"Polo"rized

The game of Polo, first played in Persia in the 5th century BC as part of the Calvary unit training ultimately became a sport that was enjoyed by both male and female nobility. Eventually this game was spread to the Asian continent, the Byzantine empire and Egypt. A favorite sport among Sultans at the time. It was also popularized later in China during the Tang Dynasty and it was played from Constantinople to Japan by the middle ages. The very word Polo is said to be derived from its Tibetan ancestor, "Pulu" which meant "ball".

The sport later spread to India and consequently into Britain since it was one of its colonies. British settlers also exported the sport to Argentina in South America during the 1800s. At this juncture, this version of Polo was slower paced and a bit different than games played in India. It lacked aggressiveness and required equestrian skills. From there on the sport became popular in several countries in South American until it reached the USA in the late 1800s. The sport from its origins epitomized nobility, skills, finesse and a host of other good qualities.

This is a very concise history of Polo. The reason for this background story is because of today's blog post's focus: The Polo shirt.

Summer and spring are one of my favorite times of the year because I can finally pull my hibernating Polo"r bear" shirts (see what I did here? Even though Polar bears do not necessarily hibernate) out of the closet and sport them (no pun intended).

There is nothing better than a nice quality Polo shirt worn outdoors on a boating trip, a nice brunch, an outdoor party, a casual get together and on occasion they may even serve as a dress up outfit. Although they come in various fits, my recommendation of course is the custom or slim fit. The slim fit hugs the body better than the custom fit and really accentuates the figure as well as provide a neater look. The custom is also tighter than their classic fit, but not as hugging to the body as the slim fit. I stay away from the classic fit as it can create a disorganized rumply look which I abhor. Here is a direct explanation from POLO on their different fits:

"The Classic-Fit is our original style and features a roomier chest, longer sleeves and an extended shirttail that allows for increased mobility. For a sleeker silhouette that pairs well with a suit jacket, for instance, the Custom-Fit is 1½ inches narrower in the chest and features shorter sleeves and hems for a streamlined fit. The newest is our Slim-Fit, a more tailored option inspired by European style, which offers our narrowest chest (a ½ inch slimmer than Custom-Fit) and our shortest front and back hems. Worn with dark jeans this spring, the Slim-Fit offers the classic look of a polo, updated in a modern style-minded fit."

See examples below (from Classic > Custom > Slim):

I am of course speaking of true POLO shirts, not copycats from other brands. Although Lacoste is a popular one, I am not a big fan of their fits at all and for the amount of money they cost, you're better off purchasing some good old POLO shirts. I must admit though that I do own a few HUGO BOSS polo shirts, but that is only because they were an impulse acquisition. Once I saw them in their glory at a respectable price I had to obtain them. They fit me like a glove which was a plus as well. I do recommend these for those who are in fairly good shape. Zara polo shirts are also of great quality and a wonderful fit.

What can one pair with a POLO? Well almost anything goes well with a POLO shirt, minus sandals (refer to my post on my relationship with sandals). You can wear Jeans, Chinos, Shorts, dress shoes, top-siders and more. Of course I am biased to the Sperry's & Polo crew (FTW), therefore I highly recommend boat shoes with shorts and a POLO. This look is easy to attain and although it has its 1980s fraternity look, it is a time tested fashion statement, an iconic Summer look initiated in the 1950s.

Anyway, pick up some POLO shirts, go crazy...Get a good variety of colors. My recommendations are Dark Blue, Gray, Black, Green and White as these can be paired with almost any bland pair of shorts and shoes. Good luck warriors.

Here are some examples of yours truly:

POLOut.

Sock it to your Pants

All sock puppets aside, many people don't give socks the love they deserve. Perhaps Mankind had a good run in putting socks at the forefront of television during WWF's (WWE now) heydays as Mr. Socko.

Although they are a small addition to your wardrobe and don't make much of an impact, they can create a rather weird break in the flow of your outfit if not chosen carefully.

If you are wearing a business suit or a business casual outfit at the office, your socks must match the color of the pants you are wearing, not the shoes. It's a common error that I see done daily among the bizarre world of style that is an American corporate office. I hate to say it, but it's true. Few know how to truly dress respectably. Also, please do not spoil a nice pair of Top-siders with socks, it's sacrilege. On second thought, some examples have a certain inexplainable pizzazz to them (see below).

I can let these go if you can pull off this look yourself. I know I totally can (obligatory self ego stroke). I suppose that this is also okay during winter time, lest your feet get frost bite like Mr. Deeds.

Jeans are the exception, in this instance you can match the color of the socks to the shoes being worn. Unless, yes there is a caveat, the Jeans themselves are of a specific color. I'm not referring to GTH & FU pants (example below), but a beige pair for example would require a beige pair of socks and so on.

In conclusion, make sure to wear the right socks with the right pants people. If you use another color, it breaks the flow of the pants. Dress socks are an extension of the pants going into the shoes. This creates a harmonious look. And finally, please get a pair of dress socks high enough to not show any skin even when sitting down. Hairy shins are not like cleavage, this statement ought to explain itself.

Here are some examples from yours truly fashionable gent, Dr. Klein:

Until next time...

Like...a...glove!

Those very words uttered by the Ace every time he parked a car...

You should also utter those same words every time you put on a shirt or pair of pants. They should both fit like a glove.

This is an addendum to the previous posting of tucking your clothes in where I briefly mention slim fitted shirts. There is nothing in the business world as well as the casual dress world that screams sloppy like a tucked in shirt that poofs to the sides because it isn't fitted. We have all been there. Hell, I still own a few shirts like that for those days where believe it or not, I'm careless about my appearance. Oh, wait...that never happens with me. Every day should be care-full, one slip up opens up the door to laziness and trust me it has a huge badonk that takes forever to go through that door until you can close it again and once allowed inside your room of neatness, it will take a heavy duty winch of willpower to get it out of there. Once it is gone shut that door for good, lock it, caulk it, weld it, use a light saber to melt the materials together, do whatever is necessary so it stays out.

Winners are always at the top of their game, there is no exception. Do you want to feel like a winner or like 90% of those other losers in your office or in the bar wearing the same old boring regular dude wear that doesn't stand out to anyone? I mean, I want the chicks noticing me and believe you me they do. A woman appreciates a well groomed man and they will tell you that, if not orally (potential pun...), via body language.

Therefore, whenever you are shopping for a button up or a polo, heck any type of shirt really, always look for the fitted versions. Be it tailor fit, slim fit, extra slim fit, olive oil fit, whatever suits your body best, try them on and see what works well. Same thing goes for pants as well, find a fitted pair of pants, none of that baggy nonsense. You're not in high school nor are you a bum. And if you are a bum wearing baggy pants, get another piece of cardboard and write "need fitted pants" on it. I will throw you one from my car window at the traffic light. Guaranteed.

NAY:

YAY:

Cheers.

One tuck and one no tuck...

Costanza preferred to have his bed untucked, however the subject of this particular post is not about hotel beds being tucked in with cement (judging form Constanza's hamstring injury when trying to untuck his bed with his legs), but rather about tucking shirts in...

There is a world of difference between non tucked shirts and shirts which are tucked in. I am a Nazi tucker because I make sure that all my shirts be they V-necks, Polos and button-ups, all adhere to this policy. It is just something that gives an already sharp looking outfit an extra refined highlight. Shirts which are untucked can often ruin the flow of an outfit and make the man look bigger than he usually is (sans slim fitted shirts) and thus detracting from his overall appearance. Even when taking slim fitted shirts into consideration one should tuck them in otherwise there is just this extra fabric hanging down over an awesome belt and jeans.

Even for men which are a bit on the heavier side (not those whose bellies "smiley face" over their buckles) can utilize this strategy. A tucked in shirt provides a smooth flow to the overall ensemble. There are no sudden breaks in the whole combination of pants, shirt and shoes. Additionally, what is the purpose of wearing a belt if the shirt is not tucked in? Oh, and none of that front tuck nonsense. I cannot think of a sloppier half-assed look than the front tuck. This actually outdoes the complete non tucked look because it shows that the man had the instinct to tuck in his shirt to show off his belt and buckle, but then decided, "Meh, this is good enough".

And for reference...yours truly embodying the aforementioned:

TUCK IT IN KIDS.

Au revoir...

Sperry me those flip flops...

Spring is here and Summer is around the corner. I expect to see a wide showcase of jeans, shorts and flip flops in beautiful Orlando. Last time I checked concrete does not equal sand, flip flops should be reserved for the beach (they are called SANDals right?), yard work or walking around inside your house.

There is nothing lazier than seeing someone with a decent long sleeve button-up, a pair of jeans and a flip flop. Please, put on some shoes. Don't cramp a bum's style who eats at Denny's while wearing the finest of sandals, be creative.

The best solution which can make you look like you're in style and be lazy at the same time is to just slip on a pair of Sperry's top-siders (since 1935).

They look good, feel great and are of great quality. They can easily be matched to any outfit and have an enormous variety. Now take those flippy floppies and put them away for your next beach trip.

Just a quick one, see ya later kids.

Where does the time go?

On your wrist of course (not around your neck). If you do not own a watch and you are a man, go out and buy one now. I don't care if it is a Casio calculator watch or a G-shock (well actually don't get either unless it comes with a nerd kit). Okay, I'll acquiesce and say that maybe a G-shock is okay for working out, but that is it.

Watches are a man's most important accessory. It can add so much to an already sharp outfit by making it that much sharper. If your outfit was a sharp knife, an amazing wrist watch would turn that knife into a samurai sword.

Remember to color code your watches to your belts and shoes please. No black belt, black shoes and a brown leather banded watch. Watches with gold bands and faces (or silver ones) are somewhat neutral and will go with most colors. White watches look awesome if worn at the right time (see what I did here?). I recommend bright and light colors that are not too heavy, white belt and perhaps a light colored or all-white pair of shoes.

Some cool brands to check out are Diesel, U-boat, Brera, Locman, Orefici and Jacob & Co. The latter brands might be too expensive for some but you can find alternatives that are just as stylish. Make sure to buy big faced watches, nothing puny that women would wear. I suggest faces that are 45mm or bigger (like the below Diesel watch, which I own of course).

Take care and don't forget to read my Yelp reviews at the link found at the top of my blog :-).

"Sea" yourself in a new bathing suit

Spring is officially here, Summer is around the corner. It's time to refresh your beach gear by replacing the swimming trunks sitting in the dresser that the itsy bitsy spider now calls home. Take those cargo swimming trunks and kill it with fire (see below for instructions):

Now do yourself a favor and get a nice pair of swimming trunks that is guaranteed to make you look fresh (yeah I said it). Hugo Boss has a great collection, you got to swim to win with these babies:

Now go out, and acquire the above. Yes.