MEET DEAN: Hi! Welcome to an inside look into my world as a Wardrobe Stylist, Lifestyle Expert, & Blogger based in the beautiful city of San Diego. Here, I share my love of fashion, styling projects, dining experiences, travels, and more. Through my blog, The Dean’s List, TV appearances, radio shows, and contributing to various publications, I share my first true love, fashion. Enjoy!
As Featured in modern luxury MAGAZINE …
Mauve is a color that is rarely seen in a man’s wardrobe, especially when it comes to outerwear. So when I found this jacket it was love at first sight and I couldn’t resist. My luck continued when a few moments later I stumbled across a sweater in the same palette. A bold choice for outerwear I know and if you’re looking to introduce this color into your closet there’s so many ways to do with a little less gusto, LOL! A t-shirt, sock, or bag is a great way to dip your toe into this trend.
Coat szn is upon us! San Diego has had several days below 60 degrees, meaning fall is here to stay. Most recently I ransacked the outerwear section of my favorite online retailer, Boohoo Man. My approach to coats is quite simple, reimagined classics. Iconic plaid and houndstooth patterns are beautifully crafted in vibrant and sometimes unexpected colors.
The Canadian Tuxedo (denim on denim), regardless of it’s name, has become a part of American fashion. We have seen celebrities do it right and oh so wrong, remember MTV Music Award JT & Britney. If you’re going to create the look with the same color be sure to infuse some flair. I went with a tuxedo style jean and shirt with a splatter on the end of it.
Last night was the pinnacle of award season, THE OSCARS, and it was on another level! So many well deserved actors and actresses received their due credit. If you happened to catch one of my many Insta-stories from inside True North viewing party than you know the evening was a whole entire moment!
Sweater season is in full swing and it’s time to embrace the trend. Go bold with the color, fun prints, or opt for super soft texture. If you are really looking to make a statement find one that encompasses all three. With many designers looking to make room for their spring collection winter luxury is heavily discounted. I was instantly drawn to this pieces because of it’s color and once I touched it I had to have it.
The most wonderful time of the year is upon us! Christmas season is my all time favorite because people seem to genuinely be in a better mood, the seasonal holiday dishes, and I get to layer up my fashion. Aaaaaand if I’m being completely honest I absolutely love a good “Ugly Sweater”.
Lately, I've been bouncing from meetings to errands aka "adulting" and instead of wardrobe changes on those days, I'll make it a comfy luxe day. Pairing high-end sneaker with sweatpants or relaxed denim and a silky button down. The look is perfect because it still shows style to potential clients and also practical for hopping in and out of Ubers.
It’s a new year and that means new and exciting pieces must be added to my wardrobe. Most recently, I’ve had the pleasure of working with the über stylish men’s boutique Bleu Gents located in Oceanside. I definitely understand why some guys may think bespoke is a bit overwhelming, which it can be without the right help
The denim jacket has been a wardrobe staple for many decades and will continue to be relevant for many years to come. It’s versatile, comfortable, and like any great piece gets better with age. There aren’t many things I love to be oversized however, this is definitely one them.
I’m baaaaaaaaaack…finally! With so many things starting to open up it’s the perfect time to revisit your style and the easiest way to do that is to start with something simple. If you know or follow me on social media you’ve heard me say this a million times, true style lies in details. What better place to start than with a wardrobe staple…denim.
Tokyo Fashion Week hit a high note with brand Children Of The Discordance crushing it like no other. At the helm sits Hideaki Shikama who blends innovation and sustainability in the current Spring 2020 collection. His use of vintage materials and prints complemented by oversized yet tailored silhouettes makes the line feel so modern and cool.
Celebrity stylist, vintage curator, and Times “25 Most Influential Names In Fashion” Cameron Silver is gracing San Diego with his stylish presence all weekend. He’ll be at Pink Lagoon showcasing his trunk show and book signing.
Spring has sprung and it’s time to get switch up the footwear. Put away those awesome dark leather boots and build a bold brightly colored palette. The easier way to wear a bold sneaker is to keep it one color. It’s important to remember that you have to wear the trend not let it wear you. Above are a few of my colors in the latest trainers and dad sneakers. Enjoy!!!
Deveaux just released its third menswear collection and it’s taking us back in time. This brand is new, but has been on the fashion radar since inception for a variety of reason. What better way to ensure success than to have street style photog extraordinaire Tommy Ton ( if you don’t know him plz Google). The collection seems to be heavily influenced by the late Victorian/ early Edwardian era with a splash of modern functionality.
Last was the 76th Annual Golden Globes Awards and the stars brought their A-game on the red carpet. The Golden Globes marks the beginning of award season and typically sets the tone. If last night was any indication of what’s to come then get ready! I was gasping with each celeb hitting the carpet showing bold color, intricate details, and doing so while paying homage to old Hollywood.
As a stylist, it’s New Years that is one of the busiest times for me as I get inundated with style revamps. We just survived Christmas and I’m sure most people are trying to recover from spending heavily. That being said I always recommend starting with footwear. Shoes are to an outfit what punctuation is to a sentence. This rings especially true for men’s style and is how I style all my male clients
One of the most anticipated runway shows of the season did not disappoint. Over the past year or so fashion houses have been shaking things up with creative director swapping. Riccardo Tisci now at Burberry, Virgol Abloh over Louis Vuitton menswear, and most recently Kim Jones now at the helm of Dior mens.
As a stylist and image consultant it’s extremely important that I keep up on not just the latest trends, but also the newest and must have designers. That being said over the past two years I’ve been keeping an eye on the growing list of next gen designer based out of Japan.
As winter quickly approaches I want to dispel the notion of having to rid your wardrobe of any lighter colors. Fellas one color I challenge you to transition from spring to winter is pink. Not a fan or sure how you can incorporate it in, wells here’s a few ways;
Year two of promising myself to ring in the New Year in a new country has not disappointed! Tokyo truly is an amazing city that offers a delightful blend of culinary delights and architectural wonders. The city is renowned for its mouthwatering ramen, which is a must-try for any food lover. The rich and savory broth, combined with perfectly cooked noodles and a variety of toppings, create a bowl of pure bliss. And let's not forget about the coffee scene in Tokyo.
It’s been almost two years to date since I posted. I’m glad to be back writing, traveling, and most of all styling, though the latter hadn’t changed much. So, I decided to accompany my friend Dom to Nashville. Nashville has been on my radar for years but was never at the top of my list. You know we all have that “Where I want to travel” list and Nashville always sat between #12-15.
Chicago has been on my list of places to travel since before I started styling. This trip was a bit pleasure and bit work which is always the perfect combo, right? In between meetings I was able to explore the city which is so rich in history and culture. The food scene is quite vast and nothing short of amazing, from Italian to French to Mexican and surprisingly even sushi!
Back in 2015 I took a little over a month off to travel Europe. During that time I hopped over to London for a day with my good pal Arlene (who shot these) . Most recently I was going through my laptop and found a few more that I never posted on the blog way back when. Since it’s Thursday i figured this would be the perfect day for a #throwbackthursay post. Enjoy!
Nothing recharges your battery like being whisked away for a wine weekend! Two weekends ago, I know I'm slightly behind, I was able to enjoy the Passport To Dry Creek in Sonoma. DISCLAIMER: I'm a Napa guy at heart, but I must say this was one of the best weekends I've had in a while.
I had the privilege of spending last weekend attending my first Human Rights Campaign Leadership Summit in Washington D.C. With the current political climate, this summit couldn't have occurred at a better time.
A relaxing vacation always sounds like a great idea, until you arrive only to create a self imposed itinerary. Well, not this trip it was all about being a free spirit and letting my heart guide the day. Thailand is known for being a very exotic yet affordable destination. My first stop in this beautiful country was Phuket, as I decided to stay more south this trip.
So it finally happened after years of talking about it! Santa Barbara has been on my radar for quite a while and not just because of Oprah, but for its secluded beauty. When my good friend Skyler invited me as a plus one to a wedding at the gorgeous Rancho Dos Pueblos, it was the perfect opportunity to explore the city.
Doing London in a day was definitely an overwhelming experience. The tube system reminded me of New York as it was very efficient and fairly easy to read the timetables. Once hopping off the train it was 3 hours of being a super tourist with stops to Big Ben, The London Eye, and Buckingham Palace.
WARDROBE STYLING …
Crudo and There San Diego recently hosted a magnificent omakase and sake pairing dinner that left guests in awe. The evening was a delightful celebration of flavors and textures, showcasing the culinary expertise of the chefs at Crudo and the exquisite sake offerings from Safu Sake.
Miami is always a vibe and this time was no different. I had the most incredible time at Eeeeeatscon in Miami! The event was a food lover's paradise with great food, amazing vendors, and a vibrant atmosphere that left me in awe. From mouthwatering dishes to unique culinary experiences, Eeeeeatscon had it all.
So often I hear people use the term “iconic” but seldom is it actually applicable. However, when your brand has been around for as been for 250 years there truly is no other word to describe it, ICONIC! The wondrous Veuve Cliquot celebrated a quarter of a millennium with a pop-up shop in Beverly Hills.
If you’ve been following me on social media then you know things have been quite hectic, but in a great way. With projects once again calming down I’m finally able to get back to enjoying my beautiful city. Liberty Station is packed with many epic stores and things to do, but nothing stands out like Moniker General.
The weekend of the “Superbowl of Fashion” is always a very crazy one. This year was my second one working with the Buick PR team for Oscars and it was nothing short of epic as usual. I was given the opportunity to drive around in a beautiful white 2019 Buick Encore with a gorgeous light brown interior. It drove like a dream and made getting around to all my party prep appointments a breeze.
Every year I do a V-Day gift guide either for TV or my blog, which normally consist of cool electronics, decadent chocolates, and other love centric items. However, this year I decided to focus on what I feel is the perfect give from the heart, music. I had a blast shooting at M-Theory a few days ago in the beautiful neighborhood of Mission Hills.
I've been expanding my reach from fashion to lifestyle which has been both exciting and nerve-wracking. Most recently I had the chance to create content with Bout It media cocktail mixing with CaliFino Tequila.
Kaaboo has graced the beautiful city of Del Mar with its presence once again. The annual festival is filled with both musical and visual artists, comedians, and chefs. Now in it’s 4th year it was completely sold for the first time ever, which is a huge feat.
I've been spending more time in LA lately which actually hasn't been a bad thing. So when I got the invite for the opening of Wolf & Shepherd's first store I had to put it in my schedule. The brand did not disappoint with their brick and mortar. The location was perfect and the design was sleek and flawless.
YAAAAASSSSSSSS! San Diego Pride has come and gone and I survived it. This Pride was particularly special because I got to spend it with my BFF and also raise money for a great cause. Park & Rec let us take over their back bar in partnership with Ilegal Mezcal to raise money for AIDS Foundation. Arlene and I have both known people who have been affected by this epidemic so it made deciding on the charity easy.
FOX 5 SAN DIEGO STYLE SEGMENTS
When it comes to a pop of color… the answer is always YES! A vest, typically worn in a formal, has been re-imagined in a refreshing and edgy manner. The silhouette feels youthful and the hardware adds the perfect amount of bad ass to any look. If you’re looking to add this piece into a more conservative wardrobe you can pair this beauty with jeans, crisp white oxford, and loafer.