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!