Daily Fashion 192
I Began To Dive Much Deeper Into Fashion, Diligently Educating Myself…
Story submitted by Andrew Tria. Addictedgent.com
instagram @addicted_gent
‘My appreciation for clothing became apparent at a very young age. I recall even as a child in elementary, I was always concerned with ensuring my appearance was presented properly (of course at that age my idea of proper presentation may not have been anything particularly special). Although I can’t specifically recall my taste in clothing from that far back, I can still remember urging my mother to make sure I was dressed with “my” specific clothing ideas. In spite of being a struggling single parent, full-time university student, and full-time employee, she still found the time to take me shopping. I’m confident it was this dedication to concerning herself with my interests in dressing well that initiated my life’s passion – gentleman’s fashion.
Fast-forward to my young adult years.
As a product of my environment, my taste in style had always been more partial to the influence of urban-casual (think Karmaloop.com). While I always had an appreciation for fine dressing, with the exception of work, I was never required to dress in this manner – consequently, my well-dressed sophistication was limited to my time at work. As I continued to mature as a young adult in the business environment, my style matured with me. I began to frequent the choice of a suit more often; in both choosing my daily attire and while shopping for new ones. My style at that point was soon the product of my new fascination for finer fashion, infused with my former urban influences. The result was luxury fashion incorporated with hoodies, snap-backs, high-tops, bright colors, and contemporary patterns. When looking back on this now, I can’t help but laugh at my unorthodox way of dressing; however I can’t deny the praise I received.
It wasn’t uncommon for me to be accepted through compliments. I was soon known around town for my unique sense of style, contrary to lacking much of any social media presence up to this point (unbelievable, I know). It wasn’t until the latter half of 2012 that I was encouraged by a friend to begin blogging my style and outfits. After short consideration, I began posting my outfits via Instagram, immediately receiving positive feedback. I was featured by numerous accounts and eventually asked to become a main contributor for a popular up-and-coming fashion website, where I continued to contribute until the summer of 2013.
It was during this time that I began to dive much deeper into fine fashion,
diligently educating myself on the various rules and elements of the culture. It was also during this time that I feel I truly discovered my personal style. I believe the large amount of new knowledge allowed me to better understand the culture and heritage behind it. Instantly, I discontinued my habits of infusing urban elements and modern fads into my wardrobe.
By learning the heritage behind the traditional norms of this culture, my respect and appreciation for maintaining these norms grew strong (As they say, tradition never fades, as classic elegance will never go out of style). As a result, I became detached from anything that wavered too far from traditional elegance – such as printed blazers, pastel colors, and contemporary tailoring (skinny ties and jacket lapels & cropped blazers) – which is quickly progressing into my biggest pet peeve. In addition, my fascination for the Italian influence on fine fashion evolved into a meaningful appreciation, ultimately acting as the main influenc of my style today.
The combination of my newfangled respect for the heritage
and my desire to continue my blogging, I launched my own Website, AddictedGent.com. Initially the purpose of the Website was to express my views, hoping to offer insight and inspiration to anyone interested in reading. What began as nothing more than a simple urge to voice my opinion, had quickly evolved into a full-scale business plan. Shortly after beginning the design plan for my website, my active imagination began to constantly bless me with one idea after the next, until I convinced myself to pursue the launching of a full-service website.
It has since grown into a full-time project,
offering a blog for personal outfit inspirations, a style “rule” blog, weekly-approved clothing suggestions, fashion week updates (F.W. Hub), articles promoting the style of other inspirational gentlemen worldwide, featured brand reviews, and a random blog where I write about general related topics (i.e. wardrobe organization). All of which is maintained solely by me while I attend university full-time as an accounting major. I’m sure you can imagine how busy I am, however I finally feel that I’ve truly found my place in the fashion community, where I attempt to assist my fellow gentleman with his style, progressively making a name for myself!
I am truly thankful, and honored to be blessed with the supportive audience I have. I would be nowhere without them, and plan to continue dedicating my services to them! I would also like to thank everyone who took the time to read and acknowledge my story! I hope my inspirations can be passed on through others.’
Daily Fashion 191
Since The Birth Of My Sons I Have Started A Tradition Of Fashion Son Pictures…
Story submitted by Eduardo Haynes.
instagram @thewellapptdgent
‘Every year since the birth of my sons I have started a tradition of father son pictures. This year we took it up a notch with full blown model pics that captures our style and personality. From a young age my style was shaped by my yearly trips to NY with my parents. My mom has always had me well dressed with custom coats and anything that was unique. I was considered the cool kid in school that dressed well and had styles/shoes before anyone else. Our trips to New York started a tradition and began my love affair with being well dressed. I have since created the same sense of value in my boys with being well dressed, each year we search for the right outfits for our annual father/son pictures.
Style is something that is taught and passed down from generation to generation.
Re-integrating the Daily Fashion
After 5 months of experimenting on the DailyFashionProject.com I have made the decision to reintegrate the Daily Fashion into sunflowerman.com.
It was a great experience to set the Daily Fashion on its own. To let it run wild and free but ultimately, I have stretched myself too thin. The administrative work of maintaining two sites, traveling and painting all day has proved too exhaustive.
At the beginning I was excited and passionate about the move.
I focused solely on the Daily Fashion, forgetting my fashion illustration work for Sunflowerman.
Then the next relocation arrived. Athens to Fort Worth.
I missed a few days of Daily Fashion to make the journey.
Then there was the week in Vegas for a trade show.
No Daily Fashion.
Then there was a week long road trip up to Wilmington, DE.
No Daily Fashion.
Then there were the pressing deadlines for the Sunflowerman Fashion Illustrations.
No Daily Fashion.
Part of my struggle was dealing with this new system I had set up for the illustrations. The system was exciting, and I was able to process the illustrations predictably.
But that stole much of the joy and freedom that the Daily Fashion gave me. The purpose in starting the Daily Fashion from the beginning was a way to share stories and to start each day with a fun illustration.
I've recorded many of the illustrations in the 4 step process and plan to publish a book on the experience. It will be a great study on systems in illustration and the Sunflowerman process.
Before I begin sharing the new illustrations (yes I have begun new Daily Fashion Illustrations) I will publish the DailyFashionProject.com stories that didn't make it onto Sunflowerman.com, back onto Sunflowerman.com.
For a couple weeks there will be several illustrations published each day to catch us back up to the present day.
Thank you for your patience and your long-suffering support,
Cheers,
Sunflowerman