Tuesday, January 29, 2013

Men's Fashion Basics

 
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I have a few guy friends lately that have been enlisting my help with revamping their look. Even my husband has had me help refine his look a bit. Most guys I know have had the same clothes since highschool. Their thought is, "It still fits, why get rid of it" And I say, "Highschool was 10 years ago, you're a man now." or, at least, I think it ;0)

The new style for men is a much more tailored, fitted look. Even basics are elevated when they fit well. A good fit makes everything look more expensive and helps you look more pulled together. All women appreciate a well dressed man. I'm going to share a few basic items I think every guy should own, and then, once you have the basics down, you can add to it and throw in more of your personality.

Some great places to shop for men's clothing: JCrew has classic men's style down to a T, they offer great cuts and make really great colors. They are a higher price point, but their clothes are quality and last a long time. H&M is great for more trendy pieces, good place for skinny jeans and fitted basic t-shirts. Target has some great basics, though you really have to look for fit, because some things can be very boxy and big in their cuts.

Outerwear:
  • A good fitting black or neutral blazer. It's a great way to dress up a t-shirt and jeans, and adds polish to casual ensembles.
  • A black or dark brown leather jacket. Either in a classic biker shape or like the collar less one I show in the middle outfit. Keep it fitted, you want a nice stream lined shape. As you wear it more it will age beautifully.
  • Army green jacket. Go to your local surplus store and get the real deal. Make sure it's not too baggy, and sits at your shoulders properly. This is a great light weight jacket that you can throw on as you run out the door and it gives a rugged cool look to even basic outfits.
  • A medium to dark wash jean jacket. Great item to dress down a button down and tie. Great layering piece under a blazer as well.
  • A suit vest. It gives a sleek line and hides a small tummy. It's a great way to elevate a button down and add some personality.
Shirts: 
  • A fitted v-neck t-shirt is a must for any mans wardrobe. Buy in multiple colors, but definitely black, white and grey. You want it fitted, but not tight, and the sleeves should hit around the middle of your tricep.
  •  I love a henley on a man. It should be a lightweight cotton, so you can layer. I like a long sleeve pushed up to the elbow, but you can also get short sleeve. Example: Outfits 2 and 4 from the left.
  • Button downs should be fitted. Look for Slim on the label. Every man needs a good wrinkle free white button down, a light blue like in outfit 5 (far right), and then various striped, plaid, and solid colors. A classic white is great for work and church, the light blue is great for work but also dresses down nicely. A button down is a great layering piece over t-shirts to give some color or pattern to an outfit.
  • Chambray (denim) button down shirt. Great for layering, dresses down a suit and looks cool with a tie, or paired with your chinos or do denim on denim.
Pants:
  • A dark wash fitted pair of jeans. A dark wash is more dressy and looks crisp and clean.
  • A rugged faded pair of jeans. These can be in a relaxed fit, though you don't want baggy. These are the just hanging out running errands kind of jeans. Try to avoid too much whiskering in the thigh area (the little crease fading) and too severe of fading. You want it to look like a pair  you have worn for years that just faded naturally.
  • Fitted chinos is neutral colors, black, grey, and khaki. Examples in outfits 3 and 5. This is a great pant that comes in so many colors and is where you can branch out color wise. Some good expanded colors are green, blue, red, dark red, and a rusty brown.
  • Corduroy pants in a small whale bone (the raised stripe part). You want a good fitted pair in neutrals like black and grey, but you can also expand color wise here too. Maybe a dark purple!
  • Fitted shorts. Think about how your chinos fit and imagine you just cut them to just above your knee, that is how shorts should fit. 
 Shoes:
  • Every guy should own a pair of low top Converse. Keep them clean, and they look really crisp with chinos, jeans, and fun with suits. Preferably in white or black. Though colors can add a punch to outfits. Great with shorts in the summer.
  • Vans sneakers look great and are a good dress up or down kind of shoe. Bonus points for a pair in black leather.
  • A casual boot, like a desert boot. Example in outfit 4. Usually in a brown. Adds a bit more polish than sneakers but still laid back. Look good with a rolled cuff on jeans.
  • Two pairs of dress shoes. One in black and one in brown. Think more of an oxford shape, not too pointed, with a rounded toe. Avoid chunky square shoes, they just add weight. A great wingtip looks classy.
  • Boots that can be dressed up or down, that are high enough to tuck pants into if you want a bit more of a rocker, rugged look. Example in outfit 3.
 Accessories:
  • Aviator sunglasses are a classic and look good on most face shapes. They are sexy in a gold tone. Don't go overly mirrored with them.
  • Classic Wayfarers look good on a lot of face shapes as well and have a very James Dean quality to them. 
  • Socks in fun colors and patterns add a fun pop to outfits and look A LOT better when your pants show some ankle than a pair of white athletic socks. Also get no show socks for your low top sneakers and when you wear shorts. Tall socks with shorts is not cool anymore....the 90's look has been forever retired.
  •  A good leather belt in black and brown. Keep it simple and the hardware sleek.    

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Saturday, January 26, 2013

Flower Beauty Cosmetics by Drew Barrymore

Images Courtesy of www.flowerbeauty.com



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I am a total Drew Barrymore fan, so when I saw her on the cover of Allure for their January issue I had to grab the magazine and take it home. The main feature of the article about Drew talks about her new cosmetics line, exclusively sold at Walmart, named Flower. I have to say I was intrigued and made the mental note to check it out when it came to stores. 



I FINALLY found it today at my local Walmart, it is a VERY TINY display with a limited selection of the line. The packaging is BEAUTIFUL! So elegant and expensive looking, in either black or white casing with a slight tulip shape, modern yet very old Hollywood glamour. I was sold! The colors are all very wearable and there are some great nudes, pinks, and reds. 

I picked up the Flower Lip Service Lip Butter in Wispy Wisteria. It is a very sheer bright pink. It is quite glossy and builds nicely. The feeling at first is a little waxy, but it melts to a soft smooth balm on the lips. It hydrates the lips, and feels light, not goopy or sticky. It's great for a day when you want a little color but don't want to commit to a full on lipstick. 


It photographed A LOT brighter than it looks in person. It is more of a sheer wash of color in person.

I like that the line is made in the USA and is not tested on animals. I look forward to trying out more of the line. It's definitely worth checking out. The Lip Butter was just under $7.00 so it is priced comparably to Revlon and L'Oreal.






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Saturday, January 19, 2013

TED Talks: Sherry Turkle: Connected, but alone?

Last night I was over at a friend's house and we watched a few TED talks. I found this one to be quite interesting and very needed in today's world. It deals with the lack of real world communication and truly connecting with people in a meaningful way. I personally am the kind that prefers to talk on the phone over long texting. Enjoy this video and really see how you can grow your relationships in a stronger, better way. Relationships take work, they take caring and effort, and are so worth growing into long lasting memories and experiences.

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Wednesday, January 16, 2013

Golden Globes Beauty: Jennifer Lawrence


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 Jennifer Lawrence looked beautiful, fresh and elegant at the Golden Globes (despite having the flu!) As Ross Mathews said, "If that's what the flu looks like, I'll take it!"

 

Jennifer's skin looked radiant, I loved her soft smokey eye and "just bitten" lip color. Everything was very sheer and really just accentuated Jennifer's natural beauty. Her light brown hair was pulled loosely back into a low chignon. I loved the wavy texture and braids woven in.  

 Jennifer's make-up artist, Jillian Dempsey, shared how to achieve the look using L'Oreal Paris cosmetics.

 How to recreate Jennifer’s makeup

Makeup artist Jillian Dempsey for L’Oréal Paris was inspired by the sleek, form-fitting red hot Christian Dior Haute Couture dress Jennifer wore paired with Chopard jewelry, Brian Atwood shoes and a Ferragamo clutch. Jillian explains, “I decided to play off the vibrancy of her poppy red dress with both warm and neutral hues.” 

Here’s the step by step:

• Prep skin with L’Oréal Paris Magic Lumi Primer ($12.95) to create a silky finish followed by L’Oréal Paris True Match Super-Blendable Makeup and Makeup Forever Shine On


• Dab the L’Oréal Paris Visible Lift Color Lift Blush in Berry Lift under the cheekbone and blend outwards to create a health flush and highlight on the cheeks

• To create a rich effect and build dimension on the eye, blend and contour shades of warm gold and coffee using L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Eye Shadow Quad in Army Brat 312


• Apply Chanel Automatic Liquid Eyeliner (similar liner here) in Black to create an exaggerated edge followed by multiple coats of black mascara for intense lashes with L’Oréal Paris Telescopic Shocking Extensions Mascara in Blackest Black 


• To lend a natural sheen to the lips, start with a pale pink stain like L’Oréal Paris Colour Caresse Shine Stain by Colour Riche in 183 Pink Resistance then layer a nude lipstick over it, L’Oréal Paris Colour Caresse by Colour Riche Luminous Lipcolour in 181 Sheer Linen.

- Courtesy of L'Oreal Paris

 
Dove Celebrity Stylist Mark Townsend, has been Lawrence’s go-to hair guru for years.
Townsend’s approach is all about creating natural-looking, touchable hair. Nothing too stiff or tight. Hair must also complement the dress.

"When I saw Jennifer's Dior Couture gown I immediately knew I wanted to pull her hair up to accentuate the amazing silhouette of the dress,” said Townsend.
Townsend shares his step-by-step instructions on how to score Lawrence’s look:

  • Take 3 to 4 inch sections of hair from around the hairline and loosely braid them before pulling all the hair back into a low chignon and secure with bobby pins.
- Courtesy of Dove

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Monday, January 14, 2013

Golden Globes Best and Worst Dressed In My Opinion

 Last night's Golden Globes had me laughing! Amy Poehler and Tina Fey were great hosts, though would've liked to see them a bit more. There were some great speeches and some very weird ones (Jodie Foster I'm looking at you!) The fashions as a whole were underwhelming. Very very few gowns made me excited. I hope everyone steps it up more over award season! The color choices were limited, mostly nudes/pale pinks, burgundy, and black. Lots of Old Hollywood "Lana Turner" styled hair swept over one shoulder. Pretty, soft romantic makeup. Lots of mermaid style gowns! Hottest lady for me was Naomi Watts. Hottest guy was Robert Downey Jr, he is looking so young and just love his cheekiness! His hair was awesome. I hope you enjoy my pics for Best and Worst dressed.

In no particular order...

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 Best Dressed

 Naomi Watts was perfection in her burgundy Zac Posen. She is my best dressed celeb of the night. Everything about her look had me oohhhing and aahhing. DEVINE! Look at that train! Now that is a Hollywood star!

 

Emily Blunt was regal in gold Michael Kors. The cut outs at her ribs is on trend for spring and her exquisite jewelry compliments but does not compete with her gown. Her simple hair and makeup look elegant.


 Kate Hudson showed killer curves in her black and gold Alexander McQueen. She look amazing. I just would have liked to see her hair up so we could really see the neck detail of the dress.


 Anne Hathaway looked very pretty and polished in Chanel. It was a nice sparkly white column, though a bit bland, not very amazing for someone who is up for BIG awards! Her hair and makeup looked fresh and beautiful.


Jennifer Lawrence was beautiful in her tomato red Dior Haute Couture gown, with gold belt. It fit her beautifully, though the boobs are a bit reminiscent  of the cone bra of the 50's. Her makeup was soft and her hair was all these pretty twists gathered into a low chignon.
 
 
 
 Amy Adams looked gorgeous in her ballet pink Marchesa mermaid gown. It almost matched her alabaster skin. It showed off her amazing body, and I love her jewelry. The hair is not my fave, but her makeup is soft and pretty.
  
Jessica Alba actually tends to have some great style. Though I am not a big fan of her, I am a big fan of this head to toe look. Her coral Oscar de la Renta, HUGE diamond necklace, and soft hair and makeup had me sitting up to get a good look. She at least looks like a movie star.





Megan Fox is one HOT MOMMA! She was serving sexy in her blush lace Dolce & Gabbana gown. Beautiful drop earrings, Old Hollywood hair and serious smoulder. Her hubby Brian Austin Green was quite dashing in his tux.





 Kelly Osbourne: Girl is working that lavender hair! Her hair and makeup were flawless and the Zac Posen gown showed off all the right curves. LOVE!



Honorable Mentions











Best Preggo Style


 I didn't know Kristen Bell was pregnant!! She looks GORGEOUS! And I loved her flowy romantic dress. She was just glowing and her bodice sparkled beautifully.


 Favorite Family


Michael J. Fox with wife and son. They all look so good. Her Ralph Lauren dress is an AMAZING color. I was like, "ohhhh" when I saw it. The men look great on their perfectly cut Ralph Lauren tuxes.



 Men
 The men of the Golden Globes were quite dashing for the most part. My favorites were Leonardo DiCaprio, Robert Downey Jr (He looked GOOD! so sexy!), Aaron Paul, and Brian Austin Green (who's wife let slip that the tux he wears is the same for every awards show, just new ties! lol Testament to a classic!)


 Worst Dressed








Lena Dunham, you managed to look bad in ZAC POSEN!!! You confessed on the red carpet that your dress would shift sideways and you would have to keep tugging at it to line up your bust. Your stylist is AWFUL!! That means the dress does NOT fit properly! Get a dress that fits!! Your are a "Hollywood  Darling" right now so you should have had more options! The color of the dress is bland and does nothing for you. The shoulder straps are not flattering, and your tattoo looks weird. You needed amazing jewelry with this dress. You would have elevated the look with some large emerald drop earrings or a diamond and emerald statement necklace. You need color! You are at the top of my worst list!
 
  Oh Jessica Chastain, I love you, but this ensemble is HORRID! The color is the only redeeming quality of the dress. It needs to be hemmed, makes you look like you have old lady boobs, and cuts you strangely in the back. And your HAIR! WHY?! It would've been beautiful with a side part. The weird slicked back portion hangs weirdly and look like wings! I was really looking forward to seeing you, definitely a disappointment.
 Oh Julianne Hough, this dress is just too much. The top does not go with the bottom and was just soo big!! And your faux hawk hair just didn't add to the look at all.


 Sarah Hyland, you are young, you are not Sofia Vergara, please don't dress like her. Your hair looks like bad Real Housewives of Beverly Hills....never good! Too poufy, too helmety. And OMGoodness too much boob!! Please have more fun with fashion while you can!



 Miyam Bialik, your dress was pretty, it just wasn't flattering in you. From the waist up you look beautiful, your hair and makeup were soft and pretty. From the waist down we have problems. You need a wider belt to give you more shape. Your belt was too skinny and accentuated any roundness of your belly. Your dressed was too long. I love you, and want you to look amazing because I know you can! Also your dress was sooo similar in feel to Kaley Cuoco's!! why?

Kaley Cuoco, the dress is pretty and fit you well (Miyam take note of the way a dress should be hemmed!). Where you lost points was with your hair and makeup. You look better with a side part, and the heavy makeup aged you. If you wanted vampy makeup I would have gone with a sexier more structured gown. You have a great body and I'd love to see you show it off in a more fitted corseted number. You also look great in color, I would love to see a color on you like a sunny yellow, aqua blue, or hot house pink.



Alyssa Milano I applaud you for your choice of yellow, you were one of the few that went with any real color. But your dress is awful. It looks like a cheap bridesmaid gown, fits you horribly, needed hemming, wrinkled, and makes you look pregnant! Neck up gorgeous, neck down, A MESS!


More Worst Dressed

Lucy Lui, just too much, and too big! Anjelica Huston, what happened to your face?! I'M SCARED!! Eva Longoria, the Angie leg has been done, it's 2013 now, time to work a new look. Amy Poehler, the pants fit badly. Zooey Deschanel, just boring and typical, I was severely underwhelmed. Taylor Swift, I loved the color and style of your dress, it was just so wrinkled, and the HAIR! Why do you have old lady helmet hair?! Why?!







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