WINTER IN FASHION

Well folks, I know you haven't seen me here for a while due to the cold ass winter and everyone trying to keep,their asses warm. While trying to get a good look at the next up and coming fashion's from the winter and of course the up coming spring days ahead. We are going to take a look at what is new for the spring, for the well dressed larger guy also for the spring and summer months. We all want to say, who want to look at fashion as cold and showy it has been but I am sure some of the women out their sure would also like to look great in the winter wear also, so we will be getting back to you on the up and coming wear for you great looking larger guys.

Fashion Tips for Big & Tall

The Power of Tailoring  

  

By Reginald Phillips

Are you a tall man who just can’t find the right pants? Have your pants made. Many men don’t realize the advantage of having a great pair of tailored pants. If you have your pants or suits custom-made, you get to pick and choose the shape of the suit, the fit of the pants, and the accessories that accompany the garment. Even if you purchased a suit from a department store, a tailor will alter it to your specifications. If you purchased a pair of pants that are just too short, go to the tailor and get them lengthened. Tailors know how to lengthen pants so that no one will be able to tell that they've been worked on. Getting your garments altered by a tailor allows you to be the designer.

Buy for fit, not for size

• Clothing sizes are not always universal. A large in one shirt may fit you perfectly, but a large in a shirt made by a different designer may feel snug around your chest. Just because you might be one size in one garment doesn't mean you’ll be the same size in another. Certain garments run smaller than others and it's up to you to determine the correct fit for your body. Always try on clothes before you buy them. Make sure shirts fit your shoulders and chest just right; make sure the sleeves aren't snug. When trying on pants, make sure the waist fits but is slightly loose so you can be comfortable when wearing them. You don’t want a tight waist; it won’t be comfortable and the legs of the pants might ride up. Trying on clothing before you purchase it allows you to precisely determine your correct fit.

Jackie's White Birthday Party

Jackie Hart

My cousin Jackie Dickens-Hart white party went off without a hitch this year and again--it was fabulous, the food was superior along with the hot ass Jerk chicken. Jackie wore a beautiful short white V- Neck dress from the Marc Jacobs collection with trimmings, husband Jeff  wearing a slick look-in shirt and pant from the Italo Mondo collection for men white from top to bottom too… make them the most stunning couple at their party. Fashion is about so much more than just looking fly in some nice clothes (although, of course, that is certainly part of it). It is also about self-expression, playing with references, defying expectations, and enjoying you. One reason friend’s I know gravitate toward fashion is that it has so much in common with their world: the iron-fist-in-velvet glove nature of the business, the florid personalities, the buzz, the egos, the party women, and the pressure to create. Better look-in than last year’s look, which is irrelevant as last season’s best selling fashion.  

Sam and Dra

Getting invited to a White party with rules, expect to follow the white outfit rule when show-up outside the white rule guest; avoid any response to it by them being friend’s say nothing. If you are going to have a traditional white party make sure everyone wears all white and make sure you specify if you want it casual or dressy. Wouldn't you think others felt out of place when every one else has followed the white rule and not grace their prances in all green, blue, black, or etc. May be other just do not care, or either couldn't do the white thing at that time. But no worries the party was still huge, people look as they were having a great time, knowing the party was going to be interesting any way, Jackie’s good taste made it all worth showing up.

The outfits were great everyone was wearing along with the beautiful women and great look-in guys at the party. Some of the guys sported the whole pure white pant shirt combo, and white shoes to put that superior well dressed guy look together. Some of the guys show up “such as me” with white linen short also, from the Italo Mondo collection shirt, and a white Marc Ecko shoe. Everyone really looked good, the next party this couple throws I am there. Keep up the good party’s cousin and I’ll see you soon. 

BIG GUY'S

If someone were to go through the average fat guy’s closet they would probably find, four or five football jerseys, a couple of pairs of sweatpants, white undershirts, sixteen hoodies, extra-large t-shirts from Foot Locker and a little league jersey that reminds them of that time they played sports. I’m not saying you wouldn't find clothes like this in another guy’s wardrobe. I’m only saying a typical fat man is more likely to own five Patriot’s jerseys — and not because they’re a bargain down at Marshall’s.

When a fat guy buys clothes he’s following two simple rules: Layers and dark colors. These two strategies strive to meet one goal: Turn the fat, misshapen body into a walking optical illusion. Those white undershirts are key. They’re like cotton Spanx that come in 20-packs. Just tuck them into a pair of pants so that the love handles and the manboobs get flattened, then throw a baggy hoodie over everything. Now our fat-guy-on-the-go has a torso that takes up three quarters of his body, and he appears to have lost 20 pounds. Not bad for someone who cleans his clothes with Febreeze and whose love handles spill out over his waistband.

The downside to this look is that it’s “shlubby,” which is a fair term because most of us are shlubs. Nothing stands out about the fat guy uniform — there’s nothing eye-catching about sweatshirts that are the same color as the snow on old TV sets. And really, that’s the whole point. The fat guy look is designed for those who don’t want to be seen, for people who want to become visual white noise.

Summer Fashion and White party's

This summer we have been to several different outdoor parties and I have seen the look for the more elaborate party's to friends’ back yard parties. What I have seen this summer is more colorful outdoor material, such as nice linen and summer wool, which has been nice to see there more people willing show off the fashion appeal, which is superior. I am looking forward to the white party of my cousins this weekend to see just-- what the look in fashion in white is. I have been to several parties as I have said before and think more people finally are paying attention to what they are wearing at really nice parties. At what point do people really need to examine what they wear. Decide if it is time for a change in our wardrobe to either add some color to it for the summer or change how we could look in certain type of clothing. We will be reporting to what the fashions was at this weekends party and see just how many people did follow the rules. We here want you to be the judge when the pictures are posted of the party for review.

10 Questions Every Stylish Man Should Be Able To Answer

What’s the meaning of life? Is there a God? Will I get laid tonight? Some questions don’t come with easy answers. Others perplex even the most well-mannered men among us. But there’s really no need to continue being tormented by how to match shoes and belts or the best way to shave. And that’s because, at last, we’re laying these questions to rest.

No.1 What's The Difference Between A Single-Breasted And A Double-Breasted Blazer?

A slight overlap of jacket flaps and a single column of buttons signify a single-breasted blazer. By Contrast, a double-breasted blazer has two parallel columns of buttons and jacket flaps that completely overlap and fasten with a hidden button known as a jigger. While single-breasted varieties have always been a mainstay of menswear, double-breasted jackets have waxed and waned in popularity. Most recently, they fizzled out during the Gordon Gecko greed-is-good era. But Wall Street is on the rebound, and once again, so are traditional six-button double-breasted blazers.

No.2 Where Should The Bottom Of Your Pants Fall?

That’s a matter of both the pant style and your personal style. Modern, suits should just brush the shoe without breaking the crisp, clean lines they’re intended to have. More traditional suits -- especially of the Anglo-European type -- should reach the heel of the shoe forming a single break in trouser silhouette, but it’s certainly not required. Lately, the men’s mags are showing nothing but ankle. Thom Brown has staked an entire career on it. What we've yet to see is a designer making a name in oversize suit pants that billow and bunch at the bottom.

No.3 Should Your Belt Match Your Shoes?

If your shoes are black or brown, then yes. Otherwise, an oddball brogue in navy blue must only be matched with an equally edgy belt -- say, green croc, red suede or coffee-colored calfskin. When you’re writing the rules rather than following them, you only need to be mindful of coordinating not matching.

No.4 What Would A Smart-Casual Outfit Consist Of?

In a world where flip-flops and hoodies qualify as appropriate attire in some offices, it has become increasingly difficult to define life in between beach excursions and black-tie events. Nevertheless, the fundamentals of mastering the middle begin with fit. Whether you’re sporting a T-shirt, trousers, a button-down or jeans -- if it’s well tailored -- you’re never in danger of doubling for someone else and even more so if you throw on a blazer.

No.5 What Can You Wear With A Plaid Jacket?

Not all plaid jackets are created equal. Some are subtler and can be worn with practically anything. For bolder blazers, it’s important to make the rest of your ensemble a supporting cast. Trousers in gray or navy or even a pair of dark-washed jeans would make the perfect pairing with a solid button-down and knit tie.

No.6 Should You Dry Clean Your Cashmere Sweaters?

By all means, if you want to shorten the lifespan of your investment, then bring on the harsh chemicals. But the truth is your costly cashmere (or for that matter, any wool garment) needs only to be cleaned by a professional if it’s stained. Other than that, most sweaters can usually be freshened up with a good old cold-water soak and a hang dry.

No.7 With Regard To Watches, What Does A Perpetual Calendar Mean?

Before 1925, wristwatches were fitted with simple calendars that required the owner to manually adjust the watch at least five times a year -- namely, the first days of March, May, July, October and December. An additional adjustment would be necessary in leap years. The invention of more complicated movements like the perpetual calendar automatically account for the varying length of months as well as leap years. But they’re not perfect. According to current calculations, you -- or rather, you great-great-great grandchildren -- will have to exert themselves in the year 2100 when perpetual calendar watches will erroneously skip February 29.

No.8 How Often Should You Exfoliate?

Sloughing your skin with a scrub is a ritual that should only take place a couple of times a week. Any more than that could leave your skin dry, red and prone to breakouts. Give your skin a rest by alternating with a deep pore cleanser. And, of course, never ever forget to finish off your facial routine with an SPF-enriched moisturizer. That’s really the most important thing you can do for your skin.

No.9 What's The Best Way To Shave?

The ideal environment for putting sharp metal to your mug is during or after a shower. The warm water and steam help open up pores and soften the beard, which in turn allows the blade to gracefully glide rather than slash and burn. Pre-shave oil is a good idea if you have exceptionally sensitive skin, but it’s hardly necessary for everyone. Shaving gels and creams are preferred to the frothy foams of yesteryear since they don’t dry out your skin. And speaking of yesteryear -- no matter what dad told you -- shaving against the grain is about as smart as using a rusty razor.

No.10 What's The Proper Way To Apply Cologne?

Body heat is what activates a fragrance, so most experts agree that dabbing a drop on your pulse points -- essentially, your wrists and neck -- is the best way to wear cologne. What’s not recommended is showering in the stuff. If the smell of you arrives before you do, it’s time to scale back.

www.lrgmag.wix.com/jlppub

SUMMERTIME FASHION FOR THE GUY'S

Today's fashion during the summer are mostly shorts, flip-flop's or anything else we all could find to wear on a warn summer evening after work or on the weekends. But what about the night life in Chicago, New York, and maybe even some of the other major cities where the night life is great? What do women think a great looking guy should wear when going out on the town on a warm summer evening. After speaking with several different women and and asking what would they like to see their guy or guy's in while out and about during a evening out? Most women stated, when their guy's are out with them they would love to see them in some kind of Linen slacks, shirt, or a nice dressy short sleeved linen shirt, and if it was an event that was a little formal, they would love to see them in a great linen suit.

So we ask, what do you think ladies, looks good on a larger gentleman, and do you think the bigger guys could look as good as the next guy in these same fashions like the Linen's and other types of material? We here at LRG Magazine would like to know what you... think ladies or guy's on this question.

THE 50 MOST STYLISH FAT GUYS OF ALL TIME

Most people think fat guys and fashion have nothing more in common than the letters "f" and "a." For too long, best-dressed lists have been cluttered with stick-thin men who look like their idea of indulging is a juice cleanse and a rice cake rather than a burger and a milkshake. Nah, fuck that.

Big dudes have a hard enough time finding clothes that fit without having to get things custom, and many attempt to hide their weight through even baggier clothes. This list is praising the guys who embrace their size and wear it proudly underneath garments that fit great and look awesome—redefining what it means to "push weight." We're tipping our hat to the historical heavy-hitters whose style takes the cake—and who would probably eat that cake, too. These are the 50 Most Stylish Fat Guys of All Time.

50. Fats Navarro



Occupation: Musician
Approximate Weight: 200+ lbs.

Although his time on the planet was brief, the trumpeter made a profound impact on the jazz world. As such, he was regularly decked out in some pretty great suits and tucked in shirts. Yes, it was the '40s and just the norm, but you can't say he would look out of place in the context of today's stylish guys either. Whether tooting his horn in untucked button down shirts or looser, double-breasted suits, Fats Navarro certainly looked good doing his thing

49. Fat Joe

Occupation: Rapper
Approximate Weight: 460 lbs. (at fattest)

The diehard Knicks fan has shed a few pounds for sure, bringing a literal sense to his song "Drop A Body," but while his poundage may have lessened, his style sure hasn't. Street to his core, you'll often find him rocking an array of straight-billed caps, and he's been spotted rocking sunglasses indoors on numerous occasions. You also can't touch his array of iced-out accessories. From big-faced watches to the ill "Terror Squad" chain, Fat Joe stays shining.

48. Jermaine "Huggy" Hopkins



Occupation: Actor
Approximate Weight: 300+ lbs.

Hopkins had a role in Lean On Me, but his claim to fame wash his role as "Steel" in Juice. He was just so damn fresh with that flat top and even made overalls look good. This scene of him dancing in a mirror just contains so much swag and awesomeness—easily cementing his spot on this list.

These are just a few that have made the list of the well dressed fat guys as they are called.

Man helps women escape from year of kidnapping

We're hearing an incredible story this morning about three women who escaped from a Cleveland home after being held captive for about 10 years each. The suspected kidnapper, Ariel Castro, is in police custody.

Fox and Friends aired an interview with Charles Ramsey, a neighbor who heard screams yesterday and helped Amanda Berry escape the house and call 911.


Read more: http://foxnewsinsider.com/2013/05/07/video-hero-neighbor-charles-ramsey-describes-saving-captive-women#ixzz2ScLbiJfw

FASHION'S FOR THE SPRING AND SUMMER

 

Okay guys, spring has sprung and this is that time we are getting our summer look together, time to take a look at the colors for that well dress larger gentleman for the season also. Why not take a look at some of the new fabric such as the linen's and the summer wools, something that will keep you cool on the warm summer nights when you are out on the town. If you are going out for a night on the town or just hanging out with the boys, you still have to think about the way you want to look to that special person. On our website in the coming weeks we will be keeping you up on all of the upcoming fashion trends and after we attend the upcoming fashion shows, we will keep that well dressed man abreast on whatever the trends and blends are.

 

 

www.lrgmag.wix.com/jlppub

 

jlp-pub.blogspot.com

 

jlp-pub.typepad.com

Be on the look out for our new fashion design

Hey all I really would like to introduce my upcoming clothing line called Reghie. This is a new and exciting clothing line and believe this is something you have never pictured before for just the all larger gentleman, so  be on the look out for us, and don't be afraid to take a peak. I beat you never thought the larger guy couldn't look just and juicy as the smaller guy could in fashion.

Part 1, Suits

It’s the one thing every man should own: a suit. We salute the suit’s ability to withstand expiration, bask in its enduring appeal, and offer advice on what to look for when you’re off to buy your own. If only we could be there to say, “Suits you, sir!”

Introduction to the Series

Welcome to the first installment of The Morning News Men’s Fashion Guide. Over the course of four articles, The Morning News will open its closets and show what we’ve learned: our sartorial successes, our embarrassing failures (involving capes in one case, dreadlocks in another), and our underwear, which we find both embarrassing and successful.
This week we’ll explain what we like, what we hate, and what we don’t know about suits, with shopping tips included. These lessons have been prepared over years of bad and good shopping, and are written for the ground-floor dresser, guaranteed trend-proof. Indulge in your vanity and join us in ours.
And now, the man’s little black dress if he could wear it into battle: the suit.

On Suits

Everyone wants to be Cary Grant. Even I want to be Cary Grant. —Cary Grant

Without suits, men would have nothing. In the hierarchy of style, a good suit remains a man’s only trump card. Even in this sad age of casual-wear, the suit still carries an air of success, taste, and sophistication. It is designed to make you look better, to break boundaries between social classes, to make a small man tall with pinstripes or a fat man rich with soft wools. The suit looks good in restaurants, trains, dinner parties or Paris; in short, everywhere you want to be. It is, in its best forms, a complete outfit that will never fail you.
And that is exactly what it will do, if you treat it right. Unfortunately the majority of suits you see look awful. This isn’t necessary. Even if you work ten hours with your jacket on, being mindful of your clothing will keep you ready for cocktails after work. Too many men either don’t care or don’t know how to wear a suit, and, suitably, look like shit. This is worth avoiding.
To start us off, a few general rules should be observed when approaching a suit, and most apply to good dressing in general:

• The suit, no matter the style, needs to fit your body, closely. This means all pieces should be cut and tailored appropriate to your form. Surprisingly, this doesn’t require a lot of money ($500 can, in fact, get you a good suit) but it does take an eye, and the strength to ignore any saccharine compliments from salesmen.
• Trends have six-to-eighteen-month shelf lives. If you plan to retire your suit in this window, feel free to splurge. Otherwise, shop considerately.
• Suits are made of wool or cotton, and their variations. Additional fabrics need not apply.
• You are an interesting, confident, multi-hued man. Let others learn that from how you behave, not from the label on your jacket.
• A suit jacket goes with suit pants, not with jeans or chinos. If you want a casual jacket, buy a sport-coat or a blazer. Stand-up comedians are regularly shot over this rule.
• If you’re not comfortable—if you don’t feel the suit’s appropriate for you—the salesman’s looking out for his commission, not your style.
• A modestly, well-dressed man has never failed to impress. Yes, never.

Assuming you’re not an investment banker, you don’t need ten suits; you only need four. This means you can be a discerning shopper and spend time accumulating, then keeping your suits in good condition (dry clean once a year, then more for spills; don’t you dare iron it yourself). Think of the process in terms of collecting, spending years searching for that one original-packaged Chewbacca.

The Fab Four

1. The Standard Blue: Great for business, lunches, New York Mayors, summer dinners, or casual parties. Can be worn with black or brown shoes, even white if you’re daring. Reflects well by a pool. Standard blue means navy, with no room for paler shades, even if you went to U.N.C.
2. The Classic Gray: Appropriate for everything and even makes a red-head look dandy. Grays also are the best with patterns, especially anything in the chevron family. Start with plain, move to window-pane. Even such, the gray is never controversial. It’s the Switzerland of suits.
3. The Basic Black: Our favorite and the perennial classic, it’s a fit at the Oscars or your sister’s wedding, the perfect compliment to a good white shirt, beloved by gangsters, designers, and undertakers (those jobs with the highest doses of fashion-conscious aptitudes; respectively, aggression, vanity, and wisdom). If you only own one suit, this is it. You can even be buried in it.
4. Any of the above, with pinstripes.

The Jacket

So. You’ve picked your color and you’re ready for the fit. First comes the jacket. Never was a suit bought for the pants and repeatedly worn afterwards. Pants are easily adjusted by a tailor, jackets can only have minor improvements. Think of true love: it must be close to just-right at first, with a slight thrill when you put it on, the coup de foudre as the French say.
First off: are you a single-breasted man or a double? While both styles can fit most body types, single-breasted jackets tend to flatter the slim while double-breasted jackets make the broad look mighty. This doesn’t imply being “skinny&” or “fat,” it’s simply about your tits; hence the term “breasted.” Choose the jacket style that you can best fill out—from there you’ll always look best. David Letterman, who can rarely be found not wearing a double-breasted jacket, skirts this rule by sitting behind a desk. Notice how uncomfortable he is during the monologue, fussing with his buttons while standing full-view before the camera.
To those opting for the single-breasted jacket, you’ll have to choose how many buttons you want. One? Hmm. Two? Excellent. And returning in popularity. Three? Certainly good, and was much sought-after in the recent past though it’s now reached near total market saturation. But, still classic, and hopefully always available.
Of course, jackets also come in four-, five-, and six-button styles, each with their own fifteen minutes of fame. Four-button jackets have been sported by everyone from The Beatles to Steve Harvey. Can you sport one? Of course! But no, not this season…
Last, the fit. Like we said before, close to the body, but no wrinkles when you button. Vents, double or single, are preferred to the vent-less jacket that, nine times out of ten, looks like a giant condom from behind. Shoulder pads should be avoided—you’re no linebacker—but a tailor will gouge you if you show up post-purchase and ask him to reduce the heft.
Finally, before we move onto trousers, there is one ticklish in-between: the vest. We can put this simply. If you’re ready to buy a vest, you’re either old enough to sport one or dangerously disillusioned. A good rule of thumb: Alfred Hitchcock looked great in vests. Young Jimmy Stewart looked out of his league. Pick your man.

The Trousers

You must now choose a trouser style. There have been, in the history of men’s trousers, a few trends that fucked with a good thing: bell-bottoms, bibs, clam-diggers, “cargo.” Unfortunately, all of these styles eventually found their way into suits.
Men, generally, will take any pants that come with a jacket. Being men, we want some control over how they look—“How they work,” thinks the man—but not too much. Hence, the cuffs-or-no-cuffs debate. Ask a man what he thinks of his pants and he’ll say, “Yeah, I had to go no-cuffs.” We won’t help you here except to say: cuffs are older, no-cuffs are not. Choose according to your image of yourself.
Next comes the pleats question: The only times pleats are wanted is in the single-pleat case, on a pair of wool pants. The case should be that the pants look crisp and well-folded, rather than puckered. How to tell the difference? Think of a pair of pants recently back from the dry cleaner. Remember the line down the middle of the leg. Does your new pleat-to-be look like that? If not, drop the hanger and run.
After cuffs and pleats, you need to worry about waist, swish, drape, belt-loops, ass-hugging, crotch-dangling, and whether or not you need a watch pocket. This is beyond our advice. Suffice to say, your ass is probably less than marble, though it shouldn’t be treated like a towel hook. Pants shouldn’t blow like a scarf in the breeze. The best way to judge a pair of pants is to ask yourself, “Would I wear these pants on a date without the jacket?” If so, they’re fine. If not, move on.
Finally, a salesman will often ask if you’d like to buy two pairs of pants for the suit. The idea is you can alternate pants with the jacket so they wear evenly over time, but since pants can be so easily ruined, you always have a back-up pair. This is similar to electronics store people trying to sell you insurance on an air conditioner; if you have the money, it’s not a bad idea, but it also isn’t necessary.
So now that you’ve picked out your suit, you have to know how to wear it. We’ll assume you know the basics of putting the thing on. (Yes, the jacket part goes on top.) And this brings us to buttoning. It is a historic dilemma, faced by every man. Here, for you, is our easy-to-remember rulebook:

• Two-button jacket: Button the top button, only, ever. Button the bottom button and you’ll look like a stooge. That’s really all there is to it.
• Three-button jacket: Button either the middle button alone or the top two. Important: the bottom button does not meet its hole. It will plead before a date, just when your stomach’s boiling, “Hey! Friend! Button me once, please. I’m sure we’ll look fine. Come on! Just once!” But you will not give in, you will be strong.

Now the suit’s on, and you’re ready to go. Comb your hair, have a cocktail, head out for the evening. Travel lightly when you go, meaning don’t bulge your pockets with a Bible-sized wallet. Your outside jacket pockets, in fact, should never be used unless your companion asks; at that moment chuck your pretensions and stuff them full. When you get home, brush down the suit, hang it evenly, and keep it in a bag. Wear it often, with pride, and don’t take shit for looking good. After all, no one can be Cary Grant, but everyone can try.

Oh yeah, another thing: Don’t roll up the jacket sleeves Miami-Vice style. We say this now, but then again, considering the fickle nature of fashion, don’t hold us to it.

The Governmant and the Monetory Ploicy and Fiscal Policy

The critical role that the banking system plays in the U.S. economy is particularly important to understand.  Isn’t the FED a government agency?  Not really.  It is independent of the mainstream government organization, in that it makes its own decisions independent of the president, and of the congress.  It has often been said that the chairman of the FED is the single most powerful individual in all the world.  This is not to say that the FED is not influenced by what the congress or the president want.  It is certainly influenced by them, but it does not need approval to implement its policies.

You can think of it this way.  We wouldn’t want to leave all important decisions in the hands of the government, would we?  In particular, would we want the government to be able to print money whenever it wants to?  We can see what’s going on in Brazil and Argentina right as we speak at least in part due to the printing of too much money.  The decision to create more money is a FED decision in our economy.

Monetary Policy and Fiscal Policy work toward the same goals, but in different ways.  The basic goal of both is to encourage stable, non-inflationary growth of our economy, which then creates more jobs and produces goods and services that we all want at reasonable prices.  Sometimes though Monetary and Fiscal Policies can be in conflict with each other.  We do not do a very good job of coordinating Fiscal and Monetary Policies in this country.  This is one area where substantial improvement needs to be made.

For Plus-Size Men

Abbie RudolphBruce Sturgell founded Chubstr.com in 2011.

Men who fit into the size range offered by most brands have Mr. Porter, Valetmag.com and GQ to look to for style inspiration. But where can plus-sized fashion-focused gentlemen go? Chubstr.com, a Web site founded by Bruce Sturgell in 2011. Mr. Sturgell said he saw few fashion platforms that catered to a more plump crowd.
 So he started Chubstr, an online style guide for men whose appreciation for fashion is as large as their waist size.
Mr. Sturgell, of Springfield, Mo., describes his rea

ders as 18- to 35-year-old style-minded men from around the world. Wives seeking smart threads for their heavy-set husbands are also part of the readership.
With four contributors and traffic growing 20 percent every month (now at 45,000 monthly visitors), according to Mr. Sturgell, Chubstr suggests products and styling advice daily. One highlight is a weekly feature called Style Deconstructed, in which Chubstr analyzes what the site deems well-dressed male celebrities like Dave Grohl and James McAvoy, and advises readers on how interpret the look.
So far advertisers include Rickshaw Bags; Indochino, an online custom suit maker; and the e-tailer PLNDR.
I was introduced to Chubstr last fall when Mr. Sturgell contacted me for an interview to discuss my personal style (long before I started to contribute to The New York Times). Initially, I was turned off by the site’s name. It came across as impolite, too easy and almost laughable. But when I started exploring the site, I found myself devouring each post (pun intended), and found the enthusiasm in the reader-submitted photos section infectious. Chubstr’s community isn’t submissive to size. Sans abs, these rakish readers have found an online residency.
I’m often inspired by Jeffery Costello and Robert Tagliapietra, the designers behind Costello Tagliapietra, whose plaid printed flannel and suspenders have cemented their signature look. But beside the design duo and a few others, my inspiration sources are few.
As a heavier man who appreciates solid design, I often find that men’s plus-size clothing might be the industry’s slowest effort. Unable to fit into most mainstream labels that I admire, my hunt for fashion-forward clothes that are accessible in fit, location and price is perpetual. Although offerings for women don’t mirror high-end design, their spectrum of options, including outlets like Torrid, Lane Bryant and Avenue, seems wider. Brands like Gap, Banana Republic and Ralph Lauren offer the least-conventional sort of styles for larger men, but nothing with which to build a lasting, plus-size wardrobe. The brands that do offer larger sizes are often bereft of spark. Bespoke is often where fuller framed men have found retail-refuge, even if their wallets don’t.
Mr. Sturgell’s movement toward a solution includes plans to start an online store on Chubstr by the end of the year. He said he wants a similar e-commerce experience to Polyvore and Valetmag.com, and will sell garments in sizes 36/XL and up.
http://www.nytimes.com/pages/fashion/index.html
 

Fat Fashion Guy: Where Are All the Style Bloggers for Big Men?

I was reading some of the other guys that are forecasting on the larger guy fashion and ran in to some interesting thing to read, such as an article by James Sanders. Her take a read at his article.

Now that bloggers have stamped their mark on the fashion industry, niche style seekers are able to find almost any kind of perspective with the help of personal style bloggers. Much debate has been had about whether or not this is a good thing. Either way, with men's blogs making just as big of an impact on the industry, bloggers like Joshua Kissi and Travis Gumbs of StreetEtiquette.com and Bryan Boy of Bryanboy.com have been able to find relatable and loyal audiences. But amidst all of the specialty fashion, there seems to be something missing -- fashion blogs that cater to big men.
This industry is all about what's next. In an economy that is just now starting to regain its footing, audiences have to be interested. If not, advertisers won't place ads. If advertisers don't place ads, the demise of the print glossy is inevitable, but we're not there yet. The absence of a plus-size men's fashion blog brings up many questions, but the most important is: are there not enough big men who are interested in fashion?
Am I the only one?
As a freelance stylist, I'm always creating looks and perspectives for sample sizes for editorials, appearances, or campaigns, but of all of the blogs out there in the blogosphere (I hate that word), none apply to people like me. This generation is concerned with fashion and photos; this is partly how the personal-style blogging phenomenon became popular. While style may come in all shapes, sizes, and colors, people don't waste time or money on a niche that doesn't exist.
I think that a big men's fashion blog isn't far-fetched. At one point, some might have thought the same about plus-size women's blogs, but such naysayers were quickly proven wrong. GabiFresh.com does a good job of putting together looks that are practical for plus-size women. Her blog is just one in a sea of style sites now dedicated to bigger women. Italian Vogue, which seems to always be on the cusp of trends before they happen, launched V Curvy, a blog dedicated to plus-size women. These blogs do a great job with content that is useful and still true to style. Men's blogs do the same, but the looks aren't one-size-fits-all.
Wanting to believe that the Internet is a smorgasbord of sorts -- all-encompassing -- I took to the Web looking desperately for any kind of blogs in the U.S. and internationally that might have a big men's perspective. Needless to say, I couldn't find any.
Still seeking, I looked through some of my favorite glossies. I was pleasantly surprised to find trends that were relatable to any size. I guess at the end of the day, it's all in the styling. It seems like men's magazines are obsessed with decades. Great glossies like VMan and Details both recently published spreads inspired by blasts from the past. I find inspiration in any decade, but my absolute favorite is the fashions from the 50s. I tailor my wardrobe to be consistent with who I am while still incorporating some of my favorite trends.
That being said, style blogs have become a great reference, but it only works if there are point of views for everyone.

By James Sanders
Fashion Editor, Writer on Style and Culture.

Wardrobe Staples

The key to pulling off a hip look is to successfully incorporate staple pieces and style them with a modern twist. A few staples that no modern man should be without include:

• Sport shirts: Many reputed labels design a wide range of smart sport shirts. Choose from long and short sleeve versions in various colors and prints. Steer clear of very light or check prints, which can add bulk. Sport shirts are also good because they go well with everything from denim to tailored trousers.
• Jeans: Opt for denim that sits just below the natural waist. A dark wash, such as black, adds a little modern edge, but a more practical shade for everyday, like blue-grey or a medium blue, is also a great choice. To add even more hip style to your denim, look for designs that have minimal embellishment and a worn-out look.
• Sweaters: V-neck sweaters are not only stylish, they also draw attention away from a round face or double chin, drawing attention instead toward the chest. Rotate colors by season to keep it consistently hip - plum and red are great during the winter, while light gray and blue shades reign supreme during the spring. If you like prints, stick with vertical stripes or a vertical line down one side of the sweater

Popular Brands for Larger Guys

Popular Brands for Larger Guys

If you're on a mission to hunt down hip fashion, you won't have to look far. Today, many stores cater to men of all sizes, and most retailers have a section devoted specifically to large men. You can find stylish clothing at well-known department stores, online boutiques and retail chains.

• Men's Warehouse: A men's retailer that is known for stocking a large selection of big and tall clothing from popular designers. Expect to find suits and casual wear here.
• Ralph Lauren: One of the most popular designers in the world, also has an impressive stock of clothing for larger men. The classic Polo shirts are available, as well as collared shirts and trousers.
• Perry Ellis: Known for their suits and casual wear, big and tall men should have no problem finding stylish clothing to fit their frames.
• Alfani: Sold exclusively in Macy's department stores, the Alfani brand is reasonably priced and offer are wide range of sizes in suits, trousers, shorts and shirts.
• Izod: The casual wear from this brand is equally classic and trendy. Whether you opt for cargo pants, dress shirts or slacks, your big frame will look great.
• Nautica: The nautical theme of this brand is a classic staple in menswear. The color palette is often muted, but the sizing is impressive.
• Sean John: Music mogul Sean Combs' clothing line is the definition of hip and trendy. The majority of the fashions you will find will often be worn by some of hip hop's and R&B's elite. The sizing is arguably the best around for big and tall.

Larger Body Type Defined

Reginald Phillips

A large body type defined

Large body types vary widely. You may be tall with a massive frame or short and heavyset. Whether you're extremely fit and muscular or you haven't hit the gym in years, a large body type means that you're of above average weight or size. If you fall into the latter category, you'll also be quite wide around your torso.

Pros and cons of dressing a large body

Nearly every body type has its style challenges. If yours is large, one con is that dressing your body to its best advantage means you'll be quite limited in terms of the colors and patterns you can get away with wearing. You also won't be able to be as experimental with fashion trends as leaner men, and simply finding trendy clothes to suit your body type can be difficult.

On the plus side, retailers and e-tailors are increasingly stocking stylish clothes in larger sizes, so it is becoming easier than ever before to find nice clothing at any size. What's more, classic, timeless pieces (the foundation of any man's wardrobe) always look good on you, lending a distinguished appearance.

Fit

One of the most important principles to follow when dressing any body type is to buy clothes that fit properly. This rule is particularly important if you are on the larger side. To show your body in its best light, select clothing that skims over your frame, as it will smooth out your physique. Your blazers should be a little longer in order to provide more coverage of your posterior. To further flatter your body and balance out your proportions, choose tops, blazers and outerwear with slightly structured shoulders, as these will give you an authoritative air and will direct attention to your face.

For bottom pieces, it’s best to opt for jeans and trousers with a forgiving, relaxed fit rather than straight (borderline skinny) alternatives. Pay attention to your hemlines, as well, and ask your tailor  to let your pants fall close to the end of your heel to give the illusion of longer, leaner legs.

Fashion Tips For Skinny & Fat Men

Choose heavier fabrics

Choosing heavier fabrics for all of your clothes is an important fashion tip for skinny men. When in style, thick corduroy pants can beef up your legs. During the colder months, skip out on trends like fitted, grandpa-style cardigans in order to avoid resembling a schoolboy, and try chunky, knitted wool cardigans instead. As far as dress clothes go, select heavier wools for your suits and cotton dress shirts with a higher thread count. Whether you’re dressing up or down, always dress in layers as more clothes means you appear to have more mass.

Wear turtlenecks and crew-necks

When you’re a skinny man, wear turtleneck or crew-neck sweaters in chillier weather. V-neck sweaters will expose your neck and thin features. Pay attention to the collar when you’re buying dress shirts and pick ones that have spread collars as they will make the upper portion of your chest seem wider.

fashion tips for fat men

The best way to look great in the long-term when you’re overweight is to lose excess weight with the help of a proper diet and exercise program. Once you start dropping pounds, your clothes will fit better and your confidence will increase along with your motivation to try new fashions and styles.

Since there’s no reason to put off looking good until you reach your goal weight, we’ve put together a few fashion tips to help you make the most of your large body type and create a slimmer-looking physique.

Ensure your clothes aren’t too tight

Your clothes should fit perfectly. Garments that are too tight will reveal all the lumps and bumps you’d rather not draw attention to. Alternatively, while very loose clothing will hide your problem areas, it will also make you look larger than you actually are. Take care when shopping to choose pieces that skim over your body and smooth out its surface.

Don’t wear tops with sloped shoulders

Avoid tops with naturally sloped shoulders as these tend to draw the eye down to your midsection. Instead, check to make sure that all your tops have slightly squared shoulders as these will concentrate others’ attention on your body to your chest and face.

Don’t wear bold patterns

Avoid loud or bold patterns as they will make you stand out in addition to drawing attention to the upper half of your body. One pattern you should wear, however, is vertical lines; they create optical continuity and will help elongate the look of your body. Dark, solid colors are also your new best friend as they are an instant physique fixer and will make you seem 10 pounds thinner.

Wear low-rise bottoms

Instead of wearing trousers and jeans that hit at your waist, invest in low-rise bottoms that sit on your hips. Low-rise trousers have a shorter distance between the top of the waistband and the crotch of your pants than regular trousers. Also, ensure that the waistband of your pants is large enough to accommodate your midsection so that your belly does not stick out over your pants. A stomach that protrudes over your pants lengthens your torso and shortens your legs -- not exactly the most attractive combination. Rotund individuals should also avoid pants with pleats as they will make your pelvic area look bigger.

Unfortunately, not all men are born tall and handsome with naturally built physiques. Nevertheless, while you may not have won the genetic lottery, clothing and grooming choices can go a long way in helping you make the best of what you've inherited. This fashion tip focuses on skinny and fat men because both body types can alter their wardrobes in order to flatter their images and feel more confident in their skin.

If your body type falls into one of these categories, read our fashion tips for skinny and fat men to learn how to best complement your physique
Tips for the skinny man Many men spend a lot of time dieting and working out to achieve a slimmer physique, all while harboring serious hate for their skinny counterparts who can eat whatever they please without gaining weight. Because society tends to equate being lean with being attractive (and even healthy), it's easy to forget that being too thin is a real problem that some men face. And by "some men," we're not referring to waif-like teenage boys or hipsters who live in skinny jeans, but men who want to shed their skinny physique.

When it comes to fashion, just as overweight individuals find it tough to buy clothes that are flattering for a larger body, skinny men experience difficulty finding clothes that fit well and complement their smaller frames.

One way to bulk up is to join a gym and start lifting weights, alongside eating more protein and other foods that will add muscle mass to a bony body. However, don't worry if you hate exercise or can't seem to fit it into your day, because we've put together a collection of tips to dress a skinny body type that will help you create the visual illusion of being larger than you are.

Buy blazers with small shoulder padding To make your upper body look more muscular, purchase blazers with light shoulder padding. Be warned that bigger is not better here, as small shoulder pads will give your back and chest a visual boost, but massive padding will make you seem like a small boy lost in a man's jacket in addition to cheapening your look, even if your blazer is pricey.

Avoid slim-fitting shirts Slim-fit, yes; skinny, no. Avoiding skinny dress shirts and T-shirts is an important fashion tip for skinny men. Instead, opt for tops that are fitted and allow some movement from your midsection, as these will hide a small ribcage. In addition, avoid clingy fabrics. Check the labels on your tops to make sure they don’t contain too much elastic. Don't buy your tops too large, though, as excess fabric will make you seem like you’re swimming in your shirt.

Tailor your blazers Only wear single- or double-breasted blazers and make sure to tailor them so they fit properly throughout your entire body. Avoid any loose fabric under the arms or in the shoulder area. Also, a key fashion tip for skinny men is to keep consistency in your tops and bottoms, so don’t wear oversize blazers or sweaters with fitted pants (or vice versa) or your thin frame will be glaringly apparent.

Wear jackets at the right length When it comes to jackets, make sure they all fall right under your buttocks. A shorter jacket will emphasize your height as well as your skinny waist, arms and legs. A longer jacket, on the other hand, can make you look like a blanket-covered stick. Thus, strike the right balance.

Wear flat-front pants Your pants should have a classic cut and remain simple with a flat front. Go for straight-leg or slightly boot-cut shapes and steer clear of tapered trousers or skinny jeans. Pockets also add a bit more volume to your shape, as do cuffs, but wear pants with the latter feature only when it is in fashion. Don't be afraid to wear pants with lines or patterns because these add volume, although you’ll want to banish pinstripes from your closet as they will make you look like a beanpole.

NOTHING NEW THIS WEEK

Well their won't be any fashion news reported this week because the Flu bug has taken its tole on me and I really mean it got me really good. Sent my mom in the hospital and me laid up for a while but we will hopefully be back with new and extraordinary information on the spring and summer fashion coming your way.


Reginald Phillips
Editor in Chief