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. 

Blogger Spotlight: Color Blocking [Art + Fashion]

Yesterday, I decided to go to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in Manhattan to check out the SCHIAPARELLI & PRADA exhibit. For this [Stylish Sunday] I went with a summer favorite theme: Color blocking. There is a very fine line in allowing the mix of different colors to work against each other, but when done effectively you are able to produce a combination worthy of a photograph. For this ensemble, I wanted to work with the dark contrasts of navy and purple by adding a pop of green hue for additional definition. The hint of orange is showcased in the sole of the shoe and is also brought out in my belt option. I used the bright orange belt as a focal point barrier to break up my shirt and pant. The pink lapel flower is just another dimensional layer of color I added to make the upper of my wardrobe pop when wearing the jacket. It serves the same purpose as my orange belt when the jacket is off. That forth dimension of pop color is a crucial element when selecting your combination while color blocking. Granted, it's not necessarily needed but when used correctly it solidifies the fact that you know what your doing!  

In a recent TREND REPORT  blog post relating to [Getting Dressed from the Sole], I talked about how this hot trend would be sure to surface in the summer months. Ideally the concept is self-explanatory. By literally allowing the sole of your shoe to depict your fashion forecast for the day, you are able to allow your shoes to speak for themselves. Check out that informative post here and the break down of my color blocking outfit below. 

 [Joe Fresh] Navy Oxford with orange sole- $69.99 (Sale rack---originally $99.99)

 [ALDO] Orange Belt- $19.99

[ALDO] Gold watch face- $40.00 (Comes with 3 additional bands) 
[American Eagle] Navy blue and white watch band- $2.99 (Clearance)
[Canal Street]  Gold bangle- $5.00 

[EXPRESS Men] Purple 1MX dress shirt- $59.90 (Now on sale for $29.99)
[H&M] Green suiting pant- $29.90
[Ralph Lauren] Navy weekend bag (free with the purchase of Polo Blue cologne--- this offer is            
                             no longer available)

[Goodwill] Navy peak lapel, double breasted blazer- $9.99

[Hancock Fabrics] Purple pocket square-$2.00 (1/4 of a piece of purple fabric]

Check out my post here on [Juliet's Pocket Squares] for other great square options. 

[H&M] Fuchsia lapel flower-$3.95
Check out my post here on [Male Lapel Flower Fashion]


::F I N A L  L O O K::

If you are in the New York area or will be visiting soon, the Met's Spring 2012 costume exhibition "Schiaparelli and Prada" will be showcased until August 19th. The educational exhibit explores the striking affinities between Elsa Schiaparelli and  Miuccia Prada, two Italian designers from different eras.