Suggested Reading: The Corrections by Jonathan Franzen
This book came out back in 2001 during my junior year at Rutgers University. I remember seeing the book displayed prominently at every bookstore. I always wondered what the big fuss was about but since I was an English Lit major, I didn’t want to add any additional reading onto my already heavy course load. Ten years later, at the suggestion of a co-worker, I decided to give it a shot. My only regret in reading this is that I waited an entire decade to do so.
THE DEFIANT ONE
Tony Curtis
(1925-2010)
Thoughts on Black-Tie Attire
A couple of weeks from now I will be heading back out to Los Angeles to attend the wedding of one of my best friends from college.
I was honored when he asked me to be one of his groomsmen as its been quite sometime since I’ve worn a tuxedo (the last time I put one on was back in 2004 to celebrate my grandparents’ golden anniversary). Furthermore, this gave me a reason to buy a new tuxedo.
I was lucky enough to find a vintage Brooks Brothers tuxedo at the Goodwill on Route 18 in East Brunswick, NJ. The price? A whopping $30 (it was originally marked at $60 but I just happened to come in on 50% Off Day)! This tuxedo was in pristine condition and it almost fit me perfectly (the previous owner was taller than me by a few inches as evidenced by the 34 length inseam).
It’s nice to have options but when it comes to black-tie weddings and other formal affairs, it is best to keep it classic. No offense to those designers who are making navy tuxedos but a tuxedo should not be directional, progressive or forward. Generally speaking a tux should be black with a satin, peaked lapel. It should have no more than two-buttons. Also no wing-collars; straight collars look best. Pocket squares are optional as are braces. Stay away from the cumber-bunds and patterned vests (please resist the urge to wear your college alma-mater’s colors). You can let your personality show in the footwear department. If you are a dandy, go for a velvet slipper or shoe. Are you more of a traditionalist? A nice oxford shoe is probably the best choice. If you’re not such a fan of patent leather just make sure your shoes have a nice high shine.
In regards to neckwear, your best bet is a bow-tie. It looks better than a long tie and is much more classic.
Lastly, if you are above the age of 22, it is time to stop renting tuxedos. You can thank me later.
Dress Well, Spend Less
Vintage One-Button Hopsack Blazer/Goodwill-$25.00
Gingham Ike Behar Woven Shirt/Off Saks 5th Ave.-$35.00
Khaki Pants/H&M-$39.50
White Ralph Lauren Bucks/Tokio 7-$95.00
Navy and White Polka Dot Pocket Square/Salvation Army- $1.00
TOTAL COST-$195.50
The Last of the Famous, International Playboys…
Meet Andre Balazs, hotelier and real-estate mogul. Donald Trump has nothing on him.
If you have ever stayed at The Chateau Marmont, The Mercer Hotel, The Raleigh, and pretty much all of the Standard Hotels, then you have Andre to thank. He is Ivy-League educated, a patron to the arts, impeccably dressed at all times, and consistently dates 10s, and is the new face of Brioni’s F/W campaign. Baller.
I Couldn’t Have Said it any Better:
“That’s my purgatory really. Dinner, drinks, whatever. I’m never really all that interested but I find myself telling her how beautiful she is anyway…’cause it’s true. All women are in one way or another. There’s always something about every damn one of you. There’s a smile, a curve, a secret. You ladies are really the most amazing creatures…my life’s work. But then there’s the morning after: a hangover and the realization that I’m not quite as available as I was the night before and then she’s gone and I’m haunted by another road not taken.”
-Hank Moody
Upon Second Review
Ever watch a comedy and hate it the first time around? I’m sure you have. You sit through a 90-minute movie and you’re mad at yourself for wasting your time. But then something strange happens to you when you watch it a 2nd and 3rd time. You find yourself laughing sideways. By the time the movie starts airing on USA, TBS, and TNT, you can recite the movie word-for-word.
I first saw Zoolander during my junior year of undergrad at Rutgers. I was with my friend Jaclyn and future ex-girlfriend Jessica. When we finished watching it, we couldn’t figure out what the hell we just saw (I’m sure many people felt that way though). I remember a lot of head shaking. Needless to say after watching it about 137 times since 2002, it now sits in my Top 10 movies of all time.
This is one of my FAVORITE scenes from Zoolander. Take a hard look at Meekus (the model in the puke-green shirt). You are looking at Eric Northman from HBO’s Trueblood.
The Last of the Famous, International Playboys…
Meet Lapo Elkann. For those of you that aren’t familiar with Lapo, he is the grandson of the late Gianni Agnelli (G.A. was the founder or the Italian automotive juggernaut, Fiat).
The pictures speak for themselves. This guy exudes swagger in a way I wish I could.
Sage Advice…on Women.
If there is anything I have come to learn in my interactions with women, it’s that they love confidence (not to be confused with arrogance) and assertiveness. Another equally important thing I’ve come to learn about women is that they do a remarkable job of managing their expectations. The lesson here is to be as upfront as possible. They will appreciate it in the end.
Here’s a great example of it.
…Gone Tomorrow.
The humidity finally got to me on Friday and I decided to cut all my hair off. I plan on leaving it this length until after Labor Day weekend. A stream-lined, aero-dynamic look is very necessary during the dog days of the Summer, especially in NYC.
You can stop with all the Mario Lopez jokes now.
Hair Today…
The Great Alfred Elkins…a man worth admiring.
Is it any wonder I am the way I am? Blazer,pocket square, bow-tie, pale yellow trousers, and saddle shoes and I don’t think I am even two years old in this picture. They even gave me a side-part. Check out my parents! They look like they stepped out of a J.Crew Catalog. Things don’t change, we do.
