June 25, 2010

- Three Hot Hats to Top Off Your Summer Look

Whether you want to keep your luscious locks from getting faded or your scalp from flaking off, some of this seasons must have hats are sure to turn a female head or two your way.    Wearing a hat takes confidence so make sure that you feel just as great as you look in your hat.  Try on several styles until you find the one that looks perfect for you.  Here are three great hats for you to try.

Fedora  This classic staple is easy for almost any man to wear.  Fedoras made of straw are light weight and appropriate for the summer months.  Leave your felt and wool ones for the fall and winter.  Wear it slightly cocked to the side for a little added attitude.

Driving Cap  A driving cap is great for hitting the greens or chilling with a pair of shorts and kicks.   Chose one in a print like plaid or a solid is traditional and easy to match.  Wear it facing forward or backward, depending on your style.

The Porkpie  One the trendiest of the season but also probably the hardest for most men to pull off well.  A porkpie resembles a fedor, but has a thinner brim and a short, flat-topped, round crown with an indentation all around.  A straw one is best for summer but a felt one is the most traditional.

June 25, 2010

- Give Fall the Boot

Chukka Boots:  These ankle length boots have 2 or 3 eyelet holes for laces and typically come in a suede or calf-skin.  Don't let the suede fool you into thinking you can only wear these on a hot date.  The casual look of these boots goes just about anywhere too! (RJ Colt)

Dress Boots:  Boots aren’t just for casual wear.  You can really make an impression and still feel comfortable in the winter months with a pair of dressy ankle boots.  Keep the style simple, sleek and smooth.  No extra frills with these! (Mezlan)

June 25, 2010

- Wrap Up Your Summer In a Scarf

One of summer’s hottest accessories makes a great transition into fall for both men and women!  Literally, tie your look together with a scarf!  Men can add a scarf to a simple t-shirt and jeans and they’re ready for a night out with the boys of Entourage!

There are countless ways to wear your scarf and several different types of scarves.  The most important thing to remember is that the current trend is a bit loose and effortless, so don’t get too caught up on perfecting the style. 

Choose a style that you feel comfortable in.

Notice that each one used a long rectangular scarf, varying the looseness of the scarf to create different looks.  They all paired their scarves with very basic, not flashy pieces.  A scarf dresses up a simple outfit!  Pairing printed scarves with solid pieces is an easy way to be sure you don’t have too much going on in your outfit.  You don’t want your scarf competing for attention!

Another way to wear your scarf is the slip not.  Fold your long rectangular scarf in half.  Hold the looped end on one side of your neck while pulling both ends around to the other side.  Slip both of the loose ends of the one side through the loop of the other.  Pull and adjust the scarf for the desired fit.  This style can keep you really warm in the cool months and works with both thin and thick fabrics!  Beckham and Jackman have it right!

June 25, 2010

- Hot Summer Essentials

Your summer wardrobe should be just as versatile and long lasting as your fall and winter staples.  What really differentiates you summer look from your fall look is the light feel, color and style of everything.  As the temperature heats up, you want to lighten up.  Choose colors that are brighter, like yellow and lighter like peach.  Breathable fabrics like cotton versus our heavy fall fabrics like wool and corduroy will lighten your look.  The style of each piece should also lighten up.  For example, tops should have open necklines and shorter sleeves.  Shoes should be open toe and have less volume overall.

Creating the perfect summer wardrobe is easy if you have some of summer’s most versatile basics.  Remember, embellishments and details like beads, sea shells, straw, floral prints and fruity colors will give each piece that light, signature summer feel!

White T-Shirt or Tank  Throw a lightweight scarf or a fun dramatic necklace with this all-American staple.  Opt for higher quality t-shirts since they often are more substantial to hide any imperfection and to keep this look polished.

Camisole  Perfect layered under a jacket or layered with other camis.  Try it paired with dark skinny jeans and a long necklace.

Sundress  My favorite summer piece!  A dress is always feminine and so easy to wear.  A cotton sundress can be paired with flip flops for a casual beach day or glammed up with heals and a fun necklace for a night out.

Swimsuit  Probably not your favorite piece to shop for, but finding one that works is key to making a splash this year.  Check out the article How to Not Look Fat in a Swimsuit for great tips on finding the most flattering suit.

Jackets  I love jackets any time of the year.  Wear them as an outfit or as a jacket, they are so versatile!  A nicely contoured jacket can also enhance any figure.  A shrunken leather motorcycle jacket can be sassy or a simple cotton jacket can be easy to wear for cool evenings.

Handbag  Your summer handbag can also lighten up with materials like straw or canvas for a great day bag.  Pick bags with neutral tones to keep them more wearable from year to year.  If you are a leather lover, like me, try a fun color like papaya or a neutral cream.

Sandals  Finally your toes can breath and you can show off your pedicure!  Sandals with narrow straps and heals look best in the summer.  Espadrilles or wedges are great for adding height to a pretty skirt or dress.  Embellishments on flats can make up for any loss of height.  Peep toes are perfect for a business casual office.