NEW YORK

Wrap Bracelets That Make A Statement: Hole In Her Stocking

With spring in full bloom and summer ahead, it felt like the perfect time to add some more color to my accessory drawer. As usual, I turned to Etsy, my go-to for something nice with a handmade touch, where I found a wonderful shop called Hole in Her Stocking.

It was hard to choose a single bracelet from all the great pieces in the shop, but remembering that they look like more than just one, I settled on a blue, turquoise, purple, and silver wrap. Intrigued with the shop and how their beautiful color schemes and styles came to be, I reached out to the owner, Jennifer, for some more information.

The Hole in Her Stocking shop was started several years ago as a hobby, with Jennifer taking time off here and there. Over the last year, though, she invested herself more seriously in the shop and created for herself a successful brand. Jennifer is a one woman team from Long Island, crafting each of her colorful pieces on her own, recruiting family only for modeling.

It turns out talent does run in the family, being that Jennifer first gained an interest in jewelry making growing up. She shared with me that her mother and grandmother were very crafty women and often made their own jewelry. Early in her life, Jennifer followed their lead and started creating her own pieces. Her natural taste in style has always been that bohemian, hippie style, so it is only natural that Hole in Her Stocking oozes fun and happy vibes.

We all love getting a great product in great packaging, and that element was certainly not overlooked by Jennifer. Several months ago she started experimenting with custom stamped sacks, and naturally the response was overwhelming. While looking to give her customers something unique, she ended up creating a keepsake bag, perfect for storage and travel, that comes with every bracelet.

The start of Jennifer’s interest in jewelry making, and the influences behind Hole in Her Stocking make for a great story behind the shop, but obviously the products speak louder than any words can. Let me start by saying, I was extremely excited to get the mail to catch my first glimpse of the custom stamped sack and multi-color wrap bracelet.

The sack, complete with my name and an arrow design to complement, has a light burlap texture and a drawstring on top. The bracelet fits securely in the bag, with the drawstring pulling to a tight close. Durability is key with any packaging, and the sack is cute and personalized means of protection from everyday messes. I definitely recommend keeping the bag, whether you choose to store your bracelet in it or just use it for travel.

I opened the little sack to unveil what would become my go-to color pop, and pulled out the slinky like bracelet. With nine layers of beads, my bracelet wraps from larger beads on the bottom to slightly smaller beads on the top. It starts with a line of light turquoise beads that sit securely against the loop ending on the bracelet. From there, it wraps to light blue, to silver rectangular blocks, to an almost wine colored purple. While I wouldn’t usually like blue and purple together, the accent of the silver blocks between the two layers adds a together but separate element to the bracelet, which is what ultimately gives the image of being multiple pieces. From the wine-like purple beads, it moves up to slightly translucent purple beads, and then to another layer of silver. The silver line here are faceted circular beads, yet again creating the image of a separate bracelet. My wrap finishes off with a layer of turquoise, followed by what I see as almost magenta, and ended with a line of dark royal blue that ultimately completes the bracelet.

The beads used on the bracelet are good quality, leaving no worry for sudden breakage. However, they do scratch easily, so it is vital to watch where you reach with the bracelet on. My initial concern with such a layered bracelet being a wrap would be that it wouldn’t fit my wrist properly; that either it would be too structured or bend very easily. The first time wearing the bracelet it did feel a bit stiff, resting on my wrist with room to spare between the bracelet and my arm in some places. But after the first couple wears, it almost came to fit my arm better, and now sits very comfortably every time I put it on- which is almost everyday.

The colors in the bracelets are incredibly bright and will stand out no matter what you wear, which is my favorite part. My personal favorite way to style the bracelet is with an all black outfit, letting the bracelet do the talking. On all black, the colors pop so much on their own that it makes me feel as though I need no other accessories. Another great style idea is to wear something that picks up one of the colors in the bracelet. For mine, I wore it with black flats, black leggings, and a flowy turquoise shirt. With the turquoise shirt and accents in the bracelet, the look was very fun, bright, and put together. I’ve also gone on to wear the bracelet with white, blue, and pink shirts along with a black cardigan, and the bracelet was, again, the perfect accent.

To say the least, I adore my bracelet from Hole in Her Stocking. The stacked look without the effort, the comfortable fit, and the bright colors to pop are just a few of the best qualities. There is near to nothing one of these bracelets wouldn’t look good with, and with most of them being under $30, there is no reason not to get one, or a million, of them for yourself. Mine in particular is only $17.50! So, do your wardrobe a favor and style it with the accessories it deserves.

Love what you see in the shop? The first ever lookbook is in progress, giving us all something to look forward to. And don’t forget follow @holeinherstocking on Instagram, where you can see all the new styles as they are listed and all the existing ones in all their boho glory.

Review: GiGi New York Embossed Python Leather Crossbody & Wallet

by Danielle Flocco

The brand best known for its luxurious python leather products, GiGi New York, offers the finest combination of classic and edgy style that one will find in bags and their accompanying accessories. The visible pattern and texture if the python skin with the durability of the highest quality leather are only the most obvious attributes of their products that one sees at a first glance. Actually use their products, and a whole different world of distinction and beauty is opened up to you.

The day my GiGi New York items came in the mail, it was easily the most exciting snail mail I’ve gotten in 2015. Packaged in a durable black box with their logo stamped in gold foil, were my new go-to items. First, I opened the embossed python leather crossbody bag, and then the embossed python leather phone wallet to match. Each item was individually packaged in protective plastic bagging, with leather cleaning towels, complete with the GiGi logo, enclosed.

From the first finger I laid on the python leather, I knew I was touching one the best quality items one could own. GiGi New York sources their leathers from all parts of the world, utilizing every region’s specialties, including the worldwide leaders in fashion tanning, Italy and France. Most of the products are made in the United States, guaranteeing the greatest attention to detail in the creation of every item.

Excited to use my new bag and wallet, I quickly began a top to
bottom inspection of the products. The bag is 10 inches wide and 8 inches tall with a detachable adjustable strap, offering up to a 27 inch drop from shoulder to bag. It has a zip top closure, and a front pocket that zips closed, as well. On the front of the bag there is a simple logo plate attached at the top, in the center of where the widest section of the python leather runs. Inside the bag is a soft material, stamped with the GiGi logo, giving a delicate look to the durable interior of the bag.

The bag is both chic and practical, with a slick appearance yet reasonable size for day to day use. It has proven to perfect for day trips when you don’t want to bring much with you, as well as for regular use like work and family visits. With spring in the works and summer around the corner, the crossbody is ideal for festivals and outings in the nice weather. Because of its size, it will hold what you need for the day without weighing down your arm during the time you’re trying to enjoy yourself.

The phone wallet is 7 inches wide and 4 inches tall, fitting perfectly inside the crossbody bag. The wallet also features the logo plate in the widest section of the leather, creating a flawlessly balanced look between the embossed leather and the metal add-ons. There are two spaces for cash, a zip closure back pocket for change, six credit card slots, and a slot to hold a variety of phone types- Apple and Android alike.

The wallet is easily the most versatile item I’ve owned. It fits great in any regular size bag, it tucks away just right in the crossbody, and it’s even excellent just on its own. The slot for the phone is what has me cheering the most. I didn’t want to get tangled in bag straps while maneuvering groceries, so I opted for a wallet only excursion with my phone securely tucked away inside of it. Not to mention, the wallet zip on the top and only one side, so when I opened it to pay, my belongings were not out in the open.

After being introduced to GiGi New York and experiencing their products first hand, there isn’t another brand I’d go to for this type of unmatched quality. Well, except for their parent company, Graphic Image.

All GiGi products come with the option for personalization of up to three letters, which can add the finishing touch to a gift for yourself or a loved one. So, head over to their site now to check out their variety of top quality items, and be sure to sign up for their e-mail list to receive 10% off your next purchase!

Fashion Review: Yosi Samra Foldable Flats

by Danielle Flocco

My YS Samantha Cap Toe foldable flats in "smoke black" — My YS Samantha Cap Toe foldable flats in “smoke black”.

After a long search for a new pair of flats for the spring, I came across the brand Yosi Samra. The name caught my attention, as did their claim of “fashionable yet comfortable”, as well as incredibly convenient, flats. Yosi Samra is a second generation footwear designer, bringing fashion, comfort, and convenience into his product lines like no other brand has before. His site has a wide range of styles and colors for foldable flats, along with a variety of other shoes for both women and kids. Roughly two hours after finding the website, and after looking at every shoe at least three times over, I purchased a pair of Samantha Cap Toe foldable flats in “smoke black”.

Flats, and the small shoe box. — Flats, the small shoe box.

First of all, shipping was incredibly fast. I selected basic ground shipping, and they were at my front door the very next day. Granted, I do relatively close to Manhattan, where they ship from, though next day delivery was far from expected. The packaging is likely the smallest shoe box one will ever receive since the flats come folded up.

Though the price of the shoes, $77 for the ones I chose, reflected a better quality than the average flats, I was not expecting the high level of quality they really are. Not only do they fold without ruining the material or foot bed of the shoe, but the sole is similar to that of a sneaker. It’s the comfort of a pair of Keds with the style of designer flats- what more could a girl ask for?!

YS logo on the heels.

The snake skin-like pattern is beautifully detailed, with different shades of grays and blacks throughout, quilted with stitching. The leather upper cap toe is very durable, despite the sides of the shoe being rather flexible and soft. Inside is a soft foot bed, complemented by sneaker like soles. Also, one of my favorite details, the top edge of the flat is lined with an elastic material, guaranteeing a comfortable fit that will not slide off your foot. And, on the back of the heels are metal YS logos, adding a small and chic designer detail to the shoes.

The shoes come packaged in their tiny box inside a dust bag. The dust bag is great for storage, as well as for when toting the shoes with you. Yes, they absolutely make great everyday flats. My feet happily survived a week straight in my Yosi Samra flats, including a day of heavy walking in the city. But, they are also perfect for “back up shoes” on nights you’ll be wearing heels. Undesirable situations, like going barefoot at a wedding or limping during an event, can be avoided with a practical pair of flats to come to the rescue when your feet need it most.

With a ready to shop website, and over 100 boutiques across the United States, there is absolutely no excuse to not do your feet the favor of picking up a pair.

The shoes only come in whole sizes, and Samra is right when he advises half sizes to order the next size up. For reference, I am usually a loose 7.5 and I ordered a size 8. They fit perfectly with a little room, but nothing to worry thanks to the elastic edging.

And please, as per the care instructions, take care of your YS shoes by keeping them out of the rain and away from oils, greases, and lotions.

New York Summer- Westhampton Beach

by Mark Giarrusso

Summer in New York City can be relentless. The heat off the concrete and asphalt can stifle you. So, where do you go? Jones Beach? Fire Island? Sure, that would work if, you want to brave the traffic. East Hampton or Southampton? Maybe, if you were a Kardashian.

West Hampton Beach offers all of the cool ocean breezes of the Jones Beach without all the glitz and glamor of the other Hamptons. There is a quiet beauty of the surrounding area outside the quaint village. Every New Yorker needs a respite in the summer and Westhampton Beach is the perfect way to take in some of the best of what Long Island can offer.

Westhampton 1 — Westhampton Performing Arts Center, Photo by Mark Giarrusso, 2014

Westhampton 2 — Westhampton Beach Barn, Photo by Mark Giarrusso, 2014

Westhampton 3 — Shinnecock Bay, Photo by Mark Giarrusso, 2014

Westhampton 4 — Butterfly Bush, Westhampton Beach, Photo by Mark Giarrusso, 2014

Westhampton 6 — Beaver Dam Creek, Photo by Mark Giarrusso, 2014

4 World Trade Center Photos

by Mark Giarrusso

12 and a half years after the tragic day of September 11th, 2001 the new World Trade Center has risen in the Financial District in New York City. These photos were taken this spring from 4 World Trade before the building was entirely open to the public. Does it replace what was lost? No. Can it’s mere presence erase that horrible day from history? It can and will not. But that is not its function. Nor should it be. With views that sweep across New Jersey, New York Harbor, the Freedom Tower, and uptown with the Empire State Building dead center on the horizon, it simply reminds us that We Will Rise.

Photographers note: All of the below photos were taken with an iPhone as I was unable to bring my camera into the building.

World Trade 7 — 4 World Trade, NYC, 2014 Photo by Mark Giarrusso

World Trade 6 — 4 World Trade, NYC, 2014 Photo by Mark Giarrusso

World Trade 1 — 4 World Trade, NYC, 2014 Photo by Mark Giarrusso

World Trade 2 — 4 World Trade, NYC, 2014 Photo by Mark Giarrusso

World Trade 5 — 4 World Trade, NYC, 2014 Photo by Mark Giarrusso

World Trade 4 — 4 World Trade, NYC, 2014 Photo by Mark Giarrusso

World Trade 3 — 4 World Trade, NYC, 2014 Photo by Mark Giarrusso

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

by Greg Serebuoh

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!

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!

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.

4 Ways to Make Your Style Work for Your Body

by Greg Serebuoh

As a fashion and underwear model, I often get asked what diet and workout regimen I follow to maintain my body. But, let’s be real, not everyone needs to have a model’s body, and you certainly don’t have to have a body like Luke Guldan to rock an outfit.

So I wanted to discuss four ways that every guy can use style to bring out the best in his unique shape.

4. Play to your strengths.

If you want to use style to make your body look as good as possible, you first have to recognize that regardless of your body type or what future goals you have for it, there is something about your body right now that is beautiful. It’s up to you to decide what that “something” is, but it’s important that you do decide and then begin to think about how to work it.

For example, the slender form of thin men can create the illusion (or reality, if you’re tall) of elegant, long lines. Bring out that stylish sophistication with long, slender-cut clothing or pairings of short and long pieces (a short bomber jacket with skinny jeans, for example) to highlight those lines through contrast. Joseph Gordon-Levitt mastered this kind of elegance in his skinnier days (apparently he’s JACKED now).

Other ideas are thin ties, lengthy, low-hanging scarves or necklaces, especially if you’re tall, and shirts that open up your collarbone area and create a long line from the base of the neck to the chin, especially if you’re shorter.

The frames of heavier set men can create a sense of prominence and strength. Consider ways to make your style look decisive and formidable with solid blocks of strong (not necessarily loud) color, fearlessly bold stylistic choices, and larger accessories that match the power of your frame (e.g. watches with large faces and ties with thicker knots).

Bigger guys also look great in suspenders, as an alternative to belts. And don’t forget SHOES. A fly pair of shoes can add the perfect amount of polish and balance to any outfit. That goes for everyone actually.

3. Balance your visual proportions.

Careful use of style is a great way to enhance and balance the proportions of your body.

If you’re heavier set, think about wearing clothes that give more angular shape to the body and that are more fitted up top to accentuate your broad shoulders. Blazers are great in this department, as are cardigans, tapered vests, or well-fitted jackets. Also, try untucking collared shirts. A choice hat can help balance your silhouette by adding a bit more height to your look, particularly if you’re on the shorter side.

If you’re slim, wearing more layers can add some visual “weight” to your frame. Stay away from oversized accessories. Use your small waist to outline a V shape by wearing shirts that are well-fitted at the waist and that accentuate your broad shoulders (if you have them), or create the illusion with a wider neckline, cap sleeves, or a jacket or blazer, perhaps with very subtle shoulder padding.

2. Wear clothes that fit.

Know your correct size. Then wear it. A lot of people wear clothes that are way too big for them, often to hide weight or the lack thereof. However, this usually just makes things worse. An old acting teacher of mine once gave me this critique after an acting exercise: “You are the biggest, most noticeable person on the stage, and you are trying so hard to be the smallest, which makes you stick out like a sore thumb.” Focus on proudly highlighting your strengths, rather than hiding your (often imagined) weaknesses.

Still it might not be the best idea to wear clothes that hug every inch of your being. Take the time to find the cuts and the fabrics that are snug in the places you want to highlight and that loosen up or add shape elsewhere. Even if you’re showing off a muscular frame with a tighter shirt, make sure it’s not too short, or it will be distracting.

1. Carry yourself like you ARE somebody.

All of this said, there is absolutely no reason for everyone to strive to create the illusion of the conventionally accepted ideal male form. Nor is there anything wrong with subscribing to certain conventions. At the end of the day, what makes a strong and lasting impression in questions of aesthetics is a coherent concept and a confident commitment to it.

This is more important than anything else I’ve said.

I happen to prefer certain conventions in terms of the male form, but the streets of New York would be god-awful and unspeakably boring if everyone had the same taste as I. If we all recognized this, we’d stop judging each other and be less afraid to do whatever the hell we wanted, style-wise and otherwise.

Whether you take my advice or not, whether you’re in haute couture or sweats, whether you’re heavy set, slim, muscular, tall, short, or “average,” the way you carry what you wear (including your posture) and the way you feel about yourself when you wear it will ultimately determine the impression that you leave. I was lucky to have a mother who always told me to “Walk like you are somebody!” and it made all the difference. I love what Harvey Guillen has to say in his interview with Chubstr about his style as a big man. Nothing drags down a potentially amazing outfit faster than a person that’s insecure wearing it.

So decide what is beautiful to you, what is beautiful about you, or what you would like to make beautiful. Organize your style choices around it. Then commit to that shit, and wear it like you ARE somebody (because you are), no apologies.

Take a note from this guy (extra points if you know what he is referencing) because he actually WINS.

What are some of your tricks for playing up your beautiful bod?

Winter Boots That Look And Feel Great

by Danielle Flocco

Croft and Barrow, Manhattan, Manhattan Digest — Croft and Barrow

Shoes that are snow appropriate and fashionable are nearly impossible to find. UGGs and similar boots can make an outfit much less stylish, and actual snow boots are a complete fashion disaster. Luckily, stores like Croft and Barrow have stylish boots that are perfect for winter.

My mother gave me the boots pictured above for Christmas and I haven’t taken them off since. I have tested them on the streets of New York City in all weather and I’d give them an A+. I’ve walked miles in rain, snow, and sludge and these boots have kept my feet dry and warm every time. Not even an ankle deep puddle got in my way. These boots have a foamy sole, so it’s like slipping your feet onto pillows every time you wear them. Also, you won’t get leg pains after walking a long distance in them.

The small heel is just enough to be feminine and makes walking feel even easier. And the buckles add a little flare to an otherwise simple boot. These boots are also excellent for any outfit- I’ve tried them with almost every combination. They are perfect for work or a night out, or really any occasion because of their amazing ability to be paired with anything.

So far, my favorite outfit to wear with my boots has been black leggings, a long black sweater, and turquoise boot socks that came just under my knee. This outfit was not only incredibly comfortable, but I was complemented all day on my pop of color with the socks.

Skinny jeans are another great item to pair the boots with. You can wear any top you want with jeans, and these boots will be sure to match. Any outfit you’d wear with UGGs or snow boots would be instantly more stylish with boots like these. Also, a nice sweater and matching leg warmers is very trendy for winter and perfect for these super cold days. Dresses and skirts look great with these boots, too. My preference is to add a pair of black tights, since it is winter, and sometimes leg warmers. However, a simple black knee high boot alone can make any outfit look very classy. One might consider these black boots the winter alternative to pumps.

There really aren’t many things I can personally rave about, but my Croft and Barrow boots are my true love this winter. Anyone who does a lot of walking in the winter definitely needs a pair of boots like these, and investing in a great pair is not a waste of time or money.

NEW YORK

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