The Golden Age of Glamour: The Roaring 1950's

There must be some sort of inspiration for each season to produce a collection so bold that it strictly plays on a 1950's motif. Everything we see these days has some sort of element that plays with a significant trend that shook this era. Although not played on by all designers, a subtle touch of the 1950's can be spotted in almost everything we see.

In an attempt to investigate such a fascinating (potential) conspiracy, I have researched the corners of all book stores, the furthest reaches of the internet and skimmed through millions of pictures displaying nostalgic 50's era clothing, accessories, etc. Amidst my discovery, I have come to a stunning realization that the comeback will be huge, the date of arrival is still yet to be determined. Behold the mildly controversial haircut worn by Hollywood sensation Rosario Dawson. It would only be considered appropriate to parallel her not-so-average 'do' to the very memorable stylings of the Nototrious Betty Page. One could also easily strike this as coincidence due to the release of a movie/documentary covering the life of Betty Page. It isn't enough! We continue to witness high-waisted pants, waist belts, the roaring popularity of ballet flats , hair bands and the emerging fanaticism of knee-length boots becoming the center piece of any ensemble. These are blasts of fashion released into mainstream pop culture that have been released to send an upheaval of old- fashioned trends, reintroduced. But I swear, I am the only one who sees this.

A while back, I was torn by the dichotomy of fashion choices out there. I can shift over to a retro-styled, borderline classic or already recognized style or I can generate a newer, more controversial image by toying with more innovative fashion choices. I have to say, while I am enthralled by new styles and embrace the future to no end, I do find a sort of blinding beauty introduced by specific past time favorites. An example to better explain myself would be the ultimate of style choices introduced by Rayban: The Wayfarers. I saw these saucy specs in a fashion show, thrown together by the fantastic duo of Dean and Dan (aka DSquared). This model, although practically wearing nothing, dons a pair of Oxfords, 1950's-style squarecuts, and almost exactly identical frames that were inspired by the Wayfarer model back in 1953. I am repeatedly told by many people that the classic never dies. I could not agree more and, to display such truth, is the Wayfarer. Worn by many celebrities (including Tom Cruise and Bob Dylan), these sunglasses tend to make a cameo in almost every decade since their debut. No matter how many times they are brought back, however, it is only perhaps natural these days to accept that the Wayfarers speaks fondly of one era. Take a wild guess.

I am reminded of Betty Page once again when I flip through tabloid trash at my local grocery store and spot Dita Von Teese, a burlesque artist who best imitates the sultry and stylish forms of pin-up models of the 50's. Teese, 34, has recently released a line of sunglasses that display a style that so few people are familiar with when thinking of the 1950's. Although bulky in shape and reminiscent of the 1970's, these shades tend to play on a very accurate portrayal of sunglasses worn during the mid-20th Century. Fashion comes into play when a line of sunglasses with a (unfamiliar) brand have ties to legendary Dita Von Teese, there is much articulate detailing and well-designed, extremely good quality is present. The added bonus is just that they are, once again, reminding us that the 1950's have so much influence on fashion, even these days.

Of course, my findings may have just barely skimmed the surface of what could potentially be a very deep pool of rather nostalgic coincidences. What is important to remember is that we are all so delightfully touched by the times that this world has seen, even if we, ourselves, have not lived to experience them. What determines great style is the ability to recognize these trends and live in the times of when they were a smash hit. They bring about not only classic tales, but form new paths to excellent style and irreplaceable milestones of timeless fashion.

Raise eyebrows, then let them flourish...

After many years of perfecting the delicate nature of women, one has to wonder,"why are women trying to look fragile?" From peticoats to lace trim, soft shades of make-up to pearl necklaces, women are somewhat forced by society to appear to live a life of less strain, a façade of innocence and an image of ladylike perfection. Leave the brute and savage persona of untamed humans to the men. However, an alternative has made its presence into the runways. Very recently, perhaps cultured and released by French fashionistas, was the bold appearance of eyebrows. Always a signature look on men, these bushy eyebrows now have made its way into women crossing gender boundaries, all the while being accepted by major fashion designers worldwide.

Leave it to designers, such as Derek Lam to incorporate thick-browed women in his Fall line for 2006. He masterfully provides the sweet, intoxicating vigor of a woman's femininity and merges the elements of masculinity that will compliment a woman's face. This will give fashion a fresh image of the new woman. Delicate and tantalizing, yet a touch of virility and mystique. The rough edges offer a much needed freshness to the already tainted image of a helpless, fragile woman. How should one go about maintaining this look? Think plentiful but polished. It is important to sustain composure to any wild look. You can wow crowds with looks that break the barriers but not push the envelope. By tweezing your eyebrows to a thin pencil line, you are following the crowd. By leaving a natural line of your eyebrows, you are able to display a face you naturally have, not one that you created. With this look you can rise levels of femininity and balance out specific features that are at their best left in a state of androgeny. By keeping thick-brows, a roman nose or deep black eyelashes, we are able to be recognized by our distinct features; our signature appearance is marked by our subtle imperfections.

So, without hesitation, consider this option to bring out the best. We spend money, time and our patience dealing with what we think are our imperfections when, all along, we should focus on the benefits of our physical features. How we can bring out the natural you.

Tie and Denim: Business on the Top, Casual on the Bottom.

I have always been a firm believer in the classics. They remain in style for long periods of time, they are a truly remarkable way of displaying class, exquisite taste and distinctive elegance. Fashion always works in that different and/or newer styles are introduced and incorporated with current and past trends. The shirt and tie, for example, displays traditional dress and gives a sense of composure to any occassion. Jeans, popularized by societies youth in the 20th Century, have quickly become a staple for both men and women. The two looks together have formed a unique combination which allows for a distinct 'Casual but well thought out' ensemble. People see it. Some people wear it. Everybody knows it. So what's the big deal?

I have closely examined a look that might have seemed controversial and/or innappropriate about half a century ago. Of course, times have changed and people have toyed with the mixture of shirts, sweaters, jackets, pants and the likes. Justifying denim with a shirt and tie would be just as silly as justifying black gloves with a trench coat: it just works. I have always been fond of the shirt and tie with denim look for a number of reasons.

First of all, I find that it is always appropriate to combine a suited look with a dressed down pair of pants, such as jeans or khaki's. It is a common solution to a dress appropriate problem: When we are expected to project an image of formality yet are always subjected to a casual environment. No matter what the situation; during the day, we often encounter situations where we look put-together and have a clean edge to our societies expectations for a more casual form of dress.

Secondly, the importance of formal attire should be reintroduced to younger generations. This element will produce a sense of propriety in regards to traditional forms of dress and will allow for most of us to be brought back to the basics. Because, honestly, what good is a polo paired with a great suit jacket if it is the only thing you see nowadays? Why must we think that being formally dressed up consists of a vintage cut 3-button polo shirt and sharp polished black leather accessories? We often chuckle at the very thought of the business-attire-obsessed image of the 1980's (movies such as American Psycho prove to be a perfect example). We must remind ourselves where we have come from. Toying with the suit can be seen in collections from every corner of the fashion world: Gaultier, Issey Miyake, Moschino, Gucci, etc. This proves to be a look that we are able to play with. By incorporating chic, well-pressed shirts with french cuffs with ripped and torn denim jeans, we are able to say filthy, but fantastic. Who is writing fashion rules, anyways?

Finally, just how sexy is a crisp, fitted shirt paired with a favorite pair of jeans? It has raw sex appeal delivered in such high voltage that we often forget to examine the look piece-by-piece. One look and we are convinced! "Wow, so put together!"

We should think of it as the common, fail-proof, good-for-most occassions ensemble that should be mixed with color and attitude. We must incorporate a sense of self in this look, however. We should feel the need to personalize any outfit we bring together. A leather cuff? Grandma's cameo or a pocket square that will keep most wondering, "What is it about that person that makes me feel like he knows what he's doing?"

What's in Your Bag?

Millions of men and women around the world are subject to the hustle and bustle of big cities. Subways fill up with people all rushing to get from point A to point B. A woman standing on a subway platform suddenly drops her purse to reveal the contents of her bag. The zipper remains open and multiple personal belongings never to be shown to the public suddenly becomes a main attraction to even the most unsuspecting viewer. Her Chanel Rouge Allure Luminous satin lip colour, Verizon LG Chocolate, Personal/Business Agenda Book, Tampax Pearl tampons, House keys and Gucci suede gloves all hit the floor to be displayed by every passersby in that given place. What a disaster! What would prove to be more of a disaster would be that she has some item in her bag that was truly not to be shown to anyone but herself. This is probably the case for most people in the world today. Whether it be a woman or a man, a lawyer or a housewife, many people lie victim to carrying something in their bag that shouldn't be in there to begin with. What this item is will remain a mystery to everyone, until an accident such a the drop of a bag occurs. So, why are many Americans usually embarrassed to drop their bags, especially when the contents of their bags are revealed? We are all human, afterall. A tampon is no less unusual than a set of keys. Birth control is as common as tylenol, but why are we ashamed when people see us carrying them? I have an attempt to persuade millions of Americans to carefully plan what we should carry, how to carry them and what we should keep at home. This way we are able to assess the importance of carrying certain items and leaving others out of the public eye, essentially to avoid public embarrassment.

Making this rule a frequent practice will help eliminate any feeling of carrying unnecessary items.

1. Every morning, go through your bag, messenger, ataché, briefcase, etc., and check for files, papers, receipts, gadgets, personal belongings and hygenic products that are not needed for that given day.

2. Keep a mental list of everyday necessities, perhaps a specific book, your portfolio, an agenda, etc. These will be your everyday-carry basics.

3. Always allow extra room for other belongings that might not be needed for everyday and/or weekly usage. That way if you have to carry more things, you will always have room for these items.

4. Keep (at all times) a mechanical pencil, a pen, a notepad(scratchpad) of some sort, an Agenda (if necessary), your cell phone, house keys, a snack bar if it helps, a pack of kleenex, in some cases Purell hand sanitizer, Business cards (if applicable), mint gum,

For women: Wallet, (if separate, a coin purse for necessary change), A little case for quick fix make-up (foundation, blush, eyeliner,lipstick and gloss).

For men: Deodorant seems to be a common item, chapstick.

These are not necessarily musts, but they help for maintenance reasons and can help keep you fresh for the day. For all other items, think carefully as to what you might need for the rest of the day. Any unneeded items are best kept at home. Keep a light load for the day, as your daily routine of carrying heavy things might draw stress on your body.

Don't get too comfortable with Fashion!

When it comes to dressing up or being seen in public, what often crosses our minds is the innate sense to dress for comfort. We rarely pick out the painful and wrechedly uncomfortable shoes or perhaps a pair of jeans that are 2 sizes too small. On the contrary, we sway towards a more wearable style. What we think might be fun and stylish suddenly becomes impractical and too much of a burden on our already-stressed and hurting bodies. Suddenly, waves of stylish and comfortable trends hit the streets. Celebs, trendsetters and everyone else suddenly realizes the acceptability of wearing items of clothing that strike an opportunity for the body and mind to be at ease. In other words, we are given the chance to put on comfortable clothes. We can always find ways to turn the uncomfortable into fashionable clothing choices, but are we able to, with the same magnitude and perserverance, allowed to take soft, comfy clothing and transform it into couture classics? I have gathered a list of items that I believe have taken on a ubiquitous presence when, perhaps, there was no rational purpose for its preposterously high level of popularity to begin with.

This look to the right examines the efforts of dressing for the whole body in comfort. The shoes, the dress, even down to the bag, has a comforting look to it. Nothing about this look says "painful" (except the look in itself!). I question many women who attempt to dress like this. It is as if you were attending a Psychic's Convention in Taos, New Mexico. The look says comfortable but not trying. Not even a bit. In our society, where much emphasis is put upon our efforts towards a specific outcome, we are rarely given the chance to look this bad to gain a positive and reputable impression towards others. What we think we can get away with, suddenly becomes all that we are known for.

The most excrutiating pain doesn't come from a stab of a knife or even a really bad burn from a blazing fire. It is the shoking cultural phenomenon that has swept the nation, one disaster outfit after another. I am referring to the fashion mistake commonly known as, The UGG boots. Originally from Australia, these boots are full of purpose and practicality. They protect our feet from snow and harsh weather conditions, they are made exclusively for comfort and they are a signature boot for making life a little bit easier. The only problem? The influence of many celebs have opened the flood gates for such a catastrophic trend that millions of girls patiently await their paychecks, daddy's credit card or Christmas/Hannukah/Birthday presents to receive such a thoughtful gift. Now, I cannot imagine a street corner without a girl who can tuck her Seven jeans into her UGG's for a trendy style choice. Trendy? yes. Stylish? Perhaps not. What we must evaluate when it comes to comfortable fashion is its ability to maintain both comfort and style. These colors range from bright pink to a caramel beige for a wider range of potential customers. They look great to shovel snow and they can be very practical for Northern Minnesota weather. When we start seeing these boots in Beverly Hills, however, should we probably start to ask why?

The equally-as-loud, twice as cliché uniform that has me shrugging my shoulders everytime I witness such a faux pas is the undeniably popular Juicy Velour Suit. I have to admit, its remarkably comfortable, great for lounging at home or good for errands. This look has vastly taken on women's wardrobes and has become almost a staple item in every woman's closet. The problem? When 10 million women are wearing a suit that reads 'Juicy' on it, what sort of message does that send out? At the same time, when everyone's wearing it, should this mean you should too? And, if this trend spins out of control, as it has been so far, does it just appear as though women bare a striking resemblance to pajama-clad bandits of tasteless fashion? What next, Fleece Onesies for a night out on the town? You get the point. Velour suits make the grade for practicality, receiving an A for Attainment in comfort, but a big F for Fashion potential.

I will often come across the painfully displayed, bare-it-all tactics of many risk-taking fashion goers. By this, I am referring to the hundreds of thousands of women who bare their nipples, showing a more comfortable side of their everyday dress. It is argued that it might, in fact, not be too tacky when some attempt to pull off a stunt such as this for a given occassion. With evening gowns or an artistic photo op, it could be considered acceptable. These days, however, it is almost everywhere you turn that you see a powerful pair of breasts that bare everything but support. I have seen commercials for more comfortable bras, bras that remain hidden to the public eye, as well as bras that, when shown, don't necessarily look like a bra at all. Why aren't these an option for the women who opt for a natural look? I may be cynical or old-fashioned, but underwear always seems like a good idea, not matter what the fashion trends are throughout the times. Are we becoming shallow and focusing on the outside when, more or less, it's what's on the inside that matters?

The "homely" moccasins are best kept at home. They provide warmth, durability, and of course, comfort. What I didn't understand was when I started to see many girls and women wearing house slippers or comfort moccasins out to WHole Foods or a shopping trip. Don't be mistaken! Moccasins can adapt great styles by many designers to add a touch of class as well as comfort for those who prefer casual flats over day heels. Moreso, I am referring to the traditional moccasins that grace the shelves of comfort shoe stores worldwide. Turquoise beadwork in a shape of an eagle or thick suede string that is weaved around the trim for a home-made appearance. For costumes, house-lounging, or a visit to Arizona, these make an excellent choice. Otherwise, it might be best to keep this choice of footwear in storage and/or away from your friends to avoid public mockery.

Certain choices can prove tough and time-consuming desicions. What we once thought could be deemed acceptable might be your worst mistake yet. We should take time to evaluate such decisions and realize that comfort can only take us so far before we are crossing boundaries into inpropriety. It is best that we consider our everyday attire to differ greatly from our sleep or lounge wear. Robes, slippers, sweatpants and the lack of underwear all have their time and place. If many of us follow certain standards of dress, then why should we suffer from the comfort of others?

Chanel: A Timeless Name in Classic Fashion

One of fashion's most prominent and world-acclaimed fashion designers, signifying style, elegance, class and sex appeal lies in the name Chanel. The brand itself has outlived any other name in the industry and has taken form to accomodate new trends, transforming styles and the reinvention of classic looks. The name is something we often hear in magazines, sometimes history books, and see flooding the streets of many big cities worldwide. There is something to a big name that must be remembered: their presence in pop culture has more importance than fine leathers and classic tweed suits. Their exquisitely-crafted apparel, rare jems and jewels on their finely-made jewelry collections and their focus on durability and unrivaled quality has been their most outstanding features in any given collection. Above all this, Chanel's ability to transform drab into a fury of eye-magnetism, head-turning, and fresh pieces was truly a remarkable milestone in the history of fashion. With this in mind, it is of the utmost importance to understand the label's historical journey through the ages in order to understand the changes between collections, the chameleonic persona that Chanel has adopted throughout the 20th century and why Chanel has become preeminent in the eyes of societies most elite, a name known to fashion connoisseurs around the globe and the ultimate for Women's Couture. In the early 20th Century, Gabrielle Bonheur "Coco" Chanel opened up her first shop in Paris on Rue Cambon. Chanel had initially started as a designer of hats for actresses in France. This gained her much recognition as she moved into designing women's clothing. Due to the popularity of her hats, Chanel was able to find a place in the French fashion market, creating lines for women that were comfortable, stylish and practical. Many women chose to wear her designs, as they helped provide a favorable relationship between women and their bodies. This change also brought about a new lifestyle, played on by France's rich and famous. In 1921, Chanel No. 5 was introduced and, due to its overwhelming popularity, the following years brought many new fragrances to the name Chanel.
In 1928, Chanel introduced "the little black dress", which brought even more change to the modern woman, proclaiming a unique look to the era of the charleston and the Stock Market Crash of 1929. This was an ideal time to play with different looks, as the culture's dress of the time became flatline and bland. In the same year, Chanel introduced her tweed suit. Each suit was composed of a pencil-lined skirt, a boxy jacket, accented with black trim and costume jewelry (pearls were usually accompanied with this look). Throughout the ages, she was able to change the views of fashion for women around the world. She retired in 1939, and closed her couture house. She came back and stronger than ever, re-opened the house and finally introduced her quilted bag in 1955. This bag had gained her the most recognition, as it was demanded by hundreds of thousands of women all over the world. Interestingly enough, the quilted bag remains the ideal bag for any young woman who wishes to maintain a sense of class and style. Anyone who owns this bag will justify this hefty purchase solely due to it's ageless stylistic presence. After Chanel's death in 1971, the name continued, with no stop, to create fashionable clothes for women around the world. Later in 1983, Karl Lagerfeld took on the design team as Creative Director for Chanel. He has, ever since, maintained Chanel's image and perspecitve. Even with his ability to modify specific looks to incorporate current trends, Lagerfeld maintained Chanel's reputable image of "back-to-basics", incorporating his own looks into the brand.
Some say that the reason Chanel gained popularity was due to her presence in 20th century politics, her relations with political powers around the world and her strong sense of feminism. Whatever the case, Chanel's stance in fashion lied in many of her famous quotes. One of them reads, "Elegance is not the prerogative of those who have just escaped from adolescence, but of those who have already taken possession of their future." In looking at her collections now, we are able to better understand the history behind the name and the years and years in the making of a unique image and a woman who put it all together to give society one of the leading fashion brands that will indefinitely outlive us all.

The Importance of Prep

I close my eyes just for one minute to coordinate a prefect setting for the upcoming advertisments of Fall 2007 Ralph Lauren and/or Brooks Brothers. A quiet winter morning, the sky is overcast and lightly floating snow fills the air. The air is crisp and cold and sets the perfect occasion for a hot cup of coffee in hand on the way to your 10 am Economics tutorial. In my mind, I envision a classic east coast campus or an old campus such as Notre Dame in which the architecture is as old as the faculty. A prep school with colorful striped ties and the hustle and bustle of the early morning crew team dry land work out starts your day.

These images may stand out bold and may also provoke some distant memory of primary uniform school, boarding school, or just sunday at Grandma's house when you were younger. I have always been fond of being able to dress sharply. No matter what the occassion, I feel that a certain presence resonates over me and fills the room when I consciously pick my most distinguished looking ensemble. I am aware the levels of uncomfort oxfords can be on a daily basis, and wearing a blazer got tiresome and hot in the blazing heat of mid-june. Yet, I fondly reminisce over a time that the simple elegance and dignified manner in which I presented myself changed my overall outlook on the way I should go through the day. For instance, days in which I wore khakis, a weave leather brown belt, matching loafers and a polo, I felt more presentable and more orderly. This change of image also changed the way I interacted with others. I would sit up straight, answer questions in full and in somewhat formal English and I would avoid bad posture at all costs.
I could go on forever, breaking down points as to why I feel strongly about the importance of prep. Some of it's major drawbacks in today's society lies in that the look seems somewhat outdated and old english. Everything in the US has incorporated the word 'casual' to describe a better, laid back environment to which our stiff necks and our anxiety-filled personas can relax to a more worry-free state. Casual Friday's are brought to offices nationwide to reiterate the importance of feeling comfortable and less stressed, leaving more room for productivity. You always hear, "chill out", "relax", or how people "casually" change the subject. We are witnessing one of America's strongest weaknesses: How we have avoided the principal of order, presentation and seriousness. Our clothes have shifted as well. It has come to my attention that prep style has formed a specific stereotype that leaves individuals to think that preppy means jockish, Frat boy, pretentious or ahem... republican. While images of prep are synonymous to those of said stereotypes, I often find that to be a misconception of the highest level.

Prep offers a more composed sense of self and adheres to our traditional standard dress code. It shows cleanliness, composure, interest in higher learning and great levels of civilized behavior. We don't all have to be sticklers and walk about chin up to show a sense of dignified behavior, however, in our every day lives, it would be a great and extremely visible shift (and a beneficial one for that matter) to witness a change in behavior in many men solely from the way they present themselves through dress.

What You Should Know: Proenza Schouler

It is only so often that we come across a good idea that can stir up a frenzy of fashion followers to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars for a name that isn't, in fact, known all that well. Once in a while, we find that fresh ideas come best from fresh minds. Meet Lazaro Hernandez and Jack McCollough, two recent-graduates of Parsons School of Design. The duo has been popularized by big names within the industry and has made an immense impact on the way people will view fashion for the years to come. Thanks to certain people such as Julie Gilhart, fashion director for Barney's, as well as Anna Wintour, the Editor-in-Chief for American Vogue, Hernandez and McCollough have become a quick staple name in elite department stores, magazine pages are painted with articles and photographs of the duo and their collections, and most of their designs are often worn by numerous celebrities for red capret occassions.

The hype? One of Hernandez and McCollough's key concepts behind design was to incorporate the lost idea of quality and shape. In the attempt to recreate and repopularize well-tailored, excellently-crafted design, the brand Proenza Schouler has been able to modify shapes and intensify dull colors to magnify other aspects of each of their collections. Each collection doesn't use predictable colors in order to receive short-term wows and ooohs. On top of it all, they are able to play with proportion in order to diversify options for dress. Cropped, tapered, taken-in, shaped and modified are some terms used to describe pieces within their collections. What you would typically see lengthened would be altered in a jacket in one of their more recent collections. They play with many different fabrics, yet manage to stick with a concept that should be familiar to any fashionista: Made to fit, fit to accentuate, and accentuate to please. The only difference is when Proenza Schouler creates a collection, much of the emphasis is placed on the actual craft of the collection. What is it to place multiple hem-lines, what sort of curve will allow for a woman to feel comfortable, yet is able to provoke a waist line that is to die for, or how the trim of a blouse can drastically increase and intensify a woman's natural shape.

While most will agree that a name so new can be a risk for the amount of money spent, others will agree that challenging those around while maximizing personal efforts to dress better will, in the long run, benefit you. The exaggerated idealsitic views of many designers leave clothes to be appreciated on the runway. Proenza Schouler offers looks that help bring an idealistic view of fashion into reality. What better way to look good than to wear clothes that are made to fit and not just made to appear fantastic?

They Will See Us Waving From Such Great Heights

Working in the retail industry, I have often heard mothers and older women come into my shop, talking about some distant memory of days filled with polyester, shag rug carpeting, and bellbottoms. These women will pick up a pair of cork-wedged platform heels and say out loud, "Oh wow. I used to own shoes like this. I wouldn't have thrown them out had I known they would come back". For those of us who are not familiar with how fashion works, much of what we see will recycle itself within several seasons, if not, then in the next generation or so. We fall victim to cleaning out our closets just to find out that we have to come right back to filling them with similar items.

Well, for those who are pack-rats and file away clothes in trunks hidden in dusty attics, Congratulations! What you once thought was fashionable left and came back. In particular, Platform shoes. A mere 5-inches can really boost up a look from dull to exciting. In Spring 2007 trendspotting, Platform shoes are in full effect from lines including Bottega Veneta, Gucci, Lanvin, Prada, and Yves Saint Laurent. This can be all to reminiscent of earlier days, however, with new styles and designs for an innovative Platform shoe, many women are able to make an old concept look brand new.

Thanks to smart ways of accessorizing, people are able to refurbish old duds to polished ensembles. I have to admit, in the attempt to achieve any look besides a new and trendy one, has been to scour my dad's closet for older styles to incorporate in my own personal dress code. Platform shoes weren't on the list, obviously, however, it is always beneficial to try vintage shopping in your own house for styles before hitting the stores. My own mother has admitted to throwing away shoes from her days in the 1970's, and is often reminded by certain styles upon entering a Nordstrom's filled with vintage-styled shoes.

Even with Platform shoes soaring into popularity... once again, how can women benefit from the look of Platform shoes? One given way is to realize that high heels generate a feeling of sex appeal but are often coupled with a feeling of excruciating pain and uncomfort. Platform shoes give leeway to less heel, more height. By giving your toes some leverage, the angle in which your foot points down lessens, giving your entire foot more support. This is ideal for women who actually walk in stylish shoes from a long distance of point A to point B. Another reason for wearing Platform shoes is that these shoes give boring flat-soled shoes a rest. Platform shoes in all shapes and sizes always turn heads. These shoes are not overwhelmingly common, therefore an occassional Platform shoe can drastically change a look you currently have. They are simply just more fun than regular shoes and can come as plain as flip flops. On the contrary, high heels or flats have to be dressed with fabrics and irregular straps in order to stand out in the way that Platform shoes do.

This coming Winter and Spring, opt for Platform high heel shoes, even if the Platform estimates a little under an inch. This change will leave any individual feeling a heightened sense of style and self-confidence. New shoes will change the way you walk, they way you hold your posture and will even create a positive environment for interacting with others!

Fashion Forecasts: Men's Fashion Trends, Spring 2007

Weeks after Fashion Week in the Big Apple, specific trends have made their way into mainstream culture. A flurry of spring-toned colors and cuts, as well as fresh fabrics and mix-and-match clothing choices are hitting it big on the streets. The weather is still very permitting in many parts of the country. Why should anyone feel the need to wait for the upcoming season to jump into such hot clothes? Here are just some of next spring's hottest looks. They require an open-mind, bold taste, the ability to be reinspired by past season's and tastefully-selected vintage-inspired pieces. Here are the looks:


In Dries Van Noten's spring collection, Van Noten has incorporated a unique accessorizing technique, as well as many other designers for the upcoming season. This look introduces a new location for the belt, where a trenchcoat is worn and pulled tighter to the waist with the help of a belt. In this picture, the belt is the same color and fabric as the jacket itself. Many other designers have paired a regular trenchcoat with a rustic brown belt or a thin waist belt. This look is innovative and allows for accessories to shine brighter than the clothes themselves. Ken suggests: Stick with neutral colored belts. Browns, blacks and greys will allow for the trend to stand out, yet not scream for unnecessary attention.

This look needs no introduction. In the world of Haute Couture and street fashion, a blend of classic gentleman, savvy bachelor, true devotee to artistic expression and love for traditionalism, the waist coat (presented in the Hermes spring 2007 collection) is part of every generation's fashion musts. The look can compliment anything from a T-shirt to a cashmere sweater. This look is often forgotten, however, and is looked at as something only the true fashionista can wear. This is not the case. Try pairing a vest with your favorite white T-shirt and a pair of your most comfortable jeans with boots and you have the quinessential uniform for any man: fashion-conscious or not. Femals too! Ken suggests: To throw a more humble yet outstanding ensemble towards questionable critics, compliment your waist coat with a plaid fedora, exposing your hair. This will give your look a reinvented definition of the word 'Dapper' and will bring your street style to higher levels of chic.

Plunging Necklines are not only for girls anymore. A majority of Men's fashion has worked up to allow men a more lenient androgenous flair; the deep V-neck is just one of them. The deep V-neck has given the male chest more attention, giving men a sexier look. What better time than to introduce this look in the Spring, right? Here, Hedi Slimane hit all time highs by reaching all time lows for the plunging neckline. This look is best to pair with more masculine clothing choices, such as a crisp blazer, straight leg jeans, or worn-in, rustic boots. Ken suggests: Stay natural. If you have a bare chest, great! If you have chest hair, let it show! The waxed look is very gaudy Miami and will not be taken seriously by anyone, a naturally bare chest will do just fine.

The leather-shoes-with-no-socks look has been thrown around a lot. Yet, no one is even sure if works. This coming spring, this look has been presented in full force! Lanvin Spring 2007 collection offers cropped pants with leather shoes to tone down the high-structured formality of the suit and oxfords look. The look is fresh and timeless. While the suit may say you are getting down to business, the sockless shoes say 'I'm staying casual'. This is important as many day time looks steer away from overtly formal work wear and aim to achieve a more comfortable ensemble and less of an aggressive edge. Ken suggests: Leather shoes can be tough on the feet without socks. Try the shortest socks on the market or pull your black socks all the way up then pull them down over your sole for added comfort and more cushion. The socks will remain unseen.

A frenzy of short-shorts hit the runways for the 2007 spring collections, including John Bartlett. Bringing back elements of old-school prep and boyish charm, the short-shorts have made a tremendous comeback as many other fashion houses incorporated similar styles into their own collections. This trend is a fresh replacement of the oh-so-tired cargo short, used off and on from the end of the nineties right up through to 2006. Certain styles of cargo shorts came and went, yet overall, the shorts included baggy utility pockets, giving fashion a military twist. It will be great to finally see a change in a staple item; now most of us will be able to let our legs finally breathe. Ken suggests: Khaki Short-shorts with boat deck shoes or Romanesque sandals. A preppy flair of a big pony polo shirt may help many onlookers realize that the general ensemble isn't too feminine.

Could it be possible that man bags are here to stay? The answer is unsure, however one thing is for certain: the modern day briefcase is far more unique and more appealing than what men used to carry. A regular leather carryall has transformed into a personalized valuable item, a trademark of one's own personal style and character and breaks free from the mold of what things are to what things should be. The carryall has been a must in many runway shows, giving each ensemble a bold, manly image. As these bags take a specific shape, each design house is able to accent their bags with their signature pieces. For one, it could be a polished leather satchel or messenger with crocodile trim and brass hardware, for others it might be militaristic canvas tote with rustic leather straps. John Varvatos has taken on the latter of the two. As seen in the picture on the right, John Varvatos introduces (in his 2007 Spring collection) a much more casual bag. As an investment for true versatility and unrivaled quality, this bag can not only endure harsh weather conditions, but can also take on an alternative view of high class carryalls.

Casual grey is a phenomenal way to approach a new year as well as a new season. Most designers opt for a dramatic entrance, fluttering with a wide spectrum of colors and vibrant images painted on, amidst animal prints and luxurious fabrics. Grey has a subtle way of sneaking behind the scenes in order to turn heads dramatically. The key here is subtle. Different shades of grey give Michael Kors (picture to your right) a cool and alternative way to beat the perils of predictability and introduce the unexpected. Complimented with whites and off-whites, this color combination still keeps the most promising season of the year shimmering. Ken suggests: Head-to-toe in similar tones of grey would be overkill. make sure to switch up the grey tones in order to magnify the intensity of your wardrobe choices.

Recently mentioned by the Sartorialist, an unexpected color choice for shoes can really change a person's perspective on the outfit. A dark suit paired with brighter-colored oxfords or sneakers can allow for all the right attention to be directed your way. In Louis Vuitton's Spring 2007 collection, Marc Jacobs opted for a fresh look by offsetting an outfit, black suit vs. white leather shoes. He received all the attention he wanted. Pairing brown shoes with an unexpected suit can brighten your look and still remains timeless and effortlessly sophisticated. It is in the interest of maintaining a unique perspective in the realm of innovative fashion trends that we are constantly able to achieve bold and daring, yet pleasurable and exciting combinations of accessories, clothing and generally style for that matter. Ken suggests: Pick a color choice that wouldn't directly appeal to you and go with it. If it grows on you and others like it too, then you will be known for a having a creative fashionable kick and others will notice you too. (The Sartorialist is a blogger who writes about similar topics of street fashion here in the US and around the globe and also writes on current trends in the industry. You can find The Sartorialist on thesartorialist.blogspot.com.)

The 5K Marathon to Barney's

Dawn approaches. You sluggishly waddle into your closet, where you strip to your underwear and proceed to change into a Hanes Tee, your old basketball shorts or yoga spankies and grab your 30 gig iPod as you head to the front door. Your sneaker choices are... Asics, Nike, Gucci, Reebok... wait, did you say Gucci? That's right folks. Gucci, as well as a thirving subculture of high street fashion are marching the streets of Tokyo, Paris, New York City and almost any other major city in the world for that matter. This is not the first time that major designers as well as smaller-named fashion designers all over the world are vamping basketball shoes.

Hedi Slimane of Dior Homme has enthusiatically promoted a "gutter glam" image of hairband-esque uniforms that take Sid Vicious and Nancy and force them into a whirlwind of chic fabrics, brazen shades of metallics and wardrobe them for a trip down memory lane right to the early 1980's CBGB. Have fashion directors brought about a new wave of high end casual to consumers paying top dollar? If any sensible person has owned a pair of sneakers, one would know that sneakers rarely outlast regular shoes, regardless of the fact that they had been worn on a daily basis or are only brought out once or twice a year. So, you think that designer shoes end at canvas logo keds? Think again. Some of fashion's most outlandish creations are drenched in crocodile, ostrich, and snakeskin leathers. With gold-accents and braided horse hair, these shoes are to only be worn with a fur coat, at David Lachapelle's latest onset project in Central Park, following unneccessary media coverage, later worn by Lindsay Lohan.

So, what is the deal we ask? What IS the point of lavish sneakers? And since hundreds of millions of increasingly expensive athletic wear are being produced by the season, what should we look for next: Victoria's Secret and their $7 million sports bra? Bags and clothes from time to time, have the ability to outlast their expiration date. Sneakers? Your father's wedding tux? Some items aren't always just as big the second time around. To put it into perspective, would a 20-something girl dream that someday, maybe she could wear her mother's vintage Swarovski-encrusted Nike Air Force 1's? I guess only time can tell. Safe purchases aren't always safe, but don't shift to the other end of the bench and purchase a risky outfit just so that you are an original, unlike anyone else.

It is sensible to buy a clean pair of casual shoes for your Diesel jeans, perhaps some stylish kicks to enhance your image of athletic agility. Buying designer sneakers to work out in, paying too much for sneakers or simply wasting resources that could stock the accessories department at Harrod's with a year supply of jewels is not worth it. Take this into account: the life of running shoes lasts from 6 months to about a year. Anytime over that, white sneakers turn yellow, the soles begin to flatten, and the aesthetic maintenance becomes too complex. Keeping a balance away from the creme de la creme of absurdly high-end workout gear to the same Shell-toed Adidas you sported in high school is a sureshot way to avoid unneccessary attention. In short, trying too hard (or trying too little for that matter) can hurt your image. So next time you consider couture gym shoes, think that workout gear was never really meant to impress, it was created to maximize your performance by givng the athlete the ability to move swiftly with no pain or discomfort. After all, we want our workout to be comfortable as well as manageable. What do most fashion designers know about athletic garb anyway? My bet is that Salvatore, Karl, Christopher Bailey and the likes have no extensive background in the knowledge of Gore-Tex soled tennies, either.

Battling "Celebrity Look-Alike Syndrome"!

Amidst a trembling fury of publicized celebrity scandals and overdramatized appearances at award shows such as the Academy Awards and the MTV Video Music Awards, A-list celebrities create what is known as the Butterfly Effect, with a little help from hypersensationalism in the media these days. By saying the Butterfly Effect, I am directly correlating huge waves of current fashion trends and styling techniques with Consumerist America's Biggest Problem: Buying those looks to imitate the lives of the rich and famous. But, how do the lives of so many young men and women become sucked into this necessity to adhere to celebrity standards of dress and style?

"You will hear so much about a look from celebrities that we attempt to recreate the lives of the people we always hear so much about", says a 21 year-old student attending the University of Colorado in Boulder. By reading magazines such a W, Vogue or US Weekly, we are able to manipulate different trends that have become iconic within the neighborhoods and the Hills of Hollywood and a vast majority of Los Angeles. "Celebrities always have a huge impact on the way people live their lives. When Jessica Simpson buys a new bag, 3 million people want it, 200,000 people actually get something that looks like it and only a handful actually get the exact bag", says the anonymous University student. People who follow these trends need someone to look up to, why not the stars?

A major problem overlooked by many individuals (who are feverishly shopping ebay in the hopes that Lindsay Lohan's Oversized White Balenciaga Motorcycle bag will be sold at a mere fraction of the price) is that these trends adopted by Models, actresses, heiresses (or any one who has too much money for their own good for that matter) are trends that are rarely chosen for themselves. Of course they are given an option of what to wear and look like, however with the help of big fashion houses, celebrities are handed a $14,000 handbag that is photographed to the high heavens, creating an uproar of celebrity fans to stampede into our Nation's malls in search of that very bag at affordable prices. This process is not only a waste of time, however, is a waste of individual style, as we each mold into different Hollywood/TV personalities in the hopes that other people will look upon us as being A-list ourselves. While we choose to imitate the rich and famous, millions of
company's, who are void of any groundbreaking fashion concepts and prefer to replicate millions of cheap knock-offs for quick money to become successful, are embezzling the public's ability to think and choose their own personalized fashion methods.

A quick and easy way to correct this absurd vicious cycle of senseless fashion choices, one should rethink their very own reasoning behind purchasing a bag, a pair of shoes, a coat, or any other item for that matter. Are big retro sunglasses what we really want? Or is this a trend that looks great on Nicole Richie and therefore, must look good on me? By making these decisions, we are able to turn our heads away from a constant need to delve into Hollywood fashion; a look that many of us don't even know why people began wearing it to begin with. Instead, try to use concepts that celebrities use and revamp that look to hit a more personalized style. This will show that you have at least the slightest idea of what fashion is, how to access specific trends in current fashion, and more importantly, how to make your favored look more you. Most celebrities could never say the same. That's what stylists are for, after all right?

Man Bags, Murses, Messengers, etc.

It is not a big shock to anyone who flips through a men's fashion magazine that any given page would show a man carrying an oversized bag with anything but gym clothes. These days, laptops, day planners, gloves, your blackberry, wallet and keys can all be stored securely in what has been called a man bag.

I hate to admit it, Gentlemen, but we are moving forward into the era of practicality, where men can place all personal belongings that don't fit in a pocket into a sac that doesn't scream, "I bought this bag at North Face or I purchased this at the local Army Surplus". Men should feel comfortable enough to carry any bag around without being ridiculed. Who says women are the only ones who need a bag to place all their personal belongings. And to think that we had pockets stuffed with change, chapstick, keys, cellphones, wallets, etc. It's not wonder that many guys face challenges when meeting women. Cargo pockets are even a bad idea. I know, I know, they are called utility pants for a reason, but these days, those pockets are more for show.

So, the idea behind a man bag is to simply introduce innovative and stylistic ways of presenting yourself. Does it look girly? The answer is NO! For years, men have been carrying duffel bags, gym bags, briefcases and messenger bags. How is a man bag any different? It serves a very practical purpose and gives more options to a very "option-obsessed" culture upon which we live in. The femininity of a man bag is no different from a well-polished leather briefcase. In fact, a man bag can help you organize your day: you have cereal bars and power bars for breakfast and working out, your laptop, planner, portfolio and wallet can all fit in as well, a mini pouch with a change of clothes can give you the option of hitting the gym after a meeting, and a small snack of fruit and a sandwich can be tossed in for extra energy throughout the day. Need I say more?

So which bag should you opt for? For a smaller day, plan to carry less items and throw on a messenger bag. This way, you will not have to carry unnecessary items and still have room for items to put in later on in the day. For any regular day, a hand held or a bigger messenger bag will do. This will allow for you to place extra items in the bag so that you don't have to make extra trips back home and instead, able you to take care of all your errands and activities in one go. For a full day, make sure you have a mini duffel-like bag to store everything you need. This may include an extra set of clothes, just in case you don't end up going home fore the night. With this option, you will be able to pack a small travel hygiene kit, underwear, socks, pants and a shirt along with your everyday files, papers, and gadgets.

In terms of the material of any man bag, the safest route to take is always the leather bag. This will always be considered a classic and no person in their right mind will mistake a solid black, brown or dark green leather for a women's purse, whether it's polished, plain, distressed or suede. Canvas is also a safe bet. This fabric has always been gender-neutral and, when worn correctly, can scream rugged and masculine while avoiding a rustic, soldier-esque appearance.

All in all, the final decision is in your hands. You can make the effort to make a change and solidify a reputation as an individual who, not only pioneers in innovative fashion trends, but can be the guy who is nothing but a distinguishly-refined, well-presented, talently-organized and intoxicatingly-sophisticated young gentleman. It's a bag people, not a sex change!

Fashion Forecasts: Tory Burch

Already known in the industry as one of New York's most up and coming designers, Tory Burch brings about a subtle yet unique and suprisingly bold accent to classic American style. Her designs incorporate several different themes that fuse into one another melodically. Accents of vintage compliment a modern touch of upper east side chic with an equestrian prep look. Confused? Think Lauren Hutton back in the late 70's meets Kate Hudson. This should come as no suprise to anyone, considering her background within the industry involved working for Ralph Lauren, Loewe as well as Vera Wang. Her years in working for these designers certainly paid off, as Burch became inspired by a multitude of different concepts and had them form a never-before-seen combination of casual, sexy, groovy and well-groomed.

In a Bohemian-style tunic with gold embroidery and knee-high equestrian style boots, Tory Burch plays around with more down-to-earth looks with a hint of young and hip. Among some of her looks, Burch uses gold hardware, bold-colored prints, fur trim, she plays with vests and reinvents silk blouses with outfits that do not define an overtly feminine ensemble. So what's the big deal? How is Tory Burch any different from any other designer in the same genre. Labels such as Blumarine, Marc jacobs and Carolina Herrera have toyed with similar concepts of down tempo, retro-vintage, and altered classics. What makes Tory Burch so unique? It is only so often that the US is able to shine through with their own definition of style without blatant European influences. American style offers a sense of familiarity into a largely unproportionate scale of US designers vs. European Designers. Tory Burch can be viewed as a signature to new age American style that switches up her image to allow for a diversified audience that are sure to enjoy her artistic capabilities. Sticking to one theme will most probably hurt the overall image of any designer. Timeless classics can become cliché. The latest trends in high gear get old quick. Tory Burch enables fashion to be turned over ever so often and allows for it to be real: what represents you and what allows for her clientele to feel full fashion without looking planned and gaudy. Tory Burch enables people to break from the mold and find great pleasures in simple things and looks that are wearable and unique to label-obsessed minds. It's fashion actually to be worn, not just be seen. Vintage never seemed so chic.

The Skinny on Waist Belts

After feverishly attempting to draw attention to the hips for so long, the fashion gurus, creative directors as well as many Hollywood Celebs have reintroduced the waist belt. Known for its magical ability to create form to even the most boxy of individuals, the waist belt is a sureshot way to maximize any feminine look. Why is it that with many magazine covers and ads later, the waist belt is still trickling (at sloth speed) down the fashion waterfall into major department stores and boutiques worldwide? Not only are retailers to blame; the growing trend still seems to confuse style watchers and fashionistas who are subconcsiously still in a feuding debate over which belt to rock out for the evening: The hip-draped weave belts or perhaps a slim double-wrap belt with a small buckle.

Waist belts have always made an impression on designers. From the early Victorian Era, where women often wore corsets to accentuate a preposterously slim waist line to pencil skirts, dating back to the glorious Golden Age of French Fashion, where Designers such as Christian Dior or Coco Chanel endorsed a slimmer upper body to give legs a lengthier appearance. An hourglass figure was the way to be. The industry standards for an ideal body shape for women were given in three inflection points. These points were the chest, the waist and the hips. These three points were to measure 36 inches, 24 inches and once again, 36 inches, respectively. Since these days have long passed us, many newer generations have stressed different inflection points that would soon void this criteria from any female's goal figure. Not to say that this ideal image has been eradicated from women's minds, however, the modern day woman has slowly found ways to accentuate other areas such as the bust and/or the behind to naturally allow a visible curve to the viewer's eye. This is where the waist belt comes in handy. Many women who attempt to create even the slightest difference in their curvaceousness should avoid the complexities of silicon cups, padding or enhancement techniques and focus on a subtle and simple method on how to give waist to a squarish or an undefined body type. Any waist belt can give your hips a rest and restore a much more traditional (yet sensible, stylish and updated) focal point on the female figure.

A Conversation With Tee's

From bumper stickers to a memorable line in a movie, words and phrases have appeared on T-shirts ever since T-shirts have been invented. They keep people entertained or informed when worn in public and can serve as a way of expressing one's personality or stance on an issue. Yet, how much do most of these Conversational T-shirts impact others? When we wear a T-shirt with something written on it, are people supposed to take us seriously, or are we merely attempting to be facetious? While your mouth speaks in conversation, others form their own opinion of you. The same with your clothes. What you wear can and sometimes will attract certain people. A conversation ON your T-shirt is both and can also be viewed as your life book being open to the public. In other words, your thoughts are published on your front cover, loud and clear.

In the light of many classic Conversation T-shirts (Sh*t Happens, Have a Nice Day), a new breed of Coversation Tee's has arrived in full force. Among some of these are 'Tell your mom I said Hi', 'Your Town Called, Their Village Idiot is Missing", and the ever-so-creative 'Who farted'. It is beyond me as to who would be purchasing or making these T-shirts, let alone trying to figure out who would wear such a stupid creation. This reminds me of a clearance rack of T-shirts at a Gas station in the middle of Nowhere, America. I have recently seen many T-shirts made to cater to the youth and societies Dumb and dumberer. Walking into many famous retailers, you are sure to see a shirt that reads some useless phrase that rarely holds any sort of significance to any potential customer. I have to admit, some of them have made me laugh and laugh hard at that, too. Yet, I enjoy being part of the crowd that will laugh at the T-shirt. Rarely will I ever enjoy being the guy whose wearing the shirt. It is sad to see that so many creative teams within a clothing company can be so predictable. It becomes redundant and loses its novelty after being tossed around repeatedly. Furthermore, I believe this fad to be a travesty on the part of wearable smart humor and conversation Tee's that serve a deeper meaning and/or purpose.

In the event that you are that guy or girl who wears these T-shirts and thinks that I am being too critical, I offer you an ultimatum. When choosing a conversational T-shirt, look for a T-shirt that might hold some form of significance. By this I mean choose a T-shirt that represents you and will be easily understood to the people around you. For example, The 'Everybody likes an Asian Boy' Tee (although cliché) is a very appropriate choice for a Korean guy. Try to find a T-shirt that says not only something humorous, but something intelligent. Not only will your friends read your shirt, but anyone else in your sight can potentially read it. A crude joke on a T-shirt can make your friends smile but could also upset your boyfriend/ girlfriend or perhaps a Boss or a Teacher. Holding a conversation should maintain their interest, not steer them away from you. By using this guideline, you are able to get the best out of every situation: Make your friends laugh, challenge a thought, impress your significant other and make your parents proud.

How "Haute" is Couture?

A sneak peak into Fall's Couture designs have never seemed so bold! It is always an exciting collection to view, as combinations of fantasy and reality blend to create the highest form of art that the body can display. A vast array of colors and exaggerated figures make up a large portion of each Designer's Fall 2006 Couture lines. This fall, Christian Dior introduces a fantasy land collection incorporating gothic-themed dresses and a fairytale-esque display of ball gowns that are too extravagant to be worn for almost any occassion, except Halloween. When labels create Couture lines and feature them in their fashion shows, are they meant to be seen... or worn?

So many clothing lines have introduced the word 'couture' in it that we rarely ever realize the original meaning of the term. The term 'couture' means fashionable clothing that is made to fit the wearer in terms of exact measurements and requirements. The origin of the word dates back as late as the beginning of the 20th Century in France, where Haute Couture meant "High Dressmaking". On the other hand, the term 'pret-a-porter' means ready to wear, and are not made to fit the wearer down to the exact measurements or requirements. Simple T-shirts and jeans bought at the local Gap are ready to wear in that they aren't specifically made for the customer. Although 'couture' justs sounds that much better, it gives the impression that mass-produced clothing can become just as desireable as high-end fashion. What lines get crossed and/or blurred are suddenly those of the marker of high end, superior quality and well-fitted clothing and those of everyday apparel and items made within a minute or two at a clothing factory. In the future, it is important to distinguish those differences and separate high end fashion with fast fashion.

The Price of Shock Value

As little kids, most of us loved to tell or hear stories that incorporated an element of surprise. Those people enjoyed topping anyone else's stories with something more exciting, something unbelievable and something more unheard of. Secretly, the one who told the best story or a story had the invisible crown of social coolness. Suddenly when your friends tell a story to others, they will mention your name, even to people you don't know. Before you know it, voila, you become a legend. Any element of shock value works similarly in that those of us who engage in creating shock value suddenly become a milestone in everyone's history as someone who did this or someone who was able to do that. In the 1960's, Leslie Hornby (otherwise known as 'Twiggy') shocked millions with her thinness and her boyish haricut. Decades have flown by and she is still known for being a pioneer to the current model figure. Of course, this may not be the best reputation to have, however, the point is that she made a look so famous, that it is, to this day, Twiggy that is known as one of the world's most famous models.

I experimented with this look a couple of months ago. No, no, I am not talking about eating air and water and sliming down to a 10 inch waist. I tried to revive a trend that wasn't yet a huge success but contained an immense amount of potential. In January of 2006, I jokingly mentioned to a couple friends how I would be the first guy to wear a designer label fanny pack in the hopes that I would turn heads, first in disgust, then with a pensive look on their face (hopefully a positive indication of my bold choice). I didn't really care what it was that I would wear but it was important that the object I chose was in good condition, in extremely fashionable taste and was beginning to become accepted by early adopters as a major fashion movement. I opted for the fanny pack because it was a clean item, it would go with almost any of my looks and clothes and would wreak of originality. Many readers may not agree, but in Boulder, Colorado, your fashion choices really have slimmed down to North Face, Crocs and American Eagle Outfitters. This was my chance to wear something that would have people say, "Wha...? Whoa, did you see that?"

I drove to my local Neiman Marcus, where a nice lady had ordered my "Waist Pouch" (as the Italians call it), purchased the item and drove back to Boulder, planning my day of attack. I went to school later that week, walked into class, and immediately heard sighs and people yelling my name in class. "Ken! Where did you buy that?", "Ken! I always wanted one of those and now I really want one BAD!" and "Wait? Are you kidding me?" were among the responses I received after 5 minutes of class. I laughed silently, told them my parents bought it for me and then went on with class, not bringing up the fanny pack again. It was utterly successful. I had encouraged people to make a bold fashion choice and most importantly, be able to back it up 100%. My confidence level had to be high. I was wearing a fanny pack! I didn't have the slightest clue what to really expect. Yet, now I am certain that what I did helped me make some bold choices of my own.

The key idea here is that we must all make choices. Whether we like it or not, people will judge us for our decisions and that is ok. Life isn't about gaining the acceptance of others to build your own credibility, it is about being able to express yourself naturally and uniquely as possible to be comfortable with yourself. Shock value can be viewed as the lime in your soda for an added zesty flavor. The soda is what people know you as, but when adding a hint of something different you recreate an entirely different taste that will please the masses (or displease, depending on the people and your choices). I have never gotten more compliments from strangers in my life before the fanny pack experiment and to this day people still talk about it; the infamous fanny pack and how only I could pull it off. ;) I say take the plunge, face the challenge and immerse yourself in a daring fashion choice that is hardly look at as a social norm.

Style Notes: The Road Less Travelled

When it comes to shoes, many of us become extremely picky. The right fit has to acompany the right style. The right color has to go with the right fabric. The level of comfort must also go with the style you are trying to achieve. Whether or not we can afford designer shoes, many of us familiarize ourselves with names like Jimmy Choo, Manolo Blahnik, Christian Louboutin and Tod's. These names are the trademark to remarkable style and exquisite presence. But in the midst of picking out the best shoes, do we forget about labels we rarely ever hear? When buying shoes, most of us want a name we are familiar with, not a brand that is forgotten, even if it sits on the shelves labeled 'New Arrivals' in the Neiman Marcus shoe department. Here are a list of some very prominant designers in the field of fashion footwear that you may or may not have heard of. This list is intended to open your taste beyond the logo-obsessed culture that we live in.

Giuseppe Zanotti Design is by far my favorite shoe designer. His creations include exotic patterns, brazen gold accents, dangerously steep lengths, bead and metal work, fine leather and gems as a finishing touch to his masterful art pieces. Giuseppe Zanotti began his shoe designs in 1994 and has since then been selling luxurious women's shoes worldwide. Many celebrities have been spotted wearing his creations from charity functions to the red carpet. Although not considered moderately priced, if taken care of, these shoes can last a lifetime and can serve as a piece of history within your closet and remain an original design years after their production date.

Only a few years ago, Brian Atwood transformed from an FIT graduate into a master of shoe design. Using only the finest materials, Brian Atwood creates his shoes to improve the look and forcefully create the appearance of longer legs. His designs, much like Choo and Blahnik, incorporates a steady and classic base structure for high heels while using unique and sexy shapes with a variety of different materials. His innovative techniques form a never-before-seen combination of style, function, sex appeal and luxury.

Known for it's overt feminine image, Moschino is often forgotten when in search for heels. With a hint of early 20th Century women's shoe design, Franco Moschino formulated an old-meets-new design approach to women's fashion. His designs toy with velvets and dark-colored as well as brightly-colored leather along with other materials to give the perfect accent to any feminine look. His creations, although sleek and sexy, are more fun and silly. After Moschino's death in 1994, his legacy continues to serve millions of women worldwide, offering his slightly-odd combinations of ideas and materials in a well-packaged piece that says, "Fashion design is being mocked and fresh ideas should be silly and should resemble an important part of pop culture history".

Holly Dunlap, creator of Hollywould shoes, is the epitomy of "Hollywood". Dunlap uses light feminine touches to her designs, giving each creation their own star in the Shoe Fashion Walk of Fame. From espadrilles to light metallic straps, Hollywould shoes are an excellent addition to a classic American image. Her dream was to create shoes that would emanate Hollywould Galmour and glitz, all while staying within the borders of comfort and stylishly flirty designs.

Far more classic than any other design team in the world, Louis Vuitton focuses on the details of stitching, stacked heels and shoe shape. When Marc Jacobs became the Creative Director of the French brand, he focused on the traditions of the Vuitton legacy, maintaining an eye on detailing and superb quality with his own twist of a mod look of the sixties and a wide array of colors to heighten the senses. Although Louis Vuitton is often a brand that is well known for having top-of-the-line luggage, handbags and accessories, they have an immensely sharp and classy collection of footwear that will no doubt feature a look that will remind the public that "classic style never fades".

Rene Caovilla is the essence of high end shoe design that is synonymous with evening couture and delicate and elegant design. His designs feature a colorful presence, using gems and hardwear with light fabrics, usually suede and silks. With the fine background of shoemaking from his father, Edoardo Caovilla, Rene took over the family company in the fifties, bringing Parisian wearable artforms onto the catwalk aside Valentino and Christian Dior. His creations are intended to embellish the foot with rich materials, bringing anyone's attention to the accessories of any evening ensemble.

It ain't always about the label...

Just the other day, I was working a long shift. I was into a project that kept me distracted from everything else around me. That all changed when, through the door, walked a 5'7" blonde girl shopping with a friend. She was wearing a Coach logo hat, Prada sunglasses, Tiffany's accessories including a Return-to-Tiffany necklace and bracelet, a Juicy Tee, 7 for all mankind jeans, Louis Vuitton Monogram logo belt, a matching Papillon handbag and finally Burberry wooden heels. Special, huh. My first impression was anything but "wow, what a fashion-conscious girl!". I find that all too often, people mistake designer for good design. It's true, this shopper had a mere understanding of what designer labels have to offer. Her jeans were very well fitted; coming to think about it, everything looked great. The only thing she did wrong was she wore them all together. Guys and girls who wear obvious labels without any true, unique design show that they are in the game. They may be able to distinguish the difference between a daytime look and a night time look but besides that, a good design or a great designer is an alien concept to them.

How well do we know labels and when does fashion become more for status than for style? And who in this God-forsaken world teaches these people to dress like this? Known to many fashion gurus as the classic emblem of fashion footwear, Manolo Blahnik has made its entry into the fashion industry in 1972 (way before 'Sex and the City' aired its pilot episode). However, it wasn't until Sarah Jessica Parker introduced an award-winning television series on HBO that Manolo Blahnik became a label that even 15 year-old girls are raving about. Given the label, some would jump on a pair of shoes just to own Manolo Blahnik's instead of for the designer's reputation of outstanding quality and uniquely-designed shoes. That's most certainly a very expensive mistake.

I have always concluded that there are three kinds of label-wearers in this world. These types can exist (one, both or all three) within any given person. In no specific order, the first is the artistic perspective. This type is reserved for those who take on a true interest in design. From classic cuts to modern designs, these designer enthusiasts thrive on embellishing their body in fine, unique fabrics and innovative designs to improve their look.
The second type is the Stylistic perspective. Prada? Fendi? Labels don't concern the eye of the style-conscious. An occasional label may spruce up a look, yet these individuals are more concerned about their overall image. Do their clothing choices match? Do their clothes compliment their body? What certain colors work with their skin type? What is most important to these people is to use fashion to maximize their potential of looking good. In much contrast, the last category embodies the concept behind the term "label whore".
Finally, the Status perspective is wearing a label solely for the sake of looking knowledgable in the field of fashion or showing that one might have more class and/or financial privileges than others. A shirt is a shirt, but when the label 'Marc Jacobs' is thrown on it, the shirt suddenly transforms into a luxurious clothing item. A label whore is more prone to pick up a Gucci cocktail dress of mediocre design than a Roland Mouret evening gown. Because how many people know about Roland Mouret, honestly? They are more concerned about pleasing the masses instead of the fashion-conscious.

Keeping this in mind, try to moderate your usage of designers to a bare minimum. Never clash logo designs from different design houses. If everything you wear happens to be designer then make sure it is not extremely noticeable that you are wearing 5 different designer items at once. Mix up labels but never look desperate to show any items off. We are all guilty of glancing at more expensive items, whether we are at the grocery store or a department store. Buying the more expensive item is not always a bad thing, but it doesn't make anyone better because they spent more money. Almost everything is better in moderation. Why not mix your choices up? Spread out your taste and dive into everything- something inexpensive, something artistic and a bludgeoning label that wreaks of high status. That way you are not typecasted as a specific label-wearer, but a pioneer to a variety of different looks and genres of fashion. Label or not.