Note: I apologize for my absense lately. Starting a new job and a computer hard drive crash have been pretty all encompassing recently, but I will try to keep up the frequency from now on.

Last night was the Academy Awards. The night were all of Hollywood asks their stylists to dress them up in something stunning and different so they can in turn be the subject of talking heads across the internet, print, and TV worlds. Well here is my take: I can’t get on board with the ‘Dress Sneakers’ thing. Here are some of the examples I found just checking out the net….some examples from Dior, DSquared2, and Topman.

Wearing sneakers with suits has been more and more popular lately, especially with the styles and materials that make up sneakers changing a lot. Where sneakers used to be all canvas and rubber, all functional for skateboarding, running, etc., designers are embracing sneakers as the next item to mold and reinvent. I’m 100% for cool stylish new sneaker designs, but don’t wear them with tuxedos on the red carpet.

I have nothing against RDJ as a man and actor, just as a man wearing sneakers and a tuxedo. Taking a traditional outfit and tweaking one part of it to make it unique is the basis of fashion innovation, but a man’s shoes are something that should set the tone of the rest of the outfit. Want to refresh a boring tuxedo? Do something with a tie color/style, or maybe a hat or patterned scarf. I would even prefer something as outlandish as NPH’s sequin sparkle tux jacket to sneakers. They say a man can be judged by the quality and style of his shoes. When wearing a tuxedo, keep the shoes nice and dress down something else.

If you’ve read any of my previous posts you know I am not a big proponent of jeans. I’ve already ranted about this before, so I won’t go through it all again, but you can imagine my disappointment with the US Snowboarding teams uniforms.

Designed by Burton, they are relatively plain and straightforward. A plaid ski jacket with a large crest on the front and jean look-a-like snowpants. Snowboard fashion often is highlighted by bright patterns and flashy designs, plaid is huge right now on the slopes and in the streets, and let’s not forget how popular tartan patterns are this winter. The choice makes total sense, it’s topical, trendy, reserved but still flashy. It reflects current styles, especially the large logo crest which is reminiscent of the large crests Ralph Lauren has all over his latest stuff.

I get it. But shouldn’t snowboard fashion, which is often outlandish and convention-breaking, lead the charge into some new stylish area instead of simply reflect the common trends of the day? This is the Olympics, where the best in the world come together to represent our country and pioneer new feats of strength and skill. Burton decided to clad our snowboarders, a sport where the US is way out in front of everyone else, in drab tartan plaid jackets with Ralph Lauren rip off crests? Unfortunate.

What is even MORE unfortunate is the jean pants. Jeans are bad enough already (look back to old posts for more anti-denim ranting), one thing that was always differentiating about snowsport fashion was the loud patterns and colors of the snowpants. To cover our most elite athletes in denim look-a-like is a sad reflection of our nation’s gradual slide into ‘casual’ homogeneity.

Articles abound about how young men are shifting back to the dressed up styles of the past and breaking with our parents generations feeling that success was the opportunity to dress down. We young men are embracing style and saying to the world that we can be gentlemen, look good, and live well in the world. Perhaps Burton could have played off this feeling rather than paint the blank canvas of snowpants with something as quotidian as denim.

…and most of then aren’t too impressive. But these really struck me as both clever/original and really well illustrated…the art is fantastic. They, and many more, are all available here. I’ve been into the long sleeve T with a graphic T over the top lately…middle school style. It’s a nice way to add some color and warmth in the winter while also showing off your ironic T shirt collection. And also something that people don’t expect on anyone over 16. Give it a try, adds a nice casual feeling to any outfit.

If you’re anywhere near the music scene in NY you’re familiar with the absolute explosion of electro-pop bands like MGMT and Passion Pit. I certainly love these bands and while I’m not about to claim that they are ground breaking musicians or song writers, they are catchy and fun to listen and dance to. That said, beware: beyond their upbeat, colorful, uber-pop is something very sinister….

They say that fashion in financial downturns becomes colorful and showy to give people something to smile about despite other more negative aspects of life. I don’t mean extravagant in price or ‘luxurious’ as it were…but more flamboyant in accessories, colors, styles, etc. Styles that need not be more expensive thought; if the trend is what it is there will be options at all price levels. This has been reflected in the growing focus on mens fashion and how the things men are wearing today are much more daring and colorful than in recent years. Articles about this have been in the Times, GQ, etc. so I won’t rant further about it. Another example I’ve noticed recently is that the aforementioned electro-pop scene has adopted quite a flamboyant style of its own. One reminiscent of a wonderfully horrific time in our fashion history….let’s take a look at some of the big bands on the scene right now:

First, and arguable foremost, is MGMT:

Here’s a little montage from Around the Bend by Asteroids Galaxy tour….

How about these shots from Dress to Digress by Boy Crisis….

Last one….Here’s an album shot of Empire of the Sun….

Look familiar at all? The flowy shimmering gowns…the old school repeated rainbow mirror imaging in the music videos…the bohemian/glam beads, sequin accessories and patterned tunics….long hair and mustaches behind a soft focus camera lens and back lit glowing smoke. Anyone? Anyone?

That’s right! Disco. Make your own judgments based on personal tastes and experiences….but the similarities are striking. Here is a compilation of screen shots from classic disco videos.

Perhaps the crowds that see these bands will start channeling Travolta in both attitude and appearance. We’d all be better off….right?

As you could likely guess, I’m not a huge fan of NFL Football. Never been my sport of preference. But alas, Jets fervor has (now, had) taken hold amongst we commoners in NYC. I spent my Sunday over on 19th St. watching the Jets and then the Saints. I’m not here to commentate about the outcomes of either game or express any sort of educated sports opinion. What I will say is that the Saints have pretty rad uniforms.

Black and gold is an undoubtedly powerful combination. Black, being the quintessential color of mystery, the color of the night and generally devious things, is usually a safe bet that most things with go with it and it will look good. That said, what really makes black such a devastating color is how it brings out the power of other colors. Gold being the color of wealth and decadence, the ultimate shine-in-your-face symbol, juxtaposes with black to create an aura of shielded deviance, hidden grandeur, perhaps even secret splendor. Paradoxical linguistic flouries aside, black and gold is something not to be taken lightly. Who else sports the color combo? A few top of mind examples are Pontiac, Missouri, West Point/Army, and Lamborghini. Not a bad company to keep.

So I started looking around for some Saints apparel that might make an entry into my rotation. Unfortunately, I didn’t notice how stylish a lot of the Saints gear was until now, and now that they’re in the Super Bowl sporting any branded items will likely draw accusations of bandwagon fandom. So any big purchases are thwarted for now at least….but there is some really cool stuff out there. I found some great jackets, and I really love the fleur de lis….it adds something very French/Old World to the look. Perfectly reminiscent of New Orleans, the decadent European Flower representing the culture and history of the city, laid on top of the gritty, dangerous blackness that creates a magnetic draw to visit and experience a city like none other. Check out these cool jackets…or if you’re a band wagon fan like I am perhaps just a t shirt or hoodie will do for now….

This past summer I had the realization that we are all slaves to trends. Not all, of course, some people wear the same cargo khakis and t-shirts their whole lives, and if they are comfortable with that, then carry on, god speed. But most people at least to some degree follow trends, and there’s nothing wrong with that. We all want to fit in, or stand out, or be different, or whatever. Often, standing out and being different turns into trends and then what once was eye catching becomes common, and trend setters have to keep pushing the bounds. This is the natural cycle of style. So this past summer I remember showing up to meet some friends in Hell’s Kitchen and I was wearing the ubiquitous heather grey deep neck V t-shirt and jeans…similar to this fellow:

The first few times I wore this sort of shirt it elicited comments or laughs…which is the point of wearing what we wear right? To be noticed? To stand out? By the third or forth time, it became common place, people expected everyone to be wearing such shirts. They were everywhere. So the V’s started getting deeper, and the pants started getting shorter…and I thought to myself, ’self, this is a ridiculous trend. This may be the first trend I’ve followed that I’ll look back on and laugh in 20 years.’

In the 60s, it was tie die ponchos and birkenstocks, the 70s polyester suits, the 80s….well we all know what the 80s were all about. I imagine that back in those days people saw these trends developing, dabbled in some new outfits, and received laughs and comments. But then after awhile it became common place, everyone was doing it. So it got bigger and better, bell bottoms got wider, neon vests got shinier, hair got first longer, then bigger. And it was 100% serious in the moment, just like we are 100% serious right about about hipster moustaches, skinny high-water jeans, and ray ban sunglasses. (maybe not 100% serious…websites like www.latfh.com parody at least the hipster movement. Surely there were similar sentiments during all the previous trend decades, but there wasn’t an easy universal outlet like we have today with the interwebs). So I’ll leave you with this picture…surely our fathers looked like this one day. And one day, our children will look at pictures of us and laugh just as much.

There is always something interesting going on in New York City. This past Tuesday I got turned on to the Two Man Gentleman Band, a dandy duo of folksy musicians who happened to be performing at Superfine in DUMBO. These guys are a riot. Not only are they complete Dandies, but they are great musicians and songwriters. Coming to the stage with songs like “William Howard Taft,” “Fancy Beer,” and “Let’s Make a Sandwhich,” the inevitable knee slapping and toe tapping is surely accompanied with hearty laughs and a stupid grin permanently affixed to your face.

What really made me love these guys though was the style they played off perfectly in tune with their music and demeanor. Andy, the singer, was sporting a button up vest, bow tie, and the palm-aid side-part ubiquitous in the revival preppy movement that swept NY this past summer. His consort Fuller was ripping bass lines in a dark suit and tie, topped with a top hat and kazoo hanging from a wire around his neck. Both looked 100% natural and comfortable, and absolutely hilarious. On their website they have a photos section that is just classic too. Reminds me of the Tweed Ride bicycle group that had their first event in DC last summer (upon googling tweed ride, results came up in Philly and SF too, it’s expanding!).

So check out their album online, support the band. If you see a performance in your area definitely check them out you’ll have a great time!

Winter is the season of black and white. Dark nights, snowy mornings, black coats, pasty white skin. All one sees in these dreary months are the extremes, the harsh colors of the winter wardrobe repelling the harsher winds of January. In NYC, it’s even worse. The tall buildings block out what little sun there is in the afternoon, and the wind funnels down the avenues creating tunnels of misery. So we respond with layers upon layers of black jackets, gloves, scarves, and hats. Perhaps it’s because black absorbs the sun and keeps us warm? No, that can’t be it…there’s no sun on the streets of Manhattan. Perhaps it’s because we are morning for the passing of the lovelier months and the love they bring to us, be it sunny summer afternoon, runs through the park, or rooftop drinks with good friends. Or perhaps it’s because we think we look good in black. It’s ’slimming’ and hides a lot of our wintery selves, which we inevitably ‘let go’ due to the desire to hibernate instead of track to the gym.

A good friend of mine says that all girls in NYC are, at any one time in the day, wearing two of the following three things:
1. Boots
2. Jeans
3. Something black
I would say that it’s more like all of those things at all points of the day. And it’s not just true of females here, I myself don’t own a black jacket, but I do wear boots and jeans very often. So does everyone, it only makes sense.

But a look at this article may sway you. Apparently, 4 out of 5 of us look old and sad in our black outfits, not slim and sexy like we thought. I’ve been saying since the beginning that breaking up the monotony and depression of winter with brightly colored clothes is not only good style sense but also good for your psyche. Throw on a camel coat and a tartan scarf! Mix some patterned scarves and red gloves in with that dark coat! Wear those white pants with your heavy jacket!

You’ll feel better and add a little bit of pizzazz to the world.

Oh, and Happy New Year.

New Years is approaching and so the texts and calls from friends have started to pour in. What color tie should I wear with this shirt? Should I go with the brown or black shoes? Round toe or square? I have been trying to answer all these as they come in, but for those who are looking to try something wild, I’ve got some suggestions for changing up the tie, which is the easiest thing to do something fun with and really makes a huge difference to the outfit (I’m assuming that we’re all ‘dressing up’ for New Years, as is generally the tradition).

First we have two Victorian styles of neckwear, the first is called a Puff tie and is a mix between an ascot and a scarf, which one ties tightly to the neck and then lets fall freely down the front of the shirt.

The next is called a Ruche tie, which is a style of ’scrunching’ the cravat to achieve the look here. One uses a regular ascot or cravat but ties it using the method found here. These really only look right with a vest, otherwise, the extra material hanging from the tie just floats around and goes wild. The vest keeps the extra material tucked in and positioned correctly.

These past two styles will definitely be a talking point and crowd pleaser if carried off well. If you’re looking for something a little bit more reserved or more ’stylish’ or relaxed, try the loose ascot look Beckham is rocking in the tuxedo below. This is a look that not everyone can pull off, but with the proper accessories and attitude, this will steal the show. Notice that the wild style of the tie is the real star of this outfit, the actual clothes themselves are reserved. Black pants, black jacket, plain white shirt. When adding something unusual like an ascot make sure to play down the rest of the outfit or else you will end up looking like you’re in a costume instead of clothing.

Ascots can be found pretty easily online just by searching around or checking out vintage stores that have mens sections, I will go into that later, the point here is to mix up one of the usually standard parts of your outfit and having a little fun with tradition.

More New Years tips to come!

I tagged along with a friend who needed to pick up some last minute gifts yesterday and found myself in the newly opened, literally closet sized, NYC outpost of K Chocolatier.

K Chocolatier is the new line of luxury chocolates made by Diane Kron, who has been making chocolate for the stars (Andy Warhol, Jackie O, Katherine Hepburn, etc.) since the 1970s and is widely viewed as one of the finest in the country. Their products had been only available in their LA storefronts until a few months ago when this store opened on Madison and 69th. It’s still a family business and Diane’s son was behind the counter offering copious samples and knowledge about the history and products of the company.

Aside from the general line of chocolates, there are two products that really take the cake, so to speak. The first is the ‘HIBALL’, which is a ball of dark chocolate filled with Johnny Walker Blue. This isn’t some sort of scotch flavoring, it’s actual liquid scotch (about 1/2 a shot) contained within rich, dark chocolate walls. The strong scotch taste really hits you when you bite into them, but it mixes incredibly with the dark chocolate and trust me, they are irresistible. If not for the fact that two bites is the equivalent of a shot of scotch….they can get dangerous quickly.

The second is more of a niche/novelty product. It’s called K Sensual and is a mix of various types of cocoa beans and an ancient Chinese concoction of herbs and spices traditionally known as not only an aphrodesiac, but one that specifically effects women. It’s supposed to not only stimulate but intensify ‘the experience.’ The website has a clip from a morning TV show interviewing people who’ve tried it, to apparently great success. It doesn’t do anything for men, so I can’t say I have or will ever try, but could be a fun gift for you boyfriends out there.