Getting The Downtown Tartan Look With a Little Help From My Friends at Zappos.com

Every season, there's a resurgence of past trends that seem to creep up and affectionately win the hearts of their stylish counterparts. Some of these trends never really die. They go away for a little while (or a fashion minute), hibernate and then- poof! - they're back in bolder and re-imagined patterns and silhouettes that make you believe they're the new kids on the block. 

This fall, designers were mad for plaid. Yes- that iconic 90's trend, originally packaged with a grunge affinity and gothic flair thanks to a little known Seattle band named Nirvana, and re-introduced by McQueen, is back in full force in mixed variations. I do love a good tartan print. Not even a lifetime of Catholic school uniforms of the same blue plaid pattern could turn me off to the classic style. As a teenager in the 90's, if it's one thing I obsessed over while watching the cult-favorite, Clueless, it was how I wish I owned Cher's black and yellow plaid blazer and skirt combo. Sigh. 

Plaid is not limited to a punk wardrobe and that's what makes it such a loved pattern. Its versatility ranges anywhere from straight-laced prep to rugged mountain chic. And while plaid may be the unofficial print that rings in the chillier months and holiday festivities, it's a pattern that can be worn year round. I'm a sucker for tartan, which is evident in the 10 plus flannels that hang in my closet. Despite that,  the last time I owned anything plaid that wasn't a flannel shirt, I was a freshman in high school. Almost 20 years later,  it was time to conquer the plaid.  

My tartan adventures were made possible by my friends at Zappos.com (http://zapwow.me/HVgg). The opportunity to partner up with a revolutionary company like Zappos, was a dream.  I've shopped on Zappos for years, mostly picking up some great pairs of shoes.  Little did I know that Zappos carries hundreds of collection from well-known designers, some of whom show during Fashion Week. The product assortment ranges from handbags, and eye wear to hats and clothing and everything in between. That's all great, but without a doubt, the best part about Zappos is exceptional customer service and the free shipping!

So in partnership with Zappos.com, I wanted to put my own spin on the whole 'downtown tartan' conversation. My street style tends to be a mix of city girl meets boho glam. I'm big on over-sized tees and blouses, feminine frocks with tough accessories, boots and loafers, and edgy pieces that still possess a girlish undertone. I love leather jackets and I love black, and I love them even more when they're paired.

Now let's go to the star of the show- the outfit, which is my own interpretation of downtown tartan. Because I love dresses, I picked out this blue and black plaid button down shirt dress by BB Dakota (http://zapwow.me/HVgc). Don't listen to those outdated rules, blue and black work together just beautifully, especially in a plaid print. This shirt dress is the epitome of comfort. It's over-sized without looking like a sack and I love the collar because the dress lends itself to layering. I could throw it over a sweater- think chunky black, grey, or even a graphic print- next time I wear it and show off a totally different look. 

I wanted to layer the dress with something that had some 'rough and tough' credibility and this sleeveless faux leather vest from Calvin Klein (http://zapwow.me/HVgd) added the right amount of edge to the look. This vest is a wardrobe staple. It's a great layering piece and easy to throw on over a dress or a casual tee. I love how it pairs with the plaid. And lastly, the piece de resistance as I like to refer to them, the shoes. The pop of white from these two-toned oxfords by Sam Edelman (http://zapwow.me/HVgf) brightens up the mood of the look with its clean lines and sharp design.  Plus the 'borrowed from the boys' feel sold me. 

This is the quintessential fall outfit for Miami weather and our shooting location played well with the checkered plaid and the menswear touches. But let's state the obvious, this parking garage makes my outfit look even cooler. I have to talk about this unbelievable parking structure that served as our backdrop. I can't take the credit for the location- that honor goes to photographer, Elizabeth, of Ra-Haus Fotografie (www.ra-haus.com). I have her to thank for this out of this world photo shoot. Her creative vision needs no questioning. 

The view from the seventh floor of the parking lot (1111 Lincoln Road) boasts some pretty spectacular city views of Miami Beach. It's modern and muted and the unique design of the structure lets the tartan trend sit front and center. The hair comes a close second. Big thanks to Blo Bar in Brickell for my 'pillow talk' hair! (http://www.blomedry.com/locations/blo-brickell/)

Do you like what you see? Well, you can shop the items by clicking on the links! Take a walk on the plaid side and try it out for yourself! Because you need this look in your closet.

And remember, free shipping!

 How do YOU rock your tartan? 

On Me (You can buy this look on zappos.com http://zapwow.me/HVgg)

- BB Dakota Dress- http://zapwow.me/HVgc

- Calvin Klein Faux Leather Vest- http://zapwow.me/HVgd

- Sam Edelman Oxfords- http://zapwow.me/HVgf

In Style, 

Kat 

Style Spotlight: The Modern Gentleman is Making a Comeback in the Magic City

Jonathan Eyal, Supply and Advise shop owner, brings a distinct luxurious quality to Miami menswear.

Alas, a fashion insurgent by the name of Jonathan Eyal, has masterfully created a cure for the drib and drab wardrobe often plaguing the Miami male. It is time for the dapper gentleman (and ladyboys too!) to rise from the ashes and take his place amongst the style icons of well-dressed doers. And with the recent emergence of the All-American pop-up, Supply and Advise, the Magic City's most fashion-forward men are taking their wardrobe to new exploratory heights. 

Supply and Advise currently stands as a temporary pop-up, but will soon be setting up shop in Miami's Historic Downtown District, which is perfectly fitting considering the utilitarian craftsmanship of it's one-of-a-kind investment pieces. A military background has served Eyal well, allowing him (and his associates Kevin Beltran and Rebeca Esparza) to curate staples from classic and modern brands like Levi's, Alden, and Randolph Engineering. There's a method to Eyal's madness- and that's 'Made in the US of A' functional fashion that's durable, timeless, and the antithesis of the Miami "bro" uniform (I repeat- step away from the square toe shoes). 

A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to hop aboard the mothership of this unique menswear refinery and chat with Eyal himself on the changing landscape of the modern gentleman's fashion profile and how his handcrafted specialties are injecting a much needed dose of style juju to the Miami scene. 

FSF: It seems like everyday, the same old boutiques and shops carrying the same monotonous merchandise keep popping up in Miami. Then came Supply & Advise. It stands alone in the scope of menswear. Did you feel there was a void in terms of classic menswear in the Magic City? 

S&A: Undoubtedly, yes! It's one of the main reasons why we chose to open the store at all, and why Miami is the perfect base of operations for our shop. I've always had to resort to shopping online because menswear has been an afterthought for all of the local shops, rather than the main focus. No one offered staples from great American brands like Alden shoes, Gitman Brothers, Levi's Vintage Clothing, Filson, and Randolph Engineering-- to name a few, or exciting contemporary options from outstanding brands like Engineered Garments. 

Up until now, Miami stores have embraced designer labels which could be characterized as more trendy rather than a style that is more focused on simplicity and quality. In addition, much of what's been presented to us is heavy on external branding and slick, rather than classic and timeless. Lastly, haute couture and items coming off the runway don't exactly have longevity and aren't really realistic for your average guy. And lets face it, what guy wants to go to the mall or a department store, anyway? 

FSF: And why a store in Wynwood? How does this neighborhood elevate the store's profile? 

S&A: Actually our temporary pop-up shop is in Wynwood but in the next few months we'll be making our permanent move to Downtown Miami, which is where we really feel our shop will be most at home. It's the only part of Miami that has the infrastructure and makings of an urban community and we're in love with it's remaining history and architecture. It's so reminiscent of NYC and Chicago and is in the midst of a major revitalization. There's a Whole Foods being built a block away, the new PAMM is down the street, galleries and other creative entities are also relocating and headed to Downtown. It's authentic and doesn't feel manufactured. Finally, Miami has realized that Downtown is a diamond in the rough. It's a living and working community and it's businesses like Fratelli Milano, Ten Fruits, Ceviche 105 that have really helped blaze the trail for an outfit like ours. 

While we enjoy hanging out in Wynwood from time to time, currently, there just isn't the infrastructure, convenience or live-in community that would warrant calling it a full-fledged neighborhood. We're hoping that will change. 

Kick back in style. Interior shot of Supply and Advise. 

FSF: Jonathan Eyal comes from a military background. How does that unique fun fact contribute to the aesthetics and success of the store? 

S&A: The military is an equalizer and a place where people of all races and socio-economic backgrounds come together as one. During WWII you had guys who came from blue collar backgrounds fighting along side guys who came from monied families and Ivy League pedigrees. There's a certain beauty in that and it's what our shop seeks to represent. I think what we do could be characterized as blue collar and Ivy League go off to war. This style we love comes from an appreciation of our history as Americans.We embrace the greatness of America and the post-war time when returning troops took to motorcycles, were afforded the opportunity to go to university on the GI Bill, and t-shirts and denim became part of our DNA. 

As far as the aesthetic of the shop is concerned, I guess it comes naturally. The military vehicle, shell casings, and posters that decorate our shop are symbolic in that getting ahead in today's world is a war and looking good and taking pride in how you dress certainly won't hurt your chances at finding love or advancing in your job. 

FSF: The store tends to stay away from trends and keeps the focus on timeless pieces for men. Why is it important for you guys to be selective? 

S&A: While our focus is on those pieces that are classic and timeless, we do carry a variety of fun options as they're great to mix and match. We want our customers purchase pieces that will get lots of use and for that reason, we concentrate on the basics. Other criteria we use before making our selections are: Where are the goods made? What is the history behind these items? Does the cost make sense for our customer? And lastly, and most importantly, functionality and durability. If you're going to be spending the money to buy the best, we want you to have it and use it forever versus having to replace it every few years or finding it sitting in the back of your closet. 

FSF: how has men's fashion evolved in the last few years, particularly in Miami? 

S&A: Menswear has really exploded during the last few years and there's been a huge resurgence in men taking a great deal of pride in their wardrobes. Men (especially the ones in Miami) are realizing that quality and longevity trumps name brands which are usually just that-- a name. 

I think Miami guys are realizing its OK to tuck in their shirts outside of work, it's okay to wear straight leg jeans and care about the way clothes should fit. We're slowly moving away from embellished & faux worn-in jeans to a more clean, simple look-- how it always should've been. It's not a trend, it's just how a man should dress. Neck wear, definitely has been making a comeback for some time and Miami is finally catching on to the fact that it's actually cool to throw on a tie or bow-tie outside of the office or a wedding. Bottom line- American males as a whole, are taking more and more pride in how they look and the pieces they're investing in, it's just taking us Miamians a little longer to get there. 

FSF: If you had to chose one item in the store that every modern man should have in his closet, what should it be? 

S&A: The White Oxford Cloth Button Down shirt from Gitman Vintage. Work, play, date night, meeting the parents, your girlfriend's cousin's daughter's baptism-- it works every time. 

FSF: Is there an iconic man of style of present, past or future that encompasses the Supply and Advice definition? 

S&A: Steve McQueen was a guy's guy who's style was effortless but always on point. And that's the goal-- it should be effortless, comfortable and classic. 

FSF: You pride yourself in the durability of the brands you carry. How do you decide what to carry in the store? 

S&A: This is most clearly exemplified by made in USA brand Alden Shoe Company out of Massachusetts. They've been around since 1884, are family owned, and spend all their money on their materials and workforce rather than on fancy magazine ads or celebrity spokespersons. It's a brand for people who appreciate quality rather than how they will be perceived by their peers. Little known fact- Alden invented the Tassel Loafer and is also responsible for the "Indy Boot", the iconic boots worn by Indiana Jones in all the films (specifically asked for by Harrison Ford.)

 FSF: I'll tell you something. I'm tired of seeing the typical "Miami guy uniform" of button downs and jeans and square toe shoes. Will we EVER see an end to that? Is there hope for these guys? 

S&A: Other outfits and items synonymous with the Miami "Bro" would be the all black look, designer shield style sunglasses, super deep V-neck tees, heavily embellished denim, bootcut denim, Gucci belt buckles the size of a hubcap, and shirts with prints on the underside of the cuffs. With regard to square toe shoes we're not Pilgrims and these were never cool. Get rid of them.. donate.. burn.. we don't care, just do it!

 Yes-- there is hope, just come and visit us!

What are you waiting for? Stop by the store- 

Supply and Advise

3322 N Miami Ave, Miami, FL 33127
(305) 846-9437

For more information, visit the shop's Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/occasionalgentlemen

Follow them on Instagram @supplyandadvise 

In Style, 

Kat