The Modern Dasher

Indochino: Tailoring for the People

2010-03-25T15:22:00.003-04:00

If you're looking for a tailor with exceptional quality and perfectly reasonably pricing, please see Indochino.com

I just purchased a new custom tuxedo, as well as a new summer cotton-linen suit. They were both under $400 each! Such a steal.

Professional Soccer Bandwagon

2009-02-09T14:00:00.002-05:00

Friends, I've decided to jump on board the bandwagon and take an interest in professional soccer.

It seems everyone outside the United States is a fervent futbol fan and I know nothing about it. I will openly admit my interest stems from its popularity, rather than any feature of the sport that particularly strikes my interest. We're all allowed to be "followers" to a certain degree, aren't we? It's human nature.

Where does one go to learn the ins and outs of professional soccer? Which team should I support? Who are the big names (besides David Beckham)?

All assistance is much appreciated.

A Lesson Re-Learned (Again)

2009-02-08T11:51:00.003-05:00

I'm a firm believer that one should never leave the house looking less than appropriate. If you're going to school, you should be business casual. If you are going out to a cocktail party, you shouldn't be in jeans. If you're going to the gym, your athletic wear should be stain-free, etc.

Sometimes, however, I am tempted by the stress-induced allure of dressing for comfort.

Mistake #1: Going to Starbucks in a sweatshirt, old jeans, and slippers

Mistake #2: Forgetting to do my hair and shave.

The situation was compounded by the fact that the seat I chose at Starbucks put me near several Italian beauties who undoubtedly would have been more impressed with my new suit from the Banana Republic Monogram line.

A lesson learned, indeed.

Dasher Didn't Know...

2009-01-22T10:05:00.003-05:00

Abercrombie & Fitch calls this the "Hot New Look for Spring."

I didn't know this was a "look." I wonder if I can wear this to work ...?

Dasher Must-Have

2009-01-18T19:52:00.003-05:00

From Swarovski, for a measly $70, rhodium-plated crystal cuff links:

Two of the Reasons I Love Ralph Lauren

2008-11-18T01:19:00.004-05:00

These are from the Ralph Lauren store on Michigan Ave in Chicago, IL. RL demonstrates such style in their displays! The chandelier, the perfectly arranged mannequins, the elegant windows ... I wish my closet looked like this!

2008-10-20T10:31:00.001-04:00

I might be taking on clients for style consulting!

This isn't the big project I mentioned previously - but it's nonetheless exciting!

Big Project Underway

2008-10-12T14:11:00.003-04:00

I am undertaking a very exciting project that will really top off my winter wardrobe. Details to come, but I will say it involves a lot of sewing (which I don't know how to do! Haha).

Send me luck - I'll need it to pull this off effectively.

JCrew Lookbook for Fall

2008-07-28T14:18:00.002-04:00

JCrew just released its Fall 2008 Lookbook for men. There are some incredible items and outfits; I encourage you to take a peek immediately!

ESPY Awards

2008-07-19T02:15:00.003-04:00

Every year, the athletes and celebrities who show up to the ESPY awards come dressed to the nines. Men's style is emphasized much more there than at other awards shows (for obvious reasons).

A few winning shots:

Quick question: why is Zac Efron presenting at the ESPY awards? He has no affiliation to professional sports and I really doubt the demographics who watch the show even know he exists. Very strange, my friends.

Urban Dashers on Bicycles

2008-07-16T02:45:00.000-04:00

Much like The Sartorialist (from whom I acquired these pictures), I possess a sincere appreciation for slim, European bicycles. Any well-dressed man (or woman) looks even better driving around lower Manhattan's cobble stone streets on a bicycle.

The rising costs of gas encourages the use of a bicycle, as well - think of all the money you'd save each month!

My favorite supplier of the type of bicycle I like is Electra Bicycles, which sells all over the United States. The deluxe cruiser is perfect:

A few examples from The Sartorialist which demonstrate the style value of a proper bicycle in the city:

Please note that these are not mountain bikes, or racing bikes. They are slim, classic city cruisers - something I wholeheartedly endorse.

Dasher Icon: Pierce Brosnan

2008-07-15T02:38:00.002-04:00

It seems obvious that a former Bond would qualify for "icon" status.

Pierce Brosnan, one such gentleman, exemplifies dasher style with such simplicity. He wears classic, traditional items and still manages to pull together interesting looks. He projects class and confidence with each collar (open, bow-tie, or regular tie), each pair of flawless leather dress shoes, and - of course - the perfectly groomed hair.

Bonus points: he always has the right amount of cuff peeking out of his suit jackets. Gentleman: take note.

Dasher Home: Gold Bathroom

2008-07-08T09:53:00.002-04:00

I recently came across these pictures of a model bathroom for a tile company (Ann Sacks):

It is a little flashier than I generally prefer, but I think this bathroom is absolutely incredible. Wouldn't that make those early mornings just a little bit easier?

Happy Independence Day!

2008-07-04T15:05:00.002-04:00

"I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. it ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever more."

-John Adams, to his wife, Abigail, shortly after signing the Declaration of Independence on the 4th of July

We have John Adams to thank for fireworks, just as we have many to thank for this great country in which we reside. Soldiers, political and civil leaders, civilians, philosophers - so many people devoted their lives - or gave their lives - to provide us with the freedoms and wealth we currently enjoy.

Take a moment to remember them as you partake in the festivities - perhaps we would do well to try to be a bit more like them!

Happy 4th!

Dasher Dilemma: Totes for Men

2008-07-01T00:58:00.000-04:00

GQ recently featured tote bags for gentlemen to sport around the city.

I am pondering whether or not I can endorse the decision to carry one of these. As a college student, I am inclined to carry a backpack. As a future professional, I admit, I just assumed I'd carry a briefcase without putting much thought into it. Each of these has its drawbacks: backpacks are difficult to pair with heavier winter coats, but briefcases are often rigid and outdated.

Perhaps the tote bag is a great intermediary option: it is young, it is functional, and if you choose the right one, it is a complement to the day's attire.

One must be careful in choosing a bag that does not look like it belongs at the beach or in the hands of a woman. Also, be mindful of what you hope to keep in it: will you need to fit a laptop into it? Then choose one that is sufficiently big and protective. Will you need exterior pockets to maintain quick access to a phone or keys? Will it need to match casual and business clothing? With what colors will you need to coordinate?

Perhaps you can consider these:

From Bottega Veneta:

From GAP:

From Rag & Bone:

Don't: Plastic or Wire Hangers; Do: Wood

2008-06-30T00:25:00.001-04:00

I have to say, I have little patience for wire hangers. When I get one from a dry cleaner, my blood boils in a way reminiscent of "Mommie Dearest." What are they thinking?

Wire hangers leave marks on clothing - creating an unwanted and embarrassing crease in the shoulders. Heavier items can end up with "pinched" shoulders.

Plastic hangers are fine as far as function goes, but they clash with a proper wardrobe.

The solution? Wood hangers. You can purchase cheaper versions at Target, Linens 'n Things - even Wal-Mart! I stock my closets with these and they suit me very well. They leave my clothes in tip-top shape and contribute to the stately look of the items they hold. You don't need to invest in something absurd like customizable hangers to get the benefits, either.

It certainly makes getting dressed a more enjoyable affair.

Believe it or not...

2008-06-29T14:11:00.002-04:00

...the New York Times wrote about style in an agreeable way!

I've read past Times "reviews" of major fashion sources and issues and they left more than a little to be desired (like when they compared Tory Burch to shower curtains and overweight sorority girls from Texas). This article on button stance in men's dress shirts is an exception to the NYT rule, however.

"Stance" refers to the placement of buttons on shirts. Many men can agree that problems arise when they choose to go tie-less. What does one do about the second button? Fastening it might make a man appear uptight; leaving it open might expose too much chest (or chest hair - God forbid).

European men, again, are more fortunate as shirt makers there understand the dilemma. For this reason, they distinguish between formal shirts to be worn with ties, and sportier shirts to be worn without ties. The button stances are adjusted accordingly.

In the United States, few have addressed it, but the tides are changing. Look to J.Crew, Bergdorf, or Brooks Brothers - all of whom place the second button at an accommodating 3.5"down from the first button, allowing greater flexibility.

Those of us with larger budgets (i.e. people unlike me) can always get a shirt custom tailored to address the issue, as well.

Designer Highlight: Banana Republic - Monogram Collection

2008-06-28T00:06:00.004-04:00

Surely, most of you (all of you?) are familiar with Banana Republic. Recently, under the helm of its new director, BR created the "Monogram Collection." It is an upgraded, upscale version of what they are best at: young, professional, classy attire. It's just what a modern dasher should acquire to fill a wardrobe.

A few samples from this season's Monogram collection for men:

What fantastic conceptions of what most assuredly are staples to a proper dasher wardrobe!

Who is Responsible For This?

2008-06-26T01:32:00.005-04:00

I don't know who Jon McLaughlin's stylist is, but (s)he was spot on with the set of photographs from which I pulled this particular image. The silver jacket with the shiny lapel, the black jacket beneath it, and the white button-up shirt are all flawless. The hair is fantastic - just the right balance of "modern" with "traditional."

Great work.

Dolce & Gabbana - Spring/Summer 2009

2008-06-23T03:31:00.005-04:00

A few winning shots from the D&G collection presented at Milan fashion week this past weekend:

Dasher Perspective: Demise of the Necktie

2008-06-23T01:33:00.003-04:00

The Wall Street Journal ran an article recently about the demise of the necktie, stating that men simply don't wear them anymore unless they are in usually subservient work positions. I will leave to Ben Stein (a modern Renaissance man, if there ever was such a person) the task of commenting on this situation. He said:

You see this lovely silken thing around my neck? It's called a necktie.

When I was a lad and a younger man, men wore these to show they did not work with picks and shovels and pitchforks.

Ties were a symbol of white collar status, although even some workmen wore them under their leather aprons.

If you had on a necktie, it showed you had some sense of organization, some sense of dignity about yourself.

Even schoolboys wore them. At fabulous boarding schools like Cardigan Mountain in New Hampshire, where my handsome son went, boys still wear them. It showed, to use a word that you rarely hear, class.

Now, I read in the Wall Street Journal, on the front page, if you please, that men don't wear neckties any longer unless they are in subservient posts.

This will probably come as a bit of a surprise to Senators McCain and Obama, as well as to President Bush. They generally wear neckties, at least on TV.

It will probably come as a shock to all of the newscasters and the late night talk show hosts. They're the coolest guys on the planet, and they wear neckties.

But never mind. The Journal says only 6% of men wear neckties to work, and the necktie is being run down by history.

I hereby quote my late great friend Bill Buckley and say, I am going to stand in front of the train of sartorial history and shout, "STOP!"

The necktie is a sign of a man who is there to work, not to play. It's what a man who takes his responsibilities seriously wears. Men who want to look and act like small children dress like small children, or surfers, or hoboes, or something.

Plus, the necktie covers over a little part of one's paunchy stomach. And it just generally makes a man look better, smarter.

My fellow men: stop dressing like children. Start dressing like grownups and acting like grownups. The necktie is a start.

Kids, it's the perfect time of year to get your dads a necktie. Get with the program, before we become a nation of open-collared slackers.

I mean it. Right now. And then straighten up your room.

I couldn't agree with Mr. Stein more!

Dasher Inspiration: Golf

2008-06-15T02:48:00.003-04:00

There are plenty of fully-deserved jokes about the madras-infused style seen on the world's prestigious golf courses. However, golf offers a stellar example of how to wear preppy and sporty apparel in ways that can be adapted to everyday life. Pay special attention to the colors of their polo shirts, and the patterns of their pants. Often times, it'll have to be scaled down for casual wear for yourself, but you can at least get some ideas.

Don't: Square Toes, Do: Pointy Toes

2008-06-15T01:48:00.003-04:00

I'm not sure when square-toed shoes were ever in style, but please avoid them at all costs. They are tacky and outdated (they were mildly acceptable in the early '90s); they truncate your foot ,and thus limit your ability to look longer/taller. They are far too casual to be appropriate on a dress shoe (which is the only place you see them). Oh, and they are tacky.

I've read in countless magazine articles that guys are routinely turned away from clubs because of their "poor style," denoted by their square toes.

What not to do:

The Tilden loafer from Banana Republic ($138)

What to do:

Asher loafer from Banana Republic ($108, on sale)

Round-toe shoes, even, are acceptable. These are better for casual shoes like sneakers, but they can be appropriate for those jeans/button-up shirt days. An example, from J.Crew:

Style in the Home: Leather Sofas

2008-06-05T12:02:00.005-04:00

For a long time now, I've sought the perfect brown leather sofa (and the money with which to purchase one). Now that I am furnishing a new apartment in Chicago, I am finally going to pony up the big bucks to acquire one.

Here are the leading contenders:

From Z Gallerie (a fantastic home store, which frequently features masculine pieces) for $1,299:

From West Elm (I don't always find good items here), now on sale for $899.99:

Dasher Icon: David Beckham

2008-05-31T00:19:00.006-04:00

While Beckham has many admirable qualities (charitable, business savvy, incredible athlete, etc.), one of his oft-overlooked skills is in style. Certainly, he is likely to receive a lot of help from his fashionista wife, Victoria. However, he is consistently one of the best dressed public figures today. He is upscale without pretension. He is classy without being stuffy. He is precisely what a modern dasher should strive to be.

A few examples of his superb wardrobe:

Casual or dressy, David Beckham knows how to put together an outstanding outfit. If you ever have trouble figuring out what to wear, Google Image him! You'll great tons of great ideas.

Designer Highlight: Tom Ford

2008-05-26T20:57:00.009-04:00

I don't think it would be appropriate to make it to the second sentence of this post without calling the man a genius.

Last week, I had the pleasure of paying a visit to his one-and-only store, which is on the upper east side of Manhattan (the ritzy section). What an experience! The customer service was fantastic, and not in the least bit arrogant, as is the case with most upscale clothing stores.

The store itself was designed in a masculine manner, with dark hardwood floors and comfortable-yet-elegant furniture. All of the clothes were hung up in what looked like personal closets, rather than cheap racks or shelves. A picture:

Then there's the clothing! My goodness, what a spectacular selection. You can purchase items off the rack, or you can have them custom tailored. There were robes, everyday and formal button-up shirts, sunglasses, accessories, and suits galore.

Tom Ford is most capable with suits. He designs for real men who enjoy a classic, sophisticated, and interesting style.

A few examples of his work:

Brad Pitt in Tom Ford sunglasses:

Tom Ford, in his own designs:

Additionally, I must mention his advertising. When Tom Ford ran Gucci in the '90s, he explored the use of sexuality and masculinity in his advertising. With his own line, he has taken it to a much higher degree. Many of his ads are explicit, all of them are risque. His website has a disclaimer for this very reason. A few examples:

There are others which are much more sexually explicit and certainly edge into distasteful territory.

At his core, regardless of your position on the ads, Tom Ford is an incredible designer and he will hopefully begin to expand his business so that it is more accessible to those outside New York City!

I encourage you to visit the Tom Ford website to see more.

Temporary Absence...

2008-05-21T14:08:00.002-04:00

Apologies for my current absence, my time is consumed with my graduation from graduate school at Columbia University.

Designer Highlight: Thomas Pink

2008-05-17T00:04:00.004-04:00

Thomas Pink was started in the mid-80s by three Irish brothers and it is named for a famous London tailor who crafted pink hunting jackets. Now, it's a small international company which, in my opinion, excels at crafting fantastic upscale men's accessories. They do clothing, and women's items, but the ties, cufflinks, pocket squares, and scarves are phenomenal.

There are only 19 stores in 11 states in the U.S. so you may have to rely on the website to peruse the products.

A few examples:

More at the Thomas Pink website.

If I could ....

2008-05-15T18:36:00.004-04:00

....I would kill someone to gain possession of this suit:

Thank you, Ralph Lauren, for creating something so perfect. I have faith in American design again.

Short Shorts? No, thank you!

2008-05-14T14:29:00.005-04:00

As Banana Republic returns to its safari apparel heritage (something I wholly support ... in moderation), one must ask himself:

How short is too short for shorts?

This outfit here is from the Banana Republic "Monogram Collection" (their high-end line):

I'm not a fan of shorts, honestly, so perhaps I am biased. I wear pants in the peak of the summer and reserve shorts for when I am playing a sport of some kind.

That being said, don't you think this pair from Banana Republic is a little too short?

Etiquette: To Kiss or Not to Kiss?

2008-05-13T13:10:00.002-04:00

With the increasingly globalized world, the professional and personal norms of different countries are coming in contact with one another, sometimes leaving people at a loss for how to behave.

This Wall Street Journal article details the arrival of the cheek-kiss greeting in American culture. Known for our preference for firm handshakes, its appearance in business and social circles is met with uncertainty and confusion.

So, to kiss or not to kiss?

Personally, I believe there is an opportunity for an awkward misfire with the cheek-kissing: how many kisses? With which cheek does one begin? Will female colleagues misinterpret it?

I will stick to the firm handshake for the immediate future, but perhaps we may not have a choice but to partake in the customs of our foreign counterparts.

Thinking Good Thoughts....

2008-05-13T02:03:00.005-04:00

Setting aside any political or economic quarrels with the Chinese government, we must keep the people of China in our thoughts as they struggle to recover with what appears to be a devastating earthquake.

The magnitude 7.9 shake-up has taken the lives of 10,000 (and counting) people, flattening buildings and destroying small cities. With landslides and heavy rains, the rescue efforts are proving especially challenging.

We in the U.S. don't have to think too far back to remember how traumatic such an event can be, and the profound effect it can have on a society.

The Modern Dasher wishes them a full and speedy recovery!

Don't: Bulky Wallets; Do: Card Cases

2008-05-12T12:30:00.002-04:00

Quality leather goods (wallets, belts, briefcases) are an essential component of a well-styled man's wardrobe. The "details" matter - and one wishing to cast a favorable impression among business or social contacts must invest in clean, high-end looking items. The wallet is one of the most important of the essential leather goods. When you go to pay the bill after a business lunch or after a dinner date at a nice restaurant and pull out something looking like this:

Instead, opt for something slimmer (something that won't leave a permanent imprint in your favorite jeans) and simpler. Try a "card case" - a small wallet that only holds a credit card, an ID card, and a little bit of cash. If that doesn't hold all of your essential items, try a larger version that folds (only one fold, please!). Below are two examples:

It is important to remember that these don't have to be expensive. The first one I ever purchased was rather makeshift: a gift card holder I found at J.Crew two winters ago. It only set me back $3.00, and received a host of compliments on it. Whatever you pay, make sure it isn't bulky, that it holds your essentials, and it projects a sufficient quality.

Black (and white) is the New Black

2008-05-11T21:39:00.007-04:00

Last night, I spent the later portion of the evening at a birthday party in a former-speakeasy in the Lower East Side of Manhattan. As it turns out, the birthday boy (man?) has many male friends in the fashion industry.

Judging by their wholly matching attire (coincidence, they claim), the new "it" combination for social attire is some sort of black/white mixture.

Nearly every single one of them showed up independently of the others sporting white shirts, black ties, black pants, vests, black/white striped polos, etc.. Needless to say, I felt out of place in my blue/white striped button-up and khaki-colored sport coat.

(Image courtesy of Ralph Lauren's "Modern Summer Style" line)

I don't suggest we heed their advice because they are savvy gay men, but because they all work for the major American fashion houses (i.e. Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein). It is their professional obligation to dress well and be "in."

Trends are fleeting and should be met with skepticism, but black and white are classic - and a modern dasher can certainly partake in this spring "fad."

Welcome To The Modern Dasher!

2008-05-05T16:30:00.000-04:00

Dasher (n.):

1. a person of dashing appearance or manner

2. a dandy

There is no single figure or style that defines the modern dasher, but he is a sort of Renaissance man for the modern age: fashionable, metropolitan, intellectual, and diversely talented.

He carries himself with a polite confidence and charm.

He persists in self-improvement, while maintaining a proper sense of "self."

The modern dasher, most importantly, is a man who seeks that which is excellent. This blog will serve to guide you towards excellence - in style, living, and intellect. It will be a hub of advice, inspiration, and information.

The Modern Dasher will be excellent.

So, welcome! Please enjoy all that The Modern Dasher has to offer.

Sincerely,

Benjamin M. Dasher.