Man Mode: Rules of Belts and Shoes

Hey guys, welcome to the blog! I know you’ve been watching me ;), so I hope you’ll continue to stick around, and come back often.
One of my goals for the new year is to incorporate some styling advice for you into this lil ‘ol space of mine. Since I dress you in real life, it seems only fair that I include you in the style advice I offer here.

Today’s topic: The Rules of Matching Belts and Shoes.

One of the biggest looming questions in the minds of men seems to be: Must I match my belt to my shoes?

Great question! I think that there are a few rules of thumb to stick to, but I also think you can break them depending on the situation. Everyone knows black belts should be worn with black shoes, and brown belts should match tones of the brown shoes, right?… but is playing it safe really all that fun? If you want to be one in a million, that’s the easy answer. However, there are a few ways you can show your personality and be a little more stylish than the average joe… I’m breaking things down for you below:

• Blacks

1. The more dressy the outfit, the more the need to match belt and shoes.
2. When wearing a suit, your belt and shoes should match in color AND leather finish AND shine.
3. Dress shoes require a dress belt when paired with suits and tailored trousers. Dress shoes paired with more casual business wear and jeans get a pass on pairing with dress belts. Matching texture and shine are more the concern in this situation.

• Browns: this is a whole different game. And you can get away with breaking the rules a bit. You go daredevil!

1. The more dressy the outfit, the more the need to match belt and shoes in the same tones. Keeping to similar shades works great, and the pants will break up your look, so there’s no need to be too matchy-matchy.
2. Just as with black, keeping to the same leather finish and choosing a dress belt when dressing in a suit should be your goal. You don’t want to opt for a beautifully shiny leather and then add a suede belt, for instance.
3. Most style rules dictate that when wearing a dress shoe, the belt should match, but if you’re in a business casual environment, I definitely think you can bend the rules and play up personality. Try a brown-suede oxford with a belt in a pop of color. And yes, you can wear dress shoes with jeans {so long as it’s done correctly ;)}, and opt for a wider leather belt in a complimenting texture/shine.

In summary, your shoes will mostly decide the type of belt you’re wearing. With suits/tailored trousers, only wear dress shoes and a dress belt. You’re advertising yourself; make an understated and sharp impression, don’t go for silly distractions. When opting for browns, a dress shoe in any other occasion can be paired with a belt of similar texture/shine, but you can also break the rules while letting your personality aid in the styling {as you can see on the style board below}. Brown shoes lend more style ease when it comes to mixing and matching, and can be less formal than black. Of course, when going casual and wearing casual footwear, your options for coordinating belts are aplenty. 

cashmere sweater // blazer // pant // belt // oxford

Style Note: I always love finding clients a super great pair of socks that really bring out their personality. It’s a good way to add that lil somethin’ somethin’ to your business suit {or any outfit} while keeping it professional, especially if you’re not one to stand out too much. Socks, and ties for that matter, are perfect for playing with your style.

You may also like a refresher on dressing the male body: trapezoid & inverted triangle, triangle and oval, and rectangle. Also check out a few tips on how your vertical proportions affect your dressing.

Next week’s topic: Wearing a suit without a tie…
Please drop me a note here, on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, email of any topics you might like to see so I can best serve you!  

Wednesday’s Wish List

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Oh, let’s not pretend… this Wednesday’s wish list has become Wednesday’s purchase list 8O… at least a few of these items anyway.
 Seems I can’t get enough of skirts lately, so this week’s style board is chock full of ’em! AND… I have a bit of a loafer obsession…

So, I wanna know which skirt is your favorite?

The Best Sweater

Last season, I helped you find the perfect LBD for your body shape {here, here, and here}, so… I’m featuring sweaters on my fashion app and thought I’d give you a few ideas on the perfect sweater for you body shape. Of course, remember, if you love it, wear it! These are just some guidelines to helping your best assets shine…

Let’s begin with a refresher on the types of body shapes:

Hourglass- shoulders are the same width as your hips, and you have a definite waist.

Diamond- opposite of the hourglass, a diamond figures shoulders and hips are narrow with a fuller mid section.

Pear- {also called triangle shape} your shoulders and bust are proportionately narrower than your hips, and your thighs and hips may be full and rounded.

Wedge- {Inverted triangle or Heart shape} your shoulders and bust are proportionately wider than your hips, and you’ll find your hips are narrow and you may have a shorter, less defined waist 

Rectangle- this body type finds it’s measurements are nearly the same at the shoulders, waist, and hips, with little waist definition.

Apple- {commonly referred to as rounded shape} has rounded shoulders, fullness in the tummy area, and average to full bust.

Let’s get started!

Hourglass-shaped Body:

Like the LBD, wraps are a must. You’re highlighting your curves, and a tailored wrap sweater will define your tiny waist and accentuate your bust without being overtly sexy. Another thing to consider is sweaters with detailing: buttons or embellishments along your bust line are perfect. Belted sweaters, and peplum work nicely as well. Actually, anything is going to be great for showing off this figure!

ballerina wrap sweater // faux wrap sweater // button wrap sweater // bowknot embellished sweater // knit peplum sweater natural // long sleeve peplum sweater w/belt

Diamond-shaped Body:

Since we’re trying to achieve more of an hourglass shape, we’re looking to elongate the figure and draw attention to the center of your body, arms and legs. Avoid bulky fabrics and think long tunics with side slits, v-neck, detailed and 3/4 sleeves, and color blocking.

3/4 sleeve contrast neck tunic // draped turtleneck sweater // colorblock dolman sleeve sweater // colorblock cashmere tunic // colorblocked tunic sweater 

Pear {Triangle} Body Shape:

We’re trying to accentuate your upper body while minimizing the lower region, so choose sweaters in light colors, and opt for horizontal lines to add width to your upper body. Go for bulk: thick, cozy sweaters are perfect for your body type. Love patterns? Embrace them! Or try out ruffled detailing, larger neck lines, shorter and/or puffier sleeves, and stick to hemlines that end above or below the widest point.

striped cowl neck sweater // tunic aztec cardi // printed wool sweater // cable knit side slit sweater // cable knit sweater // ruffle-trimmed 3/4 sleeve cardi

Wedge-Shaped {Inverted or Heart} Body:

Your goal is to draw the eye to the lower body and minimize the upper area. Select slim fitting sweaters, dark colors, and v-necks to draw the eye in {giving you an illusion of a defined waist}. Strategically placing color blocking helps minimize your wider upper body, but avoid horizontal striping and bulky fabric.

cashmere v neck pullover // drop shoulder v neck sweater // ruffle drop-waist sweater // colorblock crewneck sweater // lace-trimmed tunic sweater // cashmere colorblocked sweater

Rectangle Body Type:

Creating the illusion of curves, and defining the waist, opt for abstract, bold, bright prints. These add interest, shape and definition to your figure. A great touch is ruched detail. Wrap sweaters define a waist, and off-the-shoulder and cowl necks give a softness to your shape.

aztec side-ruched sweater // ruched detailed sweater // side tie wrap sweater // striped cowl neck sweater // off-the-shoulder sweater // side lace-up tunic sweater

Apple-shaped Body:

We’re going to create an illusion of narrower shoulders and waist while accentuating your legs and chest. Choose a longer tunics that skim you figure, but don’t cling and opt for lighter, less-bulky fabrics. V-necks draw the eye in to create an illusion of a waist. Longer lengths, button-downs, and small patterns, and eye-catching details are your go-to.

fringe detail cardi // bow detail cardi // lace kimono // ribbed snap cowl neck sweater // hooded maxi cardi // wide-ribbed cowl neck 3/4 leather sleeved sweater 

http://widget.shopstyle.com/widget?pid=uid1601-13325449-37&faveList=44446785&width=6&height=1&layouttype=0&border=0&footer=0

Thanksgiving in Style

outfit 1: jacket // blanket scarf // chambray button up {SALE!} // skinnies {SALE!} // booties
outfit 2: tassel necklace // button down {SALE!} // vest // tall boots // plaid skater skirt {similar longer version here}
outfit 3: statement necklace // fur vest {SALE!} // buffalo check button up // skirt // heel {SALE!}

I’ve been e-styling clients lately for Thanksgiving and fall family photo shoots, and am thinking about my own holiday attire, so I thought it would be fun to share a few outfit ideas that would be great for your Thanksgiving day style…

If you participated in the fall e-style program you should have some of these items on hand!

Style note: Play with fall colors {burgundy, deep blues, greens, reds…} and dress up with a full skirt and a little bling in your accessories, or dress down with super style by adding a trendy blanket scarf, faux fur, or statement necklace to comfy jeans. Keep comfort in mind by opting for a kitten heel, flat, or cozy boot.

Also, if you’re looking for the LeTote Giveaway winner, congratulations to Chrissie W! I will be contacting you soon with further details to claim your 3 month free subscription. Thank you to everyone who followed and participated.


Linked up with Style Elixir for Friday’s Fab Favorites.

Shoesday Tuesday

1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6 // 7 // 8 // 9 // 10 //
11 // 12 // 13 // 14 // 15 // 16 // 17 // 18 // 19 // 20

You’ll find shoes ranging from $30 to nearly $1,000 on this list… you know me, I’ll lust over shoes every day of the week whether they’re in my budget or not! A girl can dream, can’t she? 😉
I personally am always after a great steal, but whether or not you’re pockets run deep, I’ve put together some of my favorite lust-worthy styles for every budget… and because it’s the last day of the Nordstrom sale, I’ve included several styles from one of my favorite department stores. Since I just spent the weekend in Illinois, and am planning a snow trip in December, included are some must-have footwear for cooler weather.

Style note: Be bold. Choose prints, color-blocking, cutouts, and embellishments.

What shoe are you lusting after this fall?

Wednesday Wish List + a Styling Program

sunnies // blue&white dress // fur snood // sweatshirt // fur vest // trench vest // slip-on sneaker

The weather has been fluctuating drastically in my neck of the woods, so I’ve been wearing a lot of my summer pieces lately. I know! I’ve been sticking to transitional pieces… I’m having fun taking my shorter dresses and turning them into shirts, mixing scarves with shorts, pairing brighter skirts with darker tops; just mixing-and-matching pieces that would be considered seasonal and re-creating the looks with touches of the fall.

That brings me to my next styling program!
Ladies, and now gentlemen,  I’ve got another styling series coming up that you won’t want to miss!

My last style program contained a coveted list of fall essentials AND where to purchase those pieces, and a style board complete with styled outfits over the course of 3 weeks. Well, I’ve decided to do it again… with winter wardrobe essentials and LOTS OF TRANSITIONAL PIECES because if you live in a climate like mine, you’re lucky if the weather is cooperating enough to actually wear real winter clothing.

 I’m also including the men! The men’s program will be slightly different, so I’ll do a separate post about it. I’m keeping it low key, quick, and functional, so come find out what key pieces you’ll want in your closet.
For the ladies,  the great thing is that you can build on your fall pieces from the fall styling program {remember, transitional style is my thang!}. Yes, you will get an entirely new list, but that doesn’t mean you have to put away your fall wardrobe. Though some pieces are considered seasonal, even they can be versatile. I’ll show you how by re-working some of the pieces, and you’ll be building your wardrobe that will take you from season to season. 

So, come along on a style journey with me!

Edit: The program will begin November 30th {with your essentials shopping list arriving to your email on the 23rd… just in time for black Friday! Pre-registration will be open November 15th. I usually begin seasonal style programs 2 weeks into a season so that women from all over the globe can participate. Waiting gives everyone the best chance that the weather will cooperate so the outfits will work! However, I’ve decided to start early because many of you take advantage of black Friday deals, and also would like holiday style inspiration. AND the best thing is that even if you’ve already done your shopping, you will likely have the pieces, or can even work your pieces into the style board to create a unique look! And because I’m not just focusing on winter, but pieces that will transition from season to season, this will work for everyone!

To be the first to know when registration opens, fill out the form below…

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Making Tracks + a GIVEAWAY

snake print top c/o // midi skirt c/o // necklace c/o // heels 

A few posts back, I mentioned my partnership with LeTote, so I’m once again, sharing a few more pieces!
This top and necklace were among the first tote I received. The top pairs great with a skinny jean or a high waisted pencil skirt to show off the solid contrast waistband, but I decided to play with the print and create an easy edgy-chic look for an unconventional and unexpected style.
Generally considered feminine, pairing this full skirt with snakeskin lends a bit of style mixing. This higher waisted full midi {also seen here} and the crystal necklace give the look of feminine and classic while the snakeskin feels more like a rock-n-roll vibe. To dabble with the snakeskin’s already edgy print and mix up the entire look, I paired it with this buckled stiletto.

Style note: the top is a bit of a crop top, so it pairs perfectly with high waisted pieces; I’m a size small and found it true to size {TTS}.

*Thanks to LeTote for sponsoring this post.
http://widget.shopstyle.com/widget?pid=uid1601-13325449-37&faveList=44410422&width=6&height=1&layouttype=0&border=0&footer=0

Now, about that giveaway…
If you’ve been thinking about trying out LeTote, why not try them for FREE today {Hurry only 48 hours}?! LeTote is offering their 1st month free {see entire promo details below}… AND FOR 1 LUCKY READER of FASHIONABLY, MELISSA…? A 3 month subscription!

LeTote 1 month free subscription promo details:
Offer is valid for new users only.
The user can cancel anytime.
For the users’ free trial, all clothes must be returned within 30 days of joining.
The user will be charged when they receive their second box, unless they cancel before their second shipment.
After the free trial ends, the user will automatically be enrolled in our $49/mo plan, unless the subscription is canceled.

TRY IT OUT!

Enter to win a 3 month subscription:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Current Wish List

from left to right: plush marled slouchy beanie // monrow army tee // bb dakota jacket // zero gravity iPhone case // rails britt button down // dauphines of new york headband // rumba time watch // j brand skinny jeans // current/elliot skinny jeans

// melissa flats // three dots ribbed crew neck // 7 for all man kind jeans // madewell patch pullover

Monday, I posted some great Columbus day sales, but if you missed out, Shopbop is having a 3-day friend’s and family sale. These are just a few of my faves. Go check out the sale and use code Family25 for 25% off your order.

And guys, I haven’t forgotten you!!!  Check out some amazing pieces from East Dane…

http://widget.shopstyle.com/widget?pid=uid1601-13325449-37&faveList=44395678&width=6&height=1&layouttype=0&border=0&footer=0

Wednesday Wish List

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It’s that time again… Wednesday Wish List. How does the time fly?

Anyhow, I’ve been doing some e-styling, so it inspired me to style up an outfit for today’s wish list.
I can’t tell you all how much I’m dreaming of cooler temps, and I thought I’d put together a fancy playful look. How great would this floor-length skirt look with this eiffel tower print blouse tied in front for a more relaxed feel? And that necklace? I think it gives it a bit of Audrey Hepburn chic! And if you can’t afford Valentino’s, these pumps are a great steal.
Any pieces you’ve been admiring lately?

Happy Camper

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Hey guys! I’m camping with the family for our annual camping trip in the Sierra Nevada’s… without internet or cell service, but I didn’t want to leave you empty handed, so I prepared this style board in the spirit of camping to keep you lookin’ stylish yet functional while doing the outdoors thang!
Hope y’all are having a great week so far!