My Ongoing Obsession With Preppy Style
The blogs that I have written so far have for the most part been instructional in nature. As I continue the journey in positioning myself as a fashion expert and stylist, I strive to create content that provides guidance and inspiration - encouraging men (and people in general) to push the style envelop and explore outfits that are outside of the box or leave strong impressions with ease. But there is also a need for me to express myself personally - sharing my feelings, interests and perspective as it relates to the various topics of fashion, lifestyle and eventually travel (once I get a freaking passport and actually venture beyond the U.S.).
In this blog, I will organically cover some ideas for a new and interesting outfit, but this will for the most part be an account of my ongoing obsession with shorts and how I exercise yet another form that it can take in concert with carefully selected items. And as I discussed in my previous blog, Fall is quickly rolling in and the cold weather is becoming more present as the weeks pass. So spend some time with me as I affectionately address a look that is very reflective of me as a person, and dedicate one last post to shorts before I completely transition away from them for the season.
Nothing Short of Coordinated
As I evolve as a blogger and fashionista, I acknowledge the need to keep my wardrobe stocked and abundant with new styles. So in tapping into places beyond H&M (which I lean toward a little too often), I decided to take a deep dive into Topman. The universe was completely on my side during that shopping spree, because I found so many things that I would have never expected. I won't give away everything, as more will be revealed in the blogs to come, so I'll focus on the pieces that are represented in this look. Surprise, surprise, I found these adorable pair of shorts, which I almost didn't get given how many times I've already featured shorts in my content. But Topshop had a primary fixture showcasing them, and in seeing how fitted and short they were (I don't mind a little snugness), I couldn't resist. I was blessed to find this handsome green muscle polo and these silver chains from Topman as well. Rounding the outfit out are a pair of basic gray socks from Target and my beloved gray oxford dress shoes by Cole Haan.
The Preppy Look Essentials
One of the first posts I wrote for my blog discussed how to put together a preppy look. That essence continues to shine through here, and I feel like this look truly embodies who I am as a person. The fit, which I think I'll refer to as "Not So Goody Two Shoes", serves school boy from the waist down and bossman from the waist up. The shorts, socks and shoes combo give off cuteness and charm, which I believe represents an inner innocence that is still present within me and displays a sort of playful, child-like quality that men don't always show in their fashions. Some guys, for example, wear t-shirts with their favorite childhood heroes or characters to stay in tune with their youth or that precious part of themselves. For me, I don't think I'll ever outgrow this school-boy type style - I can easily see myself rocking it well into older age.
Classy Meets Muscle
Now in contrast to this boyish appeal, we have the shirt and necklaces which lend more attitude and masculinity to the outfit. As I was shopping around Topshop, this shirt kept catching my attention. Polo style shirts are a bit of a minority in my closet, and green is a color that I am not always drawn to - so I figured the shirt would make a nice addition to my closet. In looking at the tag, it said muscle fit, which is a description I have yet to see. With how much work I've been putting into building my chest, a classy shirt intended to accentuate a defined physique was naturally an appropriate choice. The chains had a similar magnetism to them. As I was considering some new accessories to add to my collection, there was a fixture with layered necklaces on it - instantly giving me ideas as to how I could incorporate them. I love layering necklaces like this, and with many of my favorite accessories losing their touch, I decided to pick up three sets of layered chains to add that extra level of sophistication to the looks I have lined up for the near future.
Ready For Fall & Pants
During this fine Sunday, the morning was a bit chilly - so I almost regretted stepping out in shorts. But as the sun rose to the top of the sky and the warmth of the day surrounded the city, I was immediately uplifted. I spent some time exploring Williamsburg, which is a neighborhood in Brooklyn that I'm not very acquainted with. I believe I was in North Williamsburg, which has quaint brownstone apartments lining the streets and plenty of charming backdrops for the perfect photo-op. Afterward, I spent the afternoon prancing about DUMBO as I usually do - feeling fun and free in this lovely outfit. As I prepare my shorts obsession for hibernation, this outfit has me thinking ahead into 2018 about how my passion will be reborn during Spring. But for now, I'm more than ready to slay in the full spectrum of pants this Fall. Stay tuned.