In Honor Of...

Cole. Charles. Satchmo. Gaye. Cooke.

As a passionate lover of good music, I am holding on to these gentlemen with an extremely firm grip. All smooth and suave in their own unique way, with different tones and voices to serenade the prettiest of women, these five men oozed character, charisma, and every other word you can insert to represent "the cool." Style, in their case, was not only their way of dress, but also how they gave it their all when performing. You could hear the passion through their individual recordings. To this day, Cole, Charles, Satchmo, Gaye, and Cooke are still heavily-played. You can't get rid of something that's here to stay forever. These shining stars may be gone in body, but of course, their soulful and jazzy tunes will remain forever.

My Favorites

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Nat King Cole: "When I Fall in Love"

Ray Charles: "I've Got a Woman"

Louis Armstrong: "When You're Smiling"

Marvin Gaye: "Come Get to This"

Sam Cooke: "(What A) Wonderful World"

Individuals: Dennis Cahlo

"I think style is something that is not inherent. Style is something that defines you as a person and it's an individual thing." — Dennis Cahlo

Mr. Dennis Cahlo of Made to Measure, N.Y. reminds me of a better time—a time when every individual took great pride in the way they dressed; a time when putting your best foot forward meant never leaving your home without being fully-decked in your finest garments at all times. With his mentor being the highly-praised menswear author Alan Flusser, it becomes even more evident of why Mr. Cahlo takes style seriously. With being an aficionado of fine, well-tailored clothing, having charisma, and being musically-inclined (he's an artist as well), this gentleman represents a rare breed of men we can all learn a thing or two from.

What does style mean to you?

Style is something that is learned by careful observation of what works for your body type and skin tone. It also has a lot to do with taste. One can find fantastic pieces on a budget if you know where to look. When I was a wee lad I loved to go "crate digging" at local Salvation Army's and Goodwill's meaning I would literally dig through crates of old records and find unbelievably rare recordings on the cheap. I do still do this and have applied the same method to clothing. 

How would you describe your personal style?

Nerdy Cary Grant. 

Who or what has influenced your personal style?

Classic movies and working closely with Alan Flusser. 

Do you have any personal style habits?

I think it all starts with grooming. If your hair, nails, and face look like shit, no one will be paying attention to your clothes. 

The first thing I do when I go to get dressed…

...is take off my pajamas. 

I feel my best in…

...a beautiful woman's company. 

What is your favorite item in your wardrobe?

My vintage tweed Aquascutum polo coat. It's ridiculous. 

Pleated or flat-front trousers?

I own both pleated and flat front. Most menswear bloggers stick to one style. I'm more like David Bowie. I have no loyalty to anything. If it looks good and feels good, I wear it. 

Do you have a favorite clothing company?

Ralph Lauren.

What is your most cherished item?

A photo of my grandmother in a white dress, white fedora, sunglasses, and black heels. She was pure class. 

What is your favorite movie?

2001 A Space Odyssey.

Where is your favorite place to dine?

Sevilla in the West Village.

Where is your favorite place to vacation?

It's a toss up between The Bahamas and The Dominican Republic. Both have some of the most beautiful women and beaches I have ever seen. Doesn't get much better than that. 

What is the best advice you've received from your parents?

"Don't fuck this one up, Dennis."

What does the word "gentleman" mean to you?

A gentleman knows when to stand his ground, when to demure, and always opens doors for a lady. 

Snaps of Brooklyn Heights

Living in Brooklyn Heights is a small journey I do not partake in enough. It is a neighborhood in downtown Brooklyn that I can easily call romantic and dreamlike. Gorgeous brownstones line each street and the residents I’ve come across are all cordial. “The Heights,” as it is also called, is a place to find gems. The deeper you enter into the neighborhood, the better the journey will become. I can confirm this; it is how I found the café I visit each morning for a light breakfast.


This afternoon, I took advantage of the spring-like weather and headed out to take a few shots of Brooklyn Heights. In the end, these images do no justice. I heavily recommend strolling through “The Heights” for yourself to get the full, genuine experience.

Individuals: Bevin Elias

Being passionate about style and truly caring about how you represent yourself to the world is very important. When I think of gentleman who truly represent this mantra well, I think of none other than Bevin Elias. With stints at The Brooklyn Circus, J. Crew, and Giorgio Armani, Bevin's visual merchandising career has continued to blossom beautifully all while remaining true his aesthetic—a mix of luxury, tailored clothing, and grandiose combinations. He makes patterns and colors that don't complement each other look pristine; it comes naturally to him. When I saw Bevin for the first time on The BKc's blog, I knew he was a unique character, confidently walking to the beat of his own drum. Style inspires and Bevin's style is magical and one-of-a-kind. There's no doubt in my mind this gentleman is the best-dressed man representing Cartier.

What does style mean to you?
Style: Having the ability to execute an outward expression through clothing, accessories, and lifestyle that you confidently own.

How would you describe your personal style?
An exciting journey of exploration and becoming characters through every look.

Who or what has influenced your personal style?
Classic English men's tailoring, La Dolce Vita's Italian flair, and the mid century Americana heritage of New England infused with New York City.

The first thing I do when I go to get dressed…
I think of what pair of shoes I want to wear.

I feel my best in…
...a well-tailored sport coat and a well broken in pair of wingtips. 

What is your favorite item in your wardrobe?
A white spread collar dress shirt.

Pleated or flat-front trousers?
Must be flat-front.

Do you have a favorite clothing company?
I love the different faces of Ralph Lauren.

What is your most cherished item?
My iPhone.

What is your favorite movie?
James Bond, Quantum of Solace.

Where is your favorite place to dine?
I haven't found it yet, but I enjoy The Farm in Beverly Hills and Scotts in Costa Mesa California.

Where is your favorite place to vacation?
Paris.

What is the best advice you've received from your parents?
"Take your time and slow down. You can't solve everything; you are not Jesus."

What does the word "gentleman" mean to you?
A man who is aware of his responsibilities and holds himself accountable. He is respectful, respected, and passionate. Overall he holds principle and values in high regards as he holds his presentation the same.

German Born, Italian Bred

Like any sartorially-conscience Italian who certainly knows how to dress impeccably, Stephan Winkelmann is a man of great taste and style. He’s been on my radar as one of the style scions part of the European country. With suits that fit immaculately and a billion-dollar company to run (Winkelmann is the current president and CEO of Lamborghini), it’s imperative to look well-dressed. With running an automobile company and being extremely stylish, Winkelmann reminds me of another praised Italian icon: Agnelli. In no way would I ever compare two greats, but there’s a similarity—two style greats playing huge parts in two amazing car companies. Play the part and own it, I’d say, and that’s exactly what this Italian-bred German does.