Posts Tagged ‘ John Varvatos ’

Shopping in the Mens Section Don’t be Scared to Borrow from the Boys

I’m going to share a little style secret today, sometimes I wear men’s clothing.

Although it may seem daunting at first you shouldn’t be scared to borrow from the boys!  There are a gazillion reasons to check out the mens section when adding to your wardrobe starting with the fact that men’s clothing is built better! It’s more durable, last longer and it’s also cheaper!

Yes, you read correctly MENS CLOTHING IS CHEAPER! There is a research-backed phenomenon out there called the Pink Tax. Women pay more for basic necessities like conditioner, razors, deodorant and of course clothing and it totally sucks.

The same t-shirt you find for $30 in the mens section can cost up to double that in the womens! Looking for an over-sized sweater? A polyester one in the womens section often costs as much as a Merino Wool one in the mens section and that’s just CRAZY!

Shopping in the men’s department can also be a solution to other problems, like if you have wide feet you might be able to find better fitting shoes in the men’s department. Or if you’re tall it’ll be easier to find long sleeve tops that reach all the way down your arms rather than ending abruptly two inches away from your wrist.  And if you want minimalist no-frills silhouettes then the men’s section is perfect.

Expanding my shopping to include the men’s section has led me to discover some of my all-time favorite wardrobe staples. Now I only buy mens or unisex t-shirts.  I hate the way womens t-shirts are made- with their stupid tiny cap sleeves and thin fabric that falls apart and clings to your body. Men’s tees offer a fitted silhouette with sleeves that are the perfect length and extra durable fabric. Men’s leather jackets are on regular outfit rotation in my closet and men’s sweaters are the softest coziest things around!

There’s a reason some of the hottest brands right now are offering gender-neutral collections—Over the last few seasons, luxury designers like Gucci and  Saint Laurent have held coed runway shows. Moda Operandi debuted its first unisex streetwear collection, and Zara released their unisex “Ungendered” Collection with models of both sexes styled in the same clothes. Increasingly, it’s become pretty apparent that what men and women want to wear is essentially the same.

Ready to borrow from the boys? Here are a few tricks to keep in mind when shopping in the men’s department:

  • Stay away from pants and jeans.  Men’s bottoms aren’t designed for women’s bodies and it’s really difficult to get mens pants to work even if you have them altered.
  • Keep it at the belt and above the belt. Opt for outwear, sweaters, sweatshirts, tees, belts, scarves and portfolios (which make really great clutches).
  • Play with sizing.  Try on everything from a mens small to a mens large. Oversized is totally chic right now and you may need to experiment item by item on what the best fit is.  I have worn everything from a mens small to a mens XL depending on cut and style. The John Varvatos Sweater I’m wearing (which I picked up at the John Varvatos Outlet at Las Vegas Premium Outlets North last week) is perfectly oversized in a Large.  It’s roomy enough to give that chic over-sized vibe but I’m not drowning in it.

What I’m Wearing: John Varvatos Limited Edition Numbered Cardigan | Unique Vintage x Universal Monsters Unisex Bride of Frankenstein Tee | Kenzo Boots | John Varvatos Bandana | H&M Paper Bag Skirt | TOPSHOP Clutch |

Click to SHOP some of my Favorite Borrow from the Boys Pieces:

Things You Should Buy in the Mens Section

White Collar: Steal the Style

This season Fashion has taken a trip in the DeLorean to visit the 1940s, 1950s, and 1960s.  Collections abound with Classic Ladylike Silhouettes and Modern Versions of the Classic Gentleman.  One of the best examples of this “Modern Gentleman” is Matt Bomers character Neal Caffery on USAs hit show White Collar.

For those not familiar with the show you need to catch up!  (The complete season 1 is available on DVD).

Here’s a crash course:

“White Collar is about the unlikely partnership of a con artist and an FBI agent who have been playing cat and mouse for years. Neal Caffrey (Matt Bomer) a charming criminal mastermind, is finally caught by his nemesis, FBI Agent Peter Burke (Tim DeKay).

When Neal escapes from a maximum-security prison to find his long-lost love, Peter nabs him once again. Rather than returning to jail, Neal suggests an alternate plan: He’ll provide his criminal expertise to assist the Feds in catching other elusive criminals in exchange for his eventual freedom. Initially wary, Peter quickly finds that Neal provides insight and intuition that can’t be found on the right side of the law.”

Neal is smart, sexy, charming and a little dangerous!  All the things women love!

The Perfect Modern Gentleman.

I spoke with Stephanie Maslansky the Costume Designer for White Collar about Neal’s style:

Q: How would you describe Neal Caffrey’s Style?

SM: Neal’s look is rooted in the Rat Pack Era of the mid 1950’s to ’60’s.  Icons of charismatic cool–Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra , and Sammy Davis Jr, adopted the look.  Their appeal was a particular brand of charm and wit–an overall attitude reflected by a new approach to style presenting a fresh, slimmer silhouette.  Today the attitude and silhouette have been refined for modern times.  Neal Caffrey exudes confidence and sophistication and has embraced the style as his creative influence, favoring fedoras, slim ties, suits and shirts tailored to appear custom- made.

Q: Neal’s wardrobe is always smart but manly.  It has a great balance.  How do you keep the fashion forward edge but not make him look like too much of a dandy?

SM: It’s important that Neal is sharp and sexy, not metro.  Neal is comfortable knowing that his look sends the right message.  Details, graphics and colors complement one other; no element overwhelms the costume.  T-shirt and sweater necklines are not too scooped and shirt collars are neither too small or too large.  It has a lot with proportion.  Ties, lapels and pant legs are the correct width.  Too wide or too slim can be foppish and distracting.  Pocket squares are controlled.  The fit of everything is the key.

Q: How can viewers incorporate Neal’s style into their wardrobe repertoire?

SM: The Rat Pack look embraced by Neal Caffreyhas been popularized- first at the couture level and then by ready-to-wear.  Neal currently wears Paul Smith, Gucci, Dolce & Gabanna, John Varvatos, Thomas Pink, and Calvin Klein.  He wears flat-front trousers and 2-button jackets.  He favors vintage cuff-links and tie bars.  He has a great collection of felt and straw fedoras.  Viewers can also find these looks for less money, if they shop wisely.  Discount stores, consignment and thrift shops, sample sales and flea markets are good places to start.  department stores have great sales at the end of a season.  Its worth the money and effort to have a jacket sleeve and trouser correctly tailored.

 Q: If a viewer was to purchase 1 key piece to get Neal’s style what would it be?

SM: Neal’s Fedora  is his signature accessory.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Burn Notice: Steal the Style

Sadly, my Summer Blog Posts will soon be at an end..it will shortly be time to move onto Fall/Winter topics but I cannot leave summer without a Post on Style inspired by one of my favorite television shows USA’s “Burn Notice”.

To me Burn Notice is Summer!  So grab a Mojito and lets get dressed!

 

For those of you not familiar with this sizzling hot Miami based series here is a short run-down: Jeffrey Donovan stars as agent Michael Westen a “burned” spy who returns to Miami where he uses his special ops training to help those in need, and track down the men who wrongly burned him with the help of his trigger happy ex-girlfriend Fiona (Gabrielle Anwar) and hilarious sidekick  Sam (Bruce Campbell).

With an affinity for yogurt, Michael Westen’s style is classic easy Miami sophistication.  Who wouldn’t want to dress like this guy! He’s as cool as it gets! Linen and light weight suits, great shades and crisp dress shirts.

Here’s what you need to Steal the Style:

Fiona “may look like she just stepped out of a fashion magazine but she’s a force to be reckoned with”. She is Michael’s on again, off again, and then on again girlfriend.  “Fiona is definitely a shoot first and asks questions later kind of gal. Her fearless nature is both enticing and dangerous, as she is capable of making things go “boom” very quickly.”

Her style includes  slinky one shoulder dresses, fitted jeans, easy tanks and of course the famous hip bag!

I have been searching for this bag FOREVER and finally found the PERFECT one at Happy Cow! Happy Cow’s line is  AMAZING!  “Completely Environment-Friendly: The entire range of bags & accessories are handcrafted from recycled leather. We purchase off-cuts of leather from high-end furniture manufacturers, anything that is too small to make furniture out of is sold to us. Effectively meaning we are using brand new, high-quality leather that would otherwise be thrown away. This means less pressure on the environment and no unnecessary suffering. ” Happy Cow is my new obsession!  The waist and hip bags look super-cool and are one of my favorite things to wear on set!  Hands free!  I LOVE HAPPY COW!  http://www.happycow.com.au/

Here’s what you need to Steal the Style:

 

Sam is Michael’s hilarious and dependable sidekick.  An ex Navy Seal who loves Mojitos and rich divorcees.  His style is Classic Tropical Resort.  One stop at Tommy Bahama and you’ve got it!

Here’s what you need to Steal the Style: