Lova Ya, Babydoll!

January 26th, 2010

We just posted about comfortable clothes, which makes today a great day to highlight one very comfortable dress: the babydoll. I know what you’re thinking—”How can a dress be comfortable?”

But picture this: You’ve got lunch with the girls in a half an hour, and you’ve decided to depart from your normal salad-ordering ways in favor of a more indulgent Cheesecake Factory appointment. That means yummy bread, a super-sized meal (even their lunch portions are gigantic), and—of course—cheesecake.

How are your little work pants going to take it? Industrial-strength packing tape? A stapler gun? Possibly. But for a less constricting meal plan, we recommend the babydoll. This style of dress is defined by its high waistband, which is located directly below the bust. What’s that mean? Two words: What bloating?

And, okay, even if you’re not stopping by the Cheesecake Factory or having any problems with your regularly scheduled trousers, babydoll dresses are still a nice way to mix it up and give that ole’ waistband a time out.

Despite the name, babydolls can look childish or mature, casual or elegant, innocent or sexy. It’s all about the style, fabric, and cut, in addition to what you wear it with. When in doubt, dress it down with a jean jacket or up with heels.

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Comfy Chic

January 25th, 2010

We all have those days when we just crave comfort, so much so that even fashion must bow down. At least it seems that way. Actually, with the right items, you can feel comfy and look chic—and the word “sloppy” never has to enter your fashion vocabulary. Kick off your heels and read on.

Speaking of heels, most comfort seekers craft something flat and easy to move in, making sneakers an obvious choice. But wanting comfort isn’t a free pass to look like you’re on your way to a mall walkers group. We recommend owning a pair or two of trendy sneakers by Puma or Lacoste for some lucious lace-wear, or perhaps one of their Velcro designs. (What’s more comfortable than Velcro?) Plus, you can find these brands at hefty discounts at retailers like DSW.

Next, if you’re thinking of throwing a sweatshirt on over your jeans, remember that you can achieve the same amount of comfort with tons more style by choosing a cardigan instead. Available in a number of soft materials (we love Alpaca blends, but it’s all good), cardigans are a great way of saying “I’m comfortable and I care about my look.”

Similar to cardigans, knit blazers can really dress up an otherwise sloppy outfit without robbing you of any comfort. These are cut and styled exactly like regular blazers, but are made out of soft stretch materials, typically with a cotton base.

Don’t you just feel comfy already?

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Check Out These Oxfords!

January 22nd, 2010

Why put on his tie when you can wear his shoes? If you enjoy seeing female versions of men’s styles, you’ll love oxfords, inspired by the classic footwear from Scotland and England.

Here are three of our favorite looks:

Thelma’s Oxford by Pour La Victoire — $288

Though somewhat pricey, these patent leather shoes are to die for, featuring two-toned awesomeness, a wingtip front, and old-style perforations. You’ll also get a slight boost to your height without losing your faux-masculinity, as these babies sport a tasteful 1 inch heel.

Two Tone Oxford by Deena & Ozzy — $38

These flats offer pretty much the same look as the above Pour La Victoire pair, except for being, well, flat. Either way, this two toned color scheme will look great with a pair of dark wash skinny jeans in blue or black denim.

Grey Patent Oxford by a.ok — $52

Finally, shoe lovers can access their inner funk with this chic pair featuring that patent patent shine (ha!). We love the pointed toes, one inch heel, and pseudo-metallic glimmer.

You can pair these oxfords with a button down shirt and pants to embrace your inner tomboy (or Wall Streeter), or opt for a skirt and dress to endow your outfit with some juxtapositional flair.

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Men: Got A Date? Want To Make The Best First Impression?

January 14th, 2010

Dating can be pretty tough. Even if you manage to say all the right things, a sloppy or unfashionable outfit can undo all of your progress.

When dressing for a date, it might be helpful to think about how the fairer sex chooses their outfits. Women want to look nice not only for other people, but also to feel good about themselves. So when a woman sees a man putting no effort into his appearance, it’s easy to extrapolate that he just doesn’t care – about himself, or her, or both. Your date is going to read into anything you wear, so you might as well dress to impress.

To begin, remember to never over- or under-dress for a date. An extreme example would be wearing a tuxedo to a pizza parlor, but even an unnecessary tie or pair of cufflinks will make you look like you don’t know what you’re doing. At the same time, you don’t want to wear jeans and a t-shirt to a classy French restaurant. If you’re really confused about what to wear, walk by the restaurant before the date and see how most of the customers are dressed.

Next, pay attention to your colors! You can have the most stylish pants, shirt, and belt in human history, but if they clash with each other, the effect will be spoiled. Instead, choose colors that compliment each other, or stick to basics like black, navy blue, gray, and brown. In general, one bright color is probably enough for an outfit – anything else is an express train to clash city.

And of course, make sure you groom yourself before a date. Tame that hair and beard, take a pair of tweezers to those eyebrows, and take the entire package to the next level by applying a tasteful amount of cologne. Women love it when a guy smells good. I recommend Cool Water (by Davidoff) or AcQua Di Gio (by Armani).

Remember, first impressions really count, so put in the effort to make yourself look good!

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The Best In Men’s Designer Ties

January 13th, 2010

A lot of people think designer fashion only applies to women, but there are plenty of styles and trends out there for men to follow. Of course, women are probably more likely to drop $400 on a pair of shoes, but that doesn’t mean men won’t invest in some key wardrobe pieces, like a quality tie. Finding a tie – and a shirt to match – is actually pretty simple, as long as you follow a few simple rules.

First off, it’s helpful to shop with a specific occasion in mind. The same tie that you wore to your little sister’s graduation from kindergarten probably won’t fly on a first date. And if you’re going to a black tie gala, make sure you actually wear a black tie. On the other extreme, you can feel free to pick a tie that’s more comfortable and in line with your personality if the occasion is something more casual, like a friend’s party.

Second, you need to stay up to date on which tie styles are currently popular. Right now, long, skinny ties are back in vogue, but short, chunky ones are definitely out. Remember to bookmark fashion blogs like this one to read about trends as they evolve.

Now, tie colors and patterns are going to depend on what shirts and suits you hope to match them with. In most cases, dark-colored ties in shades of red, blue, and black are safe bets for almost any outfit.

Also, watch out for cartoonish, novelty ties. Those are no way to impress a boss, unless it’s Casual Friday, or he’s got an especially forgiving sense of humor.

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How To Look Trendy – Even When It’s Cold Out!

January 12th, 2010

Wintertime can be a beautiful, joyous season, but in terms of fashion, all that bulky clothing can get kind of frustrating. Because bulk only leads to one thing: that Abominable Snowman look, which is never in style.

Speaking of snowmen, I can’t stress enough how horrible and out-of-style “marshmallow” coats have become – to be honest, I’d rather brave the outdoors in a t-shirt and shorts.

Ideally, you want to find a winter ensemble that will fit your personality, be stylish, and keep you warm.

First off – and this goes with any season – it’s important to purchase form-fitting items. Be proud of your body – even if you’ve got some problem areas, they will only look worse if you allow yourself to get swallowed up in a shapeless sweater. Show off your asserts with clothes that match your body shape, without delving too far into the low-cut and super-tight.

Second, remember to jazz up your winter attire with jewelry and scarves. Scarves can be draped strategically to accentuate and hide certain areas, and they’re becoming more fashionable every day.

Similarly, bracelets and earrings take some of the pressure off your body, allowing people to focus on your unique personality and good taste – or maybe that new haircut and French manicure. Plus, accessories are a great way to make different outfits stand out, even if you’re stuck rotating the same two or three jackets throughout the winter months.

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So Many Coats, So Little Time!

January 11th, 2010

There are certain items of clothing that I am absolutely infatuated with, and coats and jackets are at the top of the list. I love outerwear, because it’s available in so many different styles and at so many different prices, so you know there’s a combination out there for you.

As usual, this year’s cold weather brought with it a fresh array of coats and jackets, designed to keep your warm while looking chic.

When shopping for jackets, it’s important to consider your wants – are you looking for something warm, dressy, durable, fashionable? Do you want to be able to wear your jacket skiing down a mountain, walking up the street, or dining at a fancy restaurant?

Although a winter sports jacket might not be appropriate for all social situations, keep in mind that these are often extremely well made, offering thick insulation to keep your teeth from chattering. Alternatively, a tweed jacket might look more stylish, but you’ll probably have to layer other items to get the same level of warmth.

I always try to find a nice balance between fashion and warmth – I want to look good, but I have a very low tolerance for cold weather. If you’re like me, a faux fur jacket, leather jacket, or suede jacket might be the way to go – they’re available in a variety of fashionable colors and lengths, and tend to be surprisingly warm on the inside, as they are often insulated with wool.

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Fashion Games for Fashion Girls

January 7th, 2010

Children are getting into fashion sooner and sooner these days, some of which we can attribute to the growing emphasis on clothing and accessories on television and in magazines, but that’s only part of it. Little girls look at their mothers’ chic styles and want to emulate them, making fashion seem even more important. For many children, fashion parties are the new tea parties.

Some game makers are capitalizing on this trend, and have released a variety of fashion-themed games. These can be a lot of fun for little girls, especially the programs designed to run on a computer, which allow users to dress up a model or character with visible results. Games like these are also great for a child’s self esteem, since there are no wrong answers – children can go as far as their imaginations will take them. If they want a lime green purse with a hot pink dress, such an arrangement is only a click away.

Of course, parents should keep in mind that their children’s interest in fashion is an opportunity for education as well. They can learn about classic looks and styles, but some of the lessons run deeper – for example, that clothing should express your individuality, and creativity is always embraced in the fashion world. There are certain economic lessons as well, as many of the children’s fashion games involve virtual shopping malls, which introduce concepts of spending and budgeting money.

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Male Fashion Faux Pas – Winter Edition

January 6th, 2010

Most men will openly admit that, when it comes to the cold, they favor dressing down. I’m on the other end of the spectrum, however – fashion-wise, I prefer winter to summer because of all the cool clothes and accessories available. In the winter, you can always feel free to layer without worrying about getting too hot.

Now, I’m a female, but there are plenty of options out there for men that allot for both warmth and fashion. You don’t have to be Fred Astaire – even something simple like a nice pair of gloves or scarf can change a dumpy outfit into something sexy. Then again, for some men even that is asking too much. Read on for some the opposite sex’s worst winter fashion transgressions.

First off: bulky ski gloves. It’s right in the name – these gloves are made for skiing, not going to the movies or anything else. On any outing that does not involve winter sports, a man should wear a nice pair of leather gloves instead. Make this change, and you’ll gain at least 10 fashion points, no questions asked.

Next we have an assortment of ugly winter hats – pretty much anything with logos, patterns, or (gasp) pom poms. To avoid a one-way ticket to frumpy-town, men should invest in a simple, solid-colored cashmere hat, which will allow them to look warm and cool.

Finally, we come to the worst offender: the puffy “Pillsbury Doughboy” jacket. Unless you’re literally teaching families to make warm croissants, there is no excuse for such attire. Puffy jackets don’t look good on anyone, but they tend to appear particularly ridiculous on big, strong men. They might make you feel warm and cuddly inside, but the external effect is, as advertised, puffiness – wear one of these, and people will assume you had too much apple pie over the holidays.

Alternative to such heresy, men should invest in a stylish overcoat, which looks especially nice over a suit and is a great choice for meetings, parties, and vacations alike. I recommend a single-breasted jacket from Ralph Lauren or Hugo Boss. Invest in a good jacket, and you’ll instantly feel more mature – the ladies might notice too.

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Winter Fashion Trends for Women

January 5th, 2010

Fashion trends always seem to be changing, which is one reason why fashion blogs like ours are such fantastic resources for up-to-date information about what to wear, how to wear it, and when to wear it. Right now, all the northern states are knee-deep in wintertime, but it can even get cold in warmer states such as Florida, Arizona and California as well. So no matter where you live, pay attention – these fashion trends apply to any woman hoping to look chic this winter.

First, I recommend taking a look at your skin tone and coloring. For example, I have blond hair and fair skin, so I tend to look fashionable and classy in darker colors such as black, green, brown, and blue. However, if you have darker skin or darker hair, you might want to consider lighter colors. Of course, what you wear is up to you, but if it fits right, looks good, and is the right coloring for your specific skin tone and hair – it’s going to look awesome!

After you’ve got your color palette, you need to think about which of the popular fabrics and materials you want to wear. One trendy choice of material is knitwear, such as wool, cashmere, and mohair. These garments can be very comfortable and stylish, but you also have to be careful not to choose anything too bulky – otherwise you might look bulky.

Similarly, you have to be careful with patterns, such as prints and stripes, making sure that they flatter your figure, rather than accentuating the negative. In general, try to avoid having a pattern dominate your outfit unless you’re sure you can own the look – a plaid shirt under a blazer is easier to pull off than a plaid dress.

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