Belts

Everyone wears pants right?  Well most of us do.  When we have on pants, we should also try to keep them on.  In public that is.  There is no better way to keep your pants on than with a belt, hopefully one that looks amazing and accessorizes your look to the fullest. 

           When wearing a suit or shirt and pants either for work, business or because you’re the type of guy that prefers to wear pants and a shirt instead of jeans, a thinner plain buckle belt will be the perfect addition.  You can’t go wrong with the double rings of Salvatore Ferragamo.  We have all seen them and we all know what they look like.  Every business professional has one, and if they don’t they should.  You should have one as well.  It shows class, style and most of all that you have a sense of fashion about you without being the peacock in the room.  Wear this belt anywhere and everyone will know what’s holding up your pants.

For those who like a belt that’s a little more neutral on the buckle, but will stand out because of the engraved leather, here is one with the famed Ferragamo logo’s on the actual belt.  If no one notices the buckle they will notice the belt as a whole, and will compliment you for it.

If Ferragamo isn't your cup of tea, but you still want a nice belt that you can wear with a suit or pants and will stand out, you can get one of these two Hugo Boss belts.  Both will definitely compliment your look and stand out all by themselves. 

The black Hugo Boss belt goes with almost anything, you really can’t go wrong, but a navy outfit, or a dark blue outfit should have something brown.  Having these 2 belts will let you randomize your style any and which way you want and still make you look good in the process.

The brown Crocodile skin is a favorite of mine because most guys don’t wear animal skin belts.  But a brown crocodile?  When have you seen a brown crocodile recently?  You can even make up the story about how you got crocodile around your waist. 

If you want everyone to notice the type of belt you are wearing then a Louis Vuitton belt is your calling.  Just like this one.  It is a reversible belt so it can be worn anytime and anywhere. On a casual day with jeans, and can be in reverse to work.  All you have to do is take a break, and change sides. It’s like you are Superman of the office, without the phone booth.  The LV initials can’t be mistaken for anything else.

When you want to go completely casual on a Friday or Saturday night, Prada has the perfect belt.  It’s not leather, its two tone and a buckle that you can adjust to your exact waist.  No more punch holes that are never the perfect fit.  Not only does this belt look and feel great it stand out from the rest.  Just imagine this with jeans or chinos. The first thing everyone will notice is the color combination, then the Prada logo right in the front, where it can’t hide.  Once you notice someone checking out your waist area, it won’t be because they think you are excited to see them, it’s because they will be excited to see you, well maybe just your belt. 

If gold and beige are more your colors then you have to have a Burberry belt.  Especially this one, Like Louis Vuitton it’s color scheme is unique and recognizable to any eye.  And if that doesn't turn heads the Gold colored buckle with the “Burberry” engraving surely will. 

What are some of the belts you own, and what are some of your favorite belts to wear ?

21 Items/things that all women should get their boyfriends for Christmas

     Christmas is just around the corner and as a woman you might want Santa aka your boyfriend to buy you that new designer bag you saw your favorite celebrity carry. Which will use up his bi-weekly paycheck, post tax I might add.  But like all great things, it’s always better to give than to receive.  Isn't that the phrase that keeps being repeated around the holidays?  Ladies don’t worry, your goal should not be that bag that’s stylish this moment.  You goal should be that ring that will stay in style forever.  Yes, “that ring" is the ultimate gift.  As much as your man likes to buy you those gifts, because every man knows if you are happy then he is happy, he would like something in return. So here are our 21 items/things that all women should get their boyfriend for Christmas.

Verasce Eros
1.7oz $62

1) Free sports Sunday or any one day a week – The day for just guys, no relationship stuff for a month, it’s only 4 days.

2) Cologne – Since you pick the cologne his scent will be what you want it to be.  It’s your choice and he will love it. 

3) Cuff links – Every guy should have on pair of cuff links sticking out of his suit jacket at least once.  It just adds that extra touch of class and style. 

Timberland Waterproof Boots
$180 at Shop.timberland.com

4) Winter boots – They are both stylish and functional, he can dress them up or down. A pair of Timberland boots will keep him warm and comfortable like the ones shown.

5-6) Tie/belt - Everyone should have a Salvatore Ferragamo belt, and slim fit ties look great with either a suit or jeans.  You can get a tie from Calvin Klein and look great any time / all the time.

7) Wallet  – Get the new trendy slim wallets from any name brand store. They range in price from $30 - $250 depending on the designer.

Tiffany & Co :Sterling silver
with hinge - $225

8) Custom designer money clip – Tiffany & Co. has these and they are wonderful.

9) Razor/trimmer set – Give him the gift that will make him look like you want him to look.

10) Winter jacket/overcoat – Spyder is for skiing, Nordstrom, Bloomingdale's and J Crew are for style.

11) Take him shopping – You take him to the stores and show him the styles you want him to wear, let him try on his own choices but drop hints along the way. You pay for the clothes and he still carries all the bags.

12) Ski/board winter weekend getaway – A nice cozy getaway you both will enjoy, Vermont can do the trick, or any ski/snowboard destination.

13) Full week vacation  - If you love the sun and beach, you will want to get him this trip for 2 – relax, enjoy, and don’t forget to bring the other gifts you bought him like the shaver, trimmer, and the clothes.

14) Outing with guy friends – Just a day of alcohol, sun and guy stuff. Pretty simple but very enjoyable for him.  He can even bring the alcohol gift you got him.

15) Ultimate experience package – Supercars, bungee jumping or skydiving ff thrill seeking is his thing.

Johnnie Walker Blue Label

16) Cigars/liquor or other monthly subscription service – If you aren't sure what to get, Cigar’s International can do the trick, or if he likes whiskey then a bottle of Johnnie Walker Blue Label will certainly warm him up during the holidays.  

17) Headphones/earphones – For the long commutes Beats by Dre or Bose will light his fire. 

The new Jambox mini,
for any room or location

18) Home portable Bluetooth speakers – You both can use these anytime, anywhere. Jawbone wireless speakers or the Pill by Dre are popular items these days.

19) Watch – Every guy should have a watch. As long as he likes it, it can be anything. From Citizen or Timex to a Rolex. The sky is the limit, the enjoyment and appreciation is limitless. 

The new Wearable gear from Samsung
The future of tech, and the gift of the year !

20) Newest tablet  – Anything from Google Nexus 7 to the new Microsoft Surface tablet – it’s a gift for him but it’s really new gadgets for both.

21) Smart-watch – Like the new Samsung wearable gear. This is what he should want - every early adapter/tech guys/smartphone owner's dream.  This is like a ring for the guy.  In this case it’s for the wrist.

     After all, these gifts are for him but you will benefit from them as well and he will never realize it.  It’s a win-win-win.  Both of you win because he gets the gifts and you also get the mutual benefit. 

The last win is because in the end women always win.

7 Make-up artists you should know

Ever wake up in the morning next to someone and they look completely different than you remember them from the night before?  Well say thank you, or don’t, to make-up. That’s what make-up does. It creates, it emphasizes, it enhances.  Hollywood is all about enhancing, look at the big screen, the red carpet, Academy awards, the Golden Globes.  Everything and everyone is shinier, more glamorous, and brighter than usual.  But behind all that shine and glamour are 7 make-up artists you should know because they enhance how bright those stars shine with their make-up styles and techniques. 

1) Jackie Gomez – One of the most highly praised make-up artists in the industry.  She is known for her work with her hands, and the use of undiscovered products to make people and celebrities look amazing.  If Beyoncé, and Marissa Miller trust her with their look, so should you.  She also had an event called “Face the Beauty 2013” where anyone and everyone learned her secrets to looking great.

Gucci Westman

2) Gucci Westman – When you are the Global Artistic Color Director for Revlon, you have to know a little more than something about make-up and Gucci Westman is and does just that.  With developing products like “Lip Butter”, a whole new take on traditional lipstick was made, and Westman definitely made it.

Zena Shteysel

3) Zena Shteysel – If ABC’s “Dancing with the Stars” and an Emmy Award doesn't say that you should be known, only Kim Kardashians make-up artist can maybe be ahead, and we got him here too.  With her own “Z-Palette” make-up company and kits, she is only scratching the surface of her career.  Though when she scratches that surface she covers it up with her style to make it even more impressive. 

Charlie Green

4) Charlie Green – When Betsy Johnson is raving about and introducing you to everyone she knows, then you’ve hit the jackpot.  With over 20 years of experience working with Magazines, supermodels like Heidi Klum and companies like Mary Kay, she is here to stay. Victoria’s Secret’s shimmering body lotion was designed by Charlie as well. 

Melanie Mills

5) Melanie Mills – Overseeing the make-up designs for Concept fashion in both NY and LA and being a favorite of A-list celebrities gives her the name recognition we should all be familiar with.  She served as the brand ambassador for St. Tropez, one of the top self-tanning brands in the world.  With artists like Brandy, and Kiera Knightly using her services, she is in the A-list group of make-up artists herself.

Anastasia Soare

6) Anastasia Soare – Developing your own method of make-up application called the “Golden ratio” is a sure sign of success and someone who you should know about.  Anastasia Soare is that person.  She is referred to as the “Definitive Brow and Eye Expert” and has achieved iconic status as well.  What is iconic status in the make-up industry?  The name Oprah is iconic status, Anastasia Soare has Oprah as one of her many clients. Iconic enough for you?

Mario Dedivanovic

7) Mario Dedivanovic – The biggest reality star on TV trusts him with her make-up and her looks.  If Kim Kardashian trusts Mario, we should know Mario.  The worlds most requested look – the smoky eye, contoured cheekbone, highlighted under eye area and nude lip look that Kim made famous is Mario’s look he created for and with her.  But he worked with all the Kardashian sisters, which makes him in demand and not only should be known, but must be known.

7 Stylists you ought to know about

When you see a celebrity walk the red carpet, everyone always asks “who are you wearing?”  The answer is always a famous designer like Valentino, Prada, and Gucci and so on.  But no one ever asks” who dressed you up in this?”  Because that’s an embarrassing question.  What do you mean who dressed me in this?  I’m not a young child where I can’t pick out my own clothes or I will go to school in pajamas and yesterday’s laundry.  But you are, especially on Oscar night, or Grammy night because that’s when stylists matter most.  Unlike the MTV VMA’s, there you see everyone dressing themselves and that’s why most celebrities are in t-shirts and jeans.  So who does pick out the amazingly beautiful outfits for these stars?  We will give you seven stylists you ought to know about.

Rachael Zoe

1)  Rachael Zoe - The most recognized name in style.  From Bravo TV’s Rachael Zoe project.  Before that she was rising in the fashion and celebrity circles by dressing artists like Anne Hathaway, Jennifer Garner, and Kate Hudson.  She now famously has her own website RachaelZoe.com, and a clothing line in mega stores like Nordstrom and Saks 5^th Ave. 

Kate Young

2) Kate Young – The most sought after stylist right now.  She started her career in Vogue magazine and quickly moved up styles corporate ladder.  She has consulted for Victoria’s Secret, Tod’s and also Dior.  Herself she started a clothing line of fine wool knitwear for women and kids.  Her celebrity clients include the likes of Natalie Portman, Hilary Swank and Rachael McAdams.

Petra Flannery

3) Petra Flannery – Making classic, clean and sophisticated looks pop is an art in itself for a stylist.  This is what Petra does best. Born in San Francisco she has partnered with Heidi Klum, and dressed the stars we love to talk about on the red carpet – Mila Kunis, Megan Fox, and Emma Stone are among those.

L'Wren Scott

4) L’Wren Scott – Started making her own clothes as a teenager, went to Paris to model, moved to LA and started working in fashion, excited yet?  Designed her own dresses, loves the color black, unique collection titles, and style’s Kidman, J Law, and Michelle Obama, and that’s not even the half of it.  If this doesn't make you want to learn more about her, then we don’t know what will.

Elizabeth Stewart

5) Elizabeth Stewart – Putting a dress on backwards for the Oscars is as ballsy as it gets.  That’s what Elizabeth Stewart said as a joke for Amanda Seyfried to do because it looked better being on backwards.  Style 101, if it looks good, leave it.  Working for companies like W, and NY Times definitely put the flash in her resume, and so does styling Jessica Chastain.  She says she is a lazy dresser herself and that all her work goes into her clients though it seems hard to believe that her own style won’t look great regardless.

Ilaria Urbinati

6) Ilaria Urbinati – Looks like a young celebrity herself. She can get a request to style an A-Lister.  If she can help them then it’s a yes, if not, then oh well the A-Lister suffers and that’s Ilaria for you.  She started as a buyer for her aunt designer Laura Urbinati in her West Hollywood boutique. Then went onto become the head stylist for Showtime’s “The L word”.  She also styled for GQ Italy, Flaunt, and a host of other TV networks like NBC, ABC and Bravo. Ilaria also owns a boutique in California that tailors to hipster locals, fashionable celebs and musicians.  Her work, and by work we mean her clients speak for themselves, include Bradley Cooper, Cobie Smulders, Kristen Stewart and Bruce Willis.

Leslie Fremar

7) Leslie Fremar - The most coveted stylist is originally from Canada, and if you think people in NYC are cold? Try winters in Canada, and then you will know what cold truly is.  She started her career as a fashion assistant and worked her way up to Director of VIP Relations at Prada.  Now that’s a company to put on a resume as well.  She dressed the who’s who of Hollywood with names like Charlize Theron, Scarlett Johansson and Julianne Moore.  Her own clothing collection can be seen at Bloomingdales which features tees, sweaters and dresses that start at $22.  Not bad for the most sought after stylist in the industry.

10 Emerging designers the Industry needs to watch out for !

The fashion industry is ever so changing with new designs constantly evolving.  More importantly there are new designers emerging all the time, hailing from all over the world with their interpretations on fashion which are based on their inspirations.  Each individual inspiration is unique and how that is transformed into fashion is even more remarkable.  Here are 10 emerging designers the industry needs to watch out for!

David Hart Collection

Wes Gordon Resort 2014

David Hart – His Fall 2013/winter 2014 line makes me feel hot in the middle of winter. His new Spring/Summer 2014 collection takes you on a fashion safari and makes you want to get married all over again as long as you can wear his tuxedo jackets.

Wes Gordon – Bright colors, layers stand out in the dark of fall and winter. Her fall 2013 collection feels like you are bringing a fairy tale to life. With the colors, designs and everyone’s dreams of being a princess, with Wes Gordon you can.  The colors pop and the dresses stand out, Snow White can only dream her dress was made by Wes Gordon.

Fausto Puglisi 2014

Fausto Puglisi – Pastel and contrast are two words that come to mind when you see Puglisi’s designs.  The colors are there and the designs too.  You look at his designs and automatically think “I can wear that to this event, and that event, to this party, and that party”.  He makes traditional skirts and dresses so untraditional with his color combinations and designs that they will just simply stand out in a crowd.  If you don’t get compliments then people are either blind or pissed they didn’t think of wearing that themselves.

Sinjing Chen collection

Sinjing Chen – She is one of the up and coming designers from China.  Her look is best described as fiery.  The whites and bright reds, how they shine through the room.  Herself, she is much understated like any other person walking down the street you would not think twice.  She is the epitome of inner beauty, and not judging a book by its cover. Because if you would judge her, how wrong you would be.

Hannah Jenkinson Collection

Hannah Jenkinson – A new take on knitwear is all the rage behind this new designer’s style and collection.  Embroidery and knit wear paired with see-through sweaters and skirts are a must see and a must wear.  The embroidered top is not just for Christmas with the red/green reindeer sweater dad wears in holiday pictures. Oh no, no, no, that has just been flipped on its head.

Claudia Li

Claudia Li – If a Geisha was lost on Fashion Ave. she would find herself in a Claudia Li ensemble.  Each section of each outfit is like a petal on a rose, both open and closed overlapping the other.  But this rose has no thorns to speak of.  We can only think as if looking at a rose “we love it, or we love it more”

Abigail Lewis Beaded Glass Skirt

Abigail Lewis – If using and bending glass to texture and create illusions isn’t dangerous, then wearing it definitely is.  Dangerous maybe in some sense, because it is glass, but stylish and unique it definitely is because again, it is glass.  Danger aside - we all like to live courageously in some way or another, and Abigail Lewis lives courageously through her designs and style.

Carly Ellis – When your clothes glow under UV light that says something.  This designer lights up fashion and makes the plaid shirt look like the plain white shirt your mother picked out for your 12^th birthday.  Working with DKNY she is grabbing the spotlight by the colored lens with which her clothes are seen through.  The animal prints and colored suit jackets takes Friday’s business casual look to a whole new level, and it’s the executive level.

Carly Ellis Collection

Talia Shuvalov collection

Talia Shuvalov –   Born in Sydney and bred by Alexander McQueen and Narcisco Rodriguez surely makes her one of the top emerging designers in the industry.  She changed the sweatshirt and made it into a ready to wear dress with patterns and bright colors.  Making the basic grey now worth looking at.  This isn’t your college pullover anymore this is your style makeover, and as comfortable as ever.

Sinead Lawler

Sinead Lawler

Sinead Lawler – Born in Ireland, Sinead got her interest in fashion from her grandmother by watching her sew, and helping her mother knit by winding the yarn.  Now her looks express that upbringing with her designs.  Very simple is her mixture of one or two color tones, and layered designs to show depth but also very light fabrics making them easy to wear all the time. Putting designs of buttons on her collections and different knitwear she is going back to her roots with a 3D effect.

Winter Should Have's: Sweaters

This is my 3rd winter topic and sticking with the theme of the style should have's I am focusing on SWEATERS.

The sweater is a very understated item.  It usually doesn't stand out, unless it's a holiday sweater, then it's a free for all from trees, to reindeer to Santa.  But are those fashion statements or just traditions that have stood the test of time but have failed the fashion finals?

Light Blue V neck Sweater

Well these sweaters are both stylish, warm and have appeal because there is something about them.  Whether it's the color, the design or a pattern that's a little different than the traditional basic pullover, the important thing is that each one has a focal point that makes people look and say "that's different".  Isn't that what fashion is all about?  The differences in style, each persons own originality.  How can someone be different and original if everyone wears the same blue jeans and black sweater.

Raspberry/Navy sweater
Navy shoulder and cuff accents

 Yes I know, blue jeans with a black sweater is not a great or original combo. But what is? I think I got it.

Gray/White Sweater with Blue Horizontal Stripe
Gray wooden buttons on top of left shoulder

Ask yourself, "why would I ever wear a sweater?  I have a jacket, and a shirt underneath my jacket"

 That's why !

Beige sweater with a brown vertical stripe
brown buttons down side of stripe

 Everyone has a jacket and a shirt, but not everyone has and can pull off a trendy sweater and still get glimpses from the other side of the room.
What does a sweater say about you?

 Everyone is different, for some it means that they are reserved, for others it means professional, but it can also mean that they are just cold without a jacket indoors. A sweater can as anything else make or break the look, As always, let the sweater, like any "should have style" stand out, let it speak for itself and make the whole outfit or ensemble.


What does your sweater say about you?
 Post your comments below !

Winter Should Have's: Scarves

Orange/Gray Michael Kors scarf
with light blue V-neck sweater, and green chinos

Keeping up with the winter theme, another usually forgotten item is the scarf.  Although it is not always worn by many, it should be worn by all.  Unless you are wearing sweatpants and a sweatshirt - a scarf this is a must.  If there are jeans, pants and a coat involved, a scarf should be involved as well.  It only adds depth to your look, unless its torn, dirty or worse has an odor- if you have that type of item do everyone a favor and wash it, because that's the time it can be worse. 

A scarf shows off your personal style.  Oh and by the way, it keeps you warm too. By covering that usual opening between your neck, and your jacket?? Unless you pop your collars- I am not sure how many of us still pop collars. So yeah a scarf can definitely help you, it can even save you from a cold and a couple of days worth of  sniffling, stuffy, and runny noses.

Light Blue Yves Saint Laurent (YSL) scarf
to stand out from the brown jacket and green pants

The scarf could be plain, a basic solid neutral tone color where you can't really go wrong like the one to the left. 

But who wants that?  Color it up, color your look, color your personality, if you can have a two tone hair color, yes I'm talking to the those people who have highlights, then why not a two or three tone scarf to match?  Even better have some designs, it's like a tattoo for your clothes.

Here are some of my great pairings that will work for your next cold night out.

Again add some color to your accessory.  It should stand out, and NOT blend in.  The scarf should be the focal point of your ultimate look.

These can be paired with a Navy Blue, Grey jacket.  Match it with a shirt or pants of one of the non-dominant colors, like the look below.

Light Blue Yves Saint Laurent (YSL) scarf
to shine over the navy blue jeans and purple with navy sweater

Light Blue Yves Saint Laurent (YSL) scarf
to compliment but also stand out from
 the gray with light blue lines overcoat and navy blue jeans