pink rickshaw

the well dressed man

And as long as I've got my suit and tie
I'mma leave it on the floor tonight
And you got fixed up to the nines
Let me show you a few things
-Suit and Tie, Justin Timberlake

 

I do not keep up with men's fashion as much as I should but I was intrigued to read this article in the New York Times  blog last month about the rise of the well dressed man. "Designer fashion is no longer just for gay men and Europeans. Welcome to the age of sartorial enlightenment, in which the average male has shed schlumpiness for style," writes Guy Trebay. He goes on to say, "Thus the frumpy Dockers and the men’s version of mom jeans and the oversize shirts billowing like jibs have been bagged up and shipped to Goodwill. Even dot-com geeks have slowly begun moving away from the hoodies and sneakers, knit-hat-and-sweatshirt Smurf look. In Silicon Valley these days, the stealth signifier of status is that throwback to the glory days of haberdashery: brightly patterned socks."

I have to say I agree.  Observing friends and even a few minutes of people watching around the city and you'll see your average dude has embraced designer duds and a reasonable fit for his clothes. Hopefully gone are the days where being a manly man meant not caring about your garments. Here are a few chic (but classic) picks to add to any well dressed lad's closet.

Go custom
Most men are quickly learning how key design and fit are to looking debonair. That probably contributes to the popularity of men's online custom clothing stores. Some of the best sites are Blank Label, Proper Cloth and Indochino (Indochino's checkered shirt is pictured above). Most of the sites have shirts in the $100-$200 range and the process is fairly easy (usually there are simple instructions on how to take your measurement or you have the option to  just use your known dress shirt size) with numerous combinations for fabric, collar and cuff style and fit.

Murse
Step one in achieving well dressed status is ditching that company issued laptop bag. Replace it instead with something classic (and not too flashy) like this J.Crew Billykirk Schoolboy Satchel.

trend: high-low skirts

A simple time, that's what I miss
Your mini-skirt an' your sweet kiss
Things are changin' man, and that's a fact
I want my mullet back."-Billy Ray Cyrus 

This trend seems to have more names than there are actual skirts available for purchase: the fishtail skirt, the high-low skirt, the waterfall skirt, the asymmetrical skirt, the diagonal skirt, the fake maxi skirt and everyone's favorite nickname: the mullet skirt. Seriously, any trend that has the word mullet in it, is worth discussion. So, get all your "party in the front, business in the back" jokes in while this skirt is on-trend this Spring. If you can get over the Billy Ray Cyrus images (pre-Hannah Montana..sadly there is whole generation that has no clue Hannah's Dad used to have terrible hair), the trend is actually very figure flattering and is both flirty, elegant and as seen on Ri Ri (left) can be edgy. Also, ladies if you are vertically challenged and have never been able to wear maxi skirts , this may be your alternative. Paired with a basic top and strappy heels or sandals, and you are pretty much set for a no-fuss look. However, in an attempt to be fair and balanced, I must report that the mullet skirt debate is a hot one with passionate arguments for and against the trend. Some are calling it far from fashion and more of a (gasp!) fashion massacre. 

The good news is there are plenty of  budget friendly options if you want to just dip your toe in the mullet hemline pool. (Also, if you are just not feeling the skirts, the asymmetrical hem is also popular with tanks as seen here)

 

(Pictured clockwise)
1. Free People Zen Garden skirt
2. Forever 21 Essential Dotted High-Low Skirt (tons of other options available at F21)
3. Urban Outfitters Staring at Stars Double Layer Chiffon High/Low Skirt
4. ASOS Chiffon Skirt with High Low Hem

More inspiration:
Fabsugar: High Low Skirt Street Style
DIY Fishtail Skirt from A Pair and a Spare
Lovelyish: Mullet Skirts: Cringeworthy?

image sources: Atlantic-Pacific, Jason Wu SS2012-style.com, top and bottom right images via Pinterest, Rihanna-Splash image, bloomingdales.com, forever21.com, urbanoutfitters.com, asos.com

-SD

trend: peplum

"Fashion is architecture: it is a matter of proportions."-Coco Chanel

peplum (noun): a short flared, gathered or pleated strip of fabric attached at the waist of a woman's jacket, dress or blouse.

The following conversation is fictional and did not take place (just in case there was the slightest chance you thought PR scored an interview with Kate M) .But if it did happen, we imagine it would go something like this:
PR: Oh, Duchess of Cambridge, you are looking oh so classy, yet, so on trend. What is that lovely extra layer of flouncy fabric around your hips?
Kate: Oh, that's my peplum.
PR: Peep-lom?
Kate: Peplum, dear.
PR: Do you need a BFF?
Kate: No. I am far too fancy and busy. Besides, I have my sister Pippa.
PR: Pippa. Peplum. Got it.

One of the biggest trends for Spring is just as fun to wear as it is to say. Peplums on dresses, tops and skirts add a bit of girly retro glam to otherwise basic silhouettes. The trend first showed up in Spring and Fall 2012 runways and has been spotted on fashionable celebs like Olivia Palermo, Emma Stone (pictured above), Michelle Williams (as seen here at the Oscars) and last week on Kate Middleton (who also recently rocked another favorite Spring trend: colored denim) . If you are looking to incorporate the style into your Spring wardrobe (as seen here), the good news is that there are plenty of choices for a look that works with your body type and your level of comfort in embracing the trend. For an evening peplum look, try the peplum dress or skirt. For a more subtle and casual version, try a more streamlined peplum top. The key is to keep the look balanced. If you opt for a peplum top, keep the bottom simple and straight with skinnies or a column mini. Similarly, a peplum skirt looks best paired with a basic and tight tee. Here's a few retail items to try the trend with.

 
Dresses (clockwise)
Alice + Olivia Victoria Peplum Dress
Zara Dress with Frill at the Waist
Forever 21 Contrast Trim Peplum Dress
Asos Lipsy Peplum Pointe Dress
(Not pictured) Marc by Marc Jacobs Hannah Peplum Dress

 

Seperates (clockwise)
Modcloth I Can Seed Clearly Top
H&M Leather Top
Alice + Olivia Ella Striped Peplum Tee
Modcloth Eternal Flame of Love Skirt
J.Crew Peplum Top in Fresco Floral Sateen
(Not pictured):Marc by Marc Jacobs Hannah skirt
Asos top with 40's Peplum
Lulu's Colors of the Wind top

More inspiration:
Style File: Peplum in the Glitter Guide
WhoWhatWear: Peplum dresses
DIY peplum skirt at A Pair and a Spare

image source: Top image: Jason Wu (far left) and Marc by Marc Jacobs (far right) runway: style.com, Kate Middleton in LK Bennett, Emma Stone in Giambattista Valli; Inset: Atlantic-Pacific

-SD

trend: fashion technology

"Yes, I love technology, but not as much as you, you see...But I still love technology...Always and forever."-Kip, Napoleon Dynamite

 

My hubby and brother (who like most guys, are both obsessed with gadgets and technology) had the pleasure of being two of the 150,000 folks that flocked to Las Vegas for the annual Consumer Electronics Show last week. They came back from CES with stories in three categories. 1) The expected:  talk of tablets, 3D TVs, pretty ultrabooks, and lovable nerds on segways. 2) The unexpected: Justin Bieber, Justin Timberlake, Xzibit, Will Smith and Snookie sightings. (What? No one told me there would be celebrities there) and finally, 3) Things that I tuned out, i.e. "Dude, how cool was the MicroVision Pico projecting in 720p HD!?!"
While I did not have high expectations of tech talk that would be of any interest to me, surprisingly they did bring back tidbits related to fashion and shopping. What's that you say? Yes folks, high tech fashion and enough to be post-worthy. Not bad, especially since all I was expecting that was even remotely fashion related from their trip was a "My Brother and Husband went to CES, and I all I got was this low-tech t-shirt" t-shirt.

Here's a few things they saw that fashionistas can look forward to...

trend: tangerine tango

"Orange is red brought nearer to humanity by yellow."-Wassily Kandinsky

 
Despite all the dire predictions, looks like even the Mayans do not really believe the world will end in 2012. Shall we all breathe a collective sigh of relief? Maybe. An optimist would say it was perhaps this good news that inspired Pantone to select Tangerine Tango (a warm orange similar to coral) as the color of the year. Orange is fun and happy--symbolic of the good times ahead. A pessimist would say the global authority on color just happened to pick a color reminiscent of a fiery blaze as seen here. Coincidence? Maybe. Well, whether you need a color to paint your 2012 survival bunker or just need some fun accessories for another one of the (many) years you plan on spending on this planet, here's all you need to know about the trendy hue.

According to Pantone, pop culture, fashion and finance all influenced the decision to select the color. “Sophisticated but at the same time dramatic and seductive, Tangerine Tango is an orange with a lot of depth to it,” said Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute. “Reminiscent of the radiant shadings of a sunset, Tangerine Tango marries the vivaciousness and adrenaline rush of red with the friendliness and warmth of yellow, to form a high-visibility, magnetic hue that emanates heat and energy.” Pantone also says that the color will provide the energy boost we need to recharge and move forward. A lot of pressure for a color, right? But if any color can do it, orange can. The color has already been prominent in Spring 2012 runways, the latest home decor collections and beauty products. Inspired? Here's a list of the pops of orange you see above, inspired by Pantone's choice:

Asos Storm Point Court Shoes
CB2 Parlour Atomic Orange Chair
Nanette Lepore Spring 2012 Runway (Ready to Wear)
Butter London nailpolish in Jaffa
DwellStudio Labyrinth Persimmon Pillow
Asos Sweater
Paper Source 2012 Datebook
West Elm Picnic Flatware
Clare Vivier Foldover Clutch
Tory Burch Patent Eddie Ballet Flat

image source: pantone.com, crateandbarrel.com, us.asos.com, style.com, butterlondon.com, dwellstudio.com, toryburch.com, seeviver.com, westelm.com, paper-source.com

-SD

trend: bow blouses and faux fur

"The bow kept taut will quickly break, kept loosely strung, it will serve you when you need it."-Phaedrus

{faux fur vest: Kardashian Kollection c/o Sears, bow blouse: UK Style by French Connection c/o Sears, jeans: Flying Monkey, watch: Fossil, nail color: Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Slick Slate}

If you are wrapping up your Christmas shopping (literally), the only bows you are probably thinking of, are the pretty ones you are tying on your gifts. You may also be able to put those mad bow tying skills to use when it comes to your on-trend holiday outfit. So, put down that ribbon and take a small break. It's a trend friend double whammy.

The first noteworthy hot trend that's been huge this season is the bow blouse (you'll also see it called the secretary bow or pussy bow blouse). This is yet another piece that is a nod to the 70's and 80's (when it was worn under the power suit). The look is ladylike, sophisticated and versatile: think cas with wide jeans and work appropriate with a pencil skirt. The blouse is also the perfect contrast to the other trend that you cannot help but notice this winter. Faux fur, people. I had been putting off a faux fur trend post for a while, but this is a trend that is sticking around and I have to admit, over the course of the season, has really grown on me.
Once considered tacky to wear fake fur, it seems this economical and animal friendly version of rocking "fur" is the chic way to go (unless you're looking for hate mail from PETA and a guilty conscience) Faux fur has been huge on the runway the last few years and can be found everywhere from Chloe to affordable collections at Sears. Faux fur, in vest form, is a cozy and chic way to add this trend to your wardrobe without going overboard (read: looking like the abominable snowman). When combined with the feminine bow blouse, the vest is the perfect layer to make the look a little bit more edgy and fun. If you liked my holiday outfit above, whether you're looking for a splurge or a steal, here's how to get the look:

 
 
Chloe Pussy-Bow Silk Blouse (splurge)
Kardashian Kollection Lace Button Up Shirt with Oversized Neck Bow (steal)
UK Style by French Connection Bow Tie blouse (steal, $24.99 in store)
Tibi Bow Detail Blouse 

BB Dakota Ladonna Faux Fur Vest
Kardashian Kollection Cropped Faux Fur Vest (steal, $33.99)
Juicy Couture Belted Faux Fur Gilet
UK Style by French Connection  Faux Fur Vest (steal, $35.99)

image source: SD photographed by the talented RM, Kardashian Kollection and UK Style by French Connection items: sears.com, Chloe blouse/Tibi blouse/Juicy Couture vest: net-a-porter.com, BB Dakota vest: shopbop.com

-SD

No monetary compensation was provided by Sears or Glam Media for this post. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or position of Sears.

trend: animal silhouette prints

"The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated."-Mohandas Gandhi

Considering Turkey Day is here, it is very likely that the silhouette of a certain gobbling fowl is dancing in your head. Designers, on the other hand, have been seeing all kinds of animal silhouettes this fall. From horses and camels to felines like panthers and cats, there seems to be an animal silhouette pattern explosion. So, if you're out shopping this Black Friday, don't be surprised if you come across the trend and spot animal shapes on everything from dresses and blouses to scarves and home decor items like pillows.

The trend has been spotted on celebs and bloggers such as the Asos pony-print blouses and dresses (the Asos shirt dress is worn above by reality star Kourtney Kardashian) while Marc Jacobs focused more on the cat family with his Panthera collection. Also pictured above in a fun feline look is blogger Jules wearing a 36point5 blouse. If you're willing to give the patterns a try, here are some noteworthy ones worth passing on. Just remember, try to stick with neutral colors and basic accessories, or the look might look too silly or kiddie.

Pictured clockwise:
Anthropologie's Charlotte Taylor Dromedary dress
Forever 21's Ditsy Feline dress
Asos Virginie Castaway shirt in Horse Print
Fred Flare Zebra Crossing scarf

Happy Thanksgiving!

image source: sincerelyjules.com, Kourtney Kardashian: zimbio.com, Marc by Marc Jacobs blouse: nordstrom.com, anthropologie.com, forever21.com, fredflare.com, asos.com

-SD

trend: statement nails

"You hold hands with a stranger for 20 minutes..passively flopping your hands into another women's hands. It's like something they would make you do in summer camp as a trust-building exercise."-on getting a manicure, Tina Fey in Bossypants

 

Nails: always the bridesmaid, never the bride. Like bridesmaids, nails get to get all pretty and dressed up, but they never quite seem to be center stage. Most of the time, outshined by gorgeous hair or a smokey eye. But if NY Fashion Week was any indication, nails are getting their day. Move over subtle and neutral nails.  With artistic designs, bold colors and  lots o' glitter, it's all about loud and funky statement nails. Here are five of some of the must-try trends in nails for this fall.

1. Ombre
At PR we've followed trends in ombre clothing and recently ombre hair, so it's no surprise ombre nails would follow. Recently spotted on style mavens Alexa Chung and Lauren Conrad, this one is fairly easy to try yourself since it doesn't involve too much ambidexterity (sorry, but a few of the next trends do require some intricate work from both hands.) There's two takes on the ombre look. The first one from LC's Beauty Department (pictured above) is taking five shades from one color family and painting each digit one shade, going gradually lighter in one direction. You can go bold with blues or subtle with pinks or neutrals (a great way to use all the nail polish shades you have collected over the years..but remember gradual is key. You don't want to look like you were testing all your nail polishes). This is the way to go for you basic nail painters. Now, if you're feeling advanced and adventurous, the second look is creating ombre shading on each individual nail. This look takes a bit more patience and skill but the result is pretty awesome.
Tutorial:
-Ombre Nails from Beautylish

2. Patterns
So, remember that ambidexterity that was mentioned? This is where it comes in. Creating fun patterns and nail art are all the rage, but do not fret, there are plenty of tools and cheats to achieve the look. Also, if mixing patterns is just not your style, try something more uniform like the trendy half moon style or themed nail art (tutorials below). The main takeaway-- solid is boring and you have to add a little something.
First, for you overachievers, there are many tools and tips at your disposal. A nail art pen is a must to get a good fine tip for creating dots and stripes. Also, a good thing to keep handy is a nail polish remover pen.
Tutorials and Tips:
-Sparkled Apricot Nails from Cupcakes and Cashmere (this one also incorporates in trend #3, the statement nail)
-Matte Half-Moon Manicure from Bella Sugar
My personal fave...The Angry Birds Manicure from Bella Sugar
-3 DIY Nail Art Designs from Refinery29
-Mismatched from the Beauty Department

Now for the rest of us, how to cheat and still achieve the look. One of my biggest borderline obsessions this summer (as seen here) were the mistake-proof, drug store delight, Sally Hansen Salon Effects Real Nail Polish Strips. They come in tons of fun patterns and mixing and matching them is a simple way to create the mixed pattern look. If you have not tried them yet, they are real polish but go on like stickers (don't roll your eyes yet..) but really do look like the polish was applied with a brush. The best part is there is zero drying time and they last a good 7-10 days easily. If this is not true innovation, I don't know what is. (And no, this post was not sponsored by Sally Hansen)
If all else fails, this is one look you should leave for the professionals. Just bring in the patterns you have in mind to your favorite salon (most salons have been doing nail art for years from back when it was considered tacky), sit back and enjoy a US Weekly.

trend: neons and neutrals

"Miami beach is where neon goes to die."-Lenny Bruce

  

According to Aristophanes in The Symposium by Plato, humans originally consisted of four arms, four legs and a single head with two faces. Zeus feared their power and split them all in half condemning them to spend the rest of their lives searching for their other half to complete them. It seems, like all true soulmates, great pairings need some time to find each other. It was not until the early 20th century before meatballs found spaghetti, 1976 before Laverne found Shirley and this summer that neutrals have found neons.

Pops of neon combined with neutrals were first spotted on the runways for Spring and Summer in the Burberry Prorsum and Jil Sander shows and it is a very wearable way to incorporate this summer's trend du juor. The trend of brights first started with color blocking which is still popular and fashion bloggers have it down so well, but frankly, if I were to wear orange and hot pink together, I would scare most of my family and friends. Mixing in a pop of neon with neutrals is a lovely way to bring in some fun summer color without blinding anyone.

 

The trick to this trend is to keep it simple. Pick one neon item as your statement piece and temper it with neutrals like pairing a tan dress with a neon yellow-green necklace or a neon yellow-green tank with beige shorts. If this is all just too 80's for you, just dip your big toe into the crazy neon pool with some fun nail polish or shades.
1. Zara Mini Skirt with Pockets
2. Forever 21 sunglasses
3. ToyWatch Neon Plasteramic watch
4. Shimmi Bandeau Bikini
5. Forever 21 Neon Stripes Skirt
6. Zara Neon Canvas Platform Sandal
7. Essie (Braziliant) nailpolish
8. ModCloth Highlight-her Necklace
9. Splendid top
10. Jades24 Pleasure Doing Business Skirt
11. Zara Lurex Dress
12. Essie (A Lot of Shekels) nailpolish
13. Forever 21 Matelot Linen Shorts
14. Zara Two-Tone Dress
15. Lanvin Dear Danae Cabas Shoulder Bag

More inspiration:
Who What Wear: Looks We Love
College Fashion's Summer Trend Alert
Refinery 29's Tips and Tricks for Wearing Neon

image source: top image:(blog) atlantic-pacific.blogspot.com, (runway) style.com (Burberry Prorsum and Jil Sander), (Jessica Alba) whowhatwear.com (Getty image); collage: zara.com, essie.com, modcloth.com, net-a-porter.com, forever21.com, toywatchusa.com, jades24.com

-SD

trend: sheer maxi skirts

"A good sermon should be like a woman's skirt: short enough to arouse interest but long enough to cover the essentials."-Ronald Knox

Some variation of the maxi dress is pretty much a staple every spring and summer season and we wear it with glee. This year's warm weather brings a new maxi skirt that's been popping up in editorials, on the street and in fashion blogs. The sheer maxi skirt or what some have deemed the "illusion skirt" is the look of a sheer long skirt worn on top of a mini. The look is most likely attributed to the Chloe Spring 2011 runway look (pictured left) and as expected, comes with mixed reactions. Refinery29 even asked: is it just a fashion blogger meme? While I love the runway high drama of the look, a very full chiffon skirt with another skirt underneath may not fare well in the spring Texas heat. Here are a few skirts and dresses inspired by the illusion skirt trend that seem less runway and slightly more wearable:

1. Nasty Gal Lace Cargo Skirt
Pockets. Enough said.
2. American Apparel Chiffon Full Length Skirt
The America Apparel skirt comes in a variety of colors but the lighter tones seemed the most chic and ethereal. For a similar look, try the Topshop Peach Pleated Maxi Skirt.
3 and 4. Urban Outfitters Chiffon Maxi Dress (in blue and in neutral)
My personal favorite. This dress captures the trend but just looks so easy breezy. Here it is styled at Cupcakes and Cashmere.

Other inspiration:
FabSugar's How to wear spring's Sheer Maxi Skirt
ModCloth's Tips and Tricks for Styling Sheer Skirts

image source: chloe runway (SP2011): style.com; skirts/dresses: shopnastygal.com, americanapparel.com, urbanoutfitters.com

-SD