Men's Casual Shoes

Recently, I have noticed that men sometimes struggle when it comes to being fashionably casual. Now casual does not mean a running sneaker, as the casual chic girl wants you to look casually GQ (if that makes sense). So I scoured the internet looking for some casual fashion sneakers/slippers that I figured will help give men a jump start. I was surprised that there were many men's shoes on sale, so you guys have no excuse really. My finds are as follows:
Glasgow Black Leather $89.95 – http://www.stevemadden.com/

RSS Skate $50 – http://www.piperlime.com/

Steve Madden Men's Collines Sandal $59.95 – http://www.endless.com/

Converse Chuck Taylor® 'Double Detail' Sneaker $49.95 – http://www.nordstrom.com/

C1RCA Men's Hatchet Hchagbo $64.95 – http://www.endless.com/

Admision Brn Leather $79. http://www.stevemadden.com/

This Week's Sexy Swimwear!

Step poolside with style, grace, and confidence. This summer the bathing suit tunics are fierce. Go to the beach looking classy and leave dressed to stop quickly and grab something to eat without feeling too casual.

Split Sleeve Cover-Tunic $28 www.victoriasecrets.com

Studded Bikini $36/$42 www.victoriasecrets.com

Drape Neck Tunic Cover Up Sweater $69 www.victoriasecrets.com

Bandeau Top w/Low Rise Fold Over Bottom $20 www.victoriasecrets.com

Fashion Word of the Week: Color-ageous

COLOR-AGEOUS :Courageously using color splashes in one's outfit.

So, I am aware that everyone may not feel comfortable in this color combination and that some might feel that they cannot 'pull off' this outfit, but EVERYONE can 'pull off' color. This outfit is exciting because the colors do not match, they GO. This summer experiment with more things that go together. I admonish you all to be Colorageous.

That's the Scoop from the stoop.

What will HE think about ME based on my Dress?

Some will argue that dress is not an important determinant to how people perceive us. Some will argue that a focus on one's dress and appearance is overrated. Today, I thought about doing a little exercise by uploading these dresses as potential first date dresses and see if there is a something that a guy can assume about our personalities just from the dress or patterns we are wearing. Here is what I think, you tell me what you think also ;-)



Fun loving, relaxed, but slightly prissy chick! (http://www.forever21.com/)

Earthy, different, deep thinker, type chick! (http://www.forever21.com/)

Fashion forward, slightly conservative, reserved chick! (http://www.forever21.com/)

Conservative, classy, reserved, chic, chick! (Ted Baker dress http://www.ruelala.com/)

Life of the party, fun, adventerous, edgy chick! (http://www.forever21.com/)

Share what you think a guy would think about you on his first date with you based on any of these dresses. I think it is fun to think about how men perceive us....though we may be dead wrong. Maybe we can get some men to comment on this?

Let's Get Physical!

Reebok Ankle and Wrist Weights 14.99 http://www.reebokfitness.com/

Ok, so I always try to think outside the box because unless I have a personal trainer going to the gym by myself is not exciting AT ALL!!

Shopping for exercise acoutrements can be costly, well, unless you shop smart. I have found that Marshalls, TJ Maxx, and Ross sell exercise dvds, weights, mats, work out gear, etc. They are the discounted brand name stuff ;-)

This week I went to Marshalls and picked up the Reebok 6 pound ankle and wrist weights for 9.99 (there are sometimes multiple brands and weights). Someone suggested to me moons ago that it was a good idea to get some to help tone my leg and arm muscles. So I decided, why not, I am going to buy me some and walk around my house in them, exercise with them, and if I am brave enough go grocery shopping with them on. Hey, no one else is going to work my body for me ;-).

So get started! No excuses! Buy yourself a $5 DVD from Marshalls or Ross, some weights, and get your weight loss and toning program started.

As Obama says.....Yes We Can lol!

Defining Beauty!!

As an Image Consultant I believe that I am charged with the responsibility of uplifting individuals and helping them not fall prey to societal or their reference group's definition of beauty. As a foreigner living in the US I am afforded a unique perspective as to how beauty can be perceived differently because of socio-cultural and racial demographics. Having said that, I find myself trying to uplift that girl or guy who may deem him/herself as an inferior beauty and reinforce to those who become a benchmark for beauty that it is their inner beauty that has afforded them this longstanding rank. As a society it is important for us to understand that playing "The Pretty Game" is the Ultimate Bridge to Nowhere! There will always be someone who you/people may deem more beautiful than you are physically but there will never be anyone with your unique inner beauty!

So my goal for writing this piece is for you appreciate the concept that true beauty can only be achieved through the marriage of the outer and the inner. Yes, it is in your attention to detail in defining your personal style, however more important is your ability to be comfortable in your skin first, then your clothing! It is in the eminence of your inner beauty that you draw people to you. So think about it! Never feel that you have to compete with the person you deem the most aesthetically beautiful in the room because while you are admiring/envying his/her popularity and beauty you are slowly diminishing your shine. Give fleeting admiration and respect, but focus on having fun and emanating that inner glow that defines YOUR BEAUTY!



Image retrieved from mysuperchargedlife.com

Image retrieved from www.freewebs.com/worlddirectory/mixed.jpg

Cute Finds ;-)

These are some cute finds! I will leave you with the creative directions for the different outfits you can create with the right accessories and one dress ;-)
Spotted Feather Cowgirl Hat $10.80 www.forever21.com

Zebra Trim Fedora $9.80 http://www.forever21.com/

Laser Cut Medallion Earring $4.80 http://www.forever21.com/

Rainbow Thread Disc Earrings 3.80 http://www.forever21.com/

Sam Edelman "Ginnie" Sandal 58.90 www.nordstrom.com
Floral Elastic Puzzle Bracelet 8.80 http://www.forever21.com/

Women Miso Shooter Dress $44.12 http://www.republic.co.uk/

Sam Edelman "Garland" Sandal $58.90 http://www.nordstrom.com/

Urban Outffitters Shades for Styles!

Hey girls,

Regardless of your personality style type, we should all try to push our boundaries a few times to create fun and edgier looks. I am a firm believer that shades are one way to create an edginess to your casual outfit making it casual-chic. Below are my favorite shades from Urban Outfitters. Feel free to use this code UO4URBN26424 to get 10% off.

Two-toned animal sunglasses $24 http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/

Animal Magnetism Sunglasses $24 http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/

Floral Sunglasses 9.99 http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/

Retro Aviator 2 for $20 http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/

Big W Wayfarer Reader $10 http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/

Charlie Aviators 2 for $20 http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/

Pretty Easy Exercise for Girls!

Hi girls ;-)

Let's be real! You are the chick who wants it all! You are not a gym fanatic, in fact you hate the gym, you love to snack, but you always desire to have a hot rod body ;-). Ok, confession, that's me and about 80% of women reading this lol! The problem is summer is here and you want to wear your shorts and short sun dresses but you at least want your legs to look like you think about working out lol! Having said that, I have a strategy that helps me hmmm.....10%! I know that is not much but hey it is not like it takes the effort of working out! The "Pretty Easy Exercise for Girls" is called the Stilletto! Or Heels, yes it is as simple as that! You must wear your heels as often as you can, and when you walk or become stationary flex your leg and calf muscles. I know it seems silly, but trust me, if we think of ways to incorporate simple exercises into our daily schedules, we will make more progress than doing nothing. Below you will find my shoe pics for the week!

Report Signature Coral Patent 'Downey' Cut Out Pumps $105 (http://www.bluefly.com/)

BCBG Lexus Heel Sunflower $99 (http://www.bcbg.com/)

Victoria Secret Wide Strap Sandal $144.99 (http://www.victoriasecrets.com/)

Report Signature Pamona Heel $169.99 http://www.heels.com/ or $89 http://www.ruelala.com/ (secret community). If you are interested in joining let me know it is by invite only ;-)

Daanger Purple Leather $52.46 http://www.stevenmadden.com/

Ok chicas,

Get started!

Preppy with a twist - Ode to J. Lindeberg

I have realized that men's fashion has been going in the direction of using accessories as accent pieces. You would think that it would look incredibly weird to see a guy dressed prep style with a colored belt! Not that preppy guys do not take some risks, but who would have figured that fashion for men will follow the same trajectory as that for women. Other than that pink has pretty much has lost it taboo after 50cents confidently wore it some years back. Men of all calibers are now feeling much at home in their pink shirts. Below are a few preppy looks by J. Lindeberg http://www.jlindeberg.com/ that I love for men.

Share your thoughts...

Rae~

Fashion Word of the Week-Straptastic

So... straptastic. According to Stacy on " What not to Wear" this is a fashion faux pas. Don't get it wrong. Straps are wonderful inventions for luggage. Straps are used to keep our clothes in place and for extra reinforcements in luggage. Therefore, in the world of the Homo Sapien species these strap items are translated into girdles. When wearing any slim strapped item of clothing we should try to cover our underclothes as best as we can. If you are one of those people who need some extra support then wear a small jacket to cover your heavy strap action. Whatever you do... Don't be a victim of Stap-tast-ism. That's the Scoop from the Stoop.

Let's say....Jumpsuits!!

Jumpsuits are in full swing this summer and they are cute and fashionable as ever! I purchased one a few years ago and got myself another last year thanksgiving just out of mere love for the style. At that time, those purchases were seen as unique pieces that fell beautifully on my body...little did I know it would become one of this year's main summer trends!! Having said that, short of having to pull down your entire outfit to use the bathroom, these jumpsuits will give you that fashionable, comfortable, and lean look that we women desire!!

Top Reasons to Own a Jumpsuit:
1. It is a no brainer, all you have to decide on are your shoes and accessories!
2. It streamlines your body. Most are monocromatic making you look longer and leaner ;-)
3. Most are loose fitting and comfortable.
4. Most are in materials that seldom need ironing.

P.S. If you are not secure about your butt area, since some styles can highlight a smaller tush, use a medium sized, elastic belt to emphasize your waist and create a bigger contrast between the two areas.

The following are my favs for jumpsuits, let me know which ones you like!!


Urban Outfitters Silence & Noise T-Shirt Jumper $48 @ http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/
Urban Outfitters Silence & Noise Knot Front Jumper $48 @ http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/

Urban Outfitters Silence & Noise Ruffle Front Jumper $68 @ http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/

Urban Outfitters Ecote Convertible Harem Pants (worn as a jumpsuit) $48 @ http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/

Urban Outfitters Ecote Convertible Harem Pants $48 @ http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/

Urban Outfitters Rapscallion by Samantha Pleet Jumper $58 @ http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/

BCBG Silk Cap-Sleeve Jumper $198 @ http://www.bcbg.com/

BCBG Silk Cap-Sleeve Jumper (back view)

BCBG Strapless Cropped Jumpsuit $158 @ http://www.bcbg.com/

Express Button Short-Jumpsuit $39.50 @ http://www.express.com/

Urban Outfitters Silence & Noise Drapery Side Pocket Jumper $68 @ http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/

Newport News Terry Jumpsuit $19.99 @ http://www.newport-news.com/

Newport News Kimono-sleeve Jumpsuit $34.99 @ http://www.newport-news.com/

BCBG Sash Tie-Silk Jumpsuit $380 @ http://www.bcbg.com/

Smooches,

Rae~