A special gift to my readers ... thanks for visiting my page.

This posting is a milestone for me. This is the first time I have ever done a blog using a live model to demonstrate the look. I’m excited about this one.

What I have done is put together the latest trend for men’s style … and I have a great model to put it together. Each picture is a piece by piece aid in pulling off the look.

This look has graced everyone from Justin Timberlake, to Zac Efron, to Pete Doherty, and so on. Lots of celebrity men have tried this messy chic look, and it’s a good look. I highly recommend it as a fallback look for an evening out. Now, you at home can make it yourself with just a little bit of advice from Oliver B. Styles. So, let’s get started putting this together.

The first thing you should start with is a pair of jeans. Black jeans with a bit of gray bleaching have been used here, but explore whatever color you like. This is strictly the basics here. You will also need a contrasting shirt. We have a very light gray shirt to contrast against the black. If you have light blue jeans, maybe a dark shirt. Don’t forget a belt. My model is wearing a very simple belt. With the look completed the belt will draw your attention to the crotch … which is where you want the attention sometimes ;-).

Now we can throw in the vest.
Notice that the vest doesn’t match perfectly with the jeans. It isn’t supposed to. Remember that fashion is no longer about matching. It’s about complimenting pieces that create an overall look. Write that down.
We are on to the tie. The tie is important. It makes the look more evening. Without the tie, it’s more of a casual day outfit. You want to tie a single Windsor knot to the tie, and leave it hanging. It must hang just at your shirt’s opening. The shirt should have the top button and the next under it undone. So tie your tie to that point. It should look like you were wearing the shirt and tie all day, done perfectly, and are now undoing it a bit to relax on your way out. If it helps you to get it right to do the shirt and tie completely, then relax it a bit, then go for it. I'm much more meticulous about things so I am pretty good at making things look sloppy without starting off correctly. But if that's not you, start clean, and work your way into the mess.

Ah, the 60’s! Dean Martin, martinis, and terrific hats. This hat is classic:In fact, I saw Sean Connery wearing this hat in “From Russia with Love,” and a similar one in "Goldfinger." To take this 60’s classic to the 00’s, cock it to the side, or wear it more up to the back of your head ... kind of like Boy George used to wear his hats in the 80's (yes, that is back, I promise you). My model demonstrates the cocked to the side look. I find that the "cool guy" (whatever that means) wears the hat cocked. The more artistic, sensitive at times guy, will wear it in back like Boy George. Don't knock it either way, it looks good.

Alright, accessories. You know I love accessories. Because this is a more rock, celebrity look, this is rock accessories that break my general rules of over accessorizing. You will need a nice watch, and rings. Take a look at my examples:



My model is wearing a Guess watch, and for a semi-expensive good watch, I recommend them for the men. The rings have been strategically placed on his hands. I am not aware of what store they came from, but you can find this style of rings even in kiosks in an airport, so don't worry about the search. Any guy who has rings will have some of these stashed away from his cool Lorenzo Lamas biker fantasy he had when he bought the things. I have three. That would be the way to do them. Yes, I am that particular about the placement of the rings. He had on another one and I made him take it off because it didn’t look right. Anyone who knows me knows I am meticulous, even about the unorganized look ... I know, I'm anal. I can't help that, but I can help you look less sloppy.

To finish it off, there are shoe options.


The top is the dress shoe and the bottom is a biker boot. If you are going to an evening party, use the dress shoes, and tuck in the shirt. If you’re going to something more casual, like a night out at a bar, try the boots and untuck the shirt. My model is going with the tucked version, so dress shoes it is. And there, you have a stylish, and versatile, look.
Simple, isn't it? Most of this stuff can be found in the average guy's closet, and he has no clue the treasures in there. Instead he always picks up a dorky t-shirt and torn jeans for every occasion.

And there, my first blog with a live model is done. Let’s all thank my model for his participation in my blog. Does it look good?

Damn, I'm good. Here's to style. Cheers!

House of Deréon/Deréon: Two different fashions. Don't get it twisted.

Like many of you fashionable people out there, I have not been a fan of Deréon clothes. You know them when you see them. Flashy, ghetto fab clothes on the racks of stores like Macy's or Dillard's, or your local ghetto fashions store. I hate it. I find it tacky, and a waste of child labor.

But what I was made aware of recently is that there are two separate lines with the name Deréon. There is the House of Deréon, which is run by Beyonce and her mother Tina. Those clothes I can actually appreciate. The line are nice. It's a good combination of the 40's, 70's and modern era. This is the right line to look too. Of course there are a few mistakes, like the lace dress, but overall they are brand new in the fashion world, and every designer makes mistakes. If you want proof, look at Ugly Betty. You've seen her clothes, right? It's a known fact that all of her clothes are designer couture. The stylist for the show intentionally finds the ugliest pieces of designer collections for Betty. Yeah ... so I can certainly forgive a lace dress from a newcomer.

The other line, the one people are most familiar with, is Deréon. I don't like this line.

This is the tacky, flash-filled disastrous line. I was interested to find out that Beyonce extended this line in collaboration with her sister, Solange. Why am I not surprised by this? That child's taste does lean more towards the ghetto fabulous, and slightly "scoochie," as Jamila calls it, styles. She just doesn't have Beyonce's more polished appearance. That is a shame because I would say Solange is more high fashion than Beyonce in her looks. Beyonce is typically beautiful. Solange has a beauty through several flaws ... which is a recipe for high fashion modeling. But lord her taste in clothes do not match up. And she proves with her own line of clothing with Deréon. Most of it is a hot tacky mess.

So, that is pretty much the extent of this blog. I wanted to make clear that my ban against the clothing line is directed at Deréon, not House of Deréon. That does work smoothly with my feelings of the two leaders of both lines. I find Beyonce to be a classic, and yet innovative dresser, and her line follows suit. Solange is a hot mess, and her line follows. So, if you have the money, check out House of Deréon.

Here's to style. Cheers!

All Sizes Do Not Fit One

Meet Thom Browne ... fashion designer/anarchist. I say anarchist because what he is doing to fashion is not innovative by any means in my book. It is an overthrow of the most basic ideas of style. And the fashion community is eating it up. His suits have even attracted the attention of "The Bible." Yes, y'all ... GQ has now featured him in their latest issue. Not only did I find his suits featured as a hot new item, His suit even appeared in a section of the magazine where they photograph everyday people walking around. So, there is at least one person in the world who walked down the street in this ill-fitted suit with no socks. What is wrong with this picture?

I am all for revolutionizing style, and creating new and interesting looks. But this is a suit that in no way fits a man's body. High-hemmed pants, tightly-tailored jackets. You're spending thousands of dollars to look like you grew and extra foot or so overnight. Remember the movie "Big"? This is what it looks like summarized in clothing. I don't get it.

Is this what we've come to now? The only way to be creative in fashion is to look as tacky and unpolished as you can possibly manage. It is one thing to play with gender roles in clothes, it is quite another to cram yourself into a Steve Urkel's pants.

I will compliment his choices as far as the overall look. If you look at some of his clothes that have hit the runway, they are very creative, and I love the overall look. I would certainly find his suits more appealing if they just fit the body better.

This look with the half-cut jacket is very good. That is artistic and creative: the pants become the rest of the suit jacket. That is something worth parading on runway. But Pee Wee Herman cuts for clothing? Shouldn't be vogue. And yet, the fashion world eats it up. I guess fashion has been so deadly safe for years to the point where anything shocking is gold, even if it's the wrong kind of shocking.

Well, welcome to Thom Browne's high-hemmed suits. They have gone from catwalk to sidewalk. I just hope they stay off my block.

Here's to style. Cheers!

The Best Suit You Can Afford: A Birthday Suit!

I was talking to Courtenay the other day, and she brought up an old memory from law school that inspired me for this blog. Courtenay, Nnena, and I teamed up for a calendar to raise money for a student organization. We went with more fashionable photos, with lots of skin. It looked great. Courtenay brought up the idea of turning it into a business rather than practicing law. That's not an entirely bad idea. The "Birthday Suit," as it is often called, is far more photographed these days than clothing. Do we all recall the Abercrombie & Fitch catalog? Was there ever an actual article of clothing on anybody in that catalog? I don't remember.

So, the question of the day is this: has fashion lessened the old adage "Less is more" to the point where naked or near-naked is what's selling the clothes? I'm starting to think so. Editorials are more about skin now. It stands out so much more sometimes. And, let's be honest, it's just nice looking at an undressed beautiful body isn't it?

I am seriously rolling around the idea of a calendar business. Some skin here, some fun there, some money everywhere. It could work. I could even use the photos as attention grabbers for an image consulting business. Wouldn't you want to know more about a company advertised by hot nakedness? lol

I have seen some great photos taken ... very artistic, and barely any clothing involved. But, it's still high fashion photography. I could get down with a business revolving around looking good, and talking people out of their clothes. Not a bad life at all.

To be serious for a moment, the human body is a thing of beauty all by itself. Man or woman. So often people don't appreciate their own au naturale appearance. We cover up everything we don't like about our bodies with clothing. That's not the point of clothes people! The point of clothes is to enhance what you already have. Let's not use it to hide what we don't like. We should feel sexy naked and sexier clothed.

Try an exercise I like to do daily. After you get out of the shower, and dry off, take a look at yourself. Yes ... butt-booty naked. Just take a look. From head to toe. I want you to find something on your body that you usually overlook and compliment it. I don't care if it's a kneecap, a fold, a nook, or a cranny ... just compliment it. Do that daily. Rather than criticize what you don't like, turn it into a positive. And for each body part, think about what clothes you want to wear for the day to make that part look or feel sexy to you. Believe me, there are certain parts of your body that no one will see in your clothes, but that part will feel sexy to you in that outfit. If it doesn't, it's the wrong outfit, or you need a new wardrobe. Now that's a new spin on "less is more." The less you criticize your body, the more confidence you'll have in it, and the better you'll feel about yourself.

Confidence in the best look on anyone.

Here's to style. Cheers!

Give and Take: How Sharing Ideas Can Help Your Style

Like many of you out there I keep a Facebook page. It is loaded with law school friends, college friends, high school friends, hometown friends, and so on. It's collection of people I've come across in my life. It's where I can share my ideas, and receive new ones, all in a centralized location.

A few days back, I posted an interesting Note about shunning those with different ideas than you. Several people provided their input, and today it struck me about how that discussion relates to fashion. In an ideal world, we enjoy different viewpoints, ideologies, and tastes coming together, and through the sharing of our individualism with other people, we come to understanding. We each grow as a better person, and that would eventually spread through the world. Well, that's the ideal. Why not bring that same growth to your wardrobe?

Have you ever thought about being around people with different styles than you? Is there someone in your clique that loves the rocker look? How about a preppy? Someone who always dresses too sexy? Someone classic? Someone "All-American?" What do you all think about the clothes each other wears? Do you like them, love them, envy them, hate them? Have you ever tried to take that friend's style, and work it into your own?

Let's try a little experiment. Think about the people in your life and what they wear. Now, think about why they wear certain clothes or accessories. Can you take their ideas of what's fashionable, and weave it into your own looks? How about an example ...

Take a person who is a Gap, Old Navy, all the way. Say she has a goth friend, a Vogue, trendy friend, and a sexy scantily dressed friend. Goths love dark clothing and makeup, and a lot of metal accessories. A Vogue girl is bit French, European prêt-à-porter. And of course the sexy friend tries to show a lot more skin. So what can the Gap take away from these friends? How about this:

I personally love a nice oversized, gaudy ring. This Vampiress ring works nice with the following look that combines a bit of the other friends:

What do you know, Gap has some European inspired clothes. This dress is quite trendy these days, and it has that Gap conservative, cover a lot up, design with the sexy show some skin flair. But, because the Gap girl is a conservative dresser, she can wear the stocking or leggings so that she doesn't feel too exposed with skin. Pair it all up with a chunky shoe like the ones above (I said chunky, not ugly...there's a difference), and you've got a look. And for those of you a little more daring with Goth, go for a dark shade of fingernail polish ... even black. I wouldn't go for black lipstick, but a deep shade, and a strong smokey eye could work. It's a bit daring, but it combines the best of all the looks into one finished, fabulous look. In fact, your friends should have some of those pieces for their own looks, so you all could swap pieces, and combine. There is fashionable goth, so don't give me that line.

What do you think? And all you had to do was open your mind to the possibility of someone else's ideas ... funny how easy and beneficial that is to do.

As I have said before fashion is a reflection of society. Don't you want your society to be a mesh of all things and, from the collective, achieve greatness? It can only be done by an open sharing of ideas, and a respect for the differences you have. I'm not saying embrace the differences, but work with them. Respect is something greater than tolerance. If I can do it with clothes, it can be done with people. A lesson not to let this country turn into GAP people, huh?

Here's to style. Cheers!

The Color Purple

"I think it pisses God off if you walk by the color purple in a field somewhere and don't notice it." — Shug Avery

Well, for the fall fashion season, the designers have taken Shug's advice and made sure that everyone notices the color purple. Traditionally, the fall season is a time for subdued colors. This is a time for rust-colored orange, browns, yellows, reds. Colors that blend in with the autumn scenery. Well, for fall 2008, we don't blend, we stand out and overpower. Welcome to a new day.

New York fashion designers have shifted from the usual dull autumn hues, and opted for more bright, exciting colors. What's the No. 1 must have color for fall? Purple. A deep, rich royal purple jewel tone. This the "It" color on the fall runways. It's bold, exciting, vibrant, and breaks the norm for the season. I love it.

But the designers didn't stop there. Jewel tones are all over the place in a variety of bold colors. I'm much more fond of blue, but that's just me. So, get out there and pick up a few pieces and mix it up. This year is not about muted shades. You want to stand out.

And, to help you out with what to buy -- now that you know the colors you need -- here are a few of the style trends for fall:

1. Tailored blouses tucked into high-waisted pants or skirts

2. The layered look

3. Jackets are longer this season

4. Long trench coat

5. Flashy jewelry -- the big, gaudy, chunky kind that draws attention to your face. (Don't overdo this trend. Mix subtle pieces with larger pieces. Take a look at Women's Wear Daily for examples of the chunky jewelry. Just remember that you should only have a piece or two that are bold. The rest should serve as a background.)

6. Belts are bigger

7. An oversize, patent leather purse

Any of these styles can incorporate the new colors. But never do all trends together. That is just tacky. Be sure to mix the old with the new, the flashy with the subtle, and so on.

Here's to style. Cheers!

Pink Posse? Think Pu**y

The Pink shirt ... the most tragic piece of fashion to ever come off the lines at any sweat shop in Honduras. I mean these kids work for $0.45 a hour, can't they at least be proud of what they're making? Why, oh why did this color have to show up for a grown man?

As many of you know, I have a serious grievance against any grown man wearing pink. Actually, I would say after 13 (when boys and girls start actually start developing serious differences....namely hair growth) a male should no longer have feminine colors in his wardrobe like this. Pink, light yellow, light purple, general pastels and Easter colors....NO NO NO!

I understand that manhood is being redefined, and softer man is coming to life. But seriously guys, do you have to be so soft you move into limp-wristedly flaccid? Yeah....I said it. I had to make up a whole new word to describe this crap. And it's not just this shade of pink that must go....all shades (salmon, whatever you call it to convince yourself you aren't wearing pink). I have heard everyone try to justify a man wearing this color. Let it go. That dog just ain't gonna hunt folks.

People ... get it together. Let us find other shades of color in our wardrobe. Even the hottest man will not make this look good. Because really, when you see a hot guy in a pink shirt, are you saying he looks good in that shirt, or that he just looks good, OR that he would look good without that pink shirt on ... he should take that off? Yeah I thought so.

I am taking a stand on this like I took a stand on flip-flops. This isn't fashion. It isn't style. It's just plain tragic. I will not condone pink on a grown man. I will not Sam I am. At the end of the day it looks like Japanese baby doll fashion. And if any of you have seen that, you will understand why I target pink wearers. It's no different in my eyes. It's okay when you're young and don't know any better. But at a certain age, you let childish things go. The problem with our society now is that we are holding onto it. 30 and 40 year old men still play video games. They still go to clubs to pick up "chicks" or "hot girls." It's a reflection of how pathetic and juvenile men have become. They continue to be Peter Pan...forever a child. Their clothes even reflect it. Where are men? Throw down your pink shirts, join the grown-up world. Maybe if we're all lucky, the other childish things men continue to do in older ages will fall behind too.

Every once in a while I relate a fashion concept to societal norms. Bare with me. Eventually you'll find that clothing reflects society. And in some cases, dictates it. Take a look back at history and you'll see it for yourself. So, bare with me when my commentary dives into a societal piece.

A toast: to leaving behind childish ways. Starting with pink shirts. I'll definitely drink to that.

Here's to style. Cheers!

It's Time for Time

Word on the street is that watches may be the new "It" item in fashion.

"Salvatore Ferragamo, Valentino, Versace, and Roberto Cavalli have all introduced pricey new watches in the past two years, and brands like Dior and Chanel are expanding their watch divisions. "

Time pieces have been a neglected area of a person's look. You walk around and you see people wearing the latest trends, and it gets blindsided by a rubber watch that was clearly bought as an impulse buy at the registers of Wal-Mart or Target. You might as well be wearing a calculator watch, or one of those tacky hip hop, multicolored watches that are way too pricey to be that ugly.

If you flip through your latest fashion magazines, you will find a lot more editorials for watches. And as you have read above, the major fashion houses are even jumping on the watch bandwagon. So, this blog is gonna give you my top picks for watches, tips on when to wear them, and tips on which watches go with what style. Trust me when I say a watch isn't a constant accessory. I have two, and you don't always see me wearing either one of them. There are times when you can just leave it at home. You have a cell phone, don't you? You will always know what time it is. But if you are the type to need to wear a watch....here's how to do it with style.

MEN:

My top picks for watches are the kind that are so simple looking that they stand out when you look at them versus flashy. The Lange 1 by A. Lange & Söhne is a nice piece. It's simple, yet very sleek, fresh ... certainly vogue. This is the kind of watch that can be worn in business, and in pleasure. It is a very grey color...so be on the lookout for what you pair it with. A nice navy, black, or grey suit can be nice. And those colors are not bad at all for a business casual look either. Now if you're a brown shoes kind of guy, you can go with Breguet. Apparently Napoleon Bonaparte was once a client of this watch company (Established in 1775). The model 5327BA is a nice brown leather band and gold watch. It would compliment any uptown style that you can wear brown leather shoes with. Now if go completely casual and trendy....the Cartier Roadster is a great little find. This a sleek, and yet playful watch.

Very casual. outside of businesswear, this could polish any look...even shabby chic. Let's be honest, if you aren't wearing something that most can't afford, how will they ever know you're better than them? Oh, and if you are like me and you wear rings, or necklaces, or even wrist cuffs....no watch. Even men can overaccessorize. Unless you are in a band...keep the accessories to only two. A ring and watch, a cuff and necklace, etc. no cuff with a watch....EVER.

WOMEN:

For women, the styles choices are a bit different, so rather than tell you exactly what to buy, I will have to explain what to look for in a watch. For a business suit, you want something simple, small, and almost undetectable on your wrist. Try not to wear something with a link wristband. Leather bands are your friends with a suit. For a more business casual look, or your uptown wears, try a link band watch.Or for a more posh look, try a larger face watch...maybe jeweled a bit. And really only recommend a bracelet style watch with a below the knee skirt, or long pants (palazzo -esque pants..something with room...very Katherine Hepburn). It's much classier, and adds that appropriate feminine touch. There is no formal wear....NONE...that I can recommend a watch for ladies. NONE. Let it go. If you're in formal wear, your watch for the night should be on your date's wrist. You're not Cinderella...you don't need to be that aware of time in that situation. A good tip for finding these styles is DKNY. They have an assortment across the spectrum of watches to fit your needs. And DKNY is much more affordbale than Chanel, which would be my haute choice.

Now I know these choices are quite expensive. Remember that you can always find similar styles for a lesser price if they are out of your range. The point of this is for you to better understand what looks good and what doesn't. Just because it's A style, doesn't mean it is THE style.

Here's to style. Cheers!

Victor / Victoria: Fall 2008 Menswear

IT HAS FINALLY HAPPENED. It started with CK One, the unisex fragrance. Then, with the American embrace of Euro club fashions, we entered a land where men could share clothes with their woman. We let metrosexuality take over. It has all come down to the final assimilation of masculinity into the feminine world.

Welcome to the newest in men's fashion -- women's fashion transposed onto men. Check out the Fall 2008 Menwear Magazine. You will find a wonderful article on the latest fall wears for men. These lovely pieces include a beautifully detailed Versace shearling and leather coat, cashmere scarves, rug-embroidered hoods that resemble a woman's wrap, and a Prada Trench with a very a neckline that is only suited to show off a woman's cleavage.

I suppose I shouldn't be too surprised by it. Then again, the whole point of a collection is to shock a bit. This year, the hottest trend in women's fashion is Menswear. Women are wearing menswear-inspired fashions. What's good for the goose is good for the gander, right? So, here we are. Men are wearing Womenswear.

This season, Fendi has even sent their men out on the runway with purses and clutches. Fashion has gone to the women. And I actually like it. Don't think I'm crazy. I don't like the pieces that have been created, but I do think it's time to move in this direction. There are some things in Womenswear that I have wanted to see translated to menswear. Let's take a little looksie, shall we?

Do you love it? I do. I'm not a fan of the fur so much. But I can live it. The overall message is that fashion can cross genders. Gender really is an illusion most times. It should be with clothes. I am certainly enjoying the new lines.

Many of you will probably say the new styles have gone too far. For shame! Embrace these looks. You don not have to repeat them exactly. But don't be afraid that something looks "too girly" for you to wear. A strong man can pull this off flawlessly. Are you man enough to fem it up? I say we toast to the success of the gender-bending menswear, and hope it continues to the look I've envisioned for years.

Here's to style. Cheers!

Men: Commit This to Memory!

The October 2008 issue of GQ magazine (I prefer to call it the Bible, so be aware as posts go on) is now out. In it I have found a very good article. that all men need to pay attention to. GQ has issued 66 rules, tips, and secrets for living -- and looking -- like a civilized man.

I agree with the article that society in general, and manhood specifically, has been casual-ified. Some of the new rules have their place in a modern world. But as you know, I am classic on many things. We have left behind tradition, and put in its place Abercrombie & Fitch, and Blackberries. Meaning, we live by the Internet (not people), and expensive ragged clothes. Am I the only one confused here? What happened to basic human decency. Whether it is clothes, etiquette, or whatever, the gentleman should still be present. Those ugly butch lezzie feminists have stolen the GQ man. It's time for him to make a new appearance. Below I have included what I think are the most central words about style from this article. Men, pay attention.

No.3 Find A Signature Scent

If you have an everyday scent, people will start to register you invisibly -- and more important, remember you. Get a couple of samples and test-drive them for a day. The right one will make people enjoying being near you. Once you have selected the one scent, master its application. You want a single short spray on the top of each forearm, one on the neck, and one down the back of the shirt (before you button up, pull the collar back and aim downward). Play with it until you get it right.

No.7 The Dating Man

Be decent about your one-night stands. You don't have to date her or even see her again, but you do have to take her call. And if she wants to hang out and you don't, you have to man up and tell her the truth ... as gently as you can. And don't then call her the next week at 1 am looking for round two. I think the lesson here should be to just be upfront about your intentions. Game is a limp dicked man's security blanket. Direct honesty works a lot better. If you want her for one night, make it clear.

No.19 Lose the Novelty Drawers

Your underpants shouldn't be funny. They shouldn't have jokes on them. They shouldn't have been "cool in college."

No.54 Locker Room

You have to be at least partially clothes to strike up a conversation in the locker room.

No.55 Plane, Train, and Automobile ... Trips

Getting on a plane isn't an excuse to look like a schlub. Dress comfortably but stylishly. No Sweatpants. No Flip-flops.

That was a just a taste of what GQ is offering this month. I suggest that every man pick up a copy and read through it. It has great tips on how to be comfortably stylish, how to break up, the must-haves of gentleman's style. Specifically, there's a piece on the right watch. I told you all to think Bond. There are some vintage-inspired watches that are very Goldfinger, or Dr. No.

Here's to style. Cheers!

From the Catwalk to the Sidewalk: How High-End Fashion Influences Your Low-End Prêt-à-Porter

If you're Kimora Lee Simmons, the cast of "Gossip Girl," or even Anna Wintour, you know the best place in the world to be is New York City when Fashion Week starts. Why? It is the premiere event for fashion. And you will probably never go.

Most people will never get into a show in their lifetime. They can't afford the clothes, nor would they wear them in public if they ever could afford them. So, your question is probably why you should care about fashion. You, the average, everyday man or woman, has been inspired by most of the pieces on the runways. You didn't know it

Whether it's the hot "It" items, or the trendy color, or the trendy design, you will find that it trickles its way down to the more affordable stores. Have you been to H & M lately? What about Old Navy? Forever 21 perhaps? I know ... Target? Yes, well thank those overpaid designers like Poenza Schouler and Issac Mizrahi for the fashionable (and affordable) clothes on your back right now.

Meet the Proenza Schouler blouse for Fall 2008:

Nice, isn't it? This blouse will run about $600. Would you wear it on the street though? Probably not. So, how do you take this little number to the sidewalk?

Now, as a personal style tip, I don't care for the bows on shirts. The bow has become a staple on the runway this year. If you're a bow girl, go for it. If you want something a little different, tie it like a regular men's tie ... with a double Windsor knot. It's a little bigger, but it will be a risk worth me looking at.

Let's try something else a little harder to take from the runway. Have any of you seen the Dolce & Gabbana Metal corset?

Very couture, right? Well, let's assume that you can afford this lovely item. How would you wear it? I think this is a perfect item for cocktail hour, or a night out on the town. Definitely Evening kind of wear. Try mixing it into this style below for a little added edginess to your wardrobe. This is just a simple dress, and all the accessories you can match up at a local department store. On a cooler evening, I would get a nice trench, very slim and thin fabric, leave it untied, and put the corset over it as a belt. Just play with the look.

I will tell you the greatest, and easiest secret to turning runway fashions into expressway fashions. Listen closely. Never wear an entire runway look. Take the overall message of the fashions. If metal is in...find some metal accessories and add them to your wardrobe. If the new color is purple, then find a purple blouse, or purple jewelry, or something like that. The point of the runway in your everyday clothes is influence, not completely imitation. You should be picking bits an pieces of the runway into your clothes.

Here's a photo from this year's Fashion Week. Now stop for a minute and think about what she's wearing. It looks nice on a runway, but who would look just as good walking down the street in it? I think no one. So, how do we fix it? See that vest? Wear it. But here's what you do differently. Take a good pair of black heels, find a white t-shirt that is much smaller, and pull off that look. Get your hair in a low ponytail, and find some dangling earrings. A black chunky bracelet and a skull rocker ring wouldn't hurt the look either. See? That wasn't so bad.

This one was a fairly easy try, but I want to you to get in the habit of looking at clothes as pieces, not an entire look. It is not an entire look until you have it on your body, and it looks good. Got it? Think you can do it with something a little harder? Let's give it another try.

Remember what I said. Stop. Take a look at the entire outfit. Now, break it down piece by piece. Find what works and what doesn't. Then, think about why certain pieces don't work. What makes them inappropriate for everyday wear. Now, can you fix those problems? Hint: the answer is almost always yes, so don't automatically dismiss an outfit. That's a fashion coward.

Did you find everything you needed? Let's see. So, you stopped and took a look at the clothes, right? What did you see?

Wrong! Here's what you should have taken from this photo. First, if you notice, all the girls are wearing jewel tones. That is big this season. Did you see the Emmy Awards last night. Many women were wearing these colors. There's your first style choice. Secondly, you should have noticed that all colors were mixed with black and gold, which should help you find the right accessories. And patent leather ... the shoes, the bags, the belts. Love it. Wear it. Look great with it. And all the garments show the neckline, not the cleavage. This season is a bare neck and shoulders. These are the best parts of woman, and should be on display because it's them last parts to go if they look good on you. I'd even venture to suggest the ankle boots. It's a more French style, but it is all over the runway and the sidewalk. Short skirts, legging, both paired with ankle boots. Get used to it. It has been coming harder and harder since the Devil Wears Prada. The one below is Miu Miu, patent leather. They're from 2007, but patent leather hasn't made its way out yet, so you're still good.

Here's to style. Cheers!

Timeless Styles: What You Should Know?

Tonight's blog is on timeless styles. What are they? How should people wear them? Fashion is not an exact science in all aspects. There are certain things that one can do in order to always be in style.

So, below you will find my style must-haves that will turn any of you into a timeless fashionista.

1. Jeans

Yes, jeans. Ladies and Gentlemen, these are here to stay. The idea of jeans began all the way back in the 16th century, so it is clear they aren't going anywhere anytime soon. They hit their height of popularity beginning in the 1950s, but they have been around for quite some time. Now, we have them in any different styles, fabrics, colors. They are fabulous. And they are a timeless pant.

The way you should wear them is where we divide trendy with timeless. YOUR JEANS SHOULD FIT!!! A good pair of jeans should hug a woman's curves comfortably, but not tightly. Think Valentino here ladies. Valentino gowns caress a woman like a man's hand. Your jeans should do no less. I am a fond believer in the straight leg as a staple in your closet. They can be paired off with many styles of shoes. So, in the jeans department ladies, you should find a pair of jeans that fit at your actual waist (low rise will not be timeless), that break at the bottom just right, and that hug your body just right. With that said, understand that not every wash, or cut, will fit you and look great. You should be able to stand and sit wearing them, and still be comfortable. It's a hard task, I know. But, the reward is the perfect jean that will always be in your closet waiting to jazz up any outfit you create for the occasion.

Men, jeans should be at your waist as well. Our waist for jeans should be at the beginning of our love line ... that V just below the belly button. Your jeans Should sit right on your ass, comfortably, and without moving once you are dressed. So, YOUR JEANS SHOULD FIT TOO!!! For those of you unaware, sagging is believed to have originated in prison. Prisoners are not allowed to wear belts for fear of hanging themselves, etc. So, their clothes sag. This is the more pleasant explanation of sagging, linked to why men equate this style with being "hard." The reality of the trend is, or at least has been thought to be the reality is, that sagging was used by the prison bitches so that they weren't caught fucking. When you sag in prison (where many don't have underwear to wear), your ass is exposed just underneath your shirt. You can easily lift that shirt up, presenting your ass for your "husband," and he can go to town on you. If a guard walks by, your husband can easily dismount, and you both can be on your way without anyone being the wiser since you didn't have to adjust any of your clothing. Stop being bitches men. Pull your pants back up, get a pair that fit (not 8 sizes larger than you), and let's go from their. A classic pair of Levi's on a man can't be sexier.

2. Accessories

I have said it over and over again. Accessories make an outfit. Now, this area is a little tricky because accessories do follow trends. However, there are some must-haves that you can always fall back on any decade, and be alright.

Women:

You will always need a string of pearls. I tend to recommend the longer strands of pearls that can be wrapped several times, or tied, or just worn long. They are more versatile than the shorter strands. Pearls are classic, and will always be a glamor choice. They can go elegant, trendy, day, night, and so on. You will need to do your homework on pearls to make sure you select properly. But, like the jeans, once you have them ... they will be used for years to come.

Men:

You will always need a watch. There should always be a watch in your dresser that isn't flashy, but is sophisticated, and masculine. Think Movado ... A James Bond style of watch.

3. The Little Black Dress

That's right. A woman should always have a little black dress that is fit for a funeral, a night out, or a night in ;-). Coco Chanel created this little number, but it is something that every woman should have in her closet. It's all all-purpose fashion, and when you have the right one ... timeless. The trick to this one though is to buy it thinking ahead. You should be able to wear it now, and have it be altered later if necessary. So, your little black dress should not be that little. It should be a grown woman's dress. Not meant for street trash. I cannot stress that enough ... the highest it should go is just above the knee. Strict adherence to this rule should be observed. You might want this dress to go with your pearls, so have that in mind when selecting both.

4. The Perfect Suit

Please see my previous blog about this guys. It is a must-have for every man.

5. Matching Personality

For my final must-have for timeless style, I recommend that you understand your personality, and the vibe you put out in the world. Your clothes should reflect who you are. If you are an elegant person, you won't pull off the rocker look. So, don't try it.

My suggestion for both men and women is to sit down, flip through a few catalogs and fashion magazines, and really think about the person you want to project to the world. There is no one look for everyone. Even the staples I mentioned above have variations depending on the person. So, your must-have is to have a personality that matches your style. Risky fashions look out of place on a reserved person, and reserved fashions look wrong on a person who always takes risks. If you aren't the type for the clothes, be careful of wearing it. You make your look.

These are my best must-haves for timeless fashions. Each of the above items are what I recommend that we all have in our closet, regardless of what style you like, your body type, whatever.

I understand that this blog may be a little vague to you, and may not answer every question you have. You have to understand that personal style is just that. It is hard to write a general blog geared toward such a case-by-case issue. My blogs are meant to guide you in the right direction. I want you to think about what I have suggested, and do the work it takes to learn more. I hope to be a consultant one day on this type of thing so that you can each come to me individually. That way, I can go into a more detailed analysis of your personal needs, and help you more. For now, you will all have to do with taking my suggestions broadly, and using them to guide you specifically.

Here's to style. Cheers!

NO ... WIRE ... HANGERS ... EVER!!!! Let's just use models instead.

As soon as the idea of this blog was presented to me, that little line from the extremely campy movie, Mommie Dearest, came to mind. And I think it is the most appropriate title for this blog.

I was asked the other day my opinion as a "fashionista" on the super skinny model phenomenon. Why do designers want such emaciated women walking down the runway in their clothes? Why is walking death so chic? In a word? Hangers ... that's the key.

There are a few out there who would suggest that it is more cost effective to have slender models because you would use a lot less fabric to make the sample garment, thereby cutting down the cost of making the initial outfit for the fashion show. Granted, that is true. But, in the long run, when you are creating a gown that you plan to price at thousands of dollars above it's actual production costs, an extra square inch of fabric will not matter so much that the entire industry has to embrace the concept.

No, what we are talking about with this trend is simply a presentation of the clothes. Models are supposed to be hangers. Put this image in your mind: clothes shopping in a department store. What do you do when you see a dress you like. You take it in front of a mirror, on its hanger, and you put it up against your body. Then you visualize what it would look like on your body. That's the model's job. She is supposed to walk down the runway as if a walking hanger with a dress on it. You visualize yourself in the outfit. That's why the clothes on the runway tend to drape on the model's body. When it's on a hanger, there's no form to it. You, as the buyer, are the form. You have to want to be in the clothes. Sometimes when you see a model filling out an outfit, you start telling yourself that you can't wear it. It's couture ladies! It is meant to be made to fit.

Many designers, former model Iman as well, have stated that models are simply human

hangers. They are not supposed to stand out at all. They are meaningless. Fashion is about the clothes, and the model's job is to do all that is possible to make the clothes the centerpiece. What do you notice when Beyonce wears a gown? You notice Beyonce, right? You also notice her gown, but you are focused on her hourglass figure in that gown. When you see a skinny model on the runway, what do you notice? You notice her clothes, then you notice she's a skinny ass model. See the difference? A model with a body makes you notice her first, clothes second. A skinny model makes you notice the clothes first, then maybe her ... maybe. What do you think a clothing designer wants to get the first notice? Enough said.

Having explained that, I do want to make mention that this bone-thin look is not a fashion look. While there is a reason for emaciated models to become the "it" item for designers, it should not be the body type of all women. Somehow this look has infected the conscious of all women. No no no! You are not a hanger women. Get that out of your mind. Models need to be skinny because they need to be invisible. Clothing stands out the best when the body is a blank.

Do you want to be invisible in haute couture? Hell no! You want to be seen everywhere. You are the star attraction everyday. On the runway, only, is where the star must be the clothes. So, push that spotlight -hogging bitch out of your light, and eat something. John Mayer referred to Jenner Love Hewitt's body as a Wonderland. You've seen her body....it is not catwalk worthy. So if her body is wonderland with curves, why are you all aspiring to look like the ticket stub that men hold onto until they get into that park? Think about it ...

And as always: here's to style. Cheers!

Just A Quick Round of Applause

Someone was saying today that America's Next Top Model needs to go. I had to wholeheartedly disagree with her. While we all have our little annoyances with Tyra Banks, I can't say I would want the show to go. The main reason, if I ever doubted the shows relevance to high fashion, haute couture modeling, is this photo from the second week:

Meet Lauren Brie. Last week, this girl was at the bottom of the pack with her photo. She just didn't quite have it yet. This week, after some coaching, she cranked out what has been dubbed by all of the judges as the best photo ever in ANTM history. And I would certainly agree. From the "broken arm" pose, to the angry attitude of her face, to the amazing position of her legs, this shot is platinum. I've never seen one like it before. This photo actually tops Eva's shot from Cycle 3, and you all know how much I loved Eva the Diva.

Regardless of Tyra Banks' consistency in making everything about herself, she is cranking out girls who bring some integrity back into modeling. She is bringing back the models who learned their industry, learned their craft, and excelled at it, rather than just look pretty and snort up everything you make. These girls are learning to be businesswomen. Even though their job is to look pretty, there's a difference in "model pretty" that most models don't understand, and that's why they continue to struggle for fame. Think of Tyra as the Mercer Law School of the fashion world. She is teaching these girls how to "practice" modeling so that they will hit the ground running. I have to respect that.

And the results? Just look above ... flawless!

Here's to style. Cheers!

(*** I do hope you notice that I drink a lot where fashion is concerned. It's just so stressful to teach you all to be stunning. Ah well, bottoms up.***)

Fashion: The Unacknowledged Candidate

Well, it was brought to my attention that I needed to take a moment and comment on the styles of politicians ... or should I say, lack of style. Here goes.

It is true, most all politicians lack a sense of real style. They have PR people, hair people, makeup people, the works to look good to the public, and yet they rarely ever do. Men look drab and lifeless, and women look like....well Janet Reno with a little more makeup. That is not a happy day for me. I don't know about you, but I would like to see the leaders of my nation looking like they are worth the praise they get in their high offices. Just because you are helping to run a country doesn't mean you have an excuse to look awful.

Like it or not people, looks do matter. The perfect example is the Kennedy clan. I think many people in fashion will never forget the mark they left on what style meant in this country.

JFK and Jackie had style. The American people not only looked to them to be the first family of the United States, but also to show them what they should be wearing or doing. When Jackie redecorated the White House, every housewife in the country watched her tour of the new decor, and started begging their husbands to let them do the same in their homes. Men groomed themselves to be a JFK, and women did the same to be Jackie.

They were not only the ideal political family, they were the ideal for how political people should look: glamorous, stylish, classic, and warm. In the wake of our current presidential disaster, it has become even more apparent that we need to return to our warmer, more glamorous days before "The Hill" became a see of black, badly-fitted suits, heels that even a grandmother shouldn't wear, and choker-style pearls. Everyone looks like they are going to a funeral. Which might be why this country is dying--wrong state of mind. Just a thought ... think about it for second.

This has to change people. I'm not saying to throw out all black suits. I am simply suggesting that maybe it would be better to vary the look up. Mix a color in the rotation, accessorize better, and get suits that fit. I have already attacked the men in a blog about their unflattering suits. This blog should really move toward attacking the women and their drab leanings for clothes. Whether you are a female politician, or a politician's wife, please learn to carry yourselves better. Honestly, there are librarians who can put together a better outfit. And that's me being kind.

I'm sure many of you think that as a politician, Sarah Palin is a decent dresser. While I do applaud some of her pieces, on the whole she is a mess when you get down to the details. She looks like she puts her makeup on with a butterknife, her glasses make her face fat, that hairdo is done, and her shoe choices leave a lot to be said for her abilities in office. I am a firm believer that shoes make a person. They tell you a lot about the person. Her shoes are lazy ... which tells me that no only does she lay there in bed, but she may lay there in office too. Whatever the man says is the gospel. But what do you expect from a stereotypical pageant girl, right?

She is not all bad though. A few minor alterations to her wardrobe would spruce her up nicely. Her glasses need to be more square. That would slim down her face a little more. Right now, she looks a little pudgy. Of course, toning down that pageant makeup would be on my top list of things she should do. And I really need her to pick a hairstyle that doesn't look like she's about to be crowned by the reigning Miss Whatever. Oh, and the shoes. She has had some good days. This photo is a picture of a good day. She splashed a little style and femininity into her wardrobe. Where did she miss the boat? ACCESSORIES!! Yes. You know those are my mainstay in any wardrobe. The red shoes just look out of place on all that serious black. A simple tweak could have been a chunky bracelet in that red color, and she could have easily had a tailor line the suit jacket in that red, and make a slit in the back of the skirt lines with that red. OR, skip the bracelet, open the jacket to see the red lining and have a necklace with a red pendant on it. Little touches like that make the red less shocking. It's okay to mix colors, but they should have some place in what you're wearing. Don't just fling color anywhere.

Now, take a look at one of her disasters:

Now, what the hell is this? Everything about it says wrong. There's no salvaging this look. If you have any piece of it, throw it in the trash immediately and don't look back.

But now you see how with just a few tweaks of a decent wardrobe, you can go from drab on The Hill to fab on The Hill. It just takes a little effort, and a personal commitment to look as good as you want to feel. You know when I feel good about myself ... powerful, intelligent, confident, organized, and in charge of my own destiny? When I am well-groomed, and looking sharp. Clothes can make the woman. It's a morale booster.

Now, on to a politician's wife. We have Michelle Obama. I promise you I am not biased at all about political parties. I equally hate all of them. But I will say that Michelle Obama is a potential first lady who is put together. McCain's wife looks nice too, but all that red on her pale skin makes her look like a hooker. I'm sorry ... a call girl ... they don't do the ho' stroll. Michelle Obama manages to pull together very dignified, and yet sexy, but still elegant looks. I have to put up photos of several looks I like. She's very fashion forward, while being classic. And that is a style worth applauding.

Doesn't that look good? We're gonna have to do something better for that hair, but a silkier perm and a little product will have the worked out.

I do want you all to pay attention to Barack and McCain in these photos. Notice that Barack has a better fitted suit. It's tailored closer to his body. That is the way it's supposed to be. We just need him out of the typical black suit. He does a decent job on ties. The color does stand out, which may be his style: accentuating the ties. That is not a bad way to go.

So, the overall message int his blog is that living in the political realm should not be an excuse to look drab and slovenly. When you have power, you should dress the part. What you wear influences people. People who don't have the power, or want it, look up to you. They wear what you wear, they shop where you shop, they read what you read, and so on. So, if you show up looking wrong, it's a message that that is okay. It's not! Professional dress is not find the ugliest stuffiest thing to wear. It is about a higher standard of elegance and dignity. I believe that was lost after Dynasty went off the air....it's time to reclaim it. The 80's glamorous wealth & power look can still be done. This is the U.S.! Having our cake and eating it too is the American way... but we are so consumed in the power and money that we forgot what that brings ... a responsibility to set a proper example to those who will one day enter that world. That example includes how to present yourself. Join me in giving the professional look a much needed makeover.

Here's to style. Cheers!