Floppy Hat look is one of the hottest trends for this Summer!

A bold yet nostalgic style of the 70's as seen on the runways for Spring/Summer 2011 and popping up everywhere is the infamous big floppy hat!  The fashion industry has truly been influenced with the hippie style in 2011 from clothes to shoes and even hair and makeup. I really think it is important to stick to a classic style and incorporate one or two trends into your style. So if you want to rock a floppy hat maybe stay away from "hippi-fying" the rest of your look and vice versa!

Espadrilles make a comeback!!

Holy Sonny Crockett, Espadrilles are making a big comeback!!! Normally a casual flat, for men and women but sometimes high heeled shoe (for women) originating from the Pyrenees. 


They usually have a canvas or cotton fabric upper and a flexible sole made of rope or rubber material moulded to look like rope. The jute rope sole is the defining characteristic of an espadrille.  

I actually owned a few pairs in the late 80's during the Miami Vice craze, I paired them with my padded shoulder white blazer and pastel colored t-shirts! LOL

Now the Espadrille Wedge is really the new trend in women's fashion. I hear they are unbelievably comfortable and versatile, that  is one reason they are so popular!

The Fedora

The Fedora is very hot right now (4 men and women) it actually has been a trend 4 the past few years, and have wanted one badly for the past year!!

I have been to Macy's and Express and every other store that

would sell these trendy buggers, to no avail :( they do not make them in my size??

Some stores actually have 1 size fits all Fedoras I guess 4 everyone but me. So I did not give up!

I did some research online and there quite a few places that sell xxl and xxxl Fedoras!

So before Summer is over I hopefully will be sporting a sharp looking Fedora!

Color Blocking

This Spring/Summer is all about bright colors. Lovely dresses/outfits in bright rainbow hues are huge this season.

And one fashion trend which is very popular is the color blocking trend. Color blocking techniques used on garments can be very slimming!!

Color blocking fashion trend combines use of two or more blocks of color in a dress or outfit.

Check out the link below to see What Not To Wear's,  Stacy London on the Today Show. A little color blocking fashion show!

Color Blocking - Stacy London on the Today Show

The V-neck

V-neck shirts/dresses 


Just as body shapes come in many sizes, so do face shapes. The V-neck is flattering because it makes us all look slimmer in body and in the face. Also it makes the neck ever so sleek.. I think most Women have a beautiful decolletage. So If you got it flaunt it! Why not show it off?

Now if I had a body like Model/Actor Tyson I would wear deep V T shirts everyday!!

Can new shoes make you happy?

I found this article Can New Shoes Make You Happy? on Oprah.com It talks about how buying pretty things can make us happy. I believe it in responsible retail therapy. If you can afford it and it will make you or someone else happy then by all means, go for it!! Happy Shopping! :)

Bathing Beauties

Summertime is near and the dread of buying a bathing suit is here! I am a middle aged guy and every year I say, Well I am going to be 25 lbs lighter this coming Summer.. Never happens :( With that said I usually like a nice Board short. As long as you find the right size for your waist it is quite flattering!!

Now Ladies, If you want to get a new suit but dread trying them on in the department stores I found a great place online where they sell suits from sizes 12 to 26! They also sell great looking clothing from a size 8 to 4x. They have a great return policy and they have a huge selection of figure flattering, bathing suits to choose from!

Onestopplus.com

5 Classic pieces every women should have!

1.) The L.B.D. or better known as the Little Black dress, always in fashion!  


2.) The Trench Coat Is a staple all women should have in their closet! Figure flattering and always adds a touch of class!!  


3.)The White Dress Shirt Not your man's shirt.Make sure it fits your curves.You can wear it for work or for play, very versatile!!


4.)The Perfect Jean The classic dark wash, Straight leg Jean is the best jean for all women Size 0 to Plus size!  


5.) The Classic Black Pump And a classic red pump! A stylish flat is always nice to have! Other than the L.B.D. and High Heels a man should have the other classic pieces in their closets too!!

Plaid 4 Dad!

Father's day is just around the corner! Why don't you buy your Dad something plaid? It is very trendy but also classic @ the same time! Plaid is not just for your Dad, Men and Women and kids alike can look great in a nice plaid shirt or even plaid shorts!! Also why not give gingham plaid a try! (my favorite)

Fashion Cents

I am known to be a frugal shopper. I got a pair of Ferragamo leather driving shoes ($475) for $10 @  Buffalo Exchange, I am good! :P


There is a Consignment shop here in Center City Philadelphia called Addictions Studios. They have a lot of amazing designer clothes @ a fraction of the cost. www.addictionstudios.com


I love shopping @ Thrift Stores and Consignment Shops! Do not be afraid to try out these type of places, you will be surprised @ what you could find!!!

color color color

I recently saw an older women with a beautiful coral colored dress and thought how beautiful this color looked on her. I think this color is flattering on men and women and people of all skin tones!! It may be the hot color for the Summer!! All over coral may be too much for some. Maybe a coral blouse and nice white walking short??

Three things I do know

There are three things that I know about fashion, and these are rules for both Gals and Guys!

1. No HORIZONTAL STRIPES (Vertical stripes are slimming)

2. NO PLEATED PANTS, Always flat front.

3.  A Dark wash/Straight leg Jean is always your best option.

The Pencil Skirt

I feel the pencil skirt is a must in any women's closet! The pencil skirt is the epitome of sexy but classy. They have many variations of the pencil skirt and I  say try on all of them! See what looks the most flattering to your figure. For me I think a women looks best in a pencil skirt that falls to the knee or slightly below the knee. Perfect for the office or an evening affair!!

Inspiration

I truly believe I was born with the gift of knowing what looks good and what does not ... pertaining to clothes/fashion, anyway!

Early on in my childhood I had some women in my life that liked to get dressed up and even a few men in my life. My Dad was a dapper man. He died when I was very young so most of my memories of his style of dressing came from photos and what other family members said about his style. My Uncle Jimmy still to this day is a very dapper man!

My Mom and my Nanny always looked sharp when they got dressed up! I did have many influences growing up but I feel I have an innate sense of style, a gift.

I have really been inspired in recent years with shows such as What Not To Wear and Project Runway. I will be referencing from those shows through this blogging process! I think in someway I have not tapped into this "gift"until recent years and feel in a sense I am a late bloomer. But I feel it is never too late to follow your bliss! And my Bliss is to share my wisdom with people and hopefully in the process this will make people happy,which in return makes me happy!!

Slimmimg effects of a Blazer/Jacket

Most of the time I am dressing in shorts and a t shirt... or jeans and a T shirt. I always like to dress up when i go out. I had always admired people in the 40's and 50's they always liked a more polished style. Men in suits and Women in a sharp cocktail dress..

I went to catholic school a good part of my youth and when I got out I resented suits/jackets of any kind. I now am a fan of wearing a jacket/blazer. As I have gotten older and not as trim as I used to be a blazer/jacket can be the ticket for a trimmer looking you!

Men and Women can benefit from this! I recommend a fitted Jacket/Blazer for both. Trust me with this. Even with a t shirt and jeans, throw on a nice fitted blazer/jacket and you will look@ least 10 lbs lighter!

My Passion for Fashion.

@ the time I thought about starting this blog I was trying to think about what the hell can I do with my life? Something that is giving me joy and bringing joy to others.

My Sweet BFF Io said that I should start a blog about my passion for fashion. I am always giving her fashion advice and others in my life... Most of the time I am right on the money with my advice. I really think it is a talent I was born with. So here it is, here I am.

I will be posting my tips and photos in the next few days.. peace