Left to Right: Kris Van Assche; Yves Saint Laurent; Dior Homme
Whether you're a believer in global warming, humidity and temperatures above 80 degrees Fahrenheit until recently were nonexistent and walking to work didn't require a towel and Jamba Juice. Undoubtedly, summer is two months late, but its tardiness gives us a window to experiment with practical items from our wardrobe. You've seen the usual shorts, light cotton and sleeveless shirts, but I've been noticing translucent summer sweaters and shirts thrown into the mix. Although I've noticed more women favoring the look -- as men might not want to flaunt their keg or six-pack-less abs -- I've attempted the look with a baby blue summer sweater over a white T-shirt and garnered a few compliments. It's a revealing look for pedestrians not too keen on seeing chest hairs escaping the mesh of a summer sweater but, I'm sure this trend will be in full bloom come spring 2010, as it was a fixture among designers for their S/S 2010. I've got to hit the gym before next summer.
Don’t let the terrifying specter of an aging Robert Smith ruin eye makeup for you. Eyeliner doesn’t have to be garish. When used wisely, it can emphasize one’s eyes, bringing out the whites and the color of the irises to create a dramatic effect.
Apply the liner lightly along the inner rim of the lower lid at the very base of the lash. “If you’re concerned about looking too intense, do just a little bit on the outer corner,” says Nathan Rubin, director of training for Beauté Prestige International. “Then smudge it to make it softer.” For cleanup, a wet cotton swab will do the trick.
Jean Paul Gaultier’s Monsieur black eyeliner should work for most skin tones, though the fairest among us might opt for a shade of brown. But when to pencil? “I wouldn’t have a problem wearing it every day,” says Rubin. “But [most guys] may just want to wear it at night. It’s just got to be discreet.” In short, eyeliner can be good for the gaze.
Left to right: Yves Saint Laurent; Raf Simons; Z Zegna
I stand unafraid when I, validated by anatomical evidence, say men are undeniably men. And we all know that menswear these days seem to be 'borrowed' from our female counterparts, but to a certain degree we can pull off the femininity of crotch hugging skinny jeans and (maybe) skirts (in Milan and Scotland). Yet, where is the line drawn for menswear that leans too far left? Although I'm not privy to belts around my waist unless my slim silhouette is squatting 135 at the gym, by no follow my opinion verbatim because the look can be easily pulled off -- keep the belt slim and relatively concealed. The belt shapes an otherwise sloppy and loose fitted look (Z Zegna). I do have to strongly suggest sticking to tailored suit jackets over Raf Simon's belted jacket collection.
Two New York reporters went four days in a pair of flip-flops risking life to prove to the habit flip-flop wearers will be thrown under the bus with nail biters. Guilty as charged. According to the study, innumerable microscopic buggers clung to the rubber flip-flops:
"The $3.50 flip-flops harbored approximately 18,100 bacteria of the five most prevalent varieties found. (Unsurprisingly, the pair that made the trip to Coney Island and stopped off in the public restroom had roughly 13,900 more bacteria.)" [NY Daily News]
In just a matter of four days, the pair picked up the potentially deadly Staphylococcus aureus.
"Worst-case scenario: It enters your bloodstream, goes untreated and you die. But even mere contact with the skin can yield nasty results."
According to Dennis Kinney Ph.D, manager of the microbiology lab at EMSL Analytical, "Staph aureus can be pretty dangerous ... This strain isn't methicillin-resistant (MRSA), but it is Staph aureus, and it can still cause infections - typically boils and skin infections."
If you're going to ignore this warning and take the risk with flip-flops I should warn you that antibacterial wipes are relatively ineffective -- it kills the good bacteria as well -- and onlookers might give you funny looks or scold you for touching your feet when you bend over to wipe. If anything, try to invest in a pair of oxfords or driving loafers for the sake of your own health and the sanity of podophobics.
Left to Right: Prada; Salvatore Ferragamo; Z Zegna
The double breasted jackets, no matter how many buttons, should be avoided by huskier, full stomached men (sorry). Intended for skinnier guys, the double breasted jacket pinches the midsection, creating a top heavy and bulkier hourglass silhouette. With two horizontal buttons, the made-for-skinny-men advice is that much more pertinent -- this spring/summer trend alleviates the six button, bundled up from the cold weather guise for a refreshing take on a revived classic, but pinches the waist, much like wearing a transparent belt. Before the few weeks of summer gives way to the Fall, experiment with the trend pre-spring 2010. As for the heftier guys, stick with the traditional single breasted jacket -- preferably one button for the casual outings and two buttons for the workplace.
It's not the day and age (anymore) to condemn oxfords to being just dress shoes worn to work and Sunday ceremonies. Oxfords are jean and T-shirt worthy and make quite the quintessential compliment to an I-didn't-try-so-hard-to-dress-myself look. So falling upon the high end but relatively unknown Aussie shoe designer, Tristan Blair (via For-Tomorrow), immediately caught our attention with his must-have menswear (and womenswear) collections.
Tristan Blair's mens S/S 2010 oxfords are like the flower bouquets at Union Square's daily farmers market -- providing both a variety of beautiful classics as well as fresh exotics. The Sydney designer's S/S 2010 collection offers his take on the classic silhouette but adds not-so-subtle-but-not-so-loud details -- from exposing seams of the exquisitely meticulous leather work, to combining textures -- while staying safe with a neutral color scheme.
Slip on an oxford, skinny jeans or shorts and top it off with your favorite shirt for a casual but subtly edgy look.
SATC 2: Although already highly publicized, Grant Wilfley Casting will hold an open casting call for Sex and the City 2. SAG and non-SAG are welcome to audition at the Metropolitan Pavilion tomorrow from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Below is the description:
Seeking SAG and NON SAG to play: Fashion Models, Celebrity types, Upscale socialites, Urban Club goers, Gays and Lesbians, International types (Middle Eastern, Arabic, Asian, European, British), Professional Soccer Players.
Open Call: Tuesday, August 4, 2009 Metropolitan Pavilion 125 West 18th Street bet 6th & 7th Avenues.
SAG: 10am- 12:30pm NON-SAG: 1:30p-4:00p
Alexander McQueen Sample Sale:Rejoice! Finally Alexander McQueen is affordable without
spending the rent check! The Alexander McQueen Sample Sale for women and
menswear at 80% reductions will take place tomorrow, August 4 at the Metropolitan
Pavilion from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and on Wednesday August 5 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. The
catch? There isn’t any.
How convenient. I've just planned your entire day for tomorrow. I just don't know which one to attend first without having to wait in the inevitable snake of a line.
Left to right: Dolce & Gabbana; Calvin Klein; Gianfranco Ferré
I'm admit, I'm one with larger pores than most people. Walking from destination to destination in jacket, shirt and tie alone will result in a deluge of sweat -- add pants to the humidity of mid-June and voila, half the work day wasted cooling myself and an impending dry cleaning bill at the end of the day. So what is it about shorts that screams unprofessional? It's hard to ignore the jaded Wall Street professionals chattering on their Blackberry shooting irate stares as they scurry off to their meetings wearing ghastly and baggy Dad dress pants. If it's the hair on my legs, shall I shave my head? With a tailored jacket, matching dress shorts, the appropriate oxford (or loafer) and of course a shirt and tie, sartorially how can anyone go wrong (although your boss might argue otherwise)? You have to wonder how many victims have succumbed to heat stroke wearing full suits in the summer.
Left to Right: Alexander McQueen; Moschino; Ermenegildo Zegna
As trees shed their greens in preparation for fall 2009, the
landscape will be lush with reds, oranges and yellows signaling the onset of a
new, colder season. So why not walk outside in style? Without souring palates
content with triple or double button suit jackets, the extra cloth and buttons
of double-breasted jackets exude a well-kempt, cozy facade -- it's a tight, 1930s classy fit. Hang up those
spring and summer jackets come fall, go to the nearest boutique and take up a earthen or neutral colored tailored DB with matching wool pants. Oh, and pick up some leather gloves while
you’re at it.
It’s a fact. Drop crotch and harem pants may slowly
substituting our main staple, denim. Underscoring this pant style's ever-growing popularity, NYC-based Oak has nearly cleaned out its entire inventory. And, unfortunately, the boutique is one of just a few that offer variety in the drop crotch
style without having to pay an egregious European shipping costs. (Note: I’ve been slaving to find a tasteful pair for myself in the U.S. that
doesn’t resemble clown pants.)
Left to right: Acne Jeans' $135; Claude Grant $274; Harmon $388; Fifth Avenue Shoe Repair $143
All lamentations aside, the style offers some true advantages. Its versatility is limitless. Sagging harem pants can be paired with a T-shirt and cardigan or
a twill drop crotch can finish off a dress shirt and blazer or vest combo.
Left to right S/S 2010: Kris Van Assche; Rick Owens; Givenchy
Gay men love fashion, and fashion loves gay men. Is it something in our jeans? Celebrating this long tradition, Truman Says exists to offer advice, tips, and the occasional catty observation on celebrity style coups and faux pas.
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