Santa, baby, hurry down the runway tonight ...

Oliver B. is back for the holidays and ready to help some of the men enter the new year with a mindset to jazz up their wardrobe. That's right, get your pencils ready and your calculators going for those fabulous gift cards you’re gonna give for Christmas. Yes, I said gift cards. Don't be afraid to give people what they actually want for Christmas: no chance of standing in line at the Returns counter. HA!

Give the gift of fashion this year ... it's good for the soul, you know.

My January 2010 GQ issue has arrived and I have torn threw it to find the upcoming trends and the ways to jazz up a wardrobe with pieces that you can recirculate through the years in your closet collection. The new year is about thinking outside of the box. It's about color coordinating to the extreme ... mixing a red polo shirt with a fuchsia polo sweater, or teal with aqua blue. Something bold and eye-catching. Vibrant. Surprising. NEW! Delicious.

Perhaps you're an office worker and don't have the free hours to go that bold and vibrant. Not a problem. In an officescape defined by bland cubicles and by-the-books colleagues, you can still do something to get noticed. GQ is sharing how you can bring some life to your business wardrobe. And of course Oliver B. is here to add in a hint of long-term style to the suggestions.

First, sport a plaid pocket square. Where is it written that the pocket square has to be plain old white? Try a patterned handkerchief into your jacket. An perhaps you can try one with a very rough texture (think burlap).

Second, discover our lost friend, the sweet and round BROWN. Wearing a black belt with black shoes is kind of like whispering; you'll never speak out of turn, but you'll never be heard, either. Now, a brown belt with brown shoes? That's a statement--loud and proud. Be sure to choose muted colors around that brown option. A nice grey suit, navy shirt look. Something that makes brown the star immediately as you look at it. You can't make brown a star when the entire cast is all brown. Think about that the next time you match from head to toe.

Third, recharge your dress shirt. A brightly colored shirt can work at the office. You just need to be sure that the style of the shirt is traditional, and if you have to wear a tie, think dark. Again, the shirt is the star, so the ensemble cast should fade into the background. Let the color do all the talking. I'm a personal fan of blue, maybe even hunter green. But these colors work with my skin tone and eye color. Be sure if you go for a bold color it is a color that will look nice on your skin tone or with your eye color. Just because you wear a style doesn't always make it the style for you. Remember that style reflects you ... so check the mirror once in a while.

Fourth, get the modern briefcase. Offered by everyone from Louis Vuitton to Banana Republic (a favorite of mine), the modern briefcase--in canvas or textured leather--makes a mature alternative to the messenger bag. It also doesn't throw off the sleek, slim lines of your wardrobe. A clumsy briefcase will damage the aesthetic look of your new style.

Fifth, get some hardware. Consider wearing accessories that anchor your look with some heft: solid frames, sturdy cuffs, a slim steel watch. You don't have to wear them all at the same time (remember Coco Chanel's teachings on accessorizing). You just want accessories that reach out and slap passersby in the face and say "notice me!" If you can get people to focus on that accessory and miss the rest of your look, you've done it. I really love the solid frames. It's very 60's (my favorite era) and it brings up images of the hot nerd (who is amazingly in style right now as THE arm accessory ... thank you Emo fashionistas for aiding in that wave of appreciation).

Finally, understand the power of three. A three-piece suit is nothing to shy away from. For many years, we all felt that it might be a little too dressy for the regular workday. Not so anymore. Once the jacket comes off in the morning, the wardrobe is still sharp. Don't knock it until you've tried it. And the one great thing I love about the vest is it adds extra buttons to your wardrobe. I love buttons ... especially when they're being undone at the end of the day ... or during it. Your call ;-)

To summarize GQ's newest issue, I have written a little song for you all to convey the lessons of the day, with a couple of extra suggestions I found in the magazine that I liked. It's my special holiday gift to the readers who keep coming back time and time again for the sporadic rantings of a visionary striving each day to make people as beautiful as the world they live in. So, for your reading pleasure, I give you "Santa Baby" Oliver B.-style:

Santa baby, slip a plaid square under the tree, for me
I've been a real voguish guy
Santa baby, and hurry down the runway tonight

Santa baby, a Prada belt and Salvatore shoe, brown hue
I'll sit on the front row
Santa baby, and hurry down the runway tonight

Think of all the fun I've missed
Think of all the bright dress shirts you must enlist
Next year I could be oh so GQ
If you'd check off my Christmas list

Santa honey, I want a Vuitton briefcase
Don't make that face
I've been an angel all year
Santa baby, and hurry down the runway tonight

Santa cutie, there's one thing I really do need, accessories
Cartier cuff links will do
Santa baby, and hurry down the runway tonight

Santa baby, and fill my fashions with three-piece suits, to boot
Check out how sharp it looks
Santa baby, and hurry down the runway tonight

Come and groom me up please Jamie
With some moisturizer from L'homme Healthy
I really do believe in you
Let's see if you believe in 'mani

Santa baby, forgot to mention one little thing, a ring
On a brand new smartphone
Santa baby, and hurry down the runway tonight

Hurry down the runway tonight
Hurry down the runway tonight

Here's to style. Cheers!

Wow & Forever

Oliver B. here and there's nothing I love more than the fall season. Aside from the fact that I love cold weather, I also love the fashions of the fall. I always go for a sweater, long pants, scarves, hats, coats, etc. It's very easy to be sexy in the summer time where you show a little here and there. But to be just as sexy (if not sexier) in head-to-toe clothing ... now that is something to envy. Today's blog will focus on the overall picture I see in this season's fashion choices. Some of you may not be ready for it but you'll just have to bend over and take it like any of my other prisoners. Here goes ...

The theme I think is best to describe this fall season is passion. It is not a complete novelty to think of heat and fire in the fall, is it? But, that's what this season is all about. "Fall's palette paints nails with drama, as accessory to the season's perfectly polished fashion. Vivid pinks and violets. Darkest cobalt and emerald. Warm reds. Rich nudes. A passion for color." (Colección de España by OPI) And there could be no truer statement of the fall trends. In it's continuing run through the seasons, color is still the main staple. Often, especially in the colder seasons, our fashionistas retreat to blacks and greys and whites, and shy away from a bold and mesmerizing color. This would be a mistake. DO NOT BE AFRAID TO DRAW ATTENTION!!

I have seen a vibrant violet Gucci suit, to a rich plum Calvin Klein ad, to a bursting pink from Tommy Hilfiger, neon colors on Chanel couture, and let's not forget about the patent leather shockingly bright flats from Coach. All of it beautiful and really spruces up the dreary season. No more of this earth tone look in the fall. Stop matching the leaves as they fall. There's something inherently optimistic about a vibrant color, and Lord knows we all could use a touch of optimism these days.

Are we losing our confidence people? Every fashion magazine I have read lately from InStyle to Harper's Bazaar has some statement that wearing a certain look will bring you confidence. NO NO NO NONONONONONONO. Confidence should never come from your clothes. It should always come from you and you alone. You must never let the clothes wear you. And as a practical matter why should you base your confidence on items that will be out of fashion in a matter of months? Does confidence have an expiration date? Really?

My tips this blog come from Michelle Obama's wardrobe. Take a cue from our lovely First Lady whose unstuffy style is just the kind of optimism I want to see not just on the catwalk, but on the sidewalk as well ...

1) Bursting with color, a clean-line coat that comes to the knee makes a tasteful statement.

2) The new business chic swaps restrained suit jackets for spirited sweaters, often belted.

3) Anyone can pull off juicy tones, as long as they're worn with confidence (not worn to get confidence)

4) The knee-length silhouette may be simple, but the fabrics are quite the opposite: rich brocades, nubby tweeds, and dazzling metallics. Instead of offsetting the skirt's sumptuousness, play it up with a bright belt or an embellished sweater.

5) Pearl chokers are the jeans of the jewelry world--they go with absolutely everything.

6) Wide belts give definition to boxy jackets and unstructured cardigans.

7) A cluster of oversize brooches adds oomph to classic blazers.

8) A pair of low heels in snakeskin or metallic leather are in step with any occasion.

All of these tips are simple and fashionsteady, not fashionforward. Remember that you must always have a proper foundation to build a house on. Too many times I see perfectly good looks destroyed by a simple crack in the foundation like overaccessorizing. It doesn't have to be you. Learn the lessons.

Here's to style. Cheers!

Ties ... Ties, Ties, Ties ... For Career Boys

It's Wednesday people ... and Oliver B. is back with another edition of "Ugly Tie Wednesday." For those of you just tuning in, Ugly Tie Wednesday is a little fun competition between the guys at work. They each come to work on Wednesday in an ugly tie, and one lucky man is chosen as the winner of the week with the ugliest tie. Each week there ends up being a discussion about at least one tie that we view as salvageable. So, as your window to the fashion world, I have taken it upon myself to not only show you the contestants in the ugly tie competition, but to give you a brief fashion lesson to show you how some of these ties are actually fashion forward. I am all about reusing what's in your closet if you can. Many fashions do get recycled, FYI.

Now, without further delay, I give you the contestants...

This week I was not able to select a tie to win. I have placed my top two as tie #3 and tie #6. Tie #3 is ugly for ugly sake. It's a tie that was just made ugly. Tie #6, however, seems to be a tie with such a subtle and demur design that until you walk up on it, you don't realize just how hideous it is. It has depth to it in its ugliness. So who wins? The tie that IS ugly, or the tie you have to discover is ugly? I'm going to let you all decide on that.

This week I have selected my savable tie as tie #5. It's beautiful, and yet was very controversial this week. Nearly all the men felt that the tie was ugly and should have won. Silly men ...

The fact is that this tie is the most fashion forward tie that has been worn on Ugly Tie Wednesday to date. I'm talking so fashion forward that the concept is in the Spring 2010 fashion lines. Collections like Robert Geller, Chanel, and Ralph Lauren are boasting very hot bright colors in their collections. Even LovetoKnow.com for men's fashion recommends jewel tones for men with darker hair. This tie is a perfect piece to add to your wardrobe. I think the key to remember is that you either make that tie the star attraction, or you go so big with the color that it's a subtle addition. You can always play up the looks I have included from the Spring 2010 collections. However, if you are not the type to really experiment in bold colors, you could always dress the tie with a nice white blazer, or a normal color, just in a shiny fabric. Versace has a white two-button blazer with honeycomb jacquard texture that is perfect for this tie. Take a look ...

Fashion has gone too severe lately. There is far too much black, grey, and white being presented on the runway. There's only so much you can do with that. It is time to brighten up again, and boy have the designers done that! I am wow'd at how well designers have taken seemingly loud and tacky colors, and have designed their pieces in a way that you forget what color you are looking at. It could just be that we have been so focused on dark colors that this extreme seems like the normal way to go. Who knows ... or cares?

Anywho, that tie is my pick of the week to save from an undeserved label of ugly. And to think this tie was found for only $4. You never know what treasures you stumble on.

In the end, I hope you all take away from this posting that bright colors are in season. While it may not be the right style for you, it is a fashion piece worth pulling into your seasonal trends. I give this splash of color ... this "transcendently psychedelic" beauty ... Oliver B. Styles' stamp of approval. Definitely vogue!

Here's to style. Cheers!

Ugly Is In The Ties Of The Holders

It's a new week, and Oliver B. is presenting this week's Ugly Tie Wednesday. As I said last week, my coworkers have decided to wear ugly ties on Wednesdays, and have a little contest on who has the ugliest tie. This week the participants were going for goal, and some succeeded in presenting truly ugly (and non-salvageable) ties. Let's take a look at our contestants individually ...

Now, each week I will be posting the contestants of Ugly Tie Wednesday, and I will let my readers choose which tie is the ugliest, and indicate which ties can be saved and used in fashionable looks. I will be making my picks as well.

So, this week, the winner is the black background, loud print tie. If you all can see it, the pattern looks like stained-glass windows on churches. It is hideous. I was appalled at what I saw in person. I would suggest a runner up (should the winner not be able to fulfill his duties in the championship competition that we will have later) as the paint splotch tie. It looks like paint just fell on it ... I hate it.

I do think at least one tie can be saved. That would be the brown skinny tie (which looks like an all black tie, but it was actually brown). That tie is a relic of the 60's and 70's, but it has made a comeback on the fashion scene (I've seen it in more Hamptons America styles like Ralph Lauren). Some garments are less about the fabric and more about the overall textures. If you're wearing a lot of smooth lines, this rough, woven tie provides a great texture contrast. You should only do this with one piece in the wardrobe, whether it is a tie or a sweater vest, but not both. Mix it up a bit ... integrate textures. I personally liked that tie, and would wear it, so it's not an ugly tie.

And this my friends is the Ugly Tie Wednesday contest. Feel free to add your input and make your selections on the winners and savers. I will be sharing your thoughts with my coworkers each week. So, be sure to check back here every Wednesday for the latest entries. Oh God, I'm actually supporting ugly ties on my blog ... I need a drink.

Here's to style. Cheers!

All Dressed Up In Love ...

I have been watching the Sex and the City movie over and over again lately, and listening to the song at the end, "All Dressed Up In Love." I have really taken to the song, and I hadn't realized why until today.

As I was reading a sex book (I also keep myself abreast of sexual discussions) it finally hit me why I have been enjoying the song so much. How you present yourself to the world has an enormous effect on how you're perceived by others. Creating a positive personal image that reflects who you are will help you make an engaging impression that attracts the kinds of people into your life that you want to attract. I have decided to call this being "all dressed up in love." It plays perfectly with love and friendship, and fits with the words of the song, and the description used by Carrie in the movie. Let's discuss this ...

This image is a combination of physical appearance and mental attitude. The two need to work together in order to be successful, so learning how to make your outside appearance match your inner personality is the key to creating a winning overall image. Your clothes are a reflection of YOUR tastes and interests, so use them to create the proper first impression. You want people to see you in your clothes, not see some guy or girl wearing nice clothes; you wear the clothes, they don't wear you. You pay enough for them ... they should be under your control haha.

Just remember that confidence and self-esteem are very important fashion accessories. Having a perfect body, handsome face, and stylish wardrobe may get you a lot of attention, but if there's nothing behind all that glitz and glamor, no one is gonna hang around for long. Do you want the people in your life to fade out as quickly as the trendy fashions you use to lure them in?

Dressing yourself up in love starts with figuring out who you are. This takes that scary procedure we all try to avoid: self-examination. It's easy to be like everyone else, but being yourself--being unique--is ultimately going to be much more satisfying after all the torture you go through to get there.

Your best look comes from attitude. The most attractive quality in a stylish man or woman is confidence. A person who is confident and projects an air of happiness and satisfaction is always wearing THE sexy "it" item. If you walk around looking and acting angry or frightened or nervous, people are going to sense it and stay away. If you adopt a condescending or rude attitude, no one is going to want to be with you because, after all, just what could someone with a bad attitude have to offer? The person who is confident will have style in the bag. Nothing is more vogue than a content person.

So, get out there and be the very best you that you can be. It begins with asking yourself who are you. Let the answer (along with my other style tips) lead you to YOUR look.

Here's to style. Cheers!

Let's Play a LookGame: Sack or Salvage?

Oliver B. here with a special survey for my readers. I have been issued a challenge: turn a seemingly ugly tie into a fashion item. Can it be done? I think so, but I'm curious at what others are thinking.

SO, my office is doing an "Ugly Tie Wednesday" thing every week. This week was the first official week of it. There are two ties competing for the prize of ugliest of the week. Take a look below:

Now, I have stated that I feel the one on the left is the ugliest tie. Here's my thinking: the purple tie on the right is a salvageable tie; the one on the left should just be burned on general principles. There was heavy disagreement by the owner of the purple, who fervently advocated his cause for having the ugliest tie. I still think his tie can be made into a fashionable item of clothing. Here's how ...

Ralph Lauren, Michael Kors, Lanvin, and more have posted recent runway shows featuring these looks. So, from what I gather of the runway shows, ties like the purple tie (which is a great shade of purple FYI ... purple being the new hot color tie to wear in the political world) are fine to wear, and to offset the lime green polka dots on the tie, you should wear a more dark, charcoal, black, or midnight blue color. I always say that you should pick one item of clothing to be the star of the outfit. In this case it would have to be the tie. What you do is play down the rest of your look in order to present the tie as the featured item. I think with a little inspiration from the above looks, the tie will pull off fine in social settings. I wouldn't recommend it for a professional look (unless you work in fashion or public relations or something along those trendy lines) but it's definitely something I would allow in public.

Now that you've seen the ties, and have had a chance to look at my research, the question is which tie do you find the ugliest, and do you think the purple tie is salvageable for trendy fashions?

The new trends are all about splashes of loud colors--bright, vibrant, shocking colors. We have spent many years trying to avoid bright colors as horrible in fashion. The walls are coming down people: you can wear white after labor day, florals in winter, metal accessories in spring, jewel tones are all over the place (no longer reserved for jewelry), bigger is better, and loud is the best volume ;-)

Here's to style. Cheers!

Je Cherche Une Femme ... Une Femme Française

Okay my fans ... a new blog is coming your way. I was talking to a woman today who is making a trip to France, and wants to look as fashionable as possible. That is certainly understandable since Paris is one of the fashion capitals of the world. It is home to some of the greatest design houses of our time: Chanel, Dior, Louis Vuitton, Hermés, Christian Lacroix, Yves Saint Laurent, and Christian Louboutin to name a few. But what do you expect from a country which considers fashion a national issue?

The expression haute couture is, in France, a legally protected name, guaranteeing certain quality standards. French couture is regulated by an industry governing body, the Fédération

française de la couture, du prêt-à-porter des couturiers et des créateurs de mode created in 1973, which itself consists of the Chambre Syndicale de la mode masculine (men's fashion), the Chambre syndicale du prêt-à-porter des couturiers et des créateurs de mode (ready-to-wear) and the Chambre syndicale de la haute couture (high fashion), the latter having been created in 1868. The Federation also has a fashion school, the Ecole de la chambre syndicale de la couture parisienne (created in 1928).

Now that you have a slight history lesson, back to the topic: French fashions. This blog will be dedicated to finding great style for a French vacation. Let's begin ...

Trends:

I think first I should get the trendy stuff out of the way. While you all know I am a fan of classic and timeless style, as I have said many times before you should always have some trendy pieces to mix with your classics. Never forget that trends are not bad, they just aren't worth investing too much of your money. For trendy pieces I would suggest H&M, and even Zara. These are two very trendy stores where you can find the latest fashions at the best prices. Take a look at this French street fashion look ... the vest and the shoes are both Zara items.

This is a head-to-toe example of trendy French fashion ... sexy, rocker, bohemian, with just a touch of sophistication. Want to see more ...

And there you have trendy street fashions. Pick out things you like and start looking for them.

On to classics ... I don't have the time to go into every detail of French style, so rather than photos, I will simply state a few helpful hints.

Here are my top ten tips for choosing classic styles:

1) Chunky jewelry is always vogue.

2) Hats are a must ... think Diana Vreeland, "Hats, Hats, Hats for career girls ... "

3) Don't forget a scarf.

4) A beautiful man is a hot accessory.

5) Fashion reflects everyone; style reflects you.

6) Casual luxury is a way of life in France.

7) A good handbag can make or break your outfit.

8) A men's tuxedo shirt can have so many possibilities.

9) A red lip (that doesn't look hookerish) can jazz up a dark-colored outfit.

10) No outfit is complete without a key accessory: confidence.

If you follow these tips, I am sure you will find a style that will serve you well in France, and even here in the U.S. Chic is a universal language, so brush up on it.

Of course you know that this is not every detail of French fashion, but it is enough to jumpstart you on your way. I always like to be a guide for fashion, not a dictator. I would also recommend that you be prepared to purchase some items in France that you expect to keep a long time. Chanel is timeless, and always stylish. Christain Louboutin has stunning stiletto shoes. Make sure you don't get knockoffs. Christian Louboutin shoes have a signature red bottom that is trademarked. That's just in case you run into a hustle man like we have here in the U.S. haha. And you MUST visit Dior as well.

SO ... go forth and be fabulous.

Here's to style. Cheers!

Hobbled Couture

Oliver B. here, revitalized and renewed, and ready to get back to what I enjoy most: discovering beauty. Ever checked out the new music artist on the scene, Lady Gaga? If so, you have obviously seen the outrageous fashions--well, perhaps it's better to say costumes--she wears. She is rave chic all the way, and artistically couture down to the shoes. She has been seen wearing tuxedo tails and panties, or a dress made out of bubbles. She is a walking art sculpture, and a testament to why I say fashion is beautiful . . . it is art.

I have been wanting to write a blog about her for some time, but never could get going on a full discussion as she was brand new. I wanted to wait to see what she had to offer in terms of long-term fashion sense. Today she has proven that she is an icon in her own right. She has outdone herself in her new video, "Paparazzi," where she wears a gold armor outfit with crutches, and hobbles down the red carpet.

Aside from the obvious humor, there is an amazingly artful beauty in that scene. Imagine that you are the photographer for a high fashion photoshoot, and Lady Gaga is your model. Take some shots of her hobbling down the red carpet. Doesn't she have that broken down doll look that is so coveted on America's Next Top Model? Throughout the entire video she is in outfits that any average person off the street would call a costume. And of course they would hate what she has on. I love it! She is a cross of Joan Crawford, Alexis Carrington ("Dynasty" reference for those of you who never watched it), maybe even a little Yves Saint Laurent thrown in their as well, and then just a splash of club kid. If you are a fashion lover, then you will love her. I find her music does tend to take a backseat to her clothes though. I almost view her videos as a runway for what she wears rather than a video to promote her music. Am I the only one that feels that way? I do enjoy her music, though. I just find that her clothes are so bold and in your face that her music can't keep up. That's amazing to me that one of her arts can't keep up with the other, and yet both are ahead of the game.

I have to say that I find her looks, her videos, her music, all beautiful. They are creative. She touches on the past, reflects the present, and assaults us with the future. And audiences everywhere want more. In that sense, I suppose you can say she's timeless. I think of her as a new Madonna, a prime example of postmodernism. I can't wait to see what she does in the future.

Now I do understand that most of you out there are wondering why I'd ever create an entire article on Lady Gaga's fashion choices when clearly haute couture is not meant to move from the catwalk to the sidewalk. But, what I find so beautiful about her is the adventure in her choices. She isn't afraid to go overboard. And perhaps that's the lesson I have failed to impart on my readers. I always just tell everyone I love a certain style like chunky jewelry; I also remind you of Coco Chanel's rule to remove one accessory before you leave the house. I never just stated, only implied, that going big is great.

It is so much easier to subtract rather than add. In that respect, we can all extract a catwalk/sidewalk tip: go big or go home. Never be afraid to go for a look. Maybe it'll work, maybe it won't, but if you don't experiment you miss out.

Our lesson for today is this: fashion is a form of art, but it is fading. What keeps art moving is the discussion of the artists out there, and encouraging those provocative artists that revitalize the art world, and make you realize why you got interested in it in the first place.

So, Lady Gaga, "Just dress ... gonna be okay ..."

Here's to style. Cheers!

Dress To Be Undressed

Every now and then I like to write a blog that covers just basic tips to start off your journey to style. Not everyone can be Oliver B. and born with an artistic gift in clothes. That doesn't mean you can't be taught about how to dress your best.

I was having a conversation the other day about modern styles (slutty dresses, sagging jeans, ultra skinny jeans on men, etc.) and how they just don't seem to work. I will go on record and say that most all styles out there in the fashion world are good. It's a matter of who is wearing the clothes and for what reason. Skinny jeans on a man are cool, but not when you are dressing in hip hop fashions ... it looks off. Yes ... I am specifically talking about you Washington, DC. GET IT TOGETHER!!! If you are going more for the artsy, intellectual, alternative fashion realm, the skinny jeans are gonna work on a guy. That is because the jeans are a bit girly, and that style has a sort of androgynous quality to it.

So, during the conversation we talked about how certain styles don't work. I argued that all styles work if they are properly done. So, I gave my top tip for a successful wardrobe: dress to be undressed. It's very simple and works in every style. If you dress everyday as if you want someone to want to undress you, you have style down cold. If you are of the urban hip hop style, then when you sag your jeans, you want them to sit just off your ass. Sagging puts your ass on display, so you want it to look it's best. It should be toned, firm, and paired with fitting briefs or boxer briefs. That way, when you walk down the street, your future significant other will see you and say to himself/herself, "Wow, he looks so good from behind, I wonder how good he looks in the front when he's out of those clothes." Get the tip now??

And this works for goths, preps, anyone. Sex sells, and sexy comes in all styles. It's your job to find your style, and then use it to attract. Most of my friends always hear me say I always wear clothes that I don't expect to wear for long. The clothes cling to what it should, hide what it should, and draw attention to areas I think you should look at ;-). That's what it's all about people.

To wrap this tip up, just remember that style is a life choice. You find mates this way, jobs, friends, etc., or you don't find them because of what you project through your clothing choices. What do you want your life to be? Choose wisely, and dress like you love yourself enough to put your best look forward.

Here's to style. Cheers!!

GQ Euro? Hello Mein Lieber Herr ... ;-)

Oliver B. back again with a live model blog. I love it when the opportunity just appears in front of me to show you how easy it is to be stylish. There's no reason to go out and buy thousands of dollars in couture. The things you have in your closet that you aren't sure about can work sometimes. Once again, my blog is dedicated to men's style. But there is a lesson to be learned ladies. Style is beyond genders, races, sexual orientations, and so on. Haven't I always said I only discriminate on the traits that are mutable ... like your clothes?

The model for today (He is German by the way, which is why I chose the German title. I thought a nice reference to "Cabaret" would be appropriate as well. I am not just about style, I am about culture. It will do each of you some good to learn a couple of musical references. ) demonstrates just a couple of things. Of course we have already talked about tailoring , so it's a given that the suit is properly tailored to fit his body. Today's blog will move to the tie.

The tie, if you noticed, is a much darker grey than the shirt, with pink diagonal stripes. My model was a bit concerned that perhaps the tie did not go with the suit and shirt. HA HA I say to that! We are in 2009 fashions folks. The rules be damned when it comes to matching ties. In fact, I think the trend nowadays is to do more of a complementing overall look, and throw in a contrasting tie. What I mean by contrasting is something that sets the tie apart from the suit. The suit is almost a background to the tie. That's what I want to see. Don't be afraid to buy bold ties. I don't mean neon; never attribute your neon crappy ties to my advice, or those crazy patterns of hearts and ducks and ish. But I do want to see rich reds, blues, greens. Men shouldn't be afraid of jewel-toned ties. Even this tie my model is wearing is bold. It really stands out against a light shirt, with a white collar, and a black suit. It jumps out at me. And when a tie jumps out, your eyes moves along it, from the face to ... well, you know where ties end ;-). You want to draw attention to the places that will benefit you best.

See, there's a pop in that look. It almost looks like it shouldn't be there. But it is, and I like it. You have to throw some caution to the wind people. Take from this the idea that you should have at least one piece of clothing or an accessory that stands out ... like a woman who wears a white suit with a pair of green pumps. Before you leave your house every day, see if there's one thing on you that could be a stand out article. In fact, I declare that to all who read my blog, the very next day after you read this should be a "Say Something Clothing" Day. All you have to do is pick up something you have that pops, and make it the star of your costume of the day (a little shoutout to Little Edie from Grey Gardens). The rest of your clothes need only coordinate with the star, be the backup dancers to the head showgirl. This will not only teach you not to be so afraid of color, but also how to complement your clothes, instead of worrying about matching. Matching is so over ... let it go.

The next thing I want to put out there is a little something I did at Barrister's Ball last year that I thought worked out well in execution. For those of you men who wear french-cuffed shirts, try to vary up your look by wearing the cuffs outside of your suit jacket. Let my model demonstrate:

Now when you take a look at my model, notice that the cuffs are moved to the outside. He doesn't have the cuff links in yet, so they aren't secured, but as you can see it compliments the white collar on his shirt well. Not a bad look if I do say so myself. I wouldn't show up in it in the courtroom of course. At least not in Georgia. You know how stuffy it is down there. But, in a more fashion-conscious workplace this would be nice.

So, what have we learned folks? We've learned that a good style tip is to pick an item of clothing and make it the star of the your costume. I have said before to try bold colors, but it can also be done with just a simple shift in your look. Something that just stands out. Bold is easy; I want you to work on this. It can be done by wearing black slacks, a black polo shirt, and a tan overshirt (remember Mr. Sheffield from "The Nanny"?). I used to have a corduroy one that went well with that look. It wasn't bright and in your face, but it looked great. Got it? Good. Don't be afraid to send me your style finds. If I see something I really like, I might just put you on the blog and let everyone know why I like what I see.

Now, get out there and get dressed. Here's to style. Cheers!

The "Costume of the Day" Look

Oliver B. here, back in full force with another blog. My inspiration for tonight's blog is a brand new movie out that I just can't get off my mind.

Grey Gardens is a new movie out on HBO about the Edies--Big Edie and Little Edie. This is a great movie on the mother/daughter duo that stole our hearts and minds in a 1975 documentary. As the aunt and cousin of Jacqueline Onassis, these women made headlines when it was revealed that the one-time high society combo were now living in squalor, with mounds of garbage coating their dilapidated mansion in East Hampton. If you haven't seen either the original documentary or the new movie, you must see it. You've never seen anything like it.

But the most talked about thing in the movie is not exactly the Edies. Since the release of the 1975 documentary, Little Edie's fashion has been a hot topic. How a woman with nothing created such a beautiful, and creatively original style concept, still puts designers in awe to this day. A lot of the fashion that have hit the runway have been inspired by Grey Gardens.

Why? Just take a look at it. Start with the head wraps of Little Edie. She used sweaters, shirts, heavy towels, etc., and tied them with simple pins and a brooch. But the placement of the brooch,

and the way she pinned the scarf down without showing that it was pinned pulled off the look. The head wraps never moved on her head, but what you see is a simple tie. She was definitely good at presenting a good costume although underneath was quite a production.

Her clothes were very good. As many designers have stated, her clothes were combinations of different garments that she fashioned so well, you weren't sure of the numerous layers she was actually wearing. She was able to seamlessly blend patterns that, although contrasted, in the whole complimented each other to create a pretty beautiful look. As one costumer from the movie said, "Little Edie used what she had to make a very specific style for herself. We spent hours thinking about how she manipulates clothing. She is a genius draper of fabric. The things she wore on her head had a lot of weight -- sweater vests and heavy towels. How did she drape them so beautifully with only one pin? She also had this incredible sense of how to mix patterns. You would never know she had 10 pieces of clothing on."

Little Edie became quite an inspiration as you can tell from the many designers who were inspired by her. Designers such as Calvin Klein, Marc Jacobs, Isaac Mizrahi, and even Nick Verreos from Project Runway owe her some credit for their designs. The sketch above is from Nick Verreos. Very bohemian, don't you think? There's a sad beauty behind the look. Through sheer necessity, she used what was on hand, but because she was a stylish woman, made it work as best as she could, and transformed herself into a daily character in her "costume."

I think the one lesson you should take from this is that style doesn't have to cost. Use what you've got. If you have an old brooch lying around, put it to use. Repurpose the things that are in your closet. You may be thinking they should be thrown out, but Little Edie would have an entire outfit from everything you'd throw away. Think about that the next time you go to the closet and think "I have nothing to wear."

Gentlemen's Couture ... Anything Women Can Wear, We Can Wear Better

"Anything you can do, I can do better. I can do anything better than you ... Anything you can be, I can be greater. Sooner or later, I'm greater than you."

Welcome back kids! Yes, I know. Oliver B. has been missing in action for quite some time. In my defense, fashion has really been predictable lately, and I haven't been as inspired as I usually am. Jewel tones are still hot; chunky jewelry is still hot; patent leather is still hot. I can only comment about it so much before I am as repetitive as the fashions are. So, I needed time to find my inspiration. I am happy to report that I have found it. I call it Gentlemen's Couture. It is the hautest trend going on right now. You've seen it on the Jonas Brothers (who I think are the best fashion forward males I have seen in a long time), and even Justin Timberlake (who has made the top ten most stylish list in the Bible, GQ). The classic styles of a GQ man, vamped up for the modern androgynous high fashion runways, and paraded on the sidewalks of urban cities. I love it! The more we blur the lines between the gender fashions, the better fashion becomes.

Just take a look at what's hitting the runways these days. Isn't it all fierce? The lines are clearly designed like women's clothing, but there is still a manly quality to it.

Just enough girl to be fashionable. I must say that the white jacket on the second model is right up my alley. And the bag on the last model is a glamour choice as well. Good stuff I tell you.

It is the modern male. The metrosexuals have paved the way for quality products in men's clothing. I remember the days when all we had were basic Levi's and suits. How the world has changed, huh? Now more and more lines are designing better clothing for men than women. Has the power shifted in fashion? Do the men dominate now? I have read in magazines such as Women's Wear Daily that more women are venturing to the men's sections of store for better bags, jewelry, and even clothes. The intricate details on clothes are found more in the men's lines than women's. I've notice that women's clothing is now bordering on the overly flashy, tacky, "Jersey" look I always hated. Poor women. Sucks to be you right now, right?

I guess that's all I really have for you right now. Just a quick little blog to let you all know I'm alive and keeping my eyes on the trends. But remember, my blogs are not about trendy, it's about stylish. I report a few flukes here and there that jump out at me, but overall I want my readers to learn what it means to have style, not be trendy. After all, fun fur was trendy once, but pearls are stylish. See the difference?

It's good to be back people. Here's to style. Cheers!

Mantyhose: An Interesting Frontier

"Dude, I got a run in my mantyhose. Fuck!"

From construction workers to athletes and businessmen, the male populations have found a passion for pantyhose, claiming they wear the hosiery for support, comfort and aesthetic purposes. Luckily, there are now pairs made specifically for men so that they don't have to ravage their wives’ or girlfriends’ dressers to nestle into a pair of nylons.

According to an MSNBC article, European men have been sporting hose for several years, but the trend has been slow to catch on in the U.S. (It is important to note that the trend has no connection to men who wear hose to cross-dress, since they prefer to wear pairs that are more feminine.) The "mantyhose" is also part of a larger trend of nontraditional men's underwear designed to lift, sculpt and suck in that beer belly — from the "mirdle" (man-girdle) to Australian designer Equmen's Core Precision Undershirt, touted as the "Spanx for men." A small group of male pantyhose enthusiasts from America, Canada and Europe even set up a Web site, the U.K.-based e-mancipate.net, "to speed up the mainstreaming process of male pantyhose" for men all over the world.

I realize that many of you out there are a little taken by the fact that men are wearing hosiery, but I say get over it. For those of you who have been studying your fashion (and reading my blog), you are aware that the trend these days is to blur the lines of gender and sexuality. This is just another step in that direction. Let us not forget that there is man makeup, man bags, and so on. As we move further into a new day, more fashion trends such as this will come about. Whether you like it or not, mantyhose is here to stay.

What is my personal opinion on the subject? I don't like the idea of pantyhose on a man for any reason, support or not. Something just seems off to me about it. I am a James Bond kind of guy ... well-groomed, but still ready to whoop ass when necessary, and lacking in real sensitivity. James Bond don't do no damn mantyhose.

I will say though, if a man is going to wear mantyhose I would prefer that they look like these photos in them. The better you look in something, the more likely people are to forgive what you wear. I can certainly forgive nice legs like these. You should too.

The lesson we should all take from the mantyhose is again that fashion is a reflection of society and where it's headed. I have been saying for years that the future will blur the lines of sexuality and gender. Before long, those boundaries will be a thing of the past. Fashion is reflecting that by creating clothes that are can be worn by men or women. I think we should all just embrace the change, and help it along. That way, there's less of a chance that the blurring will be done badly. I have already seen mantyhose in purple, so there needs to be more fashion conscious people watching this trend to steer it in the right direction.

Here's to style. Cheers!