Jerry from Extra Spiffy

Normally, we blog about style tips and image makeovers. This time around, we’re going a bit more casual. T-shirts have slowly crept their way into becoming a fashion staple for city folk and every designer has a bold graphic t-shirt in their line. As summer approaches, we couldn’t ignore the t-shirts anymore. Besides, a good graphic tee works well to add color  to any casual look.

We were lucky enough to convince super graphic designer Jerry Hayes from the label Extra Spiffy to select some of his favorite graphic shirts right now. Take a  look at his picks and let us know how you wear your tees:

“Even though I’m pretty diverse and picking favorites is tough for me, I managed to find four picks. One from a new company I found that had a nice design, two from companies I’m a fan of, and last but not least, an in-home favorite of mine.”

1) So this new company called DTA (Don’t Trust Anyone) had a great design, “Like A Fish Tee” based on a cool phrase, “Drown your sorrows.” This design could have gone wrong, but they used just the right amount of detail. Also, the typography was done well. I favor the white tee, it’s clean.

2) Next we have the “Emblem Tee,” by HUF. The small chest print is subtle and the back design reads, “WORLDWIDE DIRTBAG CREW” and reminds me of 7’ dudes named Tiny. I’m a fan of HUF’s work, plus they use a capital H on their hats and apparel, which I’m proud to wear because my last name starts with the same letter.

3) So, ONLY NY is similar to Supreme (another apparel company) in my opinion, which may be why I like them. This brand is extremely innovative and is a good reference of what I’d like to do with my company in the future. The tee I picked from them is the “Service Tee,” because it’s so simple but has such strong elements. The circle and rectangle shape contrast well along with the blue and red color topped off with their fresh logo in white. Also, the back displays a past year, which gives me a nostalgic feeling.

4) As far as my pick from my catalog, I’m torn. It’s between the “Geronimo Jump Tee” and the “BKLYN 718 Tee,” but I’m going with the “BKLYN 718 Tee” because that’s my backyard. The design came about using a familiar font that will probably be displayed heavily in our catalog. Once I was happy with the kerning, I added the knock out on the 718 for a retro look. I like it a lot and it’s getting really good feedback so far. We also just dropped it in a Tank top as well so check ‘em out.

Alex Woodhall

Regular contributor at the UK-based men’s online fashion blogs FashionBeans.com and wardrobewarrior.co.uk, Alex Woodhall is one stylishly busy writer. He took some time out of his schedule to create a guest blog post for us devoted to his picks for this summer’s best menswear trends. We want our male readers to look divinely fashionable this season, so pay attention to Alex’s wardrobe makeover tips for the styles of the season.

Here’s what Alex had to say:

As summer draws ever nearer, it’s around that time where your spring summer wardrobe begins to make an appearance; shorts are reinstated having been shelved. and lighter fabrics fleet-foot their way to the front of the queue. Today I’m going to introduce some of the major trends hitting menswear this spring summer season.

1) Prints

It may seem a little loud at first glance and impossible to pull off at the second look, but prints are by far one of the biggest menswear trends of the season. Shirts, trousers and even blazers have been given the print treatment as polka dots, paisley, camouflage and the like look to entrench themselves into the male wardrobe for the coming season.

The easiest way to wear print successfully is to anchor it with a neutral: for example Pair paisley trousers with a plain shirt and blazer or trench to avoid clashes. Similarly if you wanted to rock a polka-dot top, neutralize the pattern with some plain trousers in a safe color like grey or navy.

2) Double-Print

The alternative to playing it safe with an anchoring neutral, is to brave double prints. This is definitely not one for the novice and requires a lot of confidence in yourself and your look. Essentially you don’t need to worry about clashing prints but should be aware of complimenting colors, you can make the look easier to pull off by opting for smaller prints such rather than ‘go big or go home’ tribal inspired patterns, like those seen at Burberry Prorsum SS12.

I’d also fully recommend easing yourself into the trend with some accessories. A bold scarf, bag, tie or even pocket square is an easy, subtle way to incorporate a variety of prints into your outfit.

3) Double-Breasted

Make yours a double this season with tailoring reminiscent of the power-dressing 80s. Forget wide shoulders and unflattering flares, a modern DB should be slim cut and with softer shoulders. The beauty of double-breasted is that, yes it is currently trending but it is also timelessly stylish and will always look sharp. Accessorize with a pocket square and possibly a lapel pin for the authentic sartorial effort.

4) Blue

Yes blue, the color which adorned the walls of the bedroom and clothes of your new-born-self. It may rouse up the debate prints do but blue has potential to be as loud or toned down as you want it to be and can be used to create some great outfits.

An all blue outfit created through tonal shades is the best way to rock this trend and when combined with tailoring it creates a really sharp look. GQ dressed Ewan McGregor in a couple of all blue outfits in their January issue showing you how to rock this trend in the best way.

Tell us, which of these wardrobe makeover trends will you be trying here in New York City? If you have any questions, you can always tweet us at @NewYorkImage or follow Alex at @AlexWoodhall.

Until next time!

Take a look at some of our favorite new nail makeover tips as you wave goodbye to the old.

COLOR ME NEON

Bursts of neon are everywhere this spring and neon nail art is a fantastic way to add a brightly colored splash to your summer look.

Pop princess Katy Perry knows neon polish is a great pop accent

REMAIN NEUTRAL

Taupe, grey, or beige looks charming this season and goes well with a day or night look.

Katherine Heigl's neutral hues compliment any look

PATTERNING

This is better be left for the professionals manicurists, but patterned nails are way too adorable not to try! Ask your manicurist for something simple, like stripes, to start with.

Solange Knowles loves a funky patterned nail print

GREEN SPACES

Maybe the spring smell of freshly cut grass has gone to everyone’s heads because green is so in. Go for a wild, shimmery green or a lighter, minty green for a fresh nail look.

Lauren Conrad has gone green

OMBRE ALL OVER

Ombre is simply beautiful. Either in dark tones or light tones, this is definitely statement nail art for the fashion risk-taker!

Models at Jen Kao SS2012 made ombre nails a hit

Celebrity fashion stylists all over New York City have one thing on their minds: floral prints! They are totally unavoidable this season, in the best possible way. Jeans, shorts and capris have all been seen on celebrities and fashionable New Yorkers. We like the warm weather feminine feel of floral-printed denim and totally recommend this summer fashion trend.

Here’s how to wear floral denim:

Match your Shape to your Florals

If you’ve got a small frame and want to add some curves, pick a floral that is big and bright. If you’re born with some dangerous curves, then try a smaller flower print.

Stick to What you Know

Since floral denim will be cropping up all over, you’ll see it in a variety of styles. Pick a denim style that you normally go for. If you’re not a shorts girl, don’t buy floral denim cut-offs, they’ll most certainly just sit in your closet until whenever this style comes back around. Do you wear skinny leg jeans? Great, go for a skinny leg floral.

What About the Top?

Easy, pick a solid colored simple t-shirt or blouse. Try to find one that brings out the color of the print. The pants are eye-catching, the shirt should be a compliment.

Jewels & More

As for accessories, long strand necklaces and sunnies are a great accent for this summery ensemble. We like cropped jeans with flats for a day look and a neutral-toned heel for night.

Starting from the top: Hair Trends

From day to night, the look is wavy and wild or slick and styled. Models at  Hervé Léger wowed audiences with slicked-back ponytails that defied the standard while models at Givenchy’s ready-to-wear show gave off a more relaxed feel with loose and lightly styled tresses.

Herve Leger Hairstyle Trend: Unexpected Ponytails

Givenchy Hairstyle Trend: Loose and Wild Waves

Kiss and Makeup

This season, well-defined eyebrows become the focus of the face–as featured in Vogue and all over Fashion Week’s catwalks. Especially, if they’re paired with light or nude lips.  Otherwise, there’s always the smoldering cat eye look, a favorite of fashionistas across the globe.

Makeup Trend: Exaggerated Cat-eye (Emma Stone)

Makeup Trend: Well-defined Brows, Vogue Magazine

Always Accessorize 

As that saying goes, “Go big or go home” That sounds like a great description for summer’s big bracelets, earrings and necklaces! Designers like Riccardo Tisci for Givenchy and Aurélie Bidermann are on top of the list with baubles that are sure to turn heads and add punch to any outfit.

Jewelry Trend: Aurelie Bidermann Necklace

Jewelry Trend: Givenchy Shark Tooth Necklace

Print Me Up! Print Me Down!

Bold, statement making prints are this summer’s fashion staple. Jil Sander, Peter Som, and Stella McCartney are just some of the designers that went wild for bursts of color using ethnic inspirations and neon graphics in their work. Beware, this trend is not for the wallflowers. Wear it loud and proud!

Trend: Peter Som's Bold Prints

Trend: Stella McCartney Prints

Flower Power

Maybe it’s the aromatic smell of blooming flowers that inspires us to fall in love with floral prints this summer. Designers Mary Katrantzou for Top Shop and Anna Sui did!  This sweet trend is worth a try.

Trend: Anna Sui's Florals

Trend: Mary Katrantzou's Florals

Tip-Toe

Louis Vuitton, Guiseppe Zanotti and lots of other designers are showing cap-toe shoes this season. Cap-toes have been around for a while, but look has a modern twist with bright, two-tones or metallic tips. It’s an update on the classic, with some drool-worthy results.

Trend: Modern Cap-toe by Louis Vuitton

Trend: Bright Two-Tone by Guiseppe Zanotti

Barefoot Beauty

Light colors, nudes and understated tones are this summer’s hottest shoe trends. Designers to watch are Phillip Lim and Alejandro Ingelmo, who fully embraced the quiet, sleek sexiness of a soft color palate. Consider this trend a minimalistic approach to shoes.

Trend: Nude Shoe by Phillip Lim

Trend: Nude Shoes by Alejandro Ingelmo

If you’re the kind of woman that wants to start the season off with a splash, why not take a chance with a sheer sweater? They’re just as fashionable as they are comfortable and are light enough for a casual day around town. You can take a page out of Rebecca Taylor‘s book and pair one with a sharp blazer or go the demure route and complement them with white and neutral colors like Rag & Bone and Fendi did. Should you decide to take things a step further; you can pair a cropped sheer sweater with a full skirt a la Oscar de la Renta!

Rebecca Taylor

Fendi

Oscar De La Renta

Rag & Bone

Perhaps, you are looking for a way to break out when it comes to your style. The easiest way to make that happen would be with printed shorts, which are huge this spring. Much bolder than the lace and pastels that are normally associated with this time of year, this season’s selection offers geometric prints and dizzying designs that would look fabulous on anyone. The high-waisted shorts that dominated the Balmain, Balenciaga, Richard Chai, and Erdem recalled the 50s silhouettes that provide the femininity that epitomizes springtime style.

Balmain

Balenciaga

Richard Chai

Erdem

Another great way to set your style apart from the rest this spring is with a funky bag that jazzes up your look. The season’s picks specialize in mixed textures such as snakeskin and leather, which gives you that bang for your buck. Choose a tote such as Fendi’s colorblock bag or a saddle bag like Michael Kors’ lovely satchel to punch up your neutrals for a fabulous spring look. If color is your go-to trend this spring, you’ll find that Diane Von Fustenberg’s woven clutch or Emilio Pucci’s multicolor clutch bag will add that splash of color that you’ll definitely adore!

Diane Von Furstenberg

Emilio Pucci

Fendi

Michael Kors

Spring brings plenty of opportunities to showcase fantastic fashion, you will find that it is easy to incorporate the latest trends into your wardrobe. With just the right amount of help from us at New York Image Consultant, you will definitely look wonderful for the season. You certainly have an incentive to start anew with your spring wardrobe, which will work wonders for you!

With the return of tribal prints to the style palette, it seems that déjà vu is a theme this spring. Fans of the funky print will be happy to know that that it has carried over from last fall via safari-inspired pieces. Designers such as Carolina Herrera and Michael Kors embraced eye-popping color in their mixed prints, while Donna Karan and Herve Leger played with raw textures to highlight the tribal theme. You can easily work the tribal trend into your spring wardrobe by pairing it with solid neutrals such as a simple top or leather accessories such as a braided brown belt.

On the flip side, pastels are back in fine form as this season’s version of the classic neutral standard. Equally posh and it is pretty, this palette showcases the gentle side to spring while highlighting femininity in all women. DVF and Erdem presented polished versions of pastel in their Spring 2012 collections, while 3.1 Philip Lim and Jonathan Saunders offered a flouncy take on these beloved hues. Have fun with these colors and try out the color-blocking effect by pairing a peach top with a pair of mint-colored pedal pushers.

Spring 2012 has also given way to edgier fashion in the form of fabulous footwear. Statement heels, in particular, have made a powerful impression on the catwalk as they created quite the buzz. Barbara Bui‘s heels competed with Balenciaga‘s and Walter Steiger‘s for the title of most sensational skyscrapers, while Aperlai and Manolo Blahnik gave pastels a nod with their head-turning designs. Consider statement heels as your opportunity to add an edgy touch to your spring wardrobe as you pair them with a chic minidress.

With the spring season providing you with ample ways to embrace fabulous fashion, it is a great reason to punch up your style. After all, you want to make sure that you look your very best in the latest trends, as we have shown you plenty of ways to make this happen. Do stay tuned to our next report on this spring’s fashion Dos, as we at New York Image Consultant have got the inside scoop of what is hot and happening this season!

• Transparence: You can add a transparent piece of clothe to your look, or even wear a transparent long skirt with a short underneath it to get a modern style.

• Mixing textures: It’s cool to mix shiny pieces with opaque ones, and also mix different fabrics, everything black though.

• Showing legs: Your legs can also appear with a total black look, especially if you have great legs! The must have item is the leather short, perfect to mix with different textures also.

• Accessories: They will get all the attention with a basic look! It can be big totems, high rise boots, sunglasses or big earrings!

• If you want a more elegant look, stick to the classics! Blazers, jackets, the little black dress and dress pants work really well to get this sophisticated look. If you want to add some spice in it, just mess with the hair and make up!