WedWed - Wedding Wednesday {13}

Often, little attention is paid to what the groom wears to the wedding. September 24, 2011 isn't my day, it's our day and I want Chris to look smokin' hot. I mean, er, handsome. When I say I want him to look handsome, that means that I think he should look classic and, more importantly, he should look like a man. No polyester satin vest and tie that matches the matching bridesmaids dresses.  There's a difference between matching and coordinating, no?  

I do have a couple hangups: 1. The ill-fitting, rental tuxes at the high school prom left a bad taste in my mouth for the classic tuxedo; 2. Menswear is a foreign fashion land to me. I know some basics, like the difference between a shawl collar and a notch collar, but that's where it ends.

In sum, my problem is that I apparently have a lot of opinions about menswear, but not enough experience to know exactly what's appropriate or where to find it. 

I popped by Nerd Boyfriend this morning to get started. If you haven't been there, I encourage you to check it out. The blog, run by Roxana Altamirano, offers pointers on recreating ensembles worn by a variety of icons. 

 
Above: Screenshot of Nerd Boyfriend. This particular post features Michael Caine. 

After Nerd Boyfriend, I stopped by the only places I knew that offered great menswear Chris would like: J.Crew, John Varvatos, and Blackbird. Luckily, I was able to catch Chris on IM so we could go back and forth about what he preferred. Here are our favorite pieces thus far:

 

1. Ludlow three-button suit jacket with center vent from J.Crew in black; 2. Linen pocket square from J.Crew; 3. Silk basket weave tie from Blackbird; 4. Spring Fever bow tie by Forage; 5. Murray Dress Oxfords by John Varvatos.

 Anyone have any formal menswear resources they'd like to share?