Hasta La Ideas

It’s been said once and again, Mary-Kate Olsen is a trendsetter. A ways back she stood out in her circle shades in a sea of Wayfarer wearing celebs. A few months later a diverse set of designers like Proenza Schouler, Karen Walker and Ralph Lauren sent their models down the runway wearing, you guessed it… circular sunglasses. Slowly but surely you are seeing people put down the tried and true square glasses for a fresher look, a circle shade. If you want some “look at me” sunglasses, the circle is where it’s at. Small little O’s give a great 60’s John Lennon feel that bring you right back to days of peace and love. Try some purple “Super Duper” Karen Walker shades or if you’re not ready for the $200 dollar investment go for a pair from Urban Outfitters. Still hanging on to the big stunner shades look? You can still go circular! Try some oversized circles a la Nicole Richie for a 1970’s beach party look. Check out the slideshow to see some totally circular styles.

We’ve already gone over neutral colors, but what about those colors that pop and have vivid personality? Bold colors like blue, red, yellow and their vibrant counterparts add character to a man€™s outfit when used wisely. I know there are many men who are afraid of color, mainly because they don€™t want to compromise their masculinity. It takes someone like Kanye West to make it cool to wear pink polos. Nonetheless, guys shouldn’t dive in head first when dabbling in electrifying colors. For novices, I recommend going for neckwear like the Prada paprika tie or the Polo Ralph Lauren navy regimental stripe tie that jumps off your chest with dapper charm. When you are ready to get more sartorially savvy, don a Ralph Lauren cashmere V-neck or look like a ray of handsome sunlight with the BR Monogram silk/cashmere cardigan. And when you’re feeling even more ambitious, slip into a pair of Gucci jeans in orange– but be very cautious when choosing pants in Crayola colors. Do what works for you and don’t do it just because you saw an emo rocker wearing them. Check out some of these colored confections in the slideshow.

Peek-A-Boo. But, think again if you’re trying to look for any games here. You mean business, and ain’t nobody gonna call your bluff. If you’ve got the means to go incognito like the spies of the newly released movie Duplicity with Clive Owen and Julia Roberts, then you’re in the market for some serious shades. Sunglasses for this type of mission follow the prototype of sleek, dark, and inconspicuous. Frames of this fit can set you back as little as a few bucks, or as much as a bill, but either way, if you’ve got some cards up your sleeve you don’t want others seeing, your investment will be a good one with some spy-like sun protection. Sure, beach season is on the way and all, but fully clothed, sharp lookin’ spies have eyes in need as well. Take a look at this slideshow featuring styles for men and women alike who have an eye for going unnoticed. How’s that for some super sexy spy swag.

It’s been over a decade since I traded the Fortune 500 lifestyle for that of an entrepreneur, but I still remember the best piece of advice I ever received while in the corporate world: Dress for the job you want, not the job you have. It’s so much more empowering to own and wear only five suits that make you look (and feel) like a CEO than it is to have a closet full of clothes that just won’t pass muster in a boardroom. And in today’s economy, with people in every tax bracket minding their P’s and Q’s (pennies and quarters), it’s a good time to remember that quality never goes out of style. Sure today’s selection of vintage suits carry higher price-tags than their shoddily made cousins, but their cost-per-wear can make your morning latte seem like the more expensive luxury. Just click the slideshow to see the selection.

Unless you have been living under a rock the past few months, you probably have noticed that jumpsuits are the key piece for your spring/summer wardrobe. Once relegated to construction workers, Studio 54 mavens and small children, the jumpsuit has broken out once again. While this trend has been brewing for a while, it’s finally hit fever pitch. I was an early adopter of the trend, rocking vintage jumpsuits and a great little linen romper from Uniqlo last summer; I am so incredibly happy that one-piece ensembles, long and short, are everywhere now! My search for these one-piece wonders used to be confined to vintage stores and a few specialty stores, and it’s like my options have quadrupled. There€™s nothing easier than one piece dressing! Throw on a casual short romper with some flats and a cardigan for day. By night, your options are limitless! Menswear-inspired tuxedo jumpsuits are subtly sexy with some heels for a night out. Embellished jumpsuits with the right jewelry and attitude can totally replace your cocktail dress. Check out the slideshow for my top 5 jumpsuits to get you set for the season and beyond!