THE FINISHING TOUCHES

Now I know that the word accessories is rather frightening to most men. I mean, unless were talking about electronics, you guys are not interested in "accessorizing" your outfits. You throw the jeans on, you slip the t-shirt over your head and usually the outfit thought process has been lost. Now, I'm not saying you boys should start wearing big chunky necklaces and crazy mafia rings. I'm just saying that there's just something about a guy who is properly and effortlessly "accessorized". They're an inexpensive way to spruce up your wardrobe. They  make your outfit that much more interesting and also add a bit of your personality. Who knows, that girl you've been eyeing on the other side of the bar might ask you something about that watch you're wearing, or if you like baseball. Even though the team on your hat is clearly football. But she's a girl and she's talking to you, so that quickly becomes not so important. So finish your outfit off with a little something extra and let me know what happens. 

STYLE ICON: JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE

I will admit it. I am a horrible blogger. I never update anything. So I apologize for that. I've been caught up in my new tumblr blog. www.ihatehappyendings123.tumblr.com.  Check it out! Ok, so back to the current post. I have the biggest (and probably unhealthy) crush on Justin Timberlake. Ever since his frosted tips days with Nsync, he has had my heart. Gone are his 90s clothes. Justin knows the current trends. Boots, tight skinny jeans, blazers and, yes, fedoras. I do not advise others to try fedoras though. They just scream "look at me! I'm trying way too hard!" But everything else Mr. Timberlake has been rocking is perfectly acceptable for the everyday average joe. So google the dude and start updating your wardrobe.

LET'S TALK ABOUT FIT, GENTLEMEN

I feel the picture above correctly portrays my feelings on this post. Wearing clothes that fit seems to be a no brainer. But guys everywhere are still wearing the wrong size. Shirts are too baggy, button ups have buttons popping open and pants, well pants are pretty much on the ground. Dude, your t-shirt should be snug, but not so snug I can see every detail on your body. Your button ups should have room to move your arms, but not enough room that it looks like you could fit another person in there. Pants seem to be the worst. They should fit snug around your waist, or hips, and your ass should be inside the pants. Not hanging out the top. Yes, I know that there seems to be this fascination with baggy pants. Rappers have contributed yet another winner in the world of fashion. Thanks. But please, not so much ass that you might as well not even be wearing pants.

STYLE ICON: ZAC EFRON

Zac Efron has come a long way since his Disney, high school musical days. The mop of hair on his hair got chopped, he started acting in real movies and he kinda just grew up. His sense of style has also majorly evolved. This guy has got the act of looking good down to a science. Leather jackets, scarves, graphic tees, beat up boots and skinny jeans. I am very impressed. He always looks put together, yet laid back. Way to go Troy, err, Zac.

THE CUFFED PANT EPIDEMIC

Everywhere I go, I see guys with their pants rolled up. Just hovering over their shoes. I like it. I know that designers have been showing this style on the runway for a while now, but I think that guys are finally starting to catch on.  Its a small detail that makes a rather large statement. It offers a much better platform to show off your shoes and protects the bottom of your pants as well. So, roll em up gentlemen.

THANK YOU JOHN KRASINSKI

If there was such a thing as the perfect dog walking outfit, The Office's, John Krasinski has found it. I mean, its casual, but somehow looks perfectly put together. The sweater isn't too loose, nor too tight. The jeans are the perfect mix of worn in and brand new. The baseball cap tops it all off, while keeping him disguised. But come on John, you cant hide in that outfit.

STYLE ICON: KID CUDI

Kid Cudi. Man on the Moon. The most hipster rapper I can think of. This guy is just awesome in so many different ways. Bright graphic t-shirts layered with beat up old leather jackets and plaid shirts. Crazy coloured socks combined with a classy suit and tie ensemble. He is the king of originality and mixing. He even wears the recognizable thick black framed, "hipster" glasses. He's always on top of his game, day-n-nite ;) .

WHY A BUTTON UP SHIRT IS ALWAYS A YES

Button up shirts. They work with everything. They're the perfect article of clothing for men. They're mandatory with a suit, work with jeans, and look perfectly nonchalant thrown over a t-shirt. I personally find them the best with sleeves rolled up, tucked into jeans, finished off with casual sneakers or boots. Sure, they're hot with suits, but they're hotter when you least expect them.

4 PAIRS OF SHOES EVERY GUY SHOULD OWN

Shoes. A very important and essential piece of any outfit. They can make it or break it. You can be looking mighty fine but a bad pair of shoes can turn the look from sexy to saggy. There are 4 pairs of shoes that every guy should own:

#1: Converse High Tops (preferably in black)
   * These shoes go with everything. From jeans and a tee to a classy suit. You'll achieve that "I just       threw these on last minute, but they look fucking awesome" look. Who doesn't want that?

#2: Oxfords
   * Every man should own a pair of some sort of dress shoe. You never know when you'll be attending a wedding, funeral, or your girlfriend is dragging you to some fancy brunch with her parents. Oxfords are most definitely the way to go for this one. They are a no fuss shoe that works with any fancy attire. But they also look pretty kick ass with skinny jeans as well.

#3: Combat Boots
    * Boots are my all time favourite thing to see on guys. They are extremely versatile and oh so sexy. My favourite colour for these is brown. A worn in, I wear these every day, type brown. Yes, yes, yes.

#4: Casual Vans
   * Last, but not lease, Vans. They've been around since 1966. They're obviously a classic by now. These shoes work with everything, and I mean EVERYTHING. They're easy to throw on and easy to match with your outfit. Go buy some. Now.

YES OR NO: MESSENGER BAGS

ok, I know, I know, bags seem weird to carry around and not many guys do. But I mean, they're convenient, are they not? You can keep all your shit in one place without having to stuff it all in your pockets. It works for laptops and its way easier to get away with if you're a student. Or wearing a suit. Because guys in suits can get away with a lot. As long as you're not toting around the latest Chanel clutch or anything, you should be fine.

STYLE ICON: DRAKE

Who has as much swagger as Drake? I mean, he's bad ass but a total sweetheart at the same time. He knows fashion and he knows how to wear it well. Whether he's hitting the red carpet in polished suits, or putting on a killer show in casual tees and jeans, he always looks hot. And being canadian doesn't hurt either ;)

THE SCRUFF EPIDEMIC

It seems that guys everywhere are tossing their razors aside and opting for the "scruff". The scruff no longer belongs to homeless men and hipsters only. Celebrities and normal dudes alike are sporting the look. I personally love it. I mean come on, its bad ass but team it with a suit and its put together and sexy. Keep it up gentlemen, you're looking fine.

PERSONAL STYLING WORK

I just wanted to share a few shots from one of my own personal styling shoots. The model is my lil bro, Matthew. All the clothes that I used are from H&M and Value Village. Oh, and you cant see them, but he's wearing wicked combat boots.

THE BAD BOY ALLURE

I don't know what it is about a bad boy. There's something mysterious and intriguing about those boys who just don't give a fuck. The tattoos, the leather jackets, the biker boots and the devilish smirk permanently plastered on their faces. They just have that "je ne sais quoi". Now, you might not be a bad boy in real life, but no one says you cant look like one. Grab that leather jacket, skinny jeans and graphic tees and walk the walk. You don't necessarily have to talk the talk, but it definitely helps.

WHY YOU NEED TO STOP WEARING JERSEYS (leave them for the game)

Now I know that as men you like sports. You like watching them, playing them and even wearing them. I have absolutely nothing against wearing a sports jersey to a game. That's completely acceptable and I would even do it myself. However, if you're just going to the mall, or out for dinner or even just to the grocery store, I really don't think they're necessary. Yes, we know you're a fan and you support your favorite team, but does everyone really need to know that, 24/7? It's 2012 gentlemen, not 2002. I mean, unless you're going for the Turtle from Entourage look, the jerseys should stay tucked away until game time.

YOU NEED: A TRENCHCOAT

The trenchcoat. A classic item that should be present in every man (and woman's) wardrobe. Its a classy, timeless piece that will never go out of style. (Thank you Burberry) Trenchcoats look good thrown over pretty much anything. From jeans and simple tee to your classic suit and tie look. Its the ultimate item for spring weather. So gentlemen, I highly advise you to go out and find that perfect trenchcoat, and never let go of it.

STYLE ICON: MAC MILLER....wait what?...yes

Now normally you wouldn't look at a kid like Mac Miller and think, "Wow, that guy knows fashion!" But when you take a closer look, you actually change your mind. I'm personally a HUGE fan of his music and just recently went to one of his shows, but I never noticed the white boy swag that he possesses. He's got this "I just casually threw this on but it actually looks freakin amazing, but I could really care less" look going on. Crew neck sweaters with colourful button ups peeking out, high tops, bow ties and the "just the right amount of skinny and baggy" jeans. I mean, he even wears cardigans! I for one, am watching this kid.

BLUE IS THE NEW BLACK

While looking through all the latest Spring 2012 collections from all of our favorite designers, I noticed that blue suits are really having a moment. They popped up on runways such as Armani, Dsquared and Michael Bastian. Many of my favorite "men of style" are also rocking this fresh trend. Drake, Zac Efron and many more. Its almost slightly reminiscent of The Beatles, skinny ties and all. Just make sure not to go to light when it comes to blue suits. You don't want to look like prom king, class of 85.

The Dean Effect's First Post!

Influence, reinvention and creativity are key in the world of menswear. This includes pulling inspiration from icons of the past and altering them slightly to fit your own persona. Fashion isn't just the clothes on your back, its a separate interpretation of yourself. James Dean once said "Dream as if you'll live forever. Live as if you'll die today." Why not dress that way too?