Archive for January 2010
Leggings | An Overdue Conversation
Urban Graduettes, leggings are as much an area of contention in fashion as they are a hot trend that does not seem to be turning lukeskywalkerwarm anytime soon. We here at Urban Takeøut have nothing against leggings. When worn the RIGHT way they can be very sexy by giving just enough visually but, like a good storyteller, have us Urban Grads wanting more.
Since we’re on the subject of being visual, let’s start by giving some ‘visual’ examples of how not to wear leggings via Fantasia Barrino, Paris Hilton, Meagan Good, and three random tweens. The last example is just simply saying you shouldn’t wear the same ostentatious leggings in groups (But they are young so whatever).
FACT 1. Leggings are not pants. — This is the most important fact and the number one mistake-maker among those who don’t agree with it (The Stylish Islander can back me up on this one). Let’s get this out the way first Beyonce made it cool to have a rotund ass, Jennifer Lopez did NOT start this trend. Then Rihanna and famed big-ass celebutante Kim Kardashian further reinforced this desire. So if you know you have a big ass there is no need to bring further attention to it. We know that you know it’s your best asset because every time you take a picture you turn around and give that one-hand-on-hip-back-turned-looking-over-shoulder butt pose. The next time you wear leggings try having the top portion of your caboose covered. Keep it subtle…real men appreciate it (Trust me, us Urban Grads can still tell if you really are “blessed” in that area).
FACT 2. If you look thirsty someone will give you a Gatorade. — When I say thirsty, I mean don’t wear leggings that make you look like your thirsty for attention. I understand that there are a lot of intriguing and unique leggings out there, but understand that there is a difference between intriguing and unique shoes and stripper heels too…so don’t get it twisted. Case-in-point, Nicki Minaj, awesome body (it should have a separate post lol) but why does she look like an off-duty stripper named Licorice in that pic? Could it be the glitter leggings? NO HATE but I just wish more women who had great bodies understood the cunning craft of femininity.
FACT 3. Diversify your bonds. — Everyone knows that leggings are IN right now, but don’t let them make up the majority of your autumn/winter and spring/summer bottoms. Simply put, buy some real pants too.
Here are a couple examples of curvaceous women who have done it right. Keri Hilson has given herself the option of being able to pull her shirt down and hide more bum and here Kim Kardashian does the same. This pic illustrates my point that you don’t need to have your ass in plain sight for it to be noticed; and if you have a great one then sometimes you just can’t hide it.
Until next time…
Get Familiar: Simply…Suede
SUEDE is apparently becoming hot this season with sneaker designers. It’s an interesting choice because it has strong weaknesses like the ability to become dirty and absorb liquids quickly, but it’s also soft probably making for a comfortable wear. Not to mention it just looks more luxurious. Here are some S/S 2010 offerings…
[4]u|Tø Know: Richard Chai [4] PRO-Keds
Richard Chai relatively new to the menswear fashion scene has already made some major moves since the release of his own line in 2004; he has already completed capsule collections for Topman and Target. His newest collaboration, supposedly set to drop this January is between he and Keds. These understated yet eye-catching hi-tops feature a single zipper fastener running vertically up the front to secure the shoes, reminiscent of the new Rick Owens trainer redux. There are still holes for laces if you want to lace them up, but I ask you this question…..why would you?
Check out his Spring 2010 collection here.
Haiti Relief Efforts | Play Cloths
It is truly amazing to see how swiftly people are responding to the crisis in Haiti. The Brothers Thornton (Pusha T & Malice), creative minds behind Play Cloths, have collaborated with the Yele Foundation and designed a t-shirt that will benefit the cause. Shouts out to the Clipse and Wyclef Jean for their leadership by example. The following exerpt was provided yesterday by Hypebeast:
“So starting today, Friday January 15th @ 3pm EST, Play Cloths will release a signature Jack logo t-shirt designed for the Haiti Relief Effort. 100% OF THE PROCEEDS WILL BE DONATED to the YELE HAITI EARTHQUAKE FUND, which is an organization supported by Wyclef Jean. In order to send the donation as fast as they can, the Haitian Jack t-shirt will only be on sale from Friday January 15th to Friday January 22nd (one week only).”
You can purchase the shirt here. Please support this cause!! This is a very REAL situation — do your best to help in any way possible.
Man Cleavage | A Polite Conversation
We’ve been tip-toeing around this issue for a while now…but after our latest distinction as style advisors for the Urban Grad, we felt it was time to bring it to the light. Fellas, we have got to establish some sort of understanding when it comes to man cleavage.
In this conversation, you will attempt to invoke such identities as Kanye West, Trey Songz, Ryan Leslie, Brad Pitt…maybe even Jude Law – save yourself the trouble. Instead focus on the facts.
FACT 1. Most men…are not celebrities. — Not to be a buzz-kill, but let’s face it, you have a total of 5 fans (most of which are related to you). The reason why Trey Songz can open his purple label shirt to the navel is because A) he thinks he’s a 70s Soul Singer reincarnate, and B) he has fans who like to see that. You, on the other hand, have obligations. You work, or you study/attend class for the majority of the week; don’t be Don Lemon M-F, then Tom Ford on Friday/Saturday Night. Two buttons undone works FINE — not too stuffy, not too flamboyant.
FACT 2. Common Man, Common Entourage. — No, I’m not talking about Vinny Chase and the gang, I’m speaking about how your favorite chest exposers roll with a solid crew — personal trainer, groomer, and tanning services. This supporting cast helps make his Pec Wedge seem flawless. Now….compare that to your posse — sometime gym, grooming optional, and…tanning is for women and wussies. Simply, you and Brad Pitt will NEVER be able to pull off the same Ocean’s 11/12/13 shirt flare because you don’t have the luxury of an ensemble whose sole purpose is to make your chest meat look alluring.
FACT 3. Respect the One-Hundred Thousand Trillion Rule. — Coined by Taco Meat King, Kanyeezy, three buttons or less should be reserved for instances where your swagger savior-faire is at one-hundred thousand trillion, and rising. Vegas — ABSOLUTELY. The Summer White Party – HAVE AT IT. The First Fridays or Young Professionals Buppie outing — NO, not at all.
Take home message — Haberdashery is an art. Know when to work within the confines, and when to step outside them. Above all, strive for a consistent message, one that reflects your lifestyle. Trust, if you can achieve this, you won’t need to base your sex appeal on the number of buttons liberated from your shirt loops.
Good talking with you.
[4]u|Tø Know: +J Spring 2010
What did we tell you all before Thanksgiving…rhetorical…+J was coming back for the spring with a some new pieces and spring remakes of certain fall essentials. Either way you look at it you cant lose, its low-cost luxury! The men’s collection still has the familiars like button downs, sweaters and blazers but there are some new editions like the full-zip stretch parka a la Bapesta. Not to mention that the women’s collection has a bevy of lightweight blazers and jackets…ready to be worn with leggings (That trend seems to have no end in sight lol)!
The official launch date is January 14th but you can jump the gun (and lines) and purchase pieces from the Uniqlo UK site now [women] [men].
RecessionPrøøf 220: Spring, Top to Bottom
Topshop has always been a trendy budget chic powerhouse, especially across the pond. The Spring 2010 collection showcases some familiar pieces, just with a futuristic accent. They’ve created 4 families of looks — sub-collections if you will: Parisienne, Downtown, Meadow, and Saloon. You’ll see a muted color pallete across all of the collections, but significant usage of floral patterns, mixing fabrics, bleached denim, and ornamentation consistently through the line. And as Blake VonD told you in last week’s Fashion Forward post, blazers and harem pants…in full effect. Check out some of the looks below!
Parisienne
Downtown
Meadow
Saloon
The SmARTORIALIST: Duffle Bag Boy
For the winter….sometimes you need that heavy duty, in-between coat (you know, not a topcoat, but not as short as a peacoat). INSERT>> the Duffle Coat! This badboy is truly a great addition to anyone’s wardrobe. Generally they are 3/4 length, and come with durable hoods. I’ve run across several with cashmere lining on the interior, or, simply a really unique plaid or tartan patterned interior, which adds a bit of character to your outfit. Blue and black are the most common colors — but I’m partial to the camel colored ones.
Historically, the jacket was a must among Navy shipman, artic fisherman, etc. — basically, anybody who needed to be warm at all times! The staple feature of the Duffle are the toggles (some people know them as frogs) — see below. These nifty little latch systems were essential for frigid weather — they made it possible to snap up that coat while wearing thick gloves and whatnot.
If you’re looking to complete the look, opt for a pair of dark denim, or cords. You want to push a consistent message: “weather-proof”. Top it off with a knit cap, and a pair of distressed boots or my personal fav…Redwing 875′s. Done deal.
First|Løøk: Burberry 2010
Is that Hermione Granger??? Yes — it is…and she’s with two other blokes (one is her lil brother) modeling the upcoming Spring 2010 line by Burberry. The latest ad campaign features some striking pieces from three Burberry signature collections, Prorsum, London, & Brit. Take a gander!
Fashion Forward
Fendi Wrap Lycra & Plexi Platform, $1289; C’est La Vie Louboutin Pumps; Louis Vuitton Spicy Sandals, $1300; Nina Ricci Laced Leather Booties, $1152
Blazers are in and more futuristic than ever! It’s not enough to just have an ordinary blazer. Contour shapes and shoulder pads are all the rage. And if you know anything you know that Balmain is the go to source for all things blazers. Rihanna, Beyonce and Ciara have all been seen wearing these masterpieces.
Balmain Blazer, $3,465; $5,798
Now here’s my 2010 prediction: Harem pants are BACK! With everyone from Urban Outfitters to top designers carrying their own version of this 90′s trend, I think it’s pretty safe to say it’s Hammer Time! Now just for the record, I’ve had a pair of these for over a year now & I can remember all the strange looks I got. But I rocked them again during this past Homecoming and strangers were stopping me to tell how “hot” they were. Glad everybody caught up! Lol. There’s a style for everyone in this pant. Some have a higher waist and taller inseam, while others have a more relaxed seat. Fit is absolutely crucial with this trend. Ill-fitting harem pants just end up looking more like a diaper than a fashion statement, so be careful.
