| JUNGLE MONOCHROME | Relaxing after lunch on the beach at Coqui Coqui.

Activities

Mayan Ruins. A must-see. It’s hard to comprehend that these were built so long ago. It’s a true marvel though it was so hot, we didn’t walk the entire grounds. Around the backside of the largest structure, you get a great view off the cliffs to Tulum beach.

Gran Cenote. This cenote came highly recommended along with Dos Ojos. Swim with turtles, fish and through caves of the bluest water you’ll ever see. I highly recommend going early to beat the crowds, which descend en masse about one and a half to two hours after they open.

Kaan Luum Lagoon. There are plenty of cenotes and lagoons around, but Laguna Kaan Luum stuck out because of an ad in magazine at the hotel. Walk through the jungle on a wooden deck to a dock pier that juts out into turquoise and emerald water. Completely unreal. Be the first ones there if you want to get a great photo.

Know Before You Go

Seaweed Invasion. Tulum is currently experiencing a bit of a seaweed problem. The usually crystal clear water doesn’t appear so clear from the beach to about 50 meters out, and the white sand beaches are outlined by dark green (and extremely smelly at times) seaweed. It’s a natural phenomenon caused by changing sea currents and, we were told, is affecting the Gulf Coast from Mexico all the way down to Costa Rica. The locals are doing their best to manage the issue, but in this Man v. Nature scenario, Mother Nature is clearly winning. It’s not a complete downer and shouldn’t deter you from visiting, but you’re not going to get that perfect Instagram shot of immaculate white sand and turquoise water.

Leaping Lizards. I used to live in Tucson, Arizona, and even living in the desert, I never got used to those little lizards that run around like crazy. However, in Tulum those lizards are often large iguanas. Once you get over the fact that they’re not aggressive and will run away if you even make the slightest gesture towards them, they’re not so bad.

AC Not Always Available. There are not many hotels with AC. Once you get past Papaya Playa after turning right onto the beach road, electricity is not allowed. Businesses run on generators south of Papaya Playa. If you have trouble sleeping in the heat and humidity and even a cool and gentle ocean breeze won’t put you to sleep, make sure that you look closely at whether or not your hotel has AC.

Thanks for reading.

Stylishly Yours,

Brian Sacawa
He Spoke Style

The post Tulum Travel Guide 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 concept of “time here and time elsewhere” (heure d’ici et heure d’ailleurs, in French) is one that has a special meaning to me. Traveling, as I do, nearly 150 days out of the year, my life becomes a series of episodes of being “here” briefly and “elsewhere” in a flash. I’m constantly communicating across time zones to manage various projects and aspects of the business, while at the same time trying to live in the moment and enjoy wherever I find myself. It’s a wild ride but one I wouldn’t trade for anything.

HERE | Heure d’ici

We’ve been waiting quite a while to share these photos. You’ll notice that I’m dressed for winter and there’s a reason for that. We shot these back in March while traveling through the Midwest. For a couple days, Chicago was my “here” as we set up shop at the Langham to work on a project with Van Cleef & Arpels.

| ON THE GO IN CHICAGO | Taking care of business in the Windy City | WEARING | Pierre Arpels Heure d’ici & Heure d’ailleurs timepiece | PHOTOGRAPHY | by Rob McIver Photo

It was a good moment for Rob and I to reflect on where we were, where we’ve been and where we’re headed. In March, we’d just celebrated two years of HSS, a milestone I let slip by with zero outward fanfare. I’ve never been one to spend much time considering or dwelling on the past – semper deinceps – but now, almost six months later, as we prepare to relaunch and take the brand into some exciting new directions it’s instructive (and satisfying) to take everything in.

The landscape has changed drastically since we originally launched. We certainly weren’t the first to tell the story of style or personal style online, but the menswear movement is burgeoning now. I feel extremely fortunate to have caught the wave when we did and built such a loyal and ever-expanding following. Just as the menswear milieu has evolved, so have we, while still staying true to the style, practicality, and personality that helped grow that fan base. It might get more personal, but we’ll never abandon the core of what makes this HSS: being a resource for our readers.

While in Chicago, Rob and I reminisced about our first major HSS partnership. Shortly after signing with our management, we hopped on a plane bound for Venice to spend the weekend with Persol. The whirlwind trip was exciting and magical and gave us our first glimpse of the kinds of stories we’d get to tell over the next few years. It was unforgettable. And as we took in the spectacular Chicago skyline from the top of the Langham, we were grateful for everything we’d accomplished – here and for the past two years – and dreamed about where that next “elsewhere” might be.

ELSEWHERE | Heure d’ailleurs

| HSS IN VENICE | October 2013

Thanks for reading.

Stylishly Yours,

Brian Sacawa
He Spoke Style

Disclosure: Compensation for this post was provided by Van Cleef & Arpels. The opinions expressed herein are mine alone and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Van Cleef & Arpels.

The post Time Here & Time Elsewhere first appeared on the men's style blog He Spoke Style - Men's Style, Fashion, Grooming, Tips and Advice

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As was widely reported yesterday, American designer Thom Browne and Brooks Brothers will be ending their partnership effective pretty much immediately – the Fall 2015 Black Fleece collection will be the last.

The breakup may not mean much to some – for example, I can’t imagine the conservative Brooks Brothers shopper being particularly blue over it – but for others, myself included, it’s a little bit sad.

The Thom Browne shrunken suit and short pant aesthetic isn’t for everyone. We’ve debated that previously. I certainly don’t feel comfortable sporting a full on Thom Browne look. The couple blazers I own have had their sleeves lengthened to suit my own personal tailoring aesthetic. However, I’ll miss the pattens, textures, fabrics as well as the outstanding off the rack fit of the iconic Black Fleece button-down. And for what it’s worth, viewing the women’s collection has always been a highlight of any trip to Brooks Brothers.

| A PERFECT FIT | The Black Fleece button-down oxford shirt has always been a personal favorite. I own three: white, blue and plaid.

The split will leave a void in the Brooks lineup that even the fresh Red Fleece collection might not be able to fill. Thankfully, there’s one last collection and it’s a good one. I’ve included some of my favorites below along with several of my favorite looks over the years featuring Black Fleece pieces.

Black Fleece Ties

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Black Fleece Blazers

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Thanks for reading.

Stylishly Yours,

Brian Sacawa
He Spoke Style

The post Requiem for Thom Browne x Brooks Brothers 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

Now that we’re in the dog days of summer, staying cool is priority one. Nothing keeps you cooler than choosing a light and breathable fabric. Linen is always my go-to on the hottest days when I want to stay tailored. Here’s a look that does linen on linen on linen.

| WEARING | Saks blazer and pants, Reiss shirt, Luciano Barbera tie, Watch c/o Uniform Wares, Oliver Peoples sunglasses, Tateossian and L. Jonas bracelets, Loafers c/o Allen Edmonds | PHOTOGRAPHY | by Rob McIver Photo

I’ve heard some people say that you shouldn’t combine linens. I don’t know what the rationale is, but I don’t buy it. The season dictates the kind of fabrics that are comfortable to wear. And when it’s summer and hot, there’s no reason to not combine a linen blazer, linen pants, and a linen shirt.

Linen shirts always tend to fit a little looser than cotton shirts of the same brand and size. If this bothers you, you can certainly get your linen shirt tailored, but you’d be defeating the purpose, in my opinion. A linen shirt should fit a little bit looser than your regular shirts – it helps with the cooling effect and keeps it breezy.

Linen, like cotton, wrinkles very easily. So remember to embrace the suck. Make sure you’ve got a decent garment steamer to quickly touch up each piece before heading out of the house and an quality iron for pressing in trouser creases.

Thanks for reading.

Stylishly Yours,

Brian Sacawa
He Spoke Style

The post All Linen Everything 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

Being a home mixologist is fun. It’s also cool to be the guy who can whip up amazing cocktails when you’re entertaining. But in order to do so, you’ve got to have the right tools for the job. Here’s a list of 10 essential home bar tools.

10 Must-Have Home Bar Tools

1. Jiggers. Jiggers come in many shapes, sizes and volumes. However, you only really need two – a 1 oz. x 2 oz. and a 1/2 oz. x 3/4 oz – and don’t need to spend a lot on them.

2. Julep Strainer. This is the strainer you use for your stirred drinks. Again, you could shell out over $20 for a gold-plated version, but that’s not necessary. But this one for $4 works just as well.

3. Hawthorne Strainer. For your shaken cocktails. It’s designed to fit snuggly over a shaker tin and works best in conjunction with a fine mesh strainer (see No. 6).

4. Bar Spoon. Unlike jiggers and strainers, a bar spoon is something worth spending a bit extra on. I had a very cheap one at first and did not like how flimsy it felt. For a mere $5 extra, I found one that’s a lot more solid and feels great in the hand.

5. Mixing Glass. You can definitely build your stirred cocktails in a pint glass, but I recommend investing in a more elegant vessel, like this Yarai mixing glass. It’s beautiful, much more functional (check out that spout for pouring) and looks great displayed on your bar cart.

6. Fine Mesh Strainer. I always double strain both my stirred and shaken cocktails so the drink looks smooth and clear. A fine mesh strainer keeps the small ice chips out and also ensures any pulp from citrus doesn’t make it into the glass of your shaken drinks.

7. Shaker Tin.  An inexpensive item needed for making shaken cocktails.

8. Pint Glass. For use in conjunction with your shaker tin. You’ve probably already got a collection of these in your cabinet. Though a lot of bartenders use a smaller metal shaker tin, I prefer the pint glass so I can see the drink as I’m building it.

9. Muddler. One tip for muddling fruit or herbs: don’t smash it so much that breaks apart. The goal is to simply release some of the juice so you get the essence of whatever you’re muddling. Take this to heart when you’re muddling mint for a mojito.

10. Peeler. For making standard as well as creative garnishes. A citrus juicer is also handy, though I often just prick my lemons and limes with a fork before squeezing out the juice.

Extra Credit: Swizzle Stick. Not something you’ll use often, but good to have for certain summer cocktails. It’s also a great conversation piece when displayed on a bar cart!

Shop Home Bar Tools

Now that you’ve got the tools, it’s time to make some drinks. Check out our ever-growing collection of cocktail recipes to get started.

Thanks for reading, happy mixing and cheers!

Stylishly Yours,

Brian Sacawa
He Spoke Style

The post Setting Up Your Home Bar // The Tools 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

Menswear can get pretty complicated, but it’s really not that hard. Stick to the basics, keep your color palate classic, focus on fit, accessorize wisely and choose your fabrics seasonally.

| WEARING | Vintage Yves Saint Laurent waistcoat, Al Bazar shirt, Saks pants, Watch c/o Uniform Wares, L. Jonas and Dee Berkeley bracelets, Goorin Bros. hat, Driving loafers c/o Tod’s | PHOTOGRAPHY | by Rob McIver Photo

When it’s too hot to wear a blazer, a waistcoat is the perfect solution for looking dapper on warm days. It’s also a good way to know you’re getting the most out of your three-piece suits and can be a fun piece for experimenting with contrasting fabrics and textures. Make sure it fits snugly around your torso and always remember to leave the bottom button unbuttoned.

Maybe it’s Tulum withdrawal, but I’ve been wearing my Panama hat a lot this summer. No menswear accessory has the ability to transform a look and silhouette quite like a hat. We’re actually shooting a segment on hats with my friend Alex from Goorin Bros. in the West Village very soon for our brand new YouTube series. Be sure to subscribe to the channel.

These linen trousers have been getting quite a workout this summer. One of my best investments in a while, they’re Made to Measure from Saks. Khaki chinos were my go-to pants for quite a while, but linen is much better for the summer and staying casually tailored.

Thanks for reading.

Stylishly Yours,

Brian Sacawa
He Spoke Style

The post Tailored Waistcoat & Linen Pants 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

It’s been pretty darn hot recently. Not that I think anybody needs a reminder. And for those of us dapperly-inclined gentlemen, the dreaded Triple-H Forecast – hazy, hot and humid – presents all manner of sartorial conundrums. For example: well, I was really planning to wear my “four season” wool suit (sarcastic scare quotes intentional; we all know there’s no such thing as a true four season fabric, though if you live someplace like Iceland, maybe tweed could be considered a four-season fabric?), but I’d rather not feel sweat dripping down my back and legs. And, it’s even a little too hot for my sleeveless suit. So what’s a guy to do?

| WEARING | Al Bazar shirt, Saks pants, Watch c/o Ferragamo, Goorin Bros. hat, Dee Berkeley bracelet, Loafers c/o Tod’s | PHOTOGRAPHY | by Rob McIver Photo

I’ve always admired – okay, envied – how easy it is for women to dress in the summertime. One piece of clothing: the dress. Simple, so the only decision that has to be made is “which one am I going to wear today” and available in endless patterns, prints and permutations.

Men really don’t have a comparable clothing item/mode of summer dress. At best, we’re working with two pieces: a shirt and pants. Most men, myself included, don’t have an arsenal of shirts or pants with different patterns and prints in the manner of the aforementioned female dress. Quite the contrary, it’s usually just the basics. Basic colors, basic patterns, basic basic basic. It’s what we’ve been taught and certainly what we preach here: buy less, but make it versatile. However, there are certainly some things you can do to make the basic anything but.

First, make sure your clothes fit right. It’s one of the six core style values that govern this site. If they don’t fit properly, take them to your tailor and make them fit right. If you need some tips on finding a good tailor, be sure to read this article.

Next, inject some subtle patterns. Patterns can be a bit scary to start wading into. If you’re in that camp, choose one that’s small and subtle, like the mini-houndstooth of my shirt. From a distance, it looks like a blue shirt, but up close you notice the pattern. I’m big on details that reveal themselves only upon closer inspection.

Finally, accessorize wisely. A watch, single bracelet, shades and some cool headwear finish off a simple look and make it look like a lot more than just a shirt and pants.

Thanks for reading.

Stylishly Yours,

Brian Sacawa
He Spoke Style

The post How Can I Make A Shirt and Pants More Interesting? 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

I am not a tech geek by any stretch of the imagination. I can’t recite my computer’s processor speed, storage, or memory specs off the top of my head nor am I obsessive about making sure I have the most up-to-date version of something (iPhones notwithstanding). There are, however, many gadgets in my life that I love and, in some cases, simply couldn’t live without. Here are five of my favorites.

1. Mophie

I never go anywhere without my Mophie Powerstation. And I’m religious about keeping it fully charged. Saying it has saved my life before would be somewhat dramatic, but when part of your life is dependent on being able to use your phone, I suppose it has saved it in a small way more than once.

2. XY Findit

The XY Findit is a little homing device that you can put in your things – I got mine with my This Is Ground Mod 2 – to keep track of them if they ever get lost. You could probably even use it to track somebody’s movements but that’s spy movie stuff right there! You download the XY app and sync it to your phone. Simple as that. Luckily (and thankfully), I’ve not had to use it.

3. Western Digital My Passport Pro Hard Drive

With over 450 posts and tons of photos tied to those posts, it’s extremely important for me to know that all of the HSS assets are safe and backed up if there ever happened to be a melt down on the internet. Now, Rob keeps triplicates of everything in various storage devices and in the cloud, but I’m often asked for specific photos in hi-res, so having them close at hand is always helpful. The Western Digital My Passport Pro is great (I have the 2TB version) because when set to RAID 1, it’s constantly backing itself up. You can’t put a price on that kind of peace of mind.

4. Apple Magic Mouse

I suppose this is a bit banal, but I have to tell you that I absolutely hate using the trackpad on my laptop. Especially when it comes to editing photos and dragging things around. So I’ve always got my bluetooth magic mouse with me when I’m traveling.

5. Binary Clock

I have always been fascinated with binary clocks. It’s about the nerdiest thing I’ve ever been into. If you don’t know how to read one, the person who does is like a wizard to you. But it’s actually very simple. I’m not going to tell you how but it only involves the numbers 1, 2, 4 and 8 as well as the ability to add.

Share some of your favorite tech gadgets in the comments.

Thanks for reading.

Stylishly Yours,

Brian Sacawa
He Spoke Style

Photography by Rob McIver Photo.

The post 5 Favorite // Techie Things 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

I love wearing classic footwear, like cap-toes, wingtips and monk straps, but honestly, sometimes I’m not in the mood. And how I decide to dress on any given morning is very much a reflection of whatever mood I’m in. When I’m short on time, can’t quite make a decision, or just want something comfortable, easy, and that I know works in a variety of settings, I reach for my white leather sneakers.

| WEARING | Saks linen blazer, Al Bazar shirt, Reiss chinos, Oliver Peoples sunglasses, Watch c/o Uniform Wares, Tateossian and L. Jonas bracelets, Common Projects sneakers | PHOTOGRAPHY | by Rob McIver Photo

White sneakers have their own bit of class to them in a way and I’ve always found that they elevate any outfit. Crisp, classic, and clean. It’s their simplicity that makes them so versatile.

I also love combining tailored and casual elements, as you already know. And I’d consider the category “sharp casual” to be a hallmark of my personal style. Though I usually emphasize the sharp part by dressing down a more tailored look, white sneakers highlight the casual.

I wore this to dinner last weekend to a new-ish restaurant with a great chef. I’d been to the restaurant previously, I had an idea of what would be appropriate. I almost walked out of the apartment in my horsebit loafers, but changed to white sneakers at the last minute. It turned out to be a good choice, because I would have felt a bit overdressed otherwise. It’s interesting at how big an effect a simple thing like changing your shoes can have on the entire vibe of an outfit.

Thanks for reading and have a great weekend.

Stylishly Yours,

Brian Sacawa
He Spoke Style

The post White Leather Sneakers: Sharp Casual first appeared on the men's style blog He Spoke Style - Men's Style, Fashion, Grooming, Tips and Advice