So tell me…what was your resolution for 2010? Better question: have you broken it yet? I know I have…

Was it to spend less money? Redefine your style?

These two resolutions may sound a little contradictory, but they don’t have to be. In 2010, let it be know that you can balance your wallet and your wardrobe, and here’s how: vary up your use of shirts.

Although we refer to most collared shirts as “dress” shirts, indiTailored has shown time and again how you can use tailored shirts for any occasion, be it for a night out on the town or Sunday brunch with the rents. Not only will you define your own style (trust me, it’s there), you will also save money by getting the most wear out of your outerwear.

In 2009 we saw some great trend revivals and dressed down looks, including flannel and checkered patterns coming back into every day style. Moving forward with 2010, let’s show some tailored love and embrace these relevant trends using different looks. Take it from Zac Efron in these three different looks:

(Images courtesy of Nylon Magazine and Teen Vogue Magazine)

In the first look, Zac styles a great street look, wearing his checkered shirt open, a skull cap, a casual V-neck, and a light wash every day jean. With his sleeves rolled up and his shirt unbuttoned Zac’s look is both casual and relaxed, perfect for every day.

In his second look, Zac tucks in his checkered shirt to make the look classier, yet still dresses it down (but not too much) with a pair of slim fit, dark wash jeans. This look is the perfect balance of classic and casual: while using casual apparel, Zac still maintains a tailored, clean look.

In the third look, Zac dresses up his checkered shirt with a blazer and skinny knit tie, proving that lumberjack shirts are not just for chopping wood. He styles an interesting and sophisticated look here.

So remember, it’s important to have great versatile basics (much easier when you design a custom shirt yourself) but it’s also important to know how to use what you’ve got. 

Hello there my well-tailored (or soon to be) friends. My name is Evan and I want to introduce myself as the newest member of the indiTailored team. I am ecstatic to be here to give my perspective on men’s fashion, trends, and to share my own personal style with you.

I’m also here as a resource on the often complicated world of menswear. The ladies may say they have it tough with their bra cup sizes and challenging figures, but who is there to teach us the basics? Who pulls guys aside when they are young and says “Hey, son. It’s time to learn about French cuffs!”?

No one. Until now…

In my posts I’ll be putting up essential style content, from taking your shirt measurements and tying ties, to pairing those ties with shirts and jeans. Using myself as an example, I’ll demonstrate that men too can customize the way their clothing looks and fits, accentuating their best assets and looking great. I’ll show that with a little know-how you can be on your way to looking sharp your way, feeling enabled and inspired to design your own outfits and express your own style. 

So never fear, gents. Whether you’re an experienced fashionisto or a total newbie to menswear, you’ve come to the right place. Stay tuned!

Ok gentlemen, this is it. The supreme enchilada, the party of all parties is finally just around the corner: New Year’s Eve.  And considering how crucial it is to look your finest on this particular evening, we’ve saved the New Year’s Eve holiday fashion tidbit for last.

Now whether you’ve realized yet (or not), you’ll have quite a lot to celebrate come December 31st. After all, not only is the whole year said and done, but you’ll have successfully made it through another holiday season with weird relatives and long-distance acquaintances who you’re afraid to be alone in the same room with.

And yes, we do admit that with New Year’s does come with social pressure to “do it up right,” but don’t let the hype intimidate. The key to the success is confidence. So guys, this means it’s time to put your best cuff forward and say, “goodbye 2009, helllllllllo 2010!” 

Clueless how to deal with all this fashion anxiety you didn’t even know you had? No worries, indiTailored’s got your back—literally.

For our “New Year’s Eve Party” shirt, we’ve chosen a bold purple and pink check look that’s sure to show off your confidence and kick the year off with a bang. Made from fine, 100% cotton straight outta Italy, this shirt is sure to make a statement on an evening that calls for just that.

And with purple contrast collars and cuffs, the three button barrel and a slick executive collar to finish the deal, this shirt comes well equipped with undeniable style and flare.

So cheers to you, my friend. With this shirt, 2010 is definitely lookin’ good…

After Santa comes, the feasting is over, and the extended family start to file out, the day after Christmas is suddenly a safe haven where you can breathe a sigh of relief because you’ve officially survived the holidays.

But listen gentleman, just because the big day is done, you don’t have permission to slip into your old college sweat suit. Like we talked about yesterday, your mom and even your girlfriend (if you were lucky enough to bring her home), still have to look at you.

That being said, although we still expect style when you get dressed post Christmas, we understand how crucial comfort is to you. After all, you have spent the past few weeks stressing to finish up work at the office, shop for holiday gifts, and deal with Aunt Betty who still likes to squeeze your cheeks.

The best part about indiTailored shirts is that we have looks for every occasion, including the days when you want to look good and still feel comfortable. So for our “Day After Christmas Shirt” we’ve chosen this casual, yet stylin’ bright blue/yellow striped shirt that strikes the perfect balance between too dressy and not dressy enough. This shirt screams “holiday appropriate” and lets your family and significant other know that although Christmas is over, you still care about putting yourself together.

If you decide to transition this shirt from daytime to night, pair it with a tie and blazer. Need to get some Grandma time in before you head back to your pad? Throw a cream colored sweater over this shirt and you’re guaranteed to look handsome, yet soo precious…

The holidays really are a magical time of year.

Skeptical? Okay—Well, when else can stout men put on bright red, jingle a couple of bells and poof—people appear less stressed, less frowny, and more inclined to say “please” and hold doors. It’s really quite astonishing.

But let us guess. It takes more than a jolly old plump man to lift your spirits…

Our suggestion? Start workin’ the boss today, cross those fingers real hard (you may need some serious luck for this one), and perhaps the holiday cheer will compel the big mucky-muck in your office to utter those words you’ve been dreaming about for weeks now…

“You know, [enter your name here]? You’ve worked hard enough this year. Don’t even bother coming in between Christmas and New Years. Enjoy the break! You’ve earned it!”

Regardless of how far fetched this scenario may seem (REALLY far-fetched), we at indiTailored encourage you to take time for a little excursion this holiday season, even if it is just a short jaunt—because we all know, the holidays are the time of year to be a tourist.

And whether you’re taking on the big city or exploring your quaint hometown, it’s advisable to embrace your inner tourist and travel in style.

So to be the most fashionable tourist on the block (not actually hard to do), we recommend this London-inspired red and black check shirt—complete with a double button spread collar and black and white contrast collar/cuffs, for a shirt full of character and dimension.

Now, off to finding that partner in crime for your winter wanderlust…