StyleWhipped Welcomes Guest Writer Nancy Berger!

We are so pleased to introduce our newest guest writer, Nancy Berger.  Nancy will be reporting on Menswear, and we are so excited to have her as part of StyleWhipped! 

Nancy is a 20-year veteran of men's fashion, having held Director of Menswear positions at companies including Calvin Klein, Donna Karan, Dolce & Gabbana, and Valentino, and was the Fashion Director at Men's Vogue.  Not only is Nancy always gorgeously styled herself, but she has created a fashion & networking consulting company called Grace Group and is an adjunct professor at NYC's Laboratory of Fashion Merchandising. 

Every other Monday, make sure you read Nancy's newest menswear tips and trend reports, collection updates and store opening alerts, as well as her own take on how men can create their ideal image. 

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The Return of Power Style

So for years now I have been hoping and praying that the trend towards casual dress at work and even at play, would come to an end.  I mean, who thought of “Casual Fridays” and why did so many companies allow their executives to look like they were going to a sporting event instead of the office?  The golf shirt was almost the death of the dress shirt…  

 

A few years ago, the famed Italian Fashion House Etro made it chic to wear a shirt again…but the boldness of the Etro patterns ushered in another trend that is sadly dying a slow death…it is time for men to tuck their shirts in again!!!

Men need to start looking pulled together and professional, more than ever. 

 

I was just talking to my uncle, who owns a small advertising agency on the West Coast…the birthplace of casual…and he said that he plans to start wearing suits and real dress shirts again.  As the economy toughens, he wants to be the guy who walks into a room and looks important and successful, and I agree with him!! 

Now don’t despair…this doesn’t mean that you have to give up your personal style or even spend a lot of money.  I have found two amazing shirt designers that not only will help you clean up your look, but they will make you look more modern and definitely more on top of your game.

 

The first is an amazing brand called Lugo.  Lugo is an Italian brand that does one thing and one thing only…makes amazing, tailored dress shirts. They have married the classic Italian style of Gianni Agnelli, of Fiat fame, with a more modern philosophy of dressing.  Put simply, their shirts have strong collars…almost all are spread…mother of pearl buttons…the finest construction and all have a slight twist…the fit is slimmer, more refined…they make the big, baggy dress shirt a thing of the past.  Now for all of you big guys who don’t think you can wear a modern cut shirt…this is the shirt for you.  One of my clients is 6’2”, broad shoulders and chest…and his shirts looked like he was wearing a dress.  I put a Lugo shirt on him and wow…what a transformation.  It made him look younger, more fit, and yes, more professional.  It’s the only brand he wears now.  Now for the best part…they only cost $150-$195 and they are made in Italy, with Italian fabrics.  Unheard of!!

 

The second brand is for the guy that would love to wear custom shirts, but who doesn’t think they are accessible or affordable.  In comes Lord Willy’s, my new obsession. Lord Willy’s custom shirts are available in everything from more classic British fabrics to bolder, more whimsical designs.  Like the Lugo shirts, they have strong collars and a more modern cut, but the real standout detail is their signature 3-Button Cuff.  It’s almost like wearing a French Cuff without the hassle of cufflinks.  Now don’t get me wrong…I am actually a cufflink fan, but I know they can be daunting for some men.  If you haven’t tried custom, the process is simple…Lord Willy’s takes about 16 measurements and it only takes 15-20 minutes.  Now get this…the custom shirts are only $270, so even with their 2 shirt minimum, it is a steal!                                                                                                                   

So guys, the moral of the story is simple…it's time to look powerful and successful!!!  Start with a perfect, tailored dress shirt…with or without a tie…please, tuck it in…and you will always standout professionally and personally!

 

- Nancy Berger for StyleWhipped.com

Comments

[Robert Valdes-Rodriguez]

To: Nancy Berger

Dear Nancy,
One of my good friends, Alex Scarsini and his wife, Andrea Menez suggested that I contact you.

I am the Founder/President of a new men's luxury neckwear company, RVR. My mission is to create the best looking, best made ties for successful men around the world. I would love the opportunity to meet with you for a coffee to tell you more about my story (investment banker, senior executive for last 20 years until June 2007). Please visit our website at www.rvrneckwear.com. We have been featured in the Robb Report, Cigar Aficionado and several trade publications such as MR Magazine.

Alex says so many nice things about you; I would love to meet you. BTW, congrats on your new business endeavors: I have some ideas for you for your new writing gig: Dressing Up in a Down Market: for holidays; for interviews; standing out in a crowded oversold market.

I always say "You can hide a mediocre belt or average pear of shoes; you can't hide a bad tie."

Best,
Robert Valdes-Rodriguez
Founder/President
RVR Neckwear
rvr@rvrneckwear.com
+1.646.436.1883

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