WHAT DEFINITELY NOT TO WEAR

The list is really endless, but here are a few fashion faux pas that I've noticed men making in recent months:

Aggressive branding
Being a walking advertisement for a brand usually belies any possibility that the wearer has a modicum of personal taste.

Women's sunglasses
There is a wide selection of nice men's sunglasses available to purchase. Wearing women's sunglasses is truly unnecessary, especially the ones with diamonds or heavy emblazoning. This can often lead to humiliation (from me, personally ;-)

Sandals with socks



Featured often in catwalk collections, this faux pas combo doesn't translate well to everyday life, and is often given to the stereotype of American tourists in Europe (along with dreadful fanny packs).

Novelty ties and socks
Never funny in any sense. Comparable to loser sitcom husbands or door to door salesmen.

White linen pants



They may be light, airy and considered perfect for the warm weather but there are too many things wrong with them to mention here.

Too-high Pants
The bunching of the fabric distorts the body's shape, usually in a grotesque sort of way. The flattened ass, chafing around the cock...not hot.

Too-low Pants



Unless you like the saggy diaper look then it's really not attractive.

Poorly tailored suit
A suit is a reflection of everything: status, personal upkeep, wealth, etc. No one is going to take you seriously in something that looks like it was bought at the neighbor's yard sale. Dress for the lifestyle you want.

Bad shoes



It's often the case that shoes are bypassed when it comes to choosing an outfit. A simple color match might be taken into consideration but it goes a lot further than that. A classic, well-selected loafer or casual shoe is the safest option. Most important to avoid: colored snake skin, super pointed, espadrilles and, MOST IMPORTANTLY Crocs.

T-shirts or sweaters too short
It's fine...if you're stuck in some 90's Euro-trash disco. This mistake doesn't do anyone any favors and the navel isn't the most important asset to focus on.

Handbags
A bag is another reflection of the man. While practical, in this case, less is more and classic goes a long way.

Faded/patched denim jeans
If the lazy unemployed slacker look is for you then these are certainly the best choice (especially the ones with leather patches).

Shell necklaces
Fine when on vacation but as most people weren't there to share the moment (for good reason, I'm sure) it comes across as tacky.

Ten Things to Wear This Fall

There's a lot of focus this week on what we'll be wearing next spring. Well, while I won't be wearing everything I saw this week, I thought I'd share with you my ten favorite items which are available to buy now:

1. Maison Martin Margiela heavy knit cardigan This cable knit cardigan gives the ultimate luxury look, perfect to wear over anything. It features a shawl collar, leather buttons and is 100% cashmere.

2. Rick Owens black cashmere pant As featured in the photos for my previous post, these cashmere trousers are comfortable and sexy too.

3. Bottega Veneta brown leather lace up shoes Like most items available from Bottega Veneta this season, these shoes are perfectly crafted and effortlessly chic.

4. Maison Martin Margiela army sneakers Based on the original Austrian military training shoe, these sneakers combine the understated Margiela style and amazing comfort. These sneakers are available every season in different variations.

5. Marc Jacobs cashmere and wool pea coat Available in grey, plaid black and brown, I personally chose the classic black. Pea coats are a staple for the winter wardrobe and the Marc Jacobs offering is my favorite this season.

6. Comme Des Garcons shorts At first glance, these shorts may appear to be a skirt. In fact the shorts are concealed by a panel of fabric. An unusual item for the winter but wearable thanks to the heavy fabrics they are available in, they also give a lot of space for those who need it.

7. Rick Owens washed lamb skin jacket The washed lamb skin used on this jacket gives an unbelievably soft feel and great look, along with the high neck and zip feature.

8. Lanvin lace up navy sneakers These rounded toe navy colored lace up shoes are ideal for smart casual wear. With a white rubber sole, suede upper and a patent leather toe feature, these shoes are a luxe take on the simple trainer.

9. Marc Jacobs cotton sateen trousers The slim fit of these trousers gives a flattering slim shape to the leg unlike other skinny trousers out there. The cotton sateen mix is perfect for winter as they are thick, water and stain proof

10. Lanvin taupe fleece cardigan- This stylish cardigan with overcoat details, grosgrain collar and lapels gives a nice twist to the regular cardigan.

Red Carpet at Marc Jacobs Spring 2009 Runway Show

So Fashion Week is in full swing here in New York City. I've been running from one show to the next, seeing some interesting concepts. And, of course, lots of the same old tired, "edgy" designs. I'm specifically thinking of Justin Timberlake and his atrocious William Rast line. C'mon. Denim with holes? BORING! But then again, perhaps it gives the other N*Sync members better access to his pocket microphone. I also ran into Vanessa Williams at a Dolce & Gabbana party (who's put on a lot of weight in her face since those Penthouse days) and a few other friends.

However, things picked up a bit the other day at the Marc Jacobs show. I brought along Pam, who just finished moving from San Francisco, and here's some footage from the red carpet.

Rick Owens

"My references all share an elegance tinged with a bit of the barbaric"

Ribbed dark shadow tank top with cashmere drop crotch pant

Those are the words of Rick Owens, a designer like no other, who for some time has been building a strong following, including that of myself. Why? Owens is capable of an understated yet sometimes overstated aesthetic when adorning his garments. The look is glamour meets grunge -- an oxymoron of looks which is very much intended and achieved. Whether it be from a slouchy knit, a flowing silk tank top or a fitted leather jacket, I find there is always an occasion to be wearing some piece. However, I did have to lose an extra five pounds in order to fit in to these clothes as Rick Owens designs for slim bodies. Don't even bother going to the store if your diet includes Dunkin' Donuts or anything that comes french fried.

Owens’ trademark look consists of draped, unfinished and distressed fabrics which embody glamor and elegance alongside its broken down ease. According to Owens, he likens his collections to "theater without the ostentation and intimidation" and inspirations include "the bleak, romantic social conscience of artist Joseph Beuys. The minimal but grand precision designer Jean Michael Frank. The languid modernism of Vionnet...they all share an elegance tinged with a bit of the barbaric." Owens differs from most other contemporary American designers as the safety in the designs and overall aesthetic the others try to hold on to so tightly is nowhere to be found, and makes a refreshing change.

I have developed an increasing addiction to his garments as after buying my first piece I realized that I had never owned anything that compared to it. It was last year at Barney's where I first came into contact with Owens' clothes. There was a tank top, but not any tank top. The unfinished silk mix fabric gave it a raw, inconspicuous yet chic effect. After exploring the range further, I found that every item in some way was unique and worth the price (which is not cheap, especially considering the increase in personal training sessions to fit into it all). But the quality speaks for itself. Until recently there was only a small amount of the collection to choose from in various department stores and boutiques but my need has been satisfied since the opening of the new store.

The 2500-square-foot store at 250 Hudson Street carries all of his ranges: Palais Royale furs, women's runway, lilies, men's and DRKSHDW. The sales associates are amazingly friendly and most importantly, honest. Senior sales assistant Chadd Curry has been especially helpful and informative during my frequent trips, along with Alexander, who was very gracious in hosting the first photo shoot for my blog and who allowed me to wear this gorgeous collection of clothes. The store is decorated in Owens' trademark sophisticated urban tones and features a towering hexagontal mirror, which is even more truthful than the staff. Another highlight is the unique fog installation which Owens calls a "fog aquarium."

Now a bit about how Owens began. It all started at Parsons in Los Angeles (in his home state of California) before opting instead for a two year pattern course. This then lead to pattern cutting for knock-off and sportswear companies. After a number of years of this he began designing under his own name, which in turn led to catching the attention of a group of Italian manufacturers who he now partners with in his ever expanding company.

japanese cashmere hooded cape, black cashmere pant, and pony sneakers

I find that when I’m wearing Rick Owens I am not wearing something that I become but it adapts to me. The collections appeal to a unique range of consumers, from art gallery owners to fashion editors to myself. For each person the appearance of the simplicity is backed by the uniqueness of the design and the raw detail of each piece and then reinterpreted in the individual's own way. Still unknown to those who only follow the mainstream, as stated, Owens has been building momentum gradually over time, slowly attracting the attention of those who to choose to dress a little different from the rest and for those who oppose the celebrity driven brands that rely on the name rather than the product. Unlike those tacky Russians (myself excluded, of course) who will wear anything from an ad with Anne Hathaway in it.