If there is one thing that I love more than fashion and my ability to use it as an ultimate form of self expression, it would be a man who is not afraid to use that tool to his benefit as well. With Plus Size Fashion blazing it’s own trail as the voice of real women, I often wonder where lies the voice of Big & Tall men? I have plenty of male friends and associates who don’t fit into the cookie cutter sizes that the men’s fashion industry offers. Yet and still I never took the time to sit down and ask them about their trials and tribulations in finding not just clothes that fit but clothes that show they are sexy, suave, and fashionably savvy regardless of their size. I wanted to change that, so in this series I have taken time to sit down with a few fantastic men, and I do mean fantastic, who love fashion just as much as I do. Myself and Karleton put together a set of questions to explore their fashion Adventures. I also asked each man to send me 3 shots of himself in his ‘Fect “Fit. This is my journey into the world of Men’s Big & Tall Fashion. You’ll find that their wants, needs, and desires aren’t so different from your own! They deserve to be catered too just as much as we do. So with much ado I give you the subject of Episode 1, Karleton!
Age: 31 Height: 6'5“ Size: Tops-XL-2XL-3XL and 18/34-36 shirt Bottoms-38 waist 34 inseam pants Occupation: Entrepreneur/Mental Health Professional Twitter: ApparelGiant Blog: http://maxwellchristian.blogspot.com/
KT Quote: “I dress comfortably, but well and want the same for other men, specifically Big and Tall men such as myself. There should be a sense of pride that compliments the stature, a desire to put your best foot forward, whether it is a size 13, 15, or 21. When you see a well-dressed Big and Tall man, notice the eyes that follow him. It is "presence" in its truest sense.”
Adventures in Round Brown Big & Tall Series Episode 1
1. Where are you favorite spots to shop? Macy's, Men's Warehouse, Aurora Premium Outlets 2. What is a must have for every Big & Tall male? A nice pair of jeans, which is hard to find for Big and Tall men. You can dress them up or down.
3. What is your response to the impossibility of being Big, Tall, and Fashionable ? Barack Obama, 1st Black president in the history of this country. I think we have a shot at being fashionable. 4. If there was one thing you could say from the Big & Tall Community to the Plus Size Women’s Community what would it be? Can we get some space in your stores?
Adventures in Round Brown Big & Tall Series Episode 1
Chocolate Brown Perry Ellis Polo, Banana Republic Chinos, Rider Flip Flops = $100.00
5. Where do you find Inspiration? Definitely on the streets of downtown Chicago, you get all kinds of looks. I have been known to take pics (with their permission) and compliment people; men and women. I think it bodes an individual well to hear that someone else thinks highly of their ensemble. 6. Thinking of your wardrobe, what is your favorite article of clothing? A pair of Jack Victor charcoal gray slacks and my Lucky Brand jeans. I like the utility of both pairs of pants. The slacks were tailored to aid in the slimming of the hips and the jeans took me 5 years to find. I can literally wear 80% of my tops with these two pairs of pants, which helps when packing for a trip. 7. What piece of clothing would you like to wear, but can never find in your size? That is easy, a pair of black pinstripe slacks...never, ever, ever am I able to find a pair that I like that fits.
Adventures in Round Brown Big & Tall Series Episode 1
Striped Navy Blue American Eagle Sportcoat, Banana Republic Tee, Lucky Brand Jeans, Aldo shoes= $110.00
8. What is your biggest complaint about Big and Tall clothing? Too neutral and safe, not much of a selection, and drastically inconsistent. From one designer to the next, the cuts could be of extremes. 9. What store would you like to shop at if they offered clothing in your size? Express. 10. Do you like the term,"Big and Tall"? If not, can you think of anything better? Not very fond of it. The term is not very inspiring, but it is what it is. I like "Giant". When I am dressed well, I feel taller than what I am, like a Giant. My shoulders are back, chest out, and stepping lively....feeling larger than life.
Adventures in Round Brown Big & Tall Series Episode 1
Charcoal grey Jack Victor slacks, Club Room dress shirt, Alfani tie, Kenneth Cole Shoes= $150.00
Spiced Curry Co.
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