Mr. Fashion

In order to get back to MSU, most of you experience one extremely boring car ride through the greyest state in the US.

I am one of the few, and proud might I add, out-of-staters that pay way too much for tuition and have to deal with flying into Lansing. I take off from John Wayne Airport in Santa Ana, California, yes you heard right, JOHN WAYNE AIRPORT!

After about a five-hour flight a rough landing and long taxi are required to pull into one of many American Airlines dominated airports in Chicago, Illinois. O’Hare is a massive, small city of an airport with 5 terminals and around 6 concourses all named after the most ridiculous letters.

Why did they pick H, K, L and G…? Can someone please tell me the logic here? Honestly this is the busiest part of the airport, obviously other terminals come first but the American Airlines terminal is top priority so they so should have gotten first pick on letters!

Anyway, I’m getting side tracked. Chicago O’Hare is my favorite airport. I hate Dallas/Ft. Worth, don’t get me started on those people and their tram-systems.

The reason I love it so much is because they have the best holiday decorations in the flying business. Doves with a huge world of lights, and the biggest wreaths you have ever seen. It’s eloquent, classy and festive all making one exquisite walk.

But it’s not the just the decorations that make the walk down K one of my favorites, it’s the people I see on my way to G. So many colors, faces, hair styles, suits, sweat suits, bad t-shirts, cute girls, college sweatshirts and terrible looking baseball caps, that make this the most diverse airport in the world.

One thing that did catch my eye while I was zoning onto the masses of people was one of the best-dressed black men that I have ever seen. I mean I’ve already done this with Pharrell, I know, but this guy just looked like a normal human being with a great sense of style.

This man was “hip-executive” and totally straight. Brown corduroy jacket, heavy pink button-down with thick white stripes, designer jeans, boots that cost more than an iPod and a very groomed face. I feel like he should have been holding his blackberry, I don’t know if he was because I only got a fast glimpse, but in my head he was.

My curiosity at this outfit was shifted however by the overpowering scent of a girl’s perfume, blonde hair and a strong European accent. I mean what can I say? I’m a sucker for a glance look at a girl who to all my other senses tells me she would be exceptionally hot.

Anyway I’m a sucker for people watching, so I have to get back to judging others and checking out girls, while watching the NFL playoffs, because its just a natural thing for a man to do.

Snowboarding is one of my many hobbies. Hard to believe that this is something I can do regularly enough in California to call a hobby, I know, but nonetheless it is something I enjoy doing.

On Wednesday, my buddy Dave and I tried to avoid the high school Christmas break and go up to Big Bear for a nice calm day of snowboarding. The conditions were great, sunny, in the mid 30s, about 4-6 inches of snow on the ground above the base foot of snow, and all the fun little jumps and jibs I love hitting.

Although I was having a great day something bothered me. I think we need to adopt some rules about what things people can and cannot wear.

One thing that really got to me was people wearing jeans while snowboarding. I guess it’s like a cool thing now. There has been a trend with guys here wearing really tight girl jeans if they skateboard. But what I didn’t know is that trend is moving to people who snowboard now.

I saw about three guys wearing a ski jacket and jeans more befitting for my size zero sister. I don’t know when this came about or why but it needs to stop right now while it’s starting.

You wear snow pants, even sag them too look a little gangsta. I sagged my pants for the first time on the hill and honestly I rode much better. I pulled of the best grab of my life over the biggest jump they had and managed a board slide for the first time. I attribute that to the bandana I was wearing around my neck and sagging my snow pants.

Anyway, sorry about the tangent, jeans jeans…
Beginners break this rule all the time. For some reason they think their favorite pair of Levi’s are going to be inpenetrable to snow and water. I hope these people learn their lesson as they are on their asses all the time and buy some snow pants.

Also the other thing that annoys me is the people that smoke while at the chair lifts. Honestly this is like a sport people! You don’t light up a cigarette when you’re playing basketball or throwing the football around with the guys so why the hell are you lighting up after your run!

Also there exists an unspoken rule that if you’re bad at snowboarding you cannot pull off matching your pants and jacket or wear a jacket with any type of fur. If you can land a 360 and/or grind any jib on the hill then, ok, you’re cool to wear whatever you want but honestly people who are falling all over the place just don’t deserve to wear sweet stuff, sorry guys.

Thus these are my only three rules for snowboarding fashion: no jeans, no smoking, and know your place when picking out a snow outfit. O wait I forgot one, please do not wear overall snow pants, you know who you are!

After depositing my last meager pay check at MSU Federal Credit Union, I decided to check out Flat, Black and Circular because it was that time in a young man’s life, whether he likes country music or not, he needs to buy his first Cash album.

I don’t think it’s something that says, “Hey you’re 20 and you need to experience Johnny Cash.” No, I think it’s just something a man realizes when he’s old enough to respect the music his father was jammin’ to at his age.

I think an article with Johnny Knoxville spurred my interest in Cash. After finishing a forty on the streets of LA with the writer interviewing him for the story he asked if the guy wanted to go buy some Cash albums. For some reason I found this totally mature and straight up cool.

Remembering the article I immediately found the Folk section. “Johnny Cash Live at San Quentin” sat there calling to me. Obviously it wasn’t its superior sister album “Johnny Cash: Live at Folsom State Prison”, but I was going to make this my first Cash album and that’s all that mattered.

I immediately fell in love with the album. I swear I got obsessed with “A Boy Named Sue” and only wanted to wear black. This is my theme for this winter. I mean besides wearing jeans a lot, whenever a suit is necessary it’s going to be pitch black.

The Cash style was black suit coat, black slacks, black button down, black leather shoes, and a black tie. It just sounds so badass! I am going to bring the Cash back this winter.

While a white linen coat or blue suit coat and khaki slacks is a must for me in warmer months, this winter season Cash style was going to be my attire. Black was the color just like my December pick for favorite musical artist.

Sometimes I wish everyone still wore suits. But then I think how much time that would take in the morning and change my mind immediately.

So now I urge you, no, I challenge you, sport the suit, don the black and embrace the Cash!

As I found early in my first year at MSU, when temperature falls exponentially, the number of layers people need to wear grows exponentially, unless freezing on your way to JRN 108 in Comm Arts at nine in the morning is your thing.

To each his own though, I mean I definitely still see guys strutting in shorts with snow on the ground. This just makes me even colder or bringing me to think exactly how small IT got with that -6 F° updraft. So please man up, put on some pants and don’t make me do this.

But seriously, moving from California in August to seeing the first snow of the season in October forces any human being to immediately adapt. Thermal clothing, long sleeve everything and gear with Gore-Tex starts to infiltrate your closet.

This is why I would like to put emphasis on the layering technique for some guys. An extremely popular laying technique is the long-sleeve tee underneath the short sleeve tee look. This look has been showcased everywhere for a couple of years.

I swore I started the craze in California during middle school. Who started it earlier than me or on the East Coast before me? I don’t know. However I distinctively remember my buddies harassing me about it and then sporting the look a month later. But I mean whatever, its cool if no one wants to give me credit.

I love the look, if it’s done right. Most times guys are good about matching colors. A grey long-sleeve undershirt usually goes with any short sleeve you got in the dresser. But some guys feel its okay to mix colors on different sides of the spectrum. Please be modest with your color combos guys. I better not see anyone sporting a yellow undershirt with a red tee over it, or trying to mix green and red, way to much Christmas. (tisk tisk)

Another great way to get this look is a thermal underneath the regular t-shirt. That’s the best one, I think, because you find it on the slopes everywhere. So the snowboarder look is pulled off nicely on a day-to-day basis. Add a knit beanie and your set to pick up a little snow bunny for the winter, if you know what I mean.

As you all must know I hold a certain arrogance or narcisstic view of the clothes I wear. Well that’s probably because California has a much better view of style than the Midwest! Okay I apologize and I’ll tell you the best place to shop if you are ever in the Newport Beach area and have the type of money for my favorite store.

The store is called “The Closet.” Before anyone walks in, they know what kind of store they are entering, because the tag line over the entrance says “California Couture,” translation— clothes for the trendy Californian native. Not for the San Diegan or San Diegon native either, this establishment of young adult couture is strictly for Orange County dwellers.

Tucked away in the middle of a specialty mall called Fashion Island or on Newport Blvd. “The Closet” highlights the best brands that the “kids out west” wear.

Volcom, Modern Amusement, Ben Sherman, Diesel, LRG, Paper Denim and Cloth, Seven for all Mankind, Analog, and Electric are just a few brands in circulation at The Closet.

I say circulation because these companies specifically make different lines and pieces every season for this shop. Different types of fabrics, colors or fits are used to better suit the customers of “the Closet.” But that means higher prices than normal accompany these better fits, washes and fabrics. But honestly the price is worth the creativity and time put into these t-shirts, track jackets, and jeans.

When I was there on my birthday over Thanksgiving break I actually saw a double-breasted pea coat. Obviously this is completely unnecessary for any Californian but the fit, designs and labels that were put on it made me want to buy it immediately.

The only drawback to the store is the limited amount of sizes available in the shop. Usually jeans don’t run out too fast but t-shirts, jackets, and sweatshirts fly off the shelves.

Hollister, I have a huge problem with, hopefully you already know that, it’s not California style. It’s just the same as Abercrombie and Fitch but with “Surf Board Company” or “Laguna Beach” written on it. So I’m trying to give the Midwest options on how to get a real California look, with clothes that can handle the Michigan weather.

This is where So Cal kids shop and this is what So Cal kids wear. If you like the real OC then please feel free to dress like us, but if you don’t feel free to shop at Hollister.

The Closet

As we roll into the winter months in Michigan, wind will overtake our campus soon enough. Chilly walks down farm lane to Comm Arts or the Chem Building will have to be suffered or else our grades will suffer. But as men we have to suck it up, make it seem like we aren’t bothered by the cold. Well one solution to staying warm and still being fashionable underneath that large wool coat is easy as a scarf.

This is a delicate decision though. Scarves in general are seen widely as a woman’s accessory but I am here to tell you how to make a scarf your own.

In order to look presentable and attractive in this winter garment, stick to solid colors. Solid scarves do not give off the “I’m questionable about my sexuality” vibe and present a professional or mature look on a man.

Also, going with the bland theme of scarves, different patterns can kill the look of a scarf as well. Scarves need to be simple on men, thus buying one made out of one piece of cloth is key. I would not suggest buying a scarf that has anything hanging off the end of it. A good wool knit look is great but do not purchase one that has any kind of a “frilly” look to it. If the scarf you wear shines, shimmers, glows, can be seen from more than twenty yards away, or has tassels on it, I would either burn it or give it to a little sister.

A man’s scarf needs to be plain and simple but it needs to be worn with elegance and a sense of stature in order to pull it off.

But I’m not completely against patterns either. A nice pattern can always go well on a scarf, as well as improve the impression given off to women. A Burberry scarf is not only noticeable to women but also looks good on a man.

So a scarf can improve all your winter outfits, whether worn with a jacket, a sweater, a fleece or even a t-shirt, a plain colored scarf goes well with any outfit. Just make sure guys, no excessive patterns, nothing separating the ends, or hanging off of it and you are in the clear to keep your neck warm this winter. And remember, women can spot name brands and designs from miles away.

I recommend: Burberry, Banana Republic, Gap, or Urban Outfitters

Everything is mixing these days. Black and brown, grey and brown, brown and navy (I guess there’s a lot of brown) and even plaid with tweed and striped with striped and striped with plaid. And, I know that mixing brands is OK because you see it in every fashion magazine there is: Banana Republic pants with a Dolce & Gabbana crew and a Ralph Lauren tweed sport coat and so on and so forth. But what I’m always weary about is mixing labels, not brands. Like for instance, can I wear my LeTigre polos when I’m rocking my Lacoste shoes? Can you mix the gator and the tiger? And can you put on your Nike tennis shoes if your sporting some Adidas basketball shorts?
Sincerely, Fash N. Forward

This question was sent to me early last week. And I do have an opinion that can hopefully help all guys out with this ever-present problem.

As you probably read earlier in my blog I think it is fine to mix black with brown or to mix brand names. We need to keep outfits looking fresh especially on items of clothing where labels aren’t seen. But when labels are seen, moderation in matching these labels needs to be taken.

From a straight man’s perspective matching all labels with every piece on an outfit is a little questionable, I must say. Thus I must advise you to mix and match colors more than match your labels on every part of an outfit.

Rocking the Lacoste shoes with a LeTigre’ polo is more than fine, if it looks good. Modern Amusement khaki slacks with a Lacoste Polo looks great too. I think we should be mixing and matching labels as they get ever more present in the world of fashion.

However you may want to consider the fact that girls appreciate a guy that not only can match colors, but brand names and labels as well. Although they may question your sexuality if you end up doing it more often than not, I think its something to aspire too when around a materialistic girl, or any girl that owns a Coach purse.

Thus I wouldn’t match your labels too excessively in the day. Maybe one day per week or when going out to a party can be acceptable and respectable by the girls you hang out with.

Unless you are trying to attract that of the same sex, gay men appreciate matching labels as much as they like a guy with a flat stomach. Matching labels needs to be stressed more when you are a single gay man I think.

But honestly when working out anything goes. I don’t think there is any type of weight room fashion that people need to abide by, just common decencies that people unconsciously try to obey. Thus mixing labels like Addidas and Nike is more than fine when going to work out, just be wearing appropriate clothing like knee length shorts and t-shirts that actually cover your nipples.

I hate seeing these massive guys working out with their nipples hanging out, girls aren’t doing it, that would motivate me to go to the gym more often but I definitely don’t want to see guys exposing themselves while I’m trying to check out girls and work on my abs at the same time.

OK, before I get started I have to apologize to all the people who read my blog. I haven’t posted in about two weeks and for that I am sorry. But on the bright side, the first snow of the season is here and I couldn’t be more excited! I know you Michiganders must hate me for saying that but honestly I love the first snow of the season. I used to live in Connecticut when I was little and I could never wait for the first snowfall. It was like waiting for Santa on Christmas Eve.

Enough about my childhood. With wintertime in full bloom I’ve decided to blog about something to keep you cozy and warm on those cold nights at MSU.

Juicy Couture has come out with a new men’s line for Fall ’06. Now don’t go too far to judge this right off the bat. Of course when we think of Juicy Couture we think of expensive gifts we need to give our girlfriends so they keep having sex with us. Or just how good girl’s butts look in these expensive pieces of velour.

Velour tracksuits are a definite when you think of anything Juicy, so when I checked out the Web site it was no surprise to find these. Honestly, I really don’t know how a velour tracksuit would look on a man, not too masculine I would think.

However something did surprise me. Juicy has moved away from the track suit concept creating coats, pants, button downs and leather jackets. With bland colors and many dark colors Juicy has gone toward a “Rock and Roll” type look for their men’s line.

Velvet suit coats, fur lined jackets, tight fitting jeans and many accessories have collided in the minds controlling Juicy to make anyone into one fashionable punk rock kid. They even have a skinny, longhaired model sporting all the new clothes, another thing very unexpected.

But with these fashion masters comes the designer price;$120 for a men’s velour track suit is not something I’m going to pay to make all my friends question my sexuality and be comfortable at the same time. And standard designer jean prices apply to Juicy’s new line, around $200 a pair for crowding your undercarriage more than I’d want in a pair of pants.

Honestly Juicy Couture has everything for man to be a fashionable bad ass. Their men’s line is a good combination of real fashion with their signature velour tracksuits. But with prices so high, it is kind of ridiculous for Juicy to think that velour looks that great on a man for that much money.

Juicy Couture Website

It might be politically incorrect and extremely offensive to segregate this title with the Best Dressed White Man in 2006, which I’m unsure of at the moment, but male fashion is completely different between these two groups. Colors, sizes and the way to wear conventional items of clothing differ so much that it’s just easier to separate the two groups.

With that warning in mind, Pharrell Williams is my pick for 2006’s Best Dressed Black Man of the year. I know the year is early but I feel like he will impress me with every new outfit I see on him.

Pharrell mixes so many different aspects of male style to come up with something so unique, so Pharrell, that it is SO worth mentioning. And this exceptional style comes from his influences: skateboarding, lyrical thug life and designer clothing.

Combining skate culture and hip-hop beats is Pharrell William’s living, as he states in the lyrics of his songs, but it is heavily evident in his personal style as well. Hip Hop and skateboarding collide with Pharrell’s outfits. Mixing skater t-shirts with designer jeans, trucker hats, over the top belt buckles and expensive jewelry, William’s has made a brand his own genre both musically and in the world of fashion.

And after creating his own style came creating his own apparel line called “Ice Cream.” His new line deals mainly with new shoe designs and has made great leaps in African American fashion. Vibrant colors and labels explode off of his shoes, on the sides of the shoe, the top of the shoe, even in or on the bottom of the shoe. “Ice Cream Co.” has changed the black male foot in a great way, from athletic Nike Airforce One’s to colorful and fun “Ice Creams.”

Although his style may be completely casual this skater boy can really clean up. Pharrell can rock any type of suit to a formal event. He knows when to look presentable but still brings that flare and fun to any posh event.

With a rocking clothing line, a blend of skater/thug style and a serious sense for the right suits, Pharrell Williams, front man of the Neptunes Duo, is my choice for 2006 Best Dressed Black Man, even in September.

When walking through Meijer Sunday night, I realized I hadn’t read my favorite magazine for a couple months. Needless to say, I was appalled at myself.

So I ran toward the magazine aisle and saw the beacon of light “Gentleman’s Quarterly”–more informally known as “GQ”–sitting on the shelf calmly waiting for me to look through its pages.

Getting to the library after Meijer, I immediately started flipping through the pages (not flipping through the book I had to read) and come across an article about pattern dress socks. This article briefly explained that dress socks look better than white tube socks even with Converse gym shoes and a casual T-shirt outfit.

GQ gave plenty of examples of what kind of socks to wear, where to get the socks, and what to wear them with, because you should never mix and match sock patterns with your striped pants.

I looked up with an absolutely shocked look on my face because I was asked repeatedly all throughout this summer, and in Europe, how I could possibly wear patterned or solid colored dress socks with all my outfits rather than just regular white socks.

I explained, just like GQ had, about how much better dress socks looked than ugly white gym socks and how men should be wearing the socks I had on instead of looking like they are going to go check girls out at IM West at 6 p.m.

To strengthen my claim to a spot as a future GQ intern even more, there was another highlight of men’s wool toggle/duffle jackets in there too. They mentioned the jacket that I showcased for the new winter season. Go look at the October 2006 edition of GQ magazine pages 124 and 132 and give me an application now.