Mens Pocket Squares

Is it a ‘pocket square’, or a ‘handkerchief’? Are they the same thing? And, just what is a ‘pocket square’ anyway, and how do you wear one? The answer to all those questions seems to be ‘yes’. What is definitely known, is that pocket squares are a simple and elegant men’s fashion accessory, that can add a touch of class and dignity to your ensemble. Simply put, they are that folded square of colored silk, or linen, that you see peeking out from the top of the breast pocket of some men’s suit jackets, sports coats, or balzers. But, when is it appropriate to wear one, and can you get away with it in your everyday attire? And, if you feel the need, should you blow your nose on one?

To take the last part first, the answer to that depends on whether or not you’re living in the present day, or 600 years ago. A pocket square, and a handkerchief are, essentially, the same thing; a square piece of cloth worn on a man’s person. However, a handkerchief has a much more practical role, being used as a rag for personal hygiene. The story goes that Richard II of England invented the handkerchief, or at least popularized its use, when he described its royal need; ‘as a little piece of cloth, for the lord king to wipe and clean his nose’. Seeing Richard the king do it meant that it must be good idea, and, not to be left behind, the nobility and the upper classes followed suit. But, a good idea is a good idea. By the middle of the 17th century, men from all walks of life were making use of the handkerchief. Then, as now, it was considered unsightly to display a soiled handkerchief, so it stayed in the trouser pocket. Likely the pocket square would never have evolved into the accessory that it is, if men’s fashion hadn’t evolved first. So, as two piece suits became popular in the 19th century, men began placing their clean handkerchiefs in their breast pockets; allowing them to peek out, and add a bit of dash to their look. Of course, inevitably they would need to be used, and then they went right back into the pants pocket. Eventually, the look of a pocket square as an accessory to a suit became so common, that it became just that; an accessory and nothing more. This attitude toward the pocket square was even further reinforced with the adoption of specific and elaborate folding techniques; obviously not meant to be undone once they had been placed in the breast pocket. By the 1920’s, many men would even carry a separate handkerchief in their pants pocket for practical use. The pocket square had hit its heyday. But, with the invention of antibiotics, and after World War II, the classic linen handkerchief was looked on as un-hygienic. And, with the Kleenex company’s invention of disposable handkerchiefs, the cloth equivalent fell out of use; leaving pocket squares as nothing but a fashion accessory.

As was mentioned before, a pocket square is simple, and elegant way to add a touch of flamboyance and class to your outfit. However, there are a few pitfalls to be aware of. Sometimes, the very elegance of a pocket square can work against it, and be viewed as slightly ‘snobby’, or over-dressed. This is not to say that you shouldn’t try a pocket square, just that you may want to be aware of the environment you’re wearing one in. For instance, if it’s your first day on the job, and you want to try to impress, you may want to so with your killer work ethic, and leave the pocket square at home for the time being, as it’s the sort of accessory that you may have to ‘work up to’. One trick that is recommended is to have your pocket square sporting a different, but still complimentary, pattern and or color to your necktie. This has the effect of making your use of the pocket square seem less formal. Having said that, it should be noted that a pocket square is almost a must for ‘black tie attire’, or other formal events; the black bow tie and tails, with a white pocket square being a classic look.

In general, feel free to experiment with using a pocket square to enhance you look. Just be mindful of the environment that you’re wearing it in, and be sure to have the confidence to pull it off.

For More Information you May Like to Read:
How to Fold a Handkerchief
Mens Dress Codes

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Katie Cassidy is all grey with Ferregamo for Gossip Girl

Before we talk about the bag, lets discuss exactly how beautiful the babies would be if Katie Cassidy and apparent Gossip Girl love interest Chace Crawford were actually in love and got married and had babies? They’re both just about as conventionally attractive as mortal humans can be, and the combination of their genes would probably cause Earth to tilt ever-so-slightly off its axis.

Anyway, on to the clothes. I’m not loving the outfit that the show’s stylists have chosen for Cassidy in these photos, but I do love some of its elements. First and foremost, her Salvatore Ferragamo hobo is beautiful – the color variation is totally unique, but it’s still neutral and wearable. I also like her Alexander McQueen Zipper Dress, and I don’t so much mind her Givenchy pumps, but the Alexander Wang blazer just isn’t doing it for me. It has an awkward cutout in the back and it’s also totally shapeless, and I just don’t think it’s Wang’s best work.

Bag Katie’s Ferragamo Style via Saks!

New Accessories Boutique Kat Bradley Hits the Main Line

Gold disc necklace by Jillery

To me, Fall automatically means a new wardrobe. The shorts and sandals are being traded for blazers and boots, skimpy swim suits for sweaters. While doing your shopping, though, don’t forget about accessories, those lovely baubles that pull an outfit together. And thanks to new Main Line boutique Kat Bradley, there’s now a destination determined to help you find your perfect accent pieces. Kat Bradley is a joint effort between sisters Liz Ayerle and Whitney Bachrach (you may recognize Ayerle’s name from her women’s clothing shop, Fresh Ayer, in Wayne). The shop stocks a wide variety of styles and price points, ensuring that every woman that walks through the door will find something that will get her heart aflutter. “In the current economy accessories are a great way to dress up an outfit, and keep up with current trends without breaking the bank,” says  Bachrach. Accessories are also the perfect solution for bringing summer styles into the cooler weather, or wowing up last year’s simple sheaths. Designers include Nakamol, who designs dramatic stone jewelry, Jillery, who wins green points by creating recycled aluminum jewelry, and local Sally Getchell. There’s also scarves, bags, and those fabulous under garment helpers that help anyone pull of the season’s trim trends: Hollywood Fashion Tape, Bootights and Invisibelt. Kat Bradley opened last week, but is kicking things off right tomorrow, September 8, with an opening party from 6 – 8:30 p.m. hosted by AroundMainLine.com and their Wednesday Night Winos series. Food will be provided by another Eagle Village Shops resident, A Taste of Britain. Kat Bradley is located at the Eagle Village Shops, 503 West Lancaster Ave., Wayne, 610.726.1222, www.katbradley.com

Haute Handbags: It’s All in the Radley for Fall 2010

There is undoubtedly an intimate connection between a girl and her handbag which keeps the industry at a multi-billion a year trade. And for many reasons. For one functionality. Like a security blanket, we carry them day in and day out. They hold our possessions, our wallets, phones, keys and we trust them. Another is quality. We are proud of them, whether its brand status symbol recognition, the craftsmanship of fine detailing, or the luxe treatment of leather.

Haute Living’s Sabrina Chapman with Radley AW 2010 Handbag

I recently was introduced to Radley handbags by my dear friend Michelle Jimanez, a girl who is always on the pulse of trends in NYC. The quality, the fine detailing and the intimate approach of Radley makes it simply the ultimate Haute handbag for fall.

Here’s why… First, Radley handbags are functional with pockets and zippers in all the right places. The pockets are discrete and easy to access. Second, detailing. A handbag should excite you for new reasons daily. The leather of a Radley is ultra soft and feels amazing against bare skin. There is also this little dog theme, not the obnoxious in your face kind, but the sweet one that evokes nostalgic emotions.

Radley reaches the height of a status symbol. Not due to an oversized brand label stuck on second rate design, but because it’s well made, stitched beautifully and the hardware is simply exquisite. And the lining, well it’s like an exciting surprise every time you open your handbag.