Ok Guys. There is a pervasive opinion out there among some men, that it is somehow effete to dress oneself like a gentleman. That if you have style, that makes you some how less “manly”. People who think like this obvisouly cannot dress themselves, so they don’t think you should be able to either. So screw ‘em, because people will be looking at you, while they walk by unnoticed. With that in mind, we should discuss what is often overlooked in one’s morning routine. Let’s start at the top, with your hair.
If you are wondering how hair has anything to do with style, you’d be forgetting what people spend most of the time looking at, your face. Done properly, your hair reflects your personal tastes, a tinge of personality, and it will frame your face.
If you are like me, and you are poor, living pay check to pay check, you are lucky to get a hair cut once a month. Shoot for once a month, at most (and this is in times of Financial peril) every five weeks. If you still don’t think it matters, go find a bald guy, and ask him if he’d trade you for your head of hair. What do you think he’d say? No offense to the follically challenged, but if that is the case, you can’t fool anyone with a comb over, keep it high and tight, and embrace it with confidence.
Cost
How much should you be paying for a hair cut? Well, if you think the $10 you drop in the basement of Rayburn is enough, think again. You shell out $10, you get a $10 hair cut. If you shave your head, buy an electric razor and do it for the cheap at home. Another common location for hill staffers is Bubbles Salon. Don’t go here. You’ll be paying $30, and you’ll get someone different every time, they won’t know you, your hair, your style, and they get paid by quanitity of cuts, not quality.
I pay $50 for a cut at the Men’s Grooming Lounge in Dupot. That may sound like a lot to you, but consider the fact that if I were paying $30 at Bubbles it’s only costing me $20 more dollars to see the same stylist (key word there guys) who has undergone extensive training. The place only sees men, and they give you free booze while you wait and sit for your cut. The cut looks good for the full 4 or 5 weeks. I don’t need it to grow out. If you’re hesitant, get your girlfriend or mom to buy you a gift certificate and try it out. You’ll never go anywhere else.
Style
There are a lot of different styles, from “high and tight” to “long and wavy”, what you want to do for work is anywhere in between. Ask your stylist what would look good on you, or simply say you want something “sexy but professional”, they’ll know exactly what you mean. Whatever cut you choose, make sure you comb your hair. You don’t want to roll in the office looking like you just rolled out of bed, I don’t care how nice your suit is, an unkempt head of hair will ruin whatever look you have going.
Put the gel away, and pick up a nice moose, wax, or cream based product. It’ll keep your hair in place and you won’t look like you’re on the way to the club. Crew makes a nice product, as does the Grooming Lounge, it’s best to find a product that suits your hair texture and style. But go for the natural look.
Chances are you watch Mad Men, or if you don’t you know who Don Draper is. When you leave for work in the morning just ask yourself if Don Draper would go out with hair like that.
I have been looking for a columnist to write on men’s style once per month, this article was written by a contributor, Beau, for that reason. Feel free to leave comments regarding the article, or whether you are interested in reading more men’s style content. Thanks!
November 24, 2009
Surrendering My Shapewear
Posted by Belle under Commentary[4] Comments
Image by Douglas B. Jones
For years, I touted the benefits of Spanx, and I wasn’t the only one. Everyone from A-List actresses to Oprah Winfrey were talking about their love of shapewear. Whether they wanted to eliminate VPL or tone and tighten to look better in their LBD, women of every shape and size were stocking up on Spanx.
But today, I am giving up my shapewear for the joy of living. Here’s why.
I originally starting wearing Spanx for two reasons: to eliminate visible panty line and because I had put on twenty pounds and could no longer fit into my suits and skirts. But by the end of the day, I would be so uncomfortable that I couldn’t wait to take them off. So when I lost a few pounds and switched to Hanky Pankies, I started to realize just how unnecessary Spanx are if you are wearing clothes that actually fit.
Too many women, are obsessed with the number on the tag instead of the fit of the garment. My own mother cannot bring herself to buy a size six even if the four is too small. She just can’t do it. She would rather wedge herself into two pair of Spanx than by pants that fit, and she is hardly the only one. But if you buy the proper size and wear foundation garments that won’t create a line, then you don’t need the Spanx.
More and more women are realizing that wearing shapewear has its own set of pitfalls. These include using the restroom while wearing them, and what to do if you wear them on a date and it goes a little too well. Because no one wants to have a Bridget Jones moment.
Lingerie designers are trying to make shapewear more comfortable and maybe even a little sexy. And while I appreciate the effort to make shapewear look less like a girdle, I am taking a cue from my foremothers and burning my uncomfortable undergarments.
Long story short, I’m tired of being constricted. I’m tired of worrying whether my Spanx are showing when I sit in a skirt. And I am tired of the nerve pain I feel when I wear the Spanx for too long.
Down with Spanx! Accept your body and buy clothing in the proper size and you will never need shapewear again!