The Fashion Tango.

Here’s a fashion spread from the July 2009 issue of Teen Vogue. “South of the Border” inspired fashions are the IT factor this summer. They have all the color, style and personality you need to look great on a beautiful summer’s day. Which look would you wear??

pants by Liz Claiborne New York; Swarovski crystal bracelets by LK Jewelry by Leetal Kalmanson; woven bangles by Mercedes Salazar; bag by Antik Batik; sandals by Philosophy di Alberta Ferretti

dress by Marc by Marc Jacobs; fabric and rhinestone bangles by Alyssa Norton; geometric wood bangles by Kool Konnections; yellow bracelet by Giles & Brother by Philip Crangi; bag by Longchamp

t-shirt by Topshop; skirt by See by Chloe’; necklace by Erickson Beamon for Anna Sui; belt by Calleen Cordero Designs; jeweled and floral bracelets by Erickson Beamon; wooden bangle by M. Haskell; beaded bangle by Pono by Joan Goodman

dress by Karen Walker; necklace by Roberta Freymann; bag by Anna Sui; ring by Erickson Beamon; wooden bangles by R.J. Graziano; thin crystal bangles by Sorelli

dress by Marc by Marc Jacobs; bag by The Jackson Twins; beaded butterfly pin (on bag) by Alejandra Quesada; moccasins by Antik Batik

FIRST LOOK: t-shirt by Apparel; shorts by Suno; necklace by Pepita; belts by Sunshine & Shadow; beaded bracelets by Juicy Couture; doll by La Sirena; bracelet (on doll) by Mercedes Salazar

CoutureSteez Out!!!

Videos That Inspire.

Back again with another influential video, and this time it’s something for the guys. Lupe Fiasco first hit the scene in 2006, with the Grammy nominated single, Kick, Push. Along with a hot track, he brought along the idea that black folk can skateboard too. No he wasn’t the first to be doing it, but he was in the best position to get dudes still wearing tall tees and hanging at the trap, to go ahead and wash those tees in hot water and go hang at a skate park. I personally thank him for that. Though in true stubborn, black boy fashion it did take a while to catch on, but as other contributers such as Pharrell and Kanye took a part in the movement it has slowly become a trend.

Unfortunately, the original video with the original track couldn’t be found so the above video is a remixed version but you still get the same feel. Here are some designs from the brand, Stussy, which is now one of the most sought after clothing lines by black skateboard fanatics. Check them out and tell me what you like.

more designs THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS.

Fall Forward.

VMAN Magazine, brother to V Magazine, is known for it’s prominent fashion spreads and this year’s summer issue has continued to uphold their name. With the magazine being about fashions to hold you over until fall, they have a great range of hot styles, but nothing compares to the fall looks by 13 exuberant designers.

check it out THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS.

Who’s Got Style??

Hello there my fashion junkies, long time no post lol. It’s time that we get this summer started with a little style contest. If you know anyone that has style, designs or just likes to dress up for fun, tell them to enter Urban Couture’s first style contest. But this isn’t just any old contest where you get dresssed up and send in random pics. There are rules that apply.

 Rules go as follows:

• You must incorporate three summer essentials; shorts, the color yellow and a tank or sleeveless shirt (as shown above; ladies make it into something you can work).
• You must submit a picture with your name, age, and city to urbancouturecontact@gmail.com.
• You must be as creative as possible. Use nice backdrops, props, even drag your friend in the pic for more of an edge.
• THE FULL ENSEMBLE MUST BE VISIBLE!!!

Take the look and make it your own with lots of accessories and summer pizazz!!! Not everyone can take something so simple and turn it into the “IT” factor and I want to see if you can. The winner will be featured on Urban Couture in a full fleged interview with both myself and Joe Couture. They will also receive a $30 gift card to the store of their choice, so come with it and may the best person win!!!

CoutureSteez Out!!!

Sneaker’s Alternative.

As i’ve said time and time again, I’d love for us, as men, to step our game up when it comes to our footwear. No longer should we spend hundreds of dollars on Nike’s, Adidas’, Supra’s and any other sneaker brand. There are so many more flattering choices, including moccasins, loafers, boots and now the new Clae Collection. Yes they are in the sneaker family but they have a chic twist and can be worn with a lot more than just your favorite pair of skinny jeans. Throw on a short sleeve button-up, cardigan vest, a sleek pair of chinos and some wayferers with a pair of Kennedy‘s and you’ll look stylish with a tad bit of sophistication. You can even throw on a rugby, some shorts, and a pair of Cousteau‘s for a fun, nautical look. You can pretty much pull off any pair of shoes from the collection and still exemplify a more “grown man” approach.

For more pictures of the collection, click here.

CoutureSteez Out!!!

Carolyn Massey and TOPMAN.

As I stated in a previous entry, I love TOPMAN USA. I recently found out about their LENS line, which is released twice a year in Febuary and September. The line features different designers, inviting them to make small collections for the line. This seasons five include, Dexter Wong, Kasper Harup-Hansen, MJOLK, James Long and a new fave of mine, Carolyn Massey.

Carolyn Massey has established herself as one of the key names in British menswear (soon to come to the states), producing relaxed luxury clothes and a number of beast pieces for her TOPMAN LENS collection. She will take place in London’s Fashion Week with her first solo show on Febuary 25th and I’m super excited to see it. But don’t fret, you won’t have to wait that long to get a sneak peak of her Spring/Summer 2009 collection. Check it out!!!

CoutureSteez Out!!!

TOPMAN.

TOPMAN has become one of my favorite online sites for shopping. Mostly because they’re very discreet here in the U.S. so I don’t have to worry about someone owning the same shirt as me next door. I also love the fact that they have tailored suits because I hate those “Steve Harvey” fitting suits. Every bi-season they have a “latest trend”  and this season it’s a romantic yet utilitarian look. Incorporating unstructured knits, army “left-overs” and gym clothes, look out for knitted cottons, stone washed jeans and tons of jersey and sweats.

In the video, the trend celebrates the coming together of two great countries after the bringing down of the Berlin Wall in 1989. Check it out!!!

CoutureSteez Out!!!

Fashion Tips for the Guys

Hello there guys. I know that we don’t usually get catered to when it comes to fashion but I’m here to give a few tips for the upcoming seasons. Spring and Summer are approaching it’s almost time to begin buying a new wardrobe. From shorts to bright colors to shoes that keep your feet cool, here are a few tips on what to buy.

Shorts are a must have in a warm climate. But long, baggy shorts are no longer acceptable. The designers of DSquared2 captured this ideal best in their recent Spring 2009 runway show. Shorts ranging from just above the knee to about mid-thigh give a great look, fit and are just the right size to keep you cool. I know some of us are a little insecure about “showing leg” but i assure you you’ll be making the right decision.

Bright colors are the making of a Spring/Summer wardrobe, and the color blue is this years hottest hue. You can’t go this Spring or Summer without some blue of your own. Whether it be clothes, accesories or even shoes, you HAVE to emerge yourself in this “blue lifestyle.” And don’t give me the excuse of  “I can’t find anything I’d wear in that color,” because EVERY designer has incorporated some blue into their line this season. Especially Heritage 1981, the branch off of Forever 21. If you don’t have it in your local malls just check it out online, they even have size charts making your experience easier.

So, I was thinking, can we get on our “grown man” this year guys. Not too many more pairs of sneakers or those over worn Spurry’s will keep us in the fashion game. I like the idea of a nice pair of moccasins or some REAL loafers. That would be nice. Another fashion DON’T is anything that shows a man’s feet outside of his home, i.e. NO SANDALS OR FLIP FLOPS, just not a good look. Save the “I have pretty feet story,” because women don’t care if you go for a weekly pedicure, they’d just rather not see that, ya know?? Check out Saks for your shoe collection this year.

With Spring and Summer also comes time for all your fun accersories like sunglasses, caps, jewelry and even fresh frangrances. Feel free to mix and match the best accesories, in colors such as blue, yellow, red and orange but be sure not to mask your outfit.

CoutureSteez Out!!!

Marc by Marc Jacobs

Spring 2009 is vastly approaching and the amazing American designer, Marc Jacobs, has a lot in store for you fashion fanatics. As many of you may know he launched the amazingly sheek, yet affordable Marc by Marc Jacobs line in 2001. Since then, the line has grown to become a fashion lover’s must-have and never fails to put out the most sought-after clothing and accessories. His runway show this fall got terrific raves and is one of my top favorite, next to the Burberry Prorsum Spring Summer 2009. To form your own 2009 collection, fellas check out Bloomingdale’s and ladies check out ShopBop. If you even begin to consider yourself slightly fashionable, you MUST own something by Marc this spring. I know I will.

CoutureSteez Out!!!