Prep Talk - Menswear Inspired Ensembles

Cardigan & Jeans - Forever 21  /  Top - H&M  /  Tie - Urban Outfitters  /   Belt - Borrowed from Hubby    Shoes - Guess  /  Watch - Diesel  /  Earrings - K.Amato  /  Bag - Banana Republic

One thing that never goes out of style is raiding your man's closet. (I've done it before and I'll do it again.) Having worked in menswear for much of my professional career, its a segment of the industry that's dear to my heart. A job selling suits led to visual merchandising and buying positions where I spent years subscribing to GQ rather than Lucky, discussing lapels and collar stances instead of skirts and stiletto's. Surprisingly though, throughout my exposure to the men's world, I've never actually worn a necktie so I jumped at the chance to do so as part of the latest Bloggers Do It Better challenge from Pretty Shiny Sparkly. We're focusing on the 'Prep' portion of mens inspired but here are a few tips for making menswear work in general.

• If you're intimated, start small. Borrow a watch, belt or small accessory to ease into the look. The first 'oversize' watch I purchased several years ago felt HUGE at the time but now it seems minuscule compared to other's I've upgraded with lately. You'll feel more comfortable in no time.
• Use feminine elements to offset the masculine. Wearing the look head to toe can be difficult to pull off and besides, it's fun to incorporate heels, skirts or girly jewels into the ensemble. 
• In regards to neckties, skinny/slim versions make an excellent choice for the ladies and won't appear oversize on our smaller torso's. Additionally, fabrics other than flat satin work well with our existing wardrobes - try knitted or textured versions to spice it up.
• Elements like oxfords, shrunken blazers and boyfriend cardigans make fresh, unexpected additions to sun-dresses and skirts.

Finally, since there are tons of great self tie video's (check out Kristina's!) I thought I'd demonstrate how to tie one on someone other than yourself since it's quite a different feeling (backwards and upside-down). Impress your male friends, have some fun helping hubby get dressed... if all else fails it makes a great party trick. I also included a few tie styling tips for my male readers. (I know there are a few of you, thanks guys!)

Oh, and that noise that sounds like a toilet flushing, don't be alarmed - it's only the El train passing by. It's sooo city and I love it :)




Questions? I'm here for ya!