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

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.

the fall forecast.

alright, guys... we're just a few weeks away from the official start of fall, which means it's time to start prepping for that seasonal wardrobe flip. i shot this quick + handy pre-fall trend report to help you get familiar with the key colors, staples, and style hacks that'll be trending in the months ahead. check it out and comment or DM me with any questions. -j

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

elements of ss17.

the first day of summer... it's easily one of the best dates on the calendar and also serves as the perfect chance for me to finally drop a special project i've been working on over the past four months. keep scrolling for more.

[a preview of what's inside]

if you've followed along with my work since my [tnn] days, you probably remember my elements of spring/summer and fall/winter trend reports. if you didn't, long story short: they're visual guides to the biggest and coolest trends hitting the streets season to season. fast forward to my J.XYZ days, i wasn't sure if it was something i'd carry over to this new site, but thanks to a little inspiration from my interns, we put our heads together and started brainstorming. from that point, i got busy conceptualizing, styling, and shooting six special fashion stories that allowed me to flex my creative muscles and stay busy in the best ways.

this guide is a passion project that's about style, art, and imagination. i hope it'll not only get you pumped for some of the key style statements that are relevant this season, but also encourage you to do your own thing and [create]. why? just because you can. enjoy. -j

not seeing something? give it a sec—there's a lot of good stuff to load. 😉

three ways to wear pastels this easter (and beyond).

spring's in full effect, and with easter just a few days away, I thought a little pastel 101 was in order. these three quick and easy outfits will help you break out your favorite shades all season long. -j

look 1. think pink.

you don't have to go overboard to ride the pastel wave. for my first look, i kept it simple with a subtly stylish pair of salmon pink slim-fit chinos from asos. it's just one piece, but it does the trick, right?

wearing: asos man leather jacket, turtleneck and chinos, k. swiss court classico.

look 2. cream dream.

for the guys who aren't big on pastels, keep in mind that cream is a serious contender in this little color game of ours. and more importantly, it's super easy to blend into your wardrobe. here, i doubled up with a lightweight sweater and bomber combo. the light-washed denim (which, FYI, also counts as a pastel—baby blue) complements the lighter tones above and makes for a nice spring 'fit.

wearing: forever 21 bomber jacket, maniere de voir ribbed sweater, cayler & sons distressed denim, k. swiss court classico.

look 3. lilac lad.

this one's for the guys who like to get a little bold in the style department. a solid pastel suit is a pretty fool-proof way to break out a big splash of color without going overboard. i kept things casual and street-ready by throwing on this lilac number with a comfortable tee and sneakers.

wearing: asos man super skinny suit, zara long-sleeved tee, k. swiss court classico.

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.

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3 looks to get you through NYE weekend (in less than a minute).

need a little last-minute style inspiration for the holiday weekend ahead? i've been there. check out this super quick video (it's less than a minute) for three dope new year's eve looks to try right now. if you have any questions about products or styling tips, just dm me on instagram. -j