Dutch declare war

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

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

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!

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

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

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

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