How To...Accessorize A School Uniform

A main concern in the fashion world of prep school students in the city is how to properly accessorize their uniforms. Now more than ever, more and more city schools are joining an old age trend of enforcing school uniforms. Like it or not, you still have to wear it, but how you pair pieces with a uniform can make or break the 5 day a week standard outfit. One Winter trend that is popping up everywhere now is so simple and versatile with any outfit...a blazer. This staple can be worn at schools with a less strict dress code that involves only a skirt and a polo shirt or button down blouse. Because school skirts aren't very well fitted (unless you have an excellent couture tailor), I would suggest more of a cropped tighter-fitted blazer, because it gives you a better figure than a boyfriend blazer. One suggestion is this fitted gray Proenza Schouler blazer, which is a great investment, because of its color; grey matches with almost every color palette, and because of its fabric; a wool jersey is great for versatility and long lasting use. Another great jacket is this navy blue Steven Alan blazer.  This blazer is a great piece to wear over a blouse or polo shirt because it's cropped. Another way to stand out in school is to wear stand out shoes. A suggestion is to look for peep toe boots or booties, because they stand apart from a normal boot. I have fallen in love with Givenchy's peep toe ankle boots, because of their chic zippers, Camilla Skovgaard's suede cutout boots, because of their rough look and amazing traction, Oscar de la Renta's satin and suede boots, because of its romantic ribbon detailing, Marc by Marc Jacobs' peep toe ankle bootie, because it comes in gray and black, and for it's patent leather piping, and Marc by Marc Jacobs' bow back mule, because of it's beautiful back bow detail. And if you like the menswear for women look, I would venture out for an oxford bootie, such as an Yves Saint Laurent, a Manolo Blahnik, or a Giuseppe Zanotti. But of course, a your wardrobe would be empty without bold tall boots by Chloe, Brian Atwood, Jimmy Choo, Miu Miu, and Lanvin. Last but not least, a bag is needed to pull together an outfit. If you are one to carry a handbag to school then why not pull of the English banker look with a Proenza Schouler "IT" bag. But if a tote is more of your style to carry your books around in, then why not tote around this sturdy Jil Sander bag, this classic blue Valextra bag, this breathtaking Nancy Gonzalez crocodile tote, or this imported Yves Saint Laurent leather tote. One obvious tip for uniform dressing is to stick to the dress code. It's always better to play it safe with a longer cut skirt than having to wear an oversized one, because you were baring too much skin for school. Also, because you have to wear the same outfit everyday, why not splurge on that Paige Gamble headband, or that layered Lanvin necklace. Take notes from Gossip Girl, but think more realistically (like sans brightly colored tights).  Just remember, all it takes is one item to transform your boring uniform into a fashion phenomenon.

XO XO,

-Steven

It Fits Like A Glove

With leggings becoming more and more popular every year (it has taken 2 years and a lot of talk from my friend, Paige, to finally like leggings), I decided to research the perfect leggings. But what makes a perfect legging? I think that fit is a major concern when shopping for leggings. Most people will buy the easier to find and more popular lower rise legging that's simply cropped on the lower portion of the ankle. But what people may not realize is that a lower rise does not properly shape the butt, and cropped leggings are a thing of the past; full length leggings are the current trend, because they can be more perceived as an alternative to an actual pair of pants. With all of this in mind, I searched for more of a high waisted legging that would shape the body as if it were a pair of Spanx. In my search, I came across 3 completely different styles of leggings. The first pair of leggings I found, RM by Roland Mouret's Montana leggings, are a more modern approach to leggings and tights. What I liked about these leggings was the intricate crocodile print woven onto the wool, silk, and cashmere blended fabric. I also loved the dark purple color, because it is a step away from the typical black, yet it still matches with virtually anything without being too vibrant. Another amazing thing is the how it's finished on the bottom of the leg: no lace is used, and it ends with the just the right amount of minimal bunching. The second pair that I found, textured Yves Saint Laurent leggings, in my mind are the best pair of leggings that I found. Usually I am not a fan of the "plastic" look added to leggings, because they look and feel cheap, but these are a pair that give it a shiny look, but not enough to make it look like a plastic garbage bag. What I love about these leggings is its extreme attention to fit. The outline of kneecaps and the curviness of the waist is pre-designed within the leggings, so when you wear it, it fits like a glove. I also fell in love with the ruching at the leg. The final leggings I found were a pair of Alexander Wang ribbed leggings. Along with the other 2 pairs that I researched, this pair of leggings has a great high waisted fit to it. What makes this pair different, though, is it's amazing curved ribbed pattern to it that makes the leg appear skinnier than it actually is. This great illusion makes them a great investment for future use, because you know that even on a "fat day" you'll look good. Please remember when trying leggings on, make sure that you have somebody with you to help you decide if those pairs are right for you.

XO XO,

-Steven

One Sweater, A Million Different Ways To Wear It

One thing that I frequently notice while browsing through Fall and Winter sweaters, is that they are usually simple, clean, and I hate this word, but, plain. I personally enjoy wearing bare sweaters that are made of fine cashmeres and wools, but sometimes you find yourself looking for something that you know is not yourself, but it's something that you know can pull off while still feeling comfortable. I found that item while scrolling through one of my favorite female only fashion websites, Netaporter. I ended up fixated on this Markus Lupfer sweater known as the Laughing Lips. The Rolling Stone-esque design on the sweater was the first thing to catch my eye, but when I stared back again at the sweater I realized that it held the amazing qualities of other luxurious sweaters: the perfect fit, the luxurious knit, and the beautiful silhouette. The sweater is made out of 100% Merino Wool, which gives it a warm, soft, yet more structured feel to it. The sleeves are narrow, and hug the arms, and the sweater itself wraps around the body in a slim fit that's not tight, but at the same time it's not loose and baggy. I also researched in my mind how many different ways a person can wear this sweater, and I figured out that it can be worn with virtually anything due to it's slim cut. It would look simply dashing tucked into a high waisted leather skirt such as this skirt by Preen Line. It would also look great with a slim fitting jean, or a simple black legging. Even though it seems as if I love only this sweater, Markus Lupfer makes other cool and different motifs sewn onto other sweaters of theirs, such as the Queen of England. Wherever this upcoming season takes you, remember, step outside of your fashion box...you might surprise yourself.

XO XO,

-Steven

Fall/Winter '09/'10 Female Fashion Trends

"THE 80's ARE BACK!"

Maybe you heard this, maybe you didn't, but this is one of the hottest topics within the fashion community. First off, what does it mean to relive the 80's? In the fashion world's mind this is it: shoulder pads, the bustier dress, leather, animal prints, the pouf skirt and dress, sequins, asymmetrical shoulders, leggings, masculine vs. feminine, vibrant patterns and color, acid wash, leg warmers, and booties. But with people so against this revival (Even Valentino himself announced that he was glad that he has stopped designing, because he hated the 80's), how do you steer away from the past, yet still stay current with the trends? An easy solution: only use one 80's trend at a time, and tie it into a more modern 2009/2010 approach. Take this Miu Miu leather bustier dress, and wear it with this very modern/masculine Jil Sander jacket, and top it all together with this ultra-feminine Valentino pump.....you now have yourself a modern interpretation of an aged fashion staple. Remember: a little too much of something can ruin your effect. Too much of one trend can come out as a costume instead of an ensemble. Until later....

XO XO,

-Steven

City Boy Stuck In The Suburbs...?

Hi, my name is Steven, and I'm the founder of "City Boy Stuck In The Suburbs." My friend Amanda got me started on creating a blog similar yet different to her blog, which is about fashion and the world behind it. What you can expect to find from "City Boy Stuck In The Suburbs" is information about the hottest fashion trends, new stores in Manhattan, my travel stories, designer bios, underground designers, the hottest nightlife to hit NYC, Gossip Girl 411, and celeb fashion. I hope you keep reading!

XO XO,

-Steven