Gratuitous Statement

Perhaps this is simply too obvious of a statement but I feel as though it should still be stated as to affirm its status of being a rule of fashion. Bags are always a huge part of the way you look. Whether you’re a girl with a handbag or clutch or a man with a messenger bag or backpack, your bag is a huge part of your style. From the type of bag, to the fabric, to the usage, to the pattern, to the brand name, and etc. It’s all a wide range of options to choose from, but being you, you know what you like. It’ll be easy to find, maybe not the perfect one right away, what you like.

Summary: Bags are big when it comes to developing style.

Winter, it's a Chilling Dilemma

It’s cold, it’s nasty, and bundling up is a requirement if you want to keep all of your fingers and toes. So, that means we throw fashion out of the window, right? Incorrect my fellow internet user! We use the cold to our advantage and layer our awesome clothing. Firstly, boots to keep those lil’ toes nice and toasty. Make sure they’re thermal and waterproof for the days that snow decides to fall down and ruin your traffic. Next, try a jacket, I hear those work well. Now, the thing you must remember about winter coats is that they don’t have to be these big hulking things that look like the Stay Puft man’s offspring is slowly eating you. For instance, I wear a snowboarding jacket by Burton that is surprisingly slimming and is thermal enough to keep me warm (which is saying something considering I get cold on summer nights). The classic peacoat is also an option when getting wet isn’t really a dilemma.

Finally, don’t forget to bundle up with gloves, hats and scarves. A thermal hat just might ruin your hair, but considering most of the heat in your body leaves through the crown of the head, it is best to find an attractive hat and wear that to ensure your warmth.

Summary: Warmth in winter and looking fashionable do coincide. Make it work!

Smelling Is Fashion?

There is one item that should be a part of everyone’s attire; it is invisible to the eye, intangible when applied, and has an insanely wide variety of options. Want a hint? It smells. ... That’s correct! Perfume! Believe it or not the way you smell is a perfect way to solidify your fashion style. Different scents can portray a different personality. For instance Lucky Brand tends to be very nice and clean while Harajuku Lovers tends to be pretty spunky.

This rule doesn’t only apply to women however, there is cologne for men. Nearly all major companies create both perfume and cologne. The application of the scent is also varied and not necessarily a fashion statement, but it is useful. There are the average large bottles which can be sprayed easily, but tend to spray too much at once. There are tiny tester bottles which don’t carry much but spray on quite well. And finally, there are roller balls which are simply rolled straight onto the skin and are easy to travel with.

Summary: Scents, whether they be perfume or cologne, are a must when leaving the home.

Labels Matter

When throwing on your classy clothes there is something you really must remember: labels matter. Labels give a message to anyone that sees you. You may not believe so, but by wearing certain brands of clothing or accessories displays who people think you are.

The general consensus may be “I don’t care about labels! I am who I am and I don’t need a label to be myself!” Well that’s all well and good sweatpea, but when I see pair of Louboutins walking down the street my first thought isn’t “Oh boy! I bet they have the most charming personality!” So, watch what it is you wear, some personalities may not be correct for a certain time. Just think of it like this, if being interviewed, who is more likely to be hired, the person wearing Prada, or the one wearing Hot Topic?

Summary: Know what you’re wearing for labels, and understand they send out a signal to anyone who knows fashion.

Dear Men, Let's Be Dapper Tonight

Dear men, you are awesome. Perhaps my upcoming suggestion is not your style, but bare with me here. There are a few things that make a mans outfit appealing when he tries to class himself up a little bit. First of all bow ties and skinny ties and not only made of generally silks and other fabulous materials but also pure and unadulterated awesome. They just scream class and style without being arrogant or too over the top. 

Next on the list: suspenders. Think they’re only for your great-grand-daddy? Think again! Your pants may or may not need help staying up, but either way who cares when suspenders are the definition of nerdy swag? 

These items go smashingly with a button up shirt, plaid flannel is an excellent option. However, if you’re just not into the flannel, maybe go with a normal button up, collared shirt. A vest would be a fantastically classy idea as well. Put all (or some) of these items on and ‘poof!’ we have one suave looking gentleman on our hands.

Summary: Whether for common or special occasions, being dapper is always in. Try out a tie, some suspenders, or even a vest to add a bit of class to your look.

Impressions: They matter. Who knew?

A first impression is the most important impression you can make. The first impression is always the one that will stick with someone and is the most difficult mind set to stray from when thinking in terms of someone’s personality.  This is precisely the reason why one must always look presentable. Even if you’re not feeling all that well, or are having one of those days where you just want to slum it, go right ahead, but still look presentable. 

It is human nature to judge one another. It takes less than a second for the human brain to automatically judge someone and determine whether or not we find them attractive. We are all judged before we even have time to display our personality through words or gestures. Think of  that before you leave the house in drab attire. If you’re going over your friends house for a movie or to frozen aisle of the grocery store to grab some of America’s favorite vegetable, then there’s probably no need to even think about it, just throw on some sweats and go! However, if you’re going to actually be out and about for more than that, put on some actual pants, a clean shirt, and some decent shoes at least; who knows who you’ll meet?

Summary: First impression matter. Make it a habit to always look at the very least presentable.

The Greens Are Back!

Exciting news! For those of you who live in the United States (and Canada) listen up! (Or technically read up…) the founders of the made of awesome Nerdfighteria are taking back up the Tour De Nerdfighting! 
John and Hank Green will be holding events in independent book stores throughout the country where they will sign books and albums, play songs, read from books, among other made of awesome activities. 
The tour starts January 10th in Massachusetts, so check out the tour dates and make you get your ticket! (please note: tickets into the event are preordered copies of TFiOS from the holders of the events.)

Tour Dates: keep up to date on tumblr, YouTube, and any Nerdfighteria sites, (including john and hank's personal websites) http://johngreenbooks.com/events/ 

Summary: the Greens are back, get your tickets!