Classic Fashion

Archive for October, 2011

Maybe women were right after all these years. Carrying stuff in a purse is much, much easier than stuffing everything in your pants pockets. I know I don’t have enough room to carry the whole lot of items I use daily such as cell phones and laptops, to keys and wallets. Men have a lot of things to haul around sometimes. That may be one of the reasons why men everywhere are beginning to copy women and carrying around men’s bags for all that “stuff”.

Forget about that antiquated notion that carrying a bag is just for women and a fancy way of saying carrying a purse. What do you think that briefcase of yours is? If briefcases are ok for men to carry around then there should be no reason why other bags with classic elements, like messenger bags, can’t be an accepted accessories for today’s modern man. Here are a few of the most popular, classic bag styles that can be mixed and matched with both business and casual wardrobes.

Briefcase – When it comes to acceptable handbags for men, there is no other more famous that the good old briefcase. The briefcases used today are a far-cry from the ones used by our fathers and grandfathers. These new briefcases are no longer boxy shaped and don’t have those sharp corners but use a more rounded edge. They still employ the use of buckles, leather exterior, and practical interior compartments making this bag a staple for the working-man’s wardrobe. Messenger bag – The slick looking messenger bag was designed and modeled after the bags traditionally carried messengers throughout history. They are normally made from a canvas material and worn swung across your shoulder. These bags have become a big part of urban fashion. The men’s messenger bag has a laidback style to go with a classic, casual flair, while the leather messenger tote screams uptown sophistication. Holdall – A real man of travel needs to own a holdall for those exciting weekend getaways or out of state business trips. What was once considered big and bulky has become transformed into a sleek and stylish carryall. The design for these bags was inspired by the duffel bag believe it or not. Now thanks to a largely leather exterior and more refined appearance it took on more of a classic look than a practical one. Tote – The tote is this generations take on the classic briefcase. It closely resembles an artisan’s bag with the maximum in casual business attire. It has a pretty basic design with soft leather exterior giving it that classic look. It employs the use of long handles giving it an edge of contemporary. This kind of man’s bag will add a touch of casual masculinity to any casual work wear. Newsboy bag – The newsboy bag is one of those classic styles that are forever timeless. It is almost synonymous with men’s casual wear. Similar to s messenger bag’s style, its traditional exterior of canvas gives it less formality than a messenger bag. The newsboy bag is great for students and workers on the go, leaving a fashion statement mark on anyone who sees it.

When I was pregnant with my first child, I was sure I was having a girl. In fact I wanted a little girl. Then, something inside of me told me I was having a boy. And sure enough, I was! I thought I would be disappointed, but instead I was elated! Early on I noticed, there were more girl choices for baby clothes, and even fewer boy clothes that I liked. Although I like sports to an extent, it annoyed me that there were more sports baby clothes than anything else. I guess I just thought, well, they are babies right now, not athletes. This was especially hard when my firstborn had severe disabilities. He would never walk, let alone run, throw or catch a ball. Dressing him in a baby shirt with thick embroidered words that read “Future Football Player” could leave me depressed and crying for the rest of the day. It was not because I dreamed of him someday being a football player, but it reminded me of his physical loss in general.

Since my first born, I have had two more sons. Usually they have simply worn hand-me-downs and I tried not to be picky about their clothing, because this would seem ridiculous, but I will say that whenever they have worn something classic, heirloom style, and more traditional, they have looked the most dashing! Clothing that is simple, with clean lines, or that is hand made seems to make them glow and shine. It even fills the atmosphere with a little more peace. Our world is so over stimulating right now. Even clothing seems to fill my eyes too much. I need a place for my eyes to rest from the many lights, colors, advertisements, and words. A simple white baby bodysuit might do the trick!

I know it is simply clothing, but when my boys wear simple classic clothing it makes me think of those beautiful vintage black and white photographs. I find myself dreaming of clothing on the clothes line, catching the sun and flowing in the breeze. I feel connected to these photographs and this time, when I have something visual that takes me back. I am perfectly willing to allow my children to wear sports clothing, superhero clothing, hand-me-downs that I might not choose otherwise, or clothes that they like but that I dislike, because it is not about me. But, secretly, I always like to see them in something that looks like its from the past. For my son with disabilities, when his clothes are simple and classic, I am not thinking about how he will not ever be able to skateboard or surf or go to rock concerts, as a thirteen year old today.

Seeing traditional clothing on my sons, when it happens, makes me think of the my Nana who spent her days raising her children, just as I am now. “Stay close to me through this day, Nana, this is not as easy as it looks! Your children were precious and beautiful, as are mine. This time is short, it shines like a jewel in our minds and stays with us, even when we forget all else. I know that though you have forgotten most parts of your life, somewhere those early days with your children, those moments hanging their baby rompers on the line in the sun are there with you still.”

Almost since its inception, hip hop music has been bringing people together (think Aerosmith and Run DMC), so it stands to reason that hip hop clothing would do the same for styles. This style is all about combining the classic and the new, from an old beat on a new track, to incorporating a timeless fashion piece into a very modern style of clothing.

There are many brands that hip hoppers follow in addition to brands that specifically cater to them. Because of the huge following that this trend is able to glean, these already ultra popular brands have caused people to become almost obsessive in their following of the brands. These super cool classics include:

Ralph Lauren-designs several lines, including Polo. Polo is a huge hit among most urban and suburban crowds alike. Ralph designs everything from clothing for women, men, and children, to bed sheets and towels.

Tommy Hillfiger-is a classic American designer who is favored in the hip hop world for his crisp denim, polos, and tee shirts. Tommy offers dressy options as well.

Gucci-does not really design clothes. Accessories are their specialty. Upscale wallets, handbags, luggage, belts, ties, scarves, and jewelry are all on Gucci’s roster. Gucci items are very expensive, but are made of the finest materials and last a long time.

Prada-is an Italian company also known in the hip hop world for its bags, although entire collections of fashion forward clothing are available from them. Prada also has an upscale price tag.

Coach-also has high quality bags, in addition to many other leather products and accessories, including belts and shoes. Coach has both trendy and timeless pieces to choose from in an array of sizes and colors, as well as textures, making it worth the extra expense to some.

Steve Madden-is an American shoe designer who is always at the fashion forefront. His high quality shoes are generally more affordable than some of the other upscale designers, making his styles more accessible.

DKNY-stands for Donna Karan New York. DKNY is a complete clothing line that is functional and fashionable. The styles are completely wearable.

If you love the look of hip hop, but find some of it too daring, consider trying out a couple of these brands first. Not only are they extremely popular among the hip hop set, but their timelessness offers the comfort of a trusted friend. Even though there are many fashion forward options among these designers, there will always be a classic you can fall back on in times of need.