Links a La Mode

Once again, I made to the top Links a la Mode list! I tried submitting each week a new post, but found out I wasn't entering the correct url. This time I made sure it was correct and guess it worked it, because here I am de nouveau. Hopefully, now I won't have more problems. 

Below you fill find several other posts you may find interesting. Enjoy. 

World Click

Does it matter where you blog from? I say this as I've lived in four cities during my blogging career, and to tell the truth, it kind of does, but it also kind of doesn't. This week Style Bizarre asks that question to a few bloggers about their experiences with blogging and location. We also travel around to Australia to check out their MBFW, how Man Repeller got us thinking about Japan (again), about how female politicians across the globe relate to fashion (should they?) and where you can get globally conscious accessories. As always it's a mixed bag, so enjoy!

Links � la Mode: April 18th

1. Anna Lou Elliott: 3 ways to wear white: for day, night and work
2. Attire Club: What We Can Learn From Superheroes
3. Cosmolawitan: Dove: Empowering Women With Its Ad Campaigns
4. Dressed Up on a Cloudy Day: How to Combine Colors : Analogous Colors
5. Fashion is Evolution: 4 Tips for Pushing Yourself to Achieve Your Creative Goals
6. Fashion Moriarty: Are female politicians reduced to what they wear?
7. Hey Mishka: 5 Globally Conscious Festive Accessories For Summer
8. HH Designs: Glamping: My Overall Lack of Roughing It...
9. Lara Lizard: Test : Are you the cutest creature of the social media?
10. Incognito: On how Man Repeller got me thinking about fashion in Japan
11. Modestelle: Mercedes Benz Australia Review 2013-2014
12. Mis Papelicos: My 6 Easy Steps to Happiness
13. Nothing to wear: The Rookie Department: Hair Styling For Beginners
14. Runway to Style: 7 Style Guidelines To Look Your Best at Prom and More
15. Style Bizarre: Blogging: How important is your location?
16. The Curatorial: Vale Jewelry: Algorithms and Delicate Jewelry
17. Undercover Dress Up: Interview with lolita icon Emilka P.
18. We Are Ready Made: Irreverent Youth
19. Wild Beauty World: War Paint
20. Youth Savage: Fashion Blogging vs. the World

  SPONSOR: Sale @ Shopbop: Timo Weiland, Rebel, Star Mela, Beth Richards, Hunter, Voltaire Zadig, Mugler, Ulla Johnson, Jill Stuart, Superga, & L'Wren Scott

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Saint Laurent Sold Out

Several of these Saint Laurent spring pieces have already sold at various retailers, and are having to make a second order to keep in stock. The classic fedoras in rabbit fur have been a big hit.

Hedi Slimane may be by now the most talked about designer in the fashion world. Since his debut as the new creative director for Saint Laurent Paris, the negative critics for his work at the house have not stopped following him. His debut for his Spring/Summer 2013 collection was criticized as a horrendous mockery to the legend of Monsieur Yves Saint Laurent. In fact, his two most recent collections � his spring boho and fall baby-doll grunge theme � received one of the strongest negative reviews I had seen in a while. 

According to a latest New York Times article written by Eric Wilson about Hedi Slimane�s new role in the world of Saint Laurent, Slimane was already expecting such negativity from his collections even before his debut. If he sensed this was going to happen, then why create such a controversy? If you ever happened to know something about its original creator, Monsieur Saint Laurent, his brand itself was quite a controversy. It is no surprise Slimane has gone back to the roots of the once acclaimed power house, but in my perspective he has keenly made sure it becomes back again the brand we all used to once talk about so much. 

To sort of prove my side, Style.com reported in the article that Slimane�s show ranked the second most viewed collection for both fall and spring seasons � more than 2.2 million views for his fall collection � right after beloved Chanel. Apparently, while Stefano Pilati was under the house, Saint Laurent never made it to such a high ranking, not even the top 10. 

Several retailers have already begun to sell Hedi Slimane�s spring/summer collection for Saint Laurent. And critics may scream disaster, but the truth of the fact is that the customers who are shopping around for this specific collection have a different taste. Sales for Slimane�s spring collection have rocketed over the sky. The sales have been so huge that most online luxury retailers like Net-a-Porter and My Theresa have sold out several of its pieces already. Referring to the article, Barneys New York sold 60 percent of its spring orders at full price. There were no discounts. I checked back recently at other retailers after the pieces had been sold out, and it seemed they had restocked another order of Saint Laurent accessories and shirts. 

I believe what was once a collection that may have �shocked� you, after a certain time, converts into the most desired collection you can�t get out of your thoughts. It�s like hearing a song you hate so much, which after a while you�re joyfully singing it over and over. It may be that what is happening to this spring collection will hopefully happen to next fall�s baby-doll grunge collection. The critics may need to calm their negativity and take time to indulge on it slowly and sweetly. I�ll guarantee you�ll see a whole different dimension. If you still happen to disagree, then all I can say is get used to him, because it seems so far Mr. Slimane will be around for quite some time.

And for you girls waiting for the end of the season 70 percent sale, I doubt you'll get your hands on Saint Laurent. Better luck saving for next upcoming fall.

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7 Style Guidelines To Look Your Best at Prom and More

April is a month where most high school girls are prepping up for their so desired prom event. Most of them are running around like psychos searching for the perfect dress to put them on the so recalled �Best Dress List.� �Her dress was from Gucci. Let�s put her on the best dressed list.� Don�t act like you haven�t heard of this?

For guys, it�s a whole another situation. Just as the perfect dress makes a girl sparkle, a well fitted suit gives authority to a man. It�s not about �Hey, I�ll just grab this suit and wear it to prom.� It may take time and some money to find that single suit that fits like a glove, but the time will be worth everything for your girl, because nothing says sexier than a man in a fitted suit. 

Money may be a main factor when purchasing a suit, but in actuality there are many retailers out there that offer great fits for a fraction of a high-end designer suit that will have you looking dapper no matter what occasion you�re in need of. I used to wonder what was it that made those male celebrity stars look so well put together. And it took some time, until I found the answer�..fit. As long as your suit is all fitted, you can make any suit no matter what brand, appear as if it were worth thousands of dollars.

Below are some guidelines I have made to help you look your best when prom arrives or any other event so to speak.

From left to right: ASOS skinny fit tuxedo suit jacket ($157.94) and pants ($66.50) //
TOPMAN slim fit suit jacket ($175) and trousers ($75) //
J.Crew's LudLow tuxedo jacket ($388) and tuxedo pants ($198)

The Fits

Color Choice: A black suit calls for a more formal occasion such as prom, a wedding, black-tie, or any other important event. Navy suits can be another substitution that can be used for the guy who prefers a small dose of color instead of neutral black. Gray suits look the best for events that call for a business meetings or interviews. Any other types of colored suits or prints should be best chosen for an outgoing event where you can let your personality separate you from others.

The Fitted Suit: A well fitted suit must feel comfortable with enough room for you to move around freely, but without space for your fist to fit between your suit. If your fist can fit inside then the suit may be too big for you. A perfect sleeve falls around your wrist bone. A tailor may be necessary at some point of time.There should be around half an inch of fabric shirt (cuff) showing underneath your suit. For slimmer suits, they should cover at least half of your butt, and for a more conservative length, as long as your suit covers most of your butt you�re fine. If you exceed then the suit is definitely too long for you.

Pants: The most popular trend right now in men�s fashion is to show off some skin (ankle). You could simply have this type of style and opt to show off some personality with your favorite colored socks. The three lengths above are great examples of personal style. I wouldn�t strongly recommend the length of the look on the left as it feels more relaxed for such an important event. I�d opt for the look in the middle if you don�t want to show off a little ankle yet look your best.

Shirts: White shirts don�t have to be an expensive purchase as your suit will do most of the job. As long as your shirt does not create a muffin top then you are all set and ready. H&M has great fits for amazing bargains.

Style Tip: Ever wonder how you can appear tall and lean in your suit? The solution is simple. Don�t wear a belt. Wearing a belt only cuts your body in half and creates a bulk in your midsection that doesn�t look pleasant. Take a look next time at male celebrities and you'll see they're not wearing a belt.

Clockwise: TOPMAN velvet slippers ($110) // Steve Madden loafers ($99.95) // ALDO dress lace-ups ($110) // Calvin Klein tuxedo oxfords ($130)

Shoes: There are plenty of retailers and brand that sell amazing dress shoes that won�t hurt your budget. A nice square vamp (front of shoe) and a clean polished brush will appear you�re wearing Louis Vuitton. Loafers can also be another option as long as you keep that shiny consistency. For the guys who love to add their own personality, slippers (the formal ones) such as the velvet ones above are an excellent alternative and the best occasion to show them off.

Clockwise: TheTieBar black/white bow tie ($15) // EXPRESS silk pocket square ($24.90) // TheTieBar gold cufflinks ($20) // FOSSIL stainless steel watch ($155) // TheTieBar fleur de lis socks ($8) // EXPRESS skinny silk tie ($49.90) // TheTieBar gold tie bar ($15)

Accessories are a must have essential for every man. They always say that small things are the most important elements one sees, and it is very true. Add that special personality you want others to know about you in your socks, tie, bowtie, cufflinks, tie bar, or pocket square. The Tie Bar is a great retail site that sells amazing style accessories at incredible prices. If neither interests you, then a good watch will always come in handy.

Clockwise: Dolce & Gabbana - Light Blue // Yves Saint Laurent - La Nuit De L'Homme // Tom Ford - Noir // Versace - Eros // Chanel - Bleu de Chanel

Cologne is not just a smell, it�s who you are. You want people to remember you by that special scent you wore. Wouldn�t you find it hot if a girl comes right by you the next day and states, �I remember you. Your smell made me remember I was with you last night?� Spray a squirt on your wrist, then dab it on your neck. The neck is for the romantic dance.

These three items may not refer to style, but should be kept inside the pocket of your suit. Of course don�t put the whole pack inside. A little bit of everything should do.

1. Listerine Mint � You should always have fresh breath when speaking to someone else. Don�t chew gum because you only look ridiculous.
2. Oil Pads � You know you don�t want a super greasy face in the pictures. That just looks disgusting.
3. Flossers � Sometimes there are things your index finger or toothpick can�t get. Take it as your emergency aid.

By now you have gotten the memo of the tips needed to look your best not only for prom, but for any event that is to come. Hope it helps.

*This post is one of the winners of IFB's Links � la Mode.*

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A Religious Fashion Devotion at Dolce & Gabbana's Fall 2013 Presentation

Stefano Gabbana (left) and Domenico Dolce (right) at their Fall 2013 Menswear presentation.

Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana�s theme for its new fall/winter 2013 menswear collection was �devotion,� a word that couldn�t be any perfect to describe the craftsmanship these two men dedicate hours into, designing a collection that always leaves me eager for next season to arrive. Their Sicilian inspirations were no longer available here (not that I wasn't fond of), but perhaps they felt it was time to take a slightly different route; religion became the new trend setter and our new devotion. The setting � mounted with crystal chandeliers and decoration of flowers � marked a new purified atmosphere.

Professional models were left out of this runway, and replaced once again by average men of different heights and shapes that made tailoring be much more appreciated. Dolce & Gabbana knew perfectly well how to attract the non-model guys who seek to feel confident and trendy; not everyone is tall and slim. They provided several options that molded the realistic man we�d find out in the streets somewhere. I felt more connected towards this presentations than from the other shows. I was nice to see how I probably could rock an outfit very well even if I'm not as tall and lean as a model.

Shirts, crisp white with delicate embroideries, reminded me of Sunday morning church attires I would be willing to assist each week if given. Other tops printed in religion icons, to a yellow number embroidered luxuriously in gems, had a new statement to the well endorsed Dolce tee. Pants were tapered and felt comfortable enough to wear; not too tight, not too slouchy. Overcoats were kept classical and modern (mostly black), to their standards.

The real magic was captured with one of the most beautifully made floral print suits of the season. Flowers could be a topic of major concern for men, but the designers managed to pull off a well convincing, breathtaking artwork. Suits were made out of handmade needlepoint floral designs that had the perfect masculine and alluring touch to them. Other suits, such as a white laced piece, had enough to shut the envious guys who know they�d secretly want one. Velvet lined shoes were definitely a plus. Shoes have always been a favorite of mine from this brand besides their well made clothes.

The final rain of models walking down the catwalk, wore Domenico�s and Stefano�s love to their catholic roots. The end deserved a well respected applause that commended us to pray for these talented designers to keep doing what they�re best at��..designing for the modern gentleman.

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GSR X Belstaff - A Collaboration Worth Your Investment

A tartan motorcycle jacket from GSR X Belstaff men's collection.

Belstaff is literally one of the best British luxury brands that exists. Very rarely are there brands that manage to succeed based on their iconic pieces. A Belstaff belted jacket is just as iconic as a Chanel tweed jacket would be. What makes a Belstaff jacket a favorite among many is not just it's quality, but it's wearability. 

Belstaff knows how to sell to the man who does not only look for something to stay warm and dapper, but  also seeks for the jacket that fits their lifestyle. Most of their outerwear pieces pertain particularly to the man who is quite adventurous - motorcycle riding, hiking, camping, etc. Their jackets are of superb quality that can be resistant to tearing, are waterproof, have built-in protection (shoulders, elbows, and back), are comfortable, and breathable without suffocating yourself. And much more included in a single jacket. What more can a man ask for? I call this a man's best investment of his fashion life.

I must say I feel Belstaff markets to the young adult in their late 20s. Not that this means anything, but the reason I state this is because the GSR (Goodwood Sports & Racing) X Belstaff collection totally appeals to a more younger audience - fresh, adventurous, and spirited. Their is definitely a great amount of Belstaff heritage injected into this collection though, but in a much more cooler version.

Details here are stunning, which speaks a lot for such a supposed collaboration. This appears more of collection that should carry on soon to a second round. In other words, the heritage sportswear british brand of GSR, and the lifestyle habits of Belstaff collide in one of the best menswear collaborations that I have ever seen personally.

Dark brown belted motorcycle jacket and blue jacket from GSR X Belstaff collection.

The tartan motorcycle jacket, dark brown belted jacket, and the details in the rubberized blue jacket are impeccably wearable for any occasion. It doesn't matter if it's day or night, zipped or unzipped, either way would work fine. At the end, isn't this what every man wants? Not have to worry which way pleases the best.

Casualwear polos, shirts, and t-shirts from the GSR X Belstaff men's collection.

Besides their great jackets, casualwear here should be of great interest. I love the effect that the tartan button down shirt and the oat printed jersey shirt offer. The knitted, diamond-shaped patterned polo shirt should be one to have a look at for it definitely does not appear like your average polo you may have in your closet. Normally, I am not crazy towards white t-shirts, but this t-shirt obviously does not seem to be like the one you would use for your sleepwear. For $195, somehow sounds convincing. 

Which coat or jacket would you love to wear?

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The Urban Gentleman at Bottega Veneta Fall 2013

Tomas Maier is a man of few words who doesn�t need much to say when designing for Bottega Veneta. The clothes spoke for themselves at the runway. What designer wouldn�t appreciate not having to give overly details of their collection for the press to comprehend? Just as we�ve seen over the past few days, designers (an adequate amount) have chosen to keep things classic and subtle for fall/winter 2013 collections. At Bottega Veneta, there were no exceptions.

The looks were sleek and conservative, appropriate for a weekend daywear at the office. Suits were tailored and effortless compared to last seasons refined patch worked designs. The tactical colors � blacks, grays, and navys, emphasized the clean details that needed to be caught. There was enough to pick around from single or double breasted suits, to three piece ensembles that came with narrow or wider lapels. 

Pants, slimmer in construction, had a perfect length that added masculinity to the overall look. Coats, such as a peacoat shown at Veneta, had a slimmer and distinctive version compared to the average boxy version I've seen before. Mustard overcoat numbers were some to have been deceived by; buttons were layered underneath.

Leather needed to be a must coming from Maier. Polished leather pants, jackets, and shirts, added that touch of urbanism Maier is best at performing, keeping that dark consistency men would seek to add to their next fall/winter wardrobe collection. I am not of fan of leather pants, but here Mr. Maier drove me crazy for one. The consistency of the shine control and thickness is a very risky thought for most men, but here everything was perfectly controlled. Even the leather suits were a must have, and probably ones to watch next season during fashion week among the dapper guys in the streets. 

 Knits aided in maintaining a youthful tone done luxuriously well. Accessories were another hit as well. Bags made out of exotic skins, sent a message that men should be opting for now. Wing tip lace ups finished marking Maier�s triumph.

If any, I am curious to see how long this sophisticated collection will last on the shelves of several retail stores and select boutiques when it comes out. Mr. Maier seemed to have found the perfect obligation to put him on my next wishlist or yours. Good look sending out orders Mister (Signore) Tomas Maier.

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