Moody Vintage: spring collection

From the Spring 2011 Dolce & Gabbana http://farm6.static.flickr.com

Colorful. Light. Fun. This is how your Spring wardrobe should look like. This goes for both men and women. As much as I love Fall/Winter, I realize (just like everyone else) how much I've missed the sun.
I'm a SoCal boy so I need the sun to be content. It'll be a welcoming sight for the sun to come back even though it was a very short yet harsh winter. I still love the semi-formal/formal wear but it's always nice when you don't have to dish out too much effort in looking casual and enjoying the sun while the beautiful scented flowers head to full bloom. In some places, like where I am now or even California, the temperature has risen. This is the transitional period and the last month of winter. February has always been my favorite for so many reasons, minus Valentines Day - I simply detest it. There are so many birthdays (including mine) and let's not forget the Academy Awards! And for my American friends, Super Bowl anyone? This is a very festive month and I'm looking forward to it as February is under way. For my Asian friends, don't forget the biggest world tour Janet Jackson has ever had will kick-start it in Southeast Asia (with six shows in California in April - 44 shows in total).
All of these tablets selling off the shelves. Samsung Galaxy vs. iPad vs. BlackBerry Play and so on. I've lost my mind with all that technology. Well, thank God my field is fashion and not strictly technology; I'll stick to my cell phone, thanks. If you don't already know, I'm a suit guy. Any chance I get, I will pounce on the opportunity if it means I'll have to wear a suit. Here are a few pointers for the ladies and gentlemen.

MEN - Linen baby! If you have't seen my Spring Tease post, head for it now! The white linen suits has always been one of my favorites when it comes to Spring. Which ever light or dark colored linen jackets and slacks you can find, get on it and add it to your wardrobe.
WOMEN - Ladies, I know Spring is all about color but that shouldn't restrict you from wearing the classic black and white. Just make sure there is more white than black on the dress like Richard Nicoll's cotton canvas tulle dress on the right.
MEN - Vintage will never go away. There are some pretty nice shades in the spring in all different colors. The vintage 80s (and earlier) shaped sunglasses are going to be on the racks. I'm not a shades man myself but that doesn't mean I'm against it. Protect those eyes while looking stylish.
WOMEN - Time to change that hair! What's in right now, especially right from the runway, are the messy wavy hair/messy natural wave. For those who aren't naturally wavy, the woven locks are also in; that's if you have the appropriate lengthy hair. Another hairdo to rock is the low knotted buns and or low ponytails. Finally, rock the headbands. The narrow plain black headband will do just fine to wrap those messy updos.
MEN - Gentlemen, we love shoes as much as women do...OK maybe not as much but we still love a fine leather stitching around our feet. That's all great when we suit up or try to add the extra effort but Spring is about relaxing right? The casual designers shoes out there right now still have that sophisticated production but can still provide that sports/leisure image. Nike and Adidas are fine but let's get real. Those are sports brands, they are about performance not comfort or pure style. Let's try to stay away from the sports brands this season and dip your toes in something with more comfort and fashionably aware.
WOMEN - Mix around those prints, colors, and patterns the right way. The polka dots and the cargo shorts are a perfect combo, for example. Accessories are a must this Spring, do it the right way and show the world you aren't always about business. Work hard and play hard!

As the last month of winter is underway, it is also the shortest month of the year. One day may not be that big of a deal but with so much fun in store this month and the transition into Spring, this month will fly by real fast. Remember to keep it stylish while you fly by and tell the sun that winter said, "Bye."

fashion - 7:50 PM

Spring Forward

From the Spring 2011 Dolce & Gabbana http://farm6.static.flickr.com C olorful. Light. Fun. This is how your Spring wardrobe should l...

This is another evolved state of my blog. I had to do some rethinking and in order to continue the lovable content on this blog, there are small changes. This happens to be one of them. I felt this needed to be a bit more dynamic. That's why on my last post was an entirely different post all together - no tips for either ladies or men. This is not to say that there will be no longer of the kind of advice in fashion or lifestyle. I am simply devoting each post to one topic over all.
On one single post, you will find something fun and on the next post you may find the advices and tips on fashion and lifestyle. With that said, let's continue with this new trend for this blog.

This may be a very mean thing to do, especially with men and women out there freezing their butts off while trying to go on with business as usual. Some of us are yearning for the passing of this horrid winter for the sun to bask in its glory once again. What's next? Spring, of course. In the fashion world, it always has to be looking forward. I'm talking about how even now we have a Fall 2011 preview. Since autumn is several months away, here is a preview of what you will be expected to aim for in this coming Spring.

Gentlemen, get ready to indulge yourselves. Some things to consider, no, things to do and purchase for your Spring wardrobe.

Tobacco brown suit (not linen)

Linen is good. Sorry, great. One thing in love about spring is sporting a linen suit. I have always been fond and love the fabric. It's light and does not suffocate. Three things to keep in mind: First, the new linen styles are in a darker color; it takes a break from that beige and white we are used to. It is darker and easier to wear; meaning, it's dressier. Second, don't be afraid of the wrinkles. That is what linen is for, the casual yet stylish way to dawn a fabric. Finally, these linen suits are mainly for that casual feel, but you can actually use it for the same in a more semi-formal or dressier way. Just makes sure to sport a pocket square and a dress watch.
Ties galore. If you are going to have a tie around your neck, make sure they come in deeper contrast colors in plaid. It's refreshing and colorful yet can be used in a professional setting. Given the shirt you are wearing is important, the aim in the ties is for a darker and richer shades of the colors you wish to wear.
More on the microcheck. The microcheck shirt is a miniature version of the gingham style shirt. The checks on the shirt are so small that from even a short distance they seem to be hidden. It's as if the checks aren't there in the first place. Although, the distinction of the checks can be made once you have worn it with the right tie, vest, or jacket.

Kid Kudi

Double-breasted. One thing I love about fashion is that it will always pay its respect to the past styles. This spring you will see a mad amount of double breasted jackets, sweaters, coats, and cardigans in stores. There is no one-way to wear the double breasted style. Check out Kid Kudi to the right. He's got the jacket buttoned up with a v-neck tee.
Weave around your waist. For the casual moments, it's great to have the woven belts. This accessory is for your weekend chinos and jeans. If you are brave enough to make a statement trying on a contrasting color from your pants. For example, light-color belt with a darker wash jeans and vice versa.
Socks that make your shoes shine? Yes, you read correctly. It's great that you have put an expensive investment in some nice calf-skin leather shoes. The thing is you can make eyes drawn even more down to your shoes with a contrasting colored socks. Gray pants and light-brown shoes with lavender dress socks. Delicious.
For this spring, try and sport pocket squares as much as possible. The solid white pocket square is here to stay, but this spring go for the poka-dots and stripes in cotton or silk. They come in all different colors, in solid or two-toned. You will never run out of combinations.
The cool thing to do is not always wear jeans. You can still put on a pair of different colored chinos. It's not all just about khaki. That's the whole point of spring. Be colorful and fun and rejoice that the freezing winter just ended.
Here is a solid statement. Considering your skin tone, dawning a tobacco brown suit is a plus. It's a lighter shade of brown so it's not that much of an eye-sore. If worn with a pale blue shirt, the light brown will be darn right beautiful.
Again with the contrasting! It's always good to sport different color suits with contrasting colored accessories. Although, this spring is asking you to be playful with many different colors outside the professional work place. But when it comes to rich blue suits, always compliment them with equally rich brown accessories. Shoes, ties, and bags. Again, a couple of things to keep in mind: A brown leather bag only gets better with age. Second, I couldn't say it any better, "Brown dress shoes should be dark, like the color of coffee with just a touch of cream." - GQ

All the wonderful and comfortable polo shirts. I didn't realize until several years ago how much I loved polo shirts. Fitted ones of course, not those over-sized embarrassments. The polos in discussion here is the 1950s inspired that is marked by a striped collar and a knit waistband.
Loafers, I simply love them on casual occasions. Buying loafers are a sign that you don't take everything seriously. There is a certain way to buy loafers, though. It depends on your liking. You have to first ask yourself if the loafers are closer to boat-shoes or lace-ups. Finding the right pair is the one that is a slim and elegant silhouette (the design or stitching) and the leather looks like it'll look better with a simple shine rather than a tough breaking-in. Rock these shoes without socks. This is can be used with both suits or just a weekend hang out. You just have to make sure it is the appropriate style in order to wear it with a suit or just casual clothes (in chinos).

Kid Kudi wearing the khaki dress shirt.

Finally, rock the most versatile dress shirt this spring. The new breed of khaki shirts have a certain sophistication in them that will perfectly fine with the rest of your dress shirts in your closet. You don't even have to be dressed up to wear the khaki shirt either, same goes for the ties. You can easily flow it with some nice jeans and appropriately accessorize while you're at it.

There is plenty to discover this spring and these are only the key factors to aim for this coming season. I know it's a couple of months away but for some it's sooner. These are definitely some things to look forward to while we try to keep warm for the remainder (or second half) of the winter. As for now, let's stick to our stylish winter wardrobe and keep it GQ. The entire list can be found on GQ Spring Style 2011. *the links are in gray.

Just one last tip for the spring, do not be afraid to go with these points mentioned above. Spring is about colors, it's about welcoming the sun back. It's about having fun, just don't be too loud. You want to stay cool without shouting it to the rest of the world.

fashion - 8:57 PM

Spring Tease

T his is another evolved state of my blog. I had to do some rethinking and in order to continue the lovable content on this blog, there are ...

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