Style Stamped has run into another great fashion inspiration, right here on the streets of Washington, DC. We are so inspired by men who take their style to the next level while keeping it classy. Our style feature does all that and more! He has the perfect balance of style, and understands the relationship between fit, patterns, and colors. He is a Fashion Connoisseur in every sense of the word and we are proud to have him share his style on Style Stamped!

Mr. Ryan Jor El

IG: FashionConnoisseur
Twitter: @RyanJorEl
Age: 31

http://instagram.com/p/h3iZVzNyXt/

Where are you from, and where do you live now?

♥ I was born in Toledo, Ohio and just moved to DC two months ago from Charlotte, North Carolina where I resided for 18 years.

♦ Cool! I’ve never been to Toledo, but I lived in the QC for a few years before moving to DC as well.

If you had 5 words to describe your style, what would they be?

♥ I consider my style to be atypical and “classic with a twist!” Also risk-taking, creative, inspiring.

♦ I would add refreshing to the list if I could! I usually don’t add words, but I know when I see you, your style adds a sense of refreshment to the atmosphere that stems from the words that you use to describe it.

What style of clothes do you feel most comfortable in?

♥ Dressier clothes are naturally comfortable because it’s very hard for me to “dress down” or be casual. Although a suit is the sexiest thing a man can wear, it doesn’t necessarily have to always be a suit, but dressed up jeans or pants for sure.

♦ I can guarantee you that not many people would say that they are more comfortable in dressier clothes, including myself! That’s awesome that a dressed up look is your comfort.

What do you feel your style says about you? How does it connect with your personality?

♥ My style says that I’m confident and willing to step out of the box even if it doesn’t make sense to anyone else. What you have on is the first thing someone notices so why not let your style/clothing speak for you. My personality pretty much comes across in my style: life of the party, bold, confident, and I have the ability to capture the attention of people around me. One could have on a brown paper bag but if they possess a certain confidence and slight arrogance, nobody can tell them they aren’t the best dressed person alive!

♦ Agreed! As Rachel Zoe said, “Style is a way to say who you are without having to speak.”

How do you come up with an outfit? What are the steps you take to put it together?

♥ I am frequently asked this question and the truth is there are a number of ways for me to come up with an outfit, but there’s always a method to my madness. Generally I’ll start with one piece that I’d like to wear and build around that. If there’s a specific tie or shoe or a specific look I’m going for then I’ll think about it and see what pieces I can pull together to complete it. Other times I get up and throw something on and many times the effortless ensembles are the most effective. Some things I can teach, some are innate and I always tell people I didn’t go to school for fashion and say this life chose me, I didn’t choose it!

♦ The last line is a certified quote! This fashion life chose me, I didn’t choose it! Can I borrow that?!

What inspires your style? What do you like most about it?

♥ I’m a HUGE Ralph Lauren fan and enjoy the classic timeless pieces that he has spawned over four decades. I do appreciate the likes of Kanye, D Wade, Common, Fonzworth, and Scott Dissick to name a few, however generally my inspiration isn’t really a person or thing it’s from within. I vow to never look like the next man and am always in competition with myself so it inspires me to try something new. I always keep the people guessing and it’s so funny because recently I posted a picture of me in some jeans and Jordan’s and social media was so flabbergasted that I owned a pair of sneakers; it made me chuckle. I like for someone to look at me, shake their head, and say “I would’ve never thought to put that together,” so I can say to them, “Good, that’s why you should hire me to do it for you!”

♦ And that is the beauty of styling. It’s an art! It’s a great thing for one to have the ability to switch up their style without any loss to their swag. 🙂

What is your favorite color?

♥ RED! It’s always been red even before I became a member of Kappa Alpha Psi, it was red. I can’t really answer why, but it’s been that way pretty much all my life.

♦ Red is my #1 color also. There is just something about it that other colors can’t touch. It’s so dominant and demanding.

What is your favorite accessory?

♥ A watch! You won’t catch me without one on my wrist and my collection consists of mostly Invicta watches and a few Kenneth Cole’s.

♦ You are certainly not the first man to come on Style Stamped to say a watch is their favorite accessory. And I still don’t own one!

What is your favorite place to shop?

♥ Here’s a shocker, I hate the mall and love the thrift store! I’ve been thrifting for over 10 years and the rush I get when I find that one of a kind piece to add to my wardrobe at a discounted price is indescribable. Value Village and Buffalo Exchange were my go to spots back home and although I’m on a bit of a shopping hiatus, I’m eager to find some spots in the DMV (District of Columbia/Maryland, Virginia).

♦ That is a shocker! Especially coming from the male perspective. I think many men and women would frequent second hand shops more if they knew how to go about it. There is an art to it, but having a connection to the experience helps also. I get a rush when I come across a “find” as well. There’s nothing like it!

What is your most favorite city to visit?

♥ Washington, DC! One of the reasons I moved here was because I would visit this place at least 3-4 times a years and adore the culture and vibe of the city. There’s happy hour, there’s brunch, and there’s a Mecca of young professionals that are doing very well for themselves and enjoying life and I’m excited to now be a part of those ranks!

♦ Well I hope you’ve been having a blast in the past few months. DC is a wonderful place for young professionals so you are in the right spot!

Tell us anything else you want us to know about you and your style!!!

♥ I believe that everything in life should evolve and my style continues to do so every season and yours should too. Never become complacent and always continue to progress and learn about not just fashion, not just style, but about life. My mantra is “Inspire to Attire,” and with all that I’m doing and accomplishing in life, I want someone that is drawn in because of my style, but even more inspired by my walk of life. It’s more than just clothes, it’s a lifestyle so don’t get caught up in the labels, find yourself appreciating the craftsmanship behind making a piece of clothing or the thought process behind putting together that special ensemble.

♦ Wonderfully stated from a certified Fashion Connoisseur.

Check out Ryan’s style below!