Moment in the Sun

We may still be in school. We may have full time jobs. But, it is spring and we are happy to stop and smell the roses, especially the pink ones. It's the time of year where we spend our free time pretending that life is simple, love is bountiful, and every ray of sunshine is a smile beaming down from an angel. Basically, it's festival season and it's time to carpe the heck out of that diem. 

Even if you're not going to Coachella because you are still having uncomfortable flashbacks from last year, we will put money down that you will be going to an outdoor event of some kind where other people might see you. You are going to see a smorgasbord of style, and the the lack thereof. To make sure your laid-back-ness isn't confused with laziness, let's look at what your wardrobe might need to express it's own peace, love, and unity.

Boho

A few weeks ago I posted an homage to the boho craze. Now, keep in mind that this season is like Hipster Halloween. Even if you aren't into fake rim glasses, you can fool the boots off a cowboy into thinking you love Pabst too. You will meet plenty of people at festivals who actually dress "like that" all the time, but let's say you don't because you are an upstanding citizen and a contributing factor to society. To blend in comfortably, wear leather strappy sandals and a floppy hat with your ruffle maxi dress. We'll address some more boho goods in a bit.

80's and neon

The 1980s means different things to us. Terrible hair, mom jeans, pastel furniture. But it grew up into a lady and found a place in the fashion world. As far as clothing goes, we approve of floral rompers, muscle tees, and acid wash denim. Also, rare concert tees from that era will score you major points. To add interest to the bygone era, wear your brightest sunglasses and baubles and your most blindingly neon sneakers and handbags.

Accessories

 I wanted to address this catchall category separately because there are some accessories that work no matter how trendy you want to go. You probably don't want to carry around your handbag all day, but where do you safely stash your money and chapstick? You may want to invest in a modern day fanny pack (thanks again, 80s!). These aren't what you think, cheap nylon with broken zippers and an uncomfortable belt. Some brands have gone out on a limb to create a surprisingly cool looking version of that awful fad.
If you are wearing sandals and think, "boy, my feet look naked" tie on some foot bracelets. They might seem like a weird idea, but they are cuter in person and as a bonus, you will seem cooler than your friends because not everyone has caught onto those yet. 

Fringe is EVERYWHERE this Spring and Summer. For the record, I have no critiques on this matter; fringe it up. Go crazy. It's a festival after all.

Mens' Wallets; the neon revolution!

Traditionally mens wallets have been overlooked by designers, leaving men in the dark when it comes to their money. They were stuck with earth toned leather wallets usually in the form of the billfold wallets. As of late the mens wallet has undergone a modern revolution that has changed the mens wallet culture!

Traditionally mens wallets were large, similar to the women's modern clutch, this was so that men could  accommodate their checkbooks. The wallet would then simply slip into the mens front inner jacket pocket (commonly referred to as a coat wallet). 

                                   Louis Vuitton Brazza Wallet                                        Coach Bleecker Legacy Leather Accordion

Above are some modern takes on the coat wallet by Louis Vuitton and Coach; these two companies tend to be very traditional and reserved about their mens designs especially LV but yet they both managed to splash some life onto these wallets and I do think that it works well. The LV version is a traditional coat wallet that has been lined with a neon green to bring it into trend. The Coach wallet uses a zip-around system so that you can attach it to a wallet chain and slip it into a back pocket, giving the wearer street style and sophistication. These wallets appeal mostly to the older consumer that wants to make a statement, or those that have a lot to carry, and possible still use checks.

As credit cards began to replace checks, and many establishments stopped accepting them, the mens wallet underwent a slight transformation from coat wallet to billfold form. There tends to be more slots for cards to be placed, while still having a compartment for paper currency.

          Louis Vuitton Multiple Wallet                Coach Bleeck Leather Slim Billfold              MJ Patent Pending Billfold

Above are three modern takes of the billfold wallet by Louis Vuitton, Coach and Marc Jacobs. All three wallets consist of the basic billfold construction; while the LV wallet plays on the design of the card slots and the Coach wallet introduces an identification slot to display ID with ease. The first two wallets are made of leather, while the Marc Jacobs wallet plays with vinyl to open up the wallet to a whole different audience. These wallets appeal to the mid-aged consumer as there is plenty of room for cards that might be needed on a day to day bases yet are still capable of storing paper currency.

As plastic begins to replace paper currency, the wallet will evolve once more, this time to a minimal, clean style that will only house a few cards, as one or two cards can now do what many did in the past, and major retail stores can also now just lookup accounts with the proper identification thanks to technological advancements.

           Louis Vuitton Card Holder                           Coach Bleecker Card Holder                MJ Patent Pending Card Holder

Above are three examples of card holder wallets by Louis Vuitton, Coach, and Marc Jacobs. All three card holders are similar in construction. the only difference is in the amount of cards they each can hold. Also Marc Jacobs card holder is again made out of vinyl, with that these wallets appeal to the young consumer, one that has little need for paper currency and has fully embraced the digital currency revolution, and relies on a cellphone more then on credit/debut cards.

So as you can see the mens wallet is ever changing, and at one point will eventually disappear due to the cellphone becoming a wallet itself;  but until then lets keep our pockets fashionable with a neon wallet.

Wallets and Clutches

"The word "wallet" has been in use since the late fourteenth century to refer to a bag or a knapsack for carrying articles." (Wikipedia)

                                                   The Carryall Clutch

Michael Kors (Zappos, $158)

This clutch is small enough for it to fit into some purses, but also big enough to fit your essentials such as lip gloss or mascara in.  This carryall clutch doesn’t need to be shoved into a bag; it can be a bag all on its own!  This clutch has it’s own specialized slots to hold all of your plastic cards that you would need in a wallet for when you are out on a night on the town.

The Zip Top Wallet

Kate Spade (Nordstrom, $158)

Open up this zip-top wallet and you’ll find dozens of places for credit cards, debit cards and IDs. While it still has a space for cash, the zip-top wallet still stays skinny enough to fit in a small purse.  Although this fits into a purse it is cute enough to carry on it’s own and have a huge fashion statement!

The Slide Wallet

Turquoise Version (Zappos, $64)

This is for the girl that does not like to carry around a big bulky purse or wallet and like to feel free enough to walk around empty handed.  Even though you don’t need a purse as a security blanket, but even freewheeling chicks need to carry money around.  This slide wallet is the perfect in-between option for the girls who don’t like to carry around the extra padding.  This way you are able to put it on your wrist or even in the tight skinny jeans you love to wear.  The slide wallet is the perfect compromise between fashion and function.

DIY Project:

Cork Clutch

Supplies: Thin sheet of cork (used 1/16"), hot glue gun and glue, flat wallet or clutch, ruler, scissors, pen

                                           Steps:

#1: Cork board

#2: Add lines

#3: Cut the pieces

#4: Intertwine the strips

#5: Glue the pattern down

#6: Create a border around the edge

                   

Full Instructions for the DIY project: http://whatiwore.tumblr.com/post/5360938709/diy-cork-clutch

Timeless Classic "Brogue Shoes"

Brogue Shoes

Today, I’d like to introduce Brogue Shoes which is a timeless classic that has been around for many years and still remains fashionable.

 

History of Brogue

I’ll love to explain little bit about history of brogue shoes before we go over the many different styles and colors, because it is very interesting to know. 

 

The Brogue shoes was originated in Scotland and Ireland that was constructed using leather with perforations that allowed water to drain from the shoes when the wearer crossed wet terrain such as a bog. The word “brogue” was first used to describe a form of outdoor in twentieth century worn by men. At that time the brogue was not considered to be appropriate for other occasion, social or business. Over time perceptions have changed and brogues are now considered appropriate in most contexts, including business. It continue to be most common as leather dress and casual shoes and boots, but also be found in many other forms including canvas and leather sneakers and high – heeled for women’s shoes. Brogue shoes also worn during formal dance because little heel that made a sound as they were tapped on the wooden floors.

Evolution of Design

Brogue Shoes design changed in the last 150 years. First generation of brogue shoes was very simple or no decoration but added masculine style.

                                          Sperry Top Sider

 

                                     Porcelain MMX Footwear

 

                                             Tsubo Wexler

 

                                                     Thom Browne

                                                    Paul Smith

 

  

     McKinlay Desert

 

 

Lastly

I’d like to attach the video about “how to wear brogue shoes” and hope you enjoyed my blog.

 

Thank You

Boho: No Looking Back

Last winter, the fashion world was inundated with tribal and fair isle prints. We've witnessed the comeback of moccasins, and on the horizon is the acceptance of the galactic print (crossing our fingers!). In the vein of the mystical and old-world cultural influences we've seen in apparel, jewelry has also taken a turn from modern.

  
You already have a gold dipped druzy pendant or geode, so hold on to that at least through this fall. Furthering the obsession with earthen energy is the bracelet ring combo piece (slave bracelet), the ear cuff, and ornate head jewelry. Clearly, the boho train has not come to a stop.

The "modern mystic" has the essence of the far east and the untamed Americas; the style connects us to ancient cultures and offers us to think about the road less traveled.  

Navajo prints are now very popular, but this type of art
 has been part of Native American life for centuries.

An Indian woman prepares for her wedding.

This style has major staying power and is still developing. Therefore, more and more manufacturers are jumping on the bandwagon. If you only click away with one nugget of wisdom this week, remember that with great options comes great responsibility! Instead of sauntering around town looking like a strung out soothsayer, keep the "hippy" in you, hip. The Trailer recommends NOT piling everything on all at once, such as wearing a head piece with a dangling ear cuff and crocheted collar necklace while wearing a multi colored crossbody you bought in Mexico. Especially for Spring, keep it simple: if you are anything like us and love loads of bangles and rings, wear them! But keep the arm band off and wear delicate neck and ear accents if you choose to wear any.