May 20, 2014May 21, 2014 styledbylyricLeave a comment

Mens; Wear Did It Go?

After having had my boyfriend, male friends & clients [who not only appreciate style, but are interested in learning the ins & outs of it] each come to me on separate occasions relaying their frustrations with the menswear community & department stores…I’ve decided that this subject needs to be dissected & fleshed out. It may get weird…

I can’t even count on my hands how many times I’ve gone into a department store to find that the men’s section has been downgraded, yet again, to accomodate more womenswear. NOW DON’T GET ME WRONG, I’m never going to be mad that us women have more options when shopping, however, I don’t find it fair or gratifying that our gain comes from a mans loss & a potentially fashionable man at that. Not to mention, these tiny cubical corners of the store only offer [manhood-killing] chino shorts, awful graphic tees & about a zillion flannel button-ups. When did flannels & Levi’s become the only item in a mans wardrobe that they were allowed to wear? I would imagine that some men don’t want to wear 100% wool in 100 degree heat…shocking! & more importantly, when did the fashion industry decide that men have to suddenly become carbon copies of one another? What happened to originality?

If you’re anything like my boyfriend & the 15 or so other men who have asked me to write this particular post then you’re more fashion forward & conscience than most & you want to maintain your own personal style without compromising or settling. You may not necessarily want to opt for the chino shorts, but retailers have limited your section so intensely that you’re making choices reluctant to what you truly want or like. Well stop. You deserve just as much a slice of the fashion industry as us women do & I’m here to help you navigate through some of the most unique & inspiring menswear designers on the market right now.

Although most of the following are not department stores [or if so, they’re predominantly on the East Coast], the designers & buyers behind these brands understand that menswear is still a viable line in the fashion industry & that having unique pieces in a man’s wardrobe is not a dying art.

Style Source: Let’s start with my personal favorite Gentleman’s Gazette. This is your one stop shop for all things menswear. Need advice? They’ll help. Want fashion inspiration? Theirs is unreal. It’s all fashion, all menswear, all the time. Be sure to pay them a quick visit prior to shopping to wet your appetite.

The Classics: Brooks Brother’s is another major favorite, particularly their new Red Fleece line. The styles behind these geniuses are timeless, chic & perfect for Summer. Yes, there are a few seersucker shorts thrown in, but overall their pieces are effortless & still respect the true shape & masculinity of a man’s body.

High-Ender: MR PORTER is your store. With amazing accessories, unique home-decor, fine watches & superior clothing, this shop is for the true fashionisto. Keep in mind their aestethic is more preppy chic, so my motorcycle men may find themselves steering clear of this one.

Motorcycle Madness: my fashion-forward, edgier guys deserve some references too, & Iron & Resin, as well as Need Supply Co. are two of the best. Iron & Resin became my boyfriends favorite brand this time last year & let me tell you, he looks GOOOOOOD in their pieces. Their brand represents an era that is still very much alive today in our 20-30 somethings, but way more importantly they respect the authenticity of a gear-head without compromising their style. Not to mention, they have mega babe models & super rad home goods.

Whereas Need Supply Co. is more of your rock-surfer style; lots of prints & colors, but great slim cuts & shapes. Think Americana meets Rockabilly in Venice Beach circa 1950. Who can’t get into that?

Tie Me Up: & last we have Alexander Olch for my tie-loving dudes. If I could ever dream up a menswear website, this is exactly what it would look like. Their style is clean, crisp & so unbelievably chic. They have neckties, bow-ties, pocket rounds & scarves in every single color & print, for literally any occasion you could possibly think of. It’s unreal.

If you take nothing else from today’s posting, I hope it’s that you feel inspired to find pieces that suit YOU & make you feel sexier than ever. The fashion industry has honed in on their major market [women] & have sadly left men behind in the process. But men are deserving of the same attention & sex appeal that is allotted to women, so I hope that this post inspires you, your wife, girlfriend, mother &/or friends to allow you to showcase your own personal style. This world is filled with too many replica’s- be original. It’s your time…

Xx.

Lost Lover

May 10, 2014May 10, 2014 styledbylyricLeave a comment

Looking for a few Summer accessory additions or maybe just some amazing inspiration? Head over here to meet Australian mega babe Anna Sinclair & shop some of the most unbelievable home decor & unique bohemian jewelry I’ve ever laid my eyes on. Serious. You won’t be sorry, but your bank account will.

Xx.

Bejewel My Heart

May 9, 2014 styledbylyric1 Comment

Bejewel My Heart

Do you ever shop for jewelry & find that products are just plain cheap nowadays? Costume jewelry is wall to wall at department stores, which is great for one-time wears, but I’m curious where all the good jewelry is? The pieces that will last more than one season without turning brassy…well, here’s one amazing source: Jewelry by Leandra.

This San Diego surfer//mega beach babe [who I know personally] has been making jewelry by hand for over four years now & is unbelievably committed to her craft & it’s quality. Her stackable pieces are fun, creative & so unique & make the perfect addition to any gift for a girlfriend [or mommy on Mother’s Day, hello].

Check out her pieces & what inspires her here or purchase directly through her site here. She won’t disappoint, I promise.

Happy Friday! Xx.

May 2, 2014May 2, 2014 styledbylyric6 Comments

Five Things

I had a reader ask me an interesting questions yesterday: If I only had five items in my wardrobe what would they be? Building a fresh wardrobe can be expensive without focus & vision. I want to pin-point the five things every woman should have in theirs, regardless of their age, size or color, that will make you fashion forward & ever-ready for whatever the day holds without breaking the bank. Let’s do it…

1. Dark [or black] Denim; dark & black denim take any outfit & crank it up a notch. It helps hide problem areas in the legs, it transitions easily from day to night & frankly, it just looks more polished & put together. I recommend a wide-legged dark blue wash, which makes any woman’s legs look 10 miles long & a skinny pair of black denim, which thins out your legs & makes for a fashion-forward look.

2. A Good Blazer; I say “good” because these trending cropped, neon blazers aren’t exactly what I mean [however, they are fun for Spring & Summer]. Today we’re talking staple pieces that will never fail you & a fantastic NEUTRAL blazer will always have your back. Personally, I choose blazers that hit me directly at my hip, allowing the top I choose to layer it with to peak out from underneath [from the rear view]. Style has a lot to do with creating definition & texture to your outfits & showing that you know how to layer & work pieces together gives you a leg up. As far as colors go, stick to whites [my personal favorite], creams, blacks & taupes, as these will transition easily throughout your entire wardrobe.

3. The Perfect LBD; Little Black Dresses are life savers when you’re mid-panic attack before a first date or night out with friends. They’re slimming, versatile as ever & pair with basically any shoe, jacket, hat, etc. The best part of an LBD is how much freedom you have with styling them. There are basically no rules or limits with accessories, pops of color or even hairstyles. My favorite way to dress up this look is with a huge statement necklace, a blazer & a great pair of heels. The only concern you should have with this wardrobe staple is fit; if you don’t feel beautiful in it, it’s not the right one.

4. A Mega Necklace; this doesn’t have to mean a large necklace, but rather a piece that you gasp over. Personally, my knees tend to give out over big, gold, layered necklaces [or layering your own few favorites], but you could also fall madly in love with a simple drop necklace or beaded number. Whatever your piece is, be sure it holds longevity & can transition from piece to piece in your wardrobe. No outfit is complete without accessories; they are what bring an outfit together & help define your look.

5. The Perfect Handbag; this is the icing on the cake for every single look, every single day. Finding a bag that will move fluidly from look to look can be hard, which is why I recommend staying within the neutral family; black, taupe, grey, nude, or even lavender or periwinkle. You want the most wear from your purchase so be sure you will love it a few seasons after you buy & more so, that it works with your lifestyle. I know personally I often carry my iPad with me, alongside a laundry list of other things, thus a tiny handbag just isn’t an option for me, so I opt for totes & satchels more often than not. But be sure to be practical with this wardrobe selection, as it will see more wear & tear than anything else in your closet.

If you buy nothing else this season than these five key items, I promise you will feel confident & ever-ready for your day. As fun as shopping is & as addicting as it can be to keep adding pieces to your wardrobe, a true fashionista only needs a handful of great pieces to speak volumes for her style.

Happy Hunting, megababes. Xx.

April 30, 2014April 30, 2014 styledbylyricLeave a comment

Buckle Up

I had a curious reader ask if I wouldn’t mind discussing belts & which ones work for which body types. Seeing as Summer is [nearly] here & dresses & skirts are about to dominate our wardrobes, belts can be the perfect addition to almost any outfit. They help break up single-print fabrics, they add shape & contour to a waistline & well, help keep our pants up [I know, people still actually use them for this, ha]. Let’s get to it…

The way you decide to buckle or tie your belt[s] is entirely up to you; I always say the more creative the better. For some fun examples & fresh new ways to acheive this look, head over here to get the scoop. What matters even more than this fun styling trick, however, is fit.

Pear-Shaped Babes: opt for thin belts, particularly if you plan on wearing them at your hips. Also note that the more belting the better, as belts for your body type highlight your tiny waist. Blending single-tone & printed belts is perfect for your wardrobe, as each piece will elongate you & help bring the outfit together.

Hour-Glass Babes: thin to medium belts are staples for your body type, as your waist is also one of your smallest points. When rocking a skirt or dress, belting higher up on the waistline [right over the belly-button] will reset the focal point to your ribcage.

Petite Babes: don’t over-do it; thin, simple, monochromatic belts are in your wheelhouse, as over-embellishing could make you appear larger than you truly are. When pairing belts with dresses or skirts be sure to wear them right at your hip line, to give you definition & shape.

Apple-Shaped Babes: the higher the belt the better; wearing belts under the bust-line will help draw attention to your thinnest point [as well as give the girls an added boost]. Opt for large, wide belts to tighten & accent your waistline & throw in pops of color for added focus.

Last but absolutely not least, trust your instincts. If you don’t feel like the best version of yourself then try working in other accessories or colors. One of the hardest things to teach my clients is that styling takes time & work; the first outfit isn’t always the right outfit. Be patient, don’t get frustrated & remember to love your bones, they’re the only ones you get.

Happy Buckling, babes. Xx.

Suit Up

April 19, 2014April 18, 2014 styledbylyric3 Comments

Acacia Swimwear is killing it this Summer with their new line of absolutely stunning suits. As a women with major hips & booty, I’ve learned that embracing my curves & highlighting them through the right pieces in my wardrobe is crucial. [Much like the above, Natasha Oakley, who is a huge inspiration]. If you dare to bare all & be a little bit bolder this Summer, then these suits are perfect for you. You can purchase pieces from their 2014 line through the following websites:

The Girl & The Water [one of my all-time favorite bikini sites]
Revolve Clothing
Soleil Blue
iShine365

As always, know your body, trust what it wants & remember that healthy bodies are sexy bodies. Xx.

April 18, 2014April 22, 2014 styledbylyric2 Comments

Nailed It

While spending the majority of our time & energy on redefining our wardrobe & what works within it, we may forget to dress our most visible feature: our hands. Your hands are two of the first things people see [& often touch] upon an introduction & keeping them clean & polished matters just as much as the rest of you. I’ve decided to share a few of my favorite nail secrets & colors for Spring 2014, to keep you looking fresh, put together & ahead of the game. Here goes…

“Butler Please” by Essie is one of my absolute musts this season. It’s a stunning, deep cobalt blue that brings life to any outfit. Never do I get more compliments on my nails than when I rock this color.

Pastels are everything this Spring & Orly’s “Harmonious Mess” is the front runner for my tan-hand babes. This color will, unfortunately, wash out any pale-hued hands, so perhaps put this one off until the true Summer months.

I love the versatility of this soft pink by OPI titled “Pink-ing Of You”. It’s chic, not overdone & makes any size, shape & colored hand look gorgeous.

If the pastel look is something you appreciate, but you can’t quite get on board with, then try “Merino Cool” by Essie. This unique purpled-taupe hue will make for an effortless Winter to Spring transition & dresses up incredibly well, without the harshness of black.

I have a lot of clients & friends that have careers that prevent them from sporting bright-themed nails, so this perfect nude by OPI titled “Mimosa’s for Mr. & Mrs.” is my recommendation. This isn’t your grandmothers nude polish, it adds just a hint of color without aging your hands. Not to mention, it is the perfect wedding polish.

And now for my secret weapon: Barielle Gel Top Coat. This extra layer will gloss & prolong your mani for up to two weeks. I use it on my [at home] pedicures & my feet look amazing for weeks! The price point is a little steep, but it’s way worth the investment, as this product will last you. I promise.

So the next time you’re on a Target run to get that loofah & those whitening strips you’ll end up forgetting throughout your trip, be sure to pay your hands & feet some mind. They deserve some dressing up just as much as you do. Xx.

All Things Jeweled

April 11, 2014April 11, 2014 styledbylyricLeave a comment

Need a place to shop for the best Spring & Summer jewelry? Gorjana has amazing pieces & just teamed up with one of my favorite fashionistas, Courtney Kerr. Their jewelry doesn’t turn into terrible brassy one-time-wearers & are well worth the investment. Their designs are so unique & fashion forward; scoop up the right pieces for you, today! Xx.

Foot Fetish

April 9, 2014April 14, 2014 styledbylyricLeave a comment

The shoe game is strong this Spring & I want to help break down what styles work for what body types & why. You may love caged gladiator sandals or block heeled wedges, but these styles flatter particular parts of the body & may not be fit for you. I’m going to showcase some of Fashion Week’s biggest sandal trends of 2014 & help you decide which footwear you want to rock the next two seasons.

Gladiators

Avoid knee length gladiators unless you are 5’10 with thin, model legs. If this look does in fact work for your figure, then opt for lightly detailed ones, in the neutral colored family.
For those unable to enjoy this style, shop for a great, short gladiator sandal with thin straps along the ankle. These straps will help elongate the body & prevent thickening of the legs.
The best gladiator style for thick legs is that with a heel, as this makes the legs appear longer.
Avoid wide straps around the ankle, regardless of the shape of your legs, as this will cut you off at your thinnest point, making any leg look stumpy.

Block Heels

I am absolutely obsessed with this look; a block heel is great for women with large calves, as it helps balance out the size of the legs.
Height is everything with this style; be sure to choose a heel that is feasible for your lifestyle.
A block heel can come in dozens of shapes & prints, but don’t fear a bold color. Drawing attention to the lowest part of the body means less attention on other parts you’d prefer unseen.

Single Strap Stiletto

The simplicity of this look can make any women incredibly sexy & feminine, but color is everything. Opting for a nude is ideal, as any shoe in a nude hue elongates the legs [& who doesn’t want longer looking stems?]
The day-to-night versatility of this look is so freeing & fresh, who doesn’t love accessible fashion?
This style is meant for women with thin, narrow feet, as this shoe is incredibly minimal & leaves little to the imagination.

If possible, try to select shoes with comparable metals as the jewelry you are wearing. Sounds a little over the top, but I, personally, find mixing gold jewelry with silver hardware a bit distracting [to each their own]. Lastly, I always remind my clients that flip flops are meant for the beach & if you are willing to take the time on the top half of your outfit, then do the same for your footwear. Your feet will thank you, as will your wardrobe & all of those eyeing your gorgeous Spring & Summer fits this year. I promise. Xx.

summertime & the living should be easy

April 5, 2014April 14, 2014 styledbylyric1 Comment

The warm air is creeping in & Summer is drawing near, which means BBQ’s, music festivals & way less clothing. This idea is terrifying for some of my readers & liberating for others, so let’s come together & hash this thing out.

First things first: know & trust what your body is telling you. The entire concept behind purchasing clothing & building a wardrobe is to build one that fits your lifestyle & body. If you know that shorts will never be a staple in your wardrobe, then opt for a beautifully breathable maxi dress instead. If you fear showing off your arms, grab a capped-sleeve, loose fitting tee & play around with skirts & denim for an effortless Summer look. For my boho babes, wide legged, printed pants are everywhere this season, so snatch up your favorite pair & team them with a great tank or crop.

The biggest additive to any & every look are accessories. Throwing on a great hat, a scarf to add print or color, or some bright necklaces can change the entirety of an outfit. Here are a few of my favorite pieces for the coming season:

HATS:

NECKLACES:

FULL LOOKS [for inspiration]:

And last but absolutely not least, promise me you will try each new piece of your wardrobe on as an entire outfit. Too often my clients get frustrated trying clothes on because they aren’t putting the whole look together, but rather team tops & bottoms together that aren’t conceptual. Find a complimentary item to try on in the store [whether purchasing it or not] to give a realistic interpretation of the outfit as a whole & prevent frustrations & returns later.

I’m so excited for this warm weathered season & to watch the creativity of my readers build throughout. Just be sure to remind yourself that fashion is about building a wardrobe that fits YOUR lifestyle & body. Happy shopping!

Xx.