Nick Wooster is the Men’s Fashion Director at Neiman Marcus and well-recognized throughout the fashion blogosphere for his forward, inspirational and downright handsomely elegant sense of style. Being that it is a rare day for me to write about men’s fashion and that more and more men are requesting me to do so, I enlisted his advice and help. In this fashion interview, Wooster has some great tips for men and information on what will be hot for Spring.

LS: Why is it that men are not as fashion obsessed as women are? Is it the marketing, or is it just the way we’re built?
NW: I think it’s the way we’re built. Of course, there are always exceptions to the rule. I think it’s just built into our gene pool.

LS: But there has been change.
NW: The metrosexualization that occurred in the late 90s and the earlier part of this decade has given men the okay to care about how they look. What a 50-year-old guy looks like today is different than what a 50-year-old looked like 20 years ago, so guys have learned to take better care of themselves. They’ve got to go to the gym. They’ve got to use skincare products. And consequently, they are interested in how they present themselves and how they dress. I think it’s all the events, economical and societal, that have given them the okay. And I think it’s their own desire. Everybody wants to be told they look great. When men realize with a little effort and care they can transform how they look, they’re interested in doing it.

Click here to read the rest at LollieShopping!

What better way to usher in cooler temperatures than with a hot new Lauren Merkin bag? The designer has launched her fall 2010 collection, revamping her classic styles like the “Tatum” and the “Juliette” (above), with some luxe details. Studs, suede, jewel tones, snake skin… the clucthes and totes bring a warmth and the perfect pop of color to any grey November day (and not to mention your outfit!) Like this Iris in rich, ruby calf hair…

Or the appropriately-named Bella, a sparkling sapphire gem with just the right amount of shine…

Whoever said fall days have to be dark and somber was clearly wrong. Lauren Merkin bags are available on her website, LaurenMerkin.com and in over 300 locations nationwide and around the world, including Bergdorf Goodman, Saks Fifth Avenue, Bloomingdale’s and Neiman Marcus. You can also find her on Facebook and Twitter.

-Kaci Hamilton

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I was scrolling through the pages of NeimanMarcus.com and melted at the sight of the Valentino Bow-Topped Over-the-Knee Boot. Amidst the other over-the-knee varieties, this sleek import of Italy stood out by more than 21″ due to its beautiful showcasing of a large bow.

Now, I’ll be honest — I’m not really a bow type of girl. My ballet flats never had a dainty bow on the toe and my coats always buckle or button shut, never tie into a bow. But these Valentino boots have swayed my anti-bow sentiments. I now find an over-sized bow to be daringly fashionable and who doesn’t like to push the boundaries every once in awhile, right?

But with my inspiration over-the-knee boots pushing over $1,500, these blushing bowed beauties are a bit out of reach to the normal gal who has to pay her cell phone bill, rent, and metro card, at the very least. So instead of devising get rich quick schemes, I decided to go on a bountiful bow scavenger hunt! If we can’t have the bows of Valentino, we shall find our bows elsewhere! Here’s what I came up with — which one is your favorite?

-Jaimie Sanita

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Ponchos are making an appearance again this fall in the form of chunky knits. Think handmade, warm and cozy. Many are a fusion of sweater and poncho that button up the front, making them easier to layer. You’ll see hoods, pockets and zippers as added features as well. Look for all wool styles made with thick yarns and lots of texture in the knitted design. Or try a lighter poncho on for size; it is more like a wrap and much more fluid than chunkier styles. Go for a neutral like gray or brown that can be paired with a variety of items in your wardrobe.

On the chunkier side, from Haute Hippie is the Chunky Wool Poncho (top left, $495.00 at Nordstrom.com) with classic overtones and a cable-knit design. It has a full zip-front closure, pockets to keep your hands warm and a slouchy hood at the back. From Stella McCartney is a pricey and luxe Zip-Front Boucle Poncho (top right, $1,685 at Neiman Marcus) with oversized buttons button as an accent on the cape sleeves. The poncho is an Alpaca/linen/polyamide/wool blend and made in Italy. Helmut Lang has also done a version, all in a minimalist style of course! Helmut Lang Knit Poncho (bottom right, $260 at Saks.com) is an alpaca/merino/polyamide blend and is super soft as well as warm. This poncho also features a generous hood.  From Elizabeth and James is the Olivia Poncho, (bottom left, $545 at Shopbop.com) made of moleskin this is the perfect piece for layering. Pair with a cozy cashmere turtleneck and jeans for a luxe weekend casual look.

Save with Coupon Codes from Shopbop from TheFind.com’s new coupon site

Via our friends at thefind.com:

After making an appearance on the runway at Marc by Marc Jacobs, the fur boot is back. You may recall the mukluk trend from a few seasons ago. Yes, it’s back and it is part of the larger fur trend we are seeing on faux fur vests in particular as well as handbags. So it make sense, but not sure if I am ready to embrace furry winter boots again this year. What do you think of these fur festooned boots? Will you buy them this winter?

The style seen on the runway for fall 2009 is the Marc by Marc Jacobs Faux-fur lace-up boot (bottom right, $350 at Net-a-Porter). A completely fur covered boot this will keep your toes nice and toasty during the snowiest of days or perhaps on the slopes aprè ski?  The gray faux-fur-embellished boots feature black canvas criss-cross laces at the front, silver-tone eyelets and a black rubber sole to prevent slippage on snowy urban sidewalks or while relaxing in the ski lodge. Another style is Givenchy’s Fur-Front Ankle Boot, (top right, $1150 at Saks.com) and obviously not too appropriate for snowy streets, but perhaps a snow-free night out on the town. These rabbit fur embellished booties with a stacked heel will look perfect with black leggings or skinny jeans. From down under Australia Luxe Collective’s Nordic Angel Fur Boot, (middle bottom, $410.00 at Neiman Marcus.com) is a pimped out version of the classic shearling boot. This sheepskin boot would work in snowy surroundings as well as the sunny shores of California. The 16″ tall boots features black double-faced sheepskin and natural rabbit fur trim. As well as a signature logo plate on the back. Ralph Lauren Collection’s Willa Suede Boots, (bottom left, $695 at Saks.com) are tall suede platform boots lined with shearling and a faux fur cuff at the top. More fashion than function these tall boots would work well with skinny jeans tucked in and perhaps a faux fur vest to complete your ensemble.

Save on your purchases with Coupon Codes from Zappos from TheFind.com’s new coupon site

Mesh…something that has long been associated with 80’s punk and water socks is making a chic comeback – we swear! Reinvented for work, evening, and beyond, mesh is now a sophisticated, yet still edgy alternative to the plain black bootie or heel. Take for instance Dolce & Gabbana’s Peep-Toe Booties ($795, Saks) covered in mesh, they have the structure of a demure office shoe but the added maze of mesh undoubtedly spices up your step. We also have fallen for the Proenza Schouler Slingback Cone Heel Sandals ($297, Bloomingale’s) and the Stella McCartney Closed-Toe Slip-Ons ($145, Yoox.com).

Beware though; mesh can be hard to style an outfit around. To offset the bold statement of this footwear trend find a pair of cropped or cuffed pants like the Preen Cropped Slouchy Pants ($850, NET-A-PORTER)  because the slightly shorter inseam provides a gap between your boot and hem to highlight ankle definition, which mesh booties can often diminish. Add a little va va voom to the top by either sporting a funky tank or feminine blouse, like this Donna Karan Twist Blouse ($1495, Neiman Marcus).

-Jaimie Sanita

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]]> http://fashionpulsedaily.com/2009/08/17/meshing-around-how-to-rock-the-mesh-shoe-trend/feed/ 2 http://fashionpulsedaily.com/2009/06/10/on-trend-zipper-accessories-add-a-dash-of-punk-inspired-whimsy/ http://fashionpulsedaily.com/2009/06/10/on-trend-zipper-accessories-add-a-dash-of-punk-inspired-whimsy/#comments Wed, 10 Jun 2009 19:32:02 +0000 fashionpulse http://fashionpulsedaily.com/?p=3618 ]]>

Zipper detailed accessories add an edgy dose of ’80s punk to handbags and shoes this season. Add a slash of Sid Vicious inspiration with this fun trend for summer. Look for zippers that add an embellishment that is not purely functional. The zipper frill sandal by Pour la Victoire’s zipper “flower” is pure over-the-top whimsy. We also love the bold zippers and crystal zipper pulls by Christian Louboutin. Wear these zipper accessories with a pair of destroyed jeans and oversized Alexander Wang tank.

Featured from upper left clockwise:
- Christian Louboutin Zip-Detail Clutch, $1,295.00 at Neiman Marcus
- CC SKYE The Skye Bag Black, $699.00 at Zappos.com
- Zipper Frill Sandal by Pour la Victoire, $198.00 at FreePeople
- Michael Michael Kors “Robertson” Zipper T-Strap Platform Sandals, $150.00 at Lord & Taylor ]]> http://fashionpulsedaily.com/2009/06/10/on-trend-zipper-accessories-add-a-dash-of-punk-inspired-whimsy/feed/ 0 http://fashionpulsedaily.com/2009/05/20/mini-size-me-with-a-chain-wristlet/ http://fashionpulsedaily.com/2009/05/20/mini-size-me-with-a-chain-wristlet/#comments Wed, 20 May 2009 17:51:21 +0000 fashionpulse http://fashionpulsedaily.com/?p=3221 ]]>

Via our friends at thefind.com:

Set your sights on something petite this summer. A chain wristlet is the essential accessory for your breezy summer escapades. Setting the trend is Yves Saint Laurent’s chain mail wristlet. The 5-by-4 inch wristlet is a combination mini pouch and handmade jewelry chain bracelet. In addition to the YSL chain wristlet there are a myriad of other styles to choose from. Most are mini pouches or wallets with a chain doubling as a functional strap or attached merely for the added whimsy effect. With just enough space to hold your iPhone, keys, lipgloss and an Altoid or two these darling wristlets are all you need for poolside cocktails or that midday Pinkberry run.

Our finds for chain wristlets (pictured top to bottom):
Let’s Go Luxe: Yves Saint Laurent Chain Wristlet in Black or Beige Jacquard, $1495.00 at YSL.com

Indulge Me: Marc Jacobs Collection The BE.V Patchwork Wristlet, $395.00 at eLuxury

Frivolous Fun: Juicy Couture Leather Tassel & Key Wristlet, $128.00 at Neiman Marcus

So, you may have missed the free YSL tote bag giveway, and although this tote isn’t free, the Yves Saint Laurent ‘Raspail’ Cascade-Print Tote is on sale for $498 (was $995) at Neiman Marcus. We love the way the cascade print works in a tie-dye, gradient aesthetic without going overboard! The leather trim and open top make it casual luxury at the top of its game.