For the guys Pt. 2: Keeping it casual

Dressing down can be just as difficult as dressing up. This is exactly why I decided my next post geared towards the guys should be on dressing casually. Warmer weather is on the horizon so I figured why not show you all how to play with some spring colors and fabrics that can easily be incorporated into any man's wardrobe.


Blazers:

I personally LOVE a man who knows how to include a great blazer with a casual outfit. The following options are colored just right for the Spring/Summer.

Striped blazer by Seven 4 All Mankind - $315 (http://www.nordstrom.com/)

Tan linen blazer by Faconnable - $365 (www.nordstrom.com)



Oxford blazer by Hawkings - $79 www.urbanoutfitters.com/

Pin-striped blazer by Hugo Boss - $395 http://www.nordstrom.com/

The sweater/cardigan:

While warmer weather is upon us, it never hurts to have a light sweater or cardigan such as these for those chilly nights.

Monogram cardigan from Banana Republic - $198

Cotton/silk blend sweater by Banana Republic - $148

Thermal hoodie/cardigan by BDG - $38 http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/

Striped sweater by Stock Catacombs - $29 www.urbanoutfitters.com

The Jean:

There's nothing like a man in a nice pair of fitting jeans. As much as men can appreciate the wonders that can be created by the perfect jeans, so can women! From Levi's to more premium labels such as Citizen's of Humanity its not always the price that makes the best fit for you.

Skinny Whiskered Jeans by BDG - $45

Broken Unwashed jeans from Cheap Monday - $65 www.urbanoutfitters.com

Black-washed jeans by DKNY - $69.50 http://www.macys.com/

Joey Jeans by True Religion - $172 www.bloomingdales.com

Anchor Vintage Jeans by Nautica - $55 http://www.macys.com/

Or maybe you can try something with a little color:

Neon Jeans by Kill City - $78 www.urbanoutfitters.com

JUST KIDDING!! Or am I?? :0)

For the guys: Dressing it up

Whether in jeans and a nice shirt/sweater, a blazer, or a full suit; there's nothing to me like seeing a man who's all dressed up. So often all it takes for a man to look dapper is a nice shirt and neatly pressed and well fitting slacks. I know that the general thought is that most men don't have the patience for shopping, well today is your lucky day because I am going to offer up some great suggestions/tips for dressing up for any occasion.



The suit:


The cardinal rule for the perfect suit, is a perfect fit. There's nothing I hate more than seeing a nice suit that's too snug or too loose. I lied, I absolutely HATE seeing suit pants or slacks that are too short and show a man's socks without him even sitting down. A great suit does not have to be extremely expensive, however it should still be seen as an investment; who really knows when you're wearing the same suit from a year ago if it still fits properly and has been well taken care of?

Chino cotton and linen blend suit in navy by Banana Republic (http://www.bananarepublic.com/)

Burberry Fancy Suit - $945 (http://www.nordstrom.com/)
*It's a little pricey, but I'm simply going for concept here

3 piece Monogram grey pinstripe linen suit by Banana Republic (http://www.bananarepublic.com/)

Khaki Chino 2-button cotton/linen suit by Banana Republic (http://www.bananarepublic.com/)

The Tie:

Nothing accompanies a nice suit like a well-made tie. Try a couple of these on for size:

After 5 Grey Knit tie - $18 (http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/)
Blue paisley tie - $59.50 (http://www.bananarepublic.com/)
Skinny tie by Decon - $28 (http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/)

Charvet for Couture Lab - $166 appr. (http://www.couturelab.com/)

And I have never been inside the store, but PINK by Thomas Pink has some great offerings in a wide range of colors, styles, and fabrics:

All available at http://www.thomaspink.com/
* The website also offers a how to tie a tie demonstration. Most of you all probably don't think you need this, but how many of you have dimples in your necktie like the pictures above? Thought so.

The accesories:

Some of you all may be hesistant about wearing jewelry, but nothing is wrong with adding a tie clip/bar or cuff links for a little extra flash.

Tip of the day: Don't be afraid to play with different colors and fabrications. You never know what will look good on you until you try it.

Something for the guys

If there is one thing I noticed, it's that men often seem to be ignored by fashion blogs. Unless, of course, the blog is run by a man. Men are not most retailers core shopper, I guess their girlfriends and wives are doing most of the groundwork for them, however I cannot help but feel that men's fashion/trend deserves a little time. For most women there is nothing like a well-dressed man, regardless of whether the man is gay/straight/or otherwise, a man that is put together is sure to turn heads. This week I will feature a series of posts spanning from neckware to shoes to color choices. For now, here are a couple examples of men with style:

David Beckham

Will Smith

Pharrell

Andre 3000

Tom Ford

To Be Continued...

Trend Alert

Bold accesories are all the rage for 2008. Whether handbags or jewelry are your poison:



Dries Van Noten / Christian Dior / Lanvin

the right accessories can add the necessary flare to any outfit. But anyone who knows anything about women and fashion, knows that the key to our hearts lies with shoes. This is exactly why I decided to pinpoint a bold accessory I see spreading its wings this year: architectural heels.


Whether they are comma


Seychelles



conical



Dolce & Gabanna / Jeffrey Campbell


or banana shaped


Prada

structured heels are making a name for themselves. While the above heels are somewhat tame, designers have shown that they are not afraid of stretching their imaginations and taking heel structures to another level.

Miu Miu / Ferragamo / Louis Vuitton

Some designers such as Marc Jacobs went so far as to find a way to eliminate the heel as we know it all together.

Not very practical, but creative all the same.

Since all of us are not balling out of control, here are a few well-priced styles that will showcase your knowledge of this noteworthy trend:

Jessica Simpson "Sissie" pump - On sale for $66.75 (macys.com)

Charles David "Guru" sandal - $124.95 (nordstrom.com)

Pour La Victorie - $190 (shopbop.com)

Tapeet - $475 (bit of a splurge, shopbop.com)

Happy trend hunting!

Celeb Fashion

While everyone was paying attention to the actual runway shows taking place as a part of Paris fashion week, I found myself more distracted by the stylish celebs who were attending the shows. One pair particularly caught my eye time after time; bringing me to my very first post on celeb fashion.

The celebrity hotness award goes to:

Kanye West and fiance' Alexis Phifer

Whether dressed up

Or toned down







Kanye and Alexis are always dressed to impress. It's no wonder Kanye wasn't admitted to the Balenciaga show, with all the attention he was garnering, I wouldn't want him to still my shine either.

Kanye is the king of accesorizing; never shying away from using scarves, bowties, and jackets to add that extra touch to an outfit. Alexis keeps her look a lot more simple, choosing basic pieces and often accesorizing with only a handbag and any diva's favorite... a pair of sunglasses.

For a Kanye-esque look, try these pieces:

Chevron striped scarf - $24
D Collection Sgt. Pepper jacket - $128 orig. on sale or $78
Spiewalk Barton flight jacket - $119
Squares Aviators - $18
*all available at urbanoutfitters.com


For Alexis' look, try these:

Sabina leather convertible - $245 (urbanoutfitters.com)
Cynthia Steffe colorblock dress - $265 (shopbop.com)
American Apparel black lame' leggings - $44 (americanapparel.net)
Vince leather motorcycle jacket - $775 (shopbop.com)
Christian Dior sunglasses - $275 (neimanmarcus.com)