summer 2013

Summer 2013- Best gym songs

As summer is already here, and the winter days are gone for now, we all have a lot to look forward to while basking in the glory of the sun and being with our friends and family. It also gives us initiative to get our fat asses to the gym and make sure we look good at the beach, walking in the city, and just being more in public as the winter time can force us to get under the covers and watch “True Blood” repeats. I have come up with 10 essentials that will keep you jamming throughout the gym session and make the overall experience there more fun and satisfying! Take a look.

La Bouche- “Be My Lover”

If you were a GIGANTIC fan of the Jock Jams movement in the late 90’s, there was no denying this chart topping hit by this EDM duo. With a fast paced rhythm to go along with what i like to call “melodic rapping”, this song is designed for the avid cardio-lover and help you get to that next mile.

Robin Thicke Featuring Pharell Williams- “Blurred Lines”

Thicke, more notably known for his slow paced songs like his chart-topper “Lost Without You”, has the number one song in the country with this funky dance anthem that is sure to be one of the biggest songs of the summer.

Daft Punk featuring Pharrell Williams- “Get Lucky”

Daft Punk have sort of become synonymous with creating insanely great dance music and the adoration of fans worldwide. “Get Lucky” is the first track off of their new album which easily debuted at number one on The Billboard 200.

Icona Pop- “I Don’t Care”

This song has been out for a couple of months now and has been heard everywhere, even in “Shoedazzle” commercials. It is another great cardio anthem to jam out to when sweating it out on the elliptical.

Papa Roach- “Last Resort”

Are you mad? Want to get that aggression out when you are at the gym? Blast this hit from 1999 and keep it on repeat and the aggression will be released in the masses.

Bauuer- “Harlem Shake”

This year’s “Gangham Style” became quite the internet sensation back in February with its endless parody videos of mainly the first 30 seconds of the song, yet the entire song itself is pretty dope and definitely a gym jam.

Chris Brown- “Beautiful People”

I hate Chris Brown as a person, but I love this song. Enough said.

Kanye West- “Stronger”

This was ranked a couple of years ago as the best song to listen to at the gym, and I agree to a certain extent. Kanye could have a couple of records on this list (Monster, Mercy) but this one suits the bill. Daft Punk on this track as well. Yeezus.

LL Cool J- “Mama Said Knock You Out”

At a boxing gym? This will have you covered.

Lil Jon & The East Side Boyz- “Get Low”

Inescapable in 2003, and the song that quite frankly put Lil Jon on the music map, “Get Low” is hands down a beat spectacle and one that will be sure to get your heart racing when working out.

Menswear on a budget: Summer 2013 Fashion Trends

by Ryan Shea

As someone who puts an importance on wearing things that are fashionable yet affordable, I find Summer to be that one season where you can get the best of both worlds and so much more. Colors are vibrant, skin in showing, and the options are limitless when wanting to show off what you are wearing in this fabulous beach weather. So where can you go to find the best trends at a great price? Check out some of these awesome stores (both national and local) and see for yourself!

If you want good pricing and fantastic outfits, you really can look no further than Old Navy. They are famous for doing both things and it isone of the reasons why they are one of the more successful clothing brands in the United States. Pairing off something as simple as a pair of board shorts, a classic tee and a lightweight jersey zip will only cost around $50 dollars. They tailor each season by what is on trend nationally and use that to keep themselves a cut above the rest. Check out oldnavy.com to see for yourself!

Urban Outfitters is trendier in certain areas of the country, most notably from what I have seen in New york City. They tend to have ahipster flair yet overall their outfits can translate very well with whatever you have going on. They have a great line of t shirts that add a lot of humor into them (like the one seen here) all for $15 dollars. On top of the t shirts they also have a great variety of henleys, polos and collared shirts to keep you on trend all summer long. Check out their website for more info!

Nasty Pig in my opinion is one of the most innovative clothing brands out there today. I did an article about them a couple of months ago talking about the brand and where they see themselves headed for the 2013 calendar year. And boy have they done a lot. Located in the heart of Chelsea, the store provides a bunch of great clothing options at really affordable prices. A lot of their most trendy items happen to be on sale right now, including this great skull tee pictured to your left. If you want to go outside the grain of stores like Old Navy and Gap for instance, this is the place to go. Go check out these sale items and so much more and don’t forget to visit Nasty Pig at 265 West 19th Street between 7tn and 8th avenue.

Time to Suit Up; Summer 2013 Swimwear

by Ryan Shea

One of my most feared and yet favorite times of year is Summer. From October to May I long for the heat and sunshine and beach days! I start purchasing my swimwear well before the Summer season begins and by the time Memorial Day hits my bathing suit drawer is over flowing! Growing up on Long Island, the beach is not just a place to soak up a tan and cool off in the Atlantic, it is an endless, sandy, runway where every girl wants to have the most eye catching bikini or one-piece. And, thanks to Facebook and Instagram, the pose off continues off the beach.

I have to say I am really excited to write about the swimwear trends for the 2013 Summer Season. They are fresh and bold. I will also give you some affordable options so you can rock these looks on any budget.

Retro is huge this year! Not only in clothing but in swimwear as well. If you read my last article you know all about my affinity for high waist! And thankfully this trend is showing up for beach wear too.

Floral High Waist Bikini — Mix and Match High Waist Bikini

high-waisted-bikini — Polka Dot High Waist Bikini

Retro Swimwear — Retro Inspired Swimwear

These Retro vintage-feel bathing suits are my favorite for this season. The high waist bottoms look great with a variety of tops; bandeau, halter, string… Mixing and matching only make this look feel more vintage and I especially love the idea of mixing prints.

Speaking of prints, bold pattern and prints are another trend this year. Aztec, houndstooth, floral, etc… Pretty much any pattern you can imagine is showing up on Runways for Summer. So feel free to stand out and make a statement. Mix and match patterns and colors! Also, a look resurfacing this year is graphic prints. The prints I have seen so far are animals, people, and landscapes. These prints work best on a one-piece otherwise the effect is lost.

Graphic Swimwear — Patterns and Graphics

Lion Graphic Bathing Suit — One Piece Lion Graphic

Now something for the sexy women out there. Boudoir bathing suits are another hot trend this year. The lingerie look is not something everyone would feel comfortable in but as long as you are confident you can pull this off. Black, chic, and sexy are just a few of the details in this look.

Lastly, I’d like to quickly mention some bold looks that are trending this Summer. The Rocker look is hard and accessorized and textures are also a fun look to try out this year.

Now obviously we can’t all afford Vivienne Westwood or Versaci bathing suits (myself included), luckily many affordable retail company’s offer a variety of these popular looks for reasonable prices. Take a look below and hopefully you’ll find something that suits you!

www.forver21.com has some cute options as well as www.target.com.

Another site I’d like to mention is something you’ve heard me talk about before www.wanelo.com. Just search your favorite look and browse from hundreds of retailers. Also, www.etsy.com is a great place to find vintage and handmade swimwear.

Also, for you bling lovers out there, a friend of mine, Danielle, has created a business where she customizes beautifully decorated bathing suits. Her one of a kind designs are stunning and the best part is you can request a look that is just for you.

Check out the Facebook page www.facebook.com/pages/Bikini-Crush-Swimwear

Summer Dreams: Summer 2013 Fashion Trends

by Ryan Shea

Despite the bitter cold weather we’ve been experiencing in New York, Summer is right around the corner! And with Summer weather comes a new Summer wardrobe. I have started stocking up since November… And I thought I’d share the trends I think will be big this season.

My favorite item for Summer 2013 is High Waisted Denim Shorts!

High waist torn shorts — Torn Light Wash High Waist Denim Shorts

I am seriously obsessed with this look. High waist jeans are flattering on almost every body type. Every retail store is stocking up on these must have shorts so, no matter your budget, there are a pair just for you. My most recent purchases have been from online sellers who customize the shorts the way you like; studs, lace, tears, etc… I love the vintage feel of this style.

You can rock these with a basic white tee or vintage band tee or with a sleek button up. Just about everything looks good with a pair of high waist shorts. Flip flops for the beach, a pair of high tops for a rocker feel, or a towering pair of platform wedges.

Speaking of floral…

Floral prints are a trend that never go out of style. And floral will be everywhere this year.

Personally, I like my florals mixed with something a little structured or hard looking. Think 90’s grunge but an updated version! Adding denim to any floral print basically gives you a vintage grunge look. A denim vest with a strapless floral summer dress or a denim shirt with floral shorts, maybe?

Floral Grunge — Floral blouse with Grunge feel

Pastel Florals — Pastel Floral Cut Out dress with Denim Shirt

Now for the my color choices for this Summer (drum roll!) …

Mint and Coral!

My sister Theresa is actually the person to bring these wonderful colors into my wardrobe decisions. I have always been someone who favored the furthest ends of the light spectrum (Black and White) … Summer was always a big white season for me. I love the contrast of my tan skin against a gleaming white piece of clothing, but I have severely underestimated the subtle glow of a mint green and coral item. Because of their neutral tones these colors can be part of almost any outfit or any article of clothing.

Mint Shorts with Taupe Top and Chic White Blazer

There are so many trends that are going to be popular this Summer and I wish I could list them all but instead I’ll just post some pics of some items I think should be in every girl’s wardrobe this Summer season!

Here are some idea’s I thought looked cute for this Summer;

American Flag Leggings and Cut off denim Shirt

Feel free to comment about anything you think I should have included and stay tuned for my Swim Wear article!

summer 2013

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