Study Abroad: THE LONDON COLLEGE OF FASHION

Today I spoke to the Business School, and it looks as if I'll definitely be at the London College of Fashion next spring (2011)!  P.S. Jimmy Choo studied here!

Potential classes:

British Cultural Studies

Buying & Product Development in the UK

Fashion Marketing in the UK

Digital Product Development

Fashion Journalism

Fashion Public Relations

Visual Merchandising

Fashion Forecasting

Honestly, I was a bit hesitant to study abroad because I don't want to miss a semester of dance team at the College.  However, 10 years from now, studying in London will be invaluable experience, whereas an extra semester of booty-shakin on the basketball court might not help my career as much (understatement).  I always tell myself:

Never pass up an opportunity for the comfort and ease of familiarity.  

Love, Dylan

9 Tips for How NOT to wear Denim Cutoffs

"California girls... daisy dukes, bikinis on top..." FYI: I'M JUST AS SICK OF THIS SONG AS MOST OF YOU. But, this summer, these booty-hugging, leg-baring denim cutoffs are hard to miss.  Now, if you're feeling brave and you'd like to participate in this trend, you need to be careful not to look like a tramp- to put it bluntly.  Please keep in mind these guidelines!

1. Denim Diaper-Butt.  

If you are over 5'5", beware of this potential fashion flub.  Your legs are so long, and so much skin is showing that your little booty shorts may start to look like little boy short panties.  Um, not cute.

2. DON'T go both short and tight.

Sausage-casing fit is not sexy.  Your thighs will be bubbling out the bottom of your shorts like a reverse muffin top, emphasizing and creating ripples of cellulite where it may have never existed.  Honestly, if you're going to wear denim cut offs, make sure that there is at least 1" between your leg and the fabric when you pull the shorts to one side.

3.  Most slimming length!

The most slimming length of shorts are those that hit the widest part of your thigh.  This length creates the illusion that the shorts are creating the bulk in the widest part of your thigh, rather that your thigh actually being that big.  I'm not insinuating that you have thunder thighs, but you get the picture.

4. Butt pockets should be non-bulky, unless you want a "bubble butt".  

The larger and more bulky the butt pockets, the more round and massive your booty will look.  Now if you're going for that Kim Kardashian booty, then heck, consider getting shorts with cargo pockets.  You might as well stuff the back pockets with Kleenex too!

5.  Nice legs without giving off that "stripper" vibe. 

Honestly, for everyday, the short length of daisy dukes usually provide enough sex appeal, so you won't need to wear a heel or wedge (unless you're going "out").  A flat shoe or sandal can still be elongating to your legs if they are in a nude color.  You want to avoid the gladiator style or colors that are dark, as both might make your legs resemble tree stumps.

6.  If the bottoms curl up, THROW THEM AWAY!

I've seen this look around wayyyy to much this summer.  The bottoms, since they are cutoffs, oftentimes start to curl up, especially if they are a tighter fit and made of a thin fabric.  If the bottoms do not lay flat, it just looks dirty and trashy, and your upper thighs start to peek out.  Exactly what the world wants to see... NOT.

7. If the bottoms are stringy, THROW THEM AWAY!

This is one of my pet peeves.  When a girl's cutoff shorts are unraveling to the point where there are strings hanging from her crotch, down her legs, I feel like need to go up to her and rip off the strings.  Does anyone else have this impulse?  If your shorts are unraveling... 1. don't dry them in the dryer, 2. snip the threads off with a scissors, and 3. consider a pair with edges rolled up (very popular right now).

8. Bend over, girl.

Do the bend and snap test.  If you bend over at the waist and you can see the lines of your butt cheeks, then these so-called "shorts" are actually underwear, and you should never wear them in public again unless you want to be mistaken for ..... um, yea. 

9. Warning: OVEREXPOSURE Guideline. 

If you are going to expose your gams to the world, please be sensible about how much cleavage you show, and don't even think about exposing that dangly belly button ring or, God-forbid, a butterfly tramp-stamp.  Instead, try wearing a flowy, billowy top or something with loose sleeves.

SUMMER LOVE, 

Dylan 

Advice from a College Guy: ERIK

Erik is a (single and ready to mingle) senior at the University of Minnesota (Duluth). He is on the CC team at UMD.  He enjoys watching chick flicks, being sarcastic, and having heart-to-hearts with roommates.  This playa playa wants girls to to know that:

"As long as a guy has confidence, he'll make a move."  

Thanks, Erik.  Ladies, perhaps we need to remember that if a guy isn't making a move, he either A)  is NOT into you... or B) lacks confidence.

Comment below if you want his contact information =) haha, I'm serious.
XOXO, Dylan

Three Trends I'm Loving.

1. Royal Blue. 
It's great against a nice, summer tan and both brunette/blonde hair.  Check out Forever21, American Apparel, and Urban Outfitters for this attention-grabbing hue.
2. Nude Shoes.  
Two words: elongated legs.  Funny Story: Last thursday the strap of my favorite nude sandals broke while I was shopping in Nordstroms Rack.  I tossed them into the store's trash can.  I was so sad because they were my favorite, go-to shoes, and they don't make them anymore.  New Mission: find a good replacement.
3. Cross-Body Bags.  
These are what I call "Study Abroad Bags".... they are those medium-sized, brown, leather, cross body satchels.  They remind me of a student traveling all over Europe.  They are big enough to fit a small notebook, a wallet, a camera, and a few little extras.  Can't wait to get one for London!

XOXO, Dylan

Create that Celebrity Look: Dressing like Emmy Rossum

Last week when I was flipping through a magazine I spotted Emmy Rossum wearing an outfit nearly identical to the one I wore to a Twins baseball game back in May.  I had to do a double take.  How weird is this?

 For the record, I wore it first :)

XOXO, Dylan

My Look: Dress ($9 from American Eagle), Jean Jacket ($34 from Old Navy), Belt (free with another dress from Forever 21), and Nude Shoes ($33 from Nordstrom Rack)... I bet you anything my version cost less.

8 Fashion Tips For Guys From a Girl's Perspective

Keep in mind.. this is only my opinion.  Every girl has their own preferences and ideas about men wear... whether or not they will admit it.  But here we go... What Dylan thinks about guys' fashion!

THE #1 Sexiest Look on a Guy:

A guy once told me that he finds women to be most beautiful in Soffe shorts and a T-shirt, with her hair pulled back.  Similar to this, I find guys most attractive when they're wearing athletic shorts, and a T-shirt, with a baseball cap propped on a handsome head of short, clean-cut hair.  To me it says... they are not fussy, they are relaxed, they are active/athletic, and they are 100% man.  But that's just me.

Let's be real... it's not practical to live in this relaxed get-up 24/7.  When it's time to step up your game, and perhaps, step into some "real" clothes, consider these tips:

1.  DO shop with your sister, girlfriend, or female friend.  

Shopping with your mom is fine too... if you want to risk looking like a hottie from the 1980s.  It's usually best to get an opinion from the age-group of women whom you desire to attract.  

2.  DON'T dress like a Hollister, Abercrombie, or American Eagle model.  

Once you graduate from high school, consider yourself graduated from dressing head-to-toe in these cookie-cutter clothes.  Those stores make it too easy for guys to get dressed.  Everything goes with everything.  Think for yourself.  Try out department stores, T.J. Max, and Marshalls for inexpensive alternatives and MUCH more variety. 

3. DO try out that 5 o'clock shadow.  

Unless you have red-facial hair, you really ought to try out this look.  Some guys look sexy and rugged, and some guys simply look messed up... like a pubescent boy in need of a razor.

4. DON'T wear choker necklaces. 

If you're going to wear a necklace, first, I would hope that it is either sentimental or religious.  Secondly, avoid the short, choker style or anything that you could have purchased at Ron Jon Surf Shop.  

5.  DO step up from T-shirts that say things like "Budweiser" or "Vote for Pedro".  

Invest in some plain V-Neck t-shirts for a more mature, casual look.  (Note: V-neck highlights your pecks and shoulders better than crewneck... it helps give you that "V" upper body shape).  I think that crisp white and charcoal gray are super sexy.  And no, V-necks are NOT "gay".

6. DON'T wear clothes that are too tight or too short.  

If your shirts or pants are too short or too tight, it suggests that you are trying to wear the same clothes that you wore when you were a freshman in high school.  Furthermore, it suggests that you have not grown very much since freshman year of high school (um, not a good thing*)... or perhaps that you like the feeling of tight clothing (again, questionable*).  

7.  DO wear baseball caps.  

Idk what it is about baseball caps, but honestly, what a turn on.  Keep in mind- you want to look like a hot guy, not a 6 year old at a baseball game.  Here is how to wear a hat the right way:

First, don't wear it tight against your head.  You WILL look like a Q-Tip.  Instead let it prop up on your head more.  Also, tilt it slightly up on your head or cock it to the side a bit.  It makes a world of difference. 

Second, try wearing it backwards... ow owwww! give me a fan, this look is too hot!  It kind of says "bad boy".  Girls will love it.   A super smooth move is flipping it backwards if you are going to kiss a girl.  Don't make it too obvious.

Last, if your hair is an awkward length where it flips out under the hat,  it definitely subtracts sexy points. 

8. DON'T be afraid to support your team. 

Girls love to see that you are passionate about something.  No matter how much we may complain about watching the game with you, we secretly think it's really attractive and masculine of you.  I love it when guys wear t-shirts that showcase their favorite team.   

That's all for now!  Remember that none of this is factual... just my thoughts.  Let me know if you have any more requests!

XOXO, Dylan

What Your Lipstick Says About You: Fuschia Pink Lips vs Red Lips

When it comes to lips, PINK is the new RED.  So summer. So sexy. So playful.  Stop taking yourself so seriously and put down your "classic", favorite, go-to, boring red lipstick.  

RED lips say, "I read anything recommended by Oprah's Book Club."

PINK lips say, "I can't wait until the next issue of Cosmopolitan arrives!"

RED lips say, "I'm wearing old, worn out, Hanes granny panties."

PINK lips say, "I'm wearing my new, lacy, leopard-print thong from Victoria's Secret... rawrrrr."

RED lips say, "I haven't been out past midnight in a longgg time."

PINK lips say, "Tic tok on the clock, the party don't stop."

RED lips say, "I've given up on dating."

PINK lips say, "I'm currently dating 3 different guys."

RED lips say, "I'm over 30 and the color in my lips is starting to disappear... along with the perkiness of my breasts."

PINK lips say, "I still got it!!"

RED lips say, "I spend hours researching refrigerators before I purchase one."

PINK lips say, "I'm a spontaneous, impulse shopper, and I'm proud of it."

RED lips say, "I'm an empowered woman (perhaps a feminist) so you better not open my car door for me."

PINK lips say, "I'm a girly girl, and I'm not too 'independent' to accept help... Sure I'd love it if you could help me carry my groceries into my house.  Would you like a glass of lemonade?"

RED lips say, "I know what I want."

PINK lips say, "Tell me what I want... because I'm up for anything."

XOXO, Dylan

Mary Kate Olson: Trainwreck Extraordinaire

What the hell happened to Mary-Kate Olson?  Honestly, she's walking around Hollywood looking like a homeless person.  There is simply no excuse.  If this is her attempt to avoid unwanted attention and hide from the paparazzi, she certainly has FAILED that mission.  When I see this, I wonder when she last showered....or... how much crack cocaine she is hiding in that trench coat.

XOXO, Dylan

4 Takeaways from COSMO: Sweaty Shoes, Daisy Dukes, and Man Code!!!

1. Sweaty Shoes

It takes 24 hours for sweat to evaporate, so if you want your cute sandals to last this summer, don't wear them 2 days in a row (p. 178).

2. Rules for Wearing Daisy Dukes

First, a super-short pair is foxy; mid-thigh seems mom-ish. 

Second, dainty extras compliment their summery feel; heavy accessories contradict (p. 95). 

3.  Blondes and Greasy Hair

People with naturally blonde hair have greasier hair than brunettes or red-heads.  

This is because they are the most hairs- about 120,000, compared to 110,000 for brunettes and 90,000 for redheads (p. 112).

4. Man Code (SO fascinating to me)

• You must be within 50 feet of a swimming pool in order to drink a frozen cocktail.
• If your man bag is too small to hold cleats and a baseball glove, it is a purse, and you may not carry it
• You can ask a friend if his meal or drink is good, but you cannot ask for a bite or a sip.
• You must carry cash at all times, but you may never pay with loose change.
• You may never ask a buddy, "What are you thinking", unless you're referring to the fast-food menu at which you are both gazing.
• The only three things it's okay to ask another man to hold for you: the other end of a sheet of drywall, your keys if he's your designated driver, and your jacket if you are about to get into a fistfight
• when riding in a backseat with two other people, you may sit on either side but never on the "hump" (p. 80).  

XOXO, Dylan

3 Gym Ettiquette Questions... Enlighten Me!

1. If you see an acquaintance at the gym, is appropriate to say hello or just look the other way and pretend that you don't see them?  
It's a bit awkward because... a. you look disgusting and sweaty...b. you both don't 100% recognize each other in "gym attire"... c. you are facebook friends but you haven't spoken in a year(s)... or d. one of you is panting on a cardio machine.  My answer: If you absolutely don't want to talk then stare at a T.V. and have your headphones in.

2.  Why do old, grown men start yelling and grunting when they are on a thigh-master machine?
Seriously, it's obvious that you are not an aspiring body builder... your hair is gray, your skin is not spray-tanned, and your physique consists of a beer belly and toothpick legs.  Oh, by the way, the last 7 people to use this machine were 20-something year old women who wish to eliminate cellulite.  Here you are, an old, non-athletic man, screaming as if you are giving birth.  Really?

3.  Are you allowed to make small talk in the steam room?
Tonight I went into the steam room for the first time at my gym.  I couldn't see much of anything when I walked in, so I kind of inched my way towards a spot on along the wall.  There were two other women in the room with me, both in towels, sitting in silence, and from what I could tell, they also were at the gym alone.  All of a sudden a vent opened and the room filled with more steam.  My first instinct was to crack a joke about the Holocaust, as if we were being gassed or something.  I didn't want to interrupt the silence with my potentially offensive humor.  So what's the verdict?  Is it socially unacceptable to make small talk in saunas/steam rooms?

Enlighten me!

XOXO, Dylan

McCann Family 4th of July Fashions

Aunt Cathy.. timeless beauty.  My Aunt Cathy is most distinguished by her fashionable eyewear.  THe bigger, the better.  Her trademark look is a pair on her head, a pair on her eyes, and a pair around her neck.  The oldest of 7 siblings, my Aunt Cathy is a classic beauty, and like a good wine, she gets more and more sensual with age.  Here she is pictured with her lovely, future daughter-in-law, Erin.  Like mother like daughter, right?
My future cousin, Miss Erin.  Erin Watkins, recent graduate from Notre Dame's Law School, is my soon-to-be cousin.  She's marrying William and Mary alum, and Notre Dame Law School graduate, Jacob Lawler.  This couple is totally "J.Crew material"... very sophisticated.  Here, Erin is such a good sport her red lip, Burberry sun hat, and of course, the Twilight-inspired "I <3 Jacob..." shirt.  That is what I call love.
Daniel Novick-  actor... and model.  This is my cousin, Daniel Novick... a.k.a. "Danny", a.k.a.  "Cuzzzz", a.k.a. "Red Spike", a.k.a. "Gangsta".  An aspiring actor, Danny knows how to work the camera.  He always demonstrates his style-versatility on the 4th of July... wearing a badass, graphic T one year and a preppy, Lacoste polo the next year.  Whatever the style, one thing about this versatile actor remains consistent- his swimsuit.  Danny shows us that paying more $$$ in return for better quality is worth it.  Check out a film he starred in: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XkG5kJcp3

-U. 

What I Wore... A red, white, and blue monokini!  I used to think that these swimsuits were seriously bizarre.... I mean, why were there huge chunks of the one-piece swimsuit entirely missing!?  I also thought that these were only for people who felt self-conscious.  However, when I saw this swimsuit for only $7 at T.J. Max I figured, what the heck, I might as well.  I thought of this purchase as a personal sacrifice for my country.  JK, well sort of.  I usually like to wear a bikini for the Fourth, but I couldn't pass up this good deal.

Aunt Mary and Aunt Therese.  These ladies are FIRECRACKERS.  My Aunt Therese (left), this year referred to as "Pocahontas", exemplifies the best of our Navajo genes with her ageless appearance.  I swear (not to God, of course) that she gets younger each year.  This year I especially love her red lip... and this summer, brighter lips = youthful.  Aunt Mary (right), my Godmother, also got blessed with the "ageless" genes.  Aunt Mary knows how to add just the right amount of sparkle and crisp vibrancy to each outfit.  We also learn from Aunt Mary that we don't need to reinvent the wheel.  She found a hair stylist named Roberto in St. Paul, MN and for years she has been driving up from her home in Iowa every 3 months for her signature hair-cut.  Love it. 

Michael Bauer... aka Michael Bauer.  Michael is the BFF of my cousin Danny.  He's also the best wakeboarding coach in the Twin Cities.  Lovin' his style too. North Carolinaaaaaa, C'mon and raise up.  Take your shirt off, twist it 'round your head, spin it like a helicopter.  Enough said.

That Guy... This McCann fella asked to remain anonymous when I told him that I was snapping pictures of him for my blog.  I will, however, disclose that he is hilarious and always the "fun" uncle.  For this McCann man, style may be a questionable priority, however, family is and always has been #1.  Luckily, he is always up for some fashion advice from his sisters and nieces. Haha, any guesses?

G-Money... aka Uncle George.  Unfortunately he could not make it to the Fourth due to a broken water heater, however, he made some valuable face-time on July 3rd!  Rockin the baby-blue, I think G-Money still showed off a patriotic spirit!  

Jenny from the Block.  I'm loving my cousin, Jenny's, little side twist into her pigtail buns.  Jenny is never afraid to try new things with her hair styles.  I love how this accentuates her natural highlights.  This lady knows how to work with shorter hair in so many different ways.  Always so CREATIVE and Caaaaute!

Michael, a.k.a. "Mike", a.k.a. "Bulldog", a.k.a. "Bluuuuueberry".  Seriously, I love this guy!  He's never afraid to march to his own drum and do what he wants to do.   And seriously, what guy wouldn't be impressed by this beard!?!!! 

Knarly Uncle Charlie.  The youngest of the 7 siblings, my Uncle Charlie is the "hip", young Uncle.  Always playing the role of bartender, cracking jokes, and being a fabulous host to his family, Uncle Charlie is someone you can count on.  I am continuously impressed by the presence of lush hair follicles, the absence of gray hairs, and his incredible, GQ-esque style.  He knows the right way to exude style without being metrosexual. 

I'm aware that I missed a few people like my cousins Mary, Betsy, Tim, Becky, Jacob, Carrie, Lauren, and Morgan, as well as my sister, Colleen.  I also missed my favorite aunts and uncles like Aunt Karen, Uncle Gary, Uncle Kurt, and Aunt Cindy.  The next family get-together... they're up!

Check back later for some hilarious fashion happenstances this week. 

XOXO, Dylan

PLATO'S CLOSET: Rude, Tact-less, and Smelly.

For those of you not familiar with Plato's Closet, it's a store that buys and sells gently used, brand name, clothing and accessories.  Basically... you can clean out your closet and make some $$$.  Cool, right?  Hell-to-the-NO!

     Yesterday, when I walked into their Minnetonka store, I never imagined that I would leave feeling hurt and offended.  Out of everything that I handed them, they offered me a mere $12.11 for about 7 different items that initially cost me a total of more than $100.  They "rejected" everything else, much of which had tags still on it.  Not to mention- the lady at the counter (whom, BTW, was in her mid-40s, had a bad dye-job, and was not wearing a bra) handed the rest of the clothing back to me saying that they didn't "want" it in their store.