Amidst the relatively recent onslaught of patterns on fashion [stripes, plaids, etc.] one that seems to stand out and make a stentorian statement is houndstooth. It’s a fun pattern that is great because it does just enough with its unique design to set you apart, but not so much that it becomes a flashy, one-dimensional piece.

Originating in Scotland, houndstooth (or houndstooth check, or hounds’s tooth) was made primarily out of a Scottish wool blend and consisted of either a “broken check” design or some type of  four point geometric shape almost always in black and white. As time passed the print became popular overseas and designers like juggernaut Christian Dior started to introduce houndstooth in various collections in various color ways as early as the 50s.

And now 50 years later, Houndstooth is still hot.

Ladies: Houndstooth is great, especially that with a larger print, as it provides a subtle dash of pizazz to any outfit. Whether as an overcoat, on a dress, or even a shawl or a scarf, when you wear houndstooth you’re certain to turn a few heads. And for those that are a little body conscious, houndstooth is known to be a very slimming pattern.

Fellas: Houndstooth is an important addition to your wardrobe simply for the statement it makes. The ladies take notice to a guy with a diverse wardrobe– it speaks volumes to the type of person you are. Houndstooth says “I’m not afraid to be different” and has been known to add intrigue and a type of silent dignity to an outfit.

Below are some nice, affordable houndstooth looks to add to your wardrobe. Enjoy

Forever 21 Cinched Houndstooth Jacket – $24.80 Available HERE

Faith 21 Houndstooth Belted Shorts – $22.80 Available HERE

Abstract Houndstooth Tunic – $22.80 Available HERE

Houndstooth Wool Blend Coat – $44.80 Available HERE

Mens Houndstooth Plaid Black/Charcoal Bowtie – $15.00 Available HERE

Houndstooth Black Tie – $19.50 Available HERE

RVCA Smokestack Houndstooth Jacket - $120.00 Available HERE

People’s Market Edsue Houndstooth Cardigan – $78.00 Available HERE

AR!

Have you checked your calender lately? Daylight Savings has past, the first bits of chilled air have come, longer nights, and more folks finding boos to keep warm with and participating in #cuffinseason (as Aisha puts it) can only signal one thing-winter’s nearly here to have us shaking in our long-johns.So with the chilly season vastly approaching, winter fashion swiftly follows. I’ve always believed the best fashion is winter fashion. You get to layer and indulge in dark rich colors which can often bring out a sort of sophistication if you will. And what winter accessory brings out the most sophistication to an outfit? Scarves.

Now, I will admit. I’m from the South (shout out to Baton Rouge, Louisiana) and I didn’t purchase my first scarf until moving up to D.C. The winter’s in Louisiana just don’t compare. I soon realized how uniquely dope and awesomely awesome (yes, those are the adjectives I chose) scarves are. These little pieces of cloth look incredibly fashionable yet seem to keep me incredibly warm. Genius.  So it is my duty to inform everyone that they should invest in some great scarves this coming winter. And not those “swag rags” that were popular a while back. Those will do nothing for you in a true winter and frankly, you’ll look like an ass.

Here are some cool scarves I found at affordable prices.

Eternity Scarf (3 Color Choices) Available @ Urban Outfitters [here]

Soft Plaid Scarf Available @ Urban Outfitters [here]

The Mob Scarf Available @ Karmaloop [here]

The Bufanda Scarf  Available @ Karmaloop [here]

Also check out Gap, J.Crew, H&M, and Express for some more affordable scarves. If you really want to invest get a scarf from Burberry. They are expensive but are worth it in quality as well as name.

Hope you guys find the scarves of your liking and stay warm this winter.

[PEACE]

Cj

First impressions are lasting ones. So, if your planning on coming to 20/20 The Vision is Clear hosted by MESH. and IPO this Thursday in D.C. you’re going to have  to impress hard. This simply means, be bold and be fly! Our man Wesley Jackson (largely responsible for the event) wants it to be known that the dress code is strict and the theme is bright! So, don’t come looking broke down or lifeless. What does this mean?

—–

Fellas: Athletic wear is a no. I shouldn’t see Jordan’s. I should see very tailored looks. If you must wear sneakers, dress a pair of Chuck Taylor’s or any other similar shoe up. Don’t be afraid to wear a bright colored buttoned-up shirt or shorts. Make a statement and come dressed very fly and dapper. This is the perfect opportunity to market yourself to others so don’t blow it. Remember just because you LOOK nice doesn’t mean it’s appropriate for the affair. Maybe this will help…

Remember be yourself but dressed to impress. It’s not an extra formal event so don’t be afraid to wear casual items, just don’t dress how you would for ANY old event. And before you Kanye lovers chopped my head off. He’s fly in what he has on but it isn’t appropriate for the event.

Ladies: One word, heels. I mean this shouldn’t be hard for you girls, girls know how to dress right? (Wrong! Some of you ladies don’t wear the appropriate clothes to certain affairs). For this one, try to be that girl everyone is forced to stare at. Be strategic with your color choices as well as your accessories. Bright colors, nice dresses, you know…try to find your husband at the event. Basically, compete with that bitch in the room whose trying to take the attention away from you.  Aisha found these examples for you.

I’m sure you ladies will come dressed to impress. Don’t let me down.

Can’t wait to see everyone there fly and ready to make powerful moves.

Cj

I recently ran across this picture of model Ibrahim Baaith backstage at the Etro Spring 2010 Collection fashion show and started to wonder, is anyone bold enough to wear stuff like that?

Etro is very bold and uses a lot of crazy colors and patterns. I personally am not a big fan of wearing pink but for some reason looking at this got me thinking I should take more risks when it comes to fashion. Why play it safe? Seriously, now a days your clothes tell a story of who you are (even if you don’t know you’re the storyteller). It’s great to take risks and do something you want to do because that bright colored shirt you were scared to try might turn out to be a good look for you. 

Now this I wouldn’t think twice to put on [very fly].

I just think that this fall, I will personally take some risks with my style. I will try to improve upon it and attempt to upgrade it like I do every year. I’m also not going to be scared of colors or interesting patterns. I’m going to remain myself but not be scared to attempt something new. Maybe we all should try do something new or take some more risks. So I ask this…

Ladies and gentlemen, what risks/attempts will you be doing with your style this year?

Cj

The MESH. team has decided to bring you, our loyal readers,  Casual Fridays. Each and every Friday we will be featuring custom styled outfits at affordable prices with the link to where you can get them yourself. This Friday our theme was “Casually Versatile”. The outfits we selected can get you through a day at the mall, out to lunch with your friends, and night at the movies. Each piece was hand selected by a member of the MESH. team, and we hope you enjoy.

Get The Top

Get The Shorts

Get The Shoes

Get The Necklace

Get The Shades

Get The Jumper

Get The Sandals

Get The Clutch

Get The Earrings

Get The Bracelet

Happy Shopping !

- MESH.

Okay gentlemen, listen up. If our jeans got tighter than what did you expect our shorts to do? The “short shorts” has for a long time been frowned upon for men to wear. Much like the baggy jean, guys have worn shorts that have come down nearly to our ankles for years. Well it’s time to put all that to a stop, especially for those young men in the world who actually take pride in their appearance. The short shorts are now here for the summertime and MESH. expects our viewers to know exactly how to pull the look off.

Take a look at this chart guide provided by Complex Magazine.

That’s right, it’s all about the length. Just at the knees, slightly above the knees, but NEVER too high above the knees (because that’s just disgusting).

Be mindful of what you pair with the shorts, because not just any shirt or shoes will do. Try to keep the look as casual as possible but don’t be afraid to mix slightly “dressed up” articles (such a button downs). I always recommend a low shoe that reveals the ankle, as loafers, boat shoes, and vans were almost meant for shorts. Be fashionable, comfortable, and knowledgeable of what looks/lengths are appropriate for your frame. Check out some short shorts combinations below.

Cj

Gone are the days where flaunting your wealth to flaunt your style is acceptable or attractive. And I say good riddance! I remember talking to my friends about what true style is and how can one continue to purchase quality items to enhance personal style without breaking the bank. We’ve come up with this: Mix extremely unique pieces with wardrobe staples to craft your own style. Also, a smart shopper is sexier than someone who foolishly wastes their money.

MESH. is all for the practical/smart shopper with great fashion tastes. We’ve stated before the key to affordable shopping is to invest in wardrobe staples– the items in your life that you NEED and can pair with multiple looks.  Take this $20 cardigan from Forever 21.

Nothing incredibly unique or special right? But take this very basic staple to every male’s wardrobe and use it a with crazier unique shirt can render both a very stylish and affordable outfit. Balance the look out by pairing it with those expensive designer jeans or kicks your splurged on. And trust if you are able to take from different types of clothes/ brands and put together a great outfit that’s also affordable-then you really understand fashion & style. Look at some more great mix and matches of things simple and bold.

Trust-being too flashy with labels means nothing and wearing those labels wrong is even more of a no-no because then you just look like a fool who thinks money warrants good taste (Hint: it doesn’t).

It’s okay to splurge every once in a while. I mean it’s those splurges that truly give us ‘retail therapy’ but don’t spend beyond your means.  And if you’re going to spend a chunk of change on a piece make sure it’s functional, wearable or extremely one of a kind.

Accessories also make the outfit. Frames, watches, chains, brooches, and other accessories give looks various flare so pick your accessories wisely. I just bought these cool glasses from 80′s Purple.

No they aren’t Dolce or Tom Ford (my favorite) frames, but they are functional, stylish, and were only $10! (smart shopping eh?)

Like I said earlier, don’t spend beyond your means. This might mean giving up certain brands or designers but if you are truly stylish you can rock any brand. However, although you’re sacrificing ‘name’ for affordability don’t ever sacrifice quality. Thrift shopping (although becoming slightly lame because everyone is ‘into’ it) is a great way to find one of kind pieces that will make your wardrobe stand out. All in all, be yourself, shop for yourself, and shop realistically.

Cj

With a little help from Aisha. haha.

I don’t generally post about men’s fashion, but the jackets and blazers really caught my eye. Guys, please get a fly jacket for the fall and use this line as inspiration. The Ermanno Scervino Spring/Summer 2009 Collection features carefully tailored suits, outerwear, and casual wear.

- Aisha

If you’re serious about your shoe game… listen up.

There comes a time in a man’s life when he has to simply, e x p a n d his shoe game.

That’s right.

Air Jordans, Supras, and Vans just won’t cut it your entire life. That being said, let me introduce you my best friend: the slipper.

Don’t laugh. If you want to stand out, and be taken seriously, there are times  when you just need to go ahead and switch things up. Of course I love my sneakers as well, but these are a must.

Below are a few looks I like featured on British Shoemaker “Lodger’s” website. These specific shoes are Italian and retail for around $300-$400 USD. However if you don’t want to pay that much, you can of course bargain shop and find slippers at nearly any store selling men’s business/business casual attire (Bakers, Nordstrom, Mens Wearhouse, etc.).

Style Tip

* When wearing the slipper, sometimes sock-less can be the way to go. Especially in the summer, showing a little ankle can work to enhance your look.

**And equally important, please realize that sockless means powder. Sprinkle powder in your shoes to combat your [inevitable] sweating and its consequential odor. Your nose will thank you later.

~AR

Skinny Ties are dead.

…but it’s fine if you think otherwise. Look like a fool all by your lonesome.

Since the skinnies have went the way of jersey dresses and FUBU (ok not that drastic, but you get the picture)… and the full ties just don’t always do it with all fits, the knitted tie is a good “halfway house” so-to-speak.

Able to be paired with a business suit, or a casual look, I love the knitted tie and its median breadth. I think you will too.

You can find these ties anywhere. At almost any store that sells menswear. Above are some really good knit ties from Margaret Howell. If you like what you see you can buy some from her store here.

* And remember… BIGGER GUY, BIGGER TIE.

To my bigger guys out there, remember that a tie that is too small can work to make you look even bigger than what actually are. Never a good look.

~AR