Read the Label

BY KEITH KIRSNER
Before doing your month’s load of laundry, it’s a good idea to do a couple things besides checking your pockets for candy, gum, receipts, and coins. There are much more important things that need to be done. It’s a good idea to do some inspection for longer lasting wear and tear.

Check out the tags on the inside of the shirt for what the fabric is made of and look for wash & care instructions. Sometimes there are two separate tags (one underneath each other). Other times it is double sided and written on the back. It is becoming more common for tags to be printed on the inside of the shirt for extra comfort. If you don’t see all the information on the back of the neck, don’t give up! Check out on the inside, bottom left or right sides of your shirt.

For t-shirts, a likely tag might say, ‘100% Cotton: machine wash with like colors’. For other garments such as sweaters, it may read, ‘100% Wool: Hand wash cold only non-chlorine bleach when needed reshape and dry flat’. Mix that wool sweater with your t's and you're asking for trouble! Do your homework, Sherlock; read what it says and follow the directions. If it's important to you, take care of it...

- Your Style Guy

Go Ahead: Obey Modern Ring

BY KEITH KIRSNER
Accessories add a little something, but have a big impact to your outfit! Careful not to overlook this, but get something that suits you right. Just like a watch, a ring can send meaning as well. This ring in particular updates the antique silver design by adding a splash of wood detail. The roman numerals stand for the year 1989, which is the year OBEY was founded. This is cool, yet different if you’re into that!

- Your Style Guy

OBEY: Modern 89 Ring
Price: $45.00

What Went Wrong: Seinfeld Edition

BY KEITH KIRSNER
Jerry Seinfeld. How can you not like this guy? Comedy is what he knows best and oddly enough (if you can believe it) he has an obsession with sneakers. In fact, he has over 500 pairs of white sneakers in mint condition! As far as the cover goes, I get it: He is on one of his daily strolls through Central Park, but for the photo shoot a pair of white hightops will not cut it! Nothing against his Nike’s, but there is a time and place for them. For one of the most successful comedians of all time, he should dress appropriately for the occasion. Below is a link to a pair of sporty loafers I would recommend to Seinfeld to complete his outfit. These are made for comfort (with rubber outsoles) and would compliment his look perfectly.

- Your Style Guy

Cole Haan Men’s Tucker Venetian Shoe
Price: $145.00

Business Man

BY KEITH KIRSNER

Want to own the room?
Want to dress like a millionaire?
Want to look like “money”?

At some point in your day, you’re going to have to take off your jacket.

This is how power dresses.

- Your Style Guy

To Tuck or Not to Tuck?

BY KEITH KIRSNER
That is the question. In preparation for going out there are things that need to be taken into account. Casual style does not always mean keeping your shirt un-tucked. Get yourself a nice belt and tuck in that shirt! Try it. I dare you. It might not be so bad…

- Your Style Guy

Socks That Rock the Slopes

BY KEITH KIRSNER
It’s all about layering when preparing for that big ski trip. The most important layer is the one against your skin! From the makers who brought you the original Sock Monkey, check out these new Fox River Mills Ski socks. They are made specifically for cold weather featuring super soft light weight fabric with super stretch welt to prevent muscle fatigue and pinching. These USA manufactured socks also wick moisture away from the skin with a thermal insulator. Most importantly when hitting the slopes this season, skip anything with cotton. See you down the mountain...

- Your Style Guy

Fox River Ski Socks
Rocky: $19.49

On the Streets: 4 Train

BY KEITH KIRSNER
This guy knew how to pair things correctly. He wore a dark plaid shirt to contrast under his white cable knit sweater and topped it with a grey knitted sailor cap. Tall and confident, he cuffed his skinny jeans that sit just right on his black canvas sneakers. He knew how to dress to get attention without being overdone. Well done.

- Your Style Guy

Christmas Comes Once a Year, Dammit!

BY KEITH KIRSNER
Color is the first thing that attracts you to a garment. Mixing and matching colors is strategic planning! Here's a tip on what not to do: Mix red with green in your outfit. What do you get when you mix these two together? You get Christmas in February! We automatically think of the holiday when we pair these colors together. Please avoid this at all costs! I'm fine with you being jolly all year round, but please don't project this feeling into your clothes. Save it for the Christmas season.

- Your Style Guy

15 Seconds: Vampire Space Monkey?

BY KEITH KIRSNER
This ad says a lot, but what are they trying to say? Are we supposed to go out and get silver astronaut jumpsuits and head to work? And check out that collar! I know we're in the age of 'Twilight', but can it get any more exaggerated? The bigger the collar, the more Dracula you become. What were they thinking!?

- Your Style Guy

How to Wear Pink

BY KEITH KIRSNER
This isn’t so much of a question of whether you can or not wear a pink shirt or tie because every man should have the confidence to add pink to his wardrobe. This is about when and how to wear it. Your best suit colors to go with pink are heather grey and navy blue. You can also try a pink shirt tucked into dark blue jeans for a casual Saturday outing. Stay away from matching black and pink together. They clash too much. And don’t forget – brown shoes, brown belt. Pink accentuates your skin tone so Spring and summer are the seasons to wear it. Pink is smart. Rock it well and wear it proud!

- Your Style Guy

Ralph Lauren
Fine Slim Custom-Fit Poplin
Price: $98.00
Style #3985131

Q&A: Can I wear Dickies?

BY KEITH KIRSNER
The only reason you should be wearing Dickies apparel is when you plan on attempting house maintenance, auto repair, or possibly going on a trip to go camping/hunting. If there is a chance of you getting dirty, drenched , bloody, sweaty or any other possible bodily function due to heavy lifting, landscaping, plumbing, or even the impossible of changing a light bulb, put on a pair of Dickies. You are asking for trouble if you are wearing your good clothes. In most cases, any apparel store that offers you a lifetime guarantee or the words 'multi-purpose' when referring to it's products is not meant to be worn everyday! Dickies encourages workers to ‘wear with purpose’!

- Your Style Guy

http://www.dickies.com/product/product_category.jsp?FOLDER%3A%3Afolder_id=2534374302024397

No time for the Gym?

BY KEITH KIRSNER
No problem! Now you have Spanx for Men! For those of you not aware of what Spanx is, they are undergarments for women to tighten up areas of their body they may be conscious of. Now they are launching Spanx for men in tanks, v-necks, and crew. Made up of high stretch cotton, spandex, and elastane, this new line of shapewear is supposed to firm, flatten and support ‘his’ problem areas. You can pre-order these shirts and have them shipped by 2/22. Black shirts will become available come the beginning of April. For $58.00, my opinion is to skip it and buy some UnderArmour for half the price. Find the time for the gym!

- Your Style Guy

http://www.spanx.com/family/index.jsp?categoryId=4018666&cp=3010014

Hygiene: Dove for Men

BY KEITH KIRSNER
Anyone watching the Super Bowl last Sunday saw this ad for Dove’s new Men’s product line. Having tried the new face/body bar soap, I think we have a winner! If you’ve got dry skin, fighting the winter cold can be rough and itchy on your body. With micro-moisture technology, it leaves your face feeling clean and fresh! You can find this new product line at your local pharmacy and don’t forget to print out this $1.00 off coupon good for any Dove for Men product!

- Your Style Guy

Watch the T.V. ad!

Click here for your $1.00 off coupon.

Go-Ahead: Mad Men Suits

BY KEITH KIRSNER
Want to dress like your favorite Mad Men? Now you can get these limited edition suits that articulate clean style and sophistication. Inspired by the 1960’s designers of Don Draper and Roger Sterling, Brooks Brothers has taken partnership with Mad Men to create similar styled suits with an updated twist. Distinguished by narrow lapels, a trimmer silhouette and hand finished tailoring, this American made suit will have people turning heads. And don’t forget to complete the outfit with a handkerchief in your suit pocket!

- Your Style Guy

http://www.brooksbrothers.com/madmen/madmen.tem

Go for the Gold!

BY KEITH KIRSNER
Let’s face it – a watch is a man’s trophy. He wears it on his wrist to show the world his success. Now with the Olympics upon us, here is the watch I would recommend to our winners. This screams power and authority. If you want to stand out this winter and beyond, go for the gold!
USA! USA! USA!

- Your Style Guy

Rolex Submariner Date Watch
Model # 116618
http://www.rolex.com/en#/rolex-watches/submariner/introduction/

15 Seconds: If It's Shiny...

BY KEITH KIRSNER
I am introducing a new column called '15 Seconds'. It will be based on trends that had or will have their 15 seconds (not minutes) of fame including: fashion/marketing mistakes and/or things that make your eyebrow curl and make you think, “Really??”

So If it's Shiny: Throw it out! That's right! This goes for all shiny: suits, shirts, jackets & pants - You own it, toss it. It looks cheap and one of last decade's worst trends. Don’t let this be you! This excludes all jewelry, silk ties and handkerchiefs, basketball shorts, and polished shoes.

- Your Style Guy

Brown Shoes, Brown Belt.

BY KEITH KIRSNER
It’s an easy concept, but sometimes the basics slip through our fingers. This is one of them not to forget. For any and all occasions, never mix and match your belt and shoe colors! This is a simple fix and something you should always have down. Your shoes and belt should at all times be the same color. Brown shoes, brown belt. Period.

- Your Style Guy

Buying is Investing

BY KEITH KIRSNER
No one loves a great deal more than me, but you must be smart with your purchases. Before buying something, you need to decide if the item is something you would have normally bought if it were full price. Especially if the item is a clearance item that cannot be returned. Because if the answer is no, be wise and keep the plastic in your pocket. Instead of wasting your cash, invest your money safely. Like at the bar…

- Your Style Guy

Here's the Skinny

BY KEITH KIRSNER
The skinnier the tie, the trendier it is. Keep the skinny tie out of the office. Save it for Friday nights out with the top button undone. However if you’re wearing one to a special occasion, start the night off with your shirt buttoned up all the way. During the night you can unbutton the top button if you get warm for a more relaxed look. Otherwise it will appear like you’re trying too hard. The most important thing about wearing the tie is having the right collar length to match it. Having too big of a collar with a skinny tie can make you look pretty silly. Here's how to do it right.

- Your Style Guy

Go-Ahead Item: Beanie

BY KEITH KIRSNER
From time to time, I will be posting Your Style Guy’s ‘Go-Ahead Item’. This will be an item I personally endorse for you to ‘go-ahead’ and add to your collection.

Beat the cold this winter in style. This beanie can be found @ Urban Outfitters and is currently on sale for $12.99 (was $28.00).

- Your Style Guy

http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/urban/catalog/productdetail.jsp?_dyncharset=ISO-8859-1&navAction=jump&id=17206558&search=true&isProduct=true&parentid=SEARCH+RESULTS&color=004

On the Streets: 7 Train

BY KEITH KIRSNER
Let’s take a look… This kid had it together. Everything worked, from head to toe. With his pants not suffocating his legs, they are just the right fade, length and fit that rest perfect on his Jordan high tops. Next, you can never go wrong with a well fitted white button down for a night in the city. He is wearing it untucked for a casual Friday night out. Finally we have his leather bomber fit snug around his body. Clearly avoiding the 'size-too-big-extra-leather-cow-on-your-back-look'! He knew what worked well for him. His patterned scarf draped out of his left pocket and his glasses (not shown) perfectly accessorized his look. Respect.

- Your Style Guy

Fashion v. Style

BY KEITH KIRSNER
fashion
a mode or expression accepted by a group of people over time.

style
refers to an item's distinctive characteristics or design features.

- Your Style Guy

How It All Started

BY KEITH KIRSNER
It all started with a tie - I was 4 years old getting dressed for my nursery school graduation when my mom lifted my collar and tried to put on a snap-on bow tie. I threw it off and proclaimed, "I WANT A BIG-BOY TIE!" With my mom aiming to please on my big day, we drove to A&S an hour before the ceremony. She got me a blue traditional neck tie and it put a smile on my face as I walked down that aisle! The things we remember... Thanks Mom!

- Your Style Guy