VERITAS | Men's Style Blog

Recession Kicks

With the economy as it is, desperate times don't call for desperate measures - it calls for creative measures. You know the saying, "When life hands you lemons, make lemonade." Well, when life hands you nothing but cardboard, make cardboard shoes. Forget making cardboard ATMs - your new endeavor may very well lead you to something way better than a useless cardboard ATM: A real ATM that dispenses real, hard cash. If you've got the talent, you may be able to jump start a new career as an Artiste de Chaussures (guys, that's "shoe artist" in French). Check out these shoes for inspiration, as well as for sizing up your competition.

Hey, it's a much more entrepreneurial way to spend your unemployed (or underemployed) time than watching reruns of "Judge Judy" in your drawers everyday. So put your pants on and head to your local supermarket dumpster to grab some cardboard (it's free!) and start crafting your masterpiece kicks. Although you won't be able to wear them, who knows if they'll end up scoring you the real ones? Think of your newfound cardboard cobbler trade as the ultimate visualization technique: Make an exquisite pair of Nike's, tell them about it, and you may have the exact pair arrive at your doorstep, compliments of Nike. And don't stop there. Push for some Gucci's too.

How do you like them cardboards now?

Modern Madras

I'm going to start where I left off yesterday: With madras, a little goes a long way.

The best - and goof-proof way - to wear madras is to wear one instance of it, with everything else toned down and grounded in basic styles and neutral colors. The most low-key madras garments to wear are short-sleeved shirts and shorts because, well... there's just less fabric to wear than long sleeves, pants, or jackets. Also, if you're not fond of the preppy look and afraid the madras will instantly transform you to Mr. Nantucket, this formula is your insurance. The key to current madras dressing is to look for garments that are slim fit, with subdued, sun-baked vegetable colors that aren't too flashy.

Pair a subtle madras pattern with crisp dark pants or jeans, and finish with dark shoes - this will provide the gravitas that counterbalances the casualness of the shirt. Tuck in the shirt and add a dark blazer for the evening, and you'll be the handsomest man in at least a 10-block radius.

To dress up shorts a touch, wear a white button-down shirt with a lightweight solid neutral cardigan, paired with white-soled luxe suede slip-ons. A cardigan feels more contemporary than a classic pullover, and it's easy to slip on and off depending on the temperature and time of day without messing up your 'do - just don't tie it around your shoulders if you don't want the prep association.

For an even more modern look, opt for a slim fitting black-and-white graphic patchwork. All the components still reference the madras, but without the telltale colors. Besides the stylish trim fit and minimalist color combo, the shirt above has another element of newness - the button-flap chest pocket.

And if you really can't get yourself to get inside a madras (or madras-like) shirt or short, ease into it with accessories or shoes. Everything comes in madras - as ties, belts, and even watch straps. Here's a pair of canvas shoes that you can casually slip on for a taste of this centuries-old summer fabric. Wear it for fun with a pair of jeans (or shorts) and t-shirt to energize a lazy summer afternoon.

Hey, if you're a style pro who likes to taking things to the edge and absolutely knows how to make a proper style statement without crossing into douchebag territory, by all means pile the madras on. If you're a master prep who's so confident not to be mistaken for a master perp, then go do your thing. But for most regular guys such as my readers, stick to the time-honored mantra of "Less Is More." You can't argue with simply looking great.

[Hover over images for brand and photo credits where available.]

Think Pink

After all that talk about the pink shirt on the previous post, it's now time for some practical applications. Whether solid or patterned, don't just think pink, wear pink! Here are some simple suggestions....

Summer Friday: One of the few still left with a job? Instead of merely feeling grateful enough to have a job, why not use this opportunity to get ahead? The competition is stiffer than ever in retaining cubicle turf, and now is certainly not the time to schmuck around in standard-issue work attire - especially on those dubious days dubbed "Casual Friday." Make your presence at the office count with optimistic pink stripes, dark jeans, and an unlined cotton/linen blend blazer that keeps you well-ventilated and looking sharp, not stiff. If you need to wear a tie, go for a knit or cotton woven tie in a solid or pattern. Lose the tie when heading out to cocktail hour and you might end up hooking up with something more than a couple of gin and tonics.

Of course, if you want to wear this shirt with a suit, just throw on a navy, khaki, or light-to-medium grey suit and you'll emit grace and charm at the office, summer weddings, job interviews, and wherever else you go.

Weekend Warrior: It's time to drop off the spread collar dress shirt at the cleaners for the weekend and revel in a sporty, playful shirt. Button-down collar optional, but recommended. Wear it with white jeans (or any pair of jeans, really, but white is the summer jean), and classic kicks such as Converse Chuck Taylors or Adidas Stan Smiths. White jeans + white sneakers = white hot. A softly structured nylon messenger bag is uncomplicated and laid-back, while holding all your essentials for weekend errands or just hanging out. It's also roomy enough to pack a lightweight navy cardigan with accent trimming in case your weekend excursion runs well into the brisk night.

Lazy Sunday: This is your time to chill out, maybe even to recuperate from last night's debauchery. To reflect this state of mind, your shirt shouldn't be perfectly pressed nor (gasp!) starched (bad boy!). Save that for Monday, and instead grab a sport shirt that looks like you fished it straight from the dryer, with its subtle puckers and soft crinkles intact. Unless it's way too wrinkly - you want to look effortless and unaffected, not sloppy - steam it out a bit just enough to create a carefree, undone, artfully disheveled aesthetic. In order for you to get to your local brunch joint for some eggs, and more importantly, Bloody Marys (hair of the dog, you say?), you'll need to wear clothes and shoes anyway. So why not make it a fresh, rosy shirt to add some color back to your face, simple chino shorts (or pants), and some easy-on-easy-off slip-ons? Add on a tri-color webbed belt for a tasteful jolt of color, and good luck trying to keep a low profile with those handsome movie star shades.

[Hover over images for brand and price info.]

In Summery

These guys look pretty sharp the way they are in their cotton jacket, pants, suit, and everything else. You'll certainly look first-rate dressed this way to work (although the guy in the left can button up the shirt and tighten up the knot for that) and to many social events happening this summer, including the gazillions of weddings that line your iCal from June to August.

But as smart as these guys look, do you find yourself getting a little bored from sporting - or at least seeing - these same ensembles all throughout spring? Now that we're well into summer, want something a bit more summery to heat up your style?

The best way to take these looks from good to smashing with minimal effort is through intelligent accessorizing. Leave the navy jacket, chinos, khaki suit, and light-colored solid shirt on - they'll last you well through Memorial Day and beyond. But by switching up the tie, stuffy shoes, and adding some smokin' shades, you'll easily transform a reliably decent spring/summer look to a more festive, exciting summertime attire that you can enjoy for work and play.

Try this brilliant upgrade to an upcoming summer wedding (preferably outdoors), and you may very well one-up the groom (Unless of course, you're the groom, in which case you'll one-up yourself - now is that such a horrible thing?). Just make sure you're not fairer than the bride, and you're good to go.

Tie One On in Patterned Cotton: Put away the silks and solid numbers for now and get happy with cotton! Either woven or knit, make it a pattern!

Lighten Up Your Step: White-soled lace-ups hit the perfect balance between lightweight and heavy, casual and formal, without compromising even a micro-millimeter on comfort and high style.

Work Your Mojo: Ray-Ban may have developed the first aviator sunglasses, but Tom Ford, being Tom Ford, makes it sizzling hot. It's over three times the price of Ray-Ban, but trust me - you'll get your sexy back ten-fold. Ray-Ban may be a tried-and-true classic, but the discriminating gentleman of wicked summertime sophistication wears Tom Ford Eyewear Cyrille aviators.

[Hover over images for brand, price, and photo credits where available.]

Old Soles, Re-Soled

Bass and Florsheim - two painfully mainstream American shoe brands - reinvent themselves this year by moving away from it's ancient, stodgy, mall-staple past and toward a more fashionable direction.

G.H. Bass & Co. was founded in 1876 in Wilton, Maine. The original Bass Weejun was introduced in 1936 and worn by the likes of JFK, Michael Jackson (RIP), and James Dean, elevating the "penny loafer" to iconic heights. The company recently released its latest, and by far its most fashionable, Weejun model:  The "Dover." It has a leaner profile, smoother lines, elongated toe box and slimmer heel. The change seems to be just the right touch of modernity and fashion without being too fashion-forward, falling squarely in the category of "classic with a twist." If you don't like deviating too far from the classics but want a more streamlined, updated look, this is a great shoe for you. Über fashion types best stick with Gucci and Prada. Available in Black or Burgundy, $125.

Florsheim was  founded in 1892 in Chicago, Illinois, by Milton Florsheim, and is currently based in Glendale, Wisconsin. Teaming with emerging avant-garde designer duo Daniel Silver and Steven Cox of Duckie Brown, the collaborative label is called Florsheim by Duckie Brown. The collection offers tastefully-retro-yet-thoroughly-modern updates on the traditional Florsheim shoe, with injections of bold colors and fashion details. Styles run from saddle shoes, loafers, wingtips (check out the laceless wingtips, below), plain-toe lace-ups, brogues and brogue boots. Prices range from $175 for suede loafers (a version of Florsheim's "Riva" suede loafer, below), $295 for wingtips, $396-$595 for brogues and brogue boots. Most Florsheim shoes retail for about $100 with some styles climbing upwards of $200, so the prices seem fairly reasonable considering these are unique, small-production, fashion-forward designer shoes. The shoes are available starting August 1st at Barneys New York, Odin New York, Scoop Soho, Confederacy in LA, select Nordstrom locations, and where else but... Florsheim stores nationwide.