The step

FASHION + MUSIC + LIFESTYLE

[thestepfashion]

Fancy Fashion: Fall Outerwear

Fall Outerwear:  

For many of us the winter season means warm drinks, pumpkins, and changing leaves. But it’s this particular season that comes around to remind us that normally we’re unprepared for the cold weather coming through the transitioning seasons. Layering options are some of the most important tools you have to stay warm during these fall months and they’ll help you transition into a cold as can be climate change created winter. So don’t worry about your shivers this fall season, and check out some of these great fall out wear choices that I’ve marked for a fashionable fall. 

#1: Zara Corduroy Blazer: | $129

Dress to impress with a vintage flare for the fall season. This corduroy blazer is a classic way to bring a your look to life. The pleated texture gives you a soft touch that creates a bold diversification and something attractive up close. Toss on this retro giant with a crisp white Oxford and blue jeans along with your favorite brown boots. A sure fire fall style to match the leaves.

 #2: Wool Blend Trench Coat | $79.99 

 #3: The Cotton Cableknit Shawl Collar Cardigan | $129

Cable knitting is a thick dense style of threading that gives you an added layer of warmth and protection that adds a soft and elegant touch. This burgundy knit works in an oversized version or a standard fit. Try with a black turtleneck with some back jeans or layer it underneath a camel trench coat for a Mr Rodgers accent dipped in bespoke wonder.

So there you have it: some fall fashion choices that will bring out the seasonal style from your wardrobe. Stay tuned for more fashion picks and some great new content.  

-Stay Fancy, 

 Mrfancyshoes 

[thestepfashion]

For Those That Don’t Wear Dress Shoes

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I’ve been wearing dress shoes for as long as I can remember. Traditional fashion insists that they are essential when preparing yourself to go to any formal event. Thinking back, the realization comes to me that I never questioned these rules of style, at this time society wasn’t keen on the idea of pairing finely tailored suits with sneakers.

My rule of thumb for dress shoes: if you’re wearing a button up, you’re wearing dress shoes.

The adjective of “dress” only precedes a noun when creating a distinction from that which is commonplace. A lot of people have “party sneakers” or a pair of shoes that they choose to wear for house parties, festivals, and other assorted casual gatherings. By that logic, the opposite also exists, a pair of casual lace-ups or casual loafers goes great with jeans or chinos if you’re heading out for a lunch with friends or a picnic in the park. I always tell people that a pair of dress shoes gives your outfit a more structured appearance, you can elevate any t-shirt/jean combo with a great pair of double monks or a casual loafer. Don’t be afraid to go out of your comfort zone.

Speaking of comfort: dress shoes are extremely comfortable, over time. I would never tell an athlete to wear a pair of leather oxfords to an olympic track meet. But a lot of people wear running shoes just to go out with their friends, to those people I say: wear dress shoes. Frequently people get concerned that they’ll be uncomfortable walking around all day wearing a leather shoe with a cowhide sole, this is usually based on past experience where someone’s been to a formal event in a pair of shoes they’ve only worn once or twice. You have to believe in your shoes longer. The average break in process takes 1-2 weeks of consistent wear. In that time: your shoe will mold to your foot, each step will stretch the natural fiber of the leather and create a more comfortable fit. For the shoe novice who stays on their feet, I recommend getting Dr. Scholls inserts and a half size larger than they normally wear, this keeps your feet cushioned and protected all day, while leaving some extra space to stretch around.

Finally:Don’t compare with your sneakers.At the end of the day, it’s apples and oranges. You’re wearing clothes, you’re not lounging on the couch or doing work around the house. Many people complain about dress shoes by saying “they’re just not as comfortable as my sneakers.” Yes, they’re not, but a dress shoe isn’t made the same way. The amount of technical science put into a good pair of dress shoes is equivalent to the research and innovation of the sneaker world, the occasion is just different. Dress shoes are structured formal shoes, they are meant to accentuate your outfit and create a more elegant appearance. Don’t compare how your feet feel, compare how you feel.

When you look at your feet, when you look at your reflection, you deserve to feel good about the way you look. The right shoes might literally change the way you step through the world, dress shoes change your perspective, and force us to have patience in the way we move. Don’t be afraid and hang in there.

[thestepfashion]

The Whole Story

Spinning plates requires you balance a dish on the edge of a long stake, just barely holding on. What kind of pressure must a person feel with fine china tugging on the stick in their hand? The split second when you stop your spinning motion to pop the dish in the air happens in the blink of an eye, but that's the moment of success. Plates in the air: two years of fashion blogging, five years of menswear Design and Instagram marketing for J.L. Rocha Collections, five years of fashion Instagramming, four years of University (a five year track coming to a close), a five song EP, a book of visual poetry, an online magazine publicized on iBooks, and a list of grad schools that in itself demanded a set of hard crossed fingers. Then, a Hurricane. 

Natural disasters left and right, from an onslaught of torrent rains, to hurricanes, to mass shootings and racism. The English saying of the Chinese Curse "May you live in interesting times" came to mind. Society reacts rapidly to the tragic moments within their reach, social media is a wonderful form of communication and information dissemination, but it's a double edged sword. People post passively, showing support for a day without a donation but with hashtags plain in sight next to a selfie or a food picture. How hypocrical of me to profit from my posts while people suffer in places I won't take the time to aid let alone locate on a map. So I stopped posting everyday. I stopped worrying, dedicated myself to my writing, released the poetry book, focused on grad school. But the world keeps turning. 

So this is how I come back to the internet. Making space for a lot the writing that doesn't go anywhere. To my audience from the step fashion blog, my fashion writing can be read at joseluisrocha.com/blog. To everyone who listened to sounds of tequila: the album is coming soon (2018), but I'm dropping some Soundcloud singles!. To the readers of Candor Mag: Vol 3 is coming in 2018. To my Instagram followers, bear with me, I'll be bringing back the content - great things coming from @JLRochashoes so follow there too. Finally to anyone who cares- Grad school application deadlines are Dec 15 so I'll be freed up soon and keeping my fingers crossed till march. 

Anyway, there's the whole story.  Other stuff coming soon. 

J.N.R [M.F.S.]

[thestepfashion]

Life's like a truck; 2017. I'm working on some visual poetry. Shouldn't be too long until I've got something cool for ya! -thestepfashion

[thestepfashion]

6-13-17 We're always working to innovate things that don't make sense, but should. -thestepfashion

[thestepfashion]

6-12-17 Time, utility, and music, are all about design. -TheStepFashion

[thestepfashion]

Hey Everyone! 

Proud to announce that my new EP Sounds of Tequila is available on soundcloud (link below) iTunes music, Spotify, Pandora, and youtube! Acoustic vibes telling you the story of Don Juan from start to finish. Listen to the second track: Rosie, above and check out my website for more stuff!

(Noel)

-TheStepFashion

[thestepfashion]

Last nights news: we're going crazy with differences. -TheStepFashion

[thestepfashion]

I'm proud to finally introduce: Candor. A new online magazine with different thoughts, ideas, and explorations into things that we know, deal with, and do. An intersection of culture, literature, art, and journalism that you can read FREE on iBooks through mrfancyshoes.com Check it out! -TheStepFashion

[thestepfashion]

Candor: An online magazine for different thoughts. Taylor Johnson, Fashion blogger, Sneakerhead, Adidas approved. Check out his interview soon on sneaker culture and social media. 5-22 at mrfancyshoes.com Stay tuned for more updates! -Thestepfashion

[thestepfashion]

You have today like no one else has today.

[thestepfashion]

From good kids to bad kids, these are the songs you'll wanna play today. -TheStepFashion

[thestepfashion]

Sunday Drinks: The Cucumber Cooler. It's Sunday in California and the weather is deceitfully cold. Spring time is here and yet the clouds are grey and they sprinkle a little cold on our beaches. This is the time for a delicious and relaxing drink. 1 1/2 oz. Gin 4 oz Tonic Water 1 tblsp sugar 6 mint leaves 4 cucumbers *garnish with a lime wedge. -TheStepFashion

[thestepfashion]

Let's make some people mad. -TheStepFashion

[thestepfashion]

Coachella Weekend, People will be talking about it and their flower crowns for quite a while. While Beats By Dre took advantage of the opportunity to create this special edition "Pill+" speaker. Made with a special Coachella inspired pattern, the light blue and pink geometric exterior houses a 12 hour battery life and gives you the option of charging your phone while on the go. For now, only 100 speakers have been designed specifically for VIP attendees at the Beats by Dre House, no news on if they'll let you order Coachella to your house. -TheStepFashion

[thestepfashion]

On Sunday's you should have a good drink. Here's a cocktail to ease your Sunday Blues. -TheStepFashion

[thestepfashion]

2017: Spring Palate The Grayscale color wheel is still available to use in lightweight items and elevated looks. But your color wheel is vibrant and simple. Light pastel shades featured in nature will bring out the natural vibrancy of the season. -TheStepFashion