Wasabi Nights

How to Dress Well on the African Safari

Hendricks Park client Jeremy and his beautiful wife Jenny went on Safari in Tanzania this summer.  They shared this fantastic image with me (along with some amazing shots of lions, zebras and more).  Jeremy's outfit is both stylish and functional thanks to a slub cotton deconstructed zip polo and glenplaid canvas pants; both by Agave. 

-Lisa

Lisa Bruckner
CEO & Co-Founder Hendricks Park
Dressing Well Made Easy

Hilarious but Deadly: 4 Reasons NOT to Shop at 30,000 Feet

A "Style Red Alert" from Aydika James, writer and Men's Style Expert for my company's blog at Hendricks Park...

I'll be the first to admit it:

I love thumbing through the SkyMall magazines mid-flight. Heck, I believe it's some of the best entertainment out there. However a frightening trend is arising lately, to the point that I must raise a red style flag.

Please note: SkyMall is for entertainment only. It is  Not. For. Clothes shopping. Click here to see 4 hilarious (but deadly) reasons why.

 

Good luck and safe travels!
Lisa, co-Founder and CEO, Hendricks Park

  Join us on Facebook!

  Subscribe the Hendricks Park blog

 

Good News, Men — Tie Bars are Back!

(Inspired by a post on my company's blog at Hendricks Park. Click here to see the original article: Tie Bars, Tie Clips - All You Need to Know)

 

 Want a quick way to step it up a notch? Wear a tie bar. (a.k.a.: Tie clip. Pin? Tack?)

In April, the LA Times suggested the tie bar is enjoying a new “renaissance” in men's style. I give this two big thumbs up, as this is one of the easiest ways for men to instantly take their appearance from "yawn" to "yowza." But why are there so many names for these objects — and what's the difference?

Here are the answers to what tie bars are and why you’ll love them. And if you’re a business traveler, like easy ways to "step it up," or have suddenly become Mr. Popular Wedding-Invitation-Guy... you may want to bookmark this post.  

 

Tie Bar, Tie Clip, Tie Pin and Tie Tack... What's the difference?

While minor distinctions exist, these words are used interchangeably today for two main types of tie hardware:  

Tie Bar / Tie Clip  (Sometimes called “Tie pin”): Clips the entire tie to the underlying shirt, to hold everything neatly in place. A "clip" opens like a jaw, while a "bar" simply slides over the tie and shirt.

Tie Pin / Tie Tack: Punctures the tie itself and affixes it directly to the shirt (through the button hole) to keep in in place and prevent it from sliding 
around.

Why Wear

• Functional Style: Holds your tie neatly in place and prevents it from swinging around. (Excellent for business travelers and men who live in windy cities.)
• Instant Polish: Adds personality, class and sophistication to your look. Plus, not as many men wear tie bars today, giving you an easy way to stand out.
• Formal affairs: Helps shape a tie for added height and decorum (See this image from a previous post for a great example.)

When to Wear

• Tie Bar / Clip:
  Great for adding polish to business and formal affairs — or anytime you want to step it up. (Easy extra points at work.) Also excellent when traveling for business, to hold things neatly in place amidst mad airport dashes and taxi hailing.

• Tie Pin / Tack:
  Best of formal and/or celebrational events (ie: weddings, opening ceremonies, etc.).

How to Wear

• 

  Proper placement is key.
  If wearing a vest, place the tie bar in the upper third of the tie (generally between the 3rd and 4th button of your shirt). Otherwise, you can position the ba r about 2/3 of the way down — though the modern look is to keep it in the upper third. (This makes you look taller and slimmer.)

• Tall men: Opt for a lower placement (2/3 of the way down) for a more balanced look.

• Style: Choose tie bars and clips that cover no more than 3/4 of the width of your tie. (It’s an accent; not a roller coaster safety mechanism.)

• Add Color: If your suit, shirt and tie are gray, white and black, your personality appears equally colorless. Mix in some color (ie: blue shirt or a red tie) to breathe life back into your appearance.

3 Notes of Caution

• Tie tacks permanently pierce the tie and leave a visible hole, so only wear with ties you only plan to continue wearing with a tack each time.
• If you affix a tie tack improperly, you’ll end up with a “tie tacky.” Be sure you know what you’re doing. (See royal wedding image for reference.)
• Never wear a tie bar with a chain... unless you like the nickname “Grandpa."

Whatever you call your tie-hardware,  adding polish to your look doesn't get much easier than this. Enjoy!

Best,
Lisa, co-Founder and CEO, Hendricks Park

  Join us on Facebook!

  Subscribe the Hendricks Park blog

How to Make a Great Look With Wardrobe Basics

My team and I spotted this man last month in Las Vegas, on a business trip for my company Hendricks Park. Even on a call, he was nice enough to let us take a photo. (It looks like this happens often for him.)

What caught my eye is how he turned basic wardrobe items into a great look, which expresses his personality and style.

Why does this man's simple outfit work so well? Click here to read more.

All the best,

Lisa

 

How to Look Sharp When You're Traveling: Best 3 Items for Men

Another morning flight today; and I couldn't help but snap photos of the good, the bad and the...downright confusing. Every time I travel, I see men make the unnecessary choice between style or comfort. However it's easy for men to travel in style and comfort.

Here’s an example of a professional look, ruined by an unnecessary sacrifice:

First class business traveler. Nice suit. Running shoes. (Ugh. This combo even looks ugly in writing.)

I understand the need for comfort, but there are equally comfortable shoe options that don't glow in the dark — or inspire a citizen's Style Police arrest. And in terms of networking opportunities, I wonder: Would I ask for this man’s card if he sat next to me on the plane? Or would I be blinded by the light?

Luckily another man presented a much better option:

While casually dressed (and even slouching in this picture), this gentleman still looks far more polished in his comfort-friendly outfit. Instead of chunky white gym shoes, he chose to pair purple street sneakers with a textured yellow shirt, a brown leather belt, dark denim, and a tan city coat. A nice mix of color — and all very versatile items for travel. If you choose to fly in sneakers, this is a great example of how to pick fun, stylish, comfortable options and really own your look.

So here’s why this outfit works: Mr. Tan Coat is following what I call the “Mens’ Travel Trifecta” — a simple 3-item formula you can rely on for excellent travel looks on any trip. Focus on these three elements, and you’ll fly in class and comfort — and save space in your luggage — without intervention from the style police.

• 1: Dark, premium denim — This is your ultimate travel item. The dark wash can be dressed down or up, looks great with everything, and is comfortable in-flight.
  
  
• 2: Blazer or stylish jacket — A navy blazer is the most versatile option, as it transfers easily from day to night/dressier looks. A charcoal sport coat is another good choice. For casual travel, a stylish city coat is an excellent bet.
  
  
• 3: Quality loafers or street sneakers — Brown loafers are the king of travel footwear: comfortable, stylishly versatile, and a breeze to slip on and off in the security lines. (Black is more formal and less versatile for casual looks.) Brown loafers look excellent with everything from business suits, to chinos, to denim.
  
  For the more casual or “edgy” man, stylish sneakers can be a good bet — just be sure they’re designed for the street, not the gym.

And there you have it: A complete, classy, comfortable travel outfit for many occasions, which pairs well with any shirt. Good shirt options are a nice T-shirt (casual look), a long sleeve henley or polo shirt (“polished casual”), or a well-fitting woven “button up” shirt (dressier). I also recommend a high-quality undershirt, to keep you cool and dry through the fluctuating temperatures (and occasional mad dashes) of travel.

Just remember: Never, ever wear athletic shoes with anything but athletic clothing. And if you’re working out in your business suits gentleman: we really must talk.

Are You Going Tropical This Winter?

If you are going on a cruise, honeymoon, tropical business or leisure trip this winter, stock up right now on what you need or want to wear.  Options are fairly slim at the end of the summer, but are much better than they will be in October through December.

It just takes a few minutes to look over what you have and ask yourself: do I want to pack this?  Will I be excited and happy to wear this on my trip?  People are most dissatisfied with their wardrobe when they travel.  Even one or two new items in your travel bag can make a big difference in how confident you feel about your appearance.  

The clothing you have may feel fine to wear in your town, but they may seem dingy and embarrassing abroad.  You don't want to be the schmuck in ugly swim trunks or out-dated shorts wishing you had something better in your suit case.

Look and feel your best.  Bon Voyage in style!

-Lisa Bruckner, Founder & CEO Hendricks Park

Wingman

While on a flight home from NYC, the person sitting next to me asked me what I was doing in NY.  I explained I was there to attend the menswear shows to source new clothing and accessories for our Hendricks Park clientele.  This of course led to questions wondering what Hendricks Park is, etc. 

After explaining what we do; essentially, we are a high tech-luxury service for men who hate to shop or don't have time, and want the convenience of having a personal Style Expert select and coordinate outfits, send it directly to him anywhere in the US and Canada, and provide honest feedback on how it actually looks and fits; all from the convenience of his webcam.....He was quiet for a minute and then he said..."oh, you are Wingman."  I laughed out loud and nearly spilled my drink.  What a great way to put it.  So, I turned to my right and snapped a shot of the wing out my window (from my Blackberry...eat your heart out iPhone 4) and decided if I have to sum it up in a word next time, I will simply say "We are your Wingman." 

The menswear shows were great and I was delighted to see what is in the works for Spring.  Menswear has always been more limited than womenswear, but the lines we saw were fresh and full of color, texture and pattern.  

I was there on a mission to find stylish, yet masculine "man essentials with a twist" and came home a happy Wingman.  Get ready gentleman to look fantastic!

-Lisa Bruckner, Founder & CEO Hendricks Park