October 4, 2011
- The Sophisticated Man

One of the most appealing looks for men are those that exude sophistication. Having sophisticated pieces is an important part of any man's wardrobe. Sophisticated fashion comes from classic and timeless pieces.

The Suit

A sophisticated suit is essential in a man’s wardrobe. There are many suit options out there but no matter the style, the most important factor is that it fits the individual impeccably. Get suits tailored to ensure the fit is appropriate. Dark colors show refinement, sophistication and power and a wool suit with broad shoulders and one or two buttons will keep the look modern. Opt for rich, dark colors to create the most sophisticated effect.

Casual Sophistication

Getting that sophisticated look does not mean one has to dress in a three piece suit (although this is a great look!). Incorporate tailored pieces, such as a black blazer into everyday looks. Dark jeans are great with a dress shirt or sweater, a blazer and a great pair of shoes.

Details

Narrow ties will give a sophisticated look a fashion forward twist. A high quality belt, polished shoes and a timeless watch are classics that make every outfit appear more put together and stylish. For the more daring man, cufflinks or a sleek metal bracelet are fashionably sophisticated and add instant edge.

Phoebe

Phoebe@milenaconsulting.com

September 28, 2011
- Patterns with Panache

It's time to step away from the typical blue, gray and black solid pieces you're used to wearing. Enhance your style with traditional patterns that have a bold twist.

Plaid. Edgy color combinations offer a modern spin to this classic pattern. Whether you choose a funky bowtie or collared shirt, add a pop of plaid to make your outfit appear unique and stylish.

Harris Tweed. This is both pattern and fabric, with its fabric being a tweed and its pattern a mixture of herringbone and twill. It has made a major comeback in the past couple of years and it's the perfect look for fall and winter due to the heavier nature of the fabric. Wear it as a suit or as a sportscoat with designer denim.

Pinstripe. Another traditional print, pinstripe offers a sophisticated, timeless feel to any outfit. The best benefit of wearing pinstripes is the visual trick of making the wearer look taller. Don't be afraid to mix a pinstripe shirt with something bolder such as plaid or gingham.

Blair

blair@milenaconsulting.com

September 22, 2011
- Boots to Fit Everyman's Style

Fall means it's time to expand your shoe wardrobe beyond flip flops. While a pair of black dress shoes or even your tennis shoes can be considered a staple, so can a pair of this season's trendiest boots. Boots work with everything from a t-shirt to a suit so there is a pair of boots to fit every man's style!

Try a pair of sleek, smooth leather for dressier occasions and a distressed pair for your favorite jeans. Suede chukkas are even more prevalent this year than they were last year. We love them in grey for a great alternative to basic black. Boat shoes have also transitioned to fall in suede ankle length styles. Lastly, if you want a more solid boot, go for a comfortable and casual lace-up work boot.

September 14, 2011
- Mens Color Trends For Fall

men's fall

As the weather changes so do the seasons hottest colors. This fall a variety of color trends have hit stores. Everything from rich shades of plum, burgundy and midnight blue to subdued hues of blue and green. Neutrals are always a must! This year wear camel, charcoal grey and espresso.

Rich plum, burgundy and midnight blue.

Rich tones are a great way to add color to any look. They are modern and sophisticated. Wear solid ties in plum, burgundy and midnight blue with a charcoal or black suit or blazer. You can also pair button up shirts and sweaters in these shades with jeans for a casual and up to date look. Wearing these deep colors will definitely make eyes pop.

Subdued hues of blue and green.

These are great colors to incorporate into any fall wardrobe. Blues and greens are appearing duller and more subdued this fall. Mix and match with textured pieces such as tweeds and suede.

Neutrals.

This fall incorporate charcoal grey, camel and espresso into your fall wardrobe. These neutrals are great for outerwear because they will look great with most ensembles. Substitute a black suit for one that is a deep charcoal grey or keep warm in a chunky camel or espresso sweater or scarf.

Phoebe

phoebe@milenaconsulting.com

September 7, 2011
- Use Belts to Enhance Your Look

Because men have few accessory options, belts become an important factor in creating your unique style. We know guys are all about function, but a belt should not literally be holding your pants up. In fact, join us at the Blues Jean Bar for Denim Wednesdays if you face the problem of ill-fitting, saggy bottom pants.

Why. Think of your belt as an accessory, a way to make your look one-of-a-kind and memorable. Play with color, texture and width to give yourself a variety of options for different occasions.

How. Insert the belt through the left-side loops first, so that when buckled, the spare end is on your left as well. Ideally your belt should be buckled in the middle hole if possible. You'll want to wear a heftier belt with jeans in a casual texture such as suede, leather or nubuck. For the office, go for a sleek, dark belt with a buckle in the same color family as your watch (i.e. stainless steel, platinum, gunmetal).

When. If your belt loops are showing, wear a belt. If your belt loops are not showing, however, skip the belt as it will add bulk where you don't want it.

Blair

blair@milenaconsulting.com

September 2, 2011
- Fashion Rules You Can Break

Unless you majored in fashion in college, memorizing all the fashion "do's" and "don'ta" can be overwhelming. There are definitely many long held traditional rules that no longer apply. So we are here to help you brush up on your fashion IQ.

Pair Black with Brown or Navy. While pairing blacks with blacks is easier and safe, a navy shirt can really pop under a black jacket. Try mixing different fabrics like a camel brown wool jacket with black leather driving gloves.

Wear White After Labor Day. You've been afraid to wear anything but your white button up after Labor Day, until now. Wear white jackets as long as it's warm out, or white sweaters in a winter white paired with darker toned pants and shoes.

Double Down on Denim. It was once called a Canadien Tuxedo, but wearing two denims together works if you do it right. Mix denim tones together such as a dark denim button up with a slightly lighter jean. Make sure you denims are also in similar wash and weight.

August 23, 2011
- Get More Out Of Your Wardrobe: Mix Classics and Trends

Create a wardrobe that is always up to date by mixing trendy items that are fashionable with classic pieces that can be worn for years.

90% of your wardrobe should be classic pieces! Tailored jackets, slacks and sweaters are must have classics for any man. These are items you can wear year after year and always look sharp.Classics should fit well and be high quality garments. You will spend more money on higher quality clothing but it is worth the investment because they will last.

10% should be trendy! Trendy pieces add interest to your wardrobe and keep your look current. Mix in trends, such as ties in seasonal colors or a unique button up, with your classics to create fashion forward look. Create multiple outfits by wearing a classic jacket with slacks and a fashionable button up and then wearing the same jacket with fashion forward jeans and a tee shirt. Trends change quickly so it is not necessary to spend a lot of money. With less money spent you can easily update your look as trends come and go.

Phoebe

phoebe@milenaconsulting.com

August 17, 2011
- Function Meets Fashion with the Trench Coat

A modern take on the classic trench coat will leave you looking both debonair and confident this fall. This investment piece will keep you dry and warm during the inclement weather without looking like you're ready to hit the slopes.

Two important factors to consider when purchasing a trench coat are color and length. We recommend keeping the color neutral and dark to transition easily from the office to a night on the town. Choosing a length that is slightly above the knee is more modern than styles hitting below the knee. Make sure the shoulder seams rest slightly on the outside of your shoulder and that the coat skims your body without excessive bagginess.

This look is meant to be sharp and sophisticated with relaxed tailoring. Look for details that reflect your style such as a leather buckle or an exaggerated collar. Stick to these guidelines and you will wonder what you did without a classic trench coat.

Call us with your style questions!

Blair

blair@milenaconsulting.com

August 11, 2011
- 5 Ways Any Man Can Add a Few Inches

It may not be about size, but often times it is about height. Many women prefer to date a guy that is taller than them. In fact, many of the women we talked to prefer men that were six feet or taller. If you were not blessed with the build of Superman, have no fear. Here are 5 ways to instantly add inches to your overall look without putting on your girlfriend's heals (not recommended).

Streamline. Keep your clothes as fitted and contoured to your body as possible. This creates focus on the vertical lines of your body. Avoid anything baggy or oversized. Try shirts with a trim fit and slim cut jeans.

Patterns. Pinstripes and vertical lines in your button up will attract the eye up and down. Horizontal stripes can be effective in adding a little with to a really lean body that may want to have a little more visual heft.

Short Jackets. Choose a one-button jacket that sits just at the bottom of your seat. This creates more visual leg length, thus making you appear taller.

Texturize. A little texture will help beef up your overall appearance. Try a knit sweater or a birdseye suit.

Boots. Sneak in a couple inches with a great pair of rugged boots with a chunkier heal. Be sure to avoid clunky shoes that will actually weigh down your look.

July 21, 2011
- Clothing and Accessories with a Conscience

Clothing and accessories aren't just about fashion anymore. Brands are realizing that people want more than to just look good, they want to do good too. Tom's, Threads for Thought and Omerica are three companies helping their customers do just that. We love their products, their style and most importantly what they do for their communities.

Omerica Organic. A Denver based company, Omerica Organic makes unique, organic wood belt buckles, ear plugs, dog tags and pendants. Their woods are beautiful and they are committed to donating to the Nature Conservancy Tree Planting Programas a way of offsetting their wood consumption. They've planted over 8,891 trees and can create thousands of products from just one tree.

We suggest the "Butting Heads" dog tag shown above. www.omericaorganic.com

Threads for Thought. Created by college students, Threads for Thought uses sustainable fabrics such as organic cotton and polyester recycled from plastic water bottles to create clothing that is beautiful, socially conscious clothing. Part of all proceeds are donated to charity. The Natural Resources Defense Counsil and the International Rescue Committee are two charities they support.

Try any one of their basic t-shirts for the perfect combination of comfort, style and community.

www.threadsforthought.com

Toms. One for one is their motto. With each pair of shoes you purchase, Toms will give a pair to a child in need.

Founder Blake Mycoskie started Toms after he discovered that many children in developing countries do not have a pair of shoes and are thus are at a high risk for injuries, disease and are often even denied from school. His company has now donated over one million pairs of shoes to children around the world.

We love their simple Cordones which are easy to slip on with a pair of summer slacks or jeans. www.toms.com