When it comes to LA, I always feel like it’s a different experience and world for me. I say that because it’s not like the typical places I’ve visited such as Dallas, Atlanta and Washington, D.C. Those places are nice don’t get me wrong. And I do always enjoy myself every time I go. But, when it comes to LA I feel like it’s more free and sunny of course. But whatever the case may be, all I can say is that the people are more laid back and you can really choose to be yourself.

However, this go around was a little different for me. Aside from visiting with my best friend and favorite cousin, which is what I normally do, I decided to indulge myself in the fashion side of LA and do a little shopping.

With me now sharing my life and style, I decided to give you guys a few guiding rules that I go by to help you…figure it out.

First thing first, I always like to tell people that you should never be afraid to go into stores that you’ve never gone to before. Instead of going to a major shopping center like the Beverly Center, I decided to go to try out the boutiques on Melrose Ave. Yes, I know what you are thinking…there are no boutiques for men. But, in actuality, there are in fact boutiques that cater to both men and women. One in particular was Moods of Norway at Los Angeles (I’ll give you more details about this later.)

Secondly, I always like to pick pieces that I would never consider myself wearing. If you knew me, you know that I never wanted to be that stand out guy. But as I got older and started coming into my own a bit more, I wanted to be that “stand out” guy that wasn’t afraid to step out of my comfort zone. Now will say that this can be a challenge if you’re a man like me because I always ran to colors I find comfort in like black, white, and gray. But, again, on this particular trip, I went completely out of my norm. I picked up graphic printed shirts, floral shirts (my new passion), brightly colored shoes and bomber jackets.

Next and most importantly, always know your budget when you shop. Especially in LA because when you simply know what you have in the pot, it will prevent you from overspending and indulging on things that you may already have in the closet. So, before I went, I set a particular amount of money aside that I knew was comfortable spend. I also looked in my closet to see what things I had or didn’t have so, I would have an idea of how to stack and match pieces for different fits. Therefore, knowing your budget and what you have will eliminate unnecessary (clothes you don’t love) items from ever reaching the counter. And please don’t buy that one item that will bust your budget open. So if you see a $300 pair of shoes, put them back until your next check or plan for. Because, that same $300 could take you much further. So think of it as grocery shopping. Stick the list and you won’t buy the entire store!

Lastly, as I mentioned before, KNOW YOUR CLOSET! I say this because I know I am one who is guilty of buying three and four of the same shirts or jeans just because I know it works for me. But, when you are building a wardrobe and not a uniform shop, you have to learn what is easy to pair and what is not easy to pair. Instead, maybe get a new shirt that can be paired with your best worn in jeans you have back home or pick out a new comfy loafer that you could balance with your favorite suit or slacks.

But whatever the case maybe, knowing your limits is always what works best. I say that because I know that I might not have all the answers but when it comes to these few little rules that I stick too…my wardrobe has taken at least a 180. So, if you want to be a Man of Desirability, always remember that you create the trend and the look when it comes to fashion!

#closet #fashion #LA