First off, you still have time to check out the Nordstrom Anniversary sale, but it ends tonight.  If you don’t live near a Nordstrom you can still catch the action online at http://shop.nordstrom.com/.

I also want to mention the cardigans I just noticed were up at Michael J Krell.  I love this color.

 

 

 

from MichaelJKrell

I recently sat down with Brianne Sanchez from the weekly Des Moines publication Juice to discuss my thoughts on men’s style.  You can read it here

Picture by Eric Rowley/Juice

On my recent trip abroad I picked up a linen suit.  As far as cut is concerned, it may be my favorite suit in the closet.  I am nit-picky about all my suits.  It seems like there are small problems with them all that drive me nuts.  This new suit fits well in the shoulders without caving where the shoulder meets the top of the arm.  To me, the shoulders are the most telling part of a suit, and if the shoulders don’t look good you should start all over.  I like that it is a two button, and that it is trim around the torso.  The things I would most like to change are the rise of the crotch (too low), and the shape of the leg opening (wish it was tapered).  

I had been looking for a nice fitting linen suit for awhile.  I really wanted a cotton suit, but couldn’t find the shade I wanted without having to order online.  At work I often am running around working on different projects.  It can get warm in the winter, and I am dreading the summer heat.  I was hoping a lighter suit would help out.  Here is what I found out: if you want a summer weight suit because you want to stay cool, you may be disappointed if you buy a slim cut suit.  With the way the suit hugs my body, any breathability I gained from the lighter weight of the suit is negated.  All is not lost, however. I still have a killer looking suit.

I don’t need glasses.  I have great vision.  My hearing?  Questionable, but I see pretty well.  So, why do I wear fake glasses?  Is it because I wanted to hop on a trend?  I want to come across as smarter, or older?  Is it because I’m a poser?  Sure, I suppose those could all be true.  The thing is, I work in retail, and it can be cutthroat dealing with customers at times.  I feel like wearing glasses makes me come across as more mature.  If they think I’m a nerd, then I must be pretty decent at my job, right?  To be honest, I like the look, but let me make a confession.  I don’t enjoy wearing glasses.  I think they increase the glare from lights at work, and they decrease my peripheral vision.  I guess that’s the price a poser pays.  Judge me.

$45 from urban outfitters.  

Other style available.  H&M has a good selection as well.

Instead of avoiding puddles during the next rain storm take them in stride with a pair of these Hunter wellies at Jcrew.com.  Just slip your work shoes in a tote and pull them out once you arrive at the office.  Your leather soled foot friends will appreciate the gesture.  Get them here.

 

Gap has some great buttondown shirts in for Spring, and they have marked them down already.  I went for plaid.  It’s trendy, but I won’t feel bad if I never wear it again after this season.  It’s a decent enough fit, and has a soft feel.  I plan on wearing it for my big trip coming up.  $25 at Gap

I just found this link for a product called the Extra Leg.  It goes over the bottom of your pants and protects them as you ride your bike.  They come in raw, black, or white denim.  Produced by APC.  $16.  Find them at extraleg.com

The Sartorialist did this shot for GQ.  I think it’s great execution of jeans and a blazer.  Sart points out the slim the jeans, high armhole, and narrow size of the sleeve.  I wish I could find a jacket with a sleeve similar to this.

The Sartorialist

Want to know a little more about denim.  Oki-ni has a comprehensive guide to everything you could ever want to know.  Check it out here.

I had a good chat with Tim Sitzmann and Jane Bassman of Midwest Clothiers at their Mr. B’s location this morning.  It’s always enjoyable to speak with them.  We talked a little about the closing of Sarto, and the state of men’s retail in Des Moines.  Men shoppers in Des Moines can be fickle.  You want trendy, but enjoy classic as well.  So hard to please!  Look for some of your favorite Sarto labels to show up at Mr. B’s and Badower’s/Reichardt’s on Ingersoll.  Did you shop at Sarto?  What did you like or dislike?