QTips: Rules of Professionalism for Men

As the workplace is becoming modern, so has the acceptable dress code. Many companies have adopted a more casual atmosphere, while other companies who still require business professional have adapted to redefining what business casual is. From what used to be the basic black or blue suit with a white shirt and blue tie, has transformed into the modern man - a play with colors, patterns and textures. I have been asked by a few friends of what is acceptable in the workplace. Are pocket squares acceptable? Does the shirt have to be solid? What about the tie? Lets take a deeper look into the definition of the modern professional man.

In today's society, the mover and shakers of the business world are also trendsetters. They are unabashed in their taste and eye for style and want to make statements in the boardroom and in fashion. It is because of this that business attire has to change with the mindset of those inhabiting the business world.

Suit - The appropriate suits for men should be 2 or 3 buttons, depending on the height of the man and the cut of the suit. Colors are Blue, Gray (most hues), and even Khaki in the Summer. Black suits, while appropriate by definition, aren't a popular choice for suits in the business arena. Pin stripes are allowed, as long as they are a muted color and don't stand out against the main color of the suit. For example, a gray suit with white pinstripes is a bit too dramatic, yet a navy suit with olive pinstripes has a polished, yet professional look.

Colors - The day of white shirt and dark solid tie is over! Well, essentially over.. To me, nothing screams classic style than a crisp white shirt with a dark tie, but there are other options that are just as stylish and welcomed in the business world. Today, white, and pastel colors are the best for solids. Stripes are a good option as well, as long as they are vertical. No diagonal striped shirts.. EVER.. that trend lasted for one season and that was at least 6 years ago..

Tie - The tie is almost at the discretion of the person wearing the tie -If this person has natural style. If you are one who really understands how to play with colors and patterns, then this is where you can add extra flare to your professional look. Stay with woven fabrics, and ditch the screen printed silks. Also, it is not professional to wear a tie that matches the color of your shirt. For example, if you are wearing a dark blue shirt, do not wear a solid dark blue tie. Instead, you could wear a woven silk tie with a pattern (paisley, squares, stripes) that include dark blue, gray, and light blue.


Pocket Square - For most settings, a simple white pocket square will work for a professional look. If you are daring, then you can go with a different color and pattern. NEVER WEAR THE TIE/POCKET SQUARE COMBO!! That is NEVER allowed, no matter what occasion.

What's your favorite look? Let the Ave. Know!

Cindy Crawford for Allure Magazine

Cindy Crawford discusses how to look good at 43 in the April Issue of Allure Magazine.

From the Interview:

"I think I look pretty good for 43. But I don't look the way I did when I was 23," says Crawford. "So if Star magazine or whatever wants to print a picture of me on the beach from the back, at the worst possible angle, and say that I have cellulite, I'm like, Guess what? I do, and I never said I didn't."

Linda Evangelista for Mixte Magazine

The April 2009 issue of Mixte Magazine features supermodel Linda Evangelista on the cover.

Hampton Jazz Festival Artist Lineup

The Hampton Jazz Festival occurs June 26-18, 2009 at the Hampton Coliseum. Here is the lineup for the weekend:

Friday - June 26
Babyface
George Benson
Ledisi
Jazz Attack: featuring Jonathan Butler, Richard Elliot and Rick Braun

Saturday - June 27
The O'Jays
Michael McDonald
Fantasia
Forte Jazz Band

Sunday - June 28
Patti Labelle
Robin Thicke
Chuck Brown
Keiko Matsui

One Question... Where is Frankie Beverly in this lineup?!?!

Check the official site for more updates - hopefully an update will come soon about Frankie Beverly and Maze... the Hampton Jazz Festival needs its sea of white outfits on Sunday!

Beyonce's Costume Designs for Tour

"Sasha Warrior" as described by Thierry Mugler, is the theme for Beyonce's tour, which begins in Canada this weekend. Traditional Thierry aesthetics - futuristic, over-the-top accents, will bring to life the Fierce Diva portrayed by Beyonce on stage. I think we all know the following phrase, since Beyonce has been explaining it for years:

“Sasha Fierce is another aspect of Beyoncé's personality,” Mugler told WWD. “She is Fierce on stage and Beyoncé in real life. I tried to understand these two sides with my own perception of both aspects.”

I hope he isn't just figuring this out...

Anyway, I hope that these costumes are translated well on stage, unlike the DSquared2 costumes for Britney's tour. The square Afro will be the showstopper.. I can almost guarantee it! Can't wait to see her at the Essence Music Festival!

Back from Vegas!

I just spent the last 4 days in Vegas, and I am so glad to be back home! I don't know how I lasted 4 whole days without internet access and without Fashion! Those people in Vegas didn't have a clue! Even with all of those shops at the Forum... I have a few Q-Tips that will be derived from my experience in Vegas...

Vegas Fashion?

Why do people in Vegas dress like this?!?!?! That is all..

Designer Feature: Nadia Nour

Influenced by cultural trends, technological innovations, and shifts in social consciousness, the Nadia Nour collection reflects the tides of change. Created for women who defy trends, expressing themselves through their distinctive sense of style, Nada Nour apparel is designed to inspire a sense of self-assurance and vitality in the women who wear it. Driven by Nadia's sophisticated, playful, and bold vision, the collection achieves a timeless aesthetic through its integration of class with experimental elements.

Nadia Nour's Fall 2009 collection is inspired by modern paintings. Ivory silk charmeuse is used as the canvas for my original abstract brush stroke prints. Crinkled metallics are paired with transparent silk chiffons. Fitted silhouettes are combined with added volume in the form of paneling, tucking, and ruching.

I met Nadia and her collection at Fall 2009 New York Fashion Week at the Nolcha at the Plaza, presented by Solerra, which debuted the collections of seven gifted and talented independent designers. I was truly impressed by her collection and her workmanship. Her prints are fun and fresh, and her lines are simple and chic.

For more information, check out her site http://www.nadianour.com/

Obama's Press Conference- He Thinks Before He Speaks

On Day 64 of his term, Obama held his second Primetime press conference. I anticipate the focus of his new conference to be around the current economy.

Stating the goal to move the current economic state from recession to recovery and prosperity, Obama reassured Americans that there are no quick fixes and no silver bullets. His strategy will spark employment, increase in home sales, and quick stimulus package to put money in the pockets of Americans. He talked about the housing stabilization, increasing refinance activity due to historic interest rates (thanks Obama, I got a nice 4.75 rate yesterday!)

Basically, his introductory address was repetitive from what we have been hearing from Obama since his campaign. Decreased dependence on foreign oil, alternate energy sources, tax breaks on 95% of Americans, health care, etc.... Its good that he is sticking to his plans, but how much more reassurance do Americans need? That may be a dumb question since we are talking about politics here... I just haven't heard anything new in a long time, and I think that Obama is working hard to work on what he said he would work on... When was the last time we had a leader like this? Its so intuitive for a leader to do what he said he would do, but its so strange to actually have this happening!

I honestly have to say...this was probably one of the first times that I was actually bored during an Obama speech, until the end of his question/answer session...

I hope you all saw when he showed a bit of impatience with CNN's Ed Henry when asked about waiting two days before reacting to the AIG payout. After a time of going back and forth, he finally said "It took us a couple of days because I like to know what I'm talking about before I speak... thanks" I don't think I would have handled that any differently, but I think that Obama is getting tired of defending his stance on the AIG situation. Am I missing something? Has President Obama been retracting on statements or changing his views? It doesn't seem as if he is, so why is it this big goal to trap him in his words? Ed Henry failed.. CNN tried to back him, but it didn't work. It was two days, not two years! And its not like Obama has the wrong view on the situation, so why does it matter? I think Ed should have taken two extra days before asking his question, and he may have asked it differently. His question was valid, but his method was not wise or tactful, and Obama nicely let him know!

I totally loved the question of race - whether or not he feels as if his race has had any effect on his 64 days in office. I don't know what answer she expected, but Obama gave the perfect answer - judge him on his performance, not his race. Hold him accountable for how he is reacting to the current situations, and don't just celebrate him simply because of his persona and or appearance.

Vivienne Westwood Spring/Summer 2009

Featuring Pamela Anderson.

Kerri Hilson: Knock You Down

New Song by Kerri Hilson featuring Kanye West and Ne-Yo



Kerri - I love this song! Keep making songs like this, and maybe one day people will actually find you worthy to have beef with other singers...

Nicole Richie on Blackbook Magazine

The only way to know who the cover girl is for the April Issue of Blackbook Mag is to read the bright pink "Nicole Rocks" statement. Without that, I would have never guessed that this was Nicole Richie! Yes, my initial thoughts were "Lady Gaga" especially with those black shades and the bangs...

After a baby, and during another pregnancy, Nicole kills this photo shoot, with some edgy angles, and that last photo, which is definitely my favorite! This issue is Blackbook's Music Issue, and it makes me wonder if Nicole has a secret passion to follow in her dad's footsteps. Maybe she will sing backup for Lionel at the Essence Music Festival in July... just as idea..

P.S. The Louis Vuitton tights are SICK!

Obama on Jay Leno

President Obama made an historic appearance on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno. I have never been so educated by a President like I was tonight. I understand so much more about the current economic situation than I could have ever imagined. Obama is so relateable and truly knows how to enlighten and educate his constituents. Except for that one mishap he said (which I won't even call him out on it), I think he scored yet another excellent interview!

Beyonce in Vogue Italia

Beyonce, in her stretch of magazine features (cover of Vogue and Las Angeles Confidential), is also featured in the April 2009 issue of Vogue Italia. In this spread, she channels Marilyn Monroe (how many others have done this already?) with some serious blonde hair. I wish she would have given more "Sasha Fierce" in this spread.. she looks a bit dead behind the eyes, and I don't think she was suppsoed to be channeling Marilyn Monroe's suicide...

Here are her other Magazine features from the previous month..

From LA Confidential

From Vogue

Drew Barrymore in W Magazine

The best I have seen Drew Barrymore look in a very long time!

NY Fashion Week Fall 2009: Chado Ralph Rucci

Most people have moved on to the Paris collections, but I can not let the memory of New York Fashion Week go away without mentioning the collection of Chado Ralph Rucci. This show was truly an example of how fashion is art. True cotoure designs, and the models owned their looks. What a way to end the shows at Bryant Park!



Thanks to the Editor of The Style Arbiter for preparing me for this show beforehand!

Bird Poop Facials?

First, there were fish tank pedicures... now people are paying big bucks for Bird Poop facials? NY Mag reported that the Shizuka New York Day Spa would be featuring the Geisha Facial, a process where nightingale droppings are used to re-texturize the skin. This facial costs $180, and I am sure it will become extremely famous until someone gets an infection... The things we go through to maintain beauty...

Amy Winehouse - Just Friends

I'm sitting here trying to complete some items on my checklist, and the CD in rotatioin is "Back to Black" by Amy Winehouse. I haven't been able to listen to the whole CD today because I have "Just Friends" on repeat.. love this song! Love Amy Winehouse even more! I hope she cleans up so that I can see her live in concert one of these days...

QTips: How to Wear Green on St. Patrick's Day

March 17 is the date where school children eat green eggs and ham, pinch other kids that don't wear green, and where adults go to their favorite Irish Pubs and get wasted on a weekday. No matter what you choose to do on St. Patrick's Day, you must do it while wearing Green. Green is definitely an "it" color of this season, but even if it wasn't, we still feel obligated to wear the color on St. Patrick's Day. Like any other day, you can't simply wear green just because; it needs to be a planned purpose! Here are some good color combinations for St. Patty's Day:

1. Green and Gray - This is the perfect combination for the day - this is one of the hottest color combinations of the season. A bold green with some gray slacks works really well. Even a nice gray and green plaid shirt would be sick with some blue jeans or your basic chino.

2. Kelly Green cardigans - Ladies can pair this up with some tan or gray pants, and a pastel shirt to give your outfit some attitude and spunk.

3. Dark Green - If you wear dark green, such as hunter or olive, stick to darker jeans and darker shoes. Dark greens really mute your entire outfit, so any lighter colors would throw off your total look.

4. Brooches/Pin - If you don't have anything green, or if your work attire calls for a more professional look, then accent your suit with something green. Ladies can opt for a green brooch, or jade bracelets. Gents can throw on a tie clip or cuff links with emerald detail.

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Ato Baseball Trainers

New kicks by Ato Matsumoto.

Note: Ato's retail at approx 200 euros.. which equates to at least $300 (more or less depending on how strong the American dollar is for a given day). So, if you happen to see any for $99, and

they aren't on clearance, then they likely

are NOT real. Just FYI..

Britney Spears Concert Costumes

Britney's costumes for her current Circus Tour were made by the trendy Canadian Duo, Dean and Dean, of DSquared2. While the sketches are exciting and provocative, I don't think that it translated well once it was put onto Britney Spears.

Michelle Obama Cover for New Yorker Magazine

New Yorker Magazine opted for a character version of Michelle Obama for their March 10 Cover. Not sure how I feel about this, especially after the controversial July cover with First Lady dressed as a militant and President Obama as a Terrorist. This cover looks a bit "Fat Albert" to me, with the neon colors and the smile. Also, the clothing they put on the First Lady doesn't really imply runway fashion, as they are trying to portray. Even though the cover is sub-par, the interview with Michelle was very thought provoking. Just like our First Lady, no matter what she wears, you can't mistake how strong, intelligent, and successful she is.

Jimmy Choo Spring/Summer 2009

The green ones are SICK!

Make Me a Supermodel is Back!

Model shows came back last week, with the Premier of the original model scout show "America's Next Top Model." As Tyrra Banks gets more shows, she seems even more hungry for fame or recognition (she and Diddy are neck and neck for self promotion). This season's opener was flooded with senseless, pointless skits and production, and the second episode followed suit. There is, however, a breath of fresh air when it comes to a model show, and its Make Me a Supermodel.

Bravo's Make Me a Supermodel gives me a real sense of what modeling really is. Yes, they have challenges and cheesy runway competitions, but its without the special effects and monologues from host Tyson Beckford. Secondly, the show is for both Men and Women and really give a good outlook on what the daily life of a model is, no matter which gender. I watch both shows solely for the photography, and both shows deliver when it comes to producing world class photographs. However, if I could live without the "Charlies Angels" skits from Tyrra and her crew, then I certainly will!

My favorites right now are Sandhurst, Solome, and Mountaha

Tune in on Wednesday's @10pm Est on Bravo. "Watch What Happens"

Q Tips: Snow Boots in the Sun?

Anyone knows that last weekend was surprisingly beautiful for this time of year on the East Coast. After three days of snow and ice, the temperature climbed to over 70 degrees, and people brought out their short sleeve shirts and some even put on sandals to enjoy the weather.. Then there were others who, in an attempt to appear stylish, did not dress for the occasion correctly. While I am a believer that you dress for the season and not the weather, there is a happy medium! There were way too many females wearing Ugg boots and other types of knee boots last week! Tank tops, jeans, and Ugg boots when its 70 degrees outside? Not a good idea!

Rule of thumb... when its warm outside, ditch the boots. No matter how cute they are.

New Texts Released from Mayor Kilpatrick

Approximately 1400 text messages between former mayor Kwame Kilpatrick and his chief of staff Christine Beatty were released by the Circuit court Judge today for the perjury cases against the two "love birds"

Someone needs to lock Kilpatrick up for being the lamest "player" known to man! Like seriously, who still tells a woman "you are the wind beneath my wings?" Especially when the woman is your mistress and not your wife!

Click here to see the entire list of text messages that have been released to the public. Some of it is graphic, and ALL of it is comedy!

Obama's Influence on Fur Sales

Inauguration 2009 has to have been the coldest week of the entire Winter season this year. I know that I had to somewhat forfeit my fashion-forward style and compromise fashion with warmth. I essentially found anything that could be layered and threw it on for the actual Inauguration Ceremony (essentially.. I still matched and looked well put together). Though most people followed suit with my theory, there were others who would NOT forfeit their fur coats for the occasion. I saw so many women with sweatpants, sneakers and full length fur coats on Inauguration Day. I was reading NY Mag the other day, and they posted a really good read on the influence Obama has on fur sales in the DC area:

From NY Mag:

"There are many reasons for the shift. A number of residents of bitterly cold Chicago, the second biggest market for fur in this country behind New York, moved to D.C. for jobs with Obama, and they brought their furs with them. Also, African-Americans are disproportionately big buyers of fur, and the Obama administration has attracted an influx of professional African-American talent to the area. Though sales have declined nationwide, in 2006 African-Americans represented 27 percent of fur sales compared with 16.5 percent in 2002, reports the Fur Council."

--back to me..

What if the First Lady wore a sleeveless fur dress for one of her Whitehouse functions? What if it were Michael Kors, who is all about neon right now?

A sleeveless neon pink fur dress... That'll work!

Michelle Obama on O Magazine

First Lady Obama continues to grace the covers of magazines, as she becomes the first person other than Oprah to grace the cover of O Magazine. Of course, Oprah couldn't let the First lady be on the cover alone...Anyways, Michelle is wearing a dress designed by Michael Kors. Mr. Kors is gaining some popularity through the First Lady. as her black dress from her official white House Portrait was also designed by Kors. The clear belt is probably my favorite part of the outfit. Not sure if it should have been belted around the cardigan and the dress, but it works...

Chris Brown Court Photos - Fashion Crime

You have all seen the courtroom footage of a nervous Chris Brown from his court appearance on March 5, after being charged on his allegations of attacking Rihanna. Let's focus not on his violent crime, but more on his fashion crime. This is a court of law.. why is he dressed for Prom or some other semi-formal affair?

The Jacket of this suit is bananas. Love it! But the oversized vest with the black buttons and the wide knot tie is way too much for a court room. This shows that just because someone has money, doesn't necessarily mean that they have style. A simple gray suit with a light blue shirt and a dark tie would have sufficed for this occasion. This vest/tie combo looks like something rented from a tuxedo rental store, and it doesn't even fit correctly! Nothing wrong with a three-piece-suit, but it needs to be a real three-piece-suit; meaning that the jacket, pants and vest are of the same color AND fabric. That's the only way to do a vest combo with a jacket and slacks and still be professional.. and yes, the courtroom as a defendant is definitely a place to be professional.

Kerri Hilson Disses Beyonce?

Kerri Hilson has a new remix for her song "Turning Me On".. A couple issues with this...

Warning - Explicit Version




1. T-Pain has a verse.. where he talks about being the "best dressed of the night" and how his Oakley shades "go so hard" with his Louis Vuitton shoes and scarf. Now when have we ever seen T-Pain be the best dressed? He makes good music, but nothing is good about his fashion. In fact, nothing in his verse would make me say "wow, this gentleman can dress." Nor would I ever say "man, those Oakley shades really adds a unique touch to your outfit comprised of a top hat, Louis Vuitton shoes, and a matching scarf" especially since the scarf epidemic is fading out of trend anyway. Name brands don't automatically make you fly.

2. Listen carefully to Kerri's verse... its speculated that she is talking about Beyonce and Ciara in her verse. Now is she even worthy to make attacks against Beyonce? I mean, I know I was angry about Beyonce having old women drama, but she doesn't have time for new artist drama either. I think Kerri needs to come with more billboard hits before "getting things off her chest"

Gucci Moccasin Sneaker

I showed you these back in September during the Spring Fashion week, but the Gucci Spring 09 sneakers are now available for sale. As you can see below, the shoes can be worn without the fringed flap. I'm not sure if the Gray and Blue colorways are available, but I definitely like the gray ones the best, even though Mustard yellow is the IT color of the season.

Michelle Obama Whitehouse Photo

If you haven't seen this photo already, it is the official Whitehouse photo for First Lady Michelle Obama. In the photo, she is wearing a black sleeveless (go figure) jersey dress designed by Michael Kors. I think she looks great! The pearls are a simple accent well needed for this photo. It gives her a more traditional look - something that many people are longing for.

Britney Spears Circus Designed by DSquared2

Britney Spears officially marked her comeback this week as her Circus tour began in New Orleans. While I hope her choreography and stage presence gets back to normal, one thing that isn't normal is her costumes for the show. In order to get that sexy, circus edge, she wisely turned to DSquared2 to design the costumes.

Sisley Men Spring/Summer 2009

My favorite look has to be look #3

Chanel Spring/Summer 2009 Campaign

Tweed is always in when its done by Chanel

Rosario Dawson for T Magazine

Photos: T Mag/ Designscene

Rosario Dawson was the cover girl for the Spring Fashion Issue of T Magazine, an insert to the New York Times. Dawson wears Stella McCartney, Marc Jacobs, and Max Mara in her spread for the magazine, and displays her natural beauty. Lookin' good Ms. Dawson!