Special Guest Blogger: This is a Man's World!

Hey Y'all...
So today I threw caution to the wind and allowed my man to guest blog for the Fashion Bomb. Any views reflected herein to do not necessarily reflect those of Claire! With that said, enjoy....

"This is a man's world, but it ain't nothing without a woman" - James Brown

Greetings Fashion Bomb Readers!

My girl Claire has finally sought the advice of a real man, me, for some advice on men's fashion. Assuming the majority of the people who will be reading this are females, I want to talk to you ladies specifically. A lot of y'all let your man walk out wearing anything, which is fine, but there comes a point when a woman should take a vested interest in her man's wardrobe.

This is not to say most men can't dress, but the honest truth is, black men have always been susceptible to keeping their looks at the forefront of whatever trend is hot at the moment, instead of keeping it classic. Perhaps it's a hip-hop thing. Recently Kanye West...

...in his return column in Complex magazine declared the "grown and sexy" look to be officially over, and I suppose if you're the kind of guy who doesn't have to worry about keeping up appearances, it's okay to take it back to the 80's look everyone is rocking - gold ropes, letterman jackets, Levi's, and fitted t-shirts with wisecracks and vintage brands.

But, if your man is anything like me who has an office job to go to everyday, it might be best to keep the grown and sexy look going. Remember, it's always best to come to an event overdressed rather than underdressed. A suit and tie implies you have more important places to be. Or, if you'd rather not go for the Wall Street look, you can still find a way to dress up a blazer and some dress pants the way Will Smith usually does...

The open collar is a great transitional look and works especially well under v-neck sweaters.

But perhaps the most important factor in a man's wardrobe is fit. A man can have a suit straight off the rack of Men's Wearhouse, but if he has a good tailor, very few would be able to tell the difference or even care for that matter. For a man, a good tailor is as important as a good barber. After all, these are people who make a living making you look good, so why wouldn't you want to get to know one?

And for the truly ballerific, drop a few thousand G's on getting a handmade suit from scratch. It's one of those investments that will last you a lifetime - as important a purchase as a man can make for himself.

Tom Ford Duke of Windsor Three Piece Suit. Referenced in Kate Betts article for Time Magazine

And there you have it, a classic, well-fitted look is more important than any trend happening in men's fashion. A man can be grown and sexy without looking like a pushover. Most men like to say they're about business, yet rarely ever dress the part, and to be honest, even they do, ladies, a lot of them could use a woman's touch. So the next time your man is about to step out with or without you, give him a once-over and brush the lint off his shoulders. He'll look all the better for it, even if he doesn't know it.


This week's Look Book in New York Magazine. Brothas who clearly know how to be individuals about theirs.
Peace.
(Smootches!)
PS So the rules have changed slightly for the Fashionable Contest! Tomorrow, YOU get to choose the winner of Nautica's N Series Straight Leg Jeans...

... So keep your submissions coming (I've already got some *great* ones so far, thank you!) E-mail me at thefashionbomb@gmail.com and be sure to log on tomorrow for some eye candy. You'll be glad you did.
PSS For my voluptuous vixen readers, check out the new supercool blog Plus Sive Divas (www.plussizedivas.blogspot.com).

PSSS You might have heard, but the GAP launched a series of white shirts & dresses designed by designer Doo.Ri Chung, Rodarte and Thakoon...

...Fashionistas are faking the funk, acting like the shirts are sold out everywhere. Well, I visited the GAP at 34th & Broadway, and they had every single item in every single size. I tried on a few and really wanted to participate in this ‘limited edition.’ But something about a $88 short sleeved shirt that didn’t even flatter made me put it right back on the rack.

PSSSS Also, Girlshop is closing its brick & mortar and online stores. Sad, but true. The good news is that Lauren Moffatt, MarieMarie, and Rachel Pally dresses are on sale for $50 to $150; accessories are starting at $15. 819 Washington St., at Gansevoort St. (212-255-4985); 4/19 and 4/20 (noon–8); 4/21 and 4/22 (11–7). Source NYMag.