A Diva State of Mind

One of my guy friends hit me up the other day and asked “how do I go from a regular to fly?”  That’s a question many of us ask, especially now when the weather is turning warm. In Become The Fashionista You Want To Be Without Going Broke, I spoke to the ladies.  So it’s time to speak to the guys on the similar topic.

If you want to go from “regular to fly,” here are a few suggestions:

1.  Wardrobe Assessment

First, go through and see if there is anything you don’t wear. If you haven’t worn it in over a year, it’s time to let it go. Now the guys I know aren’t really into the trends of the season, so I’m going to suggest you have the What’s In Your Closet wardrobe essentials along with cargo shorts, graphic tees  for spring & summer and button up shirts (not just white).

2. Change the way your wear one item

One way to expand your wardrobe is to wear one piece multiple ways. For example, if you have a number of polos, wear them with jeans for a night out with the boys; pair them with shorts for a casual daytime look or wear them with khakis on casual Fridays at work. The key is to mix and match pieces in your closet, so every time you wear something, it looks new.

3. Search for Coupons and Deals

Searching for coupons is time consuming, I know.  But if you want to get a deal, because these days there is a coupon for everything, take the time and look for coupons and deals at your favorite retailers. Also check the website of your favorite retailers.   The third option would be to just ask when you’re in a store if there are any current coupons available.

4. Shop Modern Men’s Stores, ask for help in a store and look at mannequins to get ideas

I know it sounds foolish to look at mannequins, but I definitely do when I need ideas.  That’s what they’re there for; to give you ideas on how to dress yourself.  Also ask a sales associate what they feel is in this season; they SHOULD know. Stores like GAP and EXPRESS are very modern in terms of menswear and are great options to update a wardrobe.

 5.  Spread out your shopping trips

Spread out your shopping trip.  You don’t have to purchase everything in one trip to go from “regular to fly.” (You’ll go from regular to broke!!)  Accumulate new pieces in your closet overtime.  In the meantime, mix and match what you already have.

Luckily for you guys, men’s trends don’t really change from year to year, so whatever you do purchase this year will most likely be in style next year.  Hopefully with these suggestions, you guys can go from “regular to fly” in no time! :-)

I have known Elma since middle school and she has always been the type of person who is active in her community and truly serves to make a difference.  After completing her undergrad studies at Liberty College and working a while at home in MD, she returned to school and is currently studying to receive her Masters of Public Health at Mercer University in Georgia.

While studying hard, she is also working hard.  She is the research assistant for the Center for Rural Health and Health Disparities, embarking on a mission to encourage businesses to adopt a smoke free worksite policy in Houston County, Georgia.  Through her research, she is hoping to implement an intervention for a tobacco cessation program.

Elma is definitely using her work as a research assistant to help her reach her long term goal to improve the health of disparate populations.  Elma is originally from Liberia and plans to move back and work on improving the quality of life through health initiatives.  She believes in becoming an advocate for the community and helping them realize the power they possess.

I have known Elma for a long time and when she sets her mind on something, she does everything she can to achieve it.  I have no doubt that she will not only make a significant impact in Georgia, but she’ll make one around the world as well. You Go Girl!!!

I was SOOOOO excited when I heard the news.  According to BV Buzz, BET is in the final stages of renewing The Game.  The show was cancelled last year after running for 3 seasons on the CW Network.  BET featured re-runs of the show and actors from the show ran campaigns to try to get the show renewed. Well it looks like all of the hard work has paid off!!

The show is schedule to start taping in May 2010.  Everyone has confirmed to come back except Colby Bell, who plays Jason Pitts. Shoot, even if he doesn’t come back, I’m just excited show is back.  The executive producer of Girlfriends, Mara Brock Akil, is expected to return to the show as well (YES!!! So you know the show is going to be good).

I’m so glad a BLACK show is coming back!! After we lost Girlfriends (I’m still upset about that one), The Game was the new show we all could hold on too that featured us! Once The Game went off air, I can’t think of one majority black sitcom that was on television.  We took over reality TV on BET and VH1 instead.

So go ahead and set your DVR for this fall (I’m going to assume the show will air in the fall. Let’s hope so!).  I’ll definitely be glued to the set to see the show picks up from where it left off last year!

At this point in our young professional lives, we should all own a suit.  It’s shocking to me that some of my guy friends do not own one single suit!

We are at the point in our lives where we’re interviewing for jobs, attending professional functions and various events where khakis and jeans just don’t cut it.  In those more professional situations, coming dressed looking your best is going to be required. And that means, wearing a well tailored suit. 

Now I know suits can be expensive. But guess what, it’s also an investment! A suit helps you acquire the attention you otherwise wouldn’t receive: it may help you reach the next level in an interview or catch the attention of someone in a networking situation.  You should always show up because you never know who you’re going to meet.

With our economy still in the midst of a recession, many men’s suit retailers have been slashing prices tremendously to move inventory out of the door.  Here are three companies you should check out when you’re ready to purchase your first or next suit:

 JoS. A Banks

This is the place to go for the classic suit!! And they have great deals too! Remember, if you find a suit that you just have to have, but isn’t necessarily the perfect fit, you can always have it tailored. Since suits are investment pieces, that’s the one thing I would suggest you have tailored if necessary.

They are currently promoting their “Famous $199 Sale.”  Purchase one suit for $199 and get the second one for $99.  They’ve had even better deals, but 2 suits for $300??? You can’t beat that! Not only will you find great suit sales at JoS. A Banks, but you can also find great deals on other men’s apparel such as Ties, Shirts, and Sweaters (Executive Shirts & Ties: 3 for $99; All Silk, Cotton & Merino Sweaters: 3 for $99).

Indochino

While JoS A Banks offers a more classic, traditional style, Indochino offers styles to fit the “modern gentleman.” Indochino offers custom made suits, ensuring your suit to fit you just the way you prefer.  Here’s how it works: spend about 10 minutes following Indochino’s online guide to taking your own measurements.  Find the suit online that you like and provide your measurements.  If you aren’t comfortable taking your own measurements, you can also search for a local tailor in your area.  If you rather purchase the suit and then have it tailored, you have the option of ordering a suit without providing your measurements.

Suits are listed by Category, Price, Occasion and Others (which include “My First Suit).  This is a great site for the young professional looking to make his own mark in the way he professionally dresses. AND the suits are very reasonably priced considering you have the custom-made option.  I would definitely recommend a site like this for a young professional looking for something a little more modern and stylish.

(Now that I think about it, I think I know someone who owns an Indochino suit.  And he’s always dressed to the nine!)

Giltman

Under that suit, you’re going to need a shirt, tie and nice dress shoes! Check out Gilt Man.  Just like Ideeli, a site where women can purchase designer fashions for 60-80% off the retail value, Gilt Man offers the same thing for men.  And I’ve heard it can become addictive too. 

As the company likes to say “Think of Gilt Man as the hardware store selling the tools for life: workware, playware and lifeware.”  Like I’ve said before, you don’t have to go broke to look good. If you want the designer label, you just have to know where to find a great deal. Gilt Man is the place where you can purchase “killer stuff at killer value”

With these 3 options to purchase a new suit, there isn’t any reason that a guy in his mid twenties doesn’t have a great quality suit.

Neutrals

We should all have neutrals if we’re talking about summer. Neutrals are not only flattering, but they also help you stay cool. If we end up having an extreme summer like we did winter, we’re all going to be looking for light weight and light color clothes to keep us cool. Neutrals in any style of apparel (shirts, skirts, and dresses) are definitely an investment. It’s a trend that will keep coming back.

Mark & James by Badgley Mischka Tribal Printed Dress

Express Essential Military Shirt

Ruffles:

Ruffles are here and can look great if worn correctly.  Try ruffle skirts and dresses for a fun and flirty look this season.  Ruffles on the bottom of a skirt are great on those of you who are slim; gives the illusion that you have a little “meat on your bones.”

Valentino

Short Shorts:

Please keep in mind, short shorts are NOT for everyone, however, they will be around this year.  Last year, the biggest trend was dresses and skirts, but shorts are making a come back.  If you’re going to wear short shorts, keep the top simple with a tank top or tee shirt, but nothing too revealing.  Let your legs do the talking.

Express Denim Shorts

Masculine Elements – Blazers & Vests

One of my favorite fashion pieces; I love wearing them with skinny jeans and especially leggings and heels.  Expect to see strong shoulder blazers, shorter blazers and white blazers. I’ve seen two sites already feature cute blazers in white.  (I may have to purchase one myself).  White would look great over an all black ensemble or over vibrant colors such as orange, yellow and teal.  They are great to dress up with heels or dress down with jeans and flats.   Always compliment the masculine element with a little femininity, like a long necklace, big earrings or multiple bangles. 

Mena Suvari in alice + olivia White Linen Blazer

People Tree Roll Sleeve Handwoven Boyfriend Blazer

Abstract Prints & Bold Colors

Prints and bold colors are taking over.  Everything I’ve seen is in a print or solid bold color.  Use patterns and colors to add a little flare to your style and stand out in the crowd.  For darker skin tones, yellow, orange and teal look really good! For lighter skin tones, teal, shades of pink and purple compliment your look.

Asos Abstract Feather Print One Shoulder Dress

Asos Leopard Print Sundress

Add these fives trends to your wardrobe and you’ll be sure to make a statement this Spring & Summer season!

So I’m driving home today from work and Big Tigger says he as a major announcement. Now I thought that he was going to say he was going to be on the new WPGC 95.5 morning show, taking over Donnie Simpson’s spot.   But to my surprise, Big Tigger announced 5 minutes before his afternoon segment was over that today was his last day on air. Did anyone see that coming?!

First Donnie Simpson and now Big Tigger.  While Big Tigger wasn’t on the air with WPGC as long as Donnie Simpson was, I was used to hearing him M-F 2pm-6pm and on Saturdays during his “Live in the Den with Big Tigger Show.” With the absense of these two,  WPGC has A LOT of work to do to fill the morning 6-10am show and the afternoon time slot.  Supposedly starting Monday, Lil’ Mo will take over for Big Tigger. Yes, you read that right, Lil Mo’. 

All I know is WPGC used to be my radio station of choice, so they better bring it if they want to keep me and so many other loyal listeners.  Let’s hope things can be worked out and Big Tigger does come back as the new face of the morning show.

By the way – what happened to everyone that was on the “New Donnie Simpson Morning Show?”

Lady Gaga is back with her much anticipated new video “Telephone” featuring Beyonce.  In true Lady Gaga fashion, the video is filled with loud fashion styles, peculiar characters and lots of skin.  Oh yea, it’s also almost 10 minutes long too!

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GQ95z6ywcBY

Drape Wrap Around Sweater

I know I know, I’m suppose to be talking about Spring and Summer fashions but this sweater is too cute!!  This is a great piece to wear while we transition between season.  If you don’t want to wear a Spring jacket, this is a great sweater to throw on instead.

Linen Eric Pleated Wide Leg Pants

I absolutely love linen wide leg pants for the summer. They are very versatile: you can wear them with flats or dress them up with wedges for a casual night out on the town.

Terry Halter Dress With Belt

Fun & Flirt! Need I say more.  This is a great dress for a fun night out.  There are enough parties going on in the summertime that a new dress is ALWAYS going to be needed!

Striped High Waist Skirt With Belt

Patterns are a major Spring/Summer 2010 trend this season, so it’s only appropriate that alice + olivia offer this black and white striped skirt.  Very cute look!!!

Check out the complete online alice + olivia shop at http://shop.aliceandolivia.com/

I’m a flirt and a lot of guys I know are flirts too, so it’s only natural that with some people that would be the basis of your friendship.  But what makes things complicated is when feelings get involved.  Now I had flirted FOREVER with a friend of mine, but unfortunately after a while I did catch feelings.  But like most guys I know, he was just having a good time. He has a lot of females friends, likes to flirt with a lot of people; that’s just who he is.

So after learning all of that, I removed myself from hanging out with him for a little bit so I could detox myself of those feelings and move on. And I was doing great for the last couple of months until I caught myself caring again. It mattered if he was paying me any attention and it mattered if we flirted again because we had started to do so.  I was doing so well moving forward and then I took 2 steps backward…SMDH

Of course after much discussion with close friends about the situation and what I truly deserve, why should I even care? I deserve a lot more than I receive so why do I even put up with it? I blame myself because I know I’m better than this.  I often think that I have to keep this person around or act this way because he starts the flirting or we have the same friends.  But obviously that’s not the case.  We may just have to be acquaintances and hang out from a distance, if at all.

Flirting is always fun, but it can be dangerous once feelings get involved.   So I proved to myself that while I thought I was over this person, there may be some feelings still there and that’s a PROBLEM.  My emotions and what I allow to get to me are things I am continuously working on.

What is the best way to REALLY get over someone??? Do I stop talking and hanging out completely?   It sucks because we have the same friends and live in the same area, but something’s gotta give.  I’m ready to get back on track and keep taking those steps forward.

A friend of mine started SponsorChange.org and the idea was simple: students have the chance to volunteer with a non-profit organization and in return they receive a stipend to pay off their student loans.

SponsorChange.org currently serves the Pittsburgh area through the Sponsor Change Fellows Program.  Fellows are matched with non-profits, complete 40 hours of volunteer leadership and 10 hours of civic education.  At the end of the program, the volunteers are awarded $1000 in student pay.

After creating a platform in Pittsburgh, SponsorChange.org wants to take this platform to the next level.  They are currently competing in the Ideas for Change in America competition.  According to the change.org website, this competition empowers citizens to identify and build momentum around the most innovative ideas for addressing challenges our country faces.

SponsorChange.org has made it to the second round and they need 800+ votes by this Friday.  PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE, VOTE AND SHARE THIS WITH YOUR FRIENDS. Let’s rally together and support each other!!!

The 10 most popular ideas will be presented at an event in Washington, DC to relevant members of the Obama Administration. In order to make it to Washington, DC, SponsorChange.org needs your help!!!!

PLEASE VOTE FOR SPONSORCHANGE.ORG IN THE IDEAS FOR CHANGE IN AMERICA COMPETITION:

http://www.change.org/ideas/view/reward_the_service_of_college_graduates_with_student_loan_pay

For more information about the organization, please visit  www.sponsorchange.org