Job interview do's and don'ts are dicussed in this edition of men.style.com's "In The Closet". This short clip is useful to any man intersted in making that oh so important first impression in his attempt to land his dream position. Pay attention
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Friday, February 27, 2009
Creativity and Wearability morphed!
One of my favorite brands, Rag & Bone, and their creators David Neville and Marcus Wainwright give us their samurai inspired fall 2009 fashion show
FRIENDS ( HOW MANY OF US HAVE THEM)
Today's reality is that most men and women have friends of the opposite sex. I have never been an enthusiast for such friendships because I feel the dynamics between men and women in each others intimate (not sexual) space prevent a true platonic relationship from taking place. Now many men and women alike can highlight a friend of opposite gender to whom they haven't had a single intimate thought towards...but does that mean they haven't had one about you? Maybe. And even if the thought crossed one or both minds, if both are single, and nothing stands between them except space and opportunity, sometimes that person to whom you've confided your most intimate mental sketches, ends up a choice to entertain a relationship.
But opposite sex friendships can become interestingly dangerous when one or both parties are already in a relationship. There are many elements that at times, quite frankly, people neglect to consider while involved in these friendships. For example, most of us are familiar with wanting to keep our friends and our relationship separate. We are all familiar with wanting to keep our friends and our partners' friends separate.And that isn't an apparent problem, UNTIL your lady goes out for drinks with that "guy" that she's "cool" with, that by the way, you don't know personally; or when your man(ladies) is giggling back and forth on his phone via text with his "homegirl" that, by the way, you do not know personally. We've all faked being cool about it because we subscribe to the theory of trust (see "the trust paradox") and or we just didn't want the subsequent argument that accompanies that conversation. But let's be honest; it pisses us off!
Me and my lady friend have battled each other tirelessly on this issue. Now most people in a relationship today, can attest, that upon connecting with your companion, they had friends of the opposite sex. And that did not present a problem for me, as it probably did not present a problem for most of you. Our battles did not stem from the mere existence of such friendships. Our battles stemmed from the fact that most men and woman don't make their companions COMFORTABLE with those friendships. And because of such guarded behavior towards "those" friends , men and woman become oblivious to their companions obvious distaste towards the situation because their too busy protecting it. It's one thing if, for example, your lady grew up with a man from, say, grammar school and their friendship remained in tact until the present. Most likely, you would, and you should have a re pore with that man. It's another thing when she recently became cool with a man that you know know virtually nothing about and neither him nor her make a concerted effort to make you familiar and COMFORTABLE with their friendship.
These concerns do not amount to distrust. I never condone accusatory behavior in relationships. It is more a call for consideration. Most men and woman, IN MY OPINION, possess what I like to call "cancerous insecurities" that as long as their intimate companion exhibits consideration in certain aspects of that relationship, shall remain in remission. But (and this is a big but) consideration is about as common as getting struck by lightening. So I ask, can "those" friendships realistically exist in conjunction with a relationship? Better yet, can "those" friendships realistically exist in conjunction with YOUR relationship? This is food for thought; you do the dishes.
But opposite sex friendships can become interestingly dangerous when one or both parties are already in a relationship. There are many elements that at times, quite frankly, people neglect to consider while involved in these friendships. For example, most of us are familiar with wanting to keep our friends and our relationship separate. We are all familiar with wanting to keep our friends and our partners' friends separate.And that isn't an apparent problem, UNTIL your lady goes out for drinks with that "guy" that she's "cool" with, that by the way, you don't know personally; or when your man(ladies) is giggling back and forth on his phone via text with his "homegirl" that, by the way, you do not know personally. We've all faked being cool about it because we subscribe to the theory of trust (see "the trust paradox") and or we just didn't want the subsequent argument that accompanies that conversation. But let's be honest; it pisses us off!
Me and my lady friend have battled each other tirelessly on this issue. Now most people in a relationship today, can attest, that upon connecting with your companion, they had friends of the opposite sex. And that did not present a problem for me, as it probably did not present a problem for most of you. Our battles did not stem from the mere existence of such friendships. Our battles stemmed from the fact that most men and woman don't make their companions COMFORTABLE with those friendships. And because of such guarded behavior towards "those" friends , men and woman become oblivious to their companions obvious distaste towards the situation because their too busy protecting it. It's one thing if, for example, your lady grew up with a man from, say, grammar school and their friendship remained in tact until the present. Most likely, you would, and you should have a re pore with that man. It's another thing when she recently became cool with a man that you know know virtually nothing about and neither him nor her make a concerted effort to make you familiar and COMFORTABLE with their friendship.
These concerns do not amount to distrust. I never condone accusatory behavior in relationships. It is more a call for consideration. Most men and woman, IN MY OPINION, possess what I like to call "cancerous insecurities" that as long as their intimate companion exhibits consideration in certain aspects of that relationship, shall remain in remission. But (and this is a big but) consideration is about as common as getting struck by lightening. So I ask, can "those" friendships realistically exist in conjunction with a relationship? Better yet, can "those" friendships realistically exist in conjunction with YOUR relationship? This is food for thought; you do the dishes.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
RECESSION PROOF
We are in a recession. We are approaching a depression. There, I said it. And no, i will not harp on it. It seems that everywhere we turn, whether its the Internet, the radio, or the television, we can't get away from the depressing reality of our economic tail spin. Every time I log on my computer, I feel compelled to mention what has become all of our obvious realities; the jobless rate, the stock market free fall, etc. But what prevents me, is the conscious effort I put into improving the morale of the those who are apart of Sartorial's Corner. I am not oblivious to the condition of America as a whole. I am not numb to the effects of this economic sting. I recognize that the successful turnaround of our fiscal condition, is predicated on America's ability to improvise.
Sartorial's Corner represents useful, informative and entertaining dialogue. I can state a million problems a day. But It is more useful if I contributed to the solution to those million problems. And if those problems are as apparent as the economy, sometimes it's entertaining to avoid the subject matter, even if just temporarily. I prefer to write about topics more conducive to our leisurely tastes. My goal is for my followers to enjoy the site, not loathe it. The American people have been rhetorically beat up enough in the last few months and I believe in order for us to exude the confidence that we have always carried as a country, we must learn the art of the balancing act. In the midst of putting yourself on the financial fast track, garner the ability to enjoy life in the process!
Sartorial's Corner represents useful, informative and entertaining dialogue. I can state a million problems a day. But It is more useful if I contributed to the solution to those million problems. And if those problems are as apparent as the economy, sometimes it's entertaining to avoid the subject matter, even if just temporarily. I prefer to write about topics more conducive to our leisurely tastes. My goal is for my followers to enjoy the site, not loathe it. The American people have been rhetorically beat up enough in the last few months and I believe in order for us to exude the confidence that we have always carried as a country, we must learn the art of the balancing act. In the midst of putting yourself on the financial fast track, garner the ability to enjoy life in the process!
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Triumphant return of a giant
Legendary fashion house Cavin Klein returns to NYC with much adored and anticipated fall '09 fashion show
Monday, February 16, 2009
THE TRUST PARADOX part 1
We exist in a world, where the vast number of relationships we maintain are built upon the trust tenet. We trust the mailman won't steal our tax refund checks; or the barber won't deliberately give us a bald head because he is in a rush; or the pat on the back that we received from our boss, didn't result in a "kick me" sign being posted on our backs; or that the person to whom we dedicate our trustworthiness is reciprocating it back our way. It is the emptiest of thoughts that most of us rather not entertain. But, what if trust was the blindfold of deceit... ?
Even Satan has an advocate.
Now there are some who view trust as the stronghold to relationships. But there are also those that view trust as suckers 101. Take a long distance relationship for example; A couple lives 300 miles apart and may see each other once every four or five weeks for two or three days at a time. The relationship operates because of the mutual belief that love prevaileth over all, and that trust is the conscientious boundary that shall remain sacred and uncrossed.
But what if one or both parties treated that very relationship, while outside the bird watchers view, as if it did not even exist? What if while 300 miles apart, one or both of the parties had lives that brought to life the old additive, out of sight, out of mind?
Of course, that scenario usually is not evident initially. And while many subscribe to this devilish advocacy, I subscribe to the theory, that trust is the safety box for one's piece of mind. In fact, it mirrors the ideological difference that exists between philosophy and religion. Religion, like trust, is rooted in faith. And philosophy (like those who scoff at such a thing as trust) is rooted in a deepened logic. So like religious faith, to some, trust is seemingly illogical. (I, by the way subscribe to religious faith)
So is it a paradox?
How can such a vast number of people subscribe to such a thing as trust if it is illogical?
Or is it?
Many people in my circle of friends, tell me that they only can worry about what they control. They believe that one may fly over the cuckoo's nest if they sat around and wondered what their partner was engaged in while out of sight.In other words, the trust is the given and it's there to lose. And in the case of that logic, it puts it in a different perspective. I guess it's all in all in how one mentally dissects it. But because relationships are commitments that at some point in time we all engage, the conversation garners a deeper meaning.
A cheater isn't a cheater until their caught, right?
But wait, you won't cross that path until your confronted with it, right?
I guess it depends on what side of the trust coin you flip, right?
This is food for thought, you all can do the dishes.
Even Satan has an advocate.
Now there are some who view trust as the stronghold to relationships. But there are also those that view trust as suckers 101. Take a long distance relationship for example; A couple lives 300 miles apart and may see each other once every four or five weeks for two or three days at a time. The relationship operates because of the mutual belief that love prevaileth over all, and that trust is the conscientious boundary that shall remain sacred and uncrossed.
But what if one or both parties treated that very relationship, while outside the bird watchers view, as if it did not even exist? What if while 300 miles apart, one or both of the parties had lives that brought to life the old additive, out of sight, out of mind?
Of course, that scenario usually is not evident initially. And while many subscribe to this devilish advocacy, I subscribe to the theory, that trust is the safety box for one's piece of mind. In fact, it mirrors the ideological difference that exists between philosophy and religion. Religion, like trust, is rooted in faith. And philosophy (like those who scoff at such a thing as trust) is rooted in a deepened logic. So like religious faith, to some, trust is seemingly illogical. (I, by the way subscribe to religious faith)
So is it a paradox?
How can such a vast number of people subscribe to such a thing as trust if it is illogical?
Or is it?
Many people in my circle of friends, tell me that they only can worry about what they control. They believe that one may fly over the cuckoo's nest if they sat around and wondered what their partner was engaged in while out of sight.In other words, the trust is the given and it's there to lose. And in the case of that logic, it puts it in a different perspective. I guess it's all in all in how one mentally dissects it. But because relationships are commitments that at some point in time we all engage, the conversation garners a deeper meaning.
A cheater isn't a cheater until their caught, right?
But wait, you won't cross that path until your confronted with it, right?
I guess it depends on what side of the trust coin you flip, right?
This is food for thought, you all can do the dishes.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
THE BASICS: THE HAIRCUT
When approaching the subject of style basics, I thought the first tip(or reminder) that should be implemented in every man's sartorial brain bank, is the importance of the haircut. Since I was a child, going to the barbershop was a bi weekly ritual that, truth be told, I hated. My father would drop me off on Saturday afternoons when there would be, what seemed like 20 people in front of me. But as I matured, I learned the significance of the haircut. I learned to appreciate the polish it bestows a man with and the cleanliness it added to any look. My bi-weekly visits became weekly and my weekly visits became once every four or five days. Now I will not suggest that anyone visit the barber as frequently as I visit. But it is of great benefit to you to become closely acquainted with your barber. Listed below are a few tips that every man should consider for making the most of your grooming experience. These tips are essential as style basics and should be followed closely.
1.Most adult men's (especially black men) hair grows too quickly to attend the barbershop once every two weeks. Weekly visits are recommended.
2.Stay away from trendy cuts (mohawks, faux hawks, old school 80's cuts etc). You may think you look cool, but the mass public will ridicule you and you fall into the annals of douche baggery.
3. A barbershop is not only a place of grooming; but it acts as a sanctuary. Embrace the camaraderie and familiarize yourself with the shop regulars as they should do so with you.
4. Grooming is something that a man should take very serious. Never, ever should one be comfortable letting just anyone cut their hair. Keep a main barber and a backup (in case your barber isn't available). That's one barber and one backup... That's it.
5.Understand the benefits of tipping. You take care of your barber, he or she will take care of you.
1.Most adult men's (especially black men) hair grows too quickly to attend the barbershop once every two weeks. Weekly visits are recommended.
2.Stay away from trendy cuts (mohawks, faux hawks, old school 80's cuts etc). You may think you look cool, but the mass public will ridicule you and you fall into the annals of douche baggery.
3. A barbershop is not only a place of grooming; but it acts as a sanctuary. Embrace the camaraderie and familiarize yourself with the shop regulars as they should do so with you.
4. Grooming is something that a man should take very serious. Never, ever should one be comfortable letting just anyone cut their hair. Keep a main barber and a backup (in case your barber isn't available). That's one barber and one backup... That's it.
5.Understand the benefits of tipping. You take care of your barber, he or she will take care of you.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
Posts
