Elly Vicieux

A Look At Men’s Fashion, Part 2 – Accessories

April 14, 2012 by Elly Vicieux

Now that we have taken a look at the power of eccentric and classy outerwear in the realm of men’s fashion, let’s explore the necessity of accessories. Accessories are an important element to any ensemble and wardrobe; in fact, accessories can quite honestly be the making or breaking point of your outfit! There’s a common misconception in society that accessorizing is more of a woman’s right in fashion — and that’s hardly the case! A well dressed and aptly accessorized man is just as important in the realms of fashion as any well dressed and appropriately accessorized woman. Having stated that, it’s time to focus on the irreplaceable role that accessories play in men’s fashion, far beyond stylized totes and sunglasses. Here’s some of the current trends in accessories for men in 2012.

Jewelry

Owning at least a few pieces of high quality, high end jewelry can be essential in accenting your overall look and style. Just as different types of clothes can contribute and coordinate with other types of clothing or be worn in different ways to create a new look, the same elements apply to the usage of jewelry. Whether you are aiming to be a suave and dapper gentleman or maintain a more rugged edge, there is jewelry that is suitable for almost any man. Go beyond the stereotypical timepiece and try experimenting with options like neck chains, link bracelets, and bold rings.

A common concern for most men is whether or not they are choosing a notably masculine piece of jewelry. In actuality, there are a lot of jewelry styles that are being aimed at men in the more recent years. If you are opting for something designer, you might want to consider pieces from Alexander McQueen. If you are the type of man that prefers to have designer, custom-crafted jewelry pieces, consider some of the styles created by Jason Arasheben (also known as Jason of Beverly Hills amongst the diamond-savvy). And for the man who is more casually styled? One of the most popular casual trends in jewelry for 2012 continues to be corded leather wrap bracelets.

Ties

Though it is more visually realized than verbally stated, ties are another one of those accessories and elements of a wardrobe that can easily make or break your entire style for the day. If you are wearing a strikingly tailored suit and dressed to impress, you can only imagine how a poorly patterned tie sporting all of the wrong color combinations will instantly ruin your look. Do not let yourself fall as a victim to this common mistake! For any man that is wearing a tie, it is important to learn about which colors go together and which patterns should or should not ever occur on his person. Some men may want to play it safe by avoiding patterns at all, but please note — not all patterns are horrible. In fact, there are times when wearing a tie with a bold pattern can truly solidify your style more powerfully than any other accessory that you are wearing, but you must learn the art of personal discretion in terms of what ties are suitable for use.

Aside from this, do not limit yourself to the traditional tie. There are so many different types of ties that you can coordinate with your personal style. These include, but are not limited to: the bow tie, cravat, bolo tie, and ascot tie. The common misconception is that bolo ties are limited to men who would consider themselves to be into the country western fashion style — however, there’s actually a different alternative to this. Relating back to the power of jewelry for mens accessories, an instantly elegant version of the bolo tie can be created by adorning a dress shirt with one of the many lariat/bolo style necklaces that are available for men. Likewise, do not be afraid to replace your neck tie with a scarf or similar type of fabric — it can completely transform your look.

Sunglasses

Of course, sunglasses are one of those more stereotypical features to men’s accessories. Despite how they are one of the most popular and sometimes overrated accessories that are attributed to men, it is impossible to deny that a simple pair of sunglasses can add to any man’s style. The great thing about sunglasses is that they are available in so many different colors, styles, shapes, and variations; if you don’t find a pair that looks great on you the first time, there are always endless other options to try out.

Retro sunglasses are becoming more popular again, for both men and women. Outside of that aspect, designer sunglasses will never cease to be attractive and attribute fashion sense to the well dressed man. Whether you love Christian Dior or Gucci, designer sunglasses are one of the number one ways to draw attention when you are walking down the street. Regardless of if you are wearing designer sunglasses or not, a general rule to follow is to choose sunglasses that frame your face. While oversized sunglasses continue to be popular among some people, even a great pair of oversized sunglasses (such as a pair of aviators) should not distract from or cover up too much of your face. If you’re not sure if your sunglasses frame your face well or not, a general tip is to stand in front of a mirror and then turn to the side; if the profile of your face is obstructed by the overall style of the frames, it’s time to try a different pair of sunglasses. Try opting for a pair that you can coordinate with anything you may choose to wear.

The Great Beyond

Having read through all of this, you might have been wondering where the focus on footwear and totes was lost; however, these two aspects have been an exception to this list for a reason. The first factor is that footwear and totes are both greatly overly sensationalized as a form of accessories for men. Surely, they can be accessories, but there is so much more to both of these elements than just writing them off as an occasional addition to men’s style. Noting that, brings us to the next factor — the upcoming two additions to this series on men’s fashion focuses on new trends that are being seen in men’s footwear and totes currently.

What are some of the accessories in your wardrobe that you feel helps to solidify your style?

A Look At Men’s Fashion, Part 1

March 21, 2012 by Elly Vicieux

Although it may commonly seem like men are overlooked on the runway, there are countless reputable designers that are known for their remarkable take on the world of men’s fashion. Only a few months into the new year, there are tons of styles that have already been slated as the next in trend for fashionable threads. Here’s our look at unforgettable outerwear that’s guaranteed to keep you looking slick and in fashion whether you’re aiming for a casual day out or dressing to impress.

Robert Geller, Men's Fashion — Robert Geller, SS2012

This blue blazer by Robert Geller, paired with a similarly blue hue scarf is a great example of how you can look sharp on a casual day. Note how this model has been styled and accessorized perfectly; contrasting sunglasses and belt, v-neck shirt underneath, and blue slacks help to keep with the overall flow of this almost 1980’s European-reminiscent style. The belt provides a more fitted style and defines the the shape of the waist, which can easily be lost when wearing outerwear such as jackets or coats. This look is overall very chic and great for these current Spring months where a light coat is essential due to slightly colder weather.

Simon Spurr, Men's Fashion — Simon Spurr, SS2012

If you’re aiming for a style that’s a bit more metro, you might want to consider something like this striped blue blazer from Simon Spurr. This is a great style for a night out at the club or a dinner date, because it’s tailored enough to provide a slightly more formal look while still having a fairly casual pattern. The matching striped contrast shirt is an interesting play on patterns and ideal if you want to wear something that’s more attention provoking to the eyes; however, you can easily wear a blazer like this with a solid colored tee or even a dress shirt.

Dealing with business meetings and related meet ups can require that you also need to look your best throughout the day. This J Crew suit jacket is a perfect example of outerwear that is able to transition with you throughout the day, regardless of what types of social situations you may be in. For business meetings, you can pair it with darker hued slacks and a suitable shirt; later on when it’s time for a casual lunch or errands, pair it with some lighter colored slacks like the model seen to the left. This is a popular style that’s already springing up among fashionable business men in the city.

Richard Chai, Men's Fashion — Richard Chai, SS2012

This striped blazer from designer Richard Chai is seriously exquisite. It hearkens back to the style of those old smoking jackets that you’ve probably seen worn by classic Hollywood film stars many decades ago. It’s classy, chic, and ideal for the man who is seeking to look more distinguished during his social endeavors. If you’ve been yoing around with the idea of adding colorblocking to your wardrobe, this style is certain to make a huge impression. Those who want to add a more subtle flair to the style can pair the blazer with a pair of simple black or navy blue slacks.

For those days that are obviously more formal, you might want to consider picking up a three-piece suit, such as this pinstriped ensemble from Simon Spurr. This is the epitome of class and distinction, whether you are aiming to impress at a business meeting or any other professional endeavor. To keep with the in crowd, pair these three pieces with a popular contrasting color, such as the lilac shade that is being demonstrated by this runway model. The clean tailoring style seen here gives this three-piece suit a more modern edge.

In Conclusion…

As you can see, the outerwear that you select and pair with ideal accessories can have a huge affect on the overall success of your ensemble. Whether you are using a few simple pieces or going entirely designer, having the correct type of outerwear is essential, because it’s the first level of garments that people tend to notice. It’s very easy to create a striking personal fashion statement if you know how to combine your outerwear and accessories correctly. In the next installment of our men’s fashion series, we’ll be exploring the importance of accessories in men’s fashion and take a look at some of the styles that are currently in demand.

New York Fashion Week Series, Part 3 – Fashion Week Recap

February 19, 2012 by Elly Vicieux

Now that fashion week has finally passed in New York, it’s time to do a short recap of some of the best styles that were seen in the ending days. A few designers that have particularly stood out in the past week are Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein, Anna Sui, Michael Kors, Vera Wang, and Dennis Basso. Although this may seem like an extensive list to showcase, once you have browsed the glory of these collections for Fall 2012, I’m certainly that you’ll agree that they are particularly outstanding in their own way. All photos appear as courtesy from StyleBistro.

Ralph Lauren

It’s easy to understand why Ralph Lauren’s collection was showcased on the last day of fashion week. Considering how remarkably unforgettable this collection is, it’s clear that Ralph Lauren is a perfect example of saving the best for last. Perhaps the best element of Ralph Lauren this year are the amazingly tailored suits that were introduced. Additionally, the elegant swoop of the red and black coat pictured in the bottom right of the first is a must-have and will probably set off a lot of related fashion trends.

Anna Sui

This gorgeous collection from Anna Sui is a unique mix of elegant mysticism and casual clothing. There is so much detail that has been combined into the designs of this collection, many of these ensembles could leave you feeling like pure royalty. Some of the more casual styles are also reminiscent of the fashionable nomadic style that is becoming increasingly popular on the runway. This is another collection that has made perfect use of colors – likewise, many of these ensembles are suitable for wearing throughout the year.

Calvin Klein

When it comes to having a signature style, Calvin Klein is a designer that always comes to mind. Like many of the other great designers that have existed throughout the decades, when you look at these designs, you can just automatically recognize who the designer is. This collection is particularly great because it features conservative fashion with a unique, edgy style. These designs are perfect for maintaining a comfortable, formal style that is edgy without showing too much skin.

Michael Kors

The collection showcased by Michael Kors this year is sassy, sensual, classy, and fun. Patterns are continuing to have a huge amount of popularity within fashion design. This collection stands out because of the unique correlation of fabrics, patterns, textures, and color combinations. Although checkerboard patterns of plaid would usually be difficult to pair with other colors and fabrics, Michael has truly mastered the art with these striking designs.

Vera Wang

It’s pretty much internationally known that there’s just something about the way that Vera Wang can design a dress. Regardless of what she chooses to design, she never ceases to amaze the audience or her clients. Her usage of color in the collection that she showcased at Fashion Week this year is absolutely stunning. Whether you love long flowing dresses or shorter styles, this Vera Wang collection has a suitable fashion sense for everyone.

Dennis Basso

This collection from Dennis Basso is the epitome of class and elegance. Basso always seems to create collections that are reminiscent of the femininity, class, and pure style that once existed in fashion decades ago. He has a knack for taking these timeless elements and combining them into a more modern and friendly style that is guaranteed to catch everyone’s eye.

What’s Next?

New York Fashion Week this year has been what it has always been – an intriguing, fascinating showcase of how fashion continues to evolve every year, from fall to spring and back again. There have been a lot of amazing and brilliant designs that I think are going to really catch on in certain areas. This year has featured a lot of significant influences in style and it will be interesting to see how the ideas of fashion design continue to shift. Of course, once you’ve seen one fashion week, you want to see them all – let’s not forget that London Fashion Week is currently happening right now!

New York Fashion Week Series, Part 2 – Fashion Is Art

February 13, 2012 by Elly Vicieux

Oscar Wilde once said, “One should either be a work of art, or wear a work of art.” — in correlation, Google defines art as “the expression or application of human creative skill and imagination, typically in a visual form such as painting or sculpture, producing works to be appreciated primarily for their beauty or emotional power.”

Fashion designers are artists in their own right. They are able to draw inspiration from the world around them, translate fragments of thought into new ideas, construct beauty from the lines and flow of material and fabric, and create purely from the purity of what has been imagined within their own mind. Yes, some have even provoked thought and emotion from the raw beauty of their artwork, their fashion. Anyone who seeks to disagree with this fact can be challenged to spend hours looking at the entirety of Alexander McQueen’s collections without the images sparking an idea, a feeling, or emotion. It would be impossible.

Continuing with our New York Fashion Week 2012 series, Part 2 focuses on the imaginative and creative expression that has been gifted to the world from the minds of designers in the fashion community. The following presentation seeks to showcase the classic, inventive, alluring, and eccentric styles created by this year’s designers that have dared to create a fashion evolution for 2012. Photos appear courtesy of StyleBistro.

Prabal Gurung

The designs of Prabal Gurung are so beautifully imaginative and stunning, that they are almost ethereal. Every design has a futuristic feeling, as if the viewer has been given a glimpse of what fashion should look like in 2020. The collection is elegant, yet daring. Whether heavily beaded or light and airy, these styles demand attention with mesh inlays, transparent cut-outs, filigrees, and fabric that drapes flirtatiously. A first glance at this collection will leave you feeling as if you have discovered styles that are a generation ahead of our current time. For a more revealing glance into the edgy and elegant mind of Prabal, you can browse other elements of the collection here.

Jason Wu

Treat yourself to some artful glamour with this collection from Jason Wu. Whether you are going out for a night on the town or escaping on an exotic excursion to your favorite country, this 2012 collection was definitely created to suit the woman on the go. Provocative patterns and attention grabbing color schemes are key elements in these signature looks that are designed to thrill. Wu’s dedication to creating beautiful dresses that accentuate the grace of the female figure remains devout in this year’s collection. To view these styles in more detail, check out this link.

Herve Leger by Max Azria

What I love about the designs depicted here is the nearly classical inspiration and the thoughts that are provoked at the mere sight of everything. This collection features dresses that feel as if they are a quintessential mix of mythology and modern intrigue. Each ensemble creates a statement that reflects power, beauty, sensuality, and confidence. These are clothes for that are created for the woman who is not afraid to express herself or showcase a strong personality through the visuals of fashion. You can explore all of the beauty of these classical masterpieces and more by clicking here.

Diane von Furstenberg

Regardless of what year and what collection you may take a gander at, Diane von Furstenberg’s designs almost always incorporate the beauty, grace, and sex appeal of European fashion. Her style often has that familiar feeling – yet always maintains the excitement of something new and fresh. The same can certainly be said for her collection this year. These are styles that are versatile while being unforgettable and interesting to the eye. Diane’s attention to bold color combinations and unique fabrics in this collection are definitely très chic! You can view all of the styles in Diane’s presentation at the following link.

VPL by Victoria Bartlett

The looks depicted in this year’s collection for VPL are entirely mind-blowing on their own, whether you look at them as fashion or pure works of art. The entire line is a remarkable presentation of mental contrast in terms of visuals. Upon initially looking at these designs, the mind is drawn to all of the eccentric and wild elements that are present overall; yet a second glance makes the viewer realize the true subtlety of the pure design. Sand colors and earth tones paired with gentle grays create an unforgettable combination in this striking creation of a futuristic fashion nomad. Love it! For a more in depth look at Victoria’s collection, you can click here.

The first few days of New York Fashion Week are once more a complete success. It’s nearly impossible to browse through the millions of photos without finding yourself in awe of the usual favorite designers and infatuated with a few new ones as well. The unique and sometimes enigmatic beauty of every collection is a reminder of how amazing it is when ideas become reality. It’s also a steady reminder of the gift that self expression is to the world of fashion, and vice versa. Stay tuned for Part 3!

New York Fashion Week Series, Part 1 – Tadashi Shoji

February 10, 2012 by Elly Vicieux

The time has finally arrived – New York Fashion Week is upon us! Today, we’ll be starting a short series that showcases some of the collections that are being seen in New York this year. The first collection presented for your viewing pleasure comes from the timeless and eccentric mind of Tadashi Shoji. Inspired by Marlene Dietrich and the film Shanghai Express, the designs depicted in this collection transform and transcend fashions of the current era with fabrics and styles that are very reminiscent of Shanghai in the 1930s.

An Introduction To 1930s Style

1930s inspired dresses with a modern twist

The dresses above hearken back to styles that were very popular in the 1930s, while adding a modernized touch of class that is typical of Shoji’s designs. His designs showcase intricate elements without being too complicated — for this particular collection, the focus is classic glamour with just enough modern style to remain subtle and sexy. The delicate elegance of these styles allows for fashion that embraces the femininity of the 1930s design; cap sleeves, high necks, draping bodices, tiers, embroidery, and layers.

Fabrics, Layers, Combinations

Combinations of fabrics, layers, and beading create a timeless style

What you will notice the most in the designs of this collection are the unique textures that have been created by the introduction of different fabrics and combinations. For example, many of the dresses have elements of lace, chiffon, or silk. The dress depicted in the middle of the above image features elements of lightweight velvet that have been combined with a black beaded filigree lace bodice on the back. Green lace is used as an overlay for the dress on the left, while black lace has been layered on the dress on the right; these layering styles help to reproduce the delicate styles seen many decades ago.

Details, Details, Details

Tadashi Shoji showcases attention to details in a simple, elegant design

The amount of detail that has been incorporated into these gowns is stunning. Shoji’s ability to showcase intricacy within his designs without creating something overly complicated is what leads to success in this collection. The overall style of the dresses are very simple – which stays true to the style of the 1930s and many of the dresses seen in Shanghai Express – while incorporating intricate designs that are both eye-catching and offer a modern twist.

Wrap-Up

There have already been many positive reviews of Shoji’s collection from those who have attended Fashion Week, so it’s safe to say that his 1930’s-Shanghai-inspired designs truly did take attendees to another time and place. All of the designs featured in this collection are glamorous, classy, and showcase a timeless element of fashion that not many designers have been able to feature so masterfully. Likewise, it’s a great opening teaser to one of the most fashionable, eccentric, and exciting times of the year — Fashion Week!

For another glance at these dresses and many other pieces of Shoji’s collection, check out this video from IBtimes.com. Keep checking back over here in the upcoming days for the next update to this series, focusing on another unforgettable designer. Who do you think will be showcased next?

Designer Looks For Less

February 3, 2012 by Elly Vicieux

Do you love designer styles but cannot afford the price tag that is associated with the brand? If you’re a devout fashionista and glamourous trendsetter in your own group of friends, you already know how cruel it can be when you’ve spotted the perfect addition to your next ensemble but can’t afford to splurge! Even if you just like to find a good sale occasionally, these style tips will keep you looking fashionable and financially stress-free.

Beyond The Rack

If you absolutely must have designer clothing and you won’t settle for any lesser quality, you will likely prefer to settle for designer brands at lesser prices. Imagine purchasing Chanel or Dior at 50% off of the original price. Sounds like a dream, right? Beyond The Rack has made this dream a reality for many fashion addicts. So how does it work? You sign up as a member in order to participate in savings events. Certain days will have corresponding events and differ each week. The savings that you can get for each event can vary from 25% to up to 85%, depending on the sale or promotion that is going on. In example, one of this week’s events focuses on designer handbags.

Because of the crazy discounts that are listed on this site, you truly have to act fast when you see something you want. If you don’t, it will sell out very quickly and you will regret that you missed out! In my entire time of having an account with Beyond The Rack, I have never seen a week where there wasn’t some type of designer fashion being featured in one of their events. Shipping is amazingly cheap and they won’t spam your email – in fact, they’ll only send you notifications when new events have been posted. Likewise, although there are many of these “event” based shopping sites out there, Beyond The Rack tends to be one of the top sites with the best reviews.

Know The Style

Sometimes it’s not about what you wear – it’s about how you wear it. If you can’t afford designer brands but you still want to look exquisite or like you dropped a few hundreds on your last shopping spree, it’s important that you know the style and can mimic it to the best of your own advantage. Here’s a quick example. In the picture below, the knit vest on the left (Barney’s New York; Ann Demeulemeester) costs around $1,220, while the knit vest on the right costs only $29.55 (Tambukiki – ebay) and can achieve the same effect by choosing a size form fitting to your body, folded appropriately and paired with a basic belt.

Style the vest on the right to look like the designer brand on the left

Knock-Offs

Alternatively, maybe you’re the type that loves designer so much that you will even consider wearing a knock-off, if it’s convincing enough. Note that I’ve said convincing enough. You have to be very careful in the realm of knock-offs; no one wants to become known as the king or queen of bad knock-off fashion among a group of friends or contacts in the fashion industry, so tread here at your own risk. A few bad knock-offs can get you blacklisted by even the most sympathetic of your fashionable friends.

This is a point where you really have to consider who you are making your fashion statement for. If you’re wearing copycat designer styles because you are seeking to impress a group of people, choosing a knock-off is generally never the best choice, and you should probably only opt for discounted-designer.

However, if you’re wearing the style for yourself and only purely because you like it, then go ahead and knock yourself out with these knock-offs. The picture below depicts designer Jeffrey Campbell Litas ($158), a custom made knock-off ($80), and American Flag Lace Up Booties ($42 @ GoJane)

designer JC litas next to custom made and retail knock-offs

Whether you’re a discounted-designer fashionista or a hip and trendy knock-off lover, taking a few of these fashion tips and making them your own is guaranteed to make your style skyrocket while leaving your bank account in peace. What are some of your tricks for saving money while staying in fashion?