Dear Fashionably Challenged Men….
As many of you may know, it’s spring break time right now, which means boarding the next flight to a tropical destination for a week of doing absolutely nothing on a beach with a drink in hand. I ended up in Hawaii with almost no internet connection, needless to say it was one of the greatest weeks of my life.
Unfortunately, I had one of the most eye opening experiences of my life in my thirty collective hours spent at the airport. Men’s fashion is SEVERELY lacking. I’m not saying everyone has to be dressed like a model walking down the runway at New York Fashion Week, but there’s a difference between putting together a nice outfit with the materials at hand and throwing something on.
In my travels I noticed, the women were dressed significantly better than the men. Some women trekked through the terminals in heels, an incredibly brave act, while others preferred chic flats paired with a pair of jeans, sweater and basic shirt underneath. While still comfortable, the outfit was incredibly practical because sometimes planes are like a sauna soaring through the air, while other times they’re like an icebox. It was nice to see that some planned outfits with comfort and practicality in mind.
On the other hand, the men at the airport were dressed like they just rolled out of bed. I saw so many college age men wearing ripped shirts, basketball shorts and Jordan sandals. Wut? Even grown men were dressed like slobs. There were the occasional suit clad businessmen, but I didn’t see one suit fitted properly. Even a relatively inexpensive suit will shine like a million bucks with a simple tailoring job.
I’m not saying everyone has to be completely decked out in the latest couture from the high fashion houses, but with all of the recent hot upcoming trends in men’s fashion like pastel colors and slim fitted apparel, I was incredibly excited to see how many men embraced fashion in their professional and personal lives. Throughout the course of my trip, I saw two fashionable men. One had a perfectly pressed button down shirt that looked almost expertly tailored, pressed and cuffed jeans, and a pair of beautiful vintage Ray-Bans. I almost gave him the official Mark seal of approval, but it was early in the morning, and I was way too hungover for that. The other had a perfectly tailored blazer atop a sweater and pair of khaki pants. The outfit was casual yet classy.
My intention is not to berate people for not dressing like fashionistas all the time, I’m just asking that men be more aware of fashion trends and incorporate them into their wardrobe. While personal style gives one the freedom to dress however they like, I’d really like to see more people embrace fashion in their day-to-day lives. Your attire says a lot about who you are as a person; do you want your outfit to say “Hi, I’m Mark and I’ve given up on life because I’m wearing a leisure suit to the airport?”
A Beginner’s Guide to New York Fashion Week….
Nothing excites me more than new clothes gliding down the runway hanging on models that haven’t eaten in a week. It’s pure bliss, and there’s nothing better than New York Fashion Week. It’s the holy grail of U.S. Fashion.
Last Friday, I got an invite to attend Carmelita Couture’s show on Valentine’s Day in New York Fashion Week. Naturally, I went out, bought a new outfit and arranged a way to get to the big apple for the show. After seeing countless Facebook ads about how cheap and convenient Megabus is, I decided to try it. Worst-case scenario, it’s $8, so what’s the worst that could happen?
Alternative Running Shoes Help Get You Back in Shape…
Image courtesy of birthdayshoes.com
Thanksgiving weekend is one of the few three day weekends every year where calories simply don’t exist. There’s no such thing as gaining weight, so go for that extra piece of pie or that drumstick bigger than your forearm. Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end. For the other 362 days in the year, we must resort back to working out and snacking on celery. Like most people, I’ll do what it takes to keep the weight off, but that’s about it.
About a year ago, I saw someone wearing a pair of Vibram FiveFingers, and I was instantly fascinated. Essentially, they simulate running barefoot -something humans have done for thousands of years. I rushed to my local running store and tried on a pair. Needless to say, I was instantly hooked.
In the past, I didn’t mind running, but after trying on the FiveFingers, I enjoyed running. There is a learning curve when attempting to run barefoot, so I started with short runs, around a half mile. Eventually, I ran faster and further, and ultimately ran the 10 miles Broad Street Run in my toe shoes.
People constantly ask me if I like my Vibrams, and I can’t recommend them enough. After running barefoot for over a year, I can’t go back to regular running shoes because they feel completely unnatural. With every step I take in my minimalist running shoes, I can feel every slight change on the ground underneath me. Regular running shoes feel like a chunk of rubber stuck to my foot.
Vibram sells shoes for many sports in addition to running, and there are lines sized for men, women and children. Next time you ask Santa for a new pair of running shoes to beat your New Years resolution, try on a pair of alternative running shoes. They may completely change your perspective on exercise.
The Vader Project
Few faces are as recognizable as the black, skull-like helmet of one of film’s most famous villains. It’s an image that calls to mind menacing asthma, ominous music and the words “I am your father.”
Four years ago, toy company DKE Toys, headed by Dov Kelemer and Sarah Jo Marks, sent out one hundred iconic Darth Vader helmets to artists in fields ranging from graffiti to pop surrealism. Each returned transformed. The Vader Project made its debut in 2007 in Los Angeles, making its way through London, Japan and the Andy Warhol Museum in Pittsburgh before coming to rest at Freeman’s, at 18th and Chestnut, before they’re auctioned on July 10. They’re on display through July 9, last chance to see!
The re-imagined helmets range from light-hearted (pink is surprisingly prominent, as are cute/less-threatening motifs) to militaristic. Some stay close to the source, depicting scenes and characters from the movies. Others wander further afield: A couple combine the already-alarming visage with another childhood terror, clowns. Each piece tries to draw on some facet of what the character represents in pop-culture consciousness.
–Christine Cheah
Whitney Houston wants to dance with somebody.
Someone smack me: after 48 straight hours of humming this 80’s gem, I need some help. So what if I was three when this song was on the radio? I heard it on Saturday, and (–no thanks to my boyfriend!) it’s been lodged in my little brain like something cute and furry, hibernating, ever since.
After attempting to sing this in the shower, I realized that… I, um, don’t know all the lyrics. So, like any tune-savvy girl scout, I found the video on youtube (because, sadly, I don’t own this musical masterpiece…) and then watched the video 5 times straight.
Watching this again and again has NOTHING to with memorizing lyrics at this point; it has EVERYTHING to do with being hypnotized by her totally insane hair and makeup in the video. I think I’m high from the waves of Aqua Net wofting around her crown of wavy polymer hairpieces as she’s shakin’ it in her shoulder pads. Have I mentioned I think her eyeshadow resembles every nerf gun and pool toy I owned in elementary school? Jesus, I need some sunglasses: this woman is entirely out of control in her rainbowbrite get-up and it’s not pretty.
Good lord, Whitney– I don’t care about the coke: it’s this that makes me want to shake you… and then hug you… because you totally rule.
Uploaded by whitney08. – Family events, birthdays and parenting videos.
Yeah, I’d dance with you.
In Case You’ve Ever Wondered, “Hey, Where’s the Real Housewives of Philadelphia?!”
NOW CASTING
”THE WOMEN OF RITTENHOUSE SQUARE”
(Philadelphia, PA) July 31, 2009 — Beverly Hill’s has Rodeo Drive, New York has Fifth Avenue, and Philadelphia has Walnut Street. Forget everything you know about Philadelphia and immerse in a fantastic wonderland of opulence. We are going to change the way Philadelphia is perceived. Oceanfront Media Productions will give audiences an inside view of the lives of Philadelphia’s most fabulous women.
We are looking for real women, living dynamic lives, and speaking honestly about their thoughts and opinions. The women must be fun, outgoing, and active in Center City, Philadelphia.
We are looking for modern day women who have years of life experience. The future starlets should be fashionable and self-confident. The women, their significant others and families must be willing to share their lives with the television audience.
We are searching for a group of 4 to 7 women who are friends, relatives, neighbors, or have a bond together. The majority of the women must live in Center City. We are open to all ages but must be over 18 to apply.
Please send us your name, age, address, contact number, and the names of those who will be part of your group. Write a few words about yourself and your friends. Detail fun events or activities you have recently enjoyed. Please attach a recent photo. The email deadline is Friday, August, 28, 2009.
Check us out at oceanfrontmediaproductions@blogspot.com
The email address to apply or ask questions is realityshowsubmission@gmail.com.
Contact:
Stacy Catrell, Director of Public Relations
Oceanfront Media Productions
619-302-4830
stacycatrell@gmail.com
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We’re rolling our eyes and giggling at this already. We’ll totally watch but come on, guys. Have you been to Walnut Street lately? Unless you define “a fantastic wonderland of opulence” as a place that has both a McDonald’s and a Walgreen’s, we’re gonna wager it’s not quite the same as Rodeo Drive.
And as for changing the way Philadelphia is perceived, we’re going to point you toward this article that asserts that Parking Wars is the reason people hate our city.
Are Bikinis Too Revealing?
First, a quick look at the weekend weather forecast for Ocean City, NJ.
So maybe you won’t be tanning and playing beach volleyball this weekend. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t prepare for the summer by purchasing a flattering swimsuit.
A few weeks ago Emily G asserted that most women under the age of 35 look better naked than clothed and suggested some two-piece bathing suits. But perhaps you don’t agree. Perhaps you’ve always thought that modern swimsuits are just a little too revealing. A self-effacing gal like you certainly doesn’t want a bikini or even a skirted one-piece. Fear not, Modest Mary. We’ve found the perfect swimsuits for you, too!
To quote their website (emphasis mine),”WholesomeWear is a modest line of clothing for ‘wherever.’ Our WaterWear is the first to be introduced because the need for modesty in swimwear is greatest and the supply is almost non-existent. Swimwear that ‘highlights the face rather than the body‘ includes an undergarment with bright colors at the neck and shoulders to draw the eyes to the face.”
Here’s an example of their Extended Slimming Swimwear, which, as you can see below, covers both your elbows and your knees for ultimate coverage. This fine piece of presumably Amish craftsmanship will run you almost a hundred bucks, but that is a small price to pay for modesty.
