Update Your Summer Pants in 2.5 Seconds

Gentlemen, you must love the sheer simplicity of this sartorial juzher, and best of all, it's free.  It's the pants roll.  Brought to the masses by the New York Times this morning, this is the perfect way to channel that styled yet devil-may-care look.  

PS - I love the messy rolled look with heels or espadrilles in the summer, so this is definitely lady territory as well.

Here are the guidelines:

- Bare ankles are best, but crazy socks are ok on guys....just nothing white or athletic looking.  Ladies, go for a heel.

- After rolling, the pant legs should be an inch or two above the ankle; nothing nearing knee/calf territory.

- Cuff should be 1-2 inches (1" rolled three times, or 2" rolled twice)

- Looser pants require a peg, or pinching the fabric to make a small fold while rolling---I remember doing this in this in 3rd grade.  Make sure points face inward on each leg so they are symmetrical.

- The look is best with chinos or denim, and nothing too suit-like or dressy.  Also, forget it with skinny jeans.

All in all, this is the "I totally spent time to look this disheveled look".  Pull it off, and you look effortlessly styled...and all with a quick roll of the pant. 

Men's Worst Style Mistakes from GQ.com

Gentleman:  have you been wondering if you have a style deficiency that is curbing your game?  As a lady, I definitely have a short list of 'undateable' characteristics: bad teeth, exceptionally short, lover of junk food, wears socks with holes, etc. Ellen Rakieten and Anne Coyle sat down with GQ to discuss wardrobe and grooming faux pas for their new book, Undateable.  For anyone with at least one stylish bone in their body, these men's style no-no's have been on the "I would never" list for years (though some of my most dashing gay friends have been occasional offenders--er spray tan and highlights).  But, it is really fun--ie gag inducing--to see them reduced down to the top 19 offenses.  Some of them are exceptionally cringe worthy (Ed Hardy and mesh clothing) and some are just common sense (bedazzled denim pockets--ew).  Would someone please clue in the cast of Jersey Shore to this slideshow?....Snooki and JWOWW included. 

Men's Worst Style Mistakes Humor: GQ.com

As an antidote to Men's Worst Style Mistakes, click here for GQ's 50 Most Stylish Leading Men of the Past Half Century.

Image courtesy of GQ.com and Getty Images

Revenge of the Nerds: Warby Parker

Glasses have made a huge come-back in the past year, especially nerd glasses.  The trend is so profound that I even see my friends whom I know have stellar vision wearing glasses with non-prescription lenses and many a sad fashion victim wearing frames sans lenses.  I have always prided myself on having great vision (hey, models can talk about their stellar skin and long limbs so why can't I gloat about my 20/15 vision?) but, I do admit a tinge of jealousy of having no real need to wear these amazing accessories.

While flipping through GQ's March issue (aka- porn for the more civilized woman--well dressed men = yum) I came across an amazing guide to large-framed statement glasses and how to pull them off without looking like a doofus.  Grab the mag or click here for all the tips, but what really caught my eye was a blip about a new eyeglass label called Warby Parker.  Scared to buy glasses over the internet?  Don't be.  Warby Parker will send you up to five frames to test at no charge.  Pick the one you love, mail them all back, and they will return your fav with your prescription lenses....all for a crazy affordable $95.  Yes, $95 for frames and lenses.  Insanity.  And it just gets better: for every pair of glasses sold, they will donate a pair to RestoringVision.org through their "Buy a Pair, Give a Pair" program.  When I went to their website I found both frames for men and women (over 30 choices for each), and they have a cool feature where you can upload a picture of yourself and test drive pairs online (see my inner nerd unleashed above).  Get on this!  

www.WarbyParker.com    

My Favs: Richard Haines

I truly owe a random morning of browsing through The Cut to meeting Richard Haines. Fashion designer, illustrator, teacher, and blogger extraordinaire (you must check out What I Saw Today); Richard has his fingers in many pots around the fashion world. After commissioning a portrait for a friend's birthday, I let my inner narcissist loose and sat for two of myself (one pictured and right, and one on the Shitty-Chic FB fan page). After hanging with Richard for an hour I knew he had to be my first featured My Favs male. Enjoy!

BEAUTY
LIPS - I buy a little jar of Carmex 2x a year: summer and winter. Then, I love it about two weeks later, my lips dry out, and I repeat the same process next season.
SHAMPOO - I use my daughter's Garnier Fructis stuff that smells like candy--it's kind of gross, but it's always available.
MOISTURIZER - I am adamant about Kiehl's Nourishing, Soothing Skin Cream for Men
HAIR PRODUCT- All kinds of stuff I buy when the person who cuts my hair uses it. But, when I use it it never looks the same.
SCENT - Nothing. I don't use fragrance or deodorant...
TOOTHPASTE - Duh, Crest.
WHERE DO YOU GET YOUR HAIR CUT? I go to Erica Bennett at Damian West Salon. She's as lovely as she is talented (cuts men & women).

CLOTHES
JEANS - Uniqlo super skinny 000. People ask me if I'm wearing super expensive jeans, and they're like $39!
UNDERWARE - American Apparel color stuff and H&M makes a fierce pair of boxer briefs.
SNEAKERS - I bought some black sneaker/moccasins by Generic Surplus at Reed Space on Orchard Street. My daughter is mortified because I'm 'wearing skater shoes.'
WATCH - Bright blue Timex at Opening Ceremony
T-SHIRT - American Apparel or J. Crew
DAYTIME LOOK - See me in Burberry/The Art of the Trench: wrinkled shirt, tie, Uniqlo jeans, Prada lace-ups. Always with my 25 year old croc belt with silver Tiffany buckle to give it some 'history.'
BAG - J. Crew cotton bag with my drawing of their Broadway shop on it.
EVENING LOOK - Haha, that's funny...see 'daytime look.'
FAVORITE ACCESSORY - A wrist strap the Bray Brothers/Billykirk traded me for a sketch I did of them.
FAVORITE DESIGNER - Lanvin for men's and women's--it's modern chic full on.

HOME
WHERE DO YOU LIVE? Yo Bushwick!
FAVORITE ART - Impossible to answer. Good art restores my belief in the goodness of mankind to create beauty in the face of chaos and despair. I can't name one person...
SHEETS - I got some good stuff using a gift certificate at Restoration Hardware.
MORNING STARTER - Coffee! Trader Joe's or some amazing stuff from this hippie shop in Cape May.
STATIONARY - When I was a fashion designer I had embossed cards from Dempsey & Carroll. Now, I use a sketch pad.
FLOWERS - A big bunch of roses in different colors. Anyone reading this is more than welcome to send me some...
GADGET - iPhone apps. Right now the Scrabble app and the one that allows me to do portraits on the iPhone.
NEIGHBORHOOD RESTAURANT - Roberta's at the Morgan L stop is the shit. So is An Choi on Orchard St.
DRINK - I don't drink, so it would have to be Snapple green tea in the 17.5 oz. containers.
DESSERT - Anything that starts with the word 'creme.'

INSPIRATIONS
DISCOVERY - Brooklyn. Not news anymore, but a real discovery to me.
WHO INSPIRES YOU? My daughter--her curiosity, humor and intelligence inspires me every day.
NECESSARY EXTRAVAGANCE - Flowers, books, time, flowers, good candles, fashion books, massages, an occasional therapy session...
CHARITY - Anything benefiting children in orphanages.
MOVIES - Too many to say. But, the one movie that still resonates about how and where we live is Robert Altman's classic, 'Nashville.'
VINTAGE STORE - Didier Ludot in Paris--not your typical vintage place. Hermes and Dior--the real deal.
HOTEL - L'Hotel on the left bank in Paris. Small on size but grand in taste.
COLORS - Like art, too many to choose. But, I usually reach for any shad of blue colored pencil first...

Easy on the Wallet Wellies

Once I returned to the frozen tundra of New York city after the Holidays, I realized I was in desperate need of a new pair of winter boots. This meaning warm, waterproof, quasi-stylish, not a boot that hits the knee as it is fairly impossible to stick your pant legs inside it, and one that may work double duty as rain boots in warmer months. I once had a pair of Marc Jacobs wellies that made my heels bleed, so I was hesitant in going that route again. Lesson learned: stick to the rubber boot experts. There is a reason the Marc ones are so cheap: they are incredibly heavy, hard to walk in, and they draw blood.

I had always walked past the Tretorn store on Spring Street and after checking out their website I had to stop in a try them on for myself. I am in love. Forget Hunter wellies that will run you over $100 + $30 for the fleece socks. I bought a pair of Tretorns on the spot for $45 on sale. I went with the black Skerry's with the brown leather pull-tab, and I love that they are mid-height. They also have micro-fleece lining which has been super warm with my thick winter socks. And, as an added bonus, it looks like everything on their website it currently on sale. I will definitely be back when the weather warms up to check out all their canvas sneakers, which are a stylized breath of fresh air to their Converse All-Star contemporaries.

PS - I love the Skymra Mid Puffer for guys

Shop Tretorn Online

50 Gifts Under $50: For Him (#41-50)

The final installment is here! I always find it much more difficult to find presents for guys than girls, and I usually resort to gift certificates or something equally impersonal. Fear not fellow females....here are 10 budget-friendly gifts under $50 for the guys in your life.

Remember the rules:

• It can cost no more than $50 before sales tax.
• It must be something fairly luxe and fall into the category of an item that the recipient may wish to have but out of practicality would never spend their own money on.
• It must be relatively easy to find (either online, national retailers, or adequate substitutes are available).
• Finally, it has to be something I would love to receive or would personally give to a friend or family member. I would never recommend something I wouldn't pony up for myself.

Buy a pair and TOMS gives a pair to a kid in need.

TOMS Shoes - $44


Snaz up your suit.
White Linen Pocket Square - $42


Have a little fun on cold winter days...and look less like a bank robber.
American Apparel Mustache Mask - $14


Don't be George Costanza with a lump of a wallet. Get sleek and bubble butt free in 2010.
J.Crew Leather Cardholder - $15


A sophisticated way to drink brew.
Speigelau Beer Classics Glasses - $25 for set of two


For your favorite aspiring hipster
Flannel shirt from Uniqulo - $30


The gift that keeps on giving.
Subscription to GQ - $12


Don't lie, you love to sing in the shower. This will help you remember the words to Pokerface.
Wireless Shower Speaker Set - $40


Desperate times call for desperate measures...and at least this won't set off any metal detectors.
Plastic Pocket Flask - $15


NYC centric, but perfect if you are in the city. Coolest shades and plebeian prices.
Soho Sunglasses Lady on Broadway between Prince and Spring - $5-10

Day 1: For Her
Day 2: For Home
Day 3: Mixed Bag
Day 4: Food & Drink

GQ's 15 Dress for Less Rules

While I love watching the videos on GQ's website (well-dressed, handsome men are always a sight for sore eyes), and for their 15-day Dress Better for Less countdown you must watch 15 videos at 2-3 minutes a pop. So, 30 minutes later you may feel like you are best friends with the two hosts, but you have lost out on a half an hour of your life. I have taken the grunt work out for you, gentleman, and have put myself through a grueling session of 15 back-to-back webisodes to bring you GQ's quick and dirty 15 tip to dress better for less. Just in time for the holidays....your family won't know where this stylish young man came from and where he hid his former frat boy.

1. Give a dark suit more mileage (and a more casual, updated look) by mixing in a printed button down shirt. GQ loves the plaid. Just make sure there are collar stays so it doesn't look sloppy. Pair with an un-busy tie in dark colors. This could be an amazing Holiday look too.

2. The camel coat is a versatile, practical, and sophisticated topper on cold days. Wear over a suit or on the weekend with jeans.

3. Add striped socks --- Ah, the Brits will love this one. Don't get crazy with awful Santa socks or four-leaf clovers. Stripes in subdued colors. Simple. Whatever you do, though, ditch the athletic socks.

4. Incorporate a pocket square into your suit life. Love this look. There are two ways you can go: 1) If you are a pocket square virgin stick with with white and straight across so you see a sliver of white. So Don Draper. Yum. 2) For you more adventurous types, and for a more casual vibe, look for vintage squares in patterns at thirft shops or even places like J. Crew. Just make sure you fold with a straight edge at the top so it doesn't look like a handkerchief.

5. Tweed Jacket - The perfect in-between from the sweater to the top coat on moderate fall days. GQ recommends Uniqlo for the tailored, slim cut....an unbeatable price.

6. The down vest can go so wrong so easily. Too puffy and you look like you belong in a rap video, too bright and you may as well be on mountain patrol or picking up trash on the side of the highway. GQ loves the vests at Lands End for three reasons: They are not bulky, they come in sophisticated colors (like gray), and it is under $30. Love this.

7. Sneakers + Suit - Leave your Dunks at home. When rocking the sneakers and suit be sure to go with classic sneaks in neutral colors. Also, if you have been tromping around the city in your shoes forget it. Clean and new-looking please. Adidas Originals styles work really well.

8. Great suit for under $500? Yep, find it at Banana Republic.

9. Getting a little chilly now that it is the end of November? Add a scarf to your sweater, blazer, or top coat. Cashmere is uber expensive, so go with a ribbed wool scarf in a neutral color. They usually have nice options Gap or Marc Jacobs. Guys, if you don't know what ribbed means you haven't been getting laid enough.

10. Incorporate a merino v-neck sweater to your suits. Is it is as cold in your office as it is outside? At one job I actually kept a blanket under my desk so I understand. Merino is a warm, thin, well-priced alternative to cashmere. The v-neck is perfect for wearing a tie. Go with neutral colors that won't clash with your suit (camel, gray, navy) and be sure to get slim fit so it isn't blousy.

11. Dark, straight-leg denim - Forget all this destroyed, whiskered crap. It looks so 5 years ago and is a telltale sign that you are from either Long Island or New Jersey. The Gap has great jeans from its 1969 collection that look so Marlon Brando or Johnny Depp. Wear with boots and roll them up a bit. And, unless you are gay or a hipster don't do super skinny.

12. Wingtips are the shoe of the fall, and they are classic so you can enjoy them for years to come. Don't spend an arm and a leg: Head to J. Crew, Florsheim, or Johnson & Murphy and go with brown.

13. Striped oxfords from Club Monaco - Nice slim fit, and a great mix-up to solids.

14. Skinny tie - www.TheTieBar.com.

15. Plain, black rolling suitcase - Do not keep using that awful duffel bag. GQ and Shitty Chic recommend the one from Muji. I bought this after seeing it on the video, and I love it. Great pockets, great price, and plain black with no logos. I am a convert to the four wheel roller. Love it.

OR, if you would like to watch the vids click here.

Moo Mini Cards are a Must

I just love MiniCards from moo.com. Here is my top 10 list as to why everyone needs to have these.

1. These are not your run of the mill business cards. I use them for my personal info: cell #, email, blog so I don't get anyone calling my office or emailing me at work. Let's try to keep business and pleasure separate as best we can.
   
2. When I am out and about, the last thing I want to do is pull out my phone to start typing in names and numbers (and what if you don't remember their name, God forbid). Too many times have I had to type in "red shirt guy" or "glasses girl" and hope to high heavens they don't see me do it. Since you just slip them your card, no awkwardness.
3. Phones get lost in cabs and occasionally dropped in toilets, so it is nice to give out things in hard copy.
4. They are little and cute.
5. In this insanely digital age it really sets you apart from the pack when you pull out your little card.
   
6. You can choose from tons of motifs OR upload your own pics! I am won over.
7. Publicize your website, your business, yourself, give your number to hotties, give fake numbers to not-hotties, there are a million things you can do with these cards.
   
8. You get 100 for $20 + shipping. Love that.
9. The website is moo.com. Have you ever played the game "Hey Cow!"....probably not if you aren't from Texas.
   
10. Finally, whenever I hand one out the recipient always says, "Oh my God, this is so cool". Yes, you are right dear sir, it is.

Check out the mini cards from moo.com here.

GQ Rules - Dress Better for Less and win $5k at Barneys

I don't know why I love mensware, but I do. Every time I am at my bestie's place I am reading GQ. There is something a bit liberating about reading up on a type of fashion that you don't feel compelled to try immediately on yourself OR, that everything in your closet is suddenly "wrong". So, I do love to brush up on my men's archive. It also helps when I have to play stylist for guy friends in those "nothing to wear but need to look good" moments.

Sign up for access to GQ's 60-second daily video on how to dress better for less in 15 days to get yourself on track, brush up some tired looks, or add a few key pieces to your wardrobe to round everything out. Every day for two weeks there is a new video you can watch when you log in to GQ.com. Yesterday's video was about perking up a staid suit with a print (plaid, stripe, etc.) button down and a tie. Great advice. Today's was more about a male closet must: the tan overcoat.

Yes, you do have to register to watch the videos, but it takes two seconds AND gives you entry to win a $5,000 gift certificate at Barneys when you comment and countless daily giveaways from Prada, Tom Ford, Gucci, Jack Spade, etc...(great Christmas gifts).

Click here to get in the know.

Hmmmmm.....what would I do with $5k at Barneys?

John Varvatos Sample Sale

Calling all gents and girlfriends of gents! John Varvatos is having a warehouse sale in NYC October 23-24 at the Metropolitan Pavilion. This is the perfect opportunity to get your (or your man's) wardrobe up to snuff with classically tailored pieces with a rock n roll vibe.

Register for an invitation at www.johnvarvatos.thewarehousesale.com

John Varvatos Warehouse Sale
October 23-24: 10am-8pm
Metropolitan Pavilion - 123 W. 18th, 4th Floor

ALSO in Dallas October 16-17 at Dallas Market Hall