Hello my dears! I'm posting a bit earlier than usual since I have some time to sit down and write. This week, I ventured into uncharted territory (at least for me). Menswear has always been something I admired but never talked about. Truthfully, I don't know much but I would like to try and give my honest review on a collection that I fell in love with: Michael Bastian's Fall 2016 line. Maybe you'll fall in love, too.

If I had to describe the general feel of the collection, I would say that it's quirky but also preppy? It's pleasing to the eye and actually very wearable as far as designer pieces go. I think it's also fun to look at menswear for inspiration! It can be nice to change your perspective from always scrolling through women's clothing to seeing what's hip and happening for the guys. There's one look in particular that I think would be stunning with heels (you'll see what I mean).

All of these looks can be found here: click me!

With that, please enjoy the review (and the handsome models).

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LOOK 3: I love the model's hairstyle. It's sleek but not overly done. The brown of the leather jacket and the blue of the button-up shirt makes it a very warm look. I think the contrast of the jacket and the unbuttoned shirt also gives it a fun, sexy flair. What really surprises me, however, is the grey pants! The cool tones work unexpectedly well with the warm tones.


LOOK 6: This outfit is great. I can see a lot of guys wearing this because it's pretty casual but there are a very elements that pull it all together. The jacket? Perfect. It's simple. There aren't a lot of unnecessary details or bright colors, which means that it will work with whatever you wear underneath. The pants? Awesome. The olive color can be a different neutral to add to the wardrobe and it's more versatile than you think! The boots? Amazing. I'd love to find the women's equivalent.


LOOK 8: I really like the plain black sunglasses. I think it toughens the outfit a bit. The blazer, turtleneck, and bottoms all look very soft and I don't mean just the texture. The whole look is very mild (compared to something hard like leather). This is the outfit I was talking about in the beginning! I think pairing a slouchy turtleneck with a soft blazer and skinny pants would be a really lovely outfit with heels. It's chic but just slightly masculine. Anyway, back to this. I do have mixed feelings about the pockets on the pants. I feel like it kind of ruins the outfit but maybe it's just me??


LOOK 9: The color of the beanie works well with the other colors here. It lightens up the darker tones like the gray sweats and navy top. Actually I really don't like sweatpants on guys because it can look sloppy but the fit of these aren't bad. It goes with the less structured jacket and beanie. Last but not least are the boots. I love brown boots. They're so down to earth and functional.


LOOK 15: I thought this was such a fun look because of all the layers! Turtleneck under a collared shirt isn't something I would have personally styled but it's pretty nice. Since they're all darker colors, it's also not that noticeable. The lighter grey vest? Probably my favorite piece from this outfit. It pops out against everything else... a very stylish item to have for Fall. But what is happening with the shoes??? No socks?! Seems a bit out of place, to be honest.


LOOK 19: I have nothing against bow ties! They're super cute and more playful than neckties but because this outfit seemed borderline school-uniform, it might have looked better with a sleek tie...without the sweater. But it's a pretty classic combo and I do think it's a versatile outfit for colder months. I think the designer made a good decision to pair with black pants and black boots because it looks more mature that way. I would have also considered pairing some kind of wool coat to brighten the ensemble but otherwise, it's a solid look.
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What did you guys think? Which look was your favorite?

As per request, I am thinking of styling outfits based on The Divergent Series: Allegiant for my next post so be on the lookout for it!

If you're feeling a bit blah about your clothing choices, you should consider taking a peek into your boyfriend/brother/dad's closet! I think menswear inspired outfits are always really chic and it can be an unexpected twist to your everyday style. I'm not telling you to strap on a bowtie or wear those horrific cargo shorts that your dad still thinks is trendy...

But! You can definitely play around with graphic t-shirts, white button-ups, and flannels. These are pretty unisex pieces, and that's why you have a bit of freedom to work it into what you already own.


Here, I've styled three different outfits while maintaining a feminine shape and look. The key is balance!!

1. If you're a bit of a tomboy or just like an edgier look, opt for your man's leather jacket or band tee. Either way, it will spice up those A-line skirts. Finish off with a red lip plus messy curls and you're ready to go.

2. Throw on his crisp white shirt as a dress (if you're short enough) or you can purchase one that's cut for women. Pair it with nude heels to lengthen the legs for a sensual vibe. Take it to the next level by leaving your hair down and putting on a nice pair of sunglasses. This will tone down the bareness of the legs but also give you that "I woke up like this" look.

3. Boyfriend jeans have been a big hit for a while now. You can either go with that or wear your favorite skinny jeans to keep the shape of your legs. Then, pair with a darker colored flannel for a masculine feel. TIP! You can also tie it around your waist for a more casual look. Put on those strappy red heels to add color and balance out all the loose layers. I'd recommend a messy braid and natural/glowing makeup for the final touches.

Tada! There you have it. Super easy ways to wo(man) up. Let me know: which look was your favorite?



Bye for now,
Jenn

Vogue has already begun posting looks for next year's Spring/Summer collections and one of the best ones (in my humble opinion) is Alexander McQueen's.

Of course.

Click here for the post!

I spy with my little eye, some mixing of textures.

The shoes are (I assume) suede while the suit has a sheen to it. It might be satin but I'm not entirely sure. Also notice that the entire look is within the same color family but the tie has a pattern to it as well as the socks!

The length and cut of the trousers seem to be quite straight and it hits near the ankle, allowing the socks to be seen. Quite...playful?

But the earthy suede shoes bring it all back, despite the fact that the glossiness of the suit can be borderline over the top, especially in that bright bronzed salmon color.

While I'm not the biggest fan of the cut of those pants, I find the flower accent as well as the polka dot belt very cute and silly but it fits well with the coloring of the suit. Again, playing with textures but in a subtle way.

This I find very...fascinating. The contrast of the pattern on the tie and suit are surprisingly appropriate. The one on the tie is much cleaner while the suit is slightly duller but because the vest and top's colors are taken directly from the colors in the tie, it makes the model look like he knows what he's wearing. Like it was intentional.

By far, my favorite look.

It takes playing with textures to a whole other level.

Like, video games level 100 with a sword bonus. That's how much I love this and how much I think the styling for this was perfect.

Even though it looks a little busy with all the patterns floating around, it works. Why? The colors. The coloring is so basic and simple and the pattern itself isn't tacky or strange. It's condensed. The dots on the pants are micro-sized, the shoes are absolutely lovely, and that little white handkerchief is the cherry on top.

That little bit of solid color helps balance the outfit, which is amazing that something so small could play such a big role.

{laughs}

Okay, tell me you don't like that print/pattern on the jacket.

It's freaking adorable!

I don't know how many guys in my life would actually wear anything like that but the concept of the design is worth showing you guys, at least.

It's whimsical, simple, and eye-catching. I actually think this would be nice if there was a female version of it. I could definitely see myself wearing a cropped blazer with that dragonfly (?) print, a white t-shirt, and a coral maxi skirt.


There were pieces in the collection that I didn't care for and some were just odd. Check out the rest of the collection and let me know what you thought about the ones I chose as my favorites!

Did you like them as well? :)


Until then,
{kiss}
~Jenn