Men's Style Part One

It has come to my attention that I need to devote more time and effort to men's fashion. I'll admit I find this task pretty daunting, where to start!!!

As I've said before, whether we like it or not style is how we present ourselves to the world. I've needed to remind myself of this on more bleary-eyed days than I can count. So I'm always a little bit in awe when I see a dapper-dressed man. Sure we see men that aren't afraid to be stylish in the media -- the era of grunge and hip-hop has given way to a slew of men that want to look good, just look at Justin Timberlake and Tom Brady. A tremendous example of the grown-up look was NKOTB (New Kids on the Block) on the Today show dressed in fashionable suits, quite the change from when they first came on the scene.

BUT what about the REAL world? In most cases this hasn't caught on to the masses quite yet! That being said, at my office we have the Scottish Style Invasion! As we all know, European men have never been afraid to show their style -- and I love it! Always work-appropriate but polished and fun at the same time, I think all men can take a page out of this book.

My hope is to get real men to share their secrets in the near future, but today It is just me! So here are a few things I think most women want to see...

Clothes that fit! Too big or Too small are Too much...

Just say NO to uber-designer jeans. We still want you to look like a man, Go Levis or even Diesel but leave the Sevens to the ladies...

But indulge in Luxe fabric...Let's face it, you're wardrobe is smaller and you most likely rotate more frequently, so invest in the coziest Cashmere and best qualities...

Aviators are just HOT...

Mix dressy and casual -- Jeans with tie and vest...

This may seem obvious, but no tank-tops ever...

And while we're at it, save the sweats for home...

Ladies what am I missing???? Would love to hear comments on this! There is oh-so-much more on this subject so To Be Continued...

Spring Clean Your Wardrobe

I've never been the most organized person. Add to that the number of items in my closet and lack of decision capabilities and my closet has been known to scare away friends and family. And I've tried, really I've tried to be clean the same way I try to be on time, and it just never seemed to work. Happily both of these things are changing with the help of SisterMuse2. After many reluctant attempts, I finally allowed her to go Oprah my ass! It was not pretty. Even when you think you've sent as many bags as humanly possible to the Salvation Army, I promise there is still more that will be ripped away.

It took a full weekend to get into working order, there were tears that led to therapeutic moments on the couch "what's wrong?" I was overwhelmed. All the disrespect I'd been showing my clothes was being thrown in front of my face -- and I've learned to never go back. As I enter another season it will be easier than ever to change over my wardrobe (something I'd never done before). Here are some of the difficult to learn things I've found the most useful -- And I hope that there is at least one person that can benefit from me showing my extreme naivete at clothes-caring.

1. Get the vacuum-sealed bags to put the majority of out-of-season clothes away. I never really understood the point of this, but having more room in your closet allows for easier access. I do tend to leave out a few items so that only colder evenings I can add in something unexpected like a turtleneck with shorts!

2. No matter how limited your storage space is, do not use the top shelf for stacked clothing. While obvious, it never really dawned on me how to solve the problem of the entire stack falling onto the ground. It is simple, find another place. Use the top shelf for clutches, headbands and other accessories.

3. And because I can't say it better myself look at this In Style article for tips on how to edit and rebuild your closet. It should be a fun experience, like shopping in your favorite boutique!

4. I cannot remember where I read this last tip (maybe Real Simple?), but I love it! Pull out 8 basic pieces, then 8 trendy pieces lay them out and mix/match outfits complete with jewelry, shoes etc. Here is the clincher -- snap photos of the outfits for easy reference when you are getting dressed.

Look fab in a flash!

Fabulous Finds for Skin

Call it the arrogance of the young, but like many things in my life, I'm just starting to get it. This also applies to the things I already knew like sunscreen, I am pretty sure I started taking that seriously when I turned 20; daily moisturizer with SPF when I turned 23. Now that I'm about to slam into 28, I've finally begun to understand the importance of a full skin care regime and have to wonder how much damage I've already done?

A few weeks ago I was at Trish McEvoy getting some new make-up. While I understand they try and peddle every serum under the sun, I knew she meant business after seeing her reaction after she asked if I used an eye cream (it reminded me of Mother Muse back in the day when I was frequently reminded that I "couldn't trick a tricker.") So I had to admit that my emphatic "yes" was more like occasionally dousing a little eye cream when I remember.

This woman was clearly seeing the bigger picture -- I wasn't getting it. So when she sent me on my way with a tote full of trial size products I became obsessed. When I'm looking through the magazines I actually read the skin care articles now and have found some great products for those of us that are just graduating into the "frig, I'm getting older" or "you want how much for an ounce?" groups of women (and men).

As a newbie the following are the most important additions to your skin care regimen -- eye cream, at-home peels, and moisturizer with SPF. With so many options it can be really easy to say the most expensive must be the best, but often that is not the case and is purely marketing.

For eye cream look for products that have collagen boosters like retinol, antioxidants like Vitamin C and peptides. The entire Muse family has been turned onto Dr. Wexler 3 in 1 eye cream as well as all her other products.

At-home peels and microdermabrasion, they sound a lot scarier than they actually are -- I hear it and think of Samantha in SATC, follow the directions and you won't notice a thing. Try Ole Henriksen, Murad or RoC from your local drugstore.

As for moisturizer -- I think this is a totally personal experience...Sister Muse1 likes La Mer but I'm allergic. I like L'Oreal Future E because it is light and easy on the wallet. In fact I like L'Oreal's products in general because they have the same owners and often use the same ingredients as Kiehl's and Lancome.

Oh and give it a few months, because if you are like me, there are years of damage control going down!

Transitional Clothing

I woke up this morning and went about my business getting ready when the most terrible thing happened! I opened my window to see snow gathering on my deck. It took my eyes a few moments to take in the scene because I dismissed winter at least two weeks ago and the first day of spring is tomorrow!!! HELLO, its EASTER!

This happens every year, I stubbornly decide its spring and Mother Nature laughs in my face. I put my frumpy puffer away in favor of a lighter suede trench only to freeze and catch a cold.

What's a muse to do???

Well coats and closed-toe shoes are still a necessity, but there are steps we can take to let Mother Nature know who's boss!

First, lose the dark nails, at least for a while. It is so LC (Lauren Conrad) anyway. Opt for a bright fun shade or neutral for those less daring.

Take baby steps towards letting go of some of the black that's been dominating your wardrobe by shifting to something gray then spice it up with a punch of color like a yellow cardigan or belt.

Probably the easiest way to achieve transition is with a scarf which will completely add life to a basic outfit. Old Navy has some great gauzy scarves (see above) that can be casually strewn on, looped, or put into a 1/2 knot. Or try out the new Boho trend with this great Forever 21 tie-dye scarf -- cheap and easy so when it is SO out next season you won't feel bad discarding.

Start small with accessories, jewelry and make-up and let the weather catch-up to you!

Mother of the Bride

Why is it so difficult to find an MOB (Mother of the Bride) dress? I've been looking high and low for an age appropriate dress that won't have Mother Muse looking like a Vegas Show-Girl that never had the chance to go to the prom!!! For example, perusing Nordstrom's Mother of the Bride section I came across this fab dress and I say fab for me! I mean on what planet does a boomer MOB want to wear this to her daughter's wedding? Conversely, I don't want Mother Muse to look matronly. Factor in budget, body-type and season and I know this quest is not for the faint of heart.

The race is on!

A Few of My Favorite Things

Perusing some of my favorite sites this afternoon (everyone deserves an afternoon tea break) and found this amazing flirty dress on a MAJOR sale!! Sadly the stylemuse is on hiatus from shopping at the moment, but all the better for my friends and family! I'm really enjoying the plethora of ruffles out at the moment. This dress from Kenneth Cole is a perfect bright -- but I would recommend buying a bigger size than the model is wearing (and definitely different shoes, try gladiator/metallic flats).

As I've said before, I'm sad that JCP has hit the mainstream mags and can only hope it doesn't jump the shark prematurely!! But I'm happy to report that there are some real finds right now. Get into the nautical theme with a ruffled stripe shirt (again not sure about this model's outfit).

And totally out of the blue, I found this amazing jewelry site Max & Chloe with the most ridiculous earrings ever!!! I have always loved Jem & the Holograms and with these I finally feel like I might get the chance!!! HA! Admittedly, these are a bit out there, but the site has great stuff from R.J Graziano and Kenneth Jay Lane in one convenient location!

Celebrities Are Just Like Us

I usually try to avoid the "If only I could look like her" in regards to the rich and famous. I try and remember it is their job and that they have a TEAM of people to help them look that way (and almost always when you bump into them at Whole Foods it is a disappointment).

Though, I was very moved by this photo of America Ferrara. She looks stunning, but in a very attainable way. The dress is beautiful in a regal eggplant (one of my favorite hues) and cinches at the smallest part of her waist,drawing attention away from other areas (I suspect the hips). The hair and make-up are done but in an all-American way (kill-me)! This looks should be an inspiration to us all. Got any evening weddings coming this spring?

Get Over Your Bad Self!

"Get over your bad self" is something the Mother Muse tells me frequently, and depending on the context can have all sorts of meanings, but for you today it just means I'd like us all to be free from the preconceived labels we give to certain stores. Just because its Arden B. doesn't mean it is cheesy, and Talbots does not have to mean your grandmother's Sunday best. By holding these notions, we severely limit some serious fashion triumphs! Not to mention, by rising above you'll avoid a fashion rut and leave everyone guessing where you scored the fabulous look.

Still don't believe me??? Well, if Target hasn't sold you on celebrity labels like Isaac and maybe Vera isn't enough to get you to Kohl's, consider this - many of the creative directors behind labels you love are actually not creating the pieces you're wearing.

For example, I bet many of you wouldn't buy Liz Claiborne but tote your Kate Spade proudly...Would you still if you knew that Kate Spade is no longer the creative force behind her brand?

Or would you still pooh-pooh Talbots if you knew the very well-respected Michael Smallbone was behind the brand (formerly of Anne Klein).

phew, ok I think I’ve made my point! You will never find all the things you want in one store, nor should you! A terrible fashion faux-pas would be to look like pg. 76 from a catalog...

So in the essence of sharing, here are a few of my favorite hidden gems:

JC Penney has stealthily built up its brand and now is in many of the mainstream fashion mags. Love the play jewelry and cheap summer dresses! (Check out the jacket above, so cute and just $40)

Victoria Secret has great selection on bathing suits and shoes

Talbots is totally under the radar on handbags, shoes and the occasional party dress. For all the lucky Boston girls -- head to the outlet in Hingham, best deals out there!

When all else fails try the usual suspects: Kohls, Target, H&M, Limited, Marshalls etc.

Getting over your bad self never looked so good!

Shop It To Me!!!

Friends of the Style Muse have been simultaneously thanking and cursing me for the introduction to "Shop it to Me" Alas, I can not be given the credit for this amazing little find, all the credit is bestowed on my Sister Muse.

Quite simply, "Shop it to Me" gathers all your sizes and brands you are interested in and send you a daily email with the sales of the day from your favorite shops. Brilliant!!!

Shop Away!

http://www.shopittome.com/salemail/signup.jsp

Where are the rest of your pants?

I recently had dinner with a dear old friend of mine and as we reminisced I realized how much I missed having his honest male opinion at my fingertips. Even today certain advice still rings true, so I've decided to share a bit with you all.

Capris have long-been in style. I remember this pair of light-pink Old Navy capris I'd paired with a cute black tube top and flip-flops -- "stylish and comfortable" my naive-self thought. My friend picked me up for the party and said "Where are the rest of your pants?" Just when I thought his criticism was finished he added ever-articulately, "And tube tops do nothing for girls, I don't know why they bother, they're so stupid."

With that I was finished! Before I even entered the door to the all-important high school soiree my confidence had been blown (although I'd never have him know it). While that night came and went, the poorly-timed advice has stayed with me -- as a general rule, capris and tube tops are not friends to the female form and will leave most men wondering where are the rest of your pants? (I've done a highly thorough audit of this opinion and find that it does hold true)

Am I suggesting you throw them out completely? Not necessarily, but just because J.Crew has displayed an impossibly cute model on its pages wearing a similar outfit does not mean it will work in the real world.

And while my male friend doesn't usually listen to me, he has no choice but to learn from me as well. Last time he came to visit, he sported the most hideous pair of "mandals" I've seen, so I took matters in my own hands and hid them from him before he left...for his own good.