How He Wore It: Vince

A few weeks ago, I made a quick but mighty trip to NY to get in a bit of work and play. While there, I spent a lot of time hanging in the East Village, and convinced a friend and supporter of The Co-Op to hang out in the sticky city heat (in a suit, on his day off) to shoot a spread.

Meet Vince. He's a Bronx native, and one of those New Yorkers that knows everything about the city, and feels a certain way when the word Westchester gets brought up in casual conversation.

#typical

We started snapping shots as he explained to me that the crazy silver rooftops are some weird Bloomberg initiative. The idea: silver doesn't absorb heat into the buildings like the black tar found on most roofs, thus keeping the buildings cooler.

Ok, sure.

From the new fall product lineup, he picked out the Dobby Corduroy tie in Olive ($50). With a well cut navy suit and chestnut colored brogues, it's got character, but conservative enough for his finance gig.

This is the part when we learn how one dance move translates to any Sean Paul song.

Oh, wave hi to Jess!

You can pick up an Olive Dobby tie on the site, and also now (woohoo!) at skate and lifestyle shop Seams in Long Beach, CA.

How He Wore It: Oceanside Alex

I have this theory that if you're born and bred in California, you never leave. And if you do, it's for college, then you just go back. Because it's California.

I just can't hate it.

94 Feet Awards @ 6 Points

I recently had the awesome opportunity to  support a friend of mine in his journey to build one of the top sports sites around by attending last weekend's 94 Feet Awards of Chicago.

Click through.

How He Wore It: Fred (dot)

Guest Blogger: Meredith of Fifty First (J) Dates

I met Meredith once upon a time while we were both fashion interns in New York. You know, the really (un)glamorous stuff that makes the beautiful things happen... that was our job. We've stayed in touch and as it turns out, she's the voice of the hilariously honest blog Fifty First (J) Dates.  That's right, she is a proud J-Dater and gives you the play by play along the way. (I made a little appearance on her blog today as well! So hop over to check it out. Pleaseandthankyou.)

As an expert dater and quite the stylish girl as well, Meredith is our go-to for date style and advice.  Here's what she had to say:

How do you decide what to wear for a first date?

You have to consider the slut factor. And you have to choose the top of bottom half. If you're going to show your boobs, wear pants. And if you're going to wear a skirt, wear something that doesn't show cleavage. I always wear heels - but they do dress up/intensify an outfit, so be careful if you're a heels lover too. And consider how tall your date is. But don't ask him, that might be weird. My go-to is usually - wedges, jeans, and a cute silk top by a brand like Joie or Tucker.

What is your ideal autumn date?

Autumn is when leaves turn orange and you get to dress like a floozy for Halloween! And you eat enough candy pumpkins to make you want to hurl. Strolling hand in hand, in an apple orchard, picking apples and tossing them at each others' skulls...or just some pumpkin spice lattes or pumpkin pie at a normal restaurant.

If you could dress a guy for a date, what would he wear?

Oooh! Loafers. I love loafers, I think they are universally flattering. As are mocs/driving shoes. I also kinda dig guys who can pull off converse. But if you can't, don't. Maybe jeans and a button-down. More than anything, tailoring and execution is key. Make sure your shirt isn't too baggy. Look like you care (a little.) A cute or interesting tee and a blazer always looks good too. Just no sneakers. Or adidas bath shoes. Yes, the latter happened. Fortunately, I saw past these little pieces of rubber and offensiveness, and he's now my boyfriend. I just threw out his shoes.

Introducing: Cameron Forbes

One of my favorite qualities that people can have is sheer confidence in themselves and their own futures.  I've known Cameron Forbes for a handful of years now, and he has always been the one there to go on my adventures through New York when we were both the broke interns with cool jobs, living in Brooklyn.

It's been a while since then, we've both come a long way, and I'm so proud to share with my readers that this week he has released his first EP "Masterpiece", as a solo artist, now available on iTunes, Amazon, and all the other lovely places you procure music. My personal favorite track is "When You Leave"; it's actually breathtaking.

Cameron Forbes pictured in a custom scarf by The Style Cooperative

The Style Cooperative has a special soft spot for stylish folks chasing dreams. There's even an upcoming project we have going on with both Cameron Forbes and Culture of Creativity (also insanely talented), so stay tuned and go check out the music.  You'll be hearing his name more soon, and then seeing it in lights.

The Freelance Brigade

As many of you know, I made the transition from a traditional day job to running The Style Cooperative full time around the same time that I first announced that I'd be building a clothing line.  Since then, every so often, somebody will ask very curiously what it is that I do all day or how is it that I get work done or build my collaborative work without the structure of a stationary office.

One thing that is new, but definitely a great addition to my routine is something that I like to call the Freelance Brigade.  The Brigade is a small network of freelancers, self-employed folks, grad students, and entrepreneurs that don't have traditional schedules and are looking to have the option to work with other people in a productive yet comfortable space. 

Every day, we Google "free wifi, chicago" and pick a new coffee shop with ample plug real estate and send out the location to the group. Some days there are only 2 people, other days we are a whole team of laptops and mugs.

As I work to build a business, follow my creative dreams, and more, I've been meeting a number of other local people who are doing the same and love to kick around ideas and just work in a positive creative environment with others who are doing the same.

If you're local to Chicago or are passing through and fit the Brigade (or have a day off and want to come work on your passion projects), shoot me an email and I'll pass on the location of the day.