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Style Trend: Luxe Embellishment

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Glitter, sparkle, pop, twinkle, these are just a few of the words used to describe fashion stylings that have a special quality about them. Luxe embellishments are the new trend for this coming fall season; let’s take a moment to look at what this means exactly.

Luxe is a term meaning luxury, quality and upper class. An embellishment is just a fancy name for an accessory. The basic concept here is that it has a sparkle to it whether it is a luxurious fabric that has a brilliance to it, or perhaps has sequence, flashy gems or some other quality that amplifies the radiance. Embellishing fashion has no bounds, shirts, skirts, handbags, necklaces, ear rings, patterns, bold colors, jackets, pants, scarves, rings, even your dogs leash can be embellished.

Some examples include this black and light gold bag from Rebecca Minkoff which can be purchased for an easy $325 from Revolve Clothing. The black leather sets a nice base allowing the light gold grommets to give it the soft metallic pop to have a luxe embellishment.

Neiman Marcus makes an amazing Alexis Sequined Tank which a gorgette material, cut to have a plunging neckline, naturally sleeveless and allowing for a flowing form rather than a fitting form like a traditional tank. This tank has just enough shimmer to stand out but not so much that it’s a show stopper and is available for just $148.

There really is no set color to the shimmer, be it gold, silver or some other primary color, it appears that the source of the glimmer isn’t as important as the overall effect it gives. Some people don’t enjoy wearing “flashy” apparel, so perhaps an accessory is more their style. Take the Elaborate Necklace from Donna Karan, this stunning piece has beaded glass applied to a panel of satin, giving it the form and elegance that it demands. The staggering $1,500 price tag is likely out of most people’s budget, but it is quite the necklace.

Luxe embellishment is about the pop and sparkle, so whether you make it flashy with light catching gems, make it subtle with a reflective fabric or make it barely seen with a shimmering under-nothing, make it yours.

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

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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

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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.

 

 

 

J Crew, Men's Fashion
J Crew, SS2012

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.

 

 

 

Simon Spurr, Men's Fashion
Simon Spurr, SS2012

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

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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!