John Travolta and Liam Neeson, below, wore black on black on black, meaning black tux, black shirt and black tie. Don’t love.   Maybe his white shirt was Taken?

Photo: Kevin Winter

I applaud David Oyelowo for daring to be different in this fiery number from Dolce and Gabbana. While I liked the tux itself I would have liked it better without the somewhat clashing cumberbatch.

Photo: Hollywood Reporter

This guy. Funny, fashionable and handsome.  I know he’s wearing a basic tux but I have a big crush on him so I wanted to throw him in here.  Chris, I’d totally fight intergalactic aliens with you!

Photo: Latin Times

Jesus Jared, what big feet you have! I have a soft spot for Jared because we share the same birthday (Go Capricorns!) Not everyone can pull off a power blue suit. Actually, no one can pull off a powder blue suit.

Photo: Getty Images 

From one of the year’s most colourful films, Adrian Brody looked dashing in black and white.  Though there’s something about a white jacket that makes me feel like ordering dinner.

Photo: Elle UK 

Loved Common’s velvet Prada jacket and the way the white bow tie disappears into his shirt.  Now that’s one tall cool drink of water.

Photo: EOnline

Eddie Redmayne looked sharp in a dark blue tux (hard to tell here) but I chose this image because it’s a good shot of his velvet smoking shoes. My theory is that adorable goes with everything.

Photo: Pop Sugar

Who’d I miss?

PS. All lame puns totally intended.

Top photo: US Magazine 

And that leads to the other question that inevitably comes up: Is this a girl dress? (Or shoes or pants or skirt). That is, it’s a bit edgy; a tad fashion forward and indeed outre.  So is it a man repellant?

Author and popular blogger Leandra Medine defines Man Repeller (in the context of fashion) as a noun:

“She who outfits herself in a sartorially offensive mode that may result in repelling members of the opposite sex. Such garments include but are not limited to harem pants, boyfriend jeans, overalls, shoulder pads, full length jumpsuits, jewelry that resembles violent weaponry and clogs.“

Stylist and personal shopper for The Room, Jessie Carlson, goes further, saying man repellant clothing is, “Anything that’s too trendy, from the top of your head to the bottom of your feet.  Anything that’s too fashiony, too comfortable and even if it’s too provocative … because it’s inauthentic.  Most men and women want to see a little realness.”

Harem pants are said to be the original item on the man repellant list.  It has to do with the crotch drop. “They’re cool and edgy”, says Carlson, “but they couldn’t be less sexy if they tried.” 

Harem pants

Carlson would add platform sneakers to the list.  “Even (designer) Isabel Marant who started the whole thing says they’re ugly.”  Same goes for UGG Boots, no matter how they’re worn. (I tend to agree.  That is one trend I have never understood.  All I can think about is how sweaty and stinky they must get.)

Isabel Marant platform sneakers

And then there is the enduring fad of stacked bracelets, sometimes half a dozen or more, which is particularly popular with the west coast boho set. “The arm party,” as Medine calls it.  “Again,” says Carlson, “it’s overkill.  A nice watch and one or at most two bracelets is attractive.”

Overkill!

There are two items from the repellant list that I’ve added to my spring wardrobe collection partly because they have, I believe, evolved:  Track pants and boyfriend jeans.  Designers are now cutting both to better flatter a woman’s body and indeed the latter is now the “girlfriend jean.”  I’m loving my new Moschino’s trackpants (as seen above with pointy heels and a blazer) and Mother’s denim.

Carlson says it’s about finding a balance.  “You can go the way of trying too hard to have perfect everything; hair, outfit, nails and it just screams insecurity.  Or you can go the way of saying I don’t care at all.  I’m wearing the sweatpants I slept in, put my hair in a bad bun and I’m going to run out into the world and do something.  It’s not the best representation of yourself and you should be at home in your living room.  It’s about finding that balance between trying hard and not trying hard enough.”

In fact I have, at one point or another, owned almost every single thing on the man repellant list.  And I say, screw the list.  Because it’s all in how you wear it.  Ask someone you trust and figure out what looks good on your body, know the trends but don’t be a slave to them and wear what makes you feel beautiful.  Because at that point, even if you’re wearing harem pants you’ll be hot.

1.  Butter London Nail Polish in Fruit Machine, $15
2. Ray Ban Aviators, $204
3. J Crew Sophie Cross Body Bag, $210
4. Jimmy Choo Abel Leather Pump, $575
5. Zara Platform Sandal, $80
6. Club Monaco Delanie Moto Jacket, $595
7. T by Alexander Want Metallic-coated sweater, $500
8. Tiffany Heart Pendant, $770
9. Aritzia Talula Lace Bralet, $25

Pink is more than a passing trend.  Tomorrow, February 26th, is Pink Shirt Day, the perfect day to wear something pink and take a stand against bullying.  

Gap Essential Short Sleeve Crew T ($19.95) This 100% pima cotton t-shirt is basic and versatile. I like this particular crew neck as it’s a bit wider, a style that helps elongate the neck. (I’m also partial to V-necks for the same reason.) Stock up on these Ts now, some are on sale for as little as $10.99.
The J Crew Vintage Cotton T ($35.50) The cotton used to make these Ts is soft and thin, and cut just right. Not too short, revealing the mid-rift, and not too long. Who needs extra material bunching around their hips? It pays to price watch this one as the tees go on sale regularly throughout the year. I’m wearing a J Crew Vintage Cotton T in the photo above.
Club Monaco’s Sunny Tee ($39.50) This is a lightweight knit T is made of model, a type of rayon, which gives is a luxurious silky feel. These tops are hand wash only, a lesson I learned the hard way. (It will not only shrink, the whole shape of the t-shirt will be affected if you chuck it in the washing machine, let alone the dryer.) As with the Gap and J crew Ts, these come many great shades, an easy way to inject some colour into your spring wardrobe.
T by Alexander Wang Classic Tank with Pocket (starting at $80) Alexander Wang Ts are soft and perfectly slouchy, I love them paired with skinny jeans or leather (faux or not) leggings. One of my favourite styles is the classic pocket rayon tank, which I layer over a more fitted tank. It’s dry clean only, so I don’t tend to wear these day in and day out. Note that these do tend to fit on the large size. I can easily fit into an XS, and still have room for layering underneath.
Equipment Riley T ($178) A few years ago, the French clothing line Equipment launched the perfect silk button down shirt. They’ve now expanded the line to include other amazing staples. I love their silk T, perfect with a skirt for the office or a business dinner. Silk means dry clean only, but this is a basic you’ll have for years.

What are some of your go-to basics, and where do you shop for them?

-Anna

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And on kitchen day, we definitely keep our designer clothes far away from our cooking! Here we are with guest chef Fabio Viviani. 

Sigh.  What’s a girl to do?  My solution was to leave my coat on all night.  If it was December this would have been a problem.

It appeared most people came right from the office, so both I and rumpled-shirt man got it wrong.  He didn’t seem to care much, but I hate not dressing properly for the occasion.  And that’s true for all parts of life; whether it’s at work, playing tourist in another city, out for dinner, or at a party.    

I think I get my love of playing dress-up from my grandmother, who always knew just what to wear (and who recently left this world, on the dawn of her 100th spring).  But after last night, I’m wondering why I spend so much money on party dresses.  Rumpled-shirt guy seemed oblivious.

I know I have written about similar subjects before, but last night made me wonder:  If you’re going to go one way or the other, would most people prefer to be over-dressed or under-dressed?  Does one or the other make the people around you more or less comfortable?

Top photo: Michael@NWLens/flickr

2. Rose Gold Arrow Ring, Lisa Freed

3. Crystal Cluster Necklace, J.Crew

4. Sheer Panel Flare Dress, Elizabeth and James

5. Chaos 105 Silver Leather Sandal, Manolo Blahnik

6. Fiona Earrings, Stella & Dot

7. Studded Military Shirt Dress, What Goes Around Comes Around

8. Tatumn Denim Shirt, Club Monaco

9. Peony T-Shirt, J.Crew

10. Calvin Leather Jacket, Isabel Marant – Etoile

Loving my Atika loafers!

After a day of serious shopping, we all raced back to our hotel to hit the showers.  There were blow dryers, flat, curling and clothing irons going all at once.  Eyelashes were groomed, outfits debated, make up applied and nails quickly painted before rushing out the door.  A serious effort was put in by all.  

And when seated at the five-star establishment where we were dining, I looked around at all the other women in the room who had clearly made a similar effort.  Nice work, ladies.  

And then my eyes wandered to the boys, I mean men, in the room.

There were sweatshirts everywhere.  Too-long pants sitting below the butt crack (really? are we still doing that?), scuffed sneakers, and yes, baseball caps.  Some even turned off-centre. (I have never understood this look.  To me it screams, “helloooo I’m a dumb dumb”.  Why would one want to advertise that?)  

Benicio del Toro was at the next table, big poofy hair sticking out from under a baseball cap.  He looked like an old man who really really doesn’t want to grow up.

And shopping along Robertson?  There’s a guy barking into his cell phone wearing a too-tight, soiled t-shirt and shuffling along in flip flops – no pedicure there – next to his perfectly put-together better half.  

Now, I know men’s fashion in LA is decidedly relaxed, but things have gone too far.  There is a difference between casually chic and sloth-like.  Buy a belt.  And an iron.  Wear clothes that fit.  Buy entire outfits at a time if thinking is too hard for you. Keep a collection of new white t-shirts.  

And take off that f-ing baseball hat!

If you plan on going shopping (and you should), remember that stripes and bold colours are in for spring, navy looks good on everyone, and you can never have too many nice socks.

We all want our fashion to look effortless.  But that takes a lot of work!  And if you insist on doing none, then you should pay for dinner; your honey probably spent all her money on shoes.  I know I did.

Tune in next week when K will fill you in on our California comings and goings.  We’ve got some hotel and restaurant recommendations you won’t want to miss!

Top photo: Lisa Kayaks/Flickr 

Seriously.

 Photo: Ray Sawhill/flickr

Recently I’ve seen a few young women wearing tights as bottoms out in the world.  I’m talking about actual tights. As in pantyhose. As in, pulled tight over the buttocks and somewhat transparent.  As in, I’ve seen things I cannot unsee.

One of them was wearing LACY tights, leaving little to the imagination.  Another one perhaps forgot that even an 80-denier tight, when stretched over a larger posterior region, especially in bright sunlight, loses some of its opacity.  I almost went full granny on her and gave her my coat to cover up. 

By tights, I don’t mean workout pants. I understand that for ease of movement, most of us wear body hugging bottoms when we go to the gym or for a run, and that such a trip usually requires leaving the house where you may spotted by the general public.  (Another reminder: when these wear thin, they should be replaced!)

Tights have feet and they’re generally purchased in the hosiery department or come in hosiery packaging.  They are worn with skirts and dresses (see below), not on their own.

Leggings are thick, opaque tights with no feet. They’re meant to go be worn under a long sweater, a looong shirt (tunic), or a dress (see below).  These too are not pants. 

Some leggings are SUPER THICK and could potentially be worn as pants.  Those who can get away with this, I applaud you.  Though I’m also somewhat irritated that you’re waving your skinny butt in my face.

Unsure?  Pick up a mirror and check your front and rear view before you leave the house. 

If…

1) you can see your g-string through said leggings

2) you can see dimpling of your butt or legs

3) the word “camel” springs to mind (front view)

4) you need to actually ask someone if what you’re wearing is appropriate

5) you don’t want to end up on some creepy guy’s flickr feed

… err on the side of caution, cover your ass, literally, and do us all a favour: 

PUT ON SOME PANTS!

Photo credits:

Top “Don’t” photos: Malingering/flickr (all 3)

Tights photos (L-R): Liz Badey/flickr, Simply Bike/flickr, Dilona/flickr

Leggings photos (L-R): …love Maegan/flickr, idhren/flickr, gohsuket/flickr