Other than GQ magazine, where do men go to get ideas about
S T Y L E
And how to look more, uh, Sharp?
They can try SHARP which is a Canadian Toronto based magazine published eight times a year. Six regular issues and two “SHARP: The Book for Men” special editions targeting premium and luxury consumers.
Touted as the essential reference for the modern man. Basically the issues feature the absolute best in not only fashion but travel, drinks, timepieces and automotive. Man Made!
Apparently the launch party for the S/S 2016 book in Toronto was fabulous. There aren’t many fashionable events dedicated solely to men, so when one comes around it’s a big deal.
What better way to celebrate men at their best than with a party featuring a Breitling Fighter Jet Simulator, interactive Harley-Davidson display, and rare scotch tasting by Balvenie? They also had live cigar rolling and custom shoe painting. Automotive sponsor Jaguar was also on-hand with their latest models: the F-PACE SUV, the XF luxury sedan, and the XE sport sedan.
And where was I??Elsewhere… but I will try to make the next one. I mean…hello world?
Style is something each of us already has, all we need to do is find it – Diane Von Furstenberg
Can you find it in a box?
Sometimes you can find it in a BOX! But it’s what you do with what’s inside that counts.
Wow…I just received my second seasonal box of style from the people over at *the Zoe Report. They’ve curated a carefully selected arsenal of fashion and beauty products, with amazing summer staples every style girl loves. All neatly wrapped and packaged in a nice box. Talk about chic in the heat!
*For those who are not already familiar, The Zoe Report is an online style destination curated by stylist to the stars and fashion designerRachel Zoe. The website gives tips on how to be glamorous every day with fashion, beauty & lifestyle articles from the best in the biz.
A peek inside:
A delicate lariat necklace is a jewelry box staple. The versatile piece can play nice with everything from a plunging neckline to a high-collar blouse—making it an accessory that works for the office, cocktail hour and beyond.
Michael Stars Caftan – to channel your inner Liz Taylor
This eye-catching lariat necklace with delicate pave Swarovski crystals and adjustable open crescent ring will look incredibly chic worn together or alone.
Luv AJ Pavé Tusk Lariat & Open Crescent Ring Exclusive Set.
Michael Stars Pastel Gardens Caftan. Every sun-loving girl needs a colourful caftan (cover up) in her summer wardrobe. To be simply layered over a sleek swimsuit for poolside lunch or dressed up for dinner by wearing it over a slip dress, cinched with a belt and adding earrings – a complete summer look.
YHF Los Angeles Cashton Brown Sunglasses
Flattering Sunglasses
Sunglasses that are as versatile as they are timeless This style was tested by every member of Team Zoe to ensure it flatters every face shape.
Beach in a Bottle – Quai haircare wave spray.
The only thing more alluring than textured beach waves is the knowledge that your textured beach wave spray isn’t ravaging your hair. This formula boasts rice protein instead of salt to provide the fresh-from-the-surf texture you’re craving, minus the crunchiness. I blogged about it recently. See link below.
The Dream Turban – DreamDry (great syling tool towel)
Hair Turban to keep frizz at bay –yay
Treat your tresses with care by using this super absorbent turban (instead of a coarse towel) to speed the drying process without frizz. Thanks to a button-fastening you can easily go about your routine without it slipping out of place and the lightweight fabric won’t take up precious space in your carry on.
THE HEALTHY GLOW
Juice Beauty Green Apple SPF 15 Brightening Moisturizer
Juice Beauty SPF 15
Multi-tasking products are wonderful. This organic brightening moisturizer with SPF 15 will help reverse existing skin damage and infuse your skin with hydration and protection so light you can wear it under your makeup.
It’s like getting styled by Rachel Zoe all year long. Order your summer Box of Style now.
Each seasonal box promises to include $300 favorite fashion, beauty and lifestyle items hand-curated by Rachel and The Zoe Report Team. The necklace/ring combo alone is retail value $190 usd. And remember to tell them I sent you. If you want to be really surprised just ignore the spoiler alerts leading up to mailout.
Because unfortunately your personality isn’t the first thing people see.
We’re always looking for ways to get rid of wrinkles. How about keeping your clothes, specifically linen looking neat and nicely pressed. I have a love/hate relationship with linen. Linen is the unofficial fabric of summer. A perfect blend of sophisticated, natural and cool. Allegedly, it gets softer with each wash. But anyone who wears it knows how easy it is for creases to form which is the only downside to wearing linen. It’s part and parcel of the material but too many creases can look sloppy.
I don’t know about you but I hate ironing. I own an ironing board and an iron but can’t remember the last time I used them. My wrinkle prone clothes are left to dry while they’re still damp or I steam iron with clothing on the hanger. Much easier.
Except for men’s dress shirts and men’s dress pants and men’s dress jackets oh; men I don’t see the need for ironing. It might be relaxing but there’s simply no joy to it.
And it’s summer – who wants to iron?
Since linen is the fabric most likely to wilt and get all wrinkly within hours of putting it on:
Here’s how to bring it back to life in ten minutes (or less).
What you need: Access to a dryer, plus an ice cube
What you do: Toss your linen pants (or shirt or jacket) with the ice cube in the dryer on low. In ten minutes, all the wrinkles will be gone.
Why this works: As the ice melts, it lets off steam and creates its own de-wrinkling system in the process.
Whoa, your pants look freshly pressed. Hello, summer genius.
Have any other material tricks up your linen sleeves?
Every now and again we have to do a wardrobe check.
Bette Davis & her eyes wearing classic leopard-print.
It’s not easy to let go of some clothing. I’ve been going through my things and keeping on hand “only” those items which look good, fit properly (= well made), which is mostly comfortable, classic clothing mixed with some trendy pieces. Which leaves me with only two remaining outfits in my closet...but I believe if you have some key attire you can dress it up with great accessories like belts, scarves and all kinds of jewelery. Of course, shoes and bags are important too, but like houses first you build a foundation.
Stripes are always “on trend” and tend to bring out your “inner French-girl“
Certain things make it so much simpler to get ready when you’re in a hurry to get out the door. No more “what on earth am I going to wear” if you have a few go-to (= basic) pieces that can be mixed and matched with ease. So here are some wardrobe staples to make it easier. You probably already have most of them in your closet.
Not saying you should have only these staples in your wardrobe, but if you have them, you’re pretty much ready for anything. And I like to be ready for anything!
Starting with:
THE PERFECT WHITE T SHIRT(s)
Just like dating men & vice versa, there is loads to choose from but you have to weed through a ton before you come across a good one. Having said that, V-neck or crew, slim fit or oversized, finding the right white tee can be tricky, but it’s totally worth the hunt. This staple is casual and comfortable without looking sloppy, and is perfect for pairing with everything from your favorite jeans to under a business suit. Buy in multiples.
A NAVY BLAZER
If you think blazers are limited to the boardroom, think again. This structured topper is actually pretty versatile, as seen above. Black might read a touch more corporate, but in navy, a tailored blazer (worn with everything from dress pants to boyfriend jeans) says you mean business but also have a keen sense of style.
WHITE BUTTON DOWN SHIRT
How cool does this girl look? A slightly loose fitting button-down is relaxed, comfortable and super chic, in a crispy, borrowed-from-the-boys way.
CLASSIC TRENCH for Elements meets Elegance.
A timeless addition to any outfit, the classic trench never goes out of style. It also works for pretty much anyone, regardless of personal style. Think: an elegant Audrey Hepburn strolling along the Seine. The one in photo is a Burberry but there are many other styles with many price points.
TAILORED BLACK PANTS
Various black pants will take you from work to the weekend, depending on how you style them. The difference between these and any other pair of pants is tailoring: You want them to be fitted but not overly tight.
SILK CAMISOLE for LAYERING
Whether peeking out from beneath a blazer or worn on its own, a silky camisole can read sweet (tucked into that A-line midi skirt) or sexy (tucked into a curve-hugging pencil skirt), depending on your mood.
DENIM JACKET
Another all-season piece, a jean jacket adds an element of cool to any outfit. Draped over your shoulders with a breezy summer dress, it’s both relaxed and utilitarian.
WHITE PANTS (optional) but super chicJEANS that fit well in all the right placesLITTLE BLACK DRESS (es)
Ever gotten a last-minute dinner or drinks invitation and had no time to choose your outfit? That’s where the LBD comes in. A total workhorse, this should be a dress you’re comfortable in and can wear a bunch of different ways for a bunch of different occasions. On its own it’s fairly plain and simple, so you can also get a lot of wear out of it without anyone noticing.
Which brings me to some other options like a Tuxedo Jacket, Dressy Dress (for those special occasions) and different length size skirts. And something edgy like:
Maybe a little faux SHOW STOPPER like Gene Tierney is wearing
Get inspired by these bathing beauties from past to present.
Grace Kelly
It’s ALL about the Head Scarf
Rachel McAdams in one of my favourite films “The Notebook”Who can forget Darryl Hannah in “Splash”Liz Taylor “A Place in the Sun”Rihanna loves to take chances: on the cover of “Harper’s Bazaar”
That’s pretty much it for today
Do you have a favourite Style Icon? I mean other than me!
When Kate Moss, one of my favourite style icons, designs a signature capsule collection for Equipment, which just happens to be my favourite silk shirt brand…
It’s a match made in fashion heaven.
I especially love their silk button-down blouses. Because you know…there are your everyday button-downs, and then there’s Equipment.
Kate’s Inspiration when asked about the collection: “it is representative of my everyday style. A little 90’s, a little rock ‘n roll, a bit of an edge with a subtle nod to Bowie.”
My newfound love for light comfort with a hint of cool.
White Sneakers are making a comeback…again.
Something to slip into while walking the dog, getting groceries, out for coffee, walking to work, (walking to work is on the rise with the migration to urban living) or performing a concert (a la Kanye West)….to be worn with a variety of looks as you can see from these photos.
Then it makes putting on a pair of heels more special for dinner or an evening out.
They’re just an easy alternative to regular flats to go with almost anything.
Whenever you get a label that reads “made in Italy” you immediately feel an element of understated elegance, refinement and quality.
photo: Colleen Kohse. Colleen just visited their store location in *Capri, off the Amalfi Coast. She is killing me with her enviable photos.
The clothing is usually a cut (excuse the pun) above the rest. Mostly you feel an attention to detail, design and fit. And I gravitate towards a cut that is simple and sensual.
The Flavio Castellani label is a reflection of the “made in Italy” style of sophistication mixed with a fun look for the feminine and modern woman. The brand is the outcome of the combined creative spirit of fashion designer Rita Ricci and the management skills of Flavio Castellani.
La moda e’ eleganza e raffinatezza.
La moda e’ arte e questa e’ la mia passione.
Fashion is elegance and refinement . Fashion is art and this is my passion. Flavio Castellani
An Important Italian History Lesson:
One of my favourite kind of pants to wear once the weather starts to warm up is capris. Thanks to a designer by the name of Sonja de Lennart who invented *Capri pants in 1948. The pants’ name derives from the Italian isle of Capri, where they rose to popularity in the late 1950s and early ’60s.Grace Kelly was among the first movie stars to wear capris on the island. There have been many more since. Audrey Hepburn immediately comes to mind. To me they are the perfect pant – comfy casual with flats and a Tee but can be dressed up with heels and a nice shirt.
How about you? Do you believe the “made in Italy” label is more special?
photo: Colleen Kohse – Limoncello Coccinelle bags to brighten up your day
If there’s anything the Chanel Resort Collection 2017 spectacle taught us aside from how to throw the ultimate party, it’s that accessories like pearl-studded berets, floral-trim fedoras and spectator shoes (aka the oxford or two-toned brogue) look mighty cool worn with almost anything – especially a killer attitude.
Claire Danes lit up the Met Gala in an illuminated Zac Posen ball gown that was part princess, part futuristic.
GOWNS and GLAMOUR fit for a King
Manus x Machina (fashion in the age of technology – think handmade couture vs machine made)added up to a mix of futurism with sparkling silver and gold form-fitting creations on the red carpet. The Met Gala is the occasion to pull out all the stops and in my opinion these 12 stunners nailed it!
Zoe Saldana in Dolce & GabbanaA Perfect Statue: Cindy Crawford in BalmainModel Karolina Kurkova in Marchesa
Kendall Jenner’s Atelier Versace gown plays with laser-cut velvet and blue Swarovski crystals for a body-hugging statement. Joan Smalls (behind her) wears Balmain.
Emma Stone melds Old Hollywood elegance with high fashion in a corset detail dress by Prada.Lara Stone in Tom Ford – channels Brigitte BardotZendaya keeps it simple yet impactful in a gilded one-shoulder Michael Kors gown with a train and turtleneck detail.Sienna Miller in GucciBlake Lively in BurberryBeyoncé comes off her Lemonade launch in a pink-hued, form-fitting dress with floral embellishment by Givenchy. What about the Bod?
And how to look more, uh, Sharp?
Apparently the launch party for the S/S 2016 book in Toronto was fabulous. There aren’t many fashionable events dedicated solely to men, so when one comes around it’s a big deal.
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