Five Common "Must Avoid" Fashion Mistakes

No matter how much effort one puts into looking fashionable, stumbling upon a “fashion faux pas� is almost inevitable. After all, it’s nearly impossible to find your own sense of style without some trial and error, which usually involves making a mistake or two and learning from it. If you have a clear idea of what some of the more common fashion mistakes made by men are, however, you can work towards avoiding them from the very beginning. Understanding the more commonly made mistakes in men’s fashion will not only lead to a more attractive you, but can save you a great deal of time, money and energy. The following are five of the most common mistakes seen in men’s fashion, all of which are worth working towards avoiding.

1. Socks and Sandals
We’ve all seen it. There’s always that guy at the beach or golf tournament that thinks he’s turning heads by wearing socks and sandals at the same time. The fact is, he definitely is; for all the wrong reasons. The combination of socks and sandals is an abysmal pairing that does far more harm than good, and should be avoided at all costs.

2. Dirty, Distressed Jeans
Distressed jeans were “in� for a while; the latter part of the 90s was no doubt a heyday for this look. That said, the days where dirty, disheveled jeans were viewed as being attractive are long gone at this point. Instead, these items do nothing more than connote laziness, which no fashion-forward guy wants to associate themselves with. Throw away or donate your pants if they’ve seen better days, and don’t be afraid to drop the cash on a new, high-quality pair of designer jeans.

3. Short/Long Ties
Wearing a tie correctly isn’t always as easy as a lot of people make it out to be; just ask any guy who is new to the professional working world. While there is certainly some room for error, one should never wear a tie that is either too short or too long for them. This is a surefire way to prove to the world that you don’t know a thing about how to properly put together a formal ensemble, and should always be avoided. For best results, the ties you wear should always end at the center of your belt buckle. Not sure how to properly tie a necktie? Then please visit our newly added How to Tie a Tie Videos - showing you four of the most popular ways you can tie a necktie.

4. Color Overload
Everyone likes to turn heads every once in a while, but only if it’s for the right reasons. For guys who think that saturating themselves with random, bold colors is a wise idea, the truth can often be painful. This look almost always results in clashing, and can cause one to look as if they’re a caricature of themselves. Strive to keep loud, bold colors to a minimum, emphasizing neutrals whenever possible.

5. Trend Bandwagon
Trends come and go each year; this much is inevitable. Just because a new trend has popped up, however, doesn’t mean that you need to embrace it yourself. More often than not, trends fade away relatively quickly, and are better off not having existed in the first place. As a result, you should always think twice about working towards embracing a new trend, even if you think it might make you stand apart from the crowd.

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A Man's Guide to Denim Jackets

The denim jacket is one of the most misunderstood pieces in all of men’s fashion. While it’s true that denim jackets can look rather laughable when worn incorrectly, there’s no reason to believe that this piece doesn’t have a place in practically every guy’s wardrobe. The fact is, a lot of people simply don’t know how to rock a denim jacket so that it works in their favor, which can admittedly be difficult for those who have never worn one in the past. So long as you have a good idea as of the do’s and don’ts of denim jackets, you should have no trouble incorporating them into a variety of different ensembles. Perfect for when the chilly weather begins to hit, it’s a wonder why more people don’t wear this incredibly versatile, iconic piece of men’s fashion.



Choosing a Jacket
Choosing the right denim jacket can be easier said than done, thanks to the fact that there is a great deal of variation on the market. The first thing to look at is the denim itself; choose that which is firm, yet supple, featuring a relatively dark wash. Next, consider whether or not you want a jacket that is lined. Denim jackets are typically lined with either flannel or shearling, but are available unlined as well. If you plan on layering with your denim jacket, it’s best to choose those which are unlined. Finally, consider the design of the jacket, taking note of the amount of pockets, types of buttons/clasps etc. Much of the decision regarding which jacket to go with will come down to personal preference, but keep in mind that the simpler the jacket’s design, the easier it will be to accessorize with.

A Word on Fit
The most important thing you should look for in a denim jacket is the right fit. Since denim is a relatively stiff material, finding the right fit can be somewhat difficult, and typically requires one to try on a variety of different jackets before settling on one. The jacket should fit in a way so that it does not appear “boxy,� which means you should avoid any pieces that are even remotely baggy. Look for a slim cut, ensuring that the jacket doesn’t fall below your belt. As you try on a variety of jackets, you’ll begin to notice what the right fit feels like.

Tips for Wearing the Jacket
There are a variety of things to keep in mind when accessorizing with a leather jacket. Perhaps the most crucial thing to remember is to avoid “doubling down� on denim, which can make for a very unattractive ensemble. This means no jeans, and definitely no shorts. For a casual, almost office-friendly look, you can pair your denim jacket with a crisp dress shirt and pair of khakis. If you want to go with a more grungy look, stick to a graphic tee and a pair of distressed cords. More over, avoid wearing your denim jacket on a regular basis, as this piece only works when every once in a while. As with anything in fashion, moderation is key.

A Note on Matching Ties to Denim Jackets
Pairing a denim jacket with a necktie is not the typical way you would wear a tie. It is not a look suited for the office - unless you work in the creative field that allows for casual/trendy attire. When wearing a denim jacket with a necktie pick a tie that is trendy rather than traditional. Choose a tie that is a fashion accessory that immediately shows that it was added to your look on purpose. Excellent are skinny ties in single color. Ideal are gray, charcoal, and black skinny ties made from wool. Not only do they look a bit more casual, but they also complement the relaxed look of the jacket.

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Three Male Celebrity Hairstyles Worth Emulating

It should come as no surprise that a lot of guys like to emulate celebrity fashion. After all, celebrities typically dress well for two reasons. First, they have the money to buy expensive designer clothes. Second, celebrities often times use fashion and style to create an image and/or brand that is constantly picked up by the media in form of, as annoying paparazzi might be, free publicity.

A lot of someone’s look comes down to their hairstyle, however, which even those who are on a budget can pull off if they have a decent barber or stylist. Getting a celebrity haircut can be a great way to punch up your style a bit, and doesn’t mean that you actually have to dress the way they do in order to look good. The following are three great celebrity hair styles to try out, all of which are worth experimenting with and can look great on the right person.

Anderson Cooper
Most people view Anderson Cooper as being the best-dressed newscaster on television, much of which is likely due to his hair style. The fact is, Cooper’s hair is about as well-manicured as it gets, yet doesn’t give off any of the “uptight� vibes that are often associated with a short, neatly-trimmed cut. In order to get this look, your hair has to look as clean as possible; use a shampoo that is light in weight to achieve this. Styling this cut with a small amount of pomade is essential, which will help the cut to keep its shape even on the windiest of days. In order to maintain such a short length, you’ll have to get your hair cut by a professional once every three week; scissors only, as a razor will do nothing to help bring this look out in most people’s hair. Anyone who works in the professional sector will get a lot of mileage out of this timeless cut, which is more than worth trying to embrace.

Hugh Jackman
While Anderson’s hair style may be ideal for those who are striving for the “business� look, some people would prefer to take a more casual approach. If this is the case for you, Hugh Jackman’s haircut can be very attractive when pulled off successfully. Jackman’s hair is more than stylish enough to fit perfectly in an office environment, but can just as easily work when worn out to the club at night. To get this look, avoid washing your hair every day; washing it every other day will allow for natural oils to build up, which will add weight and volume. A little hair wax can also be effective, which will add control and cut down on shininess. Get your hair cut every four weeks or so, making sure to work with a stylist that can help you to pull off this look with minimal effort.

Robert Downey Jr.
Say what you will about Robert Downey Jr.’s career and personal life; the man has an excellent hair style. Creative types will look fantastic with Downey Jr,’s hair, even if they dress in a completely different way compared to him. In order to get the layers that make this hair style what it is, you’ll want to avoid washing your hair more than twice each week. With a little bit of styling cream, you can add a great deal of hold and volume without having to put forth very much effort at all. The best part about this hair style is that it only requires you to get your hair cut every six weeks or so, and the actual cut itself doesn’t matter as much as the styling that you do at home.

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Guide to Pairing Black and Brown in One Outfit

In years past, wearing black and brown together in the same ensemble was considered a fashion faux pas for both men and women. While some people are still under the impression that black and brown cannot be pulled off together in the same outfit, the fact is that there is little to no truth to this sentiment. Black and brown may not be the easiest pairing to work with, but there are a variety of different ways to go about doing so in a successful manner. So long as you take the time to determine which ensembles work and which do not, you can confidently wear black and brown without feeling as if you’re committing a fashion sin.



Experiment with Different Fabrics
In order to get the most out of pairing black and brown together, it’s important to pair fabrics that add contrast to one another. Since black and brown can certainly clash in some situations, it’s best to avoid pairing the two colors with items that are of the same fabric. By pairing different fabrics, however, you can put a subtle, yet unique twist on just about any outfit. For example, you may want to pair a brown wool coat with black leather gloves and black skinny jeans, which will result in an attractive ensemble perfect for walking through town on a cold winter evening. When experimenting with different fabrics, stick to two or three varieties at most in a single outfit, as pairing too many different fabrics at once can make your outfit appear imbalanced.

Utilize Accessories
For those who have never tried to pair black and brown with one another, getting up the confidence to do so can be difficult at first. After all, no one wants to walk out of the house looking like they don’t know how to dress; especially after putting effort into choosing their outfit. One of the best ways to break into wearing both brown and black at the same time is to utilize accessories to incorporate the colors into your ensemble. For example, a black or midnight-blue pocket square can add a subtle, yet attractive hint to just about any brown jacket. You may want to try pairing a brown belt with black shoes or boots, although this combination can often be hit or miss. The name of the game when it comes to pairing accessories is to experiment as much as possible to determine which combinations work and which do not.

Take Note of Celebrity Fashion
If you’ve never tried to pair black and brown before, it can be difficult to know where to start. There are a great deal of celebrities that embody this look, and following their lead is an excellent way to experiment with this particular color combination. James Franco, for example, is known for pairing brown slacks with black sweaters; a look that can be very attractive on the right person. The more you pay attention to celebrity fashion, the more likely you are to get inspiration for pulling off this look.

A Note on Pairing Blacks & Browns on Suit & Tie
Wearing a brown tie with a solid black shirt (and vice versa) is tricky to pull off. If you wear a black shirt then stick to a necktie that has some black or charcoal in it. A striped tie in black and brown would be a perfect example. This black striped tie is a perfect example. Another great way to wear a brownish tie with a black shirt and/or suit is by complementing the tie with a matching pocket square.

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Stephen Colbert's Wine Red Striped Tie

That Stephen Colbert knows how to dress well in suit and tie is nothing new. In fact this is our third time featuring Colbert in our Men's Celebrity Fashion section. Last week he wore a classic 2-button suit in charcoal gray, white dress shirt, and a wine red (almost purple) striped tie. We applaud the way the outfit coordinates.

The classic, elegant, and timeless suit has an interesting striped pattern created by a fine herringbone weave using only one solid color charcoal wool. The classic white dress shirt has a standard collar and barrel cuffs. His tie is the clothing piece that adds a modern touch to this otherwise timeless ensemble. The wine-red/purple tie is decorated with a narrow light blue striped pattern. Not only adds this tie color and a unique design element to the outfit, but it also perfectly complements Colbert own color profile. Well done Mr Colbert. This is a look that is President worthy.

After seeing this tie on Colbert we started looking through our collection of almost 3,000 elegant ties t find something similar. And we did! And best of all it is only $15. Have a look at this Lavender Purple Silk Tie - the perfect choice if you want to add some color and style to your business look without wanting to compromise the professional look of suit & tie.

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Tartan Time - Men's Guide to Tartan Check

by Leslie Patrick
Hundreds of years ago, in the wilds of Scotland, men were hardly concerned with fashion. They had more pressing concerns such, for instance, how to stay alive? So it’s quite surprising that from these kilt-wearing William Wallace-like barbarians, a modern day fashion staple has sprung.

Historians are a bit unclear, but it seems that Scottish tartan, or plaid, dates back to the 3rd century. The woven fabric evolved into myriad colors and patterns which were then used to differentiate between Scotland’s numerous tribes or clans. Blocks and lines of color intersected to represent values held dear to the hearts of each clan. The Wallace tartan, for example, is comprised of large blocks of black and red, intersected at intervals with a thin golden line. Each clan exclusively wore their own tartan, a loyalty that was defended even unto death. These days, you may not challenge your co-worker over the pattern and color of his socks, but the tradition of tartans remain, and it’s one well worth remembering.

How to choose a tartan:
If Scottish blood courses through your veins, chances are that you have your very own ancestral tartan. If you don’t already know your colors, consult with a parent, grandparent or even a genealogy site such as familytree.com to enlighten yourself. You may have to go back a few generations, but the excitement of finding your family’s tartan may be well worth it.

Not Scottish? No problem! Simply browse a collection of tartans and choose one that strikes your fancy. Dark-skinned? Then a deep red or blue would look dashing. On the pale side? Suit your complexion with a light blue or gray. Tartans are generally composed of at least three intersecting colors, thus are never boring or basic.

Three of our Best Selling Tartan Check Ties


A variety of woolen items are made from tartan these days, but perhaps the most widely worn are scarves or ties. Used as an accent piece, a tartan print scarf or tie can enliven a black coat, a white shirt or a neutral sweater, pronto. The more daring may hunt out a tartan oxford shirt or even a blazer, but to wear such a vivid item requires a fashion moxie that few possess−but those who do generally rock it. Outside of the myriad woolen mills of Scotland, one of the best places to hunt for tartan items is at your neighborhood thrift store. This ancient pattern enjoyed a particularly popular resurgence in the 50s, and many items have made their way from moth ball filled attics to the racks at the local Salvation Army.

Though we may no longer roam the highlands hunting for our dinner, reside in stone huts or go to war in kilts with our faces painted blue, the tradition of wearing tartan is one custom of ancient Scotland that is still going strong. William Wallace would be proud.

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Now in Stock: New Colors for Solid Pocket Squares

Dear fellow tie aficionado, if you are a fan of accessorizing your suit & tie look with pocket squares then we have great news. We just added 15 new solid colored pocket squares that are also available as exact matching neckties. Each pocket square is 10x10 inches in size, made by hand with hand-rolled edges, and best of all, available here at Cheap-Neckties.com for just $4.95. Above are quick links to these new pocket squares. We also make recommendations for the tie we like to pair each pocket square with. Click on your favorite color to see a larger view.

Your Cheap-Neckties.com Team

Three Stylish Ways to Wear a Men's Blazer Jacket

The men’s blazer is one of the most iconic pieces of clothing out there. Extremely attractive and versatile, there are a variety of different ways to build an ensemble with a men’s blazer, many of which are easy even for those who have never tried to wear a this type of jacket before. That said, blazers often get a bad name as a result of the fact that many people simply don’t wear them in an effective manner. The results of a poorly worn blazer can be enough to turn heads, and not in a good way. Bearing this in mind, it’s important to put a good amount of time into choosing your outfit when accessorizing with a blazer in order to ensure that you aren’t committing any fashion sins. The following are three effective ways to wear a blazer, all of which can look sharp and stylish when pulled off correctly.

Jeans and Dress Shirt
For those who are going for a scholarly look, there’s no better way to accessorize with a blazer than by wearing it with jeans and a well-pressed dress shirt. This look works best with navy blazers, although tweed is an option as well. Ideally, your dress shirt should be white or as otherwise as light in color as possible; beige can work in certain situations. Choose a slim-cut pair of jeans, focusing on those which feature a dark wash. Finish the ensemble with a fashionable pair of dressy boots, as well as a tie if you choose; the latter being completely optional.

Sweater and Button-Up
If the collegiate look is a bit too much for you, you can still exude intelligence by pairing your blazer with a sweater and button-up shirt. This is an ideal look for the fall, as it not only fits the season but will serve to keep you warm during times of chilly weather. When choosing a sweater, crew necks will work best, although v-necks can occasionally be utilized to great effect. Pair with a nice pair of dark jeans, and maybe even some Chuck Taylor high-tops for an outfit that will surely grab you some attention. When choosing a button-up, all you really need to ensure is that the colors are complimentary to the rest of your ensemble; avoid putting too much thought into your choice.

Black Slacks/Khakis
Sometimes it’s best to up the anti a bit and through on a truly sharp, yet casuall ensemble, in which case pairing a blazer with black slacks or khakis is the perfect solution. This is a timeless combination, although it can be surprising just how difficult it is to pull this off without making any errors. The fact is, finding a pair of slacks that truly matches a blazer can be next to impossible, and is often considered to be futile. Rather than stressing over finding the perfect pairing, simply choose slacks that create contrast; a tweed blazer with black slacks is an excellent option. You can also try pairing your blazer with a pair of khakis; navy works best in this scenario. Try to have fun experimenting with accessories that feature complimentary colors, such as this wine red silk scarf.

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Men's Retro Fashion Guide

Styles and trend in men’s fashion come and go throughout the years, with some occasionally showing a great deal of staying power. One of the most common trends in recent years is dressing a retro, throwback style. Retro style allows for one to experiment with a great deal of different types of clothing and accessories, and can be a lot of fun for those who are interested in switching up their look. That said, there are plenty of pitfalls that need to be carefully avoided when dressing in this manner, some of which can result in some serious fashion fouls. The following are three tips to help just about any guy embrace retro style without worry of making questionable decisions.

Stick to a Specific Era
A common mistake made by those who are striving to embrace retro style is mixing clothing from a variety of different eras. This can no doubt be successful, but can also be a recipe for disaster for those who are new to retro style. Rather, it’s advisable for people who are just now getting into this method of dressing to choose a specific era to emulate. After all, 50s fashion is far different than that which was popular in the 70s/80s, although both could be considered “retro.� Choosing a specific era to influence your ensembles will allow you to focus on perfecting a look, and cuts down on your chances of combining clothing items and accessories that don’t work well together.

Shop Vintage
Retro-style clothing is a trend that has practically overwhelmed the fashion industry, with many modern designers releasing period pieces as part of their lines. That said, if you’re going to play the part, you may as well go the extra mile by shopping for vintage clothing that was produced during the era that you’re trying to emulate. This will not only result in ensembles that are more true to style, but can help you to save a great deal of money, as vintage clothing is typically available for a fraction of what new pieces cost. The best way to find vintage clothing and accessories is to shop at a high-end thrift store. You can get a lot of mileage out of talking with the store owner about the specific style that you’re going for and asking them to recommend pieces out of their collection, which is highly recommended for those who are new to dressing in a retro style.

Stay Conservative
A lot of people use dressing in a retro style as an excuse to put together outfits that are loud and attention-getting. This is a huge caveat that can be difficult to avoid given the variety of different clothing and accessories that can be paired with one another in a creative manner. That said, you’ll be far better off if you stay conservative with the ensembles that you put together. In a world full of fashion trends, retro style stands out already without the need to take things over the top, and doing so typically results in a look that attracts attention for all the wrong reasons. By starting with conservative ensembles, you can add different clothing and accessories one at a time if need by, which will result in a more controlled, refined look.

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Modern Italian Stripe Ties

Dear fellow tie aficionado, we at Cheap-Neckties.com are excited about a newly added collection of modern striped Italian ties by designer Cavallieri. Each tie is handmade by skilled artisans from finest silk - quality you can see and feel the fist time you tie one of these beautiful neckties. Also worth noting, the fabric pattern is not printed but woven - ensuring a thicker feel, more textured look, and better drape. This collection will set you apart from all the other suit and ties swarming around downtown. Each tie is available for just $20 here at Cheap-Neckties.com

We currently carry this striped tie collection in four different colors (shown above). To match this contemporary tie design we recommend solid colored dress shirt in classic colors such as white, light blue, gray, and, should you look for a more trendy look, even black. Also great is adding anther texture to your outfit by picking a solid dress shirt with a unique fabric weave. Excellent for these ties are shirts with fine herringbone pattern or elegant pique weave.

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Your Cheap-Neckties.com Team

$10 Off Coupon Code

Dear valued customer and visitor. We at Cheap-Neckties.com want to thank you for such a successful last year. In 2011 we have almost doubled our selection of neckties and bow ties, we have added more staff to our customer support team, and we broke several new sales records - and all this thanks to you! What has not changed are our low prices. Despite the increased production costs we will keep our prices where they are or 2012. After all we want to stay true to our brand: Offering quality at the cheapest possible prices.

If you are looking for an even greater bargain on some new neckties, then please use this coupon code below. It will take off $10 from your order. Please note that a min. shopping cart value of $20 is needed. Also this coupon only works 5x - meaning that only the first five people will get this deal. Do not hesitate to place your order!

$10 Off Coupon:*
$10Jan2012

*only valid 5x (first 5 customers).

Your Cheap-Neckties.com Team

The Five Worst Dressed Tech CEOs

Technology is one of the fastest moving industries, rife with both creativity and a great deal of financial capital. With modern technology affecting so many people’s lives more intimately than ever before, CEOs in the tech industry have become veritable celebrities in their own right. While some of Silicon Valley’s must well-known men certainly dress to impress, others simply miss the mark. Whether they’re trying too hard or don’t put an ounce of effort into their look, these men do nothing to further the fashion-forward mindset that has begun to make it’s way into the industry as of late. The following are five of the worst dressed tech CEOs, all of whom could benefit from taking a step back and reevaluating their appearance. We even thought about donating a fee ties to them.

1. Ben Huh (ICanHasCheezburger.com)
The popularity of ICanHasCheezburger.com has practically exploded over the course of the past few years, much adieu to the efforts of CEO Ben Huh. Huh’s style, however, leaves a lot to be desired. Known for loud spectacles, kitschy graphic tees and not much else, Huh often look as if he just rolled out of bed. While some might be able to pull this off, it certainly isn’t a look that’s worth emulating. Our style tip for Mr Huh: trendy sports coats and plaid patterned shirts.

2. Howard Stringer (Sony Corp.)
For a man who is the CEO of one of the largest corporations in the world, you’d think Howard Stringer would put a bit more effort into his appearance. Be it at a press conference or public event, Stringer’s penchant for t-shirts and outdoorsy vests often makes him look like he just returned home from a fishing trip and didn’t have time to change. The man may be rich, but you’d never know it by the way he dresses. Our recommendation: vertically striped dress shirts that will make him look thinner and taller, elegant tweed blazers or sports coats, traditional British striped ties, and brogue oxford dress shoes.o r tasseled loafers.


3. Dennis Crowley (Foursquare)
Foursquare has made some waves amongst social media aficionados, most of which surely have nothing to do with the way Dennis Crowley dresses for work. Crowley’s appearance often evokes that of a college dropout, emphasized by hooded sweatshirts, wrinkled jeans and running shoes. While casual dress can be attractive, Crowley has surely missed the mark with the way he puts himself together. Our style advice for Mr Crowley: anything but hooded sweaters and maybe a new haircut too.

4. Bill Gates (Microsoft)
Bill Gates is well known for being one of the richest men in the world, yet could truly benefit from putting some of his money towards hiring a stylist. V-neck sweaters and unpressed khakis are staples of Gates’ wardrobe, taking the place of the high-quality Italian suits that most people in his financial situation would likely wear each day. Gates may be a technology giant, but his appearance is doing nothing to help Microsoft along. Our wardrobe upgrade suggestion: classic suits and sports coats - Brooks Brothers style...


5. Mark Zuckerberg (Facebook)
Mark Zuckerberg’s rise to fame has made him one of the richest young people in the world, and yet it seems as if he still can’t figure out what to wear each day. Zuckerberg will just as quickly show up to press conferences in a t-shirt as he will a blazer and faded jeans, striving to maintain the preppy college image that made his social media network so famous. While Facebook may have taken over the world, Zuckerberg’s style surely has not. Our style tips for Mr Facebook: slim fitting European cut suits with pin striping pattern, colorful socks, and some fine Italian footwear. ~ by Erik Neilson

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New Year's Fashion Resolutions for Men

The new year is well known for being a time when people everywhere start making resolutions in an attempt to improve their lives. While a great deal of new years resolutions are broken, some people stick to their promises and end up benefiting greatly from the results. There are actually quite a few fashion-related resolutions that a lot of men could benefit greatly from taking into consideration, all of which are relatively easy to implement. The following are just five men’s new years fashion resolutions to consider as 2012 gets rolling.

Hire a Personal Trainer
No matter how fashionable one might be, clothing will look even better on an attractive and fit physique. Fitness is of the utmost importance for those who put a lot of effort into looking good, and should never be ignored. Hiring a personal trainer can have a dramatic impact on how your clothes look on you, and is a great way to get the new year started in a healthy manner.

Perfect the Art of Tying a Tie
For many people, tying a tie is something that is met with fear and anxiety. The fact is, tying a tie doesn’t have to be difficult, so long as you take the time to perfect the process. Practicing your tying method each day will help to ensure that tying a tie is never an issue for you again. Learn at least two different knots and practice how to dimple your necktie. For more info please visit our How to Tie a Tie guide.

Build a Respectable Wardrobe
Buying clothing can be difficult for those who are a on a budget, which means it often takes a great deal of time to build a respectable wardrobe. That said, every man needs to have access to quality clothing in order to look their best, even if getting there is a costly process. Strive to buy at least a few pieces for your wardrobe each month. Be wise with your spending and choose clothing items that are versatile, timeless, and of quality. Sports coats, nice dress shoes, scarves, fancy dress shirts, overcoats, are just a few classic examples.

Start Thrifting
New clothes can be exceedingly expensive; especially designer labels. One of the best ways to continue to buy designer clothing without going broke is to start shopping at a vintage thrift store. These types of stores typically sell high-quality items at a fraction of what they would cost if they were purchased new, and allows for one to save money without sacrificing in quality. While some people have a hard time with used clothing, the fact is that simply washing it once is all it takes to make it as good as new, and at a very agreeable price.

Befriend a Tailor
If you find yourself in formal situations on a regular basis, there’s nothing more important than having a good tailor on your side. Hiring a tailor for the first time can be nerve-wracking, but can be the first step towards a long working relationship. When hiring a tailor, be sure to explain to the person exactly how you like to dress; this way, he or she can be upfront in telling you whether or not they’ll be able to help. Also, strive to ask friends and family members for recommendations about tailors they’ve worked with in the past. Good fitting clothes are much more important than designer labels and how much you spend on your wardrobe. ~ by Erik Neilson

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Your Cheap Neckties Team

Shopping Guide to Men's Winter Boots

Shopping for a new pair of men’s winter boots can be a very fun experience. With so much variety on the market, however, choosing the pair of boots that is right for you can be somewhat difficult. After all, boots are often quite expensive, and no one wants to throw down a large amount of money without being completely sure of their purchase. Fortunately, there are a variety of things you can look for in a boot that can help to streamline the buying process. The following are just a few things to look for when shopping for men’s winter boots, all of which can make or break whether or not you’re happy with what you buy.

Choose a Style
One of the first things you should think about when shopping for a pair of men’s winter boots is what style you’d like. There are a variety of different types of styles, each of which brings to the table it’s very own unique flair. Cowboy boots, for example, are far different in both functionality and appearance than hiking boots, yet each of these two options serve a purpose. Typically, those who like to spend a lot of time outdoors will do best by avoiding “dressy� winter boots, which tend to emphasize aesthetics over warmth and comfort. That said, people who work in the corporate world need a pair of boots that fits in neatly with the rest of their professional wardrobe, in which case hiking boots are not a good option. The more you can hone in on what style boot is best for you, the better off you’ll be.

Set a Budget
Without a doubt, one of the most important things you can do when shopping for men’s winter boots is to set a budget and stick to it. Many people don’t realize just how important it is to have a clear budget set in stone, and those who don’t typically end up spending far more than they can afford to on a pair of boots. Boots can be very expensive; especially those which are reserved for dressy occasions. That said, setting a budget doesn’t mean you need to sacrifice quality, as there are plenty of boots on the market that are high in quality, yet priced in an approachable manner. One way to get the most for your money is consider buying used boots, which can often be found for a mere fraction of what they might cost if brand-new. Once you’ve determined your budget, get it down in writing in order to increase your chances of sticking to it.

Focus on the Fit
In order for a pair of boots to be comfortable, they need to fit right. Finding the right fit can be difficult, especially for those who have exceptionally large or small feet. As boots can differ dramatically in brand and style, just going off your size is typically not the best way to find the right fit. You may find that you require a size larger or smaller in certain boots just by trying them on. While new boots do go through a “break-in� period, you should never expect a boot that doesn’t fit right to suddenly become comfortable over time.

Other Related Blog Posts You Might Like:
Mens Boot Guide for Fall 2011
Men's Dress Shoe Faux Pas

Your Cheap-Neckties.com Team

The 5 Best Dressed NBA Players of 2011

Many players in the NBA are amongst the most well-dressed individuals in the celebrity world. After all, the NBA comes along with plenty of glitz, glamor and high salaries. As a result, many NBA players put a great deal of time and effort (not to mention money) into each ensemble they wear. Those who have never seen certain players off the court are often surprised to see how they dress, as many players have a penchant for designer clothing of the utmost quality. The following are five of the best dressed players in the NBA, all of whom can be viewed as veritable trend-setters.

Kobe Bryant
Kobe is on just about every “best dressed� list, and for good reason. Known for rocking the full suit, Kobe Bryant knows how to draw attention to himself without looking even remotely out of place. As one might expect, Kobe puts just as much effort looking good off-court as he does in the middle of a heated competition, and is one of the NBA’s most stylish players. It doesn’t hurt also that Kobe is one of the most well-known names in basketball, which means those who don’t even follow the sport likely have a sense for how the man dresses. His signature look: charcoal suit with strong pin striping pattern, white shirt, and bold necktie. Kobe also likes to accessorize his suit & tie with complementing pocket square and tie bar.

Carmelo Anthony
Carmelo Anthony’s name is synonymous with style. Always one that dresses to impress, Anthony embodies New York style both on and off the court. A trendsetter like no other, “Melo� turns heads wherever he goes, and is a great example of how athletes can be fashionable during their time away from the game. While Kobe prefers the elegant suit & tie look, "Melo" dresses both casually as well as elegant/trendy. His favorite sui & tie look: Gingham check shirts, boldly colored, striped or paisley patterned tie, and contrasting jacket with bold patterns in gray, beige, or brown. His favorite accessories include sunglasses by Gucci or LV, pocket squares, and fedora hat. He himself said in a recent interview with GQ that he is the best dressed man in the NBA.

LeBron James
It should come as no surprise that LeBron James makes the list of best dressed players in the NBA, especially to those who have paid attention to his style during the course of his career. James’ style can only be described as “casual-hip,� comprised of elements that only the highest paid player in the game could ever be able to afford. Just as comfortable in jeans as in a full suit, LeBron James knows what he’s doing when it comes to throwing together an attention-grabbing outfit. That he has also been featured on the cover of GQ magazine is no surprise to us. His signature look consists of cashmere V-neck sweater and dress shirt that are leisurely worn with with rolled up sleeves displaying an exclusive, over-sized designer wrist watch.

Dwayne Wade
Dwayne Wade needs no introduction, as he is one of the most well-dressed players in the game. “Flash� has been a part of a few successful modeling projects, and is well adept at displaying his unique fashion sense. Women the world over love Wade’s ability to go from “casually thrown together� to “thoughtfully composed� at the drop of a hat, making him one of the most versatile players in the NBA when it comes to off-court fashion. He has been spotted wearing self tied bow ties, cardigan sweaters, boldly patterned neckties paired with sleek V-neck knits, elegant 3-piece suits, as well as flashy all-white tux with matching white fedora. His signature look? There is none! Mr Wade knows how to dress and can pull of almost any style imaginable. He definitely earns a gold medal for the TOP 5 best dressed NBA player award.

O.J. Mayo
O.J. Mayo might just have the most unique sense of style in the NBA. When off the court, mayo looks more in line with a flashy professor than a basketball player, rocking some extremely formal attire that is often comprised of three-piece suits, fat Rolex watches and sophisticated frames. As a result, Mayo commands a great deal of respect not only for the fact that he’s the number one draft pick since LeBron, but also as a result of the way he dresses.




More Celebrity Fashion:
Gerard Butler in Pin Striped Suit
More Celebrity Fashion Posts

Your Cheap-Neckties.com Team