My Quintessential Look

I have always defined my style as: "Conservative With An Edge." In my mind's eye, this translates to updating and/or adding personality to what would otherwise be considered traditional and commonplace looks. My new favorite outfit best epitomizes that style philosophy.

For inspiration, I turn to the traditional corporate raider/corporate executive look, a stereotype cemented by the stylings of Gordon Gekko (shown below) from the 1987 movie classic, "Wall Street."

Taking cues from the picture above (primarily the braces pulling up the pants to create a high-waist pant, and the printed tie), I update the look and add "edge" to it. The result is the following:

I create a modernized look by using dark colors and creating a slim silhouette by mixing tailored pieces. I take a fitted black 1MX shirt, black Photographer pants, both by EXPRESS, and my black leather Nunn Bush derbys to create a dark, solid-color canvas. To provide contrast and pizazz to the outfit, I unbutton the top two buttons of the shirt to show a little skin and to let the black with white stripes Billy London silk tie hang low. I complete the look by using the gray skinny suspenders by Levis to pull the pants up, to create the high-waist.

By using dark colors and more fitted pieces, I update and spice up the Gordon Gekko look, essentially taking a conservative look and edging it out to make it my own, my "conservative with an edge" own!

Shopping Wish List Part 03: Messenger/Work Bags

I hate to admit it, but in some ways, I feel like a style hypocrite. When it comes to clothes, I have a tendency to sacrifice comfort for actually looking stylish. For example, given a choice between wearing a tacky holiday-themed sweater versus looking fashionable and not wearing layers (with the exception of workout clothes for going on a jog), I would probably choose freezing and suffering the bitter cold than being caught dead in public looking hideous.

However, when it comes to actually carrying books or my laptop around, I tend to opt for utilitarian and functional, instead of style. It is on this point where I guess I could be considered a contradiction. Even with my style evolution, my work accessories have fallen behind. I still carry this:

My Targus laptop bag serves me well! I do not regret owning it because it has protected my valuable laptop, books, notes, papers, what have you, through all types of weather! To the inner fashionista, it is devoid of color, clunky, and gray. To the practical me, it is functional, useful, sturdy, and durable.

Without realizing it, my definition of "stylish" invoked "utility" and "style" as mutually exclusive from each other. But, just as before, thanks to my bestie Kit Kat, she convinced me to marry the inner fashionista with the inner pragmatist. She influenced me to invest in a stylish, albeit functional alternative: The Messenger Bag!

Wish List Item 03: Messenger/Work Bag

Messenger bags, also known as work bags depending on which label one looks at, come in many different shapes, sizes, and sturdiness. Some come in a cloth/canvas/denim type fabrics, like this by 21 Men by Forever 21 (Image screencapped from Forever 21's website):

Some come in more expensive leather. Here is one by Prada (Image screencapped from Neiman Marcus' website):

Some are made only to carry papers, folders, books, like this one by Lanvin (Image screencapped from Neiman Marcus' website):

Just like this leather work bag from Banana Republic, messenger bags can have special padded compartments to protect one's laptop (Image screencapped from Banana Republic's website):

Bottom line, having been exposed to the more fashionable work accessories, I have come to the following realization: Backpacks are more appropriate for the elementary, middle or high school student, or more for the outdoorsy types. (Note: I realize that not all backpacks are like Jansports and that there are luxe types out there by high-end designers. This comment is not directed to those.) Once one graduates to institutions of higher education or to the work place, so too should their bags. When the finances permit, on my next trip, I'm on the hunt for a messenger bag that will last me a while, even if it means paying a hefty sum!

Geek Chic For A Warm Day

Knowing full well that it is warm outside, I take one of my favorite "Geek Chic" outfits, and make it fit with the weather. The result:

Because it is not as chilly today as it has been the past week, I pair basic staples for warm weather, a tank top (in black) and cargo shorts (also in black), both by H&M. However, because I hate showing too much skin, I roll up the sleeves of a tailored white button-down shirt, also by H&M, and put it over the pure black canvas, not only for contrast, but also to add a little sophistication. I complete the look by wearing my black and white Vans Era shoes and skinny black suspenders by Levis, to "geek-ify" the look.

A little revealing, yet tasteful. Geeky, yet sophisticated...

Geek Chic in Purple

Here is another take on what I consider "Geek Chic" for the Spring/Summer 2012 season. For this dressed up look, I pair a tailored purple button down shirt with a smoke-colored regular rise, slim-fit, straight leg, twill cotton pants both by H&M. I complete the look by adding on gray skinny suspenders by Levi's a silver, honeycomb-patterned skinny tie by Twentyone Men by Forever 21, and my black derbys by Nunn Bush.

Why do I consider this "geek chic"? For one, the suspenders and glasses hearken back to Steve Urkel. Two, the zip-pocket detail on the pants add the functionality and give the pants a denim-casual look that is a stereotypical staple in the urban geek's closet. However, by going for a clean and tailored look, I add a polished sophistication to the outfit.

Shopping Wish List Part 02: Polo and Crew Neck Tees

Whenever my bestie Kit Kat and I hang out, she always faults me for dressing as if I was going to work. I would wear button-downs, neckties, black shoes, essentially wardrobe that would be suited for the office. She would gripe about how my definition of casual wear is essentially business casual. Now that I have started to relax on my stance for the black and whites, I too have relented on my definition of what is appropriate for casual wear. Consequently, the next time I go shopping, I'm going to buy more polo shirts and crew neck tees.

WISH LIST ITEM 02: Polo and Crew Neck Tees

With color blocking and bright, vibrant colors trending for the Spring/Summer 2012 fashion season, these two types of separates are great for following the mod. For example, these polo shirts from EXPRESS come in bold blues (aqua (left), seaside blue (right)):

The same goes for the crew neck tees. Here is one, also from EXPRESS, in a bright "Eastern Red":

What's great about these separates is that one can mix and match the crew neck underneath the polo for a color blocked look that fits the season. In addition, they are nice separates that can be worn for a casual day at work when one does not have the time to think about an outfit.

As such, next time I go shopping, I will be on the hunt for these basic staples!

Sky Blue Geek Chic Casual

Hearkening back to Steve Urkel and channeling the inner dork, but following this season's trend (bright colors) and with more edge, here is my take on the "Geek Chic" look:

In this mostly H&M look, I pair my low-rise, black slim fit &Drain denim by H&M with a bright sky blue button down. The black skinny suspenders by Levi's adds geekiness to the look. However, by unbuttoning the shirt to reveal some skin and the black H&M tank, the raciness is amped and this dork is dressed for a night on the town or a casual day with friends.

Shopping Wish List Part 01: Shorts

I hate to admit it, but I am addicted to shopping! Yes, that is right, when funds permit, I will add cash to my clothing allowance. Although it is a good thing that I have an apportioned budget solely for my wardrobe, there are cons too. I may wastefully spend that hard-earned money for items that I have plenty of (i.e., tops and button-down shirts). To curb such expenditure, I am following an advice that I read somewhere (the source of which I forgot); that is, I have started to create an actual shopping list of items that I need to include in my wardrobe. Having done that, I am sharing with you all my must-haves and the items that I will look for on my next outing to the mall.

Wish List Item 01: Shorts

Although I have my go-to black cargo shorts from H&M, I have been meaning to expand my selection of shorts and now would be a good time to do so because they are currently in trend for the Spring/Summer 2012 season.

Besides being in trend, they are versatile staples. When paired with a plain or graphic tee or a knit, they can be worn for a casual day outing, as exemplified by the following look (All screen caps from www.gq.com).

N.Hoolywood

When paired with a tailored fit button down dress shirt, or fitted suit jacket, this casual item can be dressed up for a night out on the town or for a date, as seen in these looks by Pringle of Scotland (left) and Gant Rugger (right):

Another major trend is the use of bold, vibrant, and electric colors. What is interesting about shorts is that they come in many neon colors that will work great with this season's trend. Shorts are an item that can be paired with a bright item to achieve a color blocked outfit without much effort.

General Idea

In "short," (Yes, the pun was intended.), shorts are versatile must-haves that will work great almost year round and why I have to buy me several pairs in different colors.

The Denim Shirt: Redux

According to Ann-Sofie Johansson, the head designer at H&M, a key look for the season involves a blue shirt. Although what's trending is the blue denim shirt, I think it can be expanded to include any blue shirt, including dress shirts. That said, here is another look involving a blue shirt that can be used for an outing, a date, for a casual day at work (assuming the shirt had all buttons buttoned or one unbuttoned button), or just for running errands.

Here I pair a blue and white pinstriped dress shirt by H&M with a Rocco slim-fit, low-rise blue denim by EXPRESS. To add sophistication to an otherwise blue and casual look, I accessorize with black. I complete the look by styling with a silk black skinny tie by EXPRESS, belt by Levis, and my never-fail Nunn Bush black leather derbys.

The Denim Shirt: A Season Must-Have

One of the must have articles for Spring/Summer 2012 is the denim shirt. Both H&M and EXPRESS have a denim shirt for purchase. It is a great article to have in your wardrobe because it can always be worn for a casual outing, but it can also be dressed up for a more swanky setting, which is what I did for today.

For my outing with my bestie Kit Kat to Little Tokyo, I was inspired to dress up this H&M styling of the denim shirt (Picture screencaptured from H&M's website):

The result:

For this look, I created a blue, neutral palette by pairing a blue denim shirt and a distressed blue &Drain low-rise, slim-fit jeans, both by H&M. To dress up the look, I rolled down the barrel cuffs and paired it with a tartan red and plain skinny tie by Forever 21. To complete the look, I accessorized it with a black leather belt by Levi's and used my black Nunn Bush leather derbys to add an air of professionalism.

Question - Does It Work?

My New Year's resolution for 2012 is to actually incorporate color in my clothes at least once a week. I've worn reds and blues, and even plum. However, as my bestie Kit Kat noted, these colors were my comfort colors, in that I always gravitated to tints and hues of them. Keeping that in mind, here is my first attempt to do so in another color other than red and blue, in an outfit that is mostly EXPRESS.

For this look, I'm wearing an Extra Slim Fit 1MX button-down shirt in a mallard color (dark green?), a steel and white pinstripe Photographer pants, and a gray-striped silk skinny tie by EXPRESS. To complete the look, I'm wearing a black leather belt by H&M and my black lace-up derbys by Nunn Bush. Was this a successful look such that it should warrant me to add green to my closet?

Sporty, Yet Sophisticated

This is the season for sportswear as "athletic chic" is in for Spring 2012! Just because these clothes tend to be more casual, it does not mean that they cannot be made sophisticated. Here is my way to dress up something sporty!

For this look, I am wearing a black and gray EXPRESS track jacket. Underneath, I have a gray Fruit of the Loom crew neck tee to stand out from the black. I dress up the look by wearing a black low rise slim fit &Drain by H&M. Any black solid basic such as a dress shirt or pants will almost always automatically add class to any outfit. To complete the look, in lieu of sneakers, I wore my leather black lace-up derbys by Nunn Bush to add some professional flare.

Dressing Up Shorts!

Shorts are "in" this Spring 2012 season. Here is how I transformed a casual staple and dressed it up for a more sophisticated look. (And yes, I wore this to do errands! It is important to look good wherever you go!)

Here, I am wearing my fitted black cargo shorts from H&M. Because black has a tendency to look dressy already, I amped up the taste level by pairing these shorts with a "faux" sweater vest long sleeve polo shirt by Heritage 1981 from Forever 21 and black leather derbys. When mixed together, these pieces added a more polished and sophisticated feel and exuded a preppy vibe.

Beware though... Fit is important! The more tailored the look, the more expensive it appears because of its sleekness... Wearing overly baggy clothes will cheapen the look and will potentially make others think, "Did he/she look in the mirror before leaving?"

Start Over Queen: Money Corner: Hollywood's Hottest Coke Man

Start Over Queen: Money Corner: Hollywood's Hottest Coke Man: Due to the content of this article name of the interview subject has been change, and his picture (as he requested will not be released). ...

To Donate or Not To Donate?...

...that is the question when choosing which articles of clothing that might need to get donated when spring cleaning.

In general, a key rule of thumb Tim Gunn suggests to prevent your closet from overflowing with clothes is that if you have not worn something for more than a year, dispose of it or donate it, whichever you prefer. While for common basics of clothing (i.e. plain button-down shirts, dress shirts, pants, denim, etc.) these are easier to part with, for more "specialized" pieces (i.e. vests, outerwear, sweaters, etc.) it is best to hold off! Why? You may never know when that special piece might come back in style. Case in point, my look for today:

Today's casual outfit that I wore to do work at Starbucks consisted of a black Fruit of the Loom crew neck tee, black Rocco slim-fit, low-rise denim by Express, cloth belt by H&M, and a colorblocked track jacket by Express, and black suede sneakers by Airwalks. The highlight of this look was the track jacket!

This was a jacket I purchased two years ago. Though I rarely use it due to my reluctance to layer clothing in Southern California weather, it rarely sees beyond the closet doors. Today was one of the few occasions it got some use. Purposefully, I might add, because colorblocking is making a comeback for Spring 2012. If I donated my jacket because it did not get used, being the fashionista that I am, I probably would have had to purchase a lot more colors just to color block separates, or to buy already colorblocked clothes. With this jacket already in my closet, I did not have to. By looking through my wardrobe, I was able to use something that I already owned to create a look that is on trend!

So when doing "spring" cleaning, be prudent and wise! You may never know when you may need that piece of clothing again!

When Bargains Strike, Go For It!

According to GQ, one of the majors trends making a comeback for the spring 2012 season is plaid. It is making a comeback in different styles and color schemes. Because I have my own sense of "conservative with an edge" style, I am one to not follow trends if it goes against my "ideal" look. However, if something is to my taste, I will try it and potentially go along with it, especially if it comes at a bargain!

For the first day of the New Year, I actually made a shopping purchase from one of my favorite stores, Express. And I would have to say that I made several bargains and, best yet, they follow trends seen on the runway for the upcoming spring 2012. Here are the three button-down shirts that I purchased (All images were screencapped from Express's website):

Article A: Plaid Palest Blue Fitted Cotton Shirt (Original Price: $69.90, Express Cash Discount: $44.90)

Article B: Plaid Steel Extra Slim Fit Cotton Shirt (Original Price: $64.90, Clearance Price: $31.99)

Article C: Plaid Silver Haze Fitted Shirt (Original Price: $69.90, Clearance Price: $31.99)

Article A is a piece from Express's newest arrival. It's a plaid button-down shirt that can be worn with or without necktie for a casual and work-appropriate, respectively, looks. Because of a previous purchase I made, I received an Express Cash Coupon that allowed me to receive a $25 discount for every $50 purchase on non-clearance items. Looking for a deal, it was a no-brainer to use the coupon.

Articles B and C were on clearance sale because they are "last" season's style and consequently, they have been heavily discounted. (Twice actually! They were both originally 70% off! A few days later, they were discounted an additional 20%!) However, according to GQ, they technically would be back in because they are plaid! As described in the name of the look, it is still plaid, but a different pattern and color scheme of plaid. Because I love the looks (especially C) I bought them at their discounted price, AND on trend.

But that is not the best part! If I bought all the shirts for their original prices, before tax, I would have spent more than $200! But in all, with all the discounts and coupons and tax, I spent $125! That was a savings of $75!

The first moral of the story: Although they are labelled as last season's styles, buy them anyway! Use them and make the most of them. At the same time, they are ready in your closet for use when they comeback into trend, because styles and trends usually make a comeback in fashion, especially the common patterns or prints. For me, I was fortunate that plaid was prominent again this season! The second moral: Wait as long as you can to see how much of a discount you can get, especially on clearance items! I did! And I made away with a relative steal on New Year's day!