Man Style

This post is inspired by a conversation that I recently had with a guy friend of mine. He asked me if men had to wear fitted shirts and skinny jeans now to be fashionable because that seems to be the "iT" thing now. I replied that I didn't think that they had to and that there's so many other things that men can do to make their wardrobe and appearances more interesting.


Don't get me wrong...I like the fitted shirts and skinny jeans on some men. The truth is that it doesn't look great on everyone. He went on to say that he needed to go shopping to upgrade his wardrobe. Me being a shopaholic, was very excited about this and volunteered to help. Naturally, he laughed and said no thanks. Though the blissful thoughts of stores, sales and shopping were quickly shot down and rejected by my friend, it got me to thinking about how men (straight men in particular) need help when it comes to shopping.

Dictionary.com defines the metrosexual as:

A heterosexual male who has a strong aesthetic sense and inordinate interest in appearance and style, similar to that of homosexual males.

I am going to give tips and advice to all of the men that are a bit clueless, yet intrigued by the possibilities of standing out, staying fashion forward and becoming a certified metrosexual.

Skin, Hair and Overall Maintenance

Most men tend to stick to their old, simple, go-to products without knowing that there are tons of wonderful options out there. Believe it or not gentleman, there are products specifically made for you. From face cleansers, scrubs, moisturizers, toners, eye creams, lip balms, shower gels, lotions, even anti-aging solutions to your typical shave gel and aftershave. Here's a few brands that you can try:

Kiehl's  

Anthony Logistics for Men

Lab Series Skincare

I know these next suggestions will make some of you uneasy, but please trust me. Most women like a well-groomed, kempt man. This means try getting regular haircuts, facials, manicures, pedicures, waxed and yes your eyebrows trimmed (not arched, unless you're into that). If a girl is anything like me, she prefers her man to have minimal hair; clear, smooth skin; no bushy, unibrow; and clean, trimmed nails.

Personal Style

It is important that you develop your own personal sense of style. Don't just buy something because you saw someone else with it on or wear something because your girlfriend, wife or mother bought it and you secretly hate it. You should feel comfortable in clothes. You should feel good about putting it on. Pick a look that you feel is "you" and go from there. Start by reading "5 Tips To Improve Your Fashion Style" on AskMen.Com. Also, it's a good idea to pick up a few magazines like: GQ and Men's Vogue.

Shopping

There is an unfair reality that women can find better bargains in clothing, shoes and accessories without compromising quality than men can. However, please realize that in order to look your very best, it is important to get well made, quality items. And there are a few stores that you can go to without breaking the bank. Now that you know about developing personal style, here's a few stores and items that will help you achieve the look:

Department Stores: Nordstrom, Bloomingdale's, Macy's and Saks

Discount stores: TJ Maxx, Marshall's, Filene's Basement and Nordstrom Rack

Chain Stores: H&M, Zara and Express

Online Stores: GiltMan.com, BrownsFashion.com, Asos.com and Bluefly.com

Essential items that every man should have:

1.   Watch: Every man should have a nice watch. I always compare the importance of a man having a nice watch to the importance of a woman having a nice handbag. This is where you should splurge a little: Tag Heuer, Movado, Breitling, Omega, Baume et Mercier, Cartier, Ebel, Audemars Piguet and of course big poppa, Rolex. To me, a nice watch, is definitely a status symbol and makes a strong statement.

   

2.   Signature Scent: Women aren't the only ones that have signature scents. It is important that men find their signature scent as well. Women are turned on by certain colognes and they create long lasting impressions on us. It gives us that warm, fuzzy feeling whenever we smell your cologne. For more tips, read "How To: Find Your Signature Scent" on AskMen.com

3.   Man Bag: I know what you're thinking: "I'm a man, I don't carry a purse". But, this isn't a purse...well ok it's a "purse" for men. It's a substitute for the bulky, old school briefcase and more chic than a backpack. Most man bags are Messenger bags, Satchels or Lap-top bags. Face it, you need something to store and organize your phone, laptop, iPad, iPod, wallet, keys and any other daily necessities. 

Tumi LXT Imagination Messenger Bag 

4.   Accessories, Accessories, Accessories: To me, this is one of the most essential things when it comes to style, whether you're a man or a woman. Most men don't know the importance of having that something extra to make an outfit go from 10 to 100. Granted that men have less to work with when it comes to accessories, but hey work with what you have and be creative. Scarves, sunglasses, hats (not baseball caps), gloves, belts, cuff links and ties can work wonders for a basic shirt, jeans, or slacks. Also, try to expand your wardrobe to things like vests, layering items, different types of shoes (not just sneakers) or as my friend calls them: In-between shoes.

5.   Last but not least, CONFIDENCE: Without confidence or Swag, none of the above mentioned things or this entire blog post will matter. It is up to you to pull off these things with ease. You must be comfortable in wearing each item and trying the products. Read, research and ask for help if you're unsure where to start. Just by reading this, you are well on your way. Good Luck!!

XOXO,

iT Girl Forever

Essential Diva Survival Kit

My friends always laugh at me because I carry my life in my purse. Where this may be true, they don't laugh when they need something out of my "survival" kit! LOL!

 I feel that every woman needs to have the Essential Diva Survival Kit (EDSK) at all times. In order to maintain your fabulousness and never be caught off guard, this is a must have. I will break down what I feel should go in it and I am definitely open to all suggestions. Enjoy Dolls!!

Cosmetic Bag
First you need a cute cosmetic bag to keep all of your essentials in. Here's one that I love:

Cris Notti Cosmetic Bag - Beauty Encounter

Compact Mirror
This is a must have! To touch up make-up, check your hair, make sure there's nothing in your teeth, etc. It doesn't hurt if you can find one that is cute and decorative too! Mine is in the shape of Hello Kitty! Here's some that are Tres Chic:

Calypso Soul Compact Mirror - Sephora

Poppy Compact Mirror - Sephora

Nail File

You never want to be caught with a ragged or chipped nail do you? Try the Zebra file from Sally Beauty: Zebra Nail File - Sally Beauty 

Travel Size / Rollerball Fragrance or Body Spray

Travel sized or rollerball fragrances and body mists are great to carry in your kit. When you need a refresher or if you have a last minute date, you can spritz and tuck it right back in your bag. Most designer fragrances have a smaller version available for travel. A really cool one is the DKNY Delicious Dual Rollerball. It offers two fragrances in one.

DKNY Delicious Duo Rollerball - Sephora

Tide to Go Stain Remover

I swear by the Tide to Go Stain Remover Pen. It has saved me from many embarrassing moments of spilling coffee or food on my blouse. And they make it in a mini so it will fit perfectly into your cosmetic bag: Tide to Go Instant Stain Remover

Bobby Pins and Safety Pins

Think back to a situation where your life would have been easier if only you had a safety pin or a bobby pin. Perhaps for a wardrobe malfunction or on a really hot day where you need your hair pinned up. These tiny tools can come in handy. Keep some in your kit at all times!

Hand Sanitizer

Ever been in a public restroom and there's no soap to wash your hands?? This is where that hand sanitizer comes to the rescue. Ladies we must stay sanitary at all times! I actually keep a bottle in my car, purse and desk at work.

Colgate Wisp

I Love this product! You can always have minty breath...even after that onion bagel. Imagine having to go on a last minute date or party and can't go all the way home to "freshen up". Colgate Wisps are like little, disposable toothbrushes with built-in toothpaste...and no water is needed. Genius!  Colgate Wisp

Lip Gloss

I don't think this needs an explanation! It should be a staple in every girl's bag.

So let's recap: In our EDSK, we have things to assure that we look and feel top-notch at all times, have smooth nails, stain-free clothing, have fresh breath, smell good, clean hands, and "just in case" pins. I think we've covered most fashion emergencies that can occur on any given day. So go on, create your Essential Diva Survival Kit and be FIERCE on the go!!

Smooches,

It Girl Forever 

Beauty is Pain...but it's worth it...sometimes!

I know we've all heard the term, "Beauty is pain". I want to explore and discuss why women feel that it's necessary to sacrifice comfort for what looks good.

I'm guilty of this myself. I mean what girl hasn't worn 5 and 6 inch stilettos because they were FIERCE, just to have sore feet by the end of the night? The thing is, the pain is only short lived so it's worth it...right? My shoe philosophy is "The higher the heel, the better the shoe looks"!

But it's not just shoes that we go through pain for the sake of beauty. There's all types of crazy surgical procedures: breast augmentations and reductions, face lifts, brow lifts (all types of lifts), nips and tucks, liposuction, etc. Hey, men do it too...can we say, Gynecomastia (enlarged male breasts). At the end of the day, these things make people feel better about themselves and more beautiful. My concern is for some of the bad things that can happen during surgery and the health issues that one can have later. I'm not going to preach about the risks that are taken but I do want to say, please if you are considering getting plastic surgery, DO YOUR RESEARCH! Or else, you'll end up looking like this:

The issue of going through some form of pain or discomfort goes all the way back to the 16th Century when Elizabethan women wore uncomfortable corsets and undergarments to look thin and more shapely.

"The iron corset must have been exceptionally uncomfortable and heavy to wear and could only have been worn by Elizabethan ladies not doing any form of heavy work. Their only benefit seems to be that they produced the incredibly small waisted, elongated flat chested smooth line torso. "

Early Corsetry: Fashion History By Pauline Weston Thomas for Fashion-Era.com

In the past, women went through more extreme measures of portraying what was considered beautiful at that time. Crazy, horrible things such as: elongating and flattening the head, stretching the lips with metal rings, induced large eyes with deadly plants and binding feet as stated in Beauty is Shape  by Pauline Weston Thomas for Fashion-Era.com.

I'm very happy and grateful to be living in a much more open and free era. If women choose to alter their appearance, it's their choice and not a requirement. I think I'll just stick to the 5 inch stilettos!

"The pain passes, but the beauty remains."
-  Pierre Auguste Renoir

 

Inner Fashionista

I always feel bad when some women feel like they have no sense of style. Usually this type of thinking leads to them not even trying to make an effort. I find this unacceptable. I'm a true believer that all women have an "Inner Fashionista"! She just needs help embracing and unleashing her.

"What I often see is that people are scared of fashion — because they're frightened or insecure, so they put it down...There is something about fashion that can make people very nervous," said Anna Wintour in "The September Issue".

I happen to agree with Anna on this. I do feel that in general, we are afraid of what we don't understand. It may seem trivial or even shallow, but dressing well is extremely important. To me, your appearance says a lot about you as a person. For example, if I were walking down the street and saw a woman (or man) that looked disheveled, like they just got up and rolled out of bed, I couldn't take that person seriously. It tells me that they really don't care about how they are viewed...and not to mention it just looks BAD! 


Ladies, THERE ARE NO EXCUSES...WE HAVE OPTIONS!! Tons of options! There's never an excuse to look bad. Even on a budget, we can look like a million bucks. All it takes is some effort. A plain t-shirt and jeans can be transformed into something chic with a jacket, heels and some jewelry. Actually, just accessories alone, can turn a drab outfit into something fab!


If you don't know where to start, pick up some fashion mags like: InStyle (my fav!), Elle, W, Vogue, etc.  Grab a friend that you can trust to go shopping with to help pick out different looks. Try out a few and see what works for you. The key is to make an effort! Don't be afraid...DISCOVER YOUR INNER FASHIONISTA AND BE FABULOUS!!


Smooches
iT Girl Forever