Inspirational Quote

"My work has brought me into contact with the world's finest designers. I had a lot to learn. I have learned a lot. I found out you can learn a lot about yourself as a person, too-while you're learning how to use fashion in your life."- Loretta Yong

Must-have Menswear Accessory for the Spring!

Hello Fashionistos!GQ has picked another great accessory piece for the Spring! Patterned Pocket Squares are becoming an immediate talk about! Inspired by the 1960s Mad Men pocket-square, stay fashion-foward by mixing plaids and checks in your rotation. Just be sure to pair the pocket squares with solid shirts to avoid too much pattern or clashing between the different patterns.

Inspirational Quote

"For us, fashion is an antidote to reality." -Viktor Horsting & Rolf Snoeren

Viktor Horsting and Rolf Snoeren are quite the masters of illusion. Check out this dress they sent down their Spring 2010 runway. It looks as if Anja Rubik has been chopped in half! So how did they do it? If you get close, you'll notice a black banded portion in between the two layers of tulle.(from poshposh magazine)

Dutch Designers Showcase their Fall 2010

             Dutch designers, Viktor Horsting and Rolf Snoeren's Fall 2010 collection was a unique presentation! The WWD article, "The Onion" by Joelle Diderich described the most interesting choice to present their apparel. Horsting and Snoeren decided to recapture their Russian Doll collection from 1999. Horsting and Snoeren peeled off dozens of layers off the 43 year old model McMenamy, who stood on a revolving platform in the center of the catwalk. Each piece of clothing was then adjusted and fitted on another model as they came onto the catwalk. Then the two designers reversed the process and piled on dresses, coats, and jackets onto the model McMenamy. Heading backstage, the model McMenamy nearly toppled because of the extreme weight she had to hold up from the clothes!check this fashion show out:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BuMVfFn_b9Q&feature=related

Inspirational Quote

"I want men to be more chic- and Japanese style has that kind of sophisticated elegance."- Roberto Cavalli

Did you know?

Did you know the skirt is the second oldest women's garment in history? It's preceded only by the loin cloth in age. In Egyptian times, the skirt was worn by both men and women which can be verified by looking at drawings from ancient times.

What R U Wearing? 2010- MODA404

Follow high profile stylist Middleman of the Style Session Firm as he visits the newly relocated menswear boutique MODA404 and checks out their latest spring 2010 selections.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jdWZc_RyBto&feature=youtu.be

Inspirational Quote

 “Men’s fashions all start as sports clothes and progress to the great occasions of state. The tailcoat, which started out as a hunting coat, is just finishing such a journey. The tracksuit is just beginning one.” - Angus McGill

Menswear

Suspenders are coming back! These nifty accessory pieces can be a strong focal point for your outfit! There are various styles of suspenders that you can choose from... "Thin clip-ons channel a punk-rock vibe, while wider, button versions deliver more of a neo-preppy message. Either way, keep your outfit simple for a custom—not costume—look" -Jim Moore from GQ magazine

Here are some suspenders that GQ listed....you should definitely try some of these:

Suspenders by Topman

$24, available at www.topman.com

American Apparel

$16, available at www.americanapparel.net

Band of Outsiders

$130, available at www.contextclothing.com

Filson

$50, available at www.filson.com

Fred Perry

$65, available at www.fredperry.com

Paul Stuart

$129, available at www.paulstuart.com

Adam Kimmel

$162, available at select Barneys New York locations

Inspirational Quote

"I believe the importance of a great designer or visionary depends upon ones ability to filter the past, and be current in the present, to create something relevant for the future. No one can tell my stories better than me."- Santino Rice

Top Vintage Stores for men in U.S.

Coming in at number 9, GQ magazine has put Stefan's Vintage Clothing as one of the top 25 vintage stores for men to shop at in the United States! Stefan's Vintage Clothing is located at 1160 Euclid Ave. NE, Atlanta, GA in the lovely Little Five Points district! Here is the what GQ had to say about this hot spot!

"Atlanta's Little Five Points gets humble castoffs from Southern good ol' boys, and the city's moneyed history means there's formalwear mixed in with the workwear. That means: Neiman Marcus tuxedos hanging near Big Mac chambrays. The owners appreciate cool but banish the typical (and always annoying) 'tude of vintage stores. On a recent visit, a customer who needed the priced break of previously-owned clothes was granted the same respect as a visiting dignitary, CNN's Don Lemon—the best dresser in network news."

Read More http://www.gq.com/style/best-stores-in-america/201004/best-vintage-stores-shopping-in-america#slide=9#ixzz0m1pYSYy6

Inspirational Quote

"Fashion is a part of my work. I feel a responsibility to be presentable, to dress up if the occasion calls for it. But, really, fashion does not play that big a role in my life these days." - Sarah Jessica Parker 

Albright Fashion Library

Irene and Marina Albright own Albright Fashion Library. This mother and daughter have a one-of-a kind high fashion closet that is one of the largest privately held collection closet for lending to editors, stylist, and celebrities! Located in a 7,000 square foot loft at 62 Cooper Square in New York the showroom holds 15,000 dresses and 10,000 evening gowns from Chanel to Valentino! Plus thousands of accessories and shoes!  Costume Designer Patricia Fields, selected many pieces from this lending library for the character Carrie Bradshaw(Sarah Jessica Parker) in Sex In the City. 

Inspirational Quote

"Fashion is a tool... to compete in life outside the home. People like you better, without knowing why, because people always react well to a person they like the looks of." -Mary Quant

Did you know?

Liz Claiborne Inc. was the first company founded by a woman to be listed in the Fortune 500. Claiborne designed coordinated outfits that were serious and stylish, but also affordable, for working women as they pioneered their way up corporate ladders in the 1970s and 1980s. The brand emphasized ensemble sportswear and quality while keeping the price tag moderate.

Inspirational Quote

"I think of many people and no one as a muse. I love the way Sofia looks always, and I love the way Kim looks always. Fashion may be part of their world, but it's not their whole life. It's not everything."- Marc Jacobs

New Style Icon

New style icon/ socialite, Olivia Palermo, from The City has definitely made her presence in the fashion industry. Her fashion and style choices has lead her to be the center of attention! Vogue.com has been following Olivia Palermo on what she wears daily for the month of April. So if you are a fashionista that loves Olivia Palermo style, you should check out this daily scoop! Pictures are provided and a description of each article of clothing is given! So go ahead, indulge...you know you want to check it out! 

Inspirational Quote

"Fashion must be forever new or she becomes insipid" -James Russell Lowell

Did you know?

Doc Martens was a shoe that was mostly worn by people such as ambulance and police workers, but became a 1970s fashion shoe. In the late 70s young people suddenly adopted Doc Martens sensible laced up shoes as a fashion accessory. 

Inspirational Quote

"That's one thing about fashion that you really shouldn't be...you can't be melancholy in fashion because people don't respond to it." - Isaac Mizrahi

Upgrading your mens wardrobe

Upgrading your wardrobe! from Esquire

"New styles, new colors, new options: A little bit of new keeps things interesting. To wit: Dockers has reinvented its classic cotton chino with a brand-new contemporary fit. With 12 shades to choose from, you can even add a new color or two to your closet."
"It fits better, feels great, and, in the case of Prada's MTM program, gives you more than 250 cloth options. The brand also offers MTM shirts in vintage Prada prints. "Suit (from $2,625), vest (from $895), shirt (from $445), and leather shoes ($595) by Prada.

Inspirational Quote

"I design for the woman who loves being a woman"..."Attitude is everything"-Diane von Furstenberg

FASHION NEWS to ThInK about!

Reported by Souri Kim, the press contact for CFDA, The Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) donated $1 million to the Clinton Bush Haiti Fund at the Pierre Hotel in New York City. The check, presented to President Bill Clinton by CFDA President Diane von Furstenberg, Andrew Rosen, CEO of Theory / Helmut Lang, and designer Tory Burch, represents the proceeds from the “Fashion for Haiti” T-shirt initiative which raised monies for the victims of the January 12 earthquake.The $25 short sleeve T-shirt was manufactured by Theory and went on sale on February 16, 2010 at retailers across the country and online. The “Fashion for Haiti” T-shirt logo was designed by Peter Arnell.

Inspirational Quote

"We don't want to wear black every day, but we don't want head-to-toe color every day either. Green can sort of do both and I think that's what's great about it."- Michael Kors

Did you know?

The corset which lasted for centuries, until its decline in the 1900's was made from all sorts of things(including wood,whalebone,and leather) to achieve the perfect "wasp-waist." The perfect waist size was once considered to be a hand-span! During the 1700's, wealthy fashionistas even went as far as having their bottom ribs removed!

Inspirational Quote

"I like the sort of 'nothingness' of the jeans and the T-shirt. I feel that's about as close as I can get to the future because it seems like something so old that will always be, so I feel it's a safe bet for the future."- Marc Jacobs

TIPS ON MENSWEAR

TIPS ON HOW TO CHOOSE CLOTHES TO MAKE YOU LOOK TALLER:
#1. Wear clothes that are fitted, meaning don't purchase something that is not your correct size. Wearing a comfortable-fitted attire can accentuate your body's lines which will make you seem slim and taller. Also find a tailor to alter your clothes if you can not find your correct size. Clothes that are too big will make you look shorter and messy.

#2. Try also choosing colors that consist of the same shades within your whole outfit. The trick is to make your outfit look sleek and elongate your frame by transitioning from one clothing article to another. When you choose colors within the same shade range, your legs will appear longer and their will be less "visible sections" of the body because your belt will blend in also.

#3. Dark colors can help make you look slimmer and have power. Dark colors have a psychological affect that makes you look taller and more proportionate than what you are.

Inspirational Quote

"There's no Chanel collection without black. (It) will never exist. Who can live without some black clothes."- Karl Lagerfeld

FASHION NEWS to ThInK about!

Reported by Renata Espinosa, Badgley Miskcha has now become a little less pricy when it comes to their label's Mark and James bridal collection. This signature line was shown in New York on Saturday, April 10, as the second season of its Fall 2010 collection. Shorter length dresses to romantic ball gown dresses were designed for those soon to be brides! Their focus was on silhouette and was inspired by vintage gowns from the '20s and '50s! The prices for Badgley Mischka signature collection range from $4610 to $7250.

Inspirational Quote

"The bitterness of poor quality is remembered long after the sweetness of low price has faded from memory."- Aldo Gucci

Nicole Richie Fashionable Sense of Style

Has anyone seen Nicole Richie on the cover of Cosmopolitan's March issue!? She looks absolutely fab! Nicole Richie has been rated one of the top celebrities with a fashionable sense of style! She was even on the cover of Marie Claire's February issue! Nicole Richie's new line, Winter Kate has been previewed in Nylon magazine! Her Fall 2010 line up was said to be "retro and modern, with floaty dresses and printed jackets that you'll never want to put back in the closet!"

Inspirational Quote

"The well-dressed man is he whose clothes you never notice."- William Somerset Maugham

Project Runway

Have you been keeping up with Project Runway lately?? Well the finale will soon be shown! Models present creations during the "Project Runway" Fall 2010 fashion show at New York Fashion Week, Feb. 12, 2010. Ten contestants of Lifetime's "Project Runway" showed collections anonymously at New York Fashion Week, part of the reality show's efforts to keep the three finalists secret until the television season ends. Can't wait for this to be aired! Look at some of the fashion shows' photos are so enticing!

Inspirational Quote

"Zest is the secret of all beauty. There is no beauty that is attractive without zest."-Christian Dior

Did you know?

Zara does not spend money on advertisements and promotions. Zara is a wing of Europe's biggest, rapidly evolving and most triumphant fashion clothing retailers, Grupo Inditex. Other well popular stores in similar chain are Massimo Dutti, Bershka and Pull and Bear. Inditex operates business via more than two thousand stores in 56 countries. The first Zara shop was launched in 1975 at La Coruna, Galicia and at present it operates more than four hundred owned stores globally. In the previous five years they have witnessed sales up by 25 percent year on year.

Moda404: A boutique for men who are fashion lovers

Hello Fashionistos! Have you checked out Moda404 in Atlanta recently? This top notch boutique has now moved from its original location! Moda404 is now looking outrageously chic as ever! If you thought the first place was amazing, wait until you stop by their new location! The vibe in Moda404 is an one of a kind, it has a perfect ambiance to match the quality of their service and products!  On top of the fact that it carries the most intricate and top designers labels, from Alessandro Dell'acqua to Vintage Laundry, Moda404 is truly a match made in heaven for men who are fashion lovers! So go ahead, stop by Moda404, you WON'T be disappointed!

Location: Buckhead Commons Shopping Center
                                      3145 Peachtree Rd.
                                      Atlanta, GA 30305

HOURS:Mon-Sat: 12pm-10pm
Sun: by Appt.

Not in Atlanta?? that's okay! check out their website!! www.moda404.com

Inspirational Quote

"Every generation laughs at the old fashions, but follows religiously the new."- Henry David Thoreau

FASHION NEWS to ThInK about!

It was reported by Anne D'innocenzio, AP Retail Writer, that EBay Inc. had the Web marketplace launching a new fashion site Monday. "It's the latest in a series of changes that will sometimes have it acting more like an outlet mall or 'private sale' Web site."

EBay is working with fashion brands and retailers, such as French Connection to act as sellers. The new site is fashion.ebay.com.

Inspirational Quote

 "As a fashion designer, I was always aware that I was not an artist, because I was creating something that was made to be sold, marketed, used, and ultimately discarded." - Tom Ford 

TIPS ON MENSWEAR SHOPPING

Check the label
Just because the clothing is made by a designer, this doesn't make it a good deal. Many high-end labels now have low-cost diffusion lines meant for department stores: Ralph Lauren's Chaps and a Calvin Klein white label confusingly called Calvin Klein, for instance. You didn't drive an hour to the outlet to buy that stuff;—you're after deep discounts on the premium lines.

Also... GQ had some other great tips to go by! check them out!

How to buy vintage...

1. Even if you found a unique leather jacket for cheap, if it's too big, do not buy it.

2. Certain brands increase in value as they age such as: Classic-era Levi's, Vuarnet, old-school Nike, supply-store-era Abercrombie & Fitch, and The North Face.

3. Think twice about these suits from the '50s and '60s. Do not buy a suit that is made to have the trousers come up to your belly button!

4. If it looks too stained to wear off the rack, don't buy it. Dry cleaning usually destroys the garment at the point of the stain.

5. Leather boots, flannels, and dress shirts with monogrammed initials (that aren't yours) are all excellent candidates for vintage. Western-style shirts, however, should be left behind. They're always cut long, to be tucked in. But these days, the only guys who tuck in western shirts are professional bull riders.

Inspirational Quote

"Be daring, be different, be impractical, be anything that will assert integrity of purpose and imaginative vision against the play-it-safers, the creatures of the commonplace, the slaves of the ordinary." -Cecil Beaton

Did you know?

"Donna Karan began her career as an assistant designer with Anne Klein in the late 1960s, where she was eventually promoted to associate designer in 1971. When Anne Klein herself passed away from cancer in 1974, Takihyo Corporation of Japan became the new owner and Karan, together with her former classmate and friend Louis Dell’Ollio, became head designer of the house. She went on to win several awards under this label before launching her own brand in 1985."

The return of an Artist

On WWD, it was reported that more than 3,200 people packed into a Tokyo stadium to catch the Yohji Yamamoto's return to the runway for his men’s collection.

Inspirational Quote

“Only great minds can afford a simple style.” by Stendal

Love Affair With the Meaning of Life

As of late I could not help but notice the infatuation between the Fleur De Lys and fashion... it would almost seem like a love affair. Its not even a trend, for a trend would be one label setting a standard for others to follow, however every label seems to be adopting the facet. From LRG down to the up and rising Affliction label, everyone has incorporated the Fleur De Lys on a back pocket or on a man's chest. As a outsider to fashion one may see it as a premonition to the Saint's success or maybe even a parallel. As a insider I see it as beauty because I understand the true meaning of the Fleur De Lys... the flower of life.