Put Some Style on Your Christmas Wish List

With just a few weeks to go before Christmas I’m sure you are finding yourself dressing up more and more for the many Holiday parties and family events going on. To add to the shopping time crunch, it’s coming down to the wire in terms of last minutes gifts.

With a mega mall on the west side and newly constructed outdoor behemoth on the east there is certainly no shortage of places to blow your cash on a gift of fashion for yourself or others. However the real question is just how special a fashion gift are you looking for?

The Fashion Experience

To help you answer that question, I spent some quality time with Chris Corley, general manager, of MP/Two Urban Fashion Experience on North Jefferson Street. MP/Two specializes in men’s fine fashions, sportwear, accessories and other fashion forward garments for men and women.

If you are even thinking about comparing mall stores to a boutique like MP/Two, STOP! Chris will tell you that the distinctive selection, quality, experience and relationship you build at a boutique is more valuable than what you can get at a mall. “I have a list of clients that includes NBA players, bartenders and office workers alike and they all love it here,” says Chris. “We have fashion for everybody, and a great attitude about helping people express their personal style.”

When it comes to looking good for Holiday events, MP/Two is the place to go. Chris has spent over 10 years honing his fashion skills as a personal shopper and store manager in the upscale department stores and fashion boutiques of Minneapolis. His love for dressing people is evident. I watch in amazement as he whips together outfits that go from the front of the office to back of the club as quick as you can punch the clock. Being well dressed, Chris says, is in the details. Not only do you need the jeans, shirt, blazer and the shoes, but he points out that the belt, socks and tie are what really make the clothes match the man.

Chris’s skills don’t stop there. He is not only a professional in men’s wear, but he outfits Milwaukee’s beautiful ladies as well. MP/Two offers a full line of women’s wear. Boasting designer brands like 575, Splendid, Parasuco and Joe’s Jeans in the women’s department, MP/Two leaves no curve unfitted or nape un-collared. “Women’s clothes is where fashion really shines,” says Chris. “We have custom selections of top brands that really accentuate a woman’s features. And really, the clothes are all about accenting what your body already does well.”

What’s Hot This Season

So we know Chris Corley is the man to see, so let’s talk about some must-haves and great gifts for the holiday season.

The number one hot thing right now for ladies, according to Chris, is the 80’s inspired “cigarette jean.” This is a pair of jeans that are cut very skinny and has a straight leg. To keep the 80’s look going, Chris says to pair them with a long blouse, a waist belt and some heels. “Don’t be afraid of color, right now reds, yellows, bright blues, stripes and light fade denims are in, even though it is winter.”

For men, good fitting denim is always in. Chris says put your man in a good pair of jeans and a classic striped shirt. And then make him tuck it in. If you’re going for a more sophisticated look, then go with slacks, brown or black, a cashmere V-neck with shirt and tie underneath. Good Looking, clean shoes are the key to sophistication. This is a very good look for those semi formal office parties and family dinners.

Some other hot items for men are anything from the Jhane Barnes’ collection. “Jhane’s clothes are so funky and cool,” says Chris, “They really embody what urban fashion is.” Another good item is a new wallet. Get him to ditch that thick tri-fold card and cash holder for something a little more avantguard. The Leather Island brand is retro Rock & Roll and offers paper-thin no fold wallets that are hand designed by Bill Lavin. All Leather Island items feature one of a kind colorful artistic impressions.

Also, Chris says, consider an embroidered fitted Tee as a gift. “This is the kind of item a guy who wants to be noticed will wear. It is very much what the beautiful people want,” he says jokingly. MP/Two carries an embroidered long sleeve Tee from Dulce Leche that makes you never want to wear anything else.

Gifts for Others

To round out your gift shopping needs, MP/Two also has a wide selection of cufflinks, ties, bow ties, socks, belts, watches and sunglasses all starting around $50. There is even an awesome all-inclusive shaving kit for men called About Face. It comes in a military inspired carrying case and it rings in under $50.

In my opinion, one of the best items in the store is the Canali cologne. It smells like a blend of perfection and sexy.

50 ml’s is $45 and 100ml’s goes for $60, both are almost a five-finger-discount type deal when it comes to cologne prices these days.

Stop into MP/Two and see Chris anytime, he is a joy to talk to and when you leave the store you will be looking good. Ladies (and single guys) make sure you check out MP/Two’s Ladies Night on December 15 from 5-10pm, ladies will receive 15% off your purchases and in true downtown style, there are cocktails available for guests 21 and over. The night also features the Uneek Jewelry collection.

MP/Two
825 N. Jefferson Street
http://www.myspace.com/mptwoexperience

Written by Jack Roman

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