Paul Ramos, a.k.a The Style Choreo. For details on this complete look, you can go to http://thestylechoreo.blogspot.com/.
One of the things we are trying to dedicate ESM to this year is featuring more male style bloggers to see what influences their style, how they got into the men’s fashion world and see what advice they can give our readers in terms of their own personal style.
For today’s feature, we’d like to introduce our readers to Paul Ramos, the founder of The Style Choreo.
Although The Style Choreo has only been around just over 2 years, it’s definitely been making an impact throughout the industry. What we liked the most about it was Paul’s personal style and how he looks like a million bucks without breaking the bank on all his diverse looks displayed on the site.
For complete details on this look, you can check out http://thestylechoreo.blogspot.com/.
We were fortunate to interview Paul for ESM to get a background on The Style Choreo, a better understanding of his personal sense of style as well as get some advice for our readers.
So tell us about your blog, The Style Choreo. How did you come up with the name? How long have you been running it? What got you started? Can you share with us some of the highlights so far?
The Style Choreo is a fashion & lifestyle blog and it has been running for almost 2 years and counting.
It was actually “Fashion Choreography” at first, but unfortunately (the original name) didn’t get much attention. That’s why I came up with a unique and quirky name that will definitely leave a mark on the person who reads it.
I am a dancer at heart – for the moves, mixing dance choreography and being into fashion at the same time, I came up with The Style Choreo which means The Master of Style or Style Choreographer for short.
For the complete details on this look, you can check out http://thestylechoreo.blogspot.com/.
It all started from LOOKBOOK.nu when a friend of mine from the Philippines noticed my style and encouraged me to put my looks on a platform where my “Fans” from LookBook could get updates from the items I chose to wear.
I found a blog was the perfect tool (to accomplish this goal) and it became a extension of my personality, by highlighting my day-to-day outfits and styles.
It was at the same time when REISS London (brand) noticed me and I got an exclusive invite to their AW13 press preview at the most prestigious hotel, the Kempinski.
During the event I was spotted by AHLAN Magazine and it became a Domino Effect: tons of invites, fashion shows and collaborations came to me and (The Style Choreo) just become massive.
Tell us what makes The Style Choreo different from all the other men’s fashion blogs out there.
Female Fashion Bloggers are all over, even here in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
On the other hand, men’s fashion bloggers aren’t as common in the area. That’s why there really is a huge advantage for The Style Choreo to take over the men’s fashion blogosphere here in Gulf.
Being one of the most active Male Bloggers in Abu Dhabi, being consistent and having my own identity is what makes my blog stands-out among others.
For complete details on this look, you can check out http://thestylechoreo.blogspot.com/.
Essential Style for Men is all about style. Break down your personal style and let us know how it has affected your writing and how you develop your website. Also, what have been some of your favorite looks on your website so far?
My personal style is dandy, edgy, conservative and honestly a lil’ bit of everything. Showcasing how to dress, dine & travel well is what The Style Choreo is all about.
I also believe that a Real Gentlemen should act, live and breathe like one. By having a consistent style, a certain uniqueness and being genuine is what readers look for in a blog to keep them coming back. Putting interesting content worth spending people’s time on is what the real essence of a blog should be.
One thing that we love about your style is that you choose brands that don’t break the bank, like H&M and Zara. What are some of your go-to brands when you shop for yourself?
It is given that H&M and Zara are my fave stores ever since, even if my blog didn’t exist in my life. I love shopping and browse every store to look for a great deal, because who doesn’t love a good SALE, right?
(It doesn’t really matter what brand you wear, its just a matter of STYLING.)
We here at ESM also believe that there are some items that men should spend their money on. Do you agree? If so, what items should someone spend a little more for?
Definitely!
A pair of classic brogues or double monk strap shoes are both versatile and can be worn by dressing either up or down.
For clothing, I highly suggest a 3-piece suit in navy, because it’s versatile and easy to style (but you should make that it fits well). And the amazing part with a 3-piece suit is you can wear them all together or break them down to individual pieces to make another outfit.
Paul Ramos, bringing his strong style on the daily through The Style Choreo.
For people who want to dress in style but have a limited budget, what would your advice be? Are there some basic rules that you follow? Are there certain stores or websites you would recommend?
There’s a wide range of clothing stores that are available in the malls like H&M, Zara, Topman and more. You can also go to Reiss or Ted Baker to get a little bit of an edge.
There’s some online shops like BlackLapel and Indocchino to make your suits bespoke.
ESM also has things they would call “Style Essentials”, which are the bare bone basics a man should have in his closet. Does the Style Choreo have his own version of Style Essentials? What would be on your list?
Basically if you want to reinvent your wardrobe there are several key pieces to have in mind:
A white crisp shirt or a white button-down oxford shirt
Dark denim
Navy suit
Brown shoes
Brown bag
Brown belt
Hand-full of colorful pocket squares
Knitted ties
Invisible socks or colorful ones
A classic watch with a brown leather strap
Do you think there is a difference between “style” and “fashion”? Or are they the same thing?
Of course, style is the way to show who you are whether it’s how you dress, through music or with an art.
Style is the extension of your personality.
Fashion are the latest trends. Trends can be copied or imitated by others and over time will fade. Unlike Style, which is eternal.
On your website it says you are based out of Abu Dhabi. How long have you lived there? Does living there affect your personal sense of style? Does it affect the final product for The Style Choreo?
I have been a resident of Abu Dhabi for almost 5 years, and honestly yes, the lifestyle here in the UAE has affected how I face life.
My time here has enlightened me to speak out and show the entire nation that no matter what gender or nationality you are, when people recognize your talent and appreciate your craft, it will give you much more endurance to go farther and higher in what you do.
You’ve done some pretty cool exclusive interviews for your website. Which ones are your favorite and why? Are there any in the future we can look forward to?
REISS became my first brand to work with on The Style Choreo.
When the man behind the success of the global brand REISS came back to Dubai I got the chance to meet him and had the opportunity to have a exclusive interview with David Reiss, CEO.
While having a casual conversation, the most memorable line that really calmed my nerves was when he complimented me saying, “You look like a million dollars… I can literally put you in-front of our store.”
That would be the highest achievement that I have ever experienced in the couple of years I’ve been blogging.
One of Paul’s highlights with The Style Choreo to date, an interview with the David Reiss, the CEO of Reiss. You can catch the complete interview on http://thestylechoreo.blogspot.com/.
What are your future plans for yourself and The Style Choreo?
I would love for The Style Choreo to go not just internationally but global. I would also love to attend Pitti Uomo 87 and the London Men’s Collection.
With the way things are headed, Paul and The Style Choreo is already on their way.
For more information on Paul Ramos, you can check out his blog at http://thestylechoreo.blogspot.com/. You can also follow him on Twitter (https://twitter.com/itsmepaulramos), Instagram (http://instagram.com/itsmepaulramos) and Facebook.