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(12/01/09 12:43am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>“We need to be more aware of our surroundings, as we’re all trying to get somewhere. But some people need to slow down and others need to speed up.” Alex DeCoursey, senior“Most people are polite. I mean, it’s just walking, but you will have the occasional person who will not get out of your way or just deliberately be in your way, and it’s just kind of a jerk move.”Steven Hightshue, freshmanRandom quote from our survey“If I had a car, believe me, I would use it.”
(12/01/09 12:34am)
IU Police Department Capt. Jerry Minger clears up transportation myths and gives his take on how to move around campus.
(12/01/09 12:22am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>It was a warm day in September when junior Carley Hall raced to class in front of Ballantine Hall. Her friend Amber called her name from across the street. Hall decided to take a minute to chat.“I look at my phone to see if I have enough time, and I take one step off the curb, and I get hit by a bike,” Hall says. “It was pretty intense. I was told I was fine, but I remember lying on the pavement in front of Ballantine, destroyed.”The damage was done. Hall’s nose was split open and broken in three places. She had two broken ribs and a concussion. “His handle bars went into my ribs,” Hall says. “The guy who hit me broke his clavicle.”That guy was junior Jeremy Black. He was on his way to the HPER for taekwondo class. “There were people walking,” Black says. “I was dodging them, and I went to the right of them, and I swerved near the sidewalk. I just nailed this really cute girl. I thought, ‘This is not cool.’”With blood everywhere and his hair stuck in a cute girl’s nose (yeah, seriously), Black figured this wasn’t the smoothest of situations. So, he turned on the charm. “I knew I had to apologize somehow,” Black says. “I asked her if she wanted to get a bite to eat, so we went to Falafels.”Hall and Black have been dating ever since. “It was maybe, fate, I guess,” Black says.
(12/01/09 12:20am)
Greg Solon, senior
(10/20/09 7:23pm)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>1920s journalist Henry Louis Mencken said, “Masculinity and stupidity are often indistinguishable.” Ouch. Fellas, before we get all hot and bothered, let’s take a look at why this statement might be true even today.It’s not our gender that makes us stupid – it’s the lengths we go in order to prove and maintain our masculinity. It’s as if we’re always out to prove or get something for that very reason.The truth is, most of us are insecure – yeah, more than you ladies. You want to get under our skin? Call us soft – or just say we’re gay. We’ll flip our lids. We might even put some of our faux-UFC moves we’ve agonized over to the test to prove we’re not punks.We read Men’s Health and Men’s Fitness for advice on women and how to beef up our bodies to ultimately make us that much more manly. We’re expected to get the girl – we chase them around like prey. Don’t believe me, ladies? Head out to the bars and watch the guys. Better yet, wear a skirt and walk by a group of us. I bet we’ll catch whiplash just to catch a glimpse of your, ahem, backside.Much of our self-confidence comes from the attention – or lack of attention – we get from women. We agonize over the myth of the pick-up and how to do it. We’ll bankroll women at the bars all night only to realize when the lights come on at the end of the night that she’s not going home with us. There’s a void in our brains – a spot where we should know that getting women doesn’t need to define us as men.But that’s not our only problem. If we indulge in any “questionable” activity, we begin to make fun of each other. We’re not supposed to be into fashion or own “Sex and the City” seasons on DVD. If our jeans fit, we’re seen as weird. Pink might as well be anthrax to some of us.I experience the contrasting worlds of femininity and masculinity on a daily basis as a student fashion designer and football player. In the fashion world, my masculinity is seen as a rarity. Whereas in the football world, it seems I can’t be masculine enough.I know not everything is easy for men today, either.We’re expected to open doors for women, yet few women actually know it’s equally important for them to reach over and open our door for us once seated in the car. We’re still paying for nearly every date, and half of us know we need that money for rent. On a past date, I actually offered to pay for the date even though those were the last measly dollars I had to my name at the time – all because I wanted her to “let me be a man.” What was I thinking?Still, none of this condones our insecurity and, ultimately, our stupidity as men. The late journalist Norman Mailer said, “Masculinity is not something given to you, but something you gain. And you gain it by winning small battles with honor.” This means resisting the urge to prove our masculinity when it’s challenged by our peers, treating our women right at all times, being a gentleman in any environment, accepting others and, most importantly, being confident in ourselves. If we do all these things, not only will we be more masculine, but people will think we’re smarter, too.Bryan Payton is a senior majoring in general studies with a certificate in fashion design.
(10/07/09 9:57pm)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>The one thing that all musicians strive for is musical growth, and Paramore shows no problem achieving this on their third release “brand new eyes.” Though vocalist Haley Williams is only 20 years old, her voice is all grown-up and shines brightly on this album. “brand new eyes” displays Paramore’s improvement and musical magnitude in all of their energetic, fist-pumping splendor.The first half opens with a blitz of energetic, loud, emotional tracks, including first single “Ignorance” before slowing down for the touching “The Only Exception,” where Williams sings of a yearning love she thought was never possible. Lyrics like “I know you’re leaving in the morning when you wake up / Leave me with some kind of proof it’s not a dream,” may leave you feeling emotionally vulnerable.In the record’s latter half, Williams goes back to her signature wail before slowing again for the light, blissful “Misguided Ghosts.” Paramore’s sound isn’t brand new, but it has matured. This album soars over their previous two efforts, as seeing with “brand new eyes” certainly suits Paramore.
(10/04/09 9:57pm)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>You may be almost homeless, but you don’t have to dress like a bum. Use these resources in the recession. SWAP TILL YOU DROPExchange that shirt you never wear for a friend’s shirt you’ll always wear, and grant new meaning to giving the shirt off your back. After talking with seasoned swapper senior Monica Debbeler, we tapped into the world of clothes swapping to see how it goes down. First, invite your friends over and tell them to bring any unwanted clothing. “The real advantage is you’ll have similar taste in clothes,” Debbeler says. “Generally the stuff is reasonably stylish. It’s a great alternative to thrift shopping, and a great way to hang out with your friends and get a bunch of free stuff.” Order a pizza, serve some drinks, and be sensitive to soft spots. “A pitfall to clothes swapping is sometimes you get problems with people’s body issues, so it’s best to be nice,” Debbeler says. Don’t forget to complete the outfit. “I remember having a lot of success with accessories, and accent pieces mostly turned out to be the best,” she says. “Weird or unusual stuff usually works. People will be like, ‘How did you end up with that belly chain?’ And somebody will want it.”SWAP TILL YOU DROPExchange that shirt you never wear for a friend’s shirt you’ll always wear, and grant new meaning to giving the shirt off your back. After talking with seasoned swapper senior Monica Debbeler, we tapped into the world of clothes swapping to see how it goes down. First, invite your friends over and tell them to bring any unwanted clothing. “The real advantage is you’ll have similar taste in clothes,” Debbeler says. “Generally the stuff is reasonably stylish. It’s a great alternative to thrift shopping, and a great way to hang out with your friends and get a bunch of free stuff.” Order a pizza, serve some drinks, and be sensitive to soft spots. “A pitfall to clothes swapping is sometimes you get problems with people’s body issues, so it’s best to be nice,” Debbeler says. Don’t forget to complete the outfit. “I remember having a lot of success with accessories, and accent pieces mostly turned out to be the best,” she says. “Weird or unusual stuff usually works. People will be like, ‘How did you end up with that belly chain?’ And somebody will want it.”DON'T SNUB GOODWILL840 S. Auto Mall Road; 1284 S. Liberty DriveBefore you smirk at this selection, change your thinking. Goodwill doesn’t have to be a place where unwanted clothes go to die. Think of it as the place where cheap meets chic – yeah, we said it. Walk in and comb through the racks. You’ll be surprised by what you’ll find. We’re talking $5 blazers, $3 skirts, $5 heels, and $2 T-shirts.Doug Beckard, a Goodwill employee, suggests students look for colored tags that mean reduced prices. Every three months, a Saturday sale marks all items down by 50 percent.RUSH FOR THE OUTLETS11622 N.E. Executive Drive, Edinburgh, Ind.You’ve spent the past year shopping at retail stores looking for deals, only to notice the one little “For Sale” rack in the back of the store. If you really want to stay relevant for cheap, hit the outlet malls – everything’s on sale. Take the hour drive up to Edinburgh Premium Outlets and visit their 85 stores. Once you experience the savings, you won’t even stress over how much gas you used getting there.GET A WHIFF OF THISStinking savings may have left you with a musty attitude, but that’s no reason to go around smelling like it. Fragrance shopping might not have made your priority list this year, but you probably have numerous smell-goods left over from past splurges. Save your money and preserve the scents (and cents) you already have. If you thought the bathroom was the best place for your fragrances, you’re wrong. “Cologne and perfume has a lifespan of roughly three years,” says Sharon, a Macy’s Beauty Advisor who can’t share her last name according to corporate policy. “It’s better to keep them out of any direct sunlight, so dark, low temperature areas are best.” Your bathroom temperature is constantly changing as you shower and hit the lights. So where is the best place to keep your perfume and cologne? The refrigerator. The light is off until you open the door, and there’s no place colder. Plus, there’s nothing like the smell of a cool, crisp scent.
(09/29/09 4:04am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>The more time goes by and the more interested I become in fashion, the more fearless my tastes become. Lately, when I‘m flipping through my magazines or shopping online, I’m stopped by darker and more avant-garde clothing – most of which I used to think was just weird – and some of which I still do. There’s a sliver of the designer lines out that consistently catch my eye even if they don’t really fall under the umbrella of clothes people actually want to buy. But to me, “normal” clothing and avant-garde pieces influence each other in some ways. And if nothing else, both worlds are inspiring me and imprinting numerous ideas in my head daily.In class, we’re currently in the beginning stages of designing a child’s skirt in preparation for another skirt we’ll design later out of red and white gingham fabric to fit peer models. I do love gingham, and red used to be my color back in high school, but it’s just not where my head is right now. Nevertheless, I’m going to design this dress to the best of my ability, as it’s important for me to first know the process of making the skirt before putting my own twist on things.In some senses I’m a contradiction, but I’m also a traditionalist. My essentials include straight leg jeans, trousers, cardigans and fitted T-shirts. But I can dig different styles as well. I can go with Jean Paul Gaultier and Maison Martin Margiela, and you better believe I’d be sporting their clothes if I could afford them, although you won’t catch me with a birds nest on my head anytime soon (see Lady Gaga).It all makes sense to me because dark, neutral colors are more my thing, and my favorite colors are black and grey. Now, I do own a red cardigan and some other bright pieces, but they aren’t my go-to outfits. They’re there if I want to be different that day. But my favorite look at the moment is black high top sneakers with straight dark jeans, black V-neck, leather jacket optional, sunglasses and all preferably at night. I guess, to me, black is the new black.And at the end of the day, I’ll continue to allow my sartorial dreams – no matter how dark they might be – to propel me to fulfill my potential in class. In the mean time, wish me luck on this skirt. Who knows, if I’m good, maybe you’ll want to wear it.
(09/17/09 3:57am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>You know how we get so excited about all of our classes the first week or two of the semester? We tell ourselves this is going to be the greatest semester ever and we will get straight A’s. I’ve done this song and dance so many times, and I can feel it happening again this semester. Though I may have another year here, I’ll call it senioritis –already. In a couple of my fashion classes we’ve begun working on designs and learning more in class. The teachers are spitting out more information at a faster pace. My confusion levels have risen slowly over the past week, as they explain the steps to go through in order to finish our projects. In a way, it feels like I’m working at an internship rather than going to class. During the past week, I’ve sat on the edge of my seat with fabric and scissors in hand doing my best to not get fired, trying not to make a mistake that would clothe me in a feeling of embarrassment similar to a fitted cable-knit sweater in the summertime. In the midst of my sewing, cutting and drawing, I began to remember how much I hated and ultimately floundered at attempting to do big projects. I can remember cringing at the sight of glue-stick, scissors and paper. If you would’ve asked me to sew something a few years ago, I might have ran in the other direction. This week, there were times where I felt like doing just that. I began to fall into the senioritis I’ve given into so many times before this year. I started to mentally give in to all of the people who said I couldn’t do it – those who’ve told me that fashion design is only for women and homosexuals. I thought about this as I sat at home one day, struggling to execute uneven basting on a piece of muslin fabric. To shut out all of the negative thoughts in my mind I decided to walk around listening to my iPod everyday, which is something I don’t usually do. On my iPod I found extra motivation in a Jay-Z song called, “So Ambitious” featuring Pharrell from N.E.R.D. In the song, Pharrell sings: “The motivation for me is them telling me what I could not be” and “If you can believe it, then you can conceive it.” I receive lots of support from lots of people, but there still are doubters – sometimes including myself.So, motivation left me for a few days, but I got it back in the form of music, which does play a huge part in my design inspiration.I constantly envision my fashion label being mentioned in a Kanye West line or being worn by Rihanna on stage. That’s part of my dream. I just have to fight the negative energy that is senioritis and continue to find the inspiration that drives me.It’s like that line from “Paparazzi” by Lady Gaga, “I’ll follow you until you love me.” For me, “you” is fashion.
(09/10/09 4:02am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>You know, I really do like Bloomington. And in my classes, I’m learning more and more every day, and it feels stupendous.During the past week, I’ve discovered new fabrics and gained knowledge about fabrics I own. A friend of mine and I went on an adventure through Jo-Ann Fabric & Crafts store to buy tools for our class. Thank God she was with me because I was pretty lost at first. I spent nearly $50 on needles, scissors, fabric, a measuring tape and other necessary items. The experience was actually fun, but what got me was the shears. They were about $45. I wasn’t prepared to spend that kind of money on shears – so I didn’t.On the other hand, I can remember one of my classmates mentioning some shears we could buy for about $80. I just sat there in class and stared at her as she spoke about “the best scissors you could possibly buy,” and I thought to myself, “child please, you must have lost your gourd.”OK, I might not have had the best attitude about the shears, but I’m bent on succeeding, and I’ll do whatever I have to in order to be at my best.But my goodness, I wish I were in New York this week. Thursday marks the beginning of the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in New York. More than 70 designers will display their clothing lines for Spring 2010 through Sept. 17. Kicking it all off will be New York-based women’s wear designer Michael Angel, and shutting down the chic affair Sept. 17 will be iconic, classic American designer Tommy Hilfiger. If I had to choose three shows to go to, I’d go see Hilfiger, Ralph Lauren and Michael Kors.Thursday is also “Fashion’s Night Out” in New York. It’s a one-night, five-borough celebration with all of your “favorite” stores staying open until 11 p.m. Many designers, models and celebrities are sure to be found strutting around New York City capitalizing on this wonderful shopping opportunity. Being in the midst of all of this is something I dream of. But at any rate, this next week should be very interesting for me. I’ll be working hard as an infant in the designer game while watching the work of professionals during Fashion Week. It’ll all be great as I’ll gain ideas, learn more and catch glimpses of what I can become.
(09/10/09 1:40am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>Trey Songz may need a girl, but it’s safe to say he doesn’t need much else on his third album “Ready.” He sets the tone with the intro “Panty Droppa.” For most of the album Songz channels his inner R. Kelly in making tunes mostly fit for the bed sheets. However, he does step outside of that norm with the album’s first single “I Need A Girl” and the catchy “LOL:-)” featuring Gucci Mane and Soulja Boy.The second single “Successful” features budding rap star Drake and was edited to differentiate it from the version that appears on Drake’s mixtape, “So Far Gone.” “Yo Side Of The Bed” is Songz’s best singing performance on the album and the sound features a hint of a Prince’s “Purple Rain.”“Ready” is easily Songz’s best album to date. His consistent vocals and relatable lyrics are what make it one of the most promising R&B albums of the year, and is another step toward pushing Songz from middle of the pack to being mentioned among R&B giants like Usher and Chris Brown. So, Trey Songz may be ready for love, but is he ready to get over the hill into the upper echelon of the R&B game? Stay tuned.
(09/03/09 3:10am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>What the hell is a swatch?This was the first semi-academic thought that popped into my head as I sat in the third row of my first fashion design class Monday. According to Merriam-Webster, it’s simply, a sample of cloth or material.I should’ve figured.As lost as I might have been in that moment, not much could’ve taken the smile off my face as my wide eyes peered over the room full of chic-minded students sitting in their seats seemingly ready to listen to anything having to do with fabric, sewing or cutting.But allow me to back up.Before I even stepped foot in the room, I noticed something pleasantly strange about my peers: they were nearly all girls.As a matter of fact, in two of my three fashion classes this semester, I counted 10 guys – one of which said he’d be dropping the course.If I’m being honest, I can’t say I’m mad about these demographics.The only unpleasant thing I noticed about my classes is I will only be learning to construct women’s clothing this semester, which isn’t even all bad, as I’d planned on learning how to do that anyway.But I must say, I’ve spent most of my time visualizing fitted V-necks, slim distressed denim, clever gingham button-downs and tailored two-button blazers – all for men.But I guess those ideas will have to wait.My classes are in the Fine Arts, Memorial Hall and Woodburn Hall buildings, respectively.Memorial Hall is where the magic happens, as the basement is where we meet to learn and to design our garments.In that room, mannequins stand along the back walls, sewing machines are set at 24 different stations throughout the room, sketching paper drapes over a board in the front of the room and fashion rulers, pencils and various tools placed are at each of the stations.It can be intimidating to the fashionably un-inclined, but for the next two years it’ll probably be my second home.I must compliment students out there who actually put some minute thought into their back-to-school outfits – instead of trying to pretend they don’t care what they look like. On Monday and Tuesday, I saw Louis Vuitton bags and shades, shawl cardigans, pashmina scarves, skinny jeans with heels, tank dresses and some of the fellas brought out their freshest sneakers.I then noticed five people sporting seersucker pants, which is a good thing.I even saw one young gentleman channeling his inner Thom Browne as he strolled by the Indiana Memorial Union in high-cropped gray trousers.How bold and fashionable of him. He knew what he was doing.Though, the most encouraging thing of my first experiences as fashion student came in my second day of classes when one of my professors said: “You are all designers, and I want you to think of yourselves as such.” My eyes lit up and the smile on my face was, again, palpable. I sat back, thought about all the work I’m preparing myself to put forth and took it all in.Ah, the sweet sound of designer. I could get used to this.
(08/30/09 11:41pm)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>Matt Fields is always moving. His hands fidget and ideas sprint through his mind each time he flips through a look book. As the owner of Dope Couture, a fresh new boutique equipped with camel-colored leather couches, fitted T-shirts hanging along the back walls and a separate shoe room, clothes are his passion, not his job. An Indianapolis native and a 2009 Kelley School of Business graduate, his journey began in 2007, but he is just now balancing on the cusp of grand notoriety. After opening his Dope Couture boutique on College Avenue in March, he’s found niche consumers here in Bloomington.Usually bouncing from one task to the other, on this day, the 23-year-old entrepreneur is in typical form. I found Fields at his boutique dressed in a gray and purple Crooks T-shirt, camouflage shorts, purple Vans sneakers, and an Oakland A’s cap. He’s teaching a coworker to man the desk, checking inventory, updating his schedule on his MacBook Pro, and frequently inspecting his iPhone. Tomorrow he’ll catch an 8 a.m. flight to New York for an exclusive G-Shock press conference featuring a concert by Kanye West. Later this week he’ll do two more interviews and he’s currently getting his store ready for a dance party featuring live DJs. A collection of hats sit in the middle of the room, on the back wall hang numerous Dope Couture T-shirts, sneakers, skateboards, and RetroSuperFuture sunglasses. From the looks of the gear, store, and our conversation, I was able to see what makes this Dope boy so fresh.How’d you get started with Dope Couture?Basically sitting on my girlfriend’s bed and I was like, ‘I want to design some shirts’ and she was like, ‘What, are you trying to make a clothing line?’ She was trying to make fun of me. The following summer I printed out my first shirts. I invested in those T-shirts, which was a rip-off because I spent like 500 bucks for some T-shirts that I ended up giving away. But by giving the shirts away they got to the right people. Boutique owners, in turn, came to me, asked me if I had a line. I didn’t, so I created one and I’ve been pushing and progressing since.How involved are you in the design process?I come up with the concept and then Chris Mart, our graphic designer, does the artwork. Sometimes Chris does it all on his own and sometimes I’ll come up with the idea and take it from idea to execution. Most of the time now, our ideas are so much more complicated that we have to have him do it because he’s such a phenomenal artist.How do you keep everything up and running at such a young age?There are people in this industry who are so focused on profit and are super on point, but I sort-of let a lot of stuff go. It’s always going to be there. I’m crazy A.D.D. too, so I’m all over the place, but that’s OK because I wear many different hats. One moment I’m chillin’ and then I’m like, oh wait, I’m customer service now too. I’ve got to go check the e-mails and make sure people are getting their shirts and no one’s pissed off.Why the hell set up your flagship store in Bloomington?It gives kids a range of products that weren’t previously available in Bloomington and kids appreciate it. Kids come in here and they feel like they’re at home. They feel like they’re back in Boston or Philly or Chicago or New York or Los Angeles and they’re like, ‘this feels like home, I can’t believe this is in Bloomington.’ It needs to be here because there’s nothing here.I see you also sell skateboards in here. Did you grow up a skater as a kid?No. I was into a whole bunch of different stuff, but there was definitely a period in my life where I hung out with certain friends and they got me into skateboarding. I’m actually more of like a cruiser than even a skater. I’m not like these kids in Bloomington with real skills. Our models Andy and David – they’re real skaters. They’re real Bloomington kids and they really rip, but I like cruisin’.So I take it you cruised to class.Actually, freshman year – my buddy and I – we would push razors to class. You know, the razor scooters.Really? That couldn’t have been a good look.We looked like some idiots. It wasn’t until senior year when I started skating to class every day.Has that influenced your style?Yeah, it does. There’s “fresh” kids and then there’s “fresh” skater kids and then there’s just grimy skater kids. Sometimes I feel like I could be either because I’ll dress like a grimy skater kid because I don’t want to wear fresh shoes with some fresh grip tape because they’re going to get messed up. I’m going to be sweating out T-shirts and I don’t want to sweat out my good stuff because I want to be able to wear that out. I’ve gotten into the cut-off khaki shorts, skateboard shoes – the shoes with the fat tongue and fat laces. Vans, I’m into Vans hardcore.So if I’m trying to get my back-to-school outfit, what do I need from Dope Couture?We’re going to have some artist collaborations with other brands. We’re introducing Play Clothes. Their crew-neck sweaters are really clean. Cr3w, The Hundreds, the San Francisco-based Huf brand, Supra shoes and we’re getting stocked up with SuperFuture sunglasses. We’re really steppin’ it up to where you’re walkin’ into Dope Couture and it’s not just hats, watches, sneakers, and T-shirts. We’re going to carry a full range of products in terms of cut and sew.So, you’ve got big things on deck. You seem to be on your way to the top.Once we do cut and sew, that may open people’s eyes even more. I like retail. It’s fun. Really Dope Couture is like a community center for cool people. Dope Couture, 224 N. College, 325-5719, dopecouture.com
(08/27/09 1:00am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>As an IU football player, discussing textiles, measurements and silhouettes may make me the most obvious walking contradiction on campus. But it’s time for a change.This semester, I’ll be taking my first classes towards my fashion design certificate. I’m changing my own game, but designers are changing theirs as well.Designers were forced to redefine luxury clothing during the fall fashion shows due to the recession, and fashionistas and fashionistos everywhere have been forced to change their shopping habits. This semester my column will not only provide you with advice on everything sartorial and stylish, but I’ll give you the inside scoop on the journey through my infancy as an aspiring fashion designer. Apparently, I’m the first football player from IU to ever pursue a fashion design certificate, and that’s an honor I do not take lightly. I’m more than willing to put in the hours necessary to achieve my dream of getting a job in the fashion world.At this point I’m starting from square one. Sure, I have a strong sense of style, but right now I can barely even sew. Picture me, the “jock” who grew up on metal bats, hardwood and pigskin now turning to cashmere, houndstooth and cotton. Follow me on my journey through the elaborate, detail-oriented labyrinth that is fashion design. I’ll apply what I learn to the trends of the seasons and continue to help all you fashionable – and not so fashionable – students stay fresh to death.But before I go, I want to encourage all of you to step up your swagger this semester. I often think of my wardrobe as a depiction of design collection seasons within my own personal style. For example, last semester I kept things classy for the most part, often sporting trousers, button-downs, ties and sweaters. I’m going more urban for the fall. I’ll still rock ties and sweaters, but with an urban twist to them. I take my style seriously because it instills an extra injection of confidence into my soul that no one can touch. I say, let’s all give this a try. Let’s put some thought into what we don on our bodies. I’m not hatin’ on those IU sweats you wore every day last year, but let’s put those to bed – literally. Believe me – it’ll change the way you feel. You’ll walk taller, smile more and, most importantly, move with much more confidence.
(07/05/09 11:12pm)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>The menswear shows of spring 2010 finished up in late June in Milan, and each show gave fashionistas and fashionistos reasons to chatter about the “new man” of 2010. Assuming the clothes will catch on within the next year, the norms were continually tested throughout each design draped on every trim model that strutted down the runway. The man clutch was introduced by the likes of Burberry and Dolce & Gabbana, who also included mini fanny packs. Though the new man purses are almost sure not to catch on around Bloomington, or Indiana in general, look for the bold East Coasters to test the fashion waters in 2010. The shows were proof that scarves are here to stay in a big way. During the past year, it’s been very fashionable for men to don the traditional neck wrap no matter the weather. Diversify the look by tying it like an ascot, hanging it long or wearing it open. Either way, this accessory is bound to increase outfit versatility next spring. The cropped suit trousers are becoming even more prevalent and, well, high-watered. Throughout the past year, showing some ankle has become more acceptable (I know I’ve embraced the trend). But at this year’s Milan shows, the trousers seemed even higher. I can’t hate on the man-capri (manpri) look, as I’m sure it’ll begin to catch on as designers continue to push the limits. Double-breasted blazers are already here – kind of. But the Milan shows proved they’re here to stay and will actually be more prevalent within the next year. The greatest thing about this get-up is it can either be suited up with trousers or taken for an urban approach with different fabrics. For example, most come in wool or cotton, but I managed to pick up a denim double-breasted blazer while in Chicago, and I know there are others. So channel your inner banker and 1930s mafioso and get double-breasted. For the most part, spring is all about color, but I’ve always carried an appreciation for the monochromatic white look. Apparently so did many designers in Milan. Many sleek monochrome suits brightened up the runways. I’m not suggesting you only wear white suits but to embrace the color in other facets of your wardrobe as well. You can go preppy with it or urban street, or combine the two styles to make the outfit all your own. Just be careful at dinner time. Lastly, some designers took us back into time, breaking out the mafia-inspired spectator shoes to finish off outfits in pinstripe and double-breasted blazers. Though many say these shoes are only appropriate for spring or summer, I say break the rules. Allow yourself to be inspired by runway fashions, as their influences will filter into the department stores you shop in every day. Put your own twist on things and make your own outfits, all the while keeping your finger on the pulse of the runway.
(06/17/09 11:47pm)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>The official first day of summer is just a few days away. So instead of sweating it out in wool and thick denim, it’s time to pay close attention to the fabrics you wear.Because you might still be in summer school, think about giving your dark-blue jeans the summer off. For a dressier look, opt for a pair of flat-front chinos in a true khaki color – not brown, remember – or navy. Choose a nautical belt to go with it. For a casual-but-flashy look, break out some white jeans or khakis. Make sure they’re straight and narrow but not skinny. Also avoid any contrast-color stitching. It has a way of taking the modern look out of the pants and could make them appear slightly bulky, which makes you look hot and not in a good way. When it comes to fabrics this summer, there are a few I live by that I haven’t mentioned before. They’re cotton, chambray and canvas. If you’re working this summer or have a wedding to go to, don’t get caught in anything wool. It doesn’t breathe well and will leave you sweating. Most of the clothes you wear will be made of cotton anyway because it is “the fabric of our lives.” But please use full arrays of colors and for the sake of summer keep them lighter and brighter. Chambray is a smooth fabric of cotton made by weaving white or unbleached threads across a colored wrap. In other words, the lightweight fabric shirts have a denim look.I’ve bought a few of them this summer for the first time and they’re great. Along with the main light-blue color, specks of white are still visible in the shirt. Make sure this shirt fits your shape. If you buy it too big, you’ll look like you’re wearing a jean jacket – not cool in the summer sun. The last thing I’ve fallen in love with this summer is canvas. To be exact, I’m checking out canvas shoes. I realize they’ve been around a while, but they’re a must-have for the summer months. They come in pretty much any color you can imagine, and they’re the most comfortable shoes I’ve ever worn. They’re equipped with no lining and are made in a way nearly to mold to your foot. Though, I must advise you to buy a few pairs of these, as they tend to get dirty easier than most other shoes. So wear with care.Pair them with the pants I mentioned above and you’re on your way to a smart but chic summer.
(06/10/09 9:45pm)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>If you haven’t heard about Nike’s Air Yeezy by this point, chances are you’re either older than 40 with no kids, you wear heels or you’ve been in jail the past two years (and even then you might’ve heard of them).In case you didn’t know, the Air Yeezys are sneakers designed by rapper and producer Kanye West. At first glance they look like something you’d wear to the moon, as they do actually glow in the dark. West wanted to create something that looked like it came from the past – and it does. The shoe is a high-top sneaker made somewhat in the mold of Nike’s 1987 Air Assault. It’s equipped with perforated leather and a forefoot fabric strap. It has a “Y” lace lock and a “Ylephant” pattern on the strap. The shoe comes in light gray, black, white and tan. As you’re reading this, I’m out in Chicago looking for a pair for myself. I think most are sold out at this point, but I’m not giving up hope. The real reason I’m in town is to see West perform at the Chicago Theatre. The way the shoe has been accepted reminds me of the “Star Wars” phenomenon in some ways because of the lines of people that form for days. Only these aren’t Luke Skywalker groupies, these are bona fide sneaker-heads. I’ve seen videos of people sitting outside stores all over the country for days just to buy a pair of Air Yeezys, and I can’t say I blame them. I used to think to myself, “Who are these weird people who would wait outside for days to buy something?” But now, I am one of those people. When the shoes came out, I seriously thought about driving from my home in Fort Wayne to go to Chicago just to wait in line for a pair. Actually, the only thing that kept me from going was my internship. I had to work, but I even thought about blowing that off. I knew that it would’ve been going way overboard, but that’s what’s so cool about it. I’ve heard stories of people spending their rent money on these shoes.It’s like a party atmosphere event once they actually hit the stores and the doors are opened. I’ve seen videos of sneaker stores popping champagne in the middle of the shoe floor like it was nothing. Music blares some of West’s greatest hits from stereos while people dance and celebrate their opportunity to walk around in their fresh new Air Yeezys.Both West and Nike should be proud and even bigheaded. It’s not often you see a simple sneaker released with this much fanfare. If there were more pairs of the Air Yeezys made, these shoes might be on that level, too. I guess this is what happens when the biggest name in pop culture meets the biggest name in sneakers.
(06/07/09 11:13pm)
Just the other day I was talking to my parents
about a baby picture they have of me wearing white sneakers, navy blue shorts, a
white button down shirt with a navy blue bow tie (clip on, I assume), and a tan,
navy checked blazer with no lapels.
(05/20/09 11:36pm)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>It’s spring, so you should start dressing like it – elegantly, if you can. If you’re working this summer, you may see men dressed in the same old, plain button-downs day after day. I’m not saying that wearing those shirts is bad, but why not diversify your look? Step out of the traditional man uniform and make people take notice. I say go gingham.Go in any of your local retail clothing stores and ask them to show you their gingham shirts. The chances are they’ll make like children and either run away from you to seek the manager or look at you like you have eight heads. I usually get both reactions. (I walked in Von Maur the other day, and I might as well have asked them to give me the equation for NFL quarterback ratings.) Gingham is a yarn-dyed, plain weave fabric that is available in a variety of weights and qualities. In other words, it’s the plaid, checkered pattern you see on picnic blankets or the checkerboard prints. The fabric has been around since the 17th century, when it was imported to England and then America. It’s a classic design aesthetically detailed in a way that makes you look more distinguished and laid-back at the same time. The checkered pattern is bound to make you stand out in many instances. Gingham shirts tend to work particularly well with navy, gray and khaki suits for summer, as long as you keep the tie basic. Let the shirt speak for itself. An overstated tie with a gingham shirt (especially those in bright colors) will make you look like a clown. The shirt also looks great without a tie and a solid-colored blazer.Wear it with a dark tie, a pair of dark-wash jeans cuffed at the bottom, with a pair of brown dress shoes and you’ve instantly gained a twee bit of southern gentleman. Think Georgia-based designer Sid Mashburn. The best in the business to do gingham shirts includes Michael Kors, Tom Ford, Ralph Lauren and Thomas Pink. But the greatest thing about this print is you can find it everywhere, from the high fashion boutiques to the lower retailers such as Old Navy or Urban Outfitters. My favorite gingham shirt is actually designed by Merona from Target. It has a medium width, black-and-white checkered pattern and fits closely to my body. However, the higher-end shirts promise to contain fabric of a higher quality, which means they’ll keep their form longer and feel better draped on your body. Chances are you already have a few gingham shirts in your closet. Embrace them this spring and summer. Choose brighter colors that deliver a punch and act as if you knew this trend was hot all along.
(05/13/09 11:29pm)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>So you’ve landed that big summer internship you’ve been killing yourself for the past semester. Now, what to wear? I’ve noticed that many young men struggle with knowing what to wear and how to wear it. You must first consider what type of internship you’re in. If you’re working in business, you’re probably thinking that you’re going to really need that black, strong power suit you wore in your interview to wow your boss and co-workers – you know, show them you mean business. Wrong. Unless you’re a limo driver or you own the place, save the black suit for evening. Navy is reserved enough for the office without being too formal. Keep the ties narrow, as they will play well to your young, vibrant (I hope) personality. As for the shoes, you can never go wrong with a sleek pair of black lace-ups, and always wear round-toe, not squared – just because you are an amateur doesn’t mean you have to look like one.If you insist on wearing a different color suit, stick to shades of grey and a true khaki suit – not brown. Your khaki suit should be just that, khaki (see J.Crew’s Italian Chino suit or Tommy Hilfiger’s rendition). Keep the ties dark, the shirts light and the shoes brown.An important rule to remember if you plan on wearing a suit to the office is fit is king. You should get your suit tailored more closely to show off your shape a little more. As a relatively young guy, a well-tailored suit will help you to come off as the put-together, smooth, sexy guy in the office – like Jim Halpert. I don’t care what line of work your internship is in, people like sexy.Macey Dale, manager at Andrew Davis Menswear, said fit and color schemes are often the biggest problems among young men. “The biggest mistake young guys make is not knowing proper fit or the proper colors,” Dale said. “Lots of times you have to put guys in the most basic stuff.”Remember this is your entrance into the job world. Don’t get carried away. Dale agrees. “Some guys want to get a little flashier than they should,” he said. “They should go for something more basic in their first few suits.”If your line of work is less cosmopolitan, you can probably skip the suit on most days. That doesn’t mean you should slack on the finer points of wardrobe though. Think of what you wear as a suit minus the jacket. Your trousers should be trim and cuffed or cropped – but no more than one and a half inches deep, unless you want to go Thom Browne on ’em. Make sure your belt matches your shoes, and wear a slim-fitting shirt or a shirt that fits your body. You shouldn’t have loads of your shirt overflowing from your pants. It’ll make you look fat and unkempt. It’s summer, so brighter colors are more than welcome. Be creative with your ties and shirts, but make sure they’ll work appropriately at the same time. Stick to solid colors or gingham shirts. Remember that looking great during your internship will help you work and carry yourself with more confidence, which is the first step to success. The right casual, but chic outfit will make you stand out in a good way, and the right suit with the right fit will make you look fresh, young and, yes, sexy.