Editorial Report | Surveillance


Andrew Stetson appears in this Cheek Magazine editorial under the microscope of a surveillance lens, hence the title Surveillance. Photographer Ivan Otis worked to create these images of a modern urban man with Rohan Sajnan, without whose styling the editorial would fall flat. Sajnan succeeded in eluding modernity in the classic and in the mode canvas of suiting with designer names that include Philip Sparks, Rag & Bone, and Club Monaco. And although the wardrobe is dramatic, with reason, it is done so in a way that is surprisingly wearable and inspirational.





Read more...

Collection Report | Burberry Brit Spring 2010


It always amazes me how regardless of the line, season, or year, the Burberry group always comes out swinging with looks that are synonymous with the Burberry name yet aesthetically their own. This remains the case with the contemporary Burberry Brit line. For spring, the look is always the same, but modern and renewed. Slim silhouettes rule supreme with a predictable, yet warranted, light color palette. White pants stand strong alongside primary colors, an unlikely yet appreciated welcome. Iconic outerwear is meshed in between individual, basic pieces such as tees, knits, denim, and sportswear. And while the range may not be all that surprising, its the basic aesthetic that we have come to expect, and want, from Burberry.


Read more...

Style Questions | Interview Hair, Man Thongs, and Young Professional

I'm applying to George Washington Medical School and hoping to get an interview sometime within the next few weeks. My hair is well groomed and clean, but shoulder-length. Should I cut it for my interview and get a shave, or is my long hair okay?
Anything that compliments your seriousness should be considered
—that includes wearing a proper suit and tie, and getting a shave and haircut. Earlier this year I landed an internship at the White House (but I spend most of my days in the EEOB) with The Office of Presidential Correspondence after having interviewed with a neat, crisp hair cut but I haven't really cut my hair since. Once your in the door, your in the door. You should, however, steer clear of looking like Brad Pitt (left).
Is it okay for a straight-man to wear a thong, given they are properly made for men? And what type of clothes would it be OK for a man to wear a thong?
Once you put on a thong, you instantly become gay! Just kidding
but seriously guys, my belief is that a man's underwear is his own business and the business of his significant other (or others!). Hence the name underwear, they go under the clothes where no one else can see. Of course, once you hit the locker room, your public domain—as illustrated by last weeks Style Questions. Women wear thongs to eliminate panty lines, a problem men should never have. But if for some reason you find yourself wearing a skintight spandex pastel figure-skating jumpsuit then be my guest, throw on a thong. But in such a case, your definitely gay!
A friend of mine is a high-leveled staffer on Capitol Hill for Senator X. We had a discussion the other day about the appropriate cargo-carrying accessory for a twentysomething professional. According to him, a young professional should tote a soft-sided leather satchel instead of a traditional, hard leather briefcase. I prefer the latter, but his view is that it would make him look like a fossil.
One should have a bag of their own. And that's the way it should be—a matter of personal taste, although both bags have their advantages. The hard, leather briefcase protects laptops and other breakable items. Its a much better shield against attacks and was preferred by the Mafia (its real, right?) three to one over soft leather. Soft briefcases are usually more commuter-friendly, crammable, and perhaps even have a bedside manner (afternoon naps, anyone). I have both, although more soft satchel types than hard. I also have a discreet shoulder bag that is appropriate for the office and most business meetings but is also able to accommodate my necessities: phonebook, notebook, books, and gym gear. What I do find appropriate for a twentysomething professional is the youthfulness and independence to resist office-fashion conformity.

Read more...

Accessories Report | All Saints Merino Snood


Burberry isn't the only one doing the snood up for winter. They included multiple variations of the snood for Fall 2009--here--and it appears the trend is catching on. All Saints UK offers this casual grey design that proves just as powerful an accessory as those from Burberry. Finished in merino wool, it also includes a logo on the front that is small and discreet. I would be a fool if I didn't recommend this price friendly alternative those offered by Burberry. Available now via All Saints UK.
Image Source

Read more...

Style Report | Facial Hair to Feel Special?


"Men grow facial hair now with a bit of irony. It's rebellious but playful at the same time. They're saying: 'I'm no corporate slave. I can get away with this in a way my grandfather couldn't.
-Allan Peterkin, author of One Thousand Beards.
*Speaking as a member of the XY chromosome team, I have to say that the notion that men grow facial hair to feel more 'special' is a bit unfair. If anything, we grow facial hair to feel more mature and masculine--at least that's my reason for keeping the minimal facial hair that I do have. Where exactly does the 'specialty' factor come in anway, because Ive seen my fair share of women with enough peach fuzz to rival David Beckham. Is it impossible to think that men grow facial for the sole reason that they like the way it looks? Are we some dumbfounded as a gender that we must rely on facial scrub to get noticed? I think not. David Beckham is a clear example--what more can he do to feel 'special' other than wake up every morning being David Beckham? Nothing. Its a factor of appearance, our manhood, or perhaps even cold weather that causes facial hair, not a need to feel more 'special'. We are men after all!
Read more...

Outerwear Report | Mackage Aston Overcoat


Do you know what I would buy if I had $680 laying around? This Mackage Aston Overcoat--and its worth every penny. The single-breasted overcoat is composed of complete wool; can you say quality. Finished with features like a collar with hook closure buttoned back flap, leather trim, belted sleeve cuffs, and grommets at underarms, its made to compliment the wearer and the quality and craftsmanship is obvious all through this piece. And with the trendy asymmetrical button placket balanced out with the conservative silhouette, this is an overcoat made for a stylish Washingtonian, or really anyone. Available now via Ssense. Now, does anyone have $600 to give away?

Read more...