Wesley Wears

Spring Styles with Banana Republic 

It’s the last day of March and New York is desperately trying to find its footing in Spring. While the temperature can barely break 60 degrees on any given week, I’ve already begun the “closet shift” that every New Yorker goes through around this time of year. You see, apartments are small and space comes at a premium, and even though I have a decent size closet (closet tour soon?) it’s still completely necessary to shift sweaters and coats up or out, making it easier to navigate through your warmer weather options.

So just as I was doing some Spring cleaning, Banana Republic came calling (well, emailing but you get the idea) asking me to style some of their new Spring pieces for my blog – perfect timing. When I think of transitioning my wardrobe from Winter to Spring, the most important key to comfort is the fabric. Choosing sturdy, yet breathable cotton pieces allows you to be comfortable in both warm and cool scenarios. And with the way things are shaking out these days, you could experience both on any given day.

This garment-dyed shirt jacket from BR is the perfect piece to keep you stylish yet warm on a cool day, but not too heavy that it can’t be worn in the sun and/or with shorts. Garment dying makes for a super-soft, broken-in fabric with unique markings that just get better over time. I paired the jacket with BR’s new Emerson striped shorts, a tank from All Saints, and really unique sneakers from New Balance.

Woah. I know I’m always starting blog posts with how busy my schedule is and I can see where that’s a little blah blah blah. But these past few weeks have been some for the books. A fantastic Memorial Day getaway to Fire Island provided a much needed break from city life. And I’d like to be right back in that pool now that we’re having a solid week of rain in NYC. But I guess New York in the rain is still better than almost anywhere else.

I’m so excited about this outfit post to show of a few new accessories I’m really really pumped about. First, these adorable glasses from Firmoo. Not only are there so many trendy styles to choose from, these tortoise inspired round frames go for only $36. That’s right- thirty. six. dollars. Can you even? You can stock up on a handful of new styles for the same price as a single pair of most eyewear brands. The customer service was beyond and I can just can’t say enough good things about Firmoo. Check out them out asap. 

I’m also super into my new #KCCONNECT smart watch from Kenneth Cole. This watch is beyond... letting me turn on my phone’s camera, alerting me when I have a call, and control my music. Apple watch who? Check out all the styles on Kenneth Cole. 

Here’s what I’m wearing:

JACHS Printed Shirt / Feathers Tank via Urban Outfitters / Topman Jeans / Firmoo Eyewear / Kenneth Cole Smartwatch / Cole Haan Bag /  Gordon Rush Loafers

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More from Wesley Wears:

Stoop Style Spring Wear

All Black Streetwear

Whew! What a crazy past few weeks it has been. First, my division of Condé Nast moved offices. You don’t realize how much crap you have in your office until you have to move it. Spring cleaning took a literal meaning and it feels great. You can check out my new desk on Instagram. 

Last weekend, I visited Cape Code for the first time and let me say it was gorgeous. Small town, beachy vibe. Delicious food and great company. All-in-all perfect kickstart to summer. I decided to share some #OLDNAVYStyle today, with this super lightweight parka I’ve been wearing constantly for these mid-temperature days we’ve been having lately (thank you Jesus!!). Check out all the pics below, and as always, comment and share your thoughts!

Here’s what I’m wearing:

Old Navy Parka // All Saints Shirt // Old Navy Jeans // Bed Stü Shoes // Coach Bracelet // Rayban Clubmasters

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More from Wesley Wears:

All Black Streetwear

Amp Up Your T-Shirt 

What a week. On the East Coast, the old saying about those April showers sure is ringing true. It’s actually a pain to dress accordingly. No one wants to wear rain boots out, when it’s only going to rain for a hot second (if it rains at all). 

So while you might not be able to protect your shoes (though I would recommend this Jason Markk water and stain repellant), you can up your raincoat game. I grab this Kenzo coat any day that I’m not quite sure what the weather’s going to do, because it keeps me dry while also doubling as a banging jacket.

Here’s what I’m wearing:

Kenzo Jacket / H&M Cardigan / Original Penguin Shirt / Old Navy Jeans / Zara Boots / Ray-Ban Wayfarers / Michael Kors Watch

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It’s Time to Plan Your Summer Swimwear

The Best Lightweight Rain Jacket

Simple Spring Streetwear

Grab your board shorts dudes, because it’s about time to swim. I was fortunate (who am I kidding, freaking luckier than a Kardashian at a self-tanner sale) to spend a week in Aruba. Flying out during a snow storm was icing on the cake when 85 degrees was waiting on the other side of a short 5 hour flight. I’ll be sharing some of the gorgeous photos I snapped in the Caribbean later this week, but until then I hope this shoot inspires you to spend 2.3 hours of your work day shopping for this summer’s perfect pair of swim shorts. 

Let’s swim!

I’m wearing a tank from Shades of Grey by Michah Cohen, 2″ Parke and Ronen swim trunks, and eyewear by Polaroid. 

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More from Wesley Wears:

More Basic Beachwear

The Perfect Spring Time Outfit

It has definitely been over a year since I began my search for the perfect parka. Literally half a dozen of these oversized, army green, comfy get-ups were delivered to my apartment – none of which made this cut.*

*Side bar: I won't name names of those said parkas who weren't quite what I was looking for, but I will use this opportunity to discuss my distain for trying to return an item purchased online. Print a shipping label, walk across town with a giant box to a UPS/USPS office that is open, wait in line ?!?! This is 2015 people, can't there be a better way?

Anyway, back to my journey for the perfect parka. There was a recent sale on ASOS, one of my favorite online go-tos for quick, stylish staples. I sorted through and found this beauty by River Island. I was attracted to the black fur versus the all-to-common brown. (You know I have a thing for standing out right?) 

I couldn't wait to show it to you guys. Check out more photos below and shop the links at the bottom. Can't wait to hear what you think! - Wesley

Here's what I'm wearing:

River Island Parka Jacket with Faux Fur Hood via ASOS // Feathers Curved Hem Tee via Urban Outfitters // Zara Skinny Jeans // Topman Boots //  Coach Bleecker Lennox Bag in Pebbled Leather //  Totes-Isotoner Gloves // John Varvators Scarf // Oliver Peoples Aviators 

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Casual Snow Day feat. Hunter Boots

The Ultimate Electric-Yellow Coat

Featuring Hunter Boots.

For the past two weeks, New Yorkers have gotten their daily dose of physical exercise from jumping ridiculously large puddles of slush. Seriously, I'm over it. Bloomberg Business created this awesome video about why the puddles are so deep. 

And while the aftermaths of "blizzard" Juno have proved to detrimental to most of my boots, I can walk through any amount of snow in these tall neoprene boots from Hunter. I have pretty long legs, which allows me to wear these riding-style boots and still have around three inches to my knee. For those of you who'd like a shorter option, Hunter has you covered with their original rain boot. 

I styled my boots for a casual snow day walk. Check out the pictures below and shopping links at the bottom of the page. Stay Warm! - Wesley

Hunter Neoprene Boots / Scotch and Soda Coat / BDG Shirt via Urban Outfitters / ASOS Chinos / DOTS Gloves / Fossil Watch / Ray-ban Aviators

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As Camo As I Go

Weekend Layering

One Suit, Three Ways

Batten down the hatches because the "blizzard of the century" is on her way. Since we'll be living in North Face parkas and snow boots for the next week or so, I decided to take this bright Joe Fresh coat out brunch earlier this week.

Ok, so bright is an understatement. This jacket is electric. And while I never mind standing out, even I understand how out-there this baby is. But I'm always drawn to things I've never seen before and I've yet to see anyone rock this lemon coat on the streets of New York.

Stay warm my friends and follow me on Instagram for 37 photos of the pot of chili I currently have on the stove. 

Here's what I'm wearing:

Joe Fresh Coat // Jack Spade Sweater // Boss Waxed Jeans // Puma Sneakers // Ray-Ban Wayfarers // Isotoner Gloves

MORE FROM WESLEY WEARS:

As Camo As I Go

Weekend Layering

One Suit, Three Ways

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By definition, a trifecta is a bet placed on the first three finishers in a race, or a run of three wins in a row. Well I've got three winners in today's Gucci accessories. The horsebit is Gucci's iconic emblem and while some may try to avoid blatant symbols of brands, I live for the classically simplistic horsebit.  

The bracelet, loafers, and belt seen here are the perfect pieces of hardware to elevate this daily work outfit. I also swapped out a blazer at the last second for this leather-on-denim jacket from JACHS. The mash-up of casual style with the high-end accessories makes for an interesting, well-balanced look. 

Here's what I'm wearing:

JACHS Jacket // Calvin Klein Shirt // Topman Pants // Gucci Belt, Bracelet, and Loafers // Ted Baker Watch // Happy Socks // Polaroid Eyewear

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As Camo As I Go

Weekend Layering

One Suit, Three Ways

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What a glorious two weeks of rest and relaxation. I've been ultimately unplugged and while I wouldn't change a second of my holiday vacation, cabin fever was definitely starting to kick in. 

I don't know if you're a resolution kind of person, but I'm not really into lofty goals with elongated deadlines (like 365 days). I'm into achievable, yet intricate goals that can be accomplished, then replaced with a new set of objectives based on the lessons learned from the previous batch. Our ambitions should be constantly evolving, just like us. 

A small task on my list is to shoot more at night. I rarely do it because the shots are always subpar to my normal batches of outfit posts, but ignorance to the process is a really poor excuse to avoid something completely. I plan on a lot more night shoots in 2015, but let's start with this look.

Here's what I'm wearing:

Seduka Jacket // Zara Blazer // Original Penguin Shirt // AllSaints Jeans // Rag & Bone Boots // Ted Baker Watch

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Holiday Party Inspiration

Weekend Layering

One Suit, Three Ways

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Twitter – Instagram – Pinterest

Who's ready for a new year? New starts, new adventures. I know I'm personally ready to hustle in 2015, but that doesn't mean we can't enjoy these next few days of this year. Celebrating with friends, eating way to much, and just catching our breath from the crazy year it's been. 

I've spent the past few days visiting my family in Mississippi, so it's only appropriate that today's blog post features one of my only camo pieces. Growing up in the south, I grew distain for the traditional green and brown pattern used by hunters to hide in the forest and just couldn't bring myself to join fashion's military revolution. But these waxed camo J Brand jeans helped change my mind. 

How do you do camouflage?

Here's what I'm wearing:

Kenneth Cole Coat // Top Man Sweater // Uniqlo Turtleneck // J Brand Coated Denim // Rogue Moto Boots // Fossil Bag // Missoni Scarf // Randolph Engineering Eyewear

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Holiday Party Inspiration

The Hottest Camel Coat

One Suit, Three Ways

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Only nine days until Christmas!! Are you ready?

I certainly am. I spent the weekend shopping for last minute gifts (I'll be sharing some of my ideas for down to the wire gifts later this week). It's cold in NYC, but certainly not unbearable. So I didn't mind enjoying some pre-polar vortex weather while out-and-about in the city. The temps also allowed me to get some wear out of one of my favorite pairs of fall pants, these cropped duds from ASOS. We know fall was the "season of the mankle" and I've been having a hard time of adjusting back to socks and boots. 

This burgundy sweater from H&M has a larger-than-normal scooped neckline, so I took advantage of the extra real estate with a bold print. Take a look at all the photos below and let me know what you think!

Here's what I'm wearing:

Zara Coat // H&M Sweater // Marc Jacobs Shirt // Asos Cropped Pants // Ray-Ban Wayfarer Sunglasses // Ted Baker Watch // Bar III Shoes via Macy's

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Holiday Party Inspiration

The Hottest Camel Coat

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My December is slam packed. Last weekend was my birthday (Yes, I meant the entire weekend.). Events included tree trimming at the apartment, a southern-fried dinner at The Cardinal with a small group of some of my favorite people, and lots of caramel cake. Check out some of my pics over on Instagram. 

This week, the holiday parties begin. Work parties. Friends' parties. Maybe you're even hosting one of your own. And while the scheduling can get stressful, the feeling of excitement around this time of year is irreplaceable. When piecing together an outfit for an upcoming Christmas cocktail party, I decided to ditch my traditional strategy of fun fabric jackets or printed shirts by letting my pants do all the work.

These purple plaid pants from Club Monaco are a statement to say the least. Made of wool, they're perfect for the frigid weather we're having in NYC at the moment and also super easy to keep pressed and stain free throughout the party.

Comment, share, or send me photos if you're willing to explore a printed pant this holiday season and I'll do a roundup of your looks. In the meantime, check out these photos and shop the look below.

Here's what I'm wearing: 

Club Monaco Pants //  Dries Van Noten Jacket via Barneys // Express Sweater // Marc Jacobs Lace-Ups // Happy Socks // Ted Baker Watch // Tiffany Ring // Oliver Peoples Aviators

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Why is it we need the feeling of warm weather to spur our inquisitiveness. It’s in our summer DNA to put on our walking shoes (sandals?) and explore. Well let me tell you friends, life is to short to try new things 1/4 of the year. So, I’ve made a personal vow to keep discovering knew places and things throughout the next few cold months (you guys have to hold me to this during the polar vortex.) 

Last weekend, I traveled over the bridge for a Sunday brunch in Brooklyn. Most Manhattanites are nervous about the big B and I myself admit I don’t know enough about the borough to make a solid judgement. But the local pride is contagious. You can get lost in the shops and restaurants on each street. I snapped some pre-brunch photos in Williamsburg so you could see this cold-weather casual outfit.

Here’s what I’m wearing:

Scotch & Soda Jacket // Old Navy Cardigan // Gap Shirt // Levi's 510 Jeans // Ferragamo Wing-Tips // Happy Socks // Coach Bracelet // NY Sunglass Shades

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Re-create Matthew McConaughey's GQ Cover

One Suit, Three Ways: Make the Most of Your Work Duds

A Night on Broadway

I work on the GQ floor of Condé Nast, so for the past month I've been staring at a larger-than-life, blown up version of Matthew McConaughey's November cover photo. He was styled in a western-inspired denim shirt and a wool tie. I knew I had a the exact same shirt (which I wear way to often because throwing on a denim shirt is just so easy), but never thought of wearing it with a tie. So I used the Hollywood maverick as inspiration when selecting my Thanksgiving day outfit.

What are you wearing on Turkey Day (besides stretch pants)?

Here's what I'm wearing:

All Saints Leather Jacket // H&M Shirt // Hugo Boss Tie // Zara Pants // Ted Baker Watch // Asos Belt // Alexander McQueen Boots

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A Downtown Leather Look

An Alternative to a Stuffy Suit

Shop .Bk's Limited Edition FOUNDERS Collection