Flowers of the Sun

Photos by Shay McGinnis

One word: Koto. The epitome of eclectic-bohemian prints and powerful patterns. Unique shapes and cuts for Men, Koto has envisioned clothing for a new era of style savants.

This sunflower shirt is just damn cool. It's fashion dandy meets too cool for school skater dude. I am increasingly impressed with the floral print menswear options these days. Men's fashion is being redefined not only by designers producing more gender neutral clothing but also the explosion of patterns and prints that were once considered suitable only for womenswear. Get ready to start seeing this shirt around town, these sunflowers are popping up all over the internet as I type these words. Power to the print!

This shirt is available for purchase at Urban Outfitters

Polynesian Perfection

Photos by Shay McGinnis

It's my second day back on the Hawaiian islands spending time with my family so it seems apropos to finish posting about this beautiful polynesian piece pictured here.

On my most recent trip to peruse new vintage stock at American Rag on La Brea Ave I saw much of the usual tiki, tapa and tropical motif hanging on the racks. Until I laid my eyes on this this gorgeous 1950's work of art. This shirt almost looked like a watercolor painting on the hanger, full of vibrant yellow, orange and pink florals. The colors jumped out at me. The collar lays open wide which I am usually not a fan of but not EVERY shirt I wear has to be buttoned up to the neck :) The unique gold buttons and thick woven fabric indicate the quality craftsmanship that went into creating this garment. If you don't already know who Alfred Shaheen is click on the link to indulge in the pioneering of the Aloha shirt back in the early 1950's. Though the traditional Hawaiian shirt became common to most Americans as every day wear it was not widely known as a fashion piece until the great Elvis Presley wore a Shaheen designed red Aloha shirt on the cover of the "Blue Hawaii" soundtrack released in 1961. Boom, you've been educated.

ALOHA!

Perennial Style

Perennial Style | photography by Shay McGinnis

Let us stop and reflect upon the rare season-less city I live in - Los Angeles. Though it means I don't get to enjoy Fall/Winter layers or amazing outerwear, getting ready for the day can be as easy as throwing on a pair of jeans and a simple t-shirt. In this case I give you a "simple" pair of contrasting floral jeans and floral print shirt - total flower power domination. I am clearly a fan of the floral print whether it be an accessory or an entire outfit. It is no new trend nor is it out of style. In my opinion it is here to stay thanks to Designers like Dries Van Noten. But since we can't always afford designer prices I threw this look together for under $30, yep! How? You might ask...

This look features:

Shirt - Vintage find at Slow on Melrose Avenue, crazy cool detailing on this shirt - digitized needlepoint flowers.

Pants - Joyrich (gifted to me by my lovely roomie)

Shoes - Nike Airforce 1's

Shoelaces - discovered at Belmont Army shop in Chicago

Sunglasses - Top Shop (they are Women's but...shhhhhh)