The Men’s Dress Shirt Guide

Ensure an always-dapper appearance by sticking to these rules

Men, listen up. Dress shirts are a must-have wardrobe staple – when worn correctly. So whether pairing with jeans for a night out or with a suit for work, live by these rules and you’re guaranteed to always look as debonair as you planned.

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Our A Guy’s Best Friend: Shirts, Sport Coats, & Tees Boutique opens Sunday, April 28, at 11AM ET.

By Brianna Lapolla, Staff Writer

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April 28, 2013

If at First You Don’t Succeed, Shop, Shop Again

Those styles you missed? They’re back for more.

There are few things more frustrating than discovering something you love only to find it’s sold out (sad, yes, but come on – we love the drama of it all). The silver lining? In addition to making you want those made-for-you flats and that multichain necklace even more, it gives you ample time to think about what to do with your scores once you finally get your hands on them.

Thankfully, the style gods believe in second chances, and here’s what I’ve been planning for those coveted pieces that are about to become mine – for real this time.

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Our Déjà Rue Boutique opens Saturday, April 27, at 11AM ET.

By Abigail Kuzia, Editor

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April 27, 2013

Charm School: How to Build a More Personal Gift

Jewelry, for me, is super personal. The pieces with the most meaning are the ones I love the most and never want to take off. So, as Mother’s Day approaches, I got to thinking – why not gift something like that to Mom this year? I’ll still pick up the requisite flowers and compose a heartfelt card, but I’m ready to start a charming new tradition with jewelry that can be built upon for every occasion (birthdays, milestones, or even just because). Here’s how to get started.

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  1. Pick a base. I’m a fan of this blue corded bracelet. (Bonus: it can also be worn as a necklace.) It’s casual enough for everyday wear and adds a nice pop of color. If you prefer to go the earring route, simple gold hoops make for a sophisticated and super-versatile base that packs a lot of punch even without the addition of a charm.
  2. Decide on a theme. Color coordinate. Commemorate your favorite vacations. Create a redefined friendship bracelet and put together the grownup version of those split hearts you and your best friend exchanged and wore around your necks back in the day. Or, just make the jewelry all about things your Mom loves – shout out her star sign, initials, lucky number, or favorite charitable cause.
  3. Choose your charms and get ready to tell a story. That personalized bracelet and eye-catching earrings are guaranteed to be conversation-starters.

Our PANDORA Boutique opens Friday, April 26, at 11AM ET.

By Chrissy Makkas, Staff Writer

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April 26, 2013

In Honor of Earth Day: Go Green (Compost Pile Optional)

Earth Day made me ponder. I recycle when I can, walk whenever possible, love farmers’ markets, and limit myself to one(ish) burger per week. So how do I take this help-our-planet-from-going-extinct thing to the next level? Simply look around the house. From carpets to accessories to kids’ toys, go green one room at a time.

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The Eco-Friendly Home: Natural-Fiber Rugs and Keep It Natural: Wood- & Stone-Detailed Watches Boutiques opened Monday, April 22, at  11AM ET.

By Julia Ivins, Staff Writer

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April 25, 2013

Rue How-To: Nantucket-Inspired T-Shirt Bracelets

Remember when you were a kid and you spent summers making friendship bracelets and reading Judy Blume? Well, this week, we have a slightly elevated version of that. Slightly. You know that pile of T-shirts you’ve been hoping to donate for the last year or so? Now’s your chance to wear them in a whole new way.

Say hello to summer’s most versatile accessory. These upcycled bracelets can be stacked with colorful enamel bangles for work and cocktails, or worn on their own for beach weekends. You could even weave in chains, studs, or charms for an of-the-moment look.

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Once you get a rhythm down, the process will speed up. For the details on this braid, visit New York City blogger Lana Red – she’s broken down the steps in a helpful diagram. Not in a particularly crafty mood? Try a (super easy) traditional braid with multiple colors woven in.

By Julia Ivins, Staff Writer

Would you add these T-shirt bracelets to your stack? Let us know in the comments below or tweet us at @ruelala, then check out our Rue How-To column every Wednesday.

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April 24, 2013

The Bad Boys of Fashion: 4 Edgy Designers We Can’t Get Enough Of

Sometimes, being bad just feels good – and it’s a sentiment that’s never more present than in the fashion world. From provocative ad campaigns to sartorial gambles, when it comes to this industry, the edgier you are the better. Just check out a few of our favorite bad boy designers (and try not to swoon).

Marc Jacobs: Jacobs introduced his namesake line in 1986 and went on to become the youngest designer ever to win the CFDA Perry Ellis Award for New Fashion Talent.
Bad-Boy Cred: Known as America’s bad boy of fashion, Jacobs boasts over 30 tattoos (one being SpongeBob) and constantly makes waves at Fashion Week with his use of unexpected models and backward runway shows. What he’ll do next is anyone’s guess.

Alexander McQueen: The late McQueen’s first collection debuted in 1994 and was bought in its entirety by fashion editor Isabella Blow. After the designer’s untimely death in 2010, Sarah Burton took over as the new Creative Director.
Bad-Boy Cred: McQueen dropped out of school at 16 to pursue a career in fashion. He was known for his unconventional designs and runway shock tactics. Case in point: during his S/S 1999 show, model Shalom Harlow stood on a turntable while robots spray-painted her dress.

Jean Paul Gaultier: After working for Pierre Cardin and Jean Patou, Gaultier set out to create his own womenswear line, and his first couture collection debuted in 1997. From 2004 to 2010, he served as the head womenswear designer of Hermès.
Bad-Boy Cred: His nickname is “Enfant Terrible,” which translates to “terrible child.” In 1990, the designer – known for challenging the standard views of fashion – collaborated with Madonna to create her infamous cone bra.

Nicola Formichetti: An Italian/Japanese fashion director and editor, Formichetti is most widely known as the new artistic director of DIESEL. In 2010 he was awarded the Isabella Blow Award for Fashion Creator.
Bad-Boy Cred: The motto of the man who created Lady Gaga’s infamous meat dress? “F*** fashion, because I love it so much I want to destroy it and start again and keep it fresh.”

Shop our favorite bad-boy designers with our Bad Boys of Fashion: Featuring Alexander McQueen Boutique, which opened Wednesday, April 24, at 11AM ET.

By Keriann Coffey, Associate Blog Editor

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April 24, 2013

Trailblazer: The 3 Blazers You Need Now

The blazer is a classic closet staple – one women stole from men, and then wore better (sorry, guys). Today, this wardrobe essential comes in a bevy of styles. So to help you find the fit that suits you best, we’ve broken down the three most popular cuts (and thrown in a few styling tips, too).

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Our 10 Ways to Wear: The Blazer Boutique opens Wednesday, April 24, at 11AM ET.

By Keriann Coffey, Associate Blog Editor

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April 24, 2013

What Are You (Really) Wearing? All About Space-Dyed Knits

BLG-1411 What Are You Really Wearing Space-Dyed Knits

Space-dying – also known as dip-dying – is a technique used to give yarn a multicolored, tie-dyed look. The dyed colors repeat themselves on a single strand of yarn in segmented patterns. When the yarn is woven, the repeating colors produce unique and unpredictable horizontal stripes. These patterns are often made with coordinating shades for a slightly subdued look, while contrasting colors can be used for a funkier feel.

Known for their knitwear, Italian fashion house Missoni has the design down pat – space-dyed chic has been one of their iconic looks since the 70s. To work this pattern into your wardrobe, start slow with a scarf then move on up to an oversized sweater or knit dress.

By Jillian Hudon, Staff Writer

Want the lowdown on fabrics and more? Follow our What Are You (Really) Wearing? column every Tuesday.   

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April 23, 2013

Footnote: 3 Shoes You Need for Spring

It’s a fact: a girl can never have too many shoes – but if that closet (or oven, or what have you) is getting a little crowded, clear out some space – by any means necessary – and make room for these three additions.

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By Keriann Coffey, Associate Blog Editor

What are your favorite shoe trends for spring and summer? Share in the comments below, or tweet us at @ruelala.

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April 23, 2013

Smooth Operator: The Secret Behind Hanky Panky’s 4811 Thong

When it comes to curve-hugging numbers, the goal is to show off your shape – not your panty lines. Luckily, with Hanky Panky’s 4811 thong (or what I like to call my little lace lifesaver), there’s nothing to detract from the allure of a slinky number. The secret to the 4811’s undergarment invisibility? Well, that lies in the careful calibration of the underpinnings – something designer Gale Epstein achieved by trying on each and every prototype herself (talk about dedication).

Check out just what makes the 4811 so comfortable and, most importantly, invisible. Then go ahead and buy yourself a tight dress, just to test it out.

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Watch Hanky Panky’s Sizzle Reel to learn more about the history and making of Hanky Panky underwear >


April 23, 2013