Sunday, November 16, 2008

The Coat: A Key Piece to complete your Fall-Winter look

The one piece that every guy should have in his closet this season is a coat. Coats are a great way finish off your look. It serves as a very functional accessory that gives your outfit a lot of character and pizzazz. The two more common coats guys wear are the top coat and the pea coat. Top coats are usually longer in length and slimmer in cut. They are also most times single breasted. Pea coats are usually double breasted and wider in cut. Both can be worn over a suit. Both can be dressed up or dressed down.

My favorite coats this season are:
Tri-Blend Car Coat in Camel from Banana Republic - clean lines, three quarter length, wool-cashmere blend. Great with a pair of black denim jeans and boots or a Navy suit and oxfords. http://www.bananarepublic.com/



The Lopez Trench Coat from Boss by Hugo Boss - double breasted, wide lapels, cuffed sleeves, elegant finish. Great with a cocoa brown suit or dark navy raw denim jeans. http://www.hugoboss.com/


The Crosby Wool Pea Coat in Steel Gray from Club Monaco - double breasted, metal buttons, military cuff sleeve, wool-cashmere blend. Great with dark blue straight or slim cut jeans and an touch of color in a burnt orange cashmere scarf. http://www.clubmonaco.com/



Some tips when buying a coat:

  • Try it on with a sweater. The fit should be comfortable not tight. Move your arms and check the points by the armpits and shoulders.
  • Length. Your sleeves should sit slightly above your thumb knuckle. If your sleeves sit right at your wrist, then your coat is too short.
  • Fit. Make sure when the coat is all buttoned up, there are no stretch lines across your chest. That's a sign it's too tight.
  • Fabric. Wool or Cashmere for warmth. For wetter climates, a weather-proof nylon works really well.

Sunday, September 21, 2008

Oro Real Premium Tequila - Ad Campaign Shoot

Photographer: Paco Guzman
Wardrobe Stylist: Paulo Vallejo
Clothes by CC 1827
Makeup and Hair: Jeanine Lehfeldt, Stacy Peterson
Model: Sonni Pacheco













Photographer: Paco Guzman
Wardrobe Stylist: Paulo Vallejo
Clothes by CC 1827
Makeup and Hair: Jeanine Lehfeldt, Stacy Peterson
Model: Alicia Meek














Photographer: Paco Guzman
Wardrobe Stylist: Paulo Vallejo
Clothes by CC 1827
Makeup and Hair: Jeanine Lehfeldt, Stacy Peterson
Model: Kristen Voss






Photographer: Paco Guzman
Wardrobe Stylist: Paulo Vallejo
Clothes by CC 1827
Makeup and Hair: Jeanine Lehfeldt, Stacy Peterson
Model: Tannaz Alsefar









Photographer: Paco Guzman
Wardrobe Stylist: Paulo Vallejo
Clothes by CC 1827
Makeup and Hair: Jeanine Lehfeldt, Stacy Peterson
Model: Tajah Olson














Photographer: Paco Guzman
Wardrobe Stylist: Paulo Vallejo
Makeup and Hair: Jeanine Lehfeldt, Stacy Peterson
Models: Tajah Olson, Matt Deane, Kristen Voss, Sonni Pacheco

Monday, August 25, 2008

Eyewear Photoshoot August 22, 2008









Photographer: Jasna Stojanovic
Make Up Artist: Maria May Jorgenson
Stylist: Paulo Vallejo
Eyewear:"Gascan" by Oakley
Hoodie by Urban Heritage















Photographer: Jasna Stojanovic
Make Up Artist: Maria May Jorgenson
Stylist: Paulo Vallejo
Eyewear: "MacGyver" by Urban Outfitters
Bandana by Good Society
















Photographer: Jasna Stojanovic
Make Up Artist: Maria May Jorgenson
Stylist: Paulo Vallejo
Eyewear by Chanel
Vest from The Gap
T-Shirt from French Connection UK
Fedora by Livity
Leather Cuff by Nixon

Monday, August 18, 2008

AXIS Salon's Hair Pu'tee: A New Alternative to Salon Branded Hair Products.


It’s not always that guys find a great hair product. I’m not a big fan of the wet, Rico Suave look. I prefer a matte finish, but more importantly the ability to change hairstyles with a few twists and shakes. My other pet peeve with hair products is strong scents. As far as I’m concerned, hair products should be scent neutral or lightly scented.

I recently tried a new product from Vancouver’s most awarded hair salon, AXIS. The product is called AXIS Pu'tee- Texturizing Dirt. I’ve used similar products from other brands like Sebastian and American Crew. From a price point perspective, AXIS Pu'tee falls within the $15 mark compared to Sebastian’s Craft Clay that sells for $25 and American Crew’s Citrus Mint Clay for $20.

In terms of performance, the Pu'tee “holds” strong. This flexible styling pu'tte gives you endless styling looks and options. With natural ingredients like beeswax, olive triglycerides, and sweet almond oil, this product is bound to make to make your hair follicles jump for joy. Unlike other products, AXIS’ pu'tee doesn’t give you that crispy hold, as if you just got your hair fried. The hold is malleable, allowing you to define, texturize, and style your hair however you want to. And its finish, matte with a light caramel scent!

Available at all AXIS Salons in Vancouver, BC.

Wednesday, July 23, 2008

Coming Soon: Premiere Men's Blog - ISTYLEU, Man!

In the next few weeks you will be seeing this blog change. More and more content will be dedicated to menswear and men's style. To kick things off will be a piece on my picks for fall 2008 and what to look forward to for spring 2009.

Although fashion tends to be 6 months ahead, men in general like to wait for things to trickle into their local Macy's or Nordstrom's.
Look out for some practical wardrobing advice, style tips, product reviews, lifestyle discussions, and of course, men's fashion on the runway and in stores. This blog will also serve as a hub for sales in Vancouver and other cities and websites.

I can't wait. This blog's new look will be rockin! Exciting times ahead for ISTYLEU!

Keep looking good!

Paulo

Wednesday, June 11, 2008

Skate or Urban: Skurban Hits the Streets for Fall 2008

So Fall/Winter 2008 is coming soon. It’s been a month or so since I’ve posted something. I thought it was only appropriate that I write on something that I’ve noticed myself leaning towards more and more – Urban or Street Wear. To prepare for this piece, I checked out some of the local joints and hit the streets to check on what’s shaking in this underground culture of fashion.

Color. Print. Block Lettering. Integration of electronics. Lifestyle association. These were some of the common themes I was seeing for the current season. And in general, the fashion industry is incorporating a lot of the themes in SS2008 in their FW2008 collections. You will be seeing a lot of the brighter colors complementing the traditional nature hues during the colder months. How will street wear aficionados respond? Here’s how.

Trend 1: Fresh Prince of Bel-Air: Color to the Nines.
Some of the color palettes for Fall 2008 are colors inspired by worldly travel and earthy ambitions. Translated into streetwear fashions, I’m foreseeing these colors being “neonized” and blended with pieces that have base nature colors. In the show Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, I remember Will Smith and Jazzy Jazz wearing a lot of these loud colored shirts or jackets.


You’ll be seeing a lot more color this coming season. Here are some color samples:

Neonized Blue Iris

Neonized Shady Green

Neonized Aurora Red


Trend 2: Kicks rule!
Recently I’ve been hooked on the return of the AirForce1s and the Nike Waffle Racers. Just need to have them in the most unique colors and patterns. You will see a lot edgier, unconventional, radical, unique patterns from sneaker manufacturers this season. Neon. Alligator skin trims. Graffiti inspired print. Statement soles – soles which either make a statement because of what they’re made from (i.e. recycled rubber) or simply because a unique statement is written on them, seen when one is cross-legged. Here are some of the kicks that will soon hit the streets.

Nike-Fall 2008







Addidas-Fall 2008




Trend 3: Skurban – a marriage of skate and urban wear!
So I was browsing through sites online and noticed one of the blogs using the term “skurban”. Sounds like this style term was first coined in the UK but was quickly popularized by artists like Pharrell Williams. I did more digging into this. If you’ve seen the following combinations then you’ve seen skurban wear. Skinny jeans and loose fitting hoodie. Tailored pant with baggy ski jacket. Baggy jeans with a slim fitting blazer. And of course, everything I just mentioned with some loud sneaks. For FW2008, you will be a seeing a lot more of this style of clothing among skaters and celebrities a like.





Feel free to drop a line. Peace out!


Tuesday, April 1, 2008

"Hot Summer Nights"

Fashion Stylist: Paulo Vallejo

Hair and Make Up: Jess Luka

Photographer: James Giddy

Model: Teneille, Lexington Models

Clothes: Coquette Couture 1827

Shoes: Steve Madden

"Hot Summer Nights"

Fashion Stylist: Paulo Vallejo

Hair and Makeup: Jess Luka

Photographer: James Giddy

Model: Teneille, Lexington Models

Clothes and Shoes: Steve Madden
"Hot Summer Nights"

Fashion Stylist: Paulo Vallejo

Hair and Make Up: Jess Luka

Photographer: James Giddy

Model: Teneille, Lexington Models

Clothes: Banana Republic

Shoes: Steve Madden

Thursday, March 6, 2008

The Right Tux: 3 easy steps.

Wedding season is just around the corner. Guys either end up being the groom, the groomsman, or simply an attendee. Regardless of whether you are renting or buying one, every guy needs to understand what to look for in a tuxedo. Just like a suit, your goal when buying or renting a tuxedo is to get one that fits “perfectly” and defines your personal style. There are 3 steps to a finding the right tuxedo.

1) Know thy PARTS of a Tuxedo


Jacket, trousers (usually with a silk stripe down the side), a bow tie, vest or cummerbund, shirt and shoes . The tux jacket comes in a variety of styles. When you go to a store or a rental house, you’ll classic styles such as the Cutaway Jacket (you’ll notice this when you see the “tails” in the back) or more modern tailored cuts attuned to current trends. Basically, a regular tuxedo jacket features satin lapels and boutonniere hole. A boutonniere is that flower, usually a rose, worn by men.

In terms of styles, the most popular choice is a single breasted jacket with notch lapels. Other options can be double or triple breasted jackets with peak lapels, regular or shawl collars, 1, 2 or 3 buttons.


Single Breasted, 3 button, Notch Lapel Tuxedo by Calvin Klein with a Wing Collar Shirt


Single Breasted, Notch Lapel Tuxedo by Calvin Klein with a Turndown collar shirt



Tux trousers are usually easy to spot because of the black satin strip along the outside seams. Tuxedo trousers unlike other trousers don’t have belt loops, so make sure they are tailored to your exact measurements. The other option is to hold your pants with either black or white button in suspenders. Lastly, never cuff your trousers. Like any formal pant, the same rule applies.

A classic tuxedo is generally worn with a bow tie and a vest or cummerbund. A cummerbund is a sash-like accessory (usually pleated) worn around the waist. Its pleats should always be facing up and should match your bow tie.

You can wear three basic types of shirts with a tuxedo: wing collar, turndown collar and mandarin collar. A wing collar is found in the traditional shirt and is typically coupled with a bow tie and cummerbund. A turndown collar is short with the tips facing down. A mandarin collar is round, and wraps around your collarbone.

Remember what I said on my last article about how shoes and watches are very telling of where a man is at in his life. What a better opportunity to show that you’re classy, elegant and successful than at a wedding or black tie event. Picking the right shoes can be critical to the final touches your look for the evening. Most shoes for tuxedos are made of patent leather. Its that shiny kind of leather popular in the 50s, 60s and 70s. They can be plain, wing tipped or capped. Regardless of the type of shoes you wear, my biggest advice is to wear one that is freshly polished. There’s nothing worse than a fine tuxedo with dull looking shoes.

Radio City Formal Tuxedo Shoes by After Six



2) The Occasion – Dress the part for the scene
If you were going to a job interview, would you wear shorts? Probably not. Just the same, you need to understand the kind of occasion you’ll need the tux for. Is it a black-tie or white-tie event? Is it at night or during the day? Should you opt for a classic, more conservative tuxedo or go all out and choose something more stylish? Find out the dress code for the affair and use your judgment appropriately. If you’re bringing a date, it’s worthwhile asking her what she plans to wear, so you can complement her out while showcasing your own style.


3) Timing is everything.

When do you need it? As guys, we tend to leave things to the last minute. Not a good idea when you’re looking to buy or rent a tux. Know what you want. Search around. But most importantly get your dates straight. 3 weeks from the event is usually okay for typical black/white tie functions. However for weddings, I would recommend reserving one a few months in advance. Pricing also varies depending on where and when you buy/rent your tux. So shop around!

Once everything is all put together, remember to carry your tux well. Look and act polished. Strong posture. And lastly, be positive!

Wednesday, February 27, 2008

The Renaissance Man ALWAYS wears a great watch!

In line with the theme of the Renaissance Man, I thought I’d talk about the best accessory a man can have – a watch. It’s been said that when a woman looks at a man, there are two things they notice, the shoes he wears and the watch on his wrist. These items usually tell them where a man is in his life and his career. Like cars, watches and shoes are status symbols.

Tag Heuer watches have been world renowned since 1860. Known for its ability to combine classic and avant garde designs, as well as technologies, the brand continues to be recognized as one of the best when it comes to quality, prestige and performance.



One of the most recent updates to Tag Heuer’s chronograph line is in the Tag Heuer SLR for Mercedes Benz. These two prestigious brands have been inseperable since 1985. Together they inspire each other to build great cars and great watches. The first version of this watch came out in 2004. And 4 years later it looks even better.




Definitely a car and watch collector “must have”, this limited edition piece (3,500 pieces produced) showcases a lot of precise details. In terms of design, this watch definitely combines sport with elegance. The natural rubber or the steel link bracelets combined with the brushed steel casing makes it wearable for any occasion. The watch also uses a sapphire crystal lens, resilient and resistant to scratches. The chronograph push buttons are ergonomically placed on a 45 degree angle allowing for better comfort on the wrist. The bezel made of a titanium alloy, combines a functional tachymeter and the distinguished SLR emblem. With two presses of the button, it is possible to measure driving speeds of up to 400 km/h.

As far as mechanics go, the watch is powered by the mechanical TAG Heuer Calibre 17 movement with automatic winder via a central rotor, chronograph function and date display. And if it can’t get any higher end than that, the dials have been diamond tipped by hand.


This watch will hopefully inspire the man who wants to look and feel distinguished, but also the one who just craves for a sophisticated watch. The Tag Heuer SLR for Mercedes Benz is available at all Tag Heuer authorized retailers. Check
http://www.tagheuer.com/ for a complete listing.

Wednesday, February 20, 2008

Stylist: Paulo Vallejo

Models: Shannon Copeland, Francelle Nand

Designer: coquette couture 1827

Photographer: Nathaniel Brown

Thursday, February 14, 2008

Fashion Flash: Spring 2008 - Rebirth of the Renaissance Man

Spring 2008 is all about the Renaissance Man. He can be best described as one who is REBORN with color, with pattern and with style. This season, men’s wardrobes will be dominated by eye-popping palettes, caressing fabrics, and modern lines. Our style will be inspired by rock, art, and sport. Guys, be prepared to awaken the senses. Here are my top 5 picks this Spring.


Color, Color, Color. Go bright or go home. Complement a monochromatic piece (ie. black, grey) with a blast of neon. Yes, NEON! And real guys can work pink. Muliticolored patterns can be coordinated to create a balanced sense of style.






Salvatore Ferragamo



SYNTHETICize. This season will see a resurgence of synthetic materials on the fashion runways. Majority of the items will be in accessories and complementary pieces such as jackets/top coats, murses (aka “man purse”), and hats. So be ready to spice it up with synthentics!







Burberry Prorsum


The FLOOD is back. Not quite a full pant. Nor a short. The three-quarter length pant is back. In the past, guys thought this was a bit too “out there”. Not anymore. Capris have gone mainstream for both male and female fashion lines. Spring 2008 will see guys dressing up this wardrobe essential with some serious hardware like skull necklaces, bracelets, rings and leather sandals.





Dolce and Gabbana


Layer with lightness. One of the top trends this season is layering. Light Layers. Linen pants, cotton blazers, light scarves, jersey t-shirts. Each layer provides additional warmth but not additional weight. Add the following pieces to your wardrobe to stay current : 1) a pair of white/cream linen straight leg trousers, 2) a light cashmere vest 3) a linen scarf in gray or beige 4) an unlined cotton blazer.







Dolce and Gabbana



It’s HAMMER time! MC Hammer’s sense of fashion has made a comeback this season. We will see various takes on the infamous “hammer pants. Alongside the baggy pants will come, fitted shirts and jackets, and a lot of accessories.





Emporio Armani

As always, style is a personal thing. Know who you are. Carry your clothes with confidence. And mix and match to bring the best in you.

Until next season….


Stylist: Paulo Vallejo

Event: 2nd Echo Fashion Show, Vancouver, Canada

Model: Meggie Palma

Designer: coquette couture 1827

Photographer: Eugene Danilkis


Stylist: Paulo Vallejo

Model: Meggie Palma

Designer: coquette couture 1827

Photographer: Agata Baranowska



Stylist: Paulo Vallejo

Model: Shannon Copeland

Designer: coquette couture 1827

Photographer: Nathaniel Brown