Gentlemen, This one is for you.

So I don't want the men to feel totally neglected, and I've been planning on doing some entries on menswear, so here goes!
I want to focus on some of my favorite Men's fashion trends and styles throughout the past few years, and I will also be telling you gentlemen what will NOT get you laid. At all.
I guess it's a "Do's and Don'ts" type of article. I will be continuing to write articles on men's fashion so don't fret. I love you too.

Now, I don't think there's anything sexier than a guy in some dark skinny jeans and a black v-neck tee (yeah, I said skinny jeans. I think they're hot on guys. As long as they aren't so tight they look like latex paint, they're completely do-able.), But sometimes you need to kick up your outfit a notch. Kicking up your outfit does NOT mean wearing a Tshirt with glo-paint splashes and a Dude-Bro name label on it. (Affliction and Ed Hardy- STOP MAKING CLOTHES. Please.)

Here are some of my favorite looks that are simple and sexy, but have a little something special to them, along with some Style Icons that wore them best.


1.. Anything Brandon Flowers
Brandon Flowers is the awkward, boyish, and absoloutley gorgeous frontman for the Indie- Post-Punk- New wave band, The Killers. Besides having a voice that makes panties drop, Mr. Flowers is a pioneer in style.
Flowers brought back the ever so popular skinny suit look, but upped the risk factor and took it west. Southwest to be exact. During the Killer's debut album Hot Fuss, they jumped right into the Fall Out Boy/Panic! At the Disco ranks of Alt/Indie pretty boy bands and did the whole eyeliner/ironic suspenders a'la Moulin Rouge type thing, but they soon broke the mold in music and style with their Sophomore Album (my favorite) Sam's Town (A reference to the Band's hometown of Las Vegas).
To cut this short-The Killers made The Wild West "Hipster." Hipster is a terrible term for it I think, but really, the Moustache, the skinny pant and the thick framed glasses all point to the H-word. But there also was a twinge of the west in the look.
I saw them in Concert during their Sam's Town tour, and not only was the show a treat, but the style did not dissapoint.
After their style and sound took a turn for the amazing, Brandon never looked back and has been one of my personal style icons in menswear ever since. I personally love the feather shoulder decorations used for the Spaceman video.
I also am madly, deeply in love with that perfect face and flawless voice, but this is about style.
Goddamn it he's so fucking pretty.






2. Sid Vicious

Back in the 70's, Punk was blowing everyone's minds. Not only with the music, but the rebellious style as well. Kids were breaking away from the "Peace & Love & Flowers & Fringe" of the late 60's, in style and attitude.
When the Sex Pistols came onto the English music scene, not only was the music dirty, gritty and irreverent, but so was the fashion. Holes, rips and safety pins were met with leather, leopard print, buttons and hand-made graphics.
Sid Vicious is probably one of my favorite style icons of the punk era, and why not? There is something very appealing about the bad boy image, and there's also something very appealing about a look that seems the person just threw it together from a craft-table explosion at a thrift store, but knowing secretly that the person put a LOT of effort into said outfit. The devil-may-care
style of Sid Vicious (and for the ladies, his victim/lover Nancy Spungen) will always be a look that can never be copied without looking forced, so try to downplay the look with just certain destroyed peices paired with something a little less...destroyed.
My personal favorite look of Sid's is the white, slightly oversized white blazer (cut just so enough chest is showing) and black cigarette fit pant that looks like it was worn highwatered on purpose...because who cares right? Fuck 'em!







3. The Smiths/Morrissey

Oh, Morrissey. The object of my twin sister's undying love, the lead singer of the band that got her through the turmoils of highschool...and the man who introduced me to the thought that "Oh my heavens, I am ENJOYING an 80's band right now. What...the HELL." I was never one to appreciate the 80's in sound or style, but after I heard the melancholy lyrics, the heavy yet catchy bass riffs, and the haunting voice of Moz himself, I became addicted. The 80's post-punk style has really caught my eye with bands such as The Smiths, Echo and the Bunnymen, and even The Cure (in their earlier days) in sound AND style. Some may say that these bands started the "emo" trend, but I think they really stand in a world of their own up to this day.
There's something really cool about a messy mop (sometimes in the eyes, and usually styled just so...), some thick "my Dad wore these in bootcamp in the 50's" glasses, and those ever trendy acid washed skinny jeans that many of these bands donned in the 80's. There's something incredibly, well, 80's about it, but at the same time, there's nothing 80's about it at all. Moz and others on his wavelength broke away from the bubblegum pop-Michael Jackson infused-froofy-glittery-geometric nonsense of the 80's and simplified the style so that it will continue to be timeless, and can forever influence "This Charming Man" of today.


I have so many more male fashion icons, and in my next menswear article, I will highlight a couple more, and I will also get you guys in the "know" with the do's and don'ts of mens fashion...



So stop whining like girls, because I am so giving you something to read too!


Until next time,


Love & Louboutins


Keely

Launch Time!

So I wanted to make sure I had some substantial enteries for all of you to read, mainly because I don't have time to update every day, and I wanted you to have a good chunk of material to see what my blog is all about.

So with that jabber out of the way:

YAY WE'VE LAUNCHED!

I will be constantly re-writing the HTML on here and will be looking foreward to making many more improvements as we go along. I can't wait to see what this blog will blossom into with experience, and I hope you not only enjoy this blog as entertainment, but also I hope you are able to grow with me and my adventures in fashion and other aspects of my life.
I also hope you leave with some amazing tips on how to be fashionable and sexy of course!
I am a Stand Up Comedienne (1/4 of the time) So I hope you don't take my satirical posts too seriously. Because there is, of course, humor in fashion. If there wasn't, well, we'd all be Models.


Let's rock this thing out.



Love & Louboutins,

Keely

What a Slacker! Shopping Guide Thread #1

So I haven't posted on my blog in awhile...
I'm busy, but not like "I can't post in my blog" busy.

Though we did have a tsunami sweep through my neighborhood (Flash-flood I guess would be the ... realistic term) and flood my whole damn house, which then almost burned to the ground from all of the electrical shit in my basement.

I saved my pets though which is the most importaint part.

Anywhooo

I want to talk today about using your fashion resources.

There are ways to make a very fashion foreward outfit, without having to spend thousands of dollars on designer labels, or travel out of your way to get to them.
Is this blasphemy?! A fashion blogger telling you NOT to wear designer label clothing?!

Nope, it's something I've had to do most of my life, since we only recently got any type of designer or "big name" stores in my city. (And it really IS a city, we're just in the middle of the country. It takes a long time for anything to reach us.)
We just got a Sephora for chrissakes. (BAD BAD BAD. I already have NO money, BUT I love you Sephora and how you drain me for the sake of beauty.)

I want to make this a series which I will update from time to time, so for today, I want to start with what most people consider their mortal enemy:

THE MALL.
*DOOM*

Okay. Seriously, the mall isn't THAT.....bad.
I worked there for years (on and off) at my first job from the time I was 15 until about 20, and being the observant young trendsetter that I was, I spent most of my breaks walking around the mall putting together copycat outfits in my head of Vogue editorial fashions compared to the storefront ensembles.

It really is do-able.
The KEY is to shop at two kinds of stores:
A) The store that carries the ESSENTIAL basics (E.G. The Gap, Express, The Limited, Abercrombie & Fitch, etc)
B) The store that carries the crazy "trends" (E.G. Forever 21 *my favorite because of the categoried rooms*, Charlotte Russe, Wet Seal etc)
Stay away from any stores that go by Teenage trends and high school/Middle school fads. (DEB, Vanity, Hot Topic, Old Navy)

You want to hit the College-age, Professional Young adult stores.

The big thing with Couture and High-Fashion, is that it can be crazy, young and fun, but generally, fashion has a high cohesive maturity to it. Fashion always goes back to "elegant, older."
But I also want to stress, you don't have to be decked out in couture to be fashionable. That's the beauty of fashion, you can tweak any look, and make it your own. My point of this thread in the series is to give a general guideline to not looking like an 80's Soccer Mom, or *shudder*having to fall back on that disgusting, sweatpants & Uggs, college dorm type style.


The last thing you want to do is LOOK like a girl walking around at the mall.

You want to pair your mature, professional basics with something fun and flashy. Something classic with something patterned.

And mixing patterns is VERY do-able.

Here is an example of an outfit that you can buy at the mall RIGHT NOW, and,well, NOT look like you are at the mall.




The wide-legged jean (Aka "Bellbottoms" in case you were a flower child like my mom) is making a HUGE comeback, and is my all time favorite denim trend. And the slightly destroyed wash makes the look a little more Rock & Roll, and a little less "casual jean Fridays" at the office. Pair this jean with sky high wedge platforms, and you are officially a supermodel. Helpful hint: when wearing this jean with tall wedges or platforms, make sure you wear them long. Try buying a longer inseam or jean than you would usually buy. Example: if you wear a size 4 short, try a size 4 regular. If you wear regular, buy a size long. If you are like me, and can't even find longs that have the right length, try going up a size and pair with a cute belt. It always looks best if the bottom of the jean is at least touching the bottom of the platform or is no more than half an inch shorter than the bottom of your shoe. High-waters will ALWAYS look bad. And a short heel with these jeans will swamp your legs.



Pairing a fitted top with a pop of color or a funky pattern will help with proportions, and will balance out the wideness of the jean, while adding a quirky, head turning element to your outfit.
Helpful Hint: If you are going to wear something a little more flowy with the jean, try a crop top with a fitted tank underneath. Anything too wide on top when worn with a full leg will tend to swamp your figure. The pop of color adds some fun to the look.

(Source: Forever 21 stores & Online)

When it gets cooler, there is nothing sexier than a motorcycle jacket.
Helpful hint: Wear a tailored, fitted leather jacket. Most motorcycle jackets are cut to be more flattering,slightly oversized isn't totally a BAD thing but you don't
want to look like My Dad and his Vietnam Vet buddies at a Patriot Guard get together.*I do love those Vets and the Patriot Guard, but you get my point.*




Finally, add a wedge platform (the higher the BETTER)



And some chunky jewelry.
Helpful Hint: Chunky Jewelry always is a nice compliment to a fun patterned top and a leather jacket. Feather earrings always look hot.





Of course, this was just a simple example with some general helpful hints and guidelines when looking for fit, style and how to pair different cuts and patterns.

But make each outfit your own! Have fun with it! Don't be afraid to show your own style. I know I'm not.
I have the side of my head shaved with racing stripes for shit's sake.

Until next time.

Love & Louboutins

Keely



Photo Credits and Sources
(Source: Express stores http://www.express.com/rerock-flare-leg-jean-light-wash-33453-24/refine/Leg+Shape/Flare/control/page/3/show/3/index.pro)
(Source: Forever 21 Stores http://www.forever21.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=FOREVER21&category%5Fname=top%5Fcamis%5Ftanks&product%5Fid=2076841440&Page=3&pgcount=25)
(Source: Charlotte Russe Stores http://www.charlotterusse.com/product/index.jsp?productId=11294158&cp=4238904.4192333.4241189)

(Source: Charlotte Russe Stores http://www.charlotterusse.com/product/index.jsp?productId=11344198&cp=4241184.4192366.4241200 : http://www.charlotterusse.com/product/index.jsp?productId=11508513&cp=4241184.4192366.4241202 : http://www.charlotterusse.com/product/index.jsp?productId=11762953&cp=4241184.4192366.4241198)

Out Here, You're a Whacko if you Wear it.

Burberry, Prada, all headliners in the Fashion world, and will treasured by women (and men) until the earth explodes in a firey doomsday that is the Rapture.(Oh wait that already happened.)

Yeah, not here.

I decided, though blistering hot, (I guess 108 Degrees isn't THAT bad...if you're the Devil...) that I would be inside a cool, air conditioned salon and would be immune to the sweat and humidity inside and could wear one of my favorite fashion trends (from a few seasons ago, so sue me.)

The slouchy, ribbed sock with open-toed platforms trend that Burberry sent their Models down the runway in during the Summer '10 season.

I love it. Love Love Love. At first, I thought "Oh Noooo. What do they think we are, a bunch of foreign tourists? Some old men from Nebraska?!"

But the more I actually WORE the trend, the more it grew on me. It ended up turning into one of my favorite fall/winter fashion ensembles.

Of course, you have to do it right.

I paired my slate colored, slouchy ribbed stockings with some camel platform sandals, and of course, a pair of high waisted and cuffed, ribbon belted, slate colored mid-thigh shorts and an adorable camel pullover sweater with black detail to the collar and sleeve cuff area (It didn't actually have cuffs or a collar, but whatever) a black belt (We have to have some black on while working in the salon.)
My hair was straight but slightly tousseled, and my makeup was minimal with a touch of blush and some gold on the eyelids and eyes lined with a slate pencil.
Lips nude of course.

I was feeling very trendy, and confidently walked into work.

"....Are you wearing socks with heels?"
"Yeah, It's inspired by Burberry's 2010 collection."
...Blank stare...
"Oh thats cute!"

I don't think they really thought it was "cute."

After a whole day of strange looks, and literally every customer staring at my feet instead of my face, I realized... People here in this town sure do wear this trend (old men and some lazier ladies) and no one really notices, but dress it up and make it fashionable, and all of a sudden you are a total eccentric looney bird style-wise.

As one of my co-workers so eloquently (and maybe a bit agressively) put it-
"Keely, we are in _____. People here don't look at your shoes and KNOW it's Prada, or Burberry, or whatever. People here don't even know who those designers ARE. They just know you are wearing socks with sandals, not that you are being 'Fashionable.'"

Wait... isn't a point of fashion not for you to project a certain designer, but to wear the trend, and in that manner, SET the trend?

I don't see this trend catching on in my town anytime soon, well, because I would have to be wearing the newest from Abercrombie & Fitch (I used to work there, sadly, and pathetically admit that I do like a few things from the store and still own merchandise from A&F... but their Button-Down white blouses are pretty versatile, and their jeans are the only ones I can find that are long enough for my legs, while not falling off my waist. And I wear my jeans LONG, because I own a TON of wedges. That's my excuse.), or have to hang out around a bunch of downtown hipsters. (guilty)

I'm going to keep taking a crack at the local trends though, because if getting weird looks and comments gets a trend noticed, I don't care if it catches on or not.

I'm exposing them to some Culture and Fashion. One sock at a time.

Pretty Pretty Pretty....Just Not Yet.

THIS BLOG IS UNDER CONSTRUCTION!

I promise, my lovelies, that this blog will soon look as fashionable and beautiful as your pretty little selves (dressed in Hermes, of course.)


I am working on it when I am not actually...well, working.


Love & Louboutins

Keely

Let's Get the Formalities off of my Brain

"Sweatpant nation..bible belt...auuuugh"
I am going to start off by clarifying something, more for my ease of mind than anyone else's. Notice my clever little Title Pun: "Confessions of an IcT Girl", which basically is a play off of the term "It Girl" and..well, the somewhat confusing abbreviation of the Sweatpant-infested city that I currently reside. (As used by our airport and local "rap stars.")
I will also swallow my pride (though I am pretty shameless, I will admit to that) and tell you I didn't even think up the title. My much more clever Twin sister with a B.A. in English Literature suggested I start a Blog, and my ADHD brain took the general concept and applied it here.
OH the formalities.
She will probably proofreed the Catlady out of herself over this blog as well.

I wanted to start a blog about living in a "Large" midwestern city, that is just large enough to hold a few Reputable stores and should have the collective brain for fashion, but just small enough to, well, not have the collective brain for anything fashion, couture, or likewise.

Now before I get hunted down in the streets and strangled by a mass of women in oversized Winnie-The-Pooh tshirts and others decked out in the latest styles from DEB, I will say there are a few city-dwellers here that will suffer (And I do mean suffer) for fashion. Suffer as far as the looks, the ridicule & general misunderstanding of their outfit of choice. I like to consider myself part of the latter.

I should probably save this and leave before my boss walks up behind me and wonders why I am not stocking the vast shelves of Hair Product and Makeup Retail.
(I already replaced all of the outdated issues of Vogue and W (U.S. issues of course,) next to the stylist's stations for chrissakes.

Sigh.

Rant Later?

Love & Louboutins

Keely