For the Fellas: Best Board Shorts

Surf's up! Whether you're a dad or just a single dude, when the summer comes a callin' you suddenly find yourself lounging shore-side. Beach time shenanigans are the best under a blazing sun with food, drinks, and surrounded by good friends, no? Make sure you're looking your best in an awesome pair of board shorts. You can wear them to lay out in or into the water. Plus, you throw a shirt on and they double as fancy going out pants! You guys are really lucky...your summer outfits take a lot less thought than us gals.

Complimentary color done in a large print makes these trunks terrific. Ambiguous "A' Board Shorts, $49, Nordstrom

At first glance the print looks like a shark detail. Up close it's actually humming birds! Who doesn't love a sensitive guy? Ambiguous "Long Beaks" Board Shorts, $49, Nordstrom

I like these a lot! Classic camo takes a shark-fin turn :) Quicksilver Waterman "Camofin" Board Shorts, $69.50, Nordstrom

 

Father's Day: Unique Gifts for Dad

Father's Day comes but once a year so try to make the dad in your life feel equally special with a unique gift idea. Many people give things like ties and cufflinks but not something slightly more interesting...not something that no one else has.

To help make you a better shopper this June 17th, I've done a little pre-pulling for you. Shopping sites like Etsy, Uncommongoods, and even Hallmark, I found various items to make sure your gift isn't just great, but also thoughtful and unique.

Let's start with presentation. One of my favorite things in the world to do is wrap presents. This is why I totally understand why Tori Spelling's mom had a room in her house just for gift wrapping. If I could, that would be me. As far as I'm concerned, it's just another place in the gift giving process where you can be creative and show a little love. Hallmark has some great gift wrapping choices. I love all the primary colors and clean patterns.

Make the dad in your life feel like a hero with a Superman gift bag. Find these and various other wrappings at Hallmark

Once you've found the perfect gift wrap, you next need to find the perfect card. Nothing says I love you like a homemade card but if you don't have time to make one, you can still capture that same handcrafted feel by finding one through an independent artist. Lucky for you there's already a trusted community in place it's called Etsy. If you know me, you know I love Etsy and for Father's Day they didn't disappoint. This one was my favorite. I related to it immediately:

And all the other scary bugs that came along! :) Find this at Etsy

After the card and gift wrap have been established, it's time to consider the gift. This is where all the hard work pays off. But, it's also where we tend to put a lot of pressure on ourselves. Questions inevitably come up: What did you get him last year? Does he have this T-shirt already? He doesn't really wear ties anymore...so maybe a flask?

To keep from driving yourself crazy, think about what makes dad happy. What does he do for fun? What makes him laugh? What does he need but doesn't have? This is where you can have some fun and find things that he won't have but will appreciate.

These 7 glasses will jazz up any guys current dishware selection but would especially smart for the dad who enjoys a good liquor from time to time.

 

Don't we all feel like one of these sins, sometimes? 7 Deadly Sins Glasses, $72

For the dad whose home office tends to be constantly inundated with paperwork, make his life a little more organized with a cool paperweight.

Now all of dad's paperwork will be SAFE" (Sorry, couldn't resist the pun). "SAFE" Paperweight, $42

For the dad who likes to geek out on science, light up his life with this (totally awesome) moon clock.

It glows in the dark too! Moon Clock, $32

For the hipster dad, keep him looking cool with these fresh socks.

Shark socks, nuff said. They sell themselves. Shark Socks, $9

For the foodie dad, give him the world...with various global salts.

While we're on the subject of food, why not also cook dad breakfast in bed? Salts of the World, $35

For the handyman, give dad the gift that keeps on giving. A multi-tooled tool!

Dad might just be able to rule the world with this pen. Contractor Pen, $21.25

For the dad who likes to bike, keep him accessible with this bike accessory.

Dad will even be able to listen to good music while he bikes to and fro. iPhone Bike Mount, $40

And for the dad who walks to the beat of his own drummer, make sure looks good while doing it.

It's a joke gift but the most stylish one I've ever seen. Wood Bow Tie, $24

I hope you and the dad in your life enjoy this annual holiday and I hope you find some inspiration in these various gifts. Happy Shopping!

 

Image(s) courtesy of uncommongoods.com, hallmark.com, Etsy.com

Custom Made Jeans by Indi Denim

"Because bodies don't come in standard sizes.  So. Why should your jeans?" - Indi Denim

New custom denim website, Indi, is fresh on the scene with a very promising offer. They start with quality denim and then let you design the rest. You get to choose everything from the wash of your jeans to what type of detail you’d like on your back pockets to the diameter of your hem. Simply enter in your specific measurements (including choosing your general stomach shape, thigh shape, and even rise height) and a custom pattern will be created for you and stored forever.

Expect to pay a minimum of $175 for each pair you order though even with the higher price tag, the promise of never trying on several pairs of jeans again is so palpable you can almost taste it!

Image(s) courtesy of Indi Denim

Get A Custom Suit From Combatant Gentlemen

New men's suiting company, Combatant Gentlemen, promises quality suits at a more than reasonable price. By cutting out the wholesale process, the LA-based company has created a new, online shopping process for the young men of the world, aiming to help them an afford suit so they can (finally) land that dream job. Plus, the suits can be slightly tailored for a better fit.

Outside of affordability, Combatant Gentlemen also includes a very accessible, approachable, and eager-for-feedback staff (they are currently a team of 3!). This brand new start up has a very promising future.  Check them out at www.combatgent.com.

Plus, for a limited time, join their email list for "a chance to get fully suited, compliments of your friends at Combat Gent."

  Image(s) courtesy of combatgent.com

June Sales at Bloomingdale's San Francisco

June Fine Jewelry Birthday Card
Friday, June 1st- Saturday, June 30th

We haven’t forgotten about all of the special birthdays and fathers out there this month! This event is perfect for picking up gifts that your loved ones will adore! Clients will receive one $100 Splurge Card to use towards many of our Fine Jewelry or Fine Watch items that are valued at $500 or more when using your Bloomingdales card! Nothing says, “Happy Father’s Day,” more than a gift that will last a lifetime!




Calvin Klein Underwear Event
Wednesday, June 6th- Sunday, June 17th

This event is the perfect opportunity to stock up on your favorite Calvin Klein must haves! Clients will receive 25% off of Klein underwear, loungewear and socks! No one does comfort better than Calvin!


Polo Men’s Underwear Postcard
Tuesday, June 12th- Friday, June 15th

Not only will Calvin Klein be offered at an amazing price, but so will Ralph Lauren Polo! This is something you just cannot miss! Clients will also receive 25% off of Polo Ralph Lauren Men’s underwear, robes and sleepwear!


June Private Sale
Tuesday, June 12th- Friday, June 15th

It’s finally here! Private Sale is, by far, one of the BIGGEST and BEST events of the year! Clients will receive four certificates, at $25 each, and will be able to use a certificate for every $100 spent! Power Points are in full swing for this event! For every $100 you spend, you will earn 2,500 points! Keep in mind that for every 5,000 points, you will earn a $25 Reward Card! Talk about a reward system! As if this event couldn’t get any better, we are also including Women’s Designer! Clients will receive a $250 Splurge Card for almost every $1,000 spent on Women’s Designer Collections!

 
Beauty Treats
Tuesday, June 12th- Friday, June 15th

Clients will receive numerous gifts during this event when purchasing from the Cosmetics and Fragrance Department! Enjoy countless Gift with Purchases and Services from Bloomingdales! For every $125 you spend in store or online in our beauty departments, you will receive a hanging toiletry bag in one of three fabulous colors!


Beauty and the Beach
Friday, June 22nd- Wednesday, July 4th

During this event, Bloomingdales will be offering tons of cosmetic steals throughout the store! We know that the beach is calling your name, and we have a beach essential you need to have! Clients will receive a free striped beach bag with every $125 purchase!

Image courtesy of Bloomingdales.com

 

June Sales at Macy's San Francisco

June 6-June 11
Summer Sale and Best Customer Sale:

Buy more, Save more on shoes, sandals, up to 30% off (minimum purchase of 3 items)!
Great Shoe Sandal Sale!
Buy more, Save more on Bridge Designers: Tahari, Ellen Tracy, Calvin Klein, DKNY, Michael Kors, Eileen Fisher
up to 30% off!
(minimum purchase of 3 items)!

June 15-June 16
Biggest ONE DAY SALE - Just in time for Father's Day
$10 OFF your purchase of $25 or more on all sale and clearance apparel and select items.
(usual exclusions apply)

 - Michael Michael Kors men's suits $149.99 - Morning Specials
 - Alfani Red slim-fit men's suits $199.99 -Morning Specials
 - Lowest prices of the season on shirts and ties!
 -Men's Polo shirts by Ralph Lauren - everyone's favorite gift!
 - All Bulova watches are 25% off plus and EXTRA 10% off!
 - 50% OFF Business cases by Samsonite and more..

 image courtesy of Macy's

Banana Republic Collaboration with Trina Turk

I could not be more excited about the Trina Turk for Banana Republic collection that hits the general public in-store and online TODAY! 

Here are the looks I purchased:

Would look great belted

How cute would this be paired with the jacket below?

Sizes are running out of this one, quick!

Trina Turk is known for her use of bright signature colors and bold, dare-I-say iconic, vintage inspired prints.  Banana Republic is known for their quality and affordability.  What could more more perfect than a collaboration between the two?  I'll tell you..... one of the only designer collaborations thanks for nothing Target who only does collaborations in junior sizing resulting in size 16's!  While that's not quite plus size, it's larger than you'll find in Trina Turk's regular line.

Image(s) courtesy of Banana Republic.com

Father's Day: The Gift of Style

Let's talk about Father's Day! It's time to celebrate the guy who gave you life and say "thanks" by giving him gifts he'll use and love forever because they came from you. This year, why not give the gift of style? Your dad is great so make sure he looks great for "his holiday" with a great outfit. (never enough "greats" for dad) Lucky for you I'm a personal shopper and can lead you through the process of picking the right items for your papa...which is especially helpful if he doesn't have anything ;)

Since guys are limited in what they have available to them (no skirts and dresses. SO SAD!), let's start with the basics: jeans, a good shirt, a layering piece, shoes, and accessories. If chosen correctly, each of those items can yield a very stylish looking dude, dads included.

First up, the shirt. Instead of a plain white T, pick a shirt that has a little more detail to it. This way it'll be more versatile in your dad's wardrobe plus it's a stylish option for when he just wants to wear it as it.

The stripe is interesting and subtle. It's still a grade up from plain white T. American Rag T-Shirt, $8.99

Next, the layering piece- a sweater. Pullover, V-neck sweaters are every guys (and girls) best friend. They're perfect for layering and are also great as is. Again, find one with interesting visual detail, like a print or a texture.

Sometimes a bold color or unique color can be a great visual detail. Tommy Hilfiger, $34.99

Third up, the jeans. Folks, do your dad a favor and DON'T buy him skinny jeans and DON'T buy him over-sized jeans. Just find him a slim cut jean. It's a winner for every guy. And if you're dad's a little meatier, look for a straight leg and/or relaxed fit. It'll work the same way- proportioned to his overall physique.

Stylist tip: if your jeans are on the floor, get them hemmed! Nothing says "frumpy" like a scrunched up jeans. (Same goes for you ladies!) Guess Jeans, $89

Let's start putting the finishing touches on this look- shoes & accessories OR "Stocking stuffers" for Christmas but on Father's Day, "extras 'cause you love him".

Shoes, as we all know, can make or break a look. I've pulled two options for you, a casual shoe and a more dressy shoe, to suit most dads.

Love the grey color in this lace-up. It's dressy in silhouette but also works from day to night.

Every guy needs this kind of shoe in their closet. Stacy Adams, $90

I like to think of this as the "sexy sneaker". Why? Because it's not really a functional athletic shoe but it has the silhouette of a dress shoe. So the happy medium is a more slender sneaker that offers a little more comfort but also style.

This is an especially great shoe for bay area dads living in the city. Diesel, $90

A classic classic CLASSIC "man-ccessory" is a watch. Why do you think women covet men's watches so much? Because they're big and they have a presence. They are uniquely tied to menswear and we women know a good thing when we see it.

This is minimal, streamlined, and uber cool. Plus, it tells time. 'Nuff said. Unlisted watch, $29.98

Last, a great pair of sunglasses. Hands down the most universally flattering shape to a face is the aviator. Think of George Clooney. He tends to wear them which is exactly why it's a good idea for dad.

George Clooney WISHES he looks as good as your dad in these bad boys. Michael Kors, $99

Hopefully your dad feels as cool as he's sure to look this Father's Day. And if you're a dad yourself, enjoy the moment. You deserve it!

Image(s) courtesy of macys.com

Father's Day: The Classic Gift

fa·ther

[fah-ther] 

noun

1. a male parent.

2. a father-in-law, stepfather, or adoptive father.

3. any male ancestor, especially the founder of a race, family, or line; progenitor.

4. a man who exercises paternal care over other persons; paternal protector or provider: a father to the poor.

 

He may be the origin of our X and Y chromosomes or progenitor, but he's still just Dad to many of us, or in my case "Popi".  My dad was a "suit to work" kind of guy, who had everything and wanted for nothing.  He was, and still is, the hardest person in our family to buy for.  So we set up a Father's-Day-gift-giving-tradition to buy him the same gift every year.  Sure he knew what he was getting, but that meant that he didn't have to buy this particular items for himself any more.  What was this easy gift of choice?

No surprise, ties.  That might sound as exciting as giving him an ugly Christmas sweater.  But ties don't have to look like they came off of a used car salesman.  My number one tip to picking something safe is to keep them in the blue/grey/black family in some variation of stripes or plaids.  If you want to throw in a curve ball, try lilac.  That greyish shade of pale purple looks great with black and navy suits.

 

For the many types of dads out there, here are some fashionable suggestions.

Burberry Exploded Check Silk Tie $165

HUGO Woven Silk Tie $95

 

Michael Kors Woven Silk Tie $49.50

Alfani RED Skinny Tie $21.99 (on SALE at Macy's)

 

From my family to yours, Happy Father's Day! 

Dad image courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net