From Baseball Caps to Bowler Hats

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Dress Like A Gent's Brian Hampton

Dress Like A Gent's Brian Hampton

Knowing that the date for my Official Dress Like A Gent ™ Launch Party and 35th Birthday Event was fast approaching, I knew that it was absolutely imperative to not just pull together the right ensemble for the event, but more importantly, the perfect complementing headgear to top it off! I knew I didn't want your run-of-the-mill hat with no voice, but I needed something distinguished, polished and that was all "me".

After browsing images from several custom-hat makers on Instagram, I finally stumbled across the profile of one gentleman I follow by the name of Percy Hicks who was rockin' some very spiffy, yet contemporary classic hats such as the Pork Pie and Top Hat. After further research, I discovered that he had these headpieces custom-made by a genius, experienced milliner out of New York by the name of Ann Morin. Needless to say, I quickly made contact with Ms. Morin virtually and solicited her mastery to create my first idolized, custom-hat, the Bowler. From start to finish, Ms. Morin paced me through the process of bringing the Bowler to life. She inquired about the vision I was shooting for including the color scheme, the type(s) of fabric, embellishments, grosgrain ribbon, my head measurements, etc. 

Being that all of this was so new to me, Ms. Morin very delicately and elaborately provided options, suggestions and even historical facts about the utility of the Bowler hat to help me make an informed decision about how I wanted this hat personalized. Through supplemental research and a previous article I've written for MrRefined.com entitled Style Statement: Hats, I've learned that the art of custom-hat making is one that dates way back in history and was especially common during the 20th century. In fact, during this period, hats were a symbol of individual social status and served as a marker for a particular group of people distinguishing them from the rest. Also, hats during that era were pretty much everything but an accessory. They were used as a head covering from the elements or even as protection for horse riders while riding underneath trees such as the Bowler hat. 

Fast forward, hats today are one of the more bolder fashion statements being re-introduced into the world of haute couture. There is the Fedora, Top Hat, Bowler, Trilby, Homburg, Pork Pie, Ascot, Panama, Beret, Beanie and of course, the common Baseball Cap, along with many more. The right hat communicates personal style, self-value, class and individuality. Of course, you could always just purchase one at your local hat store or online, but I personally have a newfound respect for good ole-fashion millinery. Reason being, I know that the feeling of exclusivity as well as the detail and time that is invested by the milliner will forever be a timeless souvenir.

by Brian Hampton / Dress Like a Gent

for fashionado

Atlanta Welcomes The Frye Company to Ponce City Market

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They're not only a style feast for your feet, The Frye Company is a feast for the senses. Seriously. Upon entering the impressive 4000 square foot showroom located at the new Atlanta "it" spot, Ponce City Market, close your eyes and take a deep breath. Slowly release and enjoy the next few seconds of leather heaven. The intoxicating smell of rich, hand-crafted leather seduces you instantly. Next, pan the space from wall to wall for a visual feast. Don't forget to look up as well! Saving the best for last, touch everything, try everything. Shop!

Stylish Atlantans, I kid you not, you will be obsessed with Frye as much as I am. Not only is the store very inviting and will make you feel comfortable while browsing and shopping, but The Frye Company's collection of covet-worthy men's and women's footwear will WOW you! And let's not even talk about their handbags, leather backpacks and satchels - won't have to - just look at the pics! 

The Frye Company may observe current trends, but when you're 152 years old, you're setting them. You'll find a variety of classic and modern styles for everyone - from iconic motorbike influences to western motifs to dressy wingtips and even sandals. They draw their inspiration from the materials and artistry involved in the fine craftsmanship of their goods This is something The Frye Company takes much pride in which is evident in their product and reflective in the brand.

I'm a sucker for great detailing so I'd be remiss if I didn't mention the amazing stitching, branding, buckles, rings, fringe, studs and distressing in all of The Frye Company's leather work. Truly amazing. Extremely appealing. Perfection. 

Whether you're a Frye fan or just learning about them, Frye Atlanta is a must-stop for your must-haves!

fashionado

 

ASPIRE Eyewear - Trendsetting through #NYFWM & Beyond

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The philosophy of aspiring to transcend is integrated by the label beyond its use of advanced technologies. The question Aspire Eyewear branding asks the eyeglass wearer is: “Who Do You Aspire To Be?” That message is carefully articulated in personality-driven product designed for both men and women. The brand referenced popular trends, classic motifs, and advanced architectural aesthetics to appeal to different personality types when designing its initial collection of 12 styles for men and women, as well as three sunglasses styles. Each of the 36 frames and 5 temple designs in the collection are detachable, giving the wearer the opportunity to further personalize their own eyewear.

I remember my first pair of glasses... or I should say, I've tried to forget! Of course, back then, eyewear wasn't cool or stylish as it is today. Fashion forward brands like Aspire have taken into heavy consideration that eyewear must serve form as well as function. Aspire's cutting edge style and design make them very desirable to trendsetting men and women.

“There is a lot of interest these days in wearable technology,” said Peter Friedfeld, Executive Vice President, ClearVision Optical. “But from a practical standpoint, the core issues related to eyewear for consumers remain design and wearability. Most people wear their glasses every day, all day. And the pair they choose to wear in many ways comes to define their personality. We felt that the average eyewear frame today was bulky and not up to the aesthetic and performance standards of other accessories that consumers use daily. We invested in developing the SDN-4 technology and advanced 3-D printing capabilities so that we could change that and bring a product to market that "aspires‟ to keep up with today's consumer. Aspire eyewear is truly wearable technology.”

So whether you're hop-trotting through New York Fashion Week or simply care to remain stylish daily, Aspire Eyewear is calling your name. Visit ClearVision Optical and view the entire Aspire Eyewear Collection.

fashionado

DIOR HOMME Spring 2016

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For all the dapper dudes out there who have a closet full of camouflage and have worried, like me, that the trend has seen its last season, I'm happy to announce: NOT! Well, at least according to Dior Homme who gave us a runway full of it. There were, of course, camo pants, but we also saw the pattern displayed proudly on shirts, vests, as the lining on coats, on back packs and even over classic argyle.

Dior Homme presented a collection that flirted with business attire and sportswear. Three-piece suits gave way to over-size (dressy) cargo pants that were paired with sandals. There were pops of color throughout, mainly with the outerwear. Yellow, red and my personal favorite color, orange.

fashionado

#MRTURKxFashionado TRUNK SHOW RECAP

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No one does color and pattern like Mr Turk. No one does menswear like Mr Turk. And in Atlanta, the only place to find this amazing brand is at Trina Turk at Phipps Plaza. Mr Turk is one of the most refreshing menswear labels out there. Jonathan Skow a.k.a. Mr Turk, embraces impeccable tailoring, great design, bold prints, pattern and vibrant colors to create unique collections for confident men. This is fashion! As a fan of Mr Turk, I was thrilled and honored to host his first ever trunk show in Atlanta and introduce this exciting fashion line to a new audience. It was a true fashion party at Trina Turk with a fun group of fashionados and fashionistas enjoying Bulleit Bourbon cocktails, beef tenderloin and lobster bites from Davio's Restaurant while they played "dress up" and shopped. The evening had a socially-conscious purpose as well, bringing awareness to Pride School Atlanta. A portion of Turk sales benefited the school committed to providing a safe, fun and rigorous learning environment to LGBTQQIA students, families and educators.

MR TURK Trunk Show #MRTURKxFashionado

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mr turk trina turk

Let's gear up for a stylishly vibrant summer with MR TURK! I am super excited to be hosting an exclusive trunk show from the latest collection by the brilliant MR TURK. Bold prints and patterns are balanced by perfectly tailored solids that will guarantee heads will turn when you enter the room. Check out a collection of swimsuits that will make a designer splash and bowties to please the most discriminatingly dapper tastes. If you know & love  MR TURK then you'll be very excited and if you don't know the brand, allow me to introduce you to one my favorite menswear labels. JOIN me next Thursday at MR TURK located at Trina Turk at Phipps Plaza. Enjoy Bulleit Bourbon cocktails and tasty bites from Davio's while you shop! A potion of sales will benefit Pride School Atlanta. #MRTURKxFashionado

fashionado

Meet "JACK" by jill-e designs

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Like many of us, I keep my laptop in one of those black nylon-ish cases that are all about function with little to no real style - until now! I've traveled to Charleston and Miami recently with my new Columbian leather case by jill-e designs. This handsome case is soft and luxurious to the touch and it looks great carried on your shoulder or by its handles. The case itself only weighs about a pound, but its construction is sturdy and its appeal strong. The inside is padded so your laptop and tablet travel safely. I'm always a fan of form and function working in harmony!

jill-e designs has a large selection of stylish leather goods for men and women so make sure and give them a visit!

fashionado