Paris Mens Fashion Week 2014: Givenchy, Kris Van Assche, and Berluti

Day 3 of 5 Paris Men's Fashion Week

Vibe: The Techno-African Nerd.

Computer nerds is what Riccardo Tisci had in mind for Givenchy's spring 2014 men's wear collection. Except he formed an African influence tribe style that is sure to create a much more massive alliance next season. Tisci doesn't have much styling to do, because he lets his intricate prints do the talking. It's an easy outfit for the Givenchy man that adds a powerful appeal to any look combined. That is perhaps why the brand has had such a successful season, because Tisci understands what men want: simple outfits with a cool amount of prints to choose from.

His prints - hard disks and computer parts - were invigoratingly vibrant and youthful compared to previous darker ones. Printed sweaters and t-shirts kept that luscious Parisian street style look that has become the main attraction of the Givenchy generation. He made his models appear athletic with his techno printed shorts matched with tight leggings. One printed parka was introduced with confidence, whilst his final looks of bolder stripes depicted the future tribe of Givenchy's attitude. At this point of his career, Riccardo Tisci has victoriously toughened up the brand, officially moving it into a very new chapter that may one day be difficult to get accustom to what was once the House of Givenchy. 

Vibe: Sporty-formal.

Kris Van Assche may be one of those designers many may have rarely heard of, but have probably been familiar with his work pictured in several magazines. He likes to identify himself as the designer who mixes sportswear with suits. His spring 2014 men's wear collection may have been one of the strongest collection we had seen so far from him. 

There were an incentive amount of details that depicted his sportswear movement: shirts with snap buttons, fluorescent zipper pockets, and elastic hems; parkas that were easy to style with shorts; slouchy-fitted trousers. A white dress shirt that was replaced for a zipper looked sporty-formal with a navy suit jacket and matching relaxed shorts. Another white dress shirt implied a little more formality with a printed crocodile texture effect that looked appealing with his fitted trousers; a favorite of mine. He also introduced an orange sweater, polo shirt, and shorts that had a crocodile embossed effect that appeared so realistic you had to get close enough to see it was a perfect print effect that scored high in Van Assche's collection. Sportswear and formalwear was something so great we weren't expecting from this collection.

Vibe: The Street Style Dandy.

The Berluti man is someone you would see pictured on the pages of many street style blogs. It's the combination of street, luxury, and casual formality that made the Berluti man much more interesting to watch. Alessandro Sartori did an excellent job taking the brand to the casual side of Bespoke. He presented a series of waistcoats and trousers that were cut shorter than average, giving it a unique appeal that didn't bring it down. Knitwear was noteworthy of the luxury standards that brand never fails at. What was more eye-catching were Sartori's purple numbered suits; the perfect tone of color. His leather jackets were also appropriate for the sportswear theme that has become very popular this season. And speaking of shoes, his two-tone lace-up shoes were the perfect match for this outstanding collection. It may be time to start saving up for one next season.

Light Designs of Indoor Lighting for Different Ages

There are countless styles of indoor light decoration today. Although designing a bright and sparkling room to increase light level and avoid shadows and glare is always tricky, choosing suitable indoor lights for your family member with different ages is easier. Wanna be a thoughtful people to cater to everybody in your house? The following tips are the best advice. 

For the elderly, they are used to live a simple, quiet and frugal life. The colors, styles of the indoor lighting should accentuate their elegant and graceful demeanour. The main lights can be unit assembled chandelier or ceiling light. For the sake of their safety, an ever-burning lamp with low illumination is imperative when some of them have to get up at night. 

For the middle-aged, indoor lighting design play a dominant role in the families and are pillars in careers. They prefer succinct and bright lights in both styles and colors. The light designs need to showcase not only their personalities but the subject styles such as desk lamps with swing-arm or floor lamps which are conductive to study and work. 

For the young, fresh, peculiar and unique styles of the indoor lights can earn their rave reviews. The main lights should be creative and colorful to manifest younger homeowners’ personalities. Wall lamp is popular due to its love-themed style which offers a warm and romantic ambience, especially for girls. 

For the children, you’d better choose changeable and novel room lights to improve their imagination and develop intelligence. The selection in styles and color of indoor lights need to embody childlike elements and be beneficial to their healthy growth. The main room lights should be simple and natural just like concise droplight or ceiling lamp while the lights over desks must be bright such as desk lamps with animal shapes. Apart from this, safety and reliable lights should be taken into consideration on account of children’s hyperactivity and strong curiosity.(Source: Lightslighten)

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Paris Fashion Week 2014: Louis Vuitton, Balmain, and More

Day 2 of 5 Paris Men's Fashion Week

Vibe: The European Traveling Around America.

The Louis Vuitton man is an explorer who loves to travel around the world. Creative director, Kim Jones also has a devotion for traveling. It is all a perfect match to deliver an exciting and compelling collection that leaves the Vuitton man with the right clothes to travel the world with style. This season Jones' models were given the pleasure to experience the different styles of American culture that were translated to Vuitton's exquisite DNA.

He opened the show with a checked-windowpane suit that imbued a formal-preppy style with sleeves rolled up, colorful bandanas, and remarkable pins that said Vuitton. He only added two labeled varsity jackets - in caramel and red - that were a frat guy's version of luxury. Outerwear appeared quite competitive to other high-end brands. A series of inspirational scout boy outfits heightened the looks with parkas sewn with badges and elbows stitched with crocodile skin. This was not your average scout boy look. Blousons - printed in faded LV symbols - were interesting to watch, whilst his tie-dye numbers had a surpassingly expensive, tough street boy appeal that could be sure to be a great hit in menswear.

Suits were kept intact to the way a Vuitton man would like them to be; somewhat slim and fitted all together. They only thing that modified were his introduction of silver dress shoes young man are sure to emulate now. A final silk (the most expensive silk) LV jacquard suit sent a strong message across: Vuitton has become such a powerful international company in the luxury market, using its logo has an excuse to anything. 

Vibe: Mystical Floral Prints.

Dries Van Noten has become quite comfortable with his mien insets of color, texture, pattern, and signature tailoring. His spring 2014 men's wear collection felt much more stronger for the Van Noten man specifically in patterns. While most designers are going for more vibrant palettes of floral prints, he being the sort of rebel he infuses in his patterns, began with darker shades of metallic flowers that later turned into intense prints.

 The first model came out in a sheer floral print tank top etched with a visual number "9," vintage floral track shorts, and an usual silky overcoat - printed in ghostly faded flowers - that were present in several other looks. His new printed shirts looked confident enough to wear in the fashion world, but maybe not so much in reality. Trousers had that relaxed-fitted silhouette typical in Van Noten's design. While most of his blazers may have been somewhat tasteless, one silk jacquard floral blazer (shown above) was noteworthy. 

Van Noten's floral theme was his idea of giving it a unique tough and athletic look that has been so common in men's collection this season. Another mixture of inspirations common in Van Noten. He wanted to make his prints ones that said masculinity (perhaps that explains most of its color choice), but what may be agreeable to the Dries Van Noten man, may still be slowly digesting to the average man who may be fearing for the F word next season......Fashion.

Vibe: The Ideal "Men's" Closet.

Considering Oliver Rousteing's young age for a designer (27), his work at Balmain can be said with the most absolute affirmation, is the brand Real Man dress in. And it is also the brand with the highest price tag (one button-down shirt will retail around $700), but it so convincing you'd see it as an investment. It speaks a great amount of this designer to convince a man to pay such a price on other pieces of clothes that could simply turn into a DIY. He only designs what he'd wish were available in his wardrobe, which we'd wish we had a best friend like him.

For spring 2014, Mr. Rousteing was feeling a marine lifestyle the way Balmain would do it; much more edgier. There were still Balmain's classic signature Oliver has made presence of in newer versions: quilted leather jackets, pants, and boots (impressive); angular boxy jackets and suits in white and navy; and rich hand-painted denim numbers. He offered some fresh knits in marine stripes (white and navy), which were very gratifying. A newly marine suit resembled an original one, but in a much detailed and youthful version. He included some denim overalls that made you want to rescue yours from your basement to be on trend like the Balmain man. And if you didn't find it, Rousteing could easily convince you to get yours done by Balmain; expect a higher percentage. One final look - a lustrous blue leather suit with epaulets, and an intricate skinny-fitted denim/leather patchwork pants with a marine logo and zipper hems - were an executable record to the Balmain man. Sounds too perfect to be true, but it is.

Paris Men's Fashion Week: Valentino, Raf Simons, and More

Day 1 of 5 Paris Men's Fashion Week

Vibe: The Sophistication of Military.
Ever since Valentino presented its first runway show back in fall 2012, there were pieces here and there that showed the powerful weapon the Valentino man could become. Recently, its spring 2013 military collection has been selling like hot pancakes with their camouflage sneakers being one of the most demanding shoes of the season. Fall 2013 became one of the most PERFECT collections in menswear that depicted Valentino's sartorial couture craftsmanship so beautifully. And for its new spring 2014 men's collection, Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pierpaolo Piccioli felt it was adequate to make its militant bespoke designs an official signature of the Valentino man.

The show began with a series of suits and shirt jackets beautifully split into various shades of denim that felt invigoratingly new to the brand. One blue denim parka was a stand innovation for the duo; so light and tailored. Others pieces noteworthy were their second olive and navy numbers that included a suit, coat, and parka as well. What were worth an investment were their leather shirt jackets - in burgundy, and olive - that looked so appealing with their black etched tape lining around one pocket, and epaulets that described the militant mood of the collection. Other illusional black leather tape linings followed in tan, electric blue, gray, navy, and camouflage print jackets and sweaters.

Trousers, which at far appeared to be only camouflage prints, when viewed closed enough were actually faded prints of daisies infused with its military design. Other printed trousers paired with sharp white t-shirts looked somewhat too casual (rebellious) for the Valentino man, but were intriguing to watch a new style emerge. Formalwear was by far much more of a synthesis of bespoke than a seasonal men's collection. In other words an impeccable high luxury "couture" triumph for Chiuri and Piccioli. 

Vibe: Safety Pins and Urban Raincoats.
Balenciaga is still a developing brand that is perhaps less successful in its menswear division than its womenswear collections. Alexander Wang has been taking the brand in a very different route. Since been appointed creative director, he's developed a signature symbol for the house: the maillon, which is a thicker metal that resembles a safety pin. They were obvious in suits and pants, which created a sort of punk-y style to the looks. Tailoring wasn't so appreciable. He also included two dark-striped raincoats which made it confusing to understand the inspiration behind this collection. There were in fact new elements in the collection that were of Wang's influence: sleek leather black boots, knitwear, and pleasing shorts that were cut just above the knee. Wang has in fact established a good reputation to the Balenciaga woman, but there is still more work to be done in its menswear line. 

Vibe: The Freedom of Simons.
Raf Simons is a show that will never leave you disappointed. Simons keenly knows how to leave you with doubt if this is what menswear will look like in the future? He uses the future to his advantage to deliver a show with high-fashion structure in fabric, design, and battle against severe masculinity. That was the shocking opening for his new spring 2014 men's collection. The first model came out in a full one-piece black outfit that resembled a shorter version of an adult onesie. 

Those are Simons' influence, so NEW that a specific name for this designs didn't come to mind. The Simons shirt romper? Simons' can be better known for his fine taste in tailoring, but in this collection everything was about "freedom." His suits were more relaxed, but his pants much more skinnier to give it a special mood with those innovative sneakers. T-shirts were "the new shape of comfort," as one shirt implied. Other florescent embroidered shirts declared why Simons' is one of the best in menswear t-shirts.

There was a variety of compulsive pieces to choose from in this collection. It may just have to be viewed with a separate eye for each design. Raf Simons' menswear collection is one of the most anticipated shows in Paris Men's Fashion Week due to his unique ideas that are only available at his presentation. He introduced us to cheetah prints, floral prints, abstract art, shorts spliced deep in the sides, and much more graphical techniques. At this point of his career he should be proud of himself to say I made that men's shirt romper first. It may take time though for most men to get comfortable in a new type of skin. 

Alberta floods: black swan that kills the market?

Calgary, arguably Canada's centre of economic growth, is slowly drying out after a massive flood event that few were warning about even 24 hours before the Bow and Elbow Rivers started hammering the downtown core and surrounding neighbourhoods with flood waters unrivaled since the 1930s.

This most definitely could be an economic black swan that affects all corners of our great nation.

A black swan is defined as "an event that is a surprise (to the observer), has a major effect, and after the fact is often inappropriately rationalized with the benefit of hindsight."

Pundits are already suggesting that Canada's GDP reporting numbers will shift as a result. I've read stories suggesting that Calgary--not to mention Canmore, High River, Medicine Hat and communities in between--has roughly $5 billion worth of damage. These numbers will certainly climb as businesses feel the trickle down effect of once-disposable cash being pulled from the economy to be spent on things like foundations and drywall. The richest province in Canada most certainly will be borrowing money on the open market for the first time in a decade.

And the Calgary housing market will most definitely be affected.

Given the fact that Calgary's wealthiest neighbourhoods were some of the hardest hit, and Calgarian's penchant for holding second homes on Vancouver Island and the Okanogan, I suspect that these markets could suffer, at minimum, a minor ripple effect.

Exactly what happens elsewhere time will tell.

 

Final Day of Milan Men's Spring 2014 Shows

Day 4 of 4 Milan Men's Fashion Week: Sporty Cool

Vibe: The Power of Blue.

Giorgio Armani seems to feel blue is the power of masculinity. You can't recall a season you won't see specifically any blue, white, or gray in Armani's menswear collection. Blue was for the most part the center of attraction, because it is the way Armani handles his designs that never makes them dull. Graphic t-shirts were interesting to see in Armani's collection. 

He did in fact squeezed in small amounts of pastel colors, like one washed orange trouser with an impeccable brown laser-cut jacket that looked freshening yet classical for the Armani man. Suits weren't as compelling to see, because it is about the same construction that he delivers each season. One white dress shirt in particular - cut in an asymmetrical form with a stand-up collar (above) - felt new, even though we know assymetry is what Mr. Armani favors. Crocodile duffle bags - in white and dark blue-green - were noteworthy.

Vibe: The Jungle Lifestyle.

Dean and Dan are the go to designers for an adventurous journey. That is what Dsquared2 has always been about. In fashion the term "cool" can refer to clothes that have an appealing silhouette that could favor a younger audience. But with Dsquared2 cool is refers to what an actual young teenager would go wild for, begging his parents to give this as his Birthday present. The kid doesn't ask for much. 

The Jungle was the inspiration Dsquared2 took for its men's spring 2014 collection. Baggy jeans, prints of wild jungle animals on jackets, protective boots, and joyful necklaces were just a part of this exciting collection. Their zebra print leather jacket imbued somewhat of a sexier appeal with those olive leather shorts. It was a cool kids dream. Naughty were their printed swim shorts and underwear. Formalwear also had a spice factor they can keenly elevate. A bronze tree branch print suit paired with rich black tailored pants and glossy loafers was a finale that marked the outgoing cool guy Dsquared2 is.

Vibe: The Sleek Morning Trend. 

Z Zegna is like the brother of the high-class Ermenegildo Zegna, who Stefano Pilati made presence of in its spring 2014 collection. They may be brothers with the same taste of luxury house codes, but a very opposite sense of style. What Stefano Pilati made in high-end relaxed silhouettes, Paul Surridge went with high-end sporstwear silhouettes. 

Surridge changed slim pants for more relaxed silhouettes that had a high silky movement that resembled track pants athletes would wear in a much more refined manner. He shifted from dress shirts to light fabric boxy t-shirts tucked under comfortable high-neck knits that looked sophisticated to say the least. There were also a number of suit "pajamas" that had nice relaxed tailoring to them. It was perhaps the color choices that aided them to feel modern. Surridge did include few pastel colors, like a rich cream bone jacket that wasn't too much for the models hairstyle theme. Thin leather bags, almost paperlike, were appropriate for the collection. In short descriptions, it felt like the closet a man would be fond of dressing as in the morning when those tiresome casualness kick in.  

Milan: Gucci Men's Spring 2014, Roberto Cavalli, and More

Day 3 of 4 Milan Men's Fashion Week: Texture Techniques.

Vibe: Youthful Luxury.

The first model came out in a full floral print t-shirt, matching leggings, and an interesting black backpack. A full astonishing ensemble. The effortless cream setting sent a vintage relaxed feel, and once the first two models walked down the runway, all became instantly clearer. Frida Giannini has recently become mother to a baby girl, who will most likely experience the luxurious life a young Gucci girl should have. Her motherhood experience may seemed to have helped transform the phase of the new Gucci man we witnessed: more youthful, delicate, and athletic.

She replaced all her button-down dress shirts for t-shirts - floral prints, yellow, light brown, blue, red - and easily appealing silk scarfs styled around suits. Too casual? Not at all. She perfectly managed to keep the Gucci guy on luxury territory. One full matching gray floral print suit had a triumphing victory to the the collection. And Gucci being an international label who is best at designing on trend luxury outerwear, utilized its sportswear mood to present a series of exquisite anoraks with various color-blocked leggings done in rich high-tech fabrics. Her other light trench coats and blousons were worth the effort. Giannini stamped yet another obsession to be included in international editorials and magazines very soon.

Vibe: Playing with your Biker Jacket.

Diesel Black Gold started off day 3 of Milan Men's fashion week with a great show. Well, maybe not as perfect, but you can't help but try on one of their jackets or denim you know have a clean cool vibe in them. The brand is always looking for new methods to keep their designs updated and desirable in todays competitive market. The presentation opened with a white biker that was finished with an additional cream detailed hem, and slouchy pants (jeans) that has become quite a trend over these past few weeks in men's spring 2014 collections. Trending were their floral brushed denim jackets that would have its Diesel guys going wild for them. They added a nice notch to the classical denim top. It was fine to see a black leather t-shirt paired with an appealing semi-stained graphic suit and skinny-slim cropped jeans.

Vibe: The Modern Dandy.

Roberto Cavalli only offered 19 looks for its new spring 2014 men's wear collection. But that's more than enough to invest in the entire collection. If you don't favor Roberto Cavalli's work, then there must be something odd in you. The king of subtle prints, who knows how do masculine embroidery superbly well, evidently kept his crown once more. The Cavalli man is one who can be identified for being outgoing, festive, a cool dandy, and knows how to appreciate the feeling of luxury. All were evident in these collection. His embroidered shirts had a very satisfying confidence men wouldn't mind wearing, whilst his silk smooth suits - especially the final one pictured in the middle - were captivating. His outerwear wasn't left behind. A brown embroidered collarless biker jacket in leather and black python sleeves were more than gratifying to have come across by. 

Vibe: A Gentleman's Mermaid.

Canali is a label you can recognize it's suits by its light gray tone of stripes that can help one know who you're wearing. A crisp blue suit, sophisticatedly tailored, were noteworthy of a man who has a sharp taste of style. It was interesting to see Canali go into semi-casual looks that weren't unappealing to see. A light denim suit, pictured above, looked fresh with diminutive polka dot print trousers, a blue-striped shirt, and a white and purple polka dot tie. Mermaid prints in shorts, sweaters, and suits made of nice insets to the newly Canali man. Its trousers were much more interesting to see available come in a strong tailored palette of colors. Canali set a questionable doubt here. Conservative or youthful? Which route did the brand actually take?

Vibe: Outerwear Luxe Gear. It's necessary.

Belstaff doesn't make the most desirable outerwear you'd wear for a temporary season. They understand a man is much more adventurous, and wants to feel they've invested in a luxury piece that won't hurt him when he accidentally scratches his newly thousand dollar outerwear jacket. That has been Belstaff goals for many years. Making men feel not only protective in their jackets, but trendy. It's new spring 2014 menswear collection had a mixture of vintage and past seasonal collection incorporated back again here: iconic belted coats modernized in colors and details, newly hand-painted camouflage jackets that looked so new to the brand, brilliant orange parkas, and leather ribbed biker jacket. Creative director, Martin Cooper, included only two noteworthy sweaters - one in orange (pictured above) and light blue - that imbued a high-tech competition to other outwear designers.

Vibe: Mesh Shirts are In.

There is not much to say about Emporio Armani men's spring 2014 collection. Armani seems it will always stick to its regular house codes no matter what season. But the only thing we appreciate from him is bringing in new shades of colors in each collection. This season he went for more intense metallic colors the Armani man would enjoy wearing. His graphic t-shirts and shady suits had some pieces to be inspired by. There were asymmetrical jackets that have become the trademark of the brand. His trousers had a choice of going fitted, slim, or relaxed, which is what most men would appreciate from Armani. Shorts, such as one light gray tailored above, had a sportswear aesthetic that were convincing to watch. But his mesh fabric - in suits and shirts - reminded us of who the Armani man is: a fit contemporary city man who has little to fear about who he is.

Vibe: Keeping it Cool in the Desert.

Fendi's runway can never be disappointing to experience. I wonder how much sand it took to fill that marvelous runway to look appealing to to the new men's spring 2014 collection? Fendi demonstrated they don't only know how to play with fur. They too can deliver an exciting collection of bold textures. Innovative t-shirts have become a bigger trend in menswear, but it is the price brands have to battle to get a customer to truly buy that single t-shirt that will add a significance to anything they wear. A plain white t-shirt or a glossy faded illusional Fendi t-shirt? Fendi is the winner; t-shirts were an important part of the collection. 

Texture was crisply noticeable in outwear - cracked glossy leather jackets, ostrich jackets, crinkled shorts, and knitwear sweaters. A splash of colors - burgundy, sunset orange, saffron, blue, and tan - drove the collection much higher. Even though half of Fendi's pieces were oversized or more relaxed, they couldn't be analyzed harshly; texture aided. Sneakers - graphically painted - were fresh with a relaxed gray suit, larger t-sirt, and matching trousers with hems rolled up. 

Vibe: El Mariachi.

Etro can never go out of style with its upgraded paisley shirts. That is the print (paisley) that has been its signature mark ever since. For spring, Kean Etro seemed to be dedicating an homage to the Mariachi man. Pants - in studded details - resembled the gold side seams a Mariachi pant would come decorated with. Trending were its fitted color-blocked pants - the best in the collection - which reminded one of how the more casual Mariachi pant is, only done in Etro's version. The full collection of pants are sure to be a big hit for the brand next summer, and in international men's magazines. Etro's formalwear also kept the vibe going on with his exquisite embroidery details that made you want to sing a Mexican song with those vibrant sombreros. Overall, what seemed to be a Mariachi interpretation helped Etro be on the map of designers with great influence.

Garden Lighting Ideas for Garden Decoration

Some of the common methods for garden decoration include the practice of non-organic plants, chunky trees, or flowerbeds. However, it is necessary to note that using this stuff into garden could not produce those higher effects which you see into the dreams. Illumination is crucial. There are ample numbers of outdoor lighting ideas available but it needs a thorough research when it comes to the garden lighting tips. 

How to lighten up the garden to make it paradise? 

LED lights: You are suggested to make good use of LED lights. These are also called as deck lights. Many customary garden lighting ideas include the usage of tube-lights or bulbs into the garden, but installing LEDs that have different colors is a unique idea that offers a modish look to your garden. 

Landscape lighting: You could dress up the lights and put them behind the plants. It is necessary to think about the height and type of a plant before stepping on landscape lighting. 

You could create extra bright and dark surroundings depending on the type of your garden and the verities of plants available in it. Wireless lighting should be preferred that cuts the usage of voltage from 110V to 12V. If you are a good gardener then you could give little stress to your creativity and imagination power for producing many such garden lighting tips.(Source: Lightslighten)

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Top 5 Jewelry Designs for Jewelry Trends 2013

Jewelry trends go through the variations, especially in case of a form, design, color, and the size. There is no specific fashion statement included into jewelry; you could choose anything that suits you the most. These jewelry trends are formulized since past few years. In case of jewelry trends 2013 year has become fastidious and picky. The jewelry designs have become more demanding than the previous. The top five jewelry designs that are more admired in year 2013 are listed below. 

Antique inspired jewelry: The antique jewelry is one among the most popular jewelry designs. This form f jewelry is considered as the high ended designer jewelry. A classic combination of past and modern generations gets to see through the designs of antique jewelry. 

Geometric designs: This form of jewelry allows you wearing olden jewelry items that are considered as the sold out pieces now. It is necessary to class this jewelry from differently by means of repetitions in shapes and sizes. 

Neon color jewelry: The neon jewelry was established in 2012 and still it is considered as the most fascinating jewelry item. When you decide wearing this form of jewelry then you should maintain an exact combination of vibrant and intense colors in case of bangles, earrings, necklaces and bracelets. 

Metal link chains: The most popular form of jewelry that mostly gets followed from many people is the metal link chains. Large metal links are extra popular into this category. This jewelry could get linked to the other accessories such as bets, shoes, wallets, and bags. 

Bold cuffs: These bold cuffs could add extra gallant and astound look to your personality. Plain and sleek cuffs with metallic finishing gives valiant look. These bold cuffs could get linked with metal belts if you wish to look trendy.(Source:wow-jewel)

2013Trending is supported by OzealGlasses.

June 24 Market Update

MLS numbers update courtesy of the VREB via Marko Juras. These numbers are for the Victoria Real Estate Board's reporting area, including Sooke, Shawnigan Lake and the Gulf Islands.

	June 2013				June2012
	Wk 1	Wk 2	Wk 3	Wk 4
Uncond. Sales	173	341	506		637
New Listings	418	730	1002		1449
Active Listings	4809	4848	4863		5189
Sales to New Listings	41%	47%	50%		44%
Sales Projection	692	682	675
Months of Inventory					8.1

Market contines to outpace last year by a bit, partially because of increased sales and partially because of significantly reduced new listings.  Will interest rates rising be this year's big event?  

Milan Menswear Spring 2014: Calvin Klein, Prada, and More

Day 2 of 4 Milan Fashion Week: Innovative Designs

Vibe: Sophisticated Men in Graphic Chalk Marks.

Tomais Maier doesn't need much to describe about his cool sophisticated tailoring that has progressed so rapidly at Bottega Veneta. It seems the brand has turned from being just a young teenager to a man with exquisite taste in luxury. Its spring 2014 men's collection started off fresh and powerful with gray suits - tailored so easily fitted - that shifted into a series of white-chalked outlined suits that portrayed the detailed craftsmanship that goes into making such a suit. They had an illusion, as if the lapels were really sewn it, but if you could get closer you'd see it was only a well played tailoring outline trick. His white subtle button down shirts came with black graphic chalk marks that elevated the mood. 

Maier has become well acquainted in designing very gratifying sweaters that have become a trademark to the growing brand. His intense graphic selection of cardigans and sweaters scored high in this collection. While trousers were appearing to be favoring darker shades, his introduction of white and navy windowpane-checked ones were refined at Bottega's codes; sleek, luxurious, and masculine. His other knitted polo shirts and wide-sleeve shirts were special to the man who seeks to invest in an innovative top. There was one shirt who had outline of a what appeared to be the making of a biker jacket printed over it.  The finale of models wearing white suits, felt more relaxed, but that didn't stop Maier from his triumph.

Vibe: Improved Snake skin and Ostrich Shorts.

There were speculations that designer, Umit Benan, would part away from the famous Trussardi leather goods brand, which he did. So in February, Gaia Trussardi, granddaughter of Dante Trussardi (founder), was appointed as creative director of the entire main line. Who else to do the job and reward them then someone from the family? Gaia is young, but her youthfulness doesn't seem to interfere with her skills, because her debut for Trussardi men's spring 2014 collection was quite a strong one. 

Knitwear pieces had a rugged appeal in colors that seemed to come from the hot desert. By far, her most special items here were her shorts - crafted in leather, ostrich, and snakeskin - that couldn't be allowed to be described as "average." She managed to deliver light touches of earthy leather button-down shirts that could have a potential customer wanting several of them. Her cropped trousers, such as one in a leather snake print, were pleasing in some ways. She also thought about offering options to the client who prefers to wear a luxurious crisp white trouser paired with a super light linen shirt and jacket. One gray tank top done in leather called for next's summer to arrive. Leather or not, the collection had Trussardi's elements.

Vibe: The Color-block Ongoing Trend.

Iceberg can be mostly identified by its cool color-block designs. Its spring 2014 menswear collection couldn't let go of the brand's signature. Federico Curradi sent another great selection of fresh color-blocking designs. His focus this season seemed to be that of the zippers. There were zippers attached everywhere: across sweaters and jackets, side seams of shirts, hems of fitted trousers, pockets of white and black shorts, and shoulder sleeves of t-shirts. All added a cool factor to the the collection. His origami stitched patches of colors on sweaters felt appropriate to wear any season.

Vibe: The Future of Casual Sportswear.

"Formalwear is imbued with the efficiency and comfort of sportswear," were Massimiliano Giornetti's words towards its new spring 2014 menswear collection for Salvatore Ferragamo. It was in fact noticeable what Giornetti was trying to describe previously. Clothes felt so light. So comfortable infused with a spring of colors - light green, caramel, white, khaki, sky blue, orange, and intense blue - that sent a futuristic silhouette to how athletic guys will dress. The play of numbers stitched in tank tops, sweaters, and coats were that of what a sports guy would feel devoted towards. His shorts were crisp and somewhat casual-formal when brought with effortless colors of suits, whilst trousers had a clean cut with those folded layers between the knee. Ones to watch were Ferragamo's techno anoraks. Gladiator leather-type sandals were that of what the true casual athlete would wear. This was a collection that understood what sportswear should luxuriously appear like.

Vibe: Technology of the Sky Prints.

Calvin Klein reminded one of how the future of menswear fashion could look like in those intensely blue numbers; it may have been the hairstyle of the first few models that felt we were in another dimension. Italo Zucchelli's spring 2014 menswear collection was about the "celebration of the summer sky, and the simplicity of the summer wardrobe." The sky is blue, and blue was the color that gave life to most of the high-tech collection. Zuchelli has been a long respected designer, who understands clearly the codes of the Calvin Klein aesthetics, but over the time he has made his signature techniques much more visible. He knows how to choose the best sophisticated high-end fabrics, giving it a sharp futuristic tailoring technique that never fails to disappoint. He began with a series of tech blousons and sweaters - cut in mesh - that were paired with fluorescent wool pants that said tough boy. His cloud print sweaters and t-shirts, and two images of sunset, were sci-fi.  He presented three super authentic crocodile jackets, but one baby blue crocodile vest screamed more luxury than simplicity. 

Vibe: The Knitwear World.

Missoni's spring 2014 menswear runway was decorated with huge threads of yarn on each side that reminded us what we were about to experience. Angela Missoni knows her presentation is never a show without new introductions of fresh knitwear cardigans and sweaters. These are knits you really have to get close to appreciate each and every detail of how the threads of fabric are mixed to understand its luxurious price tag. They do have a very different feel compared to an average knitted one, which is why Missoni is the best at delivering its trendy pieces of knitwear. Button down shirts hand painted in brushes of blue, brown, and red added an interesting effect to them. Suits - made in Missoni's signature print - were refreshening ones, while a new blue checked suit paired with a navy t-shirt were youthful and energetic as the Missoni brand projected.

Vibe: A Quirky-Cool Tropical Vacation.

Leave it up to Miuccia Prada to make your vacation the most interesting of all. It takes time to adjust to the lifestyle Prada prefers to be: ugly-chic. But it is that ugliness that magically turns into a beautiful piece of art that has made the brand so successful over the years. And it wasn't too difficult to fall in love with these collection if you're a huge Prada fan. 

The show began with a tropical print silk shirt paired with a soft tailoring suit and trousers. Most of her suits had a very relaxed silhouette, but her silk numbers - blousons, tropical shirts, and vibrant shorts - had a dominating factor you had to go back again to enjoy. It was as if Miuccia was describing the liberation of man who seeks to advance to the next level of fashion with full confidence. A salmon print blouson with a semi-drawing of a woman had a seductive power. And her knitwear pieces - cut in a smaller size - came in various phases of nature scenes that went from a joyful mood to a calm satisfying state of mind with models sprayed with water to give the show a hot summery season made with love. The atmosphere was everything to give Miuccia Prada a huge applause for her new innovative trend towards menswear fashion. 

Versace Men's Spring 2014 Athletic Movement

"Athleticism, idealism, discipline, and freedom rule." Those were Versace's description for its spring 2014 menswear collection. It wasn't difficult to search for these terms here when given Versace's dictionary. Donatella Versace sent a parade of well built models to center around her theme: the life of a compassionate and devoted athlete in the world of sports. It's just that in Versace's world, everything is done with more exposure and somewhat sexier etiquettes.

Her suits - given a tough disciplinary tailoring - may have been surprisingly classic (simple) for the Versace customer. She gave a sporty silhouette to her suits and trousers - relaxed in a lower waist and finished with ribbed cuffs - that made it ideal for her athletes to go from the gym to an important event. There were a variety of options to choose from: single or double breasted, one or two buttons, silk, denim or leather suits, waist belt suits, and striking prints that came with the words "Versace" printed all over and another one in sports training figures. Dress shirts came in standard versions of white with a gold medusa button at top, to a very revealing see-thru lace number.

There were only five different looks of shorts in these collection that were quite pleasing. She presented three suits with tailored shorts, and one faded blue short with a lustrous blue sleeveless shirt. But what took the best prize here was a hot light green suede short paired with the same colored jacket; it was either the perfect color and details of these short or the model who wore it covered with fluorescent tape  around his legs that made them so desirable. 

Freedom were her number of graphic art pants, shirts, and jackets that are sure to be a big hit next summer. Oversized tape, which could turn into a DIY project like her cashmere sweaters - attached with a black leather star and gold medusa necklace- made gratifying insets. A series of leather bags decorated with leather stars and black medusa studs spoke for themselves: "I'am wearing Versace." 

And a collection without leather at Versace, regardless what season were in, wouldn't be a Versace show. Her motor jackets were crafted with great triumph; the details of its medusa zippers elevated the sportswear spice. There still remained "classical" gold studded biker jackets that looked comfortable and ready to become an obsession among the young group of provocative rebel guys.

Leather trousers also had a light clean cut that felt comfortable and breathable to wear in some. One python suit and trousers finished in ribbed cuffs may have not looked light, but it proved Versace knows how to handle leather with ease. And as far as casualness went, a colored medusa print shirt with black side detailed pants and open toed sandals, had nothing too casual.