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!