STRIPED

by David

Last week I discussed one of my favorite trends for Spring and Summer… nautical apparel. I began to break down nautical style to its bare essentials, which to recap was, “a pair of straight/slim chinos, a striped shirt/tee and some loafers or boating shoe.” (I forgot so mention khaki’s or khaki/cargo shorts as well). Although there are many ways one can sport this style, I believe there is one important aspect one cannot overlook,  and that is the “classic stripe shirt.” Usually long sleeved or 3/4 length and in black and white or navy and white, sometimes red and white.  But really, anything with stripes, preferably in black, navy, green, red, royal blue, orange, etc. Being a fan of plaids and stripes, I’m definitely hooked on getting striped once the holidays are done and the weather is warmer and I can wear my shorts again with my Sperry Top-siders and of course something “stripey”… Okay, so that’s not a word, but you get the point. This week, if you can’t already tell, is all about stripes and like I said before, this is definitely a style that we can all afford because from high-end to bargain retailers and those in-between, I’ve given you options for splurging if you want to use that tax return money to treat yourself to something nice, but let me just say, there are plenty of  bargain retailers that offer (sometimes exact replicas) a pretty good interpretation of a high-end design. And because I love this trend so much, I have one last layout to add, which I will have for you next week! It will focus on shoes and accessories! If you have any questions about any of the clothing you see, feel free to shoot me a message. Have a fantastic week everyone!

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You CAN Afford Designer Looks, Even If You Can’t Afford Designer Labels!

by David

So often as I make my rounds at various high-end retailers, I am always left wondering just how these fashion houses can charge someone their month’s rent for a fucking sweater… a light-weight sweater at that! Now, if you can afford to shop at luxury shops like Louis Vuitton or Lanvin or Gucci, etc… then you’re not who I am talking to in this week’s entry. For those of you who appreciate high-end style, but lack the disposable income to finance such a look, then pay close attention to this layout I created that will make you appear as if you just stepped off the Louis Vuitton runway.

Obviously, the quality difference is somewhat significant, but in the end, who cares what labels you’re covered in… if you look good, you look good! Below you will find some of my favorite looks from Louis Vuitton’s Spring/Summer 2011 collection that you can splurge on, but I also include my interpretations of these looks at a bargain! I know, I know… how is a $400-600 outfit a bargain? Relative to the LV price points, believe me, it’s a BARGAIN! Their sandals alone can cut $500 from your bank account! But if you don’t need the bags and accessories, that’ll significantly cut the costs. As I’ve mentioned before, you don’t need to spend a lot, to look like you’re worth a lot!

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Louis Vuitton, affordable?

by David

Wish you could afford to look like you just stepped off the Louis Vuitton runway? Well, check back soon, I’ll show you fellas how!

Androgyny is the Future

by Tin

I am not a fashionable person. Nor am I particularly style-conscious. But my brawny friend and I sometimes quibble about the limited choices when it comes to clothing for our respective gender. He believes that women have a wider variety in clothing and accessories while men are restricted to shirts and trousers. He is undoubtedly straight. But, as he puts it, once in a while he just wants to put on a dress because it is pretty and fun. Alas, he doesn’t think he should considering the scrutiny that will be brought upon him. But he does don a handsome kilt here and there.

I, on the other hand, think men are blessed with the cool gear. It is quite a strenuous task for a woman like me, who prefers a more androgynous approach in her attire, to find a jacket that is not adorned by “princess-cut” shoulders or glitters. Buy a man’s jacket then, you might suggest. No, they mostly don’t come in my size. And don’t even get me started on shoes. That’s why there are sites like FiTTiD Tomboi.

I know that this little debate of ours seems puerile. However, I believe the issue of cross-dressing and androgyny demands more dialogue not just in queer culture but culture in general, particularly when androgyny has slowly seeped its way through mainstream culture.

Meet Andrej Pejic, the most sought-after  male model in the fashion world at the moment.

Yo, What’s Up Shorty?

by David

Trussardi

How short is too short? That is the question we must ask ourselves when considering how much leg we can reveal without being considered vulgar by a conservative public. After all, warmer weather is approaching and it pertinent to start thinking about fashions that implement style with cooling comfort. I remember shopping with one of my friends who had decided to wear some short shorts that day, of course I didn’t think much of it; it was fashionable.

Orange Appeal

by  David

GANT By Micahel Bastian

Orange: a color better suited on a piece of fruit than on someone who is a fruit. However, it looks like the fashion industry has dictated that this color will be a part of what’s “IN” for Spring 2011. Admittedly so, I normally would never agree with the fashion gods with this particular trend, and yet a couple weeks ago when I was browsing the shoe racks at a Nordrstom Rack, I came across a pair of cute Sperry-esque boating shoes in blood orange and thought, “Hmm… interesting,” but I just kept walking. It wasn’t until my friend tried on that exact pair later on that I thought, “Hmm… I think I kinda like it… Oh fuck… I really like it!”

Vintage Look, Modern Style: The Plaid Shirt

by David

Left: Gant Rugger, $125. Right: Abercrombie & Fitch, $70.

The resurgence of “the plaid shirt” to menswear in the past several years has definitely become a welcomed alternative to classic white/navy/black button-up dress shirts. With appropriate styling, a plaid shirt can be worn for a special night out paired with a nice fitted leather jacket, cardigan or blazer and some slim dark jeans. For a more relaxed approach, roll up the sleeves and keep the shirt unbuttoned… OR with a basic tee and some relaxed denim blue’s, wrapped the plaid shirt around your waist as a cute accessory. No matter if you dress it up or down, the plaid shirt is a staple for any man’s wardrobe (and also lesbians, but I’m sure I’m just preaching to the choir with this post, seeing how they got the whole plaid look down ages ago!)