Staff Pick: Rock Idol

Rock & Republic denim has developed quite the fanbase among the minxes, but web fashion advisor Doug has taken a particular shine to their rugged Taylor Bootcut Jean. The medium blue of the Vulgar wash makes the jean easily matched with just about everything, and Doug loves that the jean looks rugged and not just worn out.

Doug imagines wearing the Taylor with a distressed Bed:Stu belt and Monarchy embellished tee.

Fashionable Fine Print

We girls don't give gents much credit when it comes to complexity but I think much more is due, especially when seeing the gorgeous little details being incorporated into menswear these days.

See below for some UrbanMinx favorites featuring fun accents and hidden facets which have recreated the button down shirt.

Designer branding can be overly audacious, drowning out essential style elements with bold lettering and logos, but G-Star shows the more artful way of managing. Every little button on this Gould Shirt is etched with the G-Star name - defined but not demanding, and ultra chic with their distressed texture.

Even more impressive is how G-Star communicates their signature military theme in the sharp angles of the collar and pockets, as well as the ever-present epaulet shoulders.

Plaid is too often plain, but Ben Sherman plays the print up in their Starling Shirt. Tucked within the collar and cuffed sleeves of the Starling is a contrasting checkerboard pattern, which is basic enough on its own but when combined with the plaid it simply pops!

This particular style is all about subtle shifts in the norm. Notice the skewed angle of the same-plaid pockets. Like the checkerboard addition it creates interest without interruption.

Who knew something as simple as shifting your shapes around could make such a difference? Bogosse shows how it's done in their Jit 02 Shirt. The Jit features rectangular buttons (how revolutionary!) set into pairs along the front button placket and cuffs. This arrangement changes the appearance entirely, creating a sense of cohesion.

The Matis from Bogosse is rich with detail without being overwhelming. The floral print is fancy but not overtly feminine, with the leather tab accents and (again-square) burnt orange buttons finding a fashionable niche.

When it comes to embellishments Monarchy is king. This particular Die Hard shirt is styled with tonal flourish embroidery set against pinstripe patterning throughout.

Another example of elegant advertising, Monarchy has stitched branding above unique pointed pockets, complimented by the brand crest at the back in equally understated black.

Monarchy Collection for Spring 2008 looks punky prep

We love Monarchy Collection’s designer denim and duds for their subtle detailing and intricate designs. Enticing graphics flow across most of their men’s tops, and Monarchy Denim features Soutash and British pocket embroideries.

Just off the runway from Los Angeles Fashion Week, the Spring 2008 Monarchy Collection maintains the brand’s look of sophisticated destruction while losing some of the more industrial elements seen this fall. Their spring show softens the style by mixing an air of prep-school standout with punky dropout. Aside from the occasional leather corset and flouncing denim skirt, the clothing is almost genderless: Men wore soft purple sweaters and ladies sported grunge belts and ripped denim. The only real differences seemed to be fit – guys looked casual and relaxed in their loose-cut apparel while the women sported styles that were slim and snug.

Country club sweaters, polos, and pinstripes shared the stage with Mohawks, distressed denim, and leather boots. Men’s collared shirts, vests, suspenders, and scarves were common fare throughout the show. Some pieces like the ladies linen Daisy Dukes and leather girdles might not fair well off the runway, but a solid assortment of jackets, sweaters, and denim staples will likely wear well this spring.



Shop Monarchy Collection at UrbanMinx.