Style Per Minute

Also known as “The Princeton” and the “College Cut”, this style was made popular amongst collegiates several decades ago. Trimmed shorter on the sides and back and gradually becoming longer towards the crown and front of the head, this is one of the most versatile styles. The hair can be parted on the side, brushed forward or flipped up in the front; the focus is on neatness. The cut is done to conform to the shape of the individual’s head, which is what makes it so flattering. Below is my favorite example of a modern Ivy League:

photo via.

You know when you go to buy a pair of jeans and you always turn to check out your butt in the mirror- to make sure it looks AH-mazing? Did you know that a lot of how the jeans fit has to do with one of the smallest pieces of fabric used on them? It’s called the “yoke”. The yoke is the piece of fabric that sits just below your belt loops and dictates the way that the garment will drape-and shape- your backside. So much so in fact, that once you understand exactly how each yoke shape takes to your body type, it could cut down on HOURS of trying on jeans to find that perfect pair. Below, I describe the main types, when they work, and who should wear them:

A. Inverted 

This happens to be my favorite as of late. This shape gives you the perfect “apple bottom” rounding out your curves. This yoke is great for women who want to accentuate this asset. One of the more difficult yoke shapes to find, I know that Levi’s and William Rast both offer a style of denim with this one.

B. Straight 

This shape works great on the ever popular “boyfriend” jean. This yoke gives you a a wider, more curve-less figure. I go for this style when I want to look tomboyish or preppy. If you have a naturally boyish body and crave more curves, this is not the fit for you.

C. V Shaped 

This is the most common shape used for jeans. Being democratic, pretty much any body type can wear a jean with this yoke. I don’t have much to say about this one, except to keep in mind that the deeper the V, the curvier you’ll look.

D.  Sweetheart

Choice of cowboys (think Wranglers) this yoke creates a dramatic shape. It will show off your hips and make your waist look smaller. Choose a pair with this yoke if you want to wear a crop top and channel Claudia Schiffer a la 1982.

 E. Wide

Also known as a “dropped” yoke, denim with this shape give the illusion that your pants are sagged, without actually having to sag. Made popular in Japan and Europe several years back, American designers are now starting to embrace this yoke. As with the straight yoke, this style will downplay your derriere. With a very casual, even irreverent feel, I only recommend wearing wide-yoked denim during the day.

So, put on your favorite pair of jeans and look at your butt in the mirror. Notice the yoke, and look for jeans with a similar one. This will save you lots of time so you can move onto bigger and better shopping- like the top you’re gonna wear with your jeans.

Below are three pairs of jeans from the Levi’s website. Wanted to show you a couple of examples on models so you could get an idea of how they actually look:

inverted

straight

v shaped

Madewell, sister company to J Crew, has been one of my favorite shops for a few years now. With only a small handful of stores in the U.S., I no longer have one near me ::tear::, but I still frequent their site for inspiration.

Now, I never shop at J Crew for two reasons:

1. I don’t fit in their clothes (I swim in a size 0)

2. I find the women’s selection rather boring. (Sue me.)

However, their bohemian stepsister Madewell does it for me every time. Below are some of my favorite looks from their spring collection. If I could have all these items, my warm weather wardrobe would be complete.

Menswear continues to influence women’s style, and so, I’ve made a list of essentials that you can nab from your boyfriend when he’s not looking:

1. his madras

Madras is huge this season, for men and women. A throwback to the 60’s, this print is meant to be bright and wild!

j crew

j crew

2. his bag

Whether it’s a saddlebag or a tote, try utilizing a rugged carry-all this season. A great juxtaposition with a sundress. 

john varvatos

maison martin margiela

3. his tie

Choose a prep-tastic tie and wear it with a delicate blouse and cardigan. Stripes and chambray are great picks!

co op

rag & bone

4. his leather cuff

Layer a leather cuff with a rope bracelet or bangles for a rugged-chic look.

billykirk

billykirk

5. his baseball cap

Every guy loves to see his girl wearing his cap. Baseball season is here so now’s the time to sport it!

american needle

american needle

Dear Men,

If you are always ending up in friendship hell, you have done something early on that has made her no longer view you as a “man”. Generally it’s the nice guys that make mistakes putting them into this “friend zone”. Let’s take a look:

1. You open up too quickly.

Make the woman earn your affection. If it comes too quickly, it will either seem insincere or “brotherly”. However, if you never open up,you’ll enter the jerk zone, which is also not good. Feel it out and don’t feel that you have to share everything right off the bat.

2. You gift them too quickly.

Do not give women flowers and poems and other sentiments too quickly. Just be chivalrous. Let her get addicted to your energy. Once she’s hooked, swoon her.

3. You aren’t aggressive.

A woman can only wait so long anticipating your affection before she gives up and you become simply a “friend”. Once she starts giving you physical cues of flirting, it’s your sign to make your move. Women will not physically flirt unless they are interested. 

4. You bend over backwards for her.

Women like a challenge. Plain and simple. Hold your ground and be confident. But still be a gentleman!

5. You’re not a “jerk” at first.

Now, let me expand a bit here. What I mean by this, is to just not give it all away at first. However, once she’s hooked on you, let your guard down and start opening up. 

And as I say: Romance is the most difficult dance.

*If you have a question, email me at: styleperminute@gmail.com

If you didn’t catch the Tommy Hilfiger Fall 2010 show at NYFW (which I must say was incredible), you probably haven’t seen the boot he featured on his female models. An obvious ode to the  L.L. Bean boot, Hilfiger tweaked and “chiced” this classic by adding a 5″ heel to it. So I want to know, how do you feel about it?

Below is the only photo I have of the profile shot. I apologize for the quality. (Source: WWD)

It seems that every time I find a new designer that I’m in love with, they’re Scandinavian. This time is no different. A new boutique watch brand put out by designer David Ericsson, VOID, is my newest obsession.

Started in 2008, this is the second collection of watches they’ve created. With a simple sensibility, the architectural influences of these pieces are incredible. The swedes are great when it comes to combining utilitarian function with clean aesthetic.

The “VO2″ watch has compass needle hands tipped in red and white accents that correspond with the colors on the dial. The classic speedometer look of these pieces give them a sense of speed and strength. Made with mineral glass crystal and genuine leather, these timepieces are sure to make a statement.

And remember, gents, women love men in watches.

Purchase info after the jump.

Visit the VOID site here.  (*You may be happily surprised to see the price. Oh, and they offer free worldwide shipping.)