Even in the dead of summer, attorney Corbett Parker manages to look cool. When the former Bellaire City Council member set a lunch date at Etoile with fashionista Ruchi Mukerjee on a recent 100 degree day, he decided to push the envelope of attorney attire, opting for a light blue slim fit Tallia suit he had just purchased at Macy's online for less than $100.
"An absolute steal," he says. "The whole outfit was a great example of not having to break the bank to look nice and unique."
"I bought one and got so many compliments that I bought five more in different sizes, shapes and colors on my next trip."
Parker accessorized the look with a Stefano Ricci shirt from Neiman Marcus, John Varvatos loafers from DSW Warehouse, a brown leather belt from Nordstrom, a vintage Rolex Datejust watch that was passed down to him from his great grandfather after whom he is named, and a bow tie made of salvaged wood from Hurricane Katrina that he purchased in New Orleans.
"A couple years ago I stumbled upon Frenchmen Art Market during yet another quick NOLA getaway," Parker explains by email. "I met the owner, Robert LeQuire, who was utilizing reclaimed wood from Katrina aftermath to hand make wooden bow ties, wood ties, and kitchenware. I bought one and got so many compliments that I bought five more in different sizes, shapes and colors on my next trip. They are unique, lightweight and always a great conversation starter."
The ties, also available through Etsy, cost $37.
Parker often pairs a bow tie with a pocket square or cuff links and a Bogosse shirt patterned on the neck and cuffs. "I can have lots of fun experimenting with color patterns while maintaining some semblance of legal professionalism," he says. "I travel a ton, and along with cuff links, I associate my bow ties with the memories from the places I bought them. From wooden, to leather, to vibrant prints, bow ties also make a great conversation starter."
Unique style
Parker says his style matches his personality — it's "unique, very colorful, multi-dimensional, and constantly outside my comfort zone!"
Parker's sense of style has been broadened by Houston friends involved in fashion, emceeing and walking in charity fashion shows, and soaking up looks from his travels around the world.
"I started developing my own style and willingness to spend more money on fashion only after I slimmed down a few years ago and felt more healthy in my clothes," he says. "While I regularly dress pretty formal, I expand my choices by being willing to wear just as many bright pastels as I do neutral colors."
Parker adds that his sense of style has been broadened by Houston friends involved in fashion, emceeing and walking in charity fashion shows, and soaking up looks from his travels around the world.
"I love Gravati shoes — no one treats me better than Cody Sever at my favorite Houston men's store, M Penner — and Lucchese boots; I have many memories of boot scooting on the Astrodome floor at Rodeo while growing up in Houston.
"Just like I regularly switch between international cuisines, I am likely to wear Dutch and Scandinavian threads (bought during my Rotary ambassadorial year in Amsterdam) one day, fashion-forward shirts and jackets by Japanese designer Sacai (that friend Wayne Nguyen has got me hooked on lately) the next, and classic Ralph Lauren the following day."
Check out CultureMap'sStyle File to see to see what some of Houston's most stylish women and men are wearing.
Corbett Parker, center, in western wear at a good-bye party for restaurateur Bill Sadler during rodeo season.
Uniqlo's grand opening celebration at Memorial City Mall on October 11. Photo courtesy of Uniqlo