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May 6, 2013

GQ Spring Trend Report: Cotton Suits

We’re already five episodes into our GQ Spring Trend Report series. (View past articles here: Loafers | Jean Jackets | Sun-Washed Colors | Camo.) This week’s installment takes a tailored turn, with Jim Moore and Michael Hainey of GQ discussing an office essential when temps climb—the lightweight Cotton Suit:

Taking a cue from Mr. Moore’s thoughts on dressy cottons that bring cotton suits out of weekend-wedding territory and into the office, we pulled four suited-up looks that can span from boardroom to casual Friday this summer. Check out our tips below, and browse additional options here: MORE COTTON SUITS


1. Shady Character. In warm weather, lightweight fabrics are a must; sunny colors, however, are optional. The suit has a small glen-plaid pattern, which we offset with a large gingham check, and grounded with a solid tie in summer-appropriate knit cotton.
[John Varvatos Star USA Blazer and Trousers | Hugo Boss Tie | Calibrate Dress Shirt]


2. Quirky Khaki. You’re probably familiar with the trick of wearing your jean jacket with chinos, to avoid going double-denim. The same concept applies with your khaki suit, which benefits from the contrast of a workwear-inspired (but still dressy) shirt.
[Paul Smith London Suit | Gitman Tie | Eton Dress Shirt]


3. Room with a View. This crisp combo is boardroom-ready—and, whether it’s true or not, implies to your client that you’ll be on a boat this weekend. We like underpinning the preppy, regatta-motif tie with businesslike stripes. (Think of purple as the new navy.)
[Hugo Boss Suit | Hugo Boss Tie | Nordstrom Dress Shirt]


4. Creative Services. For the guy who wears a suit because he wants to, but doesn’t have to: Consider keeping the tie, but experimenting with shirt options. If your office doesn’t favor acid-wash? This rig would look razor-sharp with a micro-check gingham, too.
[Shipley & Halmos Blazer & Pants | Gitman Tie | Topman Shirt]

 

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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December 17, 2012

15 Layers of Luxury: Zegna ‘Quindici’ Neckwear

Corny ties have been a dad-gift cliché since the dawn of time. (Recent archaeological evidence shows ugly, fossilized ties pushed to the back of cavemen’s closets.) With the advent of microchip technology came futuristic new ways to cheese-up Dad’s holiday attire—if you’re anything like us, your old man has more than one tie in his arsenal that plays Christmas tunes at the touch of a button.

A good tie, quite to the contrary, makes for a thoughtful, highly appreciated gift—and the best tie (and best gift) as far as we’re concerned at the moment, is one from Ermenegildo Zegna’s ‘Quindici’ collection.

See that 1 through 15 countdown on that tail end of the tie above? That signifies, and is in fact created during, the meticulous 15-stage silk-screening process Zegna’s master craftsmen endure to create each swatch of fabric used in these supremely luxurious ties. Examine the fine details below—and imagine trying to painstakingly align each layer of color as it goes on. Not a job for the faint of heart (or retina), but it makes for one fine-looking tie. One which even the most particular gift aficionado will be blown away by.

Shop the collection—and be sure to click through all the eye-captivating color options, as most of the tie designs have several.

SHOP: ERMENEGILDO ZEGNA ‘QUINDICI’ TIES | ALL TIES

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November 7, 2012

Indoor Street Style: 9th Floor at Nordstrom HQ

Seattle gets a bad rap, style-wise. Maybe certain Seattleites re-purpose their outdoor gear too liberally—but it’s a different story within the several-block radius that contains our corporate headquarters and flagship store here in Downtown Seattle.

To prove our point, we’re going to start snapping well-dressed guys we spot around the office. First up is Danny, an online merchandising specialist who’s responsible, among about a million other things, for coordinating GQ Selects each month.

We had to bug Danny for a few photos yesterday due to his keen ability to nail multiple trends at a time and make it look like no big deal. Check him out: shawl-collar sweater, rugged boots, cargo pants, touch of camo. Take a closer look at the details, and shop similar items using the links below:


Tie-Tuck. Gives your office gear a subtle military touch—and keeps your tie out of your lunch.


Streamlined Cargo. Chinos with utilitarian pockets are officially back—
but they’re far from the crazy-baggy ones you remember from ’98.


Serious Socks. Rugged boots require them. Pulling them over your pant cuff
(a favorite fall trick among stylists lately) is entirely optional.

 

Get Danny’s Look:
Shawl-Collar Sweaters | Button-Down Shirts | The Tie Bar Camo Tie
Cargo Pants | Anonymous Ism Socks | Wolverine Boots

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November 6, 2012

Make It a Combo: Shirts & Ties Decoded

If you’re like us, you’d prefer to reserve all brain power for after you’ve made it to the office—which means picking out clothes in the clouded stupor of morning, that not only get the job done but also make a confident statement, can be kind of a drag.

That’s precisely why we created a category of ready-made shirt and tie combinations. We’ve thought it all out so you don’t have to: Paisley on stripes? Of course. Dots on checks? Simple. Keep a copy of this photo taped next to your closet, and you can concentrate on more important things each morning: Like breakfast.

Shop Pre-Made Shirt & Tie Combos

Or, Shop: All Shirts | All Ties

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November 1, 2012

GQ Selects: November Look #5

The final look from our November-issue edition of GQ Selects proves, once again, the power of accessories. In this case, a dapper tie and tie bar, at a combined cost of only $30, give you the power to invest in a truly killer suit—as well as a high-quality laptop case that lends a subtly rugged touch to your most polished office attire.

 


The Tie Bar Woven Tie. “For the man who has a closet overstuffed with striped ties, this wool-and-silk rendition from The Tie Bar offers a heftier helping of stripes that amps up any basic shirt-and-suit combination.”
—Jim Moore, GQ Creative Director
(shop this item)

Editor’s Note: The exact tie featured in GQ has sold out.
Luckily, we have plenty more ties by The Tie Bar—and all at a mere $15.
Shop color variations of the bold stripe above here, or shop all ties by The Tie Bar.

 


Jack Spade ‘Tech Oxford’ Slim Laptop Briefcase. “Everything is slimmed-down these days, from our cell phones to our laptops, but so many guys are still lugging around bulky, oversized briefcases. Jack Spade thankfully catches men up to the times with this scaled-down brief. It’s slim without skimping on utility, thanks to the exterior zip pouch, interior pockets, and a durable nylon shell.”
—Jim Moore, GQ Creative Director
(shop this item)

 


The Tie Bar Woven Tie. “I’m a believer that just as you shouldn’t leave the house without a pocket square, you shouldn’t without a tie bar if you’re wearing a tie. You can never go wrong with a tie bar. It’s that extra detail that’s going to set you apart from the person next to you, whether it’s with a sharp suit or a shirt and tie with a hoodie thrown on top. Aside from looking smart, it’s a functional piece that will keep your neckwear in place throughout the day. This one-inch-long accessory is going to you give you miles’ worth of style.”
—Jim Moore, GQ Creative Director
(shop this item)

 


Nordstrom’s picks to complete the look:
Canali Chalk-Stripe Suit | Ted Baker Trim-Fit Shirt | Salvatore Ferragamo Oxford

 
 

Each month, the editors of GQ, in collaboration with Nordstrom Men’s Fashion Director Tommy Fazio and the Men’s Shop, will select key items from the pages of GQ to feature right here on Nordstrom.com.

For the latest edition of GQ Selects, we’ve chosen 15 favorites from the November issue—from immaculate outerwear to unexpected accessories. Check back each month for more.

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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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October 3, 2012

Bruce Pask Ponders our Fall Catalog

Bruce Pask: Men’s Fashion Director of T: The New York Times Style Magazine, certifiably sharp dresser (as evidenced here, here and here), and mastermind behind the styling of our Fall 2012 Men’s Shop Catalog.

Visiting our Seattle headquarters for just a few days this past summer, Pask offered a moment (a rare commodity, between rapid-fire styling sessions, non-stop meetings, and trying to nab a table at the Walrus and the Carpenter for that evening) to chat with us about his favorite pieces from our Fall Catalog.


1. Burberry Peacoat. “You can’t go wrong with that, I think it’s an amazing piece. It’s really trim, the arms are slender, it’s really well-cut.” (shop this item | shop all peacoats)

 


2. Wolverine 1000 Mile Boots. “I own them and love them. They just go with everything, they’re such a neutral. They looks great with jeans, with khakis—and then you can also use them to ground a dressier look, and it shows a bit more character than just a dress shoe. They’re also really well-made.” (shop this item | shop all boots)

 


3. Jack Spade Cardigan. “Some guys are afraid of cardigans, because they think of Fred Rogers, or they think it’s too groovy, but this piece has such versatility. It looks great under a sport jacket, it looks great on its own, you can wear it with a T-shirt or with a woven. It’s a uniform piece that you can go back to again and again.” (shop this item | shop all cardigans)

 


4. Billy Reid Overcoat. “That Billy Reid coat is beautiful—double-breasted, wool melton, great shape. It’s a great length because it’ll go over a sport jacket. I like pieces where you can get a lot of use out of them—it’s a really dressy coat, but you can also do it more casually, like we did here.” (shop this item | shop all overcoats)

 


5. Gitman Ties. “We’re just using them for styling, but we used them a lot—all those Gitman neckties, those skinny wool tartans and foulards, I think are great.” (shop Gitman ties | shop all ties)

Bonus Tip: A New Perspective on Pocket Squares. “The thing I love about these [above] is that they’re not just this white sliver coming out of a pocket. There was a point when that meant something and kind of evoked something, but I think it’s time we reinvestigate what a pocket square’s supposed to do. A darker, tonal, wool pocket square—and kind of casually, but artfully placing it in—I just think it gives such a boost to a tailored look.” (shop pocket squares)

 
 

[Quotes by Bruce Pask. iPhone photos shot this past summer during style-out sessions for the Fall Catalog.]

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September 24, 2012

GQ Selects: October Look #3

Turn an octogenarian-inspired sweater into a prep-meets-greaser look that’s polished enough for most offices—with tips from Jim Moore of GQ:

 


1. Original Penguin Cardigan. “If you saw our September issue, you know we are loving the ‘geezer style’ look that takes icons of old-man fashion and makes them young again. This cardigan is a perfect example. The two-tone trim and knit check pattern is a throwback to vintage style, while the fit has been updated and slimmed, making it a truly modern piece of knitwear with character.”
—Jim Moore, GQ Creative Director
(shop this item)
 


2. David Hart Harris-Tweed Herringbone Tie. “Tweed is, without question, the fabric of Fall 2012. We love it for suits, sportcoats, pants, driving caps, and even accessories like David Hart’s herringbone tie; of course, we wouldn’t advise wearing them all together. Harris tweed is a hearty fabric with some heft to it, so Hart has smartly cut his tie on the slim side, avoiding the added bulk wider ones create. The great thing about this tie is that in addition to being so spot-on for the season, the neutral gray color will pair well with just about any shirt already hanging in your closet.”
—Jim Moore, GQ Creative Director 
(shop this item)
 


3. A.P.C. ‘New Standard’ Selvedge Slim-Straight Leg Jeans. “All the A.P.C. fits are the benchmark when it comes to selvedge denim. The brand’s ‘New Standard’ is A.P.C.’s original model, cut with a straight leg, and crafted in their signature rigid denim that breaks in amazingly over time. These look best with flipped-up cuffs that showcase the selvedge stripe, adding an air of ’50s rebel cool to any outfit.“
—Jim Moore, GQ Creative Director
(shop this item)
 


4. Converse ‘Jack Purcell’ Sneaker. “The Jack Purcell sneaker has been a go-to style for over 75 years, and just proves that great design never goes out of fashion. The sneaker’s silhouette is simple in the best way possible, meaning these look as good with beat-up jeans as they do with gray flannel pants. The contrast between the black canvas and white rubber gives the whole shoe a graphic, visual punch, accented by the signature ‘smile’ toe front—and, like any canvas-bodied sneaker, these will only get better with more wear and tear.“
—Jim Moore, GQ Creative Director
(shop this item)
 
 

Each month, the editors of GQ, in collaboration with Nordstrom Men’s Fashion Director Tommy Fazio and the Men’s Shop, will select key items from the pages of GQ to feature right here on Nordstrom.com.

For the fourth edition of GQ Selects, we’ve chosen 12 fall essentials from the October issue. Check back each month for more.

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August 20, 2012

GQ Selects: Brooks Brothers’ Updated Oxford

“When I think of a shirt like this, I think of it having to be from Brooks Brothers because that’s ground zero in your search for a pink oxford. The quality is incredible, the fit is trimmer and it sports a smaller collar than the traditional styles. It can stand up to 500 washings and just gets better with age. There’s a little texture to the fabric which helps anchor any other sturdy fall fabrics you put it with. The pink is not so bright as to make you feel like a dandy, but it does give enough of a jolt of color to brighten up a pale, sunless face come winter. At this price, it’s probably one of your best fall investments.”

—Jim Moore, GQ Creative Director

 

 Shop: Brooks Brothers Oxford Shirt, $79.50 | The Tie Bar ‘Country Stripe’ Knit Tie, $15.00

 

Each month, the editors of GQ, in collaboration with Nordstrom Men’s Fashion Director Tommy Fazio and the Men’s Shop, will select key items from the pages of GQ to feature right here on Nordstrom.com.

For the third edition of GQ Selects, we’ve chosen 20 favorites from the September issue. Check back each month for more.

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July 31, 2012

GQ Selects: Burberry’s Sophisticated Stripes

“The most traditional knit ties are made of silk, followed by wool, then cotton. What makes this Burberry one incredibly modern, but just as sophisticated, is the fact that it’s slimmer and has this wonderful stripe pattern. Because the colors in it are muted, it doesn’t come across as being too preppy or too nautical.

“It really marries beautifully with a pinstripe suit or a fall tweed sport jacket. Put it with a chambray shirt, put it with a white oxford, put it with anything.”

—Jim Moore, GQ Creative Director

Each month, the editors of GQ, in collaboration with Nordstrom Men’s Fashion Director Tommy Fazio and the Men’s Shop, will select key items from the pages of GQ to feature right here on Nordstrom.com.

For the second edition of GQ Selects, we’ve chosen 16 Fall essentials from the August issue. Check back every month for more.

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