Style In Little Rock--John Willis

 

 

John Willis isn't someone that you can put easily in a box so that you can check that box off and say who he is.  That would be ok I suppose but it wouldn't be as interesting as it turns out that he is.  Nothing wrong with fitting easily in a box but would you expect that from a singer/songwriter?  Each time I was around, bumped into, or met with him I would learn just a bit more that would interest me. 

 

My first exposure to his music was Halloween night 2013 at South On Main where he was playing for their Halloween party.  I remember saying to my friend that was with me how great the music was and what a perfect feel that night had.  Over months I would run into Willis several times there and was always taken by his music and sense of style.  He agreed to be the subject of a blog piece but seemed unsure of why he would make an appropriate subject for a style blog.  That's always the best scenario...when people are just themselves and don't see what all the hoopla is. 

 

Having a personal show during our shoot in the lobby of The Lobby Bar.

 

 

We met over coffee to talk about style and how life effects style and vice versa.  Willis was raised in Brinkley, Arkansas until he was 7 before moving to Little Rock.  Creative from the beginning, he would put on shows at home and would spend alone time pursuing visual arts even more so than music.  Around 9th grade his eyes were opened by what he was seeing on MTV and the styles of the artists he would see on.  He started buying his own clothes around that time as well and just as music and musicians influence clothing designers they also had an impact on his style.  As he got a bit older he began to pay more attention to the fit of his clothes. 

 

Music continued to be a major part of his life in college, so much that he developed some damage to his hand.  It was at this point that physical conditioning became an important part of his life through yoga and conditioning.  Today Willis enjoys teaching yoga in addition to writing and playing music, finding that it helps him to be honest and present.  So yoga has not only rehabilitated his hand but made it even stronger, as well as strengthening him inside as well.  His style on stage is fun and whimsical, stylized, and more refined but never costumey.  He often takes style cues from Fellini Films, Italian style, Marcello Mastroianni, and American designer Zak Posen. 

 

Willis is seen here outside of Trapnall Hall with a classic grey jacket and pink print shirt.  Classic and tailored, with a twist, but not fussy. 

More of a performance look with chinos, jacket, and shirt but no tie.

 

Off stage John Willis loves to wander and explore, with one of his favorite Little Rock locations being Knoop Park and its wonderful view of the city.  When asked about his 5 favorite wardrobe pieces it was easily a chunky cardigan, black Frye boots, a tailored dress shirt from Brooks Brothers, scarves, and dark denim.  Other favorites are the music of Joni Mitchell and a great Cobb salad but with a vinaigrette dressing rather than blue cheese.  Classic yet just slightly different.  I asked him what his favorite life moment was and music and classical style were of course a part of it.  While on a college trip to Prague during Holy Week he fell in love with the city.  One evening he was fortunate enough to enjoy a concert in a Gothic cathedral, barely lit by candles and the music gracefully reverberating throughout the space. 

 

Early morning sun peaks through the clouds over Little Rock, AR as seen from Knoop Park.

More of a rolled sleeve guy, Willis enjoys Knoop Park and counts it as one of his favorite places.

On his right forearm is a tattoo with the words "Grace & Grit" which I think is a perfect way to describe him.    

Casual style, never costumey

 

John Willis is an award-winning singer/songwriter but if he wasn't he would be a teacher, with writing and spiritual connections still ever present.  Fortunately he is able to do all of those, sharing his passion for music and teaching yoga.  Willis' latest release, "King Of TheCocktail Party" is available on CD for those that cannot catch him playing locally at South On Main and The Lobby Bar in Little Rock.  I encourage you to do both if you're fortunate enough to live locally. 

 

 

 

For more style info please check out and like Brian's Style Guide on Facebook.  You can also follow me on Instagram under Briansstyleguide.

 

  All of these images are courtesy of Brian Kelley/Imagine Photography/Brian's Style Guide and are protected by copyright law. None of these images may be used, edited, reproduced, transferred, published or distributed in any form or by any means whatsoever without prior written permission

 

 







 

Style Is In The Details--Pocket Squares and Ties

I have been thoroughly enjoying my summer and taking break from things as much as possible.  But one thing that I cannot stop thinking about is Fall and cooler weather.  As the seasons change I look to layers as a key element of style and also function.  Part of that for me is also wearing ties since I can hardly stand to wear a tie in the dead of summer.  Layering a tie and shirt under a V-neck pullover and perhaps a jacket is one of my go to looks...dressy but not dressed up.  Another key element is the pocket square.  If I am wearing a jacket that chest pocket is going to have a pocket square in it, otherwise it just seems naked.  Also, ties and pocket squares are where you can show your personal style and add some interest to your look. 

I think that one of the reasons that guys get tripped up on ties and pocket squares is that there seem to be so many rules about them and how they fit in with your shirt.  The width of the lapel, style of collar, color and pattern of the shirt, width of the tie, knot, the pocket square, etc.  It is enough to make you want to not wear them at all, but fear not there are some simple things to remember that will keep you off the radar of the fashion police and on people's radar as a guy that knows how to look good. 

Pocket Square
1.  Your pocket square should complement your tie and shirt but not match them.  If you like the way it looks, rock on. 
2.  There are tons of ways to fold a pocket square but start off with a simple fold by folding it in half, then folding it over a few times (along the length)into a rectangle and then tuck it into your pocket.  This will look classic and you can never go wrong with this look.
3.  They are made in various sizes but most are 14-17 inches on each side.  Smaller ones don't rest as well in the pocket and don't look as good folded since they are skimpy on the amount of fabric
4.  Try ones made in cotton or wool as they fold more easily and don't slide down in the pocket like ones made of silk.

A nice collection of pocket squares can be fun to put together and doesn't have to cost a fortune either, but what you get back from them is hard to measure.

 

Pocket squares in wool are great textural elements.

Pocket squares are great for adding interest to a look without the formality of a tie.

This square keeps this jacket's colors in mind as well as working well with the shirt and tie.

Just a simple fold can be such a nice look to add that little bit of interest.

Ties
1.  The pattern of your tie and shirt should not have the same dimensions.  Pair large patterns with smaller ones.
2.  The main color of your tie should complement or be found in your shirt.  A mid blue shirt could be paired with an orange tie with white polka dots or a red and blue striped tie, it just depends on your taste.  Again, if you like the way it looks then rock on. 
3.  Try the four-in-hand knot for a classic "take you anywhere" knot.
4.  The width of your tie should work with the width of your jacket lapel so if you have a wide peak lapel double breasted jacket don't wear your skinny tie.
5.  Your tie should just reach your belt buckle, not below it or too much above it if at all. 

My assortment of ties isn't extensive but it gets the job done.  I like to use texture rather than bold patterns to do the trick.

These woven ties, or grenadine pattern, are my favorites.

Cotton and wool ties are a great alternative to silk and of course they have great texture and make a really nice knot.

Traditional or skinny width, it is up to you just keep in mind the width of your lapel.

Ties aren't just for wearing with jackets, they also look great under a sweater.

In this image and the one below it is obvious I like the combination of a gingham shirt under a solid navy jacket with a solid tie.  Hey, it's my thing.

 

That's it!  Now I am sure there are purists or bold dandies that would take me to task on those guidelines but hey this isn't about every single rule in the world.  That is what freaks guys out and makes them shy away from wearing them.  Start off within your comfort zone in anything and as you learn and get compliments you will want to learn more, and become bolder.  Personally I like ties that are more solid and rely on texture for my style details, but I secretly admire the guys that really know how to push the envelope when it comes to choosing their ties and pocket squares.  So hopefully this has inspired those of you that are uncomfortable with ties and pocket squares to embrace them if not on an every day basis to at least feel more confident when you do wear them. 

For more style info please check out and like Brian's Style Guide on Facebook.  You can also follow me on Instagram under Briansstyleguide.

 

  All of these images are courtesy of Brian Kelley/Imagine Photography/Brian's Style Guide and are protected by copyright law. None of these images may be used, edited, reproduced, transferred, published or distributed in any form or by any means whatsoever without prior written permission

Style in The Heights, Little Rock, Arkansas--Domestic Domestic

 

 

So as I have said before, style is not just about clothes it is about how we live our lives.  Sometimes one definitely affects the other since how we dress does have an impact on the rest of our style and how we live definitely impacts how we dress.  Think of a man that is an avid outdoorsman and you would likely picture his closet having more active wear and things appropriate for climbing Kilimanjaro or going frog gigging.    We are all familiar with stores that sell a lifestyle through the racks of clothing they have available, but that is usually the limit other than maybe a few accessories or gift ideas.  And even though I would hardly be called outdoorsy, I do enjoy stores that have gear for making that trek to the outer reaches of Patagonia and can dress you for said expedition from head to toe.  It is rare however that you find a place that nurtures both the sartorial and lifestyle facets of a man's life.  Domestic Domestic on Kavenaugh in Little Rock, AR is such a place. 

I found out about Domestic Domestic through a friend that suggested I go check it out since it had clothes and mens' accessories.  The name threw me but I learned that it is so named because all of the goods are made in the USA.  Open for about a month now, it was first an e commerce site.  Proprietor Heather Smith seems a natural shop keeper in how she interacts with customers, curates a fantastic assortment of items, and merchandises the shelves, many of which she built herself.  Shop keeping is in her blood...one of her great-grandfathers owned and operated a general store.  Domestic Domestic has a general store kind of feel in how it offers such a variety of goods. 

You can find clothing, accessories, bags, grooming products, and household items there.  Need a beautifully made canoe paddle or vintage looking lawn chair for your trip to the Buffalo River?  What about handcrafted chef knives, pocket knives, or hatchets?  Looking for a handcrafted swing that you can swing in like you're 8 years old all over again? And if you're thinking that's all fine and dandy for men but what about the ladies, then calm yourself.  There are tons of items that you might buy for the guy in your life, but you'll covet them for yourself as well.  Wool or cotton blankets for lounging, unique items for the bath or kitchen, various gift ideas that will be hard to part with, and that perfectly soft t-shirt are all things that will appeal to both sexes. 

 

 

I quickly found a few of my favorite things that will be making my Christmas wish list this year if I can wait that long for them.  Who am I kidding, by then I will have a whole new list of things for Santa to bring me.  And just to clarify this doesn't work like Oprah with each of you getting my favorite things list to take home with you.  But hey, Heather will be glad to set you up with one of each, and more, if you like.  Writing a 50 page piece on the store won't give you a better feel for the place than a personal visit of your own would, so I encourage you to check it out soon and frequently. 

I love this Piebox!  This is such a great way to present a pie as a gift and then afterwards the recipient can use it for anything they like or even pass the gift along to another.

While I am very low maintenance when it comes to grooming, especially hair products, I do love the Cedarwood Soap and the Duke Cannon line of items!

Everything in this photo earns a best of the best in my book.  The copper bowl is perfect for holding your change and car keys in or maybe a cherished pet could use it as a water bowl.  The pocket knife is as gorgeous as it is functional, the magazine Man of the World is new to me but it won't be the last copy I get, a rugged canvas bag is perfect for toting it in as well, and that orange beverage coozie is just perfect!

 

We are fortunate to have such a store here in Little Rock and if you live elsewhere don't worry, they can ship to you just as they did before the store opened.  Thank you Heather for recognizing that guys, and the women that put up with us, need a store like Domestic Domestic. 

For more style info please check out and like Brian's Style Guide on Facebook.  You can also follow me on Instagram under Briansstyleguide.

 

  All of these images are courtesy of Brian Kelley/Imagine Photography/Brian's Style Guide and are protected by copyright law. None of these images may be used, edited, reproduced, transferred, published or distributed in any form or by any means whatsoever without prior written permission.

 

Accessories--The Man Bag

One of the great things about style is that there are so many facets and layers that it is difficult to ever get bored.  It changes, our personal style changes and develops, and we are always getting inspiration from outside sources.  On my own style journey I have found that it is the accents or accessories that are the most interesting and also the most elusive to nail down.  I think of accessories as anything other than your main pieces.  Main pieces in your closet would be shirts, pants, sweaters, suits, jackets, etc and in your home that would be sofas, chairs, and tables.  Accessories are the items that allow us to really personalize our style and to me are the most subjective. 

I wanted to, and soon will, do a piece on accessories in a gentleman's wardrobe and how to build or put together a nice collection.  But something that is new for me and very interesting is the man bag.  Now I am sure you're thinking "what, you don't have a man bag?" or maybe you are scratching your head as to just what that is.  What I am suggesting is not so much a man purse, or murse if you will, but a bag that a gentleman carries to keep his items in.  Men have been using briefcases and satchels for quite a long time.  In more recent years the messenger bag has become very popular with men of all ages with the advent of the laptop and trips to the local coffee house.  I think that men in more urban areas have a head start with the man bag in its various forms due the fact that they are more likely to use public transit and have to carry their personal items and work related armor to and from home.  But for someone like me that has little more to carry than a wallet, car keys, sunglasses, cell phone, a tablet of some sort, and perhaps a phone charger or other items...ok wait, that is quite a bit of stuff to keep track of so that makes sense to get a bag right?  So maybe you are right there with me or maybe light years ahead.

For some time now I had wanted a messenger bag or something along those lines that would allow me to keep all my stuff together, look great, and would last.  I also wanted a travel bag that I could pack one or two days of clothes in for short trips although I should realize that there is no bag on the market that could hold all the stuff I typically want to take on a trip, or at least one that doesn't make me look like a student on a month long tour of Europe.  So I had checked out Coach often to see if there was a bag, one bag to rule them all, that would fulfill my requirements.  But I never could make up my mind which one I wanted to get first...messenger, tote, or cabin bag.  Serendipity would make that decision for me. 

At the June vintage market at The Bernice Garden I was talking with the owner of East Ninth Vintage about my quest for the perfect bag for me.  She encouraged me to stop by the store and check out a vintage Coach messenger bag she had recently gotten in.  I went there immediately!  It was perfect...perfectly worn in, perfect in that the color wouldn't "match" but rather make a statement, and perfectly priced.  It rarely left my side the next few days and I have come to find it perfect for running errands, going to the coffee shop, or even a brief trip to the market.  It's not a large one because at the time it was made people weren't carrying laptops and that sorta makes me love it all that much more.  There is a model number of some sort on the inside so I went to Coach to get more information.

 

 

Coach was able to tell me only that it lacked a serial number like modern bags of theirs so that meant it was at least 15 years old, that it was a great quality leather, and I was a lucky man to have found it.  Of course while I was there I had to take a look right?  With the messenger bag need met I really just focused on something I could carry a change of clothes in or take my laptop and other items with me.  Enter the Bleecker Day Tote in color-blocked leather.  But there were two colors.  Brown or blue?  Brown seemed too obvious and safe.  When the bag arrived a week later I was so pleased that the color was even more beautiful than the website image.  It is a perfect bag to hold a change of clothes and with the outside pocket and ones on the inside it's very functional.  One key requirement I had was that any bag would have a shoulder strap as well as handles and this one does. 

 

 

So now that I have my man bags I am a happy camper.  I must admit I have other bags that run the gamut from camera bags, several, to bags to keep things hot or cold, a great canvas tote bag for taking to the pool/lake/beach, or a utilitarian laptop bag.  But those bags are more about function than style and not something I would want to proudly carry at Pitti Uomo.  I am still looking for a great travel bag and have my eye on Frank Clegg Leatherworks and their stunningly gorgeous leather bags.  But I have a feeling that the right bag will find me as much as I will find it. 

If you don't have one I would encourage you to get a man bag, you won't regret it. 

For more style info please check out and like Brian's Style Guide on Facebook.  You can also follow me on Instagram under Briansstyleguide.

 

  All of these images are courtesy of Brian Kelley/Imagine Photography/Brian's Style Guide and are protected by copyright law. None of these images may be used, edited, reproduced, transferred, published or distributed in any form or by any means whatsoever without prior written permission.