Have We Forgotten How to Be Gentlemen?

When did Men forget to be gentlemen? I know the world is changing and I of course support that men and women are absolutely equal. That said, there is nothing wrong with respecting the good elements of tradition.

It amazes me that men so frequently disregard basic manners. Holding the door, standing when a lady enters the room, why did these traditions die?

Guys, there is nothing wrong with holding the door, helping somebody with their coat.

Moving on from your girlfriends, why can’t we show respect our elders? Recently I interacted with an elderly lady in Trader Joes by offering a helping hand as she battled with her shopping baskets. A smile and a hand of assistance is the simplest thing to give and is always so handsomely received.

Guys, step outside your comfort zone and be a gentlemen.

Spotlight: SKINNYFATTIES

I wanted to take the time and spotlight a company that truly represents the American Dapper lifestyle. SKINNYFATTIES is a Brooklyn based online tie tailoring company here in New York City. You can send in any tie you already own to get altered to another size or even have one custom made to your liking!

They also have 100% American handmade tie clips made from recycles high quality wood! The founder Joshua Brueckner started the company in 2012 after tailoring his own ties from being sick of his old ones. He started SKINNYFATTIES as the first and currently ONLY tie tailoring company available online.

With every purchase you make on SKINNYFATTIES, a portion of the profits goes to Career Gear. CG helps build strong families and communities by empowering men who are low-income to overcome barriers and achieve self-sufficiency. If you are ever in need of a unique gift idea, snag a gift card from the guys at SF! It’s fun design will sure impress anyone who receives it.

Lastly, Joshua was kind enough to provide a special 15% off discount to anyone who uses the code AMERICANDAPPER when they make a purchase any time between now and May 31st!  So get on over to http://www.SKINNYFATTIES.com and order an amazing custom made tie of your own.

– Jamie

Spotlight: The Perfect Day Bag for the Dapper Man

I’ve noticed many men seem to be afraid of sporting a more fashionable bag during the day. You may have a great outfit, but the minute you throw a ratty Jansport bag over your shoulder, it’s basically null and void. I wanted to feature a company that puts a lot of thought and time into the construction of their bags. Coach makes an incredible line of men’s bags and this season it’s featuring the Bleecker Day Tote!

The Bleecker Day Tote can fit everything from a laptop to a weekends worth of essentials. Hand crafted in 3 unique styles, here are some details on this summers must have bag.

• Leather
• Inside zippered and snap pockets
• Interior collar slip pocket for cell phone
• Custom-clasp closure, fabric lining
• Handles with 4 3/4″ drop
• Detachable strap for shoulder or crossbody wear
• 15 3/4″ (L) x 16 1/4″ (H) x 6″

 

– Jamie

Stay Classic with the Wayfarer

I firmly believe that the Ray-Ban Wayfarer is the number one most versatile brand of sunglasses of all time. I purchased a pair of Tortoise shell Wayfarers over 4 years ago and they have been the one pair that go with basically everything in my closet. They frame the face perfectly and just give a classic feel of sophistication and timeless style.

Ray-Bans have been produced since the 1950’s and hit a bit of a revival in the 2000’s. Ray Ban Wayfarers took advantage of new plastics technology early on and was one of the first eyewear companies to switch from metal frames to plastic.

Many celebrities are also seen sporting around the classic frames around Hollywood and New York City. One of my favorite couples Andrew Garfield and Emma Stone, rock them on the streets together all the time. They are reasonably priced at around $150 and are incredibly durable. My personal opinion is to get them in both black and tortoise shell to be able to rock them during all occasions.

So do yourself a favor this season and go out to any Sunglass Hut or Macy’s store and grab yourself a piece of iconic eyewear.

– Jamie

 

White Shoes and How to Wear Them

So many people have told me they are too afraid of wearing white shoes because of the maintenance. Wearing them out once and you come home with scuffs and dirt marks. I once shared this fear and stayed far away from all white shoes. But like most people, my opinion changed. I went out and bought my first pair of all white canvas Converses.

Stars like David Beckham and the boys of One Direction have been seen sporting all white sneakers for some time now and I can agree they look pretty awesome doing so. White sneakers can add a touch of style you didn’t even realize was missing from your outfit. Some people really love to distress their white shoes to give them the “lived in” look, but I am a fan of crisp and clean. You can wear them with suits or with something as simple as a white shirt and dark denim. The versatility of this style must have really has no limits. One trick I’ve learned with my white shoes is to wash them! Throw them in with a load of whites and run on gentle and they will look good as new in no time.

If you decide on white leather or something that isn’t canvas for your white shoe, make sure and give them a good polish at the end of the day. Maintenance and proper care is key, gentleman.

Jamie

 

Summer Style Spotlight: Shorts

It’s finally time to let your legs breathe now that we are heading into much warmer spring and summer weather. A lot of men have trouble deciding on the appropriate style and length of shorts that works best for them. This style spotlight will give a few tips on how to make your decision a little easier.

• DO not be afraid of shorts that hit above the knee
• DON’T wear capris. They look bad on almost everyone.
• DO embrace bold prints and floral patterns
• DON’T wear baggy cargo shorts. You aren’t in high school anymore, gentlemen.
• DO dress up the shorts with a nice shirt and blazer.
• DON’T be scared to wear bright colors! When paired well, it can look awesome.
• DO get pants tailored into shorts. I get bored with denim and pants come summer and take them to get tailored. It’s like getting a brand new piece!

 

Jamie

Disney’s Newsies on Broadway: The Original American Dappers

Released as “The News Boys” in the UK, Disney released the movie musical The Newsies in 1992. Flash forward to 2011, Disney Theatrical Productions decided to do a limited run of Newsies at Paper Mill Playhouse in New Jersey before officially opening at Broadways Nederlander Theatre in March of 2012. The success of Newsies: The Musical blew away everyones expectations with ticket sales going through the roof and thus resulted in an open ended run as of today.

Now some may wonder, what’s so fashionable about a bunch of rag tag rascals pushing newspapers in 1899? The boys of newsies inspired a dapper sense of fashion with spotlighting accessories and attention to detail! Everything from vests, hats, light scarves, suspenders and cuffing of pants, the boys of Newsies have influenced street style all over the world.

This look is very simple to achieve with trips Top Man, H&M, Zara, Banana Republic and Aldo. You don’t need to break the bank for the entire ensemble. I’d say the shoes, vests and suspenders are where the focus should be and follow it up with some nice button-ups, socks and classic news boy cap.

Want to be inspired in person? You can get tickets to see Disney’s Newsies: The Musical by clicking here.

Currently running at Broadways Nederlander Theatre

Jamie

The Great Style of Gatsby

The 1920’s was a time for great decadence, lavish parties and incredible style. Men and women took great pride in looking their best and showing it off as often as possible. In 1925, author F. Scott Fitzgerald wrote a novel called The Great Gatsby. Gatsby told the story of a mysterious millionaire and his obsession over the lovely Daisy Buchanan. Only selling 20,000 copies it’s first year, Fitzgerald considered the book a failure and died thinking that in 1940. It had a revival during WW2 and is now considered one of the few great american novels.

Gatsby has been adapted to screen a total of 6 times and inspired huge trends in the fashion world as of late. In 2013 director Baz Luhrmann brought the most glamorous adaptation of the story to life. Inspired by Luhrmanns vision, Brooks Brothers did an entire exclusive line based on the fashions from the movie.

You can get the 1920’s Gatsby look with these key items.

• One toned or striped button-ups
• relaxed cotton chinos
• bow ties
• Two tone brogues
• double breasted cardigans
• pinstripe suit
• suspenders

 

In the end, this style isn’t just about wearing the clothes. You need to have the confidence and cool that the gentlemen had in the “Roaring” twenties. The trends of the past are back and I am ready to embrace it in the present and future.

“Can’t repeat the past?…Why of course you can!”
― F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby

Jamie

How the Dapper Man Dresses for a Job Interview

One of my favorite things to do is help a friend get ready for something. I had a friend need my advice on his outfit for a job interview that he had the next day and I showed up with a few pairs of shoes and shirts to work some magic. It got me inspired to write some helpful tips for the man who needs some assistance getting ready for a stressful job interview.

1. Neat Hair

2. Shave – This depends on the type of job you are going for. Some places allow it and some don’t. If you chose to keep your facial hair, try and keep the neck clean and shaped.

3. Always wear some type of button up. Seriously, I’m not kidding. It shows that you care and make sure it is either a solid color or a pattern that compliments the outfit.

4. A nice fitted pair of dark wash denim or pressed dress pants. Like I said before, depending on the job and situation, dark wash denim can be totally acceptable.

5. TUCK IN YOUR SHIRT. No excuses.

6. Wear a tie or bow tie. It’s always a great idea.

7. Get a manicure. Jagged and or dirty nails will always be noticed.

8. Wear a nice belt. It’s all in the details.

9. Keep accessories to a minimum. A nice watch is the most you’ll really need.

10. Don’t wear too much cologne. You don’t want to knock someone out.

11. Make sure your shoes are as clean as possible. Don’t forget those wing tips!

 

 

I hope these tips help you on your next job interview!

 

– Jamie

Fly High with Wingtips

 

The wingtip has been around for many years in the United States as the most popular style of Brogue shoe. It’s classic flair and attention to detail has kept it in the closets of many across the world for some time. Many top designers have taken it upon themselves to add a unique twist to the famous accessory by producing them in an assortment of colors and exciting patterns. Cole Haan (being one of my personal favorites) is known for their incredible spin to the wingtip and released a line with many different colored soles.

I believe every man should own at least one brown and one black pair and should take proper care of them if you decide to invest in a more pricey brand. It’s ability to transform the most simple of outfits is why it will always remain my favorite style of shoe.

The wingtip can be worn year round through basically any season. Try wearing it with denim or khakis for the warmer days of the year and switch to corduroy during winter months.

Here are a few brands I’d recommend checking out for a great pair of wingtips.

1. Cole Haan 

2. Ben Sherman

3. Tricker’s for Sophnet

4. Zappos (It’s not a brand, but they have incredible brand selections and amazing prices)

 

– Jamie