The Gift Of Style

Remembering Farrah

Charlie's Angels was to my tween years what 90210 and Melrose were to my teen years.  It set the tone for my view of women and taught me that women could be strong and smart and sexy all at once.  Farrah Fawcett was part of my pop cultural upbringing...she was one of the great iconic figures of that generation.  Forget that she singlehandedly was responsible for creating the feathered hair trend, but she one of the great sex symbols of all time.  I wanted to be her, hair and all...I wish I could find a few photos of my feathered days to show you...scary good back then, now just plain scary.  She and the character she portrayed on Charlie's Angels were also powerful fashion icons...70's chic at its very best. 

I felt terrible when I found out she past away and thus feel compelled to remember her via my blog.  To pay tribute to her, I want to show you how her Charlie's Angels style has withstood the test of time and how it still permeates couture culture.   I also hope that you will feel inspired and perhaps even empowered enough to unleash your inner Farrah, because at her core she was one strong woman, one that deserves to be emulated not just physically, but spiritually as well.

You know what I am going to write about...I mean how can I not choose Gucci, the quintessential 70's brand.  The business has been built on modernizing the look of the disco era and consistently pays homage to that time.  Sure the collection has also been genius with regards to powerful nods to the 60's, but lets face it, Gucci is best known for its must-have pantsuit.  Perfectly tailored, super sexy, powerful...it is just as iconic as Farrah. These looks are on sale on their website, so if like me you really want to remember, then I suggest you click now.  ~Nancy

  

Style Mavens -Lyrical Style

I almost can't believe I haven't featured this week's Style Maven yet...perhaps his betrayal of my beloved NYC (yes, he is another LA defector) clouded my memory of him or perhaps I needed just the right moment to celebrate him.  I am pretty sure it is the latter, as his new album just came out.  My BFF Michaelangelo is not only one of my favorite people in this whole wide world, but he is an amazing musical talent that is finally getting his due.  More about the music in a minute...

MA as I call him, is one cool dude!!!  He is also soulful and emotional and passionate...at times a tortured artist, at times the ultimate businessman, he is one of the most multi-faceted people I know.  It is really interesting, but he is one of the few people I know who's personal style matches his personality to a T.  He is sort of this fab fashionista that has a downtown, hipster, musician vibe at his core, yet knows how to rock a 3-piece suit better than any "chicster" I know.  He had that Band Of Outsiders thing going long before anyone knew who Scott Sternberg was.  I love this photo of him because it really shows you what I am talking about.  Cool hair...chalk stripe suit jacket; hip goatee...grey flannel; classic shirt...skinny tie...all "botttomed"-off with super worn Levis jeans.  There is an irreverent sophistication to his look and to the way he carries himself that puts him at the very top of my "most stylish people I know" list. He owns his fashion choices and owns his talent...100% lyrical style.

Now to the really cool stuff, his music.  He is singer/songwriter/producer/DJ...he plays a couple of instruments...music runs through his veins.  He has produced albums with the Isley Brothers and has scored commercials for the likes of Old Navy and Puma. He was the music director for Gucci and YSL under Tom Ford and most recently collaborated with Karl Lagerfeld to produce Elle Germany's 20th anniversary event.  He also has produced 100's of fashion shows worldwide...perhaps influencing his innate style sense. His company is called L'ACQUA MUSIC in case you are wondering.

His most recent project is his greatest accomplishment and will most certainly be prolific.  His latest and greatest album, RE:GENERATIONS was just released (he is the Executive Producer).  It honors the music of the fabulous Nat King Cole, by bridging the gap between generations, cultures and races.  Artists as diverse as Bebel Gilberto, TV On The Radio and will.i.am remix Nat King Cole classics, not only celebrating one of music's greats, but also bringing his rich, soulful tunes to a new generation of music lovers.  His heart and his talent shines though in his greatest work of art and I hope you download it immediately to experience it. 

As far as the Style Mavens thing goes, he proves that that you can still dress to impress without losing your own personal mystique.  The moral in this story is...don't try so hard, follow your dreams, bare your soul at all times and not only will you soar to great heights, but maybe if you are lucky you will be respected not only for your coiffed ways, but also for the person you are. 

Check out these links to discover the some of the music for yourself.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=azN4zSKMdRU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PwgONbRi9Ug
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P2LYvsJ69SY

~Nancy

Style Mavens -La Dolce Vita...American Style

Considering I spent most of my career in the menswear biz, it is sort of shocking that I have yet to feature a Style Maven with a profound appreciation for tailored perfection.  So I am here to redeem myself, by giving a little shout out to my good friend Cody.  Cody and I met a long, long time ago, one evening in a hair salon.  I was paying my bill and having a little conversation in French with the uncle of the owner and Cody chimed in and put my Francais to shame.  Of course, we jumped into English soon thereafter and this down home, southern accent poured out.  Turns out my francophile friend was really a good ole boy from a smallish town in Texas.  I ran the Calvin Men's Collection business back then and while I was obviously intrigued by his linguistic talent, what I really noticed was his impeccable style...  Cody and I didn't really become friends until a bit later on, but we reconnected via my then boyfriend and I am proud to say he is still in my life. 

Enough nostalgia...lets get to the good stuff, his style.  Cody has traveled the world, he has lived abroad, and as per the title he truly appreciates the good life.  This picture says a thousand words...this is exactly how I think of him...wearing some perfectly fitted custom suit, stunning watch, sitting in some regal pose, sipping champagne!!! Now perhaps this sounds pretentious, but I promise he is anything but.  He brings a dash of Southern flare and a bold Texan personality to his joie de vivre that is quintessentially American and beyond down-to-earth.  I find that sometimes when people who come from our heartland to the big city, who travel the world, who give their lifeblood to the fashion industry, forget where they come from.  They lose the innocence and wonder of a simpler life and get caught up in the B.S., not Cody.  His bravado is 100% pure USA grade and I love him for it!!!

Cody like me gave up a successful corporate fashion career to become an entrepreneur, a custom tailor.  His company is called quite simply, Cody Hammond Custom Atelier.  The name pretty much sums up what I have already written, n'est pas? Cody the self-proclaimed, ex-cowboy (yes he competed in the rodeo growing up) becomes a super chic, old world tailor...LOVE IT!  Anyway guys, you should definitely check out his atelier...truly beautiful product.  And, I say it over and over and over and over that it is time for men to start dressing up again, to look successful, to look powerful, to look stylish...nothing like a custom suit to make the man. 

Cody also just, and I mean just launched a witty and quite interesting blog, called TailorsThought.  He writes about his rodeo days, about people he sees on the street who inspire him and childhood heroes, all of course with insightful style commentary.  He comes from a real place and you can tell that he is baring a little of his soul in his writing...a true Americana view of fashion.  Here is a little excerpt to get you started...

Cowboy Style

Many of my amigos call me Cowboy or Bull or something along those lines as a term of endearment because they know I grew up on a working cattle ranch in North West Texas "swinging a catch twine," on the Rodeo team. I also rode the rough stock, bull and bronc riding. I entered the rough stock events so I could be in contention for the All around cowboy points. But truth be known, I was too big to be any good at bull riding (picture a really strong jockey) and I am not crazy.  READ MORE

Well Style Mavens fans, I hope you enjoyed reading about the oh-so fab, Cowboy/Tailor, Cody.  I have to say, I had a lot of fun writing about him.  Give him big props for going it alone in this recession and if you have the wherewithal, I promise you will love his suits.  If nothing else, you will get a kick out of his truly global worldview!!!

~Nancy

Style Mavens -Fashion Chameleons

Style Mavens is back after a little fashion week hiatus.  In order to start it off again with a BANG, I am going to feature not one, but several of my all time fashion icons.  About a year ago, in the need for a new "do", I happened upon the beyond fabulous Michael Angelo's Wonderland Beauty Parlor and instantly fell in love.  Of course, Michael and his stylists are crazy talented, but this is not what I am going to talk about this time around...I will save that story for another day.  Instead, I want to talk about the people who work there and how they are each in their own way a constant source of fashion inspiration...this place is literally an untapped hotbed of true individual style that editors and stylists should be aware of.

I am going to start off with my girl, Annastasia.  Her fashion sense rocks my world.  One day she is the ultimate pin-up girl throwback, the next she is western chic... She is the updo queen and can do 1950's sublime or 1960s Go-Go at the drop of a hat.  She also knows how to use makeup to create a mood, so when she is working it, she is WORKING IT!!!  The photo featured here is such a great example of her chameleon-like nature....old school geisha girl meets city chic.  Now if you think the way I am describing her sounds costumy, I promise it is not.  She certainly knows how to play with the fashions of eras-past, but she brings a modern, hip girl vibe every single time. I love this girl!!!

Next is my boy, Mitchell.  He is the ultimate vintage master.  Like Annastasia, he surprises me every time and has even taught me a thing or two about menswear.  He has the best boot collection...military, riding boots, punkish styles.  He doesn't necessarily reference a time period when he dresses; he has more of a innate ability to put several different ideas together to create the most chic creations. He also knows how to make his hair a major part of his look and is constantly changing the color and style...platinum, red, whatever color it is, it always looks perfect on him. Finally, he also has a fab hat collection and the picture I chose is all about the hat and all about his attitude.  I love this guy!!!!

I also want to talk about Lizzie.  She only did my hair once, so I don't know her as well, but whenever I am there I am always interested in what she is wearing.  She definitely has a little bit of that throwback thing going on, which you can see in this fantastic photo of her, but she also has this disco, Flashdance, ballet dancer thing going on.  It isn't contrived...it is subtle.  Her overall look is sort of sultry.  Oh and she wears these to die, crystal embellished, high-heeled Mary Janes that I just covet.  She too is the ultimate vintage girl and puts my vintage ways to shame.  

Finally, I just adore Amanda.  She works at the front desk and is the sweetest person in the world.  She is a vintage fanatic and knows how to work vintage accessories like no other.  She also always has the perfect makeup.  She perhaps has the most polished style of the bunch, but this only means different, not better.  She sort of has that girl next store thing going on.  I love the photo I chose...not many people can pull off that hairpiece and look so chic. 

The rest of the crew is equally as fab, but I only can write so much, so sorry guys if I didn't feature you his time...and Michael my dear friend, you get your very own feature very soon!!!

The key point I want to leave you with is something I preach all of the time...have fun with fashion, play with fashion, search for style references from the past that move you and that you can make your own.  Don't get stuck in a one-look rut!!!  Take a cue from these super stylish fashion chameleons and bring some good old-fashioned joie de vivre back to getting dressed.  Every day is a new day!!!! And...if you want to experience the Wonderland stylistas for yourself, you will also get the best haircut/color in NYC!!!

~Nancy

Style Mavens -It's All About Your Inner Beauty

I adore this picture!!!  The minute I saw it I asked my friend Sophie if I could feature her this week.  I know you are probably wondering where the style comes in as you can't even see her clothes...I figured you would.  But, you see style and beauty ultimately comes from within.  I always say you can dress someone in their Sunday best, but if they aren't a good person, a confident person, if they don't have true inner beauty then they can never have true style.  The most stylish people I know can wrap themselves in a paper bag and still look fab.  That is because, like Sophie in this photo, their inner light is always shining.  You want to be near them, you want to be their friend, you want to emulate them...they are inspiring in every way.  This is the person I strive to be...sure sometimes I fall short, but I always try to let my love of life, my optimism and my altruism shine through.  Someone told me once that I was the most universally well-liked person they know and it was by far the best compliment I have ever received!!!

So back to Sophie and why she is a true Style Maven...I have known Sophie socially for some time, but it wasn't until recently that we became friends.  She is one of those natural beauties that insecure women love to hate and men just love.  I mean come on...how gorgeous is this photo of her (she looks like Sienna Miller perhaps)?  Here is the thing though, as beautiful as she is, she is a good person.  She is always smiling, always seems to be having fun, always friendly and as a result I barely even notice her clothes.  Don't get me wrong, I can tell you exactly what she was wearing the last couple of times I saw her...I mean I do make my living noticing and talking about style.  The point is that what she has on is irrelevant, because of the person she is.  If however you are wondering...yes, she does also have great personal style...no paper bags for her!!!

I mentioned some of my style icons in an old blog entry and now I am rethinking my choices...Kate Moss, Sienna Miller, the Gossip Girls.  Sure I will always admire how these women dress, but they will never truly be people I want to emulate. Now of course, I don't know them personally so this judgment is not 100% fair, but alas I only have their public persona as a reference.  Its funny, but if you think about all of my choices for the Style Mavens column so far, Brendan, Erika, Paul, Andrew and now Sophie, I have chosen them all for both their inner and outer beauty.  This entry is of course the first of the series that does not have a fashion slant, but if you re-read the old features, you will see that I am equally as inspired by who the person is.  I launched Style Mavens with a promise to only write about those I know.  Sure I knew you would be more engaged by your friends and colleagues, but I think deep down what I really intended to do was to celebrate all of the fabulous people I know for what they bring to the world...my way of giving back!!!

So here is my challenge to all of my loyal readers...I want you to think about the people you consider true Style Mavens.  Think about the people who inspire you and why they inspire you.  Think about your own nature and what attracts you to people.  Think about society's style/fashion icons and ask yourself whether they truly deserve this status.  Think about the person you are.  Are you nice to those around you; are you a positive, confident person?  Do you smile...a lot?  If the answer is no, then I promise you a little priority review is in order...worry less about the It Bag and more about who you are and I guarantee a happier more fulfilling life!!!

OK, yes I am on a soapbox today, but the ultimate moral of this story is that if we all spent just as much time working on the people we are as we spend on worrying about what we look like, maybe the world would be a better place. So thanks to my friend Sophie for reminding me why I write this column and ultimately for inspiring me to be a better person/friend!!!

~Nancy

Style Mavens -Mix Master

Yes, I knew him when... I am one of those old friends who I hope he won't forget as he continues to climb the fashion ladder.  Unlikely, as he is by far one of the nicest fashionistas I have ever met.  He came to us at Valentino in his final year of school... Thanks to Matthew for finding him.  He didn't report to my team as he was in PR, but we had the good-fortune of having him sit in our little menswear office.  He quickly became part of our family!!! He immediately displayed his innate style sense and deep love of fashion and even then I knew he would soar to great heights.  After his "tenure" at the House Of Val, he landed a plum job as an Associate Fashion Editor and although I don't see him often, I follow his ascent on Facebook and of course notice his editorial hand in the pages of the magazine so lucky to have him. 

Meet my friend Paul.  If you don't know him, you should... If you don't appreciate his personal style, you should!!! I asked him to send me some pictures to use as I wanted to make sure I represented him properly and what I loved about each and every one was his ability to mix it up.  Although he always looks chic, he never looks like a victim.  He has a classic sensibility, but he knows how to make his look pop, by mixing brands, textures and colors.  We all of have our favorite designers, but only those with true style know how to blend brands and effectively combine the high and the low.  I love everything about this photo of him... Sure I am a sucker for black & white, but it also gives me so much to talk about. 

He is wearing a perfect trench by hot indie design house Shipley & Halmos, a hip vest by the American dream team, Rag & Bone, a tie by the rocker-meets-every-guy brand, John Varvatos and the essential white shirt from the great basics retailer, Club Monaco. He finishes his look with the perfect pair of glasses.  The overall effect is masculine, cool, smart, sophisticated and most of all accessible-chic.  It can be hard for guys to pull off fashion without looking "costumy", so a look like this is perfect for any true "stylista" or even any low-key "every guy". The key is to never look like you tried, even if you did... I also adore the fact that he brings the seasons together.  It looks "right now" and will look even better as we painfully inch our way towards warmer weather (damn Punxsutawney Phil). He combines different neutrals and fabric weights for a flawless effect!!!

Great trenches are a dime a dozen, but I want to share some of my quintessential favs.  I love the Sutherland Trench by J. Crew.  It is beyond versatile as it is beltless...perfect over a suit, or Paul's look.  At $225, it is one amazing buy!!!  Now for the other extreme...I love me a fashionable guy and can tell you that any man in this Burberry nubuc stunner would get my vote.  Of course the price is not for the faint of heart...it will cost you a cool $5,000.  If you are just too cool for school for either of these finds, then go for a trench in a hot metallic neutral, like this notice-worthy glossy number by Dirty English by Juicy Couture.  It is $450 at Neiman Marcus. 

         

Guys...I tell my female readers all the time to have some fun with fashion, so like Paul, mix it up a bit, play with shape, texture, color, weight... That said keep it masculine and sophisticated when "going combo".  Top it off this season with the perfect trench (take a cue from one of my favorite Spring shows, Burberry) and look oh-so hip, oh-so smart and oh-so sexy!!!

Oh and keep your eye on Paul...you will be seeing lots of him in years to come...

Style Mavens -Flower Power

Well TGOS readers, you seem to be enamored with Style Mavens, so you have know officially bumped up its frequency to every Wednesday.  Luckily, I am absolutely loving writing about my fabulous friends and colleagues...so much fun!!!

This week I decided to feature my friend Andrew.  I mean how cute is he?  We officially met on that glorious flight home from Milan after fashion week about 2 years ago.  The return flight is sort of this mix of pure joy that you get to finally leave the grayest of the fashion capitals and sheer exhaustion from a week of fashion shows and parties.  OK, if you are thinking how glamorous, well trust me, it wears off after about your sixth trip.  You see at that point I was probably on my 20th.  Now, if you are wondering what this has to do with Andrew, well I am going to tell you... I remember walking onto the plane (probably the crappy Delta flight) and there he was...great sunglasses and some fab "fashionista" outfit and pure joy.  This joy however wasn't due to our impending departure; instead it was the euphoria I used to get in my early days of Italian jaunts and it reminded me of my love for fashion.  I plopped down next to him and we had a great talk, about the shows, about the magazine I worked for, about life...

Though we don't see each other often, I recently bumped into him at my friend Donna's annual, legendary Bday bash and was reminded once again why I love him.  Again, how cute is he?  Anyway, I knew then and there that I wanted to feature him, so as per usual I trolled Facebook and found this perfect photo.  I absolutely adore this look for men...fab floral shirt and cool shades.  It is sort of the male version of Boho Chic.  Florals are the perfect Spring statement that any guy can pull off.  If you know how to rock fashion then your options this Spring are boundless, but if you are more comfortable in a Tommy Bahama (yikes) look, then it is time to update and experiment with some of this seasons easy-to-wear styles.  Andrew's shirt is from Dolce & Gabbana and has a subdued easy feel that any guy can pull off. Their new crop of flower inspired prints (at Dolce stores) are bold and masculine and could be this seasons must-buys for even the least fashion conscious man.  I mean how can you go wrong in a great print shirt with jeans and yes cool shades a la Andrew?  I also am crazy about their Floral Ombre Tux Jacket available at Neiman Marcus.  I can actually see Brendan, our first Style Maven in this stunner.  If Dolce is a bit aggressive for you, of course I found a milder option, such as this great blue floral from Roda at Barneys. You can make the same style statement with a paisley pattern if flowers are not your thing. Etro and "lowish" option Robert Graham are offering some of the best this season. 

             

So, Andrew just makes me smile and flowers just make me smile, so of course any adorable guy in a floral shirt will be my new source of joy this season.  If you know Andrew, make sure to always catch his enthusiasm and let him remind you of all of the reasons why you love whatever it is that you love!!!! And, remember, lose the somber attitude and start to look forward to spring...embrace "Flower Power"

~Nancy Berger

Style Mavens -Metal Glam

WOW... The launch of Style Mavens was a big day for my blog.  It seems as suspected, like me, you are inspired by the people you know and love!  Sure, we are inundated by editorial commentary that tells how we should dress, what we should desire and what we must have, but most of the time isn't it the people who are closest to us who truly elevate our fashion consciousness?

My new friend Erika is an unassuming Style Maven...my favorite kind.  I recently met her and what I immediately noticed about her was not only her radiant personality, but also how comfortable she seems to be in her own skin.  I always try to help my clients see past just looking good... I emphasize feeling good and being in tune with one's self... Only then can one really truly find a sense of personal style.  You see, you don't have to be a trendsetter or even a trend-adopter to be a fashionable person, you simply have to know what works for you and ultimately what enhances your already deep-rooted confidence. 

When Erika and I became friends on Facebook, I noticed some great photos of her that reinforced what I already thought about her...self-assured and trend-savvy.  I chose this photo of her for several reasons.  First and foremost I adore her metal-toned, crystal embellished DVF gown.  As you know, metallics are in big time this season (actually in my book, they are never out) and this dress is a perfect pre-season representation of what it to come.  Sure, what we will see is less embellished more flat finish, high shine, but nonetheless this dress makes a big glam statement!  I have and always will be a big fan of what I call "sophisticated bling"...sequins and strategically placed beading never go out of fashion.  A little touch of drama is always needed to make a personal style statement and can be as subtle as the perfect chandelier earrings or as quietly over-the-top as Erika's dress.  You are probably thinking how can something be "quietly over-the-top"...isn't that a contradiction?  Well, the sheer genius of this dress is the color.  The steel gray hue adds depth to the embellishment, quiets it and makes it seem less pop star bling and more polished shimmer. 

The dress also looks great on her.  My mother always told me that if you've got it, flaunt it... I teach my clients this all the time.  Now this doesn't mean taking it to the extreme, but if you have great legs, wear tastefully shorter skirts; if you have a great butt, find the perfect jeans and if you have what so many women long for, a little something up top, then a hint (not a vulgar amount) of cleavage goes a long way.  DVF's quintessential wrap dresses look amazing on women who have been blessed with a great shape and this silhouette was the perfect choice for Erika...you go girl!!!

If you love the idea of little radiance or luster in your life, then here are some other metallic stunners you can buy now and wear into the spring/summer.  If you want to save some money, there are some great shimmery options online.  A silver Graham & Spencer dress is on sale for $250 on Net-A-Porter...amazingly versatile (dress down or up) and seasonless. There is also a simple navy sequin tank from Velvet for $91 from Cusp.com (Neiman Marcus's contemporary site)...wear it now over a long sleeve white tee, with a great little jacket and jeans and then break it out on its own once the weather changes.  If you don't think luminosity is for you, then I suggest this amazing charcoal Phillip Lim Ruffle Dress also from Cusp.com.  A deep gray tone is the perfect way to softly emulate a metallic feel. 

                                          

So take a cue from Erika and feel and look good in your style choices... Try some of the new gleaming, yet polished metallic options and wear them at any time, in any place...true Style Mavens, do what suits their mood, not what the fashion "gods" preach to them!!!!

~Nancy Berger

Style Mavens –Preppy Done Right

 So today officially launches my new bi-monthly column, Style Mavens.  I will be the first to admit that it isn’t a unique idea to feature fabulous people in fabulous clothes, but Style Mavens will veer slightly from The Sartorialist format and feature only people I know.  You see, I want to put my vast Facebook network to use.  One of my favorite social networking features is the photo sharing functionality.  Not only do I enjoy seeing my friends in action, but I am consistently inspired by their style choices… Now don’t panic, I will always ask for your approval before poaching a photo and Style Mavens will always be about the best in class, so nothing but glowing critique!

Last week, I pretty much bashed preppy style in my Prepped Out entry.  Now of course, my commentary is usually generalized and my point-of-view can always be broadened, so I am open to differing ideas.  You see, the best part about style is it evolves and changes; it is fluid… So, when I am exposed to fashion that expands my sense of style, I feel compelled to celebrate it and at times even contradict myself!  This is why I chose to launch Style Mavens with a photo of my friend Brendan, who actually embodies Preppy Done Right.

I love the way he looks in this photo.  He celebrated New Year’s in the Bahamas, lucky guy, and is the portrait of island-party-chic.  First of all, I adore his Hugo Boss jacket.  The perfect modern plaid, great trim detail, sexy fit.  I love when a man has the confidence to ignore formal dressing rules and deviates from the norm.  Use this as an example to break out of your typical Black Tie rut.  You can wear it now for any dressier occasion with black pants, white shirt, black bowtie, basically the way Brendan styled it and then break it our again in the warmer weather with white pants, khakis (a al Brendan) or a pair of dark rinse jeans.  Of course, think about the type of Black Tie or cocktail occasion you are attending before you choose your pairings.  If you need advice, always feel free to ask me…

Here the bowtie is pefect!  He chose a narrow, tightly formed version, which proportionally works beautifully with the bold plaid.  He also went simple with the shirt choice.  When going pattern-strong, a clean, unfussy shirt is always the flawless alternative.

Plaid is also so versatile… Brendan chose to dress it up, but this jacket would also look great with some of the new more distressed denim washes, the perfect J. Crew Oxford shirt and a cool pair of sneaks.  You don’t have to stick with a white shirt; a classic Oxford blue or even a very subtle blue stripe would work as well.  If trying the pattern mix, only attempt if you really have fashion confidence.  If you don’t, then there is absolutely nothing wrong with subtlety!

Look for lots of plaid jacket options for Spring 2009.  Some of my favorites are from Z Zegna, think modern, slim fit, slightly quieter than Brendan's and prices that are accessible.  I also love the plaids that Thom Browne designed for the Black Fleece Collection at Brooks Brothers. Of course, you pay for Thom's innovative talent, but for the true fashionophiles, his are the go-tos.  

Well, I hope you share my love of Brendan’s modern preppy look and feel compelled to let him know how fab he is!  If you happen to have one of your great style moments captured on film, then please send to me, as you never know when you may become the next The Gift Of Style, Style Maven.

~Nancy Berger