Archive for December, 2009

Tips for Buying Great Casual Shoes

December 30th, 2009

When you ask a man to define what a casual shoe is, he will probably reply with tennis shoes or sneakers.  Most men have only a couple pairs of shoes in their closet and their needs are met.  A pair of sneakers, dress shoes, flip flops and work shoes will probably complete the variety in most men’s closets.

First, when buying a casual shoe it is important to question what the purpose will be behind it.  Next, consider where you are purchasing the shoe from.

Kennith Cole Shoes

December 29th, 2009



The Kenneth Cole men’s shoes Reaction collection offers men everything from thong sandals to stylish dress shoes. This grandiose collection of footwear comes in all different varieties, shapes, sizes, and colors. The Kenneth Cole Men’s shoes Reaction collection is loaded with trendy choices for men. Let’s start with the casual.

The casual offerings of the Reaction collection range from clogs to sport shoes and everything in between. Reaction Men’s Glide Open and the Men’s Straight Plush are both examples of the clogs offered by the men’s collection. Still, there is more casual footwear that Reaction gives men to choose from. There are corporate casual pieces, like the Men’s Lace Off, the One Line Day, the Line in Time and many more. These shoes offer men the luxury of comfort with the style of business.

If business casual is not enough, Reaction gives men several options for a dress look. The Reaction Flex a Bit and Flex Along are shiny leather shoes that scream sophistication, while the Reaction Men’s Row Boat lends to a sportier dress look. The Men’s Puzzle Piece is an intriguing and unique style. These are loafer style with a square toe, and apron style stitched toe seam detail.

Reaction also provides a great selection in men’s view. For a funky take on a cowboy look, try Men’s Red Line. These snakeskin boots can be dressed up or dressed down, with a tapered toe and western style stitching. If snakeskin is not your thing, the Red Line also comes in black or brown leather. For a more casual and rugged look, try the Reaction Pine Nuts. These rounded, plain toe shoes offer stitched accents, but it’s the one inch sole and heel.

Sandals should also be part of a man’s footwear wardrobe. These can range from thong sandals, commonly referred to as flip flops, and more sturdy standards that men can wear with anything. Some of the thong options include Flip 5-0, the Beachy-Keen, and the Sport Graffiti. Sandals that men can wear at work or at play include the Sand-man, the Top Spin, the Flip Wilson, and the Surf the Net, to name a few.

By: Dawn Gonzalez

Gothic Prom Dresses That Make A Statement

December 29th, 2009



Any teenage girl will tell you how important her prom night is. Choosing a prom dress is a major event in a young girl’s life, but prom dresses don’t have to be traditional. Gothic prom dresses are gaining popularity as more and more girls are branching out from conventional ways of dressing for their prom. Gothic apparel is usually very dark and mysterious, with a Victorian or Elizabethan look. Part of the appeal of the Gothic culture is the ability to express individuality and uniqueness, including clothing choices. Choosing a Gothic prom dress is a great way to have a unique look and to show the dark and romantic side of your personality.

Gothic prom dresses are typically black or dark in color, accentuated with rich reds, purples or blues, among other colors. Popular fabrics are lace, satin and crushed velvet, all of which look very romantic. There isn’t one specific style when it comes to prom dresses, and the style you choose will depend on what you are comfortable with.

Some Gothic prom dresses have a corset-like top and a long full or straight skirt. Think lavish if you’re trying to picture one of these dresses! Layers of fabric in the skirt, with beautiful detailing on the top including a laced up back make these dresses very glamorous. Add to that a very narrow waist and you have a very dramatic dress. The tops of these dresses are usually very tight and often strapless, so if you’re comfortable with a sexier look, this could be the style for you!

Other Gothic dresses are looser fitting and more reminiscent of Medieval times. They often have long flounce sleeves and floor length skirts. These are often made in crushed velvet for a very soft and romantic look. The tops of these dresses sometimes have quite elaborate details including lace insets and decorative stitching.

If you’re wearing a Gothic prom dress you need to have the appropriate accessories to complete the look! Gothic fashion often includes dark make-up, especially around the eyes, black nail polish and black dyed hair. Choker necklaces are a must, and can be simple velvet chokers or more elaborate with tiers of beads or crystals. High heels and dramatic shoes or boots are essential to have the Gothic look.

One of the benefits of wearing a Gothic prom dress is that you probably won’t be wearing the same dress as someone else at your prom! If you’re having trouble finding the perfect dress in your local mall, check out the internet to get some ideas. You can also look in second-hand shops to see if they have something that you can alter at home into the perfect Gothic look!

By: Stephanie Smith