Air Force Inspired

In honor of the Portsmouth Air Show happening this weekend, I want to focus this post on clothing and accessories inspired by the military, specifically the Air Force.

Short Sleeve Belted Military Shirt Dress, Macy's $44.99

I love the simple clean lines of a shirt dress, but I especially enjoy when there are military details like epaulets and pockets. The green reminds me more of the army, but the crispness of the look is military all the way. 

Vintage 60's Military-Inspired Jacket, Ebay, $42

The idea of military-inspired fashion is not a new one. It's a trend that comes and goes very frequently, in fact. This jacket pictured above is a vintage 1960's jacket with amazing details. I love the huge collar (very 60's), but I especially love the button detailing on the sides. It's unexpected and striking, but still has that very polished look that we expect from military-inspired clothing. 

A-Line Denim Skirt, Forever 21, $19.80 

Finally, a little bit of blue, although in this case it's denim. I like the silhouette of this skirt and the fact that it goes with just about anything. Dress is up, dress it down- that's actually one of the great things about military- you can go dressy or casual with it, depending on the accessories you choose. 

I've never actually attended an air show, but I imagine they are pretty exciting- the power of the aircrafts as well as the skill of the pilots likely makes for quite a spectacle. Unfortunately, I'll be working, so there won't be any air show viewing for me this weekend. If you happen to go, please leave me a comment and tell me all about it- I'd love to hear all about it!

Shoesday Tuesday- Look for Less is Actually Awesome

Hello, ladies and gents- I don't have a whole lot to say today except for one bit of exciting news. Last week I featured several options as a "look for less" and over the weekend, I actually ran into one of the pair I featured live and in person. Of course I had to try them on. It would have been irresponsible not to, right? They were the Franco Sarto Vial Platform Pump and they were much more beautiful in person:

In person, the color is so much more rich. They are also fairly comfortable, as heels go, anyway. I found them at Macy's, but you can buy them at Endless for a lot less money. At Macy's they were about $80, and I was not prepared to splurge on them on that particular day. It was difficult to walk away, though. I will admit that. 

Why was I shoe-shopping at Macy's? I was with my BFF and we were shopping for wedding shoes for her. And I'm proud to say that we found them and they are FIERCE. I must say that I have been impressed with her wedding attire choices from the get-go. Her dress is simple and daring at the same time. Her shoes, as I mentioned, are FIERCE. Her jewelry choice is probably the most simple and understated and yet there is a lot of sentiment attached to it, so the meaning is the focus of that particular piece. I guess I'm trying to say that I think she's going to look amazing and I can't wait! 

Speaking of wedding shoes, how do all of you feel about shopping for shoes for a wedding- whether you are the bride, a member of the wedding party or a guest. Do you feel it's more difficult or at the very least different from shopping for shoes for pretty much anything else? Do you struggle more when shopping for a wedding? I do, partly because I'm not really interested in shoes that most stores would deem "wedding appropriate." Tweet your thoughts today and don't forget the hashtag #ShoesdayTuesday

Rate My Look- More Stella and Dot

Obviously, since I've received my Stella and Dot free jewelry, I have a large amount of jewelry to choose from when I get dressed in the morning. I wanted to show you a couple of outfits that were finished perfectly with one or two pieces of Stella and Dot jewelry:

Dress: Made by ME!
Shoes: Steve Madden

Necklace, Earrings and Cocktail Ring: Stella and Dot

As you know, on Saturday, we are required to wear black. We generally use our accessories when trying to make our all-black outfits a bit more interesting. After work, I had plans to see a show with a friend, so I needed an outfit (and accessories) that could easily transition from a busy day at the shop to a night out. This black dress (made by yours truly, of course), and the right accessories helped create the ideal outfit for both. I must admit, however, that I changed to the fun red shoes after I left work for the night. There's no way I could have survived 8 hours on my feet in those heels! The jewelry that helped to finish my look includes the Sofia Pearl Bib Necklace, the Ladybug Studs and the Camilla Ring.Overall, they helped create a sophisticated look that worked not only for a busy high-end bridal shop, but also for a night out at the theatre. 

Today, when I got dressed for work, my goal was to create an outfit around just one piece of Stella and Dot jewelry. I chose the Chloe Necklace, but I off-set the ribbon bow so that it was more visually interesting:

Top: Macy's

Skirt: Anthropologie (Please excuse the wrinkles)

Shoes: Target

Necklace: Stella and Dot

I like the necklace with the ribbon tied this way- it's still pretty when the ribbon is tied behind the neck, but I love asymmetry, so I prefer it with the ribbon tied to the side. Some might call me a genius for coming up with that idea. I'd be okay with that. 

Check back soon for more outfits inspired by and created using Stella and Dot jewelry. And don't forget to shop the virtual trunk show. Click here for more information on how you can participate! Enjoy the rest of your Monday, everyone! 

Rate My Look- a Lost Outfit

I have no idea when I wore this outfit or when I took this picture. All I can tell you is that the shirt is relatively new- I got it at a bargain price at TJ Maxx a few weeks ago. The skirt I bought a few months ago at Macy's when I was shopping for black pieces to incorporate into my outfits for Saturdays at work. The necklace is from Forever 21 and it's an owl pendant. I love it. That's really all I can tell you. But while I might not have much to say, you could always write a rant about this outfit (or whatever strikes your fancy) in the comments section. Go for it!

Beauty Product Review: Mascara

I've been experimenting with lots of different mascaras lately and I thought I would share some of my findings with you. First of all, you should know I am NOT a licensed cosmetologist or even a make-up aficionado of any kind. I have simply experimented with different types and brands of mascaras and I'm simply going to tell you what I've experienced and learned in the process.

For starters, I want to say that from the most expensive to the least expensive, from the vibrating brushes to the simplest applicators, one thing remains the same: mascara is mascara. Will you ever have lashes like the models in the mascara commercials? You will if you wear false eye lashes. Or if your lashes are naturally long and full. Otherwise, mascara will help to lengthen and thicken your lashes, but without using falsies, you will never achieve the look you see on the TV commercials.

That being said, there are actually quite a few mascaras that seem to do what they say and surprisingly, they are the less expensive brands. Maybelline is one of the most consistent mascaras I've used in terms of delivering on the promises made on the packaging. I recently tried the following mascaras:

Bare Escentuals Buxom Lash, Sephora, $18

After trying Bare Escentuals Buxom lip plumper, I was very impressed. I decided to try their mascara in the hopes that it was equally impressive as a plumping/volumizing product. Unfortunately, this mascara is just your run-of-the-mill mascara without any major lengthening or thickening effects. It does, however go on smoothly and doesn't tend to clump. 

L'Oreal Extra Volume Collagen Mascara, CVS, $7.99

I was drawn to L'Oreal's mascara for much the same reason I was drawn to Buxom- I had experienced success with other products of the same brand. I like L'Oreal's True Match make-ups as well as many of their eye shadows. I'd heard good things about collagen mascaras and that's what made me give this one a try. Once again, I was disappointed. This mascara lengthens and thickens marginally, so the effect was not nearly as dramatic as I would have liked. 

Estee Lauder Double Wear Lengthening Mascara, Macy's, $21

This pricey mascara claimed to last 15-hours without flaking or smudging. Lies. Don't waste your money! Also, its lengthening is marginal at best. I was recently told never to buy expensive mascara because the one that is always ranked #1 is Maybelline's Great Lash. That's right- the $5 stuff performs the best year after year. That's what made me try Maybelline. Well, that and the fact that one of my coworker's lashes always look spectacular and I finally asked her what she uses. Her answer: Maybelline Colossal Volume Express. 

Maybelline Colossal Volume Express, CVS, $7.49

Another collagen-based concept, this mascara supposedly lengthens and thickens dramatically. For once, a mascara delivered on its promise. My lashes are noticeably longer and thicker when I use this brand. The product glides on easily. You don't have to wait for on coat to dry to add another, in fact, the packaging states you shouldn't let it dry. So just apply until the lashes are as long and thick as you like and you're done. The day I bought the Colossal, I was also intrigued by the Lash Stiletto, also my Maybelline. I decided to try it out, too. 

Maybelline Lash Stiletto, CVS, $8.49

Not the original Lash Stiletto, what intrigued me about this version was its claim to also add volume. I bought both and did a side-by-side comparison that night on my lashes. Both the Colossal and the Stiletto had excellent lengthening and thickening effects. Only after trying each one out for a full day was I able to determine that I prefer the Lash Stiletto, but only marginally. I ended up preferring the Stiletto because it came in a nice "Brownish Black" color that's just ever so slighty lighter than black. On my fair skin and blonde lashes, I don't always like a harsh, black lash. 

None of the mascaras above were used with any type of primer, but I wanted to see if it made a difference. I decided to stick with Maybelline since they really seem to know how to make mascara. 

Maybelline XXL Pro Volume, CVS, $8.99

This type of mascara is a two-step process. First, apply the primer (which is white, strangely enough). This coats your lashes and makes them longer and thicker. After it dries, you apply the second coat which is the color. While it does produce dramatic lashes, I found it made them feel stiff. It held up well throughout a long day, but in the end I prefer a softer feel. Primer is best for someone looking for both length and volume. If you already have thick lashes, and all you want is a bit more length, a primer might be too much for you. But if your lashes are thin and you want it all, you might want to consider something like the XXL Pro Volume. 

So there you have it: my experiences with a LOT of mascara. I really believe Maybelline is the brand that actually delivers on their claims. And with prices under $10, it's worth experimenting to find the perfect one for you. Good luck and let me know if you have anything to say about these or any other mascaras-just leave a comment! 

Rate My Look- Finally a black WORK outfit!

It's been a while since I managed to photograph myself in one of my all-black separates outfits that I wear to work every Saturday. I admit, I enjoy seeing what each employee wears to work with this extremely restrictive color palate. There are back cardigans, black sweater dresses, black tights, black pants, black leggings, black blouses, black dresses, black boots, back skirts, black, black, BLACK! It may sound boring, but it usually isn't. Every now and then someone will wear a colored scarf or add a pop of grey or white to their outfit, which is technically allowed. I've been trying to be really strict and only allow myself black. Period. Last Saturday, I wore this outfit:

Top: Daffy's

Skirt: Macy's

Shoes: DSW

The skirt and shoes were part of my recent purchases specifically for work outfits. The blouse was part of my booty from a shopping trip in NYC about a year ago. All three items have made several appearances at work as part of all-black Saturday outfits as well as other multi-colored looks.

This outfit is another perfect example of mixing textures to create an interesting monochromatic look. The skirt is tiered lace and the top is satin. Funny how I encounter the same combination of fabrics nearly every day, except usually in white or ivory. I'm very happy with how the shoes seem to be holding up. I've worn them a lot since purchasing them and I definitely consider them a successful purchase. They are still comfortable even for 10-hour days and very busy Saturdays. I'm hoping to stock my closet with a couple more basic black shoes to wear in various seasons. I hope open-toed shoes are allowed in the summer!

Rate My Look- Black Saturday

As you know from this previous post, Saturday is the day we are required to wear black at the shop. I went shopping on Wednesday with my fabulous friend Beth and actually managed to find some major deals at Macy's. They happened to be having a one-day sale, so lots of items were marked down 50% or more. I got two black pencil skirts (one with tiered lace, the other pretty basic except for some adorable kick pleats), a black lace/ribbon/sequin dress and a fabulous lime-ish green faux-silk blouse. While I aimed to purchase only black items, I couldn't resist the green top- the price and the style were too much to ignore. For all four of those fabulous items, I only spent about $75. I also snagged an amazing pair of teal faux-suede high heels at a gem of a shoe store in Jamaica Plain. You are going to DIE for them when you see them, but you'll have to wait until next week's Shoesday Tuesday for that.

This past Saturday, I decided it would be a perfect day to try out the new dress. It has an elastic waist, which is great for comfort, but not so great for style. I covered it with a small black patent belt and then finished the look with black tights, my flat black boots, black flower cocktail ring and big, bold black earrings. I got plenty of compliments throughout the day from my coworkers. Since they are all such fashionistas, I was happy to get their seals of approval. But what about your seal of approval- do I have it?

Leave a comment! And then go to the THANKSGIVEAWAY post and leave up to three comments there for a chance to win an amazing papercut necklace. Happy Monday! 

Shopping with my Mom

Ever since moving back to New Hampshire, I've been very busy, which is why I haven't been blogging regularly. But that's not all- I don't feel like I've been able to establish a routine for myself yet. I am enjoying the freedom in my schedule, but it mostly means that I'm out visiting friends and catching up a lot of the time. I am loving that aspect of being home.

Another part of being home that I'm enjoying is getting to shop with all my favorite people. I love helping friends and family find that perfect outfit for whatever it is that they are shopping for. Today the task was to help my mom find an outfit for my cousin's wedding. We ended up narrowing it down to two options. The first was a grey wool Calvin Klein that was certainly beautiful and quite versatile. The second option was for a gorgeous yellow dress by Adrianna Papell which would require some creativity to get it to work for a fall wedding. I tend to be pretty outlandish with my clothing choices, and I don't always expect everyone to agree with what I think is best. But every now and then, someone will surprise me. Today, it was my mom. I fully expected her to choose the grey CK dress not only because she genuinely loved it and it looked great on her, but also because she is pretty conservative in her choice of clothing. Instead, she ended up buying the yellow dress after I told her I could help make it work for the season, for the event and for her body. And the funny part is that I fell in love with the dress on the hanger, but even up until the moment it was zipped, she was skeptical. Then when she saw it on, she fell in love, too!

All items from Macy's:

Dress: $75

Shoes: $52

Shawl: $19.99

The dress itself is bordering on the seasons- the wrong accessories could take it to spring or summer. Well, I suppose they'd be the right accessories at another time of year, but right now, the goal is to make this dress work for fall. I chose to do this mostly through color.

What I love about the dress (besides the color) is the neckline- it's a gorgeous ruched scoop neck with a floral embellishment on the left side. The dress itself is sleeveless, but a jacket or cardigan would cover up the beautiful floral detail not to mention the beautiful draping in front. I recommended my mom pair the dress with copper-y brown wedges, a set of pearls she already owned in a similar copper-y brown and a rust colored wrap. The wrap is so simple and yet it does exactly what this outfit needs it to do:

1.) It covers the upper arms both for warmth and because my mom is more comfortable with her arms covered. And it does this while still showing off the floral detail of the dress! The neckline isn't ruined one bit!

2.) It also adds an additional fall color to the mix, but also looks gorgeous next to both the yellow and the copper-y brown. The three colors together remind me of the foliage all around right now:

I'm really proud of her for stepping out of the box and wearing something other than a traditional LBD or standard wedding attire. The outfit is perfectly appropriate, but also unique. I think she can rest assured that no one will be showing up in the same outfit.

To achieve this wrap look, simply drape a large scarf or pashmina-style shawl over your shoulders, then tie the ends behind your back loosely enough that your arms are mobile, but snug enough that the shawl stays in place. The effect is like a 3/4 sleeve bolero from the front, and a basic wrap-look from behind. And since it's tied in place, you won't be struggling all night trying to keep your wrap in place around your shoulders.

And since I know you want a close-up of those gorgeous shoes, here it is:

If you live in the New England area and are interested in utilitzing my unique personal styling services, visit my website or email me to set up an initial appointment. Whether you need help choosing an outfit for an event, or your entire wardrobe needs an overhaul, I'm available to assist you. And don't be fooled- this type of service is not nearly as expensive as you might think. So many people think that only the wealthy or famous have personal stylists, but the truth is that it can be quite affordable- one of my recent clients was a local school teacher and another was a working mom. Fashion knows no boundaries! Contact me anytime for more informtion- I'm looking forward to hearing from you!

Accessories Anonymous: Gold Hoops

There are some things that every woman should have in her closet: a tailored trench coat, a little black dress, the right jeans for your body, to name a few. These staples, or investment pieces are items that should last for years, that are classic enough to pass the test of time, and well-made enough to handle the wear and tear over the years. It's okay to spend a little more on a classic investment piece because of how much use it will get.

Lately I've been thinking about getting a pair of nice, gold hoop earrings. Real ones. Gold hoop earrings are never out of style and they are the perfect finish to so many looks. They are versatile and sophisticated and worth the investment. But what hoops to get? How big should the hoop be? Narrow and dainty, or heavy and wide? It depends- the size and style of your hoops should match your own personal style. If you typically wear bold, loud clothing and accessories, then your hoops will probably work best in your wardrobe if they are on the larger side. And of course if the opposite is true and you tend to wear more basic, neutral clothing, then go with a more understated set of hoops. No matter what your personal style, I guarantee there is a set of hoops out there for you.

Some hoops are so versatile, they would work for nearly anyone or any outfit. These from Saks are that type. They are small, but well-made. They make a nice statement without being over the top.

Charles Garnier 18K 1 1/2-inch Gold Hoop Earrings, Saks Fifth Avenue, $275

The same style is also avaiable slightly larger:

Charles Garnier 18K 2 inch Gold Hoop Earrings, Saks Fifthe Avenue, $345

And if you prefer, an even larger version:

Large 3-inch 14K Gold Hoops, Heavenly Treasures, $298

Some people prefer a hoop that is small in diameter, but is a little more substantial in terms of the shape. In that case, these next few pairs of hoops might be for you:

14K Gold Polished Swirl Hoop Earrings, Macy's, $120

14K Gold Hoop Earrings, Amazon, $374.50

Honestly, hoops are so classic and versatile, there are literally millions to choose from. Find a pair that works for you and rock 'em!

Fashion Phrases and Terms: Ombre

Ombre is a type of dye or coloring technique in which two or more colors gradually fade or graduate into each other. The effect can be very elegant, as in this Guess by Marciano gown:

Other times, the colors can actually appear almost as stripes, like in this metallic-finish dress from Promgirl:

I adore ombre, especially when it is done well, as it is in these pieces:

Ralph Lauren Swimsuit, Macy's, $69

Ombre Jersey Tie-Tunic, Neiman Marcus, $60

Ombre Dress, Casual Living, $39.99

Adrianna Papell Ombre Chiffon Dress, Nordstrom, $198

Ombre Pencil Skirt, Bloomingdale's $373.50

While ombre is often beautiful, depending on how it is used, it can be difficult to wear. For example, if the transition from one color to the next is very crisp as opposed to gradual, it can be a little harsh especially if the "print" is horizontal. Remember what everyone says about horizontal stripes making you look wider? This can definitely be the case with the wrong ombre dress. It can even happen if the transition is gradual, but falls at an unflattering spot, like with this dress:

Anne Klein Sleeveless Ombre Dress, Macy's $49.99

Notice how the darker part of the dress begins right at the widest part of the hips? This draws the eye to the hips, which is not always a good thing. If you are the kind of girl who doesn't have hips, this dress would be great for you. But if you're like me, the last thing you want is to have people looking down there. If the darker part of the dress extended up to the waistline, this would not be nearly as noticeable. Also, if there was a bit of the darker color at the shoulders fading into the neckline, that would help create a more balanced ombre effect (kind of like the Casual Living dress above). These jeans are another good example of how NOT to wear ombre:

Ombre Wash Flared Jeans, Hot Topic, $29.99

Once again, the ombre effect draws attention to the widest part of the body, or even worse in this case, to the wearer's crotch. Never a good thing, my friends, never a good thing.

Basically, you should think of ombre as a type of print, because it kind of is a print of sorts. In all situations concerning printed garments, the key is to make sure you are wearing the right proportion of that particular print. If you are petite, then an ombre that fades very gradually to another similar color will probably be the best choice. For example, this dress:

Phoebe Couture Strapless Ombre Organza Dress, Neiman Marcus, $350

And if you are trying to find an ombre dress that will produce a slimming effect, go for one that is diagonal or even vertical like this gorgeous evening gown from Faviana:

Faviana Green Ombre Dress, French Novelty, $317.99

I hope this explanation of ombre has been informative and useful! If you have any questions about ombre that I haven't answered in this post, leave a comment and I'll be sure to get back to you. Have a great weekend, everyone!

Bathing Suit Season is Fast Approaching...

Now don't lynch me for this, or burn me in effigy- I would be remiss if I didn't at least cover the topic of swim suits. I know what a painful process bathing suit shopping can be, but it really doesn't have to be that way. I do NOT have Heidi Klum's body and trust me when I say you will NOT be seeing a "Rate My Look" Beach Edition anytime soon, but I do have several bathing suits that are comfortable and flattering. If I can find a suit (or two) that works for my body, so can you! I'll even do my best to break it down for you!

For small busts:

Tommy Bahama Swim Top, Macy's $49.40

Calvin Klein One-Piece, Zappos, $98

Why do these work for a small bust? Because the underwire helps enhance your tiny ta-tas. The same could be said of a swim suit with padded cups, just like a padded bra. In this case, the underwire not only provides support which helps lift your bust, but it accents that area on your body as well. It draws the eye to the bustline, which is why this is a good trick for those of you who are small busted AND pear-shaped. By enhancing your upper body, you help to balance out wider hips, but that's not all! Pear-shaped ladies, check out these suits:

Mitered One-Piece, Venus, $59-79

Halter Tankini with High Waist Bottoms, Venus, $36 and $24-26, respectively

In addition to accenting the upper body, pear-shaped ladies should also stick with a high cut on the leg. (Just don't go Baywatch high, if you know what I mean.) The reason for this is that the line of the swimsuit will not only fall on a smaller part of your hips, but it will also help to lengthen the line of your leg. Boy-cut is your nemesis as is any cut that isn't at least a little bit vertical. A pear-shaped lady has plenty of curves, all she needs to do is make sure the top is in proportion with the bottom- always think in terms of balance. Some women don't have curves to balance out, though- instead they are "boy shape" for lack of a better term. In that case, they have the unfortunate challenge of creating curves. For them, I recommend:

Embellished Cut-Out One Piece, Victoria's Secret, $115

Colorblock One-Piece Swimsuit, Neiman Marcus, $198

This trick can be incorporated with a cut-out style or color blocking. In both cases, there is an illusion of an hourglass shape. The rounded curves of the cut-out suit in a color that contrasts against the skin tone creates the illusion that the rounded curves of the suit are the curves of the woman in it. In the case of the color blocked suit, the black detailing also creates an illusion of a small waist balanced against a larger bust and wider hips. Who says you need Harry Potter to work some serious magic? But the cut-out and the color blocking aren't the only things helping out a girl with a "boy shape." The necklines and high leg cuts of both suits are also keys to creating curves where there aren't necessarily that many. It's the combination of the two that help create an hourglass, curvy shape. Look for rounded, plunging necklines and the same kind of high leg cut as recommended for the pear-shaped ladies. Also, avoid at all costs any straight or square neckline and especially avoid the high-neck Speedo-type of suit. Speedo's? They are not flattering on ANYONE, I don't care how rockin' your bod may be.

Not everyone is able to wear such revealing suits as bikinis or cut-outs like the one above. Some of us have a little tummy to hide. Or a large tummy to hide. Whatever the tummy size, select one with ruching. Ruching that angles across the body is best, but any type will help mask a little belly: 

Twist-Front One-Piece, Victoria's Secret, $134-140

Crisscross Shaping One-Piece, Victoria's Secret, $132-138

In addition to ruching in the front, look for a suit with a high back and a high content of spandex or lycra in the fabric. These two criteria combined will help act as "shaping" agents. An open back with ruching will never be nearly as effective because ruching is most flattering when it is fitted across the body. If the ruching drapes or hangs, pass on that suit and keep on looking.

There are plenty of women out there who dread summer because it means having to find a suit to contain large ta-tas. If you are one of these women, look for suits like these:

Kenneth Cole Halter Suit, Dillard's, $110

Underwire Tank Halter Swimsuit, Land's End, $59.50

Women with a large bust should keep an eye out for suits that first and foremost offer support. Underwire with full coverage and halter necklines are the best options for support. Avoid triangle top bikinis and bandeau or tube tops as none of these will be flattering or offer the support you need. In addition, look for wide straps that will be more in proportion with the bust they are helping to hold up.

Well, I hope this has been a helpful post. Feel free to completely ignore it if bathing suit season makes you cringe. I won't take it personally. And if there are any other swimsuit issues you may have, feel free to email me with a question and I'll do my very best to help you out! Happy suit hunting!

Sock it to me

Ok, guys, I haven't devoted a post to you in a while, and I'm sorry for being neglectful. So, this one's for you. I've been thinking a lot about socks. Men wear boring socks, don't you think? And that needs to change. Even if you just start with neutral colors in stripes and argyle prints, and then work your way to fun solid colors- trust me, it's a good thing. Bloomingdales has these Ralph Lauren argyle socks available for $13.50:The great thing about these is that they're available in neutrals AND a bold red! How fun is that? Just don't wear them with a pair of knickers out on the golf course. In case you're not brave enough to go for such bold contrast in the argyle, these socks are available at Macy's for a little more. At $21.00, it's a little more than I'd like to spend on socks:

Even more pricey are these Paul Smith striped socks from Saks at $30:

They're available in 2 more fabulous color combinations. They're subtle, but bold at the same time. I like them! If you want something a little more bold, visit American Apparel- they have the most fabulous socks ever at great prices. Like these striped socks:

They're available in all sorts of great color combinations and at $8.00 are the best price I've seen for such a trendy item. Also available at American Apparel are these for $18 for a package of 3.
Once again, there are all sorts of color combinations. I think they're fun! Now, for the bravest among you, I offer the brightly colored solid sock. Once again, American Apparel comes through for us at $8.oo per pair:

I know you're wondering how on earth to pull of a bright color sock. It's really simple, but you have to make it a clear choice. Start with a suit- 2 or 3 piece is fine- in a navy or charcoal grey. Add a colorful shirt & tie- for example, yellow or robins egg blue. Finish the look with a matching pocket silk and the socks. Done! Or, wear a suit with white shirt & dark tie and just add the socks for a splash of color. It's all about what you feel best in. Menswear tends to be kind of limiting and I think that a fun pair of socks is a great way to spice things up. Have fun, guys!