Your IMPERFECTIONS Make You PERFECT [MAISON MARTIN MARGIELA]

[The Presidential Pursuit of Happiness]

This hand-made glass necklace from the Maison Martin Margiela contains subtle imperfections that are completely unique to each piece of each necklace. The house is well known for creating pieces such as this. Let this be a lesson that things don't need to be flawless and you can find beauty in imperfection.

handmade glass necklace $1,125.00

The price will definitely have you thinking it was diamonds.

I'm Not a Businessman, I'M A BUSINESS, MAN! [Ralph Lauren]

[The Presidential Pursuit of Happiness]
[for my homie Jonas]


The house that Ralph built, just keeps getting bigger, and better. This quintessential American powerhouse is the perfect example of how branding, quality merchandise, and moderate pricing all work together to create a successful label. Now get into these looks from the men's Spring 2010 line.

Dear Santa [My Grown-Up Christmas List]

[The Presidential Pursuit of Happiness]

I've been an awfully good boy all year long...

boots by Lanvin

UP HIGH, down low [Aperlaï]

[The Presidential Pursuit of Happiness]

A few months ago in France, new shoe company, Aperlaï quietly emerged with crocodile and whale skins gracefully laced up ankles and perched on leather soles and stacked platforms with soft geometric heels. A few weeks ago they were featured in the accessory report on Style.com (the online home of American Vogue). And today ShamelessSwagger is showcasing Aperlaï. More in the works...

Aperlai

You can't even really google the brand yet, so remember where you saw it first!

"Where Dem BLOGGERS At?" [Rihanna's "Hard"]

[The Presidential Pursuit of Happiness]
[I'm Right HERE!]

So this definitely should have been the lead single and video. This is the right type of energy for a long-awaited fourth quarter release. This is the Rihanna that we want to see... and hear!

Also, this video director, Melina is the second coming of Little X.


The Minnie Mouse hat/pink tank set ups was my favorite; make-up sooo nutz!

Excuse Me, Miss [Jason Wu Pre-Fall 2010]

The most wearable, yet fashionable Pre-Fall collection to date. I'm very pleased. :-D

Always STRAPPED!

Straps and buckles are a classic embellishment for shoes that make a statement. Try a few thick straps like YSL or a million thin straps like Emilio Pucci. Whichever you choose, just pray there's a zipper in the back; otherwise, be prepared to spend twenty minutes getting your shoes on. Enjoy!

Emilio Pucci

Get It Shorty [the Mini-Skirt]

You can (almost) never go wrong with a mini skirt. The right one can transform any look from day to night or boring to sexy.  This season designers have created several options to update the age old wardrobe staple adding fresh details from leather panels  by Helmut Lang to pleats and ruching at Jason Wu. There's something for every girl.

Camilla and Marc

U Can't Fit Ur Hand in Ur New PURSE [Judith Leiber]

They may look like ornaments or  jewelry but these pieces are actually clutches by notorious bag couturier Judith Leiber. Every season the label creates a intricate, mosaic like masterpieces with crystal embellishments.  The craftsmanship is impeccable and so is the price tag. Bags start upwards of a thousand and can run you up to $6,000!!! Enjoy!

Barbie Goes to PARIS! [Christian Louboutin]

[For Pinky]

Christian Louboutin and Barbie join forces to bring you a special edition collectors' doll complete with 4 pairs of the infamous designer shoes (with boxes and dust bags) and a journal of her exploits in Paris. She retails for $150 here.

Uptown Girl [Rachel Roy Pre-Fall]

Rachel Roy gives the world another lesson in classic, yet fresh quintessential New York sophistication. These are the weapons of woman who is independent, secure, precise, sexy, chic, fun and sultry; she is the center of attention every where she goes but she never tries too hard. Only Rachel Roy could give you all those things in one cohesive collection.

LBD [Alice + Olivia]

Wear this dress with embellished or patent leather black shoes (not too plain). Do the same for jewelry; go with bold black earrings,  a bare neck and one chunky cocktail ring in a dark, rich color.

multi panel strapless dress by Alice+Olivia

source

"Don't Forget Your PUNCTUATION!" [SHOES]

Some looks call for a little something extra; some pizzaz; a pop! Designers look to bright fluorescent colors to fill that void. Best used in small, but potent doses, Stella McCartney and Jimmy Choo use the shoe to demonstrate this growing trend. NEVER attempt to match the bright color with anything else in you ensemble. Pair it with contrasting neutrals to make sure the splash of color does it's job standing out against a bland canvas. Any questions?
 

Stella McCartney

Put A RING on It [Nior Jewelry]

Big names like Katy Perry, Rihanna, Lady GaGa and Beyoncé have all become fans of Nior Jewelry. Leeora Catalan, the labels founder and designer, is known for making stand out pieces featuring studs, spikes and pave stones. The result is bold and edgy, but still soft enough to be mainstream. The pieces are all costume so the price tag won't kill you either. Here are some pieces from the ring collection featuring animals; many of them of very reminiscent of my favorite jeweler, Jean Schlumberger. Enjoy!

Tattoo Your Name Across My HEART [Versace Pre-Fall]

Looking at Versace's 2010 pre-fall collection the phrase, "if it aint broke, don't fix it" comes to mind. True to form, the label does what it knows best: body hugging mini dresses with ornate details and/or in bright colors or bold prints. While I could stand for the collection to be a little more exciting, it's definitely dope; the shoes... not so much. They are way too clumsy/chunky for my taste. The overall take-away: The "party girl" motif is here to stay.

Lions, Tigers, and Bears [PREEN]

This wool and fur coat by Preen is the perfect compliment to a cocktail dress for those cold winter nights on the town. It will keep you warm and toasty, yet formal and glamorous, but with less propensity to being obnoxious in a full fur coat.

Trend: The Double-Breasted Blazer

The blazer makes yet another appearance in Fall trends. This time around it's double-breasted. Designers from Gucci to Yamamoto have redesigned the classic jacket with a closer cut for a modern feel. The fit is the most important feature so splurge on well-tailored jacket; it's a solid investment.

Gucci

Big Brother [Lanvin]

Lanvin sneakers have quickly become the must have sneaker for everyone from Usher and Kanye West to the First Lady Michelle Obama. Check out these two styles from the Fall 2009 men's collection. Enjoy!

both by Lanvin

Cop here

One Man Band Man [DSQUARED]

Get into this cropped tuxedo jacket by DSQUARED. It's perfect for the holiday season!

She Got Me HIGH off her CONTACT! [The Kid Daytona]

My big homie from middle school is making major moves right now. Check out his new video featuring Kardinal Offishall. The track is contagious!

For more music from The Kid Daytona click here. And make sure you download the mixtape, Come Fly with Me featuring songs with Bun B, Amanda Diva and more.

A New American Classic [Michael Bastian]

Michael Bastian created his eponymous label after realizing that he could never quite find the right quintessential American wardrobe staples to stock in Bergdorf's men's department where he was fashion director. The brand is known for taking classic pieces -the navy blazer, chinos, etc- and revamping them with a modern twist. The result is slim-cut button down shirts, cut off jean shorts, and the perfect fitting blazer. Below are pics from the Spring 2010 collection in NY. Naturally, the brand is stocked at Bergdorf Goodman.

Herald to Hercules [Givenchy]

The gladiator sandal has officially crossed over to menswear! Givenchy designer Riccardo Tisci sent models from the Spring 2010 menswear show down the runway in black, white and gold studded high-top sandals, sneakers and boots with open ankles, toes and heels. I have to say I'm definitely a fan. It's a great diversion from the classic but typical men's shoe collections. I'm anxious to see how everyone else feels about these shoes, so please LEAVE COMMENTS!

And if you decide to wear these, do us all a favor and get a pedicure!!! Nothing worse than a dope shoe on a crusty foot.

Trend: The Fall Blazer

One of the season's biggest trends is the Fall blazer. You can dress it down with dark denim or a fitted cargo pant or dress it up with pants and a shirt n tie. Tailored is always best but you can opt to go for a slightly looser fit. The look is all about TEXTURE so a hearty wool or flannel or tweed is a good choice. Also don't be afraid of patterns, like a fine houndstooth or a bold plaid; just be sure to accessorize accordingly. Any questions?

by Calvin Klein

by Prada

by Viktor&Rolf

by Burberry

by Daniele Alessandrini

by Dolce&Gabbana

source

Give Them The Ol' Razzle Dazzle [Dolce & Gabbana]

Dolce&Gabbana has delivered yet another knock-out menswear collection. The designers took classic suits and injected them with modern day glamour. This collection is not for the low-key or understated with glittering lapels, embroidered jackets, deconstructed jeans, and embellished shoes. It's an ode to bold (but not too ostentatious) luxury. Enjoy!

This collection will definitely be the inspiration for my New Year's celebration ensemble. I can't hardly wait...