Byron Flitsch

Clothes may make the man, but his accessories allow him to flaunt his personal style. Guys, give your summer look a fashionable boost by stocking up on a few of our favorite wardrobe necessities.

Wallets

You use it multiple times a day; shouldn't it be something you adore? Eschew the classic brown/black leather and kick it up a notch with a Blue Alessandro bi-fold wallet ($89, Stitch, 1723 North Damen, stitchchicago.com). It's made from light-blue Safiano leather and it’s scratch resistant. Prefer something a bit more conversational? Check out the Duct Tape Wallet. It's DIY with style. ($24, Flight001, 1133 North State, flight001.com).

Belts

You know the rule: one in brown, one in black—but no one says that belts have to be as dull as discount-store lighting. The Orciani brown belt elevates any pair of pants into instant high fashion. With a loop clasp and perforated leather, quality is in charge. ($134-$184, Hejfina, 1529 North Milwaukee, hejfina.com). Funk it up a bit with a PS belt from Paul Frank. It’s silk screen-type detailing will have heads turning towards your waistline. ($200, Paul Frank, 851 West Armitage, paulfrank.com).

Watches

Though simple, shiny metal watches are a classic accessory staple, there are chic, less traditional alternatives as well. Interested in architecture and famous designers? Try Karim Rashid's "Kaj" watch, specially designed for Alessi. It comes in multiple colors and its polyurethane craftsmanship adds an industrial edge. ($85, Alessi, 611 North State, alessi.com) Still want something classic, but not cut-and-pasted straight from other arms? Try a Tateossian. This London-based designer uses rich leather and an articulate face design that will make any outfit pop. ($100 and up, His Stuff, 5314 North Clark, hisstuffchicago.com).

Sunglasses

Sunglasses are stylish all year around, but with summer coming this accessory is your new best friend. Just remember—it's all about the face. Round-faced folks, try Aldo's gold “Durwin”-rimmed tinted Aviators ($12, Aldo, 605 North Michigan, aldo.com) For an oval face, traditional round frames work best, and the Chad style from Jack Spade is a perfect fit. ($150, www.jackspade.com). Those with the longer faces can don the square frames, so take a chance with Ben Sherman’s “Wayfarer” square shades. ($115, Urban Outfitters, 935 North Rush, urbanoutfitters.com).

Ties

Ladies have shoes to complete their outfit. Guys have ties. End the "I found it at a department store" look and start with something fresh and multi-functional that transitions easily from work to drinks. The Yoko Deveraux Jersey tie, which comes in multiple colors and patterns, is affordable while maintaining stylish high-end sensibilities. ($33, www.yokod.com).

(2008-06-03)

Also by Byron Flitsch

Open for Business
I had the good fortune to meet pros in the jean industry. At Adriano Goldschmied (AG) I met store manager Tony Tadijanovic, who walked me through the history of their denim while we perused the second floor of their Chicago location. Rows of jeans folded crisp and ordered like books at a library intimidate me as I walk in the door. So many cuts and washes, it’s hard to know which ones will flatter my body type
(2008-02-12)

Have Yourself a Merry Little Spa Day
It’s the holidays. You’ve got a list of people to buy for and of course there’s that one person who gets you every time: The guy or girl who has everything. Spa services are an increasingly more popular way to show someone you care (and give them some much needed R and R), but anyone can give a Swedish massage. Try one of these out-of-the-ordinary spa services to truly make an impression
(2007-11-19)

Guyville
I walk into The Spa at Halo [for Men] and an up-tempo song instantly sets my mood to perfect. A friendly front-desk staff greets me with a beverage and a seat in a waiting room that mirrors a well-decorated pad. I settle into leather chairs, surrounded by candles, and face a giant plasma television (Reminder: this is just the waiting room). Ahead, the salon is bright with more televisions, books and masculine-colored walls. Adjacent to the salon is the spa, set in a low-lit, Buddha-inspired space
(2007-11-13)

The Synergistic Effect
Let's talk about synergy. You know, the idea that two people can partner up and create a uniquely powerful force as a result of their combined energies. It’s this synergistic effect that has propelled local line dIETERbENNET from an idea to one of the most recognizable up-and-comers on the Chicago fashion scene. Fresh off a successful showing at the Gen Art runway show during Fashion Focus Chicago, dIETERbENNET is poised to take its clean, classic women’s line to the next level
(2007-10-16)

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