How to Get Your Boyfriend/Husband to Dress Better

I've had a few people ask me "how can I get my boyfriend/husband to dress how I want him to dress?". Although I generally believe in the "he will do whatever he wants" theory, there are some small things you can do to coax him out of his track pant exterior and into some Gucci loafers.

Ask about his goals, especially career-wise. You may want to remind him that you have to dress for the role that you WANT, not the role that you currently have. Hopefully this will inspire some motivation... If he works in a uniform or a trade in which clothes get ruined often, at least make sure the basics are covered (i.e. clothes for a date night, for a wedding, for other formal events, for going clubbing, for a casual night out at a pub or friend's house, for a weekend getaway, etc.)

I guarantee he will bring up comfort. There are PLENTY of comfortable options for men especially. Cole Haan makes dress shoes (and casual shoes) with Nike Air technology. They feel just like sneakers! Proper fitting dress pants can be purchased in a variety of fabrics if your guy doesn't like the texture of wool. Dark denim can really dress up a look rather than a lighter wash. As long as the clothes fit the body well, (and by "well" I do not mean tight, they should follow the lines of the body but not hug it completely) then a lot of times you can avoid wearing ties and jackets all together depending on the occasion.

If he is watching his budget, a lot of affordable stores have really stepped up their male fashion game. I would suggest Banana Republic, Club Monaco, and even H&M. You can find some real gems at Winner's if you are willing to spend time browsing. Warn them that if you choose to spend less money on an item, you will probably end up purchasing something to replace it in less time which means more time spent shopping... (yes, we love excuses to shop!)

Make sure to get them to try everything on at the store to avoid doing returns or exchanges. Do not tell him something looks great if it only looks ok. If something looks amazing on him, make sure he knows it! Point out specifically what really works for him like "man, that shirt makes your biceps look HUGE!" and he will think of that everytime he puts it on.

Make sure HE makes the final decision on his own. Once he gets a few things from a store that fit well and he enjoys, he can shop from the comfort of his computer chair!

Now get the ball rollin'!

B.

The Next BIG Things

Over the winter, if you are looking to punch up your wardrobe for spring, keep your eye out for some of the following items that are going to be rocking the streets when that snow melts away.

1. CRAZY prints!

    Bye bye stripes, hello randomness!

Mary Katrantzou - London Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2011

    
2. Sheer (and lace)  

     Definitely a spin off from that huge lingere-inspired trend

3. White

     especially in a dress as per style.com

4. Vibrant colours

     No more neutrals!


Pink Tartan - Toronto Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2011

5. Trouser Jeans

    Dress up your wardrobe with these business inspired denims.

6. Heavy metal meets floral-chic

    Can I just say that I LOVE this?!

Evan Biddell - Toronto Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2011

7. Envelope Bags

    These over-sized clutches are fab!


Jessica Jenson - Toronto Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2011

 B.

Winter Style on a Budget

Pleated Trousers - $59.90 Zara

Bow Beret - $7.50 Forever 21

Herringbone Double-Breasted Coat with Flap Pockets - $249.00 Zara

Leggings PNL Amy - $44.90 Mango

 

Wide Lapel Cardian - $35.90 Zara

Knit Shrug - $21.80 Forever 21

Double Breasted Crest Button Coat - $45.80 Forever 21

"Cool" Boots for Men

Hey guys, here are my top winter boot picks for men.

Cole Haan Air Brandon Ankle Boots

 (These bad boys are made with Nike Air technology, so super comfy)

Timberland Boot Company Abington Guide Boot

Red Wing Classic Moc Toe Boot

Ugg Australia Fallbrook Ankle Boot

(This is the ONLY Ugg boot I have ever approved, male or female!)

Hope you enjoy!

B. 



Stone Love by Kate Wheeler

Kate Wheeler, News Anchor for Studio 12 News, is constantly complimented on her accessories. After receiving so many letters at her previous job at CTV asking where she got her necklaces she wore on air, Kate started making jewellery for others, rather than just herself. She is inspired by fashion trends, her own interests, hobbies and family. Kate has made theme lines (ex. “Sex & The City”), wedding jewellery and individual pieces. Kate works with all different types of materials and designs including Swarovski Crystals and her pieces sell for $25-100, depending on costs.


Kate can be contacted through Amanda Beebe (amanda.beebe@corusent.com) for requests, quotes or purchases.

See my favourite pieces from her current collection:

B.

The Importance of Self

Self-confidence, self-control, self-indulgence, self-worth, self-esteem, self-efficacy, self-actualization, self-awareness, self-discipline. 

All of these selves are critical to to our image. How can you wear a party dress or a suit when your mind is in track pant mode? If the outfit doesn't match your mood, you're going to look off. To compensate you will keep applying make-up, put too much gel in your hair. What you really need to work on is yourself, and how you view yourself. 

Take a look in the mirror. I seriously challenge everyone to ACTUALLY do follow through with this. Moving from bottom to top state out loud things that you love about yourself. Name even the smallest things, for example "I love that freckle on my thigh". Do not let your mind wander to to things you are not quite satisfied with. End the exercise with your face. I bet you will find a lot of things that you love about body and face.

Next make a mental list of your personality traits that you love. Think of all the nice things you have done for other people lately. It could be even the tiniest thing you think may have not mattered, but what if someone put the kettle on for you when you came into work? Wouldn't you appreciate the gesture.

Once you have done these physical and mental exercises, you should be able to recall the positive feelings that were felt more easily the next time you are having a "self-issue". Practice will help, and eventually you will learn to feel positively and accept your self at all times.

Imagine what this self-acceptance will do your image. You will glow! You will carry yourself with more confidence. Your clothes will look better on you, your hair will bounce, your eyes will sparkle. I bet you can't wait to get started... GO!

B.

Designer Spotlight: Betsey Johnson

At age 68, Betsey Johnson is still rockin the runway. Her unique designs have been changing with the times since the 1960's, but I love that Johnson stays true to her creative self, and isn't set on following trends of the fashion industry. She was awarded for this by the CFDA when she won the "timeless talent award", created just for her!

Betsey studied at the Pratt Institute and at Syracuse University. Following graduation, she worked as an intern at Mademoiselle magazine for a year. She then won the Mademoiselle guest editor contest which launched her career in fashion.

A boutique known as Paraphernalia was Johnson's first in house design gig. In the early 70's Betsey took over for the rock n roll collection Alley Cat. In her first year their, the collection took in over $5 million.

Betsey Johnson started her self titled label in 1978 which is still going strong. Her daughter, Lulu, was born in 1975 who now has a daughter of her own, Layla. Betsey loves spending time with her girls!

In 2002, Betsey was diagnosed with breast cancer. She went through radiation and had a lumpectomy, and is now cancer-free! Also in this year Betsey was inducted into the Fashion Walk of Fame. An original sketch, signature and biography was embedded into the Seventh Avenue sidewalk. Her other achievements include a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2005 from the NAWBO-NYC committee, a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Accessories Council in 2005, and Designer of the Year Award from the American Apparel and Footwear Association in 2006.

Betsey shows off her youthful-ness at the finale of all of her fashion shows by doing a signature cartwheel. Her spirit and energy is so inspiring to so many of her colleagues, fans, and supporters.

Thank you Betsey!