Sperry 365

The classic Sperry boater shoe is iconic.  It’s a simple look that has been styled with preppy vibes, casually dressed looks and all-purpose functionality - and because of this, it’s easily my favorite shoe to have handy for special occasions.When it’s warm outside, it makes sense to go for a Sperry boater and bring your look together with some great shoes to go with comfortable clothes, but not many people are aware that you can also comfortably wear them during the winter months, as well.  I recently went to Toronto, Ontario and while there had my generous fill with sub zero weather, but it was still easy to dress up for my dinner plans with my navy boaters, a navy striped shirt and simple pants.  I had some warm socks on, but my feet never felt worn or cold because the shoes kept my feet dry and were also amazing to use while walking on slick ice. I was fortunate enough to have my friends from Toronto letting me stay with them, and they were so excited to show me around their city.  When it’s your first time in Canada, you can expect the locals to take good care of you. I wanted to have fun and look nice, but still be casual and comfortable - after all, It was snowy, so I didn’t want to have to spend a load of time putting on and taking off my big boots all the time.  It’s always fun for me to try things out, to see how they work.  There are some hard and fast guidelines for styling yourself nicely, sure, but at the end of the day, we will never know how something will look until we give it a shot.  My friend, Zach, picked the place to eat, but was kind enough to also use his photography skills to help bang out some photos nearby, while giving me a tour of some awesome sections of Toronto.When the evening was over, and we got back to the apartment, it was an easy kick off of the shoes and my feet were still dry, warm and in one piece.  I didn’t slip and fall, like I was prone to do most of the other days, in my boots, because the grip on the soles of the Sperry’s were so good.I honestly can’t wait to get back to Toronto during the Spring or Summer, and I’ll certainly be bringing them back then as well because 365 days a year, these shoes will have a place in my wardrobe.

OppoSuits Attract

During the Summer months, I’m always moving around, creating content, running errands or taking meetings and, for formality’s sake, I usually just throw on a long-sleeved button-up and roll up my sleeves when the environment invites it.  I’ve often dreamt of wearing something fun and comfortable that would be a little bold, but acceptable for most Summer meetings. I finally found what I was missing –the Summer Suit from OppoSuits.

OppoSuits is a company that makes fun, fitting, and stylish suits for an affordable price with a wide array of patterns, illustrations and colors. They all come with a matching blazer, trousers and neck tie.  But what got me excited was the Summer Suit! A short-sleeved suit!

Now, it was acceptable for me to arrive to the party in style, but also in comfort.  

When I wore this, I didn’t want to dress up with a buttoned shirt, but rather a soft, cotton t-shirt that matched the color tone of the suit itself.  I left the tie at home (Next time, buddy) and went for this casual Miami Vice vibe, complete with White sneakers and Sunnies.  Now I was ready to sip tropical drinks without a straw and play outdoor games with style at Pier 17.  

It doesn’t take much to fit into the crowd, but if you’re looking for something to stand out, remember that OppoSuits attract and they’re Worn To Be Wild.

Get your own suit here!

*This post was created in partnership with Opposuits*

Best,
Bobby

NYFWM ‘18 with Joseph Abboud

Twice a year an event occurs that brings together the greatest minds and visionaries in Men’s Fashion - Fashion Week.  Around the globe, we celebrate new collections and inspirational perspectives on what will be the new style to dictate that year.  There are avant garde suits and wild pops of color in certain collections, and then there are those that simply execute and embody the elements of timelessness. Joseph Abboud is one of those men.
For decades, designer Joseph Abboud has forged the path in creating stunning suits that any guy could look at and admire, whilst embracing and embodying the integrity of something as simple as a suit. This recent Men’s New York Fashion Week, I was invited to once again be a part of Joseph’s vision, his palate, and had the chance to work with his team to create my very own custom-made suit, along with my friends.  And this is an experience that I’d be fortunate to experience once, let alone several times, over the past couple years.
It’s almost difficult to put into words how enjoyable it was to arrive at the Flagship store in Manhattan and look at a table covered in pattern swatches, imported from Italy.  It’s almost nerve-racking.  But the team that worked with me to design the suit was amazing!  They never forget to understand that something they’ve spent their life learning and loving can be daunting for somebody like me, and guided me through every step, even offering their own opinions to paint a picture of what would not only look better, but would be better for my body type.  Single-breasted or Double-breasted?  Which lining color or fabric would I want?  Stitching and cuffing options that I take for granted in every article of clothing was suddenly explained to me and made my experience more immersive than consumerist.  They took me for a ride, abstractly ticking off notes for the tailors to have, which, in their head, illustrated the whole, rather than a few strikes of the pen on paper. When my suit arrived, it fit like a dream.  We made final adjustments to the shape and minor tweaks to ensure it fit perfectly and suddenly it all came together.  My grey, pinstriped three-piece suit; double breasted with the monogrammed initials “TF” on my jacket lining.  A suit custom made by Joseph Abboud for This Fellow. The entire fitting, design and modeling of these suits was a way for us to promote the show, which was live-streamed for all to see on Instagram and Facebook and it was amazing.  
Joseph’s new collection was darker and moodier than the previous, really focusing on blacks, greys and moodier patterns, accentuated with pops of color, here and there.  And, in the truly classic style of Joseph Abboud, it was held in a perfect venue for the collection.  A dark, moody midtown hotel banquet hall, converted into a ovular runway for the models to walk around.  It didn’t matter where you were sitting (or standing), you had prime perspective on the collection.
The guys and I had front row seats with a perfect view of every look, which, honestly, made me feel pretty awesome.  It’s not every day that something like this happens for me. I am definitely one to know the difficulties of finding nicer clothing that fits my body type.  I have thick thighs, a big back, broad shoulders and a big neck, and it makes it really hard to find anything that works for me.  I couldn’t recommend this more to someone, to experience the service they provide and to go through the paces of designing designing and owning a custom suit, because that is something that will never go out of style.
My favorite thing about this process is it makes me think about my dad.  He passed away years ago, and when he did, I came into all of his possessions that I hadn’t ever noticed before.  Of all the things that meant the most to me, his custom suits, monogrammed and well-hung, were my favorites.  It excites me to think that one day, somebody I love may eventually inherit something that special of mine.

Thanks so much for taking the time to read this and for following along the journey. If you ever have any questions, let me know!

Best,

Bobby

*this post is sponsored by Joseph Abboud*