Nothing: November 2009

Editorial Report | GQ Designers of the Year

+J wool-cashmere topcoat, $150. +J shirt, $40. Wool pants, $50; Uniqlo

Joseph Gordon-Levitt models the Designers of the Year for GQ, those with affordable prices that got us through the recession without so much of a lesser-style abundance. From H&M and Topman to Uniqlo, Gap and much more--they presented us with garbs that revealed our love of country with American classics, nostalgia with UK statesman styles and a new-found love of suiting pieces, and fulfilled out need for menswear basics.

Wool fair isle sweater, $118. Pants, $128; French Connection

Leather jacket, $348. Shirt, $45. Jeans, $88; Gap.

Plaid wool-blend suit, $400. Boots, $130; Topman

Tweed sports jacket, $129. Wool pants, $70; H&M

Gray wool suit, $498. Shirt, $89; Club Monaco

Footwear Report | Bass Penny Loafers

While the 09/10 runways showed favoritism to boat shoes and slippers, penny loafers were given the stiff arm and it looks like things will remain that way for another season or two. That doesn't mean they have to be on the outskirts of your wardrobe. Their a nice alternative to the boat shoe, a timeless classic, and are reason enough to upgrade you sock options! These Bass loafers are reasonably priced and reminiscent of those my father would wear back-in-the-day. Though their located waaay over the pond, thanks to online shopping they are also just a click away. Available via Edwards of Manchester.

Style Report | How to Wear a Tux

Thanksgiving is long gone now--although the extra 5lbs you gained is still intact--so that means the Christmas season is officially upon us. In DC that's code for Christmas party after Christmas party. The good thing about that is tons of free food, open bars, eggnog, Christmas bonuses, and perhaps a couple of gifts as well. On the other hand, that means a few black tie events. Don't get me wrong, I love black tie events and the whole pomp of wearing a tuxedo. Unfortunately, most men aren't me; either they just don't know the proper way to wear a tux or they could care less. In any affect, Ive got the low-down on How to Wear a Tux, because after a lifetime of living in DC its become clear that the my gender needs all the help we can get. Here are a few tips to keep at hand:
-If you have yet to make the conclusion that it is smarter to buy a tux than to rent one that expires in the New Year...what the hell are you waiting for!?! But to get the most out of your purchase, buy a timeless tux. You want a peak-lapel jacket with either one or two buttons, they always remain classic. Stay away from anything overly-slim or flared, not only do they become ill-fitting, they usually are trends as well. And if your tuxedo is well-tailored, it should last you for years to come!
-What truly makes a tux is its lapels. While a peak-lapel is the most classic, in modern times a notch-lapel has become the standard. I, however, prefer a shawl-lapel (above). Its still an old-time classic yet sets you apart from the crowd.
-As for collars, steer clear of wings. A wing collar alludes a rental, whereas a conventional one symbols ownership.
-As for a cummerbund, dont even go there. Unless your going to the prom opt for suspenders instead.
-As for accessories, ditch those shiny tux shoes and go for a pair of well-polished black lace-ups instead. For your timepiece and cuff links, size matters! Go with something as slim and classic as your tux.
-In modern days, you can opt for a Little Black Suit instead of a tux. Just make sure its right - head over to Little Black Suit for some help with that.
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Outerwear Report | Marc by Marc Jacobs Parka

Although I have been clear about my opinion of "parkas" as a use of outerwear, I must admit that they are the best for tough weather. The fact that I haven't seen too many designer parkas might have something to do with it, but the honest fact is, I tend to go with a more proper prospective when it comes to outerwear. But this Marc Jacobs (yes, Marc Jacobs!) parka is set apart from the usual mode of the casual outerwear and includes features that make it more "proper" than most. And lets be real, we all need at least one parka in our wardrobe...make it this Marc Jacobs choice. It may not be cheap, but it isn't what I would consider expensive on the outerwear front. At £385, this is a respectable choice. Available now via Matches.
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Video | Patrik Ervell Spring/Summer 2010

Editorial Report | Fantastic Streets

Style shouldn't be an inconvenience, and I guess photographer Andrea Spotorno sought out to invoke just that in the Fall/Winter issue of Fantastic Man. Playing on the notion that style is a mode of living, Alex Hudson and Jamie Johnson stroll the night time streets without so much as a worry of staining the lightly colored suits. This is menswear in its truest form: "A man should look as if he had bought his clothes with intelligence, put them on with care, and then forgotten all about them."

Style Report | The Little Black Suit

David Beckham, Will Smith, George Clooney, and Brad Pitt all have one thing in common - they look their best while wearing a black suit, white shirt, and black tie. Its a timeless combo that is the closest relative you have to the incontestable, always in vogue LBDs that your mothers, sisters, and girlfriends have in their closet. Just think about it, would Men in Black had been such a smash hit if Will Smith had worn a navy jacket and khakis? And what about Jake and Elwood Blues, their whole livelihood was dedicated to the Little Black Suit, and their visual impact would fall flat without their uniform.
The glory and blame of the Little Black Suit goes to Quentin Tarantino - who, some 16 years ago, made violence stylish. His many films—Men in Black, The Transporter, The Day the Earth Stood Still—all reprised the look, and without surprise a crisp white shirt paired with a well-tailor black suit is still in the moment.
"A black suit gives a man strength and anonymity," says Betsy Heimann, the costume designer who worked with the casts of Reservoir Dogs and Pulp Fiction. "At the same time, it also calls your attention to him, because it's so stark—you're only looking at him, his eyes and his face." And no need to fret over the 'cool characters' who once, and still, find the Little Black Suit their uniform of choice; to pull it off you don't need to be cool, the suit will take care of that for you.

Outerwear Report | Michael Bastian Quilted Hunting Jacket

My mind has been scrambling, trying to decide what to call this specific piece of outerwear. As a part of Michael Bastian's Autumn/Winter 2009 collection, its entitled a quilted firing jacket, but I'm tempted to call it a puffa. Either way, its a piece worth noting. Its a perfect mix of everything: athletic nylon fabric, a classic quilting style, a flannel rustic feature, and removable sleeves. Its just as versatile, too - it can easily be topped on a suit, paired with trousers, or thrown-on to accompany casual jeans. Available now via Colette.

Exclusive Report | Treasury Wednesday Pick

For this week's 'Treasury Wednesday Pick', I decided to have a little fun, so I venture out further than Ive ever gone before and stepped back to the late-60s mid 70s era. That's right, I stepped right into the house that occupied the Brady Bunch. I swear that while wearing these vintage 70s garments, I could softly hear the faintest of voice screaming "Marcia, Marcia, Marcia!"
And the magic didn't end there. Somehow while I was visiting the newly formed juvenile sextet, my waist shrunk to the menial size of Greg Brady's and I was able to pull of a pair of his ultra-high waist Navy bell bottoms. Needless to say, I fell in love and Alice had to pry them out of my hands upon my departure. The vest spoke to me in a language all its own: the language of designer vintage. No where else but at Treasury, em...I mean the Brady Bunch, could you find a vintage Lanvin vest for $65. I mean, really! Then there is the striped turtleneck, a filler that added the appropriate splash of color and complexity. And who doesn't love a nice, striped turtleneck?

Imagine my surprise when I ran into these very pieces at Treasury Boutique (you know, the bad ass vintage clothing boutique nestled between Logan Circle and the U-Street Corridor). I guess it goes to prove that Katerina Herodotou and Cathy Chung really do put work-in when it comes to the voyage they go through to fill the walls of Treasury with the old, the unique, the damn right cool. All of the pieces are available at Treasury - Stripped turtleneck, $38; Lanvin vest, $65; Navy pants, $56. More views after the jump...

Accessories Report | Chronicle of Never Sunglasses

"These shades done in collaboration with Graz Mulcahy (another former Ksubi alum and now with his own label Graz eyewear) are offered in a few select colors of two models, each with limited availablity: Corpus Callosum and the Choroid Plexus. We really love the acetate they used, the colors in the tortoise are extremely rich.
Available via http://www.EyeGoodies.com

Editorial Report | Flexible Men

This intensely attractive editorial in GQ Italia is appropriately titled Flexible Man, despite a wardrobe that speaks otherwise. A smorgasbord of slim-cut suits, smoking jackets, and topcoats speak volumes on constriction when considering the tight tailoring and sharpened shoulders; they are rendered loose, like liquid, however, thanks to the choice of material and attention to fit. And the models' rousing performance of acrobatic-like jumps help, too.

Style Questions | Pubic Regions, Socklessness, and Relationships

I recently joined a gym downtown. Like most men's locker rooms, it has one big room for showers. The other day while showering I noticed that more than a fair share of the guys had shaved their pubic region completely bald. I understand that a guy's penis is his own business, but this seems a bit odd. Do you agree, or is this on the rage?
Three options: either these guys have not yet reached puberty; they recently had an accident while lighting a candle naked; or, like I suspect, these guys think their penises are other people's business, too. I'd suggest you mind your own damn business, or else you might be invited to join their club. (FYI: there are some things that you just shouldn't tell me, because I will mock you.) Now what gym is that again, I need to make a mental note never to visit it.
Ive noticed that a lot of magazines are showing men wearing dress shoes without socks. Should I join in with the crowd and go sockless? Does it work in the office?
Here is one instance where my thinking is a bit all over the place and at odds with mainstream thinking in menswear. Ive noticed loads of socklessness among my fellow collegiate men in DC, the Casual Friday crowd on Capitol Hill, and the hoards of tourist descending in front of the White House. While I am a big fan of socklessness during the summer, spring, and with a nice comfy pair of loafers, there is something about seeing a sockless man in a dark business suit that rubs me the wrong way. From my perspective, it looks as if his girlfriend has locked him out and he's stuck sleeping on his buddy's sofa. And don't even get me started about going sockless during the winter. Ill admit, this can be a little shaky, with weather in DC doing a constant spiral, but to me it the equivalent of slapping on a pair of sandals - not a good look at all.
As for 'ankle socks', I cant go there, either. Golf clubs may allow them - even though they don't allow cargo shorts - but that's modern-times for 'ya. I think if you've got the guts to wear those ladies' socks, then you mind as well go all out and wear the pom-pom kind.
My girlfriend says that my style of dress is too "gay." I'm still confused as to whether she means homosexual or lame, but I'm aiming for the earlier. I'd describe my style as bohemian-chic. For instance, today I wore a black Hermes jacket with a long, thin scarf, beat-up jeans, and worn in loafers - worn in so to keep from an argument ensuing. On our last date I wore a great pair of Gucci loafer without socks. Lets just say it didn't go over well, and the night ended without any sex and her telling me to move to "Fire Island." We are compatible when it comes to everything else. Should I end the relationship or change my clothes?
From your summary of the situation, I can only guess that your girlfriend would be happier with someone more conventional. There are loads of nice guys out there with Dockers, polos, and running shoes (ick!), and you depriving yourself of expression through your clothes will only start more arguments, animosity, and hatred. To put it simply, fire her, perhaps first taking her from behind.
Send your own Style Questions to contact@districtcut.com.
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Accessories Report | John De Maya Universum Print Scarves

Its fall season, so you can bet Ive got more neck gear for you. Johm De Maya offers up a great line of stylish and function neck liners that are available in loads of unisex colors - making them something that you and your significant other can both wear (so please take of those women underwear, even if they are only used for kink and turn her on!). And with your neck being a delicate area of the body, you can trust that it will be in the finest of company. Each scarf is made from 100% rayon and hand printed for the best quality. Available now via DC4.
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Collection Report | Brothers Spring 2010

For Spring 2010, Brothers went a relaxed and casual route - predictable and nostalgic, to say the least. Colors remained relatively light, with flashes of bright and vibrant reds, blues, and greens, and the silhouettes stayed tuned to the masculine channel that seems to be taking over the tube. Easy and carefree seemed to be the motto and they conveyed it quite well with nonchalant trousers, light sweaters and button-downs, blazers and jackets, and small accessories. More interesting is the fact that Brothers did what most design houses shy away from now-a-days: they walked realistic and wearable outfits down the runway. A clear case of exposing their 'seemingly bore some' range for all its worth, they succeeded and created an entirely new outlook for which the collection is seen. Furthermore, the have inspired looks that can be easily replicated for what is shaping up to be a stylish summer. More views...

Buy Report | Corpus Cowichin Cardigan

The cable-knit Cowichin Cardigan by Corpus exudes everything that is perfect and fair about the fall season. Inspired by the European fishing-village, Corpus gave the fishers a little twist with a two-toned color palette and leather buckle detailing. And you thought cardigans were boring...
Available online at Garygyle.

Style Report | Victoria Beckham on Menswear

"Style isn’t about money. One of the nicest outfits on a man is a pair of jeans, some old, messed-up boots, a simple white tee, and a vintage leather belt. You don’t have to spend a lot. It’s about mixing and matching and getting things that fit properly.

GQ December 'Men of the Year' Covers

Style Report | The Black Suit

Most men have experience with black suits that center around a praiseworthy rendition of "Shout" or a corpse. For all its omnipresence, the suit noir is still affectionately considered evening-only attire outside the funeral home and church. But I think it's time to let that 'special occasion' uniform out for some air and sun, sans the mourning of a death or Sundays. For what its worth, there are few items of clothing more handsome on a man, and it is the only time a man should be described as chic. Plus, its idiotproof (if you look anything less than stylish in a black suit...Houston, we have a problem). Pair it with a white shirt, pink shirt, blue shirt, a black tie, sans tie, wing tips, or sneakers. Either way—you'll still come out looking chic.
Bradley Cooper is an example of the many ways to wear a black suit(though not limited to), and its idiotproof nature—he comes off looking chic everytime. So embrace the black suit, if for no other reason than its moderate yet satifying appearance. You can't go wrong.

Outerwear Report | Banana Republic Moleskin Topcoat

I recently got an email from "Disappointed Reader" who expressed his dismay about the outerwear that are featured on District Cut. Too obscure, not accessible, or simply too expensive, he complained. And while I always provide a link to purchase all the featured items online, Ill give in to your complaint with this moleskin topcoat by Banana Republic. Made of 100% cotton with a velvet-like finish, it features a soft-to-the-touch coating that forces even the hardest of hearts to melt. The wide silhouette is without warrant, but delivers a 1950s Ivy League look that is, in essence, DC. Looks very Don Draper, if you ask me. Available now via Banana Republic.

Accessories Report | Hardgraft 2UNFOLD Multi-Use Laptop Bag

So it does exist...love at first site. That explains the feeling I felt the second I saw the 'Hardgraft Nappa Leather UNFOLD Laptop Bag'. Its high quality leather is as soft as Grace Kelly's skin. Its versatile design is as non-restricting as Beyonce's voice. And its black tone is as reminiscent of beauty as Naomi Campbell's longer-than-length legs. Ive found my soulmate.
More detailed - it has a shock-absorbent layer and a black canvas lining; it works as a courier bag, a shoulder case, a briefcase, and more; it can fit up-to a 17-inch Macbook. Available via Hardgraft.

Style Report | Hair Tips by Zac Efron

I assume that he has a swoon-worthy head of brunette locks that are envied by many, but then again I wouldn't know - Ive got the hair of a difference grain and race so Ive never paid much attention, until now.
In any affect, in the latest issue of TIME magazine, Zac Efron reveals how he gets that effortless I-dont-give-a-fuck head of hair, and his method is quite literal. And while I'm not entirely sure I believe him, its worth a try.
"I've never told anyone this before. This is a hair scoop. Shower before you go to bed, and then sleep on your wet hair. Towel-dry it. In the morning, it's all messed up naturally. If you have that messed-up thing going when you wake up, it's more willing to stay that way. That's Zac's hair tip.
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Buy Report | John Smedley ‘Brennan’ Purple Trousers

Trousers...where to start? I can easily say that they are an essential, and I don't think there is any need to elaborate. Plain and simple, if you don't have a few pairs then you aren't a man; if you don't have a single pair then I beg to question, do you even have a Y chromosome?
But seriously, they offer the greatest versatility that you could ask for: they are perfect for work-wear yet work well with casual. Plus, they are so much cooler than jeans.
These John Smedley trousers are cooler than cool, not to mention tame enough for the workplace. Not only are they purple, but the fabric looks good with any footwear - brogues, desert boots, you name it. And if you've got a nice sock collection, these will compliment them exceptionally - they are unfinished and perfect for roll ups. Available now via John Smedley.

Editorial Report | Heavyweight Champs

Who knew funny could be so stylish? E! comedian Joel McHale proves that just because his heart and soul are full of humor, there is still room in there to properly dress himself in the morning. In this fashion spread for GQ, McHale exhibits the proper way of suiting-up for winter months. He takes on the mode of flannel, tweed, wool, and corduroy suits; chalk stripe patterns; wool ties; rubber soled lace-ups; lightweight v-necks; and ribbed-knit scarves. Not to mention an adequate sock-shoe combo. The result of a good equation containing those components is nothing short of appropriate suiting. Take notes...
above photos: Wool suit, $820, by Billy Reid. Shirt, $425, by Michael Bastian. Tie, $120, by Ralph Lauren Black Label. Shoes, $168, by J.Crew. Socks, $95, by Tom Ford. Pocket square by Geoffrey Beene. Watch by Girard-Perregaux.

Corduroy suit, $2,895, by Ermenegildo Zegna. Shirt, $59, by Club Monaco. Tie, $160, by Michael Bastian. Scarf, $130, by Paul Smith Accessories. Watch by Patek Philippe.

Wool-cashmere suit, $2,950, by Michael Bastian. Sweater, $395, by Emporio Armani. Shirt, $325, by Ralph Lauren Black Label. Tie, $150, by Black Fleece by Brooks Brothers. Shoes, $795, by Ralph Lauren. Socks, $35, by Punto for British Apparel. Watch by Panerai.

Wool suit, $995, by John Varvatos Star USA. Shirt, $145, by Polo Ralph Lauren. Tie, $95, by Gitman Bros. at Saks Fifth Avenue. Shoes, $695, by Church's. Pocket square by Paul Stuart. Tie bar by Kenneth Cole.

Wool suit, $995, by John Varvatos Star USA. Shirt, $145, by Polo Ralph Lauren. Tie, $95, by Gitman Bros. at Saks Fifth Avenue. Shoes, $695, by Church's. Pocket square by Paul Stuart. Tie bar by Kenneth Cole.