Always Get A Second Opinion

You are supposed to get them with doctors and I believe you should get them before purchasing an article of clothing. This gentleman clearly did not. Or, if he did, someone lied through their teeth. These "all over print" sweatshirts were popular a couple years ago. Some would have dollar signs (always a terrible choice because no matter what capacity it is in, the dollar sign on the shirt or necklace is always a sign that the wearer actually has no money but they don't see it that way) or animals or any other wacky thing that seemed cool.

But the one that was probably the most popular was the skull. Skull on the shoes, skull on the shirt, here a skull, there a skull, everywhere a skull skull! Perhaps this was the only sweatshirt available in this gentleman's size. Perhaps it was a gift and he didn't want to be mean and he kept it. Or, perhaps he thinks it is a great sweatshirt AND was shopping with this lady with whom he is walking with and she said its a great piece of clothing.

"This sweatshirt is mad cool, huh?"

"Yeah, its pretty cool"

"You see all the skulls all over?"

"Yeah, mad skulls."

"They is in different colors and all over"

"Yeah. You should get it."

"Yeah I am. Its mad fresh"

That is the only possible dialogue that could have occurred prior to going to the register.

Where's Waldo? Found him

Outside of the Waldo man you have Wilson. I got Wilson to go along with this and make it seem like I'm taking a picture of him while I capture this red gentleman.

I believe this was a photo from the Holidays but it might make it even better if it wasn't. What I really want to know is if this gentleman had all of this in his closet or if he had to borrow from friends. From the red kicks with a little white to the all red chords to the candy cane jacket, this guy knew what he wanted to accomplish and did it. He could have stopped there but went with the accessories: the red shades and the ambiguous red blush/face paint. The jacket is easily the best part of the outfit and I am not quite sure what the broom/dust pan thing is dangling on his chest.

Even though your attention is attracted to the red man, let's not overlook Wilson. Whenever solo shots are taken they are slightly awkward. No matter what. (Unless its a photo shoot and your name ends in Depp) Note to reader: try to avoid solo shots and if you must have them, do something goofy so it looks like you are not that into it.

The Google Jacket

A popular argument New Yorkers and all East Coasters make is how great the seasons are. Specifically, the fashion. Its tough to wear a double breasted jacket with gold buttons in San Francisco or Los Angeles. A nice pair of boots, wool pants, and a land's end coat is a foreign concept to some Californians but the norm in New England.

The whole "seasons'' talk is rubbish. If someone is telling you they like the cold because it provides something different or makes one appreciate the spring more just slap them in the face.

I'm all for the changing of the fashion, however. What I'm not for is what this gentleman has going on. Its a damn good thing he already has a lady holding his hand; we can all assume they have been together for a long time or at least longer than he has owned this jacket. No way he was wearing this at the time they met.

Avoiding black and navy and opting for a midnight blue or charcoal grey is one thing, but to get a puffy jacket in the skittles colors is too much.

Sure, you stick out. Sure, you can be different. But after 3 or 4 wears, its not funny anymore. You cannot walk into a restaurant looking like an original Nintendo video game after someone has bumped into the TV. Can you go into a meeting with this thing? As I have said before: I'm all for sticking out but come on. Let's leave the loud colors for spring and summer time or at least a little more subtle.

Hats Off

The resurgence of the hat has been well documented over the last few years. Some attribute the comeback to Justin Timberlake while others cannot pinpoint where it started. The fedora was the first to really burst back on the scene. Often seen on both men and women, it is the go-to fashionable yet simple head piece.

As it is winter, the straw and light colors have to be left at home. The two gentlemen I saw were not only wearing great hats but were also wearing great and very appropriate outfits. The younger lad stuck with two shades of gray; charcoal and heather. With a loose fitting scarf, nice chords, and a fitted sweater that accentuates his figure in a non arrogant manner, he is properly and classically dressed to walk the streets of Manhattan.

Although difficult, the older gentleman is even better dressed than his younger, presumably more spry counterpart. Sporting a hat that was easily older than myself with the proper worn and tattered look, this man also and a nice, somewhat loose cable knit sweater and sunglasses that suited him perfectly. What's great about his look is that he has had all of this for years. He did not need a GQ or a 'Fall Fashion Guide' to figure it out but just to open up a drawer or two.

Not to say the younger gent did, however. But even if he did, so what?

My own hat goes off to each of them but a little more to the older gent because there is something special about an older, well dressed man.

Checkmate

I don't know what stands out more on this lad: the tightness of the pants or the pattern. Oh who am I kidding? Its the pattern. Sure, they are tight. Sure, they are spandex. But they really seem like they belong in an Acid driven music video from the 80's. When I saw this guy I almost went into a trance. I felt like the longer I stared at the pants the more likely it became that I would end up seeing a sailboat or some picture slowly forming.

The tight pants look, if obligatory, should be kept to jeans. This guy tried to go for the "not mainstream" look which I'm all about but we must draw lines. On a side note, he could cut the pants up and get a few good games of chess going.

(And yes that is my shadow)

Mr. Wine & Bowties

A man who needs no introduction or assistance in the blog or website game is going to get it anyway.

After hearing my good friend Max tell me he started a blog but had no idea what he was going to do with it, I was curious to see where he would end up. Who would have thought he would have blown up like he did now? Based out of L.A. and covering everything imaginable from new musicians, crazy artwork and exhibits, exclusive movie footage, sports videos, and everything in between (and outside) , Max has managed to have several readers without having a singular focus or angle which is quite amazing and quite an accomplishment.

Be sure to view his site and, if you have time, go to some of the older posts and make sure you have a few minutes because you will want to stay.

www.wineandbowties.com

The Intrepid Cook

I would like to take this opportunity to urge you, the reader, to check out a favorite website of mine.

Started by Maren Ellingboe earlier this year, her blog is, quite simply, about food and wine. They are a collection of her own reicpe's as well as variations of those found on Bon Appetit.

From homemade pasta to homemade pizza to restaurant and wine reviews, most of her recipes are, at first glance ,intimidating. But she swears they are easy to make. (Don't chefs always say that?)

Seriously spectacular food and wine from a seriously spectacular young woman.

http://www.intrepidcook.blogspot.com/