you had me at hello: tux & stripes...

ok really? how fabulous does this jacket look? a nice spin for a tuxedo jacket...AND with stripes...

as i was getting my mail today...i quickly flipped through my town & country magazine april issue...and as always...there is that one item that...has me at hello...and this issue...just happens to be this lovely...

of course...i'm dreaming big to have a giorgio armani jacket in my closet...but i like the idea of this...which means...i need to keep my eyes peeled while vintage shopping...i'm sure i can find something that will come close to this...right?

scanned by moi

men's corner: why not tux it?

so...if your plans are to wear a tuxedo more then just on your wedding day...i always suggest investing in one that fits you right...which means...don't rent...but buy...

this month in gq magazine "the best tuxedo jackets under $400" had some great finds...be sure to check them out...

most think of a tuxedo for a formal event...while that is absolutely the item of choice when going to a black tie event...the tuxedo jacket can be worn with a pair of jeans...why not look stylish...even in your jeans...

photo source

men's corner: how to buy a tux...

tis the season for tux wearing...well for some...and if you are in that "some" group...as i tell my men clients...it is an investment worth making...instead of taking the "rent a tux" road...you will always be ready...it will be made to fit you perfectly...and...you won't be shelling out a few hundred bucks everytime you have an event to go to...

here is a great article from gq.com on "how to buy a tux" which is worth the read...and i figured i would include my post from last year..."luv a man in a tux"...which...still holds true...

photo source

puttin' on the tux...

men always fuss about dressing up, (well...not all...but most...) yet they look so delicious in tuxedos...and...most women love a man in a tux...so why not skip hearing them fuss...and wear a tuxedo yourself? you are certain to look fabulous, too...and feel like a sexy woman of mystery and intrigue...

how can you find a men's tux that fits? well you probably won't...every so often a designer such as yves st. laurent or ralph lauren will come out with a high-priced tux outfit for women...



but i think a better bet is to find yourself an oversized vintage tuxedo in a resale shop and take it to a tailor...have it cut down to fit your own curves perfectly...and accessorize to your heart's content...don't stop at the tuxedo itself...find some elegant cufflinks to wear and a jazzy silk cumberbund to wrap around your waist...perhaps wear a flouncy skirt or silk blouse to make the outfit more feminine looking...

and by all means...don't forget...wearing one piece at a time jazzes up a casual outfit to perfection...

men's corner: luv a man in a tux...

i don't know what it is, but i love to see my man in a tux! and i think most women do too, even though you men often don't share our enthusiasm...however, it's important that we recognize that there are some guidelines we should follow in helping you get outfitted in that "monkey suit"...

the classic basics are: black tux, white shirt, black bow tie. yes, you can wear a long black tie, just make sure it syncs up with the width and material of the lapel (i.e. satin lapel, satin tie.)

after that, the decision is 'which lapel to wear'? the classic 'notch' lapel mimics the conventional suit jacket and looks right on just about anyone...other choices are the 'shawl' collar for a retro 50's look (just keep it on the narrow side), or the 'peak' lapel, which debuted in 1886, and can look batmanesque at it's widest, so make sure you are up for that...

regarding cumberbunds, some say they're now passe, as are vests...but suspenders are fine, just make sure they don't sport cutsey prints...pocket squares are de riguer, as long as they're white and square...cufflinks and studs should be understated...

now, that being said, if you prefer to make a statement, rather than going for the classic james bond look, then go for the colored tie or tastefully printed cufflinks and studs...after all, it should be fun for you to put that tux on!