NYFW Spring/Summer '13

So here are my thoughts on NYFW S/S 2013:

STRIPES! Sooo many stripes. Stripes are a recurring theme every spring and summer, but take a look at NYFW S/S 13 and I guarantee you will find that stripes litter the lines.

Here are some of my favorite striped looks that will keep you on top of the game and make you stand out from every other stripe walking your way.

Marc by Marc Jacobs S/S '13

I must say that this MBMJ line was fantastic. I especially like the tails on the shirts, and while bold I believe the striped pants can be pulled off.

Tommy Hilfiger S/S '13

This Tommy Hilfiger collection was also jam-packed with striped sweaters and suits, but the standout was this striped suit with the color-checked shirt.

The year of the stripe appears to have arrived, and I think you'll be seeing a lot of them next spring and summer. My advice to you, oh reader, is to invest in an article of striped clothing that is atypical, and doesn't make you look like you're in prison for killing style.


You wanna be a trendsetter?
Stripes on stripes on stripes.


Julian

Style Spotlight: Cliff of Stylitics!

Style Spotlight: Cliff of Stylitics!

Hello my readers (are there any?) feel free to hit me up.

I'm sorry I haven't been posting as much as I'd like to. I have been trying to balance my life with classes and extracurriculars. Today's post will not be a fashion tip from me but a look into one of the designers for a company that I am a student ambassador for.

Stay tuned... I will be posting a new trend very soon. Hint: pockets.


You wanna be a trendsetter?
Tell my profs to lighten up the workload and pay me money so I can go shopping.


Julian

Ps. be careful when browsing eBay after a night out... you never know what you may purchase.

Sick and Tired

Neil Barrett S/S '13

A lot of guys have been asking me (no one has actually asked me this), "Julian, do I have to look sharp every moment of every day? What about when it's a DGAF kind of day or I feel like death?" To this I respond, "Yes, sir, that is correct. You must look your best every moment of every day." There are two main reasons behind my very strict policy. Firstly, you never know who you are going to meet the one day that you decide not to you pull yourself together and look better than everyone else. It could end up being your next boss, your soulmate, the president, or your ex. In any situation, you need to be on top of your game. Secondly, who knows when you will have to be in a photo? Photos can capture you at your best and worst moments. You need only have best moments.

"It wuzn't me"

To make this point easier to understand for you I made an acronym:

S stay (or seem)
H handsome
E every
D day




So then how are you supposed to look good when you just don't feel good? I'll tell ya. Oversize your look. What does that mean? Let's say you are a medium- buy an XL sweater. It is really that simple. If you throw on that bulky, comfortable shirt/sweater (instead of sweats) then you don't have to worry about choosing between looking like a million bucks and looking like a washed-up fool. Just add a pair of comfy jeans/pants and your look will be complete.

Make sure that when you shop for these plus sized items that you try them on. When you aren't shopping in your size, you need to look for things that will look good on a smaller sized body.

At the top is a cool sweater from the new Neil Barrett season that would be an easy pullover to pull yourself together. Below is another nicely oversized sweater from Louis Vuitton that you may want to wear forever.

Louis Vuitton F/W '12

I decided to go with a large shirt and oversized cardigan to go with it.

Shirt: Joe's
Cardigan w/ hoodie: Michael Kors
Pants: Zara 

You wanna be a trendsetter?

SHED.

Julian

Dipped

Wait what?

Valentino F/W '12

While I doubt this jacket from the F/W '12 Valentino Men's Collection was dipped in chocolate, I don't doubt that you should wear it.

I really like this look. It brings color blocking down to the individual piece level and does so in a way that is fashion forward, and not overbearing.

The two-tone "dipped" look is very casual and should be a piece that you aren't afraid to sit down in. The design is appropriate on all sorts of articles of clothing from the blazer above, to pants or shorts, to plain tees.

Italian fashion label Marni has a few great pieces from their S/S '12 and S/S '13 collections: 

To make sure you don't ruin the look, you're going to have to be conscious about the other items you add to create your personalized look. If your dip takes the form of a top, then make sure your bottom half does not take all the attention (this will make your top sad, and it will have trust issues). Vice versa- if your bottoms are the ones who are dipped, try not to have too flashy of a shirt. 

    ** Special note for the dipped lower halves- keep the shoes simple. Think white vans, think black combat boots, or just don't think at all.

I had a bit of trouble finding an item like this on my own, but with a little help from Zara I was able to find these shorts that have a black dip around the waist:

Shorts: Zara
Shirt: Marc Jacobs Stinky Rat
Shoes: Sperry

I'm inclined to suggest dipping your old shirt into a bucket of paint. User beware: I have not tried this... yet.

You wanna be a trendsetter?

Dip and dip out.

Julian

Loose-Knit Sweaters

Hermès S/S 13

You know those old loosely-knit sweaters in the back of your closet that you stopped wearing because they actually made you feel colder? Wondering what else to wear in hot weather besides shorts and a tee? Wear those sweaters!!!

Knit sweaters are often thought of as fall/winter clothing options used to create an additional layer of warmth. I like to think of them as summer fashion statements. Now I know you are freaking out a little right now and thinking, "A fashion statement?! I'm not really into that sort of thing ya know? I just want to look good. Help me look good!" Well drop the 'tude and put on the sweater because this isn't a statement that makes people question your judgement, it is a statement that you are simply better than everyone else.

Where to wear:

     

1. The beach: tank or no shirt underneath, Persols or Ray Bans
2. The workplace: a polo or long sleeve shirt underneath
3. Everywhere else: you get the picture

Hardy Amies S/S 13

FAQ

Q: Julian, won't I be hot at the beach in a sweater?    

A: On the contrary, my friend. The sweater must be loosely-knitted, and then you'll feel like you're standing in a wind tunnel. Note** Don't wear it while you're tanning... you won't get very tan.

What's really great about this trend is that you can find loosely-knit sweaters in the high-end market, such as Hermès, and the low-end market by looking through various thrift stores. I found mine on sale at Bloomingdales.

Sweater: Michael Kors
Swim Shorts: Ted Baker
Glasses: Urban Outfitters

You wanna be a trendsetter?

Get loose, you rapscallion. 

Julian

Transparent Shirts

Sheer shirts and clothes have long been a ladies thing, but it is time to hit the gym because transparency is heading our way. I cannot for the life of me figure out where I found this picture or who the designer is, which, as I am typing this, seems to make my blog quite pointless.... So I will continue research! BUT, this photo is an excellent example of what guys need to be looking forward to in the coming seasons.

Here is a shirt by Hugo Boss from the Spring/Summer 2010 collection. While this design doesn't seem to have made it far off the runway, it should be noted that sheer designs are and have been around. I believe that they will become popular, trendy, and not so gogo as men continue to stretch their fashion boundaries further and further.

As there aren't many sheer dress shirts or transparent trench coats on the market for men yet (although I'm guessing you'll see them in an Urban Outfitters or American Apparel soon), I recommend you keep your wardrobe in lighter tones as the days get hotter, and getting a few linen shirts (like this Michael Kors on the right) to keep cooler.


You wanna be a trendsetter?
Work out, get sheer.


Julian