How to Stay Fresh from Head to Toe

Greetings everyone! I thought it was appropriate to make a whole post about men's style because we cover so few men's items. Today I'm going to show you the newest, hottest items that will for sure have you boys turning heads. And it's not just about a hot shirt or some cool shoes. It's about the whole ensemble'. If you're well put-together, the ladies will love you! :)

First, the fitted hat. You can never go wrong with the plain navy Yankees or the black and yellow Pirates, but there is so much variety when it comes to fitted's. 

I believe in branching out, and there's nothing wrong with a little splash of color done the right way or wearing something totally out of the realm of baseball teams. DC Comics and New Era 59Fifty have collaborated to bring us something SPECIAL coming out on March 15th. I think the colors are spectacular for summer, don't you?!

Next, we have Hall of Fame and Crooks & Castles teaming up to make this little turquoise number. I can just see my boyfriend wearing it now...haha

Oh and boys, please don't use a hat as an excuse not to get a haircut. If you're a little rough around the edges, go ahead and spend that $7-$12 on a fresh cut!

Ok so after you get your hat game proper, hit up your local streetwear boutiques for these finds. PegLeg NYC just released their look-book for their Spring 2008 collection. Here are a few fine gentlemen modeling the threads: 

Check out their website for more product and their prices!!!

And now for the grand finale'. For as long as I have been admiring sneakers, I have never wanted any as bad as these. Nike has really outdone itself.

 Inspired by the cover of Ferris

 Bueller's Day Off, these dunks are edgy, unique, and can be easily worn by both men and women, if you can find the right size! Set to drop this summer, these are sure to be a hot commodity! I present you: the Ferris Bueller Dunks!!!!!!!!!!!

These are so crazy!! The leopard print tongue...the shoe laces...the whole package!!! Don't sleep on these, boys. Mark my words!

Be sure to keep it fresh as often as possible and as much as your wallet allows. You should always treat yourself, no matter what the occasion!!! 

Black History Is All Year Around!!!

First I want to say I am so so SORRY for being WACK and not posting for a while. This semester is killing me! I have been so busy! I know Black History Month was this past February, but that is Ridiculous. Black Hisory is all year around!!! So in continuance of the so-called "Black History Month", I have decided to feature African American Designers!!! So get excited and read on! P.S. dont hate me for leaving you all high and dry! :( Oh, and go BARACK OBAMA!!!



My first featured designer is Michael Knight!!! I know ya'll have seen him before, he was on season 3 of Project Runway and featured on BET's Rip The Runway. He was by far my FAVORITE and, in my opinion, definitely should have WON!!! I liked Michael so much because his designs were FLY and SEXY! He doesn't "look" like the average fashion designer, but that is what makes him so intriguing! We need something new in this fashion industry, something to spice up things! It's time for a change and Michael Knight is IT!!! I have no doubt in my mind that he could be the next TOP designer among young Hollywood!








Michael Knight was born in Germany but raised in Atlanta. He graduated from Georgia Southern University with a Bachelor's Degree in Apparel Design and Merchandising. Michael became a small hit in Atlanta while designing for Jagged Edge, 112, Ciara, Free, and the Infamous Queen Latifah! Not feeling that his career was at the level he wanted, he auditioned for Project Runway. He was turned down the first time, but picked himself up and tried again for the next season. He landed a spot on Season 3 of Project Runway and has been on the move ever since!

Here are some of the looks from Michael's 2007 Spring Collection. The pieces are reminiscent of a Fierce Safari! Very Sexy and Suductive. I was unable to pull up pics from his new collections but check them out at http://www.michaelknight.com/ They are just as HOT !!!

Okay, I do not know how I have not heard of this lady before! I did a little research and checked out her "stuff", and she is Super Talented. Ladies and Gentlemen, I bring you, Tracy Reese! She is Creative, Innovative, and her clothes just blew me AWAY!!!

Tracy recieved a degree from Parson's School of Design in 1984. If you didn't know, Parson's is Top Notch! After graduation she joined a contemporary sportswear firm in Paris and then moved to Perry Ellis, as a design director. Her designs are her Ultra-Femine and Vintage-Inspired, and have been worn by My Girl B!-Beyonce Knowles!

Tracy has three collections: Tracy Reese, Plenty by Tracy Reese, and Plenty Frock. Tracy Reese, includes linear tailoring and subtle sensuality with North African inspired pieces, where feminity is exuded through mixes of the 1930s and 1970s. Plenty has a mixture of Vietnamese, retro-American, Rajistani, and English styles in this spring's collection. Plenty Frock combines the regalty of Uptown with the edginess of Dowtown, and is a less-expensive line.

It was soooo HARD choosing the looks to feature in this post because all of the designs were so AMAZING! These clothes are EXACTLY what I see myself wearing five years from now, strolling down the streets of New York. Not only are African Americans making strides in Politics, we are jumping leaps and bounds in Fashion! We are not just responsible for Urban Wear, we design Modern and Contemporary Wear also. Tracy Reese is just one of the many Equsite, Black Fashion Designers!

CHECK HER OUT!!! YOU WON'T BE DISAPPOINTED!!! TRUST ME!!!

www.tracyreese.com

Spring is coming soon!!!

Spring is the most beautiful time of the year. Why? Beautiful colors, shorter silhouettes, and my birthday!!! :) [Had to throw that in there.] Right now I'm going to show you a brand you have probably heard of, a brand you probably have NOT heard of, and a concept you've never seen before. Let's take a look...

Miss Sixty is a brand whose stores are mainly located on the west coast. But not to worry: there are stores located in Dallas and in New York. The clothes have a 60's inspired look: one of innovation, change, and popping colors. You can visit one of the store's locations, shop online at shop.misssixty.com, or look at the Spring 2008 collection I found on New York Magazine's website. The blogs say that the Miss Sixty Fashion Week show was a start studded event, including my favorite little cradle robber Demi Moore.

Here are my favorite picks from the show:

Ok, so now I'll introduce you to the brand that you probably HAVEN'T heard of. It's called 

Brooklyn Industries and it has some interesting designs to offer to the girl who wants to stand out. They have 7 stores in New York and they seem to have a successful online market. 

Click the name to check out their website. 

Remember an earlier post when I said a trench coat was a staple? I was serious, and B.I. has one that's even more serious! It sells for $148 and also comes in a khaki color. Pair this with the red Hayden Panettiere bag I featured two entries ago, and you will be one fierce diva. They also had something that caught my eye, because it's one of my favorite colors:

This little sweater can go over any t-shirt, blouse, or dress just 

in case that breeze of March and April is too chilly. It's 100% cotton and sells for $72.

And now for the concept that you've been waiting for. Fashion has overwhelmed technology, as you probably have observed. Whether it's your Juicy Couture iPod case or the cell phone slot in your Gucci laptop bag, you've got to be up-to-date with technology and looking fabulous while doing so. So lay your eyes on an innovation that left me speechless and excited:

The Coco Chanel cell phone!!! Not sure when it is set to release, but if I had the money to buy it now, I would!!! On the outside when the phone is closed, it just looks like a simple metal square. Its illuminated front gives it a little flair.

When you slide it up, the squares turn into the keypad and the translucent screen gives it detail that no other phone on the market has. Fred DeGarlihe from NewLaunches.com says, "not only does it mimic Madame Coco Chanel's mysterious aura but [it] also stands for her superb design sense". 

Spring is a time for new beginnings and fabulosity. (Thanks Kimora! lol) Don't overlook brands that you've never worn before, because you just might reinvent yourself. Have a great week!!!

That New-New Shiiiii

Ok, ok, ok......this has gotten out of hand!!! Leslie and I are trippin' for not updating with the quickness!!! We're sorry.....life is crazy these days, and I'm sure you could agree!

The purpose of our blog is to inform you of brands that you might not have heard of, or that aren't so commercialized. Therefore, I'm gonna hit you with that new-new _ _ _ _!!!

One of the most important parts of a girl's wardrobe is DENIM. Dark, light, medium...skinny, boot cut, wide leg....capri, bermuda, or regular...we MUST have them!!!! (And also be the fierce creatures that we are). There is a brand out there called Cheap Monday, which is featured at Barney's, and they are really innovative. (Click the name for more information.) Basically, their main goal is to sell their denim in high-end places but to still offer low prices in order to com

pete with the Seven's, the True's, and the Citizens' of the retail industry. Over the summer, I tried on a pair at Barney's, and they were SOOO comfortable. (I didn't get them because it would have been an impulse buy...yikes!) But anyway, if you like super-skinny jeans, this is the brand for you. They would look awesome with heels (like on the picture), or with sneakers. We all know 80's is back in style, that's why we've shown you the acid wash at the top. Also, if you want to be different and have something that no one else is daring enough to wear, choose the bottom

pair. I've never seen any jeans like that: fun, creative, and avant garde! Don't forget to check out their website!!!

This brand is called Milkshake Kicks, and I literally heard about them today. They make shoes specifically for the woman's foot and in colorways that we can appreciate.

There's not that

much information out there about this new brand, but you can check out their blog at

milkshakekicks.blogspot.com!!!

They are also on Facebook--->CLiCK HeRE

I'll update you with more information as I get it. But look at all the pretty colors!!! :)

I hope everyone is having a fabulous Black History Month and is educated themselves. It's not just about Black people...everyone should know about our history in this country!!! Have a fabulous week!

Are you reddy?

Greetings! 

My fellow TAM major and I (Leslie) have been trying to get back into the swing of things. This is our last semester as underclassmen!! *tear* And to think, Mizzou might actually be poppin this semester! What a concept...

Well February is a few days away, and you all know what that means: Valentine's Day! Awww!!! I'm no longer bitter about this cheesy day, because I have a boyfriend now!!! And what a great boy he is. 

So obviously the color of the month is RED! All variations and shades. So what do you need for this month? An amazing bag, shoes that will probably hurt your feet but will make your outfit, and another classical piece: in this case, I chose a trench coat.

I know I keep featuring pricy items, but sometimes you need to splurge in order to look your best. Do you all know Hayden Panettiere? She was the coach's daughter in Remember the Titans and also plays Claire on NBC's Heroes.

Well she teamed up with Dooney & Burke and made this stunning bag (which sells for $500).

The key is, use this bag as a conversation starter. I wouldn't suggest wearing anything else red with this, because you want the bag to be the main focus of your outfit. 

Second, the shoes. Girls should already have a pair of red pumps, so I didn't want to just show 

you a regular pair of Stuart Weitzman's. So I searched for something unique. The designer is Vince Camuto and these beauties can be found on Nordstrom.com. They cost about $125. I can picture a young hottie wearing skinny jeans and a button up with these peep-toes, and breaking every neck when you go out to lunch on the weekend. But make sure you keep them critters painted and moisturized. No one wants to see your crusty cuticles and month-old polish! If you're in Dallas, try Jeannie's Nail Salon on Mockingbird. In Atlanta, go to the luxurious Sugar Coat in Buckhead. I've never gotten my nails done in New York, but according to CitySearch.com, Nao Salon & Spa got 4.5 out of 5 stars. Check it out on Madison Ave. 

I so wish I had a trench coat. I've always thought they were for my granny, but now they're

 pretty trendy. I found a red trench on Kaboodle.com (a fantastic shopping community).

This is made by Tulle Clothing and costs $105. Wear this to class or work, with khakis and a plain shell and you're good to go. I think it would be best to wear big chunky accessories to add a little spice to the look.

Don't forget to share your best love with all of your besties and your boo's. And show us some love here at Our Popular Culture!!!

APRIL IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER!

(April 77, Men's Winter Collection)

Okay, colored jeans are my new obssession!, so from seaching the World Wide Web for cool colored jeans, i came across April 77, which has some of the flyest jeans I've ever seen. What caught my eye the most were the vibrant jeans from the spring/summer 2007 collection. Never heard of it??? Well read and learn!!!

April 77 was created by french designer, Brice Partouche. "April 77 is not a jeans brand. We sell an attitude and we make jeans just because it fits with our inspiration, with the music we love".

(Brice Partouche)

Aprill 77 is a punk rock label, and every style of jean is named after a rock legend. The target market for these jeans are musicians and people into the underground scene. And the best thing about these jeans are that they are all unisex!, thats right, so you and yours can have a matching pair (if you're into that type of thing). So If you're all aboout skinny jeans that will make you stand out on the brightest day, take a look at April 77, because deep down inside we all want to be a ROCKSTAR!, http://www.april77.fr/.

(April 77, Women's Winter Collection)

Back in 2008 (by semi-popular demand)

Sorry for the extra-long hiatus. Things are absolutely wonderful at home on this FABULOUS Christmas break!!! 

So in the next couple of weeks, we will be starting second semester. My friends and I ended 2007 with a bang! And definitely started 2008 on the right feet. Let's take a look at some trends and things, shall we?

Tights (leaning more towards the opaque style like I'm wearing to the left) are definitely "in" for the winter time. They give your outfit classic expression and they're not expensive! So get your butts down to the local Target/Walmart and get some in every color! They had some pretty fall colors in Forever 21 the last time I was there.

Second, for the men. One of the hottest, most exclusive items that came out in 2007, my man has on his feet. Supra released the 14K Gold Skytops which are disgustingly sexy with ANY outfit. Chad Muska did it on this one! Sadly, there were only 1000 made in the WORLD so I'm sorry if you can't find them. 

And I told yall that black was a no-go for New Year's!!! Don't be afraid to stand out, like my best friend did in her jewel-toned dress! 

 

But the trend doesn't stop at NYE dresses. FashionTrendsetter.com reports that the colors for Winter 2008 are not so bland. The website describes, "The Color Association [of the United States] fashion projections for Fall/Winter 2007-08 continue the multi-colored approach of recent years, but takes a starker and moodier stance that mirrors our more complicated and uncertain times". I think that sentence describes womenswear perfectly, as we are exceeding boundaries once put on us. Here is the color palette they came up with:

Let's have fun and continue our colors into the spring! Stay tuned for more color forecasts as we reach our warmer months.

Readers have said that I don't talk about menswear enough. SORRY fellas!!! It's not on purpose! (LOL) Designers have such wonderful things in store for you, so how could I miss it, right?? So I'll feature some brands that cater to my counterparts:

KiSER

(Click the name for the website!)

I hadn't heard of this brand until my boyfriend's best friend started interning there. They quote: "We are NOT a 'lifestyle brand'! Our customers appreciate good design and refuse to be stereotyped into any one lifestyle. People are not one-dimensional and KISER as a brand is no different."

I totally agree. Kiser is cutting-edge and needs some recognition. Their designs are DUMB FLY and the artist is crazy on the graphic work! Check out the lookbooks on their website, and buy something! They're also relatively inexpensive for good quality stuff!!! So mark my words....(and shout out to ANT!!!!)

The second brand I'm going to focus on is......Ralph Lauren!!! Sounds pretty boring/basic, but I 

love to embrace American designers. Right now, he is featuring his Resort Line, which is PeRFeCT because I know we are all making plans for Spring Break '08! Cruise in style in this unique knit cardigan (made with soft linen and cotton yarns) which goes for $185. Seems pricy, but throw this on top of the Polo's that you already have for daytime or with a short-sleeve button-up with nice denim for the nightlife, and you're good to go!

Think about these tips and incorporate them into your daily lives, and you are sure to be as FABULOUS as God intended you to be!