Showing posts with label accessories. Show all posts
Showing posts with label accessories. Show all posts

Monday, June 25, 2012

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. 

Friday, March 9, 2012

Class is Now in Session: Take Notes



If this image didn't say enough let me reiterate. CLASS IS FOR MEN. Here at the X-Stylez we promote men of class. A well- dressed man in society speaks volumes about your lifestyle and personality. Its all about the way you carry yourself.  When being a man of class your style can be broken down in consistency, originality, improvement and overall details. 

Consistency: When developing your personal style you want to remain consistent. Find out what works for you and stick with it. As the old saying goes, "If it aint broke don't fix it". It is definitely ok to have versatility in your wardrobe however, you don't want to stray too far away from what you've set forth as "Your Look".  Versatility can be broken down in this series: Morning, Day and Night

Let's take the the blazer for example. It's a staple piece in Men's fashion and something I know you have in your closet. Let's break it down in these categories. 


Morning would be your work wear. If working in the Corporate field you want your blazer as polished as possible with elements that compliment a "professional" appearance. Often times many men buy a blazer then spend the rest of their life trying to find matching slacks. Here’s a tip: they don’t exist. Blazers are made as blazers, and suits are made as suits, so don’t worry about it. The goal is to make your blazer work for you.


If working in a more relaxed atmosphere try a more causal "Morning" look. However class up your structured styling elements.


Day would be your causal weekend attire. You can pair your blazer with causal options when lounging around town. Keeping your day attire "prep" is the sure way to get noticed. Women love a well dressed man even on a causal day. This look is a classic fall option. The button up shirt gives your blazer the structure it needs, while the sweater keeps you warm and builds layering. Grab a pair of nice jeans (no holes or distressing here), a plain wool sweater, and a button up shirt. Wear them. Dead simple, but if this option feels a little conservative for you, liven it up with a pair of Chuck Taylors or causal loafers  to add youth to the look. Also possibly try a driver hat. 


Night would consist of your going out attire. Recently, fashion forward celebrities have made the blazer an acceptable black tie choice. Tuxedo jackets in general define a classy man of style. You don't necessarily have to wear dress slacks with this look. For a more comfortable approach, try a pair of jeans or colored chinos (khakis). While it’s not entirely acceptable for the most staid of black tie functions, it’s a brilliant choice for a  formal night on the town, or for those dates where a simple sweater and jeans just won't do. 

 ---- Again, all of these style elements can be completely different but still incorporate the same consistency. 

Originality: I encourage all men of style to have a trademark. That could be anywhere from a hair style to handkerchief. When interviewing clothing Designer Chris Benz during fashion week, he talked about the importance of trademarking your look. Don't always think clothing when it comes to style. Even your facial hair can be used as your trademark look. I for one enjoy having thick sideburns.

If fashion is more of your thing, find what accessory you can trademark. Think outside the box... ask fashion icon Fonzworth Bentley who's known for his trademarked umbrella.





Improvement: There are always ways to advance your style. Fashion is forever changing and although it does have the tendency to repeat itself, there are often times when new players add additional things in the mix to put a different spin on things. It's always good to improve your look because as you get older your tastes may change. How many times have you looked back at old pictures and questioned "What the heck was I wearing? 

According to Ask Men they say these things about improving your look:  
What You Need To Know
-It's easy to improve your looks with proper grooming.
-Neatness counts -- that means it's time to dust off the iron.
-A classic white shirt improves any man's looks. 


For me I stay in tuned by reading fashion magazines like GQ and doing daily internet searches on fashion shows and just being in the know by reading other blogs. If fashion is not really your passion but you appreciate style, a good thing to do is look at award shows and see what the celebrities are wearing on the red carpet. That always works for me.


Overall Details: It's all about details. Pay attention..... from color to fit and accessories. GET CREATIVE! REMEMBER TO LAYER!



























Although the main photo focus of this post may be a little harsh to some let me clean it up. It is definitively ok to have swagger about yourself. Most men in the above frames have it written all over them through their innate personal style, however they all show class.  "Class" is a learned/ practiced skill that won't happen over night. "Class" will get you far in this world. 


If your didn't learn anything from this post, just remember this #KeepItClassy.


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Tuesday, February 21, 2012

Male Street Style: Mercedes Benz Fashion Week February 2012

MBFW only happens twice a year and although women have the range to do much more with their attire than men, this fashion week proved that we can definitely compete with our female counterparts with accessorized wardrobe components. Fashionable men filled New York's Lincoln Center to attend designer fashion shows and The X- Stylez Blog was there to capture the majority of the must see outfits. If you were an X-Stylez man on the move in NYC for fashion week, you had a couple of elements to accompany your style. Not only was your outfit one that turned heads and begged for a photo-op, but in the winter months your attire was also styled with tailored outerwear, striking shoes, timeless jewelry accents and a must have bag to carry all the "importants". 

Fashion is something that you can buy but personal style is something that is innate. Personal style was definitely at its peak this fashion week. Last season I blogged about Men's Street Style and this season you can definitely see male fashion was turned up a couple of notches. 

THE FASHION// 

 Fashion Blogger of The X-Stylez Blog Harrison T.Crite

Harrison T. Crite and Fashion News Live Host Rocco Gaglioti 

Fashion Stylist Brad Goreski, star of  Bravo TV's, "Its a Brad, Brad World" and former wardrobe assist to Racheal Zoe.

America's Next top Model Judge J. Alexander in a leather kilt. Robert Verdi hides out in the back in a distressed frock, colorful shoes and long scarf.


Elle Magazine's Senior Accessories editor Kyle Anderson photo'd in last picture in a Givenchy leather and fur coat,Versace leather studded pants, Dolce & Gabbana bag, Prada shoes, Lauren Urstadt gloves ans Lanvin sunglasses.

Dwight Eubanks from The Real Housewives of Atlanta in a tailored double breasted suit, top hat and fur lined collar trench coat. 



Noted NYC street photographer and man of style Karl Edwin Guerre. Karl is the epitome of style, a fashion icon. 



Host and Fashion Blogger of Orange Juice and Biscuits Johnathan Valdez.

Additional Street Style Pictures:
















SHOES// If fashion week sets the precedent for the latest winter fashions then must-have shoes include:  spikes, velvet slippers, boots (utility, combat, duck, desert and dress), two-toned oxfords, loafers, wingtips, brogues, pointed dress shoes and fly sneakers. 












 Shoe Phenomenon: Why you should own a pair of Clarks Desert Boots





























JEWELRY// Accessories are a very important factor to any outfit. They help tell a story. Learn how to help people "read" your wardrobe by taking a look at these watches, bracelets, necklaces, belts, brooches, pendants and rings from fashion week. 

 Fashion Blogger of The X-Stylez Blog Harrison T.Crite








New Age Lumberjack 






BAGS// If you are in NYC it is very essential to pack for the day, so why not have a striking bag at your side when carrying the "importants". This fashion week bags and satuals were key components when storing ipads/ laptops, business cards, phone chargers, daily schedules, fashion show invitations and literature that was passed out with Lincoln Center. These season's dopest bags included vintage totes, duffles, laptop clutches, backpacks, briefcases and nap sacks. 








Vintage MCM breifcase

 MCM Studded backpack. Check out collection here.















OUTERWEAR// Burrrr.... Its cold. Outerwear is just as important as your outfit. In fact its and "out"fit within itself. Check out the latest in this seasons heavy sweaters, coats, scarfs, gloves and toboggans. Remember layering is key!  





 THIS!!!

























Fashion Week may only be for 7 days but fashion is forever. The next time you go out and your mind is boggled on what-to-wear, come back to The X-Stylez blog to gain inspiration. Thanks for reading.

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