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April 19, 2013

Personal Stylist: Ladies’ Choice

Good to know: Every Nordstrom store is staffed with expert Personal Stylists, who can help you look amazing at an important event, locate the perfect gift, or just keep you up-to-date on the essentials you need to stay current each season. Their services are free of charge, so don’t hesitate to book an appointment today.

For this month’s installment of our Personal Stylist blog series, three female stylists from our flagship store in Downtown Seattle—Christie Coover, Nicole Jackson and Lisa Proko—fill us in on the five key items they’d love to see every man master this season.

1. Bold Color. “It’s fun to see guys wearing brights such as yellow, red, orange, and blue. This trend works in knitwear, linen, denim, even leather. If you’re nervous about executing it properly, relax. Just pair your one bright piece with neutrals—khaki, taupe, navy. Works every time. Ying and yang.” [Above: John W. Nordstrom Cotton Blazer]



Todd Snyder Sweatshirt | Gilded Age Jeans | The North Face Jacket
J. Press York Street Jacket | Grayers Pants | Penfield Jacket

SHOP MORE: BOLD BLAZERS | BOLD COLOR IN THE RAIL

 

2. Pumped-Up Kicks. “With our love of brights right now, we love to see color on guys’ feet, too. This looks great beyond sneakers—think boat shoes, oxfords, loafers. Speaking of boat shoes, we’re kind of obsessed. Such an easy alternative to the sneaker. A high-quality shoe with your suit is also a must—try stepping it up with a wingtip or double-monk slip-on. Women take notice when you care about the details.” [Above: John Varvatos Star USA Canvas Buck]


Cole Haan Penny Loafer | Oliver Sweeney Double-Monk | Sperry Top-Sider Boat Shoe

SHOP MORE: LOAFERS | MONK STRAPS | BOAT SHOES

 

3. Jeans That Fit. “Similar to a great-fitting suit [see below], women want to see guys get a spot-on fit with their jeans. Jeans are such a staple because you can wear them so many ways: Dress them up with a blazer and skinny tie, or throw them on with a soft T-shirt and hoodie. Either way, have a salesperson help you find the fit works best for your build. Pick up multiple kinds (colorful, white, skinny, destroyed) so your denim doesn’t start to look like a uniform.” [Above: PRPS 'Rambler' Slim-Fit Selvedge Jeans]



AG Jeans | Levi’s Made & Crafted | Scotch & Soda
Nudie | Diesel | DL1961

SHOP MORE: MEN’S JEANS

 

4. A Well-Tailored Suit. “There’s a quote floating around Pinterest right now that says, ‘A well-tailored suit is to women what lingerie is to men’…And we agree! Nothing says sharp, smart, and confident like a great-fitting suit. It’s timeless. For a proper fit, your suit jacket should hug your shoulders. Try on a size smaller than you think you are, just to see how it fits. We like a slim lapel best. It’s fun to see guys do something custom and unique to show their style, like add a ticket pocket or wear a colorful pocket square.” [Above: Hugo Boss Trim-Fit Suit]


Joseph Abboud | Canali | Hugo Bos

SHOP MORE: SUITS & SPORTCOATS

 

5. Eye-Catching Patterns. “Some men might be hesitant to mix patterns together—but we say go for it! As long as you vary the scale and color, you should be good to go. For beginners, feel free to start slow: Same rules apply as with bright colors, just pair your pattern with neutrals so it’s not overwhelming.” [Above: Zanerobe Shirt]



Zanerobe Shirt | Polo Ralph Lauren Shorts | Burkman Bros Shirt
Insight Shorts | Bonobos Shirt | Theory Shorts

SHOP MORE: CASUAL SHIRTS | SHORTS

 
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Contributing Stylists: 

 
Nicole Jackson  •  Christie Coover  •  Lisa Proko

SHOP MORE PERSONAL STYLIST PICKS FOR MEN
…And call 1.877.543.7463 or click here to connect with a Personal Stylist near you.

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April 16, 2013

Vans HQ: Off the Wall & On Hallowed Ground

Founded in 1966 in Anaheim, California, and still family-operated, Vans has grown to represent more than a mere shoe company. We had a chance to tour their headquarters recently, and were treated to a glimpse at the brand’s rich history—which includes Venice’s infamous and revolution-sparking Z-Boys, Sean Penn’s Jeff Spicoli in Fast Times at Ridgemont High, the Vans Warped Tour, and countless other legendary collaborators and zeitgeist-shifting moments. Here’s a look inside one of America’s finest surf/skate/counterculture institutions:


Visitor’s badge: check. Homage to Vans founder Paul Van Doren on the way in: double check.


Left: Vans’ mission statement. (You can’t quite tell here, but this resided on a two-story-tall installation.)
Right: A recent winning design from the Vans Custom Culture competition—in which high-school art students from every state receive pure-white Vans as blank canvases for their creativity. Winning designs are manufactured and sold nationwide—and earn money to support their school’s art program.


Left: Big shoes to fill. No, founder Paul was not 30 feet tall—but he did know how to make customers laugh with unique store visuals.
Right: Cool installations tracing the brand’s history, decade by decade, line the halls.


One giant, vaulted-ceiling room at Vans HQ is devoted entirely to one-of-a-kind artworks by the brand’s favorite artists. Each work answers the question: “What does ‘Off the Wall’ mean to you?” This piece by graffiti artist Neck Face might not be attractive in the traditional sense—but we liked what he had to say in the placard beside it.


Left: The back room is a huge warehouse / skate park. We were told blind skateboarder Tommy Carroll was a guest here just days prior, and spent hours skating and sweating in the bowl. He’ll be back for the Vans Pool Party, a pro contest, on May 11.
Right: Past visitors’ shoes dangling from the rafters above.


Left: A display devoted to Vans’ recent Metallica collaboration.
Right: A sketch on a random wall of Tony Trujillo—a pro skater and lover of loud music.

Below: Worlds collide when Tony, his wife Ashley, and Metallica bass player Robert Trujillo meet up, jam, and form the Trujillo Trio. We highly recommend watching this—if nothing else, to marvel at Mrs. Trujillo absolutely shred on drums:



Today, Vans has expanded beyond shoes to produce some truly killer clothing and accessories—from backpacks to board shorts and everything in between. Click the images above or the link below to shop the current collection.

SHOP: VANS | ALL SURF & SKATE

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April 15, 2013

TOMS: Walk a Mile in Their Shoes—By Wearing None

If you think it’s tough facing the decision of loafers vs. monk-straps in the morning—try facing a day with no shoes at all.

On Tuesday, April 16, join Nordstrom and TOMS (the ground-breaking company that matches every pair of shoes purchased with a pair of new shoes given to a child in need—One for One®) by going barefoot to raise awareness for the millions of children around the world who don’t have shoes—a difficult reality that not only prevents many kids from meeting their local school’s dress code and receiving an education, but also exposes them to serious health concerns.

Watch the video below to learn more…find additional info on The TOMS Movement here…and give your kicks the day off tomorrow for a good cause.

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April 2, 2013

GQ Spring Trend Report: Loafers

If you dug our GQ Selects collaboration, you’re going to enjoy the next eight weeks—during which we’ll release a new GQ Spring Trend Report video every Monday, featuring GQ Magazine’s Creative Director, Jim Moore (left, below), and Deputy Editor, Michael Hainey.

In the first installment, the two discuss the finer points of slip-on Spring footwear—i.e., dapper Loafers you can dress up or down:

Below are a few of our own favorite loafers—handily categorized by Penny, Bit, and Tassel.
Click the images to shop each one, and browse additional favorites here: MORE LOAFERS
[Note: the tassel loafers in the image up top are by 1901 and Transcript.]




Penny Loafers, from top:
Shipley & Halmos | Polo Ralph Lauren | Santoni
 




Bit Loafers, from top:
Salvatore Ferragamo | Gucci | Prada
 




Tassel Loafers, from top:
Allen Edmonds | To Boot New York | Salvatore Ferragamo
 
 

Look for new GQ Spring Trend Report videos in the weeks to come—
and shop all eight of our GQ-approved trends, from cotton suits to camo, here:
GQ SPRING TREND REPORT

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February 28, 2013

New Balance x Herschel Supply Co.

Inter-brand collaborations in the menswear universe may have reached a near-comedic level years ago—but when a partnership starring labels as universally loved as New Balance and Herschel Supply Co. comes along, how can we do anything besides pause for a collective moment of admiration…Before starting in on the tough math of whether you can splurge for both the sneaker and the boot.

Scroll down for details; as you can see, the special-edition 420 sneaker and 710 boot both come with custom paisley lining (a Herschel signature), and brown leather accents reminiscent of your favorite backpack. (Herschel ‘Heritage Plus’ backpacks, with internal laptop sleeves, and ‘Novel’ duffel bags in corresponding colors are available as well.)


These guys are selling fast, but there are a few sizes left in the following colors:


New Balance x Herschel Supply Co. 710 Boots


New Balance x Herschel Supply Co. 420 Sneakers
 

SHOP ALL: NEW BALANCE | HERSCHEL SUPPLY CO.

 
 

[Detail photos courtesy of Herschel Supply Co.]

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January 3, 2013

Shine On: 40 Years (and Counting) of Spotless Shoes

Morgan Perkins pitched his plan for a high-class shoeshine stand to the Nordstrom family in 1974, “when my wife was pregnant and I was trying to buy Pampers.”* They took a chance on him, and what began with a handshake has turned into a four-decade legacy. Over the years, Perkins has watched the fourth generation of Nordstrom leaders grow up (he remembers our present-day president, Blake Nordstrom, working hard even at age 10—stumbling around at 6:30am, arms piled high with shoe boxes); he’s helped open new shoeshine stands at Nordstrom stores in Washington, California and Minneapolis; he’s even ushered his extended family into the business; all while offering the best—and most affordable—shine in town.

This week, after nearly 40 years personifying the stellar service and humble demeanor Nordstrom has always stood for, Perkins and wife Patsy (whom he’s affectionately dubbed the brains of the operation) celebrated their well-deserved retirement. While you may have missed your chance to get your shoes serviced by the master himself, Perkins’ son Brent and daughter-in-law Sunny will carry on the family business at our Downtown Seattle Flagship—and today, thanks to the overwhelming success of Perkins’ idea all those years ago, over 3/4 of our stores have shine stands of their own. Call or visit a store near you to find out if you’re among the lucky majority.

For more: Visit our Downtown Seattle store’s Facebook Page (and scroll down to December 28, 2012) to read heartfelt memories and well-wishes from Mr. Perkins’ friends and colleagues.

 
 

[Photo courtesy of Seattle Magazine, via our Nordstrom Men's Shop Instagram. *Information source: Seattle Post Intelligencer.]

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December 10, 2012

Boot Guide Part 3: Weather-Ready

Boots are one of those items in a man’s wardrobe with serious staying power—over the course of a season (we introduced our Boot Guide in September, and have been updating it continuously ever since), as well as year after frigid year…especially when you invest in a solid pair like the waterproof, 5-star-customer-rated UGG® Australia ‘Butte’ above.

Today, we’re focused on the near-indestructible genre of footwear that will carry your feet unfazed through the toe-chilling rain, sleet, snow and slush that January and February are bound to usher in. Any of the specimens below will match up impeccably with your toughest puffers and flannels (see above)—but if you need a dapper way to stay dry en route to work, consider the clean lines and graphic punch of pairs like the Sorel ‘Sentry’ and UGG ‘Hannen’ below, neither of which will look out of place grounding a suit or sportcoat (pull your wingtips out of your briefcase once you’re warm and dry at your desk).

Start with our Editor’s Picks below, then shop our full selection of Weather-Ready Boots. And remember: The best gifts for guys are as practical as they are stylish. A great pair of boots more than fits the bill.



(Top, L-R): Sorel ‘Sentry’ | Nike | The North Face
(Bottom, L-R): Sorel ‘Chugalug’ | UGG Australia | Sperry Top-Sider®

 

Check out our previous Boot-Guide Editor’s Picks: Wingtip | Rugged

…And browse all 5 boot categories here:
SHOP ALL BOOTS

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November 5, 2012

7 Shoes For Every Imaginable Formal Occasion

1. Luxe Slipper. This style of crushed-velvet dinner slipper, often emblazoned with obscure, hilarious, or illicit symbolism, is popping up all over the internet in recent times.

While we fully endorse the Hefner-esque (or Disick-ish?) “I do what I want” levity they lend to formal attire when worn for a nightcap at your mansion, the question is: Can they be worn outside the comfort of your study?


[Magnanni velvet loafer | Mezlan embossed suede loafer | Donald J Pliner beaded loafer]

Turns out, the answer is yes. As any number of street style blogs—like Dapper Lou, below—these things add comfort and a sense of humor to jeans, cardigans, plaid pants, and definitely tongue-in-cheek socks.

And, for good measure, here’s Steve McQueen, proving that with the right attitude, velvet slippers can look good no matter what you’re wearing. (How does he do that?)


 

However, if you’re heading out to holiday parties this Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and/or New Year’s, and the forecast precludes velvet, here are some tux-friendly alternatives to finish off your formal look:


Classics, L-R:
2. Patent Loafer. The sleek, most surefire choice with any tux. [BOSS Black]
3. Chelsea Boot. Same clean lines, but more puddle-proof if you’re party-hopping. [To Boot New York]
4. Patent Lace-up. Less traditional than a loafer, but equally acceptable with a tux—as long as you keep them shiny. [Salvatore Ferragamo]
 


Experimental, L-R:
5. High-End High-Top. If you want to blend streetwear with formalwear, make sure your sneakers are spotless—and preferably all-black. [Alexander McQueen PUMA]
6. Subtle Color. Stay full-on formal, and still raise an eyebrow or two, with a lace-up in near-imperceptible purple. [Paul Smith]
7. Punk-Rock Tux. Spiked slippers mix best with a skinny tux—and adventurous company. [Steve Madden]

 

Shop: Our Party Essentials Guide | All Party-Essential Shoes

 

[Photos: Cary Collection slippers via Unabashedly Prep; Outfit shots via Dapper Lou; Steve McQueen via Drop Dead Prep. Individuals pictured do not endorse Nordstrom.]

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October 19, 2012

Boot Guide Part 2: The Rugged Boot



A couple weeks ago, we introduced our Fall Boot Guide  with examples of the tough-but-refined Wingtip Boot.

Today, we’d like to focus on a class of Rugged Boots that fully embraces masculine military and workwear influences—but still can (and should) be worn in a dressy way.

Just look at how handsomely they anchor a plaid tie and tweed vest in the images above. Add a bleached-out jean jacket and you’re ready for anything, from drinks with the guys to lunch with a new client. It’s called contrast, sirs—and it’s the key to a cool outfit.

Here are 6 of our favorite Rugged Boots (in addition to the Frye ‘Logger’ Boot above)—but be sure to shop our full selection here.

Rugged Boots (Top, L-R): Rag & Bone | Dsquared2 | G-Star Raw
(Bottom, L-R): Sorel | UGG Australia | Moncler

 

 Browse all 5 boot categories
(Weather-Ready, Wingtip, Chukka, Vintage, and Rugged):
SHOP ALL BOOTS


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October 10, 2012

Personal Stylist: Topman Edition

Nordstrom sales associates have always been known for impeccable customer service. A lesser-known fact, though, is that we promote the best of the best to the elite position of Personal Stylist. These hands-on experts are available by appointment to solve any sartorial conundrum you might have, from a complete wardrobe overhaul to pinpointing that elusive pair of perfect pants.

If having a professional stylist at your disposal sounds the least bit intimidating, think again. Our Personal Stylist team is made up of highly knowledgeable, ridiculously nice individuals like Brandan Chang-Barstow, pictured here.

Brandan is well-versed in all aspects of menswear, but specializes currently in one of our newest imports, British brand Topman. (Considering Brandan works at Nordstrom’s best-selling Topman location, Southcenter Mall near Seattle, one might infer he’s doing something right. If you live in the area, be sure to pay him a visit.)

Below, Brandan models 6 Topman-based outfits of his own creation—and shows how easily the brand’s sharp tailoring and signature streetwear can blend with items you might already own.

 



Look 1: Rugged Prep. This mix of a bow tie with worn-in boots is what Brandan has on when we stop by to meet him. He notes that a look like this is not only for the office. “I’d also just wear it out for the day,” he says. “Shopping, or going downtown. You never need an excuse to dress nice. Why not throw on a bow tie, do something different to attract attention and represent your uniqueness.”

Shop Topman: Blazer (similar) | Bow Tie | Belt | Chinos
Complete the Look: Rag & Bone Shirt (similar) | Ted Baker Socks (similar)
Timberland Chukkas

 



Look 2: Weekend Update. Here’s how Topman puts a twist on casual standards like a hoodie and tee. “The attention to detail is my favorite thing about Topman,” Brandan says, pointing out the yarn-dyed stripes at the shoulder, quilting details, and subtle heathered effect on the T-shirt.

Shop Topman: Hoodie | T-shirt | (Worn with same Pants, Belt and Shoes as Look 1)

 



Look 3: Power Suit. “I feel really powerful in a double-breasted jacket, it’s very traditional, very old-school,” Brandan says, while praising Topman’s slim-fitting version of this classic item. “Try to liven it up with your shirt and tie,” he recommends, noting that a patterned shirt helps balance out the boldness of a DB suit.

Shop Topman: Double-Breasted Blazer | Tie | Trousers
Complete the Look: Calibrate Shirt | J.Z. Richards Pocket Square (similar)
To Boot New York Chukkas

 




Look 4: Easy Fall Layering. “I was thinking Black Friday shopping when I put this together—it would be nice going in and out, just having one layer to take off. Also for the evening, if you have a casual date—the coat and scarf give a dressy feel, but the white tee and jeans underneath are a pretty classic outfit on their own.”

Shop Topman: Wool-Blend Trench Coat | Cowl Scarf (similar) | Jeans
Complete the Look: The Rail by Public Opinion T-shirt | Timberland Earthkeepers Boots

 




Look 5: Double Denim. “Yes, it can be done,” Brandan says. “If you’re mixing light and dark denim, I think it’s totally safe.” Where to wear it? “I’d say somewhere like a trendy lake walk. You’ve got the boots if you need to go in the wilderness, you’ve got the ruggedness of the denim—but if you go somewhere nice for lunch, you have the short-sleeve button-up underneath to keep it dressy.”

Shop Topman: Hooded Denim Vest | Short-Sleeve Shirt
(Worn with same Jeans and Boots as Look 4)

 



Look 6: Desk to Drinks. “I feel like Joseph Gordon-Levitt right now!” Brandan says, pulling on this tailored vest. “I like a vest for the dressiness it adds. You could wear this all day, then go out somewhere nicer that evening and still be appropriate.” His other current style icon: “Ryan Gosling in Crazy Stupid Love—best styling ever.”

Shop Topman: Waistcoat | Chinos | Peak-Lapel Blazer
Complete the Look: A.P.C. Shirt | Allen Edmonds Wingtips

 

—  —  —

 

Get in touch with Brandan. If you’d like to book an appointment with Mr. Chang-Barstow—or would just like help tracking down an item seen above (some are in-store only, and not online)—he welcomes your emails: Brandan.J.Chang-Barstow@nordstrom.com

Or, find a Personal Stylist near you—and browse more killer clothes:
STYLIST CONTACT FORM | SHOP ALL TOPMAN
 
 
 

[Note, not all items pictured are available online; we've recommended similar items as appropriate. Styling and quotes courtesy of Brandan Chang-Barstow, Personal Stylist and Topman Specialist at Southcenter Nordstrom. Photos by Justin Abbott.]

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