Be A Man! (but not really)

Menswear. It's one of those hit-and-miss things. If you put on a blazer and it makes you look wider than you really are, you missed. If you try on a pair of slack and it smooths your legs into a lean, long line, you hit it. Menswear is something that must be approached with caution. Like minidresses, jeggings and orange, they can bring out both the best and worst in people.

The most recognizable menswear pieces are:
#1-The Blazer
 
#2-Slacks


#3-Button Down



These pieces are essential for every wardrobe. They can be fit into almost any outfit, any time.

History
The menswear was epitomized by Marlene Dietrich in the 30's. This inspired women in the workforce to start wearing more tailored, clean-cut clothing, i.e, what a man would wear.


Now, remember the best and worst thing I was telling you about? Here it is.
Blazer-Worst


Do you know why the model looks so upset? IT'S BECAUSE THIS OUTFIT IS CRAP! Just like you would omit the tight-on-tight to avoid looking like a hooker, you need to omit loose-on-loose to avoid looking like a homeless hipster. (One kind of goes hand in hand with the other)
Blazer-Better


By adding a more colorful, fitted dress underneath, you draw the eye to your curves, instead of covering them up.
Slacks-Worst


Think of slacks as the local Y. If you're going to swim in it, do it right.
Better-Loose


The slacks, which are a crisp cream color, elongate the leg with their length and soft draping. Look for pairs like these, that sit at your natural waist, and flatter it.
Worst-Tight



Fitted slacks are like trying to get a bullseye with a sewing needle. First of all, the slacks themselves need to go to the ankle. Secondly, they need to be made of a fabric that does NOT accentuate your every flaw, such as corduroy, or tweed.
Better-Tight


Worst-Button Down
What most people don't realize is that a button-down isn't just for work. It's a more chic alternative to a hoodie or......anything really.
Just don't look like you robbed your overweight uncle's closet, like so.


If you're going to go big like this, tuck it in, like so. And never, ever wear something this big over a mini. It looks like you forgot pants. (Sorry about the shirt poking out in the back, sometimes the effects on here can get a little sketchy)


Fitted button-downs can also add a more sophisticated touch to any ensemble.

 

Remember: There is nothing sexier than a woman who can pull off menswear.

Ciao!

Victorian For Now

The Victorian era. It was a time of manners, romance and femininity (That's a fancy word for girliness) And constriction, unfortunately, seeing as that was a booming era for corset-makers. And while you probably don't want abdominal distention, you have to admit, that was a beautiful time. Well, I've wracked my brain, and found some looks that are Victorian, minus the corset.


I have a friend who is very into the Victorian era, and when I asked her what her idea of modern-day Victorian would look like, she gave me this......





Just......no.
Which tells me something. I need to get my friend into an eye appointment.
These two are much better. As you can see, their outfits are quite ladylike, and each has a preppy twist(argyle socks, poufy skirt) This is essentially Victorian chic.












In a way, Victorian is like girly-preppy to the max. Clean-cut, but with a feminine edge.
Anyway, there are a lot of ways Victorian can be......misinterpreted. If you're wearing a corset over your clothing and your skirt is a little too poufy, you're veering into steampunk territory. 
Which can be cute.....as long as you don't go overboard (see above)
Also, look into the details. Ruffles, lace, buttons and piping (and cameos)  are all subtle Victorian twists.









These are just a few ideas of mine, but you can make the Victorian Look all your own! Just stay out of Steampunk Territory.




Ciao!


P.S. Those of you going back to school soon, stay tuned! There's more to come.......