Spring Wardrobe Essentials

 

Spring has officially arrived and now I can finally store away my winter coats for the season. Spring is a great season to layer on interchangeable lightweight pieces . I love to rock simple and refined silouhettes in the spring and in order to do that I have developed a spring wardrobe that I can make several outfits from.

A Denim Jacket

You cannot go wrong with a denim jacket . They are so versatile for those cooler nights and they add a sense of edge and structure to any outfit

A White T-Shirt

Simple and versatile. A white t shirt is so valuable to your Spring wardrobe mostly because it is the great blank canvas to add other elements too. You can wear it by itself or under a jacket. However you choose to wear it , make sure that you chose a style that compliments your body type because believe it or not, not all t-shirts are created equal

Lightweight Blazer

If you know me you know that I love a structured blazer so in the Spring I swap out my heavier wool blazers for lightweight blazers made of linen or cotton. These more relaxed blazers are a great way to dress up a casual outfit.

White Sneakers,

When it comes to shoes for spring I always reach for a white sneaker. They are effortless and coordinate with just about every outfit in your closet. Most recently I purchased the Converse All Star High Tops and the Adidas Advantage shoes which are mentioned in my Fave Five March Blog Post and YouTube Video.

 

Crisp White Linen

White button down shirts are a staple in my wardrobe. They are so versatile and can be worn year-round and in the summer can be styled with a variety of pieces including shorts, chinos or jeans.

I snagged this J.Crew Linen Oxford (similar here) second hand from Buffalo Exchange a few weeks ago for about $20. I fell in love with the relaxed yet tailored fit and the thick and textured yet breathable 100%linen fabric.

I styled the shirt by rolling up the sleeves for a more relaxed look. I added denim and suede neutral loafers. I threw on a stack of bracelets that I have collected over the years and some are even gifts from friends (one from Mexico and one from Africa. My Fatigue L.L Bean Tote Bag is quite easily one of the best purchases that I have made in a long time. It literally goes with EVERYTHING.

Linen is a great fabric choice for summer so if you have not invested in at least one linen piece I suggest you start looking now!

I leave you in love peace and style,

Lonnie

Summer Look Book 2019

IMG_1520 copy.jpg

It is officially summer ya’ll and I am kicking off the season right with 4 summer looks that will have you looking pool ready, beach ready… summer time fine ready!

I had fun shooting this look book video while I was vacationing in Miami Beach in mid June (Yes I go to Miami every year, don’t @ me) . I wanted to explore some summer looks that have my signature style but also incorporate some trends such as Neon, slides and futuristic sunglasses .

Click below to enjoy!

Screen Shot 2019-06-19 at 11.48.27 AM.png

FIT DETAILS

Top | Forever 21 Men Mesh Ringer Tank

Shorts | H&M Swim Trunks w/ white side stripe (old) | Similar Style Here

Shoes | Vans Checkered Slides

Sunglasses | Thrifted Buffalo Exchange | Similar Style Here

Screen Shot 2019-06-19 at 11.55.25 AM.png

FIT DETAILS

Top | H&M Screen Printed Tank (Sold Out | Similar Style

Shorts | Forever 21 (old) | Similar Style

Shoes | Airwalk (old) | Similar Style

Sunglasses | Thrifted Buffalo Exchange | Similar Style

Screen Shot 2019-06-19 at 11.55.38 AM.png
Screen Shot 2019-06-19 at 11.55.54 AM.png

FIT DETAILS

Top | H&M (old) | Similar Style Here

Necklace | Thrifted Silver Statement Necklace | Similar Style Here

Shorts | Forever 21 Men Stripes Twill Drawstring Shorts

Shoes | Adidas SuperStar

3AC221EC-AECD-4933-BCFF-6CF2C09F782E.jpg

Supermarket Chic

Am I the only one that likes to look put together when running errands? I’m sorry but I can’t be seen in public in pajamas or oversized sweatpants! When I’m doing my grocery shopping I like to look chill and comfortable but still stylish because in the words of Jazzmine Sullivan:

“ I never leave the house without make-up on
I keep mascara in my pocket if I'm running to the market
‘Cause you never know who's watching you”

I dont wear make up but you get my point! Running errands is not a reason to look lazy or sloppy!

At minimum, give a mild slay (just killed another career it's a mild day - Nicki Minaj) . Ok enough with the song lyrics, let’s dive into this look.

I was giving very rockstar grunge this day. I paired medium wash jeans with a Brooklyn’s Finest Graphic T (R.I.P. TO B.I.G. ) and layered on an open no collar plaid short sleeve shirt and threw on a black motto jacket with rose details on the sleeves for that bad boy feel and of course I rocked my adidas superstars

Speaking of Brooklyn’s finest, i actually took these shots in the Brooklyn Target. Shout out to that location for having a free phone charging station!

Tell me what you guys think of this look in the comments below.

I leave you in love, peace and style,

Lonnie

Acing Athleisure

Are you wondering how you can wear you gym clothes outside and still be considered fashionable even when you’re not headed to the gym? Welp, there is a fashion trend that can help you accomplish that goal and it is called Athleisure in which clothing designed for workouts and other athletic activities is worn in other settings, such as at the workplace, at school, or at other casual or social occasions. This means that you can transition effortlessly from your soul cycle class to a casual cocktail event without looking out of place (but please shower in between).

IMG_0306.jpg

“Athleisure is a trend in fashion in which clothing designed for workouts and other athletic activities is worn in other settings, such as at the workplace, at school, or at other casual or social occasions.”

Brands like Ivy Park, Under Armour, LuLu Lemon, Nike, Supreme, Adidas and Fila to name a few have been instrumental in expanding definition and wearability of athletic wear. Now a days athletic wear is more tailored and fun to wear which makes it more pleasurable to incorporate into your wardrobe.

CREATING THE LOOK

I paired a shawl collar blazer with adidas track pants, adidas superstar sneakers, black and white graphic print socks and an patterned/textured t-shirt. I topped off the look with a baseball cap to give it that sporty spice. You could easily make this look more casual by rocking a track jacket or locker tee shirt under the blazer or ditching the blazer all together. You could also take a more dressed up approach by swapping the blazer for an overcoat or by wearing a dressier shoe such as a wing tipped boot.

Are you into the athleisure trend? Let me know below in the comments,

In Love, Peace and Style,

Lonnie

IMG_6722.jpg

OUTFIT

DETAILS

patterned vintage shawl collar blazer (similar here)

thrifted neon and black baseball cap (similar here)

adidas track pants (similar here)

forever 21 marble jacquard t shirt (shop here)

adidas original superstar shoes (shop here)

patterned socks (similar here)

Diggin’ The Details

IMG_6654.JPG

I am a really detail oriented person. I am that guy who checks his receipts at the grocery store during check out to make sure that the expected sales price that was advertised is reflected.

That attention to detail also translates to my wardrobe.

I love to find pieces that have unique, well crafted not so “in your face” details. I focus on tailoring and craftsmanship over “flashiness”.

For this dressed up black sexy look I wanted to highlight 3 details in my outfit. These details add the right amount of pizazz that make feel confident and comfortable when I step out on the town.

IMG_9714.jpg

HYBRID LAPEL.

I am calling this lapel hybrid because I don’t know if it has an actual formal title but it combines a traditional lapel with a shawl collar lapel to make for a lapel that I am in love with. So subtle but so special.

IMG_9742.jpg

BROOCH BLING.

This one of a kind brooch boasts a unique shape and black iridescent black crystals, I am here for all of the shine and sparkle it gives from a far and the dimension and … that it gives up close. it truly is a statement piece in it’s truest form.

IMG_9685.JPG

EMBELLISHED COLLAR.

This is hands down my favorite shirt OF ALL TIME (in my Kanye Voice) Why? well because it fits well. I love that the buttons are covered with a fabric panel and the collar literally steals the show so subtly. The faux leather gives it a strength and bit of sheen while the metal grommets as a rocker/bad boy flare.

HOLIDAY LOOK BOOK 2018

The Holiday season is in full swing and now more than ever it is important to find the right look for the occasion. Weather you are headed to a company holiday party, spending time with loved ones or getting all jazzed up for a fancy gala you want to look the part. Here are 3 mens wear looks that have holiday cheer written all over them.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS,

Lonnie

SLAY THE HOLIDAY FUNCTION

When you are headed to a holiday party you want to look festive yes mature and put together. I went for wine slim fit chinos, a mustard crew neck sweater and a grey multi colored plaid wool blazer. Red and green are a popular color combination around the Christmas Holiday. I gave a nod to the classic color combo adding emerald green suede shoes. The last splash of pizazz came from an oversized color block scarf. When you pump into the party looking like this, expect heads to turn!

FESTIVE DATE NIGHT

The holiday season offers so many opportunities for themed dates weather it be a dinner date right before going to see your local Christmas tree lighting, going ice skating or enjoying a swanky cocktail and small plates. For my date night look I chose a pair of medium wash jeans and an oatmeal cable-knit turtleneck sweater, wing tip brown boots and for a statement I threw on my army green vintage corduroy coat embellished with a gold leaf brooch. Go ahead and impress bae (or potential bae) with a stunning casual and put together look this holiday season.

GLITTER-LESS GALA

It seems that reflective fabrics are the go-to for holiday looks and don’t get me wrong, I love a good sparkle and shine but sometimes It’s nice to be festive without looking like a string of lights! When I’m dressing up during the holidays I reach for streamlined silouhettes that have fun festive details such as this J Crew Plaid Bow Tie which features tones of red green and blue that compliment my vintage teal blazer which has metallic gold buttons (for just a hint of shine and elegance). I also switched up the look by swapping the bow tie for a felt red, green and mustard yellow striped wool tie.

Geek Chic

“You look like you smart” Words often spoken by classmates who found that my glasses somehow made me more intelligent than them..lol I always thought that their assumption was simple minded. Preppy style is one that I gravitate too sometimes because It’s just so academic and you guys know I am a sucker for all things education!

To achieve this look I wore a “W” varsity style crew neck sweater with a collared shirt underneath( Varsity style letters just scream college). I layered on a wine colored long line bomber for that homecoming ready vibe. I grounded the look with a pair of saddle shoes that anyone who wore a uniform growing up can remember (but there are the grown up version) . As an educator, I now proudly rock the preppy, geek chic look because looking smart and being smart is a wonderful combination.

Un Tied

One of the most iconic and essential items in a man’s wardrobe is arguably the necktie. I must admit that I have quite an extensive necktie collection but over the years I have found it more interesting to swap out my traditional necktie for another type of next accessory.

IMG_9090.jpg

For example, in the look pictured here I wore a multi chain gold statement necklace with my white cut away collar shirt. There are so many ways to add visual interest to a button up shirt without going the traditional route. Below are 5 ways to ditch your tie.

IMG_9095.jpg


 5 ways to go “un-tied”



#1 Collar Tip

These chains pin to the points of your dress shirt and add a glimmer of sparkle to your outfit

#2 Collar Brooch

Add a brooch to give a formal, classy and elevated polished look to an evening wear outfit

#3 Collar Bar

This metal pin offers a classic minimal touch to your dress shirt. Beware that you must have a shirt that is made to support the pin.

#4 Bolo Tie

These are a cord worn around the neck with a large, sliding, ornamental fastening at the throat.

Screen Shot 2018-11-04 at 8.28.46 PM.png

#5 Necklace

Add a chunky statement necklace over a collar shirt and you are sure to get a conversation started about how cool and effortless you look. Just remember to find a necklace that compliments the collar of the shirt.

in-detail-mens-street-style-740x493.jpg

When I Creep

For the Fall/Winter 2018 season I was inspired to give my shoe game a LIFT. One day I simply had the vision of wearing platform black shoes to add some edge to my looks. As I did my search I came across these Pointy Creeper Patent Platform Sneakers by PUMA.

Brothel creepers (sometimes shortened to creepers) are a style of shoe which has thick crepe soles, often in combination with suede uppers. This style of footwear became fashionable in the years following World War II, seeing resurgences of popularity at various times ever since.

I was apprehensive at first but then I called by bestie Ash and she encouraged me to make the order! Once they came in the mail I was still not convinced. So I played dress up in them to test them out and once I got Ash’s thumbs up I kept them and I am so glad that I did.

I styled them with some cropped tuxedo joggers and a white button down with black collar. I added some texture and pattern by wearing black and white gingham socks.

Have you ever tried Creepers?