Fashion/Beauty

2010 Str-8 Magazine Fashion Editorial

Beauty
by Courtney Monique

Spring is in the air and the weather is beckoning us all to the outdoors where we can be seen and see all the fashion in the atmosphere. We here at Str_8 magazine are going to start the 2010 style section with a bang by giving our guys the “DO’s and The Don’ts” for Spring/Summer 2010 along with the new upcoming trends for the year.

We have seen in the past few years a myriad of styles from the retro 80’s look to the Punk Rock or Rockstar look to tighter fitting clothes with a more Euro Look. Most of our more popular emcees have adopted a sophisticated wall street banker’s styling(Jay-Z, T.I., 50 cent, Nas, Ludacris just to name a few) While other’s have a more euro look with tight fitting clothes and rockstar motifs(tattoos, piercings, skinny jeans) such as Lil Wayne, Kanye West, Jim Jones,The New Boyz, Pharrell just to name a few. And as we all know the premier entertainers and celebrities are usually indicators of our culture and trends at the time. So what can we expect for Men Fashion for 2010 and 2011?

We suggest that males adopt a more classic retro preppy futuristic type of look. You might ask what is that?!! Well we have some explanations and a style guide to help you define what we are talking about because fashion is where the individual makes the statement. Now to begin we have to first set a foundation or better yet set standards and a checklist of essentials.

Shoes or Sneakers Have to be Fresh (def. new looking not worn or raggedy)

No oversized clothing or pants hanging down to the ground

No short sets or church socks with tennis shoes or sneakers

No loud print Hawaiian Sophie shirts might can get away with the shorts with a solid shirt

Men wear pink and pastel colors in moderation

No Doo Rags and Stocking Caps

Now that we got that out of the way, classic retro preppy futuristic type of look is like where Michael J. Fox in Back to the Future meets Ralph Lauren Polo meets exclusive and/or $100+ Nike sneakers. If you have ever read a Complex magazine then you have seen some good fashion tips but that’s not Gangster.

We expect to see the latest shoes to be released by Nike to set a good precedent for 2010. Ralph Lauren Oxford Button Ups both Short sleeve and Long sleeve. Ralph Lauren Polo shirts Striped, Solid or other styles with Polo shorts. Cargo Shorts by Jet Lag and Abercrombie & Fitch are a sure fire hit. Designer sunglasses are a definite must have this Spring/Summer everyone must have at least one pair. Guys get your Linen Game Up! Every guy should have at least one linen shirt in their wardrobe. And as for the fine dressed gentleman tied only please bowties are the quintessential accoutrement for a complete distinctively stylish look. In a final note, make a statement by investing in a good timepiece it will bring everything together and add detail to your look.

Wearing It Well….

Welcome back, Str~8 fans. For this installment of our beauty segment, I will be doing something a little bit different. We have already talked about this seasons hottest trends in clothes and shoes, but I would like to talk about the core and foundation of what makes us all look good. Its not an accessory, or a color, or a fragrance, but it something that makes us stand out in EVERY crowd. Today, I want to focus on Body Image and how to Wear It Well.

First of all, our body image is how we see ourselves physically. From the way we feel about our skin tone and texture, to our body shapes and sizes, to what we feel flatters us most. And from the way we feel about our body images, we portray it and present it to others. People with bad body image usually have low self esteem and those with good body image, of course, have high self esteem. And the fact of the matter is, NO ONE should have a bad body image and low self-esteem!

If you happen to be one of those persons who are absolutely insecure about being in your own skin, it is time for a change. I know women who have spent years and serious money to get perfect skin, I know a woman who wore a shaper everyday to hide the belly bulge, and I know a man who recently just told me that he has issues with showing his body. When you have these issues with yourself, you tend to spend your life hiding and looking for the next temporary fix. And sadly, all of the other people around you accept that flaw that you can’t seem to get over. So, I would say that the first step toward a healthy body image is stepping out and seeing what other’s see. There is no such thing as perfection, so accept and embrace what makes you different.

Once you have come to a place where you can accept your flaws, you don’t spend so much time consumed in it. You may still want to change it, but you will be able to do so in a more rational way. Step 2 toward a healthy body image is to set realistic goals toward getting where you want to be and surround yourself with people who will encourage you. For instance, a person with skin issues might benefit a lot from beginning a new routine of cleansing and moisturizing and drinking more water. Another example, the ever prevalent weight issue…easily solved with a meal plan, exercise strategy, and some motivation.