Men's Fashion Friday :: Banana Republic's "Live in Linen"

Linen is luxurious and light for the warmer months and Banana Republic is stocked up on stylish linen looks! Go cool and casual with chico's and a button down or go laid-back formal with a splash of color and two-button blazers. Mix-and-match your look with a variety of choices from Banana Republic's Live in Linen line.

The Slim Fit Linen button down is a great style that can be dressed up for business or dressed down for  a barbeque.

Get the relaxed look with a linen shirt and a cotton/linen blend pant.

Chino's and blazers call for a great partnership in classy comfort.

Throw in some comfortable color with linen shirts that have a splash of color. The print is woven in which makes the texture of the linen pop with incredible character.  .

Men's Fashion Friday : Spring Coats

Pack up your peacoats, if you haven't already, because your warm winter cover-ups need to hibernate! Now that spring is here and summer is near, mix in a season appropriate style for the days you need to layer up. Since the weather patterns these days are merely unpredictable, it's a good idea to keep a few looks wardrobe ready!

Zara has a great selection of spring raincoats including the one above which has a trench-like look to it, minus the belt. It's modern v-shaped style is paired with button detailing and epaulets for a streamlined look.

This lightweight cotton coat from Banana Republic is great for those unexpected cool spring/summer days. Cotton seems like a hot and heavy fabric, however, with its lightweight version in this style makes it a "cool" cover up. The linen color is perfect for the hotter seasons. 

 

A trench is always great to have on hand, even in the warmer months. J. Crew's Sutherland trench hits mid-thigh and has a more casual, belt-less look. This is a great piece to throw on when there is a mid-day shower, a cool spring breeze or even for your traditional "trench" needs!

Men's Fashion Friday: Banana Republics Non-Iron Shirts

Banana Republic is keeping it stylish and simple with their new collection of non-iron dress shirts. BR has crafted a shirt made of 100% cotton that has been uniquely treated with a first-class, wrinkle resistant treatment without compromising the cottony comfort. A variety of colors and prints are available from extra small to big and tall.

Mix in this season's Spicy Orange color with the Slim Fit Non-Iron shirt. 

Crisp, basic colors are present in the collection. 

This color-contrasting checkered print is a classic fit shirt that is great for day to night. Pair it with a coordinating and subtle striped printed tie for a bold statement. 

Men's Fashion Friday: Working Wardrobe

Revamp your working wardrobe by taking those subtle fashion risks you wouldn't normally take like mixing prints and patterns or throwing in a pop of contrasting color.  If you're a suit guy, make sure the three fashion points of suit styling are met: shoulders, cuffs and break.  

Yes, plaid and stripes coordinate. Keep one print subtle and let the other print pop so they don't compete. Staying in the same color story makes a fluid statement. Make sure the prints you pair don't overpower each other and you'll be sure to make a contrasting style statement. 

 

The color story is still present with this combination, but a pop of distinguished and coordinating pink is present in the stripe of the tie. This is a great way to mix in color while keeping it classy.  Most men might not ever put this combination together, however, you can see how well it harmonizes. 

 

Go with a bolder shirt and a more subdued tie with this combination. The gridded checkered pattern pairs great with the pin dot tie available at Banana Republic. 

The Chambray shirt is a must have for workwear this season. This type of shirt is more casual so if you want to pursue this look outside of casual Friday, be sure to pair it with more structured pieces.  Tailored pants and a trench will instantly dress it up. 

Suit Tips: 

1) Modern bold shoulders are in. Make sure the shoulder seam does not hang over your arm. If it does, downsize.

2) The cuffs also make a statement. It's a fashion slap if you're shirt doesn't peep through your coat cuff at least 1/4 of an inch, however, no more than 1/2 inch. 

 3) Make sure your break isn't bunched. The break is the point where the cuff hits your shoe. If fabric is stacked on top of itself, visit your tailor to clean your edges.  

Spring 2010 Preview

Feeling a little Spring-Fever? You should! When November hits, so does a sneak peak of the upcoming spring trends. Retailers welcome a taste of what to expect in the coming new year by delivering a selection of spring styles with their November shipments. 

For Spring 2010, femininity isn't the big story in women's apparel like it has been over the past few seasons. Ladies, we are getting a hard, tough girl make-over. The Paris shows dubbed the Spring 2010 runway looks as "Practical Magic". 

Possible interpretation:  pragmatic, utilitarian looks with a "magically" original twist. You can easily break down the complexity of couture designs seen on the runway into sporty and versatile, ready-to-wear fashions. The simplicity behind these runway ensembles may surprise you.  Just because it's on the catwalk, doesn't mean it can't be easily interpreted for your wardrobe.

THE SCOOP ON SOME SPRING MUST-HAVES:

SPORTY.  Banana Republic takes the edge off their strict and serious focus and will introduce more laid-back, casual sportswear for spring. The trend is well-executed with light-wash blue jeans, cargo looks, bomber jackets, shirt dresses and a sea of basic colors with pops of greens and yellows.

BR's remix presents a modern-day safari vibe; a subtle nod to classic Banana Republic with trouser shorts and chino blazers (right).





Spring is bringing "SEXY BACKS".

Show off all your hard work at the gym with styles featuring back cut-outs, slits, and exposed zippers. Max Azria's "The Vertebrae" (left) incorporates the cut-out look with an exposed zipper along your spine, creating an extremely flattering presentation of your vamped up muscles!

GRAPHIC PRINTS are rectified each season to make fresh, intrepid statements. For Spring 2010 bold motifs litter the runway, most of them hand-painted and drastically graphic. From the Donna Karan New York (DKNY) runway (right) is an abstract floral motif presented in a palate of pleasing pop colors. This is a great interpretation of what's to be seen in the stores for Spring 2010.



Reflections of "BO-HO" CHIC will remain present through the spring season as well.  The unconventional and artistic style of the Bohemian trend has permeated fashion houses since the 1960's. Spring 2010 is no exception, however, those with modern-day Bohemian taste don't necessarily live the "bo-ho" lifestyle!


Spring 2010 fashions aren't limited to what's highlighted above. Keep an eye out for Slouchy T-Shirt Dresses, Flirty Caftans, Quilted Leather (ode to Chanel!), Lace Remix and Matchy-Match Hampton-Style Accessories. 

SUMMER SWIMSUIT SNAPSHOT:

Even more energizing trends will hit as Summer 2010 approaches!  Ladies, our swimsuits are going risque and tastefully provocative! Slashes, twists, tresse's and ties will keep all eyes on you. Pair your beach body fashions with woven accessories, square sunglasses and high-cut shorts.