A Break From Our Regular Programming: BOYS! BOYS! BOYS!

Teddy Roosevelt once said, "Courtesy is as much a mark of a gentleman as courage."  I'd like to comment on Mr. Roosevelt's statement adding, the way a man dresses is also as much a mark of a gentleman as courage.  Does that make me shallow? Maybe.  But you can't blame me when I don't take a guy seriously when he's wearing cargo shorts, flip flops, and a tank top.

I rest my case.

However I do still have hope for the future of menswear with styles reminiscent of the days of the Rat Pack coming back into everyday America with celebrities such as Justin Timberlake, Usher, and Scott Disick. 

The bottom line is that if us women are going to spend the time to get ready and look presentable, then you men should reciprocate.  I mean you guys don't even have to put makeup on, how hard could it be?

Heroin Chic?

Is heroin still chic? Or was heroin never chic to begin with? The movement seems so interesting to me; that the effects of such a destructive substance can be seen as a look to strive for.  Is the strung out "morning after" hair, dark eyes, and worn out clothing something to be sought after?  Should we be aspiring to look so disheveled?

Personally I find that there is great beauty in the art of "heroin chic."  The human eye is naturally drawn to those that seem so effortlessly stylish so its no wonder society can't seem to shake this addiction.  It's the type of glamour that accompanies the "live fast, die young" lifestyle that people can't get enough of.  We crave this edgy looks that gives off a "no apologies, no consequences" vibe.

Kylie Jenner and her crew of "MSFTS" seem to have perfected and modernized this grunge, heroin chic look without the actual use of toxic drugs.

1. "Thug Life" Muscle Tee

2. J Brand Brix Skinny Jeans

3. Dolce & Gabbana Rosary Necklace

4. River Island Ear Cuff

5. La Linge De Chanel

6. Chanel Nude Lipstick

7. Balenciaga Red High Top Sneakers

8. Ray-Ban Classic Clubmaster Sunglasses

"Royals" by Lorde describes the conflict between low-class grunge lifestyle and the high-class party atmosphere that society teaches us to crave.

Craving Then, Craving Now: 1983 & 2013

The other day I asked my mom what fashion items she absolutely had to have when she was 18 years old and entering college.  Her answer:

1. Madonna's punk inspired jewelry

2. Bomber jacket

3. Daisy Duke stonewashed cut off jeans

4. High top sneakers

I was shocked by her answers.  Almost everything she had mentioned were things that I had been coveting for months now.  Even though I have been researching fashion "déjà vu" for months, it still surprises me every time I find a new connection to the past.

1. French Connection Petal Bomber Jacket

2. Vintage Pink Floyd Lotus Tee from Chaser LA

3. Urban Outfitters Rhinestone Spiked Ear Cuff

4. Vita Fede Crystal Titan Bracelet

5. Topshop Battered Triangle Necklace

6. Giuseppe Zanotti Wedge Sneaker

7. Vintage Cut Off Jeans

An Ode to the Crop Top

Is there really anything more scandalous than a mesh belly shirt?  The 1980s sure didn't think so.  Madonna created a public stir when she released the video for "Lucky Star" in 1983, which highlighted her in a black mesh crop top.  Her young teenage fans flocked stores in search of this hip midriff, while mothers and fathers alike banned this body bearing clothing item.

Sooo scandalous, eh?

After the initial shock of young girls running around showing their bellybuttons, the crop top became a huge hit in the 90s.  Starlets like Britney Spears and Christina Aguilara donned the crop top on almost every stage they performed on, and their teeny bopper fans were soon to follow.

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Nowadays people have figured out how to make baring your belly a little less sleazy.  Lose the low-rise pants and the sparkly leather and you've got yourself a fresh, classy, and fun look. 

Miley Cyrus, Selena Gomez, and Gwyneth Paltrow demonstrate that this look can even work for the red carpet.

 Let's just agree to never show our bellybuttons again, ladies.