Top Models of the Past Ten Years

With all of these end of the decade countdowns going on, there have also been plenty of top model lists.  Vogue came up with their list of the top models of the decade, and although I agree with most of the choices, there are some I would personally have not included, and others who I would have instead.
Thus, I decided to come up with my own list! Some of the models I have chosen have been around since the end of the previous decade, while there are the ones who have just recently (as in the latter half of these 10 years) been prominent in the fashion world but who have nevertheless made an impact in some shape or form.

The list is in no particular order, specifically after the first five.  I found it difficult to narrow it down to less than the amount shown, and even more challenging to rank them!  Kate Moss being the biggest exception of course. She will always be #1 for many, many fashion lovers.  Vogue didn't even include her on their list, but instead, dedicated a whole different list just for her!

Kate Moss
Daria Werbowy
Coco Rocha
Sasha Pivovarova
Vlada Roslyakova
Irina Lazareanu
Lily Donaldson
Snejana Onopka
Raquel Zimmermann

Maria Carla Boscono

Natasha Poly
Carmen Kass
Isabeli Fontana
Caroline Trentini
Gemma Ward
Agyness Deyn
Lara Stone
Freja Beha Erichsen
Karlie Kloss

Jessica Stam

Maryna Linchuk

Magdalena Frackowiak

Angela Lindvall

Jourdan Dunn

Chanel Iman

Karolina Kurkova

Adriana Lima

Gisele Bundchen

Doutzen Kroes

Natalia Vodianova

 (photos: StyleFrizz.com )

The Best Fashion Shows Part:II

To continue our look at my pick of the best fashion shows, here we have some more of my personal favourites.  These are mostly from recent years.  As I had mentioned previously,  a lot of my favourites are from the last five or so years, but that's because they had more of an impact on me than any other shows from when I was younger and didn't have much of an interest in fashion. 

Anyhow, here are four more of my favourites!


Basso & Brooke: Spring/Summer 2009

 

Sonia Rykiel: Spring/Summer 2009



Versace: Fall/Winter '07/'08



Chanel: Cruise '07/'08

The Best of the Best: A look at my favourite fashion shows!

Looking through Youtube videos and at fashion shows that I have favourited over the years, I decided to come up with a list of my personal favourites.  There are so many to choose from, so obviously I couldn't possibly fit them all into my list.  There are probably even one's that I haven't watched yet.  I may know quite a fair bit about fashion shows, BUT my knowledge is obviously limited.   Most of the one's that are my favourites are from 2005 onward.   Starting today until Sunday I will show a few of my favourite fashion show's.  From Karl Lagerfeld, Fendi, and Chanel (Karl is a genius!), to Versace, Prada, Gucci, Cavalli, DVF, and Alexander McQueen, and many more, these are my picks of the best of none other than ...the best!

Sit back, relax, and enjoy the wonderfulness of it all........

(note: Shows are in no specific order)

Karl Lagerfeld: Spring/Summer '08



Versace: Fall/Winter '06/'07



Alexander McQueen: Spring/Summer '08



Just Cavalli: Fall/Winter '08/'09



Gucci: Fall/Winter '06/'07*


*(Note: this is not the original music from the Gucci show. It sounded SO much better with the original music to go along with it! I could not find even one video with it. So, unfortunately you cannot witness the amazingness of it). 

Thats it for now, but there's plenty more to come tomorrow, and everyday until Sunday!  Brace yourself, the best is yet to come! *hint* Plenty of Chanel and Versace.

Quote of the Day

"Bling is over. Red carpetry covered with rhinestones is out. I call it the new modesty." - Karl Lagerfeld (on the recession)

The Ten Biggest Fashion Faux Pas of the Decade

In honour of 2010, and the new decade that will come along with it, I have compiled a list of whatI think are the biggest fashion blunders of the last ten years. Thankfully most of these trends didn't last too long, and hopefully we have learned from our mistakes! The list is not numbered, because in my opinion they are all as equally guilty.

Uggs

I have mentioned my dislike for them many times, and here it is once again. Perhaps they were cool once, but honestly, this trend should have ended long ago. There are so many better boots out there, which look nicer and are still comfortable... why go for these?

Crocs
Why anyone would want to wear these ugly, brightly coloured, rubber shoes with holes in them is anyone's guess. These shoes are (perhaps) okay for gardening in your backyard (as long as nobody is around to witness it!).  Wearing them in public is such a big, humiliating mistake.

Ed Hardy
Just writing the name out made me shudder. The clothing is so overpriced and it just makes the person wearing them MUCH less attractive. Who wants to pay over $100 for silk screened t-shirts or hoodies with skulls or tigers on them? Both men and women, or boys and girls, who wear these are not doing themselves any favours. Zero class and zero style.  Even worse, the clothing now reminds me of Jon Gosselin, who is frequently seen wearing Ed Hardy t-shirts. Shudder even more.

Phat Farm and Baby Phat (shoes and clothing)
Taking a trip down memory lane to my high school years circa early-mid 2000s, I also fell for this trend. Everyone around here did! This is much too gangster and hip hop-ish for my liking. The words classy and stylish should not be associated with these brands, at all! Not cool.

Trucker Hats
We have Ashton Kutcher to blame for this one. Remember? the trucker hats with the Von Dutch logo on them. Shudder, squirm, gag. I am ashamed that we all thought these hats and those who wore them were cool. Unless you live in a trailer park or are an actual trucker, please refrain from wearing these. Come to think of it, I think this trend has already died out. If so, thank you God!

Velour Tracksuits
Circa the early to mid 2000's. Thankfully this trend has died out and is (hopefully) long gone! Here I point the finger at Juicy Couture and J-Lo. Come on, matching pants and hoodies? In velour?  I will admit, I fell for this trend back in my early high school days. What was even worse were the tracksuits that said Juicy on the butt. Such a traumatizing trend!

Logo/Slogan T-Shirts
These are so tacky and unattractive. You know, the t-shirts with the lame sayings on them as in "who needs brains when I have these". Ahem... please, why would you want anyone to plainly stare at your chest, with the excuse of "reading" what's on your shirt. 

Low Rise Jeans
This is a trend of the early-mid 2000's once again. Thankfully this fashion horror was replaced by high waisted jeans, which we can all be glad about. We can blame Britney Spears for this rise...of um, the low rise jeans, back in the height of her fame. Remember the video for I'm a Slave for You? Yes, exactly what I'm talking about. This has got to be one of the unclassiest, and skankiest (for the lack of a better word) trends of the last decade. No butt cleavage ever again, please and thanks.

Corduroy Pants
Corduroy somehow always manages to make a come back every decade in some shape or form. Corduroy pants are not attractive and in my opinion, they also make one's legs look larger. There is something very middle-age and mom-ish about them. If you're under the age of 45, you should NOT be wearing them.

Harem Pants
These are the genie pants that made a come back in the last two years. I thought they were cool at first, but at second glance... um, no. Why would you want to wear pants where the crotch is down to your knees. You can use it as built-in shopping bag perhaps? In all seriousness, unless you are wearing it as part of a halloween costume, do not wear them in public!!


There you have it, my list of the ten fashion faux pas of the decade. Hopefully the next decade will be more stylish and fashionable. Please, do not repeat these mistakes again! I sincerely hope that none of these trends make a come back, and that those which are still around slowly die out!

Here's to 2010, and to being more stylish, fashionable, chic, and classy!

Sex and the City 2 Trailer!

For all you SATC obsessed fashionistas out there: the trailer for the sequel has just been released!    Exciting??  Well, it would be... minus the fact that the trailer doesn't really have any substance to it. In fact, aside from the beautiful views of New York City at the beginning, it's not that great of a trailer. Kind of disappointing, but hopefully the movie turns out to be worth the wait!

Ok, ok, I will admit the main reason I'm excited for the movie, AND the main reason I posted this  (yes...this is where I brag) is because I saw the filming of the Bergdorf Goodman scene when I was in NYC in September.  Actually, my friends and I accidently walked onto the set of the movie after leaving Bergdorf's.    I loved the outfits they were wearing!  Fashion: obviously another reason to watch the movie!

(photo: Warner Bros.)


Carrie, Charlotte, Miranda, Samantha, plus New York City, and fashion?... love it!


(video: NYDailyNews.com)

My encounter with the filming of the movie....

The set of Sex and the City 2 outside Bergdorf Goodman








                                                                     




Carrie and Charlotte ! (SJP and Kristin Davis)

Quote of the Day

"I design for the woman who loves being a woman." - Diane von Furstenberg

Art of the Trench

For those of you who are like me and are Burberry aficionados, are fans of the Sartorialist, have a love of trench coats, and enjoy cool photography...particularly that of fashionable people from various cities...then I recommend you check out   Artofthetrench.com

Trust me, you'll love it. 

Boots, Boots, Boots, Love

The title says it all...

I own so many pairs, and I still keep on buying more.  It's one of the reasons I enjoy fall and winter, and...even spring.  Hmm, actually...summer as well.  I guess that make's them fashionable and practical footwear all year 'round.  Then again, us boot lovers will find any excuse to wear them.   I refuse to wear anything else, aside from flats and sandals in the summer, or heels when I go out.

Love them.

  

  

Hey people how are you guys out there in Cyber world doing?..I hope all is well. So it has been a long time since I wrote an entry. When I started this blog I was the only person I knew with one, they said I was conceited and full of myself, now everywhere I turn I hear "check out my blog". It's kinda funny to me because I used to think of a blogger as a certain type of person, but those stereotypes have been shattered . Now the dude hustling on the corner takes a break to update his blog, Twitter, Facebook, Myspace ...you name it. Don't get me wrong I think it's cool that everyone is blogging , but I can't help but laugh at it sometimes. At the start of my blog in 07 , I went to a million events a week and I wanted everyone to keep up with me , especially my dad who lives in New Zealand. Now when he calls me he seems to have no clue as to what is going on with me. It's not that I don't want to blog anymore it's just that I don't even know where to start. I took an extended brake from my blog because I just got too busy and it seemed like the haters were having more fun with my blog than I was. To tell you the truth I am not sure what has brought me back to this blog that I have neglected for nearly a year, but I do have an idea. I think it's the loss of my love Michael Jackson who I just can't stop crying over.
When I was a young girl I was a dancer. My mom and I were a team , my mom who was also a model when she was younger used to dress us up in leotards and do splits and all these dances, we would perform any chance we got and all I used to think about was coming to America to meet Michael Jackson and Mickey Mouse. When I came to America I was 7yrs old and I joined a dance group from my neighborhood called Ki'Yanu it was fun and it was going to be my stepping stone to meet Michael Jackson. I danced in that group until I was eleven and then the American culture and Tomboyness took over. Although I stopped dancing I never fell out of love with Michael Jackson. I remember when I was about 12yrs old I met Usher and I thought I was getting closer to the dream of meeting MJ. When it was all said and done , I never got to meet MJ. When he came to Times Square in NY I was so upset because I found out too late. I loved Michael Jackson he brought worlds together, he will forever live in my heart and I will make sure my kids know exactly who he is.
Well that is it for now people , writing is something I do from my heart , it is therapy for me. I really hope I have the will to share another entry with you but if not thanks for reading and keep your own flame of happiness burning in your heart because when it goes out so do you.
R.I.P MJ , R.I.P Farrah and R.I.P Ed Mcmann

Ralph Lauren Friends & Family Discount

Where To Shop

What's up trendsetters! So as a bigmen trendsetter at times it may seem you don’t have the same choices in clothing as others to shop. Well that is no longer a true statement due to a little thing called the internet. Today I will review a few websites where I personally shop at; that will hopefully help you trend set.


http://www.casualmale.com/: This website is a perfect site for a bigmen trendsetter. They offer everything from socks and boxers to suits and shoes. They carry house brands (626 BLUE®, Canyon Ridge®) and name brand labels as well (Polo Ralph Lauren® ,Nautical Jeans Co.®). Since this is a specialty store; their prices are a little more expensive, BUT they offer their own credit card and a points program for frequent buyer (much like a Kroger plus card). This store, website, or catalog (all three are available for your shopping convenience) carries it all. It helps to know your measurements so you can tell the store reps and they will be able to guide you to what you need. They carry it all from xl-6xl and xlt-5xlt for those tall trendsetters. The store is very fashion forward. Check it out and let us know what you think. We here at bigmen trendsetters give Casual Male a big ups for looking out for us.




http://www.rocawear.com/: This is for you trendsetters who need to get down to the basics, and need to stick to the urban attire. While this site only carries their own brand, and doesn’t really offer a variety of clothing for you trendsetters who fell the need to be more business. They do offer you us big men a way to "keep it hood". They keep their big and tall section up to date, and offer the clothing as it is available, and the color selection. Another nice thing the website will tell you if the clothing will run true to fit, loose, or smaller. This is always an advantage so you can plan ahead. If you all read Vibe magazine you will see many ads featuring Jay-Z and the rocawear website. Vibe is also a fashion forward magazine, check them out and see what’s poppin for the season in fashion.


Just to keep my fellow trendsetters trendsetting, spring 2009 it’s green. So get to trendsetting.


Trendsetters there are literally a ton of places we shop at. I posted a few, and I personally shop at these stores. We are a blogspot so get to blogging; let us know where you shop at and where we can find the hook ups, or where to stay away from.
Bigmentrendsetters: There is trendsetting in progress

Check Out These Websites

www.shoesxl.com - Offers a wide array of designer shoes in those big hard to find sizes!
www.RochesterClothing.com- Instead of the usual Big & Tall store why don't you try this website. It carry's everything from designer shirts to denim in plus sizes.

Watching Your Surroundings

Sometimes it takes seeing others your size to realize what looks good on you and what doesn't. I suggest next time your out and about to look at different ones that look like you. Notice what they're wearing- Do you like what they're wearing? do they look good? Why or why not? Things like this can better help you assist in getting clothing in the future. Also don't be afraid to ask "Where did did you get this?"

Style File

This week's Style File highlights Actor/Comedian Cedric the Entertainer. "Ceddy" is best known for his roles in BarberShop, The Steve Harvey Show, and Kings of Comedy. Hardly ever seen without his hat, Cedric always looks polished in a suit:

Even on stage he keeps it quite eloquent in a pinstriped vest and tailored slacks.

No matter the occasion Cedric the Entertainer is a certified Big Man Trendsetter!

What Not To Wear

Baggy and sloppy clothing is not what is up. As intelligent, creative, strong, trendsetting African American men there are a few things to realize. Society judges you by your appearance. That includes what you wear and how you wear it. Good or bad, first impressions about you are based solely on the clothing you wear and your personal grooming habits. Your appearance tells others how you feel about yourself and the importance you place on your relationships with others.

In the picture above, what was your first thought? It probably was not a positive one. Maybe you chuckled to yourself. Maybe you shook your head. Whatever your reaction, ask yourself the following questions: What message am I sending to others? Does my clothing and grooming reveal an attitude of indifference or a sense of responsibility? Respect or disrespect? Carelessness or dependability?

The point is your wardrobe and grooming habits are critical. Your wardrobe sends a clear message to others, and can very well determine your chances of being hired for a job. Your clothes can change the personal and professional attention you receive, the kind of people you attract as friends, and even the kind of dates you attract.

Wearing clothing that fits can not only make you look better. but it can also make you feel better. A Big Man Trendsetter, wears appropriate men's clothing that best shows your interests, personality, and individuality instead of wearing clothing that may promote unnecessary and misleading perceptions about who you really are. Don’t simply focus on current fashion trends and styles of the moment, but shop at stores that project the true image you want to send to those you come in contact with.

Nordstrom offers up to a 52L in suits http://shop.nordstrom.com/C/6017043/0~2376777~2374609~6002233~6017043?mediumthumbnail=Y&origin=leftnav&pbo=2374609

Macy’s offers a wide variety of sizes for Big and Tall men http://www1.macys.com/catalog/index.ognc?CategoryID=22178&PageID=95255329337325&kw=Big%20%26%20Tall

Ralph Lauren now has a Big and Tall section offering up to a size 6x http://www.ralphlauren.com/shop/index.jsp?categoryId=1995989&cp=1995989&ab=ln_men_cs_big&tall

Friday Fashion In The NBA

Back again with another week of fashion from the trendsetters in the NBA.Kobe Bryant Above

Look at the way he wears the oriental garment. looking so natural as the yellow compliments his face band-aid AND the Microphone. Unbelievable.

.....OK that was a joke... Now really...Back to NBA Fashion






Above King James

I personally LOVE this outfit. I'm a sweater man myself but to each his own right? Sweaters are versatile and can be worn with a button up or just a T-shirt as pictured above. The Simple Striped sweater that's accompanied by the light brown shoes really make this outfit. The White Pants some wouldn't do but with the shoes it really makes the outfit work. Perfect Spring Outfit


CP3 Above

I posted this ensemble because i think it captures the essence of the Pocket Square. Under-rated yet so simple, it can really make an outfit go from looking good to having others take notes.
D Will Above

The Linen.. Killing it right with such simplicity. Sometimes it doesn't take much effort to come fresh and make a statement. D pulled that off very well with this ensemble.

Pretty Boy Floyd Above

"Money cant buy class"

Will end it this week on this picture. Mayweather pictured above drapped up in Damier Print Louis Vuitton. Wearing all Gucci or Prada doesn't mean you have style. Just because you can afford to wear designer and name brand doesn't mean you have style. Trendsetters take a piece and add's his own personal style or flare to it. Anyone can copy whats on a store manikin.

-Cam

Romantic Rendezvous for Two

Not every man can cook well, not every man has a desire to cook well, and not every man has to. But what a true Big Man Trendsetter needs to realize is that cooking for a woman from time to time is a guaranteed way to impress her. This is why as a Trendsetter it is an important that every man be able to cook a few simple meals.

Deviled Eggs

10 large eggs

1/2 cup mayonnaise

3 tablespoons Dijon mustard

2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish

Pinch of paprika

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Gently add the eggs and cook for 12 to 15 minutes over medium heat. Remove the eggs from the water and cool. Peel the eggs and cut them in half leastwise. Remove the cooked yolks to a small bowl and place the egg whites on a serving plate. Crush the yolks with a fork and stir the mayonnaise, mustard, and relish. Scoop a spoonful of the yolk mixture into each egg-white half. Sprinkle with paprika and serve.

Shrimp & Crab Salad

1 pound large shrimp

4 hard-cooked egg whites, diced

1/4 cup mayonnaise or salad dressing

1/4 cup chopped celery

1/4 cup chopped onion

1 tablespoon dried Italian seasoning

1 1/2 teaspoons chopped garlic

1 teaspoon onion salt

1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning

1 teaspoon black pepper

8 ounces lump crabmeat

Cook shrimp in shells. When cool, peel, devein, and chop shrimp. Place in a large bowl. In the same bowl, add egg whites, mayonnaise, celery, onion, Italian seasoning garlic, onion salt, Old Bay seasoning, and pepper; mix together. Drain crabmeat and stir into shrimp mixture. Chill until ready to serve. Serve on a bed of lettuce

Garlic Shrimp

1 1/2 teaspoons olive oil
10 medium shrimp, peeled and deveined

1 1/2 teaspoons minced garlic

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Handful of chopped flat-leaf parsley

1 teaspoon diced shallots

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Heat a saute pan for 2 minutes. Add the olive oil to the pan and wait 5 seconds. Add the cleaned shrimps. Saute over high heat for 30 seconds, then add the garlic. Saute until the garlic is just browned. Pour in the white wine while moving the shrimp around in the pan. As the wine reduces, remove the shrimp to a small bowl and set aside while you finish the sauce. Add the butter, parsley, shallots, and salt and pepper to taste. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 2 minutes. Put the shrimp back in the pan on medium heat to finish cooking for another 4 minutes. Serve in a small bowl.

Setting the Mood

Champagne flutes, napkins, silverware, dishes, candles, and your favorite Slow Jams CD.

*Recipes from Skinny Cooks Can't Be Trusted by Mo'Nique

What is Trendsetting?

1. TREND-SETTER (Noun): Someone who popularizes a new fashion
2. TREND (Noun): The general direction in which something tends to move
   
   
   

A trendsetter is a leader and innovator in every aspect of his life. This extends from fashion, to the community, all the way to your job. You can not slack in any area. I mean how can you have on a tailored Versace suit, and dirt in your nails? How can you have a 42" LG plasma screen, and still eat pizza out of the box on the floor? How can you have the job of your dreams, and do just enough to get by?

As it is African Americans are not given enough credit for being trendsetters in America. Who are naturally born with big lips and big butts? Who introduced the world to the blues, jazz, R&B, and Hip-Hop? Yet who often gets the credit? Therefore we as African Americans have to work 10 times harder to prove we are truly Trendsetters.

Trendsetting is a state of mind; any and everybody can be a trendsetter. A Big Man Trendsetter follows his personal style yet manages to pull off a look others find admirable. If others don't approve....oh well....he still wears/does/says what he likes. This blog is meant to inspire, motivate, and encourage all to find the trendsetter within.

Dressing Better

Hello Gentleman,

The way you dress fellas speaks alot about the person you are or the way people look at you as.
Dressing well is a key to those first impressions, weather out on a date or just casual everyday things of life. You want to come across with a image that defines you and not one that takes away from the person you really are. Do not think it takes a shopping spree to make changes. In the economy we live in the dollar value seems to decrease while the prices seem to increase. So lets discuss a few economic efficient ways to start dressing better without having to get in debt trying to do so.

First Off,
As Big men we have to realize that not everything name brand comes in our size.
Instead of trying to fit into that name brand shirt that you have no business in, buy quality items that fit you nicely. Sagging and oversized clothes are not a good look and at the same time seeing your heart beat in your shirt isnt either.

1. They Key to dressing better is all about How the clothes fit. That cant be stressed enough.

2. Find out what your personal style is, what i prefer and fits me is not going to be what the next man likes or prefers.
3. Personal Grooming.. Also a key.. depending on what you prefer just make sure its clean and doesnt detract from you.
4. Colors, I've noticed some colors look better on me than others. Shop around and try out some things. It also wouldnt hurt to bring a friend or ask the assistance of others on what looks good on you.


Just some things to think about

-Cam

SUIT YOUR SHAPE

A GQ primer for the hard-to-fit

So you're not the size of a male model-welcome to the club. Whether you're tall or short, stocky or lanky, there are style secrets to making a suit look right for your body. Here, we take four celebrated body shapes and show you exactly how to look your best-without lifting a weight or counting a calorie.

Before
The Short Man
Apolo Ohno: Gold-medal-winning Olympic speed skater, Dancing with the Stars champ
5'8"165 lbs
"All the suits I buy have to be tailored, no matter what. But it's not just because of my height; it's because I've been skating for so long. My waist is very small, but my legs are just huge. Most really nice suitmakers are Italian, and usually they make suit pants for Italian men. I'm like, Those Italians must have pretty skinny legs."

Don'ts:
• Don't wear a longer suit jacket. It just makes your legs look shorter.
• Don't wear fat ties and wide lapels; keep it slim.

After
The 5 Tips Every Short Man Should Know
1) Be honest with yourself. Admit you're short and buy short-length suits.
2) A pant leg with very little break will help you look taller.
3) Show some cuff to lengthen the look of your arms.
4) A peak lapel helps elongate your physique.
5) A lower button stance creates long lines, and that essentially stretches you out.

A Belt Makes You Look Shorter…
The more pared-down you are, the taller you'll appear. So ditch the belt. Going beltless looks cool, and if your suit fits properly, your pants will stay in place.

Short Man, Slim Shoe
You don't want to look like you've got weights around your ankles. Wear slender shoe

Before
The Tall Man
Raja Bell: Shooting guard, Phoenix Suns
6'5"210 lbs
"When I first got into the NBA, I tried to buy a couple of suits off the rack, but they didn't fit. To get the length I needed, I also got boxiness. They would have to taper the jacket, but then I felt like I had wings under the armpits. So I started going to a tailor. And that's the key: Pick out a good tailor and just trust him… You want the suit to fit the way you want it to fit, but let him handle the details. That's what he gets paid to do."

Don'ts:
• Don't buy suits with oversize, padded shoulders. They swallow you up, making you look frailer, not bigger.
• Don't wear extra-slim ties. You need ties with a bit of width so they won't appear to elongate your torso.

After
The 5 Tips Every Tall Man Should Know
1) Lighter colors add width to a narrow frame.
2) A two-button suit works great on a tall man-as long as the suit has relatively high-cut lapels.
3) Just because you're tall doesn't mean you need an extra-long suit size. Try on a long first.
4) Keep the amount of cuff you show to a minimum.
5) Ask for a decent amount of break in your trousers, so your long legs don't look too long.
Suit, $1,830, by Prada at Barneys New York. Shirt, $640, by Jil Sander at Barneys New York. Tie, $150, by Gucci. Shoes, $315, by Allen-Edmonds.
Tall Man, Rounded Shoe
Take a pass on those pointy dress shoes-you don't want to make your feet look longer than they are. Opt instead for a slightly rounder toe, to help keep your foot size in check.

Get in the Loop
After you knot your tie, never have enough length left to reach the back loop? Don't buy a new, longer tie; just ask your tailor to move up the loop.

Divide and Conquer
When you're tall, you want your clothes to play down your height-to keep things in proportion. Accessories that cut across your body, such as belts, quarter-folded pocket squares, and horizontally striped ties, help accomplish this.

Before
The Large Man
Horatio Sanz: Actor/comedian, Saturday Night Live alum
5'9"250 lbs
"One of the problems I have is with shirts: Getting my neck size to match my body size is difficult, and sometimes the collar is too high, too-I end up feeling choked. With pants, I wear mine a little high, and sometimes they ride up too much or feel like they're going to fall off if they're not high enough. Basically, I've spent my life trying to avoid wearing suits on a regular basis. The last suit I bought from a store was for my junior prom. It was kind of silver in color, and my mom adjusted it for me."

Don'ts:
• Don't wear a roomy suit. It doesn't make you look slimmer-it makes you look sloppy.
• Don't go untucked.


After
The 5 Tips Every Large Man Should Know
1) Wear a pocket square. It brings the focus to your chest, not your gut.
2) Keep your jacket buttoned unless you're sitting down.
3) Wear a simple, elegant shirt. Avoid plaids and checks.
4) You can wear flat-front pants. They are engineered to be comfortable, even without pleats. 5) Avoid superskinny ties and lapels. Proportion with your torso is key.

Suspend Your Weight
Avoid having to choose between strapping your pants above or below your belly: Wear suspenders and float your waist.

Big Man, Solid Shoe
Choose shoes that have a substantial sole. You need something solid to anchor your weight.