“Check Him Out”

Today’s column for St. Louis Magazine from Senior Designer, Jacob Laws…

http://www.stlmag.com/Blogs/The-Good-The-Bad-The-Lovely/February-2011/Check-Him-Out/

STYLE & SHOPPING IN STL

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2011 / 8:41 AM

JACOB LAWS

CHECK HIM OUT

Even if you think of checks, plaid, or gingham as being the “it” prints of the moment, the truth is that they’ve always been a go-to for guys. Love it or leave it, plaids and checks are here to stay. With such an array of style classifications—indie, prep, backwoods lumberjack, exec—some form of plaid or check will always be in style. Like most trends, you’ll see versions of the classic sway from one end of the spectrum to another.

Not being a disciple to trends, I tend to think any of the above are fair game, given your own aesthetic. Don’t buy something just because you’re seeing it on everyone else, and be sure to accessorize to fit your style. Personally, I prefer to pair plaid shirts and a classic, slim jean with a bow tie or straight tie, depending on that day’s schedule. I also like the juxtaposition of plaids or checks with a coordinating, but not quite matching, color—say, a Kelly green and ivory check with a pair of slim, navy chinos. Purchasing plaids and checks is effortless because the stores are full of them at the moment; I’d recommend brands like Ben Sherman, J.Crew, Gucci, John Varvatos, N.S.F., or vintage.

Finally, remember to hang on to those checks and plaids: I promise you’ll find yourself wearing that same pattern 10 years from now with the same classic appeal as the season you bought it.

 

The Good, The Bad & The Lovely

Read St. Louis Magazine’s “The Good, The Bad & The Lovely” today- My first of many entries for the Men’s Style Guide…

 

http://www.stlmag.com/Blogs/The-Good-The-Bad-The-Lovely/January-2011/Men-039s-Fashion-The-10-

 

STYLE & SHOPPING IN STL

FRIDAY, JANUARY 7, 2011 / 8:04 AM

JACOB LAWS

MEN’S FASHION: THE 10 COMMANDMENTS

Even if you haven’t considered updating your personal style as a new year’s resolution, I have irrefutable evidence that following any—or, hopefully, all—of these 10 tips will make you feel better. The result: an improved quality of life for you, and an improved aesthetic for our fair metropolis.

Take note, men.

1. Cheap shoes aren’t worth it. Spend your hard earned money on quality, classic footwear that will wear well and survive ill-fated trends. And throw away your chunky, black dress shoes. They’re hideous.

2. If your jeans don’t fit well, it doesn’t matter what brand they are. You wasted your money.

3. Invest in custom tailoring. It’s worth the extra dough to look like a million bucks.

4. Nobody wants to run their hands through hair that feels like broom bristles. A “trendy” style will date you and, believe me, you’ll regret it. A tousled, but well-groomed, style—or a shaved head, if you can pull it off—looks best. And remember: Only incredibly attractive men can get away with highlights.

5. Go sockless with your footwear when appropriate in the summer months. It suggests a casual, effortless sophistication. And, for God’s sake, no socks in the bedroom!

6. No graphic, embellished, studded or bejeweled T-shirts or jeans. You know you you are.

7. There’s nothing even remotely cool about Oakley sunglasses or any kind of sport shades. A classic aviator is chic, suits most face shapes, and won’t make you look like you’re partying on a pontoon at Lake of the Ozark’s Party Cove.

8. There’s nothing sexier than a well-tailored tux. There’s a reason that James Bond still looks good after all these years.

9. Consider a white pocket square when wearing a blazer. It’s a classic way to bring continuity to an ensemble.

10. Don’t replicate a style icon’s look from head to toe. It’s great to find inspiration in someone else’s personal style, but then make it your own. Oh, and don’t be a label whore head to toe either. It’s beneath you.

 

 

 

 

DREAM DESIGN PROJECT

I just began a complete redesign of a Eugene Mackey designed house in Ladue. Built in 1948 for his family, the house is a testament to brilliant mid century design, unifying form and function while utilizing the actual structure as it’s own sculptural focus in relation to the landscape.

LE BEAU CHATEAU

Secluded 52-acre estate complete with 10 subdivided estate lots. A grand French-style manor house presents an extraordinary offering in New Canaan. Set amid a private sanctuary, Le Beau Château offers peace, privacy, and a beguiling tranquil lifestyle. Reminiscent of the romance and grandeur of a bygone era, there are soaring 13-foot ceilings and 11 fireplaces. A baronial ballroom, and two identical, brick, caretaker guest houses, each with two bedrooms. All your’s for $24,000,000.00.

Treat yourself to eco-tourism in Chile, a Chilean vacation in one of the world’s unique destinations, the Altiplano of the Atacama Desert in northern Chile. Tierra Atacama Hotel and Spa offers guided Atacama adventures, Altiplano excursions and bird-watching; as well as luxury spa services, fine dining and boutique hotel hospitality… all in one of the earth’s most beautiful locations, San Pedro de Atacama.

http://www.tierraatacama.com/

Daily Stylish Deals

Link in to Gilt Group! Totally fantastic fashionable deals daily on everything from apparel by modern designers to gourmet noshie bits to get aways at the most exclusive resorts. In love.

http://www.giltman.com/sale/men

Panelling Isn’t Dead

Panelling has gotten a bad rep due to it’s predecessors- tacky uses of Chaparral wood paneling and particle board, rec room decor- but utilized in a fresh, linear, contemporary medium it becomes updated and refined.