Not the Usual

I decided to add different types of print to my wardrobe because I felt that my clothes are starting to seem a little bit “regular.” And regular is not a look I go for. So, when I saw this blazer at Joe Fresh, I knew that it had to be mine. It reminded me of blazers from the Fall/Winter ’12 Versace men’s collection, in terms of the flower print and cut. Though Versace would have most likely made the flowers larger and brighter.

While print blazers can add pizzaz to an outfit, they are very tricky—it is either a hit or miss depending on how you style it. However, that should not be a reason to avoid print blazers. Instead, work with it. Pay attention to the pattern and pair it with items that compliment it. Print blazers are already extravagant, so do not overdo it, but you can definitely add another print, just make sure that it is lighter than the blazer.

Navy Flower Print Blazer | Joe Fresh

Florsheim Give-A-Way

If you do not love winning stuff, then you might want to visit a psychiatrist because you are definitely insane. However, for those of you who love winning, I have some great news. Men In Style Society will be teaming up with legendary shoe brand, Florsheim, to host a give-a-way.

More details will be posted during the upcoming months, so if you like winning stuff, then you might want to keep checking.

 

Store Spotlight: Proof Wood Eyewear

Ahh! I love wooden sunglasses! Okay, wait. Maybe I should start from the top before you begin to think I have gone crazy.

Proof is another favorite brand of mine. I became aware of the it after I saw a picture rapper, Snoop Dogg, wearing the brand’s signature sunglasses. And as the saying goes, “the rest was history.”

Proof was founded in January 2011 by Brooks, Taylor, and Todd Dame; three brothers who not only wanted to present the world with a different kind of eyewear, but help give sight to those who cannot see—a large portion of Proofs profits go to eye-surgeries in India. Inspired by their grandfather, an entrepreneur who started a small sawmill that evolved into a successful family business, the Dame brothers used the knowledge they gained in the wood industry to add a wooden twist to traditional eyewear.

From the moment I saw their collection of wooden sunglasses, I was very impressed, so impressed that I bought four pairs within 10 minutes—do not judge me. I love the cut and design of the frames, they are well made and the detail is superb—the result of having every pair hand crafted. In addition, the sunglasses are lightweight, which is something I did not expect when thinking about eyewear made of wood. What I like the most about their sunglasses is the durability, these are not flimsy accessories that will fall apart after a few wears, they are built to last a long time.

Proof prides itself on making eyewear that “offers a look and feel that can’t be replicated.” And from what I have experienced, it is definitely something that I can confirm. In short, Proof is a wonderful brand and I recommend it to everyone. And for those who are concerned about the cutting down of trees, Proof has you in mind. All of the wood that is not used in their sunglasses is replanted.

Check Them Out, Proof

Store Spotlight: Dissizit!

My little brother introduced me to the brand a few months ago and I have been following it since. Dissizit has been on the scene for over 20 years, drawing inspiration from street culture—graffiti, individuality, and hip hop—to make clothing that continues to mesmerize fans across the country.

What separates Dissizit from other brands is that it successfully blends its inspiration into the clothing, from their artistic graphic t-shirts to their inventive line of jackets, even their website exudes their inspiration. I like the brand because it does not follow trends; instead, it establishes individuality and inspires its fans to express themselves.

Dissizit took me out of my element and pushed me to explore different forms of ‘dress.’ I am happy that I was introduced to it because I probably would have never come across the brand—I would have still been in my safety element. And as a result I would have missed out on the creativity, uniqueness, and style that makes Dissizit admirable. However, that did not happen. And it is my pleasure to say that the brand has a new fan—me

Check them out, Dissizit

Ahh! Button-Downs

I love button-downs; they are my signature-clothing item for almost every outfit I wear. Why? I have no idea, but I think it has to do with the look that button-down shirts possess, you know, that look of sophistication and maturity.

Recently, I came across button-down shirts from the brand Dissizit and I was really impressed. Not only are the shirts durable, but they are very well made; from the stitching to the craft, this tells me that a lot of time is spent on ensuring that the shirts are up to par. However, I recommend sizing down because the shirts are classic cut, so it would fit a little bigger.

Olive Green Button-Down | Dissizit

Gray Button-Down | Dissizit

Guest Post By Cindy Prosser

Beyond the 6-Pack: 7 Refreshing Drinks to Impress Your Guests

Beach season is upon us and what better time to relax with friends and indulge in a delicious drink. No matter your location – be it city, country or beach – or attire –be it business, casual, or board shorts and a tee – there are many drinks from across the world that have become popular for dinner parties, after-work cocktails, or relaxing on the beach. Below, i’ve put together our favorite summertime drinks that will leave you feeling refreshed – all while impressing your guests. Let’s dive right in:

#1: Daiquiri – This popular drink originated in Cuba and is a staple at any beachside bar. The story goes that the drink was invented by Americans, working in Cuba because they had an ample supply of rum, lime, and sugar. Today, it’s most popular in frozen form and, can be found in nearly any tropical fruit flavor. Here’s how to make it:

  • 3 oz. light rum
  • 1 ½ T. lime juice
  • 2 T. white sugar
  • 2 cups of crushed ice

Pour all ingredients into a blender and blend together until smooth.

#2: Mai Tai – This Polynesian drink caught on after being featured in Elvis’s hit movie, “Blue Hawaii” and is found in tropical destinations around the world. Here’s how to create a passion fruit version of the drink:

  • 4 oz. light rum
  • 2 oz. dark rum
  • 2 oz. of Triple Sec
  • 8 oz. of passion fruit juice
  • Lime wedge

Mix the light rum, Triple Sec, and passion fruit in a shaker and pour into glasses. Pour 1 tablespoon of dark rum over each glass and finish it off with a lime wedge.

#3: Piña Colada – This refreshing drink has been around for more than 100 years, but was made popular in the 50s when a bartender added cream of coconut to it. Here’s how to make it for your guests:

  • ½ cup rum
  • ½ cup coconut cream
  • ¼ coconut milk
  • ¼ cup pineapple chunks

Fill your blender half full with ice cubes, then pour in the above four ingredients. Puree and pour into glasses. For added flair, you can garnish it with a pineapple ring or cherry.

#4: Sex on the Beach – If you have ladies craving a fruity beach cocktail, look no further than a Sex on the Beach. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • 1 ½ oz. vodka
  • 2 oz. orange juice
  • 2 oz. cranberry juice
  • ½ oz. peach schnapps

Pour all four ingredients into a shaker and blend well. Pour into a highball glass and garnish with a cherry.

#5: Mojito – Everyone knows you can’t have a proper summertime party without a mojito. Here’s how to give your guests what they want:

  • 1 ½ oz. rum
  • 1 T. mint leaves
  • 1 T. sugar
  • ½ oz. lime juice
  • 2-4 lime wedges
  • Soda, to taste

Before mixing this drink, grab a few tall glasses and cover the bottom of the glass with mint leaves. Then, add sugar, rum, lime juice and crushed ice. Muddle together. Finally, top it off with soda water and mint leaves.

#6: Cape Codder – As its name implies, the Cape Codder was created in Massachusetts and is an easy mix of spirits and fruit juice. If you’re looking for a quick and easy cocktail for your dinner party, this is definitely it:

  • 3 oz. cranberry juice
  • 2 oz. vodka
  • Lime wedge

Pour the cranberry juice and vodka into a highball glass filled with ice. Stir it well, then squeeze lime juice over the top.

#7: Bahama Mama – Our final refreshing drink for your guests is a Bahama Mama, usually served in a highball glass with a garnish of pineapple on the side.

  • 1 oz. coconut rum
  • 1 oz. rum
  • 1 oz. grenadine
  • 2 oz. orange juice
  • 2 oz. pineapple juice

Combine all liquids with ice and puree in a blender until the contents are slushy. Pour into a glass and garnish with fruit as desired.

Next time you’re planning a cocktail party, look no further than the tasty treats on this list. They’ll have your guests raving for weeks!

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Cindy Prosser modeled swimwear in a past life… but now that she’s a part-time freelance writer and full-time mom.

Store Spotlight: MOSCOT

 

MOSCOT was founded by Hyman Moscot, an Eastern European immigrant, who found his niche for eyewear while selling eyeglasses from a pushcart on Orchard Street on Manhattan’s Lower East Side in 1899—which is symbolized in the brand’s logo. And over 100 years later, MOSCOT has become the “poster-eye” for eyewear, inspiring other brands across the world and becoming the go to brand for celebrities such as Johnny Depp and Justin Theroux.

I was introduced to the brand a few months ago and since then, their eyewear have become must-have accessories for all of my outfits—obsessive, yeah, maybe just a little. But who could blame me; MOSCOT has the appeal and versatility that I love. So, when I was given the opportunity to interview Wendy Simmons, Co-President of MOSCOT for about 8 years, I was all over it.

Wendy described MOSCOT as brand based on 3 pillars, history, fashion, and humor, all which have equal measure. In other words, MOSCOT is not a brand that takes itself too seriously. Although their frames are designed to be fashionable and fashion forward, they are not in a cookie cutter format. Instead, the brand gives personality to their eyewear; every frame has a humorous element to it, every frame is unique, and every frame tells a story. It is no surprise that the brand’s fan base is constantly growing.

What I love most about the brand is that it has managed to maintain its traditional roots—the vision that Hyman Moscot had in mind—creating frames reminiscent of MOSCOT styles from decades ago. And knowing that the brand hand quality controls every single frame, tells me that providing the best optical experience for fans is a number one priority, which I find admirable.

I asked Wendy to describe MOSCOT in three words and she said, “authentic, bold, and fun.” And I agree. MOSCOT is more than a brand and more than eyewear—it is iconic.

Check Them Out, MOSCOT