Velvet

   Velvet is a hot item for this fall/winter season. Its tricky but if pull off correct you can look elegant and dapper. Many people tend to stay away from such fabrics because it may look a bit cheap or just a hassle to clean. But trust me if you do it right its worth the awkward question "what fabric is that?" (jaja)
   The guy equivalence to sparkles and sequence dresses for girls. We have been seeing it on the runways and on red carpets (only the brave men) pulling it off. Top colors include black, brown, blue and red. You don't want to over power your self with such fabric so start off with maybe a blazer. Not to much of anything since the fabric is the eye catcher. Simple black trousers or dark jeans will do. A simple white or black shirt. Ties and bow-ties may over do it but depends on the occasion as swell, so measure it out.
   In my experience I can tell you that it is not the best fabric to be taken pictures with. Velvet seams to be shiny with lights so it reflects weird in to pictures. I personally own a dark brown blazer and I always try to keep it basic, paired with a black scarf to tone it down. 
   They do tend to be a bit pricey but places like Target and Kohl's have had collection with velvet items. But always remember to dry-clean.

"Our" Music

   Music is a catapult or the Fashion Industry. Artist and Celebrities get the opportunity to use and experiment with early next year off the Runway pieces. Their Music Videos let us ordinary people see a glimpse at what is "hot" and what will be on trend.

   Being able to look at out of the ordinary scenarios like such are presented in many Music Videos, we can take apart what is "real", what we can use. their straight off the Runway wardrobe is not exactly common day use But its fun looking at how they implement them, you will find yourself saying "maybe I can try that".

  A piece of jewelry a pair of shoes or a simple jacket, one of those things is all you need to to make your own. I don't mean going out and buying the exact piece, but finding something with the same vibe and look, make that you own. 

 Lady Gaga is a prime example of what i mean. Her out of this world fashion sense and ability to bring suck Creativity and Art to Life is extraordinary. Now most f us wont dare go out with suck ensembles, but taking a piece from her music and Videos we can implement a piece to our use. or example I personally love to use Studs every were now, and I love to add random pins and just random buttons to a perfectly go outfit. (Just because I can!)

Holiday Style

  The holiday seasons offer us an opportunity to amp-up our style. With family gatherings, office parties, or just nights out in the town; equals many outfits. We can go high and classy, or just casual and lame.
   Arriving to a party or a family dinner with the right ensemble can make the difference between a boring conversation about "hows life going?" To a "dam, looks like your doing well!". Not necessarily wanting the attention, but good attention about looking good; better than bad attention about hows your life. (jaja)
   Especially the one person to take notice and most appreciate your extra effort for looking good on the holidays. Your girlfriend/partner. They are probably taking it serious and when you mach that interest, not only will you both look good, you will compliment each other.
   A simple good blazer, white crisp shirt, and straight leg pants can do the trick. Maybe add a bow tie, and some classic slim shoes, and you have a holiday ensemble. Especially for a day like New Years Eve, that's the proper time to go all out. Bring in the New Year looking good with the people you love. Most likely everyone will be taking pictures here and their, you want to look your best.
   I cant say this enough, but you should look at a good suit as an investment. A great suit might be pricey, but you can do with one for many years to come.
 

Mens Coat

   Every gentleman needs a good coat. Its a simple way to amp-up our wardrobe. And the many styles they come in let us choose what fits most with our personality. Its a great fall or winter necessity.
   Whether it be wool, cotton, or a mix. A coat keeps us warm and at the same time its very classy. It makes us look like "we know what we are doing and we are professional about it". The styles vary from military, conservative, and edgy. From Pea Coats to Parkas and many more in between. Color is a key factor, we can either blend in or stand out. If your girlfriend wears a bright color, wear the simple classic black (can never go wrong with that)
   Coats also offer us the opportunity to add other fall/winter items. A cool scarf, simple gloves, or even a classic hat. All just making your look even better.
  Coats do tend to be pricey, but look at it as an investment rather than an expense. A simple classic coat can last you a lifetime, I personally own a coat my father used.

Feathers

   Recently we have seen a huge interest in Feathers. Especially for the female fashion markets, feathers are the "It thing". We see them on Celebrities and normal casual people. Is this something we guys can pull off?
   Well certainly! Feathers add a texture and an exotics edgy touch to an ensemble. Girls wear them as earrings and hairpieces; but we can use them also as an add-on to a necklace or bracelet. It definitely bring a cool hip vibe to a look.
   Go from shorts and fedora and a  necklaces with feathers, to a blazer jeans and the same necklaces. Works both ways, and its a conversation starter.
   Their also inexpensive made with yarn or straw; with beads or metal pieces. They can be very masculine. The type of feathers also range, try to stay with a simple pattern and color block. (to many colors are distracting)
   I personally use the with a all black ensemble. Black jeans, black V Neck shirt, leather jacket, and of course a single peacock feather.

Studs And Spikes

   Theirs nothing more simple and  cool as adding a couple of studs or spikes to a piece of clothing, to just make it stand out. I'm pretty sure you have seen Celebrities rock them in each piece of clothing they use on stage. Its edgy, modern, and cool.
   You can add them to jackets, blazers, bracelets, and so much more. It makes a statement, of "yea I'm here I'm cool deal with it!"
   Its also so inexpensive and easy to make. Theirs many ways to add them, clip-on or screw-on,  easy steps you can follow. Theirs many videos on YouTube.com that show you the step by step process.
   The best piece of clothing I love to add them to is a Leather Jacket. On the sleeves or shoulders. Always get compliments and the question, "where did you get it from?" My answer DIY (do it yourself)
   I get my Spikes and Studs from www.studsandspikes.com

Accesories

   Accessories are something not all guys are familiar with, or just prefer not to pay attention to it. An accessorie is the difference between simple and conservative to edgy and cool. Things like rings, bracelets, necklaces, and even pins fall into the category.
   I also don't mean just wearing your wedding ring or class ring. Its something you don't necessarily need to but chose to wear it to add detail. Theirs accessories made with different materials that help put the look all together.
  For example wearing a solid metal/platinum/silver bracelet (and or) ring with a suit just complements the look. Or if is a casual kind of day, a leather or straw/rope bracelet , gives it a free fresh feel to your look.
   Some may say you don't want yo over accessories, but I personally like it best. Why Not? show it of! I love to wear several small bracelets, rings, and possibly a necklace. If I was going to wear a suit I would keep it simple of course; maybe a ring, bracelet, and a pin.
  Accessories do not have to be expensive. (I love to thrift shop for them) So give it a chance, mix and match.

Color

   A  great way to lift your spirits, (and everyone around you) is to add a pop of color. Something so simple can make a different.
  Studies have shown that certain types of color emote different feelings from people. For example you can try something easy, like a change of color in your trousers or jeans.
   Instead of your typical black, brown, and blue; go for a solid pastel color light yellow, dark blue, or even red. Pair it up with a great solid blazer or vest. And your set for a casual day or night.
   You don't want too over do it so keep everything else a solid basic color. This is definitely an attention grabber, so be prepared to be point out and most certainly complemented.

Hats

   Theirs something about wearing a hat that just makes you hold your head up high and walk straighter. Once you put the hat on, you know attention is on you, theirs no hiding. So what do you do, you show it off.
   Theirs many types oh hats, for many types of occasions. Their Straw Fedoras, for a beach sunny day out
(Not only is it a cool accessory but its a great sun cover) Theirs Bowler hats, great when you wear a simple suit. Makes you look classy and modern.
   Theirs also many ways to wear it. The way you wear it can show the way your feeling. Wear it full on complete covering your head (conservative), or tilted back (laid back), tilted sideways (rocking).
   No matter how you choose to wear it or which type you choose to wear, keep it simple. You are already bringing attention to yourself with a hat, you don't want to over do it.
  
  

The "Man Bag"

   A fashion trend that is rising in the male population is the use of a "bag". For years men have been kind of forced to carry all daily essentials in a small compact wallet, that we usually carry in our back pocket (to avoid any unnecessary bulge in our front)
   We end up sitting on our wallet all day. So how can we help fix this problem? Simple, we need something that allows us to carry all we NEED and WANT without bringing to much attention.
  That brings us to the classic Satchel/Tote Bag, made famous in movies such as Indiana Jones and most recently in The Hangover. Their simple yet spacious, with various easy reach pockets and zippers.
   You can carry them on your arm or across the body (mail-man). You want to lean forward a cool classic look. Leather dark and smooth.
   I personally carry one. I tend to use it more as a long day essential and on weekends. That way I can carry all I need for the day with me.
  To give you an idea, this is what I carry:
-wallet
-cellphone
-iPad
-lotion
-lighter
-hand sanitizer
-camera
  

Take a Risk!

   We as guys tend to stick to only a certain type of "style", that we probably figured it was cool.
(Well mybe cool back in 8th grade! lol)
   We stick to what is comfortable, basic, and neutral. We dont what to stand out to much, or bring to much attention to ourself (since thats our girlfriends "job") 
   Ok guys! Lets take a step forward and take a chance in the style department. Lets show of just a bit, let our girlfriend know that we can also look well composed.
   Lets try some Colors, Textures, and Fabrics. Now I know what your thinking, "no way! thats not me". It doesn't have to be a dramatic change. Lets try it a step at a time.
  For example we can try:
-Scarf
-Pocket Squares
-Colored Tie
-Colored Socks
-Colored Shirt
  Trust me everyone will notice and complement you; on such a simple and basic small change.
  Give it a Try, and let me know how it goes.