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!

Gentlemen of the Golden Globes

Certainly you didn't think I'd miss an opportunity to talk about the boy's ;) Do you have any idea how hard it is to find pictures of the guys without their dates? Ladies get all the attention...let's appreciate the gents a little, shall we?

Best dressed goes to...

Robert Downey Jr.

The combo of gray and red was unexpected and flattering. He sass'ed it up without overdoing or losing formality.

Robert Pattinson

The navy slim cut suit with a satin peak lapel and complimentary tie are the perfect balance of classic and interesting.

Justin Bieber

Biebs dressed it up with a vest but kept it young and fresh with sneaks. (Men over the age of 20 need not apply.)

Ryan Gosling

Yes, its velvet in LA. But it's January and in my opinion, acceptable.

And my least favorite...

Johnny Depp

I might forgive the scraggly mane and leftover pirate scruff, but the atrociously scuffed shoes? Fail. We know you're cooler than the average Joe, no need to try so hard.

Who were your golden hotties??

Photos via Esquire & InStyle

Men's Guide to Fall 2010

The blogosphere is flooded with fall must-have lists for women so I thought I'd put together a little something for the guys...

Regardless of whether he cares about fashion or not, there are a few pieces a man needs to get him through the chilly temperatures. These will do the trick:

 

1. Army Jacket - vintage or 'brand-spanking-new-but-looks-old',  putting one on instantly enhances your cool factor.
Gap Utility Jacket - $98

2. Slim denim - Sure you might feel weird about it, that's why we're calling them slim instead of skinny. Clue - women are sooo over your fat jeans - something a little more tailored will actually make you look thinner! A dark rinse is super versatile.

Levi Slim Straight 514 - $79.50
If Slim is really too scary, give straight cut a try.  Just remember, carpenter jeans = no-no.

3. Flannel Shirt - beaten up is best (tip - 'washed' is the industry term - it basically means soft and cozy.)
AE Plaid Flannel Shirt - $39.50

  
4. Colorful Watch - between the greys, browns, and blacks of fall/winter a colorful watch will add some pop without being over the top. Think red, cobalt, or deep orange.
Locman Titanium Red Watch - $274
For a less expensive option just switch the band.

5. Layering Piece - whether a cardigan, vest, or structured hoodie these are essential for keeping out the wind before it's time for a real coat.  Pair with #3. (Northface jackets do not count.)
Old Navy Quilted Vest - $39.50

6. Great Boots - particulary in real leather that will last for eons. Works well with all of the above.
Steve Madden Jouste Boot - $100

7. Patterned Woven - combo's of red/navy, blue/brown, navy/green are foolproof. Roll the sleeves for added flair.
Lands' End Canvas Poplin Shirt - $39.50

  
8.  Adult Sweatshirt - Unless you're at the game pleeeease trade in that team hoodie for something a little more grown up. Comfy and good looking at the same time - score! (Oh, and these days it's called Fleece Crew.)
J.Crew Vintage Fleece Crewneck - $49.50

 9. Fancy Hat - don't underestimate the hottest male accessory right now. Hold off on the beanie until you really need it, go for one of these instead.
Goorin Bros. Downey Hat - $43

10. Man Bag - don't fight me on this. Seeing a well dressed guy carrying a 'free gift with purchase laptop case' is like eating chocolate chip cookies without milk - it's just icky. Look for a canvas body with leather details for lightweight daily use.
Fossil EW Messenger Bag - $168


Have questions? Comment below or email me!

What's a good post title...

for a photo of Stylish Italian Men?

Photo by The Sartorialist

Yes, yes, yes.

Martin + Osa Tribute

So we had our last Martin + Osa fashion show in our bedroom Monday night. (Thank you additional 50% off clearance!)  M+O stores are closing any day now and I couldn't be more sad! It might sound silly but for some reason I get emotionally attached to things like this. And since retail is near and dear to my heart I obviously grieve for the employees affected.  Here's our last batch of goodies!

Thanks for the beautiful, quality body coverings M+O, you'll be missed!

Shirt of the Month Club

Got a stylin' Dad? Hook him up with the 'Shirt of the Month' club from J.Crew. Genius.

Another shirt of the month club idea here.

This One's for the Boys

I realized today that I've been completely lacking in the male fashion/products posts category.

I was surprised by this since:
a. Men's clothing is my job
b. I like guy stuff

My only explanation for this is that:

a. Men's clothing is my job and I don't want to talk about it anymore

b. I really like girl stuff

Maybe it popped in my head because I spent the weekend with the hubby and our friend, Eric. We visited a few bars and the guys went on a mission for new Cubs shirts. (I came down with a cold/allergies/misery and pooped out of the fun.) Luckily, these guys enjoy a good product purchase every now and then so buying cool bar shirts is always on the to-do list.  Imagine my excitement when I found out about the Dive Bar Shirt Club! 

For $20 a month, your lucky guy will receive a brand new, professionally printed tee along with a little info about the featured Dive. Tee's are retired after their month is up so you're always guaranteed a fresh design. The best part is....membership is commitment free, cancel at any time (when you decide his t-shirt drawer is full) or you can prepay for 3, 6 or 9 months. Father's Day is just around the corner ladies...Surprise him -you'll be the coolest chick on the block!

I'm sure as soon as the hubby reads this we'll be signing up. If any you beat me to it I'd love to hear about your experience!

(See more sample tee's here.)