Spring Has Sprung

 

 

 

 

 



“It is spring again. The earth is like a child that knows poems by heart.” --Rainer Maria Rilke 

Spring is such a wonderful time of year for so many reasons.  Daffodils planted in drifts spring to life, robins looking for food, more pleasant weather, and a rebirth of your wardrobe.  The Spring Cleaning requires a change over of your closet as well as a thorough cleanse of your living space.  I have looked more forward to this Spring more than I have any that I can think of in the past.  This is my second one living in the SoMa neighborhood of Little Rock and I am very much looking forward to the first farmer's market in April.  Warmer weather means riding the River Trail instead of using the treadmill.  And I can wear a new wardrobe.  Ok well it's not as much a new wardrobe as it is something new and fresh from the winter attire.  Pink button down super soft shirt from JCrew, white jeans from Banana Republic, and spring green suede wingtips from Giorgio Brutini?  Yes please. 

 

This Spring is going to be about color and classic looks with a twist.  I am not one to get into the new color for Spring situation as I think it gets trendy and is a ploy by designers and retailers to get you to go out and buy more clothes, rejecting your favorite classics.  Recently over brunch our table had the conversation about being trendy and how trends come and go but classic style stays.  A cautionary story about parachute pants was an example about following trends!  That was a good laugh for all of us. 

White pants are a classic that never get old and there is a huge variety from jeans to chinos to linen to a more dressy white pant you'd pair with a great jacket and wear to a more formal occasion.  Not just for Spring and Summer, they seem to really come into their own with the warmer weather. 

Here are two looks with only the jackets being changed and the key element being white jeans from Banana Republic.  I like them both, but the second image with the Boglioli cotton jacket and pocket square from JCrew are what I walked out the door with.

With warmer weather also comes shorter sleeves like polos and classic t's.  Here in Arkansas we have some days in Spring that are quite warm and you can get a jump on getting some sun on your legs and wear shorts.  Warm colors in both pants and shirts welcome the change in season.  During this time of year I don't like to wear much that is the fashion equivalent of anything less somber than the song "Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah"!  But I do agree that browns and neutrals can make a home and play nice with their more colorful cousins on the color wheel, but not an outfit of neutrals. 

I stopped in recently to check out the Spring offerings at The Independent and to talk with my friends Jon Stone and Flynn Smith about what they are offering customers in the store.  Color.  Great fabric options in both the bespoke suit and shirt categories as well as off the rack items from Isaia, Eton, PT01, Mastai Ferretti, and their own in house pieces. 

 

 

Another nice benefit from the change in season is that it seems that food gets lighter and more punctuated with flavors that are very fresh.  Corn chowder and chili are replaced with gazpacho or a chilled pea soup.  And these meals can be eaten outside with patio entertaining coming back as an option.  I know that outdoor entertaining isn't a Southern invention or that we even corner the market on it, but at least we get first shot at it compared to our more northern friends.  Get your seersucker ready guys! 

Nice weather, pops of color in your wardrobe and garden, Derby Day, outdoor entertaining, and healthier eating are why Spring in Arkansas is a damn good thing.  For those of you that Spring comes a bit later, it just gives you more time to plan!

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.

Moving Into a New Space

Last April I moved to downtown Little Rock in what is called SoMa, or South Main area.  I was fortunate to find a great old building that had been converted to loft apartments in 2001.  The building was constructed in 1904 and was Little Rock High School until Central High was built in 1927.  It was known as Eastside Junior High until 1966 and then was used by the school district for various purposes after that, but was largely empty until 2001. 

I moved into a 4th floor one bedroom loft and was quickly at home.  The history of the building and the area was what I enjoyed the most about it, but the hardwood floors, huge windows, and high ceilings gave it great style.  The SoMa neighborhood has been in the process of a fantastic re-birth with new businesses opening, people moving in, and the crime that so plagued the area moving out.  It is close to 630, a main traffic artery in Little Rock, so it is easy to get around but yet SoMa retains the feel of small town Main Street that people love it for. 

Here some images of that one bedroom that started my new chapter in SoMa.  I have chosen to show images of it empty so it is easier to compare it to the new space...blank canvass to blank canvass.

So everything is perfect but my space seemed to get smaller as my life became more vibrant.  The one closet I had was no longer enough space and the kitchen shrunk.  Also as I began to do more photography projects I realized I lacked space for that too.  One day recently I happened to run into my landlords Mark Brown and Jill Judy at The Root Café having breakfast and they shared with me as they always did that there was a new space coming open soon on the first floor since I was always a huge promoter of my building.  A huge two bedroom?  Wouldn't hurt to go check it out since I always enjoyed looking at the lofts as they were remodeled.  What I was struck by was that it was so large and open in the living/kitchen/dinning space, it had a great foyer and hallway, two bedrooms with doors, plenty of cabinets and closets, and one full bath and one half bath.  But did I really want to move?  How could I not?  The entire process of telling them I wanted it, packing, and moving took about 10 days.  Whew!

I am moved in but still unpacking and finding homes for things, as well as trying to decide on what the space wants, and where the art should go.  I like to get out of boxes as soon as I can but it seems like the decorating takes a bit longer because you have to feel the space out.  It was of course a logical topic for this post and I look forward to sharing images and updates as things progress.  Over the next two weeks I want to share pieces that I moved and ones that I have gotten especially for the new space.  Once they all find their logical place I will shoot the space and post those images.  So this will be an ongoing piece about finding a new place, moving, sourcing pieces, decorating, and living in that place.  Happy to take you on the journey with me!

For now I want to share, and hope you enjoy, some before images of the new two bedroom so you can get an idea of it in its blank canvass mode.

The living area with open kitchen.  Instead of hardwood it has original tile floors with patches of stained concrete where old repairs had been made.

This bedroom will be the office and workspace.  It also has the half bath attached.

The alcove is going to be a great spot for a desk and storage

Instead of a tub this one has a walk-in shower and I love the floors

The smaller bedroom is going to be my bedroom.  I like the cozy size and it is across the hall from the full bath.

The foyer is a mix of plaster walls, block, and sheetrock.

The foyer/hallway is going to be a great area for art and it makes the space feel more like a condo or house rather than a loft.  Call me crazy but I like more definite spaces.

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.



 

My style, my favorite things--Brian Kelley, editor at briansstyleguide

 

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!!

 

For more style info please check out and like Brian's Style Guide on Facebook.

 

  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.



 

 



Recipe: Roasted Sweet Potatoes over Quinoa---Training and Eating Right

So this blog is about style, personal style, and how it translates into how you dress, eat, travel, entertain, decorate your home, and pursue your passions.  To me all those things are of course individual but with a really fine line between them.  How you dress is affected by how you eat.  If you eat a large size combo meal 3 times a day you probably are not going to opt for a small square-cut bathing suit or a really slim pair of pants.  And it can probably be said that how you eat is affected by how you dress.  Now I am not saying that you have to look like Channing Tatum to look great in your clothes and have great style, but it couldn't hurt to have a better relationship with a healthier way of eating. 

At one point I felt that being in good shape was a ship that had already sailed and I was content to eat whatever I wanted.  Have you ever seen a picture of yourself that made you think "who is that person and where did the slender me go?"  Well I did not long ago and it made me start thinking about my fitness and that I would feel better inside and out if I was to get with the program.  My good friend Jon Stone put me in contact with his trainer that he was really enjoying working with, seeing results, and felt the trainer would be a great fit for me.  I don't typically like trainers because I had viewed them as judgmental, overbearing, superior, and just arrogant. 

Well just over a week ago I had a chance to meet the trainer, Matt Carter, for brunch.  He was none of the things I had worried about.  We not only talked about fitness but we talked about all sorts of things and it felt to me like the point wasn't whipping my ass into shape but to help me get to where I wanted to be physically in a way that is healthy, encouraging, and fun.  One thing we talked about was diet.  You know the saying that six-pack abs are made in the kitchen more than in the gym?  Well that is apparently true.  I love to eat and to eat bad things, but I also like to eat good things and can cook anything that I need or want to so it is just a matter of doing more of the latter.  Matt encouraged me that if I just follow his directions and do what he says I can get where I want to be physically.  I really like that approach. 

Quick snapshot of my trainer Matt Carter (l) and I (r) at Revolution Fitness on our first training day

 

Inside Revolution Fitness



So for diet I get two cheat meals a week rather than a cheat day, which is better because you can space it out and is awesome for going to eat with friends and not having to be that guy that says "oh I can't eat there...nothing on my diet."  No bad carbs...no white rice, sugar, white potatoes, bread, or pasta.  I am also cutting out dairy.  I can have quinoa, sweet potatoes, brown rice, meat and seafood and poultry, and lots of fruits and veggies.   With that in mind I wanted to share a recipe I have enjoyed in the past when I was behaving diet-wise and have enjoyed again recently. 

Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Quinoa

This recipe is very versatile in that you can eat it as a meal topped with some protein or as a side dish.  You can also serve the sweet potatoes by themselves or as a salad topping on baby spinach.  I topped the bowl in the picture with some tempeh, a soy protein.  You can also add feta or goat cheese and it is delicious.  Sweet potatoes are great for you as is the quinoa.  Quinoa is a grain and is a complete protein, cultivated by the Incas, and very easy to cook.  I also like that it is very versatile like rice, but better for you. 

3lbs sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
1 red onion, peeled and sliced
extra virgin olive oil
kosher salt...to taste
cracked black pepper...to taste
dried Italian herb blend or fresh herbs of your choice
cooked quinoa...recipe to follow
toasted pine nuts as garnish, optional

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.  Place prepared sweet potatoes and onion in a roasting pan, season with salt, pepper, and herbs.  Drizzle with olive oil and toss.  Place in oven on center rack and bake for 30 minutes or until sweet potatoes are tender to the fork.  Stir several times during cooking.  Serve and enjoy!

Prepared sweet potatoes and onions have been tossed with oil and seasoning and ready to go into the oven!

Cooked quinoa:
2 cups rinsed and drained quinoa
4 cups water
pinch of salt

Place all ingredients in a heavy bottomed sauce pot.  Cover and bring to a boil.  When it starts boiling turn the heat down to very low and simmer for 15 minutes.  Fluff it with a fork and serve. 

I hope that you will enjoy this recipe and would like to hear your feedback on your own variations with it.  It is nice to have an easy and healthy recipe that also reheats well.  If I have good options on hand I am less tempted to opt for something unhealthy to eat.  I am off to a great start so far with my exercise and diet and will continue to post recipes that you can enjoy whether you are dieting or just wanting a healthier option now and then. 

For more style info please check out and like Brian's Style Guide on Facebook.

 

  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.