A Custom Shirt: Before & After

I understand that sometimes it’s difficult to picture what the finished product will look like when getting something custom made.

This may help. Here are a few images of a custom shirt from start to finish.

(as a swatch, a finished product and then on a real person)

This fabric is from the J.Hilburn British Invasion Collection (Fall/Winter ’10) and it’s one of my favorites.

It’s so soft and fantastic and there are several colors to choose from; you will find a color that looks good on you!

As a swatch: (some people are more visual than others; to get a better idea of it as a full shirt, place the fabric on your arm, it helps you picture what it will look like on you)

As the finished product: (By the way, this has an English Cutaway collar, very modern, very stand out. :) )

(Quick note: Dev Patel is wearing the same shirt—different collar—except his is from Ermeneglido Zegna.)

J.Hilburn - custom $99.

Zegna - off the rack $349

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I just got back from a birthday party. What is it about the Cupid Shuffle that makes people (myself included) giddy? The steps are as simple as the Hokie Pokie yet females have a way of making the moves sassy; it’s really quite funny if you think about it.

On to this post:

A couple of discussions I’ve had today:

  • Men & women both lie…but for different reasons. Girls because they don’t want to hurt someone’s feelings, guys because they don’t want to do something.
  • During your pregnancy, if you gain a ton of weight in the front, you are having a boy; if you pack the pounds on your ass, you’re having a girl. (I can’t confirm or deny this.)
  • The bars in Jordan close when the last one leaves. (Whoa, this gives Spaniards a run for their money!)
  • Levi’s [jeans] are cheaper at Macys than they are at their own store.
  • Krav Maga is a self defense technique used by the Israeli Special Forces and I want to start taking it.
  • The new cool thing…is to NOT be on Facebook.
  • For guys buying or having made, a three-piece suit, the classic look is to have 3 buttons on the vest and 2 or 3 on the jacket, no more or less.

Oh, and I’m going to start actually using my Twitter account. I just wrote something about the Macarena…wishing I could retract that back now. Ha. We’ll see if this tweeting lasts…

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Bye-Bye To Skinny Jeans

Well, not really…

Bringing the wide-leg jeans back in style has been a debate for many this season, and a relief for others (those who struggle with how to pull off the skinnies look).

Fear not! Virtually every cut of jeans is on trend now, so no more standing in front of your closest and feeling ‘blah’ about what to wear; you have lots of options.

If you are a lover of skinny jeans, don’t feel as though you need to ditch them. To make getting dressed a little more fun, continue on with the look and grab a pair of corduroys or that jean brand you love so much in a different color.

If you are over the look and are ready for something new, move on to a wide-leg or flared pair.

On the technical side of things…there are a few factors that determine which style looks best on you. To give bare bones advice, if you’re self conscious about your thighs, the wide-leg look will actually make you look slimmer (because the pants continue down your leg—in line with your widest part, giving no noticeable break). Pair them with heels and you’ll seem taller.

If your legs are thin, skinnies will accentuate this feature; flats or heels will both work (depending on the look you want).

Of course both options can have a different vibe, so my suggestion is to keep both in your closet and alternate them, or find a pair that works best for you and own it in a couple different washes (so you avoid the ‘bury me in these when I die’ message).

Photos by Refinery 29, Alloy

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Men in Milan: Street Style

Check out these snapshots of well dressed men roaming about Milan during Fashion Week.

https://www.gq.com/style/street-style/201010/tommy-ton-milan-fashion-street-style-spring-2011#slide=1

A couple points I particularly like and encourage American men to do the same:

While I love a good sloppy yet sophisticated rolled pant leg, a perfectly fitted blazer and the charm of a well dressed older man on a Vespa, it’s the pocket squares that really stuck out amongst these action shots.

I hear from guys all the time asking how to set themselves apart in a sea of dress shirts + jeans + blazers. Sure you can sport a pair of cords, stock up on cardigans or invest in new lace ups, but my go-to answer lately has been: pocket squares.

Let’s get rid of the of the stuffy feeling sometimes associated with this accessory. What if… instead of a tie, you wore a neatly folded pocket square? You’re not pretending to be a big timer, you are one.

Also, it’s a nice way to add some ‘pop’ to your look, especially if you are the kind of guy that likes to play it safe and tends to stick with solid colored shirts. Conversely, if you’re a riskier fella, then tucking one of these into your pocket allows you to experiment with additional patterns and colors.

And don’t stress out about how to fold it. Don’t take yourself too seriously and try to do the peaks or the fluff (that isn’t a technical term :) ). Instead, fold it in half and keep folding it into squares, then place in so that the pattern you want showing is visible.

Reversible tie??

The end.

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Artfully Awear was inspired by a fellow blogger Blake Wright when he sketched Thirty Shoes from Barneys New York I Can’t Live Without Or Afford.

So, she decided to draw up her own (female) version.

His original draft was followed up by, Five Shoes From Payless That Are In My Budget And My Nightmares. Classic! :)

Not only are the drawings quite good but it’s hilarious. Who hasn’t at one time or another felt like this? No one wants anything they own to look cheap, yet everyone loves scoring something for a deal. (Why do you think Guilt Groupe has so many spin offs? Why else do people hit the malls at 5 AM on Black Friday?!)

Her wishlist tallied up to $22,685.00. Pretty nice set up for one season!

Since that is slightly over most women’s budgets, here are a few tips to help you decide on which pairs will make your cut:

1. Try them on before buying or get them from an online retailer with free returns. Some of this season’s shoes are beautiful to look at and they’ll make you swoon! But those lace up ankle boots, for example, have the tendency to dominate your feet. To avoid the risk of looking like a robot/lumberjack/hooker, try before you buy.
2. Test out the pair on a hard surface. I hate to sound like a shoe salesperson here, but strutting around on carpet is not giving you a realistic perspective. (Unless you walk on clouds.)

3. Make sure to have something comfortable AND something sassy/fun. Even if your daily routine relies solely via car, it’s best to have a flat boot or wedge to hit the payment in and then a heeled, bells & whistles shoe, to wear when not commuting.

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Time to kill at Union Station

I must hold a record for the number of trains missed. While my dear friend was kind enough to drop me off this morning…she went to the wrong station. By the time I trekked all my madness to Union Station, the train had left. No big deal, I’ll just wait five extra hours, pay more and abandon my responsibilities backstage at the Detroit Fashion Week Student Showcase tonight. What really makes my six hour turn eleven hour trip extra enjoyable is having to endure the smells of last night’s Chianti, seeping from my pours, mixed with this care package of white chocolate biscotti from my grandma.

As I sit here longing for a pillow, I’ll try to pass the time by watching the morning rush of commuters scramble through the station. Everyone is mashing together and starting to look like the same person, but I’ll mention a few observations.

Girls: If you are hobbling along in pain, the rest of the world can tell. Most every female will admit that she owns at least one pair of shoes which is more fashion over function. While those ‘stand and look great but don’t ask me to walk in these’ shoes are a killer compliment to your outfit, swap them for a pair of flats while commuting. No one wants another thing to carry when traveling, but your feet will thank you and you will look better when you’re not wincing.

Guys: A simple move of wearing a tan belt and shoes easily ups your style quotient. Black is a more common accessory color, so by merely wearing a different shade you are setting yourself apart.

Speaking of brown, I have just been graced by the Dove street team—most likely college interns, masquerading as football players. A cute idea for uniforms and a creative campaign; how did he know peanut butter + chocolate was just what I needed to change my mood?

He doesn’t look that happy here, don’t let that fool you—he was stoked to pose. (While I, on the other hand, immediately felt less cool for asking him.) Listen people, this isn’t a street style blog. If you want high quality, creative shots of strangers, this isn’t the site for it! Look to The Sartorialist; it’s a great stop for quick visuals of interesting characters.

Since I will be missing the student designers’ fashion show tonight and will be unable to write about the possible budding talent, make a night out of it and check out the styles in person. If you are in metro Detroit, here are the details:

September 23, 2010

7:30 PM

Royal Oak Farmer’s Market

$30

https://detroitfashionweek.com

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Fashion’s Night Out: NYC

More than a shopping celebration, I believe Vogue Italia described Fashion’s Night Out best by calling it a “carnival on stilettos.” New York’s FNO was packed full of entertainment—double-decker dance parties, games, dumpling trucks and all kinds of shenanigans in between.

The Meatpacking District’s shops took on a bar-like/bar hopping feel, providing tons of booze for event goers to mooch off of…I’m curious to know the sales numbers of the night.

I think the concept of throwing a giant party across the globe to drum up purchases is a brilliant idea. While I haven’t met a person yet that hates to buy online, it’s important to remember that brick and mortar shops are such a huge part of the cities in which you call home. The “cool” vibrant neighborhood you live in or travel to wouldn’t have the same charm if it were not for the retailers that set up shop there. So make sure to pop in and buy from a boutique near you…because the world doesn’t need another Chipotle on the corner.

(Again, didn’t bring my camera, so squinting may help you to see these shotty photos :) ).

shopping at Calypso

Hmm. Lately I've been seeing a lot of guys in heels. Hmm...

Helmut Lang + dumpling truck

We really did do more than just eat!

double-decker dance party (you should see the video I took of this guy in action-comedy!)

Giving a stranger the shirt off my back! (Actually he was an underwear model...so I decided to style him with my own clothes??)... & they fit...

I bet you wished I didn't crop this picture...

Signing autographs :) ...or reality show release forms...

"I'm sorry-WHAT show will this be on?? Oh and there's a ghost behind me? Nice."

pink grapefruit tic tacs: yum-o!

I'm guessing I didn't guess the correct number. I never win those games anyway.

* Before I forget, the 3/50 Project has a bunch of info on supporting ‘brick & mortar’ shops, if you’re interested.

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IFB Conference

Yesterday, I spent the day at the Independent Fashion Bloggers Conference—good times!

At 9 a.m., we all herded down several flights of candlelit stairs at the Hudson Hotel—a little dark for first thing in the morning, but that’s what us girls like, right?

To be totally honest, I was a little nervous about it. I assumed it was going to be filled with girls just like me, which you would think wouldn’t be intimidating but I swear to god, I’ve never tried on so many outfits. I then ended up wearing something I’ve worn before—slightly disappointed in myself. Ha.

Anywho, here are a couple pics. I hardly took any because we all know the iPhone camera is crap. (Hmm…should probably ask Santa for a supped up Nikon :) ).

To see a few more shots from the day, check out my friend’s blog: Brooklyn Blonde.

Ok, I somehow agreed to go to a ‘tweet up’ no clue what that is actually—I’m thinking it’s an after school activity? Ha. I’m so technologically behind…

Tonight is the MeatPacking Scavenger Hunt for Fashions Night Out. Ooh, I love a good road rally!

what i want my office to look like...it's almost there

Susie Lau StyleBubble.co.uk

gifts bag at after party

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This month Levi’s introduces their new denim line, Curve ID and it is going to make a lot of women happy!

The quest of finding a pair of jeans that you love is difficult. For many, once that favorite pair is found, you wear them to death, until the rips can no longer pass as intentional or your boyfriend begs to see you in something else. And god forbid that style is no longer available when you go to replace it!

Jeans are an American staple. With corporate dress codes adjusting to an increasingly casual world, your denim is now acceptable to wear for more occasions than ever.

What do women look for when buying jeans? There is a myriad of factors, a list that would make most mens’ heads hurt.

To start, there is the length to consider. Will you be wearing these with flats, heels or tucked into your boots? What type of wash are you in search of—light, dark or basic blue? When would you like to wear these—to a football game, a night out or a business casual work event?

After the what, when, where and how checklist has scanned through your mind, make sure that you are not settling on a pair just because you like the feel, the color or the price. Do not disregard the less than ideal features of what you are about to buy or wear; remember, if you do not feel confident in them, it does not matter that you got them for a discount or if they are a designer brand.

One common reason many women settle is when the jeans are a little too loose, but you think to yourself, “It’s cotton, it will shrink.” Another is when the pair is a teeny bit tight, but the sales associate tells you they will loosen after a few wears and then, fit perfectly.

Why would you buy something if it will not look good on your immediately? I liken this to getting waxed. You know it is going to have to get worse before it can get better.

Unless something is made specifically for you, there is rarely going to be a ‘perfect pair.’

The beautiful thing about this new line for Levi’s is that, unlike your eyebrows, you do not have to go weeks before looking your best. What I like about this selection is that:

1. It is easy to understand. Trying on jeans can be a draining and self-conscious task. Here, it is clearly labeled. “Does the waist tend to gap in the back?” “Does the waist fit but doesn’t flatter?” “Jeans too tight in the waist?” The categories of these are basically answers to the complaints women have with their jeans. So instead of wondering what a boyfriend fit will look like on you, you simply choose which dilemma you want to solve.

2. It celebrates your shape. That may sound terribly corny but I have seen far too many women think that getting to a specific weight will cure all their dressing problems. While your shape can change with weight loss or gain, more times than not, you stay the same shape. With these pairs from Levi’s, you could be a size 24 and a Bold Curve fit. Illustrating that size does not matter is a refreshing stance. You are born with a shape now you can choose to embrace it!

3. The odds are with you that you will find a pair to call your own. The three body types that are represented in Curve ID account for 80% of women’s shapes universally.—Levi.com I like it when a brand puts a little…or a lot, of effort into making their buyers look good!

Click here to find out which Levi’s Curve ID fit you are by taking their QUIZ.

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What to wear to the corn roast

My sister is starting high school this week. Eeek! Although I’m significantly older than her, I can still remember being that age. If your memory isn’t as good as mine :) , try to remember all of the festivities that happen at the beginning of a school year—the festivals, the football games, the dances and so on. Tonight she had the Freshman Corn Roast, which I realize immediately upon typing that, makes it sound as though the cool boys were in overalls and the faculty was dancing throughout fields of corn…with straws of hay hanging out of their mouths. (Did anyone else create that visual? ha)

Moving on—you know how it is with first impressions, especially at that age; what you are going to wear is a big deal! My sister had asked me what she should wear. The past few days have been significantly cooler, so my mom wanted her to wear jeans and she was set on wearing shorts. I’m not going to rehash the whole discussion here. The point I want to make is that as we transition into fall, playing with proportions is a lovely way to ease into the next season.

What do I mean by that? It’s not disgustingly hot anymore nor cold enough for you to be covered head to toe. Balance out your outfits. Long over short & short over long. Wear a jacket, cardigan (something long) over shorts or a skirt. Conversely, if you’d rather be in jeans, pair them with a sleeveless top. This is always a good rule to follow and is even more applicable this time of year when you want to strike a balance between not being cold nor looking naked.

The end.

Photo By: Jim W

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