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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The difference between style and fashion is quality.
Giorgio Armani