I am excited to announce the official relaunch of my blog! Not only have I revamped the entire look and feel of the site I decided to make the addition of a lifestyle portion to the blog. I will share more things about my life and some of my thoughts that I wanted to share with all of you. I will still continue to share my "Southern Gentleman Style" with you along with all of the great product reviews you have come to enjoy reading about! So let's get started and please share the new blog with everyone you know!

P.S. The online is being revamped as well and I have great vintage finds that will make great additions to any gentleman's closet! Stay tuned for more details about this in the days to come!

End of the Year Sale

East Dane End Of The Year Sale

That's right, going on now you can get up to 77% off at East Dane! This is a great opportunity to start the year off right with adding great pieces to your closet for the new year. Some of the items below are still available right now! Remember to us the code: CHEERS2015

Golden Bear

Begg

N Hoolywood

Raleigh Denim

Fratelli Rossetti

[BLACK WEDDING STYLE] We Love How Much Fun This Couple Had on Their Special Day! - Photos - EBONY

Remember this groom from the summer? He and is lovely bride was featured Ebony.com!! Check out our styling work with this groom and his groomsmen and congrats to his awesome couple!Click here--> [BLACK WEDDING STYLE] We Love How Much Fun This Couple Had on Their Special Day! - Photos - EBONY

Suited for Summer: How to Wear a Suit during The Summer | Carolina STYLE Magazine

CLICK LINK BELOW TO VIEW ENTIRE POST

Suited for Summer: How to Wear a Suit during The Summer | Carolina STYLE Magazine

Vintage Style in Raleigh, NC

I had an amazing time the "Fresh Faces" photo shoot with She.Unique Photography. Each ensemble captured in this photo shoot came either from a thrift or consignment shop or I received it free of charge. Check it out and tell me what you think! 

Vintage Blue Wool Pinstripe Suit: Consignment, $35.00

Pink French Cuff Shirt: Thrift Store, $2.00 

Pink and Blue Tommy Hilfiger Tie: Traded with someone for a thrifted tie I owned. FREE!!

Vintage Burgundy Johnston & Murphy Tassel Loafers: Traded with someone for a thrifted suit I owned. FREE!!

Creme Wool Blazer w/ Suede Elbow Patches: Consignment, $28.00

Plaid Brown and Blue Nautica Trousers: Thrift Store, $7.00

Blue French Cuff Shirt: Thrift Store, $3.00

NEW Magnanni Lace Up Shoes: Consignment, $95.00 

Blue, Brown and Tan Tie: Traded with someone for a thrifted tie I owned. FREE!!

As you can see great style can be found at any of your local thrift and consignment stores. You can even find a fellow "thrifter" and make trades with someone who loves thrifting as much as you do. 

Remember to visit She.Unique Photography and if you are interested in personal shopping and styling contact us at Info@SirByronLaurent.com!

Until next time!

Lawrence "Sir Byron Laurent" Spivey

Guest post from The Language of Yolande: "Fall Forward"

As we prepare for some of the hottest weather of the summer, retailers are preparing for fall. July is the start of fall fashion. To stay ahead of the game, check out the trend for the fall.

Feminine Suiting

After seasons of very feminine and overly sexy clothing, fashion is now moving to a more masculine look. What perfect way to create this look than using classic menswear fabrics. Although the looks are becoming more masculine, there is still a feminine touch here and there.

Billy Reid and Dolce Gabbana 

                                                        
Tomboy Chic

Inspired by street fashion, designers have taken the tomboy chic look into the fall. This look is achieved by pairing classic school boy pieces with chic feminine pieces.

J. Crew and Phillip Lim

Below the Knee

As we know in gravity, what goes up must come down. This rule can easily be applied to fashion. After seasons of the mini skirt, skirts that are below the knee were ruling the fall 2013 runways.

Celine and Oscar de la Renta

More is Better

Oversized coats were all over the runways for the fall. The masculine movement also influences this trend. Designer used classic menswear coats, such as the peacoat, and gave them a twist.

Chanel and Trussardi

Mix and Mingle

For the spring/summer trends, we saw a mix of prints, prints, and more prints. Well no worries that continues in the fall! 

J. Crew and Diane Von Furstenberg

Seeing Clearly

Another trend that continues from spring/summer trends is crystal jewelry. This trend adds a pop of glam to any look. 

Balmain and Dries Von Noten

Sky High

With clothing women’s clothing becoming more masculine, a thigh high boot is a perfect way to bring sexy to an outfit.

Phillip Lim and Tom Ford

The Language of Yolande

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The 25 Most Stylish People In The Triangle

That's right, here in Raleigh, NC Carolina Style Magazine is taking nominations for The 25 Most Stylish People In The Triangle. TODAY is the LAST day to nominate people!  I first want to say THANK YOU to the MANY MANY people who has already submitted a nomination to have me honored. Thank you and thank you again for the your messages, your calls and those who told me face to face that you support what I do through "Sir Byron Laurent Style and Fashion Consulting" If you haven't voted please take the time TODAY to show your support by submitting your nomination. By being nominated I look to continue to have a greater impact to reach out to men in Raleigh and the surrounding areas and help transform them not only on the outside but on the inside to be dapper gentleman they have always seen themselves being. Through the work I have been blessed to do with people in this area I have been able to make connections where this year Sir Byron Laurent Style and Fashion Consulting will start reaching out to the young men in our communities. Don't think of nominating me as some meaningless superlative but as a fuel to push a greater movement! I provided a link to do the nomination below, you will need to submit my phone number as part of the nomination. My number is 336-340-1623 (leave the dashes out to nominate). If you have any questions feel free to email me at LBSpivey@SirByronLaurent.com. THANK YOU!!

NOMINATE LAWRENCE SPIVEY OWNER OF SIR BYRON LAURENT

4 Mistakes to Avoid When Buying Your Easter Suit

As we are getting closer to Easter, many men take this opportunity to purchase a new suit for Sunday Easter service. This is a really good time to purchase a suit because many retailers understand that many people will be purchasing suits and you can get a really good deal on your purchase. Done correctly, you can add a quality suit (or suits) to your wardrobe at a really good price. Done incorrectly, you can be stuck with a disaster hanging in your closest that you will never wear again. So, I will share 4 quick tips to get you going in the right direction.

      

      1.      Do not shop at the last minute!

Shopping the week of or even the day before Easter is a huge mistake. When you shop at the last minute you will be left with everything no one else wanted or the options will be so slim that you may not find what you are looking for. Another problem with last minute shopping is that you won’t have time to invest into getting quality tailoring done on your new suit. I understand the store has an in-house tailor but you don’t know this person’s work (and of course you want to have someone who you are familiar with tailor your suit). In house tailors upcharge during this time of year for their service. Also consider the fact that if the tailor is pushing out many suits in a short amount of time, who is to say they will do a good job since they are rushing to do yours and a ton of others before Easter Sunday? I stress… DON’T WAIT until the last minute!

      

      2.       Just a little color can go a long way.

If you live in the south then you know what I mean by this. Traditionally in the South (many years ago) men would wear bright color suits at Easter. Easter would signify the transition into Spring and thus it translated into the color of the suits. Over time bright, primary or pastel colored suits dominated the southern black churches. A poorly constructed suit or choice in material can make a suit look tacky or cheap. Of course, being dapper is always the goal! Tone down the bold colors to just the shirt, ties or pocket square. If you want to wear a bold suit make sure you are purchasing a quality suit from a reputable suit maker or retailer. Like with anything we wear, clean and precise tailoring can neaten the entire look.

      

3.        Step up with the right shoe.

We cannot deal with the suit and not talk shoes. For example, the worst thing you can do to a new car is have bald, worn out tires. It completely ruins the ride. This is what a pair of bad shoes does to a good suit. Many times we have the tendency to cheap out here and honestly this is where you want to invest well. I have written about shoes previously, so you can read in detail about what type of shoes to buy. I urge men all over and especially in the south to STAY AWAY FROM FAKE CROCODILE SHOES.

     

      4.      Think beyond Easter.

Your investment should take you well past Easter. It should also be appropriate for many other occasions. Aim for a look that can be easily translated to work, evening, dressed down and so forth. For example, you should be able to pair the blazer with jeans or coordinate the shoes with another suit. The key is to be unique yet versatile at the same time.

I hope this helps you make your Easter look as dapper and stylish as possible. Until next time!   

Hello 2013!!

It's 2013 and I just wanted to share one of the things to look for this year!!

Guest Blog Post From D. Mari: Men’s Guide to Holiday Party Attire

From the holiday parties, family visits, countless cookies and other baked delightful treats and goodies, there is one thing that you will need to prepare for this season: The ever present, often dreaded, HOLIDAY PARTY. Whether it is your employer’s corporate function or just a family get-together with the in-laws, one thing will always remain: Everyone will be watching and waiting to see a well-groomed man with a clean and crisp ensemble that exudes effortless style.

Well, I, D. Mari the stylist, in order to form a more perfect holiday look, have compiled 4 tips to achieve a Haute Holiday Look which include signature items, shopping tips and where to find all the details to complete your fit. 

Tips for Your Perfected Holiday Look:

1. Shopping without the Stores
2. Signature Spirited Shirts and Collections
3. Shop for Classic Claus (without the the reindeer)
4. Being Frugal without the Scrooge Look

TIP 1: Shopping without the Stores:

Online shopping is one of the many ways that can give you the shopper an opportunity to purchase the classic pieces that you’re looking for…Some websites even allow you to virtually try on your clothes based on your measurements. Using the internet will not only help you avoid the long lines, but it will also give you the flexibility to visit many stores to pull together your look.

One of my top favorite websites: Nordstrom.com. This site allows you to search by filtering down to many categories so that you can pick the perfect look.

Here are a few looks that I was able to find from the holiday collections that are showcased on the site. There is a range from casual looks to designer formal tuxedos offered at a range of price points.

TIP 2: Signature Spirited Shirts & Collections that will Spice Up Your Holiday Look

Express Men’s has a holiday collection filled with patterned shirts and other signature pieces that will give life to any dull outfit. They have some of the season’s best textures and pattern mixes for men to choose from.

Below are some of my top looks directly from their holiday collection that may be of interest to any classy gentleman.

EXPRESS          

TIP 3: Classic Claus (without the reindeer) – Putting together holiday cheerful looks that aren’t corny can be a way to bring in the holiday spirit and look good while doing it.

For example, classic Santa Claus boots and red velvet textured garments at a holiday party not only shows that you are stylish, but also festive. Another stylish piece is the “Christmas” sweater. They do not have to have funny paintings or lame sayings on them to be considered for the holidays. Forever 21 Men’s selection features a set of comfortable yet stylish holiday sweaters and even some “Santa” boots that spread cheer for the season!

TIP 4: Being a Frugal without the Scrooge Look –

Many stores that carry men’s clothing charge astronomical prices. However,

H&M is one store that you can get some great pieces and accessories to complete any look, and not break your budget doing so. Below I have found some great details that will complete any holiday ensemble and the prices that you can expect to pay. Looking for other ways to save? Did you know that many websites also offer free shipping and other holiday rewards and discounts that will satisfy any frugal fellow?

There were many more looks and stores that a gentleman can shop for the best holiday look. This gala of garments allows men to choose from many options that will make the life of any event that they attend this season. For a well-dressed man, this holiday season seems to be the perfect time to showcase his more-than-dapper look to the adoring public.

As a stylist, I recommend that you try shopping in a variety of locations; search online and go on shopping trips. In order to achieve your best Holiday look, take the time to cover all the details. Always remember you may not find everything in one store and you can always get by with a little help from your friends (or stylist).

Now get suited up for those holiday style soirees!!!

D.Mari-Personal Stylist, Shopper, Fashion Lover

            For inquiries and appointments email at iamdmari@gmail.com

            Follow me on Twitter and Instagram: @iamdmari