They say that the environment affects the artist. Such as how WWI affected Hemingway and the South affected Faulkner. But I believe that the opposite is true. I think the environment as viewed through the artist’s eyes, or words, or lens, in this case, can be affected by the artist. [Read more…] about A Black and White Summer in the City: A Photo Blog
summer
End Summer The Right Way With Ruffino!!
Yes we all know it’s a bitter sweet feeling that comes with the ending of August and the realization that the summer is slowly expiring. What does this mean for New Yorkers? No more outdoor music festivals, the days get shorter and the worst of all no more rose!! [Read more…] about End Summer The Right Way With Ruffino!!
New York City Summer Beauty- A Photo Blog
One of the most underrated aspects of New York City is it’s natural beauty. Lately, on my walks I have been looking for what makes New York so naturally beautiful, especially during summer. From street sunflower plantings to Central Park to a perfectly placed sunset on Manhattan Henge, it’s easy to see why New York City is a colorful, vivid playground in the summertime. [Read more…] about New York City Summer Beauty- A Photo Blog
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
Dsquared2 is 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!
Stripped Fashion: 5 Ways to KISS
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.
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
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.
Summer Music Festivals 2013- When and Where
For all you music nuts out there, Summer seems to be the one season each year that brings out the best music festivals and the best artists at that. If you are local to New York, you are in for a treat. Some of the biggest music festivals are here or making their way through here. So if you want to find which ones are the best to go to, take a look at the following festivals and see for yourself why music and summer go uber well together like a yummy Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich-
GOVERNOR’S BALL- JUNE 7TH-9TH, RANDALL’S ISLAND
This is one that yours truly is beyond excited for. The event takes place in early June, and this year is featuring the creme de la creme of awesome alternative artists and some of the biggest global superstars in the world. Going on over at the beautiful Randall’s Island, the festival highlights artists that have been popular since the early 1980’s. Which one in particular? That would be Guns N Roses, who are set to perform on the 8th along with other superstars from Kendrick Lamar to Nas. Opening day highlights Grammy winners Kings Of Leon as well as Feist and Erykah Badu. Closing day brings in Kanye West as well as The Lumineers, Cold War Kids and Twin Shadown to name a few. Looks like an amazing three day lineup that I for sure won’t miss. Tickets are still available via The Governor’s Ball official website.
VANS WARPED TOUR: JULY 13TH, NASSAU COLISEUM
The Vans Warped Tour is ultimately a celebration for all things alternative. The tour, going on for over a decade now, highlights some of the best alternative talent on a national level and a local level. Famed for its “Battle Of The Bands” with founder Kevin Lyman putting out a content for bands to perform at their local venue, it is really the one festival where dreams can come true for said band. This year’s highlights include Denver’s very own 3OH3, The Used, Reel Big Fish and more. Log onto The Vans Warped Tour website for more info.
ELECTRIC ZOO: AUGUST 30TH-SEPTEMBER 1ST, RANDALLS ISLAND
Being one of the few festivals that I know of where the only real transportation there is by ferry, the Electric Zoo celebrates all things EDM. Held at the beautiful Randalls Island right outside of Manhattan, this three day festival plans to host some of the biggest acts in EDM today. Ones ranging from international superstars like David Guetta, Skrillex and Diplo come to mind for all you big EDM fans that seem to populate a lot of what is popular in music right now. Go the the Made Event homepage to get tickets!
Let’s not forget that the MTV Video Music Awards is finally coming back to New York this summer. About damn time, I have no idea why it landed in LA in the first place as that show is designed to be here. Hope everyone goes to at least one of these and has a damn good time!
Time to Suit Up; Summer 2013 Swimwear
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.
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.
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
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!
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?
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.
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;
Feel free to comment about anything you think I should have included and stay tuned for my Swim Wear article!