The Fashion Games

Let's face it, everyone's talking about it, NO not Kristen Stewart's slut-capades the OLYMPICS silly! Personally, while I want the US to dominate I think everyone loves watching fit boys and girls jump around, throw things and put their game faces on. And realistically everyone going to the Olympics is ripped, so what a great platform for fashion, right? In a weeks time I am sure we will have plenty of personal favorites when it comes to countries competing, uniforms, ceremony wear, etc but right now the US and UK have released their official looks, lets compare shall we?

Salute to Ralph Lauren

Starting with the US designed my American classic Ralph Lauren. Personally, I don't think they could of picked a better clothing designer. Ralph Lauren has historically been known for classic looks, clean lines and selling millions. This look for the Olympic opening ceremonies is right on the mark with all of Ralph's usual elements. Classic colors? Check! All American look? Check! Clean lines? Check! Naturally, the only colors used are red, white and blue as it should be. I dig it all, except the hat. Now, I love a topper I really do, but it is a beanie, a beret, wtf? Not to mention none of those previous choices are really American born styles (beanie and beret rather french in origin). And the girl outfit is a bit of a mess too. She gets a scarf instead of a tie, I can appreciated that but scarf, blazer and over the knee skirt? I get its respectful and classy but these women have amazing bodies, why cover almost every inch of them up? If your sticking with the scarf I would suggest a form fitting cable knit sweater with the skirt, or if the blazer is a must then no scarf just a nice blouse under and skirt! Overall good showing from Ralphy.

Now the UK of course went with Stella McCartney paired with Adidas and naturally I am feeling these uniforms. Now I maybe comparing apples and oranges, opening ceremony looks vs. actual competition uniforms but its all Olympic related so its kosher in my book. Shown are a man's and woman's look along with a jacket. The jacket, top and bottom of leggings all have about half of a Union Jack flag in blues, instead of red, white and blue, an interesting twist. Also the overall look is more form fitting with space to breathe and move of course. Also, I am really loving the bit of sheen in the women's leggings, its a small touch but something a bit feminine for the ladies! Finally, I really like the orange/red they chose to accent the look, the fact that its not classic red makes it fresh and personal to the 2012 Olympics. Beautiful job Stella, I am sure Papa Paul is proud and your country will be as well!

Photo Credit: runway2reality.com, freshnessmag.com

Red, White and Fashion

Feeling patriotic? You should be so close to the 4^th! If not, pop in the patriot and you’ll quickly learn Mel Gibson gave his life for this country and most of his sons (if only it was that easy to get rid of him, right?) and you’re likely to well up with tears and go buy an American flag. While America’s definitely not as loud, strong and proud as it was in the very beginning, but there are lots of great things about the 4^th of July. Unfortunately (or fortunately?) the 4^th doesn’t land on or around the weekend, instead looks like your hump day is about to get a little more feisty. So whether your heading to the cape for a bangin’ crab bake, the beach for some sandy toes and blue lemonade, or you’re staying home with hopefully a cold beer in your hand (Amurica) I’ve got ya covered on festive outfits.

Britain, missing us since 1776

The first look is ironically from a British retailer (I know, I know shame on me). Also, I know what your thinking, I mention Jack Wills A LOT, they must be paying me (I wish, hint hint, nudge nudge, Jack are you listening?), but I reference them a fair amount because I think they have really well made basics, and some really nice distinctive pieces. All nationalism aside, this outfit is kind of perfect. I originally was just interested in the top because its red, white and blue in a unique fun way and you could pair this really cute top with jeans, shorts, or a skirt. But, this outfit as a whole is really put together and polished, white pants paired with this patriotic top looks really fresh. The final touches of matching brown wedges and sling bag make this outfit causal and cool. To make it your own, I would add a big watch and some colorful (red/white/blue of course) friendship type bracelets, or a silver bib collar necklace. Now that you’re done judging me, suggesting a British retailer (that’s where many of us came from, that’s right I said it) go out and buy it!

Next is this blue dress from lulus.com. For $41 this dress is a steal you’ll wear again. With a basically open back you may need to slap on some bug stray if you’re kicking it outside for fireworks but it will be worth it! Compared to the above option this dress definitely shows more skin, just in case you have a rad summer tan. Besides the low back with lovely bow detail, this blue dress is pretty simple. I would suggest a jean jacket if the temperature drops in the evening and red shoes (flip flops, sandals, heels, your call!). With this dress the back is the highlight, so I would put my hair all up in a ponytail or bun and wear big earrings and fun bracelets or rings. Don’t be blue, get this dress for the 4^th.

Tomato/Tom-ahto?

The last option is less costume-y and more everyday chic. This top is from banana republic top is more tomato-y red, which would make your 4^th of July look more fashionable and less color by numbers. The looping lace texture on this top gives visual interest and like the model I would pair with white shorts or pants for the 4^th. Finally, the Banana Republic model’s jewelry is okay, but the necklace’s length competes with the neckline of her top, I would recommend a longer necklace (maybe a white one?) and the white bangle is fine, but personally I am over the bangle look. This top is really a good piece because you could easily wear this top again for work under a blazer, or on the weekend with shorts! For the more fashion forward 4th, rock this top with white accents!

Photo credit jackwills.com, lulus.com, bananarepublic.com