Men and Watches

Now that our world is in a technology frenzy, fashionable and useful watches are often ignored and taken for granted. With a real mix of military and collegiate style a Smart Turnout watch is one of the affordable watches that are often bypassed. While the watch has a sharp looking face, it also has a fun strap that it swappable. Match your watch band with your favorite polo and enjoy the bright colors of the Summer months. Even better, the watch is priced at $199. Now you don’t have to glance at your cellphone in the middle of your meeting or while your out on a date for the time. Watches will never go out of style, it’s the manner in which you accessorize and wear it that matters.

Text Stephanie Buscema
Sources: GQ

Neck Candy

There's only so many pieces of clothing that one can thrown on our body to either protect against the cold or come across as a mix and match master. And at one point or another, certain parts of the body get left out, the neck in particular. And the remedy? Beautiful, exquisite, and perfectly complementary scarves. Granted, the summer season has already shined the sun's rays upon us and it would seem ludicrous to rid our necks of even the most meager mounts of air available, but fortunately, scarves aren't limited by the factor of seasonal weather. In the summer, light scarves are just as chic as their bulkier winter alternatives, and scarves in general are equally as fitting for women as they are for men. No matter the size, fabric, or gender, all that matters is the overall image.

Generally speaking, summer style is much less interesting than fall because one does not have many pieces of apparel to work with, unless you are one of the many die-hard fashion obsessed who are willing to sacrifice comfort and oxygen (in the case of the horrible heat) for a stylish strut across town. Regardless, any summer looks can become far more intriguing and eye-catching if one adds one of the most ideal summer accessories: the scarf. Many options exist, however, ranging from the plain colored types to unique printed styles. And while this popular accessory is often times regarded to as a feminine garment, the gentlemen of the past and the present have adopted it as a signature look for classic sportswear.

Text Ricardo Hernandez

Image courtesy of Tommy Ton

Lunettes De Soleil

Part of the reason we all dress up on a day-to-day basis is for so-called "self-expression," but the other is slightly more obscure. Just like the mysterious aspects of fashion, sunglasses have become modes of adding mystère and a personal sense of cool to otherwise dull ensembles. They are not merely accessories in the sense of being an extra bit of apparel on the body, but rather in the sense of giving one access to versions of one's style that one never knew existed. They allow us to grow. And lately, as pointed out by the street stylistas at the men's shows in Europe, the gentlemen have grown a knack for choosing über chic shades for even the most unexpected of occasions.

These nose-rimmed spectacles come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, but the vintage look is more popular than ever, especially for the summer season. Think John Lennon's iconic spectacles, and one arrives at an understanding of just how far back fashion circles are traveling in regards to current trends. It's all about sleek lines, classic designs, and a carefree attitude. The perfect combination of all three will help one battle both the sun's rays and the insufferable curse of bad style.

Text Ricardo Hernandez

Image courtesy of Tommy Ton

The Most Perfect Purse For The Demure Shouldered

We hit the jackpot while in search of the perfect purse for every occasion in and around our 9-to-5 work and a strict spinning schedule. Certain criteria our new purchase has to fill: 1. Enough space for a water bottle and snacks. 2. High style factor that will deter boredom. 3. Architectural beauty, enough structure so it agrees with this season's non-slouchy bag trend.

The Edie Purse by J.Crew. For an agreeable $238, this baby can be yours in red hot Flame or yummy pecan or plain jane Black.

Text by Joann Pan

Source(s): Jcrew.com

Reviving The Summer Marinière

Certain people say time and time again that stripes make one look less flattering, but those people were probably not aware of the season they were in. The summer season, that is. In fact, combine horizontal stripes with navy and white and once comes to achieve one of the most timeless trends that has impacted both women and men's wear alike: the nautical trend. Breton striped shirts, blue-injected shorts, and an overall marinière outlook on personal style is enough to personify the so called "sailor look" that countless designers have adopted and made their own, from luxe brands like Prada to more affordable alternatives like J. Lindeberg. And the ladies are not the only ones to have jumped aboard this nautical boat.

The gentlemen of this world have been wildly attracted to this classic attire, sporting snug crew stripe sweaters and fitted suits topped off with special details like ocean printed pockets squares and handkerchiefs. Others, like the sleekly dressed fashion connoisseur in the above photo, are bold enough to sling a cleanly-cut suit over the shoulders in form of a cape just for an extra dash of a personal touch. To each his own, after all.

As with such, take a look at a man in head-to-toe white and navy and one would swear they were transported to the fictional times of The Great Gatsby. But not even Jay Gatsby himself would be able to master the modern spin that today's gentlemen are keen to practice. He didn't have the advent of access to style.com.

Text Ricardo Hernandez

Image Courtesy of Tommy Ton for Style.com

The Sartorialist: Get Inspired By This Summertime Bangles Look

We love this look as seen on the Sartorialist this week. There's nothing more fabulous than a relaxed look complete with a summer hued blouse, comfy slacks and an armful of bangles. Here are some bracelet suggestions for your speckled arm candy look.

Text Joann Pan

Source(s): Polyvore.com

It's Festival Time: What To Wear & What To Watch

Finally, summer has begun, and what better way to celebrate in your new sundress than dancing outside to great music? Unfortunately, Bonnaroo isn’t attainable for all of us, so there’s other cheaper (usually free) and closer options.

Websites like Oh My Rockness compile mass lists of shows in the New York, Chicago, and LA areas, from major concert venues to free park festivals. June 18? Ra Ra Riot is playing for free at Make Music Pasadena. June 23rd? We are Scientists are playing a free show at Red Hook Park in Brooklyn.

Stressing about what to wear? Maxi skirts and denim cutoffs still reign supreme as go-to music wear. Straw fedoras are a great way to look effortless and save your skin from harmful UV rays. Keep the jewelry to a minimum, or stick with one major statement piece; you don’t want to sound like Santa’s sleigh when you’re dancing around. Face paint and hallucinogenic drugs optional.

Text Liza Sokol
Source: Oh My Rockness

Concert Wear

She circles the audience once, she circles them twice, flipping her hair at intervals and graciously heeding the traffic of concert-goers so as to ensure more stage time. She's obviously got the concert-prowling role on lock, but as her dress fits her like a metallic green sausage casing her efforts might just be fruitless!

With the announcement of Coachella's line-up and the onslaught of festival season nearing us, we should all begin thinking about what we'll wear! I'm all for comfort when it means wiggling for hours whether you're indoors or in the blazing sun, but that doesn't mean you have to sacrifice fashion! Let's talk about some standards and how to avoid festival faux pas!

The Beach Vixen

The countdown is on. We’ve got three weeks of summer left until it’s back to school, back to work, back to reality. Bummer, man.

But that just means you’ve got three weeks to go out with a bang and I think the sexiest way to do that is with a high-wasted bathing suit. I’ve seen a couple of these old-fashioned suits popping up around the beach, but certainly not enough.

Seriously ladies, do not be scared of these vintage bathing suits. At first, I was a bit worried that I would look like my grandmother in this suit from Urban Outfitters, but the minute I put it on I felt like a Hollywood vixen from the 40’s. I was even walking around my apartment in it just for an added confidence boost.

It’s a timeless swimsuit and one, I know, I’ll have in my closet for a years to come. I mean, who knew showing less skin around the pool could be way sexier than putting it all out there?

By Carly Roye

Summer Beach Totes

It is important to have fun in the sun while maintaining your fashionable chic look. No one wants to spend a fortune on a beach bag for the summer and lets face it, we all like to have multiple beach bags anyway. Whether you're poolside, laying on the sandy shore or just sun-bathing in a friend’s backyard you always want to have a stylish bag on your shoulder. It’s key to have a sturdy, colorful tote that can fit your typical overabundance of sunscreen, towels, snacks, and magazines. Gap has myriad trendy summer beach totes that are reasonably priced- all are under $50.00. Straw tote bags are adorable for the summer sun; this GAP tote bag has tasteful stripes and a slouchy silhouette. The bag is lined inside with cotton fabric and has zippers, a cell phone pocket and is only $19.99! Enjoy your summer and express your mood with bold, colorful beach totes.


By: Cara Jacobs

Summer must haves...

Summer is right around the corner and it's about time you make your list for your must have items. Bikini, check. Caftan, check. Sandals, check. Hat, check. Sunglasses, check. Bag, check.

TOPSHOP offers a great selection of bikinis, so much to choose from; stripes, floral, colorful, tropical, and patchwork. Prices range from $50-90. For the same price range you can also choose your cover-up, perfect for strolling to the beach. Topshop seems to have it all this summer, not a bad selection of hats either.

LOUIS VUITTON has some great sandals in their summer 2010 line, they may be at a bit pricey but they are totally worth it. Check out the Monogram Sandal, these are priced at $790 and are a great choice for summer 2010.

Make your summer check list and hit the shops, or even the internet and grab yourself this summers must haves!

Bold Lips!

The Sex and The City 2 premiere was this past Monday, which means Summer has finally arrived in New York City. Aside from finding the perfect dress and accessory (bag, jewelry, shoe, summer love), fashionistas are looking to find the perfect lip color for the season. A girl can never go wrong with the right lip stain, lip stick or lip gloss in a bold, pop color.

The J. Crew June catalog featured girls in beautiful bold colors, tangerine, and hues of pinks and plums. Apart from the clothes being well-shot, the lipstick options gave an aura of freshness and vitality,that will make you want to shop, even during a recession. With that being said, a bright, pop color will be just what you need to turn your summer around.

On fair skin try a bright plum, blackberry, red or peach color like Sephora's Rouge Cream Lipstick #10 . On medium to dark toned skin, try almost every color from the rainbow! Plum, peaches, shades of red or even tangerine. Yves Saint Lauren's Rouge Pur has a great shade of orange #150. If you want to add shine to a matte lip, layer a light lip gloss to complete the look.

-Tamera Blair Darden

Marc Jacobs Cheap and Chic for Summer

While we all love Marc Jacobs not everyone has the budget to splurge on his latest collections. Luckily Marc is extending his gratitude by making it much easier to shop his boutiques this summer.

Starting last week new additions entitled, "Jacobs by Marc Jacobs," including totes, bikinis, and more were released into stores, some as low as 10 dollars. And the bikinis aren't made from just any old fabric but they're actually prints from Marc's 2009 runway collection!

If you don't have the pocketbook for a runway look, this summer fun collection is just what you need. You can go to www.marcjacobs.com or your local store to get great finds.

I Had A Dream

No really, I did! It was a few months ago, BEFORE the Spring 2009 Dolce & Gabbana men's ad campaign came out. In this dream, I met a boy. He had blonde hair. It was super short buzzed on the sides (bout 1/4"), fading longer to the top and slicked Richie Cunningham style. Totally a new fresh modern take on retro 50's style. I woke up and immediately picked up my clippers. Fast forward to last week and what do I see? Dolce, Dolce, Dolce! The same hairstyle featured in my dream, featured in their huge new mens collection! Am I a prodigy or what? Of course, my version is a little cleaner with some serious Tressemme shalacked on top. Seriously though, everyone knows that 50's style is adorable to play and experiment with. Nerd chic is definitely in right now but this new do for men (and even women! I'm telling you!) is the cat's pajamas. Finish it up with a straight edged part and give the bangs a little Greaser action with your buck 50 fine tooth comb. As an added bonus, I rock my geeky Hugo Boss Buddy Holly-esque faux reading glasses (inspiration thanks to Rachel Zoe's handy dandy cry me a river assistant, Brad). You will be turning heads and having EVERYONE say, golly gee, love the hair!

Fruit Roll-Ups

Today I made a purchase: ladies denim roll-up shorts. Now, these have been popping up in a lot of places nowadays and everyone is sporting them. So based on this and the fact that I love showing off my legs, I splurged the $19.50 and invested. These are great for lots of summery occasions and aren't very atypical. That is, unless of course  a 6'3 white man is wearing them. This is where the term fashion comes in. To me, fashion is defined not just as what is in style but what isn't...yet. Sure, everything has been reinvented and this isn't the first time a man has worn denim shorts. However, it is the first time in the last 20 years or so that the shorts haven't been something found on an episode of Blossom, Fresh Prince, or Martin. You know, with the cargo pocket or painter's tab, and hanging halfway off the ass. So let's unite, men! Dig out your circa 1993 denim shorts, cut off the tab, and roll em up just past your knee. Or, you could just spend the $19.50.