Buy Report | John Varvatos USA Two to Four
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One of the main aspects that differentiate women from men is our normality and lack of complexity. The same can be said for our clothes, which is why such a versatile piece as this Two to Four button jacket by John Varvatos USA is quite a treat. “An extremely versatile piece that can be converted from a two button to a four button notch lapel jacket constructed from a grey cotton. Details include contrast fabric on besom pockets, sleeve vents…” Perfect for cool summer nights and chilly fall afternoons. Cool indeed!
Available via John Varvatos.

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Buy Report | Ora Bike Bag Collection
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If you live in DC—or any major city in the US of A, really—and have any sort of consciousness, you've definitely noticed the growing popularity that bicycles are enjoying. With so much attention paid to the environment and 'going green', people throughout urban areas are thronging to this method of travel as a roughing it tactic to normal car commute, and a luxurious tactic to simply walking. Even Urban Outfitters now has a Bike Shop where customers can purchase and customized an Aristotle Single Speed Bike and Plato Dutch Bike with over 100,000 component and color combinations. And like a contagious case of H1N1, bike fever is spreading . . .
Canada's Ora Bags has a new collection of bike bags that are set to compliment your day to day bicycle. “The Bike Bags attach to handle bars with an adjustable leather strap, so the bags will fit on any size bar and with any brake set-up. Silver buckles allow for the bags to be easily removed and carried as a satchel or tucked away. The bags are one of Ora’s unisex styles and would suit any type of bicycle.”
For any serious bicycler, their an essential style must-have. I'm almost convinced to splurge hundreds on a new bike just to attach a bag. Almost.

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Style Question | Blazers on Stun
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A big debate around the office is whether or not it is okay to wear a blue blazer with gold buttons. I recently had my gold buttons removed on the blazer to make it looks a little more modern. What is your opinion? Does it defile my jacket?
You most certainly did not defile your jacket, you simply made it into a suit jacket. DC is filled with gold-button clad navy blazers, and it has become synonymous with interns. As a child, I loved gold and brass buttons and even sported a traditional Ralph Lauren crest on my blazer when I was 12. But once I gave up aspirations of being a Navy commander, and grew up, I also gave up on the metal buttons. In my opinion, a grown man should opt for more subtlety details. More importantly, if you happen to work in DC you'll almost certainly be mistaken for an intern. You mind as well strap on a red ID around your neck. In other words, stay away from metal buttons, it's the grown-up thing to do!

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Buy Report | Nigel Cabourn Trousers
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The simplicity of today's times sometime can get a bit . . . dare I say, boring?! Sure, we all love the joy of throwing on a pair of khakis with a white t-shirt and being suddenly stylish. But what about the other joy—the joy of a splendid piece of clothing, with exceptional details and that extra something. Sometimes you're lucky enough to find a combination of both, exceptional detail and that extra something mixed with simplicity. These Nigel Cabourn trousers provide that.
And they're the rare pant that look completely chic with pleats and the added association of suspenders. Paired with a simple t-shirt and casual low-tops, and you're set to go. Available via Opening Ceremony.

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Style Icon | Casual Mad Men Looks
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Style Report | Khaki Diversity
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This summer, khakis have easily become the go-to pants for men the world over. And with good reason; they're comfortable, versatile, come in a variety of prices and are perfectly light for the sweltering heat. They've arguably become as popular as jeans and are one of the few trends in fashion with legs—meaning they have a universal factor, can go from casual to upscale, cheap to expensive. The fact that it doesn't take a fashion guru to make them look good makes them all the more appealing. The fact is, however, that they can easily become boring.

With everyone, and their mother, wearing khakis, it can often get uniformic. And yes, I am aware that I just made up that terminology. But in the words of Sarah Palin, "English is a living language. Shakespeare liked to coin words, too." If it's good enough for Shakespeare, it's good enough for me! In any manner, I completely understand that chinos are called khakis for a reason, their color. But one cannot live by tan alone. It's called diversity, and you can easily diversify your wardrobe of khakis by adding other shades in the mix. Try olive or rust, and see how wonderfully you stand out in a crowd. Honestly, it's as easy as pie.
From top left, clockwise: CHINOS ($69.50) BY BANANA REPUBLIC, CHINOS ($165) BY GANT BY MICHAEL BASTIAN, CHINOS ($65) BY DOCKERS, CHINOS ($490) BY BRUNELLO CUCINELLI.
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