by Lisa Bruckner, CEO & Co-Founder, with strong stance in the cargo pants controversy

While looking at men’s online clothing shops recently, I noticed a recurrent trend: Men’s cargo pants on sale or clearance. I felt a rush of excitement at the thought of never seeing a grown man wear these pocket-y pants again! As a realist however, I understand cargo pants have a purpose, place and time. Let’s discuss these.

The purpose of cargo pants is to hold things. But in truth: How many toys do you need to carry with you in one day? If you work in an office or in the business sector, everything you need should be on your desk, in your briefcase or thanks to current technology: compiled onto one device like your smartphone. Therefore, cargo pants do not belong on the business — or even biz-casual — man.

This brings us to place. The place for cargo pants is simple: anywhere (usually outdoors) where you require many, many pockets to hold things you can’t otherwise carry. For example: The Dad taking his kids to the park (pockets for snacks, diapers, sippy cups, etc.). Cargo pants are ideal for the great outdoors, expeditions and careers that require you to work in the rough. Going camping? Hooray — put on those cargo pants! Going to the office? Put the cargo pants down!

Lastly, let’s talk about time. The best time to wear cargo pants is when you don’t need to worry about your appearance. This is a key point to remember: Cargo pants are not attractive or flattering unless you are a muscular man in uniform who is not wearing a shirt. I understand many men think cargo pants are cool, in the “I want to be outdoorsy, comfortable and slightly dangerous” way. Once you wash them however, and the pocket flaps flip up above your bun cheeks in high salute — and the thigh pockets are so wrinkled they look like mummified remains — you lose any “cool” that once might have been. To me, cargo pants look like a wannabe indulgence of the urban man; like the guy who drives a hummer down Fifth Avenue. Watch out: Those potholes are so dangerous, man.

But... why?.

Now, let’s jump back to purpose: If you truly must carry your iPod, flask, sewing kit and hair product everywhere you go, may I please suggest a tasteful murse? Or, for you manly men who must travel hands-free, may I suggest the arguably cool ScotteVest. Some of these jackets look like they are straight out of the Swat Team supply room… and have 352 pockets! However select your style carefully. (I said “arguably” cool for a reason.)

The Solution

I recommend you pack those cargos away for the weekend adventures and buy some flat-front chinos or dark denim instead. Plus, if don’t do your own laundry, consider this: the person who does will shout for joy when they no longer have to check all six pockets of your pants every time they’re washed.

Finally, memorize this rule: Cargo pants should only be worn with vintage sneakers or athletic shoes (including hiking or combat boots).

Now you’re truly prepared for both the urban and outdoor wilderness. Enjoy!

— Lisa Bruckner, CEO and co-Founder Hendricks Park 

What would it feel like to make heads turn?

Time to find out. Click Here Now to apply for your own FREE Personal Style Expert!

Want more tips and ideas? Like us on Facebook now!

Shoes. Belt. Confidence: The style triad.

These three things have the power to make or break any outfit. Nail each one — and welcome to the world of style. The first two often lead to the third, so make them good. Or in some cases: BAD.

We’ve worked with Bill Adler Designs since the very beginning, and have yet to find a brand with more quality, versatility and ageless “cool.” Plus the craftsmanship is outstanding — which means you stand out among men.

Here’s why BAD is the John Wayne of belts:

• Rugged good looks
• Untouchable quality. Super soft lambskin and vegetable tanned hides.
• Classic craftsmanship, from the hammered and antiqued metals to the hand-sanded straps.
• One of a kind—this level of craftsmanship means each belt has unique characteristics.
• Timeless. Extraordinary when new; even more handsome with age.

Come to think of it, these belts sound like you. They’re rugged, they’re handsome and they age epically well. Highly recommended.

— Aydika Jack James
Writer, Style Expert, Travel & Adventure Junkie

PS: How can we not say it? We love how these belts are crafted Oregon, home of our Hendricks Park headquarters, many people on our team… and our tireless founder Lisa Bruckner!

Hendricks Park clients:
If you like these belts, just tell your Style Expert!

What would it be like to make heads turn?

Time to find out. Get your own FREE Personal Style Expert – Click Here Now to Apply!

Want more tips and ideas? Like us on Facebook now!

Image: vi.sualize.us

Are you living the “work traveler” lifestyle?

Then you know the meaning of exhilarating, exhausting… and lonely. Being in a new city each week has its own unique challenges for the single man — and opportunities, if you know what to do.

By popular request from many of our clients, we’re excited to feature five tips for all you travelers from men’s dating and lifestyle coach, Marni of The Wing Girl Method. Voted World’s Best Female Coach and featured on CNET.com, CNN.com, BlackBook.com (and the list goes on), she definitely knows what she’s talking about. Enjoy!

July 7, 2011

Marni,
Give me a little advice. I have a hard time meeting women as my job is on the road.  Which means, I’m traveling all the time and living in hotels. How can I meet women while traveling alone? — Jason, 34, Chicago

Jason,

Traveling for work can be a wreck on your social life. It requires a little extra effort and risk-taking on your part. But if you’re up for it (and I hope you are), you can make it work by following these five steps:

Step 1: Before going to any city, do your research.
Choose the best hotel location for going out and meeting people. You don’t want to get stuck out in the boonies if you plan to socialize and meet women while traveling for work.

TIP: Most cities have websites, which will tell you what’s going on at local restaurants, hotels, nightlife etc. Find one of these sites and select three things you want to do while in that city.

Step 2: Go to the hotel lobby or bar and scout for others flying solo.
Male or female, it doesn’t matter which — you’re just looking for a partner to go out with at this point. Tell them you’re going to go out together for a fun night, and give them one or all of the options you selected. Trust me: If a person is at a hotel by themselves, 8 out of 10 times they’ll be up for some sort of interaction and social outing.

Step 3: Go to the social location you selected.
Note: If you aren’t into clubs, DON’T GO TO CLUBS. But if you are, go. Generally, I suggest a local bar; these are usually busy and filled with people who are up for new experiences.

Step 4: Start interacting with others.
If you have a hard time doing this, try introducing a game of some sort with you and your new friend. For example: “Guess her name.” Both of you guess which half of the alphabet the first letter of her name falls into. If you’re right, you get a beer and vice versa. This game gets you in a fun mood and gives you a reason to approach. When you approach with a “reason,” you appear more confident and attractive to women. Plus, it makes the approach a hell of a lot easier! Keeping the next step in mind helps give you even more confidence…

Step 5: Start pulling others into your game.
You’re up for a fun night, so make it memorable. Be a leader and gain the attraction of others in the bar.

If you follow these five steps while traveling alone, I guarantee your business trips will no longer feel depressing and lonely. Plus, whether or not you meet a woman, you’ll enjoy your night! Win-win in my eyes.

— Marni

Want more FREE tips and advice from the source?
Sign Up for The Wing Girl Method Newsletter to receive discounts, VIP information, and her e-Book “10 Secrets About Beautiful Women You Need To Know.”

Click here to discover why she was voted World’s Best Female Coach!

Image: http://www.esquire.com/cm/esquire/images/woody-allen-lg-21944390.jpg

As you may have noticed, saddles shoes are everywhere now.

And as with any trend, we’re bound to see the good, the bad and the… horrendously obnoxious. We recommend you stick with the good. Here’s how.

The Air Colton by Cole Haan: A classy style for today and many tomorrows.

But wait — what is a saddle shoe, exactly?
Saddle shoes are an oxford (“lace-up”) with a “saddle” of leather sewn across the instep. These were typically black-on-black when they arose in the 1920′s; but we know them best by the iconic black-on-white version from the 50’s. In those days, saddle shoes were worn casually, paired with shorts and pants before sneakers hit the streets. Today’s styles have a vast range of color combinations — and even more “elegance plus kick” impact than ever.

Outside of high fashion (see Chris Brown’s attempt below), one pair we recommend for just about man is the Cole Haan Air Colton. These have a classic while “above the fold” look to keep them in style for years to come.

Here’s an easy but stand-out outfit combo for daytime or evening:

What works about this look is that it’s a simple combination of understated basics, which lets the shoes add pizzazz and do all the talking. Wearing a busy or bold-printed shirt with saddle shoes wouldn’t work as well, as two bold items end up competing for visual attention, creating a cluttered appearance.

Take-Away:
Saddle shoes are a great statement piece. Keep colors simple and the soles sleek (not chunky), and you’ll have a wardrobe investment that will make you stand out for a lifetime. Add them to just about any mix of basics for an instant style upgrade!

— Aydika James & Michelle Miller

  Have you “liked” us on Facebook?

Aydika James: Writer, Style Expert, Travel & Adventure Junkie

Michelle Miller: Style Expert, Writer & Chef Extraordinaire

To our clients:
The outfit above is from our Hendricks Park collection. Just ask your Style Expert to send you these or similar items in the best style for you!

Want to know what it’s like to have a FREE personal style expert? Click Here Now to apply for your own!

Is Chris Brown demonstrating the good, the bad, or the ugly? You decide.

When it comes to your pants, do you know what a good fit looks like?

If no, you’re not alone. Most men really don’t know how pants can and should fit, so many settle for “fits-ish.” (To the onlooker, this just looks sloppy.) On the flip side, a great fit from waist down creates instant polish and class — and says “I know what I’m doing.”

This is why when I saw the below image of Dominic Cooper in this month’s Esquire magazine, I did a little happy dance in my seat. (The lady next to me suddenly gave me more space. Bonus.) This picture illustrates what I’d consider the perfect fit pants — for every physique.

Whether you’re slim or heavy, short or tall, save this image and aim for this look. Get over the idea that you’re hiding anything in extra fabric. Wearing pants too baggy or long only makes slim men look scrawny, large men look puffy, tall men look frumpy and short men look dumpy. You deserve better.

Here’s the breakdown of what to aim for:

Photo: http://www.esquire.com/

Easy bonus points:
Dominic’s coordinating (but not “matching”) pocket square instantly amps this look to the top of the style charts. A simple and powerful touch.

Not sure about your favorite trousers? Take them to a good tailor and see what he/she says. A few minor adjustments can make a world of difference!

— Aydika James, Hendricks Park (Writer, Men’s Style Expert and Travel Junkie)

PS: And as for the above “Bad Fit” image… please just say no to pleats.

  Have you “liked” us on Facebook?

by Lisa Bruckner, CEO & Co-Founder

Shopping? Probably the last thing a man wants to think about when planning his wedding.

Earlier this month, I shared some tips for busy grooms in the post “How to Dress for Your Wedding: A Groom’s Life Made Easy.” In it, I touched on Walker’s story, a client I helped dress from proposal to honeymoon. It’s so much fun to work with grooms like Walker, making it easy for them to look and feel amazing for this milestone in their lives — without the time and hassle of shopping.

Here’s a little more about Walker’s story.

Walker pops the question. How could Angelina say no to such a dashing gentleman?

During one of our regular clothing consultations, Walker told me he was going to propose to his girlfriend Angelina. After the congratulations, we talked about what he should wear, ring recommendations, and explored ideas he had for the perfect setting to pop the big question. As you can see here, all went smoothly.

“For the day I popped the question, Lisa set me up with a navy suit with a subtle plaid pattern and white Ike Behar shirt, that not only worked great for the proposal — it has also been great to wear to other weddings and just whenever the occasion called for.”  — Walker

After proposing, the conversations moved on to Walker’s tuxedo, and how we could put the finishing touches on his wedding day outfit to make sure it coordinated with Angelina’s dress and the wedding theme. Walker wanted something special to add a touch of modernity to their classic theme — which would coordinate beautifully with Angelina’s dress and sash. My team and I came up with a fantastic solution.

“For the wedding, Lisa and her team had a tie by Dion custom made for me to to go with my bride’s dress. Lisa explained the tie was amazing… and she was not kidding. It was perfect — and really popped with my wife’s dress and against my classic black tux.“  — Walker

And of course, a man has to look good on his honeymoon too — an easy thing to forget until the last second! Having a personal style expert helps grooms cover all bases (and body parts) when they don’t have time to shop — or time to think about what they’ll need. (Like stylish swim trunks for the post-wedding relaxation.)

“The clothing Lisa and her team were able to set me up with via her ‘voutique’ service was great — but the best part is that Lisa was available and willing to discuss ideas with me for popping the question, and any questions about tuxes, ties, and anything else associated with what I might wear. “  — Walker

It’s been such a pleasure and honor to know Walker and Angelina, and to be a small part of this big milestones in their lives. It always makes my day when Walker emails me to tell me about the compliments he receives on the clothes we send him. However, I’m not surprised. He truly looks great!

Best,
Lisa Bruckner, CEO and co-Founder

  Have you “liked” us on Facebook?

Have a wedding coming up — or know a groom-to-be?

We allow busy grooms to look their best on their wedding day — and all the events surrounding – without having to shop. Plus, there’s NO fee for our service.

• You’ll have your own Personal Style Expert, who meets with you live on video chat to learn about your wedding, style and budget in order to design your perfect outfit.
• Your Style Expert takes care of your whole outfit from head to toe, or just the specific items you need.
• Items are shipped directly to you, with FREE shipping and easy returns.
• Items for your groomsmen can be shipped separately to each man. Easy.

Click here to see more about what we do!

When it comes to shoes, we might in fact be the planet’s pickiest buyers…

But AURI was love at first sight. This ground-breaking “fashion lab” from Laguna is fusing old-world craftsmanship with cutting-edge performance — and the latest in NASA-grade engineering. Like James Bond and the Ferrarri F50, some things are just ridiculously cool. We’re putting AURI into this category now. Here’s why.

Serious Style

• Rich Italian leathers and hand-stitched details
• Ultra-modern designs with slick, low-profile silhouettes
• Fantastic with everything from dressier denim to casual shorts

Ridiculous Comfort

• Buttery-soft interiors with plush memory foam
• Removable multi-density anatomical foot-beds, which provide serious insulation from harsh pavement, etc.
• Instant comfort — NO break-in required

The Genius Factor

• NASA grade materials and performance technologies (Um, yeah.)
• Temperature regulating linings keep your feet comfortable, cool and dry
• Active suspension systems for impact protection using new hybrid foam technologies

Oh yes — and you can’t beat the price. We’re not sure how they can make a profit off these… but we’re not asking.

To AURI, we say:
Thank you for making us look good, by inspiring the “Oh yeah” response from every client we send them to. For the rest of you gentleman, all we can say is: Find them. Get them. And get ready to be noticed.

Clients: Want these? Just tell your Style Expert to “Send me a pair of AURIs!”

To Infinity and Beyond,
— Aydika James, Hendricks Park Writer, Style Expert, Travel & Adventure Junkie

  Have you “liked” us on Facebook?

What would it be like to have a FREE personal style expert — available wherever you go?
Apply for your own expert Now!

Featuring Guest Author & Hendricks Park Men’s Style Expert Michelle Miller

Are women high-maintenance?  Well, yes — but not in the way you might think…

When men think “high maintenance,” they tend to think of expensive dinners and gifts. However while these things are flattering for women, the truth is: the money isn’t what’s necessary. So what are the keys to really knocking her socks off? Try incorporating these ideas into your next romantic evening to find out.

#1: Your time is more valuable than your money.

Photo: http://www.acefitness.org

Quality time in an intimate environment is worth more to her than dinner at any restaurant.

An ex-boyfriend once avoided making plans with me on a special day, giving me little reason why. At 12:01 AM, I received a text message telling me to check my porch. There, I found a beautiful basket with very nice gifts — but I was still hurt and disappointed. I didn’t want fancy gifts; I wanted his time. A rushed dinner at a swanky restaurant is not likely to impress, either. Quality time in an intimate environment will.

When you plan a special night, make sure it’s obvious you put time into planning and preparing for it. A great way to do this is to prepare a meal at home. Pick up a few of her favorite foods, make sure you have her favorite beverage available, and then set a romantic table with a few candles. The kicker? Dress up for her as though you were going out. The extra effort to impress illustrates how much her opinion means to you. (Which is why we dress up for you!)

If you don’t know her well yet, prepare several small dishes, tapas style. Explain that you’re eager to learn all about her, starting with her favorite foods. No matter what you make, she’ll swoon over the thought and effort. Then, pay attention to what she enjoys and keep that in mind for the next date.

Don’t be afraid if you’re not exactly a “chef.” The dinner doesn’t have to be “gourmet” to be romantic — and it doesn’t need a fancy bottle of wine. It does have to show that you know her!

#2: Creativity trumps tradition.

Dinner and a movie? Snore. Step up your game by indulging your lucky lady in a night designed around her interests.

Photo: http://plancreativedates.blogspot.com/

If she’s the sporty type, swing by a specialty grocer and grab some items from the deli for a picnic. Find a good hiking trail that ends with a picnic at dusk. (Bonus points for bringing a blanket!)

Is she the artistic type? Find an art studio that allows you to take a lesson in pottery, painting, etc. Or, look for one of the man “art bars” that have been springing up lately, which allow you to indulge in both drinks and projects at the same time. The basic idea is to create something together — or at least learn a new skill together.

Note: She’ll be especially appreciative if the activity is not your forte. Stepping out of your box for her sake is  a great way to show you care. For example, find a beginner salsa or swing dance class to take together. It doesn’t matter if you step on her feet or have no rhythm — she’ll love the effort and interest!

#3: When it comes to flowers, less is more!

Photo: calyxflowers.com

A dozen roses? How you say: cliché? A single Birds of Paradise stem, along with a compliment about how amazing she looked on your last vacation, will get you much further.

If you’re married, bring home a single flower of a type she selected for your wedding celebrations. This means far more than any number of roses.

First date? Flowers can add pressure to an already awkward situation. Unless you know her well, avoid showing up with blooms in hand. However if the date is going well and you pass by a flower stand… spontaneously stop and pick out a unique flower on the spot.

Ready Romeo? Just remember: What women value most about you is you — your time, your thought, your energy... your style.

— Michelle Miller, Men’s Style Expert, Writer, Traveler and Healthy Lifestyle Specialist

  Have you “liked” us on Facebook?

There are many things a man can do to be “stylish”…

…but when it comes to truly expressing your own sense of style, the key concept to embrace is layering. Incorporating layering into your everyday routine has a multitude of benefits.

Layering…

• …provides an unlimited number of ensemble combinations — especially when you take a “layering approach” when purchasing new items to add to your existing wardrobe. This way, when you purchase a layered outfit, you are in reality purchasing six or more looks for the price of one.

• …gives you numerous opportunities to experiment and show off your own personal style.

• …allows you to be prepared no matter what the weather or occasion, as layers can be taken off and put back on based on what’s going on outside.

How to Do It

To truly reap the benefits of layering, follow what I call the “The Three’s Company Rule.” This means to always wear at least three wardrobe items that will serve as a foundation to your outfit, and draw a little attention while also complimenting one another. These three items will be the starting point from which you can begin to build your outfit. Or, they can serve as the outfit. If you’re new to layering, here are some tips to make it easy:

Chris Evans modeled the 2011 Fall Fashion on the July cover of GQ — and also the ‘Three’s Company Rule’ to layering.

1. Determine what you want your three items to be. 
Start by identifying three items you feel comfortable wearing together. Here are a few suggestions to play around with mixing:

• Dress shirt
• T-Shirt (V-Neck, Crew Neck, etc.)
• Jeans (multitude of washes to choose from)
• Sweater
• Cardigan
• Blazer
• (Many, many more…)

2. After you have chosen your three items, begin to play with adding and subtracting other clothing items to create different looks.

3. Two important things to keep in mind are temperature and bulk. Layering is meant to take your look to a new level — without compromising your comfort, or ruining the ideal silhouette your outfit should create.

4. Layering is not just for fall and winter — summer is also the perfect season to feel the love.

Once you begin your love affair with layering, you won’t ever want to go back.

About the Guest Author

Dustin Enrique Larsen, New York City
Dustin is a fashion industry professional dedicated to men’s style. We enjoy his writing and real-life tips for men. Read more on his personal blog at: apple-2-apple.blogspot.com

by Lisa Bruckner, CEO & Co-Founder

We love it when our clients get married. It’s so rewarding to share in the couple’s excitement, helping transform the “task” of outfitting the groom into a fun part of the wedding experience. Here are three tips we offer our clients, to make your own Big Day easy and fun.

Tip #1:  It’s not just about matching colors. Think of the big picture.
The groom and groomsmen party are 50% of the picture, so it’s important to select a look and style that’s in harmony with rest of the wedding party and location.

Example: Jeremy’s Wedding
Jeremy’s casually elegant summer wedding (pictured above) was at a rustic East Coast resort. Dark suits or tuxedos would have looked out of place in this setting, so we chose tan, lightweight, 3-piece suits. The neutral suits were not only a handsome compliment to the outdoor setting; they will also be a great addition to each of these men’s wardrobes for years to come.

Since it was a summer wedding, heat was a factor; so the groomsmen wore only vests and trousers, which also reduced their cost (a common concern among conscientious grooms). To distinguish himself as the groom, Jeremy wore a full suit with a coordinating shirt and tie, in a style that incorporated into the bridal party’s wedding colors.

Photo credit: http://liesldieselphoto.com/

Photo credit: http://liesldieselphoto.com/

Tip #2: Rather than renting a tuxedo, buying a suit for your wedding is a wise investment and a look you can own — literally. (Especially considering the average cost of a one-day tux rental begins at $200.)

Example: Jamil‘s Wedding
Jamil had an indoor city wedding in Chicago. For their evening wedding, Jamil wore a black suit with a paisley, pinstriped vest, to set him apart from the groomsmen. He also wore a rich blue paisley tie, to coordinate with the “peacock feather” wedding theme. His groomsmen wore the same color tie but in a solid, silk weave.

Tip # 3: Consider the 3-Piece Suit
Wearing a 3-piece suit or tuxedo for your wedding allows you to take your jacket off during the reception and still look handsomely dressed — as long as it includes a full vest (also known as a waistcoat).

Walker’s Wedding
Angelina and Walker were married on a North Carolina autumn day, and wanted an elegantly classic wedding. To bring a modern touch to his classic tuxedo, we opted for a full-length tie. Walker is a former linebacker — and at 6’5,” he needs a custom-length tie, so we had one made for him in a rich, silk damask that coordinated with the texture of Angelina’s dress and the color of her sash.

We also dressed Walker for the day he proposed and his honeymoon. More on his story to come…

Many thanks to the newlyweds for letting us share their stories. It’s been an honor to be a small part of such a big milestone in your lives. Best wishes for a long, happy marriage!

Check back here soon for more tips and fresh ideas for your own Big Day!

All the Best,
Lisa & The Hendricks Park Team

  Have you “liked” us on Facebook?

Have a wedding coming up — or know a groom-to-be?

We allow busy grooms to look their best on their wedding day — and all the events surrounding – without having to shop. Plus, there’s no fee for our service.

• Your own Personal Style Expert will meet with you live on video chat, to learn more about your wedding, style and budget to design your perfect outfit.
• Your Style Expert can take care of your whole outfit from head to toe, or just the specific items you need.
• Items are shipped directly to you, with FREE shipping and easy returns.
• Items for your groomsmen can be shipped separately to each man. Easy.

Click here to see more about what we do