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– A new digital camera if she doesn’t have one or its old and outdated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…
Aug
18
2009
I’ll be the first to admit that I was slow to jump on the quality haircut bandwagon. I was taught by my dad to actively seek out the cheapest haircut. Not too long ago I remember him beaming when he found a shop that charged only $4.99 for a cut. But, I suppose when you’re semi-retired, own land, shoot deer with BB guns, and generally do whatever the hell you feel like, you can get away with a haircut that costs the same as a fast food meal.
And so I thought the cheaper the haircut the better. I’d go to a Supercuts/City Cuts/Sport Clips type place, but only on Tuesdays when it was $5 off, because cheaper = manlier.
Then one day I realized that I value quality things. Be it clothing, shoes, cars, beer, cigars and food. I pay very close attention to how I dress when I go out, but I was leaving one hugely noticeable area untouched: a quality haircut. So, I made an appointment with a salon, and I’ve never looked back.
What is the biggest difference? Attention to detail.
At my Quickie Haircutter I’d spend about 10 minutes in the chair. At my new place I’m there for easily 3.5 times that. With that amount of time they’re able to actually cut the hair properly, paying attention to the idiosyncrasies of my hair and my style. No chop job here.
It’s the difference of paying $4 to get a car wash at a gas station, and going and spending the $15-20 to get it hand washed. It takes more time, but the job is done much better.
In the interest of full disclosure, I have very odd hair. It’s a cross between a horse’s mane and pubic hair (you’re jealous, I know). So, perhaps it was more important for me to get a professional job, though I have talked with several other guys and they echo my sentiments. Now, if you’ve got a simple haircut like a buzz, or just like it super short, then by all means go to a Quickie Haircutter.
But, for everyone else, if you’re reading this blog, I’d hope that you’re buying into the idea that guys should care. We should be unapologetic about looking good, in our own manly way. So, while you’re paying attention to what goes on your feet, look at the other pole, and give a good quality salon a test drive.
Incidentally, for you Houstonites, I go to Daniel at Elements Salon off Waugh. Having only had my haircut by attractive women (and one cross dresser), it took me awhile to get used to having my hair cut by a guy, but he really does good stuff. The haircut isn’t too terribly priced ($35) but that includes a free necktrim whenever you need it. Also, importantly the shop decor is gender-neutral so as to ease the transition into the salon world.
Aug
10
2009
Yes, gentleman, you need to be concerned with what you wear swimming. I know, it’s a tough world. But, here at PG, we believe that a modern man (that is what you’re becoming, isn’t it?) should leave no stylistic stone unturned. Every aspect of what you put on your body should be scrutinized to ensure that it looks good, fits you properly, and is exuding the sort of attitude you are intending.
So let’s dive in (!).
As is occurring with shorts, hip swimwear has seen a substantial northward inseam rise. I think the swim trunks Daniel Craig wore in Casino Royale also helped to build this into a fervor and is reflected in the general theme for a recent GQ article: “Shorter is Better.”
I’m not nearly as opposed to shorter swim trunks as I am to short shorts. I just think very few men should wear swimming trunks like those mentioned in the article, and even then, it should only be when in the right location/occasion. There’s no doubt that this look is on-trend and hip, but just like with skinny jeans, it’s not a look that should be attempted by every guy.
Read on for what you should wear for your age, the occasion, and personal style.
Read the rest of this post
Jul
20
2009
The way that your clothes fit on your body is probably the single most important, yet easiest aspect of your wardrobe to change. You can have the most expensive clothing in the world, and still look like a scrub if the clothes don’t fit your body properly.
Most guys wear clothing that are too big, though there are some (non-hipsters even) that wear their clothes too tight (a perplexingly disproportionate number of which workout at my gym, and always right next to me). The problem stems from the baggy clothes trend that began in the 80’s and thankfully, is gradually being beaten back in recent years. It is a horrible look that needs to stop immediately. Please help do your part.
Luckily, more mainstream clothiers are getting behind the “slim is good” mantra and are offering more tailored variety of clothing. Let me be clear: I am NOT advocating skinny jeans. Leave that to the women and hipsters. All I am saying is to make sure your clothes fit properly so that there is not a ton of excess fabric flopping around. Think clean, precise lines (that is our overall goal after all).
As an example of why we go for precise lines, think of all the bigger guys you’ve seen who tend to wear their clothing a little bit looser and baggier. This intuitively makes a bit of sense. However, this has the opposite effect of accentuating their size as it exaggerates their build (think of the super long suit coats worn by NBA stars). Larger guys actually look more put together and less sloppy in clothes that are trimmer. Point being – always find clothes that fit your frame, no matter what your body type. PG will be focusing more on specific lessons on fit for different body types in latter posts.
Here’s a tip: when in doubt, take it to your tailor. I’ll say this over and over and over again. A good, knowledgeable tailor can work magic on your wardrobe. Get to know yours. Especially considering the wide differences in body types. For some, unless you go custom, it will be virtually impossible for you to find a shirt that fits perfectly off the rack (I have wider shoulders, yet a 12 year old girl waist, so I have to get a ton of fabric cut out of the torso region). The good thing about this is that you don’t have to start completely over with your closet. Take some shirts you love, that don’t fit perfectly, and take them to the tailor. You’ll come out with a great shirt and save some $$.
Note to Houstonians: I have a man-crush on Jon. He’s got an innocuous looking shop in a strip center (Buffalo Speedway and 59, same shopping center as the Kroger’s) that just has “Alterations” on the sign. Great attention to detail and quality, at very honest prices.
So, remember that the general theme is for your clothing to fit precisely, no matter your body type. The forthcoming lessons will expound on this general theme.
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