Justin Bieber...fashion tip! Sport a rose in your lapel or don a string tie!

I caught sight of Justin's latest fashion misstep over the weekend.

Heh Bieb, what were 'ya thinking?

Honestly, a plain white tux (or was that a two-piece white suit?) paired with a lone over-sized bow tie (it looked like a snap-on to moi!) just doesn't cut it with the elite fashionistas.

Justin, surely there is a tad more passion (and flair for fashion) lurking in your heart of hearts?

A string bow-tie would have been a more distinctive accessory choice for the swaggering handsome man-about-town.

For a dash of romance a red rose in the lapel would have rustled up a nod from the fashion police, too.

In the alternative?

An elegant pocket handkerchief - puffed-up inside the breast pocket - just so!

Psst!

Never wear both, eh?

Isn't it time you also sported a quality timepiece on your studly wrist as well?

That's what separates the men from the boys, Justin.

How's Selena, by the way?

http://www.thetattler.biz





It's style - not the clothes - that make the man!

Job Fair...Dress for Success! No Cell Phones! No Shorts!

If you're heading for one of those job fairs in Las Vegas next week, it's important to follow a few golden rules if 'ya hanker to land gainful employment with great pay to boot!

For starters?

Dress for success - and that means - no shorts (for starters)!

And, steer clear of peacock ensembles like the one that the Television News anchor (Fox News 5) sported on air bright-and-early at-the-crack-of-dawn this morning.

The hapless newsie committed a fashion faux pas when he teamed an elegant wine-colored dress shirt (trimmed with a starched-white collar!) with a tie (in a lighter shade of rose) against a dark silhouette (i.e. a chic two-piece suit).

In a nutshell?

The unfashionable fop whipped up a "pimp look" that would have turned-off any employer.

In the altnerative?

Well - an understated tie in conservative colors (with a shirt sans constrasting blinding-white collar) - would surely been preferable (and triggered a nod of approval from a potential boss).

There are another couple of tips worth following, too.

Ignore a cell phone if it goes off during the course of the job interview.

If you throw caution to the window - and elect to answer it - your resume will probably be tossed in the garbage (go figure).

And, dashing outside for a smoke is a no-no, too.

Any Nun will  tell 'ya, it is a dirty habit!

In fact, don't show up at a one-on-one interview with bold splashes of cologne - clinging to your body perfect - either.

By the way, as we say in show biz, break a leg!

http://www.thetattler.biz





Pimp "look" at no-no at Job Interview! 

Kate Middleton...copy-Kates hungry for fashion plate ensembles! Hat style up front!

Every since Kate Middleton was thrust into the glare of the spotlight on the heels of the announcement of her initial engagement to Prince William, fashionistas around the globe have been hungry for the Royal Style as seen through the chic eyes of Her Royal Highness.

While some critic focused on the pretty bride's weight up to the 11th hour (obviously Ms. Middleton was slimming to avoid the ring snafu which eventually unfolded anyway in front of the prying eyes of an intrusive press bent on pleasing their loyal frenzied subscribers) others were inclined to scrutinize every delicious detail of her elegant wardrobe selections.

It was only a given - that in due time - a phrase would be coined to designate the chosen few!

Uh-huh.

According to a titillated press in jolly Old England - across the big pond - Royal Fashion Watchers are now known as Copy-Kates!

Wonders never cease!

And, I expect, that Prince William's famed rambunctious jaunts with his randy young brother - Prince Harry - will rustle up a catchy phrase or two in the future.

How 'bout - Will's thrills?

News at 11!

http://www.thetattler.biz

LAS VEGAS...Julian Ayrs on-the-town @ BOND! Kendra Wilkinson tonight @ Pure!

Gosh, it seems like Kendra Wilkinson was celebrating her "B" Day in the trendy desert oasis just yesterday.

Is it really time to toast the Vegas beauty once again?

Die-hard fans - and friends alike - will be doing just that tonight at PURE at Caesars Palace on the glitzy Vegas strip.

If you plan on attending the star-studded soiree, then it may be a good idea to trot up to the popular Nightclub early, because the ultra "in" spot will no doubt be pulsating to packed houses tonight.

Last evening Caesars Palace was a mad house - so expect that same tonight in "Sin City" - eh?

If you're unable to crash the event, then take a trek down the crowded boulevard to the "Bond Lounge" (at the Cosmopolitan Hotel) - where a dazzling chic young crowd - is sure to party hearty at the witching hour!

And, if the hunger pangs set in, just saunter over to Henry's Restaurant across the dazzling bar for a bite to eat.

The beef dip I devoured last night at 3 a.m. was just scrumptious!

Meanwhile, fans of pool-playing will be thrilled to hear that one level (or two?) above, there is a cozy billiard room to take advantage of, too

See 'ya there!

http://www.thetattler.biz

68th Annual Golden Globe Awards...Host Ricky Gervais insults top brass! Angelina Jolie shimmered!

High-end designer gowns shimmered in the exotic environs of the Beverly Hills Hilton Hotel below the setting sun, the heads of ecstatic fans turned this way 'n that as a bevy of bodacious babes sashayed down the red carpet with handsome escorts on their arms in the rarefied air just beyond reach, and a posse of media types hovered nearby begging for a photo opportunity like moths to flame.

Uh-huh.

The 68th Annual Hollywood Foreign Press Association Awards were underway.

"The Press Awards are like a cool party in an upscale steak house, " cooed popular late-night talk show host Jimmy Fallon as he alighted on the red carpet for the dazzling festivities.

Indeed!

"It's all about the par-tay," another hip guest astutely quipped to camera on the frenzied sidelines.

Needless to say, once the show under the big top was in full swing, there were a number of awkward - some say disturbing - displays of bad behaviour.

I am reminded of an old Chinese Proverb.

"Never insult a host in his own home."

For some inexplicable reason, quirky Ricky Gervais threw caution to the wind, in that regard.

Witin minutes of strolling onto the stage to launch the much-anticipated ritzy event - the stand-up comic got caught up into a nasty undertow - that threatened to derail the otherwise fun and festive footloose soiree that beckoned ahead.

"There's alot of partying & drinking going on. Or, as Charlie Sheen would say, breakfast," Gervais chortled as the momentum started to build early on.

To quote a line from the musical "Chicago":

"He (Charlie) had it coming!"

You betcha!

The suits were not off-limits to his potshots, either.

One unkind remark - that focused on a head honcho at the Hollywood Foreign Press Association caused an uproar to erupt in the otherwise well-mannered audience below the footlights - for instance.

"I just lifted his head out of the toilet. And, helped pop his bridge back in his mouth," naughty Gervais guffawed with glee in reference to the top dog at the HFPA.

The power-player was inclined to  respond-in-kind when it was his turn at the mic.

"Ricky, next time you want a project okayed for the Foreign Press, go elsewhere," he snarled.

A loud moan circulated the room.

Talk about instant karma, eh?

In fact - some of the barbs were so vicious (mean-spirited was the way one actor characterized the in-your-face insults)  - that some speculated Ricky's sorry a** had been fired off the show when he disappeared for an hour-or-so during the course of the evening.

Did the slimeball funnyman get called up on the carpet by the top brass?

Gervais didn't get off the hook for his unkind remarks, that's for sure, judging by his red-faced appearance later on stage.

Boy, would I like to have been a fly on-the-wall during that bull session!

Needless to say, a couple of fellow performers were inclined to jump into the fray, and toss a couple of barbs the upstart's way.

"We knew Ricky when he was chubby and funny. Now he isn't," barked Tim Allen to all within earshot.

There was a lot of Monday morning quarter-backing around water-coolers the following day, I expect.

Headlines around the country screamed out a thought on the minds of the bemused teaming masses everywhere.

Will Gervais be invited back next year to host the popular awards show?

But the whole night wasn't a downer in spite of Gervais.

For example, Michael Douglas managed to rustle up a hearty welcome by virtue of his mere presence.

After he trotted up to the stage, the audience jumped to their feet, and applauded the seasoned pro - in part - because he just licked the big "C".

"I wish there was an easier way to get a standing ovation," he joked.

The night was not totally devoid of class or style, though.

Angelina Jolie wowed fans in an emerald green gown which flattered her luscious bod, Justin Bieber sported a chic tuxedo that sparked up his image a tad, and Natalie Portman strutted down the fashion gauntlet with a carefree style (which underscored the Black Swan's star is definitely on the rise).

And, beneath the tinsel?

A heckuva lot more tinsel!

'Til next year!

http://www.thetattler.biz

Leonardo DiCaprio...appears @ Tao incognito in Las Vegas! Business or pleasure...

Jaws dropped at Tao the other evening when a somewhat elusive Leonardo DiCaprio allegedly slipped into the trendy hang-out.

The gossip mongers tongues began to wag, too.

In town for a clandestine love tryst?

Or, just maybe, the sexy screen idol was checking out locales for an upcoming movie shoot, a posse of excited guests speculated on the down-low out-of-earshot.

News at 11!

http://www.julianayrs.com

Magic...Menswear Marketplace in Vegas! August 31st/September 2nd...

Thousands of buyers will be swooping in to Sin City to catch Magic's latest fashion extravaganza at the Las Vegas Convention Center.



Menswear at Magic has a solid reputation for unveiling the most far-reaching assortment of menswear in the marketplace annually (and this year won't be an exception).

For those of your in the dark about such matters - poor darlings- Magic is where new trends often surface and eventually end up as cool designer threads on the backs of consumers around the country.



The goal of the high-profile rag meet is to connect and inspire the fashion community, fuse diverse trends, and deliver unbeatable service to customers, according to show organizers.



This year, the eclectic offerings have been broken into categories which best-reflect current bell weather trends in the burgeoning menswear market.



For example - S.L.A.T.E. is a juried assortment of sophisticated brands that originated in skate, surf, and street communities - steadily making their way into the mainstream.



In essence, S.L.A.T.E. zeroes in on (and exalts) the attitude of hipsters, artists, and musicians.



The "Street" look, meanwhile, puts the dazzling spotlight on menswear from the contemporary sportswear vein, hip-hop lifestyle, action-sports arena, and emerging mixed martial arts scene.



A concern about the environment in recent years has also triggered a flurry of activity in the fast-growing area of "green fashion".



It was only a matter of time, really!





The ECOLLECTION at Magic is distinguished by the fact that all of the offerings in the collection are environmentally and socially-conscious pieces of apparel.



Lindsay Lohan won't be shopping here for luxury furs (skinned off the backs of endangered species) anytime soon!





Meanwhile, "Premium at Magic" labels tout sizzling-hot men's and women's contemporary fashion collections for the discerning fashionista.



At Magic Marketplace 2009, you'll be able to feast your keen fashion eye on stand-out trends emanating from the houses of Calvin Klein, DKNY Men, Julian Red, Nicole Farhi, Perry Ellis, Uniform, Cole Haan, Gram, Cold Method, to name a few.



See 'ya there!

http://www.julianayrs.com

Abercrombie & Fitch...Ross sales pull ahead of trendy retailer! Almighty dollar - not style - counts...

If you scanned a recent sales report in the business section of the newspaper, it may have not not escaped your attention (especially if you're a keen analyst whe it comes to numbers) that top dogs in the retail fashion market - such as Abercrombie & Fitch - slid to the bottom of the sales performance pile in recent months.

In contrast, discount houses such as Ross, climbed the ranks and landed in the profit margin (albeit, just by a few percentage points).

Several months ago when the economy started to spiral down and retailers were starting to cry the blues over a loss of revenue, one of the Executives at Abercrombie & Fitch boasted that the trendy fashion outlet for young men and women was surefire and "recession-proof".

For this reason, product at A&F would never be marked down or on "sale", he asserted.

A short while later, I chuckled when I cruised through one retail outlet and spied items that were obviously "on sale".

However, management wasn't inclined to cry "uncle", not just yet.

The signs were cleverly worded to give the impression that the reduced items were actually specially-priced wardrobe pieces available short term for good value at the cash register.

The deceitful ploy to "save face" smacked of the bold-faced efforts years ago by used-car dealers to enhance the image of trade-in cars on the lot by referring to the vehicles as pre-owned.

In the final analysis, Abercrombie & Fitch need not worry about losing a huge chunk of the normally-lucrative youth fashion market long term.

The taste for the style-setter's trendy provocative fashions (and seductive ads) has not diminished one iota with the teen and twenty-something crowd in any respect.

It all boils down to the almighty buck.

Right now, Americans are penny pinching (not straying from their budgets) in order to make ends meet.

Once the economy turns around and there is expendable cash in hand once again, style-conscious dudes and babes will be revving up the cash registers at Abercrombie & Fitch once again.

In the meantime, a column I penned on how to save $$$ by shopping at second-hand stores like Goodwill and Out-of-the-Closet (with tips on how to pick 'n chose wisely in the used-clothing arena) may be a life-saver for students out to piece together a snappy wardrobe to sport around campus this fall.

Post: 01/05/2009

http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2009/01/mens-fashion-tipsthrift-shop-bargains.html

Happy rummaging, eh?


http://www.julianayrs.com

GQ...bows to great wall of China! Conde Nast to spread fashion wings...

Chinese fashion-savvy dudes ready to turn the page for GQ?

Where bejewelled greats once strode the Wall of China under a golden sun in exquisite embroidered silks steeped in exotic perfumes, high priests from the jungles of Fashion Avenue in NYC now dare to tread without foreboding.

Conde Nast whirling style dervishes caught unsuspecting big apple fashionistas by surprise recently when they announced with little fanfare that GQ - the trend-setting style bible of 7th Avenue - intends to spread their wings and venture into the far East and set up shop.

Jonathan Newhouse - the Chairman for the publisher - noted that the slick glossy mag will commence with its first issue in October (2009).

Their exciting new entry onto foreign soil was struck by virtue of a delicious copyright cooperation agreement with the all-powerful China News Service.

"GQ is a flagship title for Conde Nast. We believe the magazine will be a success in the Chinese market," a spokesperson for the Executive Board excitedly gushed to media hounds at a press conference in NYC.

Some tongues are panting, understandably!

The Menswear market appears to be ripe for the picking, fer sure.

For instance, visionary Conde Nast astutely took stock of the landscape before green-lighting the foreign arm, and the figures were staggering.

For starters, the Chinese population peaks right now at 1.3 billion.

Notwithstanding, the abundance of male-only children born after the country implemented its family planning policies of the seventies, underscores the potential for big dollar returns (profit) for the savvy fashion mavens at GQ headquarters.

"The wealthier city-dwelling young men are often referred to by the market research firms as "Little Emperors" with a voracious appetite for luxury goods and designer brands," analysts in the field advised on the heels of the Conde Nast announcement.

But, some pooh-pooh GQ (a late-comer?) for not being ballsier sooner.

Vogue, Self, and Modern Bride entered the Chinese market with confidence moons ago.

In retrospect, GQ executives were inclined to lurk on the sidelines and allow the competition to "test the waters" first.

Now, they're hungry for a slice of the style pie.

Will Conde Nast power-brokers want that plain, heated, or with a dollop of rich cream and maraschino cherry on top?

News at 11!

http://www.julianayrs.com

Paris Hilton...paparazzi stalk their prey @ red carpet premiere!

The premiere for Paris Hilton's documentary - "Paris, Not France" - attracted a posse of hungry paparazzi in search of prey.

The lonely vigil can be nerve-wracking, but when a celeb ripe for their searing lens trots down the red carpet, they spring into action and land the precious stills editors are pining for at press time.

Paris did not disappoint!

The sensuous beauty made a grand entrance in an elegant designer gown sparked with a tasteful piece of eye-catching jewellery or two.

Her sense of style and keen flair for fashion wowed! her die-hard fans in attendance, too.

One admirer was so taken by her charismatic presence that he gushed out:
"Paris! You're beautiful."

HD Video captured by Julian Ayrs @ the Tattler.

Exclusive Videos of Paris at Julian Ayrs Youtube sight:

http://www.youtube.com/user/ijulian9

http://www.julianayrs.com

Giorgio Armani...Men's casual chic springs forward this season!

For spring/summer 2009, Armani is pushing a casual chic for men with the pannache to pull the look off.

Some of the offerings hail from the past - because oldies are golden goodies - after all.

Like the guru shirt - a mainstay that has made the rounds from generation to generation unscathed - save for an updated flourish or two to weather fashion's fickle trends.

Team it up with a pricey pair of designer jeans, quality loafers (sans socks), and a slouchy hat with distinct personality.

Cardigans - once sported by Dad to tool around the house - are now being worn flush against naked flesh and open at the neck and chest to reveal buffed torsos.

If you've got it, why not flaunt it with style?

A dress slack with pleats or cuffs , paired with well-crafted high-end shoes, round out the ubiquitous man-about-town appeal.

Bomber style leather jackets - with snaps and zippers (or not) - are making an entrance again this spring in slick, glossy fabrics, that add a splash of excitement to the outerwear.

Daring dudes will team it up with white linen pants, a raging pink silk dress shirt, and just maybe slip into one-of-a-kind cowboy boots!


In spite of these peacock rages venting themselves near and far, there will still be a big focus on elegant understated quality suits sparked up with classy accessories (such as designer ties, gold cuff-links on french cuffs, well-crafted signature belts, and even puffed-up pocket handkerchiefs hanging just so).



Life's not a dress rehearsal, 'ya know.

Get with it, Dude!

http://www.julianayrs.com

Girls Night Out...kick up heels at the Grove! March 5th...

The Grove is inviting sentient beings of the female persuasion for a "Girls Night Out" at the Grove on Thursday March 5th.
(6 pm to 9 pm).

According to the press packet, the festive night will be a celebration of beauty, fashion, and gourmet delights.

Of course, there also will be exotic cocktails, so take along a designated driver.

Flag down the "cash cab" if you dare!

And, pardon the expression gals, but a chick flick or two will be screened.

I don't suppose the eagle-eyed hosts will allow any lone wolves on the prowl to slip by security.

But, it's worth a shot, eh, little Red Riding hood?

Actually, the upbeat tongue-in-check event in West Hollywood, is free & open to the general public.

Enjoy!

Info: http://www.thegrovela.com/

http://www.julianayrs.com

The Oscars...Hugh Jackman & Beyonce to tête-à-tête! Zak Efron saunters on stage...

Fasten your seat belts, you're in for a bumpy ride tonight!

The rumor around the town the past few days is that Oscar producers have been trying to keep the identities of celebrity presenters and stage performers under wraps so that their glitzy walk-ons will be a surprise to viewers when they tune in on Sunday night.

But, this is Tinsel Town - after all - and the walls have Obama-sized ears!

In addition to hosting the little Gold man's big bash this year, hunky stud Hugh Jackman is allegedly slated to trip-the-light-fantastic under the flood lights with pop chanteuse Beyonce!

And, with the specific aim of rustling up nubile young blood in a bold-faced effort to boost ratings among the teeny-bopper set this year, the producers have hired on Zak Efron and Amanda Garrett (High School Musical) to showcase a catchy ditty or two at the 81st Annual Awards Show.

An insider whispered in my ear there will be close-up shots of the heart-throb's sensual eyebrows.

They're not waxed, 'ya know!

Mamma Mia stars will warble an upbeat tune or two, too.

Yup, quite a few in-the-closet dancing Queens in the audience in at the Kodak, will be tapping a foot or two when the musical hits ratchet up the night's festivities.

Who knows, maybe Pierce Bronson will toss in the Bond tuxedo image and squeeze into spandex pants and silk shirt, and twirl a tad with Meryl Streep in the wings.

One thing is for sure, though.

A well-trained actor or two will get all tongue-tied on stage come acceptance-speech time (and summarily make a fool of his-self) and jokes that writers half-expected to gag viewers will undoubtedly fall flat as Jamie Curtis' chest.

But, if die-hard Academy Awards fans are lucky - there may be a wardrobe malfunction or two - to keep the gossip-mills generating hot air balloons around the blogosphere for months on end.

Even so, at the end of the no-tinsel-unturned 3 1/2 hour show, Oscar devotees will be switching off their flat wide-screen high-definition sets, and wondering aloud.

Is that all there is?

'Til next year, anyhoo!

Hugh babe, ready for 'ya!

http://www.julianayrs.com

Vintage Fashion Expo...is historically & culturally rich! Feb. 7th & 8th. Exhibit @ Santa Monica (CA)...

If you're into Vintage clothing, head out to the Vintage Fashion Expo in Santa Monica this weekend, where an extensive array of finery from the past few decades will be on display to excite the senses.

What exactly does Vintage mean?

For a collector - or wardrobe lady (or dude) who toils away on a TV or Movie set - it boils down to fashion periods.

In that event, a silhouette or flourish on the apparel, is generally a give-a-way.

Ensembles that point a finger at a specific time period are quite collectable, too.

Although some hold fast to the idea that an item need only be ten or twenty years old to be designated "Vintage" - discerning connoisseurs not only draw a line in that regard - but are often desirous of a couture label, too.

At the Vintage Fashion expo, browsers with a keen eye may stumble upon items from a wide range of periods.

Depending on demand and scarcity of a piece, prices vary accordingly.

Over the weekend in the quaint seaside town of Santa Monica, expect to sort through belle epoque finery to a flower child's bell-bottom jeans.

Remember those hokey old duds?


Those familiar with the style of top classic designers, may even ferret out European classics from the likes of Chanel, Schiaparelli, or even Lavin.

There will probably be a motherlode of quality designs by Bill Blass, Claire McCardell and Halston, too.

The Expo opening this weekend at the Santa Monica Civic Center follows a three-decade-long tradition that beefs up the mainstay vintage collections with accessories like purses, hats, gloves. shoes, and dazzling one-of-a-kind jewellery selections.

Pickers have searched here and abroad - high & low at estate sales, auctions, bazaars, and so forth and so on - to ensure their "digging" not only turns up a bumper-crop of Vintage creme de la creme treasures each year - but also advances their altruistic desire to preserve the treasures ensembles by virtue of state-of-the-art cleaning and restoring skills.

Notwithstanding, the Vintage Fashion Expo is a great shopping opportunity, too.

And, for most, amounts to a charming foray into a past which is culturally and historically rich.

http://www.julianayrs.com

Julian Ayrs 1st Annual 10 Worst-Dressed Men's List...previews Feb 1st!

Manilow, the Joker or Ellen Degeneres on prozac?

Well, I expect some peacock feathers will fly on Sunday (Feb. 1st) when my scintillating list of the 10 Worst-Dressed Men is posted!

Actually, it wasn't difficult to rustle up a list of the 10 Best, which will be unveiled in tandem with the fashion disasters.

In fact - so many dudes I had my designs (um) eyes on - tended to be pretty fashion savvy from the get-go!

The celebrated ten best are quite the sartorial lot, in fact.

So, I guess you'd like a teaser or two to get 'ya through the weekend, eh?

In addition to a song or two that impish Barrie Manilow has mangled in recent days (Unchained Melody, for starters) I expect that there is a stylist or two that would like to wave a fashion wand his way.

And, though I am inclined to toss Phil Spector (known for his wall of hair) smack dab on top of the fashion-victim pile, I worry the swirling dervish might chase me down cobbled streets under picturesque storied-night-skies with a fully-loaded pistol and diaper in hand.



But, in the final analysis, I'm a ball*y kind-of-dude who likes to tempt the fickle finger of fate!



Kid Rock?

The "Donald"?

A weight-watcher's answer to the good fairy?




Well now, I'll have to depart, and leave you with bated breath.

See 'ya at "high noon" on February 1st!

http://www.julianayrs.com

Men's fashion tips...thrift shop bargains!

Due to the economic downturn in recent months, many dudes are trotting off to local second-hand shops - "Out of the Closet" and "Goodwill" for instance - to rustle up quality clothing at bargain-basement prices.

With a keen eye, and a few practical fashion tips in mind, it is wholly possible for a discerning shopper to piece a wardrobe together for the New Year without a big outlay of cash.

For starters, always check subtle design elements of sport coats and suit jackets, to avoid a "dated" look.

For example, pay particular attention to the width of the lapels.

If they're too wide, your lack of fashion sense will stick out like a sore thumb.

Also, scrutinize the article of clothing to ensure fasteners - such as buttons - don't draw attention to a fad popular a season or two ago.

Likewise, get up-close and personal with collars on dress shirts off the rack.

Are the edges frayed?

Maybe, they've lost their "retention" and flop about the neckline.

Bad news!

Also, ensure that the collar suitably frames a well-knotted tie when the top button is fastened.

Dress pants have a number of pitfalls to overcome, too.

A cuffed leg may not be in currently in style, a shine in the pants may signal you came from the wrong side of the tracks, and pleats that spread out instead of retaining their "creases" uniformly are strictly a "no no".

Most men have difficulty with ties.

Bottom line?

Make sure the cravat coordinates tastefully with the colors of the ensemble.

Then, scrutinize their faces closely to weed out the ones that are faded, stained with ketchup or mustard, or just plain out-of-style.

But, if the one that catches your eye is a vintage piece, snap it up.

They never go out of style if they're matched up and knotted properly.

Speaking of knots, ensure there is enough of the lush fabric to not only perform a crisp Windsor or four-in-hand knot, but allow the tip to follow precisely at the belt-line at the waist.

Avoid belts with oversized gawdy buckles, tooling on the leather that is hokey, and fashion flourishes that detract.

Two-tone shoes may have been in vogue a decade or two ago, but went the way of the dinosaur, for now at least.

Patent leather, iffy.

Pay attention to the eyelets for the shoelaces, backs that are broken-down from lack of use of a shoehorn, and detailing like snappy buckles and winged doo-dads once in vogue.

The deft arrangement of a pocket handerchief - and the subtle fashion sense needed to puff 'em up just right in the pocket - is a lost art.

But, if you're capable, they're a classy touch to the overall ensemble.

So is a hat!

Slouchy ones, wool-knits, fedoras, and those that express individual style.

It all makes sense, doesn't it?

Just think, get a little more creative in your approach to fashion purchases, and you just may end up standing out in the crowd - a fashion plate - instead of a carbon-copy of all those wanna-be dudes who don't have a clue about style from the get-go!

http://www.julianayrs.com