LIFESTYLE

Spring/Summer 2014: Fashion Week Faves in Men’s Shorts

It’s officially spring, and though the weather on the east coast isn’t quite reflecting that, I figure I might as well give Mother Nature a gentle nudge in the right direction with some wishful thinking. In preparation for the inevitable coming of warm weather, I wanted to take a look at shorts in this year’s Spring collections. I’ve pulled together a list of some of the designers that caught my eye.

Nautica

I’m starting with Nautica for those of you who are looking for something stylish but not too crazy (because if you’ve read any of my past articles, you know I love a little crazy). Its nautical aesthetic is totally compatible with Spring/Summer fashion and makes for some great shorts.

The Spring collection has a classic, relaxed feel but still manages to add a bit of edge with longer capri-style pants, colorful prints, and some subtle touches, like asymmetrical lines and pockets.

Nicholas K

I really enjoyed Nicholas K’s Spring collection. It has the sort of otherworldliness that I love, as I mentioned in my Future Fashion article, and the shorts feature a long, slender cut, unconventional lines, and a muted color palette.

Versace

Versace’s Spring collection brings sophistication, elegance, and flair to its shorts with bright hues and fine fabrics. I’ve also been noticing a tendency towards shorts well above the knee this season, which I’m liking.

Kenzo

I’m not 100% sure that I would personally wear the shorts from Kenzo’s Spring collection, but I like what they are doing visually, and I sure would love to see someone else rock these in a creative way. This season’s shorts capture the eye with lively prints and flowing fabrics.

Dolce & Gabbana

I am loving Dolce & Gabbana’s collection this season, particularly in the shorts department. Maybe it’s their Sicilian mythology theme (I am a huge mythology nerd), or perhaps it’s the fact that the collection makes me think of flashy, European beach style of the 1970s (one of my favorite decades in music and style).

I’m also really loving the prevalence of warm hues and the sheen in the fabrics, which have me feeling like it’s already summer.

And if you have the balls (literally and figuratively) to wear these “zungas,” as we’d call them in Argentina, I fully encourage it.

Sibling

Ok, now most of Sibling’s line is a little wilder than what I’d normally wear, but I love the playfulness and the energy of their work: exaggerated proportions, distorted lines, intricate knits, and pastel colors. At the end of the day, I appreciate an interesting aesthetic concept, even if I wouldn’t necessarily wear it, and I often find inspiration in work like this. I’d also live to model some of this stuff.

I was (pleasantly) surprised to find what appear to be “sweater shorts,” which are probably completely impractical but also kind of amazing, in their Fall/Winter collection. It all seems very fun and free.

I also think it’s great that they obviously encourage their models to smile. I’ve been asked to smile on the runway before, and it ain’t always easy, but it’s definitely a welcome departure from the usual pomp. In any case, the spring collection has a few pairs of shorts that I’d actually consider wearing myself.

Phillipp Plein

Phillipp Plein’s Spring collection has some of my favorite shorts this season. The collection draws its inspiration from the casino world.

The German designer’s line merges elegant high fashion, sexy urban swag, and a fun, sporty functionality.

Viktor & Rolf

The Spring Lookbook for Viktor & Rolf got my attention because the collection and the model are giving me Sexy-Harry-Potter-Hogwarts-Upscale-Prep-School Realness in the best possible way. The shorts are cut longer and are designed like dress slacks with fine fabrics.

Dsquared²

Dsquared²is probably my favorite collection this season in terms of shorts. Their aesthetic always feels very New York chic to me, and nothing gets me hot like New York chic!

This season’s theme was “Island Paradise,” but the collection still manages to feel very urban upscale. It also features several well-fitted, high-cut shorts, which I have been fancying lately.

So think warm thoughts, make a spring wardrobe shopping list, and imagine yourself lounging on some warm beach in a pair of sexy shorts. Soon enough the seasons will actually change, and your bare legs will once again see the light of day!

Feminism in Fashion- Could It Be?

by Danielle Flocco

Feminism has been buried in fashion for as long as we can remember seeing 6′, size 0 women. But is it finding it’s way into the industry (finally)? The general consensus seems to believe it is- and who isn’t happy about this! Fashion used to be only for the tall, thin, and beautiful women with unhealthy and harmful lifestyles. However, all races, sizes, and ages are being brought into the standard for beauty now.

A less than subtle hint to the change in beauty standards was Aerie’s un-retouched ad campaign. Their campaign put normal women’s bodies in the spotlight, showing that not even models are as “perfect” as they Photoshop them to be. Aerie’s store windows display their stunning, yet human, women looking great in lingerie just the way they are. Before this, when was the last time you were in the mall and saw an advertisement with a model who has a scar? You haven’t, or at least you thought you haven’t. Photoshop is so easy to use and has endless possibilities, and at times it almost seems like they photograph one woman and create another. Plenty of the models have scars, birthmarks, or stretchmarks- but they are nearly always erased in Photoshop. So, when was the last time you actually met a person with an absolutely impeccable body? Every person is different in a million unique ways, and there’s nothing wrong with that. Thankfully you can see the real people in some ads, and women are finally being shown it’s great to love your body, just the way it is.

Aerie wasn’t the only brand to protest against beauty standards. American Apparel showed the world that aging is okay, and “older” is not synonymous with “ugly”. The brand posted their lingerie ad titled “Sexy has no expiration date.”, featuring a beautiful 62 year old woman. Vogue had reported that the model, Jacky O’Shaughnessy, was a perfect fit because of her natural elegance. While audience opinions ranged from disgusted to thrilled, the overall conclusion was that beauty has no age limit.

Advertisements are not where feminism ends in fashion, either. Last fall on the runway, Rick Owens shocked nearly everyone at Paris Fashion Week. He had 40 black, muscular women come stomping and dancing onto the runway in basketball style outfits. This was a huge change from the stereotypical white woman, floating down the catwalk in a delicate chiffon gown. Owens’ statement showed the world that there are many more desirable forms of femininity than that 6′, size 0. And along with diversity in femininity comes choices.

Women’s fashion is also evolving to focus on dressing the way you want to be viewed, rather than trying to get every man’s attention. Whether you want to look classy, intelligent, or casual there are tons of brands and styles out there waiting for you. And when you dress for yourself, you will attract the people you want to be around- rather than walking around everywhere like a sex bomb because you’re “supposed to” and getting all the wrong attention. Women are becoming less and less of “sex objects” as feminism is emerging in fashion, supported by the #1 selling item in women’s dresses being the maxi dress. The maxi dress cover the entire body, except the arms in short sleeve varieties. Beauty is not about how much skin you show or how sexy you can look anymore, but about looking more elegant and simple than before.

Not to mention that the world is not all about women. Dressing to attract every man you see doesn’t make much sense in this day and age, considering homosexuals are more comfortable than ever to reveal their sexuality. Not every man is interested in women, regardless of how they dress, and not every woman is interested in men either. Like I said before, focusing on dressing the way you want to be viewed as a person is respectable now, and attracts more of the people you wish to have around you.

Luckily healthy, human standards making their way into the industry will teach kids in a positive way, and help create a better future for them. Surrounded by real people, kids will aspire to be greater things than “tall, thin, and beautiful”. And hopefully this means the next generations will grow up with better self esteem than and wish to be nothing but the best they can be as their own unique self.

Bleecker Kitchen & Co Packs the Yummy in Greenwich Village

by Ryan Shea

Pork Buns from Bleecker Kitchen & Co! Totes Delicious!

When it comes to highly populated areas such as Manhattan, the turnover rate for new restaurants is very high and the chance of some of these restaurants surviving in a somewhat struggling economy is tough on top of that. I found one last night though that I believe can rise above those issues and thrive in the fast paced world of Manhattan just based off of delicious food, comfortable setting and great service. This is Bleecker Kitchen & Co, located in the heart of Greenwich Village.

Bleecker Kitchen & Co has only been opened for a short period of time (right before December 2013), yet from what me and my friend saw last night you couldn’t really tell because it was packed within half an hour of us being there. There is dim lighting which really sets the mood and the whole place is set up somewhat like a kitchen, with beautiful tables and chairs and a great hardwood finish to add to the lovely detail. It definitely rings as welcoming the moment you walk in, and the wait staff couldn’t have been more amicable and helpful throughout the dinner.

Oh and that’s the best part of the whole thing- THE DINNER! I am not one who drinks much, but the drinks that me and my friend had at Bleecker was just delicious. I had the Pear Flower Spritz, which had sparking pear cider, lemon juice, sauvignon blanc and elderflower liquer, with two slices of Pear on top of it. It wasn’t overly sweet and the addition of the sliced pear really made it that much more yummy. My friend had the New York Sour, which contained Bourbon Whiskey, Lemon Juice, Can and mulled wine. It had a really great red texture to it and was packed with flavor, according to my buddy.

I for one am not the biggest fan of tartare , however their Salmon Belly Tartare with avocado, heirloom tomato, melon, cilantro and citrus really was quite tasty and very fresh to boot. The star of all the meals, which is weird because it was a small plate, was the BBQ Pork Puns. This pork is smoked for 72 hours and was topped with pickled onion slaw. This was flavor explosion to the max and is something that is worth smoking for 72 hours. Hands down, one of the best appetizers I have had in a long time.

Two words you really can’t go wrong with are- short ribs. Which is exactly what I ordered for the main course last night. The short ribs were cooked to perfection on top of being braised in root beer (Yummmmm) and came with some delicious carrots and sweet potato crisps that really added a crunch to the entire meal. My friend had the Free-Range Chicken Breast with lemon spinach, garlic confit, shallots, baby turnips. He said that the chicken was cooked well and the star of the entire meal was actually the lemon spinach as it added a ton of flavor to it.

Overall I would give this meal a 9/10. As stated before, this restaurant combines the core values that one needs to survive which is flavor, ambiance and overall professionalism throughout. Bleecker Kitchen & Co will be opening up their Sweetwater Social tonight at 5pm, which comes with a mixology menu and super fun bar games. Definitely a place you would like to visit if you are in the Greenwich Village area. Check out the official website for more information, and enjoy your visit when you go!

Bleecker Kitchen & Co

643 Broadway

New York, NY 10012

(212) 253-7467

Sunglasses- Needed All Year Round

by Danielle Flocco

After a few long days outside these past few weeks, I realized that cold weather and sunglasses are not mutually exclusive. The sun has been very bright for the time it is out, and starting March 9th it will be out to enjoy even longer. That being said, snow on the ground or not, it is important to protect your eyes. And honestly, squinting is not nearly as attractive as adding an accessory.

This week I was lucky enough to have received a pair of Axiis Titanium Eyewear, courtesy of Runway magazine. My eyes feel better already and I look great. The best way to describe these glasses would be industrial meets vintage. Pictured below, they come in a durable metal case, so they definitely won’t break in the bottom of your purse. They feature oval titanium vintage style frames in a yellow-ish hue, accented by silver metal industrial styled bars. More styles are available at Axiis.us.

Let’s say you dig vintage everything, but aren’t quite there with the industrial elements. GiantVintage.com has everything you are looking for. They have vintage and retro glasses ranging from 70’s style to 90’s style, and everything else you could imagine. Aviators of all styles and big glasses in all different shapes and colors are rarely more than $20 on this site, so you don’t have to chose just one. Pictured below is a small variety of their sunglasses.

While vintage accessories are extremely popular, not everyone loves it. So if you aren’t a vintage lover, there are plenty of fashionable sunglasses for you, too. 6pm.com offers a variety of designer sunglasses at wholesale prices. This site offers an array of glasses of all shapes and sizes from designers like Alexander McQueen, Ray Ban, Michael Kors, and Stella McCartney. Pictured below is a peak of what they offer.

Whatever your personal preference of eyewear may be, do not skip out on a good pair of sunglasses. Too much sun can affect your vision, and squinting all of the time accelerates the forming of crow’s feet near the eyes. So, spend some money now on a nice pair of sunglasses and save later on all those eye creams.

Jake’s Hot in the Fashion District

by Danielle Flocco

Breaking into the fashion industry is no easy task, but Jake Labarbera makes it seem effortless.

This newly 21 year old is a student at the Fashion Institute of Technology, studying merchandising and jewelry design. He has an interest in photography, and most of all sharing his style with everyone. Jake blogs his personal style, showing the world how to make an outfit ‘pop’ in this competitive world of fashion.

Recently on his blog, www.jakeshotonfashion.com, silver was featured as the up and coming color to incorporate into an outfit. Tested by Jake himself in the fashion district of Manhattan, silver is definitely the way to go. Silver is subtle yet shiny, so your outfit stands out without being overwhelmed by it. This is perfect for those hesitant to go ahead with neon pieces. The easiest way to try silver for an everyday outfit is in jewelry, shoes, or belts- all of which can be found for low prices.

Here is a leather and silver bullet styled bracelet that Jake featured. This piece can be matched with any outfit, and can give theperfect New York rocker tone to an otherwise bland outfit. Again, not an overwhelming piece, but just enough to add the same sparkle as an average bracelet- just with a heck of a lot more attitude.

His other favorite pop of silver is his pair of silver high top sneakers. He blogged this statement about these gleaming kicks: “I’m obsessed with my silver hightop sneakers. And I would totally wear them everyday if I could.” And Jake’s recommendation to everyone is to “pull out your old pieces, dust them off, and put them to good use.” This applies to anything- silver or not- because hey, you never know what will be the next big hit in fashion.

Jake is not only a blogging trendsetter, but he is currently an intern for couture designer, Ralph Rucci, as well as a model. He has been involved in modeling for a few years now, and has quite an array of experience. A few years back Jake modeled for prints for a small boutique in Rhinebeck. Then, he bust onto the Runway in 2013 New York Fashion Week for designer Marlin George. And for 2014, Seduka by Joe Dahan will be featuring Jake in a lookbook and their soon to launch blog.

Young, handsome, and determined, Jake is set to succeed in everything he does. He is still a fresh face in modeling, but a great reputation is certainly building. And let’s not forget he’s a student of jewelry design- we must keep our eyes out for his collections!

Stripped Fashion: 5 Ways to KISS

by Greg Serebuoh

It’s probably clear by now that I have a special place in my artist heart for fashion that is edgy, quirky, avant-garde, or unconventional. Still, if there is one thing I value more than innovation, it’s versatility, and though I love to see crazy geometric shapes or odd combinations of materials in fashion, I’m also a sucker for an outfit that dazzles with its simplicity or its flawless execution of a classic aesthetic. Plus, with the coming of warm weather, being able to strip down with style is a huge asset. So I want to take a moment to talk about 5 ways to KISS – Keep It Simple and Stylish.

1. Seek Out Quality Materials

Whether you’re wearing jeans and a t-shirt or a tailored suit, high quality fabrics and materials can make the most straightforward outfit look like a million bucks. Saint Laurent exemplifies the power of premium threads and classic style.

Quality fabrics not only look better to the eye but they also tend to last much longer and rest on the body in a more flattering way. Bottega Veneta’s Spring/Summer 2014 campaign prominently features this magic combination of quality and simplicity.

Of course, higher quality usually means higher prices. Still, an investment in a few top quality pieces may be worth your while, particularly if they have the next key trait.

2. Value Versatility

Sleek, basic wardrobe often works with any number of looks and can be dressed up or down. Lanvin’s Pre-Fall Lookbook makes this explicit as it brings formal and casual sensibilities together.

Look for the pieces that will look good with anything.

3. Focus on Line and Shape

Simplicity in line and shape can also make a classic look captivating. I am loving Tom Ford’s Fall/Winter 2014 line, which is both elegant and sexy because of its classic lines and timeless style.

Classic pieces can complement the body without a lot of ostentation, emphasizing the fundamental beauty of the male form.

4. Exude Ease and Comfort

Simple style that seems (and hopefully is) really comfortable, creates a relaxed and effortless air that is also incredibly sexy. To be fair, this is not wholly dependent on the outfit itself. It has a lot to do with how it is carried as well. David Gandy is a master of simple and sexy.

Anyone else wondering what he’s carrying around in all dem bags?

Also, whoever styles Mr. Gandy is well aware of the fact that henley shirts look hot on just about anyone.

5. Give it Edge

Sometimes what really makes a simple outfit rock is one minor twist. Valentino’s last few campaigns take basic concepts and give them a bit of edge with thoughtful details.

Jeans and a tee with one eccentric accessory. A sleek suit with a pair of fly sneaks. A plain top with a quirky bottom. Or striking colors paired with classic cuts, as in Tom Ford’s Spring/Summer 2014 line.

A word on Tom Ford. It’s no coincidence that he has come up twice. It was actually my recollection of the gorgeous style of his film A Single Man that inspired this article. I was as blown away by the aesthetic of the film as I was by its story.

Ford’s brilliant film is a testament to the fact that simple, classic style when thoughtfully executed can make a huge impression.

Park Central Hotel’s Fab New Restaurant- Park Kitchen

by Ryan Shea

Park Central Hotel, Park Kitchen, Manhattan Digest — Credit to: Park Central Hotel

CHICKEN Fried CHICKEN at Park Kitchen? You betcha!

When you have a classic location in New York that has boasted guests from Eleanor Roosevelt to Frank Sinatra, there are times where you need to revamp yourself in order to give visitors the reason why you have been around for so long. The Park Central Hotel, a New York institution since 1927 located in the heart of Midtown West, has just done this with their brand new restaurant called Park Kitchen. The beautifully done contemporary American restaurant is helmed by Executive Chef Nathaniel Eckhaus, who hails from Eleven Madison Park and Union Square Events, and completes the historic landmark hotel’s extensive multi-million dollar renovation implemented by Jeffrey Beers International.

I was fortunate enough to visit the hotel and restaurant with a friend of mine and the experience overall was quite fantastic to say the least. What I loved about the look of the hotel was that it had a modern look to it, especially the new restaurant, yet each of the rooms had a colorful, throwback vibe that works if you are coming in as one person or with a family. The restaurant itself was very spacious and had great color to it (as you can see in the picture) and the hospitality was superb to say the least.

And of course there was the best part of the entire venture- the food! We met Executive Chef Nathaniel Eckhous, who was warm and friendly and quite excited to present some of his great dishes for us. The great thing about the food that was presented is that many of the dishes are designed to be shared, so it is best to get multiple items and see what they have to offer (cuz it’s so freaking yummy). The standouts for me in the appetizer portions was the Meatball Pizzetta that had Pork & Beef Meatballs, Ricotta and Pepperocini. Those are four items that on their own are just awesome and when put together has its awesomeness magnified. Totally warm and tasty. Two of my favorite things as well (I have many favorite things FYI), is wings and Sriracha. So when you blend those two together for their Crispy Sriracha Chicken Wings the taste really pops in your mouth and provides the right amount of spice and sweetness with the ranch dressing they provided.

On top of the fab appetizers, we also were treated to two of their tasty entrees. The Chicken Fried Chicken was beyond amazing, and came with its own hot sauce and honey that really added to the already pungent flavor. My friend had the Park Kitchen Cheeseburger which he said was cooked to perfection and had a good amount of cheddar cheese on it to pack the burger with taste. Overall, it was an amazing experience that anyone should experience if they are visiting NYC or live here.

Park Kitchen, Park Central, Manhattan Digest — Credit to: Park Central Hotel

So check out Park Kitchen the next time you are in the neighborhood. And if you need a place to stay, why not stay at Park Central? Heck if it was good enough for Sinatra, it should be good enough for you :). Check out the website for more information.

100% Sexy: When Pride Becomes a Fashion Statement

by Greg Serebuoh

What do I love so much about 100%G?

Ever since I’d first heard about it, I had been trying to find the answer to that question. I met Peruvian photographer César Mansilla Sialer on a photo shoot for a swimwear campaign I was modeling for, and he was, as I like to say, the answer to all questions, so we stayed friends. It was César who first hipped me to 100%G (or OHP), a designer from his hometown of Lima.

Its design concept was straightforward. Skillfully cut, limited edition T-shirts made from soft, Peruvian cotton with simple words printed on the front.

Its online presence [NSFW] and marketing were equally straightforward. Witty and irreverent posts about boys, sex, and fun, pics of guys around the world sporting their gear, and campaigns that had a raw, DIY quality, like stealthy captures of those genuine, private moments, of modeling a new favorite outfit or dancing with total abandon in front of the mirror before a night out on the town (you know you do it too). Still, there was something more that drew me in.

It certainly helped that the face of its campaign was my old friend Tom Middleton, one of the former stars of Fuerza Bruta and current cast member of Hombre Vertiente. Tom’s devastatingly handsome looks, radiant smile, and tangible kindness made the shots effortlessly steamy.

The fact that the shirts framed the male form perfectly didn’t hurt either. And yet, there was more.

I still hadn’t figured it out, but I knew I had to be in on it, so I reached out to 100%G and ordered a couple of shirts from its latest campaign, “Party Animals.”

As I pulled my new shirts out of their packaging, reveling in the feel of the soft, smooth fabric against my fingers, my eye caught the writing on the inner printed tag: “One Hundred Percent Gay. One Hundred Percent Love.” G is for Gay? Apparently I had missed something key.

I took a look at its website: “Made 100% for the gay community. In Lima, we noticed an absence of trendy, fun, cool clothes made with the gay person in mind. That’s when the idea for 100%G began. We make our shirts using 100% Peruvian gay cotton, some of the best fabric in the world.”

First of all, clap clap clap and snap snap snap for the use of the term “gay cotton.”

But seriously, as I got a glimpse into the thinking behind the brand, everything began to come together for me, and I found my answer.

I love 100%G because it is deliciously sexy. If you know me well, you know that I love sex, not only as a physical act in which to partake (often…very often) but also as an idea. Sex or sexiness for me has to do with a lot more than just naked bodies and dim lighting or indeed marriage and heavy promises. It is a basic energy that courses through all of life, and 100%G taps into that fundamental energy in order to encourage a different kind of (gay) pride, more human, more inclusive, more complex, less complicated.

The irreverence. The unabashed, playful sensuality. The unapologetic attitude, free of rigid definitions and precarious binaries. And the beauty. Real beauty. The kind that comes not just from a pretty face and a hot body, but from an easy smile, a mischievous nature, a relaxed poise. Beauty that isn’t afraid to get messy, silly, or frisky. Beauty that doesn’t take itself too seriously because it knows that it’s here to stay.

100%G says that it is “STRAIGHT FRIENDLY.” Of course it is. Because the sexiness that it ascribes to is the kind that Idris Elba can wear just as easily. Or James Franco. Or Legolas Greenleaf (proud geek here). Or Lupita Nyong’o. Or you. It’s the guys and girls that turn you on, not just with their looks or what they say, but with the titillating ease with which they live in their own space. An uncomplicated confidence that is flexible, free, and universal.

At the base of the blog entries, the campaigns, the aesthetic, and the fashion design is this basic principle. I interviewed 100%G to get a bit more insight into their vision.

Tell me how 100%G began.

OHP was born out of a design project created by El Cartel Design Ghetto, out of a need not only to create a product that was commercially viable but also to communicate an idea. We strive to use skillful design to represent a lifestyle. We want to represent the gay lifestyle in a fun and light way.

Your campaigns and your branding seem to have a very specific intention. What inspires your choices in that regard?

We openly celebrate gay lifestyles and the idea of facing everything with a positive attitude. It has been an interesting task since we are based in Peru, which is a really conservative country. Even so, we’ve been noticing an incredible trend in the country, thousands of guys are coming out of the closet, and we obviously wanted to do what we could to make sure they were well represented.

What does it mean to be sexy?

Sexy is being exactly who you are. It’s being true to yourself in words and actions. It’s being part of a multifaceted, global community. Sexy is being proud of who you are.

Tell me about your current campaign.

Our current campaign is in dialogue with the issues that face our community today. We’re using it to support 100% Equality.

Luxury Rides by Luxor Limo- The Manhattan Digest Review

by Ryan Shea

I for one am used to a life of Hyundai’s and Toyota’s when it comes to my vehicular activities, so when I got the opportunity to review a limo company for the first time I instantly jumped at it. What differs this one compared to the other run of the mill businesses that are out there is how the company came to be and the efforts that they are making in order to get themselves to another level. This company is called Luxor Limo, located in the heart of Brooklyn. What makes this company different in fact? Owner Simon Chkifati, is one entrepreneur who is leveraging technology to boost his fleet at Luxor Limo. In addition to GPS in every vehicle, Luxor uses a vehicle tracking system that helps with accurate dispatching. His company also offers a user-friendly online reservation system so clients can book a car from anywhere in the world under a New York minute. Superior custom service is what ultimately drives Chkifati’s business. The latest model cars, hand picked drivers and a comfortable and relaxing ride are guaranteed. [Read more…] about Luxury Rides by Luxor Limo- The Manhattan Digest Review

Patterned Tights To Spice Up Classic New York Style

by Danielle Flocco

Classic New York style is black from head to toe, and in this cold weather black boots, pants, and a jacket definitely seem like a warm choice. And sadly, this time of year our favorite little black dress often gets buried away in the back of the closet, but there’s no reason for that anymore.

Patterned tights are perfect to personalize the classic New York style and give our LBD some attention in the winter months. Stores everywhere sell huge varieties of patterned tights, usually in the $10 to $20 range- which is a small price to pay for an easy and versatile accessory. Depending on your personal preference you can add any edge to your outfit from wild party to simply unique.

Cheetah print, or any asymmetrical print, tights give off a party-ready look, but are appropriate for any time of day. For the office, the printed tights with boots and a simple skirt or dress will show off your personality that can’t always be seen under that 9- 5 suit. Classy, yet personalized, your work wear will be immediately upgraded. For a night out in the winter, when you’re dying to wear your go-to LBD but don’t want to freeze, printed tights will look sexy. Sometimes a little coverage on the legs is all we need to keep warm, so use those opportunities to find your perfect print. Following the classic New York style, an asymmetrical print- in black, of course- will be subtle enough to maintain a classy appearance, but just different enough to set you apart from the crowd. And in this big city, why not stand out a bit.

Many of us wear the same, or painfully similar, outfit more days than we’d like to admit (I plead guilty!). And odds are, if you don’t like to switch up outfits very much, a crazy print won’t be your first choice. Thankfully, patterned tights also come in a wide variety of simple, symmetric patterns for us. Minimalist accents to an outfit instantly boost chicness, both in the workplace and out in the world. Not to mention that minimalist style is highly regarded in modern fashion. Tights with squares, stripes, or dots add just enough of a personalized edge to a simple outfit to let your personality shine through while looking classy. Again, the subtle accent in an all- black outfit will be enough to separate you from the rest of New Yorkers.

Modern fashion is all about adding a personal elements to an outfit, and patterned tights are an easy and inexpensive way to do so. Using subtly accessories like tights instead of chunky jewelry or other large pieces are a much more modern way to draw attention to an outfit. Patterned tights are especially perfect in our city where we are all about simple and classy style in all- black.

Fashion and style aside, patterned tights can also be extremely flattering. Plain black tights will not shorten your legs, but they won’t lengthen them either- and being just barely 5 feet tall, I always try to look a bit taller. Patterned tights with details that are longer than they are wide will have a slimming effect on your legs, and in turn add a few inches. This is really great considering that occasionally we can look a bit short when wearing a skirt or dress with knee high boots. Patterned tights with details that are wider than long will not have the same effect. They will give your legs a bit wider of an appearance, and possibly make you look a bit shorter. However, if you are tall enough that you can spare a few inches, these tights will look great and not take away from your appearance at all. Depending upon what your pattern preference is and the look you are trying to achieve, either pattern type can be used to your advantage.

Whether you’re interested in patterned tights for fashion purposes, to look better, or both, they’re a necessity for the rest of the winter and the upcoming spring. And again, tights are not expensive and what is better than looking great on a small budget.

LIFESTYLE

Pork Buns from Bleecker Kitchen & Co! Totes Delicious!

CHICKEN Fried CHICKEN at Park Kitchen? You betcha!

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