Blue is the new Black

One thing that I'm very excited for is the extreme amount of blues that will be making its way in-store. There's already a ton of different variations of the color, but as a blue-enthusiast, I can't tell you enough how much I love it. You can wear blue with almost absolutely anything, that's why it's so perfect! Even more so than black in my opinion, because there are some things that you can't wear with black that you are able to wear with more specific shades of blue (such as chocolate brown). Furthermore, I think that blue as a color is more appealing than any other because it can be soft, gentle, bold, understated, a statement, and just pleases most people whenever its worn. Although it's associated with somberness and sadness in literature, in fashion I find that it's associated with a sort of playfulness and vibrance. For example, if you take a black and white striped shirt, it's automatically colorless and lifeless. Although the patterning of the stripes makes it a little fun, think of the shirt with royal blue stripes and the piece already has a different feel in your head.
The power of blue is incredible! The greatest thing about a trending color as opposed to a trending style is that you can find a color in any store, whereas a style is store-specific. On your right, you can see how I've recently worn it. Although the picture is a bit muddled by the lighting, you can still see the more muted shades of navy blue. My more modernly styled jacket is from a store in called Foreign Exchange (FE) and the striped shirt is from H&M. They're both some of my favorite pieces of clothing and I love the fact that I can wear them out and still be trending with the changing season's fashion. Another great part about blue is that you probably already have it in your closet in some way, shape, or form. Blue is everywhere and anywhere, and it's complemented very well by mostly every other color. Just think about it! But don't let me convince you, what do you think about it?

Invasion of the Stripes

Stripes have been found on the runway this season as one of the up and coming trends for this spring and summer. Granted, stripes have always been a trend, but I take this to mean that you will be seeing more striped products out in stores and boutiques. I'm all for it. This trend is one that I followed even before I discovered it as a trend this season. They add quite a bit of flare to an otherwise plain item. For example, a shirt is simple until you add some colorful horizontal or vertical stripes to it. Personally, I only wear horizontal stripes as a top simply because I feel like vertical stripes elongate my body's appearance and are hard to look at for a very long time. However, I love vertical stripes on shorts and pants.

They look nice, clean, and as previously mentioned, make boring pieces exciting. They're fun! And you can wear them on just about anything and look stylish. My favorite stripes items are accessories. The red tie picture above by Smith Street would look great with a white button-up and blue suit, giving a very simple look a bit of a nautical twist. Adding to the idea of flare, other accessories which look great in stripes include backpacks, shirts, and even some shoes if done properly. The boat shoes and espadrilles pictured above are examples of nicely constructed striped shoes. To you right, you can see how I personally wore stripes. I've paired my navy pinstriped shorts with a very eye-popping blue and a simple vintage brown leather belt. It's a classic look that has an added touch thanks to the patterning of the shorts. Take away the stripes and you have just another boring outfit. I don't like to mix more than one patterned detailing with outfits, so I personally wouldn't try adding another striped piece but that's just me. Feel free to mix it up and make them your own! And just as a quick style tip, I would suggest going nautical with navy blue or red stripes for this season to match that incoming summer feel. Thanks for reading and stay styling! :)

Stand Out in Camo

One thing that I was reading today is that a trend for this season is camouflage. Now, camouflage to me has always been a trend, but that all depends on how you wear it. If you're going to walk down the street in covered head to toe like a soldier, then it's as much of a trend as it is a faux pas. Camouflage adds a nice touch to any piece of men's clothing - it adds a sort of implied masculinity because of its militant use. There are two types of camouflage though: good and bad. You might be wondering what that means, but I'll show you. Pictured above are what I deem as "good" camouflage. The colors are very simple, muted, and not too offensive with all-over camouflage fabric or design. However, the image to your right is what I consider to be "bad" camouflage.
Notice how some of the use of bright greens is almost painful to look at. Not only this, but the materials used in the jacket are very displeasing as well. That doesn't mean that all clothes by this label (which will go unmentioned) are bad, though. It simply means that they did not use the pattern well. There is good and bad in every trend, and I feel like it applies more to camouflage almost more than any other. Just remember that simplicity can go a long way. You may want to try out camouflage, but as previously mentioned, make sure that the camouflage pattern itself uses earthy tons; some different shades of green, greys, and browns are what I feel look best. Maybe if you're lucky, you'll find a camouflage pattern which uses black and grey (my personal favorite variation of the style). Remember, stand out in camouflage this season, don't stick out.

Denim Delight!

What was Mario's favorite fabric? ... Denim, denim, denim!

One thing that I never really expected was for all denim outfits to come back. Making its appearance on the runway this season from the likes of Valentino and Versace was a little unexpected to be honest, but I took the chance to go along with it. I mean, who knows better than these high end designers, right? So, with that I decided to try out an (almost) all denim outft myself. Using some simple things that I had in my closet like a denim jacket and jeans with matching wash, I was able to scrape together this number (right). Now, I personally think that this is the only outfit that I can pull off in all denim, but that doesn't mean I can't piece together different ones wearing this denim jacket that I got from Forever 21. It's such a light wash that it can go with just about any shade, color, or pattern (like polka dots!). It's nice to be able to have those options, too! Now, a lot of guys don't have jean jackets, so if you're one of them that doesn't mean you can't take part in this spring and summer trend. Mess around with what you already have! Try different outfits with the denim jeans you already own, and if you're feeling super adventurous, look into buying a denim shirt or backpack like the ones pictured above. Your only style limitation is yourself, so if you feel like trying something new, then why not? Also, if you're like me, you can't always afford to go out and buy trending items right away but if you have that urge, don't be afraid to thrift! Check your local thrift or consignment stores for lightly worn clothes similar to what you're looking for! It's well worth the hunt if you find just the right thing you're looking for. So again, denim is the word for this season! Try it out and see how it works for you :)

Trend Alert!

For this Spring & Summer, a large trend that's been seen on the runway is clothes with an ethnically inspired design. Pictured here are some examples of certain pieces that follow this style. What I love most about these styles are the geometric patterns, as well as the bold colors that they utilize. In my opinion, they are statement pieces that can be used in so many different ways. Personally, I would use very understated clothing (maybe a pair of dark denim jeans and a white button-down shirt) and then make the ethnic patterns contrast the simplicity and make it pop. Of the items pictured above, I really love the bowtie and patterned shorts most. They're very eye-catching without being too much. How do you feel about these ethnic / Aztec patterns? Are they are DO or a DON'T? 

Loafers Leap into Spring Fashion

Loafers are making their appearance in this year's Spring and Summer fashion and I have absolutely no problems with it. I personally love a classic pair of loafers and they are actually go-to shoes for almost any occasion. Although you can wear them out easily and sometimes it's hard to find the right outfits to wear with them, loafers can be versatile if you have the right clothes to work with. Suits, shorts, jeans, you name it and you can probably find an outfit to pair them with. My personal favorites are the boldly colored velvet loafers, such as the mint green pair pictured above. (You can find cheaper alternatives to the pair on the American Apparel or ASOS websites.) Don't forget that you can play around with different styles, such as the more summer-themed woven loafers also pictured above. Style is something you should invest in every now and then, treating yourself to something nice and worthwhile. Although the styles change from year to year, the concept stays the same. With that, I would advise maybe investing in a nice pair of loafers, not just for this season, but for many others to come.

St. Patrick's Day Style

St. Patrick's Day Style by anchoneze on Polyvore

It's always hard finding the right piece of clothing to wear on holidays. Even though we all want to be festive, it's a bit difficult when you can't seem to find the perfect outfit. I personally find solace in just adding a touch of holiday color to stay in tradition. So, this weekend's color trend is green for St. Patrick's Day. Since too much green can become a bit of overkill, I plan on pairing only one green article of clothing with a typical outfit. My choice article of clothing will probably be my forest green denim jeans that I love so much, but feel free to play around with what you own. Maybe a cool graphic tee (as pictured above) with those go-to denim jeans? Or, if you have extra confidence in yourself this time around, or if green is just your favorite color, feel free to wearing lots of green. Mix it up a bit! Forest green with mint green, or maybe army green with fluorescent green. It's your style and your choice, but "Irish you luck" in choosing your outfit tomorrow!

Spring Statements

Spring Statements by anchoneze featuring low heel shoes

Oftentimes I find myself afraid of wearing certain things because of how it might look to other people, but one thing I never hold back on is my shoes. Shoes are always a great staple piece for any outfit or occasion. Pictured here in bright hues, bold patterns, or accented souls, these shoes add a great touch to the outfits and accessories they are paired with. Sure, you could always go with a more simple look, but what fun is that? My personal favorite pairing is the Fossil all-black watch with the Unisex Dr. Marten 3-Eye Oxfords with the black denim jeans. Why? Well, since I love to wear blacks whites, and greys very often I find it best to add a touch of color or a pop of something special (in this case the pattern) in order to not seem too dull. Although I too am guilty of not always wearing what I want, I encourage you all to wear whatever your hearts desire. Stand out - and in this case, stand in style!

Sun Out, Sleeves Off

Sun Out, Sleeves Off by anchoneze featuring neon jewelry

Now that the weather is warming up here in California, you can now break out your favorite tanks. Pictured here is one of my personal favorites, the British flag graphic tank. Throwing in a nice pair of oxfords, like these with lightly matching blue detail, and pairing the outfit with a colorful watch can really make all the difference. Lastly, never forget to add the finish touch of a nice cologne; YSL's 'L'Homme' is one of my favorite scents for any occasion.

The Most Colorful Time of the Year

Neon and fluorescent colors are making their way back for the Spring / Summer '13 seasons. The signature 80's and 90's style can be outfitted in many ways. Use simple accessories, like the subtle Blue Crown sunglasses pictured above, or go for a bolder statement by wearing a full collection of colors, such as the icy blue or tangerine oranges pictured above. Either way, do with the colors as you will. Playing around with your wardrobe is always something fun you can do. And if you don't own any neon, start with purchasing something small like a shirt. Since these colors made their way back this year, you never know when they'll make their next appearance.