High/Low Weekend Vibes

Most times, we all struggle to put together that perfect outfit for a night out with family, friends, or work colleagues. Popular culture has conditioned us to think that this is the ideal time to look your best, to exceed your "normal" self, to be the super human version of your own image. Now, I won't downplay that nights out are usually part of a special occasion, even if it only means just needing an excuse to get out of the house. But what I will say is that we can't forget the other 95% of our lives that we are in contact with the very same people we're raging it up with at night. Midday styling can be a bit tricky as the scale can easily tip from too casual to overdone, and for this, I love to employ my favorite style tool; The High-Low Contrast.

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The same staples that hold their own at night, pull the same weight in the lighter hours. For this day out at the West Palm Beach GreenMarket, I decided to pair back dressier staples like a sleek grey turtleneck and sartorial glen plaid trousers with more casual notes, like chocolate suede and light wash denim. This vintage Levi's trucker jacket is the epitome of weekend casual, with every bit of aging nuanced in the daytime light. On the other end of the outfit, Chelsea boots provide a subtle rocker punch that help balance the look while retaining an elevated touch. Theres nothing wrong with throwing on your favorite sport coat or oxfords to work this day time fit, but it is key that you add something to bring the look from "Fresh off my Saturday work shift" to "Just another Weekend Excursion".

At the end of the day, the most important aspect of the look is to make it your own. If trends are your thing, then work a seasonal pattern into the mix, or if you really like a particular piece in your closet, work the rest of your garb around it. Just be sure to create a high-low contrast that will certainly show the effort you put into your image and avoid falling victim to a disinterested outfit. And as always...

Be Dapper. Be Different.

Luxe on the Water

This week marked the first was of fall in South Florida, with temperatures dipping down for the first time almost into the 40's. It was fun to see everyone in the office today breaking out the fall colors and extra layers. This is about as bad as our winters get down here, however, with a cold spurt here and there followed by a streak of open, balmy skies. The conditions were fairly similar to my trip to Lake Tahoe where I had a chance to combine sportiness with luxury, as I took a swanky pair of loafers out on the water.

Sebago is most known for its Northeastern heritage, garnering a reputation for detail and quality, they make some of the best shoes in the USA. For my western cruise, I donned the ever elegant Legacy Penny loafer that was updated this season with an unexpected forest shade; they suggest contemporary without rubbing it in your face. My favorite combination for these penny loafers is a pair of rugged jeans balanced with luxe touches (e.g. cashmere cable-knit sweater) or a preppy homage (tweed jackets, rugby polos, oxfords, you name it); in this instance, I opted for both. If green isn't quite your shtick, Sebago has plenty of classic hues to help you live your best.

I'd like to thank Sebago USA and AMP3 PR for giving me such a great opportunity to represent such a great brand.

Westward Bound

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Work has been getting the best of me recently; days that start early and end late, meetings that go on for far too long, and decisions that just don't get any easier. All that labor is more than worth it though when you make it to some much needed R&R. I'm sure we can all relate to that feeling. Another feeling that I'm sure we are all familiar with is the angst experienced from seeing a really great movie preview only to find out that the movie won't be coming out for another 6 months or so. Now imagine adding a year to that wait and instead of it being a movie, its a much needed vacation. My brother was so kind to treat the whole family to an amazing trip west, to the uber luxurious Ritz Carlton at Mountainside in Lake Tahoe; the only problem was knowing this almost 2 years in advance of the trip actually happening and having to wait it out.

As easy as it could've been to stay at the resort all week long, you just have to go adventure in the stunning landscape surrounding Lake Tahoe(even if there are bears). And on our second day in town, and after 2 miles and about 600 feet of elevation change, the Parry's arrived at Picnic Rock at the end of the Spur View trail; breathtaking views and rock formations were in abundance and the moments shared with family will never be forgotten. And though the trail was filled with obstacles aplenty, the hike was made a little less treacherous thanks to the Chronicle Boots from CAT Footwear. These boots were very light despite their appearance and handled the uneven terrain with ease and comfort, and the new olive colorway added some healthy military vibes that you wouldn't see from a traditional brown or tan, yet they still maintained a neutral feel that could go with almost any outfit. And even though I chose to wear mine out for a hike, the Chronicle Boot is pairedable with jeans for a night out, or for the more experimental, with a winter suit for a casual twist.

For a limited time, CAT Footwear is offering free express shipping on orders of more than $49, including the Chronicle Boot in all of its fantastic shades. Big thanks go out to CAT Footwear and AMP3 PR for giving me this opportunity to represent their brand and allowing me to Go Boldly, no matter the occasion. And as always, be dapper, be different.