What is it about the color purple? So many celebrities wear purple these days. Rap superstar Lil’ Wayne has been known to wear the color purple on numerous occasions, and young popstar Justin Bieber has somehow made wearing purple “cool” for teenage boys everywhere. The bottom line is that purple is popular, and that’s why you should invest in a pair of purple cufflinks. Fashion trends are cyclical and before you know it, orange might be the next color of choice. But in the meantime, it seems that purple is the frontrunner. If you don’t own any purple clothes or accessories, then what are you waiting for? We have plenty of Purple Cufflinks to choose from, all you have to do is take a look at our selection and pick out a few pairs.

For example, these Purple Locked Squares Cufflinks are perfect because the design is modern and there are different shades of purple throughout. This gives you the flexibility to match these cufflinks with a variety of purple ties or button-down shirts. (Flexibility in fashion is what separates the men from the boys.) Embrace the color purple and use it to enhance your sense of style as well as your wardrobe. A little color here or there can go along way. With a few pairs of purple cufflinks in your collection, you’ll be as fashionable as Lil’ Wayne in no time. Just don’t try to rap like him at the office or anything … that might be awkward.

Robert Graham Soho Mermaid CufflinksRobert Graham Soho Mermaid CufflinksLet’s face it, most of us find our favorite looks and trends, not by flipping through the pages of Vogue, but through celebrities. It is undeniable. You see a nice jacket, pair of boots, shoulder bag, etc on a style icon in Hollywood, and weeks later, you can find a similar version at H&M or JCrew. That’s just how fashion works. So we’ve decided to feature some well-dressed men who roam the streets of Hollywood and New York. (But to be honest, New Yorkers will always have a better sense of style, ehm, but we’ll get to that later…)

Style Icon Number One: David Beckham

Talk about a perfect English-inspired look: early twentieth century country wear, tweed jacket, wool tie, and a flat cap. The neutral colors of this outfit are perfect for the fall season and each detail brings the look full circle. Go ahead, you can steal it:

David Beckham in a Country English-Inspired Suit

English 6 Pence Hand Painted Coin Cufflinks

Even on the street, coming out of the airport, the man is still styling. We love the black rimmed, Woody Allen-eque glasses, the laid-back beanie, disheveled Flannel Burberry Shirt, and even the military shoulder bag…

David Beckham leaving LAX wearing a Burberry Prorsum flannel shirt

English Flag Cufflinks

David Beckham, in a three-piece suit, for his appearance on the Jonathan Ross Show

We think these Blue Enamel Grid Cufflinks would look great with a grey suit and a blue tie like Beckham’s:

Blue Enamel Grid Cufflinks

Style Icon Number Two: Usher

Usher has been a style icon since the 90′s and it’s only gotten better with time. Not only can the man sing his heart out, but he brings out a classier side of hip-hop that we seldom see out there. No over-sized bling, no gold teeth, no ultra-baggy apparel. Just chic, simple, and classic:

Usher, at the Playboy Club at the Palms Casino Resort to host a party for the July/August issue of Vegas Magazine. Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images

And again, it’s all about the details. The leather belt, the over-sized watch, beaded bracelets, and a tilted black and brown fedora. He’s bold with his accessories and these cufflinks would look great with this look:

Robert Graham Soho Mermaid Cufflinks

And here he is seen in Europe with his ex-girl, Eishia Brightwell. Usher isn’t afraid to mix an urban look (relaxed fitted jeans and sneakers) with a floral, blue sweater. And he looks great wearing it:

Usher and Eishia in Europe

Robert Graham Ocean Paisley Leather Dome Cufflinks

Our “let it burn” main man was, once again, looking fresh on the streets of Berlin recently: (*Notice the rugged boots, like we mentioned in our previous post…)

Usher jeaned up in Berlin, wearing a Brixton fedora, pocket square, and rugged boots.

Style Icon Number Three: Zac Efron

So teeny boppers aren’t excluded from this list. (Is that too harsh? Well, maybe a little. He is over eighteen..). But we can’t deny it: this young man is stylin‘. With his new-found fame, sexy little girlfriend, and charming, boy-next-door looks, he’s bound to acquire a wardrobe worth mentioning.

Zac Efron

These Black and White Circle Cufflinks are new arrivals, hot out of the frying pan. They have that fresh, alluring design that reminds us of Efron’s new stardom:

Black and White Linked Circle Cufflinks

Zac Efron, Voted Top Fifteen Sexiest Men Alive, according to People.com

Gunmetal Fleur di Lis Cufflinks

Even GQ thinks he’s something special:

Zac Efron on the cover of GQ Magazine

So there you have it. Three mega-stars that have a firm grasp on what style can do for one’s image. And success isn’t normally far behind well-dressed men. And of course a publicist, stylist, and a wardrobe team probably helps– but for those of us without these celebrity commodities, know that our style tips, cufflinks, and recommendations will get you by just fine, so no worries.

Stay tuned friends.

Everyone is wondering how to stay warm this winter. Now combine that need for warmth with the ability to look good and you have exactly what we’re about to show you: a few extra must-have essentials to have in your wardrobe this season. Our last post featured some basic essentials: the three-piece suit, the plaid neck tie, tweed suits, and thin turtlenecks. But this article will be all about how to stay extra comfortable and warm during the winter months, while still charming the ladies with your style.

First up, we have Lug Sole Boots, also known as a regular, chunky rubber sole boot. What’s great about these boots is you can literally wear them anywhere and with any casual attire you may find in your closet already. They are not reserved strictly for rough terrain and the back woods of Maine anymore.

Maine Lodge Boot, by L.L. Bean ($99)

L.L. Bean boots look great with jeans, corduroys, sweaters, and even suit jackets (especially…you guessed it, Tweed jackets) These boots from L.L. Bean are our favorites, because they have that casual, rugged appeal. The price is definitely right too, as most of their boots start at $99. The best part is they are made in the USA (in Maine), and each boot is handcrafted, which means they are durable and will last a lifetime.

Robert Graham Brown Timeless Cufflinks, $127

And for a slightly dressier boot to go with your tailored, slim fitted suits, try these Field Boots:

Field Boot, by Mark McNairy, New Amsterdam ($395)

Sleek field boots would look great with an antique inspired cuff piece like this one, designed by Robert Graham:

Robert Graham Garnet Wrapped Glass Cufflinks

Another casual look for your to feast your eyes on is the Blue Plaid Shirt. As you may remember, we featured plaid ties in our previous post, and this goes right along with the same trend. (Just don’t wear them together, because that would just be…not good).

American Living Blue Plaid Shirt, JC Penney Stores

We love plaid because it normally comes in super soft material, would look great with all the attire above, and you can normally add a pair of cufflinks to your shirt too. Or better yet, blue plaid can be dressed up in a quick second, with a simple blue blazer. You can go from man-working-around-the-house to trend-setting-man-of-the-world, by adding a blazer and a pair of cufflinks:

Sky Blue Locked Squares Cufflinks

And last but not least, Corduroy Pants:

Five Pocket Corduroy pants, by C.P Company

Corduroy isn’t just for little boys anymore. They are ultra comfortable, appropriate for the work environment, and can be dressed up with a fitted sweater and an over jacket. Plus they will keep you cozy during the winter months. These Corduroy pants by C.P. Company are a bit pricey, at $215, but you can find a comparable pair from Levi’s at around $60. Here are some inexpensive, Silk Knot Cufflinks that work well with corduroy:

Chocolate Malt Brown and Silver Silk Knot Cufflinks, $7

More style adventures to come….Stay tuned folks

GQ magazine recently featured some invaluable resources for men in regards to fashion. Calling it their “Fall Report,” they have carefully selected the hottest trends, accessories, and looks for the modern man of 2010. We have a picked out a few that we especially love. First up, the Three Piece Suit:

Three Piece Suit, Design by Simon Spurr

What’s great about the three piece suit is the added touch of class, found in a single element: the vest. Yes, these suits may cost a bit more than the standard two piece suit, but like GQ mentions in their feature, “it keeps you looking sharp when you remove your jacket.” And these Black Dial Cufflinks are some basic, inexpensive accessories that could bring the look full circle:

Black Dial Cufflinks

The next look we love is the Small, Lightweight Turtleneck. Turtlenecks are great for the fall/winter season for obvious reasons (they keep you warm…if we have to spell it out for you), but they go great under suit and sport jackets. Plus they are a warm substitute for that stifling collared shirt. Make sure the turtleneck you choose isn’t too chunky, but fine-gauge and fits high around the neck, like this one:

Lightweight Turtleneck, as featured in GQ, design by Gucci

The man bag and sunglasses don’t hurt the look either: we especially love the extra finishing touches that really bring together an ensemble, like a stunning pair of Silk Knot Cufflinks:

Camo Time Silk Knot Cufflinks

The next little accessory that is not to be shunned, is the Plaid Necktie. No, we’re not talking about Paul Bunyan plaid here, and we don’t expect you to go on a wood chopping rampage in your overalls…but really plaid is back this season and may be here for the long run. These new plaid ties have a slimmer cut,  a smaller tie knot, and are unlined to give a “draping effect.”

H&M Necktie

Black Watch Plaid Cufflinks

David Hart & Co. Neck Tie, $130

And lastly, for this week’s style update, we want to mention once again, our love of TWEED. (And please don’t substitute out the “T” and think we’re talking about something else…but you can if you want…) For those of you who follow this blog, you might remember a post focused on texture, one of which was tweed. Well GQ has also exhibited their love of tweed and it’s storming runways around the world:

Tweed Suit, by Billy Reid

Amber Quilted Cufflinks

And to quote Jim Moore on this subject, he says that “[tweed] looks good over and under everything. It’s got that mannish personality to it, where it stands up well to an elegant shirt and tie, or looks good with a fisherman’s sweater.” And Mr. Moore, we completely agree.

]]> http://www.cufflinksman-blog.com/cufflinks-by-color/trend-report-four-basic-essentials/feed/ 0 http://www.cufflinksman-blog.com/cufflinks-by-color/scarf-it-up-wrap-it-up/ http://www.cufflinksman-blog.com/cufflinks-by-color/scarf-it-up-wrap-it-up/#comments Sun, 07 Nov 2010 00:43:07 +0000 Amber S. http://www.cufflinksman-blog.com/?p=859 There is that familiar chill in the air, which means scarf season is here! One of our favorite accessories, other than cufflinks, is scarves and they can come in many shapes, sizes and textures (well duh). So instead of concentrating on matching your outfit just right, try to match your accessories in cool, new ways. [...]

There is that familiar chill in the air, which means scarf season is here! One of our favorite accessories, other than cufflinks, is scarves and they can come in many shapes, sizes and textures (well duh). So instead of concentrating on matching your outfit just right, try to match your accessories in cool, new ways.

Here are some great photos from GQ that exhibit different ways to wear these warming winter accessories and also how they can work with cufflinks:

Tuck a textured scarf into a suit jacket and wrap around the neck once:

Scarf tucked into Suit Jacket, from GQ Magazine, Photo by Tommy Ton

Coupled with the slim fitted jacket and this textured scarf, try one of these Striped Mosiac Cufflinks, designed by Ox & Bull Trading Co. :

Striped Mosaic Cufflinks

For a  looser, more laid back look, use a colorful linen scarf with your suit jacket:

Linen Scarf, GQ Magazine, Photo by Tommy Ton

And with the linen type scarf, these Sailor inspired cufflinks would bring the look full circle:

Enamel Boat Wheel Cufflinks

And for a hipper, trendier look, try mixing different colors in your ensemble, combined with a simple black or gray scarf, like this one:

Colorful Mix with Simple Black Scarf, GQ Mag, Photo by Tommy Ton

A loud outfit like this one, featured in GQ magazine, would look great paired with funky cufflinks, such as these Joker Cufflinks:

Joker Cufflinks

So remember to keep warm out there this fall and winter season. We (and the scarves) have got you covered. Winter accessories don’t simply stop at hats and gloves…so mix in a little jewelry to accessorize your winter wonderland looks.

When one goes to Europe, one takes an instant notice of the architectural grandeur, the intricate designs and details, and the awe-inspiring buildings that are hundreds of years old. In America, our architecture is lacking those ancient intricities and the eye for detail. Our buildings seem to be made for one purpose only: functionality.

One can look the same way at cufflinks. Yes, they are used to enclose the gaps on shirt sleeves and be used in place of a button, but they also represent something aesthetically supreme (like European Architecture). They are not simply worn for functionality, but are used to represent individualism, eccentricities, and character. It always comes down to the details. These Enamel Tracery Cufflinks are reminiscent of the same architectural details we love:

Enamel Tracery Cufflinks, by LOMA

Designed by LOMA, they evoke the detail oriented style that completely brings together an outfit.

Calvin Klein Fall 2010

Walking down the street, people notice the tiny accessories that make up an outfit. Cufflinks are that eye-catching and architectural “wow factor” to an outfit. Designer Italo Zucchelli’s new designs for Calvin Klein exhibited exactly that: crisp, sharp, and detail oriented clothes. Calvin Klein’s new fall 2010 line is representative of the masculine man looking sharply forward in a lusterless world; And similarly, these Orange Enamel Tracery Cufflinks are breaking the lackluster mold:

Orange Enamel Tracery Cufflinks

And to add even more color and texture to your palate, these Black and Red Quilted Cufflinks are yet another great choice for that fashion forward attitude and architectural vibe:

Red and Black Quilted Cufflinks

…and unfortunately we didn’t make the cut. But hey, there’s always next year right?

First of all, CONGRATULATIONS to this year’s winners! You make the world a better place (or at least a little more hopeful) and for that, thank you.

We hope we do the same for men’s fashion. So in this hopeful spirit, we’re moving on to innovative ideas for accessorizing the latest and greatest trends with (drum roll, please), the ultimate arm candy, cufflinks.

This season’s theme: Jazz it up with color

Turquoise and Onyx Cufflinks

Everyone woman loves a man who has a sense of style—if only for the fact that she won’t have to dress him every time they venture out in public. Even better is the man who not only has a fashion sense, but a quirky, confidant one at that. These Turquoise and Onyx Cufflinks are a perfect transition between the young gentleman caller and professional business man. The battle for looking and feeling younger is not a dilemma reserved only for women: the 21st century man has to compete as well.

So the young looks for this season? Think Ivy league meets Brooklyn hipster (without the annoying, pretentious attitude).

And of course, to bring out that inner boy, try one of our Superhero cufflinks, like this one:

Superman Cufflinks

Wardrobe Looks We Love:

Hermes Runway Show, Fall 2010,

as featured in GQ magazine

Hermes Runway Show, Fall 2010

These Stone Argyle Cufflinks would look great paired with an eclectic look like the one above. The different shades of stone, coupled with the argyle,  maintain that Harvard look.

Stone Argyle Cufflinks

You don’t have to be a stuffy older man in a suit to enjoy the Stone Argyle cufflinks, especially when they are paired with a relaxed, funky suit jacket. You can balance out that “I don’t care if my pants are too big, or too tight for that matter” attitude by adding one of the gold plated Stone Argyle cufflinks, which sends off a message of sophistication and modernity to the urban look.

Designer Paul Smith Runway Show, Spring 2011, as featured in GQ magazine

Paul Smith Spring 2011

Clothing Designer Paul Smith created a collection for Spring 2011 that represents the boyish looking man who takes pride in the art of the wardrobe, and doesn’t hold back. This urban black and white look would go great paired with a modern cufflink, like this Onyx and MOP Checker Step Cufflink, designed by Ox and Bull.  Made with onyx and mother of pearl, this expensive looking wrist piece will balance out the relaxed fit of this style.

Onyx and MOP Checker Step Cufflink

AND AFTER ALL THIS STYLE TALK- Congrats again to the Nobel Prize Winners!! We hope someone will vote for us next year…

A classic suit should simultaneously borrow the sophistication of the late Victorian period, the glamour of the Parisian 30’s, and the meticulous style of the 60’s.

But there’s always room for a new twist on a classic look.

The Hermes collection for fall 2010  hinted at an urban countryside look, with relaxed fit suits. Here’s a more urban version below, but click on the Hermes link to view the entire collection.

For 2010 it’s all about the texture. Who says you have to weigh yourself down under heavy clothes? For fall 2010, lightweight, textured suits made of breath-able cotton, flannel, and linen are sprouting up everywhere. We especially like the countryside look with an urban flair that is apparent in the tailored silhouettes, which make use of light browns, beige, and soft black.

Granite Cabochon Cufflinks

To make the MOST of this “country boy meets big city” style, pair these textured suits with a natural accessory, like these Granite Cabochon Cufflinks designed by Ike Behar. These designer cufflinks evoke the soft hues of vanilla and caramel, while still maintaining the hot runway themes of nature, stone, and texture. The Granite Cabochon Cufflinks add a touch of elegance and flair to this laid back look.

Blue Floral Cufflinks

Going along the lines of texture, these Blue Floral Banner Cufflinks designed by Robert Graham are a perfect addition to that textured suit. Featuring an authentic shirt fabric that will spice up any tweed, light brown,  khaki, or gray material. We love absolutely them.

And what are these “new” fabrics? Well let’s just say they are a modern re-vamping of classic fabrics: Harris Tweed, Pinstripe, Plaid, and Herringbone.

Need ideas for a laid back suit? GQ featured a classic cotton Khaki suit by Michael Bastian that would look great with the Blue Floral Banner Cufflinks. Click on the Michael Bastian link to view the entire collection and our favorite look, the Khaki suit.

Persian Rug Cufflinks

All of these textured looks of the season will look great paired with the Blue Floral Banner cufflinks, the Granite Cabochon cufflinks, the Persian Rug cufflinks, or these Banded African Jade cufflinks.

Known as the infinite color, white is the perception which is triggered by an infinite combination of light wavelengths of three basic light intensities across the visible spectrum. The color white reminds us of all that is pure and clean and it conveys a true sense of peace and calm. Unlike the color black which doesn’t reflect any other color, the color white is highly reflective and does not absorb heat as fast as the color black, this is one of the reasons why light colors such as white are often preferred over darker colors during the summertime. People who wear the color white are regarded as intelligent, balanced and spiritual individuals who are able to balance a true sense of style with all that is pure. New York fashion and urban styles also make good use of the color white.

Interesting facts about the color white:

• A White flag is a highly recognized international symbol for truce and peace. This concept reaffirms the fact that white stands for peace.

• White is also the colored normally worn by brides in the western world as well as in Japan because it represents the pure heart of a virgin and everything that is pure.

• In the bible, the color white is used to represent light and is also an attribute of the divine. This concept has also led many people to think of heaven as a place with a lot of light and heavy use of the color white.

• When it comes to politics, people who are ultraconservative are sometimes referred to as white.

• During the 19th century, medical professionals chose to wear the color white because the color represents hope and also creates expectations of healing that cannot be matched by any other color.

• When someone has a dream and the color white is notoriously present, this is said to be a sign of prosperity and happiness at home. Similar interpretations are formulated by those who dream of white castles and white objects.

Great Examples of White Cufflinks are:

	Sheet white silk knot log cuff links: if you want to wear truly unique and cuff links then this hand woven cufflinks style is certain to do the job, they are made of real silk and have a very delicate finish.
	Sheet white silk knot cuff links: get another unique knot pattern is shown in these cuff links, they are handcrafted and made from real silk which ads a touch of style to your outfit.
	Square CZ diamond-platted cuff links: if you truly want to be the center of attention and want to shine then these diamond-platted cuff links will certainly do the job; if you follow urban styles and New York fashion then you will be familiar with the shine of this cuff links.
	Round diamond CZ cuff links: the similar to the square CZ diamond-platted cuff links, these round diamond cuff links are the ultimate in New York, urban and bling fashion.

Few colors can convey many sensations, this is where the color purple comes in because purple is one of
them. Purple takes on the properties of the color red which produces motion and causes people to get excited and at the same time it blends the properties of the color blue in the entire
mix. Blue is known for being a soothing calmed color which encourages concentration and productivity.

There are many tones of purple, in darker clearly defined purple tones this color helps people relax (blue properties) if the tones are high on the other hand it can cause uneasiness, but for the most part the color purple people use is somewhat darker or lighter which can uplift those who see this color, it can calm our minds and nerves and just like the color blue encourage creativity.

It has also been said that the color purple offers a sense of spirituality which sets it apart from other colors and tones. People who use this color send the message of being independent, creative, individualistic, romantic and very original. This color is also said to be related to New York fashion and NY urban style.

Interesting facts about the color purple:

• The color purple is said to represent “pride” in Christian belief. Some say that priests who use this particular color are being proud of having knowledge which leads to God. It is also used to represent advent and Lent.
• When purple objects are used in small spaces they often makes the place appear to be larger, this theory has actually been tested in gardens where it is said that this color visually recedes and and makes a small place feel larger.
• Violet, a tone of purple is said to be the color of the “crown chakra” which is directly linked to our mind, our nervous system and it is also a representation of pure thoughts. Those who use the color purple or surround themselves by purple are said to be able to open the chakra which connects to infinite consciousness and also provides deep spiritual understanding.
• In United States politics the color purple is used to represent balance, for instance those states which have an equal distribution of members of the Republican and Democrat parties are said to be purple states.
• In countries such as apan and those with similar belief system, the color purple is used to represent wealth and great social position.

Great Examples of Purple Cufflinks are:

Circular "On Target" Purple Cuff Links: These rhodium-plated purple cufflinks are very elegant and a definitive must have for those who like the way silver blends and contrasts with the color purple. These cufflinks have a glossy finish which makes them even more attractive to the human eye.

Traditional Rectangular Plum Striped Cuff Links: The perfect cufflinks for those who go for the elegant look while showing a trendy and futuristic design.

Plum Purple Silk Knot Cuff Links: These are the perfect cufflinks for those who love simplicity and love the effect purple has in people, they are carefully hand made with real silk.

Plum Purple & Cream Silver Silk Knot Cuff Links: Just like the already mentioned cufflinks these have a simple yet elegant design in two thread tones, silver and purple which soothes and calms people.