Winner of the King of Prussia style contest in ’08 and one of Esquire Magazine’s 5 Best Dressed Real Men in America, Sabir M. Peele wears his passion for fashion on his sleeves, literally. The North Philadelphia native is the creator of Men’s Style Pro, an online outlet that provides male readers with not only fashion advice and tips, but also the opportunity to contact Sabir for personal consultation directly. In addition to his fashion sense consulting, this GQ Style Ambassador just recently launched the Men’s Style Pro x Dragon Inside Spring 15 suit collaboration, featuring a number of show-stopping ensembles. Check out the full collection here, and read on to learn more about Sabir’s work and inspiration!
PPRG: Have you always been interested in fashion? What originally inspired you to start your own fashion blog?
Sabir Peele: Since I was younger, I’ve always had an interest in menswear. In high school, my friends use to pay me to alter their jeans with bleach prints from boots and to sew in bandanas with designs too. Even as a young child (a la middle school circa 1997), I use to get dressed up once a week just for the hell of it – plus the girls loved it. After being featured in Esquire Magazine in 2010 as one of the “5 Best Dressed Men in America”, and after some thoughtful nudging from a friend, I started Men’s Style Pro. I started MSP because I thought there was a slight void in the market in how men were being presented with menswear in the how-to format. The goal was/is to create mostly original content (photography, styling, copy) that guys can understand, get inspired from and walk away well informed.
PPRG: How would you describe your signature style? Is there any person(s) or designer(s) who you draw inspiration from?
Sabir Peele: My signature style can be described as tailored-American sportswear with British sensibility and Italian tailoring details. Yeah, that’s a bit of a cluster of ideas, but it’s the best way to capture my style aesthetic. My favorite designers are Michael Bastian, Ralph Lauren, and Brunello Cucinelli.
PPRG: You currently offer accessories and apparel online through Men’s Style Pro. What do you look for in the pieces made available to your readers?
Sabir Peele: There’s a few things that factor in my selection process for pieces that I add to the Men’s Style Pro Shop. Ultimately, I select pieces that I know I’d wear, however; I like to introduce people to new brands. For apparel, my focus is always fit, fabric quality, and versatility. When accessories come into play, it’s about finding fun pieces that don’t stand out for being gaudy, but standout for their high quality.
PPRG: Tell us about your new collaboration with Dragon Inside!
Sabir Peele: The custom suit collaboration between Men’s Style Pro & Dragon Inside had been on the table for some time. I’ve worn and reviewed their custom suits on the site for the last few years and decided to take the next step with curating a collection. The goal was to create a collection of suits for the guy that really wants to wear suits. Understanding that suiting can be a daunting venture for most guys, I wanted to create a few heightened versions of traditional suits to show guys there some fun in menswear. From the bold blue plaid suit to the subdued French grey suit, this 4 suit custom collaboration speaks to every guy across the suiting spectrum.
PPRG: You understand that not everyone who wants to dress well has the disposable income to do so. Can you share some of your top tips and advice on how to build an impressive wardrobe with limited funds?
Sabir Peele: Dressing well isn’t limited to those who have copious amount of expendable funds. Here are some keys to dress well on a limited budget:
a. Invest in quality pieces that are versatile. If you can find a navy three piece suit on the cheap (on sale or thrifted), you have unlimited options of looks that you can put together. If you were thinking of buying that “fast fashion” piece that may be poorly made, but could just save a few up a few more dollars to get the higher quality alternative – save up the cash.
b. Understand how to mix, high & low. Everything you wear doesn’t have to be high end. I mix custom suits with t-shirt, sneakers and other low- cost items all the time.
c. Look for brand collaboration. It’s a great time to find high end designers that partner with “big-box” fashion brands to bring you their pieces at more affordable prices
PPRG: What men and women’s Spring/Summer 2015 trends are you most excited for?
Sabir Peele: The sporty casual trend for men & women is extremely hot right now. Brands like Michael Kors, Lacoste, Tommy Hilfiger and Original Penguin have presented some tailored sporty casual pieces that have elevated the trend from what could have been a sloppy iteration to a chic everyday alternative. Also, the “New Black Tie” trend is by far my favorite. Instead of reaching for your black tux or little black dress, florals, bold blues and soft greys are taking center stage. Brands like Ted Baker, Thomas Pink & Anne Fontaine are stepping up to the plate and knocking the New Black Tie trend out of the park.
PPRG: With the Kentucky Derby this weekend and Preakness Stakes fast approaching, do you have any recommendations for places to purchase derby attire in or around Philadelphia? (Aside from MSP x Dragon Inside, of course!)
Sabir Peele: If you’re looking for derby attire in Philly you’ll have to hit up Ted Baker & Thomas Pink at the King of Prussia Mall. If you right in Center City/Rittenhouse – Suitsupply, Ralph Lauren, and Century 21 will have everything you need. Remember, you’ll want to find plaids, linens, whites, and other breezy yet bold style to be in the Derby-season mood.
Thanks for the awesome tips, Sabir! Learn about menswear style and lifestyle advice by following MSP on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and more. Sabir is also one of the fashion judges for Preakness at The Piazza, one of the most fashionable events of the spring season, taking place on May 16! Learn more about the event by checking out the official Preakness Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest pages.
