Brad Pitt for W Magazine Feb 2012

photos courtesy of W Magazine

Brad Pitt for W Magazine February 2012, photographed by Mario Sorrenti

First Photo: Tom Ford cotton shirt; Burberry Prosum wool tuxedo pants; Tom Ford bow tie

Second Photo: Tom Ford vest + shirt

Third Photo: Burberry Prosum jacket + trousers; Tom Ford shirt shirt, bow tie, and cummerbund

Fourth Photo: Tom Ford shirt; Dolce & Gabanna tie; his own necklace

Charm Her: Style Tips

photos by Tommy Ton, courtesy of Style + GQ

The latest entry of Charm Her (the men's installment to this blog) was inspired by one of my favorite street style photographers, Tommy Ton. I came up with a few pointers thanks to his latest action-packed snaps.

Style Tips:

- DO wear knit or printed scarves to liven up your suits + blazers (Calling all straight men: this is a green light to amp up your style—bold is not bad in this case. Girls are suckers for cute polka dots, swear!) However, if you tend to shy away from prints—and are not open to change: opt for a neutral scarf tucked under your blazer. 

Hey Kanye: what's that jacket, Margiela?

- Layer outwears + parka/utilitarian coats over suits for extra chilly days— that is, unless you live in L.A.

- Give your suit a luxe finish by adding gloves—although this may work best if you're already style-conscious. gloves = red light if you currently have no idea about dressing.

- Knitted beanies are great toppers to keep warm and hide a bad hair day (you didn't think we noticed those, aye?) 

- Cigarettes are not-so-stylish outside a a photograph. Skip it.

- File under Things to remember when out with your significant other: your (stylish) girl/guy is the focal point to your outfit, and you are their best accessory. Hold hands and charm each other :)

xo Maria

Crazy, Stupid, Love.. of mine:

photos via buzzsugar

He makes women swoon, & men reexamine themselves. Also, he may or may not be one of the reasons why I'm single—after all, I am mentally dating him in my own delusional Gosling Bubble (Eva Mendes, who?). But enough about me. Let me rekindle everyone's obsession that is Crazy, Stupid, Love (2011). I know, I know, the timing of this post could not be more imperfect, but: I had to have these stills in my blog archives.

Remember the epic makeover scene when Ryan's character—the ultimate playboy & romancer—transforms a clueless divorcee to a more suave bachelor? Well, the makeover was more than just elevating Steve Carrel's style with a great suit—it was about getting him to snap out of his marriage woes, and most importantly, feel comfortable and current with himself. However, it was Ryan Gosling's array of wardrobe changes (and charm + smirk + good looks) throughout the film that made the rom-com oh-so memorable. The looks were all possible thanks to the film's costume designer, Dayna Pink. Gents, if you haven't done so already, read the GQ interview, here for some sartorial inspiration !

Film's Costume Designer: Dayna Pink

Designers: Alexander McQueen, Simon Spurr, Yves Saint Laurent, David Yurman (rings!) + more

Total Wardrobe Changes: 36

PS: I promise, no more RG posts for a while. If you missed the first men's post, Charm Her: Little Black Blazer, view it HERE 

Charm Her: Little Black Blazer

The Charm the heck-out-of her/ Date / Dinner / Evening blazer

J. Crew Ludlow two-button blazer with double-vented back ($365)

affordable option:  Express Cotton Sateen Blazer ($168)

pair it with: J. Crew 484 slim-fit jean in black resin crinkle wash ($98)

The Clubbing / Party blazer

Formal enough for after-hours, yet: flannel shirt + beanie + chucks =  voila ! effortless & laid back look.

OBEY - Slacker Single Breasted Blazer ($136)

pair it with: Howe Fast Living, color- midnight run ($98.00) 

Splurge option: Rag & Bone - RB15X -Indigo ($175)

Well, it's about time, gents ! After years of blogging and swooning over all the stylish women, editorials, collections, & products the fashion world has to offer, I have finally decided to include a "Charm Her" installment to my blog. This will be a weekly entry on menswear/men's style, because guys have feelings too, you know? Okay, but on a serious note—what prompted my decision to explore the sartorial platform of the opposite gender? Well, let me tell you: Interning at Who What Wear has given me an eye to observe men's style in L.A.

Whether it's on Wilshire, Melrose or Crescent Heights, I have grown way too fond of seeing stylish men walking their dogs or running errands. And, sometimes the first thing that comes in mind is, "wait. is he straight?"
Also, too often have I seen guys who just need a little push in the style department, which could essentially make a big difference in their presentation. A sample of men's style Q's in my inbox is also proof to start Charm Her. My final reason? because Mark Twain once said: "Clothes make the man. Naked people have little or no influence in society". And there you have it, folks.

Brace yourselves, gents, as I'll be honest and may or may not include real life oh-no-he-didn't style scenarios I have come across. Also, if you think the reference is about you...it probably is [insert the Grinch grin].

When you wear a "little black blazer" this weekend, you just may be *that* much closer to emulating
Le Gosling. 

FYI: Notice how I left off  Burberry's, Tom Ford's, + super pricey designers. My goal is to be realistic with price ranges, so here are a few more options:

Gap - tailored extra slim blazer ($128)

Guess - focus european blazer ($228)

Citizens of Humanity - sid straight leg ($216)

Express - Top-sitch casual cotton jacket ($148)