Discrimination ending against men & not soon enough.....

Sister Robin sent me this article "The New World of Men's Shoes" via The Wall Street Journal. Over the years I have been upset when I walk into a store shopping for shoes and the general outcome is the same: Men's shoes consist of approximatley15% of the inventory. Not a large selection.

"One can trace the shoe boom to a growing interest in menswear driven, in large part, by blogs and their endless streams of street-style photographs. As dress codes have relaxed and been reshaped (Mr. Jennings pointed out that shorter pant hems have shone more of a spotlight on shoes), men have started to use footwear to express their personal style. "You can see trends from all over the world—cool guys in Austin and Paris and Tokyo," said Los Angeles-based designer George Esquivel, 43, who began his career making shoes for members of Pearl Jam and Nine Inch Nails, and is now known for creating inventive custom shoes for fashion-forward clients like New York Knicks center Tyson Chandler. "Men start getting tired of black and brown and very basic things," Mr. Esquivel added."

The next big effort for men is to keep the shoes clean and polished. Click here to check Kurt's Cultural Offering post out about how polishing shoes is therapy.

Baracuta..not to late to order one..............

The perfect Christmas gift to one's self. 

Click here to check out O'Connell's Clothiers.

$295

Bill Cunningham's view of no socks and no-break rise trouser lengths.....

From Sister Robin: 
Click here to read my view of wearing no socks
Click here to read my view of no-break trouser length

Now click on the video below and listen to Bill Cunningham's message

Traveling Americans & their dress.....................

Stolen from Time-Travelers.org

An American who lives in Italy recently related this story to me: 

I was riding the train not too long ago from Arezzo to Milano and sat beside a lovely Italian student.  She was in her mid 20s and was most interesting.  At one point, she looked at me and said, "Do you mind if I ask you a question, since you're an American?  Why do all the Americans wear those funny hats on their heads when they come to Italy?  What is the significance of the t-shirts they wear--the one with the American flag, the eagle and the names of places they've traveled before?  Do they always wear tennis shoes - don't they own nice shoes?"  They were tough questions - I couldn't answer them for her. 

How to Avoid Ugly American Syndrome

Are you planning a vacation to Europe?  Are you aware of “Ugly American Syndrome”?  You know how Americans tell jokes about foreigners (the French always seem to be a popular target for a laugh)?  Well, guess what?  They tell jokes about you!  And from what I have observed the European stereotype of the ugly American is embarrassingly true.

I saw a play in Ireland in summer 1999 in which American tourists were satired--they were dressed in white sneakers, fanny packs, t-shirts with a sports team logo, and baseball caps.  They complained about the cigarette smoke and asked for decaf coffee.  Quite amusing since the actors resembled my parents a bit.  (Though, I must admit I also asked for decaf coffee in Ireland.)

Some stereotypes and how to avoid them:
1. Americans are loud.  Talk less loudly.  Many Europeans speak English very well.  There is no need to speak extra slowly and there is certainly no need to increase your volume.   If you meet someone who does not speak English, speaking loudly will not help them to suddenly do so. Americans also talk very loudly with each other.  I know that might be harder to avoid, but observe other people around you and speak at the same level.  It's not a contest--you don't need to be louder than them.
2.  Americans complain because things are different from home.  Well, you do. Ok, not all of you.  Many are open-minded and want to experience difference.  Why the rest of you bother to leave home, I don’t know.   A couple of things Americans usually complain about:

• Caffeine. Most Europeans do NOT drink decaf coffee.  So don’t ask for it.  Even if a restaurant or café claims it has decaf, they don’t.  You won’t know the difference until it’s too late.
• Smoke. Most European restaurants do NOT have a non-smoking section.  So quit whining about the smoke.  You are not going to get lung cancer from a two-week vacation.   Besides, if you are travelling during high tourist season, you probably won’t have a problem finding a smoke free (or at least a less smoky) restaurant because they’ll all be filled with other American tourists.  My advice: Suck it up

• 3. Ugly white tennis shoes.  I see this all the time.  American tourists are soooo easy to spot because they wear brand spanking new blinding white sneakers.  I know where this comes from--it’s from all the suburbanites reading tour books warning them to “wear comfortable walking shoes.”    Americans, who drive their cars everywhere, generally put up with uncomfortable shoes more than others.   So how to buy comfy shoes is a mystery to them.   They go to their local sports store or nearest LL Bean catalog and purchase special shoes just for the trip.   If you don't own comfy shoes that you can walk miles in, they please buy some! But don't get white sneakers.  Try Birkenstocks, Doc Martins, or some other shoes that don't look like they were meant for exercise.

4.  Funny hats. Baseball is an American sport.  Baseball caps are distinctive American head wear.  Nothing screams "I'm an Ugly American Tourist" like a baseball cap--ok, the white sneakers are worse.  If you are worried about getting sun in your eyes then wear sunglasses.

5. Fat Fanny.  I bet some guide book told you that a "fanny pack" would be a good idea.  It would keep your hands free and deter pickpockets, right? Whatever. Seriously, would you wear one of those silly fanny packs at home? To work? To school?  Then why on your trip?  Backpacks are fine--get a small one.  For women, use a purse! The same one you use at home should be fine.  Yes, yes, I know "Beware of pickpockets."   And you should.  But wearing a fanny pack is ASKING a pickpocket to come get you.  Do you know why? Because ONLY American tourists wear them!   Don't be afraid to use your normal purse or school backpack (but please, please, pleeeeeease don't wear the backpack on your front).  Simply be aware of it at all times and wear purses bandoleer style.

6. T-shirts, sweatshirts, and blue jeans.  A trip to Europe is not a weekend driving in the country--even if you are spending the weekend driving in the countryside.  Europeans, generally, don't dress as sloppily as Americans.  Think "business casual" all the times.  When in doubt, wear all black. You'll be mistaken for a British tourist.  If you cannot afford a new all black wardrobe, then purchase a Canadian flag patch to sew onto your backpack.  (But if you sew it onto your fanny pack, everyone will know you're an American trying to be Canadian). 

Clothes make the Cardinal..........

Italian tailored:
With 2010 prices given in  euros, the Chasuble would cost  9,000, alb =  550, amice = 40, cassock = 550, sash = 175, socks = 20, shoes = 800, buskins = 320, tunic = 500, dalmatic = 500, ornate ceremonial gloves = 1,000, zucchetto = 125, biretta = 250, pectoral cross =  1800,  cord for cross = 250, miter = 6,000. A new cardinal could have a ready-made outfit bought in Rome with a modest price tag totaling 21,880  euros or  $30,011 in US dollars 

Click here for a complete description of each item.

Click here on Where to shop
(the building just east of Rome's Pantheon across the Piazza from McDonalds)

Inside & out of the McDonald's across from the Pantheon

The 70 greatest sweaters of all times.........

Kempt came out with a pictorial list of the 70 greatest sweaters of all times. This will take you one minute to go through, but you will take five minutes for sure!

Click here to read Kempt's complete post.

Where there's a will, there's a way...............

From one of the Greatest blogs: Valet
Question:
I have a pair of Nantucket-red-style khakis that I've been holding off on washing so I can get more of a jean-like fade on them (knees, whiskering, etc). Is there a better way to do this, or am I basically pissing up a rope?
Answer:
Where there's a will, there's a way. If you've been wearing them for a few weeks, you've likely got a natural crease and wear pattern developed, so you can emphasize the abrasions with some fine-grit sandpaper (look for a 240-grit). Start by lightly rubbing against the creased and worn areas, along with any other area you want to distress, like the pockets, hems and along the seams. Also, make sure your wallet's full, stick it in the back pocket and run the sandpaper over the pocket. Then take a damp rag and start rubbing where you sanded, it should help pull out some of the color and then drop them in the washing machine.

Dave Hardy is wearing his Swims today...........

I am almost positive to think Dave Hardy of PNB is the only person at the bank to worry about shoe care and protection of his shoes with today's rain by wearing galoshes. Click here to check out Swim Galoshes, I own a pair of red so please do not make fun.

Where to purchase: Brooks Brothers, Allen Edmonds, Need Supply Co.

Ten days to go.......................

Then back to wearing socks

& the Herringbone

Fall picnic dress...........................

During the next two to three Sundays it will be time to grab a box of pumpkin donuts and head out to Dawes Arboretum for a mid-afternoon picnic after visiting your favorite real estate agent's open house.

Click here to learn more from the The Art of Manliness.

Single shoe sighting......................

This photo was sent to me by Jim Weisent during his travels on Monday evening near North 21st St. & Price Road. Having a hard time telling, but if the cup lid to the left is a a jumbo lid, this should be about a lady's size 6.

The great sock debate................

From Men's Heatlh:

There’s a liberation movement happening down south, and it involves your feet.

Guys are doing one of two things to free themselves from boring black socks. They’re wearing bright, colorful socks that break all the rules you’ve heard (“socks always match trousers, blah blah blah . . . ”), or they’re skipping them entirely. A suit and dress shoes sans socks? Why not? Jeans with orange and red striped socks? Right on trend.
Whether you’re over socks or just need some guidance, it’s high time to get the rules down.

Ditch the socks if you’re . . .
. . . wearing well-tailored pants. The of-the-moment, warm-weather look pairs a slightly short pant leg with scene-stealing shoes. Two things you don’t need? Socks. Choose pants (without a break) that hover around the ankle, cut short enough to show off the wingtips, bucks, or whatever kicks you’re rocking. Or, for a more casual take, roll up your jeans a few times so they skim the tops of the shoes. Stick with low-to-the-ground sneakers (like any of these) as opposed to cushioned running shoes.
. . . wearing sandals. This should go without saying, but we’re saying it anyway.
. . . at the beach. Sitting down to take off your shoes and socks makes a dip in the ocean way less spontaneous. The casual beach environment calls for flip-flops or boat shoes, neither of which requires socks. As a general rule of thumb: go sockless in the warm months.

Tip: If you’re concerned about foot stench—and you should be—arm yourself with foot powder (we like Gold Bond Foot Powder).

Keep the socks if you’re . . .
. . . not ready to go bare. If it’s too extreme for you, there are other options out there. You can still amp up your below-the-calf style with colorful, patterned socks. They offer a peek of personality when you cross your legs and easily add style to a basic black suit. Check out Richer Poorer, Happy Socks, and Paul Smith, and ease your way into the bolder patterns by starting off with horizontal stripes.
. . . exercising. Blisters speak for themselves.
. . . sticking with a low cut pair. Get the cushion and stink-saving benefits of socks with the stylish, sockless look by wearing a pair of low profile athletic socks (like no-show socks from Hanes) or loafer socks (like these from Banana Republic) Make sure they’re low enough to go unnoticed, ideally in a similar color to the shoe to blend in.

NOTE: If anyone ever comments that you are not wearing socks, always respond that you are "wearing matching boxers also".

For women only.....................

Earlier this year I shot this photo in a small Italian walled hill town mid-morning on a Sunday. The reaction this photo has received from ladies one would think they had never seen a man before. With the boots, knee pads, all leather dress, they were not out for a Sunday ride on a Harley.

How to find the right swimsuit......................

From Men's Health:


How to Find The Right Swimsuit

Regardless whether or not the clouds in your area put a damper on your plans last weekend, there’s a clear message the start of June brings: it’s time to break out your bathing suit. With so many styles of swimsuits to choose from, women have plenty of tricks to flatter their shapes. Even with fewer styles, guys have options as well, says the Men’s Health fashion director, Brian Boye. Before you slip on the same old board shorts or buy a new version of your trunks, check out some of his tips on picking the right suit for your shape.

Tall: If you’re over 6 feet tall, the key is maintaining proportions. Look for a suit that hits slightly above the knee to balance out your long legs. Anything shorter might make you look like you’re wearing old trunks from summer camp. Get some ideas on the latest styles:

Short: Stay away from anything that falls too low on your leg. Your goal is to look taller, so anything that hits about mid-though will do the trick. As for patterns, steer clear of horizontal stripes, which subtract inches from your height. Opt for vertical ones, which will elongate your frame.

Lean: There’s nothing wrong with being on the lean side, though a swimsuit doesn’t leave as many places to add bulk. An above-the-knee board short will suit you well, as long as the legs are not too full on your slender frame. Also, try a bolder print, which will add the illusion of girth (something no woman on this list – or anywhere — ever asks for).

Husky: Make the most of your frame by showing off your legs. A shorter trunk (a little higher than mid thigh is a good gauge) will showcase your assets and move attention away from your belly. Since elastic waistbands only cinch your midsection, a board short waist will keep your profile smooth. Finally, a solid color suit in a shade not too far from your own (note: neons are out) will create a more flattering silhouette. Don’t forget your sunglasses

Wish they had the a category for short, stout, balding.

Another no sock kind of guy..............

Since last week, I have had several wpdgnewark readers sending me all kinds of photos and information about men not wearing socks. Thought this one was worth passing along:

Things You Don't Know About Albert Einstein

Part of Einstein's charm was his disheveled look. In addition to his uncombed hair, one of Einstein's peculiar habits was to never wear socks. Whether it was while out sailing or to a formal dinner at the White House, Einstein went without socks everywhere. To Einstein, socks were a pain because they often would get holes in them. Plus, why wear both socks and shoes when one of them would do just fine?

Passed along by a friend and About.com

Another no sock kind of guy.............

Exploring Dave Hardy's watch bands................

Some teasing once in a while, but when Dave Hardy is in a meeting most people will take a swift glance to see if Dave coordinated his ribbon watch band with his neck tie for the day.

Click here for hundreds of colors and style available.

Mad Men Era Advertising.........................

Do it yourself....The Patchwork Skirt

This will give you a project for the weekend!

Click here for instructions from the Rugby Style Blog. 

All you will need is one pair of men's swim trunks and five Rugby shirts.

I liked Mike Wallace from the cuff down...........