One of our love muffins, Tyler, from Cali wrote in with this week’s Love B. Scott issue. Check out Tyler’s inquiry…

Dear B.,

I’m just finishing up my first year at school on the East coast and I’ll be returning home this summer. I’ve been working out all year and taking care of myself in hopes of starting over and reinventing myself at school after a rough first semester of coming out to my parents and everyone else. All is good so far, but I’m getting nervous about my return home. A guy I have a huge crush on from home will be around and he’s been showing me a lot more Myspace love recently than ever before. I’m excited, but a little shy. My personal style is boring and comfortable at best, but I want to switch that up. I don’t really like to shop but I think it’s because I never know what I’m doing. What can I do to get my guy’s attention and snazz up the wardrobe? I really need help with basic wardrobe building. Keep in mind…I’m a broke college student, but I’ll try and make it work!

-T

Check out the response after the jump…

Tyler, kudos on living your life and not letting your life live you! I have the run down for all the items you’ll need to show off that new body and to let that boy see what he’s been missing! The most important thing to do is always make sure you are confident and comfortable in whatever you put on. A good source of starting off with trends is looking at what the high level designers put forth in terms of most recent collections, and then finding items in affordable stores that match the styles you saw reflected by those designers or rather, what you liked. The following are just ideas of different types of styles you may like to try.

Here is a look from Versace:

I like the flow of the pants which is good for a cool, summer look. In addition, the light blue linen shirt will show off your body yet has an easy-to-wear but trendy feel. It’s relaxed, comfortable and chic.

Here are two looks from dSquared…

These looks are far more fitted and tailored. If you like to show a little leg, these would be a great choice. The white shorts give a classic preppy look that would go amazing with a simple brown tug belt and a pair of boating shoes. A blazer (as shown), a collared shirt or a polo will complete the look effortlessly.

The denim shorts are a little harder to pull off, but would go great with a tie (as shown) or a simple bandana or scarf combination. An open or closed casual vest with a basic v-neck tee would make this look splendiferous! Complete with a pair of groovies (sunglasses) of your choice!

As for finding out what works for you and not liking to shop, H & M is a great starting source. They have a really amazing function on their site called the ‘Dressing Room.’ You can log-in and make a model that represents your body type, look and proportion and pick looks that might work for you based on the garments in season. Here are some sample examples we’ve created below:

All of the looks are available through H&M online or in the actual H&M stores! Such a cute feature and it makes your shopping phobia nonexistent.

In terms of other stores like H&M, Zara has a great casual/chic men’s section. On their Zara website, they have a great showroom with casual trends that are more dressy and reserved.

Another great store is Urban Outfitters. They would be the perfect place to go for building up a basic wardrobe with the creative and trendy essentials like tee-shirts, polos, hoodies and accessories. A good wardrobe staple to have this spring/summer would be a striped shirt to mix and match on its own and/or with a blazer:

Or..

For jeans…whether you like tailored slim fit or classic and loose is up to you. Urban has a good selection or you can check your local Nordstrom if you want to dry brands like Paper or Antik Denim which make great, long-lasting jeanst

For shorts…Urban has a good selection of different patterns and styles of shorts from camouflage print to plaid patterns.

For shirts and tops…a thermal-long sleeved tee is a good essential. The basic polos are a must. Graphic tees are a necessity. Fitted designer hoodies are a good way to top off a boring look. And, finally, cardigans take you to the next level in any situation!

For accessories, Urban Outfitters and H&M have ridiculous selections in store that you could mix and match to your heart’s desire. I do recommend lightweight scarves or bandanas of different prints this summer. Here is a really funky one from Urban Outfitters:

Of course, these scarves are only to hold you over until we release the Love B. Scott scarf collection coming soon to a boutique/gallery near you! If anyone is interested, drop me a line and I’ll give you some info!

I hope this guide was able to help you Tyler! All of these stores are affordable and will not break the piggy bank. Antik Denim and Paper Denim at Nordstrom can be considered pricey for some, but that’s a personal choice. Just stick to the basics and do a little research under the big designers and you’ll be more than okay. Just remember to check back in with us to let us know if your boy toy becomes a love slave!

*Double Kisses*

<3 B. Scott

If you have any style inquiries or help requests, never hesitate to contact me. I’ll be as thorough and as quick as I can!