ALL ABOUT THE DETAILS

It's truly ALL about the details, whether you're male or female it's extremely important. Paying attention and adding personal touches here and there can go a long way. The real question is, why don't men take that extra time in those details to make themselves look well put together? 

Why do they think it's so hard?

When in fact, it's the simple touches like a pocket square, tie clip, or even suspenders that will can make a gigantic difference. Not only do you look sharp and put together, but everyone is going to think, "wow now that's an individual that takes care of themselves and wants to be well presented." Yes, we live in a world where physical appearance is everything and that starts with what you're wearing. Detailed touches is JUST as important as wearing shoes before leaving the house. It's your personal style and you'll feel naked without it.

Since every man has their own personal touches to make their style, here are great places to shop:

Nordstrom
Topman
Farfetch
SSENSE
Matchesfashion
Saks Fifth Avenue
Ted Baker
French Connection

And for those guys who don't know what they're looking for, here's a little bit of help:

Topman Navy Geo Poly Pocket Square
Trafalgar 'Wyoming' Suspenders
Trafalgar Stripe Suspenders
David & Young 'Softer Than Cashmere' Plaid Scarf
Vivienne Westwood striped suspender (ON SALE!)
RAKE Birdseye-knit silk scarf
Lanvin bi-colour pochette
Bottega Veneta double intrecciato bracelet
Bottega Veneta intrecciato torque bracelet
Lanvin Mother of pearl gold-plated tie clip
Lanvin Gold-plated bar cufflinks
Cerruti 1881 Paris Round-frame sunglasses

CROC CROC CROC

Something is happening with the croc, crocodile that is! It's the ultimate leather, chicest of the chic, the lux to your luxury. It's intriguing to see that a rough & mean looking reptile can transform into a glamours accent in fashion. A touch of it somewhere in your ensemble and you're instantly chic, like a fashion magical wand, *pooph..* and you're croc-ed out to perfection. Wouldn't that be lovely?

In all colors, textures, and sizes it's the luxurious and may I add expensive leather to desire. Many of us desire it, yet few of us can afford it. It's this unattainable creature that we so long to capture. In a fashion aspect, it's not that unicorn that we desire yet can't find, but it's the show quality pet that you see occasionally but is too expensive to own. How are we going to go about this? 

Perhaps, skinning our own crocodile and making our own leather goods, but that's far too difficult. Perhaps, I can use my three wishes from a fashion genie and have croc everything appear right in front of me, but that's far far FAR away from reality. I guess for now we can just stand back, and admire the beastly beauty and appreciate a great croc when we see one (key words, FOR NOW!). 

For the fabulous ladies and gents who can splurge, here are some great pieces: 

Giuseppe Zanotti Crocodile-embossed & mink ankle strap sandals

Nancy Gonzalez crocodile leather tote

Givenchy croc embossed iPhone case

Gucci 'Coda' Sneaker 

Lauren Ralph Lauren Croc Embossed with Equestrian Hardware

Marc by Marc Jacobs Mouse Croc Embossed Ballet Flats

Givenchy Nightingale Trolley Crocodile Stamped 

Lanvin Zipper Crocodile Sac Pochette

Stella McCartney 'Grace' clutch

Stella McCartney Faux Crocodile Case For iPhone 5

Stella McCartney Faux Crocodile Case For iPad 1,2 & 3

VIONNET SPRING 2014 RTW - SHEER SKIRTS

Vionnet Spring 2014 Ready-to-Wear

Today's Vionnet show in Paris was gorgeous and magnificent, of course Louis Vuitton, Hermes, & Miu Miu were exceptional today as well. But the real intriguing question is where's the skirt? Don't take me the wrong way, I LOVE this look I think it's extremely chic without looking trashy. The topic of sheer bottoms has been posted (here) couple of days ago and I think it's fantastic! But the look of a sharp blazer and a sheer skirt on the bottom looks absolutely ravishing. Not only was it seen today, but we also saw an all white look from Balenciaga last week in Paris as well. It's the "I'm covered, yet not covered" look! 

Okay, so now the important question is, who would wear this in real life? Would you? 

MATCHING COUPLES

So. Couples BOTH wearing menswear or at least mens inspired clothing together. What do we think about this?

Yay or nay? 

Well frankly, its an absolute and definite YAY in my fashion book. I've noted in the past that menswear on any woman would look extremely chic. Well, if it's done right, of course! 

If you're paired off or a lone wolf, it doesn't matter you can make menswear your stable with or without a man by your side. Actual men's clothing on a woman could absolutely work or pieces that has elements of menswear can suffice as well. 

It adds an element of chic and it's a confidence that not many are able to rock. 

But the real question is, why are so many women afraid to rock it? Are they scared to look too masculine? Maybe it's the fact that they're too masculine and they want to mask this facade that they're not...

Hmm...but wait that's too complicated! Oh duh, all women are complicated! Never mind, scratch that last thought. Okay, so what we got down so far is that menswear on a gal is extremely chic. Okay great! But you know, in an odd way it shows this particular type of sex appeal that is extremely attractive. Not the kind that oozes sex right when you see it, but the unspoken mysterious type of sex appeal that every women should possess. It's a lingering oomphhh that people would want to know more, see more, and hear more...they're intrigued! 

Secondly, if menswear on a woman is so chic, sexy and powerful, then why aren't many rocking it like they ought to? Why is that?

 First things first, you raid your father, brother or boyfriend's closet and try on EVERYTHING! It all started when I was 18, I went through my dad's old clothes that he doesn't wear anymore and I just decided that it would work. So I took it ALL! Button ups, sweaters, jackets, and once in awhile PANTS! Even though they were undeniably too big for me, I made it work. Welcome the invention of a...waalaaa! A BELT! 

The button up is too baggy? PERFECT! Pair it with skinnies and roll those bad boys up and expose your ankles. Tuck the front of the shirt in (half tuck) so it gives some shape and not allow you to look like you're homeless and can't afford clothes. I mean, doesn't allow you to look bigger than you are. 

The sweater is too big? EVEN BETTER! It's going to get cold so pair that oversized baby with skinnies, riding boots and pair them with right accessories. 

The jacket is overwhelmingly huge? FANTASTIC! Balance it underneath with something relatively tight on top (woman's button up) and wide leg slacks. 

OR just pair that jacket with the sweater you just stole I mean borrowed from that man in your life. 

It's all about putting it together and taking the time to find every angle possible to make an odd piece work for you. And remember, balance is key! Don't do everything baggy, make sure you offset oversized pieces with something fitting or somewhat fitting.

MEN AND THEIR BAGS

The intriguing topic of men and the bags that they SHOULD be carrying. 

When you hear bags, most people tend to think of women and their purses, but not men and their bags. Why is that?

It's true, men do carry bags but it's not a worldwide topic that people want to discuss. It's an element that many don't put an emphasis on. 

Maybe they're ashamed and don't want to portray themselves as too feminine? 

Maybe they're just SO into their bags that they don't want other men to know about which chic bag that they're carrying? 

It's intriguing...I KNOW! 

I understand that men have their universal wallets to carry their ID, cash, credit cards, and possibly other unmentionable possessions. I also understand that there are briefcases and backpacks that men carry to hold their things for the day. But what about the chic bags that so many designers have produced for these fabulous men to carry? Why are these guys hiding their fabulous bags? 

Men (straight, gay or both) need to carry more of their bags, it's useful and it's chic. I know some men don't care nor do they know what chic entails but it's something to think about. It adds something to that sleek suit you're wearing or it adds an extra grunge element to your already great grunge look that you got going on for that day. 

So my point is, it depends on how you want to portray yourself fellas. Don't have this preconceived notion and write it off so quickly that a bag is a feminine element of a man's outfit. You can make it whatever you want to be! Just make sure you rock it like there's no tomorrow! 

Here are some bags to test out...

Mismo Canvas Backpack
Ted Baker London Leather Satchel
Steve Mono 'Woody' Portfolio
Ghurka Leather Messenger Bag
Frye 'Logan' Messenger Bag
Tumi 'T-Tech Forge Bethlehem' Portfolio Briefcase