Fall 2019 Trend Preview: Pieces You Can Shop Now!

Fall 2019 Trend Preview: Pieces You Can Shop Now!

When the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale catalog hit my mailbox, there was one thing I was more than a little excited about – fall 2019 trends! The catalog was chock full of them and has me itching for cooler temps and diving into creating the Fall 2019 Style Challenges® Capsule Wardrobe!

Confession: I don’t typically shop the sale all that much, but you already know that if you checked out this post. There are a few things that are absolutely worth getting during the sale – closet staples (which I covered here) and the next season’s trends. Since the sale always comes in the middle of summer, it’s the perfect opportunity to highlight what’s coming up and get a head start on picking up some fall pieces at a steal.

Without further ado, here’s your 2019 fall trend preview.

Fall 2019 Trend Preview

1. Snake Print

If you’ve been slow to warm up to this trend, fall is going to give you another really good opportunity to try it out. Honestly I think snake pattern is even richer for fall. You’re going to see it on everything from handbags and shoes to accessories, skirts, pants and tops. Try a little or try a lot!

Snake print booties pair perfectly with jeans, skirts and dresses. Wear them with black skinny jeans and a bright blouse for a casual night out.

 

Snake Print Booties

Throw on this midi-length snake print skirt with a boxy black sweater and suede ankle boots for an instant outfit!

Snake Print Skirt

Mule loafers are here to stay! Update your collection with a pair of snake print mules that are perfect paired with black ankle pants and a slim fitting sweater for the office.

 

Snake Print Mule

Get your casual kicks with a fun pair of snake print platform sneakers! How cute would these be with your favorite jeans, a v-neck white tee and black moto jacket?

Snake Print Platform Sneakers

2. High Boots

I’m kind of giddy over this news – high boots are back BIG TIME for fall! Yes it’s been all about the ankle boots and booties the past few years but the always classic, always chic high (or tall) boot is back in rich shades of suede and leather. They pair perfectly with skirts, dresses and skinny jeans.

Knee High Boot in Suede and Leather

Hunter Packable Rain Boots

Waterproof Knee High Boot

 

3. Bright Colors

Fall 2019 is all about the brights! After a few years of muted shades, I for one couldn’t be happier. There are so many gorgeous saturated colors on trend but especially yellow, teal, red, green, orange, fuchsia, bright pink and royal blue.

Single Breasted Wool Coat

V-neck Sweater

Cap Toe Ballet Flats

4. Classics

How can classics be trends? They really can’t but they are worth mentioning. Fall is typically the season where we see a major shift back to tried-and-true wardrobe staples, impeccable tailoring and warm browns.

Double Breasted Trench Coat

Wool and Cashmere Blend Sweater

Check Blazer

5. Fall Floral

A perennial favorite – fall florals in rich shades of teal, burgundy and blue are always a good idea. Not to mention they pair perfectly with other patterns! You can expect to see pattern mixes of florals with plaid, snake print, leopard and more.

Smock Waist Floral Dress

Floral Wrap Top

Vintage Tassel Scarf

 

6. Bold Plaids

This iconic pattern is back and bolder than ever in vibrant colors and classic shades. Try pairing a bold plaid blazer or coat with jeans and boots.

Double Face Wool Plaid Coat

Fleece Plaid Coat

Plaid Wrap Scarf

7. Leopard

Another classic pattern that’s having a moment in the spotlight, leopard print will be spotted on all things fall.

Cozy Leopard Print Sweatshirt

Calf Hair Leopard Sneaker

Long Leopard Cardigan

Bonus: Fall 2019 Denim Trends

We can’t forget about everyone’s favorite casual closet staple! Fall 2019’s denim trends are here and this year, it’s anything goes! Classic styles will abound along with high rise, flares, straight jeans and of course, our beloved skinnies. There’s something for every fit and body type!

1. Flare Jeans

Cropped Flare Jeans

Flare Trouser Jeans

2. Skinny Jeans

Ab-solution Skinny Jeans

High Waisted Skinny Jeans

3. Straight Jeans

High Waist Ankle Straight Leg Jeans

Stretch Straight Leg Jeans

It’s Your Turn: Which of fall 2019’s trends are you most excited about?

Pretty Fix: The July List

Pretty Fix: The July List

Welcome to July’s Pretty Fix! Today’s outfit is from the Style Challenges Summer 2019 Work Wear Capsule Wardrobe and I’m super excited about today’s look with its pops of color! Bright colors are really on trend this summer but sometimes it can be intimidating to execute in the workplace. How much is too much? While today’s outfit is completely workplace appropriate, I also included some casual options. And if you’re still wondering what the Pretty Fix is all about, it’s my recommendation of pieces you can buy to stay on trend each month. You get to shop where you want and spend what you want! Psst, don’t forget to shop your closet first 😉

1. Yellow Tassel Earrings

Tassels are still very much on trend this season and these yellow tassel earrings are a fun and easy way to add color to any outfit. And they are so versatile! They are perfect for a day at the office, a casual afternoon lunch or even a night out. They also come in a variety of colors so if yellow doesn’t exactly speak to you, you have plenty of options to choose from!

 

2. Blue Top

I’m loving this blue! It’s bright, yet professional, and the perfect colorful addition to any neutral outfit palette. Again, there’s so much flexibility to this outfit. If blue isn’t your color pick a color that compliments your skin tone and that just makes you smile!

 

3. Gray Pencil Skirt

A gray pencil skirt is a timeless classic that you’ll get use out of year after year. It will go with any color and since it’s away from the face, usually works on just about everyone and any skin tone. Again, if you don’t want to go with the skirt you can opt for gray pants or for a casual look, gray shorts.

 

4. White Heels

Another perfect closet addition for the warm months. With all the color going on in this look the white heels will help balance everything out and keep the outfit looking bright. The best thing is that you can find them in so many styles so whether you like a high heel, block heel, strappy details, flats or sandals, you’re sure to find something that’s a ‘heck yes!’

 

5. Printed Scarf

I have always loved a great printed scarf! They can be used in your hair, on your purse or around your neck making it a very versatile accessory. Plus they add a touch of sophistication and fun to any outfit!

 

6. White Purse

While being too matchy matchy can seem outdated, matching your shoes to your purse still emits an elegance that’s timeless and, in my opinion, will never go out of style! Don’t get me wrong, I still think it’s fun to mix things up but, in this case, matching your shoes to your purse is completely acceptable and current. Plus a white bag goes with anything and everything and works all spring and summer long. Whether you need a tote big enough for your laptop or prefer something a bit smaller I’ve found some fun options for you to try below.

 

 

Your turn! Does this look like an outfit combination you’d like to try? What piece is your favorite?


Refresh your work wardrobe now with the Style Challenges Summer 2019 Work Wear Capsule Wardrobe.
Featuring 27 pieces (this includes shoes + accessories) you’ll be able to
create 20 outfits that will keep you on trend and stylish all summer long!
All for just $29. Learn more here.

 

Five Beauty Buys that are Worth the Splurge

Five Beauty Buys that are Worth the Splurge

I’m a drugstore cosmetics girl through and through. There’s just something so irresistible about a good deal! Plus through the years I’ve discovered that many of the drugstore makeup brands are just as good as, if not better than some higher end products. But I do have a few exceptions to this rule. If you’ve been wanting to make some makeup bag upgrades here are five of my all-time favorite high end beauty buys that are totally worth the splurge!

1. Chanel Le Volume de Chanel Mascara

I bought my first tube of this at the duty free store in the Cancun airport last summer after realizing that I had forgotten my mascara on vacation. After a chat with the girl at the makeup counter, I decided to give Chanel Le Volume a go. I asked her to recommend a mascara that was non-irritating, didn’t flake and would give me both length and volume. Ever the sceptic, I thought she was trying to up-sell me to the expensive stuff but lo and behold, it was love at first wear. I’m on my second tube now.

Chanel Le Volume de Chanel Mascara

2. Chanel Rouge Coco Gloss Moisturizing Glossimer

My first tube of this was a gift from my niece Lauren. She always has the most amazing looking plump, pink lips! When I asked for her secret, I got this in the mail. Chanel Rouge Coco Gloss Moisturizing Glossimer is lightweight, non-sticky, lasts for hours and gives your lips just the right amount of plumping and moisture. It’s downright magical and worth every penny!

Chanel Rouge Coco Gloss in Tendresse

3. NARS Blush

As a true girl of the 80’s, the perfect blush color has always been of utmost importance to me! It has to look natural with the right amount of buildable color and the slightest hint of shimmer. NARS blush in Orgasm has all of the above. It’s been my go-to blush for years and I still love it every time I wear it.

NARS Blush in Orgasm

4. Urban Decay Naked3 Palette

I’m really picky when it comes to eyeshadow so this is one area where the drugstore products typically won’t do. It has to be highly pigmented, finely milled and blend really well. Few brands deliver results quite like Urban Decay and their Naked palettes are truly iconic. I recently picked up the Naked3 palette and it’s possibly my favorite yet. The colors are as natural or bold as you want and I use the darkest ones as eyeliner.

Urban Decay Naked3 Palette

5. Urban Decay 24/7 Glide On Eye Pencil

When a product has 5.5K nearly all five star reviews you know it has to be good! Urban Decay’s 24/7 Glide On Eye Pencil is velvet soft and long lasting. It stays creamy for up to 30 seconds after applying to make for easier blending. Now that’s just smart makeup! It comes in 30 different colors, I recommend Zero for a true black or Smoke for a softer gray.


Urban Decay 24/7 Glide On Eye Pencil

It’s Your Turn: What are some of your favorite high end beauty buys that have been totally worth the splurge? Share them in the comments!

New Makeup Arrivals for Summer

New Makeup Arrivals for Summer

by Jessica Pigza

Summer isn’t just the perfect time to try new trends in clothes and accessories, but also in hair, makeup and nails! It’s a time to let loose and have fun with bright colors but it’s also a time where less is more. Whatever direction your makeup routine takes you during these hot summer months, here are some fun new products you can try!

Makeup

Tarte Double Duty Beauty Busy Gal Gloss

This hydrating lip balm comes in six glossy shades and boasts 12 hours of moisture. It can be worn alone or over lipstick as a top coat and I love that it’s a tube applicator which is perfect for a quick on the go application. What shade do you think you’ll try? I think the shade Work Wife’s sheer pink color is calling me!

Versed Silk Slip Conditioning Lip Oil

Return some moisture to your lips after a day in the sun with Versed Silk Slip Conditioning Lip Oil. While some reviewers used it all day every day, others thought it best to reserve for bedtime to replenish lips. You decide!

Ofra Cosmetics Lip Gloss

This gloss comes in six different colors including a bare gloss and boasts moisture while also protecting your lips from the sun.

Blur Lux Lipstick

If lip glosses aren’t your thing, then these creamy lipsticks maybe just what you’re looking for. They are a light matte finish, smooth texture and won’t dry out your lips. The reviews so far are great for this lipstick and best of all, it’s super budget friendly.

 

Natasha Denona Sunrise Eyeshadow Palette

There are so many fun eyeshadow palettes coming out right now. Earthtone, sunset eyes are on big for spring. Check out this one by Natasha Denona that caught my eye (pun intended).

Kaja Beauty Bento Bouncy Shimmer Eyeshadow Trio

These fun eye shadows come in eight different trio packs with either a matte or shimmer finish. They are highly pigmented and the reviewers seem to love them. They also come in a cute, stacked compact.

NYX Professional Makeup Ultimate Shadow Palette – Warm Neutrals

This extremely budget friendly palette is perfect for warm skin tones. The colors are very pigmented and comes highly rated. I love all the varying shades of browns as well as the matte and shimmer options!

MAC Eyes X 12 Palette: Desert Lightning / Electric Wonder

Perfect for cool skin tones, this cool to neutral eye shadow palette by MAC delivers beautiful color and pigmentation reminiscent of a desert oasis. I love the colors in this palette and again, it’s got just the right amount of shimmer.

NYC Bare With Me Cheek Tint

NYC’s Bare With Me Cheek Tint adds just the right amount of color to your cheeks and it’s sheer, lightweight formula is perfect for summer. It’s an ULTA exclusive and comes in three colors however it’s so popular some colors may be out of stock online so you may need to visit the store to find it. Or just enter your email and they’ll let you know when they’re available.

L’Oreal Paris True Match Lumi Glow Nude Highlighter Palette, Moonkissed

Perfect for adding just a touch of highlight and shimmer, L’Oeal Paris’s True Match Lumi Glow Highlighter Palette comes with four different shades in one palette so you can go with a single highlighting color or mix and match them.

 

Too Faced Natural Lust Satin Dual-Tone Bronzer

Not only is this a super pretty compact, but the duel toned bronzer adds just the right amount of color without making it look too over the top. You can even use the colors separately to highlight. Reviews have said it does have some shimmer to it, but very subtle.

Too Faced Damn Girl! 24 Hour Mascara

Said to be even better than Too Faced already popular Better Than Sex mascara is their new Damn Girl! This mascara boasts maximum extreme volume and lasting wear. The reviews on this product were a bit mixed, people who loved it really LOVED it, but some people weren’t that impressed and also found the wand hard to use. Overall I think it’s worth a try.

Urban Decay Perversion Waterproof Mascara 

Waterproof mascara is a summer essential! Not only does this product promise to lengthen and volumize lashes, but it also promises to stay in place. Reviewers are impressed that this product actually does what it says and stands up to the humidity of summer. No more black streaks running from your eyes when the weather gets hot!

Skin

Supergoop! Everyday Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30

Supergoop! has an amazing everyday sunscreen in an SPF 50 but sometimes that’s just too much for, well, everyday use which is why they came out with it in an SPF 30. Perfect for every day, this cream based sunscreen is also perfect for even the most sensitive or acne prone skin as it does not contain Dimethicone which can be pore clogging. It also comes in a mini size perfect for your purse!

Urban Decay Summer Solstice All Nighter Long-Lasting Makeup Setting Spray

This new product could be considered a game changer for summer makeup. This setting spray boasts that makeup will stay intact for up to 16 hours with no melting, cracking or fading, perfect for hot summer days and nights. It’s recommended for all skin types and so far the reviews have been positive.

Dermelogica Daily Microfoliant

The reviews on this product are amazing and some are boasting that it’s the best microfoliant on the market! It comes in a rice-based enzyme powder that activates when you mix it with water. Once you make the paste-like consistency, gently use all over your face to help remove dead skin cells and accelerate cell renewal. Depending on your skin type and sensitivity, start off using this product a few times a week but you can work up to using it daily. I’m excited to try this product as I’ve been unhappy with the texture of my skin for some time and I’m hoping this will help to smooth it out!

Hair

Briogeo Be Gentle Be Kind™ Banana + Coconut Nourishing Superfood Shampoo & Conditioner

If you truly want to embrace the tropical vibe of summer then you need to try this shampoo and conditioner by Briogeo! This shampoo and conditioner set cleans hair without stripping the natural oils and leaves it feeling soft and smooth. It’s received excellent reviews and everyone is raving about the smell!

L’Oreal Everpure Brass Toning Purple Shampoo & Conditioner

This L’Oreal shampoo and conditioner set neutralizes brassy yellow and orange tones in hair which can come as a result of chlorine exposure. It’s perfect for all blonde, bleached, highlighted brunettes and silver hair and should only be used a few times a week.

Amika Supernova Moisture and Shine Cream

The answer to dry, frizzy summer hair is Amika’s Supernova Moisture and Shine Cream. It’s a leave-in conditioner that helps to protect and repair dry, damaged and frizzy hair. Use it on wet hair and style as usual or use on dry hair to help tame flyaways. The reviews on that product are excellent and it’s recommended for all hair types.

Batiste Dry Shampoo – Bare Fragrance

We already know our pretties love Batiste Dry Shampoo based on GYPO’s Best of the Best 2018, but this summer they came out with a super light scented formula which is perfect for those who either don’t want a lot of smell or are sensitive to strong scents.

Nails

When it comes to nails, neon seems to be the trend in summer colors. Brands like Essie and OPI have all released color sets in fun array of neon oranges, pinks, blues and purples. But don’t discount the nudes, which I’ve included a few of those options below as well as something else we’ve been seeing this season, high shimmer! What color do you think you’ll be trying this summer?

Essie Summer Trends Collection

OPI Neon Collection

 

Nails Inc. Sending Nudes Nail Polish Collection

essie Gorge-ous Geodes Collection

 

 

Your Turn! So what new summer products are you excited to try???

 

 

A Guy’s Guide to Creating a Wardrobe That Suits His Lifestyle

A Guy’s Guide to Creating a Wardrobe That Suits His Lifestyle

by Renaldas Kaveckas

If you are a freshly baked dad or the one with a bit more experience this article is for you. Are you up for bringing some more balance to your wardrobe? Overall, do you want a more versatile, easy-to-pair set of clothes that you can wear every day no matter where you’re heading? Below I’m sharing a few tips on how to achieve that.

Start With Changing Your Approach

The essential thing to point out – creating a minimalist wardrobe is more about optimizing, not minimizing. The aim here is to build a thought-of and well-balanced wardrobe with the right amount of clothing so your daddy life would be less stressful.

Consider Your Budget, Lifestyle And Environment

Think of what do you do for work, what you enjoy doing during your spare time and on weekends. This will help to determine how formal or casual a style you need to go with.

How much could you spend and invest in some new pieces? You don’t have to replace your wardrobe all at once. It will help you plan your budget and save up for some more expensive garments.

What is the climate like in the place you live? Is it hot and humid, or cold and windy? Do you travel a lot? What is our daily routine like? How do you like to spend your free time? Answering these questions will help you to define your style, so you feel comfortable and confident.

Know Your Size

The thing you have to learn – stop trying to fit into pre-father clothes or pretend to be a slim-fit if you’re a bit larger gent. There’s probably nothing worse than seeing a grown-up man who’s wearing clothes that are too small for him. Your apparel should perfectly lay on your shoulders and overall fit you correctly.

Go For Neutral Tones

Vibrant patterns and graphic prints aren’t entirely off-limits, yet going for a more tonal and monochromatic look in neutral colours would be a wiser step at first. If you feel comfortable, try playing with the colour weel – mix and match different materials and shades for a more vibrant look.

Invest In Your Clothing

Invest wisely. Choose forever-live, high-quality pieces (Check Define Sleek’s guide to a capsule wardrobe and essential pieces). Go for a leather bomber jacket, quality jeans, knit sweater, wool suit or a navy blazer, look for a classy overcoat and invest in quality dress shirts and pants. Those things will age nicely and make you look sharp.

Less Branding

Over-branded outfits sometimes can send a wrong signal – ‘insecure dad trying to look cool’.  A subtle logo with no pointing out can add a complementing touch to a plain shirt or a cardigan. The brand word or an icon should never be visible from more than a few meters away. Stick to the garments that look valuable because of their fit and fabrics. Let those things do all the talking, not some logos.

Main Rules On How To Structure Your Wardrobe

The core of your wardrobe should be formed of foundational pieces, classic and timeless items that work well in many different situations. Your foundational pieces should make the majority of your wardrobe. Moreover, these kinds of items should pair with one another without a struggle.

The middle section of your minimalist closet should be made of clothes that are not as versatile but are still relevant. This section could include seasonal items as well as pieces for specific occasions.

The top section should be made up of your experimental, colourful, nostalgic, and very occasionally worn items.

Final Thought

As it is sad that sometimes when your life tends to be a little too chaotic – start with your closet. Eventually, it could lead to more significant and better things.

About Renaldas – Founder of Define Sleek

In 2014 I was a professional chef and yet decided to pursue a career in men’s fashion industry after spending nearly a decade of making food at high-end restaurants across Europe. The decision to tackle a world of fashion was purely based on a passion for menswear, garments, and accessories which, in my point of view, are instruments to create a unique and distinctive statement of style. Without having much knowledge in this industry, I chose to enroll in fashion design courses in London to learn some fundamentals needed to succeed in this business.

The idea of Define Sleek was born back then with the aim to provide practical style advice and offer approachable content concentrated on longevity, sustainability and education about tailoring and bespoke fashion.

Define Sleek believes that style is more about how you live your life, your pursuits and values, quality and craftsmanship in all aspects of life.