There is just something sexy about a man in a plain white tee and a pair of jeans. If you don't believe me look to some of Hollywood's leading men, James Dean, Marlon Brando, John Travolta (during his Grease days) and Mark Wahlberg. . . all of these tinsel town hunks have one thing in common. . .they sure could fill out a great pair of denim.

What I like about denim, and please forgive the pun, is that it's universal. In today's culture jeans have become the most common piece of clothing we are likely to wear in our day to day lives. If asked how would you describe the perfect pair of denim I would have to say that they'd have to be well fitted, comfortable, and versatile. I like a jean that you can dress up or dress down. A great pair of jeans are to men what the little black dress is to women, we all should have at least one and it should go with almost everything we own.

I believe in having a decent smattering of denim in ones' collection. There should always be a dark wash and a light wash, a lazy jean (for pure comfort-sake) and a say something jean (for when you just broke up with your ex and you're on the hunt). Also don't be afraid to try new things. I was a boot-cut purest for years until I stumbled upon the Diesel Viker Straight Leg and fell in love! I can't stand it when people say that they can't rock a skinny jean, to this I often reply you just haven't found the right one. In fact I was with a customer the other day who said the very same thing to me and then I introduced him to the 7 For All Mankind Slimmy. He was shocked, he had never actually tried a skinny jean, he just thought that they weren't for him. It's all about variety. Right now worn in denim is really hot, Adriano Goldschmied has an amazing collection of aged denim that is put through a unique process to look like worn and rugged. For example, the Protege 5 year is a great straight leg jean that has been aged to look like it's been worn for 5 years. The same goes for the Protege 8 year, but note that the 8 year is more distressed. It's such a unique concept.

*Universal Gear is launching their annual spring Denim Sale on February 3 rd 2010. During the Days of Denim Sale you will be able to get all of your favorite jeans at 25% off. . .this is the first time we are offering ALL denim at 25% off. We're talking Diesel, G-Star, Rock N Republic, Project Raw, and Levi's plus NEW denim brands like 7 for All Mankind, Adriano Goldschmied , and 1921. Take advantage of this great sale before it ends on February 23 rd 2010.

--Dustin Schaad

Posted by UG Editor at 07:17 PM | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

Sharp Smart and Sexy, those are the three S's that I would use to describe the New Ben Sherman line. Our latest from Ben Sherman is a sophisticated blend of Vintage Varsity. Perfect for the hipster gone Ivy League.

The Collegiate look is very present in this hot spring line. My favorites are the Popular Blazer and the Loughton Cardigan, both are great versatile pieces that can be dressed up or down and translate very easily from day to night. Along with these two "must haves" I am currently in love with the Red Hoodlum plaid woven. It's a great basic with a perfect fit. I say wear it over a vintage tee, roll up the sleeves and hit the streets. Comfortable yet fashionable!

*If you're looking to rock the proverbial boat you can always try the Alpha pant. It's a modern skinny twist on the basic Ben Sherman slack. Play it up with some fun pastel socks and hip pair of dress shoes. To completely pop the look get a crisp white button down, black skinny tie or bowtie and throw in the Loughton cardigan. When out and about rock the new Winchester jacket (If you have a pair of black thick framed reading glasses your look will be complete!)

--Dustin Schaad

Posted by UG Editor at 05:55 PM | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

"Walk Walk Fashion Baby. . ." to quote my favorite Lady of the moment (can't get that song out of my head!). Most definitely a conversation piece and not for the faint of heart, these man-bags are from the legendary fashion icon himself, Christian Audigier. The man behind hit brands like Von Dutch and Ed Hardy is at it again but this time putting his own name in the spotlight. Fashionistas, you too will be caught in a Bad Romance with this NEW bag collection from Christian Audigier, sold now at Universal Gear and www.universalgear.com

--Dustin Schaad

Posted by UG Editor at 03:32 PM | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

For those of you who enjoy a winter getaway you'll be excited to hear that NEW swim wear is now available at Universal Gear. I've personally escaped the frigged cold of DC twice in the past few weeks to warm sunny destination spots (California and Florida). Before heading on vaca I stopped by UG to pick up some resort wear, I was relieved to see that they had everything I needed! This shopping trip served as inspiration for this blog, think of it as an unofficial Check List for all Winter Escapist.

1) Shirts - When on vaca you want a wide variety of tops to choose from, depending on the occasion. I always say pack a few light tees, some short sleeve button downs, and maybe one nice shirt (in case you go out to a nice dinner)

2) Shorts - You definitely want something comfortable yet well fitted (we always dress to impress, especially when trying to catch the eye of a local), a short that would be perfect for walking the beach or sitting at a tiki bar. Cut offs can be fun. . .as long as the cut is slightly above the knee, sorry boys leave your Daisy Dukes at home!

3) Swim wear - A must for any vaca where you will encounter a beach, pool or hot tub. I always say bring at least three different pairs. One safe (family friendly) One that shows a little leg (modest but sexy) and One Fun (you know what I'm talking about!)
Tip: if you're self conscious about being pale two weeks before your vaca hit the tanning bed one or two visits should leave you with a nice glow, thus leaving your time at the beach for perfecting your tan.

4) Footwear - Sandals and a comfortable walking shoe are all you should need to really enjoy your time in paradise, (if going dancing or to dinner with friends bring one "night out" appropriate shoe)

+Odds and ends, unless it's a beach party if you go out dancing or to dinner bring one smart pair of denim, well fitted and dark wash, sun screen (it's hot to come back tan it's sad to come back a lobster), a light travel bag and a nice pair of sunglasses.

If you have all of these you are set to jet set out of your winter prison and escape to your vacation destination!

--Dustin Schaad

Posted by UG Editor at 02:33 PM | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

OMG, these are a total must have, new from Diesel (just in time to update my
spring wardrobe) the Deco-Impression midtop and the Upward patient leather
hightop are the "it" shoes when you want to make a statement. To quote a fellow
fashion enthusiast... "I DIE"

--Dustin Schaad

Posted by UG Editor at 02:59 PM | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)