What’s Hot for Spring

Lacoste.com

Guys, go for the casual look this Spring by sporting the Lacoste Canvas Shoe in an array of colors. My personal favorite is the turquoise. It is all about the canvas shoe fellas. Picnics, outdoor concerts, BBQs, whatever the occasion this casual Canvas look is cool with shorts, seersucker pants coupled with a pique polo or my favorite, manpris.

                             H&M Stores

Manpris are totally acceptable regardless of what others may say. This is longer than shorts and shorter than regular pants. They are comfortable, yet trendy, and extremely versatile. You can wear them to the park, on a date with a nice denim blazer and V-neck tee.

Ladies, it is all about the platform shoe for Spring. Platforms make a come back every couple of years, so invest in a pair that you really like that are not too trendy. You will be able to pull them out again year after year.

 Victoriassecret.com

Another trend for ladies are bright primary eighties colors. If this trend is a little too much for you to wrap your head around, do some subtle color additions for Spring in your accessories, nail and lip color. Check out Nars Schiap (vibrant pink) at Sephora.com.

                 Sephora.com

       Kate Spade Shoes

           Dolce Vita Shoes

Lastly, Wedges are another Spring must have -- Great for your outdoor events, garden parties and festivals. Wedges are another one of those timeless styles, so spend a bit more on a good neutral colored pair. 

***Tip: Try wearing your wedges with a floral print dress. This look can be casual or evening paired with the proper accessories. Spring means we are on the go, so having dresses on hand are easy and saves you a lot of time!

                Tibi Dress Saksfifthavenue.com 

What a flash back! or should I say Flash Dance! The eighties never go away!

Check out Mr. HamptonRoads.tv himself giving us the latest Spring Fashions with the greatest of the eighties!

I had the pleasure of seeing Common perform this weekend and it inspired me to mention a few things, since I am continuing the discussion of Men’s Fashion and Style this week. Common, who is by no means synonymous with his name, is a music artist, actor, writer, activist and most recently contributing hat designer for a high end hat/caps line, La Coppola Storta. Through this collaboration, he has developed his own line of signature hats called Soji – which means rebirth. He has a unique style that no one really paid attention to until after his relationship with fellow Artist, Erykah Badu – whose style is indescribable (I don’t mean that in a good way).

So, the night of the show he wore the perfect jeans… slightly fitted, dark wash with a bit of a sheen. A gray tee-shirt layered under a Denim Shirt, thankfully it was a different hue from the jeans, otherwise it would have looked way too eighties! Usually I am not a huge fan of Men’s Denim Shirts because it reminds me of the Beverly Hill Billies. Common, however, made it work (so did you Patty).

“A hat is another way to put on a crown” http://www.sojihats.com/

He has surely graduated from the crochet pants Erykah used to make him wear and has reinvented himself - the Soji Hat Line, need I say more?  He has finally come into his own… and I LIKE IT!

He had one quick change while his D.J. from Brooklyn, NY, showcased his record spinning skills. He so cleverly mixed in a 7-5-7 shout out to Hampton, VA, using one of The Notorious B.I.G’s songs from the late 90s (the song Biggie explaining the 10 “Street” commandments… ring a bell?) That really sent the crowd into an uproar. I was truly impressed.

Once he hit the stage again, he rocked a cool graphic tee with the content of Africa, same pair of dark blue jeans, and some classic kicks – simple but spoke volumes.  His style impresses me because it transitioned from Hobo Thrift Store Chic to Classic and Refined. His signature newspaper boy caps and fitted vests and blazers, exemplifies when some men mature, they also evolve and capture a great sense of style in the process.

Forever Fashionable,

Kae Stylez

So last time I discussed the importance of key investment pieces and lasting effects of tailored clothing. This week for Part II of my Men’s Fashion Week Series, I thought it would be a good idea to throw out there some Men’s Fashion/Lifestyle Do’s and Don’ts. Sometimes fellas, I catch you doing some things that I have to call attention to!

-Do listen to the women in your life when they say… “Are you going ware that tonight?”

-Don’t wear white sweat/tube socks with your formal black pants. Or any pants for that matter.

-Do Iron your clothes… or get them pressed at your local dry cleaners.

-Don’t be afraid to ware bright colors.

-Do purchase a wallet of some sort or get a money clip… If I see one more rubber band I am going to scream.

-Don’t buy anything without trying it on.

-Do ware jeans your size. If you are a 33 please don’t buy a 38 waist.

-Do ware fitted shirts.

-Don’t let your shirt be so tight we can see your heart beat.

-Do ware a vest.

-Don’t ware a Speedo… Board shorts are just fine!

-Do try wearing sandals in the summer time.

-Don’t ware a do-rag in public please.

-Do cut your hair… Especially those braids.

-Don’t under dress on a date. I.E. flip flops, a dirty tee-shirt and shorts.

-Do try to smell good.

-Don’t spend more money on sneakers then a suit.

-Do care a little about what you ware to the gym… I am tired of seeing rips, tares, holes, and grease stains while I am working out. I need something good to look at while I am working out… Keeps me motivated!

-Don’t hesitate to decorate your apartment.

-Do drink wine from time to time… lay off the beer.

-AND FINALLY DON’T DRESS JUST LIKE YOUR BEST GUY FRIEND. Show some individuality! I am over the Bromance!

  Forever Fashionable

  Kae Stylez

So, I have been getting some feedback from my faithful followers and many of you feel my Men’s Fashion commentary has been a bit sparse. Now let’s not get it twisted… One of my first loves is Men’s Fashion. When it was my turn to create the Men’s looks at Saks Fifth for the new collections, or adorn the Men’s fashion window at Express, I felt this surge of creativity. Men’s Fashion is sleek, sophisticated and most of all classic.

Due to these sentiments, my Men’s Fashion Week Series has emerged. I thought long and hard about how I wanted to introduce my series. What was going to be my inspiration? Who would be my muse? “Kae, when you think of men’s clothing, who comes to mind?” I asked myself. 

Shawn Corey Carter or as we all know him, Jay Z is the ANSWER. He embodies the pure essence of Men’s Style. He has a swagger that most cannot immulate. Let me explain my admiration. He was one of the first men I have seen in the spotlight that totally brought back the three piece suit. P. Diddy tried, but it just wasn’t the same caliber as Jay. When I saw him on the cover of GQ in 2006, it solidified that this man mastered wearing true elegant Men’s High Fashion.

Three pieces are very traditional and was taboo for a moment with the younger crowd. He exemplified how our YouTube generation too can be polished and well groomed. I know two of his favorite collections are the Classic Ralph Lauren – Purple Label and Tom Ford, who is synonymous with true luxury Menswear.

“Style is most Potent when it is least complicated” – Tom Ford.

Part I of Kae's Men’s Fashion Week Series

My advice to all you gentlemen out there everywhere is if you’re not on Jay z status and can’t afford a 10K Dinner Jacket, make wise investments.

1 Dress Pant Banana Republic - $98  ( look out for  sale  items too!)

2 Crisp white collard shirt Armani Exchange - $100

3 Black Blazer Nordstrom - $250

4 Precision Alterations… Priceless 

$$$$$$$$$$$

I cannot stress this enough fellas, tailored clothing is timeless clothing. The extra $20 or $30 bucks to get your pants altered are worth it… Trust me. Look at it like this, It costs about the same amount to have a few cocktails after work with your co-workers and friends. As an advantage to you guys, Men’s Fashion doesn’t change dramatically. It remains pretty classic as styles emerge and seasons change. The “trendiness" is sprinkled in there by using the “In” fabrics, colors and or patterns. So spending the additional dinero on the perfect fit, surpasses the small monetary investment.  Guys,  put a little effort in it... Women love it! Well  at least I do.

Check me out next week for Part II of my Men’s Fashion Week Series.

Forever Fashionable,

Kae Stylez

So, last night I was completely amused by Swarovski Fashion Rocks. Music and Fashion has this chemical mixture that the masses seem to be addicted to. I loved the music from our own Timbaland and his brother Sebastian ("G" as we called him at Salem High School in Virginia Beach). The Suga Babes rocked it with my all time fav the fabulous Ms. Pattie Labelle. Might I add, her signature gesture of kicking off her heels didn't take place during this performance.  Present and accounted for was the vivacious Beth Ditto, who is the plus size lead singer of this indie rock band called Gossip. I appreciate a woman with curves who rocks and doesn't mind showing off her nakedness. You guys have to check her out! She is a writer as well, for British newspaper column.

The Fashion that night was breathtaking. Armani, Stella McCartney, Christopher Kane, Valentino, Dolce and Gabbana. the collections were a true piece of art. I was really impressed by Armani's collection, not just because it was all black, but because I could see a seamless transition from runway to ready-to-wear. You know. the kind of clothes that your fashionistas can don themselves in on a daily.

Naomi Campbell was FIERCE making a healthy come back for Dolce and Gabbana and even appearing in all the promo pieces for the Swarovski Event. Speaking of healthy come backs... Did you see Ms. Whitney Houston?? She looked really good. However, I feel she looked a bit dated. Her look still has residue, no pun intended, of her Body Guard days. I just want WH to get a cute Bob (the hair cut not the ex-husband), switch up her makeup a bit and wear something more youthful. I was just happy to see her looking healthy and being able to understand what she was saying. Although, she did have a slight problem pronouncing S-w-a-r-o-v-s-k-i. Not to mention the awkward random outburst of I Will Always Love You, while talking about The Prince's Trust Foundation.

Claudia Schiffer also came out of the wood work. Seemed like her and Ms. Beyonce switched lives for a day. I swear the silver dress Claudia was wearing looked identical to one of B's over the top blingy ensembles. B you need to check her, glitter is your signature. (Sorry Patty)

Gwyneth Paltrow looked very "young spirited" in that little white dress she was wearing to announce Valentino's retirement and presenting him with the lifetime achievement reward. Not sure how I really felt about the dress. Maybe it was the fact that I thought it was so not age appropriate. She's no virgin when I last checked! Yes I said it. designer icon Valentino has officially retired. Not sure what you celebs are going to do now for your red carpet affairs. I am sure he has some young apprentice to pick up where he left off. So Rich Folks. Don't panic! Christian Siriano YOU BETTA WORK! Put that app in!

Forever Fashionable,

Kae Stylez

Dresscode

Over the weekend, I Kae Stylez, had the pleasure of being entertained by the one and only MS. JILL SCOTT (aka Jilly from Philly). Let me just tell you guys how truly mesmerizing she was. Her voice sounds exactly like it does on all four of her CDs. Her hair was perfect, makeup was flawless, black dress was fitting in all of the most flattering places and the shoes were not a game. Jilly must have also read my White Shoe Blog because she was sporting some white shoes trimmed in black. HOT! Like many of us ladies who make painful sacrifices for fashion, Jill had to kick off her heels and put on some blinged out tennies. She made up a cute unrehearsed song about it "Pinky Toe". I was loving Jill's style that night.

Her shoes are not the only thing she has been tossing to the side. Before attending the concert, I found out some interesting news. I was googling Jill Scott... Norfolk... and discovered the beautiful happily Plus Size Model/Actress/Musician is coming out with a new line of full figured bras For Ashley Stewart. AMEN.

"I have large breasts," Scott told The Associated Press in a recent interview. "I've been blessed with them, and I need something that can support (them)." Feb. 25, 2008 - Associated Press

I sing your praises Jill. Ladies spread your wings and let me know if Jill Scott's BUTTERFLY Bra sets you free!  

Forever Fashionable,

Ms. Kae Style

http://www.igigi.com/

http://www.singersroom.com/news/entertainment-story-1447.asp

http://music.msn.com/music/article.aspx?news=302679&affid=100055

www.soulbounce.com

I know I am a little late with my Oscar babble guys. That just goes to show you how impressed I was at this year's awards. Reports have it that The 2008 Oscars, was the lowest rated in years, down 14% according to the Early Today Show. You know the one that comes on at like 4am on NBC.  http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3041327/

I will tell you what did perk me up, was watching the red carpet preshow. Ms. Kamora Lee Simons was one of the co-hosts. She was dolled up, as usual, in her all black Galliano Gown with a show me whatcha working with split to her who-ha. A Million Dollar hair accessory… Stunning.  Lovely Giuseppe Zanotti sandals... So out of my budget. All of this, Kamora manages to get so glammed up, has a great sense of style, yet she continues to make that rubbish known as Baby Phat. Please someone help me figure this out.

Enough about Ms. Simmons. Here is my key take-away.  RED is the new black. Heidi Klum, Katherine Heigl, Ann Hathaway, the still looking gorgeous Ruby Dee, and some others really wanted to make a statement by wearing Red on the Red Carpet. I love this new color trend. Although, as you all know, I stay true to my chic black and nude lips but in the name of Fashion have recently been researching some new red lipsticks. I figure this is my subtle way of keeping up with the trends and staying true to me and my style.  I am currently in love with MAC’s Dubonet MACCosmetics.com. It is more of a brick red color that screams classy.

http://oscars.movies.yahoo.com/photos/

Ladies don't be afraid to substitute your little black dress with a little red dress. This color is timeless, sophisticated and sassy. You must be a confident individual to pull of red. So I say... Slip on your dress or some red heels, try a shade of red lipstick and dare to be noticed.

Forever Fashionable,

Kae Stylez

Code of Conduct

The Great Debate – White shoes

So my BFF and I had our great debate we have every year around this time...WHITE SHOES! Me personally, White Shoes remind me of when I was little girl and it was Easter Sunday. We had to get to church super duper early to get a good seat because everyone who didn’t go to church all year long usually decides to come on this day. I had to make sure I had White Shoes to match my blue and white polka dot dress with complementing bonnet. I despised my White Shoes because I would always get that huge black scuff along the side of the shoe. Ugh! I would be devastated by the imperfections my White Shoes always seemed to highlight.

In my adulthood, I have attempted to wear the infamous White Shoes.  However, they never seem to blend correctly with any outfit. Believe me... I have tried.  I can do maybe a winter white, but even then those subtle memories of my childhood begin to rear its ugly head.

My BFF loves her white Steve Madden Pumps. She can really pull them off.  Me on the other hand… not so much. Here’s what I suggest, try a shoe with hints of white (if you are like me and can’t stand stark white shoes).  I love small details in shoes. It is what started my love affair with shoes in the first place. I feel a tiny burst of any contrasting color is the perfect detail.

Check out these great shoes from www.bakersshoes.com  my sister is in love with. I must admit, the hint of white in these shoes are just right.

Peep my pick - the Gucci Peekaboo Bootie at www.neimanmarcus.com.  Want more fashion bable like this... Continue to check out Kae Stylez' DRESSCODE.

Forever Fashionable,

Kae Stylez

Its is extremely important to be out voting today in the VA Primaries. That is as political as I'll get right now. As much as voting is a priority, I also believe it is as important to know what you are going to wear to the polls. Should you wear your Blue power suit, so others will take you seriously? Should you throw on your D&G frames to seem like an intellectual voter? Should you aim for comfort with a cute pair of animal print flats? Conversely, should you grab your Converse and go?

It is your VOTE VA. You decide! Whatever you do choose to wear to the polls today, make sure your DRESSCODE counts.

IT IS YOUR RIGHT!