TranzStyleGuy

Dutch declare war

2007-10-16T21:36:00.000-04:00

On white socks.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/3397043.stm

There are some fashions that I think no one should participate in. One of them is white socks with sandels, of any kind. But No white socks at all, even between April and September? That is a bit much.

I must admit, I am a fashion nightmare when it comes to footware. I am fine when I wear my chucks, a bit excentric, but ok. Other than that I wear white socks and sambas to almost everything. The problem is that my feet are short and narrow and I have trouble finding reasonably priced dress shoes.

They say you can tell if a man is well dressed by his footwear, I am poorly dressed by this rule of style.

NPR reported on the story saying,

Morning Edition, October 15, 2007 · The Netherlands may tolerate prostitutes and marijuana, but one Dutch official drew a line. He's against white socks. The finance ministry official sparked a media frenzy. He said white socks cross "the limits of decent dress behavior." That went around the world as a news story claiming the Dutch government was making war on white socks. Now a spokeswoman says the official did not speak for the government, only for himself.
Though the Dutch deny the ban a report came out suggesting,"that white socks were banned after being labelled as "transgressing the limits of decent dress behaviour."

According to a spokesperson, "Our opinion is that everyone has to dress according to occasion, and the employees at the Dutch Finance Ministry have a good dress sense."

And I guess many agree, the BBC points out that, "White socks, particularly under suits, would be seen as a style crime in many parts of the world."

While this is all true, white socks are often more comfortable, especially gym style socks, and slightly thicker which I would assume is a draw for many to wear the contested socks.

My only beef is that people should be free to wear what they want. The fact that someone wears white socks, in my opinion, does not point to their lack of style or fashion. It is how you wear the socks not what colour or shade they are.

Images from: http://great-hikes.com/blog/images/Socks1.jpg and http://www.whitesocks.com
Find many white socks at: http://www.whitesocks.com

PASSED: The Hate Crimes Amendment to the Defense Authorization Act

2007-09-27T19:07:00.000-04:00

From National Center for Transgender Equality
Senate Passes Historic Hate Crimes Bill

The Hate Crimes Amendment to the Defense Authorization Act (S. 1105) was passed on a voice vote of the Senate today, September 27th. Immediately prior to the voice vote, a cloture vote to end debate of the Amendment was passed 60-39 with bipartisan support.This amendment was already passed on May 3rd in the House by a vote of 237-180. NCTE is calling on President Bush to sign the bill with this historic provision included.

Mara Keisling, NCTE Executive Director, says, “While transgender people still have many obstacles to overcome, we are overjoyed that the hard work of so many people is coming to fruition.”

The Hate Crimes Amendment extends the federal hate crimes law to include sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, and disability.

Spring Runway Fashion

2007-09-21T16:22:00.000-04:00

While we mere mortals are just launching into fall the fashion world is springing into Spring.

If you want to keep an eye on the runways, look at the New York Magazines runway section. Here you will find pictures, videos, and advice on the latest looks. They have a menswear section here. The look on the right is from Paul Smith's Spring 2008 collection. I think it is bold and fabulous!

I like the tight look of the loud jacket and the calmness of the sandy pants. The white shoes top off the style by bringing your eyes back to the jacket.

-TSG

Hats Hats Hats, oh how I love them!

2007-09-19T21:52:00.000-04:00

Well, if your are an avid reader of TranzStyle Guy then you will know about my love for hats. Not baseball style head wear, but a real - nice hat. I am not sure how but I was just turned onto a Lock & Co Hatters, I know we silly Americans know nothing yadda yadda yadda.

From their website:

Ask any London taxi-driver for "Lock's" and without question he will take you to Number 6, St James's Street, S.W.1, the home of James Lock & Co., Hatters.
A postcard from abroad was once promptly delivered there, although it was addressed simply to 'The best hatters in the world, London'. Established not later than 1676 to wait upon the Court at St. James's the business now serves customers from all corners of the earth. Its' survival is the consequence of progressive conservatism, of confidence in quality and a demonstration of the effectiveness of persistent personality and individuality in an increasingly mass-minded world.

The history of the business is inseparable from the history of the street. It reflects continually the passage of events in the 'corridors of power' radiating from Westminster and St. James's, for its' conduct has always been sensitive to economic, political and social change. It is also inseparable from the history of the Lock family, and in particular of the personality of James Lock as the head of that family.

Please forgive me for my ignorance of such fine hatters - I am new to the whole world of menswear.

Anyway, check them out. I covet so many hats my current obsession is their medium brimmed Madison (on right)

-TSG

Gatsby Summer Afternoon

2007-09-19T07:14:00.000-04:00

Thanks to Will at A Suitable Wardrobe for bringing my attention to The Art Deco Society of California's event, Gatsby Summer Afternoon. This event looks like loads of fun! Take a look at the pictures from this years event via their website (the password is actually - gatsby picnic 2007 - contrary to what their site says).

-TSG

Brooks Bros. - Black Fleece

2007-09-15T09:34:00.000-04:00

Oh if I could... I stumbled upon Brooks Bros. new collection by designer Thom Browne, Black Fleece, and fell in love with this look. It incorporates my modern vintage look in a wonderfully stylish way. Please take a look at the collection and let me know if you agree.

-TSG

Article about Thom Browne from New York Magazine
Thom Browne's Website

Hair

2007-08-27T18:49:00.000-04:00

I was thinking about hairstyles today, you know I am often asked about hairstyles, not sure why mine is short and basic. Anyway, how does one break out and do something different?

Lenny Kravitz
According to The Hairstyler.com this is Lenny hairstyle no. 1
They say that, "This is a great hairstyle if you are ready for a change instead of having curls. It is also a very low maintenance style to wear."
Photo: © Retna Ltd.

I think that almost anything Lenny does is fabulous in regards to style. What a rock star, in fact every photo I have seen of him just screams "Rock Star". I think that is great.

Also, take a look at Menshairstyles.net they have great sections on a variety of hairstyles (to get past the 1980's styles click to the last page in each photo album). You are bound to find something that will fit your mood there.

My tips for hair: If you have it, experiment and change it up. If you don't have it, be proud and whatever you do, skip the rug.

-TSG

N.O.T.C.R.I.C.K.E.T.

2007-08-24T19:15:00.000-04:00

Not Cricket is a bunch of blokes who think that protesters need not look like they just slept on the streets, even if they did.

Check them out at: http://www.spacehijackers.org/notcricket/index.html

Nice
Overtly
Tailored

Chaps
Rebelling
Insisting
Capitalism
Kills
Everything
Totally

Indian Wear part 3

2007-08-22T19:02:00.000-04:00

Jodhpuri - a blend of India and the west

"A Jodhpuri Suit is blend of Indian and western taste. Also known as prince suit, it is a western suit like product, with a Coat and a trouser, at times accompanied by a vest. It brings together the western cut with Indian Hand Embroidery escorted by the very famous Nehru Collar." (http://www.diwansaheb.com)

This is another design from Diwan Saheb, there designs are beautiful. These suits are often for weddings but could be dressed down for office wear.

Also look at http://www.benzerworld.com
what fun fashions. Crisp yet stylish. All of these Indian fashions are great for short and slim guys. The long lines help make you look taller and the boxy Nehru collars give anyone a regal air.
-TSG

Indian Wear part 2

2007-08-17T18:53:00.000-04:00

Kurta Pajama - Kurta (Tunic) Pajama (Pants)

The most popular color for this simple but elegant Indian outfit for men is white. Kurta Pajama is a casual outfit that men sport in most any setting. Plain for home and dressier for other settings.

This more common looking Kurta Pajama is from Diwan Saheb (http://www.diwansaheb.com/) it is described as "Light Beige silk kurta pajama with pintucks on the front, and stitches on the sleeves. Price includes kurta, pajama, and stole."

To see a whole bunch of examples in various fabrics look at Exotic India Art (http://www.exoticindiaart.com/textiles/KurtaPajamas/)

On the left is one of their pieces, very simple and not as dressy as the outfit from Diwan Saheb.

In the US this would be a great outfit to relax in, comfortable and stylish.
-TSG

Thanks to a friend

2007-08-13T18:33:00.000-04:00

Well, thanks to a friend I am back posting! He asked me how this site was going and I was ashamed to admit that I have been quite the slacker. Time always gets in the way but I have so much fun with this site I really should keep it up.

Indian fashion is something I fell in love with when I was there in 1996. The clean lines and rich colours have never left me. I love Bollywood films for the shear joy of seeing the amazing garments (of course the catchy sing-song tunes cheer me up as well).

The first (this will be a series) I will discuss is Sherwani.
This is one of Gaurav Chhabra's designs (http://www.gauravchhabra.com/sherwani.html)
It is beautiful and holds the traditional clean lines.
Sherwani is for formal occasions (and in particular weddings) it is a coat-like garment buttoned in the front which reaches down to the knees or lower. Usually has embroidery or some other type of work on it. Worn by men at weddings and other formal parties.

The fun of Sherwani is that there is so much room for ornate embellishments. In the US mens dress wear is embellished in subtler ways and if one is to add some "flare" he will be referred to as a dandy, not that there is anything wrong with that.

"The Sherwani is the most traditional of Indian garments A coat like garment, worn by men, fitted close to the body, of knee-length or longer and opening in front with button-fastenings. It extra long length of 110 centimetres and its structured body makes it a streamlined garment. The collar band is 3-4 centimetres. Another version of the Sherwani is double breasted or with an asymmetrical opening. Two inseam pockets and side slits of 25-35 centimetres are a must in the garment." (http://www.monarch-garments.com)

Check back for more about Indian mens fashion.

-TSG

Tattersall Check

2007-07-31T13:18:00.001-04:00

What is Tattersal?

"Against a white ground, offset checks of red and black are laid in even squares -– though there are modern color variations. Tattersall derived from a man who lived in Tatt’s Hall in Lincolnshire originally and then from the colorful checked waistcoats worn by the racing fraternity at Tattersall’s horse market."

This is a great example: Hickey Freeman blue tattersal herringbone shirt

-TSG

It's been a while

2007-07-30T16:10:00.000-04:00

I have been injured and swamped with finals coming up.

But in the mean time I fell in love with this look. From The Sartorialist

Loose, cool and suave. Try it on, and don't forget your animal print tie for a bit of pizazz.

-TSG

What Andy Says about Warm Weather

2007-07-11T14:15:00.000-04:00

Here in New England it is in the 80's with high humidity so I went looking for good tips for warm weather. I found the best advice from Ask Andy About Clothes
He said it best so I have just copied it here, but please visit his site as it has gobs of useful information.

The official summer season in the USA is from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Those are the days my friends, between which you can legitimately wear traditional summer garb such as linen, sandals and white. I have had questions from gentlemen in England about this! The same England that set in concrete most men’s clothing rules!! But their holidays are different. So if you're not in the USA go with the summer dates (this year the dates are June 21 to September 23) and you will be close.

Of course, where you are has some bearing on the matter. In the tropics, you can lengthen the time you wear a white dinner jacket. But if you’re in Palm Springs in January, even if it’s 80 degrees, you look a little silly in a tank top. Dress for the weather but also be cognizant of the season.
Use common sense; you wouldn’t automatically wear your tweed jacket the day after Labor Day if you lived in Florida or Southern California.
Summer is no excuse to dress like a beach bum! Shorts and a tank top are not the most flattering attire. If you’re dining in a fine restaurant having to look at someone dressed accordingly might even spoil your meal!!
Dressing appropriately is about respecting your fellow human beings and their institutions, like a restaurant, not thumbing your nose at manners and common courtesy for the sake of being comfortable.
Commuting to work in your suit on a 90-degree day is not a pleasant experience. The human body sweats! You want to feel cool and comfortable and still look like you mean business.

Paul Stuart Image from: http://images.businessweek.com/ss/06/06/summersuits/source/9.htm

-TSG

Handy Dandy new discovery

2007-07-10T21:51:00.001-04:00

I found this handy site that I wish to let you all know about: The Dress Code Guide

You choose the event and it gives you some helpful tips. Try it out.

-TSG

How to wear an old suit

2007-07-06T16:20:00.000-04:00

The Sartorialist has a wonderful post of a man in a 35 year old suit. This is how to wear an old suit.-TSG

Image from The Sartorialist, please check out his blog and look at the additional images of this wonderful suit.

A quote

2007-07-06T16:14:00.000-04:00

The difference between style and fashion is quality.
Giorgio Armani

Wax Cap

2007-07-05T13:05:00.000-04:00

After thinking about this cap for over a month I finally did it! I bought the Barbour Wax Cap. I love hats, as you may have figured out by now and this one is just perfect for my country life and for the summer. I love it so much I am ignoring all the rules of hat wearing and wearing it practically day and night. I got mine from Orvis, however it is only available as a retail item right now.

This is a classic style hat which I highly recommend.

-Image from Eroguns of Doncaster

-TSG

Do you trust this man

2007-07-02T18:20:00.001-04:00

From a New York magazine poll:
Can you trust a man in a fedora?
Yes . . . . . . . 35
No . . . . . . . 22
Unsure . . . . . . . 43
�If he�s Humphrey Bogart.� �If he�s black.�

This information and image is from Manolo for the Men
a great blog about Men's fashion

-TSG

Quote on style

2007-07-02T18:16:00.000-04:00

Style is knowing who you are, what you want to say and not giving a damn.
Gore Vidal

2007-06-21T13:38:00.001-04:00

The best dressed movie I have seen in a long time is Bullitt, starring Steve McQueen as Frank Bullitt. I watched it last night and I was so impressed. The other day I talked abut finding the right collar for your face, referencing A Suitable Wardrobe. In Bullitt Steve McQueens clothes fit perfectly, in fact everyone in this film is well dressed.

It is 1968 in SanFran and the suits are clean, the cars are hot. This is a must see for everyone and the ties are not really skinny, so there I have varied taste.

-TSG

Movie Poster Image from: http://www.cinema-posters.net/vintage-movie-poster-2051-bullitt.htm
Steve McQueen Image from: http://bradbarnett.net/mustangs/timeline/67-68/68/bullitt/

Shirt Collars

2007-06-19T23:04:00.000-04:00

On A Suitable Wardrobe Will talks about shirt fit. This is a topic I have addressed before and I feel it is an important topic, so I will keep addressing it. Will says:

Only a bit of a shirt shows at your wrists and below your neck, which is why the collar is the most important part of a shirt. Consider poor Stanley Tucci here, unbecomingly costumed for his role in The Devil Wears Prada. The fit of his collar is classic, with what appears to be just enough room to insert a couple of fingers between shirt and neck and about a half inch of shirt above the back of his jacket. But the proportion is off - the points of his collar are too long for his head.

So... what kind of collar should you wear? You should wear one that fits your face and body type. First of all - In my opinion button-downs are only ok if you are going for that lower-middle-management zombie wage slave look, but other than that there is a world of collars waiting for you.

My collar of choice is the french collar, 1.5" back and 2.75" to the tips (See KJ Beckett bespoke for a great set of images and measurements) This style fits my face and is classy looking yet when the top button is left open I just look like a nice relaxed "clean cut" guy. This style also has a wide enough spread for me to tie a windsor knot or a four-in-hand.

Find your collar style and you will be well on your way.

Image of Stanley Tucci from out.com

-TSG

Time and TSG

2007-06-16T15:44:00.000-04:00

Ok, so I don't have the amount of time I thought I had. In trying to keep this site and my personal site up-to-date I feel like I am struggling. I enjoy posting information for you discerning gentlepeople, yet I feel as if I am letting you down.

The week in movies was spent watching them more than writing about them. If you are interested in mod culture then I am sure you have seen the film inspired by The Who, Quadrophenia. Mod style is one which I really like and in fact I feel like I am a cross between a mod and a rocker. I prefer rock'n'roll tunes but the Vespa and skinny tie seem to suit me a bit more.

As you have seen I am a big fan of the suit and skinny tie look and if you are interested in this style then Quadrophenia will not let you down.

Image from: http://www.quadrophenia.net/

TSG at the Movies, part II

2007-06-10T18:58:00.000-04:00

One can not discuss recent stylish films without mentioning the name Quentin Tarantino. Two films in particular rank at the op of the "style" list, Pulp Fiction and Reservoir Dogs.

Reservoir Dogs most memorable scene is of the guys walking down the ally (seen on the right). The matching suits adds a punch to this wonderful film.

Suits are once again the focus of style in Pulp Fiction. The black suits and skinny ties of Pulp Fiction gave a serious yet fun flare to the film and by highlighting the dress of Vincent Vega and Jules Winnfield, with the costume change 3/4 of the way through the film, the viewers attention is focused directly on their fine fitting suits.

Interestingly enough the key seems to be black suits with skinny black ties. A timeless classic, you just might wish to try. Or not.

-TSG

http://www.pulpfiction.com/
Quentin Tarantino
Pulp Fiction photo from: Grow a Brain

Movies and Style

2007-06-09T19:08:00.000-04:00

So many of us get our style and fashion sense from the wonderful world of film. I have noted that on many fashion blogs right now people are talking about Oceans 13, like A Suitable Wardrobe. I saw Oceans 11 back in 2001 when it was released and it was fun and stylish, a great combo in my opinion. But what about other stylish films? Which films does TSG like?

Well, first and foremost I am a huge fan of Stanley Kubrick. Kubrick, though not a stylish man himself, brought to the screen the most stylish films. A Clockwork Orange being the highlight. Kubrick's other stylish films include Barry Lyndon, about an eighteenth century dandy. It is long and not too exciting, yet it is brilliant and stylish. The Killing and Killers Kiss are two films which are often forgotten. Noir at its best, these films will keep you on the edge of your seat, and look at those suits!

For the next week, I will post about stylish films. Please join in the conversation and post your thoughts on these stylish film classics, and possibly a couple not-so-classics (but, I doubt it)

-TSG

To find out more info about Stanley Kubrick and his films check out the non-profit site Kubrick.com

The movie poster image is from thebmrant.com

Image from Killers Kiss from DVD Times

-TSG's wife, Style Wife, wants to point out that she does not like the way Kubrick portrays women, TSG on the other hand thinks that he just had a particular attraction for really skinny women and that he was portraying them respectfully and in fine taste, please see Eyes Wide Shut as Kiddman's character has an equal role in the relationship, blahh la de dah.

TSG has now done his job and may stay off the couch yet another night, success!

The Sartorialist

2007-06-07T18:26:00.000-04:00

I love The Satorialist. If I could be half as brilliant as Scott Schuman I would be a happy blogger.

On June third he posted the image on the left. All he said about the image was:

I love the crinkly summer elegance of a linen suit.

I think that is so wonderful about Scott's blog. He understates almost everything and is brilliant at it.

What I would say about this image is that this is a man who knows how to wear a summer suit. He knows that he looks good, and it shows. The suit fits well and has that soft summer feel. Perfect look.

-TSG

Tranz Looks

2007-06-05T22:52:00.000-04:00

I took a survey today about Trans people and our thoughts on racism and prejudice (National Center for Transgender Equality). One of the questions struck me as interesting and I wanted to write about it. The question was about being embarrassed in public with trans people who don't pass. You might think, of course TSG would be embarrassed cause usually "not passing" is a synonym for "poorly dressed". But, that is the interesting thing. I am not embarrassed at all, in fact I think that meshing into boring hum drum society is doing, and has done, our community a disservice. BUT... I think that even if you don't pass you can dress well.

Dressing well and passing are two very different things. Just look at the history of dandyism. From Mel's blog Footpath Zeitgeist:

The dandy's clothes are based around a semiotic building block that Barthes calls the "detail". For the dandy continually strives not only to be "other" but also to be alone in his otherness (unlike a subculture, which aims for collective otherness). It is this "detail" that enables such pure distinction. And it is in the (at least theoretical) infinity of singularity that dandies can identify each other. They are recognising (sic) each other's thoughtful originality: the precision and subtlety of each other's sartorial signatures. They are not identifying with the other's stylistic similarities, but with the other's stylistic differences.

The dandy stands out, does not fit in, yet is at the height of style. This is partly what my goal is as TranzStyleGuy. You do not have to fit in, but I think you should be at the height of style. I want to help empower our community to be stylish, to be ourselves, not to "pass".

-TSG

For more info on dandy's go to this GREAT site: Dandyism.net
Picture of Beau Brummell from dandyism.net

Ties

2007-06-04T21:52:00.000-04:00

Ties... have I mentioned ties before? ... should be properly tied, hit your belt line and have a dimple. If you can't do these three things, keep practicing till you can. A tie is not a necklace. It can be loose but not dangling. Look like you really tied it. If you want it loose then tie it, make it snug add your dimple then loosen it a bit.

Since I work in a casual environment, and am one of the few guys who wears a tie, I unbutton my top button and loosen the tie. But it still does not hang.

Follow these rules and you can fit in most anywhere with a tie. You will look calm and confident, cool and collected.

-TSG

Short Men

2007-06-01T19:36:00.000-04:00

On a e-list that I am on someone was asking about styles and images of short men. This was a great question and got me thinking about those who have an inseam shorter than 30".

The first key is to know your inseam. Knowing your style will help when shopping and help you tell other people how to shop for you, always handy.

For people with short inseams a tailor is a must. First realize that the term tailor sounds like it will cost you a penny, this is not true. Almost every town has a tailor who can do a simple hem for under $10. You might not ask them to tailor your new suit but they should be able to handle the little stuff. If you go to a tailor make sure to try the pants on for them and let them pin the pants up. Also, you are the customer. If where they pin is not what you want tell them - and better to get them to long then too short, once the pants are cut that is that.

MSNBC has a great article about shopping for short men, I highly recommend you read that. MSNBC article.

If you are looking for support as a short person. I found the short person support gorup
they have info about average height by country as well as other useful information.

One of my faveorite people/artists is Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec. He was 5 feet tall as an adult and, I think, one of the most stylish people in history. To find out more about Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec go to a wonderful blog by Princeton students of modern art. The picture on the right is from that site. <click here>

Mohamed Makkawy is a 5'4" bodybuilder. Though I am unsure if he is stylish he has won many bodybuilding contests and is quite a sight to see.
(summarized from the IFBB website)
At age 43, Makkawy smelled the posing oil and applied it six more times, breaking into the top 10 only once during the next two years. His pleasing symmetrical physique showcased by great posing had given way to mass monsters, so he retired with an overall IFBB record of six wins in 29 contest, spread over 21 years.

Prince, as the artist is currently known, is only 5'2 1/2" tall. This picture notwithstanding, his claim to style is not one that I personally like. I do think that he is a modern dandy and thus someone to pay attention to, also I hate to admit but, I like his music a bit. Read more about Prince here at fashion.org.au (also site of picture).

So, in summary, there is hope for you short men. Just be yourself and be proud of who you are. When you like yourself you look 6 feet tall.

-TSG

Barbershop follow up...

2007-06-01T19:33:00.000-04:00

Last night I was reading a forum about barbershops and they suggested going to a hotel barbershop. I thought this was a great idea!

I recommend finding a good 5star hotel though (of course anything less would probably not have a barber on staff).

If you are concerned about how you look at such a swank hotel, remember... act like you own the place and they will give you the respect you deserve.

-TSG

Barbershop

2007-05-31T17:20:00.000-04:00

Today, I went to a new barber. I have fallen in love with the barbershop experience and I can't imagine going to a "stylist" ever again. The process is simple, if you know what you want, and relaxing, if you go to the right place.

You need to know your numbers, and what they mean. I like a 2 on the sides (that's a 1/4 inch) and hand cut on top. Then squared up all around, leaving the sideburns long but squared up.

(More on hair terms at: Crop Shop)

The experience is best if you find an old school barbershop where they are as into class as you are. And the best thing about barbershops? The average cut is $10-$14.

Also remember, if you don't like the cut you don't have to go back, and your hair is short so wait 2 weeks and find someone else, and when you find the barber who does it "just right" keep going back.

(GQ's Style Guy has some tips on finding a barber: GQ Grooming)

(photo from: Walnut, Illinois 1872-1972 Centennial Book: Part 2)

Laundry

2007-05-30T20:50:00.000-04:00

Just got back from doing laundry and I thought I should post about the key to laundry. The key is separation. I am anal about separation. Two pink items later and my partner is no longer allowed to separate. I separate everything and then it is ok to launder it.

The main item to separate is whites. White means NO COLOUR! no prints or colour decoration. WHITE. By separating the whites you will keep your whites whiter longer and have a greatly decreased need or desire to bleach, which is harmful to your clothing.

On coloured items you should do a bit of sorting as well. Darks (i.e. black and navy solids) can go with reds and brights. And idealy you will have four loads.

1) whites
2) mediums (khaki and pastels)
3) darks
4) brights

Do this and your clothes will last much longer.

-TSG
(photo and great info from Mary Janes Farm)

Have a question?

2007-05-28T19:09:00.000-04:00

If you read TSG on a regular basis don't forget that questions are always welcome. Just e-mail me at TranzStyleGuy@gmail.com

It is ok to be a geek

2007-05-28T18:42:00.000-04:00

The only thing I have to talk about today is that it is ok to be a geek. Yes, as I have said before, and I will continue to say, you look your best when you are yourself, and I admit that I have a bit of geek in me. Today I finally got my old laptop fully converted to Linux, and my newer box will soon follow. Now, don't worry, this is not about to become some geeky blog. Just thought I would let you know that I am proud of who I am, and that is ok.

If you are looking for a windows alternative, try Ubuntu. "Linux for Humans" as they say.

Fall is on its way

2007-05-27T19:18:00.000-04:00

I work for a company that has a focus on clothing and right now we are in the swing of fall. It is hard to think of fall when the sun just popped out and the trees are still getting their new leaves. But fall it is, and it is a great time to think about your fall wardrobe. If you are the thrift seeker then summer is a great time to hit up the deep discouted places like thrift stores. They are on a demand basis and the demand this weekend is for swim trunks not wool suits. But you are forward thinking, which is great.

The fall will hopefully bring a new season for your style, dare I say classier? Yes men in the US are finally waking up and leaving the grunge behind. Look at this new style by Thom Browne.

You can recreate this look and more by hitting up the thrift store and then finding a tailor, but don't forget to make sure the clothes fit properly, there is never a good excuse for ill fitting clothing.

This is a new one from John Varvatos.

Hat Etiquette

2007-05-24T20:04:00.000-04:00

One of the etiquette faux pas I keep making, in my new live as a passing man, is that of hats. What is the modern man to do?

At work I see men who wear baseball caps to work and leave them on indoors, and at causal restaurants you almost always can see a guy or two with a cap on. But I think this is because of the trend toward baseball caps, and not hats. None the less at the times I think are odd someone will tell me to take off my hat indoors.

The most resent experience was at church. I wear an old Stetson fedora, especially when it is raining which it was the day of the hat experience, and I walked over to church and made it in the doors out of the deluge. I was in a hurry to get a seat and on my way to the pews when I was passed by the deacon and asked to remove my hat. It was an even odder situation because once I removed it she thought I was a woman and was all of the sudden ok with me having a hat on in the church. I of course want to do what is proper, and I always take off my hat once I sit down. Any way, I thought I would share some hat etiquette tips for the modern man.

1) Take your hat off in christian churches. If you are of a faith tradition where you are required to wear one out of respect, wear one.
2) Take hats off at business meetings and in most business places.
3) Are you in school? Take your hat off in the classroom. I think it is disrespectful to hide your eyes from your professor.
4) When speaking with people older than you you probably want to take your hat off, they might call you on it.
5) At the dinner table, take it off.
6) At the bar, leave it on if you want to but if you are out to meet people you might want to take it off so they can see your eyes.
7) The rule of tipping to women and taking your hat off in the presence of a woman, is rubbish. Women should not have different rules in this regard. Do what feels respectful and right but don't do it just because she is a woman, that is sexist, I think.

To read more sexist takes on hat etiquette:
Ask Andy
BCVC on Hats (history information too)

(Image of the hat style I have from: Another Time Vintage Apparel)

Shopping on a budget

2007-05-23T20:30:00.000-04:00

If you are like TSG you might have a tight budget and not know how to still look stylish, enter TSG's favorite store, Salvation Army. Thrift stores offer great values and are a wonderful place to find clothing of all styles.

Fashion is more about you then the trend. If the clothing fits and you feel good in it, that is what people will notice.

On The Satorialist there is a picture of Derrick Miller, the creative director for Barker Black. Derrick is wearing a suit he got at the Salvation Army for $12.99. This is a great example of the good finds at the thrift store. Barker Black makes expensive fine shoes and ties (with little skulls and crossbones on them) He can clearly purchase a custom suit, but he likes the $12.99. You can do the same. The key is the fit, which you will learn more about by staying in tune with this blog, or doing your own search for the info.

So, go shop. Splurge with $30 at the thrift stores and sport your own style.

Photo of Derrick Miller from The Satorialist. Scott Schuman took the photo and it belongs to him. Go to his blog!

Yes, you can wear shorts...

2007-05-23T19:05:00.000-04:00

...but, then need to be appropriate for the occasion. Even on the runways, shorts are in.

In this outfit by Thom Browne the shorts work partly because the entire outfit is dressy. Try on some shorts, and see how it works for you. It takes a special guy to sport the shorts, that is without the t-shirt on the weekend, you just might be that guy.

2007-05-23T18:48:00.000-04:00

The article that changed my life, was in GQ in February 2007. See I think my shirts were always just slightly off, too big or too small. This article showed me how to find the right shirt, and that it could be found off-the-rack (that is not custom made). Shopping at thrift stores is more than fine, TSG loves a good thrift store, but the shirt needs to fit.

As a tranz guy, I needed a fit that made me look male, and take the focus off of my hips. This article helped. Check it out now. Good Fit Bad Fit

16 Rules for Success

2007-05-23T14:31:00.000-04:00

I found these 16 tips on Retired at 21. Dean Hunt found them on Bob Parsons.com (the guy who founded GoDaddy.com) Anyway, I think they are great and worth the read. I will try to practice these for the next month, at least.

1. Get and stay out of your comfort zone. I believe that not much happens of any significance when we’re in our comfort zone. I hear people say, “But I’m concerned about security.” My response to that is simple: “Security is for cadavers.”
2. Never give up. Almost nothing works the first time it’s attempted. Just because what you’re doing does not seem to be working, doesn’t mean it won’t work. It just means that it might not work the way you’re doing it. If it was easy, everyone would be doing it, and you wouldn’t have an opportunity.
3. When you’re ready to quit, you’re closer than you think. There’s an old Chinese saying that I just love, and I believe it is so true. It goes like this: “The temptation to quit will be greatest just before you are about to succeed.”
4. With regard to whatever worries you, not only accept the worst thing that could happen, but make it a point to quantify what the worst thing could be. Very seldom will the worst consequence be anywhere near as bad as a cloud of “undefined consequences.” My father would tell me early on, when I was struggling and losing my shirt trying to get Parsons Technology going, “Well, Robert, if it doesn’t work, they can’t eat you.”
5. Focus on what you want to have happen. Remember that old saying, “As you think, so shall you be.”
6. Take things a day at a time. No matter how difficult your situation is, you can get through it if you don’t look too far into the future, and focus on the present moment. You can get through anything one day at a time.
7. Always be moving forward. Never stop investing. Never stop improving. Never stop doing something new. The moment you stop improving your organization, it starts to die. Make it your goal to be better each and every day, in some small way. Remember the Japanese concept of Kaizen. Small daily improvements eventually result in huge advantages.
8. Be quick to decide. Remember what the Union Civil War general, Tecumseh Sherman said: “A good plan violently executed today is far and away better than a perfect plan tomorrow.”
9. Measure everything of significance. I swear this is true. Anything that is measured and watched, improves.
10. Anything that is not managed will deteriorate. If you want to uncover problems you don’t know about, take a few moments and look closely at the areas you haven’t examined for a while. I guarantee you problems will be there.
11. Pay attention to your competitors, but pay more attention to what you’re doing. When you look at your competitors, remember that everything looks perfect at a distance. Even the planet Earth, if you get far enough into space, looks like a peaceful place.
12. Never let anybody push you around. In our society, with our laws and even playing field, you have just as much right to what you’re doing as anyone else, provided that what you’re doing is legal.
13. Never expect life to be fair. Life isn’t fair. You make your own breaks. You’ll be doing good if the only meaning fair has to you, is something that you pay when you get on a bus (i.e., fare).
14. Solve your own problems. You’ll find that by coming up with your own solutions, you’ll develop a competitive edge. Masura Ibuka, the co-founder of SONY, said it best: “You never succeed in technology, business, or anything by following the others.” There’s also an old Asian saying that I remind myself of frequently. It goes like this: “A wise man keeps his own counsel.”
15. Don’t take yourself too seriously. Lighten up. Often, at least half of what we accomplish is due to luck. None of us are in control as much as we like to think we are.
16. There’s always a reason to smile. Find it. After all, you’re really lucky just to be alive. Life is short. More and more, I agree with my little brother. He always reminds me: “We’re not here for a long time; we’re here for a good time.”

The Key to Style

2007-05-22T23:33:00.000-04:00

When I was a kid I went to cotillion, my parents wanted me to be a nice lady, I hated it. But I learned something, in fact only one thing. Mr. Benjamin, that was the guy who lead the cotillion, said over and over one phrase. He said, "Dress for the occasion."

He was right. It does not matter where you work, or with whom you spend most of your time. You can be a person of style if you dress for the occasion.

Don't forget this, I know I won't.

Tie your own tie

2007-05-22T22:05:00.000-04:00

OK, a simple tip guys. Learn how to tie your tie. Learn a couple different styles, and know which one suits your body type. Also don't forget the two style rules of ties.
- ALWAYS have a dimple
- Your tie should hit just at/ever so slightly above your belt

Windsor Knot
Half Windsor Knot
Four-in-Hand
Bow Tie (NO clip ons here)

My favorite tie store is Beau Ties of Vermont, they also sell neck ties.

-TSG

Tip 3

2007-05-21T13:21:00.001-04:00

Read Forbes Summer Grooming Guide. Great information about men's grooming. I know some of us trans guys are really into our new hair, but be careful you still need to look clean. There are tons of great products which are not as expensive as the ones they suggest, and remember one of the best things you can do is head over to the barbershop, typically $10-$14 a cut.

-TSG

Style Tip 2

2007-05-20T20:23:00.000-04:00

Collar stays. Don't forget to take them out before you wash your favorite shirt! Yes, collar stays are wonderful little things that go in your collar to make the points pointy (for collar types other than button-downs, which I will discuss some other time) but these wonderful tools don't wash well, so take them out - wash shirt - put them back in before you ware your shirt again.

For a cool little organizer for your stays, look at this... The Stay Clip. I found it when researching this style tip!

- TSG

First Tip to being a guy with style

2007-05-19T19:10:00.000-04:00

Get a subscription to GQ. I personally think Esquire is full of sexist remarks. But GQ is typically pretty respectful and they honestly have great style tips. Getting a subscription will save you tons of money (only $12 for a year) compared to the newsstand price and TSG thinks the price is well worth it.

TSG's only negative thoughts are the general homophobic tones which run through most men's magazines. But hey, if you are a gay guy, just look at the pictures, the DG ads are always great and usually in the first couple pages.

With GQ you will see the latest fashions and best of all tips on how clothing is supposed to fit. If you are like me, you might have thought that a medium shirt is a medium shirt. But there is much more than that.

Now just don't get TSG confused with "Style Guy" TSG is much better looking.

-TSG

Welcome to TSG

2007-05-19T18:53:00.000-04:00

TSG is here for people of all genders, but especially tranz people.

I decided to start this blog after viewing the recent Newsweek article about transgender people. I was looking through the photo album that was linked to the article and realized that I might be able to help. Additionally a friend of mine was telling me one day, before he started T, that his friends at the local diner were telling him that once he started T he needed to start dressing "more like a guy" in flannel and big t-shirts. He said he was concerned because he had never been a slob and was not about to start.

I am proud of being a tranz guy and I do not want to erase our transness to mold into societal norms, however I do want to help people feel better about themselves and look good in general.

This site is for you friends. I will start offering up tips, daily at the least on what you can do to improve your style. If you have any questions for TSG please feel free to e-mail me at......

TSG