End of Summer

Summer is winding down and all I can think of is how sweet it has been. It must end with a bang! All through summer I looked for ways to feel and look like I was about to go to the beach without actually going. It was easy with these cool trunks and short sleeve shirt from Original Penguin. It's all about finding shorts that look great in the water and while you are out and about. One thing to keep in mind is to stay away from tropical prints and to wear closed toe shoes like these loafers from Swims. They are elegant, comfortable and perfect for a day at the beach or run errands around town. Let's hold on to summer for a bit longer!

Photography- Karina Muñoz

Shirt and Swim Trunks- Original Penguin | Shoes- Swims

Sunglasses- Lacoste

Outfit of the Day featuring T.Christopher

T.Christopher has been on my radar for some time now for their great swimwear and because their clothes is made in NYC. I'm glad I was able to have the chance to try out a couple of their pieces a few days ago while enjoying the day in Central Park in NYC. Their concept is about being able to transition from the beach to wherever the day takes you with ease. I wasn't going to the beach but I was not going to let that stop me from enjoying the cool plaid trunks and pink pique polo.

Confession- It was my first time wearing pink. I've avoided it at all costs. I'm not even sure why! That's no longer the case.

The swim trunk fits like a glove. Love the lightweight fabric. 

So, two things I hope you've learned. 1- T.Christopher has some cool pieces. 2- Don't be afraid of trying out new colors.

Swim Trunk Guide: Be Bold

With Memorial Day already upon us, the unofficial first day of summer, we need to get ourselves ready! On the last installment of the Swim Trunk Guide, I urge you to get out of your comfort zone and be bold with your swim trunk and while you're at it to wear them out on the town too. The easiest thing to do when wearing a bold pattern is for everything else you're wearing to be neutral so it tones down the bold print. Here I'm wearing bright green swim trunks with ice cubes and cut up limes that scream look at me but I'm wearing them with a grey sweatshirt and it calms everything down a bit. I'm so sure about what I'm saying, I even wore this look around DUMBO. Would you wear these swim trunks out on the town?

Here are more bold pattern options from Spenglish (seen below), Vineyard Vines, Vilebrequin, Tom and Teddy, and Sundek.

Swim Trunks- Spenglish | Sweater- Tomorrowland | Sneakers- Puma | Watch- Timex | Cap- Brooklyn Nets adidas

Photographer: Phillip Van Norstrand

El dia festivo de Memorial Day en los EEUU es considerado el primer dia del verano. Estas listo? En la ultima seccion del guia para bañadores te invito a que te pongas bañadores estampados a la playa y aun en la calle. La manera mas facil para llevar acabo este look es de que la camiseta o sueter que te pongas que sea de un color neutral. Aqui me puse un bañador verde con pedazos de hielo y limones que prácticamente gritan por tu atención pero combinado con el suéter gris calma todo el look. Estoy tan seguro de lo que les estoy aconsejando que me puse este look en el barrio de DUMBO en Brooklyn. Te pondrías este look?

Aquí hay mas opciones de bañadores estampados Spenglish (como el que tengo puesto), Vineyard Vines, Vilebrequin, Tom and Teddy, y Sundek.

Swim Trunk Guide: A Short Story

If you're like me you've probably worn board shorts to the beach or pool for years. For your consideration, I present the 4 inch swim trunk. At first I thought short swim trunks would be ideal just for guys who are 5'5 or shorter so they can look taller but that's not so. As a guy of average height (5'10) I tried them out for myself and realize short swim trunks work for guys of all heights. And let's be serious, a lot of guys hike up their board shorts when laying out in the sun. A shorter swim trunk will give you one less thing to worry about while catching some rays.

Here are some short swim trunk option: Parke and Ronen (as seen below), Diesel, Original Penguin,  Emporio Armani,  and Andrew Christian.

Pattern Play- The Parke & Ronen swim trunks have a small pattern. Don't be afraid to partner them with another pattern like seen above.

Shirt- Life After Denim | Swim Trunks- Parke & Ronen | Watch- Skagen | Shoes- Aldo

 

 

Photos by Phillip Van Norstrand

Si eres como yo lo mas probable es que te has puesto bañador bermuda para ir a la playa o piscina toda tu vida. Quisiera que consideres el bañador de 4 pulgadas o bañador bóxer. Antes pensaba que un bañador boxer es ideal para un hombre de baja estatura para verse mas alto, pero no es así. Yo mido 5'10 y los probé por primera vez aquí. Sabes que? No importa la altura de uno, el bañador bóxer es para todos. Ademas, el bañador bóxer permitirá que haya mas de ti expuesto al sol. La decisión es tuya.

Swim Trunk Guide: Show Your Stripes

 With summer just around the corner it's time you get yourself ready for the beach and to relax. One of the main things you'll need is a pair of great swim trunks. This week I'll show you what's available out there so you can have one less thing to worry about. Let's start with striped swim trunks, you can go with bold stripes, horizontal or even vertical. Don't be afraid to wear them straight from the beach and to the streets by pairing them with a solid colored shirt. For me, a white short sleeve shirt is always smart option but a navy or gray shirt will work too.

Here are some more choices from Swims (what I'm wearing below) Lacoste, Obey, Vilebrequin, Original Penguin, and Jack Spade.

Shirt- The Tailory NYC | Swim Trunks and Sneakers- Swims | Sunglasses- Garrett Leight California Optical | Watch- Skagen

Note- Nordic brand Swims brings us a fresh take on swimwear and even galoshes!

Photos by Phillip Von Norstrand

El verano llegara pronto y es hora que te prepares para la playa y para relajarte. Una de las cosas que vas a necesitar va ser un traje de baño. Esta semana te mostrare lo que esta en tendencia este verano para que tengas una preocupacion menos. Empezemos con trajes de baño con rayas, las rayas pueden ser anchas, horizontales o aun verticales. No tengas miedo de salir de playa e ir directamente al restaurante al ponertelo con una camisa de color solido. Para mi, una camisa blanca siempre es una buena opcion pero una camisa azul marino o gris tambien pueden funcionar.

Interview | French Underwear Maker Guillaume Gibault

Here's one more reason to love the French, Le Slip Francais. They started out as an underwear brand and have expanded their line to include t-shirts, shorts, bags and more. They have just opened a pop-up shop in L.A and are waiting for you to make your way over to check them out. Founder, Guillaume Gibault answered a few of my questions about his adventures in the United States and the craziest question he has ever received regarding his underwear.

- How did Le Slip Francais get started?

Le Slip Français started in 2011 on a bet. A bet with some friends that we could still, today, start a great french brand with products entirely made in France and bring underwear back in the spotlight! Underwear should be fun, basics, well fitted and part of our everyday life and Style!

- What makes the underwear special?

We take great care in the fit of our products, making them great basics yet with a modern twist and try to be very creative in the patterns, the fabrics we use, the details... In France, people say they're the best in the country, let's make them the best in the world ;)

- In what countries can Le Slip Francais be found?

Today le Slip Français is in France, Japan, HK, Thailand, the UK, Germany and... the US starting this month!

- What is the craziest/strangest question someone has asked you about the underwear?

To show them mine of course! I get that a LOT!

- Why have you chosen LA for the first pop-up shop in the US?

Because it's the perfect ending place for our US adventure. Everybody dreams of a US road trip to California, with our #VeryLoveTrip kickstarter campaign, we made it happen! Hope to see you there, starting March 29th at 604 S. Venice Boulevard!

The Parke & Ronen Spring 2015 collection was named after Dickie Greenleaf the protagonist of the movie, The Talented Mr. Ripley. One of the characters in the movie describes him, "Dickie was probably having the time of his life over there. An income, a house, a boat. Why should he want to come home? Dickie's face was becoming clearer in his memory: he had a big smile, blondish hair with crisp waves in it, a happy-go-lucky face." Who wouldn't have a happy-go-lucky face with a wardrobe like this? The variety of looks in this collection provides all the right choices for an escape to the Italian Riviera.

Taking the track pants to the next level. Here they are in linen.

Finally, florals swim trucks that look manly.

The collection has all the lengths or lack of for your swimwear needs.

You can't go wrong with cool stripes,

I went back stage to get a closer look at the collection. It's all about the great patterns and details on the shirts, swimwear and shorts.

See more of the models backstage at Adentro Style Annex.

Interview | Meet The Talented Mr. Nieves

I'm pleased to introduce you to Mr. Sam Nieves-Velez and his first menswear line, Mr. Nieves. He brings us modern silhouettes with vibrant patterns and fabrics inspired by his Puerto Rican heritage. Needless to say I am filled with Puerto Rican pride as I write this and especially as I viewed his collection first hand. The collection has everything you need from polos, t-shirts, swim trunks, to slim fit trouser and even Guayaberas. Every piece of his collection has the vibrancy you've come to love about spring and summer.

What motivated you to launch the Mr. Nieves collection?

SAM - The motivation came from the success of my Womens line Nieves Lavi. I then started creating items for myself that I could not find out in the market, and found that guys would stop and ask me where they could find it.  (aha aha moment, finally came to fruition)

How long have you been working in the fashion industry?

SAM - Longer that I will admit.  But, long enough to have a clear understanding of what goes into creating, operating and building a business. I was fortunate enough to have worked for companies that have taught me a great deal.

With limited examples of successful and talented hispanic designers, what would you say to a young hispanic person with a dream to pursue a career in fashion?

SAM - My best advise would be to go out and learn ALL that you can. Be curious about every part of design from the creative to the technical. Fashion goes beyond just a sketch. Launching a new business these days takes more than desire and motivation. It requires experience and knowledge.

Which is your favorite piece from the SS15 collection?

SAM - It’s difficult to single out my one favorite piece in the collection, when you put your heart and soul into it all. But, I would have to say the embroidered shirts, I am very fond of, and have been getting a lot of recognition.  Of course the Guayabera, a staple in every latin mans wardrobe. I liked mixing the prints with the Guayabera elements, it gives a wild modern spin on a classic.

What is one place in Puerto Rico you recommend for everyone to check out and visit?

SAM - This is even more difficult that picking my favorite piece from the collection. I would say it depends on your personality. There is something for everyone on this “Enchanted Island." If you are adventurous, I’d say to go hiking at El Yunque, the only Rainforest in the USA. There are B&B’s nestled in the mountains where you can stay with breath taking views and incredible food. Or a seaplane tour around the island. If your more of the leisurely type, fly or ferry over to Vieques Island. There is a W hotel that that will cater to your every need.  From afternoon sails to midnight kayaking at the bioluminescent bay. And for the true (Christopher Columbus) explorer, just rent a jeep, and navigate the island to discover what every corner has to offer. Don’t bother to pack breakfast, lunch or dinner, there are incredible food vendors on every roadside, just waiting to be discovered and devoured. Buen Provecho.

Que te motivó para empezar la colección de Mr. Nieves?

- Fue por el éxito de mi linea para mujer Nieves Lavi. Comencé creando piezas para mi que no podía encontrar en el mercado, encontré hombres que me detenían para preguntar me donde podían conseguir las. Esas experiencias echaron fruto.

Cuanto tiempo haz estado en el mundo de la moda?
- Mas de lo que querría admitir. Lo suficiente largo para tener un entendimiento claro de lo que se require para crear, operar y construir un negocio. Fui lo suficientemente afortunado por haber trabajado en empresas que me han enseñado mucho. 

Hay un limitado numero de ejemplos de diseñadores latinos exitosos, que dirías a un joven hispano que sueña con tener una carrera en la moda?
- Mi mejor consejo seria de aprender lo mas que puedas. Se curioso acerca de todos los aspectos del diseño desde la parte creativa a lo técnico. La moda va mas allá que un dibujo. Empezando un negocio en estos días toma mas que solo un deseo y motivación- requiere experiencia y conocimiento. 

Cual es tu pieza favorita de tu colección SS15?
- Es difícil escoger una sola cuando pones tu corazón y alma en todo. Tendría que decir que las camisas bordadas. Me encantan y han recibido mucho reconocimiento. Por supuesto la Guayabera, es un clásico en el guardarropa del hombre latino. Me gusta mezclar estampados con los elementos de la Guayabera, le da un toque salvaje y moderno a un clásico. 

Que lugar de Puerto Rico recomiendas ir a ver o visitar?
- Eso es mas difícil que escoger me pieza favorita. Diria que depende de tu personalidad. Hay algo para cada uno en la "Isla del Encanto." Si eres aventurera puedes ir a caminar en el Yunque el unico bosque tropical en los EEUU. Hay hoteles en las montañas donde te puedes quedar con vistas espectaculares y comida increible. O toma una vuelta en avion alrededor de la isla. Si te gusta algo mas relajado te vas en lancha o avion a la isla de Vieques. Hay un  W Hotel que te brindara todo lo que necesites. Desde la tarde en veleros a kayaking a la medianoche en la bahia bioluminiscente. Para el explorador como Cristobal Colon, alquila un Jeep y recorre la isla para descubrir cada rincon que ofrece. No te molestes en empacar para desayunar, almorzar o cenar hay vendederos de comida increible en cada carretera, solo esperando ser descubierto y devorado. Buen Provecho. 

An Inside Look: The Faherty Brand Showroom

As seen on Rue La La Style Blog.

As soon as you enter the Faherty Brand showroom and store, you’ll sense a relaxed, cool vibe that you might have once believed only an oceanside trip could provide. Lining the racks are swimsuits rich with color and patterns collected from the designers’ travels.

Women’s two-piece styles come in a variety of shapes you can mix and match, while the one-pieces have an elegant, retro feel to them. For men, swim trunks are full of practical detailing like hidden back zip pockets. One of my favorite aspects of the men’s line is its faded, sun-weathered hues.

But the best part? These swimsuits are made with recycled polyester from plastic bottles. Approximately seven bottles go into the swimsuits and 20 into the swim trunks. It’s nice to know these pieces are not only comfortable – they’re environmentally sound, too.

Enseguida que entras la tienda y oficinas de Faherty Brand, te sentiras relajado y sentiras las buenas vibras similar a un viaje a la playa. Encontras trajes de baño de colores y patrones vividos que los diseñadores han colectado en sus viajes.

Los trajes de baño para mujeres de dos piezas vienen en diferentes estilos que puedes mezclar, mientras que las de una pieza tienen un estilo elegante y retro. Para los caballeros, los trajes de baño tienen unos detalles prácticos como bolsillos oculto. Uno de los aspectos de los diseños que me gustan mas son los colores gastados como si los hubieras tenido toda tu vida.

Pero la mejor parte? Los trajes de baño están hechos con poliéster reciclado de botellas plásticas. Aproximadamente toman siete botellas para hacer un traje de baño para mujeres y veinte botellas para hacer un traje de baño para caballeros. Es bueno saber que estas piezas no solo son cómodas pero también bueno para el medio ambiente también.