A Lesson from the Style Professor…

Dapper, Dapper Man, Fashion, Fashion Blog, Gentlemen, Happy Hour, Inspiration, Lifestyle, Men's Fashion, Men's Shoes, Men's Style, Mens Style, Menswear, street style, Streetwear, Style Tips

Senores,

By day I am a maestro de la ciencias politicas (political science professor).

Shocking, I know. I’m more than just some fly dude, lol.

And I think that kind of reality fits us all. We are more that what meets the eye. Being pegged in una caja (a box) is an injustice as it doesn’t fully allow us to showcase how uber talented we truly are.

As such, I’d like to challenge you to show off your real identity. You know, that person you were meant to be. Gente (people) deserve to know the essence of you.

We are all put on this mundo for a reason and to achieve a specific purpose. If we aren’t being who we were meant to be, then the world won’t get to experience the measure of greatness that was given to you.

Step 1: Be Okay with YOU!

Idris Elba asked a group of adults what they wanted to be when they grew up and the responses were amazing. Actually, some made me tear up. Many had forgotten their dreams. Life took over and, like all of us, they adjusted. Now, adjusting is great. The vida that we live can throw curve balls to us and we need to be pliable…BUT NOT AT THE EXPENSE OF OUR DREAMS.

So, gaze into the world with intention and join me in showing the world who you really are!!!!!!

Me?

I’m a dope college professor, with a dope political radio show, who is a dope style maven that has a dope style blog (which I use for inspiration) and I try to change the world one dope; stylish, and learned person at a time! Oh, and a dope clothing line is soon to come!!!

To be more succinct, I’m Kalan Laws, The Style Professor. It’s nice to meet you!

Y usted es? (And you are…)

Now that we’ve met, let’s go to the next step.

Step 2: Cover and Show

Show the world your talentos. Give them….us a piece of your gift. UNAPOLOGETICALLY! For too long you’ve hidden behind the veil, stayed in a cave – cloaking your greatness in the shadows.

But when you show who you really are, do so strategically.The masses may associate your face (metaphor for you) with one thing, so let your talent go before you. Produce your art, create your product, cement your brand…then reemerge as the new and autentico you!

Cubre (cover) your face (what folks know as the old you) and show your product (the new you). Caballeros (gentlemen) if you decide to literally cover your face, make sure you use some dope headgear.

Jacket:Forver 21

Walk away from where and how you used to move and let the new you lead. Keep working toward building the foundation, walls, and roof of the you that people need to see.

Step 3: Take a Step Back

After some time, lay back and gauge the reaction to see if you are getting any bites. Sit still and watch as personas begin to marvel at such dopeness. The idea here is to let what you’re construiendo (building) work for you. Movement is great…necessary but there are times when sitting still is best.

Boots: Bar III (@bar3)

Step 4: Focus on the Details

As you, in all of your new dopeness, continue to enlighten all as to the real you – take a minute to focus on what makes this you different than the other you. Focus on the detallas that make the redefined you so special.

Hat: http://www.s-gents.com

I guarantee that there is something you have or that you are doing that may be seemingly insignificant…maybe even considered a flaw or undesirable, pero is extremely poderoso (powerful).This characteristic is what your new audience NEEDS to experience. OWN IT. SHOW IT. BE IT! Give them a close up look so they can know that you are for real!

Step 5: Move with Confidence

Now that you’ve announced who you really are, walk proudly in your new truth! Pop your collar porque you have done what so many cannot or are afraid to do. Research is clear that confidence matters just as much as ability. People are drawn to the person whose moxie is fuerte (strong).

Photos: @flawson_

And keep going. Keep pushing. Keep heading toward your finish line!! Once you’re done, stand on your proverbial podium…proud of what you’ve done and who you have become.

For now the world has seen the true you, and in pursuing your truth, you’ve realized purpose. Those who have experienced the transformation and/or finished product will have been impacted, inspired, and ignited.

-SG

1. I REPRESENT MORE THAN MYSELF

I’m el líder of my family. I’m the figurehead that the world looks to to protect and provide for them. While more than important, provision goes beyond money and tangible things that have an associated value.

To my daughter (and future children), I provide an ejemplo of what a man should look like. When she gets ready to go on her 1st date (at 30 years old, lol), she’s going to choose someone that reflects me.

As well dressed man, we are though to have:

Power
Intelligence
Success
Cultured

These, among others, are qualities that I would want my daughter to look for in a man. Also, a well dressed man consistently:

Exhibits attention to detail
Exudes confidence
Exemplifies leadership

These are also the qualities that I want my niños and esposa to see in me.

My wife Kira and daughter Eden

As a fashionable black man, I am a walking billboard for black culture as well. The creativity that it takes to piece together such a dapper demonstration of dignity is admirable. It speaks to the innovation that resides in me ( and all other fashionable black fathers and men) in its totality.

Brandon and Olivia

Speaking of reflection, it will be seen in the mirror of the world. As such, the segundo thing style has taught me about fatherhood is…

2. I’M IN AN ELITE CLASS

I’m a dad and that means I’m in an exclusive fraternity!

I’m an African American dad and that means I’m a superhero!

Tshirt – @TheUrbanDads

In a tiempo when black dads are not as present in the family as in yester-year, I take huge pride in this responsibilidad and privilege.

My personal style helps to change the narrative in how the black male and the black father are perceived in media!
A well groomed and astonishingly put together black man all but eradicates the notion that all black men are ghetto thugs and hoodlums (which is how mainstream media and Hollywood often portray us).

All about business!

3. I AM FEARLESS

Tradición and cultura has boxed in style for men for years and it can be suffocating. It has been said that only certain colors are masculine. The old consensus was that being well manicured and paying atención to your appearance wasn’t manly. I scoff at that sentiment!

I jump at the chance to look nice!

Men of style and culture know that it can be a daunting task trying to live up to such standards that are, honestamente, not grounded in reality. Being a man of style has started to change the conversation about the perseption of masculinity.

Gents, be confident in this:

Dressing well doesn’t mean you’re soft and weak.
Smelling nice doesn’t mean that you’re not a man.
Polishing your shoes has no bearing on toughness.
Getting manicures and pedicures doesn’t make you any less of a man’s man.

Strength in style…

Style conscious gents have endured ridicule and castigation for daring to strive for excelencia in our appearance. We’ve been fearless in this pursuit regardless of the level of criticizing!

Hermanos, I applaud you for being courageous in this endeavor. You deserve a standing ovation for enduring the name calling, being cast away, and having your manhood challenged.

Call upon that gallantry in life when times get hard. Know that you can and will conquer difícil circumstances when they present themselves!

Bro, you’re a man…100%!

~SG

Fashion, Father's Day, Gentlemen, GQ, Men's Fashion, Men's Style, Mens Style, Menswear, street style, Streetwear

5 Reasons to Buy Bespoke

Fashion, GQ, Lifestyle, Men's Fashion, Men's Style, Mens Style, Menswear, Style Tips, well dressed

¡Señores!

Me espero todo bien (I hope all is well).

Una pregunta…

Are you taller than 6’4″; or maybe you’re shorter than 5’5″. Whether you’re a gigante or a microgent, one thing you share is that it’s hard to find clothes with el correcto fit.

The same is true for mis grandes amigos y atleticos!! When you’re sizes are beyond the norm shopping can be difícil.

So what do you do when your measurements just aren’t found in the stores?

Photo |www.dangerouslee.biz

The obvious answer is get your clothes tailored, to which I wholeheartedly agree. Regardless of your size, your tailor should be as much a part of your wardrobe as your favorite pair of jeans!
Pero, let me offer another opción: Bespoke!

Bespoke is just a fancy word for custom and I want to give you 5 reasons you should treat yourself to bespoke clothing!

1. Stellar Experience

When you go bespoke you are met with customer service beyond belief. They wine and dine you.

I recently had my first bespoke experience with Knot Standard

Photo | http://www.themuse.com

and Sons of Savile

http://www.sonsofsavile.com

Boy was it amazing!!!

Imediamente both companies took an interest in me. They were getting a feel for who I was as we were about to embark on the journey of selecting fabric, getting every inch of me measured, and customizations.

Sons of Savile was particularly interesting because they are an exclusive digital community that caters to your bespoke needs. They have a dope concept that’s really worth checking out. You don’t have to leave su casa to get a dope custom camisa (shirt)! Simply send your measurements in and your shirt will be mailed out to you!

Bespoke shirt by Sons Of Savile

2. One Of A Kind Piece
Custom means just that…CUSTOM. You can design a tailor made piece that reflects your specific estilo. You don’t have to worry about having a piece that looks like any other garment out. The details are what matter. Every unc is hand picked by you! You chose the following:

Fabric
Thread
Buttons
Button holes
Types of pockets
Lining
Collars
Lapels
Waist bands
Pleats or flat front
Sleeve cuffs
Cuff or no cuff in pants
Number of buttons
Fun personalized details

Hashtag personalizations and impeccable stitching

3. Hand Stitched
The quality of hand stitched is unsurpassed. There’s a level of care for each detail and each specification that’s put into the garment’s construction. A tailor can see any imperfections or mistakes before the item is finished and correct them immediately.

Jacket by Knot Standard

4. Premium Fabric

Style is about fit and fabric! Cuando going to a bespoke tailor the offerings of fabric are endless. They are rich in

Texture
Weight
Breathability
Color
Durability
Patterns/design

Most times the mills that produce the fabrics are European and have been in business for decades or longer. They know the tricks of the trade to produce el mejor (the best) fabric available.

El nuemero uno benefit of such quality fabrics is that it will last. You won’t have to worry about pilling.

Shirt by Knot Standard

5. Perfect Fit
I say again, style is about fabric and FIT! When you compra (buy) a bespoke item, it is crafted specifically for you.

A series of intricate measurements are taken to ensure that the fit is perfecto. Movement and comfort are taken into consideration, but an impeccable fit is the ultimate objectivo!

Bespoke shirt by Sons of Savile

Regardless of the type of movement, bespoke items are made to move with you! Wherever su vida takes you will be prepared in the most dapper of ways when dressed in bespoke.
So go ahead and invest in yourself. You won’t be disappointed! The experience will make you jump for joy!

5 Ways to Safely Wear Color

Dapper, Dapper Man, Fashion, GQ, Men's Fashion, Men's Style, Mens Style

Señores!!! NYC is in the 70’…Houston is in the 80’s

Oh and it’s only March!

It’s springtime baby!

With primavera (Spring) comes fun patterns, bold colores, and breathable fabrics. It’s actualmente a fun time for fashion and style.

There is un problema. Many men don’t know how to implement these into their wardrobe. Some guys feel as if certain colors are not masculine enough. Otro hombres may think that patterns are too busy and compete. Well let me tell you that those sentiments couldn’t be further from the truth.

As with all elements of style, it’s about your comfort level but do know that color and patterns are necessary elements for today’s stylish gent. To figure out how properly mix patterns, check out my pattern mixing post here.

Ahora let’s get down to business. How do you add color to your outfit without going over the top? Aqui are 4 ways to safely wear color.

1. Pick a palate and stay there.

This is the safest way to add color and dimension to your outfit. For example,if you’re wearing blue jeans and a blue blazer, make sure your socks are a different shade of blue. The blues (or any color) should compliment and not clash.

Another option is to monochrome the main pieces of your outfit and add a diferente shade of the same color palate.

Phil Adesulu captured by Kalan Laws

Notice the cobalt blue suit that is accented by a deep blue slip on. This tactic helps to provide depth to the ensemble while not being over the top.

2. Add a pop of color with your shoes.

Photo @themoderndaycindi

When doing this, let the color be the focal point of the
shoe and the remainder of the outfit should be simple. This will draw the eyes toward the show and make its color more impactful.

One subtle nuance to really show continuity in the color of the show is to have that color slightly scattered throughout one additional piece of clothing that you’re wearing.

3. Use your accessories as your color options.

Photo @Flawson_

Something as subtle as a bright tie clip can provide enough irreverence in your ensemble to be modern but remain classic.

Photo @matthewc0le

Or you could create a collage of color using pocket squares and wrist wear on a solid canvass. This helps add texture and levels to the coloring.

4. Balance bold bright colors with deep rich colors.

Photo @euanholden

This technique is useful in breaking up the boldness. Too many bright colors or too much of one bright colo can be overbearing and, quite frankly, will make you look like a clown.

5. Make blue your primary color.

This is not a rule per se, but it is a preference that many stylish gents tend to lean toward…whether they realize it or not.

Using blue as the backdrop for your outfit acts like primer for paint. It allows colors to pop and be vibrant. Imagine how the colors of flowers pop against the sky!!

Use these tips to liven up your wardrobe.

Stay fly my friends!

-SG

O C T O B E R

Dapper, Fashion, Fashion Blog, Gentlemen, GQ, Harrison Blake Apperal, Lapel Pins, Men's Fashion, Men's Style, Menswear, Style Tips, Uncategorized

Señores,

Excited does not begin to describe the nivel de exitación that I have have. Por que you ask; because fall is here! The meaning of otoño (Fall) is sort of esoteric in nature for me. It’s symbólico in nature.

Obviously fall is a change of seasons…quite literally, but it in turn can represent a change in life’s estaciones as well. Fall with all of it’s color changes, weather pattern shifts, and wardrobe varieties represents a shift in the earth and her inhabitants.

As a celebration of this shift, I want to present to you one of my favorite menswear accessory fall offerings, Harrison Blake Apperal.

Photo: Harrison Blake Apperal Instagram (@wearlapelpins)

On a monthly basis, you can get items such as the above September Box sent to you Puerto for a nominal fee. This service is an essential for me and should be for you as well.

As we celebrate fall and begin to redefine ourselves and wardrobe, often times all nececitamos is are minor changes. Slight modifications and additions can take our character, business, perspective, and wardrobe to another level. Harrison Blake Apperal (HBA) is a great way to stylishly accomplish this.