Words with...Is a look inside the minds of people who I personally think have a strong sense of style. Kenyatte Nelson "Americas Best Dressed Real Man In America" as voted by Esquire brings it EVERYDAY...look out for his blog
www.tweedandvelvet.com I have enjoyed reading it and I am sure you will as well! (Oh yeah, Kenyatte is the proud owner of a few Astor & Black pieces and endorses them via his blog)
Ok, let's start with this...describe your personal style.
To this question I would give you the same answer I gave Esquire - Life is a beautiful thing, I dress appropriately for her. I believe that each and everyone of us is emminsly blessed every day when we wake up and have been given the gift of another day. It's like waking up to the most beautiful women you have ever known....she deserves your best.
Best piece of fashion advice you can offer our readers today.
Tip #1 Do ever let anyone fool you into thinking that it takes loads of money to look great. Money can buy you fashion. It cannot, however, buy you style. If you don't believe that all you have to do is watch sports center for about 30 minutes. You'll see athletes with tons of money who dress terribly. Meanwhile some of the most stylish people on the planet are broke college kids.
Tip #2: Don't under estimate the power of detail. That doesn't mean "look to do more" it means pay attention to detail, simple or complicated. There is a reason why they say "The devil is in the details"....it's because that is where things can go bad if you don't pay attention.
What item or items do you build your daily look around?
I build my look around my sense of self...and the weather.
What items if any do you tend to splurge on?
There is nothing that I won't splurge on if it's a great piece. I love the Italian sensibility of "buy the best of what you buy...even if it means you can only have one". Besides, when you buy cheap you will just have to replace it and spend more money.
What fashion rule, if any, do you always break?
I'm sure I've broken just about every rule that I know or I've heard of. Trial and error is how I learned much of what I know. Men are much too fearful of making mistakes. It's the reason why we sometimes struggle with fashion. Improving your living situation is easy (buy a bigger house), improving your driving situation is easy (buy a more expensive car) but improving you look is a little more difficult.
What fashion rule do you never break?
I always wear underwear....ALWAYS
What is your must have item for Spring/Summer?
Light Gray cotton suit - Notch lapel with soft shoulder, double vent and off-white pearl buttons. Classically cool...
Favorite store?
Hugo Boss outlet in Tampa Florida. I make the trip 1-2 times a year. I also think the Gilt group is on to something.
Who are your Style icons?
My father taught me just about everything I know, about everything I know. When I look at my style I can see his influence all over it.
What is your most cherished item?
A pair of 20+ year old cowboy boots that I stole from my fathers closet when I was in high school. Tan with a rounded toe and a Cuban heel. I have looked to replace them but they just don't make anything like it anymore....kinda like my father.
What is your favorite item of clothing?
Aside from those boots, my favorite item is my auburn blazer from Armani Colleczion. It fits like a dream and the fabric is about as "touchable" as it gets.
What do you feel best wearing?
A suit, always. It's a smart look and when you dress smart you tend to behave that way.
Do you have a personal style quirk? If so, what is it?
No personal style quick but I'm a little quirky if that counts
Most underrated item in menswear?
Socks. The Japanese think we start dying from the feet up. If that's true then a good pair of socks could save your life.
What are you never caught wearing?
My birthday suit. Unless there is a women involved
Favorite fashion magazine or website?
Tweed & Velvet (www.tweedandvelvet.com), I also love reading V Magazine, Arena Magazine, Men's Style (Australia) and British Esquire
Who is your tailor?
Paul from Q.F.A. Tailors in Cincinnati where I live.
