Thursday

Men's Fall/Winter 2009-2010 Trends & Style Guide



We've gotten many many emails inquiring about the Fall/Winter trends post, we're sorta tardy with it, but hey we have lives-- busy ones at that. Nevertheless, without further adieu we present to our stylish/intelligent/fly/super-cool readers... The Official Urban Gentleman 2009-2010 Men's Fall Winter Trends.


Conservative Dapper
(above: clothing by designer Calvin Klein)


Being polished, being perfect, being well-groomed-- these are the makings of a conservative man. He gets his haircut every week, he gets his shoes shined, he opens the door for a lady, he knows to undo the lower button on his 2-button suit jacket when sitting down, and to just as quickly button it up as he stands. This, is the man that women dream of.

Editors notes: There's been so many colors, so many styles, so many... well, there's just so much going on with men's fashion these days. You have guys bringing back the eye-catching hairstyles, the cross colors, the bright plaids, and much more. So this, Conservative Dapper, is like a break, a relaxing break from it all. It's a return to simpler, easier, classic times. This is my favorite trend for the fall and winter.

To get the look: Trench coats, suits, crisp white button downs, tip-clips, white pocket squares, perfectly polished lace-ups.




Hard Studded
(above: clothing by designer William Rast)

Hard times call for drastic measures. Some people are recession proofing their lives literally, while others are taking the figurative route. This means roughing up the wardrobe, showing the world that "you got this", you're hard and you know it, you're tough and a few troubles really don't phase you.

Editors notes: To me this look is like Pony Boy meets Michael Jackson. You take the main edginess and ruggedness from the guys in the Outsiders and mix it with the jeweled/metallic/shiny/studded MJ from his "Bad era". The late world icon has inspired alot of us this year and this trend is where his inspiration is placed for the fall and winter.

To get the look: Torn/ripped/worn jeans, leather jackets, studded everything- shirts, shoes, accessories, jackets, white t-shirts.




Assorted Swank
(above: artist Kid Cudi)

The men of the world are pleased with the fashions they've been dealt over the past year or so; therefore many of them have decided to just combine what they have learned. They mix their military jackets with their nerdish glasses, they combine their college cool tees with their Thom Browne inspired pants and oxford shoes. This season many guys are opting to be fashion connoisseurs, their phrase "we collect fashion, we create style".

Editors notes: I've said it once, I've said it twice, and I'll say it again- men are lucky. Why? because their trends change so slowly allowing them to revel in trends for quite some time. And more than ever I've seen stylish guys mixing it up quite nicely- Retro Bandstand mixed with Geometric Retro Nerd mixed with Clodhoppers Delight with a little College Cool on the side. It's like whatever is necessary to look fly is what guys are doing... daring to be to different by adding their own spins on the hottest trends. To that I say "touche'."

To get the look: band-jacket, cardigan, loafers, glasses, graphic tees, harem pants, torn jeans.



It's a Man's World
(above: actor Brad Pitt)

As men's.style stated "enough with the skinny shit". I think we're all tired in some way or another of going out and seeing grown men in girl jeans, v-necks so low we can see their belly-buttons. We know there was a call for androgynous looks last year and men wanted to express their feminine side, but some people took it too far and now we have re-instate manhood.

So that means get inspired by the manliest men you know then get either rugged or classic. Think Ocean's 13- Rusty, Danny, Rueban, Basher, and the whole crew- all men, all masculine, all stylish, but in their own way. We're not saying be cookie-cutter models of gq men, but we do want you to "man up".

Editors Notes: "Ahhh (pleasant sigh of relief)" I feel like I just drank a nice tasty soda pop after being parched for an hour... well not literally, but that's the feeling I get when I think about this trend- it's just refreshing. Starting from this summer we saw all the men in Hollywood roughing it on the beaches- letting their beards grow in, chest hairs grow out. They were indirectly telling the world- it's time to be men again, so let's continue this trend for the fall. (I was going to make this apart of the summer trends and I did touch on it a bit in some posts, but I knew it would be better placed in Fall/Winter.)

To get the look: dark denim, perfectly fitted suits, ties, elegant and serious fedoras (none of that funny colorful ish), wing-tips, boots, blazers.


More 2009-2010 Fall Winter Styles:

Other trends: Band/Military jackets are still at large, v-necks (there's a boycott against deep v's though), velvet ( ties, jackets, loafers).

Accessories: tie-clips, brooches/buttons, gold watches, knit ties.

Colors: Grays and dark tones.


Stay Tuned for places to get these looks.

Monday

Winner of the Orient Watch Giveaway

Congratulations....

Thomas Robinson (aka the guy with two last names).

Take a look at Thomas's answer on what he does to make it to school, work, or general engagements on time:

to get places on time and to be on time in general i:

1. set all clocks about 12 1/2 minutes fast, which usually gets rounded to 10 minutes when im thinking about it being fast.

2. take the train generally, since i live right next to a station. and i give myself cushion time or the train or shuttle to mess up

3. i prepare everything i need the night before- ironing clothes, lunch, everything... this saves me alot of time in the morning- so all i have to do is get ready and im out the door.

4. eat and exercise daily. this may seem random, but what your health plays a big role in your body functions and its easier for me to wake up now than back in the day 3 or 4 years ago when i would eat pizza chips and soda for dinner. now my dinners are usually fish or turkey, with fruit smoothies and/or huge salads.

5. i make sure my car is always filled up. i fill up my car when its on 1/2 tank- sometimes 3/4th just so i wont ever have to worry. my mom would always be running late when i was young, then shed have to stop and put in gas making her more late- so you can say i learned from her, but i just learned to do the opposite.

6. keep my house, office, car clean and organized. be organized saves time. i know where everything is so im never searching for "my blue and white tie" or "my cologne" etc.

Friday

Random Assortment.

Hey Gentleman, sorry for the 1 week+ hiatus. Let's just say, there's alot going on (with me and the other urban gent associates). We should be back to our regularly scheduled postings next week at latest.

Lots of good post coming next week, in the meantime enjoy a random assortment of music and photos:


Rat Pack.







Tom Ford Fall 2009 Ad Campaign.
(featuring Jon Kortajarena).







Tom's collection is, as always, masculine yet sexy. Modern, yet classic.


Have a great weekend guys.

Thursday

Urban Gent Giveaway: Orient Watch


This is the last day to enter to win a gold or silver Orient watch.
To enter to win, go here.

Tuesday

SWANK or DANK: Christopher Shannon Tri-Stripe Nylon Bomber Jacket


Color blocking has been a popular trend among many designers over the past year. The combination of bold colors are meant to give off a confident 'happy' look. Personally, I'm a fan of the trend- especially when the designer does it right... I'm contemplating this design... What's your take on this flouro red, orange, and grey nylon/jersey bomber?


So what do you think
SWANK or DANK?

Monday

Local Urban Gentleman: Tk Usayiwevu


Our newest Local Urban Gentleman can simply be defined as classic. Classic style, taste, and interest. His name is Tk Usayiwevu and he like Local Gent alumni Pat Wolinski, Steven Powell, and L.David Stewart, hails from the great city of Chicago. Sometimes... actually, alot of times style isn't about how flashy you are or what designer threads you wear- its about having the innate ability to exhibit the confidence you have through the clothing you wear. It's easy to spot a person who's trying to make up for their insecurities through alot of extra accessories and flashy clothes. It's also easy to spot a man who naturally has confidence and style- that's exactly what we have here.

Presenting, Tk Usayiwevu...



Name: Tk Usayiwevu

Age: 17

Location: Chicago, Illinois

Occupation: Student

Style Icons: John Legend, Kanye West, Pharrell

Favorite Quote: "Seeking attention and approval only shows how weak and insecure you are, instead, be yourself…improve yourself and have resilience all the time.."

Favorite Brands: Ralph Lauren, Brooks Brothers, Calvin Klein, Guess, Lacoste, D&G

Favorite Store: Brooks Brothers, Lacoste, Joseph A. Banks

Favorite Piece of clothing: Chinos

Bow tie or tie: Slim Tie

Flat front or pleated: Pleated

Shades, hat, or scarf: shades and scarf

Ultimate goal: Be the best there is…

Favorite Books: Portrait of Dorian Gray, Great Gatsby, Catcher In The Rye

Hobbies: Photography, Music, Singing, Dancing, Acting, Modeling, Sketching

Grooming product of choice: Cologne





1. How would you describe your style? Classically original, and mostly flexible.


2. How did you become so stylish? Icons and media usually are the beginning but then later on you realize there is more in grooming and looking gentlemanly each and every day. It shows class, style, and confidence.

3. What advice would you give someone trying to find their personal style? It's good to experiment after you've have the gist of other styles, but don’t go overboard. With everything there is a limit…


4. What's the best clothing advice you ever received? Don't buy the first item you see in one store..look around first at least 5 other stores for both prices and quality. Never look stuffy, and always dress accordingly..




Are you the next Local Urban Gentleman?
Answer the questions above and submit them to
urbangentblog@gmail.com
along with 4 or more stylish pictures.



Thursday

Video Throwback: Boyz II Men "Motown Philly"



When are we going to have another Boyz II Men?

Monday

Urban Gent Giveaway: Orient Automatic Watches

You guys 'told' us that a watch is the one accessory you can't live without... the one you Must have above all else. So with that in mind we have teamed up with Orient Watches to giveaway one free watch- in silver or gold (the choice is yours).


  • Model Number: bem72001b
  • Stainless Steel Case
  • Screw Caseback
  • Water Resistant 50m
  • Fully Automatic
  • Band is adjustable with a fold over buckle


Orient automatic watches has a number of quality timepieces including their CEY04001B model. From modern to sporty to classic Orient has something for everyone. Be sure to check out their site.

As usual there are several ways to enter the giveaway:

*Leave your name and email address


-AND-

(one of the below)

1. Answer the question: What do you do to make it to work, school, or general engagements on time?

2. Subscribe to The Urban Gent (look on right column)
3. Fan us on facebook
(and answer the question on the wall or via a message)
4. Tweet about the contest (then tell us you did via "comments")
5. Follow us on blogger

Any one of the above will do, but the more ways you enter the more chances you have to win. So I suggest atleast commenting on this post then choose any of the other entry ways.

Contest ends next Thursday October 1st.

Friday

Fall Preview: Street Style during New York Fashion Week

It's fashion week in New York and all the designers are showing their Spring/Summer 2010 collections. While many sites are covering the actual collections I feel it would more beneficial to cover the street style... to see what the guys are wearing as Fall sweeps in. (I'll cover ss2010 later).


































Bryan Boy (sunglasses: Marc Jacobs, tulle top: Veejay Floresca, pants: Gucci, sleeveless shirt: Zara, shoes: custom made)

Ykiro Nigel, designer for the clothing line Laissez-Faire.
(jacket: Laissez-Faire, top: Laissez-Faire,
jeans: Cheap Monday, shoes: Top Shop)

Teen Vogue editor Andrew Bevan














designer Kristopher
(white Gap shirt, rolled up torn Levis Jeans, Ferragamo loafers)


As a woman- the thing to envy about men's fashion is that it doesn't radically change. The styles subtly adjust overtime allowing a stylish man to really enjoy the current trend. And as per last Fall there's still these extremes of men's style: the over-sized vagabond type look, very skinny/very tailored styles, rugged/torn edginess, authentic preppiness, rolls rolls and more rolls. It's interesting to see the trajectory of only a few guys consistently rolling up their pants in Spring 2008 to now. It's hard to catch a stylish guy without them rolled/cuffed up in Fall 2009. I wonder how this will play over in deep fall and winter? Will patterned and colorful socks be all the rave again, so that guys can keep their Thom Brown look without their ankles getting cold, hmmm, I wonder?

For now I advise all guys to purchase a really nice pair of oxfords and boots. Get one pair of each that you feel you can wear with almost anything. I'll do a post on my favorite oxfords and boots sometime this month.


photos from: thesartorialist.blogspot.com, facehunter.blogpsot.com, altamiranyc, streetpeeper, jack&jil.