#HowTheyDoDapper: Carlos + Steven

by Priya Pappu | Jun 16, 2022

Carlos wears the Fleur pocket, Steven wears the Laurel pocket.

Carlos wears the Gasoline pocket, Steven wears the Vega bow.

Hi C+L fam, Priya here (I write most of our blog posts.) It's my joy to introduce you to our #HowTheyDoDapper feature today - Carlos + Steven!

I met Carlos on the dance floor at a black tie Gala for the Tennessee Performing Arts Center. So, naturally, his very dapper ensemble was part of what caught my eye; but it was really his obvious joy and zest for life that sealed the deal - I needed to be friends with him. Carlos and I danced for ~ an hour without a care in the world. Eventually I met his adoring husband, Steven, who was standing nearby, and learned more about their journey to Nashville. I will never forget how joyful and simply fun that evening felt, meeting new friends that are absolutely magnetic. I was delighted to connect and stay in touch with Carlos and learn more about his mission, touting the Summer of Carlos lifestyle - it's a motto. If you spend any time at all with Carlos and Steven, you'll instantly want in on a Summer of Carlos too.

So when Carlos mentioned they were dressing for two weddings at the start of the Summer, I thought, well I know a guy ;) From what Carlos told me initially and what you can read below in his description, the looks were already inspired, but needed that perfect finishing touch. We can't take credit for how great they look - but we're happy to play a tiny part.

Read on to meet your new friends, Carlos + Steven!

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Name, pronouns: Steven Gutierrez-Allard (He/Him), Carlos C Gutierrez-Allard (He/Him/His)

Find them looking dapper in: Nashville, TN

Tell us a little bit about the story you're writing in your Clifton+Leopold:

C: Summer started off with a bang with two back-to-back weddings! The first wedding was in Skaneateles, NY (part of the Finger Lakes area), and the second was in Monterey, CA (think 'Big Little Lies'). When it was time to determine what we would be wearing, we knew we needed some help.

The NY wedding had a "garden attire" theme where we were asked to wear fun prints and suits in lighter hues. We also knew that we would be walking through a wooded path to and from the ceremony, so creating the perfect outfit and balance was my main goal. I decided to wear a blue suit with a crisp white t-shirt. To spruce things up and to make the outfit wedding appropriate, I added a pocket square and an antique brooch that I found downtown at a local antique store in the heart of Skaneateles. The outfit was a total hit, and the floral pattern found on the Fleur pocket square was the perfect amount of flare to bring the whole ensemble together.

The wedding in CA asked for "cocktail attire with colorful floral patterns, accents, and accessories. When in doubt, opt for cool greens." I knew I wanted to wear a green tux, but I was having difficulty figuring out how to bring in the floral request knowing I would be wearing black shoes and a black cummerbund. When I saw the Gasoline pocket square, I knew it would be perfect and that the yellow accents would pop just right against the gold, green, and black. Without a doubt, I think this is my all-time favorite look to date.

Complete this sentence: I love the C + L ___________ because _________:

S: I love the C+L Vega bow because it can completely recreate almost any piece you have sitting in your closet without having to buy a whole new outfit.

C: I love the C+L pocket squares because they're just enough flair to complete the entire look.

What is currently atop your C + L wishlist?

S: Sunrise & Gasoline pocket + the Star Crossed bow

C: Honestly, every single pocket square that is listed currently. Each one is unique, but I will say my next two purchases will most likely be the Ardor and Catalyst pocket squares. They are complete opposites, so I can't choose one over the other right now.

It's a Saturday! What are you doing?

S: We are running around frantically to get to boozy brunch on time because we took too much time lounging with our coffee and Insta scrolling. We will be late, but it’ll be a moment regardless with some great friends.

C: You will definitely find me gallivanting around Nashville trying to find the most perfect Bloody. If you have any suggestions feel free to reach out!

Your ultimate dapper icon:

S: Honestly, it is the small focal pieces that are my favorite. A bow tie, pocket square or a fun pair of shoes.

C: Oscar Wilde, HANDS DOWN!

It's quitting time on any given day. What are you sipping on?

S: Gin, Hendrick’s to be specific, with a little grapefruit juice if it’s around. Or one of our favorite go-to’s is a Kentucky Mule (preferably with Buffalo Trace).

C: My go-to drink is a greyhound, but once the sun sets, you will find me with a glass of red (Pinot in the summers, Cabs in the winters).

A dance party is not complete without (song or artist):

S: Okay…don’t judge…but my number one request at a wedding or a friends dance/house party is Anne Lennox ‘Walking on Broken Glass’. There, I said it. You know you love it too.

C: Bad Girls, Donna Summer (It's the "beep beep" that gets me every time).

Tell us, what makes you feel dapper?

S: Going outside my comfort zone. Doing something bold. A green suit, some red-bottomed shoes. And of course, accented by a C+L piece to complete the look.

C: A tailored coat

Where can we find you on the internet?

S: On the 'gram @steven_gutz_a usually posting follow-along stories for my more fun to follow better half

C: @summerofcarlos on Instagram

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Thank you, Carlos + Steven! We are so glad to have met you and so honored that some C+L pieces were able to accompany you on your adventures this Summer, especially since you are very likely the life of any party.

Also, these loooooks! We will be copying the genius, no-fuss but still swanky pocket with a t-shirt immediately, and also need to get our hands on a green tux. Thank you for the inspiration and sharing your magic with us!