Questioning the V

Since when did the plunging neckline become a fashion DO for men?

Am I missing something? When did THIS become hot?

The v neck is also known as the "douche tee". Which I find pretty appropriate considering that the lamest guys I know wear them. I also find it useful when I'm at parties. Its always safe to stay away from guys who think its okay to show their cleavage! TRUST ME!

The only thing worse than v necks on guys, is v necks on overweight guys. And whats worse than that? V neck's AND skinny jeans on overweight guys. Like bikini's and spandex are for women, the skinny jean is for men. Like I tell the ladies- its a privilege, not a right!

Remember boys, you aren't Zac Efron!

I'm pretty sure he (and gay men) are the only ones who can kind of pull off the look. (And that is because after seeing High School Musical, I'm still not convinced of his sexual orientation)

Tis the Season...

Wedding season that is! Every bride has the same requirement- that everything is perfect from the beginning of the day until the end and more importantly from her head to her toes. Nothing can be overlooked, especially her shoes!

Here are my top picks for every bride:

The Classic Bride

The Funky Bride



The Glitz and Glamour Bride


The Beach Bride



The Colorful Bride

Whatever your style is make sure your bridal shoes reflect your personality. Just because your wedding is traditional, it doesn't mean you have to be!

BUDGET HINT:  We all know weddings aren't cheap!  Most father's of the bride are looking to cut costs in whatever area they can.  If you can't fit that perfect pair of Stuart Weitzman's in your budget don't be afraid to look for a cheaper version thats not the name brand  .  No one will ever know they are hundreds of dollars less and your dad will be so impressed he might even stop complaining about how much you are spending on decorations! 

White Out!

Memorial Day means 3 things to me:
1. Summer
2. Sales!!!
3. White shoes

Although the rules of fashion clearly state that white shoes after Memorial Day are allowed, I think that it would be irresponsible of me to say that without adding a few stipulations.

1. Don't wear a closed toe pump. Instead opt for a peep toe heel that also shows off your manicured toes (I'm a fan of OPI in "Collins Ave")

2. If you have large feet, stay away from solid white shoes. The same rules that apply for wearing white clothes (remember, its not a very slimming color) also apply to your feet. Your solid white heels can make your feet look like a boat! I suggest choosing a silver heel or a patterned white heel for a more casual look.

3. White sandals are the perfect accessory to tan legs. This season spice up a plain white sandal by getting a pair with a little flair!

BREAKING NEWS!

Did you hear the news? This may come as a shock to some of you, but we're in a recession!... But don't worry guys, Obama is doing "everything" he can to help get our economy back to tip top shape!

If that doesn't make you feel better, maybe this will...

Rock and Republic has heard Americans cries and is taking real action with their cost friendly line of "Recession Denim"- Check it out!

Rock & Republic Recession "Berlin" Skinny Jeans in Stimulus Wash
$132.00

Rock & Republic Recession "Kassandra" Bootcut Jeans in Spend Wash
$128.00

Don't worry boys! We didn't forget about you!

Rock & Republic Recession "Colburg" Jeans in Hussle Wash
$138.00

Rock & Republic Recession "Neil" Straight Leg Jeans in Action Wash
$132.00

This is a perfect time for you to replace your bedazzled jeans (please refer to the last entree for more information) for these R&R's. You now have two very good options for becoming more fashionable and looking less like a tool (yep, I said it!). They are stylish yet they don't scream "I'm trying too hard to be in style". Girls will do a double take at your behind in these and nod in approval- instead of doing a double take and rolling her eyes at your previous choice in denim. TRUST ME!

***Special thanks to my very beautiful and fashionable friend Lindsey for the info! Love you girl friend!!!

Men: Fashion Lesson #1

Hello Men, are you there? Listen up because this one is for you! Today I am going to fill you in on some VERY crucial information. I know at this point your mind might already be wandering back to ESPN that is playing in the background, but we both know they play Sports Center on repeat all day and that you've seen today's episode at least three times and counting. Just do yourself a favor- and the women or future women in your life and pay attention for just a couple minutes. If you are afraid of distractions don't be afraid to use that magical PAUSE button on your DVR remote.

Were going to review some Fashion Do's and Do Not's that you all should know (we're going to skip the basics like pairing a brown belt with black shoes. I'm assuming EVERYONE knows that rule and if you don't, you prob need more help then my quick blog post can give you;) )

HERE WE GO...

DON'T wear bedazzled or ornate jeans. JUST DON'T DO IT! If you do and you don't regret it yet- just wait, you will. I PROMISE.DO wear nice jeans that are fitted for your body type.
DON'T wear "Affliction" shirts. All those designs give me a headache.DO ask for help from sales people, or better yet- ask a friend (that's a girl) to come along. Us chicks love dressing guys. We can help.
DON'T wear Ed Hardy clothes. I don't care who Christian Audigier is. His clothes are tacky and no matter how much you try to justify owning them, they were never cool. Bling Bling on your shirts is a No No. Von Dutch, Ed Hardy- they're the same thing and we were ALL happy when Von Dutch went off the shelves. (PLUS- Heidi and Spencer wear it- they are our generations TV villains!) DO care about your shoes. It's one of the first things I notice about a guy- and its not just me! I have hot friends who say the same thing.
DON'T be a poser! Just cause you see people sporting RVCA and brands of that nature, doesn't mean you should rock it if it isn't who you are. I can spot these guys from a mile away. (They are the same ones who "surf" whenever they go to "Cali")
DO wear what you like and what fits your personality.
DON'T wear skinny jeans if you aren't slender- it usually shows us more than what we signed up for. (although... some girls might be into that)
DO wash your clothes (and while your at it- throw in your sheets!)
DON'T wear man jewelry. (ESPECIALLY pukka shells. Being in a tropical climate does not give you an excuse)
DO wear hats if you look good in them.
DON'T be afraid to wear plain tees. Sometimes less is more.
DO iron your shirts
DON'T be afraid to add color to your wardrobe- especially your work or formal attire. Owning shirts or ties in pastels doesn't make us question your sexuality.
DO own a suit. HOT.
DON'T wear denim shorts!!!DON'T wear cargo shorts. Its 2009

You know what is ALWAYS in style? Being a gentleman!

Dear San Fransisco Men (specifically those who ride the 108 and 38 Muni):
I know that at some point in your life, someone has explained to you what it is to be a gentleman. Recently, it has come to my attention that many of you may need a refresher course.

• Stop calling me "baby". I have a name and that is not it.
• Stop looking me up and down, followed by licking your lips.
• When I'm in a dress, heels and I'm carrying a massive bag that weighs more than me- get off your A and give me your seat.

Also, I don't care if you like girls or not. I'm still a lady and deserve to be treated like one.

Sincerely,
ME

Fashion Icon? I think NOT.

Today was the Inauguration of President Barrack Obama. I must say that I was impressed with his speech and with the way he carried himself. I spent some time watching the news and listening to the radio so that I could be updated on today's events. One thing that has surprised me since the beginning of the election is how the media has focused so much on Michelle Obama's style. Even NPR has spent a lot of time on the topic. So, here is my question? Are we watching the same woman?

Don't get me wrong, Our new First Lady is beautiful. But she is no fashionista. Ill give her props for her fashion philosophy. She loves everything from H&M and JCrew to Zac Posen and isn't afraid to mix and match name brand with no brand. But shes getting too much credit. The media keeps commenting on how well she dresses AND that shes able to do it being 5'11- like she is the only one who has been able to pull that off. We know shes the first black first lady- but she is not the first tall women to dress well! In fact, I can think of a lot of models that dress better and are even taller. She's only about an inch taller than me, and I get no credit! Wheres the media when I get up and walk out the door everyday?

When I think "Fashion Icon" I picture women like Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly, and Elizabeth Taylor to name a few. Michelle Obama is being to compared to my number 1 favorite, Jackie O! Now that is just SACRILEGIOUS!

SIDE NOTE:
Michelle's white dress she chose for the Inauguration Ball was a very good choice, and her arms looked very toned. BUT still, shes no Jackie!

What Suits You?

Last time I checked it was January and that means we are in the WINTER season! So, why are so many people acting like they didn't get that memo? I know it can be deceiving when the temperatures are in the mid 70's and low 80's (loving SF weather right now!) but is it really swimsuit season again?

Apparently, it is because everywhere I go stores have started selling them! I might even be guilty of buying one myself this weekend? There has been too much propaganda for me to resist! The emails, the store windows, and the billboards basically put me in a corner and I had no choice but to buy my first swimsuit of 2009.

MY FAV'S (so far):

Favorite Trend this season: Ruffles! They are so feminine and flirty!

Favorite Website: Everything But Water- its the best Ive seen, hands down!
Favorite Brand: I LOVE Betsey Johnson's swimwear! She has great mix and match pieces.
Favorite Two-piece: These two from Anthro have caught my eye.

Favorite Tankini: I think this Juicy tankini is pretty dang cute. Is that just me?

Favorite One piece: Its cute, sassy and I love that its a vintage style.

Favorite Deal: Gotta love Target! What more do I really need to say? See for yourself!

WHATS BEST FOR YOUR BODY?

Best choice for curvier women: For those who are bottom heavy and/or are looking for something that covers their stomach- Bestey has the BEST options! Her tankini's are long and she has matching bottoms that cover more for those who like that. Skirts or "boy short" style bottoms are best.

Best choice for small chested women: Triangle tops are perfect with those with less on top. Nothing is worse than when women try to squeeze into a top and are one wave (or dive) away from loosing it all. "Vix" and "L*Space" have great bikinis perfect for this body type.

Best choice for big chested women: I suggest halter tops or something with under wire. Stay away from triangle tops and bandeau tops. I suggest looking online at JCREW and Victoria's Secret if you are more endowed than some:)

*REMEMBER: Bikini's are like spandex. They are a privilege, not a right!

Fashion Citations.

Because I go to Fashion School people usually assume I am surrounded by a very fashionable crowd on campus. Id like to set the record straight- that is false.

A few months back my sister sent me a great little gift....
Fashion Citations! Aren't they great? Lately I have been more and more tempted to use them at school.

Yes, there are some people who dress the part of a "fashion major" but there is a surprising number of students who don't seem to fit the bill. That's not to say that they aren't extremely talented at what they do- look at Betsey Johnson for example, shes a hot mess but nobody designs a better party dress or swimsuit than she does! Its like I say, "someone has to design clothes for Hot Topic. And those are the people I go to school with".

Must read!

A friend of mine introduced me to this blog- The Sartorialist. I am a BIG fan! I love seeing European fashion- we Americans are far from elite in this area. His photographs are great and they capture some amazing style!

This is the man behind the website. I did some research today and he knows his fashion! He's also coming out with a book!

Just read it. And love it.

When is enough, ENOUGH?

Very few people have heard me complain about having too much clothes. It takes a very special occasion for me to say it to myself, let alone out loud. Last weekend was one of those rare times.

I'm embarrassed to say that it took two cars and WAY too many trips up the stairs to bring my wardrobe to my new apartment (that was JUST my hanging clothes!). My dad counted the number of skirts, dresses, and tops I owned. I wouldn't let him to count my shoes or jeans. To both our shock, I managed to make my mother's shopping habits look mild! I even had a surplus of clothes that still had tags on them! I realized at this moment, that I have a few problems:
1. I shop too much*
2. I don't end up wearing lots of the things I buy
3. I have tons of things I don't even wear. I have convinced myself that I need to save my clothes even if I don't wear them so that my daughters will have vintage clothes when they come back in style.

Its a New Year and one of my resolutions is to save more and spend less. All the panic about the economy has finally started making me nervous. Here are a few of my tips for decreasing my shopping addiction:
1. I only bring cash to school. This makes it impossible for me to shop in between classes. Remember, I go to school in Union Square (a.k.a. the shopping mecca!) You can leave your wallet at home if you want extra help resisting the shopping temptation.
2. If I haven't worn something in my closet during the previous season- IT GOES! This does not apply to more expensive items, unless its fugly.
3. If it is out of style and from Forever 21 (or someplace like that)- I'm getting rid of it. Their clothes only last a few months anyways- saving them for my future children or grandchildren is not worth it. There is one exception, I think its ALWAYS worth it to save dresses. Nothing is better than a vintage dress!
4. Just because something is a good price or on sale, does not mean I should buy it! I think this is a hard one for lots of people. Here's my rule- if you suddenly like it more because its on sale, don't buy it! A sale should be a plus, not the plus.
5. The great thing about moving is that it lets you re-evaluate your closet. I cant believe what I forgot I owned!
6. If you look in your closet and think "I have nothing to wear!", then have a friend come look through your clothes. Fresh eyes help you see things in a better light. Lets be honest, whenever a friend wants to borrow something of yours- don't you suddenly like it more? Trust me! This works:)
7. Color coordinate your clothes in your closet. It helps you find things better and it also keeps things from getting lost amongst your other clothes.

*I am not, nor have I ever been in debt from shopping!