Haute and the City

Nearly one year ago, while I was working running around like a madman talking to media at the Fashion Fights Cancer gala I helped to organize and execute, I stopped short when I saw a woman dressed in some of the most interesting jewelry I had ever seen. That woman was the lovely accessories designer Karen Ko, president of Intersect Designs, a family a of jewelry brands that emphasizes creativity, design and innovation.

I came to learn more about one of Karen’s brands, k2o by Karen Ko, which was one of her edgier collections. k2o by Karen Ko is a jewelry collection for women who have a bit of a fine taste and want a luxury item, but a bit too independent with their style to be confined to diamonds and pearls.

k2o’s signature piece is the Avant Rock Spike Ankle Cuffs, which are used to dress up + glam out your heels. You can actually enter a giveaway to win a pair of ankle cuffs from FashionIndie.com here.

You can purchase k2o by Karen Ko pieces at the online boutique, Modern Mix.

Be sure to ‘like’ k2o by Karen Ko on Facebook!

Longtime followers of Haute and the City know how this writer regards his underwear as highly as his outerwear. While relatively few brands have made the cut for my top drawer, I have recently been introduced to an excellent Australian underwear brand that has made its way to America.

MensFit was launched in July 2003 with the philosophy: “that every guy should look just as good on the inside as they do on the outside.” [My thoughts exactly!] They offer a range of briefs, trunks, boxers, hipsters, g-stings/thongs, swimwear, shapewear and sleepwear.

The MensFit pieces, particularly the briefs and trunks, are extremely comfortable and have very nice cuts. When it comes to design, anything in a fun print wins in my book for underwear (and socks- but I suppose that’s another post).

If you are in the market for a new pair of undergarments, absolutely check out the MensFit website (plus they have free shipping!!).

underwear

Aristocrat: An air of savoir faire

KENTON Magazine‘s latest editorial, “Aristocrat: An air of savoir faire,” features model Phillipp Kharabarin in looks from Perry Ellis, Shades of Grey by Michael Cohen and Levi’s. 

Credits:

Photographer: David Wang
Fashion Editor: Alexander Liang
Editorial Designer: Terica Walton
Hair: ShinGo ShiBata
Make up: Taichi Saito
Fashion Assistant: Michael Cook
Model: Philipp Kharabarin @ VNY

Shot at Baisley House in Brooklyn, NY.

Check out the full editorial over at KENTON Magazine!

For the past couple year’s designers and fashionistas alike have turned the mixed prints look from faux pas to in vogue. This can be a hard look to master, but when done right you get beautiful pops of color the likes of which spring has never seen. Mixing prints is a great way to stand out this season, so look your best with these tips on how to make prints sing a beautiful spring tune.

Prints by Color Scheme
If you are looking for some balance without giving up the fun, try getting into the pattern groove with matching color scheme throughout your outfit. By picking different prints with the unification of the same shades, you are able to produce an attention-grabbing outfit without being too matchy-matchy.

Make a statement this spring by coordinating two bold prints in like colors. Proenza Schouler showed off this striking number keeping the harmonious colors from head to toe. You could also do this with a more subdued look, introducing a monochromatic look. By keeping the colors exactly the same, you are able to get the same bold effect by using louder prints.

Working with a tight color palette enables you to play with scale of prints and type you are working with. By keeping the same colors you can go wild; mixing stripes with animal print, florals with polka dots.

Scale your prints
The best way to mix prints, without being an eye sore is to choose similar patterns in different sizes. Take polka dots for example. Pairing a big, bold, polka dot print tunic with smaller scale dots will give you an effortless look that is both flirty and fun for spring. This is definitely the way to go when you are new to the print mixing trend, and you can go as simple or as crazy as you want.

Keeping the Pattern
This is one of the hottest ways to mix patterns this Spring. Keeping the same scaled pattern, but utilizing them in different colors is great for adding depth, without going too extravagant. This technique can be easily thrown together with pieces you probably already have. Plaids have been a staple in closets for years, and are always in style.

About the author: Meryl Fulinara is a freelance fashion writer and pop culture junkie. As one of the editors of a fashion careers blog, Meryl specializes in all things beauty-related. From designer profiles to careers in fashion, Meryl loves to write and explore all facets of style. With her love of art and all things fashionable, she delights in sharing her sense of style from her closet to your computer monitor.

As you might recall, I acquired a pair of Spring Shoes Chelsea boots back in September at the store opening in Manhattan Mall. Since then, I’ve found them to be versatile, chic and compliment-worthy (at least in the eyes of strangers).

The Chelsea Boot even made Men’s Health list of 5 Leather Shoes Every Man Should Own.

What do you think about the Chelsea boot? Will you be adding a pair to your wardrobe this spring?

Whether or not the chilly NYC weather will have you believe it or not, Spring is upon us! One of the best parts about the changing seasons is resurrecting your Spring wardrobe from the depths of your closet, and, of course,  shopping for Spring.

If you’re looking to add a bit of pop to your 2011 Spring wardrobe, try mixing it up with some gold jewelry. Need some guidance? Check out these spring 2011 jewelry trends from ShopNBC that can help guide you along the way:

Bold & Colorful Stones

Unsurprisingly, color is back for Spring! One of the more fun trends this season are the big, bold and colorful stones that were seen all over the Spring 2011 runways. Brighten your accessories collection with some bright colors. [Plus, you can never go wrong with a flower motif in Spring ]

Clean & Structured

Big and colorful a bit too much for your taste? No biggie! Keep it simple with sleek, structured gold pieces. Simple pieces, like the bracelet above, are chic, elegant and versatile.

Rose Gold

This oft-forgotten color of gold has been popping up everywhere lately. Beautiful and feminine, rose gold will also help set you apart from everyone wearing white & yellow!

What do you think, will you be glamming it up with some gold this Spring?

This post was developed in partnership with ShopNBC.

Although the current NYC weather would have you believe otherwise, it’s almost swimsuit season! This guest blog post is by Alexis Bonari, who has some style advice for the ladies when it comes to poolside fashion.

The Bandeau
Best of the best has to be Trina Turk. From color to fit, this designer has it down! The stringless bikini is the perfect way to get a tan without the white strap look, not to mention this style is H-O-T this season. Bright colors and bold patterns in the bandeau rocked very runway from Paris to New York.

One-Shoulder Suit
Sexy without revealing too much skin. From one piece suits to bikinis, the one shoulder style is the “it” suit of 2011. Edgy and unique, this look fits most every body type and anything goes in the color department.

Hard Wear
So you wanna make a statement? Hardware is the way to go! From delicate accents to big buckles, there is some serious hardware rockin’ the runway right now. Check out Michael Kors and Rag & Bone for daring yet simple styles in swim suit hardware. Keep the suits neutral (tan, white, black, etc.) while focusing the bright and bold on the hardware pieces.

Alexis Bonari is currently a resident blogger at College Scholarships, where recently she’s been researching scholarships for nontraditional students as well as scholarships for cosmetology school. Whenever this WAHM gets some free time she enjoys doing yoga, cooking with the freshest organic in-season fare and practicing the art of coupon clipping.

Photo credit: Swimwear Trends

trina turk

In honor of our recent trend report, this week’s shoe of the week are two-tone brogues by D&G.

D&G Correspondent Shoes [$573.76]

Thoughts??

Until fairly recently, you would’ve been considered a wannabe British douchebag for wearing brogues. However, the brogue (also known as “wingtips”), which traces its roots to the swampy terrains of Ireland and Scotland, has seen such an explosive revival in modern fashion that a man would be remiss to not have a pair in his closet.

It should be no surprise, then, that one of the hottest menswear trends for Spring/Summer 2011 is a modern take on the classic footwear: two-tone brogues.

Shoes pictured above (clockwise from top right):

Grenson
D&G [$573.76]
ASOS [$71.72]
ASOS
Cole Haan [$248]
Shipton & Heneage [$295]

Sartorially speaking, two-tones brogues can be hard to pull off for those who are less adventurous in fashion. Wanna keep it safe? Try a multifaceted leather brogue or a combination leather/suede brogue, like these options below:

Paul Smith Chocolate Miller Washed Brogue [$379.50]

Ben Sherman Slen American Brogue* [$143.33]

*I hate the sole of this shoe, but it’s a good example of pairing suede & leather

Will you be adding two-tone brogues to your shoe collection this Spring?

Until fairly recently, you would’ve been considered a wannabe British douchebag for wearing brogues. However, the brogue, which traces its roots to the swampy terrains of Ireland and Scotland, has seen such an explosive revival in modern fashion that a man would be remiss to not have a pair in his closet.

It should be no surprise, then, that one of the hottest menswear trends for Spring/Summer 2011 is a modern take on the classic footwear: two-tone brogues.

wingtips