Summer-V

Want an alternative to your old regular crew neck t-shirt? Try this must have essential to your summer wardrobe. It's the deep v neck t-shirt from American Apparel. They come in a wide array of colors, but I personally think they look better in a darker color to avoid looking too feminine. But if you do want to go for more of a brighter color, make sure that you get a v neck that isn't as deep. These shirts keep you stylish and cool throughout the summer, and go with practically anything. A vest or lightweight cardigan looks great over top of this tee, and a pair of cutoff denim shorts could easily complete this outfit to acheive an effortless summer look.
But make sure your chest hair is "groomed" to avoid looking like a member of the BeeGees.

Urban Cowboy

Leave those chunky and heavy afghans back in Afghanistan, and give those gross pashmina scarves back to you girlfriend (or grandmother!) and say bonjor to the classic bandana. These little scarves are no longer for east coast/west coast gang relations, or rodeo riders, they're becoming the must have accessory for this upcoming summer. Light in weight, and in price, they're sure to jazz up any summer outfit. Although you may have seen them worn around by a few people in the past, but they were pushed aside by the popular afghans and pashminas this past year. Keep your afghans for the fall and winter seasons, and this summer give your neck some breathing room, and some shade from the sun as well.

You can go for a classic paisly print bandana (shown above left) in a multitude of colors, or you can have a little fun and go for a fun nautical print (above right). Whichever one you choose, you're sure to bear the summer heat in style!

(Both bandanas can be purchased at Urban Outfitters for $8 each, but you can also check local shops for a better deal. I got mine for only $1!)

The "Skinny" on Jeans

We all have them...our favorite pair of jeans. I recently came across a pair that absolutely fell in love with at first sight about a week ago that I purchased from Macy's. They're the Levi's 511 Skinny fit jean. The trend for skinny fit is now dying out among the ladies (who are now loving the whole wide leg thing), but they're still chic and stylish in men's fashion. Now don't be alarmed men! Don't let the word "skinny" scare you. If you're concerned about things being a little...constricting, opt for more a slimmer cut (Levi's 514 Slim Straight) as apposed to a skinny fit, tapered leg. Whichever fit you decide to wear, thy're guarenteed to give you more of a tailored, longer, leaner, and more sophistacated silhouette that bootcut or loose fit jeans won't give you.

Some advice for you when it comes to choosing the right pair for you:
If you happen to be heavier on the bottom, or more concerned about your thighs, then lean towards a darker wash to slim things out... and that goes for both the 511's and the 514's. Darker washes happen to be more versitile. You can dress them up for the evening with a nice pointed toe dress shoe, or dress them down in the daytime with a pair of trainers or any other casual shoe. Also, make sure that you get your jeans long enough to avoid looking like Steven Q. Urkel from Family Matters!