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Black is back and more classic than ever, this is the color that’s tried and true, and appropriate all year round.

With accessories, it is paramount to build your collection with at least one or two pieces in black. If you’re limited on space and you’re a no frills man then your staple tote should be in a good solid black.

Lust: Mark Marmel Steamer bag $1410 Barneys.com

Must: Prospect Portfolio bag from Brooklyn Industries  $68 BrooklynIndustries.com

Outerwear is essential and even as the temperature is climbing consider a trench or simple peacoat with a military twist to protect you from the changing elements.

Lust: Modern Fit Trench Coat by Burberry $1695 Burberry.com

Must: Military Peacoat by Topman $140 Topman.com

Black shoes are what every man regardless of their style sense needs. Pointed luxury or Patent and high-end, take your pick!

Lust: Apron Toe Venetian by Prada $595 Barneys.com

Must:  Black Luxury Formal by Topman $140 Topman.com

A lot of men don’t wear watches but will wear accessories in other forms, consider an accessory with function and style. Think bold mechanics and texture, a lot of it.

Lust: Black Carnival by Ritmo Mundo $500 Vivre.com

Must: Chronography Dial by Fossil $125 Fossil.com

No one’s quite like Paul Smith. The British dandy’s aesthetic is always non-traditional, always interesting and his ability to constantly gentrify fashion, as we know it, is what keeps him on top of his game. This summer, the collection is graceful and stylish, it re-renders classic menswear and simple pieces in a newfangled manner: crisp and clean contours define silhouettes with effortless shapes in bright hues. Salutes are made to David Byrne and David Bowie, where mod meets punk in perfect harmony.

The palette is dominated by solid blacks, navys and grays with loud splashes of color and silver. Club collared shirts are paired with ultra-skinny ties and reserved lapels. Accessories are solid silver safety pins and paper clips and leather boots. The pants of the warmer season are low-rise, relaxed with a slim leg and are worn with classic English slip-ons. The temperament is definitely relaxed, breezy, fluid and open.

Yes, it’s a stretch but in 50 days or so Spring 2010 will be here. That means it’s time to mentally and physically (wardrobe wise, that is) prepare yourself for brighter days! This time, the look is washed; consider pastels, tones, olives and touches of citrus. Imagine a stonewashed, sophisticated spring, garnished with pops of color found on a watch, belt or funky pair of shoes.

From left to right here are pieces that highlight this aesthetic:

1)    Broken-In Button-Down Collar Check Shirt from Martin + Osa  $59.50
This shirt from Martin + Osa has a modern-fit and that perfect rumpled finish, creating a canvas that speaks of a Spring that streams into a nautical summer.

2)    Cinch Ring Belt with J. Press Logo from J.Press $150
This gorgeous belt has heritage, charm and a baked earthy tone that’s unlike any other. Pieces like this age really well and give a prized contribution to your accessories collection.

3)     Four Pocket Cardigan from Gap $69.50
Every now and then the folks at Gap finally get it and come up with something really dapper. This olive cardigan has four pockets and a truly smart collar.

4)    Vintage Barrel Holdall from Topman $70
This well-matured bag expresses a full-bodied presence that challenges the punch of a double espresso and it might taste better too.

5)    Dark Stone Chino Pants from Topman $60
Topman cut their pants so well and these pair are a grand testament to that! In dark stone, they’re versatile for weekend strolls or even casual Fridays in the office.

Jean Paul Gaultier’s recent Men’s collection takes classic masculine garments and juxtaposes them with feminine-tinged fashion elements. The result is a fragmented yet mystifyingly cohesive collection of ephemeral looks.

From skintight satin leggings, to pleated skirts, to fur jackets, the designer disobeys traditional rules of style (e.g., “black tie”) and reinterprets them for a new generation of buyers ready to embrace a spirit of free expression.

Despite the bloodstained models who appear bruised and battered, it appears that victory was achieved through a tripartite convergence of masculinity, femininity and athleticism. Perhaps the fight theme for Gaultier’s most recent runway exhibition can be decoded as symbolic of his fight for a shift in fashion from being a fixed mode of tradition to becoming a fluid exploration of reinvention and revision. (photos courtesy of nymag.com)

As the holidays have ended and the harrowing reality of life reveals itself as anything but a winter wonderland, it’s hard to maintain that zeal you once had for your wardrobe. The subzero temperatures we’ve been experiencing give me the chills as I type this, making it easy to slip into a dip of negligence.

Enter Michelin Man! His silhouette is far from defined. He does not care about formfitting skinny trousers or camel trench coats. He is a white warm blob whose only wardrobe coordination is compromised by his habitat, a concrete jungle peppered with the debris of dirty snow and ice.

Fear not my cold but wardrobe-conscious minions. Here are ways to brave the elements in style:

1)    At this point, especially if you’re dressed for an event, you must invest in thermal underwear. There are several different brands out there to consider. Go for something form-fitting, keeping your contours insulated and defined. At only $15.50, Uniqlo’s Heatteach line offers great slinky inner-wear.

2)    Change up the fabrics! Not only has flannel made a tsunami of a comeback (Think, Gap and their most recent Buffalo Plaid craze), it’s a thicker weave, making for the perfect winter shirt.

3)    Cashmere is perfect. It insulates without the need to excessively layer.

4)    A lambswool cardigan is a great piece to own. Lambswool brings a certain sort of heritage to your ensemble, keeping you warm but looking cool.

5)    Oversized scarves. Have fun with these. Layer them around your neck or even around your head. This is one instance where volume can work fashionably and warmly. For even more interest, consider wearing two different scarves together.

There are shirts that you can purchase from places you find to be suitable based on cut and style, and then there are shirts for those who appreciate the finesse and detail reflected in their torsos and contours, think J. Hilburn.

Often associated with an exorbitant price tag, custom-made apparel is becoming more and more negotiable. As men of today we have managed to establish ourselves as image conscious beings that are accustomed to what makes us look better. We all know the immeasurable value of a suit that’s made to measure or even better, custom made, so why not extend this fashion conscious advantage to your shirts?

Based in Dallas, J. Hilburn has designated style advisors throughout the nation to help make your selections and get you fitted. Fabrics are 100% Egyptian cotton, produced at the very same mill in Italy that makes pieces for Thomas Pink, Ralph Lauren Purple Label and Zegna. Significantly priced lower and for an added verve of luxury, every shirt you order from J. Hilburn comes with your initials monogrammed on the inside. Starting at only $79 you can’t afford not to get one.  Guys, get yours today.  Ladies, no luxury gift could be more affordable and perfect for the guy in your life.

Above, co-founders of J. Hilburn: Hil Davis and Veeral Rathod.

December 8^th marked the one-year anniversary of Turkish jewelry design house, Atelier Minyon.  When I stepped into the Soho flagship boutique to partake in the festivities and review the collection, I was surprised by what awaited me behind the glass doors.  I felt almost as if I was instantly transported to a small shop nestled on a quiet street in Istanbul.  Beautiful dark wooden cases filled with precious jewels covered warm stucco walls, an eclectic collection of unique lanterns hung gracefully from the ceiling, and one of the most beautifully tiled walls I’d ever seen stared at me from the back of the store.

Of course the main attraction of the evening was the exquisite assortment of mostly one-of-a-kind jewelry, which ranged from classic pearls strung between alternating diamonds, to rebellious rock-n-roll themed skulls covered in diamonds, rubies and semi-precious gems.

All hand-crafted in Turkey, other statement pieces included a breathtaking black and white diamond covered bullet pendant (my personal favorite), oxidized silver bear claw necklaces and earrings, and rustic looking keys made of silver, gold and diamonds.

As the crowd of mostly bloggers and fashionistas admired the design and construction of the museum-worthy accessories, the friendly boutique owners busied themselves by making sure all their guests were fed generously on delicious Turkish treats, and that their wine cups never fell below the half-way mark.  As a parting gift, each attendee was given a beautiful, large hand-made wooden jewelry box from Turkey – another pleasant, and very generous, surprise.  Located at 155 Spring Street, I suggest urge you to check out the stored during your next shopping excursion to Soho.  Now I guess I’ll have to return to buy some jewels to put in my new box.

For you west coast guys (and gals), get your calendars out right now because you don’t want to miss this premier sale of designers William Rast and J. Lindeberg at the Cooper Building. Not your traditional “sample sale”, this unprecedented sale will offer dramatic savings on some 15,000 pieces of pure fashion innovation and style including women’s and men’s apparel in all sizes. Included among the finds will be a full range of tops and trousers, short jackets, stylish classics, high collared shirts, military jackets, leggings, Henley’s, dresses, vests, skirts and Capri’s.

Crowds are expected to be enormous so shoppers are encouraged to register in advance at www.thewarehousesale.com to receive an invitation to the event for expedited entry. Oh, and by the way, shoppers who mention “POSHGLAM” at the cash register will receive an additional 10% off the entire purchase.

The holidays require a day trip or two to the family’s or a festive getaway with a loved one. Duffle bags are essentially utilitarian but with delicious leather trimmings and prominent silhouettes they’re the perfect combination of practicality and style.

Lust: Oakbury Duffle bag from Ralph Lauren $895 RalphLauren.com
Must: Durrango Duffle bag from Fossil  $178 Fossil.com

Men should wear more hats and especially in this season! There are so many different colors, styles, shapes and sizes that it’s most definitely something every man should consider. Trilby hats with no frills are not that avant-garde, believe it or not and could suit a lot of people.

Lust: Black Felt trilby by Paul Smith $250 Barneys.com
Must: Burgundy trilby by Topman $40 Topman.com

Pointed shoes with buckles are full of character. They break up an unvaried canvas and bring visual interest to your ensemble.

Lust: Gianni by Salvatore Ferragamo $460 Barneys.com
Must:  Black Luxury Formal by Topman $140 Topman.com

Scarves are a staple, especially in these temperatures. Consider fabric with lots of texture and vibrancy.

Lust: Alexander McQueen scarf $260 Barneys.com
Must: Martin + Osa Field Plaid wool scarf $44.50 MartinandOsa.com

Neck tube, cowl neck, neck sock, which ever you want to call it, this piece is a great substitute to the traditional scarf. Making delicate but considerable ripples on the streets and avenues of the city; this piece could very well be the next big thing. Cheaper than a jacket or coat and much less fussy, this accessory is fashionable and warm, bringing out a great mix of volume and color, something that your traditional scarf doesn’t really capture as well.

What’s so striking about this alternative scarf is it’s androgynous kind of cool, equally (depending how you wear it) adding machismo or flair to your ensemble. From a versatile standpoint, this piece can also serve as a great layering piece and even be paired with shorts and a sweater for that textured early spring look.

Opt for thick cuts with buttons in colors like olive or gray. Burberry, Alexander McQueen, H&M and Zara, have all taken quite the interesting stabs at rendering this piece and all seem to be working really well.

When shopping for dress shirts, from time to time, you’ll spot the club-collar. Making a subtle yet significant presence, today you’ll find this anomaly of a collar popping up more often, and why not? For one, it breaks your shirt wardrobe beyond color and fabric. Many men fear to dabble with the way the club collar appears. Alien to the standard, it does not have those protruding sharp isosceles shapes we’ve been accustomed to associating with a dress shirt. Less prominent and organic, the club collar subtly makes its mark on the wearer’s neckline.

The biggest mistake many make is have it end up looking too themed or more reminiscent of a specific period. Since the club collar carries a wide and rather curved surface area it needs slimmer, fitted pieces to work with. For a look that’s definitely outside the box, opt for the club collar in interesting colors and knits. For a modern look, pair a crisp white club collared shirt with an impeccably knotted bowtie and a fitted suit jacket. This allows for a strong but super sleek focal point. Dior has, on several occasions embraced the club collar. For its fall collection this year Burberry has paid homage and many will suit to follow.

UK purveyor of designer fashion and trimmings My Wardrobe, is unquestionably a great locus to keep on your style radar. More than merely an online store, this trendsetting, multidimensional destination, provides interactive elements such as an awesome Style Feed, which features a constantly updated fashion newswire, covering the fashion world on the streets or the red carpet. Best of all, currently, there’s a 30% off sale running across the whole men’s wear gamut.

The Press Choice, features the site’s editor picks, showcasing a great assortment of pieces. Here are mine:

From left to right:
• Polo Ralph Lauren, Tobacco Cord Sports Blazer, a gorgeous color and great way to bring texture for the fall.

• APC, Blue Mini Check Straight Fit Work Shirt, this dark blue shirt has a strong silhouette fit and is both flattering and comfortable.

• Helmut Lang, Dirt Hard Wash Treated Skinny Jean, a muscular wash, with agreeable shape and premium stitching.

• Dolce & Gabbana, Grey Nylon Crossbody Tote, a great size, this militaristic bag has handsome form and practical function.

Lending force to the drop in temperature, boots are a great piece of footwear to sport around the town. This time around, chukka boots are all the sensible, but also stylish, rage. These ankle-length boots, that were very popular in the 50’s, have a very distinct look with at least two or three eyelets for lacing; bringing about sophisticated texture and a charming hint of retro style.

A well turned-out interpretation from the dessert boot designed in World War II, today, chukkas are made in allsorts of materials. Calfskin or suede are very typical and popular, but you can find them in more fascinating forms, like in crocodile or snakeskin. For a dash of the unexpected, consider the chukka in other colors too, like a sullied orange, olive or even patterned.

While chukkas aren’t for everyone and certainly aren’t appropriate for all occasions, they make for a striking, je ne sais quoi, no-frills, casual impression. They look great with all sorts of denim and other forms of relaxed pants, like corduroys or khakis.

While accessories are associated with luxury, they are an important functional and fashionable component of a man’s wardrobe. Stimulating the unexciting, great accessories revive the dozy of wardrobe basics.

The perfect fall accessory for every man out and about this fall is a great pair of gloves. A slick pair of cashmere lined leather gloves, like these from Coach, keeps your hands warm and allows you to do things gracefully when wearing them. Additionally, they complement all sorts of styles.

Scarves are the essence of the season and put simply men should start perceiving them the way they do with ties; only scarves are so much more versatile and acquiescent. This striped wool scarf from Armani Exchange has a strong ratio of texture and color. Wrapped suitably it can play dressy nights or casual days, perfectly.

Tie bars are those finicky little things that slide over your tie holding it in place and giving your torso a touch of bling. The truth is, tie bars are far from finicky and bring about an amazing polished look. General rules of thumb are to never wear it too high up, your upper mid section is optimum, and not have it cover the whole width of your tie. The result? A subtler kind of chic, sans used car salesman.

Just because it’s cold doesn’t mean you won’t need a cool looking pair of shades to warm your cool. For most men, Aviators are classic and foolproof. Find a pair that suits you and sport them to work or weekend errand running.

Finally, graduate from those flimsy, useless, and ungracious umbrellas and invest in a good quality brolly that meets the caliber of these great fall accessories.

In conclusion, the trick here is to accessorize, accessorize, accessorize! It’s not just for women, it’s for the  tuned in individual’s out there who know how important it is to maintain a spruced impression.