June 14, 2011

- Summer Shades

Sunglasses are a man’s key accessory for summer.  They not only protect your eyes but can give any t-shirt just the right attitude.  We’ve chose styles from three of our favorite designers that build off this season’s hottest trends.  Keep in mind that shades are not one style fits all so look for modified versions that work for your face.  We know you'll love these styles, but don't be shocked by the price tag.  A great pair of shades will pay for themselves in the perfect combination of function and fashion.

Persol.  Steve McQueen Folding Sunglasses.

These shades ooze summer travel and fun.  The Havana orange color with blue lenses make them a favorite pool side choice.  Fold them into the leather pouch provided if your beach destination requires travel.

Oliver Peoples.  Modified Square Sunglasses.

Thicker frames are everywhere and this aviator style is no exception.  The boxy, oversized frames are the perfect fit for a confident man with laid back style.  Oliver Peoples is known for their simplistic, yet sophisticated style and these sporty shades do not disappoint.

Raf Simons.  Tortoiseshell Metal Framed Aviators.

Aviators are one frame style that almost anyone can pull off smoothly.  We love the tortoiseshell frame for summer.  They exude a subtle 70’s vibe that will be just the hint of style you need for a simple polo or t-shirt while chillin’ with the fellas.

June 7, 2011

- Look Chic in Your Summer Tanks

Tank tops are essential in summer and so are these three items to complete your look!

This 70’s style tank is hot not only in swimwear but on the streets too.  Wear it layered under your favorite low-cut tanks, T’s and blousy tops.  A lacey bandeau like this one from Free People gives you the layered look without making you hot.

The Ribbed Tank

A white ribbed tank top is a layering staple, but in the summer it’s the perfect stand alone too.  Top your tank with light summer scarf or a distinct necklace.  Think of it as the perfect blank canvas for all those hard to match accessories hidden at the bottom of your jewelry chest.  If you love to layer, try layering in over or under a colored tank.

Convertible Bra

Showing your bra straps is more trashy than classy.  Keep your summer look clean and fresh with a bra that adjusts to the straps of your tank top.  Whether you are sporting a tube top, single strap or halter top, a convertible bra will give you all the options.  If you can’t invest in a good convertible bra, try a Bra Clip which will pull the straps of your bra together to conceal them for a simple racer back tank. 

May 3, 2011

- The Long and Short of it on Men's Shorts

   

Show Your Knees

Your shorts should hit no longer than your knees.  If you have major reservations about exposing your knees, then compromise by having the short hit mid knee.  Any person looking directly at you will not be able to see your knees.

Don't Overexpose

If your boxers are showing out the bottom of your shorts, they are too short.  Your shorts shouldn’t be any shorter than the top 50% of your legs.  Aim for having 75% of the top half of your leg covered.  Anything shorter starts looking like your Dad’s shorts from the 70’s.

And a few more tips…

Khakis are Keepers

Nothing beats a simple khaki short in the summer.  They go with everything.  Wear a flat front or single pleat style on the golf course.  A cargo style short is easy and works for casual days and nights.

Plain to Plaid

A plain short is easy, but a plaid short can be a stylish way to add print and color to your summer wardrobe.  Buy at least two shirts to wear with your shorts so you have options to mix and match.  A canvas belt paired with polo or well fitted t-shirt looks effortlessly stylish. 

No Jackets or Ties

There is no occasion that would give you reason to wear a jacket and shorts or a tie and shorts.  Any situation that is dressy enough to require a jacket or tie is certainly formal enough to also require pants. 

May 2, 2011

- Sassy Summer Dresses

  

Bare Your Arms

Don’t hide behind frumpy sleeves this summer, show your arms with a sleeveless dress.  If you’ve hit the gym this winter you will want to show off those toned triceps.  If you haven’t, covering up will only amp up the frump factor.  Avoid covering your pretty dress up with a cardigan.  It usually takes away from the style of the dress and can make you look older.  If you must cover up, try a structured jacket, a very simple, clean-lined cardigan, or chose a dress with a small cap sleeve. 

Keep It Short

You don’t have to have Megan Fox’s legs in order to pull off a short dress.  Quite the contrary as women with short legs look better in short dresses.  Wearing a short dress or skirt will expose more leg, making your leg appear longer and leaner.  Avoid wearing tea-length dresses that cut mid-calf as it’s an unflattering length for short legs.  If you were blessed with long gams, while you may need to be a bit generous with the length at the office, don’t shy away from going short on date night.

Or Go Long

This summer’s 70’s glam look is a perfect match for the Maxi dress.  Soft, flowy fabrics that hit just at the ankle look best on our long legged sisters.  If you are short and petite, it can work, but you need to avoid voluminous styles.  Add an embellished leather belt to your maxi to give it some edge.  Wear with your wood wedges or metallic sandals.

White or Bright

It’s all or nothing with color this season.  Choose your dresses in loud, bright colors of yellow, orange and blue.  Color blocking feels retro and is equally on trend.  Or avoid color all together and go for a hot white dress.  In a structured, perfectly fit style this can feel very elegant. Sass it up to South Beach sexy with a more body hugging fit if you're daring.

March 26, 2011

- Flirty Summer Dresses at Chic Couture - Milena's Must Have

March 9, 2011

- How to Wear Spring Trends Now

A punch of color.  Bright, bold colors are everywhere this spring.  We are excited to see the pendulum swing from monotonous grays and blacks to vibrant hues such as electric blue and sunshine yellow.  Color blocks of contrasting colors like chartreuse and magenta prevail for warm weather, but pair your brilliant colors with more muted or soft colors like taupe to tone down the look now.

Modern white. White is everywhere this season.  Keep the look fresh with tailored pieces that are simple, yet sophisticated.  Create a white-on-white monochromatic look for added drama.  Pair your white tops with dark denim while the weather is cool and gradually transition to the white pant suit for spring.

Bell bottom pants.  Spring is all about 70’s glamour and the bell bottom pant is a staple of this era.  Wear your bell bottom pants with tailored button-ups and fitted jackets.  You’ll see an abundance of white denim and dress pant styles this season that can be paired with loose and sheer tops for warm weather.

Striped Tees.  Nautical stripes scream resort wear, so choose stripes in orange reds and bright blues to keep your look less predictable.  Layer your stripes under winter essentials like a fur vest and cropped jackets now and show them off with racerback tanks and loose fitting tees for summer.

March 2, 2011

- Comfort Fashion with You by Crocs - Milena's Must Have

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.

August 13, 2009

- Wrap Up Your Summer in a Scarf! 2

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!  A scarf can keep you warm as the temperatures drop and also double as a wrap for those cool summer nights. 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.  A simple wrap around the neck is easy and chic.  Check out how Kardashian, Diaz, Hudson, Pitt, Bartha and Timberlake do this look (below).

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!

Another type of scarf is the square scarf.  Rihanna does this perfectly!  Simply fold your scarf in half.  Wrap the scarf around your neck with the point of the triangle pointing down the front.  Wrap the ends around your neck and slightly pull them back towards the front.  Let your ends drape loosely.  This style requires a bit of an edge for men and women to pull off, so don't be shy when wearing this scene stealer!  

Lastly, try wearing your scarf more like a wrap or turtle neck.  This can be done in a lot of variations too!  For the basic wrap, start in the middle of the scarf and wrap one end around your neck.  Then wrap the other end, securing the ends underneath the scarf so it doesn't come undone.  See all the unique ways that Alba wears this look! 

These are just a few ways you can begin to wear a scarf!  Experiment with different looks and see what works for you!

June 29, 2009

- Your Boyfriend Called...He Wants His Jeans Back!

I’ve never been a big fan of trends and this one is right there with the rest of them!  The boyfriend jean really doesn’t flatter anyone!  If you are fortunate enough to be thin - you should show off your figure and if you’ve got a few extra pounds – adding extra volume is only going to make you appear larger!  In addition to making you look like your carrying some extra baggage, the cropped style is making your legs appear shorter and wider!  Yes, it’s true.  Your legs stop where the jeans end and this means you visually have 2’5��? legs or shorter for many of us petite types.  Boyfriends jeans are a trend so if you must buy them, don’t waste your money on designer jeans because eventually they are going to be “out��? again (but probably not soon enough).