There are some great pieces to be found in the C’N'C’ CoSTUME NATIONAL spring collection, but the selection and styling of pieces leave a lot to desire. However, these are some great looks for style inspiration with a couple minor tweaks.

12) Remove polo and replace with solid t-shirt or button-up. 25) Remove pink shirt and add oxfords. 29) Replace print tee with solid tee.

4) Replace shirt jacket with leather hooded jacket. 5) Tone down the “plastic” look with stable colors like black and gray.  Black pants would look great with this.  6) A t-shirt with horizontal stripes would break up this somewhat boring outfit and make the see-through look of the jacket pop even more.

7) Cover the belt and slim the denim; gray would look nice.  9) Replace the zippered hoodie with a hooded tee for a fresher and lighter look.  11)  I actually like the monochromatic look going on here.  The only thing I would do is unroll the pants.  Oh yeah — and those sandals?  A definite NO.  This coming spring is all about straps.  That pair are missing like five sets of straps.

Pictures from C’N'C’ CoSTUME NATIONAL

Not Afraid to Break Tradition

I have an appreciation for eclectic style.  However, my vision of eclectic style is not throwing on every piece in your wardrobe in a cringe worthy fashion without close attention to prints or materials.  My vision is a complimentary mixture of different styles in which business meets pleasure.  The picture is above is a perfect example of this mixing.  A typical segment of streetwear; jeans, jacket, and beanies are paired with a mix of dandy and formal attire; oxfords, bow tie, jacket, etc.

An Obsession: The Dandy Accessories

The new web store Fine and Dandy has a great stock of affordable accessories for those looking to take a stab at transforming their daily look.  It is their philosophy to carry items to break up the monotony of typical apparel…

“Breaking it up with accessories. Be it socks or a pocket square. Or maybe cuff links or a tie bar. Just a little something to be less predictable and break out of the ordinary. Accessories are meant to add some life and energy to an otherwise monotonous daily uniform. There are no rules. Mix and match. Wear what you love. And most importantly, don’t be afraid to show a little flair.” Their stock of accessories include bow ties, hats, ties, pocket squares, scarves, and tie bars.

Publication: The New York Times
Editorial: Dress Code in Plaid
Model: Will Lewis
Photography: Dean Isidro
Fashion Editor: David Coleman

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B Store is known for their house brand of innovative shoes, but this coming spring, they will bring that same innovation to menswear.  If the layering featured in the lookbook images do not give you styling ideas, the individual pieces themselves are sure to inspire.  The two standout pieces happen to be bottoms.  The first pair as featured in the first picture have a wide silhouette with pleats that taper down, while the second pair feature are somewhere in the middle with a structured foot.  Be sure to keep this countryside inspired collection in mind for your personal spring lookbook.

Pictures from Ponystep

I could stay young and chipper
and I’d lock it with a zipper,
If I only had a heart.