Blog Spotter // Blog Spotter: Men in Style Society

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to be a man living in a world dominated by women, just  enter the world of fashion.  In a culture in which top fashion blogs are targeted toward a female audience, it is a fresh, new feeling to be presented with a blog focused on a man’s outlook on fashion.

Shane Samuel, the founder of Men In Style Society, shows us that men’s fashion is finally starting to find it’s own niche within society.  His blog has garnered the attention of brands such as Lacoste, Smart Turnout, Bed | Stü, and Carhartt.  So, how did Shane break the gender barrier and create a blog that fetches over 2,000 hits a day?  We got the chance to chat with Shane and get his advice on style and fashion blogging.

CocoKouture: When did you first start your blog?

Shane Samuel: I started my blog in October 2011 as an independent study for my major, but I did not really get into it until mid-November. That is when I started investing more time into my blog; it became less of a project and more of an enjoyment because I found my niche.

CK: What is the best part about blogging?

SS: The best part is the ability to freely express my thoughts and showcase my ideas about fashion and style. Not to mention, reading the feedback from people who enjoy what I have to say.

CK: How did you come up with the title for your blog?

SS: I was inspired by the movie title, Menace to Society. It was catchy and represented what the film was about. And when I was thinking of a title for my blog, I knew I wanted it to represent my blog. And society is becoming more fashionable and although there are men who have adapted to a more fashion oriented society, there are those who have not. So, I used that as inspiration and came up the title Men In Style Society.

CK: Why did you decide to start a blog?

SS: I have always been interested in fashion, but I noticed that there not many men’s fashion blogs around. And when I was given the opportunity to do an independent study, I decided to marry my interest in fashion with my schoolwork.

CK: What other blogs/ websites inspire you?

SS: I love the blogs Dapper Lou and Street Etiquette.

CK: Who is your blog’s targeted audience?

SS: My target audience is guys of all ages who want to enhance their style, but are not sure of how to do it, or want inspiration for outfits.

CK: How do you think girls ages 18-25 can relate to your blog about men’s fashion? 

SS: Although my blog is catered to men’s fashion, I think women can definitely relate and pull inspiration from it. Especially since there is a lot of female fashion with masculine elements such as boyfriend jeans and tuxedo blazers, they can use my blog to keep up with this trend and possibly take it a step further.

CK: What tips and fashion knowledge can our readers learn from reading your blog?

SS: Your readers can learn to be more daring when it comes to fashion and style, they will learn that it is fine to mix patterns, colors, and fabrics. And that style is not pre-determined, it is something they create. Not to mention, the reason why men should wear round-toed dress shoes.

CK: What is the proudest/most defining moment you have had since starting your blog?

SS: The first time a company (Smart Turnout) contacted me and asked to feature product on my blog. It was special because I was recognized by a brand that I admire.

CK: What are some of your favorite designers/ brands?

SS: Ermenegildo Zegna, Vince, Ben Sherman, Bass, Club Monaco, Gant, Zara, and H&M (Button-Downs).

CK: What is your favorite fashion quote or motto?

SS: “Oh, never mind the fashion. When one has a style of one’s own, it is always twenty times better.” Margaret Oliphant

CK: What is your favorite piece of clothing that you own?

SS: My Ben Sherman Plectrum button-down, I love its cut and versatility.

CK: How would you categorize your style?

SS: Clean and tailored, with a slight preppy look.

CK: When did you first start to develop your sense of style?

SS: When I was about 12 years old, my uncle played a big role in helping me define my sense of style. He taught me a lot of things such as how to color coordinate my clothes, what to look for when buying jeans and how highlight certain aspects of my outfit.

CK: What advice do you have for other bloggers or men interested in starting a blog?

SS: Just do it, do not worry about readership or sponsors, that stuff is minor, post about what you love and things will take off from there. And do not second guess yourself because you never know what could happen.

Within the last ten years, men’s fashion has become a booming industry, and it has affected the fashion industry in many ways.  Men’s styles have recently transferred into women’s styles, (a prime example being the “boyfriend” jean), but most importantly, men’s fashion has streamlined into online platforms where men can discuss their own style.  Men In Style Society is a blog where men of all backgrounds can find the latest fashion trends, tips, and designers–all in one place.