[last man standing x nike AAE]: a j.xyz editorial.

fyi: this is a sponsored post in partnership with nike.

this year, i made a decision to change how i walk and work in the world. from the way i approach my projects to the thought i put into getting dressed, i want to get back to a phrase that i used to define my life by:

live editorially.

so when i got a first look at the new nike AAE line, the wheels in my head immediately started spinning. one of these days, i plan on creating a capsule collection that perfectly embodies my core style and i found so many parallels with this new assortment. first, the aesthetic is simple and clean, while at the same time feels totally edgy and even futuristic. and the sportiness is very present but expertly balanced with such a level of fashion that makes it something i'm truly excited to add to my wardrobe—i’ve honestly never been more impressed by fashion pieces from a traditionally more sportswear-focused brand partner.

from a creative standpoint, i wanted to lean into that futuristic edge i mentioned before as i worked on this partnership, and it got me thinking of a world far different from the one we’re in today…

something familiar but foreign, a place that felt like home but desolate in nature.

looking at the head-to-toe look, i felt like an explorer, dropped into a new environment—not sure if he’s lost or on the brink of discovery. i instantly knew the perfect location: noho, on the periphery of nyu, a secret little spot that’s been one of my favorite places to shoot for years. from there, i had some fun.

check out more of the shots below…

getting back to the collection, there’s nothing like pieces that offer an elevated sense of fashion with functionality to match. to start, each piece is extremely comfortable, from the fit to the quality of the materials. additionally, i’ve shared before how much i LOVE pockets, and the line offers more than enough storage space, be it through removable back pouches that echo fanny packs or permanent fixtures on the front of the vest.

and finally, my underlayer up top is not only finished with a unique three-finger sleeve, but there’s a break at the wrists to keep you connected to your smartwatch or fitness tracker at all times, and the shorts offer an awesome double layer that minimizes the chill, adds comfort, and looks really nice. without question, a lot of care and attention to detail were put into the design process and it shows.

while the concept and creative were relatively easy to bring to life, it was so exciting getting back to this sort of storytelling. it makes the whole game fun again, a feeling that i felt was absent for a large part of 2019. i’m pumped to start living editorially again, and can’t wait to share more style stories with you guys in the months ahead.

if you love what you’ve seen of the nike AAE line as much as i do, click here to shop these pieces and more. -j

brand spotlight: nike air max 270 reacts.

fyi: this is a sponsored post in partnership with nike.

with summer in effect, my primary color palette has changed pretty drastically—softer hues, neutrals, lighter denim, and way more whites—but that doesn’t mean that my black staples are taking the season off. i linked up with my buddies at nike to try out the new air max 270 reacts, and the project presented an awesome opportunity to play around with a warm-weather take on all-black.

wearing: nike air max 270 reacts in black, vast-grey, off-noir, asos mesh t-shirt,
3.1 phillip lim belted bermuda shorts, axcexx “jet set” chest rig, forever21 men cap.

first impressions.

when i talked to the team about the shoe we’d be working with this time around, i got a sneak peek at all of the new colorways dropping, but I had no clue which pair i was getting (gotta love a good surprise). when the box arrived, i was so pumped to receive the black/grey style, as it was one of the two pairs I was crossing my fingers for.

the other pair was the white/coral/turquoise style. look out for it—it’s such a unique combo.

out of the box.

once i unboxed them, i immediately noticed that the body was a bit bigger than i’d expected; however, when i slipped them on, they were really light. and because of the larger frame, the overall silhouette was slightly raised, which helps make my longer-than-average foot look less like a clown’s. another favorite feature of mine is the white rim of the sole, which i always love on black sneakers. there’s something about the contrast that i really appreciate, so i was definitely happy with the colorway and the product. next, the important part: it was time to style them out…

breaking down the look.

a lot of people get scared of black in the summertime, and i don’t blame them. the heat can get brutal in a city like new york, but coming from texas, i can deal with it, so i went ahead and went for it, head-to-toe, here. still staying mindful of the weather, i pulled out this breezy mesh tee from asos and my favorite pair of shorts from phillip lim (check out the belt) to keep things as cool as possible. together, they work pretty well, but the look felt a little simple, so i turned up the street factor and threw on this chest rig from axcexx. zooming in on the lower half, i went with high socks to anchor the look—a fixed style choice for me when i’m wearing shorts with sneakers. it’s just a personal preference for me i suppose—i think it looks cooler and even reminds me of a sock trainer feel, which is easily one of my favorite footwear trends.

if you’re a fan of the air max 270 react silhouette, there are a number of colorways dropping in the weeks ahead, so stay tuned. click here to shop this style now. -j

Shop Nike.com For Air Max 270 React Optical Men’s

brand spotlight: nike react element 55s x rabid panda.

fyi: this is a sponsored post in partnership with nike.

a new season is the perfect excuse to stock up on some new kicks, and to be completely honest: my entire shoe game could use an update. with that said, when nike reached out about their new react element 55 collection, i was totally down to try out a pair.

wearing: nike react element 55 rabid panda sneakers, american apparel denim jacket,
diesel limited edition “deisel” counterfeit hoodie, forever21 men jeans.

first impressions.

before i even received the sneakers, i was super impressed with the assortment. the line has a ton of colorways—they sent me the rabid panda edition (seen here), but i actually bought a second pair, too, because the options were so good. once they landed at my doorstep, i couldn’t wait to try them out.

out of the box.

when i pulled them out of the box, the first thing i noticed is how light they are. the body is super thin, and in turn, they don’t weigh you down at all—i’m wearing them now as i type this: maximum comfort. and when i took a second to really get into the details, i was even more impressed. from the contrast stitching to the unique sole design, there’s a lot to be captivated by.

breaking down the look.

for some reason, red + blue has always been a tricky color combo for me to rock, so i went with a favorite styling trick of mine and wore a head-to-toe white ensemble and let the sneakers have all the glory. the good thing about this move is that all-white will always draw attention and when you have a strong contrast, be it fresh kicks down below or a standout tee or hoodie layered under a jacket, it’s sure to pop among the “blank” canvas.

like i said above, there are so many awesome colorways in this collection, so if you’re a fan of the silhouette, you’re sure to find a pair that’s perfect for you. click here to shop now. -j

fall focus: midnight hues with nautica x amazon fashion.

-sponsored by nautica and amazon fashion.

honestly, it doesn’t matter where i am or what’s on my plate — life is always better to me in the fall. the weather, the vibe of the city, and (of course) the fashion… it all just puts me in the best mood imaginable. this season, i’m slowing down and taking time to really make sure i’m enjoying all that the season has to offer—from cozy netflix-and-chill sessions to strolls through soho’s leaf-adorned streets—and i plan on staying properly dressed for all of that fun ahead.

this month, i’ll be linking up with my friends at nautica to get into that fall frame of mind, and to kick things off, they’re helping me get my color palette in the perfect shape.

around this time of year, i always start falling back in love with the magic of “midnight hues”—basically, that’s my term for the darkest variations of the colors of the rainbow: burgundy, navy, hunter green, ochre, plum (you get the picture). not to get poetic, but they kind of remind me of the changing leaves; plus, the lack of brightness echoes with those grey skies that i love so much.

luckily for those of us here in NYC, we’ve had a surprise spell of perfect temperatures, so for this outfit, i broke out a burgundy + navy striped long sleeve polo from nautica and grounded the look with a foundation of black, courtesy of the jeans and shoes. and up top, i complemented the muted tones with extra pops of color from the cap and turtleneck. color palette: handled.

if you’re looking to add an easy touch of fall flavor to your wardrobe, click here to check out the latest assortment from nautica available on amazon. they have some awesome knits that i totally have my eyes on. -j

brand spotlight: panorama festival with express men.

ah, festival season. that wonderful time of year when hands are in the air, the vibes are always right, and glitter, kimonos, & flower crowns + floral prints are the new black. 🤘

panorama fest went down this weekend in new york city, and i was so pumped to see janet jackson, sza and the rest of the line-up bring their a-game to the stage. naturally, i had no choice but to bring my a-game in the style department, and my buds over at express men made that (very) light work.

since summer is the season of denim, i came through — triple threat style — with a head-to-toe jean ensemble. i've always stood by the idea that a canadian tuxedo (translation: a denim jacket/shirt + jeans) is an easy style win, so i broke out this fresh combo from express's latest assortment, making sure to match the washes as best as i could. however, as much as i love a good outfit, it's still summer, so i kept the layers as light as possible, throwing on a relaxed tank top underneath.

for the sake of these pictures, i'm rocking chelsea boots down below—mainly because they're my shoe of choice for full-length jeans—but i switched to a pair of sneakers before hitting the muddy turf on randall's island. and up top, i broke out my usual dad cap in a nice denim finish for a boyish, more street-ready touch to offset the western-ish moment i was building from the neck down.

i really love this style equation because, with a few tweaks, you can dress it up as much or as little as you need for it to work from the fest grounds to the street. ex. replace the jeans with shorts for a solid picnic/bbq look, swap out the tank top with a graphic tee or sweatshirt for weekend-in-the-city vibes, etc.

put your own spin on it by checking out the new in section on express.com. and if you have other questions about how i put this look together, DM me on IG at @jovelroystan.

the spring switch-up, featuring timberland ss18.

at long last, mother nature’s taken a much-needed chill pill and allowed some of that sweet spring weather to show its face, which means we can finally say goodbye to this endless season of dread and hello to the day parties, brunches, and all of the other weekend-in-the-city plans ahead. this time around, i plan on soaking up as much of the sunshine as i can, so a wardrobe update is definitely in order. thankfully, my buds at timberland were here to help me get my style switch-up underway.

it’s been quite a while since i’ve actually wanted to go outside, so the brand’s nautical feels this season are more than welcome right about now. i pressed pause on work for a bit and headed over to the hudson river park for a little chillout session wearing a couple of key pieces from the new SS18 assortment.

first up: the boat shoe. beyond being a totally comfy option to break out for the weekend, they’re an always-on-trend selection for this time of year. plus, i love that rich blue hue. it’s the perfect little color pop, don’t you think?

keeping the seaside vibes in full flow, i broke out this breton stripe shirt, a longtime spring staple, to complement my shoe game. it’s an awesome transitional piece for those days when the temperature’s still a little all over the place, and whether you wear it solo, layer it up, or throw it around your waist, it’s a smart choice to have on deck this season.

trust me, there are plenty more spring-ready staples waiting where these came from. head over to timberland.com to check out some of the latest drops and get your wardrobe flip in motion asap.

yes, this post was sponsored by timberland, but as always, all imagery, words and suggestions are my own. -j

brand spotlight: k-swiss st329's.

there's no better time than the start of a new season to step back and take note of all the trends that are making serious noise right now. whether you're all over the western movement or keeping it simple with dadcore, there's a ton to be inspired by this spring. being the sporty lad that i am, i've had my eye on the whole chunky sneaker wave for a while, so when k-swiss hit me up about their latest drop for the st329's, i couldn't help but say, "yes, please!"

in my book, a fresh pair of whites is a must-have for every season, so these couldn't have been anymore welcome as i start working on my spring style update. first off, they're pretty solid options for both laidback looks and more dressed-up options (as you'll see in a bit), but also, the comfort factor is legit—they felt great all day long, and i'm pretty sure the tag said they're made with memory foam material, which is like... whoa. keep scrolling to see how i broke them out this past week. -j

keep it chill.

breaking down the look

there's no getting around it: sometimes mother nature forces you to make certain choices when it comes to your daily ensembles. for example, with this look, i pretty much knew it was a heavy coat day as soon as i looked at my weather app. no problem though. i kept things cozy underneath with a throwback zip-neck pullover from k-swiss and one of my favorite pairs of joggers. the color-blocking up top added the perfect amount of pop to the 'fit, allowing me to keep everything else in my palette pretty simple. lastly, i threw on the st329's to pull out the white details on the sweater. easy.

dress it up a bit.

breaking down the look

i can't wait to get back to those sweet weekends in the city where the temperature's just right and you spend the whole day hopping from one move to the next. in those awesome instances, it's best to make sure your look is functional and works no matter where you may find yourself. hoping to keep my outerwear on the lighter side for extra movement, i did a little layering here, throwing on a zip-neck first, followed by a vintage k-swiss sweatshirt, and finishing up with a cool teddy jacket in statement white. next, these check print trousers are safe on their own, but the side stripe makes them cool and casual enough to not feel stuffy or too dressy. and finally, the baseball cap and sneakers are the perfect sporty sprinkles on top.

you can check out the full assortment of k-swiss st329's right now on kswiss.com. and if you have any questions about how i've been liking mine, shoot me a DM on instagram: @jovelroystan.

brand spotlight: v-day & chill with express.

in case you haven't noticed yet, love is in the air again. yep, that's right—valentine's day is just around the corner. for those of you who have already gotten your gift shopping out of the way and organized your date night plans, you get a gold star, but what about your look for the big day? due to my [very single] relationship status, i'll be keeping things super chill this year, but i still plan on pulling out a fresh 'fit for whatever i get into. scroll down to peep three cupid-approved v-day outfits i put together with express. -j

from desk to date

if you're heading straight to dinner or the bar from the office, don't fret. you can transition a stuffy corporate look into something a bit more casual with two easy switch-ups. first, ditch the dress shirt and tie for an easygoing hoodie—the express style i'm wearing here is super cozy inside FYI, which is definitely a win after a long day. next, leave the loafers under your desk and throw on some cool kicks to further dress down your suit. and if you feel something's still missing, finish things off with a fisherman's beanie or dad cap for extra off-the-clock vibes.

wearing: express slim burgundy oxford suit and vintage fleece hoodie, nike air max sneakers, and fisherman beanie.

so festive

for some of us, valentine's day is a huge deal—which is totally cool. if you're one of those people looking to show off your v-day spirit, color is key. in my mind, romance and love come in two hues: pink and red. wearing them together can get a bit over the top, so pick one and blend it into an all-white foundation for a clean, statement-making ensemble that will totally hit the mark. here, i went the pink route, rocking a hella comfy hoodie from express with one of my season-favorite puffers, slim-fit jeans and some sneaks. the pop of color does all the hard work in a relatively easy-to-put-together outfit.

wearing: express garment dyed funnel neck hoodie, mennace puffer jacket, sixth june biker jeans, converse chuck taylor hi-top sneakers asos fisherman beanie.

the anti-valentine's day ensemble

not here for the hallmark holiday? not a problem, but that doesn't mean you can't still get up with the boo for a relaxed night in the city (or at the crib). keep things simple, like the evening, with black on black and make sure your pieces are comfy. here, an oversized express sweatshirt + slim-fit cotton pants made for a solid monochrome combo. next, i threw in a zip-neck sweater for a sporty feel and vans to add some extra chill to the equation. problem solved.

wearing: express supersoft vintage fleece crew neck sweatshirt and extra slim black cotton dress pants, diesel deisel dad cap, club room zip-neck sweater, vans authentic sneakers.

head over to the new arrivals section on express.com to peep more of the latest styles coming your way for spring. and if you're still on the hunt for the perfect valentine's day pieces, stop in the store to pick up something super smooth before the big day.

yes, this post is sponsored by express, but as always, all opinions, tips, and photos are my own. -j

brand spotlight: party-ready with express.

between christmas and new year's eve, the last two weeks of the year are all about turning the festive vibes up to the max. and whether you're hitting the club, house-partying it up, or spending quality time with the fam, there's sort of like this unspoken need to look your best for every special moment on your calendar...

now, while that may make you a little nervous, there's no need to be. the key is versatility, and your go-to secret weapon? the slim-fit suit. this easy-to-rock life-saver comes through any time, any place—and with a little creativity, you can deconstruct the 'fit (wearing the pieces as separates vs. together) to give your closet some extra mileage throughout the months ahead. with that said, i teamed up with my buds at express to show you how to make party season style as easy as 1, 2, 3. -j

1. go head-to-toe.

wearing: express slim burgundy oxford suit and merino wool blend thermal mockneck sweater, asos man stacked chelsea boots, and reclaimed vintage cap.

i did an interview last month where the host asked me and another blogger our thoughts on the future of suits, and i got super excited. i mean, i don't wear them every day, but i've never denied the magic that an amazing two-piece can do for any guy that throws one on. and the best part: they often require the least amount of effort. as you can see here, i put my personal spin on the look, ditching the shirt and tie and, instead, rocking this sharp style from express with a mock turtleneck and chelsea boots for a look that checks all boxes: clean by way of the suit, sporty vibes, courtesy of the mockneck and cap, and the perfect touch of fashion-forwardness from the stacked boots.

2. take it from the top.

wearing: express slim burgundy oxford suit jacket and merino wool blend crewneck sweater, weekday leather jeans, asos man stacked chelsea boots, and reclaimed vintage cap.

if you're not feeling a full suit, there's still plenty of value (and style points) in a good blazer. i went for a burgundy double-up here, pairing the suit jacket with a matching crew neck for a little monochrome color play, and swapped out the pants for these leather jeans (perfect for the winter weather). and when you throw on a few statement accessories, the laidback look gets a little bit more elevated—i went with leather chelsea boots and a statement ring belt. relaxed. cool. and most importantly, easy.

3. bottoms up.

wearing: express v-neck cricket sweater, merino wool blend thermal mockneck sweater and slim burgundy oxford suit pants, balenciaga speed trainers, reclaimed vintage cap.

for more casual occasions where a suit may be overdoing it, you can still add some class to your look with a stylish pair of suit trousers. i matched this slim fit pair with a comfy sweater combo for an outfit that's totally appropriate for the time of year. and, always one to venture into sporty territory, i added some street elements here with the sneakers and zip-up sweater, but you can make it a bit dressier by opting for a subtly printed button-down and brogues instead.

if you're still planning out your party season ensembles, be sure to hit the new arrivals section over on express.com to peep the latest suits and style staples to turn up in this month.

yes, this post is sponsored by express, but as always, all opinions, tips, and photos are my own. -j

#myluckyholiday: festive and fresh with lucky brand.

without a doubt, the holidays are my favorite time of year. the memories come rushing back, and with them, the urge to create brand new moments with the people that really matter. this year, i won't be going home, but that doesn't mean the festive season won't be amazing as always. i teamed up with my friends at lucky brand to give you guys an inside look at a few of the things that make these weeks so special to me—check it out. -j

wearing: lucky brand fifth avenue car coat, full zip mock-neck sweater, saturday stretch workwear shirt, 121 slim jeans, and hodge boots.

do you hear what i hear?

in my family, the holidays begin as soon as the clock strikes midnight after thanksgiving. my sister and i immediately begin blasting christmas music, my mother starts thinking about trees and pulling out the festive decor, and my dad just sits back and enjoys it all. for me, specifically, it's not official until I play vanessa williams's star bright christmas album—it's been my absolute favorite since i was a boy and it's always the first record i look for year after year.

wearing: lucky brand leather moto jacket.

sharing christmas.

this past year, i've really made it a point to stay connected to my family and friends as much as i can—whether that requires a plane ticket, a subway ride, or extra-long phone calls night after night. the holidays always meant so much to me back in the day—not because of the gifts or music or great food, but rather the people around me. with that said, i'm always eager to bring those old feelings back to life in whatever new ways i can and create even more special memories to hold onto with the folks who matter most. i'll be in the big city this time around, but my closest friends are here to share the good times with (and thankfully, they're pretty awesome company).

these are a few of my favorite things.

when it comes to winter dressing, there a certain go-to's that you can't deny: a strong puffer coat, a dashing shearling, and a sweet pair of boots, of course. but i think my favorite piece of all would be the henley sweater. it's such a cozy and stylish staple for this time of year, and the fact that you can dress it up or dress down as you please makes it all the better.

rockin' around the tv screen.

fun fact: my best friend and i are total nostalgia freaks, and we've never really gotten over our obsession with '90s nickelodeon. every year, we hop on the phone (if we're not in the same city) and binge-watch all of the holiday episodes of our favorite cartoons—doug, rugrats, hey arnold, you name it—and work on our new year's resolutions together (we usually have a list of like 10 things each). it's my favorite holiday tradition, and it just feels so amazing to wind down the year and look toward the new one ahead with my closet friend of over 20 years. plus, after making my first vision board last year (yeah, some people say it's cheesy, but mine is lit af), i'm so pumped for us to start getting set for 2018. 

...and a happy new year.

speaking of the new year, i really want to get to know myself better. yeah, that sounds strange, but sometimes i look around at my amazing friends and think about their passions and journeys and i'm like, "wow, what do you care about like that? what do you fight for or light up over?" being so caught up in the day-to-day rush of work and social media and this and that all the time, i don't always take the opportunity to actively meditate over those topics and i really want to focus on jovel and his dreams and desires in a more intimate way moving forward.

wearing: lucky brand lakewood denim sherpa jacket, ls double knit henley, 121 heritage slim jeans, give me freedom hat, and hodge boots.

follow @luckybrand on instagram to catch more from my festive little story, and, sincerely from the bottom of their hearts and mine, happy holidays! 

brand spotlight: office party steez with coastal. 👓

if you're not feeling holly and jolly af just yet, you'd better get with the program. december's here and the holiday parties are about to start rolling in fast and furious motion. and in case you've been freaking out about what to wear to your office function, don't fret. i've teamed up with my friends at coastal to help you get your looks together—no matter how professional your work environment may be—and give you a look at their latest eyewear range, the main + central tortoiseshell collection. check it out. -j

office vibe: hella corporate

if you work in a hardcore corporate environment—you know, no music playing, minimal chit-chat, dress codes that involve suits, ties, and briefcases—then a suit just might be a safe bet, but that doesn't mean your look has to be boring. switch up the usual routine with a festive sweater in place of your button-down, or follow my lead and layer up with a mock turtleneck and a quilted vest. and after the drinks have been flowing and your boss has hit the dance floor, you can drop the blazer for an equally fresh ensemble.

wearing: main + central frames courtesy of coastal, asos man suit and loafers, timberland vest, vintage turtleneck.

spec style hack: where you're lightening up the mood by changing your shirt game, a cool pair of frames helps you maintain some of those dapper feels. and on the other hand, if a festive sweater or even the layering tip above is a no-go, you can still add some personality to things with frames that pack a little flair—case in point: this sick tortoiseshell colorway.

office vibe: somewhere in the middle

my last company was the perfect mix of really professional and really cool, so i'm happy for all of you who currently fall into this category. you probably get the chance to flex your style muscles throughout the week, so your office party's definitely a good time to have fun with things. i say you meet in the middle: a short-sleeved zip-neck sweater adds sweet sporty vibes to your 'fit, while a crisp pair of slim-fit trousers shows you still mean business, even during a turn-up.

wearing: main + central frames courtesy of coastal, river island man zip turtleneck, maniere de voir trousers, reebok club c's.

spec style hack: while the sweater and sneakers keep things sleek and sporty, the frames help balance out the smarter elements of the look that the trousers bring to the picture. and the added bonus comes from the fact that, while they do help you maintain a bit of that professional feel, glasses with this updated vintage feel look so fresh, too. no cool points lost, only gained.

office vibe: hella cool

now, for all the folks that fall in the world of start-ups, advertising, music, fashion, creative whatevers, artsy everything, [fill in your blank here], you can really let your style shine. i'm sure most of you guys know that i'm always one to keep things on the sportier side, so for this look, i kept it super chill and added my festive touch through easy seasonal stripes (vs. the more expected color palettes or classic holiday prints).

wearing: main + central frames courtesy of coastal, asos man sweater and chelsea boots, forever 21 men track pants, reclaimed vintage baseball cap.

spec style hack: a sweater + sweats = super simple. maybe a bit too simple for an office party, right? well, i think my glasses add a little extra something up top that helps round out the entire look and ensure that there's something going on from head-to-toe without taking this laidback outfit over the top.

as you may have seen from my 'gram, i actually do wear glasses from coastal.com, so yeah, this is a partnered post, but the love is too real. you can browse all of their styles (including my favorites, the joseph marc gold procedure-50's) right here. and if you find a pair you like, their face shape guide and myfit tool will help you make sure that they're just right for you. and if that's not enough, now through the end of december, buy one pair of frames and you can a second for free—just use code jovel (some exclusions apply).

if you have any questions about my experience with coastal, wearing glasses, or even holiday looks in general, feel free to DM me on IG (@jovelroystan). 🤙

brand spotlight: keeping it cozy/casual/clean with express.

well, it’s official: fall is in full effect, and with it come the inevitable netflix-and-chill weekends at home and endless holiday parties. with that being said, i’ve been making a list of all the seasonal staples that are mandatory for surviving this special time of year, and at the top of my list lies the henley. extremely comfortable and surprisingly versatile, this go-to fall favorite will keep your style on point over the months ahead, and my buds at express and i will show you exactly how to make that happen. check it out. -j

cozy. 

whether it’s the cold temperatures or simply because it’s cuffing season, most of us will likely find ourselves stuck inside on the weekends way more than usual. now personally, i see nothing wrong with that, but, if you’re gonna spend your free time indoors, the least you could do is not let your style fall to the wayside. henleys are the ultimate lazy day staple to keep you looking (and feeling) good all day long, whether you rock it with your favorite jeans or a pair of sweats. here, i went for the latter, breaking out this comfy combo from express. *switches phone to dnd*

wearing: express cotton henley sweater and vintage fleece jogger pant, frames from coastal.com.

casual. 

now, i’ll admit that the temperatures dropped fast and furiously here in nyc, but if you’re still enjoying normal fall weather, a flannel-henley pairing is a tried-and-true style flex that’ll always leave you winning. go for an easy pair of jeans or slim-fit trousers—like this pair from express—throw on your favorite pair of sneakers, and hit the streets. oh, and be warned: there’s something about those fresh lumberjack vibes that’ll make you look like the bait, so don’t be scared if you receive a number of flirty advances throughout the day. 😏

wearing: express plaid flannel shirt, cotton henley sweater, and extra slim black cotton dress pants, reebok classic club c 85 sneakers.

clean. 

alright, the sun has set, you have a holiday party to be at in one hour, and you’ve yet to put together a solid look that’s sure to impress... 😰 don’t fret—this bad boy will come to the rescue once again. dig through your closet for a turtleneck (my recommendation: go for a mockneck). from there, layer up in this order: the sweater (underneath it all), your henley, a badass bomber (on top, obviously). for your bottom half, stick with your go-to pair of trousers and a fresh pair of chelsea boots. voila (feel free to give a toast, since all eyes will be on you anyways).

wearing: express black shoulder seam bomber jacket , cotton henley sweater, and extra slim black cotton dress pants, asos man chelsea boots.

if these three examples haven’t made you a believer yet, DM me on IG and I can break down any further doubts personally. otherwise, head over to express now to shop all their latest styles. but don’t stop there... the new arrivals section is full of other fall essentials to keep you looking your best throughout the chilly months ahead.

yes, this post is sponsored by express, but as always, all opinions, tips, and imagery are mine. -j

brand spotlight: getting back into fall with express.

for as long as i can remember, fall has always been my favorite time of year. the grey skies, the way the world just seems a bit more relaxed and comfortable, and, of course, the style switch-up. the mock turtleneck will forever be one of my favorite wardrobe staples—it's super versatile, comes in a number of variations, and looks damn good on pretty much everyone. i recently linked up with my buds over at express to put together three easy ways to rock one this season. check it out. -j

the 1-2 win.

i love a piece that makes my life easier—case in point: the mockneck's ability to look awesome under almost any outerwear hanging in your closet. cardigans, denim jackets, trench coats, puffers—trust me, it's like the ultimate cheat code for a style win this season. here, i hit the streets of soho to prove my point with this boss bomber from express. always one to keep things a little casual, i finished the look with my favorite pair of trackpants and my speed trainers for a sporty feel.

wearing: express black shoulder seam bomber jacket and mockneck embroidered lion sweater, forever21 track pants, balenciaga speed trainers.

keep it clean.

there's a lot of power in simplicity. for those days when the chill isn't too overwhelming, i'd recommend keeping things minimal—i.e. leaving the outerwear at home—and letting the sweater do the talking. pairing it with a clean pair of side-stripe trousers is enough to score you some serious style points. and if you're really worried about the temperature, don't sweat: just slip on a long-sleeved tee underneath and get your day underway, whether you're heading to the office (like me, here) or hanging out in the city.

wearing: express mockneck embroidered lion sweater, asos trousers with side stripe, converse chuck taylor hi-top all-stars.

layer player.

fall is all about layering, and the turtleneck is my secret weapon when it comes to turning my seasonal looks up a notch.  like the outerwear trick above, it's really as simple as A-B (no C required): i slipped one of my favorite pieces of knitwear over the sweater for a look that's cozy and, thanks to the zipper on the collar, a little sporty too. the rest of your look can be kept as simple as you like. i went for a subtly stylish pair of slim-fit dress pants from express and dressed things down with these new vans i've been obsessed with lately. this simple concept is perfect for any casual evening plans on your calendar that still require a bit of effort in the wardrobe department.

wearing: express mockneck embroidered lion sweater and extra slim black cotton dress pants, asos striped sweater, vans authentic sneakers.

if you're still working on your fall wardrobe, head over to express.com now and check out the latest drops—especially if you've got a gig in corporate america. trust me, i've been there, so i know how blah the dress code can be, but you can use the tips above, along with some of their other style staples, to add a little bit of cool to your business casual mix this season.

yes, this post was #sponsored by express, but as always, all tips, opinions, and photos are mine.

brand spotlight: h&m studio aw/2017.

in case you weren't one of us who had our calendars marked well in advance, today was the launch of h&m's studio aw/2017 collection. i got a first look at a few of the pieces a couple of weeks back on my buddy @oh_anthonio and instantly became obsessed. fast forward to earlier this month and, to my very sweet surprise, i got the chance to snag a few pieces before the drop (and just in time for #nyfw)!

check out some of the pieces i copped from the collection below, and keep scrolling for my personal picks from the assortment—including that amazing ribbed turtleneck collar, which i bought this afternoon right after it went live. -j

wearing: h&m studio aw/2017 shawl-collar bomber jacket.

wearing: h&m studio aw/2017 ribbed turtleneck sweater.

wearing: h&m studio aw/2017 'mountain noir' sweater.

the pieces you need to cop, like right now

shawl-collar bomber jacket, $99

ribbed turtleneck sweater, $79.99

ribbed turtleneck collar, $29.99

'mountain noir' sweater, $59.99

knit hat, $24.99

leather pants, $349

click here to peep the rest of the collection now.

look 24: the beau next door.

hey guys. it's been a minute, i know. but FYI: i spent the past few weeks working on stuff for liberty fairs, and finally covering the three-day event in vegas (more to come from that soon). now that things have slowed down, let's get back to our regularly scheduled programming. i pulled out a new statement-maker this morning and i've been waiting all day to finally share it with you guys. check it out. -j

wearing: BEAU by sky vargas homme vest en blanc, pacsun piped joggers, creative recreation napoli trainers.

breaking down the look

to put it simply: i'm really in love with this shirt (and no, this isn't a sponsored post). it's really along the lines of something i think i'd make if i were a designer. the mix of sportiness and fashion-forward feels makes it a true showstopper in my book. i kept things pretty simple by pairing it with some comfy (and cool) joggers, and let the color palette do a bit of the work. [red, black, and white] has been one of my favorite combos lately, and i think they worked together perfectly for this laidback look.

if you like what you see as much as i do, click here to check out more colorways and styles from BEAU by sky vargas.

summer in the city with k-swiss.

summer style can get a little tricky (especially when another new season is just weeks away)... thinking about the weather, the occasion, the mood. are you doing too much? not enough? there's so much that goes into it. lately, my routine has been all about breezy button-downs, bare arms, and sick sneakers—and thankfully, they've made beating the heat so much easier. with that said, i linked up with k-swiss to show you guys how to kick things up a notch, whether you're roaming the city streets or taking in the view on a sweet rooftop. check it out. -j

the streets

wearing: k-swiss gen-k icon knit sneakers, dickies floral print summer shirt, asos man mesh t-shirt and denim with piping detail, reclaimed vintage cap.

as you go through the season, there's a simple combo that's totally on-trend and super easy to rock, no matter your personal swagger: 

start with a fresh summer shirt (also known as cuban collar shirts, revere collar shirts, or, in layman's terms, printed button-downs). go for tropical visuals—think florals, palm trees, seaside iconography, or any funky graphic that fits your vibe. here, i layered mine over a mesh t-shirt, but don't be afraid to wear it by itself with a few buttons undone for maximal heat control.

next, break out a trusty pair of jeans. i've been in love with piped pants lately (referring to the striped details on the side), so this style from asos is a personal fave, but remember that distressed and deconstructed denim is also super relevant right now.

finally, finish up with a breathable shoe that's made for the warm temps. k-swiss's new gen-k icon knits are super comfy, and the asymmetrical design adds hella cool points to your overall ensemble.

the rooftop

wearing: k-swiss gen-k icon sneakers, asos man tank top and printed trousers.

who doesn't love a good rooftop shindig, right? exactly. keep it cool—literally—by rocking a crisp, clean tank. personally, i'm all about solid-colored styles. they give me old school calvin klein vibes; plus, you can switch things up and make the lower half of your look do the talking. which leads me to the showstopper of this 'fit: a bold statement trouser that commands attention and adds a touch of summer fun. here, i called on a couple of tropical critters to help me get the job done. disclaimer: it's really important to keep the rest of the outfit simple when you're playing around with in-your-face prints like this one. one always-right trick for that: bright white sneakers. as you can see from the k-swiss gen-k icons, they're hella fresh without taking the rest of the ensemble too far over the top.

click here to peep more fresh styles from k-swiss.

this post was sponsored, but (as always) all opinions, content and tips are my own. -j

season staples: spring style hacks à la timberland.

out of nowhere, mother nature finally flipped that glorious switch and released the sunshine. now that the temperatures are feeling right, it's time to start making space in your closet for some season-appropriate style staples. below, you can find four of my favorite transitional style hacks, brought to life by timberland, to get your spring wardrobe on 100.

the white sneaker

bright whites always come in handy when you're trying to give your daytime looks an extra cool point or two, and the newport hikers come in a canvas fabric that feel totally right for the season—not to mention, make me want to get outdoors asap.

the backpack

maybe I caught a little cabin fever, but now that hibernation season is finally over, i have no plans to stay at home in the months ahead. a tough (but cool) bag makes it easy to hang onto everything i need on-the-go without having to head back to the crib to grab this or that. the ipswich river backpack does the trick perfectly.

eco-alert: timberland teamed up with thread™ for the ipswich river pack & newport hiker boots above—using fabric made with 50% recycled PET (layman's terms: plastic bottles) collected from the streets of haiti—making them not only sweet additions to your wardrobe, but a conscious cop, too. 👍

a strong pop of color

I'm not sure when it happened, but somewhere in the past few months, I fell in love with the color red. it makes such a bold statement, and this skye peak insulated vest makes it really easy to seed the punchy hue into my looks with just a few simple layering moves. no matter your personal preference—yellow, purple, pink, whatever—don't be afraid to give all your favorite shades a go this season.

double denim

for whatever reason, i was sort off of denim the past two seasons (at least, the blue kind), but I've come across some really sweet styles these past few weeks, and they have me so excited to break out a clean canadian tuxedo. matching washes can be a little tough, so don't feel the need to. here, I paired timberland's mumford river slim fit denim shirt with one of my favorite pairs of jeans from ASOS and tempered down the look with a few tan complements.

hit timberland.com to cop more of their new-season staples, and check back here for more transitional style tips to get you through the weeks ahead.

fyi: this post is #sponsored by timberland, but as always, all thoughts, tips, and content are my own. -j

season staples: the hoodie.

as we gear up for spring here in nyc, we’re well-aware that the picnics, bike rides, and wonderful temperatures that typically mark the season are still quite some time away. in the meantime, lightweight layers are very necessary for surviving the last of the winter chill. my go-to piece for the transitional season: the hoodie.

wearing: maniere de voir camouflage shell jacket (above), maniere de voir lightweight overhead jacket (below)

earlier this month, i ordered these two bad boys from maniere de voir, and i've been wearing them pretty often since they arrived. they’re both lightweight, which makes them great for layering under thicker coats right now (considering it's still harshly cold out here), but also wearing on their own as things eventually warm up. and more than that, they're really stylish in design. the camo option's perfect for making a statement, and the black version is super-functional and subtle enough to break out a few times a week without getting side-eyes for over-wearing it.

why they’re important

one of the best things about the hoodie is that you can wear these street-ready staples anywhere—the gym, the movies, brunch, lunch, you get the point—and the styling options are endless. rather than type out all the different ways to put them to work, watch the video below for 8 easy fashion wins.

see? I told you! it's like a style secret weapon, haha. check out maniere de voir for more cool styles dropping this season.

shop now

look 11: that weekend flow with suavs.

every season, after #nyfwm, i basically go into total chill mode the following weekend. with that said, saturday morning arrived and i met up with one of my best friends for a matinee, brunch, a bangin' gym session, and, finally, drinks and dinner. it was completely relaxing—plus, i had this new pair of suavs that i was gifted a few days ago to keep me comfy along the way.

wearing: suavs barton winter slip-ons, asos man denim jacket and distressed hem jeans, 
h&m sometimes tee, vintage bandana, and asos striped socks.

brand spotlight

when i visited the site to pick out my pair, i noticed that they called themselves "the comfiest shoes on the planet." of course, you'd expect any brand to say that, but once i slid them on, i could definitely see why they put it front and center. these bad boys really are extremely comfortable. the bartons, in particular, are lined with a faux fur interior that makes it feel like you're running on clouds all day. i may have to get a pair for the office.

what i loved about this look was that the slip-on sneaker style let me add a little personality to things with these fun socks from asos. together, i think they make a pretty cool combo. -j

look 10: ports 1961 x everlast.

the second half of my ports 1961 project was all about the brand's new collab with everlast. creative director milan vukmirovic dropped a fresh new capsule collection born in performance, but enhanced by style; and the items are pretty cool. check out the piece i picked out below. -j

wearing: ports 1961 x everlast mesh camo shorts, asos man silver parka and ribbed turtleneck, uniqlo heattech leggings, creative recreation napoli sneakers.

brand spotlight

we've been having a crazy winter up here in nyc, but i'm not complaining. i mean, shorts in the middle of january... that's a sweet deal. i'm really into this set from the collab: they're hella cool thanks to ports 1961's iconic star camo print, but they also add some tough boxing vibes to the whole mix for a nice statement. the capsule features a number of garments inspired by the sport, all of which are sure to give your spring wardrobe (or gym game) an extra punch of style.