Fashion Friday - Flip-Flops – The Do’s & Don’ts

To me, the flip-flop is a must have in everyone’s wardrobe. However, how to wear them and when to wear them seems to be a seriously overlooked conversation. So, yours truly is going to break it down for you.

Flip-Flop sandals are very casual footwear; they're usually made of rubber or foam, or some other material that you can get wet; they're nearly always flat, or have a wedge heel, and they're typically less expensive than dressier thong sandals.

Thong sandals on the other hand come in a wide variety of different materials. They feature different heel types and heights, and can be quite elaborate, and sometimes expensive.

So, when do you wear flip-flops, how do you wear flip-flops, and most importantly, when do you not wear flip-flops?

In my opinion, flip-flops get a bad rap, and some will tell you that they're never appropriate. But the fact of the matter is there are times when flip-flops are not only appropriate, they're actually ideal.

Nothing beats a pair of flip-flops at the beach. Its summer folks! Who wants to tread through the sand in heels or loafers? Who wants to get their favorite, albeit expensive shoes wet? If you plan on getting near the water, stick to flip-flops, but look for stylish options that set you apart from the crowd. The beach scene can offer high fashion too.

When you're not working, there's no reason you can't wear flip-flops during your daily routine. Trips to the gas station, grocery store or just hanging out with friends at the local coffee shop all qualify as flip-flop material, but if you travel in high end circles, step into a pair of dressy thong sandals or casual pull-on’s.

So, when do you not wear flip-flops? Many work places have dress codes, and you're probably aware of yours. But even if there's not a rule against flip-flops in the office, they certainly don't provide the most professional look. They're easy to slip into a bag, making them great for wearing to and from work, but while you're at the office, it's definitely in your best interest to stick with a more polished look.

Last, but certainly not least…get a pedicure if you wear flip-flops. Not only will your feet feel better in them, but they will also look better!

The Rochester Examiner Article - The fresh face of bridal

There's a new bride in town...

Check out today's article here:

The Fresh Face of Bridal

Food for thought - Rhubarb Muffins

This morning as I sat with my coffee on the back deck listening to the birds wake up, I fondly reminisced about the holiday picnics held under the large maple trees at my grandmothers house.

I remember fresh linens sprawled across a large table under massive maple trees. Kids cheering and playing in the background....and dozens of cars lined the driveway like taxis on a busy New York thoroughfare.

Time stood still for an entire afternoon. We had it all back then; family, food and memories to last a lifetime.

It's amazing how food can stir memories in each of us.....

With that, here is recipe that I bring out every year when the rhubarb is fresh, and the thoughts of those special days under the maples are even fresher.

Rhubarb Muffins

1 1/2 cups brown sugar
1 egg beaten
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp vanilla
1 1/2 cups rhubarb, cut into small pieces
2/3 cup olive oil
1 cup buttermilk
1 tsp salt
2 1/2 cups flour
1/2 cup chopped toasted walnuts

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine brown sugar, oil and egg in mixer.
In a small bowl combine buttermilk, baking soda, salt & vanilla.
Add milk mixture to sugar mixture alternatively with flour, mixing well.

Fold in rhubarb and nuts.

Spoon mixture into greased and floured muffin pans.

For the topping combine the following ingredients:
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, very cold, cut into pieces
Top muffin batter with topping.

Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick pulls clear when tested.

Now, Go and enjoy your family!

Promo Thursday - JCaccamisePhotography

With Spring in bloom and Summer on its way, I thought it only fitting to promote a site that has been capturing elements from these beautiful seasons.

JCaccamisePhotography by artist Jamie Caccamise.

Jamie is a mom, a wife and an amazing photographer. In my conversations with Jamie I discovered that she has a true passion for capturing those priceless moments that one has when they are raising a family. Although she labels herself an amateur, the examples of her work below say otherwise.

"A good snapshot stops a moment from running away." ~ Eudora Welty ~

Photography takes an instant out of time, altering life by holding it still.  ~Dorothea Lange

When that shutter clicks, anything else that can be done afterward is not worth consideration. ~Edward Steichen

Not everybody trusts paintings but people believe photographs.  ~Ansel Adams

You can see more of Jamie's work by visiting her blog site:

JCaccamisePhotography&Stuff

Fashion Friday - A Dude's Guide to Denim

Sadly, quite a few men have a big issue with choosing the right pair of jeans...including yours truly!
So many cuts, from 'carrot fit' to 'straight leg', and so many different washes.
Is it any wonder men get confused when buying jeans?

If you were to look inside my closet I would suspect you'd say the last thing I needed right now was another pair of jeans.
Skinny fit, straight fit, loose fit, black denim, raw denim, grey denim, distressed, not-quite-so distressed… they're all there, a dozen or so pairs in total.
I say this not out of mere boasting for my love of fabric, but with a fair amount of self-reproach, for each is a testament to haphazard and desperate buying over years, and very few of them are being worn today.
Like many men, I have a love-hate relationship with denim. I know what I like, but I have no idea what suits me.
The biggest thing I have learned is that expensive jeans arent always the best purchase.
I purchased a pair of $300 jeans at a local men's boutique...and they fell apart after the second wash.

I found a great article at Dogfunk.com that enlightens the average "dude" on how to choose the right jean for their body.
Dogfunk-Guide-to-Denim

Once you've mastered the art buying a pair of jeans, its knowing how to wear them that really counts.




Photo from GQ

Here are a few things I have learned...and may it help my dear brothers and the women who love them.

Jeans at work

For those of you lucky enough to have casual Friday at work, or even those just comfortable enough to wear them at work, is to stick to raw denim rather than distressed and not to overcompensate the look by going too formal with the shirt and blazer.
The key is to not look as though your top half is going to a wedding and your bottom half is heading to the garage to perform an oil change.
Loosen the tie a bit boys!

Jeans around town

Yes, we all have that favorite pair of jeans with the holes in them that we just cant say goodbye to.
Wearing them to the store for a quick beer run is ok, but to the mall or a restaurant with your significant other is an absolute No, No!
No one wants to see your hairy knees or portions of your tighty whities....

There's a lot of help for us out there boys. Dont be affraid to try them on. If you like how your butt looks in them chances are he/she will too! Get advise from a store clerk or solicit advise from someone shopping. Women will tell you the honest truth...and you'll be happy in the end that you took their advise.

The Rochester Examiner Article-Bow ties are back!

Bow Ties are back..
Check out the article here;
http://www.examiner.com/diy-fashion-in-rochester/bow-ties-are-back

May Day Giveaway - Winner Announced

Congratulations Jeannie!