Here are some fashion finds I discovered this morning. I’m trying this new Polyvore thing I’ve been put on to for showing a bunch of fashion finds at once, let me know how you guys like it.

Okay, so I logged on to GQ.com because my July issue hasn’t found its way to my apartment yet and I need my monthly dose of GQ. So, after filing my missing issues complaint I decided to browse the site a bit and came upon a gallery compiled by photoblogger Tommy Ton that showcased the fly styles of European men in the streets. So being the stylish guy that I am, I appreciated the style choices of our friends across the Big Pond. Here are a few images I grabbed.

Gentlemen, this is dressing.

Check out hundreds of more images here.

Oh, and GQ….I want my magazine!

Cj..

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, right?

Well, what if the beholder cuts your paychecks?

Aside from sometimes being extremely overpriced (I still shop there anyways), American Apparel is known for its simplistic style and quality–I think they have the softest T-shirts in existence. It seems they also want to be known for the beauty of their employees and have always implemented strict rules for those in the AA crew. In order to get hired, you have to take a photograph which is later analyzed to see if you fit with the direction of the brand. Though recently, leaked memos suggest the strict nature of the company is starting to become…well…ridiculous. Here’s a couple of guidelines:

a) Makeup is to be kept to a minimal- please take this very seriously. Liquid eyeliner, pencil eyeliner and eyeshadow are advised against; mascara must look very natural (ie. should not be clumpy or a color that does not compliment your skin and haircolor). Blush must not be overdone- should not have glitter or sparkles. Liquid foundation is prohibited (undereye concealer is understandable if it looks natural- ie. not clumpy or caked on, must match your skin tone). Please do not use a shiny gloss on your lips; any lipcolor must be subtle.
b) Eyebrows must not be overplucked. Full eyebrows are very much encouraged. Please do not dye your eyebrows a different color.
c) We encourage long, healthy, natural hair, so please be advised of the following:
-Hair must be kept your natural color.
-Blow-drying hair excessively could cause heat damage, so this is advised against.
-”Bangs” or “fringe” are advised against. It is not part of the direction we’re moving in.

and for the guys:

a) Hair should look natural. Excessive product to the extent of creating stiffness and an unnatural or greasy appearance to your hair is advised against.
b) Eyebrows should be natural. Please do not dye your eyebrows a different color or overpluck them.
c) Males should not wear makeup.
d) Facial hair needs to be kept clean and well groomed. Any mustache or goatee of a contemporary style are advised against.
e) No gauges allowed whatsoever.

I understand companies have guidelines, but come on. In fact, when I notice the rules for companies like American Apparel, Hollister, and Abercrombie & Fitch, I get slightly disgusted. Their need to implement a ‘standard of appearance’ when the make up of their customers doesn’t match their ideal is baffling. This suppose to be a land about celebrating individual beauty and style yet they’ve all seem to neglect that. Since I like AA too much to boycott, this post serves as my way of fighting for the cause.

[source]

No wonder it’s so hard to get a job there.

Thoughts?

Cj..

That’s right. It’s official, MESH. is now Karmaloop representatives which means you, our beloved viewers, get a few perks. The main one being that while shopping online using the MESHLIFE promotional code you’ll receive some lovely discounts on the wide range of clothing available on Karmaloop’s site. Never been to Karmaloop? Well, shame on you. Karmaloop offers a variety of clothing ranging from urbanwear to punkwear to almost anything. The great thing about the site is that it has both men and women’s clothing, always has sales, and now that we’ve got you the hook up–you get 20% off your first purchase and 10% off each one after that.

So now you can get hot items like these for the low.

What are you waiting for?

Click here to get your Karmaloop addiction on…

And don’t forget the promotion code: MESHLIFE

You’re welcome.

Cj..

MESH.

Hi there.

It’s me CJ

You know, the other PNC who isn’t off gallivanting in NYC.

I’ll admit for a while and even still I am a bit #jealous of my other PNCs Aisha and Aaron living it up/interning in the Big Apple– attending lavish events, listening parties, and eating $1 jumbo sliced pizzas while I’m reduced to the $5 variety. I mean as much as I say I don’t like it, it is New York, where shit gets done.

Well, I’ve been holding the fort at MESH.’s home in Washington, D.C. and recently got my own internship grind on at Discovery Communications (Discovery Channel, Animal Planet, TLC, etc…oh and Oprah’s new network). Today was my first day and as exciting as that might be, I was overwhelmed by not only my new company’s relaxed and fun atmosphere but by the fashion choices of its new interns. Thus, I have been inspired.

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Ok, summer internships. You know, the resume builders you work all second semester securing–going through countless applications and several nerve jabbing interviews. I understand there is a certain requirement of dress for the interviews (dark, boring, business professional) but now that you’ve secured the job, it’s time to have a little fun.

Even if your internship doesn’t require a certain style of dress, constantly remind them visually why they hired you. Play with fun summer colors but never look too casual. Guys, dress shirts (lightweight) are your best friend while summer chinos and linen pants teeter that casual/dressed line appropriately. Ladies, you should already know. Don’t shy away from bold statements and always have fun with accessories and soft colors that stand out without shouting “HI, I AM HERE AT THE OFFICE!”

It’s easy to find cool inexpensive styles for the summer and for that summer internship. Aside from thrift stores, favorites like H&M, Urban Outfitters, and Zara are constantly promoting sales for summer dress and have a few winter items for the low that can be effective in any season.Oh and don’t be afraid to pick up a couple items from Target or Wal-Mart (style doesn’t discriminate). For instance, my attire for my first day (business professional required) consisted of lightweight linens, a summer blazer, and simple yet stylish tie…and the cost?… Well, here’s the breakdown.

That’s right, for around $130 or less you can have a complete and stylish business professional look if you shop at the right places. Not to brag, okay, to brag–I turned heads at my internship and received several compliments, including my boss (the person who matters). It’s not hard to look the part and remember you want to continue to look the part day in and day out.

Looking for summer suits? check out your nearest H&M as well  as Uniqlo in NYC (they have a couple of $89 full suits–you can’t beat that).

Hope your summer internships are going great. You’ve worked hard so enjoy it!

Cj..

It’s no secret that we are fans of 80′s Purple here at MESH. As much as we try to resist their crazy sales on incredibly stylish clothes, we once again gave into temptation. Summer’s around the corner right? Hopefully that sweat on your back is from the Sun and heat. 80′s Purple wants you to know that you can get your number one Summer essential (sunglasses) for the low on their site.

How low exactly?

$10!

That’s right I said $10. Oh, and don’t think because of the prices you’re getting a pair of glasses that will fall apart after wearing them twice like at other stores who are ummm….cheap “affordable.” I got myself a pair of some $10 dollar frames from 80′ Purple last Summer and they remain one of my favorite pairs of frames to date. (They low-key make me look half as fly as I think I am…shhh)

They're amazing right?

There are several styles to choose from (4 pages worth) and have men’s, women’s and unisex options. So I encourage you to get your hands on a couple of them (I definitely am). Here are a few styles.

$10 dollars folks! You’d be crazy not to run over to 80′s Purple and have yourself a field day.

Check out more styles and purchase some @ 80′s Purple HERE.

Cj..

Burberry‘s Black Label 2010 Fall/Winter preview.

That last trench is amazing. #musthave

Cj..

Company of WE…..”We Believe” Spring/Summer 2010 collection.

More @ Company of We [here].

Cj..

Christian Louboutin‘s videos for his shoe collections always crack me up. This one is no different.

Cj..

Popular brand Lacoste works my nerves. I can’t stand overly saturated brands (like Polo Ralph Lauren) and everyone’s uncanny desire to purchase their clothes–wanting quantity instead of individualistic quality. But I must say, the lookbook for Lacoste Red goes in. The vivid colors are used brilliantly and dare I say there are a few articles I am interested in.

Cj..

One word generates billions of dollars, is one of the sincerest forms of self-expression, and is quickly becoming important to every American.

Fashion.

Fashion does what so many things can’t. It inspires, it demands, it sells, it offends, and it awes.  So let’s be awed by a couple of things in fashion.

First this incredible ad by Alexander McQueen featuring those oddly yet sickeningly innovative shoes of his.

The amazingly stylish designs of Burberry‘s Brit 2010 Summer/Spring Collection

Who said fashion only meant clothes? Check out the BookBook Macbook Cover by TwelveSouth.

Available [Here].

Here’s until the next fashion discussion.

Cj..

L.A.M.B Zan Sandals. A twist on the strappy bootie heels.

$379.99

Thoughts?

Cj..

KR3W Footwear 2010 Preview.

Check out KR3W’s Blog & Site [Here].

Cj..

I want these Shwood sunglasses.

And at only $95 dollars..I think I will be getting them.

Available [here].

If you don’t think these are something serious, kindly exit my life.

Cj..

Okay. It’s the day before your first day of seventh grade. You’ve got the flyest new Jordan’s and a fresh first-day fit picked out. What’s missing? Your brand spankin’ new Jansport book bag of course.  There was nothing like having that fresh book bag packed with your new school supplies.

Well, your now grown and things have changed. Welcome the new Jansport. Welcome their Urban Framework collection.

Check out more of the collection [here].

Cj..

So you’ve got the fashion thing down. You are well aware that in today’s society being a fashionably conscious man is damn near a requirement and that being well versed in labels, cuts, styles, and colors is expected. Good, welcome to the MESHlife. Now, go look in your closet and tell me what you see. If your closet floors are adorned in nothing but the latest sneakers, hi-tops, Space Jams, etc…we’ve still got work to do. It’s 2010 and as always I have to encourage young men of our generation to aspire to equip their wardrobe’s with more ‘grown-man’ kicks. Of course, their is nothing wrong with buying or wanting to buy the latest Supra’s or Creative Recreations, but I think it’s time that we also try to snatch great shoes that compliment our new found ‘grown-man’ style.  Need inspiration? [Enter UK Shoe company Mr. Hare.]

Spring 2010 ‘Hot Steppers’ Collection

Check out more Mr. Hare [Here]

I am going to try something new for the new year. Every so often (probably once a week) I will feature affordable shoes for guys that cater to a more grown up feel. I’ll even let you guys know about any purchases Aaron or I make and cool places where you can upgrade your shoe game. (Mine is a work in progress itself).

Cj..

Burberry is that label. [Period]. Their 2010 Spring ad campaign once again features actress Emma Watson. Enjoy.

Cj..

Fashion magazines always tickle my fancy. Flipping through the pages of GQ, Esquire, Details or even Complex or Vibe can give a feeling of inspiration or confidence in one’s fashion. It’s fun to get new ideas for your own personal style and to see some interesting new fashion pieces. Fashion literature is an integral aspect of the conscious stylish individual’s ability to maintain their fly, their steez. Well, I’ve found a book that caters to history and uniqueness of American menswear fashion.Have a peek at American Fashion Menswear by Robert E. Bryan.

The book looks to showcase the evolution of American men’s fashion. From the practical and functional to the stylish and extravagant, men’s fashion has been as important in America has women’s. The book also shows powerful icons that have shaped fashion as well as the classic looks that still remain inspiration for today’s fashion.

Learn more about and purchase the book [here].

Cj..

Fashion house Chloé (made famous in the 70′s by its famous former designer Karl Lagerfeld) is now known for one thing, its bags. The Paddington Bag is the house’s famous staple and a bag most girls aspire to own. Over the past couple of decades, the fashion empire has only catered to women. Well, shit happens and things change.  Introducing the Mr. Paddington Bag line, the first exploration of men’s bags by Chloé.

If they are anything like their female counterparts, they will cost a pretty penny. It’s good to know fashion is continually opening up more and more to the male audience. Guys can be fly too!

Cj..

First, let me start this post off by saying.

Women’s shoe collections are officially starting to do the most.

Popular designer fashion house Versace has released the looks from its 2010 Women’s Footwear and the looks are very BOLD.

Ladies, would you wear these?

On the other hand, Men’s footwear is starting to do just the right amount

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The Garbstore presents London’s “The Vintage Showroom” designed shoes caled Workerbilly.

I want these.

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Speaking of fashion, here a few looks from Opening Ceremony‘s Spring/Summer 2010 Collection.

Interesting. The cardigan and pullover sweater are great.

Cj..