Friday Faux Pas: Headphones (in public)

One of the greatest breakthroughs in the music and entertainment industry has been the creation of the mp3 file format and the advent of the mp3 player (thanks a lot Apple). I love music, especially good music, always have and always will. My problem here arises when people walk around in public with their headphones in/on completely blocking out the sounds around them. You never know who you're going to run into, but having your ears plugged up sends the clear sign "I'm being antisocial today". To add to the issue, it takes away from the outfit you've put together.

They ruin his look and put him in danger.

Being a recent college graduate, I've noticed that this is an epidemic in the educational ranks, with almost no conversing between the coeds in between classes, and I think this is where the habit really develops in these soon-to-be young professionals. There are certain instances when headphones are perfectly acceptable in public, for example, on a plane, at the gym, or if music is your professional occupations; outside of that though, you're shit out of luck.

I think another reason for the widespread use of headphones in public is due to the popularization of earmuff styled headphones like Sol Republic and Beats by Dre. But I feel like I may be limiting myself to just headphones with this conversation, another issue arises with the use of Bluetooth earpieces that you can talk into. You can't tell me you haven't been in that awkward situation where it sounds like someone is talking to you, but instead are carrying on a phone conversation; are they too lazy to take their phone out of their pocket?

For those of you that do encounter this problem personally, I challenge you to take the headphones off during the times that you would normally wear them. It'll help your overall appearance and, to harp on the point, you might actually meet someone new. Dressing well and looking good is more than just putting clothes on, it is a lifestyle and a mindset that needs to be embraced fully. Check in daily for more fashion advice and next Friday for some more of my personal fashion pet peeves!

Thursday Threads: The Night Out

I may still be in the college mindset, but I'm pretty sure all of you already have plans or are at least thinking about going out tonight, I sure know that I am. Being that it is chilly or worse just about everywhere in this great nation of ours, everyone has the chance to throw on a layer or two to their outfit without creating a personal clothing sauna. Unless you are going to a complete dive bar where anything more than a t-shirt and jeans is deemed dressy or if you will be attending some random black tie affair, I suggest you stick to a simple outfit but with some color to really make you stand out at the bar.

Jeans will work with everything and everyone has at least one pair, I suggest a darker denim with minimal fading to be a little more dressy. I may be biased here, but the most comfortable jeans I have to date are made by Robert Graham, and seeing as they have slim and straight leg cuts in just about every style, they are a go to. Up top is where you'll throw the colors into the mix with a blazer, sport shirt, and a tie. A crisp, baby blue gingham oxford will give you just the right mix between business and casual, a well tailored sport coat in olive will turn heads without begging for attention, and last but not least, a burgundy knit tie that will clash (in a good way) with the cooler colors in the outfit while adding some texture.

That's the main outfit, but the devil is in the details when it comes to style. This is where you take an average outfit to something worthy of the pages of GQ! A burgundy silk polka dot pocket square, some olive ribbed dress socks, and a pair of double-monkstrap loafers in a red mine hue that will tie the whole thing together. If you can't visualize the word picture I just painted, here are some prime examples of exactly what I'm talking about:

Topman: $350

Hugh & Crye: $85

Robert Graham: $198

TheTieBar: $15

TheTieBar: $12

Johnston & Murphy: $175

There are so many different things you can do with an outfit based on simplicity, but detailed with color and texture. Keep that in mind tonight when you get ready to head to the bar! Check in daily for fashion advice and for next weeks Thursday Threads!

Wednsday Well-Being: Workout

Fashion is one of the main components of looking and feeling good...notice how I said "one of" and not "the only". I mention this because its too often you come across someone that is naturally good looking, but dresses like they just got done with a game of pick up basketball. Or even seeing someone with a quality outfit from head to toe, but then has a belly that ruins it all. The list goes on to include grooming, hygiene, and so on, but essentially what I'm getting at is that if you're neglecting just one part of your image, the whole image is ruined.

This first subject of this topic is going to be very broad, but I think it is the easiest way to improve your image and feel better about yourself, WORKING OUT! It doesn't matter if you run, lift weights, do yoga, (insert latest fitness craze here), just do it and do it regularly. Working out just three times a week has been proven to bring positive health benefits, but outside of these benefits, the feeling you get after working out makes you feel like you can take on the world. Throw a crisp suit over top of that outfit and you may just do so! Many gyms offer free personal training and memberships as low as $10/month so I don't want to hear the excuses of "I can't afford it" or "I don't know what I'm doing"...the only real excuse is a lack of time, which is still a bit fishy to me.

Just one word of caution, don't jump on the band wagon of new fitness crazes. They are usually over complicated and have no proven effects on a broad spectrum of people; everyone is different, do what you're comfortable with, be consistent, and the results will come. The same thing goes or diets, but those will be for another Wednesday. In my personal experience, if you want to get in shape and shed a couple pounds, super-set all of your exercises with ab or leg movements. If you don't have any clue what I'm talking about, visit Men's Fitness for plenty of workout ideas for you to utilize.

Don't be the masterpiece drawn on a napkin, create a completely coherent image with your lifestyle that's shows everyone else that you have your shit together! Naturally, check in next week for more well-being advice and daily for more fashion advice!