Tips For Spring/Summer 2013

This is a great video I found on how to look your best in the Spring. It's hard to look dressy while it's so hot, so here are some casual threads to keep you cool.

Happy Hunting,
Mr. Darcie

The Sad Plaid Story: How to Cope With Plaid Shirt Seperation

How many times have you shown up at a party, or at a bar to meet your friends, and found that more than half of you are wearing a button up, plaid shirt? Sometimes, your best friend will wear his blue plaid shirt on the same day you do - but that's okay, because it's a different blue plaid, right? Wrong. Plaid shirts are great, comfortable, and have been in fashion almost consistently since the 90's. That means that every guy and his dad owns multiple plaid shirts. There is nothing specifically wrong with wearing plaid, but it does lump you into the broad category of the everyman. If you're trying to set yourself apart from the crowd and catch the wandering eye of a new woman, wearing plaid is like black and white stripes in a herd of zebras - she can't tell were you end and where the next plaid-clad gentleman begins. 

Generally speaking, I'm not an enemy of plaid. Subtlety plaid suits, and vibrant plaid ties, can look stylish and modern. Plaid socks, bow ties, and shorts are fun and quirky (when worn separately  of course). Even, I'll admit, plaid button up shirts are not all that bad, because they have a trim fit, are made of soft material and can be worn casually. However, they are not special or unique. A true shark would never wear a plaid shirt in public. To help you break out of your plaid shell and into a fresh spring style, here are some handy plaid shirt alternatives. 






Gingham feels like cheating on a no-plaid diet, but it's on the list. Gingham is baby steps away from plaid because it only consists of two colors, woven together in alternating squares. This year, white + [any color] gingham has been extremely popular. Black, purple, red, green and pink gingham have been showing up in stores and on well dressed men. Look for a classic cotton gingham shirt that is more fitted that your typical plaid shirt, and can be tucked in.

 Club Monaco offers a variety of quality shirts for men that can be worn casually or to dress up. The mustard yellow shirt has a small paisley handkerchief print, dubbed the Paisley Max Shirt. Also available in blue, this unique print will grab far more attention that plaid ever did. Wear it untucked with a denim jacket and a cool pair of sunglasses.

The mint green Linen Shirt will provide maximum comfort and breatheability in the summer. Though linen isn't a print like plaid, the loose weave give a certain texture to the garment. Wear it tucked in, with the sleeves rolled up. Don't worry about wrinkles in your shirt - that is one of the qualities of linen. 

The dark blue Owen Shirt features a small white diamond print, and is another great shirt to wear casual and untucked, just like your old plaid shirt. Polka dots are finally in again for men, but some are still hesitant about the trend. This small, geometric dot will allow you to rock the dots whilst keeping your masculinity intact. All of these shirts have a great, slim fit and can be found on the Club Monaco website.


Looking for a novelty shirt? This Eton shirt is one of my favourites, but only true sharks can get away with wearing fish on their chest. Let me know what you think @GreatWhiteStyle

Happy Hunting,

Mr. Darcie

The Effect of A Good Suit

Never underestimate the power of a properly fitted suit. In the business world, it is always important to make a god impression, and this is doubly true when it comes to women. If you want to be perceived as an Alpha - male, there is no better way to do this by wearing a tailored suit. All of your friends will look like young boys when compared to the intimidating stature of you in a suit. If you don't believe me, Sir Micheal Caine will demonstrate:

When buying a suit, regardless on price, one thing is very important: Get it tailored! If you suit cost $400 or $4000, it will not look good if it doesn't fit you right. Some stores will do tailoring for free on merchandise you buy in the store. Even if you do have to pay, it's a good investment. You want to look like a man, not like you are playing dress up in your fathers clothes. Secondly, make sure what you are wearing is a modern style. Avoid large plaid prints and wide lapels, and get a nice trim fit across the shoulders. If you can, shop for a suit with a female friend: she will make sure you are heading in the right direction. Otherwise, this GQ article is a great guide for finding the right suit. Finally, a man in a suit is like a woman in heels: you need to learn how to walk in it. Remember to hold your shoulders back and walk with confidence. Having your head down and shoulders hunched will ruin the effect of the suit. 

Happy Hunting, 

Mr. Darcie

A Bearded Shark Is Still A Shark

Beards are back. On my last post, I mentioned the bearded model in the Eton campaign  and lately , everywhere I look I see men with great, big, bushy beards. The question lingers on, as it has for centuries, "Do women like facial hair?" At last, we've learned the answer is yes, and no. Some women like it, and    some really don't, but when the answer is yes, it's an exuberant YES! Beards remind women of carnal instinct, testosterone and rough kisses. A beard is also a great tool for hiding a weak chin or jaw line. Some men just suit beards, while other don't. If you have a patchy beard, it is best to shave it clean off, but if you can grow it long, wear it proudly. Remember to keep your beard well groomed, trim down those fly-aways and please, clean up the neck beard area. The ladies will be falling over each other to try to get their hands in your beard. Both men and women perceive a man with a beard to have a higher social status, and many celebrities are growing out their stubble. Check out Esquire for their take on facial hair at the Academy Awards. 

 Happy Hunting,

Mr. Darcie

Eton of Sweden

 The collared shirt been both 

established and revolutionized by the world-famous shirt producers, Eton of Sweden. The bring class, style, and the top quality in fabrics and construction. After nearly a century of hard work, Eton represents the leading brand in men's shirts. This is due partially to their extraordinary materials: the entire collection is made from Pima or Egyptian cotton. The Luxist had an interview with Erik Wilkinson, Eton's Director of Sales for North America. He claims their success is due to a "completely vertically integrated process", from the sourcing of materials, to the fabric finishing to the construction of garments. Head over to The Luxist for the full article.

Check out the male model Eton has been used in their last few ad campaigns. This rustic man sports a scar over his left eyebrow and a rather impressive beard. Ladies every wear are swooning over the bushy beard which had become a trend in recent years.

Happy Hunting,

Mr. Darcie