Q-Tips: Red Style Inspiration

With Valentine's Day being around the corner, and with February being Heart Disease Month, I was totally inspired by the color red this week.  Red was my favorite color growing up, and I still find it to be an amazing color to pop any look.  Each of the following pieces could be the standalone moment to any look; be inspired to make your own red moment!

Supremebeing Chute Jacket -  120 euro, http://www.supremebeing.com/
I love the laid back aesthetic of this brand; based in the UK, you can find Supremebeing at many retailers and stockists in the US.  This jacket

The Tie Bar Red velvet tie, $15, http://www.thetiebar.com/
Quality ties for a great price - you really can't beat it!  Velvet ties aren't just for formal occasions; you can wear this with a casual look to add texture, or go literal and spruce up your more formal/dressy look.

Gucci Leather Belt - $325, www.gucci.com (available on www.saks.com)
Nothing stands out like a Gucci belt.  Imagine how much more you would stand out when its red!

Jack Spade, Coca Cola Mouth Tote Bag, $75, http://www.jackspade.com/
This bag isn't totally red, but I love the mouth on this tote; put me in the mind of Valentine's Day.  If you're daring enough to wear red head-to-toe, then you could use this tote to break up the contrasts you would likely have since most reds don't match.

Walk Over Shoes Red Suede Derby, $249, www.walkover.com
Suede oxfords are a must have this season; they're a classic, and this color will give you the attention you want; you can be as casual and plan from ankle upward, but this shoe will totally give you a style moment.

Q-Tips: Five Menswear Lessons Learned in Milan

Milan Fashion Week took menswear to another level for Fall/Winter 2012/2013.  We saw trends like camouflage make a silent exit, and the tailored look keep its firm hold on menswear for another year.  Fur collared coats, printed suits, and leather accessories dominated the runways, and we saw more illusions of skirts than actual skirts, which is a good thing.  Aside from the given "Italy Does Menswear like No Other" phrase of wisdom, there were five lessons learned throughout the collections shown in Milan, and I share them below:

Lesson #1:
If you wear a coat, it better be cool.
(l to r: DSquared2, Versace, Roberto Cavali, Ermenegildo Zegna)

By cool, we do intend the pun.  Full length coats with fur collars, leather straps, crazy colors and bold prints were covering the runways, making statement pieces go beyond belts and shoes.  

Lesson #2:
Winter Bearding is Acceptable and Important.
(l to r: Missoni,Vivienne Westwood, Umit Benan, Diesel Black Gold)

Whether its to show support of the trend of growing beards in winter, or to rough up the collections, beards were not taboo this season.  It was a nail in the "male models should be hairless, frail, and pail" coffin; only fitting since the majority of men  didn't fit into that category.

 

Lesson #3:
Suits are classy.  Just, classy.
(l to r: Canali, Jonathan Saunders, Fendi, Bottega Veneta)

From printed, to classic tailored fabrics, designers brought tailored perfection to Milan this season.  Double-breasted, four buttons, and two-toned suits made it back to the runways, acceptable because of the impeccable fit that the modern man requires.  

Lesson 4:
Wear Blue like There's No Tomorrow
(l to r: Z Zegna, Iceberg, Costume National, Salvatore Ferragamo)

Going as light or as deep in hue, blue is remaining a constant colorway to incorporate into menswear collections.  You can essentially put more than two hues of blue together in the same look without it losing its class touch. 

Lesson #5: Leather Weather is King
(l to r: Jil Sander, Bally, Pringle of Scotland, John Richmond)

Again, with the emphasis of tailored execution, leather can be colored, suited, bagged, or gloved for Fall 2012.  Black leather reigned in man of the collections, but colored options were not scarce, and adding a pop of color to your gloves is a must-have for the season. 

Q-Tips: Blue State of Mind

Blue has been in the news alot lately, with the birth of Beyonce and Jay-Z's bundle of joy, Blue Ivy carter.  It also seems that I can't shake my love for the neutral color that, no matter whether you're classic or modern, compliments any look.  Here are a few picks inspired by my own Blue State of Mind.

Fin's Jacob Desert Boot - $240 USD (on sale now!) & Webster Belt - $85 USD http://www.finsforhim.com/

This London brand has "Classic Gentleman" written all over it!  Blue suede shoes are turning into a staple rather than a statement, and these desert boots execute the look in a timeless fashion.  The suede woven belt has enough detail to match with a blue suede shoe, or make its own statement against any other color combo.  Those not using the Euro, make this a wish list item to your European friends, they also ship internationally!

 

Columbia Bugaboo Oh Ski™ Sock - $35, http://www.columbia.com/

It's winter time, and you don't have to fight the cold in performance winter boots, when you can keep  your feet warm with a performance sock by outfitter brand Columbia. These socks with Omni-Heat® technolocy, have both fashion and function, high enough to peak past your boots to show a pop of color through your rolled-up trousers.

Nooka Zub Zenh MB 20 Watch -  $100, http://www.nooka.com/
Nooka is all about technology, fun, and bold colors; such a statement, that everyone knows when you're wearing a Nooka!  This new watch by the brand has all the fun elements of what we love from Nooka, and it's always a good conversation starter to see if anyone else can read the time, other than yourself.

Q-Tips: How to Get Vested like Rick Santorum

Rick Santorum has had quite the rise to the top (or high middle) over the last couple weeks in the polls.  Today marks the day of the Iowa primary, which could potentially give Santorum his chance to be at the top of the GOP Race. If you've been following this GOP entertainment, you may have noticed that Santorum has at least one thing that stays consistent; and that one thing is the sweater vest.  Sweater vests have been the corporate, default choice for going casual in a formal environment.  Directors, professors, and uncles alike understand the versatility of the sweater vest, but it deosn't always translate to a more fashion-oriented atmosphere. The sweater vest doesn't make a bold statement, nor does it cause anyone to admire your sense of fashion; but there are cases where a nice sweater vest makes for a great layering piece to a suit or underneath a blazer. This season, however, has been the season for performance vests; vests that are meant for cold weather, but this year trends high in the stylish polls.  You may see them named as puffers, gilets, or waistcoats.  There are slight differences, but to the standard eye, each can be styled to the same level of perfection.  Here are some top choices for your vest ballot:

Joe Fresh Puff Vest $35, http://www.joefresh.com/
This simple puff vest from Joe Fresh will keep you warm, not break the bank, and will be the perfect color blocker for your trendy needs!

Zara Chevoit Waist Coat $80 (on sale now!) http://www.zara.com/
By going with a darker wool, this waist coat, though too think to layer under a jacket, can be pairs with a shirt and bowtie to dress up a casual occasion.

Suit Vincet Gilet $218.16, http://www.asos.com/
Danish brand Suit, is available on ASOS and has this very unique gilet with a slim collar, which takes away the bulky shape that vests of this style sometimes reflect. 

Penfield Gillman Vest $350 (on sale now!), http://www.penfieldusa.com/
Penfield is known for their vests, and are usually easy to identify.  This limited edition vest, featuring the scottish wool from Jameison's, is the perfect stand-alone vest to make your stylish statement.  Fair isles print is totally on trend this season, and you are guaranteed to be warm with the Penfield name on your tag.

Avenue Swank x Modasuite: Editor Picks for Earth Toned Classics

While I am into color blocking, and making bold statements with color this season, earth tones will always get the best of me.  Warm, earthy tones have a way of exuding its own sense of style no matter who's wearing it.  Being neutral, each piece can be paired with warmer or brighter colors, and can be as formal or as casual per your needs as separates.  Modasuite has just what you need to satusfy your earthy needs, and you can check out my curated picks by clicking here.

Q-Tips Holiday: Stocking Stuffer Guide for Women

The Twelve Days of Christmas are here, and many of you are stuck between a partidge in a hard place.  The big gift may take some time (though you don't have much time left) to buy, but you can at least grab some stocking stuffers for your favorite lady!

Candy Store Accessories - Range $10-20, Macy's (http://www.macys.com/)
Candy Store’s silicone accessories offer protection for delicate items that would otherwise be destroyed or lost at the bottom of a handbag.  They’re resistant to anything and everything, from heat to even turkey gravy, and can be easily cleaned with water.  The bright colors are fun, and can be the perfect gift for women of all ages.

Melania Black & White Crystal Band Ring - $59.50, http://www.qvc.com/
Melania Trump's new line of fashion jewelry exclusive to QVC has a selection of statement pieces that will enhance any New Year's Eve look with ease.

AllSaints Arouet Bracelet, $95, http://www.allsaints.com/
Everything needs edge.  This versatile zinc bracelet will can soften or harden any look. 
 
 

Gap Cable Nnit Pom-Pom Hat, $21.90 (sale!), http://www.gap.com/
My favorite part of this hat is the fur pom-pom; adds a simple luxe factor to the chunky cableknit skully.  

Q-Tips: Glove Guide Inspired by Drake's AMA Performance

 photos: Getty Images

If you saw the Drake performance from the 2011 American Music Awards, you know that his hand moves more than Mariah's during a performance.  With Drake's hand being his hype-man for the night, you couldn't help but notice those Nike gloves he was wearing.  Not sure of the statement or funcitonality those gloves made for Drake, but it inspired me to help any of in the market for a new pair of gloves.  Gloves are to be functional, warm, and add something to your overall look if you plan on wearing them indoors.  If its strictly to keep your hands warm outside while you are biking and/or hiking.. then his Nike gloves may have done the trick. Otherwise, these are suggestions to what he should have opted for:

Top Men's Looks Versace for H&M

The countdown has essentially ended for the opportunity to get your hands on the Versace for H&M Collection!  I have to admit that my experience with Lanvin's H&M Collection will be unmatched since Lanvin is one of my favorite fashion houses, but I do have my eye on a few pieces from the Versace Collection.  Since Versace is a larger, more popular brand here in the US, I imagine that my method of attack for Lanvin may not work in this instance; hence, my picks may just be for my own viewing pleasure, although I'll keep my fashion fingers crossed! 

Here is my head-to-toe look from the Versace for H&M Collection.  Its definitely all about keeping it simple, but popping when its necessary.  The jungle print won't be part of my look.. but I emplore you to go for it if you love it!  Donatella Versace did a great job with the men's collection, providing something for every man's aesthetic.  From the leather jacket, to the studden tank and shorts, to the green and black zebra skinny pants, you can be as hip, or as simple (simple is relative with Versace) as you want!  The pieces below are a direct reflection of my sense of style; simple, classic, but unmistaken in boldness and style.  That magenta jacket will speak for itself.

Q-Tips: How To Wear Givenchy Like Kanye West

This is how Givenchy styled Rob Evans for the Fall 2011 Campaign Ad.  Powerful, relentless, and, for the lack of better words, fierce. 

The full Givenchy Fall 2011 collection by Ricardo Tisci was very aggressive and Gothic in nature, introducing rottweilers throughout the collection.  You can tell that there was a certain man in mind with these designs; a confident, arrogant man with money to spend and style to capture.  It's no question that Kanye exemplifies this Givenchy man, and it was no surprise that he would wear Givenchy from beginning to end during the Watch the Throne Tour.

After the Kanye West reveal of the leather pants, kilt and rottweiler tops, its only a matter of time that people will start wanted to try this trend. Givenchy is amazing, but it definitely artistic in nature, and works well with those who have a true sense of fashion. There's nothing classic or traditional about it, so there are some rules you need to follow in order to wear the Givenchy Rottweiler like Kanye West. In order to show you HOW to wear it, I will give you rules on HOW NOT to wear it.

1. Don't mispronounce Givenchy. Jee-von-shee... Got it?


2. Don't blow your entire check, or dig yourself into more debt buying this shirt. The black button down rottweiler shirt retails for just under $1000. Just for the shirt.  Imagine how much the jacket and shorts cost. 

3. Don't eat that last doughnut! - The collection looks much better on slimmer guys, because it pairs with slim fit pants, and/or leather tights. Would you really want to see a man in size XL tights?

4.  Don't wear with denim - Unless it is black denim in a slim or skinny fit.  This look will not match well with blue denim, no matter how dark the wash. You really should be executing the look with shorts and tights, but for those of you not ready to go all the way there, stay with a slim fit pair of black pants. 

5. Don't overdress the look - The collection was styled with sneakers, so going with black loafers may take away from its urban aesthetic.  This is why Kanye's Nike Air Yeezys worked so well with the look.  Basic black sneakers with white soles (think Gourmet, or Clae) will also create a complete look.