Military Styled Coats

Outerwear is highly important when the winter season rolls around. Everyone loves a great looking winter coat, and for men the military styled coat is stylish but still masculine. These coats lie a bit beyond the waist and have a lot of design details that give it more of an edge than your average pea coat. Buying in a darker color, such as a deep navy or charcoal, is a sure way to complement any outfit this winter season.

Preppy is Still In

Preppy winter clothing has yet to go out of style, and is a great way to add color to your winter wardrobe. Preppy styles for men are comfortable, casual styled clothing that come in a wide variety of styles and bright colors. Brands to try: Tommy Hilfiger, D&G

Say Yes to Exotic Fabrics

Velvet is still in this season as far as fabrics are concerned. Men don’t need to stick to boring cottons or wools to have their winter wardrobe fit in. Cashmere, leather, and even fur is in this season for men. Brands to try: Versace, Etro

Heavy Knit Sweaters

Sweaters with a chunky knit in bright colors are definitely a wardrobe must have for any man along with Nordic sweaters. These sweaters will not only keep you incredibly warm during the colder months, but will also keep your wardrobe interesting and from running on the bland side. Brands to try: Versace, Hermes, John Varvatos

Go Gray Not Black

While black is classic and sleek, let’s not forget about the stylish neutral gray.  Gray suits and overcoats pair nicely with the bright garments that are in this winter, and complete an outfit without having to be so traditional.

Just because winter is upon us doesn’t mean that men can get sloppy. Keep yourself looking good by remembering a few of your favorite winter trends.

The Fashion for Action sale is going on at The Altman Building 135 West 18th Street, (between 6th and 7th avenues) from November 17-19th.

“Through the years Brooks Brothers has famously dressed high profile individuals including nearly every American president, captains of industry and countless actors and actresses for appearances both on and off screen,” said Claudio Del Vecchio, Brooks Brothers Chairman & CEO. “Kermit the Frog is an international legend admired by children and adults alike. Naturally we hopped at the chance to create his clothing.”

“I was very excited about my new wardrobe,” said Kermit. “I don’t often wear clothes but when I do I want something classic and expertly tailored,” he added.

“Brooks Brothers was the perfect match and fit for me,” said Kermit. “Growing up as a tadpole in a swamp with 3,265 brothers and sisters, you can imagine that I had a lot of hand-me-downs. I love the fact that these items were made exclusively for me.”

Love it, adorable, we can’t get enough. Disney’s The Muppets opens in theaters November 23.

*DISCLAIMER* MTV awards shows are always graded on a curve or almost everyone would be on the worst dressed list. Some of the best here (As and Bs) could have potentially been Cs at the Grammys.

Let’s begin with the best, as there were only a handful of of ladies who came to work.

Selena Gomez in Julien MacDonald Fall 2011 – Congratulations Selena, for wearing a mullet dress I actually like, actually love in fact. One of our favorite teen style stars, Selena’s dark side came to the surface in this Gothic number by Julien MacDonald. The gold accessories lightened things up in the perfect way.

The collection will include sweaters, dress shirts, polo shirts and ties for men — because as we all know, women don’t follow the foot..skip…ball or whatever it is) and will be available August 15th for the following schools:

- Harvard
- Princeton
- NYU
- Cornell
- Stanford
- Notre Dame
- Boston College
- Georgetown
- Alabama
- U.S. Naval Academy
- Ohio State
- Auburn
- Vanderbilt
- Georgia
- Virginia

Having gone to NYU I can say confidently that the only sports the student body cares about are binge-drinking, bong-ripping and boy-kissing.

As for Yale and Columbia, apparently the preppy brand doesn’t find them quite up to snuff. What good is that fancy Ivy League education if it can’t even get you a Brooks Brothers polo, trash? [Bloomberg]

The Suit: Everyone knows that the suit makes the man and that’s why the Don wouldn’t be caught dead not wearing one. There are many suits that a guy can wear that will carry the same presence. For the more conservative exec a plain black suit that fits well is always recommended and adding a pinstripe in your repertoire will have people appreciating you attention to detail. For a bolder guy a suits with materials that have a little sheen are great and if you really want to turn head goes with a color like cranberry. (SEE: Macy’s, Nordstrom’s, Brooks Brothers & Topman)

The Shirt: The same rules apply for the shirt as it did for the suit. You rarely see Donald on Celebrity Apprentice wearing a non solid color (or white for that matter) shirt. To make this look your own bust out this this mindset and go for your patterns. It’s always cool when you take your jacket off and there is a completely new look there. (SEE: Bloomindale’s, Saks, & Mr. Porter)

The Tie: When it comes to style I feel like if you walked into Trump Towers without a tie you would be fired immediately. The Trump man keeps it pretty simple with his neck wear. To add some spice go for a tie with patterns or even switch up the texture by adding knit and silk ties to your collection. (SEE: Ties.com, 21MEN, & EXPRESS)

1. Lonely Planet Travel Guides

Forget all the normal, run-of-the-mill travel guides out there.  Lonely Planet offers a fresh, fun look at ways to travel nationally and internationally with themed entries including 60 Lighthouses in 60 Hours, Prison Tours, Top 10 Places To Have A Midlife Crisis, and Top 10 Places To Go Skinny dipping.  Spice up your trip.  You deserve it.

2. Brooks Brothers Non-Iron Supima Shirts

While the Ritz might have an iron and ironing board, not every place does, especially if you’re on a road-trip.  So what if you want to continue looking Ivy-league chic as you travel the northeast?  Pick up a couple Brooks Brothers non-iron dress shirts.  Made of high-quality Supima cotton and coming from Brooks Brothers, you know it’s going to be both comfortable, classy, and classic.

3. Samsonite Bright Lites Suitcases

Move away from the luggage that everyone has (and that leaves you scratching your head at baggage claim).  With a Samsonite Bright Lite, you’ll know exactly which bag is yours.  On top of that, the bright sheen is totally reminiscent of golden-age America which, thanks to Mad Men, everyone’s going gaga for.

4. Bacardi Torched Cherry

It’s still summer for a little while and a cool Bacardi mixed drink is about as refreshing as a dip in the pool.  RVTips provides a recipe for a killer Bacardi drink: 2 parts Bacardi Torched Cherry, 3 blackberries, 2 lemon slices, and a bunch of mint (6 leaves).  ”Muddle blackberries, lemon slices and mint.  Shake, double strain and pour over ice.  Garnish with mint, blueberries or raspberries.”  Voila.  Refreshment on the road.

5. Red Envelope Tailgating/Grill Set

For the sports fan and/or burger enthusiast in all of us, Robert recommends the above grill set which comes with a bag that doubles as a cooler and which you can also attach the accompanying grill accessories to, and of course the grill itself.  Easy to carry, easy to pack, and the end result–delicious, delicious grilled foods–is worth it.

All these products and tips, along with many more, are available at Robert’s blog.  While it’s still here, get your summer on.  And don’t forget to thank Robert Verdi (and his recommendations) for making it that much easier.

Check out the video from the party for more:

Live streaming video by Ustream

Just because there’s torrential rain falling from the heavens doesn’t mean it’s not summer.  Check the humidity that just won’t give up.  There’s no way you can wear a trench and if you try a rain slicker you’ll be spending a good ten minutes peeling that thing from your skin once you get inside.  And let’s not forget about the foolishness of wearing rain boots.  So here’s a handy little guide on beating the heat (and humidity) while also staying reasonably dry.

As much of a pain in the ass as it is to carry an umbrella around, it’s totally necessary.  You can find a huge variety of cheapies around the city.  Go to Chinatown, Muji, Macy’s, Barneys, or Brooks Brothers, all with umbrellas ranging from $3 to $50.  By using an umbrella, you don’t have to drop a huge amount of coin on a windbreaker which–let’s face it–probably isn’t waterproof anyways.  And what rain does make it through?  It’ll feel damn good.For your top, wear a thin cotton button down.  A t-shirt is liable to get wet and stick to your body and when it dries, it’ll be wrinkled and unsightly.  Furthermore, t-shirts are extremely constricting in this weather.  You’re basically asking to get hot and sweaty (and not in the good, Al Green way).  You can leave the top few buttons undone and allow the shirt to breathe around you.  If a good breeze hits, it might even inflate the shirt and you’ll feel like you’re parachuting/Puff Daddy in that one Ma$e video.  That’s always a plus…if you’re particularly immature like I am.

Concerning your bottom?  Don’t wear pants, guys.  Most young men likely to frequent Fashion Indie probably also wear slim or skinny pants.  Your legs are the most likely part of you that will get wet.  If they do and you’re wearing pants, you’ll be extremely uncomfortable and it will take forever to dry.  If you’re wearing loose pants, you will still be extremely uncomfortable and probably look half-retarded.  Think about it–you’ll have your pants plastered to your shins while the rest droops off to the back.  Not a good look.

Go with a pair of shorts–preferably of a solid, darker color.  We don’t want the rain to soak through and show your privates off now, do we?

Now for the most daunting task of summer rainwear: the shoes.  You can always go the flip-flop route, but if you’re in a walking city, you might find it ‘icky’ or ‘eww-ie’ to leave your feet so exposed to the inevitable puddles you’ll have to traipse through.  If you can’t buck up, go for shoes that will dry fast, you won’t mind tossing, and that don’t look like you’re wearing them for those exact reasons.

Try going with plimsolls or the always reliable Vans and Chucks.  Or get your old-school Bruce Lee on with a pair of espadrilles which are being pushed hard this summer.  The shoes that make the most sense to wear, however, are some genuine boat shoes.  Seeing as they’re made to be worn on a boat, they should serve you well in rainy weather.

Finally, carry a tote.  A backpack’s going to extend too far out from the umbrella and get soaked, a messenger bag is just going to make things hotter.  A tote, however, stays close to your side, is of a quick-drying material, allows for a variety of patterns and styles for cheap and, most importantly, can hold a surprising amount of goods.

So there you have it.  How to stay cool in the summer without burning a hole in  your wallet, the rainy day edition.  A roundup of one suggested outfit culled from this article’s linked pieces below.

1. Navy and White Totes umbrella from Macy’s, $25

2. J. Crew Secret Wash lightweight point-collar poplin shirt, $59.50

3. Topman blue smart shorts, $50

4. United Bamboo Skull Tote, $50

5. Cole Haan Air Yacht Club boat shoes, $56.64

TITLE LOVE: McArthur Joseph

Sorry Brooks Brothers, but there’s ZERO reason for a $90 shirt to rip after only 4 wears. Get it together.

Thom Brown has quickly become the fashion world’s sweetheart, a recognizable face within the industry so saturated with men’s suits. Apparently, investors just realized that his suits can cost about $5,000 each and they’re not holding their own on the rack. Which means canceled orders for Spring and Fall from small boutiques and larger department stores and the possibility of bankruptcy.

Much to everyone’s surprise since he has a multi-million dollar partnerships with Harry Winston, Moncler and Brooks Brothers.

LINKAGE: Fashionista

Been dying to relive all your favorite Chris Farley “Fat Guy in a Little Coat” moments? Well you’re in luck, the new Thom Browne helmed Black Fleece store has opened it’s doors on Bleecker Street.

With lower price points and a softer collection of suiting for women, this little jewel in the Village is sure to keep Browne Nosers ankle deep in suiting goodness.

For a slender fellow, or anorexic as some of my douche bag fans would say, it is hard for me to find a suit that fits without expensive drastic tailoring. Thow Browne however, appreciates us lanky breed of men by making slim fitting, trendy suits, which is why I will support just about anything he makes. His newest collection for Brooks Brothers called “Black Fleece” is no acception to my praise Thom mentality. His accented lapels and long coats have caused me to destroy my computer’s keyboard due to the drool that is flowing out of my mouth. I could do with out the argile. I guess I’m a bit over it by now, but no one’s perfect. Now only if I could stumble upon enough money to actually afford a Thom Browne suit. I suppose Christmas is right around the corner right?

If you’re looking to buy your favorite Fashion Indie writer a piece or five from this collection, you can head over to a Brooks Brothers store, or check out their website here.

Thanks Selectism.

Men's Style #10: Clear Sunglasses (Paul Smith $315)

Fashion Indie Recommends: Skip clear and definitely skip wayfarers. Go with something a bit cooler and more subtle for Fall. (Karen Walker $170 via Gargyle)

Men’s Style released their 16 essentials for Fall, well I have decided to put my two cents in and chose ten of their items that I think suck. Their options are too safe, too old man, and just plain old boring. Not only am I going to give you some damn good alternatives, I’ll tell you where to get them and save you some cash too. All the links to buy the items are at the bottom.

Men's Style #2: Hiking Boots (Rachel Comey $380)

Fashion Indie Recommends: Who goes hiking in New York City? Try these higher, yet comfortable boots for size. Tuck your pants into them, or wear your pants over top. It's called versatility people (H by Hudson $235 via Urban Outfitters)

Men's Style #12: Braided Belt (Bally $140)

Fashion Indie Recommends: Two is always better than one, so try this double buckled belt. I think I wore a braided belt in elementary school and hated it then. (All Saints $88 via All Saints)

Men's Style #1: Patch Pocket Suit (Steve Alan Cooper $800)

Fashion Indie Recommends: Lapels are all the rage when it comes to suits these days. Simple outline on a standard grey suit (CNC $829 via Revolve Clothing)

Men's Style #7: Knit Beanie (Meg Cohen $140)

Fashion Indie Recommends: Why spend so much on something so simple. Go cheap on an item like this, not only will know one know the difference, they won't care (American Apparel $16 via American Apparel)

Men's Style #8: The Cricket Sweater (Flippa K $225)

Fashion Indie Recommends: How old are you that you are wearing a sweater like that? Don't get old too fast go with this cool shawl collar sweater (Julian Red $210 via Oak)

Men's Style #15: Micro Print Shirts (Pringle of Scotland $550)

Fashion Indie Recommends: Go polka dots. They aren't micro, but they aren't a bold blatant pattern (Comme de Garcons x H&M $TBD via Nitrolicious)

Men's Style #4: The Camel Blazer (Brooks Brothers $2,100)

Fashion Indie Recommends: Double breasted jackets aren't doing it for me. Like a said, lapels people! Try a cool knot jacket! (Scotch and Soda $240 via Revolve Clothing)

Men's Style #16: The Long Pea Coat (Unis $795)

Fashion Indie Recommends: Go long and tie it off. Commit to the full trench coat and be sure to get one with a belt so it doesn't look too baggy (Filius $450 via Refinery 29).

Men's Style #13: The Bubble Vest (Gap $68)

Fashion Indie Recommends: So this may be a bit more expensive, but undoubtedly worth it. This cool drooping neck sweater allows wearers to rock a cool sweater, or pull it up and over your head into a hood (reference image below)(Unconditional $278 via Oak)

Pictures courtesy of:

Mens Style, Oak, Refinery 29, Revolve Clothing, American Apparel, All Saints, Nitrolicious, Urban Outfitters Garglye

Some skanky Hockey Mom.

Amy Poehler...the "cool" mom in Mean Girls.

Let’s face it, there is nothing cool about moms that wear pink velour Juicy Couture sweatsuits, flaunt their belly-button piercings, show off their cleavage to their kid’s friends, smell like a baby prostitute or wear Rock and Republic jeans. Really, anyone over the age of 40 that goes out looking like they are about to hit up a high school dance should be given a reality check. Yes, you are old. No, you shouldn’t be wearing your 14-year-old daughter’s clothes. Yes, you turn heads…but not in a good way. No, you are not cool.

If there is one thing I really applaud, it is a woman who embraces her age and dresses for it. Dressing like a “mom” doesn’t mean you lose fashion and sex appeal. My mom looks killer in her Ralph Lauren blazers, Brooks Brothers sweaters and Calvin Klein jeans…and seeing that she has been married to my dad for 31 years means she must be looking good! 

Take my advice. If your mom has nicer clothes than you do, gets her nails done more frequently, dyes her hair obsessively and compliments your friend on her “stellar” heels, I recommend you ditch her while she’s shopping at Guess and head for higher ground. In the meantime, I’ll be hitting up 5th Ave with my cool mom.

Comme Des Garcon has made the decision to creatively collaborate with Brooks Brothers. Much of the clothing, such as the blazer pictured above, created during the collaboration for fall/winter 2008 entertains the Brooks Brothers logo. The line includes a variety of shirts and blazers, which can be found at Reinforce. The collection is a unique result of creative collaboration; it’s clear it makes a statement.

Thanks to Selectism for the pics!