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Back in the USSR

Posted on April 10, 2008 by admin Filed Under Articles, Celebs, Events, Fashion | Leave a Comment

Big hair, big belt buckle, big rock ‘n’ roll Lenny Kravitz is back! He’s teamed up with Frida Giannini, Gucci Creative Director, to create a laid-back luxe wardrobe for his “Love Revolution” Tour which kicks off May 29th in Vigos, Spain.

If Giannini’s Fall 2008 runway show is any indication, Lenny will be rocking a style similar to that which made him a darling of the fashion world in the early 90’s. Part Russian Samovar, part 1975 Portobello Road, the collection showcased rich brocade jackets and filmy floral blouses topped with long, heirloom necklaces, layered mesh belts and gold belt buckles. The show may have been for the ladies but Lenny’s style transcends gender. Grab a gold Gucci belt now and beat Lenny to the look.

Urban Legend at the Rodeo

Posted on March 31, 2008 by admin Filed Under Articles, Celebs, Events, Fashion | 1 Comment

John Legend is not only an amazing singer/songwriter/musician, he’s also a style icon. Soulful stylehounds eager to expand the scope of their intellectually ironic, urban-centric closet look to Legend for guidance. He’s classic, tailored, old-fashioned fashion whose wardrobe denotes a hint of high-brow and a heavy dose of hip-hop flavor.
It’s no wonder, then, that a recent appearance at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo witnessed Legend wearing a belt buckle and cowboy hat with all the authority of an actual cowboy. The accessories were given to him by rodeo officials.
“I have good stylists,” the star modestly remarked. This look, however, was all his. Replete with sneakers and a biker jacket, onlookers said he appeared cool, comfortable and apropo.
The trick to pulling off Legends city-fied country look is not going overboard. Keep most of your normal, everyday gear in tact and add one or two harmonious accessories.

Fashion or Faux Pas…Following in Fred’s Footsteps?

Posted on March 24, 2008 by admin Filed Under Celebs, Fashion, Fun, History | Leave a Comment

I adore Fred Astaire. Like most people, I see him as dashing, dignified and debonair–words not often employed by women describing their contemporary, nay courtly, loves. He wasn’t the hottest or most hulking film star but he had panache and his fashion IQ has earned him a spot in the 20th century style icon compendium compiled by nearly every individual with a TV and the AMC Channel.
But here’s the rub: Not everyone can follow in Fred’s footsteps, dancing or dressing. A blogger who noticed Fred’s penchant for wearing his belt buckle at his hip asked readers to comment on his appropriation of the look (click here for photo). My opinion? No. Most people would not understand the irony of being purposefully disheveled; rather, you’d be considered (ironically) sloppy for wearing your buckle in a manner it was not intended.
Another of Fred’s faves was tying heavily patterned, brilliant silk scarves through his belt loops. Sorry, but I wouldn’t recommend this either (unless you’re a mannequin at The Gap). It worked for Fred because a) he did it first, b) hot pink polka-dot neckerchiefs worn as belts look ok in black and white and c) he’s Fred…he can do whatever he wants. Style Guy, one of my oft-quoted, authority-who-agrees-with-me links, agrees with me on this.
Fred is sipping champagne in Heaven with Coco Chanel and Jackie O. He’s earned the paisley cravatte wrapped round his waist and the belt buckle at his hip. Dance to a new tune and make a new belt statement.

Mamas, Don’t Let Your Babies End Up on Your Belt Buckle

Posted on March 18, 2008 by admin Filed Under Articles, Celebs, Special Buckles | 2 Comments

I like Julia Roberts. I like babies. I, obviously, like belt buckles. Do I like them all together?…not so much.
Two years ago Julia was snapped wearing a belt buckle with a photo of her uniquely-named children, Phinnaeus and Hazel, stamped on it’s base. Perhaps she was having a hard time transitioning from babies “in the belly” so decided to put them “on the belly”.
Funny thing is, she can’t see the photo, whilst wearing it, to appreciate it. Papparazzi and passersby may not mind Julia’s belt buckle but imagine if your average Jane, your neighbor, let’s say–the one who updates little Susie’s Sears photo album every week and insists you take a look after spotting you mowing the lawn–sported a photo belt buckle. Do we all have to think little Susie is as cute as her Mother does? Those photos belong in a scrapbook and the baby belongs in a pram. Leave belt buckles out of it.

“Man of Style”: Part Two

Posted on February 27, 2008 by admin Filed Under Articles, Celebs, Fashion, Fun, Quotes | 1 Comment

I’ve been so opinionated lately–see recent posts–I thought I’d shut up and let someone else on the soapbox. Yesterday’s post on “Men of Style” referenced Tiger Woods penchant for rodeo belt buckles and mocked GQ as a bastion of pseudo-style. Well, it’s a new day.

In 2004, GQ’s Style Guy responded to an inquiry re the Pro Golf/Western Belt Buckle connection. But, he didn’t know the reason why the trend had appeared on the fairway…it’s fun to be in the know, isn’t it?

Another Style Guy inquiry, this one circa 2001, asked whether the metal on ones belt buckle should match that of his cufflinks. I say yes–see post on must-have accesories for Men–and, guess what, so did Style Guy!

Let’s be honest, I was looking more for validation than a second opinion. Back on the soapbox, old gal.

***And for another, much more comedically written, commentary on Golf and cowboy fashion, click here. Unfasten your belt buckle so you can belly laugh.

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