masculine monday :: manhattan loft

There is something about a masculine space that gets me excited. Maybe its the stark white against earth tones and a surprising pop of colour? Whatever it is, I can't get enough. This Manhattan loft has all the elements that goes into making a handsome bachelor pad. 

Subtle colour blocking is always a great design secret to try. I also love the antique vases/artifacts separating the books. This bookshelf looks like its accumulated many interesting books over the years.

It always fascinates me looking inside someone office drawers. For starters you never really get the chance to because it's someone personal and private space. My desk drawers are a forever unorganized bin of stuff. No matter how tidy I may keep the surface, the drawers are my secret place I hide things.

This closet it what really struck my eye about this loft. I mean how awesome is that shoe shelf! I've never seen so many shoes owned by a man before - love it. 

{Images via Domino}

xo sara

masculine monday :: the rise of men's fashion

Guest Post by Rob James

Rob James is a fashion student studying in the UK.  He believes that the growing trend for men taking more pride in their appearance can only be a good thing.  Rob loves winter and the opportunity to wear cashmere again.

Over the last decade, men's fashion has simply exploded. It has become an industry of its own, with all of the fittings and trappings that women's fashion has always enjoyed. It is no longer unusual for men to care about their clothes, it is no longer considered odd for men to want to look as good as the women that they live and interact with. It can only be a good thing - why shouldn't the boys get to experiment with their look?

Way back in the 1920s, men's fashion was considered to be just as important as women's fashion. It seems like we're moving back towards those times - these days, male shoppers are more interested in tailoring, grooming and putting together outfits in a very particular way. The fashion industry is in the process of becoming a much more level playing field, says Guardian expert Simon Chilvers. Here are three winter jackets that the guys seem to be going gaga for.

Sporting Casual

Once upon a time, the casual sports jacket conjured up images of football hooligans and white collar fascists. We're almost twenty years on from those times, and this trend has finally come full circle. It is currently proving very popular with guys in their mid to late twenties. If you're looking for a stylish jacket of this type, stick with the classic brands and labels. You can't go wrong with Fred Perry, Ralph Lauren or even Ben Sherman, say the experts at Edinburgh News. The casual sports jacket looks very smart when teamed with lightweight cashmere knitwear, chinos and Oxford loafers. The key is to err on the preppy side, rather than make your outfit look as masculine as possible.

Classic Jackets

The classic jacket is a three quarter length coat, usually made of wool or cashmere. For the best deal on cashmere jumpers, cardigans, scarves and jackets - visit www.londonw11.com. This kind of jacket is usually worn in fairly neutral tones, but you can buy one in almost any colour that you like. As far as classic styles go, this type of coat is extremely sophisticated. It's a great way to wrap up during the winter months, so why not invest in one of your own?

Leather Jackets

What can be said about the leather jacket that hasn't already been said a hundred times before? It's one of the most timeless garments in history - ever since Marlon Brando smouldered in his leather  jacket in The Wild One, guys and girls have been adding it to their wardrobes. If you are going to buy a leather jacket, don't skimp on the price. The very best products will last for decades, so do choose yours very carefully. A leather jacket can be successfully teamed with almost anything. You can do the Marlon Brando and wear it with stone washed denim jeans and biker boots - or you can soften it up a little with a beautiful cashmere sweater and some comfortable loafers.

{Images one, two, three}

:: View more Masculine Monday Posts here ::

xo sara

giveaway :: masculine monday

It's been awhile since I did a Masculine Monday post so I thought I would welcome the tradition back with a giveaway! How do we like our men? Tall, dark and handsome, am I right? We also don't mind them being fashionable and well-groomed. 

It is up to us ladies to let the men in our lives know that they too can have delicious smelling soaps and hand creams in their bathroom. Packaging over the years has made items more desirable for men with the use of masculine colours and materials. Some of us gals have taken a liking to these products too!

{Images one, two, three}

Giveaway :: Masculine Gift Set from The Jacaranda Tree & Co

Finding gifts for my dad, brother and boyfriend is tough because they are simple men but also like handsome gifts. Men's clothing and accessories are hard to come by so when I find a place that has a dedicated men's section, I feel like I've found gold! 

The Jacaranda Tree is primarily a home décor and gift store gearing towards women but they have a year round mens section! This includes gorgeous hardcover books, soaps, lotions, gloves, scarves, day planners, keychains and more. Since the store is a boutique, they have carefully chosen only the best!

The ladies at the Jacaranda Tree have kindly gathered handsome items from the store for a giveaway! 

The value of this gift is $100.

Follow The Jacaranda Tree on Instagram, Facebook + Twitter

What's inside the gift bag:

1. Car fragrance

2. Bottle opener keychain

3. Crabtree & Evelyn bath set

4. Bar of Savon French soap

5. Skull match box

6. Velvet moustache ornament

7. Red gift bag

HOW TO WIN

You can tweet about the contest or like this Facebook page.

Ends December 22nd 2013. Winner will be announced December 23rd, 2013.

Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

the beginning of fall | masculine monday

The Masculine Monday series will be back in action next week with great fashion and interior trends for fall! Every Monday, be sure to visit for inspiration on the latest trends I am coveting with a handsome presence. 

{fashionisto diaries}

:: View past Masculine Monday posts here ::

xo sara

gentlemen of the road with mumford & sons

This summer has been an adventure starting with going to Europe for 2 months with my closest and dearest friend. I then starting an amazing job at a PR company in Toronto the day after my return home from travelling. Although I haven't been able to go to any music festivals this summer, I was able to go to the "Gentlemen of the Road" camping weekend in Simcoe, Ontario. 

I have been dying to see Mumford & Sons play live and this past weekend I got to experience something magical. This band is capable of exciting a crowd, making them go nuts and then within moments make them silent. If you know that they are coming to your city/town, go and see them!

- A flower crown is a must-have at any summer music festival. I purchased mine from H&M -

When we arrived at the camp grounds, there were flower children and tents everywhere. Everyone was singing, having a good time and ready for a fantastic weekend. There were about 12 of us all together and we all pitched our tents side by side to make a nice little compound. I didn't know any of the bands playing on the first evening so this venue was a great way to get to know these bands!

Clearly my friends Jasper, Jordan and Nathan were having a great time!

ps . . . if you like beautifully unique photography, check out Jasper's website here

A local beer company wrapped their beer cans with the "Gentlemen of the Road" logo to make for a fantastic fan favourite. The line up for their beer tent was ginormous! So happy that everyone was supporting the local beer company.

How Woodstock circa 1970 is this photo below?!

"I Will Wait"

 

All of the bands playing together

Having the proper footwear is so import especially when attending a massive festival. No one wants to be around a buzz kill who has to sit after a few songs because their feet hurt. I have been married to the brand Orthaheel for years because of their addictive footbed. Each of their sandals has a built-in orthotic which helps with knee, back, hip and foot pain and gives you the comfort and support you need. When packing for this trip, I made sure that both myself and my boyfriend had a pair of these comfy sandals! I even noticed a few other fellow music lovers wearing Orthaheel's at the festival!

A little dirt never hurt anyone!

I always travel with my travel buddy, Monkey!

Friday:

Edward Sharpe and The Magnetic Zeros

Dan Mangan

Phosphorescent

Willy Mason

Saturday:

Yacht Club DJs

Old Crow Medicine Show

Hey Rosetta!

The Walkmen

The Vaccines

Justin Townes Earle

Bear's Den

Mumford & Sons

{Images taken by Sara, Nathan & Pamela}

xo sara

{masculine monday} hey there fancy feet

For years it was okay for men to wear "running shoes" out in public even if they were not actually going for a run. Style gurus have transformed the classic "Jerry Seinfeld sneaker" look into a work of art and letting men be not only comfortable but stylish. Us ladies have countless brands and styles to choose from when it comes to footwear. As for the gents? Not quite the same.

When I am introduced to luxurious yet slim and super cool brand of mens footwear, I always share it! Welcome to the world of Generic Surplus from Los Angeles California.

Compliments of the one and only very fashionable Kyle Parry*

SPORTSMAN Navy Linen / Leather

BORSTAL Military Green Canvas Suede

MARINER Grey Canvas

LEDGER Black Wool

DOM Chambray

:: See you next Monday for another Masculine one ::



xo sara

masculine monday | casual spring

For those chilly spring days, layer up!

{masculine monday} roll up your jeans

With all the rain lately be sure to be prepared - roll up those jeans!

{one, two, three, four, five}

:: For more Masculine Monday posts, please view here ::

xo sara

{masculine monday} j.press york street

J.Press has introduced their new collection - York Street. This slimmer fit collection still holds its classic American style. They have used stylish fabrics while still paying close attention to detail. 

Awesome front window

If anyone knows where to get one of this big dog statues, let me know! There have been some requests!

{Chads Dry Goods}

:: For more Masculine Monday posts, please view here ::

xo sara

masculine monday | dramatic lighting

This is such an interesting space with lots going on. What really caught my eye was this spectacular lighting fixture! Something this intricate and large can only be hung in a space with such high ceilings. 

{vivafullhouse}

- For more Masculine Monday posts, please view here -

masculine monday | calgary home

This Calgary home featured in the October 2012 issue of Style at Home is a masculine one. The family has kept to whites, woods and blacks as their base colour palette for every room. This has given them lots of ways to play around with patterns, shapes and accessories. 

A whole chalkboard wall in the dining room? Love it!

This small space really has a big feel with a neutral colour palette, playful patterns and friendly arrangement of picture frames used as an accent wall.

{poppytalk}

- For more Masculine Monday posts, please view here -


xo sara