The uniform. Everybody has one. I have one. I don't care to admit it, but I definitely do.
Contrary to popular belief, there is no one single "uniform" for men. The uniform is a combination that for some reason or another, the wearer has decided has worked, works, and will continue to work for them until the end of time. And in many cases, this is completely true.
However, a quickly thrown-together uniform that lacks cohesion is almost as bad as leaving in sweats and a tee shirt. So I'm going to give you a few tips on how to refine your uniform!
Take for example, a very basic and popular uniform for clubs, bars, and casual social events. Dark dress shoes such as Oxfords, dark wash jeans and a button-up shirt. This is an ensemble that looks good as well as being safe, quick and easy.
Refining this uniform:
-Okay, you've got the shoes. Take a moment to make sure you have on the right socks! Nothing looks goofier than white, athletic ankle socks with dress shoes. I personally like to make a statement with my socks, so I frequently go with patterned argyle socks with a dominant color that coordinates with my outfit, but with enough pattern that it breaks up monotony.
-Dark wash jeans? Check. I know you're not planning on leaving the house without a belt, right? Right. Also, think about what you need when you're out, and figure out slimmer ways to carry it in your pockets. Consider a money clip with just your essentials as an alternative to a bulky wallet.
-Finally, we're at the shirt. This is where I see a lot of people go wrong. First, the shirt doesn't need to be pressed and creased, but it shouldn't be wrinkly, unless it's linen. In which case, bold choice, I approve. Don't tuck your shirt into jeans; you've already made the choice to go casual, so opt for a fitted shirt that can be worn untucked. An age old question regards how many buttons to undo. The correct answer is almost always "two". If you're wearing a tie, make sure it's loose, and only undo the top button. Undershirts are a tricky area, and in my opinion, are unnecessary, unless you're wearing a thin, lightweight white shirt. Which is a poor choice to begin with. Thankfully, we live in a day and age where no matter what your chest situation is, it's probably fine. Tan or no, hairy or shaved, forgoing the undershirt and letting a little bit of chest show is always acceptable, unless you're a veritable Sasquatch. Then consider going with the aforementioned loose tie with one button.
Next post: The Uniform, Part 2
Thursday, July 14, 2011
My thoughts on musical prejudice.
As difficult as it is sometimes to summon enthusiasm for something you've been doing for years, I'm finding myself continuing to be moved and in awe of all genres of music. And it is in this scope of appreciation that I find myself writing this.
In all professional fields, people who are competent practitioners of one technique or study claim that theirs is the best. Sometimes this happens in the open, with insults, slights and challenges directed specifically and with intent. Sometimes it is incredibly subtle.
Hearing a suspension hang on till the last moment, experiencing that perfect chord tune, being enveloped in lush harmony, feeling that primal moment when rhythm and movement meet seamlessly, hearing the melody in a single voice soar over the twisting harmonies...none of that is unique to a single genre.
There is no single high art in music. Opera and classical singing is striking, and the singers must be technically talented. Choir requires every member to be individually competent and complete a beautiful whole. A Capella music relies on tight harmonies and soloists who share something special with the audience. A solo recording artist has the pressures of being completely exposed to people the artist will never meet.
Who are we, any of us, to say which is better, or as is more common, which is inferior? We cannot possibly know everything, and by a corollary, we cannot possibly feel everything, or know what others must feel and what moves them. And if what we practice as musicians is art, is it not our responsibility to express ourselves and move people, and therefore be encouraging of any expression that has the capability to move an individual?
As musicians, as a whole, we claim to be a part of the artistic, enlightened liberal elite, without prejudice and accepting of any person or lifestyle. We claim to respect the earth, all of its inhabitants, and make great efforts to shape the world into a greater place through our art.
So why so much prejudice and flippant disregard towards other genres that lie outside of our own?
In all professional fields, people who are competent practitioners of one technique or study claim that theirs is the best. Sometimes this happens in the open, with insults, slights and challenges directed specifically and with intent. Sometimes it is incredibly subtle.
Hearing a suspension hang on till the last moment, experiencing that perfect chord tune, being enveloped in lush harmony, feeling that primal moment when rhythm and movement meet seamlessly, hearing the melody in a single voice soar over the twisting harmonies...none of that is unique to a single genre.
There is no single high art in music. Opera and classical singing is striking, and the singers must be technically talented. Choir requires every member to be individually competent and complete a beautiful whole. A Capella music relies on tight harmonies and soloists who share something special with the audience. A solo recording artist has the pressures of being completely exposed to people the artist will never meet.
Who are we, any of us, to say which is better, or as is more common, which is inferior? We cannot possibly know everything, and by a corollary, we cannot possibly feel everything, or know what others must feel and what moves them. And if what we practice as musicians is art, is it not our responsibility to express ourselves and move people, and therefore be encouraging of any expression that has the capability to move an individual?
As musicians, as a whole, we claim to be a part of the artistic, enlightened liberal elite, without prejudice and accepting of any person or lifestyle. We claim to respect the earth, all of its inhabitants, and make great efforts to shape the world into a greater place through our art.
So why so much prejudice and flippant disregard towards other genres that lie outside of our own?
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
A shameless advertisement
For those of you who don't know, Land's End Canvas is an excellent source for casual, modern fitting clothing. Land's End evokes a casual New England prep look, and will not break the bank. They are known for their "Guaranteed. Period." policy, which allows for returns or exchanges at any time, for any reason.
The company started as a sailing equipment company in the 1960's, and has expanded to encompass clothing, swimwear, furniture and more. Their Canvas line was very recently launched, carrying clothes of a more modern cut and style than the main site.
I recently placed a large order with them, and everything arrived in 6 days. Everything fit perfectly, and seems to be of high quality construction. I really like the fit and feel of the shorts and v-neck shirts that I ordered. I would recommend this site to anyone, particularly men who are looking for something casually classy as an alternative to "The Uniform".
Next Post: "The Uniform"
The company started as a sailing equipment company in the 1960's, and has expanded to encompass clothing, swimwear, furniture and more. Their Canvas line was very recently launched, carrying clothes of a more modern cut and style than the main site.
I recently placed a large order with them, and everything arrived in 6 days. Everything fit perfectly, and seems to be of high quality construction. I really like the fit and feel of the shorts and v-neck shirts that I ordered. I would recommend this site to anyone, particularly men who are looking for something casually classy as an alternative to "The Uniform".
Next Post: "The Uniform"
Saturday, February 19, 2011
I apologize for the interruption
Introducing a truly different beer.
Buffalo Bill's Brewery: Orange Blossom Cream Ale
This is not a ground-breaking beer. This is not even a very good beer. But if you're like me and you have an obsession with orange and cream, you're going to love this.
As I just said, I am obsessed with orange and cream. Orange ice cream bars, Orange Julius, whatever. You name it, and I'll eat/drink it. So when I was perusing the beer aisle looking for something interesting, there was only one choice for me.
The pour is highly carbonated, with a thin and quickly dissipating head. It is pale colored, and highly carbonated. Fairly unremarkable.
The taste is where it gets me. Orange, right off the bat, with some floral accents floating around. The flavor overcomes a lot of the brew's shortcomings, which are many. It is a thin beer, without much going on aside from the orange. I'm not certain what makes it a cream ale. Admittedly, it is a a bit creamy (read: syrupy) but as previously stated, it's a little thin.
The obvious orange flavor covers up the 5.2% ABV very well, and is actually a very drinkable beer. And at about $6 for a six-pack, I would recommend this over any domestic if you have any intent to consume multiples.
In closing, I wouldn't recommend this beer to everyone. It certainly isn't a top-tier beer, instead maybe ranking around the middle. However, if you love everything orange, as I do, this will be a fun adventure for you.
Buffalo Bill's Brewery: Orange Blossom Cream Ale
This is not a ground-breaking beer. This is not even a very good beer. But if you're like me and you have an obsession with orange and cream, you're going to love this.
As I just said, I am obsessed with orange and cream. Orange ice cream bars, Orange Julius, whatever. You name it, and I'll eat/drink it. So when I was perusing the beer aisle looking for something interesting, there was only one choice for me.
The pour is highly carbonated, with a thin and quickly dissipating head. It is pale colored, and highly carbonated. Fairly unremarkable.
The taste is where it gets me. Orange, right off the bat, with some floral accents floating around. The flavor overcomes a lot of the brew's shortcomings, which are many. It is a thin beer, without much going on aside from the orange. I'm not certain what makes it a cream ale. Admittedly, it is a a bit creamy (read: syrupy) but as previously stated, it's a little thin.
The obvious orange flavor covers up the 5.2% ABV very well, and is actually a very drinkable beer. And at about $6 for a six-pack, I would recommend this over any domestic if you have any intent to consume multiples.
In closing, I wouldn't recommend this beer to everyone. It certainly isn't a top-tier beer, instead maybe ranking around the middle. However, if you love everything orange, as I do, this will be a fun adventure for you.
Thursday, February 17, 2011
On appreciating and discussing classical music...
Today's theme: how to discuss classical music
As a general rule, there are a few things that every gentleman must be able to do. For example, know how to wear a three-button suit, know how to waltz, tie a windsor knot, mix the perfect gin and tonic and among many other things, be able to discuss classical music.
So how do you talk about classical music? Well, very much the same way as you would discuss Mumford and Sons, Radiohead or Ke$ha. What do you like about it? What do you not like? It's as simple as that.
The tricky part is being able to listen to and appreciate the intricacies of classical music, which can be a lot like picking out the subtleties of a quality Merlot.
As a general rule, there are a few things that every gentleman must be able to do. For example, know how to wear a three-button suit, know how to waltz, tie a windsor knot, mix the perfect gin and tonic and among many other things, be able to discuss classical music.
So how do you talk about classical music? Well, very much the same way as you would discuss Mumford and Sons, Radiohead or Ke$ha. What do you like about it? What do you not like? It's as simple as that.
The tricky part is being able to listen to and appreciate the intricacies of classical music, which can be a lot like picking out the subtleties of a quality Merlot.
Just like appreciating a new wine (or beer) try starting with something that you know you might like. For example, when I started out, I was all about chant-like choral music. This led me to the music of Estonian composer Arvo Pärt.
If you know you like the kind of music that you hear in movie soundtracks, start with your favorite soundtrack and follow the rabbit trail. I am in love with the soundtrack from the 1999 movie “American Beauty” which was composed by Thomas Newman, who went on to do the soundtrack to the critically acclaimed “Road to Perdition.” Listen to this composition from “American Beauty” and see if it’s for you.
But maybe you don’t need to be eased into anything, and can jump straight into the classics. If you feel like it, look no further than one of the great works of the late Romantic Period of music; Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 2 in C minor.
(Part 1)
(Part 2)
The trick to appreciating classical music is to actively listen to it, as if you were soaking in an actual performance. Listen to the nuances of the piano, voices and instruments. Notice the passions and emotions expressed in the movement of the melodies and harmonies. And if you find yourself in a gentlemanly situation in which you are discussing classical music, go for more than just name-dropping. It is much more interesting to be able to describe a piece of music than to simply list off composers that you can remember.
Finally, while YouTube is an excellent resource to quickly find free recordings of excellent music, nothing can compare to buying a high-quality recording to own and replay at your leisure. For this purpose, I heartily recommend buying either a CD recording, or a high-quality MP3 recording. I find Amazon to be an excellent resource for this, as their MP3 tracks are very affordable, and easy to download.
For now, happy listening!
Next post: 5 tasteful, wearable accessories.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Three beers I hope you haven't heard of
Today's theme: three European beers I hope you haven't heard of.
When I walked into Market of Choice a few days ago, I spent several minutes looking for the beer aisle. You know, the one right next to the ice cream, jam-packed with delicious domestics like "Budweiser" and "Rolling Rock". After a few minutes of panic, I asked the nearest employee, who kindly pointed me to the back corner of the store. What I found there was an oasis of amazing microbrews and imports that trumps any store in Corvallis. The selection and variety of quality beers they have is just simply astounding. So, I picked three beers that caught my eye and with my friends and fellow bloggers Katy Weaver, Jessica Marshall and Kyle Holzkamp, I went to town.
Haand Bryggeriet IPA (Norwegian IPA)
This beer pours an aggressively bubbly head due to the high carbonation. The color is a light caramel, a little darker than your typical IPA, but certainly not into amber territory. The beer was quite cloudy, with particulates floating around in the carbonation. After letting the beer settle and breathe, the particulate settled to the bottom of the glass and the carbonation became more mild.
The aroma is slightly bitter, but noticeably spicy. Once I got the smell of nutmeg, I had a hard time finding much else. It certainly isn't anything like our Northwest IPA, there is no hoppy, evergreen smell at all.
The beer has a heavier mouthfeel than I'm used to in an IPA, and feels slightly oily. No metallic taste though, which I find usually accompanies an oily feel. The biggest thing I noticed was the lack of a strong hop taste. This results in the 6.5% ABV being very present and detectable. While it hardly tastes like a home-brew, I found this beer to be very raw from start to finish, which is exactly what a Norwegian IPA seems like it should be.
While the price tag will probably prohibit this becoming your go-to beer, I would certainly recommend trying this one out, especially with your IPA-snob friends who can compare and contrast it to a typical NW brew.
St. Peter's Cream Stout (Award-winning stout from the UK)
This brew was an easy choice. Who doesn't love cream stouts? That, and the shape and simplicity of the bottle grabbed my eye and made this a must-buy.
It pours a nice dark brown with a reddish tint when held up to the light. Smooth, creamy head with a clearly defined line of separation between the head and the rest of the beer. Very light carbonation made this an easy pour.
The nose is all bananas. Right in your face, it greets you. Not an unpleasant smell, but certainly unexpected. I let mine sit for several minutes before drinking, and although the head eventually settles into a thin, but persistent ring, the aroma is always present.
The mouthfeel is probably my favorite thing about this beer. It is incredibly smooth and surprisingly light, not as heavy or "chewy" as some stouts can be.
This was a very tasty beer, smooth, sweet and mild, with just a hint of bitterness hitting you towards the end. Subtle dark chocolate flirts just a little bit with the dominant grain flavor, but it doesn't have any of the overpowering chocolate or burnt coffee flavor that can overwhelm many commercialized stouts.
With the interesting aroma and sweet taste of this beer, it hides its 6.5% ABV quite well, and is a very drinkable beer. I would personally have no problem putting down multiples in an evening. I would highly recommend this beer to anyone who enjoys stouts and wants to try something a little out of the ordinary.
Reinaert Wild Ale (Belgian Strong Pale Ale)
Anything that comes in a 750ml bottle automatically catches my eye. I refused to be put off by the fact that I usually don't care much for Belgian Ales, and went with this potent 9% ABV ale anyway.
Pouring this beer was similar to pouring champagne; it was very bubbly, and left a lacy, quickly dissipating head. The most striking thing about this beer was the incredibly pale color. I'll be the first to admit I judge beers on how they look all the time, and I was expecting this to be a little darker in color.
The smell brings to mind apples and fresh cut grass. Sweet and sour notes at the same time. Really brings champagne to mind. The taste is very similar to the smell, with apples the predominant flavor, and some sour yeasty notes coming in after. The 9% ABV is almost imperceptible, without any of the cloying sweetness that can be typical of Belgian or Belgian-style ales.
This beer is a sophisticated, light-weight and well-balanced ale that is dangerously drinkable given its high ABV. I would recommend this beer to anyone who is new to Belgian style ales, or a veteran looking for something new.
Next post: How to discuss classical music.
When I walked into Market of Choice a few days ago, I spent several minutes looking for the beer aisle. You know, the one right next to the ice cream, jam-packed with delicious domestics like "Budweiser" and "Rolling Rock". After a few minutes of panic, I asked the nearest employee, who kindly pointed me to the back corner of the store. What I found there was an oasis of amazing microbrews and imports that trumps any store in Corvallis. The selection and variety of quality beers they have is just simply astounding. So, I picked three beers that caught my eye and with my friends and fellow bloggers Katy Weaver, Jessica Marshall and Kyle Holzkamp, I went to town.
Haand Bryggeriet IPA (Norwegian IPA)
This beer pours an aggressively bubbly head due to the high carbonation. The color is a light caramel, a little darker than your typical IPA, but certainly not into amber territory. The beer was quite cloudy, with particulates floating around in the carbonation. After letting the beer settle and breathe, the particulate settled to the bottom of the glass and the carbonation became more mild.
The aroma is slightly bitter, but noticeably spicy. Once I got the smell of nutmeg, I had a hard time finding much else. It certainly isn't anything like our Northwest IPA, there is no hoppy, evergreen smell at all.
The beer has a heavier mouthfeel than I'm used to in an IPA, and feels slightly oily. No metallic taste though, which I find usually accompanies an oily feel. The biggest thing I noticed was the lack of a strong hop taste. This results in the 6.5% ABV being very present and detectable. While it hardly tastes like a home-brew, I found this beer to be very raw from start to finish, which is exactly what a Norwegian IPA seems like it should be.
While the price tag will probably prohibit this becoming your go-to beer, I would certainly recommend trying this one out, especially with your IPA-snob friends who can compare and contrast it to a typical NW brew.
St. Peter's Cream Stout (Award-winning stout from the UK)
This brew was an easy choice. Who doesn't love cream stouts? That, and the shape and simplicity of the bottle grabbed my eye and made this a must-buy.
It pours a nice dark brown with a reddish tint when held up to the light. Smooth, creamy head with a clearly defined line of separation between the head and the rest of the beer. Very light carbonation made this an easy pour.
The nose is all bananas. Right in your face, it greets you. Not an unpleasant smell, but certainly unexpected. I let mine sit for several minutes before drinking, and although the head eventually settles into a thin, but persistent ring, the aroma is always present.
The mouthfeel is probably my favorite thing about this beer. It is incredibly smooth and surprisingly light, not as heavy or "chewy" as some stouts can be.
This was a very tasty beer, smooth, sweet and mild, with just a hint of bitterness hitting you towards the end. Subtle dark chocolate flirts just a little bit with the dominant grain flavor, but it doesn't have any of the overpowering chocolate or burnt coffee flavor that can overwhelm many commercialized stouts.
With the interesting aroma and sweet taste of this beer, it hides its 6.5% ABV quite well, and is a very drinkable beer. I would personally have no problem putting down multiples in an evening. I would highly recommend this beer to anyone who enjoys stouts and wants to try something a little out of the ordinary.
Reinaert Wild Ale (Belgian Strong Pale Ale)
Anything that comes in a 750ml bottle automatically catches my eye. I refused to be put off by the fact that I usually don't care much for Belgian Ales, and went with this potent 9% ABV ale anyway.
Pouring this beer was similar to pouring champagne; it was very bubbly, and left a lacy, quickly dissipating head. The most striking thing about this beer was the incredibly pale color. I'll be the first to admit I judge beers on how they look all the time, and I was expecting this to be a little darker in color.
The smell brings to mind apples and fresh cut grass. Sweet and sour notes at the same time. Really brings champagne to mind. The taste is very similar to the smell, with apples the predominant flavor, and some sour yeasty notes coming in after. The 9% ABV is almost imperceptible, without any of the cloying sweetness that can be typical of Belgian or Belgian-style ales.
This beer is a sophisticated, light-weight and well-balanced ale that is dangerously drinkable given its high ABV. I would recommend this beer to anyone who is new to Belgian style ales, or a veteran looking for something new.
Next post: How to discuss classical music.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
The right pair of pants.
The right pair of pants.
It’s pretty effortless to put on a pair of pants. Regardless of the fit, it takes about ten seconds to get a pair on and buttoned up. So if it doesn’t take any more effort, why not wear a pair of pants that are going to make you look good, rather than just be an ambiguous covering for your legs?
Photo credit: Katy Weaver
The modern fit is one that is fitted through the hips, thigh and straight in the calf. The fit through the calf can vary; from the super-skinny, to just a straight fit that drops down from the knee. In this picture, art student and fellow blogger Kyle Holzkamp wears a conservative pair of medium wash jeans, with a subtle cuff at the hem. Visit his blog, Collared Times, for great suggestions on style, wine, and art.
OSU student and singer Brian wears a pair of slim jeans that he seems perfectly comfortable in. His entire outfit is simple, yet very classy. The relatively dark wash of the jeans looks good on everyone, and is a safe bet for casual occasions, or more formal engagements. Next time you head out to the bars or a club, try a pair of slim, dark wash jeans. Couple it with a casual button-up or a v-neck tee and finish off the ensemble with a nice pair of shoes.
Take note of another pair of skinny jeans worn by student composer and singer Josh. Too many guys associate skinny jeans with a high school punk or skater look, a look which is easily avoided by making the right ensemble choices. Josh accomplishes this with a bold scarf and an urban, military-inspired jacket. The first step to mixing and matching a stylish outfit is to get rid of any concept of stereotyped articles of clothing. I’ll continue to expound on this concept as this blog progresses.
Here is an example of a pair of jeans that aren’t skinny, but still have a good straight fit in the leg and calf. It goes to show you can fashionable without wearing skinny denim. Plus, check out the boots. A very handsome pair of shoes; the Clark’s Desert Boots are available (and affordable) almost anywhere you look.
Wait. Pants that aren’t jeans? Khakis, chinos and pants are no longer the realm of “business casual”. Yeah, they are certainly are a little dressier than your average pair of blue jeans, but there are a plethora of ways to dress down a nice pair of pants. In this picture, OSU student Andres dresses his pants down with his casual shoes and brilliant red cardigan.
Photo credit: Katy Weaver
Cuffs! A relatively recent phenomena has been the advent of cuffed pants, especially cuffed denim. While the perfect length of pants is still a solid look, showing a little sock or ankle has become very popular as an opportunity to show off a different color or texture and add just a little something to the ensemble. Cuffed pants also draw attention to the shoes you are wearing, in this picture, I am wearing a pair of Timberland chukkas.
It’s all in the details:
Choosing a pair of pants is actually incredibly simple. The first step is to know your measurements. This is as simple as knowing what size of pants you wear. Be aware that slim and skinny pants tend to fit a fair bit smaller than their straight counterparts. For example, I typically wear 32 waist, but if I’m buying skinny pants, I usually bump a size up to the frequently elusive 33.
The next step is one that many guys tell me they have a problem with, and that is the trip to the fitting room. Most of us feel better taking to trip to the fitting room with a girlfriend. That way, we can protest and say that they’re “dragging us”. But don’t worry about it! Ensuring your clothes fit is essential, because I know you don’t want to sink $30-$80 on a pair of pants that don’t fit.
Once you’ve tried on the pair of pants in the fitting room, take a good look while you’re in there. There are a number of things you need to consider. Start at the top and work your way down.
1.) Did you struggle to get the fly buttoned? If so, you might need to consider sizing up. Now, that’s not to say you should buy your pants to “grow into”. That’s an adolescent attitude, and it’ll show. Bad, bad, bad!
2.) After the waist, move to the pockets. If they are bulging or stretching out a lot, this can be bad. This can also be a persistent problem for those of us with muscular legs. If this happens and is fairly obvious, it might be time to try a different brand. As a penny-pincher, I hate to say this, but I’ve noticed that as I go up in quality (and consequently, price range) I tend to get a much better fit in this area.
3.) After the pockets, work your way down. I look for fitted, yet comfortable in the thigh and calf. Painted-on pants are hard to pull off in the best of circumstances, and get even harder as the color/wash gets lighter. A tighter thigh fit can be forgiven if the pants don’t taper in the calf as dramatically. There’s nothing wrong with very skinny jeans, but care must be taken to build the outfit around them.
4.) Finally, the last thing to consider is the fit of the hem. Buy too short and you can be boxed into one look. Buy too long? Same thing. Plus, when your pants are too long, you risk damaging them if they drag. The perfect length will meet the back of the heel, and will fold with one crease on the front of the shoe.
Now, where do I find them?
I find that Levi’s 514 and 511 jeans give a very comfortable and consistent fit. For example, take a look at this gentleman sporting 514’s:
Not too tight, not too baggy. And importantly, they don't distract from the statement articles of business major Chuck's outfit; the pink shirt and checkered tie. While hardly a statement article on most people, these are a solid pair of pants to build an outfit around.
However, wear what works for your body type! Aside from a few brands, very few people can tell or care what brand of pants you’re wearing. That being said, you get what you pay for to a certain extent. If you buy generic Lee jeans over a pair of Sevens, you might end up being disappointed. On the other end of the spectrum, dropping $100+ on a pair of pants might leave you disappointed when they aren’t significantly better than your middle-of-the-road pants.
If I could leave you with one piece of advice, it is this:
Find a look that you like. Make that look work for you.
What does that mean? Well, there are a lot of little choices that happen on the way, but the trick is to stay open minded and creative, and open your eyes to everything out there that you see online, on the street, and on campus.
Next article: three beers I hope you haven't heard of.
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Introductions and stuff
First off, this being the inaugural post of this fledgling blog, I want to say thank you for visiting, and that I hope you enjoy your stay here, as long as that may be. I hope you take something away from your visit. The purpose of this blog is not to be a true sartorialist on the bleeding edge of modern fashion; I’ll leave that to men with deeper pockets! I can’t claim to compete with contemporaries in LA, New York, or DC. Instead, my aim is to broaden the fashions here at Oregon State and bring a sense of modern, intentional style to fellow students and twenty-somethings on a budget by sharing attainable and affordable style suggestions taken from real students.
Guys, I’ll be frank. As a whole, we're a pretty shabby looking lot. The typical style I see on campus is a pair of baggy jeans one size too long, coupled with a worn pair of sneakers, a clean-ish tee shirt (sarcastic comment or printed pattern optional) with an athletic sweatshirt or track jacket covering the whole ensemble. This particular look reminds me of something.
It’s called “High School”
And now that we’re all grown up and in college, making big grown up decisions (well, maybe not yet) it’s time to start dressing the part. Time to dress like a man.
To those of you who are worried about it, let me tell you straight away; dressing well does NOT make you gay. Caring about your style and appearance does not mean you are stuck with the dreaded “metrosexual” label. Dressing well doesn’t mean that all the other guys are judging you. Well, maybe they are, but if you’re reading this blog, maybe you don’t care about that as much as you let on?
I’ve heard a lot of excuses about why people dress the way they do. I may have used a few of them once or twice (read: dozens of times)
“I know how to dress up if I need to.”
“I’m on a budget, and nice clothes are really expensive.”
“I don’t want to look like a runway model.”
And my personal favorite,
“People don’t really care about the way I dress.”
All of these excuses are fairly legitimate, with bits of truth and untruth in them. But they don’t really excuse you from anything. They are simply reasons to not make an effort every day. 20 minutes every morning is more than enough to coordinate a stylish outfit, and once you get the hang of it, you’ll get faster at it. And I’m here to try and make this process easier.
Next article: the right pair of pants.
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