Sunday, August 18, 2013

Men's Fashion Trends 2013

Men's Fashion Trends 2013 - Solid colored suits and shirts are all the buzz. Really, keeping things simple, clean, and boring with just a splash of exciting is what it is all about this year. 50 shades of GREY, grey, grey. Grey suits are in style.
The more pale the better.

This season, although bright colours are again proving to be a popular choice, fashion designers and high street retailers alike have made pattern much more of a focal point within their collections. And one of the biggest pattern trends proving to be extremely popular for SS13 is the return of stripes. So far Dolce & Gabbana with Tommy Hilfiger have done the best interpretation in my opinion

A lot can be said for classic British menswear, but let’s face it – it’s not for everyone. Some guys don’t want to wear a three-piece suit unless they have to, and a large majority just feel much more comfortable and confident in casual gear.London is providing the greatest inspiration within this field, with many innovative young designers coming through and challenging the status quo. For several seasons the likes of Astrid Andersen and Shaun Samson have made casual wear their calling-card, with streetwear inspiration becoming a huge part of London’s collective fashion voice. Jordan Porteous  a menswear fashion expert gives his views on the trend as follows:

Nineties grunge and skateboarder style is set to make yet another comeback this spring/summer, but this time there are interesting twists that help bring the look firmly into 2013. Aertex fabrics, oversized silhouettes and creative layering are key components, and this look can take you from autumn/winter right into high summer with the correct wardrobe evolution.

For the current winter months, the key is to pick your pieces carefully so as not to fall in the trap of looking sloppy or scruffy. Prints are imperative, with camouflage, acid wash and typical streetwear inspired graphics providing a sense of grittiness and authenticity. These can come in the form of chinos, denim, sweats, tees or outerwear, so pick pieces that will integrate well within your current wardrobe and don’t be afraid to clash smart with casual.

Tuesday, August 13, 2013

Fashion Tips

Fashion Tips - False lashes are an easy way to add a little extra va-va-voom. There’s no shortage of lash options, either; choose from plastic strip lashes, individuals, or the latest craze, mink lashes.

Yes, you heard that right: mink lashes. Celebs like J.Lo, Beyonce, and Heidi Klum have been spotted wearing these beauties that make your lashes looks naturally long and luscious. Since they are made of real fur, lashes appear more feathery and uplifting. Busy, working women also love the lashes because it makes them look great without spending a lot of time on makeup. Salons offer mink lash extensions, but here’s one catch: it can cost you hundreds of dollars a month to maintain.

My pocketbook says ouch to that high price tag, and I’m always one to splurge on beauty products and treatments. So I was glad to try on some 100 percent handmade, real Siberian mink fur lashes in strip form at Lashfully in Walnut Creek. At $25 a pair, I had to try these babies on for size.

The first pair I applied (pictured above): The Vivien Leigh mink, Lashfully’s most natural looking strips. They feel über lightweight on, almost like I wasn’t even wearing mascara, and the amount of length they added was perfect. These are pretty versatile; subtle enough to wear for everyday, yet long enough to dress up an evening look. My friends wanted to know two things: “Are those your real lashes?” (I wish), followed by “Where did you get them?”

The second pair, called the Gretta Garbo lashes, gave me a look that’s best suited for evening. They were not quite as long, but much fuller. That being said, the lashes still felt noticeably better than a regular strip lash. Try these for a fun night out in Vegas or at your next cocktail party.

If you are willing to pay for lash extensions ($150 for traditional lash extensions), Lashfully offers that service, as well as at-home extension kits. But if you haven’t tried false lashes before, I recommend giving $25 these Mink strips a try, then see if you are ready to commit. The effect I got was quite similar. Plus, strips are easier than extensions if you’d like to instantly switch up a look for more or less drama. Mink strip lashes also last longer than traditional fake lashes do, so really, it’s the best of both worlds.