Spring Wardrobe Essentials
Spring has officially arrived and now I can finally store away my winter coats for the season. Spring is a great season to layer on interchangeable lightweight pieces . I love to rock simple and refined silouhettes in the spring and in order to do that I have developed a spring wardrobe that I can make several outfits from.
A Denim Jacket
You cannot go wrong with a denim jacket . They are so versatile for those cooler nights and they add a sense of edge and structure to any outfit
A White T-Shirt
Simple and versatile. A white t shirt is so valuable to your Spring wardrobe mostly because it is the great blank canvas to add other elements too. You can wear it by itself or under a jacket. However you choose to wear it , make sure that you chose a style that compliments your body type because believe it or not, not all t-shirts are created equal
Lightweight Blazer
If you know me you know that I love a structured blazer so in the Spring I swap out my heavier wool blazers for lightweight blazers made of linen or cotton. These more relaxed blazers are a great way to dress up a casual outfit.
White Sneakers,
When it comes to shoes for spring I always reach for a white sneaker. They are effortless and coordinate with just about every outfit in your closet. Most recently I purchased the Converse All Star High Tops and the Adidas Advantage shoes which are mentioned in my Fave Five March Blog Post and YouTube Video.
The Statement Coat
For the last three winter seasons I have been searching for the perfect statement coat. If you are not familiar, a statement coat that has a vibrant o color , tailoring details, accesories and /or print that makes it stand out. Here are some samples of statement coats.
Statement coats are not for the shy or faint of heart! They are show stoppers that will get noticed when you rock them and I am totally here for it 100%Although I had been looking for a statement coat for quite sometime, I did not have any luck finding one. Either they were too expensive or not quite right for me until I randomly walked into Urban Outfitters and set eyes on this beauty a few weeks ago. She is black, red and gold plaid. I tried it on and it was coat love at first site. And to add a cherry to this delicious outerwear sundae, it was on sale!!
I love this coat because it is bold and pretty well constructed. Statement coats are great because you can wear a really simple outfit with them and just let the coat shine! I have a few more weeks to rock this coat before the temperatures start rising but I am excited to have her in my collection. This exact style is sold out but urban Outfitters has a really cool men’s statement coat here and a woman’s one here.
I leave you in love, peace and statement style!,
Lonnie
Casual Winter Outfits
Hey Classmates,
The weather is officially “brick” here in the city that never sleeps. An although I do not love the low temperatures, I love winter style. Cold weather months gives us the opportunity to play with texture, layering and thicker, plush fabrics. I put together 4 outfits that express my current casual winter style. I incorporated lots of warm tones, texture and clean lines per usual :)
Click play below to view my video look book. All outfit details can be found in the description box of the video. I hope this outfits inspire you as you plan your winter outfits:)
I leave you love, peace and style,
Lonnie
Tribal Vintage
Who doesn’t love a statement pair of pants? For me it is always exciting to find a pair of pants in a fun pattern. These Forever 21 Tribal joggers have been a favorite of mine for a few years. I love how the pattern has warm tones and how the jogger style gives them a structured and put together yet relaxed look.
I paired them with one of my most recent thrift finds, a black double breasted blazer witth gold rimmed buttons that compliment the warm hues in the pants. Pairing the vintage jacket with the cool and vibrant printed pants gives the outfit just the right mixture of elegance and youthful edge. Check out the outfit details below and let me know if the comments if you would rock a look like this.
Denim Jacket Diaries
Everyone needs at least one denim jacket in their wardrobe but finding the perfect denim jacket has proven to be quite the task for me. When it comes to my wardrobe I am very selective about the staple items that I add to my collection. I have been searching for a denim jacket for some years now but each time that I would come across one there would be something about it that I did not like. Sometimes it was the wash, other times the distressing and other times the fit. I have learned to be patient when it comes to finding the right pieces that fit my style standards and profile. After a long search I came across this distressed denim jacket at forever 21 (similar here).
I fell in love with this jacket because it was the perfect light - medium wash and had a bit of distressing.
I have gotten a lot of wear out of this jacket in the late summer/early fall season. This jacket pairs well with super casual outfits and can be dressed up with slacks and a turtleneck for a more dressed up and fashion forward look. Oh and I cannot wait to rock it with a denim on denim look:) What do you look for in a denim jacket and how do you style yours? Let me know in the comments here and on IG.
I leave you in love peace in style,
Lonnie
Transitioning from Summer to Fall Fashion
The Fall season has officially commenced and as temperatures drop we tend to wave goodbye to our summer pieces. Don’t pull out your summer storage bins just yet because summer pieces can easily transition to Fall with the assistance of intentional layering.
I am using this simple layered look to serve as an example of how some key pieces can help you extend some summer items into fall.
T-shirts are very versatile and can be made Fall appropriate by throwing on a blazer, denim jacket or cardigan.
Light weight chinos such as these army green joggers transition seamlessly into fall without being too bulky or thick.
Have fun with transitional style just be sure that you have enough layers and maybe even a warm accessory like a scarf to cater to those cool Fall evenings
Too Cool For More School?
TOO COOL FOR MORE SCHOOL?
By Lonnie Woods III
Back to school season is here and I am sitting here like “how did summer fly by that fast?” Fall is actually one of my favorite times of the year for style because… layers are back!
Fall is also back to school time and for as long as I can remember I have loved learning, the classroom and discovering new lessons. So it’s no surprise that I have a career in education as an adult. As a college administrator, professor and teaching artist I get to experience just about all sides of the field of education.
But one role that I do not currently occupy is the role of student. I received my Bachelors degree back in 2008 and a Masters degree in 2012. People often ask me . “ do you plan on getting another degree? “ My answer is always something like “ I have no plans to”. That’s right, mister education has no desire to go back to school right now. I must admit, I love learning, but I am not fond of the other elements of formal education such as project deadlines, reading several chapters in a short time, writing papers etc.
I feel that there is this quiet pressure in this country to get as many degrees as possible because more degrees means more power to more money or more fill in the blank. My community includes many colleagues and friends who are currently enrolled as students in various degree programs, over many industries. I also have many successful friends who did not go to or finish a bachelors program.
According to a study performed by vox.com, more than 16 million people in the US — about 8 percent of the population — now have a master's, a 43 percent increase since 2002
I used to feel like having more degrees made you more powerful until I found out that discovering my purpose was the most powerful thing I could attain. Everything else (including more degrees) are a compliment to my purpose. We all have different journeys with education however I never want to be enrolled in school simply to be enrolled and if I were to get a second masters or a phd there would have to be a reason that reached beyond the prestige of gaining another degree.
I am at a beautiful place in my career where the level of education that I received is sufficient. That fact may seem contradictory because I love formal education and I am an advocate for college. I do believe you can over do it with formal degrees, yup I said it. Learning goes beyond formal education so I don’t think I will ever stop learning, but enrolling as a student in a degree program is not in my near future and I am ok with not being too cool for more school.
Just cus’ I am not going back to school , doesn’t mean that I don’t enjoy back to school style.
Check the deets for this back to school look :
Shoes: Converse
Shirt + Denim: H&M
Vest: Asos
Laptop Case: American Eagle (gifted)
Summer Stripes
I cannot believe that it is late August and summer is almost over! How can Hot Boy Summer be ending when I am just figuring out the definition of Hot Boy Summer? All I know is that HBS is winning and Hot Girl Summer is a muffled flame! @ me ladies!
This summer I was proud of myself because I stuck with my 2019 summer style goal which was to add more color. Typically I lean towards neutrals and texture but I wanted to dial up the color this summer and be more playful.
I found this pink, blue, yellow and white vertical striped t-shirt by the brand Super Massive at Buffalo Exchange here in New York. I love the vibrant colors in this shirt because it makes a bold statement and sets the tone for the rest of the outfit.
A major star for this outfit is yet another Buffalo Exchange pre-loved item: The Puma x Poggy Suede Classic x Poggy Man Dark Blue High-tops . When I saw these shoes in store at BE, I couldn’t take my eyes off of them due to their futuristic and minimal silhouette. They have a sole sock design, a bubblegum sole and they fasten up the back with a tongue and loop closure. For a fun splash of color I wore multi color zebra print socks by Happy Socks and yes they do make me happy!
I completed the outfit by adding medium washed denim shorts (similar) by H&M and a very special gold and amethyst custom necklace by the brand Wicked Heathens that was gifted to me from a good friend.
This outfit screams summer and signified the year that I took a chance on my summer wardrobe and experimented with bright colors. As the temperature begins to drop here in NYC, I will bask in the glow of summer stripes as I begin to transition to fall within the next few weeks. Did you take any risks or chances with your summer wardrobe? If so, let me know what you tried in the comments and as always…
I leave you in love, peace and style,
xoxo Lonnie
Crisp White Linen
White button down shirts are a staple in my wardrobe. They are so versatile and can be worn year-round and in the summer can be styled with a variety of pieces including shorts, chinos or jeans.
I snagged this J.Crew Linen Oxford (similar here) second hand from Buffalo Exchange a few weeks ago for about $20. I fell in love with the relaxed yet tailored fit and the thick and textured yet breathable 100%linen fabric.
I styled the shirt by rolling up the sleeves for a more relaxed look. I added denim and suede neutral loafers. I threw on a stack of bracelets that I have collected over the years and some are even gifts from friends (one from Mexico and one from Africa. My Fatigue L.L Bean Tote Bag is quite easily one of the best purchases that I have made in a long time. It literally goes with EVERYTHING.
Linen is a great fabric choice for summer so if you have not invested in at least one linen piece I suggest you start looking now!
I leave you in love peace and style,
Lonnie
Trail Blazer
It’s officially a City Boy summer and the temperature is rising here in NYC. In the summer months I usually opt for less clothes, but every now and then I desire a more dressed up look so I got inspired to begin looking for a summer blazer. Summer blazers are made of light weight, breathable fabrics like linen or woven cotton. When searching for a summer blazer you want to stay away from heavy fabrics like wool, corduroy and velvet.
As I embarked on my summer blazer search I had a few items on my wish list. I knew that i wanted a beige blazer because I envisioned myself wearing it with a pair of shorts to rock a monochromatic vibe. I also wanted to explore the oversized blazer trend. To be quite honest I was afraid to try the oversized blazer look because I don’t typically think that oversized items compliment my frame but I was open and optimistic.
I am an advocate for thrift shopping, in fact I have been thrifting since before it was cool. The benefits of thrifting include a lower price point than retail, unique pieces that tend to be higher quality than fast fashion and thrifted items tend to stand out because you cannot typically find a replica item.
I found this Vintage Giorgio Armani linen blazer at the Goodwill West Village location . The jacket was priced at a whopping $15! This blazer fit all of my criteria and exceeded my quality expectations. It fits like a dream with a slightly oversized fit and it is the perfect neutral beige tone. The fabric is tightly woven to give it structure however not too thick.
For the outfit pictured above I styled the blazer with a white uniqlo t-shirt, black and white striped shorts and sneakers. I am so glad I found my dream thrifted blazer but if you are new to thrifting or looking to build your second hand shopping skills, I am have provided 3 tips below that will help you level up your thrifting.
I am a thrift shopping lover but even with my love affair with second hand fashion, thrift stores often have a large inventory so in order to make my experience more focused I go thrift shopping with specific items in mind. Doing this helps you narrow in on specific colors, styles and articles of clothing so that you are not aimlessly wandering through the store feeling overwhelmed. Before you head out to your thrifting adventure, take an inventory of your closet to see where you have essential item gaps. Jot down the items that you are looking for and shop with tunnel vision!
I will be the first to tell you that If you don’t love shopping, you will not love thrifting. Thrifting is a very time consuming task that is compared to finding a needle in a haystack. Unlike retail spaces that sell new merchandise, thrift stores are not meticulously organized and designed for you to easily find items. Patience is key. For the best results you should aside 1 .5 - 3 hours to shop. Once you are at the thrift store, take your time and look through every item in a section that you are interested in. Every single item. Yes I know that looking through every item on every rack in a certain category sounds daunting but just trust that it is worth it. I cannot tell you how many times I have found a beautiful item that was misplaced according to the labels.
There is nothing more disappointing than discovering what you think is the perfect item at a thrift store only to realize that it has a stain, hole, missing button etc. To prevent this unfortunate circumstance, inspect each piece before heading to check out. Take the time to look for stains, rips, discoloration, missing elements…essentially any type of damage. This inspection process allows you to decide if the item is worth purchasing. keep in mind that second hand items are not expected to be in perfect condition so you have to adjust your expectations. Also small alterations can be made to must-hate items. You can easily add a missing button for instance, but the level of damage that you are willing to accept varies from person to person.
Summer Look Book 2019
It is officially summer ya’ll and I am kicking off the season right with 4 summer looks that will have you looking pool ready, beach ready… summer time fine ready!
I had fun shooting this look book video while I was vacationing in Miami Beach in mid June (Yes I go to Miami every year, don’t @ me) . I wanted to explore some summer looks that have my signature style but also incorporate some trends such as Neon, slides and futuristic sunglasses .
Click below to enjoy!
FIT DETAILS
Top | Forever 21 Men Mesh Ringer Tank
Shorts | H&M Swim Trunks w/ white side stripe (old) | Similar Style Here
Shoes | Vans Checkered Slides
Sunglasses | Thrifted Buffalo Exchange | Similar Style Here
FIT DETAILS
Top | H&M Screen Printed Tank (Sold Out | Similar Style
Shorts | Forever 21 (old) | Similar Style
Shoes | Airwalk (old) | Similar Style
Sunglasses | Thrifted Buffalo Exchange | Similar Style
FIT DETAILS
Top | Pony X Forever 21 Striped Trim Tank Top, Capsule Collection
Shorts | Forever 21 Men Stripes Twill Drawstring Shorts
Hat | PacSun Adidas Strapback Hat (similar style)
Shoes | Adidas Prophere
Sunglasses | Thrifted | Similar Style Here
FIT DETAILS
Top | H&M (old) | Similar Style Here
Necklace | Thrifted Silver Statement Necklace | Similar Style Here
Shorts | Forever 21 Men Stripes Twill Drawstring Shorts
Shoes | Adidas SuperStar
Supermarket Chic
Am I the only one that likes to look put together when running errands? I’m sorry but I can’t be seen in public in pajamas or oversized sweatpants! When I’m doing my grocery shopping I like to look chill and comfortable but still stylish because in the words of Jazzmine Sullivan:
“ I never leave the house without make-up on
I keep mascara in my pocket if I'm running to the market
‘Cause you never know who's watching you”
I dont wear make up but you get my point! Running errands is not a reason to look lazy or sloppy!
At minimum, give a mild slay (just killed another career it's a mild day - Nicki Minaj) . Ok enough with the song lyrics, let’s dive into this look.
I was giving very rockstar grunge this day. I paired medium wash jeans with a Brooklyn’s Finest Graphic T (R.I.P. TO B.I.G. ) and layered on an open no collar plaid short sleeve shirt and threw on a black motto jacket with rose details on the sleeves for that bad boy feel and of course I rocked my adidas superstars
Speaking of Brooklyn’s finest, i actually took these shots in the Brooklyn Target. Shout out to that location for having a free phone charging station!
Tell me what you guys think of this look in the comments below.
I leave you in love, peace and style,
Lonnie
The Art of Mixing Prints
Mixing prints is a fun way to add visual interest to your outfits. Print mixing happens when you pair wardrobe items with different prints together in the same outfit.
I know that for some, the idea of mixing prints gives you anxiety. Whether you’re worried about looking “ too busy” or concerned that you “can’t pull it off”, I have 3 tips that will hopefully make you reconsider mixing it up!
Swatches
Along with each tip I included swatches to provide a visual example of the principles of print mixing in action. I am using one outfit to represent how a mixed print outfit can come together.
If you are a beginner print mixer, start off slow and find two or three different prints that have identical color ways. By choosing the same colors you are able to unify the look even though the patterns are different. In the sample look photographed above I wore three different prints that are all in a black and white (but you can choose any color combination that you would like). The pants are hounds tooth, the shirt is a bold tribal print and the sweatshirt has various graphic shapes but they all look good together as they are in the same color scheme.
All of these pieces are old items from Topman (pants) and Forever 21 however I have linked some cool black and white pants here, shirt here and long sleeve shirt here to give you some inspiration.
SAMPLE SWATCHES
Tip #2 : Mix Prints of different sizes
Scale is very important when mixing prints. Scale refers to the size and weight of the print. Some prints are small and tight with little space around them and some prints are more spaced out. For instance , if you are wearing pinstripe pants with thin stripes that are close together , you may consider wearing a sweater with thick stripes that are further apart. This allows for the two prints to marry together without looking too “matchy matchy”
Scale Reference Points:
wide with thin
bold with subtle
small with large
tightly spaced with widely spaced
SAMPLE SWATCHES
Organic or round shapes like flowers, circles, waves etc can really compliment prints that have straight lines. The contrast of the curves of the organic shapes work well next to the hard straight lines which add structure to the look.
SAMPLE SWATCHES
The last tip it to just try it and have fun! Even with some rules, mixing prints is an experimental process. Try some things on and mix it up while having fun. Anybody can mix prints but just make sure that the prints are in scale with your body type and don’t either get lost or drown you out. Be intentional yet don’t over think it!
As always I leave you in Love, Peace & Style,
Lonnie
Acing Athleisure
Are you wondering how you can wear you gym clothes outside and still be considered fashionable even when you’re not headed to the gym? Welp, there is a fashion trend that can help you accomplish that goal and it is called Athleisure in which clothing designed for workouts and other athletic activities is worn in other settings, such as at the workplace, at school, or at other casual or social occasions. This means that you can transition effortlessly from your soul cycle class to a casual cocktail event without looking out of place (but please shower in between).
“Athleisure is a trend in fashion in which clothing designed for workouts and other athletic activities is worn in other settings, such as at the workplace, at school, or at other casual or social occasions.”
Brands like Ivy Park, Under Armour, LuLu Lemon, Nike, Supreme, Adidas and Fila to name a few have been instrumental in expanding definition and wearability of athletic wear. Now a days athletic wear is more tailored and fun to wear which makes it more pleasurable to incorporate into your wardrobe.
CREATING THE LOOK
I paired a shawl collar blazer with adidas track pants, adidas superstar sneakers, black and white graphic print socks and an patterned/textured t-shirt. I topped off the look with a baseball cap to give it that sporty spice. You could easily make this look more casual by rocking a track jacket or locker tee shirt under the blazer or ditching the blazer all together. You could also take a more dressed up approach by swapping the blazer for an overcoat or by wearing a dressier shoe such as a wing tipped boot.
Are you into the athleisure trend? Let me know below in the comments,
In Love, Peace and Style,
Lonnie
OUTFIT
DETAILS
patterned vintage shawl collar blazer (similar here)
thrifted neon and black baseball cap (similar here)
adidas track pants (similar here)
forever 21 marble jacquard t shirt (shop here)
adidas original superstar shoes (shop here)
patterned socks (similar here)
Diggin’ The Details
I am a really detail oriented person. I am that guy who checks his receipts at the grocery store during check out to make sure that the expected sales price that was advertised is reflected.
That attention to detail also translates to my wardrobe.
I love to find pieces that have unique, well crafted not so “in your face” details. I focus on tailoring and craftsmanship over “flashiness”.
For this dressed up black sexy look I wanted to highlight 3 details in my outfit. These details add the right amount of pizazz that make feel confident and comfortable when I step out on the town.
HYBRID LAPEL.
I am calling this lapel hybrid because I don’t know if it has an actual formal title but it combines a traditional lapel with a shawl collar lapel to make for a lapel that I am in love with. So subtle but so special.
BROOCH BLING.
This one of a kind brooch boasts a unique shape and black iridescent black crystals, I am here for all of the shine and sparkle it gives from a far and the dimension and … that it gives up close. it truly is a statement piece in it’s truest form.
EMBELLISHED COLLAR.
This is hands down my favorite shirt OF ALL TIME (in my Kanye Voice) Why? well because it fits well. I love that the buttons are covered with a fabric panel and the collar literally steals the show so subtly. The faux leather gives it a strength and bit of sheen while the metal grommets as a rocker/bad boy flare.
HOLIDAY LOOK BOOK 2018
The Holiday season is in full swing and now more than ever it is important to find the right look for the occasion. Weather you are headed to a company holiday party, spending time with loved ones or getting all jazzed up for a fancy gala you want to look the part. Here are 3 mens wear looks that have holiday cheer written all over them.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS,
Lonnie
SLAY THE HOLIDAY FUNCTION
When you are headed to a holiday party you want to look festive yes mature and put together. I went for wine slim fit chinos, a mustard crew neck sweater and a grey multi colored plaid wool blazer. Red and green are a popular color combination around the Christmas Holiday. I gave a nod to the classic color combo adding emerald green suede shoes. The last splash of pizazz came from an oversized color block scarf. When you pump into the party looking like this, expect heads to turn!
FESTIVE DATE NIGHT
The holiday season offers so many opportunities for themed dates weather it be a dinner date right before going to see your local Christmas tree lighting, going ice skating or enjoying a swanky cocktail and small plates. For my date night look I chose a pair of medium wash jeans and an oatmeal cable-knit turtleneck sweater, wing tip brown boots and for a statement I threw on my army green vintage corduroy coat embellished with a gold leaf brooch. Go ahead and impress bae (or potential bae) with a stunning casual and put together look this holiday season.
GLITTER-LESS GALA
It seems that reflective fabrics are the go-to for holiday looks and don’t get me wrong, I love a good sparkle and shine but sometimes It’s nice to be festive without looking like a string of lights! When I’m dressing up during the holidays I reach for streamlined silouhettes that have fun festive details such as this J Crew Plaid Bow Tie which features tones of red green and blue that compliment my vintage teal blazer which has metallic gold buttons (for just a hint of shine and elegance). I also switched up the look by swapping the bow tie for a felt red, green and mustard yellow striped wool tie.
Running Around In Style
Who said that dressing comfortably has to be boring?
There is more to an athletic look than baggy sweatpants and worn out sneakers and this look proves it!
This post is dedicated to running errands in style. We all have those moments where we have to decide what to wear on a casual Saturday. For me, I like to keep it effortless.
For this look I threw on a pair of Fatigue Fitted Track Pants and a Black Chimney Neck sweatshirt. I chose comfy items and elevated them by choosing more tailored styles with fitted details. I threw on my self altered Zara Denim and Faux Leather jacket and Puma Creepers and BAM! I am comfortable and stylish.
I leave you in Love, Peace and Style,
Lonnie
Geek Chic
“You look like you smart” Words often spoken by classmates who found that my glasses somehow made me more intelligent than them..lol I always thought that their assumption was simple minded. Preppy style is one that I gravitate too sometimes because It’s just so academic and you guys know I am a sucker for all things education!
To achieve this look I wore a “W” varsity style crew neck sweater with a collared shirt underneath( Varsity style letters just scream college). I layered on a wine colored long line bomber for that homecoming ready vibe. I grounded the look with a pair of saddle shoes that anyone who wore a uniform growing up can remember (but there are the grown up version) . As an educator, I now proudly rock the preppy, geek chic look because looking smart and being smart is a wonderful combination.
Un Tied
One of the most iconic and essential items in a man’s wardrobe is arguably the necktie. I must admit that I have quite an extensive necktie collection but over the years I have found it more interesting to swap out my traditional necktie for another type of next accessory.
For example, in the look pictured here I wore a multi chain gold statement necklace with my white cut away collar shirt. There are so many ways to add visual interest to a button up shirt without going the traditional route. Below are 5 ways to ditch your tie.
5 ways to go “un-tied”
#1 Collar Tip
These chains pin to the points of your dress shirt and add a glimmer of sparkle to your outfit
#2 Collar Brooch
Add a brooch to give a formal, classy and elevated polished look to an evening wear outfit
#3 Collar Bar
This metal pin offers a classic minimal touch to your dress shirt. Beware that you must have a shirt that is made to support the pin.
#4 Bolo Tie
These are a cord worn around the neck with a large, sliding, ornamental fastening at the throat.
Similar:M&F Western Bolo Tie
#5 Necklace
Add a chunky statement necklace over a collar shirt and you are sure to get a conversation started about how cool and effortless you look. Just remember to find a necklace that compliments the collar of the shirt.
When I Creep
For the Fall/Winter 2018 season I was inspired to give my shoe game a LIFT. One day I simply had the vision of wearing platform black shoes to add some edge to my looks. As I did my search I came across these Pointy Creeper Patent Platform Sneakers by PUMA.
Brothel creepers (sometimes shortened to creepers) are a style of shoe which has thick crepe soles, often in combination with suede uppers. This style of footwear became fashionable in the years following World War II, seeing resurgences of popularity at various times ever since.
I was apprehensive at first but then I called by bestie Ash and she encouraged me to make the order! Once they came in the mail I was still not convinced. So I played dress up in them to test them out and once I got Ash’s thumbs up I kept them and I am so glad that I did.
I styled them with some cropped tuxedo joggers and a white button down with black collar. I added some texture and pattern by wearing black and white gingham socks.
Have you ever tried Creepers?