Fashion: Modern Man's Guide to a Vegas Spring/Summer

Spring and summer is here! Yay...?

I had just bought the biannual special issue of GQ Magazine and it was a guide on the trends and styles men can work with for Spring and Summer. All of the notable trends were covered but the biggest issue I had as I read was, "How am I supposed to layer up in this heat?"

I was trying to imagine myself with even one more layer than a single one but I personally cannot bear the summertime heat here in the Southwest. If I had to describe the weather here to anyone who might not have a clue, all I can say is that outside during the summer literally, without any exaggeration, feels like a heat lamp and winds like a hairdryer. Temperatures in the 3-digits and high nineties is quite common and therefore, if you layer up, you better have some seriously light clothing.

Where am I going with this? Basically I want to share my ideas and insights on the upcoming 2-3 months of heat we have here in Vegas which honestly, scare me. If you can do just fine or don't care all too much then that's fine. I mainly have to deal with the heat a little bit more because my car does not have air conditioning. I will try to explain the reasoning behind these articles of clothing and hopefully, we all take something from it!

Bucket Hats 

Navy Wool Bucket Hat. Light and can be tucked away easily.

These things are great. They are light weight and have a brim that can protect both the back of your neck and give you eyes some shade when it is super sunny. You can always take them off and tuck them away somewhere in your bag or even in your pockets! I have been wearing one and I apparently look like a tourist. That's alright though since tourists are common here!

Shirts

Light colors and comfortable fabric.

I am extremely picky with my plaid patterns.

The thing with button-up shirts is that they are just as comfortable as a t-shirt but you have a more dressed look. This is also thanks to the fact that your shirt is clean and not wrinkled (right?). You can never really go wrong with a shirt when you go out but be mindful of your colors and patterns. If you can, try and play around with floral patterns and lively earthly colors. There are many lightweight fabrics out there like the common cotton, linen, and seersucker, that can keep you cool while looking cool as well. (Pun-tastic huh.)

Shorts | Swim Trunks

You can cuff em' too if you want a shorter length.

Can't go wrong with a floral pattern for to be in tune with the season.

Lively pattern for swimwear. Or maybe just wear these shorts where ever you want.

Hey, I love pants as much as the next guy but sometimes we just can't keep cool when it's a hundred degrees out there. Try some shorts and find some good styles and designs that will suit your taste. Fit is still something you have to note and it will make or break how you wear shorts.

Less Socks | More Style

I've had these Sebagos for about two years and they're aging quite well.

These double monks are great for where ever you're going.

As much as I love wearing quirky socks with my outfits, sometimes it's just too hot. If you can, go with no socks and it'll make your shoes stand out more. I personally am going less with sporty sneakers and more into boat shoes and will be venturing into shopping for a pair of loafers. That's at least what I want to go for, dressy-ish but comfortable. Comfort really is a big thing with most men or anyone for that matter.If you really hate going sockless, like me, I would recommend buying no show socks from Journeys. I bought the women's sizes because my feet are small, and I would recommend you do the same if you have like around size 8's.

Sandals | Spartan Footwear

I'd wear these with a suit...

Brown is the new black.

While sandals are more casual and relaxed in by nature, you can pick ones that also emit sophistication. They even have camo.

At least for my peers, sandals have been something you kind of want to stay away from usually. I'm not talking about beach thong sandals anymore though. As for my shoes, I like to make them a dressy and casual hybrid and that will go for sandals as well. You want something that is leather and looks sophisticated, just like yourself (hopefully). 

Wondering where I got some of these items on the pictures? Here's the list:

Bucket Hats

• Navy Wool Bucket Hat - Urban Outfitters

Shirts

• Pink Oxford - Gap
• Green and Blue Shirt - Hawkings McGill, Urban Outfitters
• Blue/Yellow Plaid Shirt - Penguin
• White Plaid Shirt - Perry Ellis

Shorts/Trunks

• Blue Patterned Shorts - Brigade, Kohl's
• Botanical Print Shorts - 21Men
• Aloha Print Shorts - 21Men

Shoes

• Brown Boat Shoes - Sebago
• Double Monk Straps - Topman

Sandals

• Dark Brown Sandals - Zara
• Tan Sandals - Zara
• Camo Sandals - ALDO

Spotlight: United By Blue

Neutral canvas and leather for a classic look.

The world used to be a smaller place 100 years ago or even 50 years ago but with the dawn of the internet age, information and knowledge become readily available to almost anyone who has access to the web. Along with the technological advance of people, the consequence sometimes amount to pollution of the environment. What does all this have to do with United By Blue you might ask? Well they are an apparel and accessories company who take pride in their environmentalist efforts and ideals.

They have clothes as well!

United By Blue is based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA and was established in 2010. The main focus of the company is to provide high quality goods with the environment in mind at all times. All materials used are organic, like for example, organic cotton canvas for their bags. While most production will be allocated to the US this coming Fall 2014, a few items like their wool socks (North Carolina) and the McKinley Coat (Tennessee) are produced in the USA.

The McKinley Coat is made in Tennessee, USA. Don't know if it's available in the store just yet

In addition to using organic materials in their products, they also will remove a pound of polluting waste from the coast in Philadelphia for every purchase of their product. This operation is done by the employees themselves, led by a team leader right from their offices. They will also work with any volunteers who are willing and they work with the municipality in Philadelphia to collect the waste. The company has collected over 100,000 pounds of waste from the seaside! If you are looking for the vintage-like look with neutral tones and leather accents, their bags are something you should really look into. Thanks for reading!

Bag detail.

Special thanks to Joanna at the (capsule) show for allowing us to take photos and speaking with us briefly about their company. The link to their website will be provided below.

unitedbyblue.com