We often underutilize, if not underestimate, yellow in our wardrobes. If you want to add brightness to your outfit, but flamingo pink and royal purple aren't for you, pick up a shirt, tie, etc., in a sunny yellow. Personally, I'm a fan of yellow trousers, which compliment anything but red... because you don't want to look like a McDonald's spokesman.

The One That Got Away

Today at Macy's, I passed by Polo shorts in Dress Gordon tartan. Unfortunately, this brought back the memory of the tartan windbreaker I missed buying last year. I kept waiting for the price to go down and by the time I could finally afford it, the jacket was sold out in my size. 

What piece of clothing/accessory do you regret letting slip away?

Feeling Tweedy

I realize it's the hottest time of year, but as pre-fall collections are unveiled, I'm getting back in the mood for tweeds and cords.

Outfitted Inspiration

This is how you wear orange and green without feeling like a pumpkin.

Frank and Oak - Outfits

 Frank & Oak shirt, raw silk tie, and Breton stripe sweater

Paul Stuart sport coat

C & B cotton pocket square

Polo ivory cotton trouser

Merona red socks

Cole Haan black suede slippers

Frank & Oak shirt and tie

Paranzino's linen/wool blazer

C & B silk pocket square

Polo navy cotton trouser

Austen Heller red suede mocs

Wish List - Color, Only

I don't love double-monks, but I'm green with envy for this color. Hey, Meermin, I'll take 'em in brogued and loafered form.

Busy, busy day. Frank & Oak outfits tomorrow.

Frank and Oak - Del Mar Shirt in Currant

The red, white and blue theme continues with this striped shirt from Frank & Oak. I remember my dad wearing a shirt just like this throughout my childhood, which is what most drew me to this updated version. The Frank & Oak fit is refreshingly slim, with a narrow collar and cuff to match a slim (but never skinny) tie. Though it's hard to tell how long a piece will hold up after wearing only twice, the quality here seems solid. Overall, at $45, I'd call the Del Mar shirt, or any other Frank & Oak shirt, a worthwhile investment. Tomorrow, I'll be sharing some of my outfit combinations of the past week using my new Frank & Oak goods.

Sport Sunday

I may enjoy all this silly style stuff, but I'm just as much of a sportsman. 

 My viewing day begins watching Djokovic take on Murray at Wimbledon. Though I wouldn't mind seeing Murray win his home event, I'm supporting my fellow Orthodox bro, Novak.

 I'll follow that with the German Grand Prix at Nurburgring, rooting Alonso and Massa of Ferrari.

Lastly, I'll be enjoying the Greenbrier Classic, an event I'm so proud to watch in my home state. My favorites aren't in contention this year, so I'm simply hoping for good weather and a good showing from all.

It's a damn good day for sports. 

Frank and Oak - Saint Tropez Cotton Sweater

Another key addition to my summer wardrobe just arrived, in the form of this Breton Stripe sweater. An iconic piece of fashion history, this classic has always been in style, produced from brands like Target and Gap to Gucci and Ralph Lauren. Usually marked as a boating sweater or simply a nautical sweater, the Breton Stripe belongs in every man's wardrobe. The Frank & Oak Saint Tropez version is a very lightweight, 100% cotton option worth considering. I particular like the notched crewneck, a feature I've yet to see on similar sweaters. After wearing mine all day July 4th then sleeping in it to test for shape retention and pilling, I woke up pleasantly surprised. Most cheap sweaters show themselves as such after one wearing, but the quality I'd expected from Frank & Oak held true. No stretching. No pilling. Honestly, I like this sweater so much I'll be wearing it on a regular basis from now on, which is saying something given that my current knitwear count is around two hundred. Speaking of numbers, the Saint Tropez sweater currently costs $70. It might not be the cheapest nautical sweater on the market, but you're buying a quality, classic piece of menswear that can last a lifetime.

Frank and Oak - Ties

As you may know, I'm kinda obsessed with ties, with about 400 currently in rotation. In the past few years, I've filled my collection with paisleys, foulards and stripes, but only recently have I taken the time to expand my solid and dotted tie assortment.

First up is the Logan Raw Silk Tie in Ruby. Though I'd call it more persimmon than ruby, the slubbing in this tie will add depth to any outfit, any time of year. We often overlook the visual weight of an outfit in terms of texture. Sure, it's easy to count the number of patterns we can use cohesively, but fabric texture is just as crucial in forming a solid look. Raw silk pairs perfectly with lightweight linen in summer and tough twill in winter. (I know... triple alliteration in a single sentence. Damn. There it was again.) This tie is a bargain at $32... so much so that it's currently sold out.

Round two: the Printed Cotton Tie in Navy Polka Dot. Somehow, I was yet to own such a quintessential tie until this wonderful piece from Frank & Oak came my way. Every guy owns blue/white striped shirts. This has forever been the standard of workwear, and a blue/white polka dot tie is just as timeless. Unless you're wearing a polka dot shirt, this sort of tie pairs with just about anything and runs only $28.

Quality? After wearing these ties all day, each of the past two days, I'm quite happy. Well sewn and solidly constructed, these ties provide substantial knots. Also, they quickly come back to form after being unknotted.

Frank and Oak Preview

I recently unboxed some wonderful goods, courtesy of Frank & Oak, a menswear retailer based out of Montreal. Offering affordable style from shirts and pants to jackets and ties, Frank & Oak provides shoppers with quality options on a budget.Given that it's summer and July always brings forth my inner patriot, I picked out several items of red, white and blue. Over the next few days, I'll be sharing each piece with you in various outfits. Happy Independence Day, my fellow Americans, and cheers to you all! Now, I'm off to eat, drink, swim, and read the entire Declaration of Independence. Seriously, it's a tradition I recommend to all.

Wish List

I enjoy random boxes. 

Yep.

Isaia at Sierra Trading Post

Hate that I love this sport coat. And no, that's not seersucker.

Toned Down

Now that all things bright and preppy have gone mass-market, designers are turning toward muted colors for summer. Here's a simple outfit which utilizes earth tones - mustard, olive, stone, etc. Even with a lack of bold color, the large pattern of this madras blazer still makes quite a statement. As such, the rest of the outfit is kept to solids and fine stripes.