All credit due to the owners of this photo.
Showing posts with label tie. Show all posts
Showing posts with label tie. Show all posts
Saturday, August 13, 2011
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Monday, August 1, 2011
Monday.
I put a few things through the ringer today. In an attempt to shrink some of my clothes which have become a bit over sized, I came across a pair of pants that are mind blowing in their cool. A pair of black and white plaid pants, that are no doubt older than me. I've never word them for both their size, and their design. I love the pants, don't get me wrong, if I could I would wear them every other weekend with a white shirt and a suit hat, with a little feather on the brim. Yes, cheesy I know, but these pants are a testament to what style used to be. Perhaps you might notice, when looking at pictures of the 1960s, or 50s, men used to wear those hats with their suits. If you were outside, and you were wearing a suit, you were wearing a hat. If you didn't, you would be one of those new age hipsters that didn't know how to be a grown man. (or JFK) After typing this, I immediately think of the USA television program White Collar. The main character, Neal Caffrey, is often seen wearing a hat with his suits. Taking a new age approach on the classic tradition however leaves me to think that he looks a bit- silly, wouldn't you say? While I have never been a huge fan of fedoras, I've come to accept them in some social circles, however these social circles are not white collar work places. However when looking at old pictures of the common man, I have an appreciation of the accessory. I know, I'm spouting a river of contradictions, but I have a point, I swear.
Some things take time. A few years back my brother was really in to wearing bow ties at the work place. While I had nothing to say to him back then, in retrospect I think that it was a pretty nifty idea. Substituting ties for bow ties takes a certain amount of skill that not just anyone can jump in to. The same goes for double breasted suits, pinstripes and certain liquors. I've always been an adamant believer that confidence is the most valuable accessory, but sometimes confidence just isn't enough. Get read for this, because I'm about to drop something heavy on you: Knowledge is more powerful than confidence. (School House Rock!) My brother knew what to wear bow ties with, as well as what colors work well together. He didn't go out and buy a random red bow tie and assume himself a fashionisto. I think it's very possible for someone to wear a hat with their white collar business attire, but knowledge of the accessory is absolutely key. With a combination of confidence and knowledge, it is possible to make just about anything possible, even outside of one's wardrobe. I mean, who was it that decided that thick brimmed glasses were cool again? I promise you it wasn't someone who was afraid to try new things. That's my soapbox speech of the week. Hope you have walked away ready to be adventurous!
Don't forget: Back when they thought pink polo's would hurt the Roc, Before Cam got the sh*t to pop, the doors was closed.
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| A functional suit + fedora. All credit due to the owners of this photo. |
Some things take time. A few years back my brother was really in to wearing bow ties at the work place. While I had nothing to say to him back then, in retrospect I think that it was a pretty nifty idea. Substituting ties for bow ties takes a certain amount of skill that not just anyone can jump in to. The same goes for double breasted suits, pinstripes and certain liquors. I've always been an adamant believer that confidence is the most valuable accessory, but sometimes confidence just isn't enough. Get read for this, because I'm about to drop something heavy on you: Knowledge is more powerful than confidence. (School House Rock!) My brother knew what to wear bow ties with, as well as what colors work well together. He didn't go out and buy a random red bow tie and assume himself a fashionisto. I think it's very possible for someone to wear a hat with their white collar business attire, but knowledge of the accessory is absolutely key. With a combination of confidence and knowledge, it is possible to make just about anything possible, even outside of one's wardrobe. I mean, who was it that decided that thick brimmed glasses were cool again? I promise you it wasn't someone who was afraid to try new things. That's my soapbox speech of the week. Hope you have walked away ready to be adventurous!
 |
| Woody Allen, a man who knows his tastes. All credit due to the owners of this photo. |
Don't forget: Back when they thought pink polo's would hurt the Roc, Before Cam got the sh*t to pop, the doors was closed.
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Tuesday.
Just finished watching Chris Nolan's Inception, and after seeing it for the fourth time, I'm still speechless. The incredible amount of depth that went into this film is something that is incomparable to any sort of film that has been released in the passed ten years. Of course, not being on the same level as movies pre-seventies, that is not to say that it is above or below them either. It seems to me like Inception is the type of film that is capable of grasping the audience with something that cannot be beaten in modern day cinema. What is that thing? Hell if I know. If I did, I would be in Los Angeles making a name for myself. However, I do pick up some things about the movie that really make me giddy. While I am not going to talk about movies for two days straight, I will be focusing today's entry on what it is that makes this movie so good. This may reveal some things that expand through the film industry as well. The first thing I'd like to make note of, and which is something that very few people take appreciation in, is incredible attention to detail. Many products which we as consumers effortlessly ingurgitate are created just for that: consumption. The food industry is an ideal showcase to this. While many people have a supreme appreciation for food, despite quantity, many times people are turned on by the quantity as opposed to the quality. Prime Example: Le Big Mac. A combination of lettuce, white buns, imitation beef and imitation cheese. It is literally fake food, and yet I wouldn't think twice about rolling up to the McDonalds drive-thru and ordering one with a side of fries. This is because it's filling, easily produced and cheap. It has no detail, no individuality. It has been produced to have no individuality, and that's what makes it fast food. On the opposite side of the scale, we have the fine cuisine that many of us rarely have the opportunity to try, because of it's individuality. The reason that many of these places charge so much for such small quantities should be obvious by now. It takes effort to make these dishes. From the what they're made of, to what they look like, every part of these dishes are made to order, which makes them completely authentic. While the dining industry is just one example, we can use just this small aspect of what makes movies like Inception so great and apply them to just about anything.
Let's look at the fashion industry. (Yay!) We can easily compare two brands much like we compared McDonalds to fine dining. We can go with my favorite clothing brands, Ralph Lauren, versus another brand, US Polo Assn. USPA clothing has been around long before Ralph Lauren, which only adds insult to injury when declaring that Ralph Lauren products trump USPA products. Let me be the first to tell you that there is absolutely nothing wrong with USPA clothing. In fact, many of their styles are reminiscent of RL in many ways, and because of that it is admirable in its own degree. However, what makes RL trump USPA is, you guessed it, the attention to detail. Ralph Lauren clothing has been designed to fit a specific image which has changed only slightly changed in its 44 years of existence. In fact, a fancy bit of information is that Ralph Lauren was in fact hired to style the cast of the movie The Great Gatsby, which anyone who knows anything about fashion knows is an incredibly well dressed movie. This defines the artisan from the craftsman. Being able to see something for what it's worth, and then expound upon that detail to make it better. If a sword is meant to be sharp, then take the aspect of it's sharpness and make the sharpest sword there is. If a movie is meant to keep you watching, then take the aspect of it's intrigue and make it the most intriguing movie there is. This is what Inception has done, this is what Ralph Lauren has done, and this is what five-star eateries have done. One can only hope that we can do the same with whatever craft we have decided to pursue. They have taken their craft and perfected it.
That's why they all cost so much damn money...
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| Ralph Lauren Black Label All credit due to the owners of this photo. |
Let's look at the fashion industry. (Yay!) We can easily compare two brands much like we compared McDonalds to fine dining. We can go with my favorite clothing brands, Ralph Lauren, versus another brand, US Polo Assn. USPA clothing has been around long before Ralph Lauren, which only adds insult to injury when declaring that Ralph Lauren products trump USPA products. Let me be the first to tell you that there is absolutely nothing wrong with USPA clothing. In fact, many of their styles are reminiscent of RL in many ways, and because of that it is admirable in its own degree. However, what makes RL trump USPA is, you guessed it, the attention to detail. Ralph Lauren clothing has been designed to fit a specific image which has changed only slightly changed in its 44 years of existence. In fact, a fancy bit of information is that Ralph Lauren was in fact hired to style the cast of the movie The Great Gatsby, which anyone who knows anything about fashion knows is an incredibly well dressed movie. This defines the artisan from the craftsman. Being able to see something for what it's worth, and then expound upon that detail to make it better. If a sword is meant to be sharp, then take the aspect of it's sharpness and make the sharpest sword there is. If a movie is meant to keep you watching, then take the aspect of it's intrigue and make it the most intriguing movie there is. This is what Inception has done, this is what Ralph Lauren has done, and this is what five-star eateries have done. One can only hope that we can do the same with whatever craft we have decided to pursue. They have taken their craft and perfected it.
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| Burberry ad. Guess what they make? Hint: They're all wearing one. All credit due to the owners of this photo. |
That's why they all cost so much damn money...
Monday, July 25, 2011
Platt.
Meet Lauren Remington Platt. This woman has it all. The face of an angel, remarkable style, an education from Colombia University, CEO position of her own company and most importantly: youth. The founder of the exclusive Vensette.com, Lauren is off to a good start. With the exception of not having accepted my marriage proposal of course.
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Thursday.
I have a little story to tell. After posting yesterday's entry, I stayed up for a few more hours. During my two cups of late night coffee, I continued to promote Origami Citizen on Twitter, which of course is nothing out of the ordinary. However, what is out of the ordinary is that the focus of yesterday's post, Nick Wooster, got wind of the post, and of my tweets and decided to let me know about it. Of course, he being the man that he is was no doubt awake far before my nine o' clock alarm went off. So as I fumbled awake this morning, the first thing I noticed was an e-mail from Twitter notifying me that I had a new follower: Nick Wooster. Ecstatic, I tweeted my thanks and admiration to him, only for him to thank me. What a magnificent guy! People say that the fashion industry is precarious and shallow? They obviously haven't met Nick Wooster. I'd say he's a pretty well rounded gentleman. Haha.
On another note, today is indeed Thursday. This of course means that at ten o' clock tonight, one of my new favorite television series will be airing it's fifth episode. While I am not really a TV person, every once in a while there is a series that really catches my attention. In fact, I could probably count the list of my favorite television programs on one hand. However, when I heard about USA's new series Suits, I knew that I had to at least give it a try. After watching the hour and a half long pilot, I was instantly hooked. Following the life of a twenty-something college dropout with the, now overused thanks to Psyche and The Mentalist, ability to remember things in the blink of an eye, and his hot shot lawyer boss, this series is absolutely promising. What makes this show stand out, considering super-memory is now cliche, is the chemistry between the characters. The slick back hair, pinstripe loving, three-piece-suit persona that is Harvey Specter is devilishly smart, and has the word 'ambition' written on his forehead. He holds the throne for what every man wants to be: a smart, daring, stylish, rich womanizer who knows how to get what he wants. His partner, Mike Ross is what the reality of the situation is. In over his head, his intelligence is only an accessory to his work ethic. Being the 'new guy' at the firm, his coworkers are reluctant to help, giving him more trouble than assistance for the most part.
However, there is an element of romance slowly starting to crop up between all of the busywork that Mike engages in. Between filing paperwork and being scolded by Harvey, Mike interacts with the firm's most promising paralegal: Rachel Zane, played by Meghan Markle. While this is my first time seeing the actress' work, it goes without saying that she is a bombshell. With a quirky attitude and a chip on her shoulder, Rachel is what every man wants in an office romance. Mysterious gazes, complex outfits and a smile that is only saved for those who earn it, she has the whole package. However, considering we are still in the introduction phases of the program, Rachel and Mike have had only one douse of drama. While I'm not going to spoil anything for those who wish to catch up on the program, I will say that we've all been there before. So listen, do yourself a favor, watch the show. While I would say the series markets at those 19-30, it gives some inspiration for not only how hard the corporate world is, but how to dress in it as well. At least once per episode, Harvey will scold Mike about what he's wearing, which I find pretty interesting. Kids these days.
You know, I'd even go as far to say that I almost like this show just as much as I like How to Make it in America. Almost.
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| Nick Wooster Photo from Fuck Yeah Nick Wooster |
On another note, today is indeed Thursday. This of course means that at ten o' clock tonight, one of my new favorite television series will be airing it's fifth episode. While I am not really a TV person, every once in a while there is a series that really catches my attention. In fact, I could probably count the list of my favorite television programs on one hand. However, when I heard about USA's new series Suits, I knew that I had to at least give it a try. After watching the hour and a half long pilot, I was instantly hooked. Following the life of a twenty-something college dropout with the, now overused thanks to Psyche and The Mentalist, ability to remember things in the blink of an eye, and his hot shot lawyer boss, this series is absolutely promising. What makes this show stand out, considering super-memory is now cliche, is the chemistry between the characters. The slick back hair, pinstripe loving, three-piece-suit persona that is Harvey Specter is devilishly smart, and has the word 'ambition' written on his forehead. He holds the throne for what every man wants to be: a smart, daring, stylish, rich womanizer who knows how to get what he wants. His partner, Mike Ross is what the reality of the situation is. In over his head, his intelligence is only an accessory to his work ethic. Being the 'new guy' at the firm, his coworkers are reluctant to help, giving him more trouble than assistance for the most part.
 |
| Harvey (center) and Mike (right) All credit due to the owners of this photo. |
However, there is an element of romance slowly starting to crop up between all of the busywork that Mike engages in. Between filing paperwork and being scolded by Harvey, Mike interacts with the firm's most promising paralegal: Rachel Zane, played by Meghan Markle. While this is my first time seeing the actress' work, it goes without saying that she is a bombshell. With a quirky attitude and a chip on her shoulder, Rachel is what every man wants in an office romance. Mysterious gazes, complex outfits and a smile that is only saved for those who earn it, she has the whole package. However, considering we are still in the introduction phases of the program, Rachel and Mike have had only one douse of drama. While I'm not going to spoil anything for those who wish to catch up on the program, I will say that we've all been there before. So listen, do yourself a favor, watch the show. While I would say the series markets at those 19-30, it gives some inspiration for not only how hard the corporate world is, but how to dress in it as well. At least once per episode, Harvey will scold Mike about what he's wearing, which I find pretty interesting. Kids these days.
 |
| Ms. Markle All credit due to the owners of this photo. |
You know, I'd even go as far to say that I almost like this show just as much as I like How to Make it in America. Almost.
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Wednesday.
While I'm not sure if I have a living style icon, there is one guy that comes pretty darn close: Nickleson Wooster. Sharing the same surname as my alma mater, Nick Wooster is daring, classy and incredibly knowledgeable about men's clothing. So much so that he is capable of wearing a pair of heels (yes, stilettos) and still be considered cool in my books. While I would never be so bold as to don a pair myself, I understand that style is all about testing oneself. This philosophy is clear as day on Bergdorf & Neiman Marcus' previous Men's Fashion Director. While never really having the option to wear any of the things in Mr. Wooster's closet, he follows the same fashion inspiration that I do, and it is seen in a number of his outfits. This is the idea of a 'splash.' What is a splash you ask? Simple: A splash of color. Neutral colors are eternal. We have work white, black, grey and brown for centuries, and they continue to be our most decadent color choices because of their simple versatility. So while wearing what we can rely on, in neutral colors, we can include daring spots in our ensemble with a different color or design that stands out in your outfit. Of course it's not a matter of just wearing a random color and being cool, it's a matter of knowing which splash works for which combination! That's what makes Nick shine so much.
Let's look at men's fashion first. There are three corporate shirt colors: white, blue and soft pink. Any other colors would be considered either unprofessional or daring to many corporate offices. However, where a man really gets to express himself in the office is his choice of tie. True, it is possible for a tie to be inappropriate as well, but if your boss calls you out, just change it! While I would never wear a pair of canary yellow bucks, Nick seems to make them look amazing, despite their ridiculous hue. The simple suit, with the perfect splash of color to drive it home. Again, much like I was saying yesterday, women have a few more options than we do when it comes to 'dressing up.' Though instead of the tie, women have the option of shoes or accessories. It is very possible to wear unprofessional shoes in the office, but it would be much more unlikely for your boss to call you out for wearing a black suit and canary heels than it would be for a man to wear a black suit and canary oxfords. The secret is to be subtle with your colors. Don't go for something that's incredibly loud unless you want to be incredibly loud. Take some inspiration from 'The Wooster,' and see what you find. If you like it, then stick with it! If not, then don't worry about it, on to the next inspiration. Just remember to be creative!
Of course, these are my own personal tastes, but if the previous Men's Fashion Director of Neiman Marcus does it, then why shouldn't I?
P.S. If you want to see more Wooster looks, check out his stalker's paradise, or his own blog.
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| Nick Wooster (above) All credit due to the owners of this photo. |
Let's look at men's fashion first. There are three corporate shirt colors: white, blue and soft pink. Any other colors would be considered either unprofessional or daring to many corporate offices. However, where a man really gets to express himself in the office is his choice of tie. True, it is possible for a tie to be inappropriate as well, but if your boss calls you out, just change it! While I would never wear a pair of canary yellow bucks, Nick seems to make them look amazing, despite their ridiculous hue. The simple suit, with the perfect splash of color to drive it home. Again, much like I was saying yesterday, women have a few more options than we do when it comes to 'dressing up.' Though instead of the tie, women have the option of shoes or accessories. It is very possible to wear unprofessional shoes in the office, but it would be much more unlikely for your boss to call you out for wearing a black suit and canary heels than it would be for a man to wear a black suit and canary oxfords. The secret is to be subtle with your colors. Don't go for something that's incredibly loud unless you want to be incredibly loud. Take some inspiration from 'The Wooster,' and see what you find. If you like it, then stick with it! If not, then don't worry about it, on to the next inspiration. Just remember to be creative!
 |
| Nick Wooster as "Mustached Yakuza." All credit due to the owners of this photo. |
Of course, these are my own personal tastes, but if the previous Men's Fashion Director of Neiman Marcus does it, then why shouldn't I?
P.S. If you want to see more Wooster looks, check out his stalker's paradise, or his own blog.
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Tuesday.
Today was another hot day, only describable by it's ability to infer itself upon any article of clothing that I wear, and cement itself to me. My pants become ovens, and my shirts become prisons. The heat swarms me when exposed to the sun, and yet I find myself incapable of liberating myself from them. I'm not very fond of random nudity. I'm referring to people with a lack of the two essential articles for proper service: shirts and shoes. For this reason, as well as not being able to wear half of my clothes, I dislike the summer. While not my least favorite season, it is very... challenging to dress appropriately as a young man. As someone who feels that a collar should be mandatory eighty percent of the time, it's near impossible to wear collared shirts in the heat. Sure, tons of blogs, articles and magazines describe ways to 'stay cool' while being professional. They describe the right fabrics to wear, so that when you put on a suit, you won't be that hot. It's all bologna. Regardless of what fabric I'm wearing, I know that garnishing a tie, and a jacket is suicide in the sun. If I don't sweat away all of my natural fluids, my body's going to at least try. Women don't really have the same issue. What I would give to be able to let my legs breathe and still follow dress code. That being said, I guess I'll get to the point of this entry: women'swear. Not just any type of women'swear, but menswear inspired women'swear.
I'm no male chauvinist. I appreciate women more than they appreciate each other. However, there is just something so enticing about a woman who uses the same elements in her wardrobe as I do. I'm unsure if I like the idea of her being so creative, or knowing how to stay versatile, but I'm sure that I enjoy it. While the picture above depicts a woman wearing men's formal/semi-formal attire, my appreciation doesn't stop there. Just yesterday, I went to a movie with a friend of mine. While her outfit was very much feminine, I could tell that she was using something that a lot of fashion conscious women don't seem to: a plain white t-shirt. Of course, you might suggest that I'm insane for thinking girls don't wear plain white tees, but allow me to explain. Her shirt was worn the way a guy would wear it. While I'm not sure if the shirt was unisex or menswear, I am certain that it wasn't women'swear. Additionally, the fact that it was her shirt made it all the more interesting! Not many people know this, but a woman's outfit is centered around the upper portion of her body. They create their outfit based on their tops (fun fact for the day!). Men, on the other hand, on their trousers. I loved her outfit just for that reason. Minimalist, fashionable and creative, she knew what she was doing, even if she doesn't realize it! There are a multitude of options for girls to wear like the women in these photos. If you want to visit The Style Blogger, you can even see that half of their outfits are composed of skirts! While a lot of girls feel like they can't wear things like the photos above and below, I'm going to present you with my mantra of four years:
Confidence is your most important accessory.
 |
| Helen Weselcouch (above) Photo from The Style Blogger |
I'm no male chauvinist. I appreciate women more than they appreciate each other. However, there is just something so enticing about a woman who uses the same elements in her wardrobe as I do. I'm unsure if I like the idea of her being so creative, or knowing how to stay versatile, but I'm sure that I enjoy it. While the picture above depicts a woman wearing men's formal/semi-formal attire, my appreciation doesn't stop there. Just yesterday, I went to a movie with a friend of mine. While her outfit was very much feminine, I could tell that she was using something that a lot of fashion conscious women don't seem to: a plain white t-shirt. Of course, you might suggest that I'm insane for thinking girls don't wear plain white tees, but allow me to explain. Her shirt was worn the way a guy would wear it. While I'm not sure if the shirt was unisex or menswear, I am certain that it wasn't women'swear. Additionally, the fact that it was her shirt made it all the more interesting! Not many people know this, but a woman's outfit is centered around the upper portion of her body. They create their outfit based on their tops (fun fact for the day!). Men, on the other hand, on their trousers. I loved her outfit just for that reason. Minimalist, fashionable and creative, she knew what she was doing, even if she doesn't realize it! There are a multitude of options for girls to wear like the women in these photos. If you want to visit The Style Blogger, you can even see that half of their outfits are composed of skirts! While a lot of girls feel like they can't wear things like the photos above and below, I'm going to present you with my mantra of four years:
 |
| Jenilee (above) Photo from The Style Blogger |
Confidence is your most important accessory.
Friday, July 15, 2011
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