Laguna Beach, California

I headed to Laguna Beach the weekend of May 9th for the first time with no plans and ended up having a great time in a great city. We ended up stopping by Coyote grill (http://www.coyotegrill-lagunabeach.com/) for some afternoon beers to enjoy the amazing view at this restaurant. I would defintetly recommend coming here and sitting on the outdoor patio with some friends to enjoy the sunset. After that we headed to El Ranchito (http://www.avilaselranchito.net/index.htm) to get some dinner. The food was amazing, truly some of the best mexican food I have had here in California! Plus our two friendly bartenders kept us entertained turning down every guy that hit on them. Then we moved the party over to Blue Laguna (http://bluelagunaoc.com/) where we proceeded to make our own dance floor and have a few more drinks. If you want more of a club scene you can go right down the street to Mosun (http://mosunclubm.com/) for dancing. The dress in Laguna is casual but some places will require shoes. A nice pair of jeans or Bonobos (bonobos.com "use code EOS for a discount at checkout") will also do nicely. As for on top a POLO SHIRT will do well or a classic button down will also be versatile enough to get you into most places.

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Amsterdam, Netherlands

So part of my summer 2007 tour around Europe was a quick stop in Amsterdam...yes I know what you all are thinking, sex and drugs! Honestly that is what I thought too, but thanks to our amazing friends Nurit and Vered, we saw so much more than that! I would recommend taking a walk through the red light district to check it out as well as a stop in a "coffee shop" to fully understand the city. Make sure you also leave time to check out the amazing Van Gogh museum and the Ann Frank House. While walking around during the day jeans or SHORTS will do with a t-shirt and make sure to pack an umbrella or rain jacket. The weather is constantly changing here so be prepared. If it does start raining stop into one of the numerous cafe's to grab a mid afternoon bite and sample the dutch fried treat the kroket. Essentially it is fried potatoes with a meat filling which depends on the restaurant and can be pretty much every kind of meat. A little weird but hey, its fried so it can't taste that bad!

At night, enjoy Amsterdam's vibrant nightlife, whether its a club or pub you want they are not hard to find. Since Amsterdam is a city filled with art and artist's, the dress code is more diverse than your typical European city. If you are just going to a pub then a T-SHIRT and a SLIM PAIR OF JEANS with will do. Finish it off with a cool pair of sneakers or laid back shoes and you will do just fine. If you are going to club then I would wear a nice knit top like this and a pair of brown shoes (to stand out from every other tourist in black shoes). I would recommend having a LIGHT COAT for your entire trip to throw on at night because even in the summer it cools down quite a lot.

You will have an amazing time in Amsterdam and I personally cannot wait to go back and explore more of the city. If you are lucky enough to have some friends that live there like I was, just follow them and you will have a great time!

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Reykjavik, Iceland

Economy got you down? Need a weekend trip to get away from it all? How about taking a trip to a place whose economy is worse than ours, ICELAND! A couple of years ago a few friends and I took a long weekend trip to Iceland only to discover one of the most amazing places on earth. We booked a huge suite at a Room with a View which I highly recommend and at less than $45 a night per person is a steal!
Now that you are here lets talk about what to do, first thing is you should book a day's excursion that include seeing the geysir's, the meeting of the american and european tectonic plates, a snowmobile or dogsled ride on a glacier, and a final stop at an amazing waterfall. For this day trip my advice is simple, dress warm and wear clothing that will keep you dry. The guys at PARAGON SPORTS will be able to take care of you.
Now for the evening's festivities here is the first thing you need to know...take a nap! Most Icelanders don't go out until post midnight but are pre-partying at a friends house and once out the party does not end until the 8am. Since this is technically a European country you should dress the part, I suggest a CREWNECK SHIRT or HOODED SWEATER for tops.
As far as pants go I would highly suggest a pair of warm Bonobos (coupon code "eos") and a nice pair of comfortable shoes with rubber soles so you don't fall on the ice after a few shots of Brennivin, or as it is better known, Black Death.
After your crazy night out spend the day relaxing at the Blue Lagoon, it is truly an amazing sight and sensation especially in the winter when the natural hot springs contrast with the freezing air temperature.
After a weekend in Iceland you will feel like you have left this planet and it is a trip you will never forget!

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Montreal, Canada

Written by Audrey G.
Shoes: Montreal, like most major cities is not a place where you want to be going out in sneakers. Mostly because you won’t be allowed in anywhere, and partly because you shouldn’t be going out wearing anything that matches with sneakers! If it does it should be worn at the gym! A nice pair of BLACK or light brown dress shoes will do just fine. No tassels, no loafers, no suede and please never, under any circumstance should you ever wear cowboy boots.
Pants: Jeans are now the new black pants and so they are welcomed almost everywhere. As a man you should never wear skinny jeans or bell bottoms, but any other type of jeans is always good. A good pair of DARKER JEANS for the colder months and lighter ones for the warmer months is usually a good guide. A nice pair of well fitting (i.e.: not fitted but well fitting) dress pants also works, but stay away from anything corduroy or leather. Only rock stars get to wear leather pants and even at that they can barely pull it off!
Tops: A button down dress shirt works every time, generally not tucked in gives it that more relaxed “cool” look, but with the right belt and body type; tucking it in can also make for a nice outfit. Completing the look with a RELAXED BLAZER makes you stand out and you look put together, it’ll tell people that you put thought into your look without seeming pretentious. PRINTED V-NECK TEE SHIRT always fits in, but make sure it’s not white and it’s not the one you fall asleep in. Something clean and in a neutral or earth tone color with some print on the front (only!) will do.
Accessories: Montreal is a four season city and here it’s totally cool for men to wear scarves and gloves in the winter. Leather gloves and wool scarves are perfect. If you can pull it off a hat can do wonders for your look. Make sure you try on many different types of hats to find one that suits you, and if you don’t then don’t wear one and brave the cold like the rest of us! Hats can also work in the fall if they are light coloured.

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Ambergris Caye, Belize

"No shirt, no shoes, no problem!" is the motto in Ambergris Caye, Belize. Probably one of my favorite places on earth for the simplicity of life as well as some of the best diving right off shore. We were lucky enough to stay at Patojo's beach resort where you get a sweet room, free cooked to order breakfast on the deck, and some amazing Belikin beer to end your day.
Although the motto' is not to wear anything, I would suggest at least bringing a couple of t-shirts to go out in at night as you are on an island and its gets a little chilly. Bring a couple of pairs of walking shorts, board shorts for swimming (Pacsun.com will cover these), and you will be covered. You will need a pair of sandals to explore the islands 3 streets; Front street, Middle street, and Back street!
My final word of advice if you stay at Patojo's is to make sure you stay over on a Saturday because they barbecue for all the guest's that night with fish caught earlier on the day's dive! Feel free to grab your harpoon and join in the lobster hunt!

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Manhattan Beach, CA

Brian Amanatullah - Owner rendeznew.com
Manhattan Beach, the volleyball capital of the world, is no stranger to surfing and anything fun in the sun. Flip flops are a staple here all year round but a nice pair of sneakers from the local A-Team shop will work well in the winter time and those nights out on the town. Slap on a pair of board shorts in the Summer (and the Winter too if it is nice) and play a game of volleyball or go for a swim in the Pacific. It's really that simple here...
No need to switch things up to shoes and nice pants when you hit the town for dinner at The Manhattan Beach Brewing Company and after dinner drinks at the local dive bar Shellback Tavern. A nice pair of jeans and a killer T from Evolution of Style are all you need to soak in the night life that Manhattan Beach has to offer. Catch some live music at Shark's Cove or if you are in the mood for dancing, Beaches is your place. Hermosa Beach, which is just a $5 cab ride south, is full of great places to get your dance on and grab a bite to eat also, but make sure you have pants and not shorts when you head that way. Bring a jacket or hoodie out with you in the winter, it is California, but it does get chilly at night.
If you really want to get the full Manhattan Beach experience make sure to plan your trip around the annual 6 man volleyball tournament. You really have to see it to believe it!

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Atlanta, Georgia

Keith P
Atlanta is a comfort city, both comfort food and comfort wear - southern hospitality in full effect. Atlanta is 'hood city, with a number of different neighborhoods, providing the appropriate atmosphere for all comers. Atlanta is the city where SEC loyalties collide, being the largest city in the southeast, pulling alumnae from all the largest schools in the region.
The comforting food can be found at local institutions such as the Varsity, Gladys and Ron's Chicken and Waffles, and the Vortex. Besides these more laid back eateries, Atlanta is also full of top notch cuisine that can satisfy even the toughest pallet. The various neighborhoods can please all personalities from the eclectic (Little Five Points), to the trendy (Buckhead), to the relaxed (Virginia Highlands). Atlanta's most spirited time of year spans the Saturday's from September to November where the focus of the city switches to college football season and rooting on the Dawgs, the Tide, the Gators, the Vols, the War Eagles, the Cocks, and the Bayou Bengals to name a few.
Your gear from home will be perfectly acceptable in Atlanta as the bars and restaurants are full of a variety of looks, dressed up and dressed down are commonly mingling at the hot spots throughout the city. To pass as one of the locals, try wearing one of the following combos; khakis, a pair of flops (Rainbows), a bright polo and a striped belt; jeans, a pair of boat shoes (Sperry's), and another polo; jeans, some casual shoes (perhaps some Clarks), a button down, and a brown sportcoat. Make sure, on your trip to Atlanta, you bring the following: your shades (croakies accepted) and a T supporting your favorite team. If you find yourself in Atlanta in the winter, the temperatures can stay pretty moderate, so most coat checks are full of performance outerwear jackets including fleeces and microfibers instead of Pea coats. You can fit right in with your North Face, but you can be somewhat original by going with a Patagonia, Marmot, or Arc'Teryx. In summary, for your attire, in Atlanta, Y'all can come as you are.

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San Francisco, CA

Maureen and Josh - Gap, Inc
Shoes: Flip flops? With the weather out here, why not? You'll see them everywhere even if it does rain. A nice pair of tennis shoes like pumas or Steve Maddens will get the job done in a vast majority of the bars and clubs out on the west coast; however, you can never go wrong with a solid pair of black dress shoes. These can be worn with confidence with jeans and a graphic T to complete the look of the nation's most laid back coast. Pants: You'll see the "jorts" (jean shorts) out here, but don't buy in. Baggy khaki cargo shorts are a seasoned favorite in San Francisco even when sporting a nice button down shirt (and your flip flops). Jeans are a must have; holy or not you can't go wrong with denim as it'll get you in anywhere around the state (unless they are stonewashed . . . actually, you'll still get in). A dark pair of Sevens or Rock 'n' Republics is what Friday night calls for out here! Tops: Have I mentioned lately that I love your button down? I probably have as they are making a comeback in the nightlife sector of California, but only if you keep it un-tucked. Mix in a graphic tee now and again and you're set (but please don't wear the tees you wore in college circa 1995 through 2002). The night life is hot out here so no jacket required! Fitted shirts rule as the baggy ones were donated to all of the gamers who stay up all night for a whole different reason . . . but that's a different blog.

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Stockholm, Sweden

Stockholm and Sweden in general is probably the easiest city to dress for. Just grab a pair of black shoes, a dark pair of pants or jeans, and a black or white top and you will fit in. Swede's typically do not wear much color so it is very easy to fit in here with a few simple items. If you want to do a little shopping while there to pick up a few Swedish items go to their big department store called NK to pick up my favorite Swedish brand, Tiger. Make sure to check out the Icebar when you are there, it is a touristy thing to do but it is fun.When heading out for a night out be sure to check out all of the restaurants and clubs on Stureplan, trust me you will have a great time partying until the sun comes up!

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Miami, FL

Marcella Prieto - Owner of Cocoa Couture
Miami's must have's when visiting.... For a day at the beach, walking down Lincoln road to grab a drink at Segafredo's requires flip flops, shorts, stylish tee and a fedora if you're into hats, oh and some ray bans. A night in the town requires pants, dress shoes, a button down, and blazer is optional. If you're hitting up the Versace mansion or the newest spot in Fountain Blue called LIV, I would definitely wear a suit! If you're lounging at the Delano pool or hanging on a boat bring the speedo's! Haha kidding about that part, a nice pair of board shorts should do the trick!

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Boston, MA

Mike and Michelle Boston, Ma
Boston is very much a college town. With schools like BC, BU, Northeastern, and Harvard you are bound to run into a group of college kids kicking back and enjoying the night life that the city has to offer. Most of the bars in Boston are pubs. They draw a mixed crowd looking to throw back some great beers. Pub goers are usually spotted wearing jeans and button downs. The winter months bring in some extreme weather, so throw on a sweater over your button down or breakout that North Face jacket and you will fit right in. Casual shoes are a must, along with some comfortable sneakers. Sneakers are allowed everywhere, so feel free to wear them out. The summer months in Boston are the best time of year. Get out your Redsox gear and head over to the Fenway area for some great sports bars and some rowdy sawx fans. Everyone in Boston loves the sox, so no bouncer or bartender is going to throw you out for wearing your gear, just leave your Jeter jersey at home please. If the sports bars are not your scene, put on a trendy T and a pair of flops and make your way over to Faneuil Hall. Great restaurants are starting to open all over the city. So if you are looking to grab dinner at one of the new trendy restaurants, such as Banq, Clink, and Douzo, make sure to wear a nice shirt and some dark jeans and you will fit the part.

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Buffalo, NY

Joseph L - Sr. Account Manager
Buffalo is very easy going, I could just say "mostly everything goes," but since you want a bit of a description I'll give you a little something:. In the true blue collar image that the city prides itself on, the dress code per say for the night life is extremely liberal. With a shortage of night clubs, traditional bars and pubs reign supreme… and there are many to choose from. Whether you're partying down on Chippewa Street or in the Elmwood district, the dress is all the same. A pair of brown or black shoes is certainly great to have and if one can find a pair that falls in the casual category as opposed to "dressy" that would be more appropriate. Sneakers are accepted everywhere and obviously in the winter time, boots are just fine too. As for the rest of the dress - Jeans are the way to go for sure, for all seasons. Even on hot summer days, the cool air coming off of the lake once the sun goes down makes it comfortable enough at night to wear a pair of jeans complimented with some flops or sneakers. The most important thing to remember is that during the winter months, layers are key for a few reasons. One being coat checks are annoying and the other being it's cold! Most people prefer wearing a button down shirt under a thin knit sweater or cardigan. Some people will wear a sport coat, but keeping it "blue collar" is the better way to go. Making yourself approachable rather than looking to "high class" has its advantages. One thing that I've noticed in WNY that is sort of taboo in bigger cities like New York or DC is that wearing the occasional hat is a cool thing, it's not discouraged. Nobody thinks twice about it, it's the norm rather than the exception in many of the places. So finding a stylish lid is always a good thing. The bars are open until 4am and I personally think the best part of going out in Buffalo is that you have people of all types at every place you go, so the dress standards mirror that – eclectic!

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Annapolis, MD

Mike D - Insurance Consultant
This town is know as a preppy Sailing town with a Drinking Problem. It may be the State Capital, but it is know for it's picturesque downtown, and surrounding waterways. Flip flops, and boat shoes in the summer are a must. Please leave your Teva's in 1983, rainbows/Reef & Vineyard vines are popular flops, but anything is better than a pair of birckenstocks. Cold weather gear consists of a nice pair of bucks, or anything without a rubber sole. For pants, jeans and khaki's are a constant go to. Dress pants aren't a bad idea if you are visiting one of the finer establishments in the winter, but if it's the summer and a Mexican Cafe kind of day, or Pussers dock bar anything goes within reason. Polo Shirts are a staple in the Summer, Sweaters and collared shirts in the winter are a safe bet. Even if it's summer, and if you are Arnold, tank tops never are a good idea. If it has a horse/crab/whale/little icon on the shirt you're money, if it has too many icon's think twice.

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New York, NY

Jonathan Mustich - CEO, Evolution of Style
Of course we need to start with the city that is most near and dear to my heart. Lets start at the feet since this is where most often causes the most trouble especially when going out in New York where club and restaurant policies may not allow entry without proper footwear. Keep it simple in this case, usually a pair of sporty black or brown shoes will do the trick. You can pull off sneakers but they have to be special and chances are if you are reading this blog you don't have them! As for the lower body, jeans are always a solid bet and right now darker jeans are in style. If you want to dress up a little more than everyone else then you can go with a pair of dress pants. PLEASE stay away from cargo pants, even if you are going to a dive bar you will stand out...not in a good way! Also a locals note, no one wear's shorts unless they are on their way to the gym, even in the summer. So suck it up and wear those jeans. For the tops, in the colder months a nice knit top or a sweater will make you look like a local. Button down shirts are always safe but you will just look like all of the other tourists or bridge and tunnel crowd. While you are there make sure to stop at Brother Jimmy's on 76th and 2nd for some great southern cooking and some cheep beers, which is a rarity in NYC

Here are some clothing suggestions for NYC! Button-Up Gingham Shirt, V Neck Pullover Sweater, Sweater with hoodie, New York Giants Tee, New York Yankees tee, New York Mets tee


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Seattle, WA

Kelsey Overby - Seattle Style Consultant
Nestled in the deep Northwest, the 2000s have led Seattle caught amongst nostalgia for the grunge of the 90s, the ironic expression of "hippy-chic," the forces of extreme liberalism, and the anticipation for a developing couture scene into a fashion convergence zone. Amidst a whirlwind of influences and styles, the individual districts of Seattle are quite segmented. At its greatest, the glitzy Belltown district revels in its grandeur of pearls, custom-tailored dress shirts, and northern Italian cashmere. Meanwhile, Capitol Hill (or, affectionately referred to by Seattlites as "CapHill") flamboyantly flaunts acid-wash jeans, studded leather cuffs, and vintage concert tees circa 1980-something. In reference to localism, Seattlites are light-heartedly receptive to PEMCO's "We're a Lot Like You" campaign (http://www.werealotlikeyou.com). These advertisements provide an accurate portrayal of the most notorious Seattle "personalities". This link offers the best visual guide to what a tourist would witness if they found themselves gazing outside at the weather-proofed, coffee-bearing, reusable Bamboosa RE-Tote-carrying individuals passing through the original Starbucks location at Pike Place Market. While not necessarily recommended, these styles portray our over-enthusiastically eco-friendly reality with painstaking accuracy. Avoiding extremism, the best way to assimilate into the Seattle scene is to simply maintain a casual appearance. Seeing a Northface, Helly Hansen, or Columbia fleece jacket is the equivalent of seeing a little black dress on the Upper East Side. Wear to blend (in). For the more fashionably inclined, pea coats are recommended for warmth and represent a hopeful sophistication in our performance-wear driven retail economy. For both design and utility, Sanyo jackets constructed from polyurethane are water-resistant. Terry cloth track suits (Juicy Couture) are worn among females across high school and college campuses during our more temperate weather throughout spring and fall. Similarly, yoga outfits (Lulu Lemon) have been adopted as attire for a number of activities other than actually practicing yoga. Designer jeans; predominantly brands featuring the logos across the back pockets are staples. Citizens of Humanity, 7 for All Mankind, Rock & Republic, Monarchy, Joe's Jeans, Diesel, Hudson, William Rast, and True Religion are among the top-sellers at local retailers. Also, Uggs are deemed acceptable between the hours of 5:00am and 9:00pm, October through June. Past these basic looks, nearly anything goes, except obsessively following trends. For in the Emerald City, individual style and comfort will trump the latest published look.

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