3/24/09 - Tuesday

Shirt: Arrow/ Tie: Hardy Amies / Belt: GAP / Pants: Perry Ellis Portfolio



My hand-me down outfit, Lol. I received the shirt and tie from my dad back in the day. I have to credit my dad for some of the solid (as in stylish) shirts and ties he has given me over the years. Many of them are classic pieces that I still rock to this day. He recently gave me the matching pocket square for the tie. I'll have to wear it the next time I don a suit. The olive colored pants are a welcome change to the typical khakis and also compliment the shirt.

3/23/09 - Monday

Shirt: Jos A Bank / Tie: Calvin Klein / Belt: GAP / Pants: Levis Dockers



This combo is a simple, classic setup that just works, in my opinion. Why else would i wear it?Lol.

I generally like for my ties to contrast my shirt, i.e. if the shirt is light-colored I like for the tie to be a dark color. The tie is a hand-me-down I received from my dad, it has to be at least 15 years old. I like it because its a time-less, versatile tie that can be worn with many shirts.

3/20/09 - Friday

Shirt: Geoffrey Beene / Vest:Club Room/ Belt: GAP / Pants: Kenneth Cole Reaction




Ahhh casual Friday. At my job all this means is that ties are optional (nobody opts to wear them).

I'm not quite sure if I'm liking the slacks. They looked decent when I tried them on but after wearing them for a bit they don't seem to be too comfortable. Oh well, didn't pay too much for them (got them at Ross).

* Tip: Mixing in a vest over a patterned shirt adds a chic look to the otherwise staid shirt/khaki corporate uniform. It also lets you get away with slightly rumpled shirts ;-)

3/19/09 - Thursday

Shirt:La Chemise Club / Tie:J Crew / Belt: GAP / Pants: Perry Ellis




I really like the slacks and the tie. Have had the shirt for a while now (old reliable); its one of the few shirts from my dad that are still in the rotation. As you can see I have issues with keeping it fully tucked in. Always have to make sure its tucked in when I exit my car. Some shirts spill out easier than others.

Two things you start subconsciously start doing when working professionally:
Checking to make sure that (a) your shirt is still tucked in and (b) that your shirt collar is completely covering your tie.

3/18/09 - Wednesday

3/18/09 Shirt:Geoffrey Beene / Tie:Old navy / Belt: GAP / Pants: Roundtree & Yorke



This really works really well. Intricate upon closer inspection. Note that the pant and tie colors are reflected in the shirt. The slim (but not quite skinny) tie from Old navy keeps things somewhat edgy but not Will.I.am-ish.

3/17/09 - Tuesday

Shirt: Express (80's Two-Ply Cotton) / Tie:Calvin Klein / Belt: GAP / Pants: Perry Ellis



I like this combination, some would say that the patterns clash; I think it works. The pants look like something an Irish golfer would wear (or at least I thought it did)

* Had to mix in the cloverleaf-pattern socks from Old Navy in honor of St. Patty's Day. (Figured my other green pair of socks with a beer mug theme might not have been as appropriate to sport in the office) ;-)

Introduction / FAQ

Welcome to "Corporate Unis!" I figured I might as well use the first post to state the purpose of this blog as well as address any likely questions. If you have any further questions please free let me know and I'll add them to this post.


What is the purpose of this blog?
- The purpose of this blog is document my sartorial exploits in corporate America. Hopefully this will foster feedback to elevate my dressing style. Alternatively, this may also serve as a reference point for young men out there looking to develop their own corporate style. Who knows? Comments and criticism are always welcome. ;-)


How much do you spend on clothing?
- Not much. As a NMC* advocate, I try to get the highest quality items at the lowest price. I generally do not spend more that $20 on dress shirts, $30 for slacks, $20 for ties and $5/pair for socks.


Where do you buy most of your clothing?
- I generally purchase items from Outlet stores (Calvin Klein, Banana Republic, Old Navy), Discount stores (Ross), Jos A Bank, and Express.

* Note that I do tend to go more for color/patterns over brand names.


Where do you work?
I work out in Southern California. Location often dictates dress. Luckily for me, SoCal is pretty warm year round but not brutally hot. This is a good thing, I'm sure you guys/gals would not want to see a gallery of sharp-looking dress shirts with pit-stains.