WEAR it or ROCK it?

Too many times we’re concerned about what we’re wearing; maybe it’s not the most expensive designer or recognizable name. But, on second thought, is it really what we’re wearing that matters most, or how we’re wearing it? When we think about fashion, usually stick-figure, couture models (with no sort of curves or noticeable flaws) come to mind. However, this year, fashion organizations like the University of Michigan’s NOiR are changing that image. They’ve partnered with the DOVE Real Beauty Campaign to illustrate that ‘rocking it,’ or knowing that ‘you rock’ and are more worthy than any type of material brand, is more important than ‘wearing it.’ Recently the campaign reported that “75% of girls with low self-esteem engage in negative activities, such as disordered eating, cutting, smoking or drinking when feeling badly about themselves.” But, it’s time that we reclaim our self-esteem.

Don’t let those cheap t-shirts and bummy-jeans make you feel like a bum too. Real women (and men) come from all backgrounds, shapes, and sizes. Moreover, a study done by the Chicago Tribune found that the majority of those surveyed thought the most attractive trait in the opposite sex is confidence.

So today, stand up straight, put those shoulders back, and whether you’re wearing a Target t-shirt or a Versace Vest, size 0 Marc Jacobs or size 12 Forever 21 Jeans, rock it through the Diag like it’s the best clothing combination anyone has seen. Don’t let the clothes wear you, but let your inside shine out and rock the clothes.

For more information visit http://www.campaignforrealbeauty.com/ and stay tuned for NOiR’s, Ann Arbor-wide, Real Beauty Workshops starting January 2009.

The Gentleman's Manifesto

Too often fashion is assumed to be a WOman's game only. One rarely overhears two men discussing that perfect tie they both covet or the new loafers they saw at Nordstrom. Contrary to popular belief, fashion is NOT just for women and nor should it be. Fortunately, women have had some help in the form of Kayne West, George Clooney, Andre 3000 and Mr. President spreading the word, directly with their opinions, and indirectly with their effortless style, on men's fashion.

Timeless tip:
If you are really serious about your suit game, invest in a Hermes shirt. While they are pricey, Hermes makes literally thousands of combinations of shirt styles, with customizable cuffs and collars. You can choose your own style, never have to worry about sagging or stretching and its an easy way to give an inexpensive suit that something extra. And something extra is actually is anything but extra, its necessary.

Style is a daily commitment: Dressing well should expand to your regular agenda, it isn't just something you incorporate when you have to wear a suit.

Fit- the fatal flaw or the final touch: One of the most useful rules of thumb in men's fashion is the rule of fit. Here is where you can either do really good, or really bad. Mature style is not just about buying the right outfit, its about wearing the right outfit. Anything- no matter how expensive or attractive, can be destroyed by an ill fit. On the contrary, anything, no matter how inexpensive can be helped by the right fit. So when you are trying on clothes, remember that people are going to see you in that outfit, not the mannequin. So if it does not fit right, then thou shalt not buy.




Honor thy mother, thy father and thy tailor: Never underestimate the importance of a tailor. Yes this is an investment, but an absolutely worthwhile one. Once you experience, yes it is an experience, a truly custom fit, you will gleefully offer the extra $$. When you purchase suits, they are purposely made with a general "averaged fit" to maximize the number of people that can potentially wear the suit. While this is great for the profit margin of the designer, its horrible to your very unique body. even if you are not ready to share $3,000 on a custom suit, you can always have suit that you already own tailored to fit you.

Underdressing is the only sin: Never be afraid to be the best dressed man in the room.



You are the only you: Do not try to be what you are not. We remember those who dressed the best to their ability, not those that were carbon copies of someone else. Just like if you can easily throw the ball across the entire field, you are not going to waste this talent in a receiver position, the same thing if jeans just adore your shape. You wouldn't waste an opportunity to show what you do well, so don't waste an opportunity to highlight what you wear well.

The most important thing to add to every outfit is attitude: So much about what you wear isn't communicated by your clothing. Confidence has everything to do with it. The reason women love when their "jeans and a t-shirt" guy wears a suit, isn't just because of the three pieces- its their attitude. When you know you look good, it shows, and we know it too!

To get started on any of these things, and for great pieces all year round try: Brook's Brothers, Nordstrom, Macys, Barneys, Diesel, Nieman Marcus Last Call (men's selection is much better than the women's- sorry ladies), Ralph Lauren, Target!

Local Spotlight: While you are still in Michigan, try Peasant in Birmingham, about 40 minutes outside of Detroit. This men’s store specializes in the same lines that outfit the cool kids in New York and L.A. “Everything is understated... It's all in the quiet details.” says Karissa Foltyn, who runs the store with her husband, Brian. Meaning that Rogues Gallery T-shirts, A.P.C. sweaters, and the popular Japanese line Engineered Garments make up the bulk of the men’s stock.
205 East Maple, Birmingham, MI; 248-203-6470; www.peasantonline.com



My Trendy, Timesaving, Tell all: Gene Hiller Sausalito, CA.
So I must admit that I am addict for for novelty, but this blends gimmick with practicality. For all those tech-savvy shoppers who prefer to spend Saturday anywhere but in clothing stores,Tom Gangitano, vice president of Gene Hiller, and his team will sort through your wardrobe (or you can send in photos if you don’t live nearby) and create a “digital valet.” “We create a look-book of our client’s wardrobe so that when he’s at home he knows how to coordinate shirts to tie, jackets to pants,” says Gangitano.
http://www.genehiller.com/

Love.Living.Life.
Lex.