Finally it seems that spring is just around the corner!  After a winter that seemed to last forever, the warm weather will definitely be welcomed and we can start to put away the winter coats and sweaters.  And as the temperatures start to rise, some of us guys probably need to find a way to update our spring wardrobes.  The trends that seem to be happening across the board are classic American styles and fabrics, with some updates in colors and accessories.  Many of the looks in magazines and on runways reminds us of going to the beach or sailing on the high seas.  The following are some of our picks for things we must have this year.

Oxford Shirts

Nothing screams “classic” like a cotton, button-down collar oxford shirt.  The one pictured above is available from American Apparel, who makes all of their clothing here in the USA.  It is made from a medium-weight cotton and perfect for spring and summer.  It is available in several colors, and looks great buttoned like in the picture or simply worn open over a tank or tee.  Available online at www.americanapparel.com for $52.

Organic Cotton T-shirts

This t-shirt, from Alternative Apparel’s Alternative Earth line, is a great lightweight shirt for warmer weather.  Alternative Apparel strives to make fashionable and comfortable clothing while also being good to the environment.  In 2007, the Alternative Earth line was launched.  The line uses organic cotton, recycled materials such as polyester, and rayon that is made from plant cellulose.  The company prides itself on the use of natural washing and finishing methods as well as the use of low impact dyes.  The manufacturing facilities strive to conserve energy in their factories and frequently test to ensure there are no toxins being released into the environment.

Plaid Shorts

Plaid shorts can add a bit of flair to a summer ensemble.  The pair above is from Tommy Hilfiger and is available at www.macys.com for only $65.  There are many brands out there this year offering a multitude of colors so it’s almost impossible to leave the mall empty-handed.  There are also brands available in all price ranges, so it’s easy to find a great pair within any budget.

Summer Tanks

Lightweight tanks are great to layer under a buttondown or wear by itself to the beach or a warm day at the park.  The tank pictured above is a cotton/polyester blend with a gingham pocket by Kazbah.  You can see some of the other colors offered at www.karmaloop.com, and all are around $32.

Plastic Aviators

Aviator sunglasses have been an American favorite ever since General Douglas MacArthur was photographed wearing them on the beaches of the Philippines during World War II.  The original design was created by Ray-Ban but the general shape has been copied by many different designers.  The pair pictured above are by Carrera, a company now out of Italy.  The style is called the Endurance and is available in several colors for around $120 at Solstice Sunglass Boutiques and online at stores like www.framesdirect.com.

Colorful Ties

Sometimes it can be overwhelming when you’re trying to shop for a great tie that looks good without spending a fortune.  That dilemma can be settled by shopping at www.thetiebar.com.  The store was started by two  attorneys who were sick of having to spend a lot of money on fashionable ties.  The tie pictured above is one example that is available on the site, and you can browse by regular width ties, skinny ties, and extra long ties.  And the best part?  All of their ties are only $15!  Try to contain yourself.

Boat Shoes

One of the oldest casual shoe styles around is the boat shoe, and they come in almost every color imaginable.  Why not buy a pair that helps out a good cause as well?  The ones shown above are by Tom’s Shoes and the company prides itself on donating a pair of Tom’s to a child in need for every pair that is purchased.  There are many different colors available and the shoes are extremely comfortable.  The pair above costs $68 at www.toms.com.

Colorful Watches

Jazz up your ensemble with a cool watch, whether it be metal(we’re all about some gold right now) or plastic like is pictured above.  This particular watch is called The Time Teller by Nixon.  At www.nixonnow.com you can browse tons of watches in many colors.  The Time Teller goes for $60.

Straw Fedoras

A good way to top off any summer wardrobe is a great straw hat.  These fedoras are a great example.  The lightweight material lets you add a debonair flair like you would with a regular wool fedora but without the thick material that’s not practical for this time of year.  The hat on the right is great for dressier events or nighttime.  It is by Penguin and goes for $48.  The hat on the left is great for the beach and any other casual spring or summer event.  This one is a steal for only $7.95 at H&M.

Wayfarers

Ray-Ban has been making the Wayfarer style sunglasses since 1952 when Raymond Stegeman designed them for Bausch and Lomb, the parent company of Ray-Ban.  The style was popular for decades but really started to decline in popularity at the end of the 20th century.  It was in the early 2000s when celebrities were seen wearing the style again and vintage frames were selling for outlandish prices.  Ray-Ban saw the opportunity to redesign the Wayfarer to look more like the original ones.  Ray-Bans website offers many different colors, and I’m really a fan of these black ones with the blue accents.  This particular pair costs $145 and I can’t wait to get mine!  A great pair of vintage style sunglasses is a great way to finish off your warm weather ensembles.

What else are you excited about getting for the new season?  Let us know below!

Source:  www.wikipedia.com

www.toms.com

www.thetiebar.com

www.alternativeapparel.com

Image source:  http://www.gq.com/images/style/2010/01/stylish-essentials/sunglasses-carrera.jpg

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http://images.toms.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/450×320/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/f/i/file_110.jpg

macys.com, alternativeapparel.com

Are you a trendsetter who calls the shots? If you’re a Fashionista that keeps your finger on the pulse of the industry you need to check out the new Trendstop app Trendtracker. The London forecasting firm Trendstop now offers a free mobile app that delivers high-end fashion predictions to anyone. Traditionally, expert industry forecasts have only been available to paying professionals but now it’s at the touch of your fingers tips.  Tips at your tips! Trendtracker covers the latest runway looks, fashion news, trend ideas and inspirations direct to your iPhone, Blackberry, Android, and other smart phone devices.  The app offers schedules and event guides to the latest shows around the world. Hopefully Carrie will be all over this one in the Sex & the City sequel. But who am I kidding? Carrie is more of a techno-tard this might be more Miranda’s or Samantha’s speed.

As we dive head first into this digital information and up-to-the-minute age the lines between novice and professionals become more and more blurred. Consumers today want to make their own choices as to what’s hot for fall. We don’t have to rely on the glossies to tell us what we like; we can choose for ourselves. What would really set this app off is if we could comment on the styles and trends we like and rag the trash. Ha. What would really be better is if it included a GPS tracker for the Fashion House Sample Sales! But seriously, this app is like none other. You get beautiful photos of your favorite designer’s collections form the end of the runway, and it’s all nicely categorized. Loves it! Check out the Trendtracker from Trendstop and let us know what you think….

Source:

http://www.trendstop.com/mobile_app?PHPSESSID=80c2b63beeded43a4d8280b6bc7751c8&locale=en

On this day in design we would like to salute Charles Frederick Worth. Couture is defined as  exclusive, custom made high end clothing.  Many think of couture coming from today’s high end designers such as Dior, Marchesa, and Jean Paul Gaultier but where did this iconic fashion start?

The man behind this fashion statement is Charles Frederick Worth.  He is considered the father of Haute Couture.  Worth was born in England in 1825 and started his career in drapery shops.  He eventually moved to Paris in 1846 where he and a Swedish partner Bobergh created a dress making company. Worth and his dress making company soon became quite notable with patrons like the French Empress Eugenie.

Worth eventually became a one man show with the House of Worth.  He is credited for redefining the female fashion shape.  He did this by removing the “ruffles and frills” and used rich fabrics and pleasing shapes.  This allowed him to create luxurious items with amazing fit.  One practice that he started and was credited for as well was creating what he wanted and envisioned rather than being dictated by the consumer.  He would create a design and have it modeled for his patrons where they would then chose their favorite look and have it tailored to them.

Worth died in March of 1895 and was surpassed by his two sons who continued the House of Worth well after. So we tip our hats to Charles Fedreck Worth as the Father of Haute Couture and for transforming dress makers into designers with vision and point of view. Let us konw what you think about Worth’s designs and how they hold up to todays couture creations by commenting below…

Image Source

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Sandra Bullock, who took home the Oscar for Best Actress in a Leading Role for her performance in The Blind Side, dressed to impress in this Marchesa creation.  Marchesa has been dedicated to making gorgeous evening gowns with delicate details and modern designs and fabrics since the brand’s creation in 2004.  On their website, Marchesa states that they provide “elegant eveningwear, inspired by vintage and Asian influences.”

Jennifer Lopez dazzled in this gown by Armani Prive.  Widely known for her diva attitude and eye for fashion, Miss J. Lo continued to prove her fashion sense to the world.  The dress itself is simply stunning, and it seems Armani is becoming more and more modern and futuristic in their design choices, especially after also dressing Lady Gaga at this year’s Grammy Awards.  Giorgio Armani states that his latest collection for Armani Prive was inspired by the moon.  He states “I always need a hook to get into a collection, and that was it—thinking about something romantic and dreamy, far away from our everyday life.  Something less harsh.”

And here we have the lovely Vera Farmiga in another dress by Marchesa.  Farmiga was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role after her performance in Up in the Air. She did not win the award, but her choice of this gown definitely made our best-dressed list.

Our best-dressed list would not be complete without including a couple of the guys who rocked the red carpet.  Pictured above is Tom Ford wearing one of his own creations, a shawl-collared tuxedo.  Mostly known for his work designing for Gucci and now with his own line, Ford also directed his first feature film last year.  His film is entitled A Single Man with Colin Firth starring and also being nominated for the Best Actor award.  On his own personal style, Ford says, “At home, off-duty, I wear T-shirts from Fruit of the Loom – but I have them tailored.”

Ryan Reynolds was easily one of the best-dressed guys of the evening.  The 33 year-old actor looked great in his fitted, vintage style Tom Ford tuxedo.  Reynolds presented at this year’s Academy Awards, and he is currently filming The Green Lantern.

Let us know what you think…Comment below!!

Source:  eonline.com

marchesa.com

http://www.style.com/fashionshows/review/S2010CTR-APRIVE

oscar.go.com

http://en.wikipedia.org/

http://justjared.buzznet.com/2010/03/07/ryan-reynolds-oscars-2010-red-carpet/

http://www.enjoy-your-style.com/tom-ford-quotes.html

Image source:

http://img0.cbimg.cdn.celebuzz.com/cb/assets/users16/celebuzz/default/gallery-msg-126800839155-3.jpg

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Sears.com launched a newly created Ultimate Prom Experience website. The site includes everything from personality quizzes helping shoppers choose the perfect dress style to the Ultimate Prom Sweepstakes. Sears.com’s Ultimate Prom Experience is a complete online prom shopping and trend guide destination to help create the “ultimate prom experience”. It reminds me of the opening sequence of Clueless where Cher is choosing her outfit like paper dolls. Loves it! Check out the Sears Ultimate Prom Experience site, it helps prom goers with the following features:

• Dress Styles – Sears has a vast selection of popular dress styles, including Dramatic Diva, Flirty Girl, Boho Beauty, Dreamy Romantic, Glam Goddess and Party  Star.
• Find Out Your Prom Personality quiz – To help shoppers choose that special prom dress. Sears offers a fun quiz that matches your personality with one of the popular dress styles. Readers can post and share results on Facebook or tweet about the results with their followers.
• Hair and Makeup Tips – At the click of a button to help readers find exactly what they need to create a once-in-a-lifetime picture-perfect prom night. You can use the hair and makeup tab for suggestions on how to wear the perfect look to match your dress.
• Top 10 Prom Trends – For ladies who need a little extra help. Sears has the top 10 trends of  2010 to be on the lookout for this spring.

Additionally, Sears is offering one lucky teen and four of her friends the chance to win a complete prom package in the Ultimate Prom Sweepstakes. Details will be available on the Ultimate Prom Experience page starting on March 2 through March 31. So if you need a little extra help try the Sears site to put together your prom perfect look. Find out more by visiting www.sears.com/prom to speak with a Sears representative. Let us know what you think about the interactive site below…. 

Source: 

www.sears.com/prom

As you may have heard, the Kardashian Klan’s Kim, Kourtney, and Khloe have launched a clothing line with Bebe.  The Kardashian for Bebe line was introduced at the 2010 New York Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week. However the line has been under fire for being “knock-offs” of other designers work.  You be the judge for yourself. Kim in their defense mentions on her blog that almost every piece of clothing in mall stores is actually inspired by runway fashions yet, are meant to be affordable for everyday people.  Nevertheless, it seems to me that the Kardashian Klan just wants to design clothing that looks like the frocks they’ve worn before.  Browsing through the different looks on Bebe’s website gave me flashbacks to episodes of Keeping Up with the Kardashians and/or pictures of them at red carpet events.  One of the pieces in question of being a “knock-off” is a grey knit hooded dress with a leather-looking corset on the upper portion of the dress.

[ Fendi Design - left and Kardashian Design - right ]

Fashion critics are saying that the dress is far too similar to a Fendi dress from the fall 2009 collection.  The question that also comes to mind is why are the Kardashians trying to jump on the celebrity bandwagon of wannabe designers? I know that our celebrity culture allows celebs to just tag their name/”brand” onto products and call them their own, but honestly are these girls actual designers that sketch, cut and sew? Kim, Kourtney, and Khloe already have their own weight loss aid with GNC and their clothing store D-A-S-H boutiques in Miami and Calabasas.  Kim also has a new fragrance being sold at Sephora and recently filmed a commercial for Carl’s Jr (maybe that’s where she got her famous buns), multiple magazine photo shoots, and who knows what else the Kardashian bootylicious babes have up their sleeves.  I guess the family is following the Ryan Seacrest model and are trying to see how many jobs they can hold at one time, especially since he is a producer behind their hit television show. Stay tuned to see how the Kardashian legal woes unfold. Let us know what you think, are you a friend or foe of the Kardashian line sold at Bebe? Knock off or NOT? Comment below…

Source:  www.kimkardashian.celebuzz.com/

www.bebe.com

Image source:  http://www.style.com/slideshows/fashionshows/F2009RTW/FENDI/RUNWAY/00220m.jpg

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February 11, 2010, is a sad day for many in the fashion and design world.  For this is the day that the legendary and critically-acclaimed fashion designer Alexander McQueen was found dead in his home,  after allegedly taking his own life.  Fashion designers and  fashionphiles around the world are mourning the loss of one of the most creative and innovative designers of his generation.   His creations were critically acclaimed and could even be called masterpieces, while those not in-tune to fashion may have asked how in the world people could wear such things.  One example of that would be his “armadillo” heels, a 10-inch tall stiletto.

While his designs were loved by many fashion critics, he had yet to receive the greatest commercial success.  McQueen’s name has become more well-known over the last few years, nevertheless he traveled  a long road to get to where he was at the time of his untimely death.

Lee Alexander McQueen was born in London in 1969 to a taxi driver father and social science teacher mother as the youngest of six children.  Alexander started at a young age to design and make dresses for his sisters sparking a desire to become a fashion designer.  As a teen, he became an apprentice to Savile Row tailors, Anderson and Sheppard, and later worked with theatrical costumiers.  After a short time in Milan, Italy, McQueen returned to London and attended Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design where he received a Masters degree in Fashion Design.  It was around this time that he met a well-known British fashion stylist, Isabella Blow, and she persuaded McQueen to change his first name from Lee to Alexander for the launch of his own fashion line.

After finishing design school, McQueen was initiated as head designer for Givenchy in 1996, following John Galliano.  Many were shocked that McQueen had been chosen, and his designs seemed to be a little too rebellious and controversial for Givenchy.  His contract with the company lasted until 2001, and McQueen left to pursue his own line since he felt that Givenchy was “constraining his creativity.”  It was after he launched his own line that cemented his reputation for shocking and controversial runway shows.  He changed the way many came to view the runway by combining fashion and technology into his shows.  In 2006, for example, his show entitled “Widows of Culloden” featured a life-sized hologram of British supermodel Kate Moss draped in flowing fabric.

Alexander McQueen accomplished many honors in his time as a designer, such as being the youngest to be awarded “British Designer of the Year” four times between the years of 1996 and 2003.  The Council of Fashion Designer Awards also named him International Designer of the Year.  In late 2000, Gucci Group became partners with McQueen and aimed to open stores in the fashion capitals of the world with McQueen on board as Creative Director.  McQueen was also the first designer to team up with MAC cosmetics to launch a limited edition line of makeup with the brand.  McQueen was a favorite among many celebrities on the red carpet and at Hollywood parties, dressing everyone from Rihanna to Sarah Jessica Parker.  More recently, many younger music fans have seen more Alexander McQueen than they may be aware.  Lady Gaga has featured many of his creations in her music videos, especially in the video for “Bad Romance.”  The sometimes controversial pop star wore dresses and shoes designed by Alexander McQueen, most noticeably the armadillo heels and the dragon stilettos, pictured below.

Lady Gaga’s red lace ensemble she wore to the MTV Video Music Awards was also an older piece by Alexander McQueen, except for the red crown which the Haus of Gaga added themselves.  He also recently dressed many actresses for the 2009 Screen Actors Guild Awards and the Golden Globes.  One of the stars who wore his creations included Sandra Bullock, pictured below, as well as Drew Barrymore and Kate Bosworth.

On the day he was found dead in his home, McQueen was set to show his new line entitled McQ at New York fashion week.  The show was cancelled after the news of his death broke, and even his website is shut down for the time being.  The designer had apparently been going through a hard time as of late;  his mother just passed away a little over a week ago and McQueen had posted on his Twitter account that he was having a rough time getting through it.  He had also lost his good friend, Isabella Blow, who was mentioned earlier in this article.  In 2007, she took her own life after being called irrelevant to the design world.  We may never know what McQueen was going through in his personal life, but his death is sure to sadden many and we have truly lost one of the best designers who was just starting to become noticed in most of the world.

We have truly lost one of the great creative minds of our generation. Let us know what you think or express your condolences by commenting below…

Contribution: Joey Williams

Source: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/02/11/alexander-mcqueen-dead-fa_n_458250.html

Given that we are on the heels of Mercedes-Benz 2010 fashion week (pun intended), we anxiously await the unveiling of our favorite designer’s collections to see what’s in store. Oftentimes, we stare up at these human hangers as they present the most beautiful garments and think, she must be starving out to look that good. These negative thoughts probably provide some sort of comfort to think that what we’re seeing on the runway and in magazine is unattainable or unhealthy. However Jennifer Cassetty, Wilhelmina model and fitness trainer, begs to differ and asks the question…Are you runway ready?

Jennifer Cassetty is the epitome of fitness and behavioral change. With over 12 years experience in the health, fitness, and wellness arena working with celebrities, athletes, as well as other models, she has rapidly become a mentor helping model -hopefuls  and the like realize their dream without risking their health. Currently mags digitally enhance photos to add curves to give these stick figures a more healthy appearance. Cassetty affirms that the next generation of models must not only look healthy, but BE healthy and fit to be competitive and reach top model status. Jennifer offers an alternative to this unhealthy trend with her Model Fitness Regime including reverse lunges, plank alternating rows, and jackknife abs. The workout helps increase core strength and strengthens the hip and knee stability so that you can effortlessly stomp the runway in your stilettos. Looking your best under those gorgeous garments starts with an awareness of a healthy lifestyle, a balanced nutritious diet, and of course exercise. Check out this video where Cassetty discusses the dangers of the modeling world from a fitness perspective. She knows how cut throat the industry can be and how to be thin and body ready without killing yourself.

[See post to watch QuickTime movie]

Video caption: Jennifer Cassetty, fitness trainer and Wilhelmina fitness model, discusses the dangers of the modeling world from a health perspective and shares easy ways to keep runway ready.

Regardless of your model aspirations it is important to be positive, fit and healthy at any size. So next time you cast your gaze at the runways or flip through the glossies ask yourself…Are you runway ready? Let us know what you think by commenting below:

Source: www.jencassetty.com

Video:  Linh Tran and Kim Thai

It is no secret that in our metro-sexual age men are becoming more body conscious. Do you avoid wearing clingy fabrics that hug your body as to not bring attention to that spare tire, love handles, or keg (sans six pack) as I like to call it? Well look no further, the Atlanta based underwear guru Sara Blakely from Spanx offers a body shaping undergarment for men. The line of cotton-compression undershirts will “comfortably firm the chest, flatten the stomach, improve posture and eliminate bulk under clothes,” the company says. The Spanx body shapers we jokingly call Manx are on the way if you have a little in the middle that you want to hide. To that end be not afraid, women have been hiding under their clothes for years.

“The men in my life (and in Hollywood) have been asking me to make Spanx for men for years, so I was inspired to create comfortable and powerful undershirts that provide instant gratification without gimmicks. It’s your favorite t-shirt without your least favorite part… love handles.” The Spanx undershirts come in three styles — tank ($55), crew-neck ($58) and V-neck ($58) in both black or white. The garments and are currently available for pre-order on Spanx.com, before launching at Neiman Marcus on Mar. 15. So if you want to conceal your moobs (man boobs) the Spanx for men might be just what you’re looking for. Check them out and let us know what you think below!

Source: http://www.spanx.com/category/index.jsp?categoryId=4017325

Has anyone else started to feel or notice a slight change in our collective consciousness? With the meteoric rise and popularity of artist such as Lady Gaga, there seems to be more acceptance and praise for individuality.  Gaga appears to be more than just another artist trying to make a name for herself using the Speidi Pratt method of shock value and publicity stunts.  Gaga is provocative but definitely has a distinct point of view and it’s fascinating to try and draw the parallels to her inspiration.  The shift and increased popularity of individual creativity has caused other artist to step up their game to reach deep into their creative mind and express their personal style.  Now it’s our turn…and what better way to express ones personal style than with the perfect mix of accessories?  The right sunglasses can sometimes be enough to make the statement you are feeling at the moment and other times it takes the sunglasses, the necklace, the ring, and maybe even the motorcycle gloves to enhance your look. Whatever accessories you find appropriate are a quick and easy way to express your creative and individual points of view.  Remember the great Coco Chanel said, “In order to be irreplaceable one must always be different.”

We live in a world obsessed with celebrity culture and are looking to be noticed, and to borrow the words of the Navi people in Avatar, “I see you.” Since we all seek understanding why not show who you are in your personal style.  Peacocking is a common practice in the animal kingdom so let’s draw a cue from nature and express yourself.  Below are some accessories that you can add to your wardrobe to take your personal style to the next creative level of self expression.

Killer Eyewear

Check out the Barracuda sunglasses that resemble ones worn by Rihanna in the Run This Town video or perhaps the Sabotage eyewear donned in an Italian vogue editorial.  This killer eyewear is from the A-Morir collection by Kerin Rose. Kerin Rose’s use of rhinestones, spikes, chains, lace, studs or even pearls reflects her love of a theatrical glam look. A-Morir has been worn by many celebs including Katie Perry, Mariah Carey, Beyoncé, and many more. Each item is handmade and will continue to have necks snapping as you traverse the crowd.

Anything Patricia Fields

If you want to give your personal style a harder edge, check out the Jennifer Goldmine Half Gloves made by Patricia Fields.  The decorative cone-studs and chain blings out the soft leather half-gloves giving the wearer an undeniably edgy look. Patricia Fields is most commonly known for her costume work on Sex & the City.  If a properly placed pendant is more your speed Fields also makes a  9” Flower Pin of gradating hues of silver and black that was featured in People Magazine . If you are looking for a more traditional accessories try the Union Jack Shoulder Bag. The bag is made of quilted leather and zips across the top with a chanel-style strap. A Patricia Fields accessory will help take your look to the next level.

Masculine Motifs

Women’s fashion has always been more forward than men’s outfitting; nevertheless with the shift toward creative individuality there are more options for men to express their points of view via accessory.  Hunters & Gatherers sells a unique take on classic suspenders with their Skin Graft Suspender Bag. The two small asymmetrical leather pouches hang on both sides with adjustable elastic bands at back, and elastic suspender clasps on the front. If one is looking for something less gun holster inspired maybe the Hensley Wallet or GG Striped Laces will more subtly make the right statement. Multi-purpose pieces allow you to take an accessory and wear it many different ways. Metropark’s Red & Gold Tie Me Up is a braided cotton studded cord accented with mini charms. The item can be worn as necklace, wrap bracelet, or as a head wrap. So no matter what way you choose to express your individuality in your personal style it is important to be your most authentic self.

Share you thoughts on enhancing your personal style with accessories below…

Contributor: Joey Williams