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Denim and beyond. It's a very Denim world
Dear pink reader
This may come as a shock, but I don’t like the word FASHION. People throw that term around a lot, and what they mean by this is... “of the moment.” What’s in now, what’s out? What’s the rage today, and what’s so two years ago? But this is so not what being a stylish man is all about. My (and The Pink Closet’s) whole philosophy—is our personal commitment to help keep you from looking like a complete jackass— is that we all need to find our own personal style. Don’t just buy clothes that people tell you, are the things you should have. (unless it’s me telling you.) Your wardrobe should be composed of things that fit and flatter you, things that tell the world something fascinating about your personality, and things that won’t embarrass either of us in the morning. You need to own clothes that makes sense for the life you lead (except the drag-queen) but you should also think about how you wish your life could be and dress accordingly. Start with classic pieces and tszuj (Finesse, tweak, rearrange and make better) it from there. My first rule is there are no rules. Okay, there are a few rules, actually: Pleated pants are never the answer. Ascots? One in a million of you can pull it off (the rest of you can hold the –cot and just say ass). And if you ever wear mustard—colored suit, so help me I will hunt you down and administer some tough love. People ask me why I think I know everything about fashion. I politely tell them that I don’t. I know what options are out there and I have an eye for helping people to find out what’s right for them as individuals. I’ve always had a thing for clothes. Ok enough about me…. Clothes don’t have to be terribly expensive to be totally fabulous. So all you label queens. . . Hope you are wearing your clothes and not your clothes wearing you….
Denim and beyond. It’s a very denim world
The many faces of denim
The way jeans look has a lot to do with what kind of finish or wash is applied to the denim before the fabric is sewn together. Looking at a wall full of jeans in varying shades of indigo can be intimidating. Keeping track of all the different terms for the multitude of exotic washing/grinding/chemical—smackdown treatment can be overwhelming. It’s a bit like choosing the right guy: There are a million variations, and you don’t want to screw it up. Luckily, all you have to remember is to find a color that fits your look and personality. Beyond that, just do me a favor of steering well clear of that heinous splotchy acid—wash option that will make you look like a lost member of some forgotten pop group.
5 Places denim doesn’t go
Andy Warhol once wore jeans to the White House. But you’re not Andy Warhol. Then again, you probably aren’t going to be invited to the White House, either. So, keep this in mind: If you pull together your outfit well, denim can go almost anywhere. Almost. Exceptions include: Funerals, Weddings, Meeting with loan officers (unless it’s a loan shark), Job interviews (unless it’s with the Gap), Black—tie affairs( but please be careful with choosing that)
5 Ways to Incorporate Denim into Your Life
Denim Jacket: So many cuts, washes, fits, and quality ranges that it can be quite confusing territory. Go classic here. Novelty denim is almost always the wrong answer. The perfect denim jacket is a vintage Levi’s number. Don’t worry if it’s a little ragged. One person’s “tattered” can be another person’s “character”. Layer but don’t match: Mixing denim is good. Matching the same shades of denim is not. Don’t look like a color—coordinated farmer. Think about length: For casual jeans, a little longer is okay—if the ends fray a bit, it will add to the rustic charm. For a neater look, get a size that works for the shoes you’ll be wearing. Denim can be altered, but do not lose the original hem. Dress it up top: When paired with a cashmere sweater or a nice jacket, classic five—pocket denim that’s medium to dark is the way to go. Dressing up denim isn’t about going with fancy new fashionable styles, it’s about keeping it simple and classic. Dress it down low: White sneakers? Sure. (gosh, keep it clean) Otherwise, try mixing the ultra—casual look of denim with a more sophisticated, adult accent on the feet: Classic wingtips or loafers are perfect. Especially without socks. Dean - licious
GOTTA DANCE!!!
It’s not just about dance. It’s folkmusic concerts or sky—diving or what ever it is he really likes to do and you really can’t stand the thought of. Men who don’t like to dance, I feel your pain. You’re ungainly and uncoordinated and unsightly and, yes, the truth is you do look like a fool out there on the dance floor. And you know what? That’s ok. Dr Franco is here to tell you that bad dancing is not a life—threatening condition. (Not dancing, though, could be) Bad dancing is usually reversible, and even when therapy fails, the worst that happens is the patient gets his freak on a little too freakily and charms the boys with his effort and enthusiasm. Dancing, to paraphrase Woody Allen, is 98 percent just showing up. Does it matter that you don’t know how to dance? Does it matter that you don’t really get into it and there are things you’d rather be doing than wooing cheek to cheek (you pick which cheeks?) It does not. What matters is that you show your man that you’re flexible (even if not literally) enough to try new things, to do something he wants to do. It doesn’t have to be pretty. So the next time he wants to try out a new club or do a new dance, say yes, close your eyes, and shake your ass like a man.
PINK TIP
Edit you wardrobe. Why should I care about my clothes being “in”.. You shouldn’t . You should care about not looking like a jackass. If someone stops you on the street and ask if you’re a backup singer for AMY WINEHOUSE—and your on your way to the office—it’s time to update your look with what works.
Evolution of the shirt man
Evolution of the shirt man
Dear Pink Reader
Shirts have evolved to a point where they play a much more important role in our wardrobe than they used to. Where once they were the backdrop for a tie, In the 1940’s and 50’s, life was simple: you wore a white shirt with a red or black tie. A new color option crept in, but the real action came with the arrival of the novelty ties that emerged suddenly in the 70’s. Then novelty ties wore everyone out. Then ties disappeared altogether. All of the sudden it was like “Oh my God, that white shirt looks so boring all alone—let’s do color!” Remember how color was so, like, seven years ago? Then gingham. Everybody in freaking gingham! (Gingham: think picnic tablecloths, think that Mary Ann generally wore on Gilligan’s Island.) Two years ago, stripe madness hit our shores. Stripes have taken over to the point where I am almost over stripes, which truly scares me because I love stripes. The good news about cool woven shirts is they easily make the transition between going to the office and going out for the night. Having all these options means you have to think a little more with these shirts than you did in the days of the plain white shirt, worn open at the collar with just jeans, a great belt, and a nice Italian loafer. A great easy look that you can put on after work…. Have fun (but guys, please, only one or two buttons down. No need to show off your six pack. Leave him wondering. Much sexier!!!)
Evolution of the shirt man
NOW YOUR SHIRT—
STRIPED OXFORT. The basic. Don’t ask questions—just buy it COWBOY SHIRT—Soft and cuddly. The more worn in, the better. A multi—tasking, timelessly correct classic. BLUE DRESS SHIRT Like the golden retriever, man’s best friend. Dress it up or down. PINK Could pink be the new black? Very likely, but regardless, everyone looks great in pink. SOMETHING ZANY Go ahead—let yourself go! A pattern such as paisley is fun and sophisticated, and if it’s done in muted tones, you will look just fine. STRIPED AND FUN The most versatile shirt in your wardrobe. Wear it with a suit and tie, jeans, or paisley Capri pants. (just kidding about the capris.) GINGHAM Fresh. Classic. Cute. Avoid red—and—white gingham, as you’ll inevitably look like the host at your local trat. KNIT BUTTON—DOWN Neat knits are a cool alternative to tradition woven button—downs. A little more sexy. Try it, you might like it.
NOT FOR AMATEURS
A loose and louche look for the right kind of partying man, this can easily stray into schlubby happy—hour—at—Friday’s territory if you’re not careful. Why start your day looking like you just woke up not knowing who or where you are? How to work it: After work, with a drink at a party. Wear your suit to the office, add jeans, open the tie, tzsuj the sleeves, boom—you’re ready to rock.
I love a fun shirt and I love vintage but—danger! - watch out for printed shirts from the ‘70s. They seem great at first, but then you look up and see this big, droopy Peter Pan collar, and you’re like, “Dude, you look like Maude!” Try before you buy, because those are words no one wants to hear. Ever.
PINK TIPS (Q & A)
Can I put a stripped tie over a plaid shirt? Mixing and matching is all about scale. The trick, and not the rule, is: Keep both garments in the same color family and let the patterns vary in scale. Try a bolder check on your shirt and a finer pattern in the tie. Or vice versa. When in doubt, err on the side of smaller patterns all around. Can I wear a singlet under that pretty shirt? One reason for a buffer zone under a dress shirt of fine cloth—150—count—count cotton or higher—is that you can see through it a bit. Body hair is not an attractive sight, but neither is the scoopneck of your vest. So the answer: No, singlet—style vests are so rarely the answer. If you want to wear something, make it a proper crew—neck T-shirt. expensive—and you can always tszuj the sleeves without them when you’re not wearing a jacket.
Mommy, what’s a tszuj?
You know how to pronounce it. Spelling variations include jeuge (in France), czuzh (Russia). And my favorit, Zhuzhengayenguyen (German, while sipping a glass of crisp Gewurztraminer) - there’s a million ways to spell it, and a bazillion ways to do it. Tszujing means taking something and tweaking it, fluffing it, nudging or finessing it to be a little more fabulous and fun. Reading The Pink Closet can help you tszuj your whole life.
Dear Pink reader
HAIR… The good, The bad, and The ugly….
Is it possible to get overly meticulous about your hair and get obsessive about products and be all creepy about it? You have a long way to go—but, yes definitely. If there’s no soul behind it, that shows, and it comes across as flat and deadening as hair spray. It’s not just about working on your style so you can strut out there and be a Cool Gay guy with Great Hair. It’s about feeling good. And it’s natural to feel better when you take care of yourself. Hair is the most visible thing we can play with to change our appearances, So start on top. It’s crucial to find a hair stylist you trust (not your aunty!)—not only will they help you with a cool new haircut, they can also be a great source of expertise on how to style and care for it… In this article The Pink Closet and I will put out a groom pack, step—by—step, and help you, looking great…
Get GROOMED: Stylish Maneuvers
Primping isn't easy, boys. It takes work. But the trick is doing it not just for someone else (though being aware of how you come off in public isn’t a bad thing), but for you. Its time now to take your hygienic wellbeing into your own hands. Repeat after me: I am an uncouth, untweezed(or over—tweezed), improperly exfoliated man who’d best clean up (or town down on over—grooming) my act before The Pink Closet and Franco have to break down my door, restock my medicine cabinet, and forcibly tousle my hair.
Good grooming isn’t just about aesthetics. Looking hot is one goal—but looking good and feeling happy is a better one. This is just one more aspect of how we present ourselves to the world. How we dress, where we live, what we talk about—all that’s about self—expression. Grooming is no different. For some people will ask me…. How can you tell a gay guy about style, grooming etiquette etc… You’ll be surprised, how many gay men are out there looking bad, living like a slob.
Stylish Maneuvers—mess with your head. Whatever your hair style, the key is to allow it to have movement and texture. Some haircuts require a tight, even finish, like balding guys who are wearing it short. For medium—length hair, though, it’s generally preferable to add texture. With grooming paste and a little working over, I can create not only shape but great texture.
Experiment—I never put just one product in my hair. If I’m getting ready to go out, I’ll usually put some kind of grooming paste or cream in, then I’ll go back with something a little waxier that’s just In my fingertips and that I can use to tszuj a little bit. As the hair is drying and starts looking a little matte, maybe I’ll take a little pomade and work it in just to get that shine and moisture. Three or four products at a time is pretty advanced stuff, but have fun with it.
The Tao of the Tousle—For artfully unkempt hair, always work your grooming product in from the back of the head at the crown. It will save you from the very uncool look of having greased up everything but the blind spot on the dark side of your head.
Product: A Hair—Care Lexicon—Gel - with strong hold tend to be thick and goopy. Fine hair in need of control use a light gel. Heavy—duty gels dry wet and set hard. Not nice to touch. Rather add light pomade after gel dries. Better texture and shine. Grooming cream or paste— Great for curly or unruly hair or straight hair with a textured cut. Any hair except fine. It gives a more natural look. Allows texture and movement. Wax—Serious hold. Waxes are great for detail—separating a single strand. Generally heavy, a little bit of Elmer’s glue for the head. Apply a light wax as a base to dry hair. Re—wet hair slightly, add small amount of texturing cream. Hairspray—Um, no. Pretty much never okay, unless you’re working some advanced gel—wax—spray combination system with the quick spray at the end to hold the concoction together. Pomade—More shine, less hold than a grooming cream. If your hair finish is too matte, it adds shape and texture as well as shine. Good for all types except fine, oily hair. Always start with a small amount.
PINK TIP
Be faithful to your stylist, but not to your shampoo. While it’s great to find and stick with products that do us right, your hair will actually benefit from exposure to new products, ideally every 3 to 4 weeks. You’ll get better results—and an excuse to go shopping around for latest hair products.