Jim travels to NYC & his thoughts on the blazer

Jim travels to NYC & his thoughts on the blazer

I spent some time in New York City this past week, roughly 5 days. It was exciting as always, meeting with vendors, eating at some of the best restaurants in the world, the city is always full of life. New York City is an incredible place full of iconic landmarks, amazing museums, tasty food, and non-stop entertainment. With so many things to see and do, planning a trip here can feel overwhelming. That's why I've put together this bucket list of 5 essential NYC experiences that should be on everyone's list!

  1. Take in the views from the Top of the Rock. Get a bird's-eye perspective of Central Park, the Empire State Building, and the rest of NYC from the observation decks of 30 Rockefeller Plaza. Go at sunset for magical views.
  2. Catch a Broadway show. You simply can't visit the Theatre District without seeing a big, dazzling Broadway musical or play. Classics like "The Lion King" and "Wicked" are sure bets.
  3. Stroll through Central Park. This 843-acre urban oasis has so much to offer. Rent a rowboat, people watch along the Bethesda Terrace, snap photos at Bow Bridge, or wander the leafy paths.
  4. Take a bite out of an authentic NYC pizza. The thin, foldable crust piled high with fresh mozzarella and tomatoes at iconic spots like Juliana's and Joe's Pizza will have you dreaming about it long after your trip.
  5. Soak in iconic views from the Staten Island Ferry. This free 25-minute ride takes you right up close to Lady Liberty herself and offers fantastic skyline vistas for that quintessential NYC photo.

Now I've got three essential blazers in my closet: the fully-lined wool jacket for formal occasions; the 3/8's lined cotton one for the warm summer months; and my personal favorite - the unlined, empty stretch jacket. This baby is pure versatility. Throw it on with jeans and a t-shirt for daytime casual. Then pull those jeans off later, slip into some joggers or dress pants, and you've got yourself sharp evening attire.

Now, blazers require thought in how you wear them. A crisp pair of dark indigo jeans - the darker the better I say - paired with that unlined blazer is a surefire weekend winner. Come spring and summer, substitute in some colorful, high-rise cotton slacks, a short sleeve polo unbuttoned at the collar, and you're golden. Add some suede loafers or white leather sneakers on the feet for that finishing punctuation.

And don't forget the accessories gents! A 1 inch wide belt around the waist, either a sleek gator print or classic D-ring buckle. And cuff those pants 2 inches to show a little ankle. Give the ladies something to glimpse when you slip off those pennies at the end of the night! The blazer jacket - an essential component of any stylish man's armory. Trust me friends, with some smart pairings, it will serve you well year-round!

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