How to Buy A Leather Jacket; Madonna Loses Her Fashion Edge; Rockports Get Rebooted; Guess? Upgraded

Photo: Getty Images

Even if you're not the leather type in the bedroom, every guy should own a stylish leather jacket. Here's how to find the perfect one! [GQ]

Once daring, provocative and iconic, it's being claimed that Madonna and her latest fashion trends are safe and just plain blah.   It's like saying God can no longer perform miracles. [NYT]

You know Rockport shoes, right?  The kind your guidance counselor or pediatrician wore?  Well, in an effort to update their clientèle, the footwear brand is rolling out a younger, hipper line, and, to be honest, they're not that bad. [Material Interest]

Guess? may always be synonymous with denim, but with the launch of their upscale Black Label this September, they're hoping to change that.  It might sting a little bit to wear a suit with a Guess? label, but, take it from someone who has seen the collection, it looks pretty good. [DNR]


-- SETH PLATTNER

Smell This: Wolfgang Joop; dVb Drama Contiues!; Hedi Slimane to Design His Own Line?; Thom Browne's Ankles Draw Stares; Garrett Neff Will Show You His Calvin's ; The CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund Nominees

Photo: Getty Images

After a seven year hiatus from the scent business, Wolfgang Joop announced he will release a new fragrance in the fall.  It will have notes of coriander, vetiver, sandalwood, cinnamon, and patchouli, meaning you'll smell minty fresh.  [WWD]

They're in, they're out, they're in, and now, officially, they're out.  L.A. boutique Kitson finally got their story straight and said they are dropping Victoria Beckham's men's denim line from dVd because of poor demand.  In related news, they are also dropping Lauren Conrad's line as well, but, honestly, who didn't see that coming? [The Cut]

Hedi Slimane is mulling over his fashion comeback and it could involve--wait, are you ready?--his own menswear line!  I think I just peed a little...[The Cut] via [WWD]

Thom Browne apparently ruffled some conservative feathers when he wore his signature highwater pants to a reception at the White House hosted by Laura Bush for the winners of the Cooper-Hewitt National Design Awards.  One witness said he drew "more than a few stares," especially from guardsman. It's always fun to watch the righties squirm, isn't it? [WWD]

Perma-hottie Garrett Neff is starring in Calvin Klein's new underwear campaign.  Though David Beckham he isn't, he's still just delicious. [British Vogue]

The CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund Nominees were announced yesterday, and among the ten were a few menswear designers: Richard Chai; Alejandro Ingelmo; John Patrick of Organic; and Swaim and Christina Hutson of Obedient Sons.  Remember those names, boys.  [Material Interest]

-- SETH PLATTNER

No Love For Posh's Men's Denim Line; Marc Jacobs--Denied!; Hedi Slimane The Muse; Showing Some Ankle the Right Way; Alexander McQueen Online

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Despite the continued success of Rock n' Republic denim, it turns out retailers aren't quite as excited about Victoria Beckham's men's line from her other denim collection, dVb.  Retailers are unwilling to stock the baggier, more casual denim because of poor sales and her shoddy promotions.  Put her husband in those jeans with an oiled body and no shirt--we'll pick up a few pairs then. [This Is London]

Marc Jacobs rolled into the 303 Gallery in Chelsea apparently looking "scruffy and homeless," according to the employee who asked him to leave when he didn't recognize him.  Though Jacobs left without any hoopla, the poor low-level staffer was fired on the spot when the owner found out. [NYP]

While Hedi Slimane has always been a muse of sorts for us, he is now the inspiration behind the debut issue of Vogue Homme in Japan.  However, it doesn't stop there.  Not only is the 20-page spread being modeled after his own skinny boyish type model, but he is also photographing the whole thing for the magazine. Does this man ever stop? (We hope not.) [WWD]

So we all know that cropped pants are raging this summer; and that means you have to show off your ankles sans socks (you aren't Michael Jackson, after all).  Word to the wise: don't go sockless. Slippery, sweaty leather is just as gross as the smell that will come from it. [NYT]

Alexander McQueen launches his online store today.  You're only a click away from fur hats, ponchos and, at least, a good pair of boots. For $50 extra, Manhattanites can get their clothes same day if ordered before noon. [WWD]

-- SETH PLATTNER

The Crave: A.P.C. New Standard Jeans

Photo: Courtesy of A.P.C.

Jeans have been dyed, sanded, blasted, stoned, washed, rubbed and embellished to death, so it's time to wipe the palette clean with a pair of unadulterated jeans that instantly add polish to any casual look. Famed French brand A.P.C. knows how to make a pair of jeans look right without resorting to tacky details. For the company's New Standard jean, A.P.C. uses rigid unwashed selvedge denim, a narrower (but forgiving cut) and a rise that's not high nor low (so you can go commando without offending innocent passersby). If your jeans look more overworked than you do, give them a rest.

New Standard Jeans, A.P.C., $155, visit apc.fr for stores.

The Style Council: Diesel Yoka Jeans

Photo: Courtesy of Diesel

Diesel loves to push the envelope and this Spring, their latest style of jeans features a new slouchy silhouette that is sure to raise a few eyebrows. The oversize "Yoka" jean features a cinched and pleated, "paper bag" waist—leaving a little extra denim above the belt.

What do you think? Has Diesel pushed the envelope too far or seen the future of denim fashion?

Hot or Not...For Your Jeans

Photo: Getty Images

Can't trust your friends to tell you the god honest truth about how your rear end looks in your new pair of Meltin' Pot jeans? Turn to Denimology, a new service that allows you to turn to fellow denim enthusiasts for an unbiased opinion. Your best friend can't tell you that your ass looks as big as a house without hurting your feelings, but the anonymous mass of internet surfers aren't afraid to rip your jeans a new...well..hole.

Here's a taste of the scathing comments about one guy's holey jeans:

"Ben: You mean you paid good money for those?
soo: For someone who obviously takes it from behind as much as he does, where did all the wear come from? 1!! (sic)"

Ouch.

If you want StyleList readers to weigh in on the fit of your new fall jeans, email your photo to outstylelist@gmail.com!

Nice Jeans, Wanna Date?

Photo: Getty Images

Dating can be so complicated these days—especially for gay men. Not only must you worry about your date living up to his well-lit and art directed photos, but he has to be your sexual compliment (a catcher to your pitcher, etc.), meet your criteria for career, hold similar beliefs about romance and relationships—and look good at your side. Luckily, Diesel hopes to help out with that last bit by offering a style-oriented dating service, Denim Dating.

While it might sound odd at first, it's important for boyfriends to look good together and having a similar style can certainly help. Besides, if you find someone who wears the same size pair of Zathans, then you can won't have to worry about packing an overnight bag each time you stay at his house. And let's be honest, don't you know a few gay men who date guys that look just like them?

Take this opportunity to find your style soul mate at Diesel.com.

[Fashionista]

Denim Wisdom

Tomorrow is casual friday. Some thoughts to send you home with:

Blue jeans are the most beautiful things since the gondola.

            -Diana Vreeland

Jeans are like the UPS man. They should always give you a nice package.

            -Carson Kressley