New blog on chron.com gets buzz

My latest blog on the Houston Chronicle's website, Style Profile on chron.com, debuted on Friday and has received several comments so far. Houston media blogger Mike McGuff, one of my makeover subjects from a previous entry on Style Points, gave a shout-out on Monday.

Thanks for taking time out to post a comment to my blogs. Please keep 'em coming. I look forward to making more interesting entries.

See more on Style on chron.com

I have started blogging on the Houston Chronicle's website, chron.com, about men's style. The new blog is called "Style Profile." The subject already has its share of observers, critics and respondents, but the discussion seems to be catching on.

You'll probably see more of my posts on chron.com, though I will on occastion be posting entries here on Style Points and for other sites.

Let's go!

Face the facts: Gotta shave, fellas

Few things get my attention when it comes to pro athletes doing postgame interviews. Having a five o'clock shadow is pretty commonplace stuff; if the facial growth goes to beard level, no blinking there.

In my best phonetic impersonation of my former Philadelphia Inquirer colleague Stephen A. Smith: "How-evuh ...!"

I don't care how accomplished an athlete you are; please take a little time out to shave before going on camera. Some reporter out there probably will do a sidebar story on unkempt countenances, and ask some ridiculous (but relevant for such a story) question like, "Thank you for speaking to the media. But before you talk about what happened during the game, why is your beard connected to your chest?"

Exhibit A: The normally clean-shaven Tom Brady gave a postgame interview with a noticeable beard after leading the New England Patriots to a 39-26 victory at Pittsburgh on Sunday night. (Catch Monday morning's highlights on SportsCenter if you want to see what I mean.) When the whiskers are visible on his neck, that's unseemly.

I wonder sometimes if Mr. Brady's latest look is an homage to former teammate Randy Moss, a stellar wide receiver who himself plays his position with ever-present facial hair. Now with the Tennessee Titans (who lost to the Miami Dolphins 29-17 on Sunday), Mr. Moss' beard is fuller and coarse.

On Sunday, Mr. Brady, a three-time Super Bowl champion quarterback, took a walk on the wild side, even for him. C'mon, man! It's the NFL, not the League of Extraordinary Gentlemen. Ironically, during Mr. Brady's postgame interview on Sunday night, there's are Gillette Fusion ProGlide logos in the background. (Cue up the ad campaign right about now.)

It's late in the day, guys. The excessive facial-hair thing is soooooooo '70s.

Shaving the neck area takes about five minutes tops, and your appearance is more orderly for subsequent interviews. Yes, it's a free country, I get that. But really, from a style standpoint, a selective lack of grooming draws a penalty flag in a hurry.

Style Points crosses over to McGuff turf

When I started Style Points in February 2008, I wanted to tell anyone who would listen how men can improve their look without breaking the bank.

The following month, I asked media blogger Mike McGuff, creator of MikeMcGuff.com and who currently is a reporter for KIAH-TV Ch. 39 in Houston, to stand in as a model for my post on how one garment can change your look.

Fast forward to November 2010, and Mr. McGuff asked me to return the favor. I was asked to list on his blog my top 10 style errors.

I'm sure there's a range of fashion not-to-dos out there, but my list is intended as a basis for dialogue. Let's hear it!

Well-fitting shoes are worth paying the price

Some of the most powerful forces that affect humankind are astonishingly the most simple.

If, in the words of William Congreve, "Musick has Charms to sooth a savage Breast"; and if food is the way to a man's heart, then where might footwear, "if the shoe fits," rank?

It's gotta be up there (the shoes, that is). Growing up, all I wore were sneakers. Converse, Pro-Keds, anything rubber-soled that enabled me to run all day. Problem is, sneakers wear out quickly.

Since entering the workforce in my teenage years, shoes became more of a priority. Shoes are obviously more appropriate than sneakers in professional work environments, and can be resoled. The comfort factor is most important, given that I am on my feet a lot at work.

Purchasing shoes that are visually appealing but do not fit correctly is a waste of money, even when they're on sale, and potentially painful to wear. Having done this more than once, I have only myself to blame.

That got me thinking ... what price would I be willing to pay for a comfortable pair of shoes?

The short answer is the amount that is at least as much as I value comfort ... but hopefully the price is negotiable.

I have worn shoes made in the U.S. (Alden, Allen-Edmonds, Cole-Haan, H.S. Trask), France (Paraboot), England (Gieves & Hawkes, Charles Tyrwhitt, Edward Green), and Italy (Fratelli-Rosetti and Damiano Chiappini). While each shoemaker has different designs and price points, the common denominator is they're all comfortable.

My latest acquisition is a pair of two-tone, handmade Stefano Branchini shoes, which retail for thousands of dollars. Branchini shoes have been worn by the likes of Sir Elton John and outgoing California Gov. Arnold Schwarznegger. Branchini shoes feature side stitching, leather-tipped laces, embossing on bottom of the sole, and metal eyelets. Here's a look at what I mean:




When I tried them on, the Branchinis fit like a glove and carry a bold look. Even on sale (which they were when I got them), the bottom-line price was hefty but within the acceptable range of what I was willing to pay. (No, I'm not telling.) They are a one-of-a-kind purchase; comfortable and elegant.



With proper maintenance, I'm sure to get plenty of mileage out of these shoes, though they're not meant to be worn every day. I certainly will not keep them in a box and allow them to catch dust, either. Branchinis are a great find when they're on sale. The Bologna-based shoemaker's attention to detail is admirable.

Think pink for Breast Cancer Awareness

One of the most interesting and refreshing things that I have noticed, from watching NFL games on television to professional men on the go in Houston (and in my own wardrobe, for that matter) is the emergence of pink in men's outfits.

While pink is more accepted in women's wear, it is gaining momentum in menswear, thanks in part to the month of October being Breast Cancer Awareness month. This is a cool thing, and rather ironic since the color pink usually is regarded as a summer color. In the fall, pink becomes not just symbolic; it is a change of pace.

With dress shirts, pink is another option that joins the whites and light blues that men are used to when suiting up. Dark ties with pink accents are welcome complements.

Although pink has made strides in conservative menswear, there's still a sentiment of resistance to the color, that pink may be too leisurely or "for sissies."

News flash: We're a decade into the 21st century, and pink is increasingly "in." In fact, it never left. Let's review a few of such icons over the years: We have the pink Cadillac; the Pink Panther; and Pinky, one of the baddies who's always chasing Pac-Man.

Pink has long been a "preppy" color that's been available for years at retailers such as Brooks Brothers, J. Crew and Polo Ralph Lauren. In the spring and summer, pink is prevalent in seersucker suits, Oxford shirts and ties. In the fall and winter, a pink shirt provides a nice contrast with a navy blazer or suit.

Pink is still an acquired taste for me, but it's not difficult to work it into my wardrobe. (Yellow is actually tougher for me.) The key is to achieve balance. Too much pink means too casual; with dark suits, incorporating pink in the right places (shirts, ties, pocket squares) will go far.

T.O. chapeau inspires at least one follower

Cincinnati Bengals receiver Terrell Owens is known for over-the-top antics during his NFL career, but style icon? Who'd a thunk it?

Of course, seeing is believing, and I experienced this firsthand earlier on Thursday afternoon. Peep this: A woman walks into the high-end menswear store where I work, and asks me if the store carries fedoras. I replied that we carry only one model in the store, and it's brown.

She was looking for a black fedora, "like the one my boyfriend saw T.O. wearing on TV."

Oh, really? The same T.O. who has a reality show, and is usually good for a colorful quote during press conferences? I was stunned, but maintained my professional demeanor during the exchange.

I suggested that she try The Hat Store on Richmond and Chimney Rock in Houston. Plenty of fedoras are there, from Borsalino to Stetson. She thanked me for the tip.

Then, I got to thinking afterward ... will Owens' fedora-wearing ways gain a following? At least two of his pro football predecessors, coaches Tom Landry and Hank Stram, wore fedoras. Fedoras remain an elegant option for middle-age men. In Houston, however, I don't see too many hats in general (outside of baseball caps) being worn.

Whether athletes are trendsetters in classic style remains to be seen. Michael Jordan may have brought long shorts into vogue during his playing days in the '80s, but even his appearances in GQ haven't generated a sea change in men's style. Other GQ cover guys such as Kobe Bryant and LeBron James are among current NBA stars who have upped the ante on style, but no clear front-runner has emerged.

NFL linebacker Dhani Jones is known for sporting bow ties, the preferred accessory of former NBA player-turned-ESPN basketball analyst Bruce Bowen. Shaquille O'Neal has worn a bow tie in postgame interviews during the NBA playoffs. Still, the "bow tie effect" hasn't caught on in today's men's fashion scene, which is getting less and less formal.

The irony is that fedoras and bow ties are hardly new; these are "old school" pieces of clothing that offer a retro look. In fact, they never left.

I'm not sure whether it's T.O.'s intention to reinvigorate the fedora, but one thing's for sure: Look at any old movie starring Cary Grant, Gary Cooper, Douglas Fairbanks Jr. or David Niven. If you study these films the way Mr. Owens would on opposing defensive backs, you'd make the All-Sartorial team in record time.

Rooster ties bring back memories

I remember acquring my first Rooster tie about seven years ago at a Salvation Army store in Bristol, Conn. I liked the brim of the tie being thin and that it had a good weight to it.

Fast forward to Saturday ... I went into Syms initially looking for Allen-Edmonds shoes but stopped by the ties first. I couldn't believe there were a selection of Rooster ties. These were the current versions featuring timeless stripes, polka dots and animal designs in various colors. I could have collected them all, but settled for two.

The nice thing about Rooster ties is that they are very well made. They are inexpensive. I found mine at $14.99 each. If you don't want to spend a heckuva whole lot of money on ties, Roosters are a worthwhile investment.

Style Points branches out

I was asked by Sabre Magazine publisher Andre Terrell Tucker to contribute a piece to his up-and-coming online magazine. Between sips at Starbucks, we found out that we shared much in common with regard to men's style. Click here for my take on two-button vs. three-button jackets.

Men's jewelry accentuates personal style

Since I began this blog in 2008, my focus has been on menswear and basic accessories such as belts and cuff links. As a man builds his wardrobe and has command of his sartorial choices for various occasions, he also develops his personal sense of flair.

To wit: Do you prefer wearing a necktie, bow tie or no tie? Are cuff links part of your repertoire? Braces or belt?

Just as your selection of accessories depends on the occasion at hand, your selection of jewelry cannot be understated. A well-chosen ring and watch can generate significant Style Points for the wearer.

Yesterday, I walked into a Tiffany & Co. boutique in Houston and took a look at men's rings. I previously had purchased a sterling silver Tiffany Moderne ring and was wearing it as I was browsing at men's rings in the glass case. A woman standing next to me noticed that I was wearing the same ring she was considering for her man, and decided to get it. I was thrilled inside.

I don't have many hard-and-fast rules for wearing rings, other than to wear only one ring per hand. Wearing more than one ring on the same hand reduces the effect and the presentation becomes tacky. (Only Iron Man's arch foe, the Mandarin, can pull it off.) Also, you'll want a quality piece (sterling silver, 14- or 18-karat gold, or platinum depending on what you can afford) to represent your sense of style.

The ring I like most is the signet ring, which is worn on either the ring finger or pinky. It exudes manliness, plain and simple.

If you want more bling, then the watch is just the thing. Again, choose what you can afford, but understand that if your intent is to make a favorable first impression on a job interview or at a party, a good watch is a worthwhile investment. There are a number of quality watchmakers out there, but if you want to go a few notches above Timex, Casio and Seiko on the bling meter, consider Movado, which offers an iconic design at various price points. If you're moving up in the world, shoot for the likes of Cartier and Patek Phillipe. And if you get one of the latter, relish it big time.

It's sale time, but don't go broke over it

It's time to fill in a few blanks in the wardrobe or upgrade some existing pieces. Summer sales are about to crescendo to great deals on menswear. Round up the usual suspects: Neiman's, Nordstrom and Saks already are off to sale mode.

Now that it's after Father's Day and heading toward the Fourth of July, look for the discounts to increase. There is a caveat to this strategy: You'll have competition from other shoppers looking for the best deal, too, and the item that you have your eye on may be sold before you're willing to pull the trigger.

For example, Movado's boutiques are going out of business at the end of June. It's discounts on jewelry increased each week during the month, from 50 percent on selected pieces the first week, to 60 percent the next, then to 70 percent this week.

I decided that no matter what was being sold by the store at a certain level of discount, I would decide from what was left at the higher discount. This approach reduces any regret for items that were well out of my price range, even at a sale price, to begin with. The item I wanted was still there, but there were inquiries from others. Fortunately, I put the item on hold at just the right time. I then bought it at 70 percent off.

This leads to a second caveat: Just because an item is on sale doesn't mean you have to buy every such item that you see. Be selective about what it is you're looking for and stick to the plan. Granted, getting more for less is best, but do it affordably.

Finally, when the sale period ends, take a look at the new items coming in for the next season. Yes, the new stuff will be at full price, but some of these items will eventually go on sale during Christmas time. If what you want doesn't go on sale, decide if you're willing to the pay the asking price.

Good luck.

Craig Sager owns the paint in pink

TNT courtside reporter Craig Sager embodies the spirit of spring during Game 3 of the Western Conference finals between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Phoenix Suns on Sunday night in Phoenix.

Those who were watching the game on television may have seen Mr. Sager rockin' a pink windowpane sport jacket and white trousers, a decidedly fresh springtime look. His pink floral tie completed the ensemble. Clearly, Mr. Sager had fun with assembling this outfit.

And for extra credit to those wearing pink, check out fellow TNT broadcaster Charles Barkley, whose pink shirt with blue stripe coordinated nicely with his light blue suit. Sir Charles might want to remove the buttons from the collar points if he doesn't wish to use them, but other than that, this is another spring fashion done simply and smartly.

How ESPN's NBA guys measure up for style sake

Magic Johnson, Jon Barry, Michael Wilbon and Stuart Scott presented the breakdown after Game 1 of the Western Conference semis between the Los Angeles Lakers and Utah Jazz on Sunday.

There are couple of things to know about wardrobe selection that might explain why certain colors that are seen on TV aren't necessarily popular choices in conventional workplace wear.

First, a studio's backdrop is a factor when choosing what to wear. The last thing anyone in front of a camera wants is to blend in with the background.

Second, you might see three-button jackets being worn more often than two-button models because it's a cleaner look on camera when the top two buttons of the jacket are fastened. So don't follow the bandwagon that three-button models are not "in." Such trends are cyclical and should not sway your clothing decisions. What matters is that the look is simple and elegant.

Back to the ESPN crew on Sunday night:

-- Magic Johnson came out of the box strong with a peak-lapel, gray suit with a pinstripe pattern and a solid pink shirt. Mr. Johnson's tie, however, does not anchor the look. It is a red, white and light blue stripe that competes with the pattern of the suit and looks fuzzy altogether. I would suggest a solid charcoal or black tie, which give an understated elegance and does not steal the suit's thunder. Grade: B-

-- Jon Barry's solid tan suit evokes the season that is spring, and his deep red paisley tie is an excellent complement with his tattersall shirt. Well balanced and well coordinated. Grade: A

-- Michael Wilbon's light gray suit contrasts well with his pale yellow shirt. The brown tie with light blue and light brown polka dots looks great on TV, but does not pick up the color of the jacket or shirt. I'm not certain whether the pattern of the jacket is a glen plaid, which usually has light blue lines running vertically and horizontally throughout. It's not easy to see on TV. Grade: B

-- Stuart Scott's light gray suit matches up well with his light gray striped shirt, but the kelly green tie and multicolor pocket square dominate the suit. The knot on the tie is so big that it doesn't come up flush against the top of the collar, and the pocket square doesn't match anything else that he's wearing. Grade: C-

Cavs' LeBron, Mo keep it simple

Cavaliers teammates LeBron James and Mo Williams opted for solid colors -- mainly silver and black -- during their postgame interviews Saturday night after defeating the Boston Celtics 101-93 in the opener of the second round of the NBA playoffs.

Mr. James wore a solid gray shirt with a black vest, while Mr. Williams sported a gray shirt and tie with a black sweater with blue trim around the shoulders. Both men looked very smart, casual and not least, professional in front of the camera.

There's not much else to add. Well done, gentlemen.

Bow tie earns big Style Points for Shaq

Shaquille O'Neal exuded style on Saturday night after the Cleveland Cavaliers' Game 1 victory over the Boston Celtics in the second round of the NBA playoffs.

Mr. O'Neal reprised his stylish look from the previous round's postgame interviews and came correct: A solid silver, floral print bow tie (it's put on correctly this time), with a crisp white shirt and a gray pinstripe suit.

That's how it's done. A textbook presentation.

Of course, Mr. O'Neal's attire drew an inevitable ribbing from TNT analyst Charles Barkley, who asked The Big Bow-dacious, "Did you give up pork?"

Mr. Barkley was alluding to the Fruit of Islam led by Minister Louis Farrakhan, who are recognized for wearing bow ties. It's a joke that would fall flat if Messrs. Barkley and O'Neal did not know each other well, but the question drew laughs from TNT colleagues Chris Webber, Kenny Smith and host Ernie Johnson.

Shaq responded with aplomb, and the postgame interview ended a few moments later.

Let's review ... if you're going to wear a bow tie outside of formal occasions, it's important to "own" the look. People might test you or poke fun, but that should only reinforce your conviction in wearing it in the first place. There is a uniqueness about a man who wears a bow tie. If you know how to tie one from scratch, that's a skill that other men may shy away from learning, giving you a sartorial advantage.

I'm still curious to see whether Mr. O'Neal tied that knot by himself ... at any rate, he gets big Style Points.

NBA postgame snapshot observations

My day starts with ESPN SportsCenter at 6am CT, and in the first half-hour are NBA highlights ... and the requisite postgame commentary from players and coaches.

Some of the players opt for plaid, others don sweaters and vests, with or without ties. The coaches are consistently polished ... and then there's Shaq.

To see the recent postgame interview attire, click here. Among the clips, you might see the following ...

-- Phoenix Suns point guard Steve Nash sports the secret-agent look with a wide-lapel jacket and tie after defeating the Portland Trail Blazers in six games on Thursday.

-- Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki keeps it simple with a French blue shirt after losing their first-round series to the San Antonio Spurs.

-- I like LeBron James' shawl-collar sweater and knit tie combination after the Cleveland Cavaliers' series-clinching victory over the Chicago Bulls on Tuesday. The "LBJ" crest is an especially nice touch."

-- Shaquille O'Neal has a great French-cuff shirt and vest ... but a clip-on tie? Clearly, he jests. But he'd actually look cooler if he was wearing an untied bow tie. It would signify a sort of after-party look, now that the formal event is over.

-- Orlando Magic center Dwight Howard goes with the tan jacket with epaulets, red shirt, black V-neck sweater, black pocket square and plaid tie after Monday's sweep of the Charlott Bobcats. I prefer matching my pocket square with my tie, but Mr. Howard matched his pocket square with his sweater. The tie is too light and does not readily pick up any of the other pieces in his presentation.

Bow tie old hat for Bowen, bold move for TV

ESPN analyst and former San Antonio Spurs star Bruce Bowen is one of a few television personalities who wear a bow tie. This is a relatively bold choice in a field where long neckties are the norm for men.

Other notable sightings of bow-tie clad sports figures of late include TNT analyst and former Houston Rocket Kenny Smith and current Rocket Aaron Brooks; and NFL linebacker Dhani Jones sports the look here.

By wearing bow ties, these gentleman have at least took the time to bring some level of "cool" to an accessory that generally is accepted with tuxedoes, but not always in the business world. (Conversely, wearing neckties with formal wear doesn't quite measure up to the majesty of a bow tie.)

In Mr. Bowen's case, he is a consistent contributor to ESPN as an NBA analyst and you'll be seeing more of him as the playoffs progress. If he continues in the bow tie direction, I'd suggest that he either draw the knot tighter (it appears too big on screen and the bow looks less defined) or select a tie that has a narrower width, a la James Bond.

In any event, Mr. Bowen is on the right track. The color of his ties work in concert with his jacket. (When Mr. Brooks wears the red blazer and matching tie, it's clear he is representing the Rockets. All other non-Rockets should not try this at home.) Ironically, Mr. Bowen has acheived a conservative look with a tie that's outside the norm when it's on television.

That said, Mr. Bowen stands out. Whether others follow isn't the point; Mr. Bowen owns his path. Keep it goin', dude.

Must-haves in your wardrobe

It was an honor to work with Arizona-based image consultant Janice Hurley-Trailor on the finer points of fundamentals in a working man's wardrobe. Click here for the highlights.

Working linen into your wardrobe

Linen is among the most comfortable fabrics to wear in the spring and summer time. Be it in the form of jackets, trousers, shirts and even shoes, linen sends a clear message of casual cool.

I have reason to believe that among men who dress conservatively for work, there is a reluctance to embrace linen as part of their wardrobe. For some, linen's inherent property of wrinkling makes men less comfortable about wearing it in public than a non-iron cotton shirt.

Lighten up, fellas. The whole point of wearing linen is to get as far away from work attire as possible. Linen works best when worn outdoors, eating outside at cafes, strolling down boardwalks.

To test the look, I went out to my backyard wearing a linen suit and a cotton/linen blend sleeveless shirt. I live in the Houston area, where it's typically 75 degrees Fahrenheit during the spring.



The linen suit is a brown pinstripe from Polo; the shirt is from Nautica; and the leather-lined, linen shoes are vintage Cole-Haan. I especially like the generous leg room in the trousers, which gives me an "Oxford bag" look. To top it off, the straw hat is from Borsalino.



Finding linen shoes these days is a bit of a challenge; sandals work just as easily if you wish to maintain the leisurely look.

Bottom line: Don't be afraid to experiment with linen. It's meant not to be ironed. It is comfortable in warm climates.

D-Wade chanels his 'inner lumberjack'

Dwyane Wade was feelin' it after scoring 46 points to help the Miami Heat avoid a sweep by the Boston Celtics. I hope the Heat can extend the series some more, because Mr. Wade is putting together some interesting looks after the game.

After talking to his "hot" hand during his scoring spree in Game 4 on Sunday in Miami, Mr. Wade answered questions from the media afterward. He was wearing a red plaid sport shirt and a solid black vest.

In my modest experience in working on television and film sets, one of the things that production people often advise is when appearing in front of cameras, avoid wearing white, red or black clothing. Whenever I see these colors on television, whites appear too bright (use eggshell or off-white instead), red comes across "flat" as a color (substitute deep red or maroon), and black makes an object appear two-dimensional instead of three (use navy).

So in person, Mr. Wade looks fine. On television, while the plaid he was wearing was the right shade of red, it needs to be a little darker to show up stronger on screen. The black vest helped balance the colors of the shirt, and Mr. Wade's presentation was much simpler than his postgame attire from previous playoff games. (See my previous posts.)

Bottom line: The "hardworking lumberjack" look works for me.