7 Signs That You're Trying Too Hard To Be Stylish

For every trend and style, there are at least 100 ways to go overboard.

1. Too many bright colours

Firstly, colour blocking is over. It's a trend that is gone - done and dusted. Show some restraint and opt for one or two colours. You might think wearing all red or blue is cool, but really it just makes you seem like you don't know what you're doing. If you are going to wear colour, wear it down with some neutrals such as black, grey or navy so that you won't look like a fool.

The pictures below demonstrate the point. The picture on the left is way out there. Too many colours and nothing bringing the look together. The picture on the right is bright, yes, but it is held together by a slick black tie and grey shirt - nothing screaming and nothing too busy, unlike in the first picture.

Source: complex.com

2. Flaunting your expensive clothes (Over Branding) 

Ah, my favourite. Flaunting your Louis Vuitton bag with your Guess watch and your Burberry shirt is just a no-no. If you have money to blow, buy items with so-called "stealth wealth" in mind: luxurious items that are subtle in their design. Going out of your way to show off your expensive labels just makes you look like an asshole with a credit card who is trying too hard.

Don't be a walking fashion advertisement.

Source: complex.com 

3. Over accessorizing

When it comes to fashion, you should put on everything you want to wear, and then take the last item off. The last thing you put on is exactly what needs to go off. Nice bow tie, cool bracelet, sexy watch, nice suspenders, oh you have your ears pierced, too? Why don't you put a star on your head to complete the Christmas tree look. Seriously though, less is more. A bow tie, a watch and a bracelet are more than enough.

4. Popped Collars

Are you outside? Is it windy? Are you wearing a lovely wool coat? If yes, then you're fine. Are you indoors? Are you wearing a polo t-shirt? Is your name Juicy J or Dj Paul? No? Then put that collar down.

Source: cheezburger.com 

5. You're Visibly Uncomfortable and you keep adjusting yourself

If you're constantly wondering "Am I pulling this off?" You're not. If you check yourself out in every window or mirror you pass because you're not sure if that jacket or that pair of pants looks ok, that's a sign that it's just not your style.

Clothing should enhance your confidence, not make you feel more insecure.

6. Matchy Matchy

Matching your clothing with your sneakers was cool back in 2006, but those days are long gone. If you're still making sure that your t-shirt matches your All Stars and your jeans and your cap, then you need to check yourself. This of course doesn't mean that you can't wear things that work well together or are in the same colour or design family. The point is not to deliberately match. Like wearing your black and orange t-shirt with black and orange sneakers and a black and orange cap. That is not a hot look.

7. You think expensive clothes will make you stylish

There are plenty of clothes that are super expensive and a lot of them are great. But there are also plenty of tacky clothes produced that also cost a fortune. If you are blowing your money on Louis Vuitton belts and bags that everyone else also owns, or  if you are spending your money on randaom ridiculous "stuff" then you most probably look like a douche. You don't need to go into insane credit/debit card debt. Just find a few key pieces that you actually like and work around those.

LV scarf, belt and bag. Douche. 
Source: complex.com 

Does This Come In Black?

Abundant Black Disorder (ABD) is what I suffer from. It's a wardrobe dysfunction that's rarely spoken about. According to colour experts, it can occur at any time in a man or woman's life. 

The symptoms: a closet full of black clothing and accessories, the irresistible urge to 'buy it in black' no matter what... and the feeling of being too fat or too visible if you wear anything other than black, black, black. Who doesn't love black? It's chic and sexy, it makes you look thin and you can wear it anywhere. 

What people don't realize is that wearing black all the time seriously cramps your style and makes you look old. But how? Black is notorious for making your skin look aged and highlighting your wrinkles. Fabulousafter40.com compares having ABD to going to an ice-cream store. Imagine salivating over hundreds of exotic, delicious and oh so tempting flavours then ordering a tiny scoop of low fat vanilla. It's basic and practical but it will leave you feeling bored and unsatisfied, sucking the joy from your life and your look. Bland, bland, bland!  

Beware of falling into that black hole.  

H2T black is really a thing of the past, even for guys. Why then do we keep buying black? Why do I keep buying black? Generally, people who wear a lot of black want to go unnoticed.  I work with a bunch of over 40s and some of them really wouldn't understand my style. It's a dilemma I discussed briefly in Corporate Looks For Men. 

How can you cure ABD? STOP being so terribly predictable. Perk up your looks and liven up your soul with a dash of colour. Promise yourself not to buy black for a very long time :) 

If it's too drastic a change for you right off the bat, then look for outfits that combine black with a bold colour or pattern. Here are some examples to ease you slowly out of black and into colour. 

Prints: Prints are a huge trend at the moment. Aztec, stripes or anything else that works.

                                 

Black on Top or Bottom: If you can't give up black completely, try black on the top or the bottom just so you have a bit of safety. Break the black is the name of the game.

Add personality: A simple pattern or a bright color adds life and personality to a black suit, where there was none before. Justin Bieber is doing it right with his red D&G pocket scarf.
Have fun experimenting with different colours! If black is "home", play it safe until you are ready to spread your wings and embrace some awesome patterns and colours :)

"It's not a Man Purse, It's called a satchel. Indiana Jones has one."

I love this quote from the Hangover. 

I'd like to start with Urban Dictionary's multi definition of 'man-bag.' It's rather funny.

* A bag with one strap worn by metrosexual or homosexual males, especially prevalent in cities and on college campuses. 

* A purse or large duffel bag or any type of bag carried by a man. NOT ALWAYS gay. 

* A stylish small pouch with one strap or a large messenger bag, simply carried by men.The men who wear these aren't all necessarily gay. They are just metrosexual or have a really good sense of style. Just because a man dresses decently doesn't mean he's homesexual. 

I love Urban Dictionary. I find it both strange and funny that reference is made to 'gay' or 'homosexual' in every one of those definitions. I mean, nobody finds men with pierced ears gay or men who spend hours in front of a mirror doing their hair.

Man bag jokes are as old as the hills. Wearing a man bag does not make you gay. Traditionally men would stuff their wallet, cellphone, car keys, condoms, pictures of kids, pens and notebooks all into their front and back pockets of their jeans causing an unsightly bulge. Stuffing your back pocket with your wallet also drew unwanted attention to your ass. Not classy.


I've always used man bags at varsity just out of necessity but when I moved to South Korea 2 years ago I was amazed at how popular man bags are. In fact, they are so popular it may be a fashion crime to be seen without one. Man bags are popular enough to rival females' purses. And with good reason- man bags are extremely convenient and practical.

It's also very common for a man to rock a man bag even when his girlfriend doesn't although in the picture below it's probable that the guy is carrying his girlfriend's purse. We'd hope that that's not his Chanel purse he's sporting.

This brings me to my next point. There's nothing wrong with wearing a Chanel purse IF it was made and designed for men. I'm all for liberation and freedom of expression but there are limits as to what is allowed and what isn't. Usually man bags are quite simple yet very stylish without the feminine frills and trims. But this doesn't stop some men from carrying their girlfriends'.

I can't emphasis enough how practical these bags are.

Here are some types of man bags, hopefully this will help you make a better, more informed decision when buying your bag, especially if you're a first time man bag buyer:

1. Study 

Usually something trendy and fun to carry books, stationery and other study material.

2. Work 

Likely to be sophisticated and in dark 'business' colours like black, brown, grey etc. Work man bags are also more 'box-ey'  Leather is a popular choice. These days, most bags are designed to fit a laptop which makes it even more practical. This is kind of a modern version of the briefcase.

3. Play 

A 'going 'out' bag.  Day trips, night trips, just a really convenient bag for keeping your wallet, phone, keys and other necessities. The modern man may also want to store his iPad and some other personal items. The reporter bag or messenger bag best fits this profile as it's small, sexy and can contain everything you want it to. Reporter bags usually have the same characteristics - rectangular in shape with one big fold over flap in the front and a zip at the back. And of course the signature single strap.

A sexy little Polo reporter bag. 

4. Sport / Sleepovers 

Gym bags, which essentially are duffel bags, are getting more and more stylish.

While a traditional gym bag looks like this...

...your more modern gym bag looks like this.

There isn't much of a major difference between duffel and gym bags. It's a really versatile bag especially for weekend and overnight trips. Obviously you wouldn't use this to the office.

***

It's a fashion, it's a style, it's a trend. And it's convenient. But if you still prefer to carry your phone, wallet and car keys in your hand everywhere you go or if you prefer to stuff everything into your pockets then go right ahead.

"Beauty is about symmetry", says Robert Verdi, host of E! and the Style Networks's Fashion Police. "Unless you're carrying two wallets, you're going to look lopsided (with only one stuffed pocket). Even when you have a vented jacket on, you've still got a bump on your ass. Why would you want a bump on your ass?"

Wearing a man bag takes confidence and of course security. A man needs to be secure enough to know that he is wearing a great bag, highly practical and wearing it does not make him gay.


Here are some celebs proudly rocking their man bags

David Beckham. I'm not sure if the bag works with his look
but great bag nevertheless. 

Jay-Z, Usher and Kanye West rocking their man bags. 

Man bag or Murse? 

Ronaldo - man bag or murse? 

I have nothing against a murse (male purse) but you really have to have the swag to pull it off otherwise it will just look like you're using your girlfriends purse.


There are many benefits and advantages of wearing such an accessory. And it's cool. Use it, don't use it.

Until next time...

Golden Globe Greats 2013

Some of the best dressed at the 2013 Golden Globes... 

Daniel Craig looking like a boss while Rachel Weisz looks
like she's en-route to a funeral. She has people staring for all the wrong 
reasons.

The gorgeous Halle Berry taking a beautiful risk. But the dress is a bit
'out there'. 

Nicole Kidman looking dreary in black. 

Jodie Foster who is now also lesbian. 

George Clooney and his lady friend looking suave in black

Jennifer Garner looking sultry and fierce in red! 

Eva looking great but her dress is bordering on a hot mess. 

Colour Blocking Is Rocking

Some A-List celebs rocking their colours.
Source: Frills and Thrills

Fashionistas, I greet you all.

A great new trend this summer - Colour blocking. We've seen the trend around for the past few months and although summer is technically supposed to end next month, we know that the beachy sunny days will be around until March or April. Well, in the southern hemisphere at least. 

Colour blocking is all about choosing distinct colours from completely opposite sides of the spectrum and pairing them up. However, you can also use colours from the same colour family. The look is bright, fresh and perfect for summer. Much like the Aztec look, it may seem like anything goes but this is not true. Colour blocking is not just about throwing bright colours on for the sake of following a trend. Try to choose colours that are distinct from each other. The basic rule is to limit your colour spread to two. Three or four colours are possible if you have experience and know what you're doing.

Two Colours 

The basic rule for two colours is to keep one neutral and the other bright and colourful. Depending on your choices, this should be the safe option.

Source: New York Monthly Mag

For the neutral try black, white, beige, ivory, dark blue etc. For the bright colour  add orange, yellow, pink, blue, green etc. Even with just one pop of colour, this look is designed to stand out and make a statement. Alternatively you can substitute the neutral for a dark such as black, dark blue, brown etc and then pair that up with a bright colour. Black essentially goes with anything.

Three or Four Colours 

To be even more daring, add one or two more colours to your look. This can be done with other pieces of clothing or even accessories. The basic rule here is to have only one neon colour. There's nothing worse than wearing two neons. Another tip is to wear a primary colour and then pair that with two or three secondary colours as demonstrated on this colour wheel.

The primary colours being Blue, Yellow and Red.
Source: StyleParadeSA 

Accessories should also be kept in the same colour family as the picture below demonstrates. It's very easy to become a 'hot mess' so make sure you ooze that confidence and rock those colours. Belts, clutches, shoes etc will all bring your look together so use these to your advantage.

Taking The Easy Way Out 

If you're unsure about what colours to rock or how to rock them, don't despair. Some awesome dresses have been designed to give you the same look but with less effort on your part.

The colours have been selected for you so make sure you choose your accessories wisely.
Source: God Diva

Colour Blocking For Men

As with most fashion trends these days, men can also be part of the fun. Same rules as above although most guys prefer to pair up just two colours while the more adventurous of men go all out.

Bold, bright and out there.
Source: Josie Marie

Colour blocking but more toned down, literally.  Nice use of royal blue.
Source: The X Stylez

Source: Elle 

Fashion, like law has to be decided on a case by case basis. Before leaving the house make sure you give yourself a second and third look in the mirror and note any comments by your family or friends.

Say goodbye to your boring basics and hello to some bright and cheerful additions to your wardrobe!

In Love With Aztec

Don't be caught without an Aztec print this summer. 

My love for this beautiful print has led me to this post. I don't really want to promote the trend because it's all over the place and you can see it for yourself but I'd like to give you more insight as to where the print originates and how to wear it best. 

The Aztec print originates in Mexico and was worn by the tribes of the Aztec empire. The style varied according to the social class that people belonged to (the commoners, the upper class, the merchants, the military etc). Ancient Aztec clothing was generally loose fitting and did not cover the whole body. The clothes were made from cotton or ayate fiber. 

The print has been modernized and is perfect for summer. Wearing the print gives you an instant status boost. People know that you know what the current trends are and you aren't afraid to take risks. The style does have an element of tribal exotic to it. At first glance people may perceive it as African because of the boldness of the colours and the ethnic shapes in the design.

(source: mensfashionmagazine)

The print is best worn with a plain colour that doesn't clash (you don't want to pattern block, do you?). Keep the other garment plain and preferably in the same colour family in order to get the best look out of your uber cool Aztec print. It may look like anything goes but that's not true. You should spend 5 minutes in the morning deciding if those green pants are going to match your multi-coloured Aztec shirt. Fastening the top button of your shirt takes your look to a whoooole new level of hotness. Again, you need to ensure that you have the complete look from H2T (Head to toe).

At this point a pair of wongas or shades compliment the top half of your look while a trendy pair of sneakers and a cool belt will compliment your bottom half. 

You can wear as much or as little Aztec as you want as the picture below demonstrates. 

Of course the print is also available for women with bigger, brighter and bolder designs. The clothes are cheap and affordable and a simple tee (such as those above) costs about R59. Finish this look off with some Aztec accessories (scarf/shades/watch/bracelet/ring/chain) and you're good to go! 

From High to Low

(source: LifeUnsweetened)

Almost a perfect balance between the mini and the maxi, these beautiful and interesting skirts are one of the hottest trends for women right now. Of course, you need to have a great pair of legs (or at least not be shy to show them off) to pull this off. I think the skirt looks best on women who are leggy and tall-ish as the hemline is designed to show off those great legs and pretty feet. But I'm biased, I love tall people. It can work on women of all shapes and sizes it just depends on how you put it together. 

(source: All 4 women)

The basic skirt looks like an unfinished project of a fashion design student... but with all the frills, colours, patterns and  fabric choices, you can literally pull it off with whatever you choose to pair it with. Obviously you should wear a great pair of shoes and a fitted blouse that's not too busy as the skirt needs to be the main attraction. 

Immediate impression of the skirt is that it's whimsical and 'out-there' so you obviously need to be prepared to break some boundaries and make a statement. You can also go for a smarter look by wearing a pair of heels and accessories and your look will scream glamour and sophistication. 

(source: glamour)

(source: Fried Junk)

(source: Best Handmade)

(source: Best Handmade)

The skirts are available at most women's outlets: Mr Price, Legit, Jay-Jays, Edgars, Truworths etc and range from about R69.99 to about R199.99.

Go get yours today!!