Summer Style Guide - Men

Alright, I promised this for the fellas back in June. So this post is for the gentleman that likes to look his best, keep his vibe classic but current and who likes to distinguish himself  as a man and not a boy or a hoodlum. Now, let's get into it.

One of the trends that is big this summer is colour blocking. Now before you roll eyes, there are sophisticated ways to do this without looking like a Popsicle walking down the street. Here are my suggestions:

  Colour-blocking with Shoes

Try the Colourblocking trend with your shoes. A neutral shirt with light-washed or grey jeans will look smart with this grey and blue pair.

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Summer Shorts

Get yourself a pair of summer shorts. Now fit is very important when it comes on to shorts on a man. A baggy pair will have you looking like a 16-yr-old wanna-be thug; a too tight or too short pair will attract the wrong kind of attention. With shorts you want a pair that will cut off at mid-knee, you want the leg of the shorts to be straight from top to bottom. Fit - when you put on the shorts, four of your fingers should be able to slip into the leg (width wise). This allows for comfort when you sit down and keeps your jewels a mystery if you put your legs up. As to fit in the crotch area, it should fit the same way your favourite pair of jeans fit  which is enough space for your member, their companion and a rolled up tie to fit.

Also...lotion on your legs gentlemen, give it a try huh?

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Gingham and Plaid print

Stripes have had their run, and it has been a nice long run hasn't it? Now its time for gingham print and large plaid (think picnic blanket ala yogi bear). Getting these prints in primary colours or neutral colours is a safe bet, but if you are more adventurous then an array of complimentary colours look gorgeous with the trend below:

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White Pants

Don't be afraid to wear white pants. Look for something with thick material and something that has the same fit as a pair of your khaki pants. You want them loose enough to wear casually but to look smart if you have to dress it up as well. The best thing you can do for a pair of white pants in a brown belt with a simple buckle. Simplicity is the key here. Don't wear white head to toe unless you're on the beach, or attending an all white party you may end up looking crumpled.. white pants look great with neutral or very bright colours.

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Keeping the Classics Alive

Classic lines are coming back especially in shoes, get a pair and you can't go wrong. Something to keep in mind - white socks should only be worn with sneakers when you are doing athletic activities. Everything else is dress socks or no socks. If you need to wear socks to deal with any odor issues then please wear the low, hie-away socks that can't be seen. The rule is, if the shoe doesn't pass your ankle then neither should your socks.

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 Matte Time pieces

If you're out of high school you should own and wear a watch, it's the mark of a dependable gentleman. Recently, watches have become more sleek and discreet. A black or charcoal coloured watch will look great contrasted with the bright prints and colours of summer. Luckily, when things are trendy there are always more affordable options than not. A great place to find watches is Amazon as well as fossil . 

That's it! If you have a trend you're really into this summer, leave a comment and let me know. Also, if you want to find out where you can get items like these leave me a comment and I'll direct you to the best place to find them.

Till later,

Jane

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Product Review: Revlon Colorburst Lip Butter & Revlon Just Bitten Lip Stain

Lipsticks hate me. They never go on smoothly and they never look like what they do in the tube, and I'm always disappointed no matter what brand. But I've moved on, what with the number of other options for lip products that have been flooding the cosmetic markets recently, I'm over it. 

One thing you should know about me when it comes on to make up is that I believe it should be low maintenance. Put it on and head out the door and enjoy your night without having to duck into the bathroom every hour or so to check that you don't have clown mouth. Lip stains and sheer washes of colour that are lip butters beckon to me from the lovely ads that are everywhere nowadays. Now widely available at the drugstore price point, I got a little excited and decided to fork over the cash and jump on the train.

Now I did a little research and if I am to folow youtubers and the blogosphere the brand with the best staying power is Revlon, so I went out and got the Revlon Colorburst Lip Butter in #010 Raspberry Pie; and the Revlon Just Bitten Lipstain in Frenzy. 

I got red/berry shades n both because I think that a lip product is only as good as its brighter colours. The Lip butter was $825.00 and the lip stain was $875.00 from Discount Pharmacy in Manor Park if I remember correctly. 

                                            

The lip butter provides a sheer wash of colour in one coat and a decent wash in two. It is thicker than a lip gloss but really smooth like a chapstick or lip balm. It is pretty shiny. The way I would wear this is over a lip pencil in a similar colour to provide a good base. It lasts about 5 hours before fading or wearing off, but if you eat or drink it will wear off quicker. I would repurchase this to try a different shade. I definitely recommend this though. 

                                        

                                        

The Just Bitten lipstain is a bit of a puzzle to use. The liquid seeps out through a felt tip point similar to a watercolour marker. This is not a quick swipe and go product, please take note of this fact. You need to dry your lips completely and make sure you get rid of any flakes. Then layer on the first layer being careful to stay within your lip line (remember this is a stain), let it dry completely and if you want the colour to be deeper layer on another layer. You can do up to five without it looking blotchy. The balm is at the other end of the stick - it doesn't seep through the stain and moisturize but I use it to moisturize the area around my mouth which can get dry when I haven't lathered up with my regular lip moisturizer. 

The picture below is a swatch of the products.

Top - Just B

itten in Frenzy; Bottom - Lip Butter in Raspberry Pie

I debuted these babies the night of my profession's annual banquet and I am pleased to say that the lipstain lasted through dinner and wine and I swiped on the butter to revive the colour. All in all I'm very impressed with these two products. If you've tried them leave a comment and let me know what you think.

Till later, 

Jane 

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