Valentine’s Day 2014: For Men Looking Dapper

Pharrelll Williams

Valentine’s Day is less than a month away. Women have plenty of options to dress up for the occasion but men can find it challenging to choose the right outfit and style for the day of Cupid's arrow.

And it’s quite important to dress right because if you end up being a fashion disaster, it will become difficult to woo her and you can become a victim of low self-esteem. That’s the last thing you would want to happen on V-Day.

The following clothing tips will make sure that you appear dapper and full of confidence:

1. Outerwear

The cold isn’t going away anytime soon, so you will need a sweater. Go with the one that is thin in texture, yet warm at the same time. Mock neck is a classic that will look flattering on you and boost your appearance, regardless of whether you complement it with a pair of jeans or formal dress pants.

The other option is the classic V-neck sweater that will make you appear relaxed and fashionable at the same time. You can wear it over a polo and dress pants or over a pair of jeans and t-shirt. As for the colors, choose darker hues such as blue, purple and brown.

2. Accessories

You want to avoid too many accessories on this day. Possible options include wrist watches and mens canvas belts, which has a nice cotton canvas webbing. Both of these additions can redefine your style and highlight your formal or casual outfit.

Bill Rancic

If you are going to be dining at a restaurant, make sure you go with a fashionable wallet. Perhaps you can go with one made out of smooth or textured fur with contrasting prints inside, as it falls in the latest wallet trends for 2014.

 

3. Shoes

Avoid wearing square-toe shoes because they are out of fashion and select pointed shoes (black lace-ups work well) as they are trendy and work with both casual and formal outfits. But if you want to go with leather, select a couture, slim kind or lace-ups that feature a chunky sole. Both of them will complement trim-cut pants as well as a pair of skinny jeans.

You can also select loafers as they are a versatile option and have been going strong for the last few seasons. The latest designs include tassels and other elegant essentials and some of them include treaded soles in thick material.

4. Pants

Denim was said to appear in the 15th Century in the closing days of the Medieval Age, which falls in line with the origination of Valentine’s Day. So feel free to go with a faded vintage style or a classic straight cut if you are going to wear color-pop lace-up shoes.

You can even go with printed pants below formal upper attire and in case you do, keep it minimal and don’t compromise on the tailoring – you don’t want to appear as if you’re wearing PJs.

5. Hair

Last but not the least, take care of your hairstyle: a neat look is the most preferable but you can also try on wavy and side styles depending on your outfit. Remember that a dapper hairdo can be a turn-on for your date.

Jake Gyllenhaal

And if you have a hard time in deciding the style that would go with your outfit, feel free to book an appointment at a salon. This can turn out to be a good option as your hair might need some trimming to adapt to a certain style.

Contributed from Sam Peters

Photos are taken from Pinterest.com

 

Mommy-ista Dressing and Beauty Tips: Look Fabulous while Being a Mom

As a mom you’re busy going to school meetings, shopping for groceries, and picking up socks.  Honestly, there’s barely enough time in the day to get it all done, let alone time to fix yourself up. But mommy-istas, today is a new day!  We need to embrace motherhood with a sense of vengeance and look fabulous while on this journey.

There’s a few rules that every mom should remember as “the going gets tough.”  Rule number one: In order for everyone to be happy (and sane) in your home, your sense of happiness is very important.  Number two:  It’s completely okay to pick up a new tube of lipstick while shopping for pampers.  And number three:  Find a gym that has mommy daycare so everyone can have a “time out.”

Now that the rules have been established, let’s talk about looking fabulous.  With so many celebrity moms like Halle Berry, Kim Kardashian, and Jessica Simpson, they have opened the doors for better apparel and beauty products.

 

Your probably saying to yourself, “good for them” but becoming a mom’s truly a unique sisterhood. When you enter this girls club, there’s always the uncontrollable issue of time. Which means we need (better) products that get us out of the door quickly, make us look good, and are cost efficient.

Based upon my own experiences, I have decided to share a few “mommy” secrets in regards to dress and my daily beauty regimen. 

Mommy-ista Dressing Must Haves

1. A cute pair of flats: They can be purchased from Target or Channel but you need a pair of flats in your wardrobe…it’s difficult to chase kids in stilettos (honestly.)  Also, flats are perfect for when you wear heels and need to take a break.  You can carry flats in your purse and use them when needed.

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2. Jeans are purchased in three categories: You have date night jeans that are sexy, stylish, and slightly trendy. You have parent/teacher conference jeans that look appropriate with a blazer…not too tight or sexy. You have shopping jeans that are comfortable…not “mom jeans” and can be worn with any pair of shoes.

3. Stylish pair of pumps/heels:  Eventually you will have a “Girls Night Out” or need to wear them to the office.  Every mom should have a pair in her wardrobe.  When starting out, purchase them in basic colors and progress towards “fun” heels.

4. A blazer can do wonders:  Wearing a blazer instantly makes you look stylish but can also hide a few figure imperfections.  They can also go with anything (depending on the color and fabric texture) so this is a must have in your “mommy” wardrobe.

 

5. Proper undergarments:  Once you become a mom (no matter what size) you will have a case of the “jiggles.”  And that’s okay because as a grown woman, you want to have curves but undergarments assist with the shape/fit of your attire.  Stop by your favorite lingerie store and purchase a cami top, hosiery, and body shaper.

Mommy-ista Beauty Tips

1. Buy Concealer and Foundation: This particular beauty product is your best friend! You have long nights, and early mornings (very different from college.)  Therefore at some point, you will want to look awake and refreshed.  Concealer and Foundation can be purchased at Saks or at a local drugstore.  For more questions about concealer, download my e-book Beauty Tips Back to The Basics.

2. Neutral Lipstick and Red Lipstick:  Wearing a neutral lipstick will make your face appear upbeat and match any color blouse (or dress) in your wardrobe.  Wearing a red lipstick will brighten the eyes and refresh your face as well.

3. Groom those Eyebrows:  Your eyebrows are truly a window to the face!  They can be groomed at any local salon for $10.00 or a kit can be purchased from a local drugstore.

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4.  Fragrance, Fragrance, Fragrance:  Wearing a fragrance can boost any mood but most importantly, you will smell pleasant at all times (while running errands.)

 

5. Buy Quick Dry Nail Polish or Nail Stickers:  At some point, you will need to “appear” as if you’ve had a manicure.  Owning nail polish provides the luxury of making your hands look polished but also good for in-home touch ups.  Nail stickers are inexpensive and trendy.