HAPPY FEET // AQUILA WHITE KICKS

YOU KNOW when you get ready to go out to a fun party, you have your party tunes on and you're feeling good?! I was having one of those moments as I cracked a box of fresh kicks. Many of you know how fond of monochromatic I am. In this instance black and white is the order of the day. A cheeky change for a black tie function or a fun summer cocktail look, throw on some fresh kicks with your suit to put F U N into your wardrobe.

Brisbane based tailoring outfit Wil Valor cut some mighty fine lines, I highly recommend them for suiting and shirts. Melbourne based Rhodes & Beckett are right at the top of corporate fashion and make some very chic suits, shirts and ties. Last but not least are the kings of mens footwear Aquila, kicking from Melbourne since the 50's. Known for their corporate and event footwear, this foray into sneakers is long overdue. Everything I'm wearing is super comfortable, and yet still has a level of elegance about it.

However you slice it, like it or not, sneakers paired with suits are here to stay for some time. If you like it, try it.

THE LINEUP
il Valor black single breasted pure wool bespoke suit // www.wilvalor.com
Wil Valor black bespoke pure cotton shirt // www.wilvalor.com
Rhodes & Beckett white pocket square and lapel flower // www.rhodesbeckett.com.au
Aquila white sneakers // www.aquila.com.au

2016 BAFTA's Tux Fix

I like to remain positive in my language around fashion and style however, I have seen so many faux pas that I wanted to share my style hacks from the below list of leading men at this years BAFTA's. Let me know if you agree...

From posing to grooming to tailoring, the BAFTA's had it all...upside down.

Heres what I liked and why;

Leo - about time he won something, really clean polished classic look for this red carpet winner. Everything fits perfectly and he has his steely glare on point.

John - all of his red carpet experiences are noteworthy and just killing it in velvet that fits like a glove, tailoring is everything.

Bryan - in double breasted velvet, my happy place..super stylish! Who says you can't look cool at any age?!

And now I vent;

Michael - you should know better mate, the bottom button should NEVER be fastened.

Jack - that bowtie needs straightening, as it is crooked in every shot.

Matt - when you die your hair, dye your brows man. Scary..

Damo - show a little cuff my friend.

Cuba - sleeves are too long on the shirt and jacket.

Whitehall - great looking tux, but those clenched hands and 'deer in the headlights' eyes look like you are not having the best time.

Valentino - amazing ensemble, but you look like E.T.

Thats all folks, stay stylish.

JL

10 stylish men of the 2016 Golden Globes

It's the heart of the LA Winter and this red carpet event calls for sharp, formal tailoring. The Golden Globes is a fine collection of the film and television industries creme de la creme.

The men of the Golden Globes shone brightly in a mix of sartorial colour, shapes and patterns. From traditional black and white to monochromatic black to metallic silver, there was a real selection of fast fashion and sophisticated elegance. My absolute favourite tuxedo colour is navy or midnight blue and there was plenty of fellas representing in this killer colour. The poppy stand out suit colours were the olive green, purple and cobalt blue. Three piece, double breasted, single breasted, long ties, bow ties, shawl lapels and peak lapels, velvet and sneakers gave these dashing gents a point of difference in a pretty restrictive dress code.

Here are my selects, I would love to hear your thoughts and if you believe I have missed anyone that impressed you.

Rob Lowe- sharp and different silver fox man

Matt Damon- long tie family man

Jon Hamm- 3-piece elegance man

Jamie Foxx- monochromatic man

Chris Evans- navy blue man

Bryshere Y Gray- double breasted sans socks man

Brad Pitt- he's Brad Pitt man

Ryan Gosling- black & white man

Terrence Howard- shrek man

Tom Ford- sexy velvet man

See you at the Oscars and in the meantime, stay stylish...

JL

Accessory To The Fact

Accessories can make or break an outfit. I strongly believe that these simple small details will enhance even the most simple monochromatic ensemble. From casual to smart casual to formal, accessories are a fantastic way to express your personality and personal style with your audience.  I love pocket squares, lapel pins and a tonal belt. Following are some of my personal accessory styling tips for you to try out next time you wish to add some flavour to your kit.

Pocket Squares- have been my favourite accessory that I have ever worn. You will be hard pressed to find me in a blazer without one poking out of the breast pocket. These are by far the best way to show your unique personal style. Get on it immediately. 

Belts- were always matched with your shoes in colour and texture. Why not try mixing up your belt game by matching another colour in your ensemble, like the jeans or trousers or the blazer. With mixed pattered canvas belts you can easily find a colour relationship somewhere in the outfit to match.

Lapel pins- have swept the menswear world and are literally something that we haven't seen before. They come in all shapes and sizes and can be anything from materials such as silk, metal or real flowers. Get on this trend fellas, its here to stay.

Cufflinks- are the bling of the accessory world. Not as common as they once were, cufflinks are very sharp dressing and particularly for event dressing like blacktie.

Ties- are less and less worn for business and certainly have just about disappeared from smart casual styling. Try a four in hand knot to keep your tie game on point.

Tie bars- were designed to stop men being dragged head first into paper shredders. They are practical but also a very neat addition to a business suit, shirt and tie.

Collar pins- are the latest accessory trend to make a comeback. For a super sophisticated look a collar pin will make your tie knot prominent and adds a little more metal to your ensemble. Pure class.

Stay stylish,

JL

Santa Stop Here by Air New Zealand

A beautiful short story that most can relate to that may well bring a little lump to your throat or a tear to your eye.

Air New Zealand 'Meanwhile' series never fails to impress and this Christmas campaign is an absolute cracker. Emotive, scenic and pretty damn cute when you see Archies face at the 'reveal'. I had the privilege of working on this as the stylist in conjunction with the brand manager and I think the results are really great. A real family on a real farm having an unreal time. I trust you enjoy this one as much as I did. If you like it, share it.

Seasons greetings fashionistas!

JL