It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas…!
Though the bulk of holiday parties went down last week, there are still a few fun fetes going on. I popped by an event yesterday at the Fendi store, hosted by Cepi Style, a Concierge Styling Service for Business Professionals. Cepi style is tailored towards the corporate executive whose looks skew more authoritative than flashy. If you want to look smart in a suit or more conservative fair, this is the service for you!
Fabulous Bombers and Bombshells gathered at the Fendi store at 498 Madison to celebrate Cepi Style, including Constance White, Lola Ogunnaike, Janelle James, and Nicole Campbell of Cepi Style.
Of course I had to try on a few things, and was instantly attracted to all of the brand’s sumptuous furs and beaded bags.
Women flock to the brother that can rock a double-breasted blazer like nobody’s business and then turn around and look absolutely scrumptious in a pair of distressed jeans and a plain white tee. The art of presentation is everything when it comes to men’s style but a few risky touches can also help to add a more diverse aesthetic.
Throughout 2016, we witnessed a plethora of “fashionistos” who dominated the street style scene in ways we couldn’t imagine but we also watched as style icons and influencers were born. From distinguished NBA ballers to the music industry’s finest artists, the contenders for Best Dressed Man of the Year are sure to leave you speechless!
You ready?
1) Dwyane Wade
Our first nominee is no stranger when it comes to setting trends on and off the basketball court. With his gorgeous wife Gabrielle Union at his side, Mr. Wade made it clear that he is more than just a bomb shooting guard and a handsome face – this man proved that impeccable style is key when it comes to snatching dubs.
Dwyane Wade’s dapper appeal transcends way beyond a mere suit and tie; yet, it is his undeniable confidence that is key to pulling off such dope ensembles. Whether he’s uplifting his take on male anklets or jazzing it up in a tailored set, the Chicago Bulls mainstay keeps it fresh despite the malicious feedback received from so-called “critics”.
Dwyane’s personal favorites include funky sneakers, fitted trousers and quirky accessories. Wade is also a lover of all things casual and cool.
If you watch his red carpet appearances, you’ll notice that her consistently emits this effortless vibes that is translated into his overall look. Say what you want, but Dwyane’s modest sophistication is enough to bring us to our knees.
2) Jaden Smith
Jaden Smith is a complete breath of fresh air. He’s like the cool kid on the block that makes you want to loc your hair and invest in an oversized denim jacket. Jaden is also reminiscent of that quiet skater guy who never went to class but his shoe game stayed more consistent than his daily attendance.
Of course, we’re all aware of his privileged upbringing (hey Will and Jada!), but this young man is totally coming into his own. The rising 18-year old actor made us laugh with the debut of his character Marcus ‘Dizzee’ Kipling in Netflix’s The Get Down, he captured our hearts with his edgy Fashion Week ‘fits, and he even made mismatching look like nonchalant perfection.
Jaden has also given birth to a style approach that combines the 90’s grunge era with sprinkles of modern day touches. As the official face of Louis Vuitton, Jaden also raised eyebrows when he was captured in a dress for the brand’s yearly campaign. Cutting edge? Yes. Influential? Without a doubt. But, is he worthy of the Best Dressed Man of the Year title?
3) Gucci Mane
On May 26, 2016, Gucci Mane was released from prison after serving three years. With his resurgence into the free world, the rapper returned with a new mindset, a slimmer figure and killer style to match.
We watched in amazement as Gucci transitioned from dismissing the presence of any kind of shirt (in exchange for multiple gold chains) to keeping it grown and sexy in the hottest labels including Gucci, DSquared2, Alexander McQueen and Maison Margiela.
With the help of stylist Shun Melson, Gucci’s look is glamorous, over the top, and screams ‘Money.’ Whether he’s flaunting a lux snow white fur for the ‘Gram or making bold statements via Snapchat in matching metallic separates, Gucci is king of the concrete catwalk and he’s just getting started! We can’t wait to see what he wears in 2017!
4) Zayn Malik
Heartthrob Zayn Malik is next on our list! Known for his start in the wildly successful boy band One Direction and his very public relationship with supermodel Gigi Hadid, this young man has taken the fashion world by storm with his piercing brown eyes, his eclectic tats and a loyal fan base that spans the globe.
The Pillow Talk crooner’s edgy style showcases rock-and-roll undertones with a classic simplicity that generates a subtle “bad boy” appeal that only he can pull off. Zayn isn’t afraid to embrace a pastel-hued coif nor does he turn a blind cheek to trendier pieces including the distressed t-shirt movement, embellished bomb jackets and over-the-top printed pieces.
While the 23-year-old superstar stays true to his sartorial roots with every man’s wardrobe essentials (think versatile footwear and jeans galore), Zayn is also a pro when it’s time to break necks and turn heads. Although Zayn is just starting out on his solo career, we think it’s safe to say that he’s off to an amazing start.
5) Russell Westbrook
Oklahoma City Thunder point guard Russell Westbrook is the epitome of iconic! Aside from his relaxed nature and infamous witty remarks, he is a force in men’s fashion. Russell’s off-kilter pre/post-game outfits remained an overwhelming favorite on Instagram and his insouciant attitude only fueled the fire for his peculiar pairings.
Millions of onlookers took note of the athlete’s avant-garde style and, immediately, everyone felt the need to express their futile opinions – while some coined Russell’s style choices as “tacky” and “nutty”, there were also a wide range of influencers who praised the 6’3” powerhouse for his fashion-forward musings.
Russell Westbrook’s style is exceptional because of his fearlessness and his commendable passion for going against the grain. While you can spot other well-dressed NBA legends in the typical suit and tie combo, Russell’s brave sartorial attempts place him outside the bounds of what society deems as “hot” or “trendy”. It’s evident that this man marches to the beat of his own drum – and we’re here for every delectable moment.
6) A$AP Rocky
Ladies, A$AP Rocky is gorgeous. He’s even distinguished himself as the prettiest man out there. He’s ultra-talented, outspoken, unpredictable and he possesses a firm grasp on what he considers to be stylish.
Now, you won’t catch this fashion killa in just any old outfit – better yet, A$AP is known to rock only the finest – whether the artist-turned-actor is decked out in Dior Homme, Gucci, Rick Owens or Loewe, he is an avid fan of using style as a means of self-expression. After indulging in a few of A$AP’s most notable interviews, one can instantly conclude that this Harlem-bred fashion star was cut from a different cloth. The intrigue that surrounds A$AP Rocky lies within his ability to bridge high-end designer names with affordable brands that can be purchased at your local department store.
A$AP also encourages the idea of embracing the concept of individuality; even if you listen to the eloquent words spoken over his jarring beats, A$AP Rocky proclaims that his style is a true representation of who he is as a person. Floral embroidered denim, neon camouflage and vintage-inspired silk blouses may intimidate the manliest of men but it’s all in a day’s work for this guy. Long live, A$AP!
7) LeBron James
And, rounding out of Best Dressed Male nominees is The King himself, Mr. LeBron James! The 6’8” Cleveland Cavaliers small forward and shooting guard already has three NBA championships under his belt and his road to global domination is currently underway.
Despite his massive frame, LeBron James always kills it when it comes to the fashion game. The 31-year-old superstar showcases an impressive range within his enviable wardrobe and he effortlessly lays the blueprint for those who feel that size may dictate and/or limit their style options.
LeBron loves to jazz it up in printed blazers, eye-popping sneakers and impeccably cut custom trousers; in addition, he also amps up his debonair ‘fits with bomb accessories that include sleek sunglasses, lavish leather backpacks and the occasional fedora. While LeBron conquers his opponents on the basketball court, he also smashes the competition off the court with his show-stopping style. To all my men out there, you better take notes!
Quite the list, no?
So, which best dressed contender gets your vote as Style King of 2016?
Her curve-hugging gown features a wraparound cutout at the bodice and a one-shoulder silhouette. Viola injected some pink silk satin into her dress for a pop of color.
Gorgeous!
If you’re up for the splurge, get Viola’s dress here.
There has been an overwhelming number of bloggers who I recently started following on Instagram and, while it’s tough to keep up with every single budding fashionista, there are always a select few who manage to stand out regardless of the saturated blogosphere.
And, this brings us to today’s eclectic feature highlighting H-Town’s own Shantae Smith of Outspokenly Chic!
In Shantae’s ‘About Me’ section, the dazzling bombshell writes, “Hello Hello Everyone! My name is Shantae the CEO and Founder of Outspokenly Chic, a personal style blogger and stylist. Outspokenly Chic’s goal is to inspire individuals sense of fashion one outfit at a time. The name Outspokenly Chic has a lot to do with my personality and my personal style. A little fun fact you should know about me has to be that I am a fun outgoing person who loves taking tons of pictures.” Yes, girl! You can never have too many pictures!
This Southern belle’s style is reminiscent of a treasure trove filled to the brim with endless wardrobe gems! Shantae unapologetically executes every single look with an outstanding confidence, loads of eccentric flavor and an irresistible charm.
I was also drawn to Shantae’s fervent ability to craft the year’s brightest trends into personal remnants of sartorial flair. Whether she’s serving up vintage vibes in her signature round sunnies or rocking a flamboyant multicolored print, Shantae is fully aware of the power that lies within fashion and she’s the epitome of Bomb Blogger status.
Slay on, hun!
Want to see more from Shantae Smith of Outspokenly Chic? Well, feel free to follow her on the ‘Gram @OutspokenlyChic or subscribe to her official site here. She’s definitely worth it!
If anyone can tell a story, it’s Gucci’s Alessandro Michele. Those he has told at the Creative helm of the iconic Italian fashion house have been remarkable, alluring, and unavoidable, with a touch of the absurd. Pineapples, bows, snarling cats, and modern-day takes on the fanny pack are all included in the latest installment of his tale for Pre-Fall 2017.
Those 70’s-inspired readers are here to stay, as Michele pairs them with everything from menswear-inspired suiting to chic turbans in the assortment.
Jewelry is undoubtedly my favorite category for the season, with statement-making earrings, chokers, and rings stealing the show. There’s no telling if the former are actually wearable—they look unbearably heavy—but I’d absolutely love to give them a try regardless.
Though most of the outerwear shown is much too cumbersome for the months before inclement weather actually sets in, you’d be crazy to not snap up a black panther-print cape or dragon-embroidered fur with shaggy sleeves from Gucci, if you can get your hands on one.
And remember all those high-fashion glossies that admonished you for ever thinking to wear leggings as pants? Well, Michele is fighting back against that cardinal rule by pairing mushroom-patterned leggings with everything from ladylike coats to chic, tweed skirt suits. And if he says so, it’s cool.
The print play here is literally out of control. Undulating lines juxtaposed against florals, leopard versus logos, dizzying checks placed side by side, fauna contrasting with pistols—nothing is off limits for the house. It’s one of the reasons why everyone loves the brand right now.
Let’s talk about track pants, shall we? They’re my go-to at least once a week and Michele has designed some of the coolest (and undoubtedly most expensive) spins around. When paired with bow-accented sandals, pearls, and cozy furs, the athleisure staples are completely transformed.
Shorts and cropped trousers actually presented the best options for real-time wear—in denim, plaid, and other eye-catching prints. They are layered to the hilt, of course.
The brand’s double-G embroidered tights and socks: will anyone actually wear them? Guess we’ll just have to see how they’re worn on the street before making the investment.
One of the biggest dilemmas of 2017: deciding which Pre-Fall 2017 bag to purchase from among all the wonders presented. Actually…the harder decision? Trying to actually snag one of the accoutrements before they sell out. Whether it’s a relatively paired down bowler with contrast navy stripes or a leather portfolio-style clutch with gold chain-link detailing, they’re all impossible to resist.
And let’s not forget about the red carpet-ready designs. First Lady Michelle Obama, Beyoncé, Salma Hayek, and Margot Robbie are all huge fans of the brand for stylish events, movie premieres, galas, and high-fashion dinners. And we know the embellished, full-skirt gowns, rosette-accented chokers, elegant takes on the classic black and white combo, and planet-detailed tulle frocks will satisfy all their sartorial desires.
In case you missed our latest Cocktails with Claire x Ty Hunter party, we have video for ya!
Live vicariously below:
Thank you to Toyota for your continued sponsorship of our fun fete! We’ve already started planning for 2017! First stop may be Philly followed by Houston…!
Stay tuned!
Her dress features a mini length, biker-style lapels, a sleeveless silhouette, front two-way zip closure, leather accents, a belted waist, a distressed and splatter painted denim bodice, nylon skirt panels, a ribbed hem, two front button flap pockets, and two side snap button flap pockets.
Her style is always on point!
If you’re up for the splurge, get Hailee’s dress here.
Tonight on CBS, Oprah Winfrey interviewed First Lady Michelle Obama in a special, entitled, “First Lady Michelle Obama Says Farewell to the White House.” Both ladies looked stunning, with Mrs. Winfrey in custom Brandon Maxwell, and Mrs. Obama in Preen:
First Lady Michelle Obama’s Preen Audrey Dress is from the brands Fall 2016 runway, and features black chiffon and devoré flowers.
Pretty! Get Flotus’s dress at MatchesFashion.com.
Did you tune in tonight? If so, what did you think?
*In case you missed it, the special will air again at 9pm on Wednesday on OWN.
Leggy supermodel Karlie Kloss was snapped while strolling around the concrete jungle that is New York City. She braved the cold in a $1552 UNRAVEL FWRD Exclusive Bomber and tiptoed around the city in a pair of $370 By Far “Neva” Frontal Zip Black Ankle Boots.
This UNRAVEL bomber features dual zip front closures and ribbed knit trims. Side flap pockets with button snap closures allow for easy carriage of tiny knick-knacks if you’re not in the mood for traveling with a purse.Her By Far boots feature a chic two inch heel.
Simply shaped with square toe and finished with a front zipper. Perfect for elongating legs in cropped jeans.You have to admit this is a really cool and functional look for Karlie, but at a total of $1,922, do you think her look is worth the splurge?
Well, if you’re in the mood to treat yourself this holiday season, you can shop her jacket here and her boots here. What say you to Karlie’s look?
Ladies, A$AP Rocky is gorgeous. He’s even distinguished himself as the prettiest man out there. He’s ultra-talented, outspoken, unpredictable and he possesses a firm grasp on what he considers to be stylish.
