Managing this site has been quite an experience, although describing can be difficult. It has been exciting, fulfilling, demanding, overwhelming, etc.

One of the reasons it has been so successful, in my opinion, is because I try to write with a voice that can be understood by a wide variety of men. I’ve met readers ranging from 15 year olds working on their design portfolios, to 65 year olds balancing their financial portfolios. I don’t write for the bloggers or the fashion lovers – after all, I began writing for my teammates. I write for regular guys who aren’t necessarily interested in “fashion” but are interested in looking good and understanding what clothing can do for them.

With all of that said, however, in order for the site to remain exciting, new and fresh, at times I have to push the boundaries a little and offer innovative, slightly “edgier” content. This is one of those times. The first post in a series on “Innovative Accessories”.

Keep in mind, as always, I am a stylist living in downtown Manhattan (meaning I don’t have many restrictions in my clothing choices and can take more stylistic risk). Therefore, as always, the goal of my work is to offer inspiration, not necessarily replication.

I recently found this amazing genuine fox fur detachable collar (and lapel) at one of my favorite mom-and-pop vintage stores in the city. It was only a few dollars and is easily the most impactful accessory I’ve ever found. This thing works on 80% of my outerwear and no matter the style of jacket, always amps it up a level. It’s actually kind of hard to describe the “game-changing” feeling this simple accessory can provide. Clipping it on immediately makes me feel more mature, confident, bossy, luxurious, avant-garde, etc.

In truth, I’m not 100% sure what the original purpose of this collar was. It didn’t have any attaching clips when I bought it, it was just a slab off fur cut in the shape of a collar + lapel. Of course, I quickly sewed some simple fabric clips to the back of it, allowing it to fit on a number of different jacket styles.

Here, we shot it on two different jackets that have already been featured on the site.

 

 

A wool 3/4 length double breasted topcoat is meant to be dressy and warm, so it seemed the most natural fit for the fur accent. It also helps that navy and brown work well together. No need for a scarf, with this thing it’s built-in.

Where I wore this: “Upscale” Columbia alumni dinner.

Bonus Tip: Everybody in menswear lately has been trying to perfect “classic with a twist”, but so many designers get the “twist” part wrong. This jacket is a great example of how minimal that “updated” detail needs to be – notice the oxidized metal buttons and the angular cut sleeve at the wrist.

Bonus Tip 2: Trying to get some attention? You’d be surprised how many women stop me to pet this thing :)

Bonus Tip 2b: Trying to fly under the radar? Don’t wear a fur accessory. I’ll admit, the attention can get a little annoying – especially if you’re trying to get somewhere.