So I have had this idea for some time now to do an ongoing piece that I will call "My style, my favorite things." I want to do a brief interview with guys about their style, how it has evolved, what are their favorite pieces in their wardrobe, where they source their pieces, etc. But the key element would be their favorite pieces...a "what would you grab if you could only take with you what you could wear or carry out of your home?" I decided in a manner of fairness that I should go first. That's how it goes right, you ask someone a hypothetical question and they usually want you to go first? So no fancy set ups with lights, editing, or smoke machines. Just two people talking about clothes and documenting what the favorite pieces are. Ok, so in this case it is me talking to myself and answering myself. Wow, that sounds a bit crazy. But after you read this piece I expect folks to be lining up to go next. Right?
Disclaimer: I in no way think I am a model and as typical with most photographers I do not like having my photo taken. What I will do in the name of clothes and blogging, lol!
Brian grew up in Pine Bluff, Arkansas but has called Little Rock home for 21 years. In addition to being the house chef for P. Allen Smith's Moss Mountain Farm, cooking for events and tours out there, he also works as a photographer and blogger. After moving to the SoMa area of Little Rock, Arkansas in 2013 he started the blog Life In SoMa Little Rock and later that year started Brian's Style Guide as an outlet to share his passion for fashion, cooking, entertaining, and décor.
BSG: How would you describe your style?
BK: I like classic pieces that work together like a team. I don't think I am trendy at all. Preppy? Definitely American, but influenced by what I see the Italians doing...sprezzatura. I never buy outfits but instead by pieces that fit into what I already have. If it can't be worn several ways with several things I usually don't buy it. In the past I have lost my way at times and worn things that clearly were not me, but I guess we all do that. My wardrobe is much stronger now than it has ever been and more complete, but my vision is better now and I have a better idea of the man I am and how my style reflects that. The biggest lesson to learn is to trust my instinct and not follow.
BSG: Where and how do you like to shop for pieces?
BK: I shop everywhere because you get variety. I prefer to shop local. Storefront vs online, but if I am searching for something I will just google it and go from there. Think of the Internet as the largest store in the world. The trade-off is that you miss the connection with a salesperson and the service. My closet is telling though...The Independent, Banana Republic, and J. Crew seem to be the most represented. J. Crew, even though moderately represented, is quickly becoming a favorite as I have realized their fit in some items is great for me. In the past I shopped at Express and some of my favorite things are from there, but they have gone in a much more trendy direction which is not me. I like to mix it up! Scarpe di Bianco shoes and socks from Target...if it works and I like it then go for it.
BSG: What are your favorite pieces and why?...tell us about them.
BK: I like pieces that work together. As you can see from the photos there is quite a bit of carryover from one image to another. The pieces work with each other really well.
1. I love my navy made to measure suit that I got at The Independent, Little Rock. Jon Stone was great to work with and helped me make decisions on how I wanted the suit to look, to be worn, and what I could pair with it. I will never buy an off the rack suit again as I am difficult to fit with more narrow shoulders but broader torso.
Made to measure navy suit, Scarpe di Bianco laceups, Dolce Punta silk 7-fold tie all from The Independent. Pink shirt, Banana Republic. Pocket square, J. Crew
These are my favorite laceups from Scarpe di Bianco, from The Independent, are perfect with the navy suit
2. I had these grey pants made when I ordered my navy suit and I love them. They look great with the suit jacket, other jackets, sweaters, or just a shirt. One thing that is unique is that they have side tabs so no need for a belt. Jon Stone encouraged me to try them that way and to do a button fly instead of a zipper.
Made to measure grey slacks, The Independent.
3. This navy cashmere sweater is just great. Warm but not heavy. I can put it over a shirt and tie for a more dressy look and it pairs perfectly with my grey slacks. At the time it was an investment to me to spend that money for a sweater but I have never regretted it. It looks great with jeans too! Banana Republic is a favorite store because they have pieces that work for me, fit me, and are honestly a great value.
Navy cashmere sweater, Banana Republic
4. My Boglioli cotton jacket is definitely one of my go to pieces. I had wanted one for about a year so it was such a great treat when I finally got this one. Dress it up or down and it works. The combination I wore it with is really me. The shirt, Mastai Ferretti, and dark denim, The Independent private label, are also two of my favorite pieces. I feel dressed well but not fussy, and comfortable. With the suede loafers, which might be my favorite shoes, its just about perfect to me! Ferragamo loafers are the best.
Boglioli cotton unstructured jacket, Mastai Ferreti cotton shirt, dark wash private label denim, all from The Independent. Pocket sqare, J. Crew. Suede Salvatore Ferragamo loafers, Saks Fifth Avenue Online.
Suede Salvatore Ferragamo loafers, Saks Fifth Avenue Online.
5. My Herno vest is something I really debated on getting. Would I wear it? When it was about a week in after getting it and I had to literally make myself wear something else then I knew I had made a wise choice. So I can wear the same things but swap the Boglioli jacket for the Herno vest and I have a very different feel without taking up extra space in my closet.
Herno down puffer vest, The Independent.
6. Ok so I know I am not your typical Forever 21 customer, lol, but one day I was in the mall and wanted to go in there. I found this wool cardigan and couldn't get over how well it was made for the money. It's super warm and has that wool smell that I love...makes me feel warmer. I can wear it with pretty much any of my shirts and most of my pants. It pairs well with the same shirt, jeans, and shoes.
Wool shawl neck cardigan, Forever 21.
7. Ok so you know how The Barefoot Contessa has that same blouse in every color? Well it is that way for me and the luxury blend V-neck sweaters at Banana Republic. I LOVE them! They are light enough to wear all year except for the dead of summer and I pair them with just a button up shirt or do a tie or even bow tie. I have it in orange, purple, brown, black, grey, navy, light blue, coral, and red that I can think of. Also I really like gingham cotton shirts. This one in blue and one in black came from Express. I picked up an orange one online and will be having one made at The Independent, Little Rock through their made to measure shirt program.
Cashmere blend grey V-neck sweater, Banana Republic. Blue gingham cotton shirt, Express.
8. I really like accessories. They are like the finishing touches to me. I have 5 watches that I rotate through and each are great with certain pieces but these two are probably the two I would keep if I could only have two watches. I love the face on the one with the leather band and it is smaller and very understated. The larger stainless one is very sporty and I love it too. My bracelets are something newer that I have been wearing for less than a year, but they are a great accent. I have gotten these and some others all from different sources in my neighborhood. Not intentionally but just by happenstance.
Watches by Raymond Weil, Bailey Banks Biddle
Collection of bracelets from various shops and vendors in SoMa neighborhood of Little Rock.
I want to thank my friend Ian Park for his help with the photos. It is so hard to do selfies with a Nikon even on a tripod, so Ian was able to tell me when I was in the shot and snap the image. Not being able to be behind the camera was another reason I went for a simple set up and no lights.
Thank you Ian!!
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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.
