Spring Looks to Make Your Own

Scrolling my feed on one of the popular social media platforms I use regularly (Instagram , Facebook), I came across an article from The Cut with Spring looks for men. Of course I’m intrigued, so, I open the article not expecting to be inspired by any of the looks. Well, I was wrong, and now, I’m sharing the article with you. All the looks are quite dope (also read: nice) and fitting for different occasions. The article references pieces from higher end brands but please believe, these looks can definitely be replicated on a more budget friendly income. But as I’ll always say, use these looks to be inspired, step out of the box and try something new this spring and summer. Wear it the way you want and own it!!! Want some help with your spring/summer wardrobe, shoot me an email at: marcus@nattyneckware.com

The Cut: 4 Men’s Looks for Spring and Beyond

Until next time, stay Natty…

An Unscripted Love at Unscripted Durham

It’s a new year…Happy New Year!!!

Before the dawn of the new year and ALL the resolutions to follow, we did a thing. That thing was a photoshoot, with Business Woman & Blogger, Kimberly Knight, of The Lux BlogNC. She asked if I wanted to participate in a photoshoot for a blog post she was writing about a staycation, right in my hometown of Durham, NC. In addition, a few bow ties from Natty Neckware, would make a cameo appearance. Of course, I couldn’t say no, so I said, YES!!! Not to mention this was all being captured by one of my favorite photographers (and friends), Alexandria Anderson, of AfroCurl Photography. The evening called for some drinks, a swanky venue (The Unscripted Hotel) and some pretty awesome people, so, I was in. The pictures alone are worth a thousand words. But you don’t have to take my word for it, read about the whole experience over at The LuxBlogNC.

Until next time, stay Natty…

Wine Tasting in Durham

Wine Tasting in Downtown Durham

Black Couple out to dinner

Black Couple with smiles

Friends out on the town

The Unscripted Hotel Durham

It’s About Damn Time…

It’s about damn time…YEP, I feel the same way. It’s been awhile, a long while, to be exact, a two year while. I can’t say I have the best reasons but, life happens and that’s where I’ll keep it. Life is and has been full of twists, turns, ups and downs but that’s what makes it great, right? So, a little of what’s been happening with life, first, I re-entered the field of public health research in mid July 2016. Taking on this position was exciting because of the research I thought I would be getting into, but of course that meant less time for creating. Second, in late 2016 I started as a consultant with a creative consulting company. This too was an exciting venture because I would be working alongside some pretty dope creative entrepreneurs/artists and this opportunity would really allow me to use my experience in design while exposing me to new projects that could further expand my creative capacity. Thirdly, in January 2017 I started as a developmental partner and cofounder of a digital health startup. Again, exciting because I would be using my experience and expertise in research in a sector of the business world that I’m passionate about and truly lacks equity for certain populations, and has for quite some time or forever. I mean, what kind of entrepreneur would I be to not take this opportunity to do something I believe can make our communities and our world a better place. Lastly, not thinking I was doing too much, I thought I’d co-found local running group. As an avid runner, that again saw a lack of inclusiveness and diversity in the sport, I thought what better time to start a running group than now. All these ventures are amazing and collectively are personal passions of mine but these ventures combined with the new job took me completely away from Natty Neckware and all the complexities that come with operating a small apparel accessories brand. It’s now September 2018, I’m no longer working as a full-time public health researcher (this could change again very soon) and I have stepped down as a consultant with the creative consulting firm. My responsibilities as cofounder of the digital health startup (Digital LinCS), however, have increased immensely, which is very exciting and the running group (Rebull Running) is literally off and running [pun intended], but my focus is also back on Natty Neckware. I’m more inspired to build, learn, create and move this brand in a direction that I have only dreamed about. I want to grow Natty Neckware into a brand that will be known for years to come. A brand that will support workers and build other entrepreneurs. A brand that will help create more equity and sustainability within the fashion industry. I’m back and bringing Natty Neckware back like I never have before because…it’s about damn time!!!

Until we meet again…stay Natty!

Top Menswear Accounts to Follow on Instagram in 2016

If you couldn’t already tell, we love menswear. We spend an embarrassing amount of time looking at menswear on the internet, in magazines, and in person. Fortunately for the sartorially inclined, Instagram has become a visual haven for menswear, an ever-evolving and constantly updated look book. Like all good students of style, we are always on the prowl for new trends, modern twists on classic styling and, above all else, the bold, unique individuals who push menswear forward. If you’re not following these people already, please do immediately–you won’t be sorry. Without further ado

1. Sarah Ann Murray

If you’re sitting behind your monitor snickering and scoffing at one of our favorite menswear instagrams featuring a woman, you can get out right now. Sarah Ann Murray is Fashion Director for The Rake magazine. She’s been dazzling menswear and street style aficionados for years with her eye for classic pieces and sharp tailoring. She doesn’t shy away from bold, contrasting patterns and generally looks better in menswear than most men do. She is the living embodiment of our tagline and is 100% Natty approved.

2. The Dressed Chest

One of our most visited Instagram feeds is that of Rainier John, better known by his handle, The Dressed Chest. His unique take on personal menswear photography gives viewers a look at the details. John excels at two things: layering (his winter posts are particularly drool-worthy) and maximizing his wardrobe. Now, I’m quite positive that his closet is a thing of beauty, and would make most grown men shed crystallized tears of childlike wonderment, but that doesn’t mean you can take the same principles and apply them to your own wardrobe. John uses lots of modern classics in a constantly revolving cycle of style. We can’t wait to see what he’ll be wearing next. The best part? He includes the brands in the descriptions so you can shop his looks.

Adam Gallagher

Adam Gallagher is the creator of the influential men’s style blog, I AM GALLA. From his website: “In the menswear world, Gallagher stands out due to his exceptional ability to blend his native California aesthetic with a sharp New York approach to fashion.” While we’re not entirely sure what this means, we guess it’s a mingling of his beach boy good looks with a focus on clean and crisp suiting. Plenty of frame-filling food exposés, travel pictures, and selfies to round out the mix.

Giampaolo Alliata

We love grandpa style. We also love stylish grandpas. The overlap of this venn diagram is Giampaolo Alliata. If we look one third as hip and well-dressed as this man when we’re his age, we will thank whatever god presides over men’s fashion. His Instagram is the perfect combination of outfits drenched in classic cool, staged motorcycle shots, and the occasional dinner selfie make this instagram one to hang onto for style tips.

Akihiko Nishi

With an ambitious Instagram handle like Gatsby_Osaka (an allusion to the dapper gents from The Great Gatsby), Akihiko Nishi has quite a reputation to live up to. And he is absolutely stylish enough to pull it off. With a mixture of classic menswear suiting staples, street style and unbuttoned-to-the-navel dress shirt bravado, Nishi has a visually powerful feed. For good measure, he also includes pictures with other stylish people around his home base of Osaka and a few shirtless gym selfies.

Brian C

As the visual manager for @unionmadegoods, Brain plays a big role in curating pieces, imagery, and style professionally. Personally, his feed is full of clean lines, vibrant, well tailored blazer-and-trouser combinations, and POV shots of watches, coffee, sneakers, and food. While I love a stylistically consistent feed, Brian’s variety in the crowded instagram menswear arena is refreshing.

Marquelle Turner

I really like Marquelle’s take on classic suiting. All his outfits are clean and sharp–he definitely has a good tailor–and his feed provides style inspiration for days. More than that, though, his recent work as the creative director of The New Stereotype, a campaign that works to create positive imagery of black men, has yielded some really amazing picture collaborations with other fashionable instagrammers (thanks in part to photographer @aqut). It’s much harder to find images of well dressed men of color, than it is to find, say, a bunch of white dudes. Menswear, like many things, is dominated by white men. Marquelle’s feed and work are a breath of fresh air in the field of men’s fashion. One to watch, for sure.

Steven Onoja

I love this dude’s style. He’s part of a growing contingent of Nigerian fashion bloggers who continue to dazzle with super slick, tailored suits mixed with traditional Nigerian clothing. He has a great eye for color and incorporates berets into his suiting with unexpectedly great results. Another thing I want to highlight is the quality of his photos. While many style gurus and menswear bloggers/models have really professional feeds, Onoja’s is consistently awesome–crisp, with moody, vintage tones.

Angelo Gallamini

Great clothing? Check. Righteous beard? Check. More denim vests, fancy antique watches, and weightlifting than you have on your Instagram? Triple check. Angelo Gallamini, Creative Designer of Ermanno Gallamini Collection, is a creative force. His is the beard that other beards want to be when they grow up; His clothes weave a tale of mystery and intrigue; His face carries the secrets of stories only told by dim light. Well, maybe not the last one (at least, we can’t fact check it), but definitely the first two.

Again, we love stylish old men. We love their confidence and charisma, but mostly we love their ability to command greater respect and space than elderly people are able to achieve in most areas.  In fashion and menswear, age adds character, definition, and uniqueness. We hope to be this bold as we age (although Alex is out of luck in the beard department).

DapperQ

Focusing on queer style, DapperQ curates crisp images from top publications and feeds. You’ll find a variety of shots, from fashion to wardrobe to editorials and magazine covers. Devoted to defying gender norms, DapperQ highlights androgynous street style and fashion, adding much needed depth to “mens”wear. I would love to call it “humanswear” instead, but the search volume just doesn’t cut it.

Bottomline: Style isn’t just well dressed white men. We want to show a cross section of diversity, because good style is unique and at Natty, boldness and originality will always win out. With that said, we definitely missed lots of good accounts. And how could we not? Instagram is a virtual playground for the stylish, the eccentric, and the Notably Natty.

Let us know your favorite accounts below in the comments and they might make it into future update!

And as always: Celebrate bold. Be unique.

Your friend in fashion,

Alex

The Fit: The Lapel Pin

The Fit: A Blog Series

Get in where you “fit” in!

The lapel pin has become a trend, maybe even more so a phenomenon in men’s fashion. And it’s only been in existence (in this form at least) over the last few years. Lapel pins started out as just that, a pin worn in the lapel notch on sports coats/blazers/suit jackets. Now, they’re ever evolving. You will see them worn on sweaters, cardigans (don’t know what it is, we’ll discuss them later in the series), outerwear jackets etc.

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The lapel pin is an item of clothing in menswear that I thought wasn’t going to last long. Of course, it took me a while to jump on the lapel pin bandwagon, mostly out of fear that I didn’t know what I’d look like with one and I didn’t want to feel like a “trendy” person. But, when I finally did wear one, it hit me exactly why they are so popular and maybe even less trendy than I thought. Lapel pins have truly become a staple in menswear and I think it’s safe to say they’re here to stay. They are a subtle accessory that men can wear without feeling like their doing “too much” but can still incorporate a bit of their own personal style. And, most of all, lapel pins are small enough that they don’t overshadow an outfit and provide just enough of an edge to make an outfit that much more interesting. Now keep in mind that this was written before the Met Gala where some of entertainment’s best dressed donned them accompanied by sharp and well tailored tuxes (slideshow above). But is that celebrity endorsement validation or what? I thought it to be validation enough to make a Facebook post about it. Anyway, here are a few ways to wear your lapel pin:

Use an accent color in your jacket or tie and match with the lapel pin (Lapel Pin and Necktie by Natty Neckware)

Same look without necktie (Lapel pin by Natty Neckware)

Bigger the lapel the bigger more bold the lapel pin can be (Lapel Pin by Natty Neckware)

Add a lapel pin to a sweater instantly creates a more in-depth look (Lapel Pin by Natty Neckware)

Same look different sweater, same lapel pin (Lapel Pin by Natty Neckware)

Lapel Pin easily worn on a cardigan. Use accents colors from cardigan or a contrasting color (Lapel Pin by Natty Neckware)

Adds depth and dimension, personal style (Lapel Pin by Natty Neckware)

Adds depth and dimension, personal style (Lapel Pin by Natty Neckware)

Adds depth and dimension and coordinates with scarf (Lapel Pin by Natty Neckware)

Don’t be afraid to create you own unique way of wearing them and as you discover what works for you let us know how it goes. We’d love to see how y’all are rocking them!

Check out some lapel pins by Natty Neckware. 

Until next time…stay Natty! 

 

Collaborations are Sprouting…literally

It’s been a couple of weeks since I posted on the blog…did you notice? Okay, don’t answer that but either way, I’m sorry but not so sorry! It has been quite a busy and productive few weeks for me and my brand, Natty Neckware. There were A LOT of meetings and deadlines that I had to meet. Quite a few people that I needed to speak with and I’m glad to say that all went rather well. However there will be more updates about those things to come later. What I do want to detail is one of the collaborations we that were about to sprout (pun intended). I am pleased to announce that Natty Neckware is now a collective member of Sprout Patterns!

Sprout Patterns is a new service that combines curated patterns from independent patternmakers with Spoonflower designs to create custom cut and sew projects. What makes Sprout unique is not only the vast availability of designs and customizable patterns, but also the ease at which you get the fabric, print and pattern in one project. No more tracing and cutting multiple times. This is more environmentally friendly and it makes the process of sewing garments easier and more efficient. Sprout looks to combine the designer and maker worlds combating the ever so popular trends of fast fashion. I would say they’re on to something and I’m proud that myself and Natty Neckware can be apart of it.

We officially launched with Sprout at the end of April and it has been a breath of fresh air because the initial phase is complete which has simultaneously brought a boost of energy. This collaboration with Sprout was a perfect fit! One of my goals for 2016, was to move Natty Neckware in a direction more focused on design. How I was going to do this I didn’t fully know but I was open to any viable opportunities that presented themselves. So, not only does this give us more exposure in the design world, internationally might I add (check the site), but it will also give us (read: me) forward progression toward accomplishing one of my brands goals in 2016.

Until next time…stay Natty!

P.S.A: H&M Recycles

So, this week I’m taking a step back from my regular posts and sending some love toward something I care about pretty deeply, the environment. If you didn’t know Earth Day is on April 22nd and it’s important because well, this is our home until we pass on. Then it’s our kids and then their kids home, so we should want to leave it in good shape for them. Scrolling through Twitter yesterday I came across an initiative that H&M (yes the huge fashion retailer) is implementing. Basically, it’s recycling or reusing old, unused clothes for better purposes and in return it helps take better care of the world. If you don’t know, the fashion industry has a major impact on the environment from: water use, wasteful products and more but I’ll talk more about that in another post. What I really wanted to do was call your attention to this H&M initiative because I think it’s pretty awesome and you (read: we) don’t have to do much to participate. Simply, comb through your closets and create a donation pile. Put those clothes in a bag (or you can carry them in your arms whatever you please), take them to your nearest H&M store and give them a second life. There’s 3600 stores worldwide so this shouldn’t be too hard! So that’s it, you’ve done a good deed, decluttered your closet and helped the environment in more ways than you can probably imagine. For more info on H&M’s garment collecting initiative visit:  hm.com/garmentcollecting

Below is the press release from the retailer about collecting 1000 tons of unwanted garments during World Recycle Week and Earth Day…

Since H&M launched its Garment Collecting initative in 2013, customers from every corner of the world have helped recycle 25,000 tons of their unwanted clothes. To make that gigantic volume more comprehendible, H&M’s head of sustainability Anna Gedda compares it to collecting 125 million T-shirts in three years. On April 18, one week dedicated to collecting at least 1,000 tons of unwanted garments starts.

“Seeing how much unwanted clothes we’ve collected since launching the garment collecting initiative, we know that there’s a huge interest from our customers to be more conscious in how they enjoy fashion  – and we want them to be a part of the solution,” she says and continues:

“I’m positive we’ll be able to collect 1,000 tons during World Recycle Week.”

H&M has been on the sustainability forefront for years. After items are collected in any of the more than 3,600 H&M stores worldwide, they are shipped to one of seven sorting plants where they are sorted to become either re-worn and sold in second-hand stores, re-used as cloths or upholstery, or recycled to become new fabric and essentially new items.

“The planet’s resources are limited. If we want to continue enjoying fashion, we have to find a way to make better use of the resources. H&M works for a sustainable fashion future which, among many things, means that we want to create a closed loop for fashion where old clothes can be turned into new ones without using additional materials. We still have more to do, but already today we make so-called closed-loop products from recycled denim fabric from the garments you hand in,” says Anna Gedda.

To make as many people as possible aware of World Recycle Week, and to collect as many unwanted garments as possible (regardless of condition or brand, of course), H&M has teamed up with M.I.A. and several other influencers working in fashion and music while being devoted to reducing waste of the planet’s resources.

“M.I.A. is fantastic. She’s not just a great artist with great style, she’s also deeply engaged in sustainability and in environmental issues,” says Anna Gedda.

WHAT IS THE LONG-TERM GOAL WITH THIS WEEK?
“World Recycle Week is about changing people’s behavior when it comes to caring for their clothes, to make sure that no fashion goes to waste.”

BEFORE THE WEEK STARTS, WHAT DO YOU URGE EVERYONE TO DO?
“To see this as a great oppurtunity to clean out your wardrobe. Then make sure all the things you can’t wear anymore or that are ripped or that you’re tired of get new life.”

HOW MANY ITEMS WILL YOU RECYCLE DURING THE WEEK?
“At least two full bags. I’ve collected most of the things that I’m going to recycle.”

The music video with M.I.A. – watch the teaser above – highlights the environmental impact letting fashion go to waste has on the planet. So instead of throwing your clothes in the garbage and allowing them to end up in landfills, you should collect all the things you don’t want and bring them to your nearest H&M.

“World Recycle Week is a movement for change,” says Anna Gedda.

Until next time…stay Natty! 

 

The Fit

The Fit: A Blog Series

Get in, where you “fit” in!

The Fit, intended to help provide you with all the tools and information necessary to make the right decision when selecting that next piece of clothing to expand your wardrobe.
Consisting mainly of all things menswear: the “fit” of denim, suits, sports coats/blazers, etc. I’ll dive into how garments are supposed to fit and how those same garments can be tailored/altered to give you that “made to measure” look with “off the rack” prices. Stay tuned for future developments with this series, it may get even more interesting.

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We’ll start off with some accessories that I’m pretty familiar with for more reasons than one. Mainly because I work with them every day!

I hope you can follow along. Ain’t nothing to it but to do it!

Until next time…stay Natty!

This something new…

There’s something new on the horizon at Natty Neckware.

 

So, this post isn’t exactly about a specific topic, like my previous posts. This one is more of an introduction into something new that I’ll be adding to Natty Neckware which in my opinion, will make the brand even more invaluable. This something new has been suggested by several of my fashion forward friends as well as some of my not so fashion forward friends (I love them all the same either way). This something new would be an addition to my products but not really new to me because I’ve done it in the past. This something new did not come to mind naturally, even with past experience. This something new, was not an easy decision to make. I can say that with honesty because the first time it was suggested was a few of years ago, how ironic (if you’ve read my previous posts you’ll understand) and I’ve been getting that same feedback ever since. This something new is a service. This something new will bring a new perspective to men and menswear. Okay, I may be taking it a little far but let me live a little. This something new is…Style Architecture, commonly known as personal styling. Let’s build a “blueprint” for your personal style.  

With some brief thoughts and conversations, I saw style architecture as something that comes relatively natural to me. If asked, I immediately jump into “stylist” mode and start with my suggestions or ways to improve an outfit or lack thereof. So, here we are! The initial services I will be offering are below.

Services can be used in accordance with the purchase of our products or as a standalone service. If you have any additional questions please feel free to contact me via email: nattyneckware@gmail.com, on our Facebook page or through the contact page on the Natty Neckware website. Service will officially debut in April. 

STYLE ARCHITECTURE SERVICES

“Building a blueprint for your personal style”

Service	Price	Description
Shop Your Closet	$50 – 1 hour $25 for each additional hour	Closet full of clothes and still “nothing to wear”. Get the most out of your closet. It’s more in there than you think.
Special Event Styling	$28 – $50/hour	Interviews, Weddings, Dates, Proposals, Engagements
Style Architecture Consultation	$25/hour	Building a blueprint you want for your image and personal style

Until next time, stay Natty….

Strength. Courage. Wisdom.

Strength. Courage. Wisdom. All terms for inspiration, encouragement, motivation and more. They’re even in a song by the artist, India Arie. Side note, If you haven’t heard it, check it out  the audio video below and let me know what you think. So, what inspired me to talk about these words? Well, because I was listening to Pandora and this song ( “Strength, Courage and Wisdom”) came on while I was at work. At that moment listening to it wasn’t initially special, I’ve heard the song many times. But oh, was I wrong. I kept listening and there was something different about it this time. I actually heard the lyrics and for the first time let them resonate. So much so, I stopped working for a few seconds and intently sat with the words that she was singing. Some of the lyrics read like this:

[Chorus]

“Strength, Courage and Wisdom

It’s been inside of me all along

Strength, Courage and Wisdom

Inside of me”

Pretty simple huh? The rest of the song supports the lyrics wholeheartedly. She talks about stepping out on faith and showing her face (paraphrasing) but the lyrics are just dope and hold so much truth. A truth that I have been told for many years, many times by many different people. But there is something about music and in that very moment those words caught me and even held onto me. As the lyrics lingered in my mind I really heard what she was singing and what so many others had told me prior to this moment. YOU (I Marcus) have everything inside you to do what you need, want, and have to do. Strength, courage and wisdom are some of the things that I have needed and continue to need on my entrepreneurial journey. I’m a runner and these words also explain much of what’s needed for long distance running. Entrepreneurship requires endurance and is no cake walk, which I didn’t expect. There’s been many times when I’ve wanted to give up, not work so hard and not “be on” so much. But honestly, it comes with the territory. Being an entrepreneur is not meant to be easy. It takes embodying all of these words everyday, several times a day. One needs the STRENGTH to say, okay, I’m going to try this and change the way in which I do this and see what the outcome will be. I need the COURAGE  to, step out of my comfort zone, talk with people I normally wouldn’t engage with and do the things I usually wouldn’t or maybe even shouldn’t (still legal, though, come on y’all). Lastly, using WISDOM to learn from my mistakes and failures while finding the positivity within them and using that for my favor in the future. These words have been a boon in continuing to build my personal brand and my business, Natty Neckware.

Strength. Courage. Wisdom. All things we already possess within…we just have to dream, go, believe and DO.

Thanks for reading!

Until next time, stay Natty…