I love reading other style blogs. Some for inspiration, some for practical tips, and some just because I find the person particularly interesting. Men’s Style Pro, and its creator Sabir Peele fit all three of those categories. I first saw Sabir in this post and this post on Dan Trepanier’s The Style Blogger. Sabir, as is Dan, is great on giving advice that anybody can implement - albeit with a dose of confidence. 

This summer I will be working in a business casual office and I will be sure to take all of the advice with me that I have learned from Sabir and Dan. 

That being said, I am posting to announce that I have been chosen as the lucky winner for the Men’s Style Pro Summer Giveaway. My name was chosen randomly, and I am lucky enough to receive a pair of Johnston and Murphy leather drivers, two pocket squares from Armstrong and Wilson, a beautiful watch from Kyboe USA, and a knit tie from the Knottery. Thanks so much Men’s Style Pro!

Video streaming by Ustream

http://mensstylepro.com/2012/05/18/mens-style-pro-summer-giveaway/

I first want to apologize for the long gap between posts. I just recently finished up my final exams, so I’m back in the game. That being said, I will actually be in London this summer, so my content will hopefully take on a different tone. Perhaps a little more focus on street style and definitely some attention on Savile Row!

So I’m going to London - an exciting city with a lot to offer both sartorially, culturally, historically and more. But before I get there, I thought I’d try to share some insight about traveling smartly. Navigating complicated airports with certain luggage and adjusting to the always-too-hot airplane temperature are not easy tasks, but with a little bit of planning you’ll be the coolest guy on the plane. And let’s be real, when you are in a new city just exploring, you want to be able to ask that cute flight attendant to show you around. 

Step 1: Dressing for travel.

Airports are great places for people watching - you will literally see ALL types of people. You’ll see people in everything from full pinstripe suits to full sweat suits - don’t be either of them. Grab an unlined sports jacket, throw it over your favorite oxford, and pair it with the perfectly broken in pair of jeans or chinos. The unlined nature of the jacket makes it perfect for travel - when you’re warm, fold it up and place it in the overhead storage bins. And when you get off the plane or train, throw it on to look sharp out of the gate. 

Bonus Tip: Layer! You never know when that AC will kick into overdrive or the person next to you will be all up in your space. A think v neck between your jacket and oxford could be all the difference.

Step 2: Slip (On) Through Security

Wear slip-on shoes. Period. Nothing is more frustrating than unlacing your brogues then sitting on the benches laboring to watch your bags and re-tie your shoes at the same time. Grab a pair of nice penny loafers, driving mocs, or boat shoes. Plus, taking your shoes off on the plane is so freeing. Just try it.

Step 3: Carry On, Carry Off

Some swear by rollers, some by duffels. Either work, but you have to be comfortable with whichever you choose. Rollers might work best for airports and security lines, but hopping on a short train ride calls for a sturdy canvas or leather duffel. My only advice? Pack lightly.

For Business: This makes the focus a little bit different. You’re going to want a easy-to-carry briefcase that still shows the office that you mean boss. Especially when you pull out your sleek portfolio with that killer contract or settlement proposal.

Step 4: Gear

It is literally the worst feeling having to rummage through your bag looking for your phone charger. You disturb the person next to you, make a mess, and embarrass yourself. Keep all your chords in one compact place (like GQ shows below). And while your at it, grab a simple neoprene case for your laptop. That bottle of water that spills in your bag? The laptop case will do wonders.

Traveling is exciting. It should not stress you out. Every time you step on a plane or hop on a train you are headed to a new place to explore and conquer. Let this post serve as a small guide to help you hit the ground running. Enjoy these miscellanious tips:

Tip: Bring a pair of sunglasses that goes with everything. Ray-Ban Wayfarers do the trick. When your groggy after a long flight with no sleep, the shades will let you recover while looking sharp.

Tip: Bring a pair of socks in your bag. When you take off your driving mocs, you do not want to be sans-socks. Airport security is not the cleanest place in the world…

Tip: Talk to the person next to you! A friendly local will ALWAYS enhance your stay. Ask them about restaurants, bars, sites and more. You really never know who you will sit next to.

Tip: Go beltless! It saves time at security and provides comfort in a tight seat. 

Tip: Try to get some rest. Far too often, precious time is wasted because you are just exhausted after watching all three Kill Bill movies on a red-eye flight. Hitting the streets right after travel is the key to adjusting to a potentially new time-zone and maximizing your time. 

I hope this helped. I will be working in an office this summer in London (more posts about summer office attire to come) but I hope to be traveling almost every weekend to different places around europe. If any readers have suggestions or comments, please feel free to let me know via comment box or at zachingber@gmail.com 

So I discovered this new “members only” style site just now. Kind of like Gilt Groupe, Frank and Oak showcases stylish clothing (blazers, ties, shirts, scarves, accessories) for affordable prices.

Click the link below and join!

Join Frank and Oak

You went to prom. Maybe twice. But you rented a tuxedo from a men’s store that you received a coupon for in the mail; the salesmen smelled like cigarettes and treated you as if you had never paid attention to how you looked - ever. Well you’re growing up now, and you need to know what it means to bring it for a black tie event. If there’s one time a year that a man should look his absolute best, it should be when you slip on a tux. Oh yea, and black tie means tuxedo - no exceptions. 

After reading this post, you will see that I am a traditionalist when it comes to black tie attire. I am all about pushing the envelope, but when you are wearing a tux, classy and understated is more stylish than flashy. 

My ideas on black tie connect back to the original purpose of a tuxedo - to keep everyone’s attention on your date’s stunning dress. That being said, we don’t need to see you in a matching vest to notice your date’s beautiful coral-colored dress. Save the matching vests for the high school prom . 

So there are a few things you need to know about tuxedoes in particular. First let’s start with lapels:

1. Peak

I consider peak lapels to be the most traditional, elegant, and dashing. Appeared on the original tux in 1886.

(Jean Dujardin of The Artist)

A sharply-dressed Ryan Reynolds

2. Shawl

Definitely the James Bond lapel. James Dean wore it too. You’d be in pretty good company if you asked me…

Bond

Colin Firth. With a smile.

3. Notch

You’ll never catch me in a notch lapel tuxedo - it just reminds me too much of a business suit. That being said, that doesn’t mean it can’t be done. And if you are insistent on a long tie, wear one with a notch.

What would a post on black tie be without Mr. Clooney?

Black TIE:

Rule 1: Learn how to tie a bow tie. 

Rule 2: Wear a bow tie.*

Rule 3: Make sure the size of the bow tie is in proportion with your lapels.

Rule 4. Your tie, with a tuxedo, should always be black. White tie is something completely different…

*If you do want a long tie, keep it slim. But how often do you get to wear a bow tie?

The Ten Commandments

1. There is much debate over cummerbunds. You can’t go wrong with one or without one. That being said, they look better on those who are vertically gifted. Suspenders look good on everyone.

2. Cufflinks should be silver and understated. Tuxedoes are dressy - leave the novelty lock and key cufflinks for any old day. 

3. Flat-front pants look sharp, but pleats will let you break it down on the dance floor. And what girl doesn’t like the guy who puts himself out there with dance moves. As the GQ style guy says, “If you plan on vigorously doing the twist, or the monkey, or break-dancing, you might be better off with the pleated pants and their ass-forgiving engineering.”

4. Studs amp up the classiness of any tuxedo shirt. Wear them if you can (like Mr. Lautner here).

5. Your pants should be tailored and not too long. However, the super short tailoring of some of your chinos is not for the timelessness of a tuxedo. A little bit of break is more than acceptable.

6. Black socks, always.

7. Patent leather shoes are not necessary, but any shoe worn must be clean and polished.

8. If you can afford a second tuxedo (I’m not included here, don’t worry), buy one in midnight blue. You will be the sharpest guy in the room.

Jason Segal

9. Vests can be worn, but I personally feel as if they mess up the proportions between your white shirt and dark jacket. Proceed with caution.

10. Most importantly, black and white is your safest option. Matching looks dumb, and the focus should always be on your date’s attire. James Cameron looks silly here.

When it comes down to it, you are dressing up to have a good time. Whether you are attending a wedding, fraternity formal, bar mitzvah, or killer after party, a simple and sharp tuxedo will go a long way. And remember, enjoy yourself and live a little. Let the drinks keep flowing and have fun; God invented dry cleaners for a reason.

sbdaily:

A great pair of wingtip salt and pepper shakers. Perfectly combining my two loves; fashion and food. -Townsend

howtotalktogirlsatparties:

GQ’s Field Guide to the American Male Peacock.

As I sit here and consider the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the two-state solution appears to be the most realistic, the most just, and the most logical solution. “Two states for two peoples” is something I believe in and will work actively to promote. The Jewish people deserve a sovereign nation as do the Palestinians. Yet there is a growing movement among Israel’s detractors and campus pro-Palestinian movements for a “one-state solution” in the region. 

The proposed state would be a singular nation with rights for all citizens. There would be no religious identity and no distinguishing characteristic of the country. While this sounds fair and just in theory, and it would be ideal for all to have equal rights, this would mean the end of Israel as a Jewish state. And it seems that most pro-Palestinian movements are okay with this. But this new bi-national state would look no different than Belgium or Switzerland. Israel was created in the wake of the greatest tragedy of human history because there were only Belgiums and Switzerlands. The Jewish aspect of Israel is the fundamental component of what makes Israel a Jewish homeland. 

Unfortunately, the recognition of the other side’s sovereignty is unbalanced. I write as I serve as Vice President of Brown Students for Israel (often accused of being Brown University’s most right-wing pro-Israel group) and I can confidently say that Brown Students for Israel endorses and supports a two-state solution. Yet tonight, as part of Israel Apartheid Week, Students for Justice in Palestine brings Ali Abunimah, a scholar who is suggesting the creation of just one state in the region. The publications on his website “Electronic Intifada” (which conjures nasty memories of busses exploding and suicide bombers in Israel) all advocate for a state in which there is no religious identity. That means no Israel as a Jewish state. I do not quite understand why there is no reciprocity between Brown Students for Israel and Students for Justice in Palestine; BSI (and Bibi Netanyahu for that matter) have been vocal about Palestinian sovereignty, but we get no love in return.

Israel Apartheid Week is not about the security barrier nor is it about Israeli settlements. SJP’s protests are not about human rights violations nor are they about Israeli land grabbing. Fundamentally, as evidenced by the speaker coming to campus tonight, Brown Students for Justice in Palestine does not respect Jewish sovereignty. So much for self-determination and the universal rights the Palestinian leadership has claimed to uphold in the face of oppression.

I fundamentally respect the rights of others to have an opinion and I am glad SJP gets their week of fame. But please don’t mask your denial of the right to a Jewish state under the guise of “end the occupation.” That is simply deceptive.

If you want to complain about ethno-religious privilege in the Middle East as Diana Buttu does here in the Boston Globe, I suggest that you focus on Saudi Arabia where non-Muslims cannot enter Mecca or Egypt where Coptic Christians have been persecuted for decades. The only time that Jerusalem’s holy sites have been open to all religions has been under Jewish rule; until 1967 Jews did not have access to the Western Wall, the holiest site in Judaism, which was under Jordanian control.

The other day on the main green I had a student in SJP tell me that she feels that what has been done to the Palestinians greatly exceeds the pain caused to Israeli citizens. I wish she would tell that to the remainder of the Fogel family, who’s close relatives were murdered around one-year ago by two Palestinian militants in the Israeli town in Itamar. Yes, they lived in a settlement, but that is hardly justification for such brutal action. I dedicate this post to the Fogel family as we mourn for them one year later.

When people ask me why there is a security barrier separating the West Bank from Israel proper, I struggle to find the words to explain the answer effectively. But just a few moments ago when I went to Wikipedia (don’t worry, not using it for a research paper) I found my answer. Looking for the story surrounding the death of the Fogels I searched “Itamar attack” and it brought me to a page. I was struck by the words “not to be confused with ‘Itamar attack of 2002’”. In 2002, Palestinian militants murdered a mother and her three sons in Itamar. The fact that there exists two wikipedia pages entitled “Itamar attack” is why a security barrier stands today.

At Columbia University pro-Palestinian students constructed a fake bulldozer and pretended to bulldoze Palestinian homes. That’s fine, but if you are using the spectacle to hide your beliefs in removing Israel as a Jewish state, good luck. This weekend AIPAC will be holding a conference in which Obama, Panetta, McConnell, Pelosi, and Netanyahu will be speaking - I think Israel as a Jewish state is here to stay. 

Case and point how to dress down a suit…

sbdaily:

Today. Cord suit + tee + sneaks on a beautiful sunny day. 

-SB

gqfashion:

Well played, Michael Bastian.

Through all of my work and research regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, I have come to few conclusions. The conflict is too complicated, too nuanced, and too intricate. But what really gets me is this whole argument - by both the Palestinians and a lot of Western media - that borders and settlements are the true obstacle to peace. The problem runs deeper into the thread of Palestinian society; any peace deal will not stand the test of time when pit against the anti-semitic rhetoric and Palestinian education for hate. 

Yes, I understand that there are Palestinians who deeply long for peace, but that does not excuse the huge amount of anti-semitic and anti-Israel propaganda put forth by television shows, speeches, newspapers.

One would expect such hatred from Hamas, a group which has no qualms about their dedication to Israel’s destruction. Thus, when most people say things like “two-state solution” they do not include Hamas and the Gaza strip. However, Israel’s most likely partner in peace, Fatah and the Palestinian Authority, has been propagating similar strains of hatred and intolerance. On January 9, 2011 Grand Mufti of Jerusalem Muhammed Ahmed Hussein gave a speech at an event commemorating the 47th anniversary of Fatah (a political party in charge of the Palestinian authority and the party of former PLO chairman Yasser Arafat). In this speech, the Grand Mufti cited verses from Islamic texts including the following:

“The Hour will not come until you fight the Jews. The Jews will hide behind stones or trees. Then the stones or trees will call: Oh Muslim, servant of Allah, there is a Jew behind me, come and kill him.”

This blatantly anti-semitic verse does anything but encourage cooperation and coexistence. And let us remember that this is not some arbitrary cleric speaking. The Grand Mufti of Jerusalem is senior religious figure with major political pull. In fact, he was appointed by Mahmoud Abbas, the same man that is leading the Palestinian Authority. The Grand Mufti is speaking at a Fatah rally - is this really the partner for peace the world expects Israel to negotiate with? 

But don’t worry, the anti-semitic views of the Grand Mufti are not without precedent. The most infamous of all the Grand Muftis, Haj Amin al-Husseini, who served as Grand Mufti from 1921-1948, was a card-carrying Nazi. He aligned with Hitler to re-create the Holocaust in the Middle East, established an Arab Bureau in Berlin, and event sent a volunteer regiment of Palestinians to fight alongside Axis forces. It is truly unfortunate to see that not much has changed in 70 years. 

Some might argue that this was simply one speech, but I beg to differ. Palestine Media Watch, a media watchdog groups that identifies hateful television and speeches, has shed light on the entrenched hatred in Palestinian TV. The following video is a TV segment that glorifies the murderers of an Israeli family of 5 in Itamar on March 11, 2011. Two Palestinian men entered the town of Itamar, broke into the Fogel household, and murdered the mother, the father, an 11 year old son, a 4 year old son, and a 3 month old daughter. Upon their arrest, the two murderers proudly reenacted the attack and told authorities that had they noticed the 3 other Fogel children (who were sleeping at the time) they would have murdered them too.

The video below provides a forum for the glorification of these two murderers. It demonstrates to the Palestinian people that this kind of violence is an appropriate response to Israeli actions. Civil disobedience, youth movements, and protest are legitimate forms of non-violent resistance, but this is unacceptable. 

I understand that there must be incitement on the Israeli side as well but it is essential to point out that this segment was published on a channel regulated and sponsored by the Palestinian Authority. Imagine if C-SPAN aired a segment endorsing violence against illegal immigrants. 

I am all for a long-lasting peace agreement, but, as the Israeli official stated in the first video, this education for hatred signifies the inability of the current Palestinian leadership to be partners for peace. Then Senator Hillary Clinton stated in 2007, “Ever since we first raised this issue some years ago there still has not been an adequate repudiation of incitement by the Palestinian Authority. It is even more disturbing that the problem appears to have gotten worse.” She could not be more right.