Welcome to the Manscape

John Galliano impresses with impracticality

2009-09-03T18:56:00.000-07:00

In trying to further research the fall 2009 collections I came across the John Galliano collection. The video below shows the entire collection and it is spectacular. The clothes are a vision of pirates and at once both modern and historic. I can't honestly think of any place where I would wear anything in the show, but I really enjoyed watching it, take a look:

The old college try

2009-09-02T19:28:00.000-07:00

It is now officially September, back to school for some and the end of summer for all. Summer is all about fun and sun, but personally fall has always been my favorite season. One of the biggest reasons I love fall is that it affords us so many options for dressing. Season after season fashion magazines, ads and TV try and push "layered" looks on us but most of the time the weather just doesn't allow for it. In fall you can finally embrace the excellent choices available for layered looks with the wide variety of jackets, scarves, pullovers and vests without being too hot or too cold. If you're about to go back and hit the books, first take some time to consider these looks modeled by Hunter Parrish of Weeds fame and coming from this article over at GQ

Best Dressed Real Man

2009-09-01T18:48:00.001-07:00

Esquire is running a contest to find the best dressed real man. You can click here to check it out, of the finalists listed here is my pick:

Jill Sander - Fall 2009

2009-08-29T19:56:00.001-07:00

I decided to continue viewing videos of the fall 2009 collections to see how well they are translating. Here is what Jill Sander had to offer:

At first I thought that it was going to be similar to Calvin Klein, boxy and monochromatic, but then some surprising pieces came down the runway. I really like the multi-colored jackets, they are a bit much with matching pants and turtle necks but thrown over a simple V-neck and jean would look smashing. It is interesting because so far I haven't really seen those jackets come up in an editorial sections in magazines, but I'm still not too far into fall issues as I am desperately clinging on to the end of summer.

I also thought the shapes were quite interesting. The over-sized sleeves with cuffs create an unique look, it doesn't look quite right for the office but it could be a big hit at a party. Many of the jackets seem narrow at the waist but wide at the shoulders and hips, it creates a sort of oddly manly hourglass figure. Usually I think of Jil Sander as a more androgynous look, but this seems to be more of a dualism of masculine and feminine instead of a lack of gender. I think it works for individual pieces but the look is a bit too much for head to toe.

Fall Fashion Flashback?

2009-08-26T21:26:00.000-07:00

I saw the website was up for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week and started thinking about how funny the timing of fashion week seems in the age of youtube. Designers works for a year to plan a collection and put on a show of clothes that are intended to be work six months in the future. Fashion is something current and changing, but the clothes we buy are from designs that are a year old by the time they get to stores. So now that it finally is fall 2009 I looked up some videos of the collections that debuted last spring to see how well they translate now.

Minimalist, monochromatic, colorless this collection seems really typical of Calvin Klein. I always like Calvin Klein clothes in reality, but his presentation is just always the same. The silhouettes a little too boxy which gives everything a really stiff feel. I will say I do dig the music though, but I don't quite see what its connection to the clothes is. I greatly prefer what Gucci had to offer instead.

I like the different materials and the slim cut look of their suits. Gucci is known for a dark, slick and edgy look and this does not disappoint. The accessories really add a great rock-n-roll touch to the look, but suggest that if dressed differently a very different feel could be achieved. Also that purple striped shirt just screams Chuck Bass to me, and that's never a bad thing.

Comme de Chuck!

2009-08-25T16:21:00.000-07:00

I have been busy working my way through the hundreds of pages that fall fashion magazine editors have amassed for us this year. So far I am seeing a lot of good stuff, and plan on fully critiquing various ad campaigns for this site soon. Giving myself a much needed break from the perils of paper-cutting mags I was over at the Nylon Guys website and saw these awesome shoes:

Apparently Converse and Comme de Garcons have teamed up to give out feet some happy! I deeply covet that black pair and may have to go order them now (which you can do here).

I love that Converse keeps cashing in on its low-key cool by pairing up with either different designers or retailers. I got a few pieces from the Converse for Target line and have been a big fan of them and this new endeavor looks ever better. I can't wait to see what they come up with next!

The man for the job

2009-08-20T20:17:00.000-07:00

GQ posted an article on how to dress for a job interview. They take a bunch of guys in interview outfits and then make them over for the same job. I thought it was a good little pictorial with some nice suggestions for how to achieve the best 'hire me' look. While some of the make-overs are great other still don't look that professional to me. I think they went too far with some of the looks and it comes off as more high fashion than big business:

In some other cases though, everything ended up looking mighty fine:

Kicking it old school

2009-08-19T19:36:00.000-07:00

I was looking for something new to write about, and what do you know I ended up find this article on something old, sir Hardy Amies' ABC of Men's Fashion.

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I have heard of the sir Hardy Amies guide before, but have never actually read it. I was thinking that with fashion moving to a more classic look this fall it might be a good time to brush up on the history a bit. So if you're looking towards the future, be sure to keep an eye on the past.

Big Belly Weekend

2009-08-18T17:21:00.000-07:00

No lie, I saw this specific article from New York Times referenced no less than 6 times this weekend. The basic premise is that the biggest trend among hipster guys is having a pot belly, as a reaction against the demands for physical perfection that have dominated for the past decade.

I'm not completely sure how I feel about it, I am always turned off by anything that suggests a physical characteristic could become a fashion statement. I know some people will obviously want to embrace a trend that lets them off the hook for gym time, and if that is what you want more power to you. But whether the body part trend of the moment is shoulders (as the instructors at my gym claimed this spring) or pot bellies it still seems somewhat dangerous of a notion to try and alter your body to fit specifics that are "in". And even worse if your motivation is, as the article implies, a reaction against a president who is both successful and in shape.

That being said, I personally am finding this article to be well timed as I had an overly packed, extended weekend filled with food, fun and drink. So at least for a few days until I get back into a regular routine of eating right and getting a healthy amount of exercise I'll take comfort that my little belly is hip right now. After all, it would be somewhat hypocritical given my statements above to bust my butt to loose the gut just because I prefer the opposite of the trendy pot belly. So I'll enjoy my workout, but won't sweat drinking that beer later on.

Makeover Madness

2009-08-14T17:42:00.000-07:00

I stumbled across this link from In Style today and find it really hilarious. It allows you to see how you would look with a series of celebrity hairstyles, including everybody's favorite emo vampire Edward Cullen/Robert Pattinson and President Obama. I tried it myself and as expected looked comically awful in every single one. Try it yourself if you need a good laugh.

Hair for me, hair for you

2009-08-13T15:55:00.000-07:00

The Style section of New York Times posted this article on hairstyle trends for men:

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In an interesting change of pace this is not an example of a magazine or fashion editor dictating what we should be doing with our head suits. Instead the article is more about a new spirit in men's hairstyling where the style you choose for your hair doesn't necessarily have to match the style you chose for your clothes or anything else for that matter.

Personally, I am a sucker for everything going together well for an overall look but I can also appreciate the desire to express every part of yourself in the way you see fit. Check out the gallery that goes with the article too, the pic above is just a few examples of the many varied looks inside.

Tom Brady does Details

2009-08-12T18:25:00.000-07:00

Details posted some Steven Klein of New England Patriots' quarterback, and Mr. Gisele, Tom Brady. As always Tom is displaying a nice mix of relaxed style and classic America good looks. The pictures go along with this article, which is also their most recent cover story, take a look:

To be honest I don't think this is anybody's best work. I feel as if I've seen these exact picture of this exact quarter back before. Tom Brady is not really much of a fashion icon in my book, other than the excellent street cred of being married to the, now pregnant, Giselle he doesn't really have anything to do with fashion. Sure he looks good in a suit, but I don't get even the slightest impression that he knows or cares which suit he is in. The article itself is also rather terribly written, well below the standard I expect from the publication. But if you're a die hard Brady fan give it a look/read for yourself.

Environmentalism is in this fall

2009-08-11T19:13:00.000-07:00

You know your idyllic summer is drawing to a close when even the most innocent of news scans bring up Fall Fashion. I came across this article from Conducive detailing some of the bigger trends that are emerging for menswear this fall.

I especially love that the focus is on using recyclable and sustainable options. While I tend to go for something a bit more stylish than the American Apparel referenced in the article the idea is still a good one. Now that the public at large is more aware of the pressing need more environmentally conscience it seems that designers are following in step. The notion that fashion doesn't need to be disposable is a good one. Personally I tend to fall a bit on the other side of the spectrum and never throw anything away. Whenever a piece still fits and is in good shape I will pack it away and wait for the trend to come back. If I grow out of something it goes to the donation pile and if something wears out I break it down for rags or try and find other uses for it. Every little step helps!

Mad for Mad Men

2009-08-10T18:06:00.000-07:00

I've been catching up on Mad Men season 2 on DVD recently and am so excited for the new season to come out next week. The show is the absolutely perfect blend of style and substance, compelling drama with visuals beyond anything else on television. Simply put, it is a fashion lover's dream. Vanity Fair published this article along with some gorgeous pictures of leads John Hamm and January Jones

I consider Don Draper (John Hamm) to be the patron saint of Manscaper, he oozes style and class. There is nobody else in Hollywood who can pull of a suit quite like him. Tall, dark, handsome and mysterious Don Draper is the physical embodiment of classic good looks. If you've never seen the show, shame on you and run to rent or buy the DVDs!

College Style

2009-08-07T18:41:00.000-07:00

It seems that you can't go anywhere lately without hearing about "Back to School". As somebody who is no longer in school it doesn't mean that much to me anymore. But here's a back to school look we can all get behind, the fashion line by Harvard University...yes, you read that right:

As soon as I saw those outfits, along with this guardian article, I had to wonder if the folks at Harvard are so smart why did it take them this long to come up with such a great idea? Preppy shorts, fitted oxford shirts and great briefcases are always in style as we transition from the hot days of summer into the cooler fall weather.

Sorry Time, we don't need more excuses to be lazy

2009-08-06T11:17:00.000-07:00

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Time Magazine wrote this article explaining "why exercise won't make you thin" and I must say, though I was not able to complete my own scientific study to refute it, I believe that simple common sense will show the misleading information presented in this article. The basic premise of the article has two points: exercising leads to over eating, human bodies aren't built for short intense cardio.

I do agree with the second point, that our lifestyles have gotten too sedentary but unfortunately there is not a great deal that most of us can do about that. It would be ideal if we could all work in positions that involved moderate physical activity, but most of us sit in offices, cubicles or on the couch most of the time. So in that regard I say your half hour run three times a week is better than nothing, though neither is ideal.

However the other major point of the article is that studies show those who exercise are likely to eat more as a result. The author throws in anecdotal evidence along with the statistics and as a whole I find the article rather misleading. I find that in a nation with skyrocketing obesity rates its not helpful to give the public advice like this:

"The basic problem is that while it's true that exercise burns calories and that you must burn calories to lose weight, exercise has another effect: it can stimulate hunger. That causes us to eat more, which in turn can negate the weight-loss benefits we just accrued. "

That statement is true, but the article as a whole seems designed to turn people off of exercise. I feel a more responsible, and logical, approach would have been to suggest people take extra steps to make sure they eat a healthy diet while exercising, instead of making exercise sound pointless.

Personally, I do gain weight when I am exercising regularly because I gain muscle mass and I eat a healthy diet year-round regardless of how much time I have to hit the gym. It is simple math, if you eat the same and exercise more you burn more calories. I just feel the last thing we need is somebody telling people that exercise isn't helpful, because it is.

Being a busy bee is no excuse to slack on workouts

2009-08-05T18:11:00.001-07:00

A lot of us have a great deal of free time in the summer, and that's awesome because there is always tons of stuff to do. However, too often there seems to be too much to do in the summer months and that can take time away from your workout routine when you need it most: swimsuit season. I was trying to find a quick and simple routine to do for busy summer days where there just isn't time to make it to the gym. I stumbled upon this great little workout on the Men's Health site that shows Jay-Z's workout tips. If there's anybody who is busy it is the Jigga Man himself, check it out:

Who shine?

2009-08-04T20:25:00.000-07:00

I saw this wonderful article on how to shine your own shoes:

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I just thought I had to share it with you, it is not something that I have yet attempted myself but it is very informative. One thing that wasn't mentioned in it is my personal secret for shoes and that is to always remember that leather was once animal skin so the products you use on your skin will work just as well on shoes. While learning the correct way to shine shoes is very important and can insure that you look polished and professional sometimes you get caught in a pinch. In that case just your standard hand lotion or Vaseline will work wonders to buff up a few scuffs on a shoe should you find yourself on the way to an important meeting or event.

Basic advise is sometimes bad advice

2009-07-31T17:09:00.000-07:00

GQ had a little article posted that I came across today about haircuts and listed the "Six things you need to know now!". And personally I found it actually only had about one piece of useful advice:

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"• Do go to a hair salon if you’ve got a longer, more elaborate coif.
• Don’t go to a salon if you want something standard, like a side part or a pompadour. An inexpensive barber will do.
• Do shampoo and condition your hair.
• Don’t wash it every time you shower—a couple of times a week is enough. (Your hair’s natural grease is healthy.)
• Do get a fresh cut in preparation for a big event, like a wedding.
• Don’t get it done the day before. Unless you’re Kid Cudi (see slide 4), your hair needs a week after a cut to look its best. "

Items one and two are essentially one item, and pretty pointless advice if you ask me. I say always go to whomever you trust with your hair, if you want the extra papering and better magazines a salon has to offer than go there regardless of your cut. While it is a good idea to not expect a barber to know how to do more complex cuts you still should go where you feel most comfortable.

Again, items three and four make the same point. Washing and conditioning your hair is healthy, but if you are somebody that needs to be told that my guess is you are not reading GQ or this blog.

Continuing the trend five and six are for all intents and purposes the same item as well (why break the streak?) This is however, the most useful piece of advice in the article. You always want a cut to look good for a big event, but never cut the day before because there is too much risk factor. Even if you have been faithfulsly seeing the same stylist or barber for years there is always room for error and cutting the day before an event prevents any chance you may have of fixing it. If you have a big event coming up I recommend going to your same stylist 5-7 days before hand and not experimenting with any new cut, color or style. That way you will look clean, fresh and put together and can enjoy yourself without having to worry about your hair.

Dude, we need to talk

2009-07-30T21:11:00.001-07:00

Kevin Federline is in the news (well, if you count celebrity gossip as news) for his recent weight gain.

The once svelte ex-husband of Britney Spears has aparently resigned himself to a life of leisure and packed on the pounds in the process. K. Fed had cleaned up his act for a while, transforming himself from a free-loading hoodrat into a dapper young man. Last year he was making appearances at fashion week and managing to carry off some great designer suits with, dare I say, a touch of class. Now he is peddling a reality show and photographed chowing down on fatty street foods like french fries and ice-cream.

We may not know what exactly happened, personally I am leaning toward the notion that this is intentional to publize said reality show. One thing is for certain, he can now serve as a cautionary tale to the rest of us. It is entirely possible to go from a trim, toned dancers body to a doughy heavyweight in a lot less time than you might think. As his waist has grown his style has shrunk, so let this be a lesson next time you need a bit of motivation to make it to the gym.

Death by tanning

2009-07-29T18:23:00.000-07:00

Well today I read this distressing article that says tanning in a tanning bed causes skin cancer.

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Which is simply terrible news for those of us that are pigmently challenged. Tanning in a tanning bed can cause serious damage to your skin which now is more conclusively linked to cancer as well. What isn't mentioned in the article, but also remains true, is that the damage can also prematurely age you and as men we should fear anything that has "premature" in it.

Personally I do enjoy the tanning beds, especially in winter because I am pretty far north and there is not a lot of sun then. But articles like this are a good wake-up call that not everything that feels good (or makes us look good) in the sort term is good for us in the long run. Still though, the article does mention some dissenting opinions, granted from a tanning industry rep, so there may be some hope after all but I wouldn't hold my breath.

Hair today gone tomorrow?

2009-07-28T18:30:00.000-07:00

I came across this great article on head shaving in News Day where a few men tried out testing various head shaving strategies. While this is one particular style I cannot personally attest to I do think the article is an interesting read if it is a look you're considering. They even hopefully point out HeadShave which allows you to test out how you'd look with a chrome dome.

Since we are now in the thick of summer this could be the best opportunity to try it out and beat the head. Be sure to invest in some sunscreen to keep yourself from having an embarrassingly visible sunburn covering the top of your head and then enjoy the nice breeze.

A world of no Calvin Klein

2009-07-27T18:11:00.000-07:00

I was waiting for my appointment to get a new summer haircut (it turned out well, BTW) and as I was flipping through magainzes I cam across this little gem of an ad for Calvin Klein:

Personally, I have always loved Calvin Klein because his close fit me really well, but this jacket / pants combo is completely heinous. A look this boxy is flattering on approximately 0% of the population, and the squarish plates add a ridiculous bullet proof vest quality to an already uncool looking jacket. Not to mention that this entire look seems extremely counter-intuitive to everything that is going on with fashion at the moment. It is showy and pointless in a season where all the best looks are reminiscent of classic American style and working class chic. This is just another perfect example to show you that buying a designer brand does not mean you are buying fashion. I would wager you can walk into any second hand store and find a quilted vest that is more in the moment that this designer dud

All the President's Jeans

2009-07-21T18:15:00.000-07:00

So every news source is picking up this story about President Obama wearing "mom jeans"

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I must say I am really wondering what the big deal. First of all, those are not "mom jeans" mainly because in order to qualify as such they would need to be women's jeans. Specifically ugly, high-waisted, unflattering, women's jeans. These are just basic, boring and somewhat ugly men's jeans.

Obama defended his jeans by saying that they were "comfortable" which we can all understand. Especially when you consider that not only does he quite literally have one of the most stressful jobs in the world, but its a job that requires he wear a suit about 29 days a month. However, it is no more or less easy to buy flattering comfortable jeans than it is to by "mom jeans". Sometimes we want or need to look our best so comfort takes a back seat. But when you are shopping for comfort you don't have to neglect style. The important thing is at the point of purchase to take into consideration everything you want out of your jeans, you don't have to sacrifice comfort for style you just may need to shop around a little more.

besides, think of the alternative:

Coverboys: Steal Bateman's Look

2009-07-18T13:22:00.001-07:00

The newest issue of Details found its way to my coffee table.

This is a great look to emulate, its current and classic at the same time. Also this type of look can be achieved on pretty much any budget. Two of the biggest looks of the moment are the plaid/gingham shirt and a knit tie. By selecting a tie that is in the same color scheme as the shirt you get all the benefits of a monochromatic look, without being unduly boring about it. Because this is a look that is permeating every level of fashion you should be able to make it your own at any price range. You can spend hundreds of dollars for designer labels, but you could just as easily put this together from pieces you already own or pick up second hand.

If the T-Shirt fits....

2009-07-09T17:34:00.000-07:00

With summer in full swing there is almost nothing more appealing than slipping on a T-shirt and heading out the door (I guess pants/shorts of some type would be good, but hey I don't know your business). However, with the varieties of options available finding a great summer t-shirt can be a challenge. You've got to consider the look you want to achieve, the fit options available and find it in the right size. Here are some great tips for finding the right one for you:

Decide the look you're going for, before you look for the shirt. Last summer 80's graphic T's were all the rage, but this year the economy has shifted and brought back a few good trends: the classic look (bonus points for actually being a classic and not just looking like one) old-school logos, vintage TV or nostalgic products. The other option making a huge comeback is the basic look, solid colors with maybe a simple ringed collar. Both these looks capture what's great about a t-shirt, effecting an effortless cool.
Am I summer or a winter? Thankfully as men we never really had to suffer through the "Color me beautiful" era of the 80's. The seasonal shifts however can make a big change in the colors you choose. If you're somebody who is able to get a tan easily the same colors you choose all winter might no longer be flattering in summer. I wear darker olive and plum tones in winter but in summer go for brighter reds and blues
FIT FIT FIT the fit of your t-shirt is most important. Most of the time people will either go too big or too tight, ideally you want one that fits your body. If you want to go for an over-sized look it should be pretty easy to find one to suit your needs, but if something more fitted is your interest it can be harder. The reason that a perfect fit is key is because it will always be the most flattering option. Most of us don't have perfect bodies and wearing a shirt that is too tight will make all of your flaws more apparent, but a shirt that is too big can make you look sloppy. If you really like something, ignore the size on the label and just try on several until you find one that fits. Once when I wanted a band t-shirt I am not ashamed to admit I tried it on in seven different size mediums to find the one that looked right, though I am ashamed to admit that band may have been the Spice Girls.

Just remember the best thing about finding a great t-shirt is that when any number of summer activities comes up you can just throw it on over some jeans and head out for some fun!

Gentleman's Sport

2009-07-05T09:38:00.001-07:00

Tennis is my favorite sport to watch, it's exciting, takes great athleticism, loved the world over...but mostly I like it because it's classy. Watching the Wimbledon finale you'd be hard pressed to think of a sport with better dressed players. Be it Andy Roddick and his sporty Lacoste, Tommy Haas in a more modern K-Swiss or Roger Federer in a classic looking Nike. The boys know how to dress to impress. Instead of everybody on a team having to wear the same, ugly, jerseys the players are able to cultivate something of a personal style. While some may go too far, a hideous leather clad Serena Williams comes to mind, for the most part everybody looks good. While Wimbledon does limit everybody to mostly white, at other events little more personal style is in order.

Fourth of July

2009-07-04T13:28:00.000-07:00

America's birthday is upon us; fireworks, BBQ and beer. We celebrate the rights and freedoms we have and enjoy all the benefits of summer. Whether it is a day at the beach, soaking up the sun; an old-fashioned cookout with hamburgers, coleslaw, chips and jello-salad; laying in the grass watching fireworks explode above. July brings the heart of the summer, the best this land has to offer so make the most of it. However, there are a few things to keep in mind.

4th of July can mean sun, fun and good times or it can be a sad, sweaty, bloated mess. We've all been to the family get together, ran into that red faced, bug bitten, beer swilling uncle who doesn't seem to realize his sunburned gut is hanging out of his too small flag t-shirt and expanding by the minute. Nobody wants to be that guy. That guy doesn't want to be that guy. So what can you do to avoid being an embarrassment? The key is to plan ahead, here are some helpful tips for 4th of July and the rest of summer:

If you're going to dress patriotically, that's great but there is a wrong and right way to do it. Don't be the one in bad cut-offs, a screaming eagle t-shirt and star spangled visor...that will make people want to avoid you. Start simple, choose American designers and wear something classic. Blue jeans are the true American classic, pair them with a simple red or blue polo and you show your spirit without going overboard. Alternatively a nice crisp white shirt looks great paid with red or blue plaid shorts.

Many of us workout rigorously for weeks (months!) before summer to get in swimsuit shape. If you've taken the time to watch what your eat, run the few extra miles and find more time for crunches don't blow it on one BBQ. Stay away from anything labeled "salad" that is really just code for "covered in fatty, high caloric mayonnaise based dressing". Go for something meaty and then fresh fruits and veggies, chips and salsa are also a healthy snack. Not to go all Atkins on you but steak or steak & veggie kabob are better than a burger with bun, cheese, ketchup, mustard.

If you're starting your day early, start it off right. Apply sunscreen at least 15 minutes before leaving the house. Have a bottle of water, these holidays can get long so start hydrated and you'll benefit later on. Pack an extra shirt to take with you, just in case of emergencies there's nothing worse than having to wear a wine or Kool-Aid stain all day.

Throwing up your Samuel Adams isn't exactly the best way to remember our forefathers, be classy and pace yourself.

Have fun, be safe, be fabulous

Beginnings

2009-07-03T09:59:00.000-07:00

This is the humble beginnings of what I intend to become an entertaining and informative blog about male fashion, fitness, style and grooming with a humorous bent and celebrity twist. A place to find everything from the newest trends in hair styling, to tips on buying high fashion looks for less along with funny anecdotes and pics of what the stars are wearing.