2 in 1: How to make an instant hem x Wearing White after Labor Day

I was recently re-reading an issue of GQ Magazine where an article entitled "The New White Suit" was highlighting new ways to wear all white for the summer. As stated in the article, we as men normally tend to migrate towards lighter color palettes when selecting the components of our white suits (I know I do). The feature suggested toning down all white suits with darker colors to give the once all white, all bright concept a slight pick me up.

It's been about 2 years since I've worn my white EXPRESS suit. I don't know why, but last year I just wasn't moved to wear it. Still waiting on my invite to Diddy's All-White Affair in the Hampton's I guess [shrugs]. After reading the article I immediately got inspired to break it out and I plan to wear it AGAIN specifically after Labor Day just to get to Ooh(s) and Aw(s) (What, like you've never premeditated an outfit (lol). The main photograph in the article showed a model wearing a cropped pair of white pants. I thought it would be a cool concept to grasp... hence the purpose of this blog post. 

If you don't know how to sew this post is perfect for you. Today I'll show you how to make an instant hem using the following: 

 Tape, Hem Tape (Stitch Witchery), and an Iron (preferably one that has a steam button)

 Step 1: Place a piece of tape at the length you want your hem. (Outside of a cropped pant, this can also work for a basic hem).

 Step 2: Fold your pant under to make sure it's at the length you want it. If you aren't satisfied, reposition the tape. (I would suggest using a mirror to get a better visual)

 Step 3: Turn the pant inside out 

 Step 4: Cuff pant up to the hem line of the tape. 

 Step 5: Place hem tape at the seam of pant. Line it up as perfectly as possible for best results.

 Step 6: Use an iron to press over the taped area.

 Step 7: Repeat on opposite pant leg.

Step 8: Turn pant back outside in and iron over taped area. Use this time to adjust if you have any kinks to get out for  perfect hem. 

The great thing about hem tape is that it's temporary (well until you take it out). This literally took me under 5 minutes to do. Not hard at all!

FINAL LOOK 

The GQ article also stated that the new idea of an all white suit is to dress it down, embrace the wrinkles, and let it get a bit dirty. When you treat it that way, you'll be surprised how versatile it becomes. Taking their advice, I paired my suit with and 

[H&M] lapel flower, Henley tee and a 

[Prada] Silk scarf 

 The colored sole shoes are from [Joe Fresh]. See how they were color blocked in my past post: 
Blogger Spotlight: Color Blocking [Master the Art]

Originally, the "ALL WHITE FASHION RULE" states that "White is only to be worn between Memorial Day and Labor Day".  It's purpose was mainly to avoid wearing all white ensembles and dress shoes. White tennis shoes and off-white boots seem exempt, "Winter white" clothing (e.g., cream-colored wool) is acceptable after Labor Day and Memorial Day too. 

The rule stems from a class issue. Acting Director of the Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology Valerie Steele notes that in the late 19th century and the 1950s, more people were entering the middle classes. These nouveau-riche folks were often unaware of the standards of high society, so they were given specific codified rules to follow in order to fit in.

Well readers, some rules are meant to be broken! I think it's such a silly rule that has changed with the times. It's 2012 people! You bought it... wear it whenever you want..... and beg someone to differ! 

Check out other uses of hem tape on my my past post: 
How to upgrade an old pair of loafers on a budget

Thanks for reading and tell a friend to tell a friend. Also be sure to subscribe to The X-Stylez Blog by becoming a member (located under archive column to the right of your screen) and to follow us on twitter and friend us on facebook.

[Stylish Saturday] Times Square NYC

Saturday night, I was hanging out with friends in Times Square, known for its high influx of tourists, bright lights and aesthetic sense of street fashion. While walking the historic street, I was captured by a street style photographer. Check out the pictures and attire breakdown below. 

[Zara] Tribal tee- (on sale) $15/ Leather backpack (on sale) $30
[Rue 21] Cut-off jean shorts- $22
[Military Surplus Store] Combat boots- $25

[H & M] Snapback- $5
[Market] Wholesale- $20
[Topman] Ring (on sale)- $3
[Etsy] Bracelets- Gift for being a valued customer

The X-Stylez Styles for a Vacation Destination: What to Wear on a Cruise

Tuesday of this week, I was contacted via email by a new client (reader of the blog) who was looking for something to wear on a cruise he was taking with his girlfriend in mid-October. The purpose of the requested outfit was for an "All White Affair" the boat was throwing during their stay. He was wanting to switch up his style completely and after looking through his facebook pictures to get a better sense of his personal style, I knew I had the elements to compile a comfortable outfit that was indeed out of his normal element of dress, but stayed within his comfort zone. My first thought was, wouldn't it be fly to do a short suit with comfortable espadrilles? You definitely don't want hard bottoms shoes on a cruise when the purpose is to relax. 


Due to the fact that I shop very frequently (don't we all?) I knew exactly where to go to get the look I envisioned (more so because I had been looking at all the pieces for myself envisioning  different wardrobe components for others occasions). Check out the breakdown of the outfit below that was styled within 48 hours on a budget of $250.

 Joe Fresh- short suit

I love the fact that these shorts can be adjusted to your size for a more tailored look! 

 H & M- lapel flower

 Zara- printed lien palm tree shirt

 I really want this for myself. It reminds me of Polo Ralph Lauren Resort Collection or the new Givenchy floral printed collection from this summer. I just may need to run out and get this today (lol).


After selecting this shirt, I had the color palette in mind of the navy and white mixed with mustard and a pop of crimson. 

  H&M- crimson belt

 H&M- espadrilles and woven bracelet 


FINAL LOOK 

Ready to be shipped off!


My new client will be the flyest person at the affair #FACT!


You too can partake in my styling services by going to HarrisonTCrite.com and filling out my personal shopper form. I contact all inquires back within 24 hours. For all other questions, feel free to email me at Styled@HarrisonTCrite.com. 

D.I.Y: How to Make a Belted Watch Bracelet on a Budget

There comes a TIME in every man's life when you need options. Some days that MK watch just needs a time out. What do you do when you want a new statement timepiece that's just as striking as the one you currently have, but don't want to break the bank? Well I'm glad you asked! 

On a quest in constructing a "Do It Yourself" belted watch you just need two simple items: 

(1) A small woman's belt and 

(2) A watch face

Due to the dire need that often comes with wanting to "switch it up", many of us stylish gents already own an adjustable watch band and if you have a stylish girlfriend or friend that is a girl, I'm pretty sure she has a skinny belt.  If you just use your resources this look can be achieved "for da free" *in my southern twang voice*.


Watch Face
If you want to look into other selections of adjustable watch band faces, I would suggest going to stores like ALDO Shoes, American Eagle and J Crew just to name a few. Also check out this link I've provided here of online Etsy shops that showcase a variety of watch faces. The watch in the above photo was purchased at ALDO shoes in a set with 3 bands for $35.00


Belted Band
The extra small belt in the above photo was purchased at Forever 21 for $9.99. You will need a women's belt to achieve this look so that it will be small enough to fit through the loops of your watch face and less bulky on your wrist. If you like this concept but want something less dramatic, try an actual bracelet meant to be belted or anything you deem unique that could work. 

Final Look 

Here is the breakdown of the other elements of my ensemble. 

Ring: Handmade from jewelry maker to fit my fingers- $20.00
Tribal bracelet: Urban Outfitters-$2.00

Printed Button Up: Gap (thrifted)- $3.99
Shorts: Daniel Cremieux (thrifted)- $5.99, another D.I.Y project. These were actual pants I cut 
               into shorts, then rolled for a more tailored look. Entire outfit for under $12.00 #winning

 Sunglasses: ALDO Shoes- $12.99 

Large Brim Fedora: Flea Market hat store- $30.00

 Aztec backpack: Zara- $69.99
 Woven peanut butter tassel loafers: (thrifted) $7.99 

Styling tips:
(1) Remember to work with what you have and use your resources. 
(2) Style is not defined by name brands, it is the visual personality that your clothing speaks. 
(3) Wear the clothing, don't let it wear you.
(4) Always BE CREATIVE!

Male Fashion at Teen Choice Awards 2012

Gone are the tailored tuxedos, velvet dinner jackets, patent leather shoes and boring black and white silhouettes that usually clutter up more premiere award shows. Last night the 2012 Teen Choice Awards red carpet was filled with stylish male fashion reminiscent of the summer. In other words we loved every minute of it! This year's TCA did not disappoint and gave us here at The X Stylez Blog great gratification in knowing many of the styles photographed coincide with past blog posts featured on the site. Here at the blog, we love looking to awards shows because not only are they fashion overload, but what better way to get affordable style inspirations than to see what the leading socialites in Hollywood are wearing? With that being said lets get into BEST DRESSED MALE.... (drum roll please)

It was a toss up between TCA host and Glee star Kevin McHale and musical genius and fashion icon Will.i.Am. I have pondered on this decision all morning (lol)... however, I think I'm going to have to give it to Kevin; reason being is because I believe the overall outfit put forth more effort. Now Will's style is very similar to my own and a pair a Christian Louboutin plaid intern flat slippers and a blazer is a winning combo all day in my book, but we've seen it all before. Will kills the studded loafer game religiously however, this is a "new" stylish side of Kevin that we never see. I love the tonal shirt with wingtips mixed with the straight leg camouflage pant. McHale's ensemble is appropriate not only for the sunny LA weather but for the youthful occasion. Although I want to take Will's outfit home with me today, the stylist in me has to give it to Kevin HANDS DOWN for pulling off this look effortlessly by making it look all too easy.

Check out  other great male fashion from the 2012 Teen Choice Awards below. 

Justin Bieber- red carpet

Justin Bieber- performance 

Big Sean- It seems as though G.O.O.D music mentor to Big Sean, Kanye West has inspired 
                  his leather pants look for the summer. Sean put a twist on the pant by rocking a drop
                  crotch harem pant---Pretty Dope!

Chord Overstreet

Chris Colfer

Darren Criss

Ellen Degeneres- Although Ellen is not a man, she embodies male fashion on a daily basis and might we say 

                          and very well.

Ian Somerhalder

Jackson Rathbone

Joe Janas

 Adrian Young and Tony Kandal of No Doubt 

Paul Wesley 

Taylor Lautner and Robert Pattinson of the Twilight series.  

Thanks for reading and tell a friend to tell a friend. Also be sure to subscribe to The X-Stylez Blog by becoming a member (located under archive column to the right of your screen) and to follow us on twitter and friend us on facebook.