Top 5 Fashion DON'TS: Men's Edition

The only thing that I love about commuting to work is the opportunity to people watch everyday. I have a habit of assessing what people wear, and I really question some people's fashion choices. Although I usually stick to women's apparel, I decided to branch out a little and talk about Mens fashion don'ts.

1. Suits + Tennis Shoes
I can't even count the number of times I've seen both men and women in suits and tennis shoes. It looks just plain wrong, and just plain sloppy. Are men's dress shoes (which are flat, mind you!) that uncomfortable? Even if they are, find more comfortable shoes, and please spare all of us the eyesore of the tennis shoes and suit "look."

2. Birkenstocks
Nothing screams more hippie than Birkenstock sandals. I don't care how comfortable they are, they don't work for anyone. If you must wear flip flops/sandals, how about Rainbow sandals? Those are so comfortable and much better looking than those buckled sandals.

3. Men's Fashion Week-Denim Tube Tops (what?!)
Fortunately, I didn't witness a man wearing this in public. However, it's Men's Fashion Week, and this is a definitely an instance of "what was the designer (specifically Jean Paul Gaultier) thinking?" A denim tube top is not chic for any man, even if it hails from Paris.

4. White Socks and Black Dress Shoes

No, you are not Michael Jackson. He is the only person that can pull this look off because he is the King of Pop. When wearing dress shoes, wear black socks. It looks more polished and professional, and not like you just rolled out of bed and replaced your slippers for shoes.

5. Jean Shorts

I don't know about you, but I was never into the whole jean short thing on men, especially the ones with embroidery. In fact, I don't like any elaborate embellishment of that nature on any jeans. It's just plain tacky. I've noticed that some men that wear these jean shorts like to wear them with socks rolled all the way up. I'm sure men don't care much about their body shape, but baggy jean shorts just makes them look larger and wider.

Fashion Eye Candy: Emma Watson

I came across these pictures of Emma Watson in a Teen Vogue photo shoot and I was in love: The floral voluminous skirts, deep rich colors of purple and teal, the mixing of textures, the ankle booties, the ribbons, headbands, jewels, and yes, even the animal print tights. The styling is perfection and the backdrop of this shoot has a very Italian villa-esque feel. Long gone are the Harry Potter days of the wizard capes and long black robes. Miss Emma Watson has now emerged as a fashionista in her own right. Do you agree?

Summer '09 Trend Board: Apparel

The Look: Florals, colorblock, maxi dresses, ikat, rompers/jumpsuits, plaid, light/colored denim, wedges, ruffles, flowy tops and dresses, strappy/criss-cross/gladiator shoes, short shorts, high waisted, stripes/nautical.

Summer '09 Trend Board: Jewelry

The Look: Huge cocktail rings mixed with sparkle and stones, bib necklaces, enamel bangles, jeweled cuffs, bright/bold colors such as coral, turquoise, and yellow, layered and long necklaces, stacked bracelets, florals, oversized jewelry with simple outfits.

Another genius collaboration: H&M and Jimmy Choo

Yes, you read that correctly: H&M is pairing up with famed shoemaker Jimmy Choo! You no longer have to break the bank to buy these coveted Jimmy Choo's. Starting November 14th, the collection will launch in 200 H&M stores (only 10-12 U.S locations) which will include both men's and women's shoes, bags, and accessories, as well as women's clothing. According to H&M, "most of the footwear will range from $99 to $129 for boots, though there are over-the knee boots priced at $299. Shoppers can also find ballet flats for $59.95. Handbags will be priced from $59.95 to $299. As for clothing, shoppers can find $69.95 sequins tank tops and $249 suede one-shoulder dresses." Everybody start marking your calendars for November 14th and get ready to shop 'til you drop!

Rebecca Minkoff Online Sample Sale!

Although a fairly new designer (her line is not even ten years old), Rebecca Minkoff's "Morning After Bag" (image on left) became a fashion hit overnight and has been spotted on celebs such as Vanessa Hudgens and and Blake Lively. Her handbags can usually be found in department stores such as Saks, Nordstroms, and Bloomingdales, and usually retail for about $600. However, you're in luck! You can get this "it" bag for a fraction of the cost ($350!) because the Rebecca Minkoff website is hosting an online sample sale which is only running from June 17th to June 21st. My eye is on the "Devote" bag in peacock (first bag below). Click here to check out the sale and buy yours today!

Eddie Bauer Files for Bankruptcy

Eddie Bauer filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection today, becoming one of the many retailers who filed for bankruptcy during this economic recession. With plummeting sales (over a half billion in sales in the last three years) combined with overwhelming debt ($290 million to be exact), Eddie Bauer had no other choice but to file for protection. The company hopes to find a buyer in order to get them out of bankruptcy. If not, they might succumb to Chapter 7 Bankruptcy and liquidate stores like retailers such as Gottschalks, Mervyns, Linens 'n Things, Circuit City, and Steve & Barry's. I hope they find a buyer soon so they can stay afloat!

2009 Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) Awards

The CDFA awards were held last night at Lincoln Center in NYC. What I would give to attend this ceremony and to ogle at the designers that I have long admired and their beautiful designs worn by celebrities and models alike! Attendees included Michael Kors, Heidi Klum, Esteban Cortazar, Rachel Zoe, Whitney Port, Olivia Palermo, and many others. Below are some of my favorite dresses; however, my #1 pick goes to Ashley Olsen's vintage 1930s orange gown. It's so simple and sophisticated, yet the bold colors and silhouette really make a statement. Major winners included Rodarte, Marc Jacobs and his work for Louis Vuitton, and Proenza Schouler. To see a list of what they won and more, see below! What do you think of this year's winners?

Kirsten Dunst in Rodarte



Ashley Olsen in Vintage Orange Gown



Blake Lively in Michael Kors




Diane Kruger in Jason Wu

Womenswear Designer of the Year
Rodarte’s Laura and Kate Mulleavy

Menswear Designer of the Year (tie)
Calvin Klein’s Italo Zucchelli
Band of Outsiders’ Scott Sternberg

Accessory Designer of the Year
Proenza Schouler’s Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez

Swarovski Award for Womenswear
Alexander Wang

Swarovski Award for Menswear
Tim Hamilton

Swarovski Award for Accessory Design
Justin Giunta for Subversive Jewelry

International Award
Marc Jacobs for Louis Vuitton

Geoffrey Beene Lifetime Achievement Award
Anna Sui

Poll of the Day: Herve Lege Black Slash Dress

After reading many fashion and celebrity blogs this week, I've started to have major déjà vu when I noticed four celebs wearing the same Herve Leger black slash dress. When I first saw it on Heather Graham, I thought it was cute, although I don't think it flattered her body. It wasn't my personal style, but it was a unique LBD. However, when I saw everyone and their mom wear it, I kinda lost interest. Out of the four, I think Heidi Montag looks the best in this dress; she has the right amount of curves to work it. What do you think of the Herve Leger slash dress? Vote/Comment below!

Stack 'Em Up!

I have been obsessing over bangles and I can't seem to get enough of them! Currently, my favorite ones are the enamel bangles (last image below) and I pretty much wear them with anything. However, wearing one does not suffice--I like to stack them up to enhance my outfit by giving it color and pop. Of course, don't overdo it by piling ten on one arm. I like wearing one large bangle on one arm, and stacking three or four of the smaller ones on the other arm. I do like to mix colors, but I usually keep them in the same family. For example, I would pair up the gold bangles together (first image below; disregard the silver one). They are all gold, but the different designs makes it far from boring. The best places to get this arm candy are stores like Forever 21, Charlotte Russe, or H&M. Another option are street vendors. They usually have great, unique pieces that are so cheap! My enamel bangles were from a local street vendor in Singapore that were selling 3 for just a mere $10! Don't be afraid to stack them up!