Summer Wardrobe Staples

Boglioli navy jacket in washed wool, Salvatore Ferragamo loafers, and bespoke pink gingham cotton shirt --The Independent.  Clapham cotton pocket square --Gilt.  Grey linen shorts and blue woven cotton belt --JCrew.

So as I have said before I like pieces rather than outfits.  I think a great wardrobe is built around staples.  A wardrobe with great bones and pieces is one you can build on and just gets better.  That works equally as well in Summer as it does the rest of the year.  I have found that it doesn't matter how many pairs of shoes, or pants, or shirts you have there are always a few that you wear most often.  For me these are the pieces that seem to be the bones of my wardrobe.  Lets take a look at them and see how they can mix and match well together and take you from the day, to a summer wedding, or to dinner out with friends.  I have intentionally used the same few pieces in these images to illustrate the point that key pieces are well, key!

1.  Polo shirt

The polo shirt is a classic and whether you like one with a logo or one without (I personally prefer one without) they are hard to do without in warmer weather.  A polo is equally at home with jeans, shorts, or a pair of pants.  They also layer well under a jacket or light sweater.  Have one in every color of the rainbow if you like, but I bet you will wear a white or a navy one most often.  In the two images below you can see how the polo shirt can work with shorts or a chino and you can throw on a jacket and the look becomes a bit dressier. 

White cotton polo, blue cotton woven belt, cotton pocket square, and navy cotton shorts with anchor print --JCrew.  Brown leather driving mocs --Banana Republic.  Isaia unlined pin-cord cotton/silk jacket --The Independent.

 



Navy polo, cotton pocket square, and cream chinos in 484 fit --JCrew.  Brown leather driving mocs --Banana Republic.  Brown leather belt --Dillards.  Bulova watch with brown leather band.  Isaia unlined pin-cord cotton/silk jacket --The Independent.

 

 

2.  Leather drivers

 

Leather driving mocs are not just for Spring/Summer but are a great option that allow you to go from casual to more dressy occasions.  Now they aren't appropriate for everything but in warm weather they are such a great alternative to flip flops or sneakers.  Wear them without socks but use a washable insole so they don't end up smelling like a gym shoe by the end of the season.  I love them in suede as well but if you had to start with a pair Id opt for some brown ones in a slightly pebbled leather.  And as for belts to go with them you can venture away from the matchy matchy rule and try a canvas belt.  The images above show how easily you can wear them with shorts or chinos.  

3.  Unstructured jacket

I think that regardless of who the man is an unstructured jacket can be a key piece in his closet.  If you are suit and tie guy that dresses in suits 5 days a week or one that saves jackets for weddings and funerals, an unstructured jacket can be one that you look for reasons to wear.  They are so incredibly versatile and come in a huge array of styles and fabrics.  For warmer weather a seersucker jacket is a spot on match.  But if you want to try something a bit different then opt for a jacket in a pin-cord fabric (see above) to have an equally cool look.  One jacket that really does everything you need it to is a navy jacket.  Now I'm not talking a blazer with gold buttons but something a little fresher and one that can even carry you through until it just gets bone cold.  The jacket below is perfect for that.

Boglioli navy jacket in washed wool, Grenson double monk straps, and green Eton cotton shirt --The Independent.  Clapham cotton pocket square --Gilt.  Brown leather belt and white cotton chinos--Banana Republic.

4.  Monk straps or traditional loafers

If a driving moc is too casual for the occasion but you still want to keep it light and fresh then try another type of slip on shoe.  The monk strap is a great shoe and a classic.  You can definitely wear them without socks like a driver but they are more dressy yet equally at home with jeans, chinos, and casual pants.  The image above features a pair in a lighter leather that definitely work perfectly in warmer weather.  If you want another option then a brown leather loafer is a shoe that you will truly get a ton of use out of.  They can be worn any day of the week except for perhaps a very formal occasion.  Below I pair some with shorts to change it up but they could work with any short or pant featured in any of this post's images.  Brown leather loafers are a must have and if you want an extra option get them in suede also!

Boglioli navy jacket in washed wool, Salvatore Ferragamo loafers, and bespoke pink gingham cotton shirt --The Independent.  Clapham cotton pocket square --Gilt.  Grey linen shorts and blue woven cotton belt --JCrew.

5.  White pants

Not to be bossy but if you don't have a pair of white pants go get a pair this moment!  Think they are too flashy or that they are a magnet for red wine or BBQ sauce?  Well they don't have to be but that is part of the attraction of them.  They just say "Hey, I got this!"  White pants can run the gamut from linen to chinos to even white jeans (love 'em).  And if you really want to impress you can wear them all year long.  That rule about Labor Day was for the Golden Age aristocrats to keep the working class in their place.  So it is over! 

Isaia unlined pin-cord cotton/silk jacket and brown suede belt/loafers from Salvatore Ferragamo --The Independent.  Pink cotton Ludlow shirt and cotton pocket square--JCrew.  White cotton chinos--Banana Republic.

 

 

6.  Button-up shirt

 

Not previously mentioned but certainly a core piece is the button-up shirt.  These certainly are important but are as varied as fingerprints.  You may prefer a solid to a print, a button down collar to a traditional, or French cuff to regular but you can only go wrong if you don't have one.  Personally I prefer either a solid color or a gingham print.  White, pink, blue, and green seem to be just so perfect this time of year and truly will carry you through all year long. 

 

7.  Items not mentioned

 

I didn't intentionally leave out ties at first when I was putting these looks together and photographing them but I think it must have been sub-conscious.  Also they are an accessory to me rather than a core wardrobe piece.  Ties are a great component of dressing well but aren't as necessary this time of year I feel.  It gets very hot here in Arkansas and I also like the casual nonchalance, or sprezzatura if you will, of wearing a shirt without a tie under a jacket or sans jacket.  Yes there are going to be occasions where you will need a tie but I don't feel like they are as frequent in the warmer months.  One thing I did include is a pocket square.  To me if you are wearing a jacket you need a pocket square to complete the look.  So I did include those but not many other accessories other than the one watch, although you will not catch me without at least my brass cuff bracelet. 

 

So I hope that this post will give you some cues or at least some inspiration on building or redefining your wardrobe.  When I was little my mother use to dress me in Garanimals where kids could easily match their pants to their shirts and the pieces acted like building blocks to go with other things.  Of course they were meant to last long enough before the kid would outgrow them.  I guess I just have always liked mixing and matching things but of course now as adults we want them to last for years. 

 

 

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.

Mad Men Cocktail Party

I always enjoy parties...going to them and throwing them.  Even planning an event is task that I enjoy.  After moving in and getting settled I knew it was time to have a party and celebrate, let friends see the space, and just get together.  I picked the date but wanted to have some type of theme.  Since the space has a bit of a mid-century modern vibe to it I decided on a "Mad Men" cocktail party with classic cocktails, finger foods, and a play list Don Draper could groove to.  Little did I know that the week of the party was probably the busiest work week I have ever had, so the party was a welcome light at the end of a very long tunnel. 

I had the theme, now I just needed to pull everything together.  One of the first things I like to do in the planning stage is to have a theme and it doesn't have to be carried out to the letter. Lets say I am going to have a dinner party with a French theme then the food will be French or French-inspired but I will also make a play list on Spotify that is in the theme as well.  The Mad Men party was no exception and I had a great time putting together a fun play list.  There were actually already some Mad Men play lists that I built mine from.  Connie Francis, Patsy Cline, Dinah Washington, Ella Fitzgerald, The Platters, and Dave Hamilton were among the artists with some Rat Pack thrown in for good measure. 

I did research on finger foods from that era and while I didn't copy or follow it to the letter I kept in that same area.  Pimento cheese finger sandwiches on rye bread, veggies with a cucumber dip, pretzels, nuts, mini red velvet cupcakes, chicken salad in phyllo cups, and some brie were among the items.  One thing that liberated me some years ago was a episode of The Barefoot Contessa where she was hosting a party and suggested you make 3 things and buy 3 things.  If you make yourself crazy getting ready for an event you guests won't have anymore fun and you'll be exhausted.  So I always like to follow that rule of thumb. 

For the bar I decided to offer more than just Manhattan's, martinis, and Tom Collins.  One thing I am glad I did was to have a bartender so that I was free to play host and not have to sling drinks all night.  Guests were able to choose from wine, beer, bourbon, vodka, or gin with mixers and such to make a pretty endless combinations of drinks. 

For the invitations I created an event on Facebook and invited friends that way.  I know the traditional way with invitations in the mail is nice but updating addresses, envelopes, and postage are quite a bit of work.  Not wanting to make people feel like they had to dress up to fit the theme, I just asked that everyone wear cocktail party attire and the guests did not disappoint!  The guys had great jackets and the ladies were decked out in vintage dresses.  I was so impressed and so pleased that the event pics didn't all get deleted.  I'd taken food and beverage shots on one card and then party pics of the guests on another.  The party pics survived but the others were lost in a moment of me forgetting that there were images on that disk that I wanted. 

It seems that everyone had a great time and I did as well.  If you are looking for a cocktail party theme, "Mad Men" is definitely the way to go!  Just remember to pick a theme, make a playlist, and keep food and beverages to the theme but you don't have to overwhelm your guests or yourself.

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 SoMa Little Rock--Vintage Market

After several months the South Main Vintage Market has returned at The Bernice Garden.  The vintage market brings together local vendors and only allows vintage or antique pieces.  I like the fact that some of the vendors offer up-cycled items like the great cuff bracelets made out of vintage belts pictured above.  I think this market is very much in keeping with the style of the neighborhood of SoMa...vintage, charming, unique, and timeless.  Something about looking through the booths and speaking with the vendors makes me feel like I am on a treasure hunt.  The great thing about vintage is that there is something for everyone.  Vintage canister set with strawberries on them?  Not for me.  But cotton napkins with a colorful floral print and I am a happy man. 

Another appealing thing about vintage for me, and I am betting others, is that there is a feeling that your item is unique.  Surely there are others and for some items there are many more out there, but at that moment you aren't seeing a shelf full of the same thing.  And lets be honest, the price is right usually.  Unless you are buying an item that is highly sought after and rare you tend to get a great value for what you are buying.  If you are decorating a space vintage is a great way to add character to it without breaking the bank. 

So on my visit Saturday I found a great little stool to go at my kitchen counter, a few vintage scarves I plan to repurpose as pocket squares, some cotton napkins and even though there were only 3 they will work with some others I already have that are solid so I can mix them up at the table, and a great orange coffee set with a matte finish.  I spent less than 40.00 for everything and have some pieces I will get great enjoyment from for years to come.  The coffee service wasn't something I knew I would use often in its entirety but the cups and saucers will be fun, the sugar bowl can stay out, and the creamer will make a nice little vase. 

So I encourage you to check out any vintage markets or fairs that are in your area.  I have not had much success with it but some people swear by vintage clothing.  I would be stoked to find some great vintage accessories!  Let me hear about your vintage finds and where you like to hunt. 

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.

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.