Big Skinny Style

We're back again, and we have to say this is definitely the most exciting project we've done at BSG.  We were recently able to team up with DropCents, an online streetwear and sneaker marketplace based out of St. Louis, to put together a few fly outfits.  In addition, DropCents is providing BSG viewers with a 10% discount .  More details on that later.

Click on the link - http://dropcents.com/ - to look at some of their selections.  Use the promo code BSGxDRPCNTS

How did Dropcents start? What were the inspirations behind its creation and how did you get it to where it is today?

We started in 2005 as a retail store, quickly realizing that the style we offered is for a unique crowd and this crowd is all over the world, not just in our city (St. Louis, MO). So in 2008 @cmosoprano and @jayjillion founded DROPCENTS.com. 

Dropcents’ inspiration is to "drop sense" all over the world, and to accomplish this we have been delivering styles and fashions from designers everywhere. We’re showcasing a lifestyle which is daily living for some, while others may consider the way we live a luxury!

Who is your target audience? Who does Dropcents looks to attract and engage with?

Dropcents’ target audience would be the person who leads the rest. We attract trendsetters, but also love when we can drop sense on someone trying to pursue #flyness

Talk about some special events or programs you've been a part of. What are some of the more exciting things you've experienced through Dropcents?

Through Dropcents we have paved many avenues. We have tapped into many markets and crowds. Anything from the Surfer Poll Awards, to Snoop Dogg’s 10th album release party… even hanging in the VIP with Michael Jordan in Vegas. The list goes on. But the most rewarding feeling from Dropcents is interacting with the entire world. We have such a strong following overseas and it is just growing. 

What's next for Dropcents? What can your customers expect from you in the near future?

Next up for Dropcents? We are putting a lot of energy behind our overseas market. Within the next few months expect to see a stronger Dropcents presence in India, Norway, Italy, and a few more countries. Also, we are working on a few Dropcents collabs. We love to work with new artist and designers.

Being in the fashion industry, what are some of the things you've learned about the business that you'd like to share with younger entrepreneurs in a similar field?

If you’re entering the fashion world, one piece of advice is stay focused and don't let anyone cloud your vision.  Styles always change, respect never fades.

What are some of the obstacles you face in this business that you have learned from the most?

As long as you believe in yourself then who is to tell you no? Just one of the biggest obstacles is staying focused and believing in ourselves and keeping the naysayers away and closing any negative doors.

What's your inventory like? What can people purchase from you and why are you better than the competition?

When a customer makes a purchase from Dropcents, they are receiving more than a piece of clothing or or a pair of sneakers.  They are purchasing a part of a lifestyle! There’s nothing like it when you get to 'Dropcents' and stay fresh! Our inventory is updated daily or more, staying in tune with all the latest styles.

There you have it. Roll on over to http://dropcents.com/ and use the discount code BSGxDPRCNTS

Signing off,

BSG

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/BigSkinnyGuy/250489728348095

Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/bigskinnyguy

Email: [email protected]

What pieces should every BigSkinnyGuy have in a closet?  This is the question that I will explore and attempt to answer in a series of posts that I will name  BigSkinny Staples.

I was initially introduced to the Henley while watching Dexter, who is seen wearing said article of clothing on multiple ocassions when he's out murdering people and doing his thing.  Great show.

I've started seeing these worn a lot more frequently over the past few years, and decided to buy a few of my own.  I personally like the shirt because it's a bit more sophisticated than a plain tee, and it also does a good job of showing off some muscle definition.

Below are a few examples of Big Skinny Guys wearing Henleys.

Perfect, sunny days like this rarely come around, so I called up a fellow Big Skinny Guy and did a shoot.

Actually, I just lied.  It was 20 degrees, and I was freezing, but it's all for the greater good.

I'll start this off by saying that both the Banana Republic Jeans and the Kenneth Cole's are both great.  I particularly like the wash of the jeans, and the fact that you can pair them with more formal shoes.  In addition, they're actually comfortable and can fit larger, more muscular, legs.

When looking at our shoes, you might notice that we're basically wearing the opposites.  One pair is black with white trim, the other is white with black trim.  Completely coincidental, but tight nonetheless.

As for the jackets, they're both good brands and will last for year.  I have a few winter jackets, but I typically stick to a dark, neutral color, like black, navy, or grey.

Enjoy yourself.

Signing off,

So my goal for this post was to outline a new pair of pants, and wear a more laid back winter outfit.

I was visiting my parent's house for the winter season and had some time to search for a few new pairs of pants.  In the photos above, I am wearing a pair of khakis I picked up from a Lands' End Store. 

While I was in the store, which I was visiting for the first time, another BigSkinny Gentleman randomly started talking to me.  The man was a rugby player, and absolutely raved about how Lands' End pants were incredible, and one of the few brands he could fit in.  I obviously took this opportunity to tell the guy about my blog, and try on a pair myself.  He wasn't lying.  I picked up two pairs and recommend that anyone add these to their collection.  They run about $40, but luckily at the particular store I was at, they had accidentally listed them at 50% off.  I went Nigerian on them, and they agreed to sell them for $20.  Tight.

One interesting policy the company has is its "Guaranteed. Period." Policy, which allows for returns/exchanges anytime, for any reason (hopefully wikipedia isn't lying to me).

The jacket I'm wearing has been essential for me.  A simple, black jacket with epaulettes that I bought from Old Navy about a year ago.  Around that time, I headed to London and lived there for about 5 months, and I made full use of it.

In addition, I was able to represent l'OM with a shirt I received as a gift from one of my friends.  Ok, well in all truth, the shirt didn't fit him, so he gave it to me.  I wasn't going to say no, as they're a respectable football club, and I never turn down free stuff.

I've been experimenting with a few gloves, and picked up a pair of convertible glove mittens from Macy's.  They're actually extremely warm, and definitely useful.  Also a major upgrade from my former multicolored gloves (to all my friends and family... that was just a phase).

I'm getting bored myself now, so yeah, I'm wearing Nike's.  Everyone I know has a pair.  And the hat from Penguin.  I really like it. They make good stuff. That is all.

Oh yeah.

Go Like my Page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/BigSkinnyGuy/250489728348095

When looking for new clothing, shoes, and accessories, I have found that, often, the same item is cheaper online than in store.

Now, when shopping online, the main problem you'll run into is sizing.  There is no substitute to trying on the apparel that you want, but there are a few ways to preemptively avoid sizing problems.  Below, I will address sizing problems, and give a few tips that will help maximize your online shopping experience.

It's taken too long for the second post, so let's get into it.

Black Friday.  I went H.A.M.

Honestly, I just want to analyze this picture.  What's with the lady who has no jacket? And the one with flip flops on?

Back to the topic.  After taking advantage of the sales at the mall, I struck gold, without breaking the bank.  I'll be outlining a few of my purchases below.

Big Skinny Style.  What does that even mean?  Well everything is better explained through story.

I have played soccer my entire life, which has given me great all-around fitness: speed, strength, and endurance.  I'm in great shape, but my body type definitely isn't like most soccer players.

I am currently 5'10'' and a little over 200 pounds.  I'm naturally broad shouldered. Because I've played soccer my whole life and run all the time, my legs are straight DIESEL.  Fitting nicely into just about any type of clothing has been difficult.  If the pants are wide enough for my leg, the waist is usually too big.  If the shirt fits my neck, the body area is massive.  If the suit fits my shoulders, it's too loose around the torso.

This is where the BigSkinny concept arose.  Most of the clothing out there that fits an area is either too small or too big in another. I'll often see a picture of new style I like, but it will be in a "slim fit" style, leaving us bigger, but in shape, individuals unable to partake.  Now, I've seen some bigger people (fit and fat) try to squeeze into these clothes.  Stop.  You just look foolish.  I assure you, there are stylish threads out there that will fit properly.  And now, you don't even have to look for it yourself.