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Wear At Your Own Risk

Five Fashion Trends for Guys We Strongly Advise Against

Men's Leggings: SOLD OUT

Fashion is different for everybody, and nobody understands that better than a group of Jewelry Enthusiasts who cater to a variety of different tastes and preferences on a daily basis. When the Masculine Monday entries began, we wanted to be sure and ease the minds of men who were overwhelmed with the new demands of accessorizing, and new requirements of brightening your wardrobe that were somewhat forced on the male species throughout the past year.

In an effort to help explain that utilizing one statement piece of otherwise avoided fashion, such as celebrity-inspired shades or a pair of colored trousers, Masculine Monday posts began as an aid to open the minds of men used to monochromatic wardrobes with fear of the unknown… a bit of a boost. We’ve touched on a few awesome pieces of Spring and Summer 2011 fashion to consider, such as the unlined blazer, suede lace-up shoes and renewed henley tee’s for the boys to rock with confidence this Summer. Cuff-links, vintage style wristwatches and classic style (like that of Prince William) are still encouraged as fashionable additions and approaches to men’s appearance.

Skimming through the currently pushed trends through fashion media, I discovered something a bit frightening. We’ve not yet mentioned what to avoid. They say ‘you can’t always believe what you hear.’ Well, the same is true for what you read, of course. Particularly when what you’re reading is the simple comprehensive opinions of fashion professionals. Sometimes there’s a look that can take off, something that was worn down a runway in Milan that enough people embraced that it made fashion headlines. This can often lead to street fashion catastrophe.

Now, believe me, I adore Alexander McQueen. However, I would be prepared for a few cross eyed looks if I hopped in my car to work while sporting a big feathered lavender number with lace embellishments. For these designs, there’s a time and a place. That place is the runway, that time is when you’re a professional model.. or an A-list Actress. Since I have no plans to become either, chances are I probably won’t be frolicking around in some of my favorite McQueen gowns.

In the same sense, sometimes things should just never be worn. By anybody. No offense is intended for the designers of these pieces. Obviously many people enjoy them, and to each their own. This is all opinion, after all… So never take our advice, nor anybody else’s too seriously. If something feels right to you, wear it. Rock it. If you feel like you’re in costume before leaving the house, chances are you will feel that way throughout the evening.

That said, thank you for allowing us to share with you five specific men’s fashions that we simply cannot get on board with this Summer. Let us know what you think…

#1. Men’s Leggings

There’s been a surge in media support for jersey material fitted leggings. Not just for women, but for men as well. While I can get on board with a pair of 3/4 length leggings to work out or walk my dog in, for the life of me (and according to trusted opinion sources from both men and women) there seems to exist no possible event or situation where these fitted jersey leggings should be worn on men.

#1. Men's Leggings

Over the past few years, menswear has gotten consistently slimmer: skinny ties, then suits, then jeans. Now designers like Prada and Jean Paul Gaultier are applying the final squeeze, as men’s leggings (meggings, perhaps?) show up in their fall lines. Some feature stirrups, some are paired with gladiator-style tunics. All are shamelessly tight.Fashion Masochist: Men’s Leggings ‘For guys, “slim fit” has taken on a whole new meaning’ 

By Jason Feifer

#2. Overdone Retro Footwear

We love the surge of Converse vintage themed comeback kicks, like the old-fashioned high tops with an Americana twist. The DC collection of basketball homage is also worth a 2nd and 3rd viewing, as the sneakers look great in person. The new collections of Converse, DC’s and Doc Martens all share one common element, though. They aren’t forcing anything grandiose into their designs. They’re focusing on details that ultimately matter most when the finished product is worn, and this is probably why so many people are overjoyed by being able to wear their favorite footwear with a renewed appearance. The same cannot be said for the few pieces of extremely futuristic, Back to the Future based, bulky footwear that ironically titles itself as ‘retro.’

It’s a walking contradiction… Literally.

#2. Overdone 'Retro' Footwear

#3. The Chambray Scarf

This is certainly a battle that won’t be easy to win. These scarves first started popping up a good while ago, and they just keep multiplying, now popping out of pockets, worn under sweaters, inspiring the fabrics for tee’s and shorts, etc. Maybe this is just a personal thing, but I have to disagree with the statement of UrbanGent.com that the ‘chambray is an essential.’

No. It’s not an essential. Scarves are feminine. They just are, and no matter how you twist it or present it, they will always appear feminine…

…At least according to the majority of women that have been asked the opinion of.  *Just an FYI*

#3. The Chambray Scarf

#4. The Deep V-Neck

Never a supporter of the original V-Neck, I would proudly protest against the wearing of these designs by men in any Country, at any time. The result of the exaggerated low neckline makes it look like not only are you trying to reveal cleavage, but exposing your chest hair in the process. The shirt, itself, looks confused, even before it’s placed on a male body. Let’s be clear. No man’s body is made for this cut of a shirt. It’s just a bad idea…

#4: The Deep V-Neck

#5. The Man Purse

Actually, there are a few bags that are entirely men’s messenger bags. They have no feminine attributes, and look great with the right outfit to carry your notebook, ipod or other necessities in without feeling like you’re wearing a purse. For instance, this design is ready to fit a laptop, pens, a cellphone and plenty others without a hint of girly. The colors are workable with nearly any ensemble, and it’s… well, manly.

A Few Details:

• Bruxe & DC Collaboration
• Messenger bag with wax coated cotton and leather on exterior
• Waterproof exterior pocket
• Air mesh padded shoulder strap
• Skate straps on back panel
• Interior bike lock strap
• Multiple compartments
• 100% cotton
• Imported

These are few and far between. With so many man purses fluttering about, it’s easy to be reeled in by a bag that looks like a patent leather accessory. The only thing that could add to the misfortune of an emasculating man purse is dual disaster of something like a man purse/ bright trouser combo. Too much. Too bright. It’s just not right.

#5. The Man Purse

If anyone would like to offer up some feedback, some refute even, it is more than encouraged! I like to be proven wrong, and I’m truly interested as to how other girls/guys feel about these fashion fads. Thanks!

-Alexandra

Raymond Lee Jewelers

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• McQueen exhibit at the Met a study of contrasts (theglobeandmail.com)
• Top 5: What’s Haute for Spring (beso.com)
• Designer Profile: Alexander McQueen (beso.com)
• That’s a Wrap For the 2011 Met Gala – Catch Up on All the Fashion, Beauty, and More! (casasugar.com)
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