Earlier this month the Tom Ford New York store opened its doors for the first time, located on Madison Avenue. Tom Ford himself was present giving personal tours of the 1930's inspired shop full of not only the designer's menswear creations but also decor from his own collections, such as beaver-skin rugs and Lucio Fontana artwork. According to Tom the store's appeal will be based on "exceptional service and immaculate clothes." Other features available to you while you shop include the fact that everything is customizable (from clothes to fragrances), a wet bar, and if you get hungry during your appointment? Well there's lunch delivered by a maid or butler.

Via Luxist

Given the LG Prada's rise to fame, it wouldn't surprise me if Gucci felt a little bit of envy and decided to jump in on the designer cell phone bandwagon. Still, the picture looks a little suspicious to me and you can't really tell whether the "Gucci phone" is a clamshell, slider, or touch-screen like the Prada. Either way, it'll be interesting to see what features this phone will have and whether anyone (aside from celebs of course) will care to buy one.

[Via Gizmodo]

Watch company Romain Jerome has taken a page from the book of Krone Pens with their new DNA of Famous Legends collection. As Krone did previously, Romain Jerome is creating products that have a connection to iconic figures in history. Their first model in this series is the Titanic DNA watch. It is partially made of oxidized steel from the Titanic and titanium from the future Titanic II at the Harland and Wolff shipyards in Belfast. The watch uses an automatic La Joux-Perret 8235 movement with a 42-hour power reserve.

The hands were inspired by the anchor of the Titanic and the dial's deep black is meant to reference the coal collected from the wreck. The watch is being done is an edition of 2012 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Titanic in 2012 which is when Titanic II will be launched in Belfast. It is available in a case of platinum or white or pink gold with elements of steel and titanium.

[Via Luxist]

Neiman Marcus is promoting the driving shoe as one of the top men's trends for spring. We like them not just because they're trendy, but because they have a timeless style and a look of easy, but elegant, comfort to them. Gucci's Drivers illustrate these characteristics perfectly. The shoes are made of soft, supple leather and have rubber soles to keep your feet firmly on the ground wherever you decide to stroll to. They have a bit of detail on top, which keeps them looking a little bit dressy. Opt for chocolate brown (pictured) over black, for a more versatile spring-fall shoe. Price: $390.

From Men.Style.Com eight fashion buyers give you their taste on the most desirable menswear this Spring.  Such as pictured above, Helmut Lang anorak, "This rendition of a famous Helmut Lang anorak deftly integrates the DNA of the house while updating it with a less precious approach. The reintroduction of the Helmut Lang brand is a great thing, and this is a must-have for every hip urban warrior."  Click on the link below to see more from Bloomingdales, Bergdorf Goodman, Saks Fifth Avenue, Jake, Odin, South Willard, the Archive, Arrive and Barneys New York.  As always, give us your feedback, see garments that are sure to pop or do you have a style you think will be the most desirable this season, then tell the world.

In answering the common question “What should and what shouldn’t be dry-cleaned?” there is one universal answer that can be applied to all garments: Mostly everything can be dry-cleaned in moderation. The high drying temperatures and chemicals used in the dry-cleaning process can directly damage your garment or slowly decrease the lifespan of it.

So, while it may be easier to leave that suit with your trusted neighborhood dry cleaner rather than try to remove those unattractive creases yourself, be aware that in the process you’re ruining your clothes.

Here is a rundown of how those delicate garments should be laundered.

Sweaters

Dry cleaning isn’t a very beneficial option for getting those stains out of your knitwear. The chemicals used in the dry-cleaning process will shorten the lifespan of knitwear — this holds especially true for cashmere.

Get it clean: Hand-wash your knitwear with a mild soap in warm water; it’s the only guaranteed way to maintain the softness and luster of the fabric.

Dress shirts

Cotton dress shirts should only be dry-cleaned once every so often — unless, of course, you have the funds to keep replacing them. Frequent dry cleaning of your dress shirts will deteriorate the fabric fibers and the chemicals used will give your shirt an unsightly yellow tint.

Get it clean: Machine-wash and hang-dry your dress shirts. If you do take them to the dry-cleaner, specify that you want the garment hand-ironed rather than machine-pressed, and ask them not use any starch, as this lessens the lifespan of a shirt.

The three telltale signs of a bad cleaner…

Darren Gold and Christos Garkinos created this modern-day haberdashery for guys who don’t want to sit in L.A. traffic for hours on end to get what they want. “This is a shop for guys where you can find everything you need under one roof,” says Gold. They created the kind of dream study—complete with leather-back lounge chairs, antique wallpaper, and a fireplace—that makes the perfect backdrop for their streamlined clothes. A.P.C. hoodies, Y-3 zip-ups, track jackets, and rumpled Steven Alan T-shirts are no-brainers. And sleek iPod travel accessories, wineglasses, and Tivoli radios make for good gift giving, even if it’s for yourself.

What matches perfectly with a Nantucket summer, sailing, and elite Ivy League schools? If you've noticed polos, khaki shorts, and sporty accessories, then you've got the answer: preppy style.

Preppy style may be a trend, but it's also a classic look. Preppy never truly went away—although we can say that it was lying dormant before it surfaced again. The preppy look first surfaced as a true trend in the late 1970s through 1980s, after sportswear and athletic gear was accepted and adapted into casual wear.

Preppy look this season has a strong emphasis on color. They're a preppy clothes trademark and used for both prints and solids. We see kelly green, purple, yellow, and bright pink most, but the signature polo shirt can be found in any bold solid. The polo shirt—from Lacoste or Ralph Lauren is classic and most popular—can be worn with any simple slacks or shorts, which means it's a good place to start if you're looking to incorporate preppy style into your wardrobe in an affordable separate.

If you've already got plenty of preppy polos, there are updated styles this season to enjoy. Kris Van Assche's collection incorporated new polo styles that included an oversized button placket and shoulder epaulets. These details are perfect if you want to take your preppy style to the club, paired with your favorite jeans. Van Assche's polos drew from a strong palette of buttercup yellow, sage green, putty, and tans—great for layering.

Preppy style also comes in overstated, unisex florals and repeated patterns. If you've seen small repeating whale patterns, that's the kind that finds itself on preppy shoes, satchels, and shorts. In the 1980s, madras shorts and other plaids were worn with bright colors and baseball caps. This season, Dries Van Noten brought us a floral plaid—a combination of two trendy patterns and a very new look.

Nautical inspiration is a preppy clothes staple. D&G went out for a sail in its most recent collection, using nautical-themed clothes for very elegant takes on the simple look. United Bamboo employed a jaunty nautical effect for 2007. Their collection, based on a hipper version of the country club scene, had navy and red cardigans parading down the runway, matched with slim simple trousers.

Preppy shoes are always comfortable and usually slip-on. Footwear is borrowed from yachting and beachwear styles, like a simple rubber thing or loafer. This season, try a pair of topsiders from a more simple source like L.L. Bean or J. Crew, or go for the new Prada loafers for a similar effect, but a more urban feel.

All flat slip-on shoes this season can be worn with preppy-inspired trousers. California label Trovata, which always gives us reworked cool classics, paired slip-on espadrilles in navy and white with cutoff shorts and bucket hats—not to mention the classic polo. Their seafaring theme complemented preppy trends flawlessly, with a basic color palette, nautical flavor, and sporty overtones. Bucket hats and pullovers finished off the look. Loafers at polo-shirt classic brand Lacoste were white and comfortable, and were worn with simple flat-front trousers in a vibrant pink shade.

Preppy style is surprisingly simple, which means that you can find affordable choices alongside very elegant pieces. You can get your preppy clothing basics from the likes of J. Crew, Ben Sherman, and Penguin, or dress them up with a blazer or light overcoat. Regardless of how you wear your preppy look, you'll be guaranteed two things: comfort and style!

[Via Mensflair.com]

Facing cold weather and trying to be fashionable can make it far more difficult. Let's face it: skiing can be a tricky sport to master, and the wardrobe makes it a lot more challenging. No one wants to be cold, especially when we are trying do something active, so a bit of planning before you hit the slopes can go a long way.

Underneath it All

Why bother going all-out for outer layers if you're wearing your baggiest sweater underneath?

Start with updating your underlayers. Long johns and thermals are nothing like their twenty-year old counterparts, so get shopping for slimmed-down long johns and fleecy separates in the smartest of fabrics. Try fabrics like Capilene from Patagonia, which is made from recycled synthetic fibers and wicks away moisture. Buy warm underthings at REI or L.L. Bean.

Outwear

Parkas
When choosing your ski wear, a parka is a definite must. But before you envision a bulky jacket, think about your particular style and personal silhouette. If you are always digging the latest trends, find a slimmed-down coat in a funky mechanic-style cut, or a belted jacket complete with military influences. If you are a more classic dresser, slimmed-down styles are easy to find and give you a clean, finished look.

Tip: When choosing a parka, make sure it has a removable inner lining and a shell. Your lining will keep you warm and can be removed for cleaning, and the shell will protect you from wet snow and cold wind.

Trousers
Particularly for those of us who will take some spills down the slopes, we need pants that can cover us from snow drifts but still look good. For those of us longing for a lean silhouette, choose a classic from Prada or SOS, or for those of us on a budget, from Arctic Quest.

Tip: Look for ski pants with guards to protect snow from making its way from the outside to the inside.  These “snow cuffs” are essential for comfort.

Adding Style

Forget bulky woolen sweaters and all-over fleece outfits. With big-name designers teaming up with traditional outdoor sports labels, we've got seriously leaner looks with urban styling. Go for an updated pattern on your parka to give your look some style. Try a herringbone print or tweed effect jacket for a new Sherlock-inspired look from Burton.

Accessories

Accessories are a great way to up your style potential if you're on a budget or short of time. Try updated ski goggles, a new hat, and a cool set of gloves to give your look instant appeal. Find up-to-the-minute accessories from Burton or Smith.

Tip: Make sure that the gloves you choose are long enough to protect your wrists completely from the cold.

For ski essentials, never forget the feet, either. Ski socks are constructed from special fabrics that can make your tootsies toasty. Ski socks might be knee-high, but that's the only real restriction you'll face. Try for a high-performance style in an understated color to finish off your look and stay warm, too.

Functionality

With any look, don't forget a touch of practicality to go along with your style.

• Don't forget to layer—it's essential to fight cold and wick sweat.

• Always practice walking with your equipment on, because you never know when you'll reach a flight of stairs and have to negotiate with your ski boots.

• Always consider your comfort. While form-fitting looks are good, stretched-out, baggy trousers are not. Always test your ski wear prior to buying to ensure that your gear feels as good as it looks. 

• If you are headed out on a ski vacation, another important thing to remember is your after-ski wear. Whether night clubs or evening lodges are more your style, you'll still need some fashionable clothes for post-slope activity, too.

[Via Mensflair.com]

Crisp, tailored clothing haunt the streets in one of this season's most successful looks. From clean white to crisp khaki, these highly trimmed-down, slimmed-down looks are exactly what you need to make a statement.

A smart look was achieved by a virtual army of designers this season, so if you're looking for a way to look smart, tailored clothing is most certainly your best bet. From Margiela to Ervell, we're seeing a very neat, clean-cut look on the runways—and on the streets, too. What Savile Row preached for years is now embraced by every major house.

What's In from Head to Toe

Jackets and shirts
Jackets are slim, with a smooth silhouette. Details are generally kept to a minimum and fabrics are smooth, not bulky or distracting.

These jackets look gentlemanly with smaller lapels and minimized pocket details, and so is what you wear underneath. Smooth, slim sweaters and uncomplicated dress shirts tell us that less is still much more.

Trousers and shoes
Slim, flat-front trousers with slightly pegged legs parade on the scene, and when paired with simple oxfords, they're a knockout. Slacks are cut closer to the body to lend a leaner silhouette. This season, shoes which best complement tailored looks are simple—patent leather lace-ups and polished boots rule the scene.

Outdoors accessories
For outdoor layering, long single and double-breasted trench styled coats are popping up in traditional neutrals to match with all your winter looks. Even your casual jackets will look a tad bit smaller and a whole lot smarter with extra style lines and fewer zips and pockets.

On the Runways

Who said that tailored clothing is old fashioned? Jil Sander designs for the season are creatively conceived basics with a flair. Minimalistic designs gave off a far more tailored feel, including single-breasted jackets with only one visible button and a slightly shrunken appeal. Jackets' ever-so-slightly shrunken shapes are complemented with exquisitely tailored lapels and tiny satin touches.

Patrik Ervell is another such designer taking tailored shapes to a new level. Not only casual pieces have a tailored look, but his slim black suit is perfect for staying trendy even when we're dressed to impress. With a very slimmed-down lapel and slender shape, you'll reach a new level of tailored trendsetting.

For tailored trousers with some extra interest, the Calvin Klein collection has a perfect solution this season. From tweed to pearly finished, all have a slim flat-front shape perfect for pairing with a crisp dress shirt.

Try the Look

• Try to stick to neutral basics when wearing tailored styles. It will complement your pared-down aesthetic and accentuate minimalistic lines.

• Wear the tailored trend from any designer with carefully selected accessories. It's hard to pull off a truly tailored look with a pair of casual trainers, so wear simple oxfords and loafers.

• Try understated accessories like a simple watch and classic hat to complement your tailored style.

[Via Mensflair.com]