Fashion Bloopers: Now Starring Robert Downey Jr.

Sometimes there's nothing quite as enjoyable as taking in the beauty of a particular star bedecked in an imaginative fashion confection, and many a fashionista's wall or mirror has been taped up with a picture of a celebrity who unmistakably got their fashion moment just right. But it's not always the case that stars nail the fashion challenge; sometimes, in fact, they very seriously flop. It may be somewhat incongruous to snicker at the unfortunate fashion choices of the very celebrities that on good days, but if gossip rags are any indication, it's certainly a past time. There are ample opportunities in the entertainment industry for stars to fall flat in a big way; from red carpet events coast to coast, ball gowns and suits make plenty of daring appearances throughout the year. But not all fashion mistakes are made in front of the brightest spotlights. Sometimes, they can be as simple as a walk in the park....



...A walk in the park is what Robert Downey, Jr. might have had in mind when he dressed for a London dinner last week, accompanied by his wife and famed British filmmaker Guy Ritchie. Ostensibly celebrating the then-imminent release of his new Sherlock Holmes flick, Downey Jr. sat down for what was likely a lovely meal –dressed in less than lovely duds. The most striking element of the star's questionable ensemble, a piece that has made its way onto the eager front pages of plenty of publications, was a powder blue affair that might have been the world's first glimpse of an unhappy marriage between a top hat and a fisherman's cap, trimmed in a darker blue ribbon that just might have been crafted of velvet. Crowning the actor in what looked to be part old maid bonnet and part rummage sale disgrace, the hat would have seemed entirely out of character were it not for the awkwardly baggy pants the star wore atop shoes that could have definitely used a good scrubbing.
By contrast, Downey Jr's wife looked perfectly chic and groomed, and seemingly unaware of her husband's bizarre outfit, a trait which may make her the most forgiving woman in show business. Of course, this doesn't mark the worst case of celebrity dressing the world has ever seen –a few of Cher's Bob Mackie moments, for instance, come to mind--, but the world of gossip has made certain that it will earn its place among the hallowed halls of stars who stepped out in something utterly ghastly. In the world of men's fashion accessories, it can sometimes seem like being adventurous is especially risky. But when men shop with costume jewellery retailers and accessory houses with a reputation for getting trends just right (like Janeo's raised-ridge leather belt, for instance), expressing oneself doesn't have to involve showing up in the bad fashion headlines bedecked in items that couldn't flatter a fish.

Men's Fashion: Skinny Jeans Stir Up a Ruckus

It seems not too long ago that large swaths of the fashion community were complaining about the sight of popular men's jeans. They were simply too baggy. Tired of seeing men, especially students and younger guys into the specific clothing of certain subcultures, walking around with increasingly lower pants that exposed boxer shorts and seemed to impede the ability to walk, many people made no secret of their loathing for the clothes items. But jeans are an essential component of the American fashion landscape, and it seems that while denim may go through many manifestations in tune with the times, the basic love of jeans isn't going away any time soon. That staying power is evident in an apparent 180-degree flip recently taken by the men's fashion industry: no longer much interested in the baggy models that have been so popular over the past decade or so, designers and buyers alike seem firmly enamored of the "skinny jeans" trend.
Traditionally limited to the realm of women's fashion, skinny jeans have a tapered leg with a close-fitting ankle, a major departure from the boot-cut and flare designs that are slowly being phased out. While these new skinny jeans arguably present a cleaner look, some models are also presenting their own problems in terms of wearability. Whereas baggy jeans were prone to slipping down and getting too much fabric in the way of walking, skinny jeans can prevent a full range of motion, making some guys say goodbye to their carefree, fence-hopping ways. As the fashion industry buzzes with interest in the new jeans, denim outlets are racing to develop pants that deliver the right look without being too constricting, a balance which often presents a challenge for clothes makers. One popular response has been the creation of jeans in more versatile, stretchable fabric blends.
Observing the change from baggy to tight is certainly amusing, and critics of both styles abound, though of course there are many devotees as well. Our interest? Aside from sharing the pain of having to "break in" our jeans with the other half of the population, we're thrilled about the opportunities that skinny jeans open up for men's accessories. Let's face it --with baggy jeans that trail excessive fabric from the waist down, there's little option left for elaborate jewelry to do its thing. But skinny jeans help create a great canvas for a variety of men's costume jewellery designs, from leather and silver bracelets to complex yet masculine pendants and well beyond. Affording a nice waistline, skinny jeans are also great friends with costume jewellery belt buckles, letting guys get in on a bit of the glam with designs that have just the right amount of sparkle or polish.
As we gear up for fall --one of denim's favorite seasons--, we're sure to see new better-fitting skinny jeans making merry with men's jewelry items that project personality without being tired or boring.

Simple Statements: A Keyring with Class

When most people think about costume jewelry, the first things that come to mind usually involve lots of sparkle, glamour, and color. Big stones, many-faceted jewels, and glittering metals dance through the mind, coalescing in bright varieties of clustered beauty to lay and strand and snap on here and there. But not all costume jewelry must be quite so forward and glitzy. Though we're normally at least a little loathe to leave the realm of all that shines and pops with color, we can spare the occasional moment for the kind of costume jewelry that doesn't have to steal the show.
Leather goods have been a hot commodity for centuries; one of the world's most prized and perfected mediums, leather accessories have come quite a long way since the days of tanned-hide bags and straps. One of the nicest things about quality leather goods is the material's ability to break through the realm of the visually pleasing and into the world of the tactile. A well-worked piece of leather imparts a smooth yet sturdy feel, with a satisfying weight and temperature that's instantly recognizable. That essential feel is at the heart of Janeo's fine leather key rings, and serves as the foundation for the enjoyment to be experienced with these pieces.



This scrolling heart design is a perennial favorite. The thick and ample buffalo leather piece is embossed with an antiqued pattern that evokes the swirling lines and whimsical artistry of Celtic decorations. A geometrical masterpiece, the design is unique in its unisex appeal; the pattern is equally suited for women's and men's fashion accessories. The key ring is sure to be a welcome and warm gift for someone special, and its specific utility allows it to be seen and felt from time to time each day, reminding the recipient of the gift-giver's sentiment.
Stitched around the borders in a lightly contrasting, warm-hued thread, the leather keyring is finished off with two subtle beaded tassles in natural cord, echoing the lightly beaded ornament at the base of the attached metal ring. Sturdy and stylish, this piece can be trusted to last for generations, and can truly take a beating, making it perfect for everyday use. Unlike many modern key rings that seem to only add to the clutter of a collection, this piece is an unobtrusive six by four centimeters, just the right size for providing a pleasant grip and fashionable flourish while still slipping easily into a pocket or purse.
This embossed leather keyring is a seasonless hit and brings out the beauty of natural hide. A celebration of humanity's timeless exploration of accessorizing and embellishing, the ring is an essential staple of any serious costume jewellery collection. With a nice selection of other designs available in the same theme, there's a ring for every sensibility and style to be enjoyed for a lifetime in quality leather.