Mar
3
2010
I’ve finally taken the plunge and purchased my first (and second) cardigan. Sort of an odd thing to celebrate, but, hear me out. I know I’m not exactly blazing a style trail here, but I can’t believe it took me so long to pull the trigger.
With the new modern fit of cardigans, it has definitely jumped into cool territory from old-man-sweater region, provided you wear it correctly.
The key to pulling off the look, as with all tops, is proportion and keeping it slim. This is especially important for the cardigan, because if it doesn’t have a modern fit you’ll really look like a square. Make sure it’s lightweight, and slim fitting. The nature of the sweater (just meant for cooler weather) means you really should just have one button down/tshirt underneath it, so you don’t need a lot of give in the fit.
Since, this is more of a hip clothing item (weird, huh?), it’s especially important that the rest of your outfit is suitably modern. Otherwise you’ll look like you only have enough style to pay attention to the one piece. I wrote about this for the sportcoat and jeans post.
What’s Awesome About It
The look is very geek chic, which may or may not appeal to you, but based on anecdotal evidence girls totally dig the look. Just don’t forget the “chic” aspect.
Also, the look is killer, because it isn’t too stylistically advanced, but you’ll still immediately step out from the crowd.
How To Wear It
Wear it as you would a modern sportcoat. Over a patterned button down, tshirt, or throw on a tie with it. Just keep everything modern. Slim jeans, tie, and shirt.
You don’t have to button it all the time, since it looks equally cool unbuttoned. If you do button, remember as with a vest, do not button the last button.
Options
Keep the colors neutral. You don’t need to make a statement with the color.
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Not a bad price for a cashmere blend.
Keep the cardigan simple.
I promise, if you wear it with the right top, you won’t look this hipster.
Feb
22
2010
My February Resolution? I’m done with chinos. I’ve said it before, but this time I mean it. I’m going to stop trying to make them look cool, and stop forcing myself into believing I can make them work. It’s just too hard.
I made the decision this morning as I was browsing through M+O’s new offering of chinos and almost got sucked in, again.
Chinos have to fit perfectly. Because of the heft of the fabric there is less room for error with chinos than with jeans. Too baggy and you look WAY slobby. They have to be perfectly slim fitting. But even when they fit perfectly, they still don’t look right. That’s why chinos are so evil.
The problem is that chinos are supposed to fill that weird gap between jeans and trousers. The only problem is that they do it so poorly, you might as well just opt for the other choices.
You always end up looking *too* preppy. Too shiny. While PG strives to look clean and put together, there’s always a hint of attitude thrown in. Even if it’s in the subtle pairing of colors or textures. With chinos, you don’t have that. There’s no grunge, no character. It’s like you stepped right out of a Gap ad. It’s too vanilla.
But, dear reader, you may say “wait, what about those great JCrew outfits in their catalogs?” Lies. All of them. They look fantastic on paper, but in practice it’s almost impossible to pull off without looking like you actually work at JCrew. It’s too contrived.
Chinos are not stylish.
Phew. There. I’ve said it.
Feb
2
2010
Having just completed a couple of rounds of interviews, I thought I’d do a quick post on proper attire. Conventional wisdom here is to dress for one level above the job that you want. This can be tricky though, so really tailor it to the job/firm that you’re applying to.
This was brought up in the power jeans article, in that some companies actually frown on suiting up for an interview. In an article over at Wetfeet, the author actually had a pretty solid suggestion if it’s local: go stalker and camp out at the office to see what the majority of the workers there are wearing.
I won’t tackle the outliers, and will instead focus on the more typical business environment.
The general idea is to strike a balance between not looking like everybody else, but also not looking like you’re trying too hard. Your appearance undoubtedly plays a large role in you landing that job (or else a dress code wouldn’t even be in the equation), so showing that you possess some taste and the ability to not be a lemming could go far. The interviewer may not jot down “killer suit & tie combo”, but subconsciously you’ve already made an impression – everybody likes pretty things.
The Interview Suit
A few comments:
- Do not wear a black suit
- Steer clear from pinstripes (a subtle chalk-stripe is ok)
- Go for darker colors
This leaves you with a dark grey or charcoal grey suit. This is one place you do NOT want to stand out. Let the fit of your suit and the shirt & tie combo do the talking.
Speaking of your shirt and tie combination:
- Stray away from french cuff shirts; a button cuff is more subtle
- No contrast shirts with the white collars
- Color is fine (in fact encouraged), just nothing that is blindingly bright; as with tequila, moderation is key
Business Casual Interviews
The first interview was labeled as business casual, with suits being optional. But, knowing the culture and the reputation as a firm, there was no way I was going in sans-suit. But, the key is to not overdue it. There’s a reason they said business casual.
I knew the majority of guys would opt for khakis (pleated) and a white or blue shirt with a gold tie. Or, khakis, white or blue shirt, and blue blazer.
My thinking is that I wanted to distinguish myself from the crowd, but not in a “hey, look at me” sort of way. The idea is to look different, but in a good, and almost more importantly, appropriate way. So, I decided to go with a suit but ditch the tie, and pair it with a nice sweater with a button down underneath.
I opted for a dark charcoal modern suit from Banana. A reasonably priced suit with a nice modern fit (the tailor was amazed how well it fit off the rack). I next added a dark navy, fine merino wool sweater, over a grey button down. The look was modern, and put together.
Arriving at interview day I was surprised to see that 50% of us were in suits (it was a group session), while the rest were exactly how I had envisioned them.
If you don’t own an interview suit, then nice trousers and a tie will go a long way. Just avoid the standard khaki + white/blue shirt uniform. You want to show your prospective employers that you can take the rules they’ve given you and appropriately make it your own.
Business Formal
For round 2, the dress code was business formal. This means suit up. I had the same motivation here, stand out, but in a good way. I knew that the majority of guys would be in charcoal suits with either a blue or white shirt, and undoubtedly with a gold tie. There was no way I was going to look like a 60 year old Republican Senator. I’m young and cool, and this is a big f-ing deal, so I needed something suitably cool.
This was a tough selection for me, because I knew what I wanted but the stores didn’t have exactly it. I ended up settling on a purple and white micro-check shirt (subtle thin purple lines), with a point collar, and paired it with a thin beautiful royal purple tie. I recycled my grey suit from the first interview.
I haven’t touched on collar choices, but go with a point or a spread collar for an occasion like this. This means avoid the classic button down collar. Historically button-down collars are more for casual wear, but regardless it is visually more appealing to have a nice point collar.
Take home: when going with a suit, it’s OK to go with a nice pattern shirt. Pair it with a tie in the same color family and you’ve got a very sharp combination.
Remember, it is your goal to be attractive to the company. Both from an intellectual standpoint (which your resume already provided) and a physical standpoint (why it isn’t a phone interview). So, put some thought into what you’re putting on.
Oh, and the combination of the patterned shirt + solid tie looked awesome. Heading to the airport that afternoon the crosswalk dude (yes, it was a dude…bite me), and the metal detector lady both complimented me on how I looked. And if that’s not success, I don’t know what is.
Dec
18
2009
As promised, here is the remainder of the gift guide. And not a moment too soon, with only 6 more shopping days left. So get on it fellas.
In honor of the lack of time, here are the remaining gift ideas, in easy-to-digest (unlike my 1/2 lbs burger I just hoovered) list format.
Techie/Design Gifts
- For the girl that loves design: give her the Adobe Creative Suite of software and a wireless mouse for her to play around on.
- I’m told that girls like gadgets too. Some ideas:
– New iPod or docks for her existing iPhone or iPod.
– A Kindle
– A new digital camera if she doesn’t have one or its old and outdated
- Girls are always trying to slim down what they carry when they go out. Here’s a cool iPhone sleeve that doubles as a small wallet:
- Seatbelt camera straps = totally cool.
- Field Notes makes some really cool pocket-sized notebooks. They make great stocking stuffers.
- Don’t know how practical this is since most people don’t have landlines, but it’s too cool not to post: a vintage rotary phone.
- Most chicks totally dig paper. Houston area store PH Design has this cool K.I.T (Keep In Touch) as well as custom stationary.
- I know this belongs in the accessory section, but I missed the boat on it. I guarantee you none of her girlfriends will have a purse like this:
- Give the gift of art: especially that from a local artist. Really avoid mass market art though. That means no Target, IKEA, or mall art stores.
The Others
- If she’s concerned with social responsibility (they donate a pair of shoes for those in need with every purchase).
- If she loves to read hunt down her favorite classic book in a limited edition.
- For the girl that likes to bake and/or cook (BTW – do any of these women still exist?):
– get a personalized recipe box with personalized recipe cards.
– some cool and colorful measuring cups and spoons.
– Or a really nice apron. Holy junk the one below is sexy.
- If she doesn’t have it already: the KitchenAid mixer is a must. Get it in a color other than white. At $300, this is one of the best prices you’ll see this go for.
- A subscription to magazines she likes. Tread carefully here: I’m told getting her a subscription to Shape isn’t going to go over well. Try things like: the Oprah Magazine, Rachel Ray, or Lucky (this is OK because it focuses on shopping, not on style).
Thoughtful
- If money is tight for you, plan a whole day together where you don’t just sit at home; go to museums (which are usually free). Pretend y’all are a tourist for the day and explore the city as such.
- If she’s ok with not having an “actual” gift, give a donation in her name to a charity she would support. I’m not sure how this would go over with most girls, but the recommendation came from one so perhaps there’s something here. I’d be pissed if I got this as a gift. But, I’m a heartless, materialistic bastard.
- Most girls have a hobby, seek out something vintage. Photographer : vintage camera. Writer : vintage typewriter.
- Tickets to an upcoming concert, ballet, opera, musical, or symphony. It’s great because it shows promise for an upcoming date where they can get dressed up. Never underestimate the power of the opportunity to dress up for women. They live for it. A fancy date is like their own personal leading actress role, where all eyes are on her.
- For the women with kids, a simple break from the kids probably does wonders. It can be with you, or without. Try a spa, or something similarly relaxing (shooting range?).
- Girls really love having their hands and feet played with so why not give her a gift certificate for a manicure and pedicure (brass tacks, isn’t that what it is?). Since times are tough, she’ll appreciate the thought, especially if she’s been skimping on the guilty pleasure.
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And….that’s all folks. I hope it’s been marginally helpful. Happy hunting…
Dec
14
2009
A quick break from the Holiday Gift Guide posts, to bring you an all important message. A buddy informed me this weekend that Target is starting to carry Underoos again, but this time for adults. Excited as can be, I turned to the internets but alas couldn’t find anything on Target’s website.
BUT, I did find a shop on Amazon that sells officially licensed DC Comics character briefs. Now, I’m totally not a briefs man, but tighties that have Batman delivering a death blow on the buttocks? Come on. If that’s not awesomeness, I don’t know what is.
Dec
11
2009
Yesterday we covered clothing, and so now we move onto the accessory that needs a post all to itself: jewelry.
Yes, women like jewelry because it tends to sparkle, but I’m informed that there are more sentimental reasons that aren’t also shared in common with a cat: they like jewelry from you because it can often be worn daily so it reminds her of you every day. If y’all are dating/married I’m going to go ahead and assume that’s a good thing.
The message sent by jewelry is usually that of a more serious relationship, so tread carefully if this isn’t the signal you want to convey. It should go without saying that you ought to avoid giving rings unless it’s SUPER serious.
Necklaces and earrings are great buys, since all girls love them. The great thing is that if you shy away from the precious metals, you need not spend a ton on quality and unique jewelry.
Now for the ideas:
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The answer to any question about jewelry typically can be made with one word: Tiffany’s. This is because every woman will tell you that if comes in a little turquoise box with a white ribbon, she’ll love it. If you’re not totally banking it, they have some surprisingly inexpensive items that still look great.
Tiffany’s stainless steel studs ($80):
This is a super cool necklace by Elsa Peretti ($195).
For independent designs, the website Etsy is a huge treasure trove of ideas. The site is jam-packed with a ton of items, so at times it can be difficult to sift through, but it’s often worth it for handmade, unique products. Utilize their search features, and keep in mind that large bold necklaces are in.
Here’s a really cool gold pendant from a designer out of Austin ($99):
You can’t go wrong with a simple, classic diamond pendant like below. I’m told you can find coupons and get it for $400.
Supermarket is another site similar to Etsy, where independent designers sell their wares. There’s less stuff there (and I think quality control is higher), so it’s a bit easier to find things. Here’s a cool set of jewelry made out of wood and handpainted ($75):
Gold popout earrings ($50). The earrings come affixed to the gold sheet, so you get to popout the design.
Necklace made out of reclaimed copper ($58.00).
The benefit of items purchased through sites like Supermarket or Etsy are that not every single one of her girlfriends will have seen these before, either in a catalogue or in one of the big box retailers. That makes the gift infinitely more personal.
Topics for next week: gifts for the techie/design girl, pampering subset, thoughtful gifts (some that don’t cost $$), and other gifts that the Female Brain Trust has devised that you would never ever think of.
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