Apr

13

Presidential Shades

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The biggest news easy morning seems to be this pre-election campaign in the republican party. Romney, Santorum, Paul, Gingrich- who will it be? But what’s equally important is what’s going on with the bigger picture, which many republicans have lost sight of as they get caught up in the drama of their party’s seemingly endless squabbling. They will not even notice when Obama kicks off his “impress the nation” campaign wearing designer Ray Bans, rolling up his sleeves like a blue-collar worker and taking a bus tour around kissing babies. This is the end game, and this seems to be what the republican party has put on the back burner while they debate the finer points of basically the same philosophy.

Obama has a magnetism that can be likened to the cult of personality surrounding many of the worlds more famous leaders. This can be an extremely dangerous thing. Although the last four years have been a bit of a disappointment to many democrats (and the international community that thought he was the world’s savior) Obama could swing back in with another mind-shattering marketing campaign and get the swing votes of youth, women and minorities. Part of the reason for his popularity is that he markets himself as a populist. A man of the people. His fashion sense helps him to stay “in the loop” with upper class and wealthy Americans without alienating the working classes. How does he do it when Romney fails and Santorum disappoints?

First, he isolates a few key accessories to emphasize as “character elements” and then basically allows his suit and the remainder of his wardrobe to blend into the scenery. His Ray Bans caused a sensation, but his suits and ties were never as flamboyant or interesting as Clinton’s or Bush’s. He never had flashy cufflinks or snazzy designer briefcases. While his presidential ride may be a pimped out SUV, he somehow manages to do it with class. Romney is more likely to pump out an Oldsmobile or a Rolls Royce, further isolating Americans who live under the top 1%. And unless you can stick a sweater vest on a limo, Santorum won’t be happy.

Apr

10

Happiness tied to Sunlight

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In many ways, happiness has been shown to be clearly tied to the amount of sunlight and exposure to vitamin D a person has on a regular basis. So if you thought your sexy Prada-clad self was just happier on vacation because you were away from work- think again! Those precious rays you’re soaking up contain vitamins and nutrients that your body needs to stay fit and healthy- and therefore happy.

If you live in a crappy climate- aka one without constant exposure to sun- you can still keep your serotonin flowing by hitting up a tanning salon at least once a week. The point isn’t to build up a sexy base (although that’s a bonus) but to expose your body to the warmth and security the sun offers the body and the brain.

If you live in a warmer climate, it’s great that you have access to the power of the sun, but that also makes you more susceptible to over doing it. Remember to keep your sunglasses on when in direct sunlight. Studies have shown a number of eye-related diseases to be caused by too much sunlight. Designer sunglasses make you look cool, but more importantly their quality is higher, they last longer, and they protect you better. Splurge for something that you’ll love and look sexy in. A nice Versace or Carrera or Ray Bans, perhaps?

And although the sun keeps you happy and healthy, it can cause other health problems when in excess. Sunscreen and a large-billed cap help keep the ill effects away while allowing you to absorb the benefits of a healthier, happier life.

Apr

5

April Showers Bring May Fashion

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Spring is upon us, and that means fresh, new fashion. Every year it’s the same, we throw off the shackles of winter, dust off the box labeled “summer” and jump right into short skirts and T-shirts. This year, enjoy the middle season of spring with hot, Spring-specific fashion. MiuMiu, Alexander McQueen, Juicy and others excel at making this season a bright and colorful transition phase.

Color is in this spring, and in a big way. We’re talking bright yellows, oranges, greens and blues. The more color the better, and even clashing colors are in this season, with multiples of the same hue a favorite in early spring. Layering oranges, reds and yellows seem to be another favorite with overt beach themes. Take inspiration from the image here of a lovely red-head wearing a yellow top and spring-time jacket. The green hat and belt are clashing, but perfect for spring. The wild pants bring fun into the season as does the crazy, flamboyant jewelry. The addition of sexy MiuMiu sunglasses would have made the image complete.

Get the look for yourself by coupling beach-attire with your normal wardrobe and disregarding genres of clothing. For example, few would think to combine a leather jacket with beach attire, as the seasons seemingly contradict, but it’s this contradiction that makes this red-head so alluring. Similarly, the beach attire conflicts with the city-slicker 1950s hat and hairstyle, adding another layer to her fashion depth. This style isn’t hard to mimic but yields impressive results.

Mar

31

When Trends Go Awry

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It’s easy to see mistakes in hindsight, and with high-end fashion sometimes the mistakes seem so obvious once you see them strolling down the red carpet. Even the big names like Versace and Dior make mistakes, big mistakes. Mistakes that are so awful most would rather dust them into the closet and forget they were every sewn together.

In the accessories market, mistakes seem to be as monumental as in the clothing realm. The giant Martian glasses of the 1980s were not only a horrible fashion mistake, but they lingered around the mass population for years before everyone jointly woke up and realized the style was ludicrous. Once everyone woke up they tossed off their space-age sunnies and picked up on the next trend- oversized sunglasses on both men and women.

One of the biggest fashion mistakes of recent years has been the trend towards juvenile fashion in adults. Men and women of adult age who seem to enjoy wearing brightly colored Wayfarers, cherry-patterned shirts and colorful shoelaces. Once you’ve hit adulthood it’s time to put away childish things. You can still remain youthful without wearing plastic on your face. Looking youthful is easy, and doesn’t require looking like a school-age kid.

Another recent fashion mistake in the male fashion world is the desire for all men, even those who live nowhere near a beach, to wear Carrera sunglasses. If you live on a beach, or have a sporty lifestyle this is a cool look. If you live in New York and drive a cab or in Oklahoma and run a farm, then Carrera are not for you. Find the fashionable look that works for you.

Mar

28

Jeremy Lin Fashion

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If you don’t know who Jeremy Lin is by now, you’re in the minority. Lin is the hottest thing to happen to basketball since Michael Jordan. He’s good, he’s got spirit, and he’s Asian—a rarity in the basketball world. He’s no slouch either, Lin has a degree from Harvard, and looks sharp on and off the court in his favorite Nike sportswear and accessories.

As hot as Lin is, there’s also controversy surrounding the superstar. Sports titles like “He’s Amasian” (for he’s amazing) have rocked the sports pages. Some have even gone too far, sparking cries of racism and beyond. Still, America is ready for a big homegrown Asian sports star, and Lin has big shoes to fill. He’s talented, but is he as good as say a Larry Byrd or Michael Jordon? He is certainly getting the same hype.

As far as fashion goes, Nike have long been a big name in the sports world, but for athletes to wear major fashion labels and sports labels off the court are not as common. Most sports stars, especially those with big cash, are more interested in being swaddled in Armani and Gucci than staying true to brands like Nike and Adidas and Oakley.

Hailing from a second conference school, and passed over for his initial draft pics, Lin didn’t give up or cave in. He stayed true to his dream and went to Harvard before being picked up by the pros to play third seat. He rocked the benches for a while before finally getting the opportunity to play. And now that he’s allowed on the court he isn’t taking his opportunity lightly.

Mar

21

Creative Eyewear Accessories

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Accessorizing your eyewear is easy, especially with the cool new stuff that eyewear designers have been coming out with in recent years. Everything from bands for holding your glasses to your face, to snap on cameras for your Tom Fords, or even glasses and sunglasses with USB sticks built into them. Essentially, if you can imagine it—it’s probably already on the market, and especially online.

Some accessories you may need include a cleaning kit and carrying case, as well as a soft cloth for cleaning and a small screwdriver set. These are the essentials. At SmartBuyGlasses.com you can find these accessories in your order— for free! Every order comes with a cleaning and care kit that includes all of the necessities.

A hard carrying case is also essential. Soft cases can be punctured and your glasses scratched and ruined. A hard case is also useful because you can wrap your sunglasses or eyeglasses in the cleaning cloth to keep it sleek and clean. A hard case can’t damage your gear if it drops, gets hit, water spills on it or worse. One thing to look for in hard cases is a bridge for the glasses to keep them firmly in place, that way if you drop the case the glasses won’t rattle around inside.

Don’t be shy to deck out your eyewear with accessories and have fun with it, we even hear of folks painting their glasses and sunglasses depending on their wardrobe. This level of dedication is not only admirable but bodes well for fashion fans everywhere.

Mar

17

Tips for Better Men’s Fashion

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Alright men, you don’t have to copy Brad Pitt to be fashionable, you can strike out on your own and forge your own path. Still, sex appeal and fashion go hand in hand, and to have either you need to commit some time and energy to your wardrobe. Don’t just copy the hot Police Sunglasses fad that is sweeping the USA, find a brand and design that works for you and your unique look.

One of the best tips for men’s fashion is to avoid clichés. For example, the man in the picture here is a bundle of clichés. He is trying too hard, his collar is outside his jacket, his belt is huge and obnoxious and his sunglasses don’t fit the look. Essentially, he is trying extremely hard to look confident and wealthy and thus signaling to women than he is neither. If he were wearing a smaller collar, less obnoxious belt and possibly less loud sunglasses he’d be a real catch and any woman’s eye would linger.

Instead of mimicking a look, try making your own! If you love sports, don’t just buy jerseys and Oakley sunglasses, consider a wardrobe that is halfway between the sexiness of the pro’s off-hour outfits and spectator game ware. You can wear Dockers slacks, Serengeti shades, a polo shirt and then accessories with your sports paraphernalia, like Dodgers wallet or a Green Bay cap. You still look classy and sexy, and yet you’re not bashing people in the eyes with your sports affiliations. Women love a man who is passionate, but not a crazy one.

Mar

14

Pregnant and Fashionable

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So you’re in the family way! Congrats. Don’t feel like your bulging tummy in any way detracts from your beauty. In fact, many women say they feel even more beautiful and radiant when pregnant than ever. And high-end fashion agrees, even big designers like Gucci and Prada have hit the runways with prego looks, and you’ll find all manner of formal, casual and sexy relaxing maternity clothes.

Some things to keep in mind to look trim and adorable when pregnant include featuring the smallest parts of your body. Under your chest your belly is it’s smallest, and this is a great place for a belt or dress cut. You can also use the bell-shaped dress to highlight how trim and lean your legs are, and of course heels make your feet look even more dainty and adorable. Additionally, keeping your hair sleek or pulled back helps to detract unwanted volume.

Additionally, the patterns and colors you wear can add or detract volume, depending on your desired outcome. Spots detract from volume while lines (horizontal especially) can add it. Black and white (high contrast colors) cause the eye to focus on pattern instead of shape.

Another way to move the eye away from the obvious baby bump is to add color splashes. In the image the woman is doing everything right. High contrast pattern with polka dots, a high waist line and a bell-shaped dress. The color splashes of red add high fashion, but they also pull the eye to the smallest two aspects of her shape.

Mar

10

Celebrity Red Carpet Fashion

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This year has been an astonishingly dull one for red carpet fashion fans. It seems all the crazies took their pills before they strutted into their suits for all the major events this year. Even Lady Gaga didn’t really stun anyone. The craziest look was by Sasha Baron Coen, dressed as the dictator from his upcoming film—and even that wasn’t really enough to draw more than a bored eyebrow raise. Still, some of the best names in designer fashion were on the red carpet and they didn’t do anything flamboyant either. Imagine Prada throwing away the opportunity to win best or worst dressed? Dior stuck to classic lines, Versace (ever the flamboyant design house) was as traditional as ever and only played around with color and texture, not form or fit.

Some of the hottest looks were by Angelina Jolie at the Oscars 2012. She wore a traditional black form-fitted dress with a slit up one side to reveal a sexy leg and black shoe. It’s as traditional as it gets, and yet it drew rapt attention.

Another fascination was the beautifully clad overweight women, like Octavia from The Help, and the robustly round comedy queen from Bridesmaids. Both looked stunning in form-fit dresses that revealed all the right curves. Bigger women are not shunned in Hollywood anymore. Look at Queen Latifa, and the normal body shape on Kate Winslet.

Finally, there has been a return to more traditional lines, cuts and textures in recent years on the red carpet, perhaps in retaliation to how the mass public has become obsessed with mimicking any fashion trend a celebrity starts.

Mar

7

Tips from Fashion Experts

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Not all of us can afford to keep fashion consultants on hand for when we’re having a so-so day. Putting together a comprehensive look that exudes our personality and key traits is a job for a pro. But without hiring one, how can you get that same cohesive look? We’ve rounded up the best advice from fashion experts across the web, with everything from Dior do’s and Dunhill don’ts and everything in between.

Tip #1: Always accessorize. When you look at the big stars it isn’t their clothing that stands out (unless you’re looking at Lady Gaga or Madonna). It’s the accessories they use to set themselves in a superior fashion category. Launch yourself into that group with designer sunglasses, earrings that are subtle and timeless, and simple accessories like a designer wrist watch, shoes and handbag.

Tip #2: Never over match. Celebrities and the big shots look haphazard and yet wonderful. They do this by avoiding looking overly matched up. Don’t wear too many items of the same color or overly relying on two colors. Like the guy in the image here who is obviously trying too hard. Tsk Tsk.

Tip #3: Avoid clichés. If you see a ton of people wearing a certain look it’s probably a wee bit cliché. For example, slicked back hair or a certain fad with the way jeans are worn. Avoid all that and keep to your own tune, that’s what truly fashionable people do-they bypass fads and create their own trends.

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