If you haven’t been living under a rock, you’ve probably noticed the recent popularity of plaid dress shirts for both men and women. Whether the look is dressy or casual, it seems to be everywhere, though something this ubiquitous isn’t always a good thing.  Think back to the last time that every Tom, Dick and Harry was wearing a certain look. Did you ride the trend train, or did you let it pass you by? Though I’m no stranger to fads, sometimes people take things a little too far.  Just think of “Twilight” and you’ll know what I’m talking about.

On a recent trip to Los Angeles, I was out at the clubs and noticed not one, not two, but five guys wearing the same gingham patterned plaid shirt (think picnic blanket) in different colors.  They also happened to be friends.  I had a brief flashback of the ridiculous Fanta girls commercials and I thought to myself, “Are they for real?”  In a town known for its superficiality, you’d think that a reasonable guy would be pretty embarrassed to be wearing the same or very similar dress shirt as another guy in the club, let alone one of his close friends.  It was an interesting sight, to say the least.  So beware, gentleman, though the plaid look is hot, remember you want to stand apart from the crowd, not blend in as just another clueless follower.

[Image Source: angelune]

This post was written for Blank Label's Co-creation Blog by Anne Marie Jackson, explaining to men that fashion is something that you own, not something that owns you, so design your own style. You can start by designing your own custom men's dress shirts online.

This is a weekly Co-creation Blog post from Chief Evangelist, Fan Bi, who founded Blank Label in the Summer of 2008, and has been trying to change the way young men buy clothes ever since.

We've spoken to recently married couples, big-event athletes, and even film producers, but we can't settle our nerves for the Big Day, October 30. It's definitely been a long time coming, and the whole time we've focused on remaining true to our core consumer and delivering our vision. The next 23 days will drive that home, we're speaking to as many trend setters as possible, that young, fun, independent, fashion sensitive guy who no longer wants to be branded with some over-paid, supposedly-famed designer, and loves the idea of having Danny''s Label, Alec''s Label, Your Label, My Label, Blank Label.

This will bring a new age of apparel and men's dress shirt shopping. I walk into a store these days, and I'm just annoyed. First, I know that I'm paying for the annoying shop assistant who keeps asking me if I need help when I just simply browse around, the over-priced downtown rent of the store, and all the other costs of having walls of inventory that's going to be included in the cost of my shirt. No. Then I find something I like, but it's not quite right, don't like the front pockets, and they only have 2XL's left. No. I compare that with the experiences of our customers who tell me about their new favorite shirt. It's amazing but there's no doubt that you have a personal connection with something you've co-created, something that you've helped make. Yes!

Not long now. We really can't wait to co-create custom men's dress shirts with you. And we just hope you're as excited as we are!

They’re baaaack! The nerds, that is.  I never saw the movie “Revenge of the Nerds,” so I don’t exactly know what their revenge was, but some of today’s men’s fashion is a nerd’s revenge in itself.  Suddenly, everything “geek” is chic. Fashion’s taking a few notes from geeks and nerds around the world. From big ol’ nerdy glasses to cardigans and sweater vests, the classic “nerd” uniform is considered high-style.  Even suspenders are making a comeback.

Just leave the high-waisted tapered pants at home. No one can pull that look off.

Some very clever designers have replicated the age old cliché so artfully that the new trend embodies an entirely different persona: the hipster.  Fashion forward men everywhere are creating quite the paradox between geek and chic.  I never thought I’d fantasize about ripping suspenders off of a man, but that day has come.  And revenge is sweet.  Congratulations, nerd brigade, you win.

All my swooning aside, be warned future Poindexters, a trip into dweebdom should be taken with care.  Don’t go overboard.  Stick to one or two new geeky accessories.  If you try to pull off too much too soon, well, the joke’s on you. Expect wedgies.

Anyone else in LOVE with hot nerdy fashion? I know I am.

[Image Source: chuckp]

This post was written for Blank Label's Co-creation Blog by Anne Marie Jackson, advising men to try new things with fashion. You can even experiment by designing your own custom men's dress shirts online.

Have you ever wondered why some cartoon characters are drawn fully clothed while others in the same cartoon aren’t? What’s up with that? Take Donald Duck for instance. That grumpy little duck never wears pants. Meanwhile, Daffy Duck is completely naked. And let’s be honest here, if most of you really wanted to see a half-dressed cartoon character, I’m guessing it’d probably be Jessica Rabbit. So it gets you thinking. The characters in these cartoons don’t care about exposing themselves, so why do we? What’s the real purpose for wearing a shirt, anyway?  Society has shaped our ideas of what is acceptable to wear in public while our cartoon characters are walking around wearing whatever they feel like.  Granted, it probably wouldn’t be a great idea to just rebel and try showing up to work without a shirt tomorrow, but it’s funny when you think about it.  What are we without our clothes?

So, if you HAD to pick, which clothing item would you skip: shirt or pants?  I think Donald Duck’s got it figured out guys.  Keep the shirt because life is always more fun without pants.

[Image Source: lorenjavier]

This post was written for our Co-creation Blog by Blank Label copywriter and custom men's dress shirts co-creator Anne Marie Jackson.

This is a Co-creation Blog post from Chief Evangelist, Fan Bi, who founded Blank Label in the Summer of 2008, and has been trying to change the way young men buy clothes ever since.

Dharmesh Shah once said; 'Things you get from a startup: Meet exceptionalpeople, learn useful things, make money. Make sure you get at least 2 out of 3.' In the next couple of weeks, I thought I'd go through each one of these to give you a better sense of what we're all about, why we do what we do, and why we love it.

This week I want to speak about a couple of people I love in my family, my work family. And maybe at the end of the post, you'll love them too. Bear in mind, I'm only going to touch on two of Blank Label team, and credit definitely goes beyond that to the broader team. Carrying-on, Danny Wong is my right-hand man. He's been with Blank Label since the end of Spring 2009, and he's been kept fitting for the success of Blank Label ever since. Externally he introduces himself as Lead Web Strategist, but internally we know him as the Analytics Workhorse. Danny started out as a Sales Rep, when we still doing a Sales Rep model, but he kept pushing me, asking what are you doing for SEO, Social Media, once you build a website, how are you going to build traffic, more importantly, how are you going to build a community? When someone insists banging down the door to get involved, it's just much easier to open the door for them. He worked his summer 'day job', then would rush home and work on developing an online presence for Blank Label till the early hours of the morning. He would them come to the office with me on the weekend, and pull longer hours than even I would. Hence, the Analytics Workhorse.

For how strong-headed and direct Danny is, Alec Harrison, is super smooth. Beyond his smooth singing voice, he is creative in everything he sees and does, and for that reason, he is our Empathetic Designer. Joining the team half-way through the Summer, he has rushed to speed on what the real vision of Blank Label, and similar to Danny and myself, quickly transitioning from small steps to fast pacing to a quick sprint. Officially as Lead Designer, he covers User Experience and User Interface of our website, which means he goes between understanding the consumer and our fashion illustrator and photographer to compile something that is highly relateable to our audience of confident, fun, young, independent males. Alec does freelance gigs on the side to support himself, but without the dedication to our mission and our big dreams, we'd be lost without our Empathetic Designer.

Danny and Alec, and especially myself, do this because we've all done the corporate thing, and boy did we hate it. Maybe it's part entitlement, part naivety, but we're just not willing to spend the best years of our lives in a cubicle, hating our boss, hating our lives. So next week I'll give a bit more some insight about part two of Dharmesh's message; 'learn useful things' that help us get to where we want to get to in life.

But in the meantime, we're just gonna keep trying to make the best damn DIY custom men's dress shirts online.

It’s Saturday night, you’re sitting down for a nice, quiet evening away from the chaos of the world and just as you crack open a beer, your buddies call, demanding your presence for a night out to the bars. Well, super. Your favorite dress shirt is balled up in the corner, wrinkled beyond belief, and you haven’t even had a shower. Your friends want to meet up at ten, it’s already half past nine - and, well, let’s face it - you don’t even own a steamer.

Well, guys, don’t let that ruin your fun, there’s a simple solution. You can knock out two birds with one stone! While in the shower, keep the water hot, the bathroom door closed, and let the steam from the shower do the work. Simply hang your shirt carefully on a hanger and find a spot to hang it, (a towel rack will work just fine) making sure that the shirt is close enough to get direct contact with the steam, but not water spray. After your shower, keep the hot water running, as to accumulate steam, and as you’re getting ready, rotate your dress shirt, letting the steam hit it at all angles. Within about thirty minutes, most of the wrinkles should be smoothed out. Depending on the material of your shirt, you can also pop it in the dryer with a wet sock to smooth out any unwanted creases, but always make sure to check the care label, or you’ll end up with a shirt that looks like it was made for a twelve year-old.

Wanna share any other quick and dirty tips to get rid of wrinkles from dress shirts?

Try shower steaming it and let us know how you make out!

[Image Source: seanmcgrath]

This post was written for our Co-creation Blog by Blank Label's lovely custom men's dress shirts co-creator Anne Marie Jackson.

You’d think that wearing a men's dress shirt would be simple, but somehow or another, some guys seem to get it wrong. Here are 7 sinful ways to wear an otherwise awesome men's dress shirt.

1. Layered over another collared dress shirt. Keep your undershirts simple, don’t go crazy.

2. Unbuttoned all the way to mid-chest. You’re not Fabio. Even if you’ve got a great body, you’re going to look like a tool. Keep the chest hair and man breasts hidden please!

3. Tied up at the waist. No explanation is really needed here, is it? Unless you’re auditioning for a role as a woman in a play, you’re going to look ridiculous.

4. With the collar popped. You might as well just write “I’m desperate for attention” on your forehead. It’s pretty hard to garner respect from anyone when sporting this look.

5. Untucked in the back, tucked in at the front. Or vice versa. This just looks silly, not to mention sloppy.

6. Fashioned into a Rambo-style headband. Who knows why you’d try that, but don’t.

7. Worn over a colorful or detailed medium weight T-Shirt (not an undershirt). This will ruin the smooth lines of your dress shirt, can show through and look juvenile.

Got any other suggestions for this list?

Anyone guilty of these 7 men’s dress shirt fashion sins?

[Image Source: symic]

This post was written for Blank Label's Co-creation Blog by Anne Marie Jackson and Danny Wong, both co-creators of custom men's dress shirts.

So say you’re out meeting a date, meeting the boss, meeting the parents, meeting and greeting anyone and everyone. Whilst your meeting, you take swigs of red wine, slurps of marinara pasta, bump in to greasy mechanics, and by the time you realize low and behold there is a stain on your beautiful dress shirt. If you noticed, other people will too, and let me tell you, there is nothing more sloppy or cheapening than a giant stain on an otherwise nice collared dress shirt. No one wants a big child around that can’t keep his food in his mouth or his hands to himself, and that’s the vibe you send out. Therefore, when in times of desperation run, sprint to these 6 tips on how to get stains out of your shirts (quick!):

1. Use Sprite: While your date or engagement is away, order some Sprite or other clear, carbonated beverage and use that to dab away at your shirt’s stain. The bubbles have the same microscopic scrubbing effect as soap! Especially effective for coffee stains!

2. Warm Water and Dryer: Excuse yourself to the bathroom and wet the stained area with warm water. Remember to blot, not scrub. Then, dry the wet dress shirt with the dryer in the bathroom.

3. Soap: Self-explanatory. Still, do not forget to only dab the shirt!

4. Shampoo: If you are at your home, girlfriend/boyfriend’s, or at any sort of house party, make yourself to the bathroom and find some shampoo. This product works miracles on sweat stains and oil/ grease stains for your dress shirts.

5. Vinegar and Warm Water: If you’re bold enough to ask for vinegar in a restaurant, use this to dab off red wine stains. It’ll probably be worth the strange look you get from the waiter. What does he know?

6. Put on Your Jacket: I don’t care how hot it is, if you have a jacket and a stain, the stain should be covered at any cost. Sacrifices, men. Sacrifices.

When you make a spill, make sure you notice before the person you are facing lifts her/his eyebrows and lets you know. No matter what, you should probably excuse yourself smoothly to the bathroom and examine the damage, then apply the techniques. For another easy way to get stains out of shirts quickly, use Tide-To-Go or a bleach pen. Trust me, these are my saving graces and the only reason people can bear being with me. But seriously, stains are a sign of carelessness and say you are a slovenly person that doesn't really care about the occasion you are attending, even if you do feel it’s important. So take care first, to try not spilling and if you do, (because we all do) take the right measures to make your shirt stains disappear. Then afterwards, take it out to the dry cleaners for proper cleaning so you can wear that shirt for a long time. So fresh and so clean, clean.

Anyone else have some awesome tips for cleaning stains on dress shirts?

[Image Source: gj_thewhite]

This post was written for our Co-creation Blog by Blank Label's Awesome Blogger and custom men's dress shirts co-creator Youmi Park.

I love fashion, and there are a lot of things I love about it. The artistic designs, different fabrics, innovative styles and their pioneering designers, runway shows: I adore them all. However, if there is one thing I like about the couture industry it is the wide range of selections. Fashion is resilient, and you can transform yourself to mesh with every culture, trend, region, and group through the clothing and accessories you choose. There is no way you should resist trying on different looks and new modes to have some fun with your wardrobe.

However, I also do understand that we can’t always afford the money or time to rummage through up-and-coming vogues and keep buying different pieces of clothing. Well, enter the men’s dress shirt! Most males believe that this garment is reserved for work, nice dates, and interviews; however, despite this stereotype, the dress shirt is one of the most versatile articles of clothing that fashion has given birth to. Work these different looks by coordinating wisely with the dress shirt and what you already have:

1) Hot for the Teacher: Now we all have the fantasy of banging our hot professor in the faculty break room. Well, just tuck the dress shirt into the pants and add a simple sweater and tie, and you have yourself a clean, sharp look that all the girls will talk about. A+ to you.

2) Like it Rough: The men's dress shirt can compliment your leather jacket and rugged boots. Just choose a shade or pattern that accents the rest of your get-up, and wear it casually under the jacket. Not only does the collaboration of fabrics look dangerous, but you’re also creating a hip and modern look that is still cleanly rough.

3) Gentlemen’s Club: Pair a dress shirt with a scarf, suit or just a blazer, and you’ve created an elegant look that is in-style and timeless at the same time. You can even wear a robe over it or carry around a fluffy cat. Right-o!

4) The Perfect Vestiary: The vest is a priceless accessory, but a make-it-or-break-it item. If worn creatively (mixing colors and fabrics) it’s trendy and cute; however, I’m a stickler against overly simple shirt-vest looks (plain white shirt and black/pinstripe vest) because they're unoriginal and tacky. But mess around and play as you please!

5) Underground: Try wearing a dress shirt under something super casual, like a zip-up or a sweatshirt (preferably a tighter and simple colors, NO GRAPHIC). It can dress and prep up a completely casual look, whilst making you look very fashion conscious. Simple touches like this make you fashion-smart!

Of course, there are a countless number of things you can do with a dress shirt (Wow that sounds so dirty. Yum) and you should continue to mix and match. However, these basics will allow you to think outside the lines and push you to experiment on your own; and not to mention the money you will save by utilizing a couple good men's dress shirts! Fashion and the dress shirt: Like mother/father, like son/daughter. Stay stylish and try not to wear your dress shirt foolishly.

[Image Source: Kara Kochalko]

This post was written for our Co-creation Blog by Blank Label's Star Blogger and Star Custom Men's Dress Shirts fashionista Youmi Park.

We’ve all seen those Axe commercials, and although chicks might not be banging down your door to get to your cologne doused torso right about now, there’s no denying that there’s just something about a man’s scent that really does it for women. I know, because, well, I’m a woman. But what is it about scent that attracts us to the opposite sex? For centuries, cologne has been used to mask odor, enhance one’s own scent, and attract positive attention.

In very (VERY) ancient times, it was common for a woman to keep a peeled apple in the cozy nook of her sweaty underarm all the livelong day, and give the finished product to her lover. Sounds disgusting, doesn’t it? Well, many studies suggest that it is our natural scent that attracts the opposite sex. I’m not surprised - I used to have a boyfriend who really got a kick out of smelling the top of my head.

Many perfumes and colognes claim to have pheromone enhancing chemicals, but the science of smell is a bit more complicated than that, according to scientists. Apparently, we all have what is called an MHC, or in super-science-speak, a major histocompatibility complex, which is linked to our immune system. The MHC is responsible for what we seek out scent-wise. We are programmed as humans to seek out individuals with MHC’s greatly different from our own, for reproductive purposes.

When choosing colognes, we tend to gravitate toward smells that mimic our own MHC, so that we may broadcast our own scent to the opposite sex. Make sense? In theory, you could gather that this would mean that if a woman wearing a self-chosen perfume that smells just awful to you that you wouldn’t particularly like her natural scent, either- but I don’t know if we can jump to those conclusions just yet.

The olfactory is a tricky thing. Your sense of smell is linked to brain functioning and many smells trigger specific reactions in the brain, so really, who knows what’s going on up there. But what we DO know, through a recent study, is that wearing cologne may have a psychological effect on the wearer. In a blind study, in which two groups of men sprayed on a substance, (one scented, one unscented), the men in the scented group displayed more confidence, and were even deemed “more attractive” to the women in the study, who were seated behind a glass wall. The women couldn’t even smell the cologne, yet they sensed the change in attitude, which in turn led to the attraction factor. So, from all angles, it looks like wearing a bit of the old smelly stuff really does work- even if it’s just in your head.

Spray an awesome scent one of your snazzy custom men's dress shirts and you're good to go! Go get 'em lady killer.

Here are some recent top sellers, according to Sephora and About.com:

Givenchy Play

Emporio Armani Aqua di Gio

Allure Pour Homme HM by Hanae Mori

John Varvatos

L Eau D’ Issey pour homme

Guys: anyone have scents that they love to wear? Girls: anyone have scents they love smelling on men?

[Image Source: otodo]

This post was written for our Co-creation Blog by Blank Label's Style Guru Anne Marie Jackson.