Tag Archives: menswear

Valentine’s Day Gift Guide

Happy Love Week! Valentine’s Day is a day full of love, lots of red, flowers, chocolates, and of course presents.  Still haven’t found the perfect gift for the loved ones in your life?  Don’t panic, I’ve got you covered and there is still time for overnight delivery!  Check out Garden of Glam’s Valentine’s Day Gift Guide that features the perfect gifts for him and her highlighting amazing DC based designers, brands and companies!

FOR HIM

Perfect gift for the music lover on the go!

These sneakers are perfect for (almost) every occasion and are about to blow up!

Local designer alert! Hugh & Crye knows that fit is everything in menswear and that each body type is different.

FOR HER

Layering necklaces are the perfect gift for everyone and this necklace celebrates the spirit of Valentine’s Day

Nothing says I love you like a tee that says I love you

I have been eyeing these for a while! And if you want to go all Beyonce, get the XO initials

FOR YOUR BESTIE

Local company alert! Support a local company, Soigne Card,  while also supporting your favorite local restaurants by getting your friend e-gift cards!

Local designer alert! Get your bestie an ultra glam headband from Andrea’s Beau!  Love this headband? So do I! Order it by Friday & get a 20% discount by using gardenofglam as the discount code!

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Holiday Gift Guide (Day 6)

Day Six of Garden of Glam’s Holiday Gift Guide featuring Abby Jiu the Magnificent Photographer

Abby Jiu is the amazing photographer behind Abby Jiu Photography.  I had the absolute pleasure of working with Abby on my Alvin Ailey menswear post and to say it was a wonderful experience is a complete understatement!  Abby has the most incredible eye and is able to capture the perfect moment in the most unobtrusive way.  Abby’s finished product is always breathtaking and a true representation of beautiful moments.  Abby has been featured in Style Me Pretty, on the cover of Washingtonian Bride & Groom, The Knot and Refinery 29, just to name a few.

ABBY’S WISH LIST

Gift Guide

Midi Band Trio (get it here)

“I have been eyeing these midi rings.  They are a perfect compliment to any outfit.” – Abby

Gift Guide

Peplum Top (get it here)

“I love peplum and I really like how this top can be both dressy and casual.  I could see pairing it with some boyfriend jeans and nude pumps for day and then if I wanted to wear it to a holiday party wearing it with a metallic gray pencil skirt.  I love the versatility!” – Abby

Gift Guide

Designer Smart Phone Chargers (get it here)

“Because I am always running out of battery for my phone.  This will give me an extra charge when I’m out on the go, as well as help me look stylish at the same time.” – Abby

ABBY’S GIVE LIST

Gift Guide

Calligraphy Starter Kit (get it here)

“My Mom has always loved penmanship and writing notes to her friends and loved ones.  And she has always had a thing for calligraphy.  I love this starter kit from Laura Hooper.  It even comes with a calligraphed personalized notebook.  I know she will love it!” – Abby

gift guide

Artifact Uprising Calendar (get it here)

“To reminisce about our amazing year together and all that we have accomplished.  Planning to fill this with pictures from our Instagram shots throughout the year.  Taking it from our phones to print.” – Abby

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Menswear Spring Preview

Today is the last day of my menswear spring preview featuring Kirven and Antonio, dancers from the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater.  I loved every minute of putting this post together and am so grateful I had the opportunity to work with such talented people!  For today’s post I went with a more casual look, while of course embracing lots of color.  When putting a menswear look together have fun with it, go for something a little unexpected and most importantly make sure the fit is perfect. I do hope you have enjoyed this spring/summer preview as much as I have and hope you feel inspired to dance your way through the seasons.

A million thanks to Kirven Boyd, Antonio Douthit, Abby JiuDurklBuffalo Exchange, and Rise Events! And for behind the scenes pictures and videos of this photo shoot make sure to follow me on Instagram and Vine.

On Kirven: Pants: c/o Buffalo Exchange (similar found here), T-shirt: c/o Buffalo Exchange (similar found here), Jacket: c/o Buffalo Exchange (similar found here), Shoes: c/o Buffalo Exchange (similar found here). On Antonio: Pants: c/o Buffalo Exchange (similar found here), Shirt: c/o Buffalo Exchange (similar found here), Jacket: c/o Durkl (found here), Hat: c/o Durkl (found here), Shoes: c/o Buffalo Exchange (similar found here)

On Kirven: Pants: c/o Buffalo Exchange (similar found here), T-shirt: c/o Buffalo Exchange (similar found here), Jacket: c/o Buffalo Exchange (similar found here), Shoes: c/o Buffalo Exchange (similar found here). On Antonio: Pants: c/o Buffalo Exchange (similar found here), Shirt: c/o Buffalo Exchange (similar found here), Jacket: c/o Durkl (found here), Hat: c/o Durkl (found here), Shoes: c/o Buffalo Exchange (similar found here)

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Menswear Spring Preview

Welcome to the second day of the menswear spring preview featuring Kirven and Antonio, two incredible dancers with the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater.   I have always appreciated menswear, I flip through GQ monthly, often find myself perusing their website, and hey I even have a pinterest board dedicated to menswear.  So I was obviously excited going into this photo shoot, not just because I would be working with two unbelievably talented dancers from one of my favorite dance companies, not to mention a fabulous photographer whose work I admire, but also because I love menswear.  I enjoy the subtle nuances of menswear and its simplistic nature that is accented by boldness.  Through putting this post together, I learned that the absolute most important component when it comes to menswear is fit, obviously this is important for women as well, but it is EVERYTHING in menswear.  If a jacket is too loose it automatically looks sloppy and if a pant is too tight it is just offensive.  There is however a fine line when it comes to tightness because tight is in (you have the hipster revolution to thank for this one), so it is important to stay true to yourself and your comfort levels when embracing the slim cut.  Other quick tips for spring when rocking a slim cut pant, cuff your jeans and expose your bare ankle for the world to see!  Also, try embracing an old man loafer, this is the perfect way to polish off an outfit.  I love color so I styled Kirven and Antonio in a full spectrum, when mixing and matching colors trust your gut and don’t over think it! Chalks, which are the male equivalent of pastels are also huge this spring/summer season and are generally easier to play around with.  Bottom line, have fun with your look! Embrace change and whatever you do make sure the fit is perfect!

Again, special thank you to Kirven Boyd, Antonio Douthit, Abby Jiu, Buffalo Exchange, Rise Events and Durkl!

On Antonio: Pants: Shipley & Halmos (similar found here), Sweater: Barneys Coop (similar found here), Shoes: Sperry Topsider. On Kirven: Pants: c/o Buffalo Exchange (similar found here), Shirt: Gant (similar found here), Sweater: Shipley & Halmos (similar found here), Tie: c/o Buffalo Exchange (similar found here), Shoes: c/o Buffalo Exchange (similar found here)

On Antonio: Pants: Shipley & Halmos (similar found here), Sweater: Barneys Coop (similar found here), Shoes: Sperry Top-sider (similar found here). On Kirven: Pants: c/o Buffalo Exchange (similar found here), Shirt: Gant (similar found here), Sweater: Shipley & Halmos (similar found here), Tie: c/o Buffalo Exchange (similar found here), Shoes: c/o Buffalo Exchange (similar found here)

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Menswear Spring Preview

My latest (and greatest) collaboration is a menswear spring preview featuring Kirven Boyd and Antonio Douthit, two incredibly talented, graceful, and wonderful dancers from the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater.  Alvin Ailey was recently performing at the iconic Kennedy Center and Antonio and Kirven were kind enough to take time out of their incredibly busy schedules, which were jam packed with rehearsals and performances to model this Spring/Summer’s hottest trends.  I danced most of my life and spent a great deal of my childhood in studios so I absolutely jumped at the opportunity to work with such brilliant dancers.  My inspiration for the photo shoot was the fluidity and grace of dance juxtaposed with rigidity and grind of daily life.  And I have to say I could not be happier with how everything turned out!

To outfit the shoot I turned to one of my favorite shops, Buffalo Exchange who graciously lent us incredible pieces that showcased the hottest trends for spring.  Durkl, an independent American streetwear brand whose flagship store will be opening in DC shortly, went above beyond and sent hot items from their latest line.  And finally to photograph this spread I turned to Abby Jiu, one of my favorite photographers who has the most stunning eye!  I would also like to give a special thank you to Rise Events for letting me use the historic Powerhouse as the backdrop and my dear friend Sadie for introducing me to Kirven and Antonio, who without which this post would not have been possible.  It seriously takes a village!

Stay tuned all week for more fabulous ensembles and incredible moves!

Antonion (on the left) is wearing: Shirt c/o Buffalo Exchnage, Pants: Gant, Shoes: Sperry Topsider.  Kirven (on the right) is wearing: Sweater: Vince, Pants: c/o Buffalo Exchange, Shoes: c/o Buffalo Exchange.

Antonion (on the left) is wearing: Shirt c/o Buffalo Exchnage, Pants: Gant, Shoes: Sperry Topsider. Kirven (on the right) is wearing: Sweater: Vince, Pants: c/o Buffalo Exchange, Shoes: c/o Buffalo Exchange.

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Valentine’s Gift Guide

This Valentine’s let me remove all of the potential stress that can come with this holiday by doing what I do best, shop!  I have compiled the perfect his & her gifts, spanning different price ranges that are appropriate for all stages of a relationship.  So sit back and relax and enjoy this Valentine’s Day in all its glory!

FOR HER

The Splurge: Roberto Coin Gold Heart Necklace (found here)

The Splurge: Roberto Coin Gold Heart Necklace (found here)

Perfect way to show your love for that special lady in your life.  This necklace is perfect for layering or can stand alone, and is great for every day wear.

The middy: Heart Sweatshirt by Wildfox (found here)

The middy: Heart Sweater by Wildfox (found here)

This sweater just oozes love!  I am a huge fan of the graphic heart, this is not only fashion forward and on trend, but also comfortable, which is an unbeatable combination!  This is also a great gift if you don’t want to give jewelry, which tends to be the standard for Valentine’s Day.

DVF iPhone case (found here)

The steal: DVF iPhone case (found here)

Such a fun and practical gift! Love the love theme and what girl doesn’t need a new phone case.

FOR HIM

The splurge: Satchel by Billy Kirk (found here)

The splurge: Satchel by Billy Kirk (found here)

I am completely obsessed with this briefcase!  A good briefcase should be a staple in every man’s wardrobe and this is so retro and fashion forward at the same time!

The middy: Miansai leather bracelet (found here)

The middy: Miansai leather bracelet (found here)

Miansai accessories are taking over the world.  I love this silver and navy leather combo.  It is a way to add masculine flair to any look.

The steal: Colored laced by hook & albert (found here)

The steal: Colored laces by hook & albert (found here)

I am all about fun shoe laces!  This is a thoughtful and fun present without breaking the bank.

FOR YOUR BESTIE

The middy: Words necklace by In God We Trust (found here)

The middy: Words necklace by In God We Trust (found here)

Great gift for your friend that has a sense of humor.  I am loving all of In God We Trust’s tongue in cheek accessories!

The middy: Gorjana friendship bracelets (found here)

The middy: Gorjana friendship bracelets (found here)

A more sophisticated take on the classic friendship bracelet.  This is perfect for your sentimental bestie.

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