Camel Blazer: Thrift Store | Button-Down: H&M
Waist Coat: Ralph Lauren | Necktie: ASOS
Pants: H&M | Shoes: G.H. Bass

After week’s of searching, I finally found a camel blazer. I have to admit, I was looking for something a little longer, but this will do for now. Plus, it was only $6.99. You can’t beat that, right? That’s what happens when you are a talented thrifter like myself. Not to tute my own horn, but I know a thing or two about thrift shopping.

Since I can go on and on about thrift shopping, we can save that conversation for another time. Let’s get back to my newly purchased camel blazer. Lately, I’ve been seeing people on streets wearing their camel items with black only. This sounds fun and all, but I like a little color.

So, I decided to dress up the blazer with some preppy essentials, which means bright colors.  My entire outfit consists a variety of items including a pin striped button-down, wool waist coat, twill pants, and a pair of suede saddle shoes. Can we say “dapper” much. Now, I know it’s not one of those GQ Insider outfits of the week, but it still looks great in the snow. It’s better than wearing all black.

What do you think about this week’s featured look? What would you wear with you camel blazer?. Typically, I like wearing transitional outfits that I can wear to and from work.

Topcoat: Thrift Store | Button-Up: Ralph Lauren
Neck-Tie: Marshalls | Cardigan: ASOS
Denim Jeans: ASOS | Socks: H&M
Tassel Loafers: Hush Puppies/DSW

During one of those three day weekends in December, I had the opportunity to check out a random consignment shop in Brooklyn. This particular store sold a variety of used and refurbished items in excellent condition.

After spending an hour looking around the store, I eventually stumbled upon the perfect topcoat. To be honest, I rarely find coats that fit perfectly. Since my arms are disproportionate to my height, sleeve length is always a problem. Then, when I found a coat with long enough sleeves, the coat itself is too large.

Now, back to our original conversation. Not only did the sleeves cover the full length of my arms, this particular coat was long enough to keep my legs warm as well. Needless to say, this coat was a perfect addition to my outerwear collection. I typically wear it with the intent of dressing it up for the night.

As you can see in the outfit shown above, I like wearing this coat with a nice sweater, neck-tie, button-up, pants, and loafers. I tried to put together different styles, where I could pull specific hues from the coat. So, I went with a grey, mustard, and black color combination. Most of these items were already sitting in my closet, except for the skinny jeans and tassel loafers.

For months, I have been looking for a pair of skinny jeans in grey, and found them on ASOS. The loafers were purchased as a Christmas gift from Mom Dukes. Since I already owned the brown version, it was only appropriate to request the black pair as well.

Overall, this coat was a perfect buy for the winter. Hopefully, you can find other valuables from your local thrift store before this season runs out. Let us know what treasures you find in the comments section below.

Thanks for reading!

Velvet Blazer: ASOS | Button-Up: H&M
Tie: Forever21 | Lapel: Nordstrom
Fedora: H&M | Jeans: River Island
Saddle Shoes: G.H Bass

 Way back in college, I considered myself the king of velvet blazers. In fact, I owned at least five different types of velvet blazers, all in which were different colors. Sounds like a slight addiction, right? Whatever the case may be, the velvet blazer became an important part of my college wardrobe. However, it took all of two days for my peers to make their own opinions.

In North Carolina. I attended school with a large group of very conservative and narrow minded college students. Once the student body caught wind of my velvet addiction, it didn’t take long before I became the butt of every joke. Walking across the yard, I can remember hearing jokes like, “What is that, velvet.”

Yes, we get it, Coming to America was a great movie, but that joke shouldn’t be used in the real world. Nevertheless, I continued to wear velvet blazers throughout college, and even during graduate school.

Here is the irony in the story. In the past five years, the velvet blazer can be found on almost every man’s closet. Typically worn with a button-up, slacks, and pair of dress shoes, the velvet blazer can be purchased from any local retail store.

Although I’m not the stereotypical “Suit it and Boot it” type of guy, I will throw on a velvet blazer with a nice dress shirt and jeans. Take, for instance, today’s featured look. You can consider it as one of those business casual inspired looks for the office. Furthermore, the velveteen blazer along with the easy-iron button-up were a perfect match. Additional accessories like the striped knit tie, floral lapel, and wool fedora were also added to complete this look.

Continuing with this theme, I slipped on my black and brown contrasted saddle shoes from G.H. Bass. Both comfortable and stylish, these shoes are perfect for most weather conditions, including snow. As a result, you can wear them throughout the entire year. you can’t beat that, right?

I decided to dress down my look with my skinny jeans. You are probably tired of seeing me wear them every other Monday, but do you understand how long it takes to find a good pair of jeans? I’m not going to even get into all that, but you get what I’m saying.

Thanks for reading! Make sure to stay warm in all this snow.