You get what you pay for - Spend some money

It’s a simple concept to grasp and for better or worse, it’s true. If you want to look good you have to spend some money. The key is spending the money on the right things and in the right places. The bright side is not everything is expensive and it’s possible to look great without dropping a lot of loot. Here’s what you need to know part 1:

My personal rule of thumb: Spend the money now, take care of the piece and you wont have to replace it in a year. A $400 pair of shoes that lasts you 3-5 years is better then spending $150 every year. This holds true for a number of things. The key is doing your research and getting something that’s very well made with a heritage of creating great fitting items.

Items you should pay a lot for, no leniency:

Shoes

They are expensive, period. Cheap dress shoes look cheap, wear out fast and leave you with something embarrassing. A solid pair of black cap toe shoes (which every man should wear often) is going to cost you $200 - $500. That’s the way it is. Get over it. And no, Kenneth Cole is not a respected brand anymore. In ’00 they were the bee’s knees but they are all but done right now.

*Cole Haan
Good shoe brands: Cole Haan, Prada, Hugo Boss, Brooks Brothers

Style note: Stop wearing square toe shoes! They are clunky, far from sleek and you look like a jackass.




Jeans

I have a whole post dedicated to jeans on the way so we won’t get into too much right now. For me, there is no substitute to a really well made pair of jeans. It’s truly one thing I can’t live without and won’t bat an eye spending $300 to have. Hit up Barney’s or Neiman Marcus for the best selection. I’m sure your city has a local shop that sells the best in denim, like New York’s Atrium or Jean Connection in Dallas. Go in, grab about 10 pairs and try them on all on. If they cost less the $150 question why.

Remember, you will have to get them hemmed or tailored so they don’t have to fit perfect in the store.

There shouldn’t be any cuts, holes, bedazzlements or writing. Your jeans can have holes but only if you wore them in yourselves. It’s a lot cooler if you've made holes out of use and you didn’t buy it that way.

Most everyone needs a light and dark wash in their collection.


Good denim brands: Nudie, Earnest Sewn, Diesel, Levis (the only brand that’s cheap you are allowed to wear)

Wack brands: Mavi, Ed Hardy, American Eagle/Gap/Banana Republic/Abercrombie, Seven’s (yes Seven’s. They don’t last long and are sold at Target. Time to grow up)

Next up...items that don't break the bank.