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“I guess with fashion, like with life, I always advocate to be true to yourself … within reason.” – Matthew Simko

Those who think Boston lacks any real style clearly haven’t met local style maven Matthew Simko. The contributing editor at Chubstr and owner of the always-entertaining Twitter handle @SoTacky33, Simko is a key influencer and authority in the Hub’s fashion sphere. In addition to writing for Chubstr, one of Refinery29.com’s 5 plus-size bloggers to follow, Simko also led this month’s popular Brite Space Boston pop-up series, “Fewer Clothes, More Accessories: A Style Workshop for Men.”

Here, Simko gives BostInno a glimpse into his oh-so-stylish life – as well as some much-needed fashion and life advice.

Marian White: How do you spend most mornings?

Matthew Simko: I find that waking up earlier rather than later makes my days more productive. I’m usually up around 7am and always start the day by watching Good Morning America. I suck at making lists, so I’ll retrace my steps from the day before to remember everything I did and everything that I still need to accomplish. It’s literally a never ending list. Plus coffee. Every morning needs coffee.

What are the top priorities on your to-do list right now?

It changes daily. After my BriteSpace Men’s Accessories event two weeks ago, I have a ton of leads and partnerships to follow up on. Each day, it’s reaching back out to companies to see how we can work together and what makes sense for them, me as a writer/brand/style expert, and how it all ties into my work at Chubstr. Basically I need to make sure everything I talk about on social media, and at events, is backed up with an article I’ve written or that I’m about to write.

What is the best part and the worst part about your day?

Good, bad or otherwise, we all have a day we need to get through. I try to find the “best” parts in the little things like the perfect nut to chocolate chip ratio in my trail mix or my Uber actually coming to the right address to pick me up. Positivity is a state of mind.

Can you tell our readers what you love most about working and writing for Chubstr?

Writing for Chubstr came as a result of a “cold call” and was a total fluke. Two years later I’m writing and working directly with the editor-in-chief on new projects to help extend the brand and our mission. I really believe we’re providing an incredible resource for big guys in a comfortable and safe environment. There’s zero judgement and a 100 percent “come as you are” mentality. Plus I get to write about whatever I want. Just last week I wrote about beef. Literally just beef: how to cook it, and where to get it. That’s like every guy’s dream.

How do you select your outfit for the day?

I’m a fan of the K.I.S.S. rule: Keep it Simple Stupid. When in doubt, stick with what you know. When meeting people for the first time, I always stick to my personal style. I’m most comfortable in jeans, a button down and boat shoes or loafers. There’s a million different variations of that look which can be tweaked to fit the situation or environment. I’m also a huge fan of layers. Not only are they flattering to any body shape, but they’re perfect in transitional seasons like we’re in now.

If you could impart one piece of fashion and/or life advice to our readers, what would it be?

I guess with fashion, like with life, I always advocate to be true to yourself … within reason. You should do what feels right and wear what makes you feel good, as long as neither are offensive to other people. As for straight fashion advice: don’t get stuck in a rut, do incorporate trends in small doses, don’t be a walking cliche and always make sure to wear clean underwear … that’s life advice from my dad and grandmother, and honestly, it’s helped me out a few times.

What would you do if you were suddenly granted a day off from work tomorrow?

I’d pack up the car and go to the beach. I come from a family of sun worshipers and spent summers on Cape Cod as a kid. The beach is my ultimate relaxation spot and my eternal happy place. It always seems to ground me and act as a reset button … until I get in the car and sit in bumper to bumper traffic back into the city!

If you weren’t answering my questions, what would you be doing instead?

While I’ve been answering these questions, I’ve also written emails, G-chatted my editor, taken a couple phone calls, bought a Gilt City deal for Terramia, texted a friend to figure out our plans for tomorrow night, sipped a coffee, tweeted, and ordered lunch.