Where Have I Been?

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You may have noticed that my blog posts have slowed down in the month of July, and that's because I have been insanely busy with fun projects! YAY! This, of course, means that there will be many more fun posts to come in the month of August. I won't leave you hanging though. Here's a little sneak peak into a couple of photo shoots that I have taken part in this month.

The first shoot was with several friends and a VERY talented designer and photographer. Details will be revealed in September/October. (Behind the scenes pics below)

I also styled a photo shoot for a hair academy that was once Toni & Guy and is now called Brillare. It was an awesome learning experience. (Photos below) Can't wait to share more with you guys.

Tonight I'm off to brainstorm a Marie Antoinette set in modern day times bridal shoot. I'm REALLY excited about that!!! Keep you eyes peeled for the unveiling of all this hard work.

White Denim = Bad Idea

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You may or may not heard that white denim skinny jeans are one of the summer staples for 2010. Well, I finally scored my pair of jeans at TJ Maxx last week ($12), and let me just say that I'm glad I only paid $12. My mind must have been clouded by wanting to be on trend rather than thinking, "Alex, you can barely keep white tank tops from getting stained. What makes you think you can keep white pants from the same death sentence?!"

I wore them ONE DAY, and then got dirty! I washed them and put them on this morning...Stain! Stain!!!! Right on my knee, and I can't get it out with bleach. Grrrrrr!!!!

Word to the wise - This is not a trend worth partaking in.

Maybelline Lash Stiletto Ultimate Length Mascara

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I finally finished up my M.A.C mascara that I wasn't too fond of, and took a chance on Maybelline's Lash Stiletto Ultimate Length Mascara. I am really, really liking it. There are many different formulas out there that give a variety of results. For me, I tend to like mascaras that lengthen and separate. This one does just that, and I recommend it to anyone looking for that outcome.

Menswear Monday: The Summer Uniform, Part 5

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The Oxford It’s date night, so you can’t look like a complete schlub.  Put on something with buttons, and for goodness sake, do something with your hair.  Still, just like hair gel and chest hair, wearing a loud shirt is going to make you look like a Miami Vice extra, not a regular dude.  So get basic: buy an oxford.

Cotton oxford cloth is woven loosely (compared to dress shirt poplin), making it more breathable.  So it’s ideal for warm weather.  Like khakis, they look better when they’re a little wrinkled and worn-in.

There’s nothing here to say that you need to buy a white oxford to match your white tees, but it wouldn’t hurt.  Light blue and white are the classic colors for a reason, but there are some other hues that work well, including grey, pink and yellow.  Stripes are also cool, as are contrasting white collars.

If you’re not wearing a tie, leave the collar buttons undone.   Look for one with a shorter collar if possible, so the collar points don’t get all disco fabulous when they’re spread out.  Also, since the Oxford is a pretty set style, look for cool details like contrasting cuffs and monograms to add some individuality.  If you want to get extra fancy, find a club collar; it’s an older style than the point collar, but if Ol’ Blue Eyes can rock it, then it’s definitely cool enough.

We’re particularly fond of the cuts and fabrics at Land’s End Canvas, Billy Reid, Brooks Brothers Black Fleece (designed by rock star designer Thom Browne), and Gant Rugger.  Since you can dress this shirt up to wear to work, too, you add some versatility that justifies paying a little extra for quality.

- Rob Hays