Inspiration of the Week: Versus Versace

Versus Versace is everything and more! The print-heavy collection launched October 16th and is designed by Sri-Lankan British rapper M.I.A. This bold collection showcases just why she is a staple in the fashion world. With an emphasis on bold color and prints, the 38-year-old singer says she was inspired by bootleg Versace prints she found in street markets as a kid growing up in East London.

"It's always been part of the M.I.A. culture -- to talk about bootlegs, and people that sell them or make them," said the singer. "When I was approached by Versace, it seemed like a good idea to take that and reverse the cycle. Versace designs have always been bootlegged, now it's Versace bootlegging the bootleg for the bootleggers to bootleg the bootleg. This is to keep that cycle going."

The "Paper Planes" singer created the 19-piece collection which mixes men's and women's styles including t-shirts, dresses, printed jeans and outerwear. It's an cheaper alternative to the traditional designs of the fashion house.

This is the second "Versus" collection after the Italian label decided to create a revolving door of creativity.

My Experience: Fashion Week Los Angeles

Style Fashion Week Los Angeles went down as the place to be Downtown Oct. 13th-17th. Being fairly new to the fashion blogging game, you can imagine the look of excitement upon my face when I got the invite. After a quick security check and walk down a long line of photographers along the red carpet, I entered the venue which was sponsored by BMW. Sitting fifth row from the actual runway may have seemed super close to the average concert goer or sports fanatic. However in a typical fashion show, these are considered the nose bleeds. After realizing I was staring a the back of Lindsay Lohan's head and seeing reality television personality Draya Michele (Vh1's Basketball Wives), the show was about to start. Now lets get to the fashion!

"M" The Movemet Spring '14 collection

Me walking the red carpet before the fashion show. Shoes: Steve Madden; Leather Vest: Nordsrtom; Harem Pants:American Aparel; Deep V-neck grey T-Shirt: H&M; Flannel Shirt: American Rag sold at Macy's; Wrist Ban: Nordstrom Rack

Although there were a lot of inspiring and up and coming designers who's work had been shown such as Mr. Triple X or "M" The Movement, a different vibe seemed to be in the designs which puts LAFW in a lacking position when comparing it to New York or Paris and its highly prestigious fashion weeks. First off there was a lot of ready-to-wear, which is fine, but where is the couture? Where is the one of a kind pieces that set one designer apart from the rest? Now I know it seems as if I disliked what I saw, which is the furthest thing from the truth; However one thing should be considered when thinking about LAFW. This is L.A! One of the fashion mecca's in the world! We set the trend for others to follow! With so many different types of style scenes such as hipster, goth, grudge rock, sophisticated chic, and urban glam just to name a few.In my opinion LAFW should be on the same level as Paris and New York, and for some reason it always falls short. I just wanted to see more inspiration, perhaps  stories being told through the clothing, while playing and taking risk on texture and architecture. 

Here's to hoping next years LAFW will be more vamped with new inspiration and concepts!

Fellas, Don't be Shy! Accessorize!

Who says men can't accessorize? Turn that closet from left to all the way right with three accessories that1 can be deemed as essential. When most men think of the word "accessory," they automatically think of items women typically use such as purses, jewelry, and makeup. Not true! Slayweather is here to dismiss those accessory stigmas.Wearing these accessories can completely change any guys outfit from sour to the man of the hour. Whether your style is colorful or more on the conservative side choosing the right pair of glasses, wrist watch, or bow tie can take your a guys outfit from a 5 to a 10 in a matter of seconds. 

Glasses: A great pair of regular or sunglasses can take a day look to the next level. Over the last few years fake prescription glasses have been a trend, adding a touch of intelligence and sophistication to anyone's style. Sunglasses are an excellent way to give your outfit a cool laid-back approach. With so many different shapes of glasses to choose from it's easy to find your perfect fit.

Wrist Watch: Looking for stylistic freedom? Well wrist watches are the perfect accessory to set your outfit free. Choose from classics colors like gold or rose to make your look dapper. For a fun more contemporary style, white is the way to go!

Bow Tie: Bow ties can compliment any dress shirt. If you're choosing classic black or a going with a modern look with plaid (pictured above), a bow tie will definitely set you apart uniquely from a sea of average Joes.

It's a Blackout! Black Tops with Contrasting Textures.

It's time for a blackout! Black is back this season, turning its weary head to an energetic and exciting new take on the often predictable men's fashions of yesteryear. Playing and experimenting with different black patterns, mixtures, and textures has paid off for many high-end designers including Givenchy, who has taken street wear to new heights. Inspired by Gothic style, many designers are paying homage to this, while putting their own sophisticated/chic spin on it. One of the biggest trends on the horizon is contrasting sleeves. Contrast sleeves are the perfect way to make a statement while not taking it over board. Whether its leather, mesh, or print, wearing any of these chic Goth inspired tops can make a perfect transition from day to night. Try any of these tops to take your fall wardrobe to the next level. Let the Slaying begin!

From left to right: TOPMAN long sleeve shirt with leather shoulder for $80. Find it here!; TOPMAN short sleeve mesh shirt $44. Find it here!

TOPMAN can go no wrong with these two designs for its Fall'13 collection. Inspired by leather, TOPMAN  has an assortment of street Goth inspired tops like the ones you see above. Go straight to night with a black long sleeve shirt with contrast leather shoulders (left), or back to casual black with this leather mesh shirt sleeve shirt.

Boohoo Men's plaid short with leather sleeves $44. Find it here!

BooHoo is an up and coming online clothing store, and they're bringing it! Making a bold statement with plaid contrasting leather sleeves needs nothing else to stand out. And for $44, who could beat that?

TOPMAN shirt $60. Find it here!

As you can see, I love TOPMAN! This sweater definitely is for the bold! Its printed tiger mesh design is for anyone looking for the perfect fall statement.

Boots to Watch Out for This Fall

Top (left to rght) Dr. Martens red 1460 8 eye ($70.99), Dr. Martens in black at Norsdtrom Rack ($89.99). Bottom (left to right) Kenneth Cole green boots (59.99), H&M brown dress boots (69.99)  find a similar style here 

Fall is vastly approaching, so it's the perfect time to start stocking up on boots. In Southern California, boots have become a year-around staple, making them wearable with just about anything from jeans, to shorts, and chinos. On a budget? Slayweather has got you covered with the hottest styles of boots for under $100. Get prepared to be slayed!

Dr Martens: Dr. Martens have definitely transcended through the generations. Synonymous with the punk and new wave era of the 70's and 80's docs became well known for it's air cushioned sole and signature yellow stitching. Doc's hit an all time peek in the 90's during the commercial success of grunge rock. Doc's are best worn with denim or any dark pant.
Kenneth Cole:  These green Kenneth Cole Boots with a vinyl finish are definitely not an everyday boot. However, if you're looking to stand out in a crowd, they will get the job done. Best worn with jeans, black pants, or shorts.
H&M:  There is a reason why these boots from H&M make the top of my list. First is the price; finding a boot that can be used for casual and dress can be hard and expensive, however, for 69.99 these are a steal! Take it to day with a great pair of light denim pants or a khaki chinos, to night with a pair of dark grey pin-stripped slacks. Perfect for any guy looking for an all-purpose boot!