Deck Your Domain

What's worse then an unkept pad?...a classless one. When I think of masculine housing, I think about  dark and rich woods, leather, and a few toys like a huge LCD and a great soundsystem come to mind. No team paraphernalia or Budlight neon signs. Save that for the man cave. Impress the lady with your inner Candice Olson. A decked out bachelor's pad will give you 100 points with your girlfriend. I know what your thinking, "Oh she will raise her eyebrows if I'm too good!" No worries, there's nothing wrong with knowing the depths of color coordinating and your curtains from your sheers. Call in the female reinforcements if you need to but leave out the florals and the frills if you wish. I love dark furniture with contrasting lighter walls and a few pops of color from accessories.

Choose a strong statement maker like a eye-catching couch and a nice rug. I'm big on the 60s, so I love the contemporary style. Rustic combines modern with nostalgic and is even better.

This couch from Z Gallerie screams "MAN".

Z Gallerie- Chesterfield Sofa

Choose a rug that draws in the eye and goes nice with the sofa. Cowhides are my favorite, like this one from IKEA. Like I said before, dark colors with contrasting light tones are modern and rich.

Whether "masculine" or "feminine" a homeshould reflect you. I prefer masculine with feminine touches, but all-in-all home should feel like home : ).

The ZARA Man

Today, September 7, 2011 marks the launch of the ZARA US online store. ZARA launched their international online store last year and to increase sales in the 'States it has opened online. ZARA is a label that has reasonable prices, like an upscale H & M, and makes upscale trends accessible to the everyday man. I see a lot of inspiration from Burberry and other upscale brands. Not bad for getting more bang for your buck.

 I have picked some of my favorite things:

Poplin Shirt

Viscose/Polyamide Jumper

Blazer with Lapels

Pleated drain pipe trousers

Dressy Slim

Cords

Tis the season for the cord! Have a least one pair in the good-ole wardrobe to either wear to work or make it casual for the weekend. The slimmer the better, since slim is in style now. Match it with a wool sweater and a matching blazer. The colored cord is great to add color to the dull neutrals that we too often see in menswear. Burgundy cords are in, but wear them wisely, you don't want to look like the Joker or Willy Wonka. Here are a few great options:

RALPH LAUREN RUGBY Vintage Slim Cord

LEVI's Cord Trousers

SHADES OF GREY BY MICAH COHEN 3 Button Belted Blazer

THEORY Haydin Trouser

SURFACE TO AIR Regular Corderoy V2

the concept

Inspired by the mastermind behind GQ and the impeccable style of some of the best dressed and the best dressers ( Kanye West, Nick Wooster, and Christopher Bailey), I have decided to dedicate this blog to gentlemen everywhere in search of all things refined, posed, and of high esteem. A man should exude confidence, grace, and should act the part in all circumstances by any means necessary. This is my ideology and this is the blog that holds what is behind the name.

Sincerely,

Milan Alexander

"A gentleman has his eyes on all those present; he is tender toward the bashful, gentle toward the distant, and merciful toward the absent."
-Lawrence G. Lovasik