Charity : Style

Why Your Apparel Desperately Needs a Purpose In Life

According to an ancient North American legend, there once lived a man in Queens that made an astounding discovery about the known Cosmos.  Having postulated several theories of quantum physics and expounded upon Einstein's work by age 13, Kenneth Bixby was one of the greatest minds of his time.  All was splendid. Until one Tuesday morning, Kenneth was awakened suddenly as the result of a startling revelation.  As he rushed to his chalk board to check his calculations, he became undoubtedly sure of his discovery--He, in fact, was not the sole center of the universe!  More surprisingly...neither was anyone else!

Insatiably excited about the prospect of sharing his new found revelation with the world, Kenneth threw on his bathrobe and hurried down the stairs of his apartment building and out into the street.

Blinded by the glorious sunrise and its reflection off the billowing columns of industrial air pollution, Kenneth unfortunately failed to see the strategically placed orange cone.  He also failed to see the open man hole directly in front of his building.  

Kenneth, along with his realization that no one person is the center of the universe, tragically never reached the rest of the world.   

Colin Firth, Oxfam's "Dumped" Campaign

After a few World Wars and the invention of satellite television, most Americans can now at least begrudgingly admit the possibility that there is life in other parts of the world.  Of that population, however, very few have come to any sort of revelation that these theoretical, improbable life forms that exist on continents other the "Da US of A" have any bearing or real significance to their individual lives.  For those of us in the minority of the minority who understand that our brothers and sisters all around the world do impact our lives and desperately need our help, the audience to which we attempt to express our passionate resolve are more interested in saving half a year's salary to invest in the newest Gucci key chain than feed, clothe, and provide education for a starving African child for a year.

Fortunately, many grassroots campaigns of all religions and specialties have arisen in the last few years to bring both awareness and aid  to those in need around the world.  I am NOT, mind you, speaking of such superfluous, yet overly-funded causes such as "Save the Spotted Sea Owl" or "End Poaching of the Gangrenous-Speckled Hornet."  Rather, I wish to draw attention to those campaigns such as Oxfam (pictured in both above), and more importantly for this blog, apparel campaigns which seek to bring awareness and aid to those in need around our globe.  

Thus, I have compiled a list of some of my favorite designers and organizations that seek to affect the world for the better rather than just sell their products to brainless Sex in the City drones for prices that would dumbfound the CEO of an Arabian oil company.  This is charity style:

#1: The ONE Campaign

As one of the largest culminations of aid organizations in history and with a spokesman of none other than Bono himself (yes, I know, not pictured), ONE.org has become perhaps the most recognizable aid campaign in the world.  As if that weren't enough, the ONE Campaign has a wicked cool arsenal of t-shirts, hoodies, and bracelets to help get the word out.  Hey, you were planning on being a billboard for Hollister anyway...so why not step up your style a notch and actually have your apparel mean something.  Seriously, how many guys do you know that sport Africa on their chest?  Fight poverty.  Look blasted cool doing it.

#2: TOMS Shoes 

Without a doubt, these shoes have been the staple of my everyday wardrobe since I bought my first pair in the London airport 3 years ago.  The idea is incredible:  Buy a pair of shoes, and TOMS gives a pair to a child in need, One for One.  Since the company began, TOMS Shoes under the direction of Blake Mycoskie (it's a good name, what can I say) has given away thousands of pairs of shoes to kids in need all over the world.  Check out the video below for a glimpse of this company's life-changing story:

  But besides that, these shoes are some of the most comfortable things your feet will ever experience.  And if you've been keeping up with the modern gentlemanly spring trends, they're the perfect shoe to throw on with those slim-fit khakis and show some ankle in the warmer months ahead. 

#3: Join(RED)

If you're like me and require more than t-shirts and shoes to get you through the day, Join(Red) has revolutionized retail aid campaigns by partnering with dozens of companies and using portions of the profits to fund AIDS awareness and treatment in Africa and other parts of the world.  Apparel wise, Gap has produced some of the most stylish pieces to date, such as tees (pictured right)  and button-downs.  They also have a superior selection of scarves during the cooler months that are both soft, bold, and easily make the statement that your clothing can be about more than just yourself.  

Other Efforts to Look Into

Charity : Water  

WorldOrphans.org

SaveDarfur.org

Oxfam.org

WeAreOverlooked.com

NotForSaleCampaign.org

I Need Africa More Than Africa Needs Me

Samaritan's Feet.org

While I would never suggest buying these products simply for the aesthetic value alone, I hope that by looking into some of these efforts, you and the people that notice your stylish statements really grow a heart for these issues and for the beautiful people around the globe they represent.  Give your wardrobe a shot of purpose, and be the gentleman that's out to change the world of style--and the world at large. 

Any campaigns or efforts I missed?

When Common Sense Sides With Fashion...

Dunhill Biometric Wallet, $825

 Included Features:

1. Comes in Black
2. Exterior made of highly durable carbon fiber
3. Guaranteed to be the most uncomfortable thing you've ever sat on (genuine leather Preparation H wipe holder included inside)
4. Opens ONLY by the touch of your personal fingerprint (or an axe-murderer using your finger)
5. Can be linked to Bluetooth so an ear-piercing alarm sounds if you get more than 15ft. away from your wallet (such as say--taking a call in your living room bottomless with your wallet still in your pants)
6. Soft, welcoming leather interior that gives your credit cards the comfort your butt wish it had
7. Roughly twice as expensive and inconvenient as carrying around a 4ft. fireproof safe attached to a 150 lb. dumbbell
8. The satisfaction in knowing that even if a thief does decide to snatch your wallet, he will be unpleasantly surprised that after hours of toiling with a blowtorch your wallet is indeed empty due to the fact any money that would have possibly been stored within was blown on the apparatus in which it was to be kept. 
9. It is, however, remarkably cooler than the alternative:

But if the price doesn't make this decision easy enough, you could always combine the advice of the modern style world at large and your Korean War Vet grandfather.  The style world would suggest a simple, durable but inexpensive genuine leather model that, if cared for properly, will last a lifetime.  My grandfather, on the other hand, suggests that if you're so paranoid on your way to work, invest in a 2 cent piece of string and tie your billfold to your underwear.   

Spring It On!

Three Essential Tips To Blowing Away the Competition in (Post-Groundhog Day) Style

For those of you who reside in areas which actually experience four distinct seasons rather than the "Dante's-Scorching-Inferno" and "Moderately Unpleasant" categories the great state of Texas has to offer--Spring is upon you. By now I'm sure most of you blessed individuals have begun to venture outside for hours at a time merely to watch the beautiful flowers and bumble bees blissfully come alive in the soft, pleasant, and non-blistering warmth of the afternoon sun. To all of you, I offer my congratulations--along with a spiteful, under-the-breath wish that the ragweed pollen count of your enchanted paradise will soar to unprecedented levels bringing with it a season-long addiction to Zyrtec and the Biblical plague of locusts. As bitter and malicious as this may sound, however, I assure you that I and my fellow inhabitants of Lucifer's Furnace will soon be in the clutches of our bimonthly heat stroke and will therefore have no remaining energy to enjoy your well-deserved misfortune.

Fortunately, whether you reside in a four-seasoned Utopia or the Belly of Mephistopheles (I hereby give the state of Texas permission to use any these descriptive nicknames for their next tourism campaign), the modern gentleman knows how to master the art of staying cool even when the afternoons begin heating up. Don't skimp on your style just to avoid heat exhaustion. Instead, master these three essential spring style tips and you'll look blasted cool even while you're blacked out in front of your office.

Tip #1: Lighten Up

So first of all, yes, thank you for noticing...that is your beloved author in the ridiculous picture to the right along with his wife, whom took the picture a few weeks ago. And yes, this does in fact mark MOG Blog history as being the very first original photograph posted--but I wouldn't get used to it.

However, the more important reason for this awkward-faced photo (on the part of myself) is to illustrate the lighter side of spring style (on the part of my seafoam green V-neck). I picked up this little gem from Target for $8 about a month ago. [*cough* *gag* I'm sorry, I beg your pardon?? How much?]  Exactly. Eight bucks for one of the softest and most versatile shirts I have in my arsenal.

If you ashamedly have Anti-Irish tendencies that inhibit you from digging any shade of green--no worries, these durable and slim-fitting beauties come in a variety of very light but bold options. Throw your go-to blazer or cardigan over the top for a sharp look that ensures you, for one, refuse to succumb to the dangers of Seasonal Affective Disorder on those drizzly spring mornings.

And as this blog has demonstrated previously, don't be afraid to carry this soft, light color trend over to the business side of things. Light shades of blue, pink, and (this season's rage) khaki, anchored with a solid, slim tie will slap some life back into that suit you've had since freshmen homecoming when you went with nine of your buddies as a protest against the "institution of forced courtship."  Take a note on this trend from the always dapper and viciously talented Christopher Waltz (left).




 Tip #2: Ditch The Socks
With the beginning of Daylight Savings comes the end of those colorful wool socks your feet have been suffocating in for the past few months. As the warmer weather hits, ditch the socks and show some ankle. Whether it's with your suit or weekend attire (like Steve McQueen pictured top) this is a statement that exudes bad boy cool. But if you still can't bring yourself to tarnish your Italians with your calloused metatarsals, there are plenty of super no-show socks (such as these from Vans).

And of course I would be remiss not to mention my favorite casual shoes that require no socks and are perfect for spring--TOMS.  But we'll cover those in another post.



Tip #3: Give Your Jeans a Breather

While the "All-Cargo-Shorts-All-The-Time" crowd will say it's time to bust out their sole, indistinguishable look for the duration of the next three seasons, those of us who are a little more fashion keen know that your favorite, irreplaceable, beat-to-heck pair of jeans can get you through the more civilized social gatherings with gentlemanly swag. But if you're a fan of that effortless cool look made popular by the likes of McQueen, Grant, and Sinatra on holiday you might consider upgrading to a pair of slim-fit khakis like the ones pictured left. This is perhaps the most versatile piece of clothing a man can have in his wardrobe--With t-shirt and loafers. Check. With tie and oxford. Check.
Many stores are now offering this wicked sharp jean-alternative in a variety of classic and new-age colors, such as Dockers, the Gap (pictured), and Zara Man. I picked up a pair of these last year from Zara and honestly must have sported the above look (with different kicks) nearly every day of spring and summer. They're incredible.  Treat these pants like your most rugged pair of jeans and throw them on with anything. Whatever you choose, you'll look miles ahead of the lanyard-swinging, cargo-short clones that you pass by with your casual gentlemanly strut. Add to that a casual hand in one of the casual, distinguished side pockets, flash a casual smile, throw a casual wave, and you're sure to be casually taking the aforementioned meat-head's casual girlfriend out to lunch (But only if you're not married...sheesh).

Bless Me Fashion, For I Have Sinned

 

A Recurring Segment on Style Transgressions That Require Far More Than A Stiff "Hail Mary" to Forget.  

December 22, 2012:

The world having officially ended tragically the day before, the last dozen remaining humans find themselves seated in a dimly-lit waiting room on an alien spacecraft.  A door cracks, and Human #13 rejoins his fellow refugees in the holding area as a large blue insect-like receptionist calls for "Blacky Bakestar" to accompany her to the interrogation room.  As the large-headed, lanky Earthman takes his seat at the table arranged in the middle of the room, his dazed thoughts are interrupted by the click of a tape recorder as it is activated and slid over to him by the ghastly, six-eyed triceratops that sits across from him.  The alien speaks pleasantly and slow:  "As you know, we've been watching your planet for some time, Mr. Backsteer.  We have many questions for you.  Ties, pocket squares, 'war-story jewely'...we are truly fascinated to know more and can't wait for the opportunity to probe your brain." 

The human says nothing but merely adjusts his wrist accoutrement.  "But most importantly of all, Earthman, we are absolutely dying to know..." the studious creature pauses and glances at its other head, "what is a 'Tru White Playa' and why did they behave in such an unproductive, detestable, and self-degrading manner?  Throughout our entire study on your planet, the question of the exact purpose of their lamentable existence has puzzled even the brightest minds of our society. We were hoping you could enlighten us."

I chuckle slightly.  And after straightening my tie, this is how I respond:

POST #1:  The Plague of the White Gangsta

As a recovering yet still compulsive people-watcher in malls, airports, and festivals, I have often found myself staring uncontrollably (and with quite an air of condemnation) at some of the most atrocious spectacles this side of extreme poverty that are sure to give you that last push to relinquishing any remaining faith you had left in people.  Everywhere, these "individuals" walk among civilized socialites, swooping in on an occasional female whose cognitive assets lie in the red zone of nonexistence.  The rest of us stand in gaping astonishment, shaking our heads in disbelief and denial at the degeneration of the gene pool of humanity.  

I speak, of course dear readers, of the odious population sub-genres of:

The Thug, the White Gangsta, the Tru-Playa, the Cracker, the Dude-Bro, Le Douche, The D-Bag, The White Wrapper, the Frat-Boy, the Wigga, and of course, the Cast Member (or imitator) of the television fecal matter hour known as "Jersey Shore."   

Additionally, one blogger defined the members of these groups as:  "An individual who has an over inflated sense of self-worth, compounded by a low level of intelligence, [over-dependence on alcohol,] behaving ridiculously in front of colleagues, with no sense of how moronic he may appear.

To the absolute disgust of the few remaining gentlemen on the planet, these "finger-gun pointing," beer pong obsessed Neanderthals continue to inundate the majority of social scenes with a degenerate absurdity that until recently would have only been tolerated if coming from a drunk Canadian tourist.  Adorned with enough Ed Hardy to fill an outlet store yet still oddly never managing to find a belt, these chin-bearded train wrecks live on the edge each and every day--never knowing if the world will write them a ticket for indecent exposure in addition to their usual "menace to the integrity of society" charge. 

But in case you still find yourself at a loss for words when faced with such a waddling, lump of lard following its bimbo pick-of-the-week through a Wet Seal, here's a handy, easy to remember acronym to ensure you can make the proper judgment call on the spot:

M ay find it hard to run long distances as the crotch of his basketball shorts are usually to the knee and require one free arm to continuously act as a single suspender.

O pportunities for employment will often slip through the well-tattooed fingers of this individual due to a lack of professionalism in dress, speech, and general hygienic appearance.

R unning is the suggested action if you are a female approached by one of these psuedo-males given that you are not currently looking for a romantic relationship filled with infidelity, alcoholism, egotistical battles with a limited wit, and the constant assurance that every photograph of you over the course of your relationship will involve a gang sign or "finger-gun" pose with an accompanying bulldog pout.

O ften only discovers upon incarceration that the reason for the previous years of over-masculinity and arrogant over-compensation is that all he ever really wanted was a big-hairy cellmate named Baby to keep him company.

N egligence in studies as a result of a dependence on alcohol and frat-boy comradery ensures the remaining 50 years of life will be spent attempting to regain the sparkle of those brainless, good ol' 7 years of college.

So the next time any of you gents find yourself standing indecisively in front of the monstrous, black and white half-nude male portrait that beckons those of low IQ to enter into its hellish Hollister dungeon--remember the above acronym and just walk away. Your sinuses may never recover from even walking near the place, but your gentlemanly conscience will thank you repeatedly--as will the thousands of people-watchers who no longer need to carry around as large a barf bag on account of your stylish resolve.

The Modern "Necktie Party:" Time to Hang With the Cool Kids

For those of us young enough to remember toys never having actual metal pieces and cartoons free of Winston cigarette commercials, the idea of a "Necktie Party" might sound like an upscale, civilized option for a birthday celebration.  But before you go scribbling down invitations on your Hello Kitty stationary, you might be interested to know that in the early 20th century, a "necktie party" was actually a nickname for a good old fashioned hanging--as in the kind where the chief guest(s) of the party had most of the feet-dangling, neck-breaking fun.  And if that doesn't sound fun enough, invite Grandma, because most of these social festivities were also quality, family-friendly lynchings.

Now if you find yourself staring at this post's title and wondering how I'm ever going to incorporate a rant on re-instituting public executions into a style blog--Don't Panic, you'll have to endure nothing of the sort.  Instead, I would like to illustrate an irony of sorts in the modern male consciousness.  I would like to think that up to a few seconds ago, hardly anyone (including myself) was aware right off the top of their heads what the phrase "necktie party" really meant, thus allowing you, my readers, now to count yourselves among the few.  And yet as distant and dated as this phrase may be, is it not odd that men all around the world still grumble and bewail every morning to their wives about how they hate wearing those odd little pieces of fabric around their necks that the disconnected corporate tycoons have forced upon them in their workweek bondage?  That odd little accessory about which journalist Linda Ellerbee once remarked:

"If men can run the world, why can't they stop wearing neckties? How intelligent is it to start the day by tying a little noose around your neck?"

I'm sure by now many of your are rigorously nodding your heads in agreement.  And it is true to some extent.  I have often wondered what our first contact with extraterrestrials might reveal about our sense of fashion, as the commander of the spacecraft points confused at the nearest reporter's neckwear and begins to joke with his buddies in an indistinguishable telepathic language similar to the way Asian women secretly discuss your feet during a pedicure. It is as confusing as it is pointless:

    With that being said, however, this is in fact NOT a post that whines about the injustices of having to wear neckties out in public--sadly, there has already been way too much of that sentiment recently.  And the truth is, the days of men wearing suits and ties nearly everywhere they went are rapidly coming to an end  in general.  Thus, now (more than ever) it is actually the style dandy that chooses to throw on the tie when everyone least expects it.

As one of my lady friends said once, "It doesn't matter if a guy just chose what to wear out of the pile of clothes thrown on his floor...if he puts a tie with it, he instantly looks like he put more thought into what he should wear than 95% of guys." 

Let's roll through some of the most common excuses that men use to skimp on the neckwear.  Mind you, all of the excuses are rather lame, so if you have a legitimate one, if you could keep that to yourself it would be most appreciated.

EXCUSE #1: But It's Casual Friday!

Refined style is not about what brand of clothing you have or being the "wild-card" guy that can't ever match but fools himself into thinking he can pull it off.   It's about throwing in the little something extra that your corporate zombie pals at the copy machine didn't think about.  Instead of the standard issue polo, reach for a patterned shirt and anchor it with a slim, cotton or wool tie in a solid color.  Feel free to loosen up and leave the top button for the Monday-Thursday crowd--it's casual Friday after all.  Throw it all on with a pair of slim jeans and smart shoes and you're guaranteed to look like you, for one, didn't leave your brain and dignity at the dry cleaners until Monday.  
     

EXCUSE #2: But I Don't Know Where to Look For Ties!

Now this one I can understand.  If you're like me, you too have the horrifying memories of marching through every department store in a 100-mile radius of your home with your mother trying to find that exact shade of pinkish-purplish-bluish-brown from your prom date's dress in an endless swirl of overly-priced, paisley style transgressions.  Then, when you had nearly completed your noose made of silk Chaps ties, you'd find that one tie with a single stripe of her color--and there was much rejoicing.  Fortunately for most of us those days are over, and looking back, it's much smarter to go neutral anyway in a classic black suit, white shirt, black tie combo (see EVERY guy at the Oscars).  But should you need to fill your arsenal with quality ties without breaking the bank, check out TheTieBar.com.  Wool ties, knit ties, silk ties, slim ties, tie bars, cufflinks, and an included set of gentlemanly kahunas can be purchased here for just $15 a tie...which is absolutely unheard of if you've been to a J. Crew lately. 

EXCUSE #3: But My Job Makes Me Sweat!
If your job is one of the six represented options found in the Village People (such as a construction worker, biker, sailor, or Native American) then the style world might write you a pass to skip the tie.  Manual labor that could involve getting your tie caught in a cement mixer has every right to make a tie judgment call.  However, if you're just a bloke whose nervous avoidance of your tyrannical boss makes you sweat through a shirt before coffee...it's time to man up.  Think about it, you know who wears ties to work no matter how dirty the job gets?  James Bond.  The man can go from sipping martinis to chasing an enemy informant through the streets of Madagascar...and he does it all while looking as blasted dashing as he did when he left MI6 that morning.  The exception is the below picture of Bond in Quantum of Solace in which we crashes a plane in the desert and has to walk to the nearest town.  In such instances, you may ditch the tie if you feel necessary.  But notice the top button of the jacket still elegantly fastened.  Take note gentlemen.  Go against the flow and tie up--it may be the best moment of inspiration you have all week.   

Run Along Now, And Let the Grown-Ups Rock

A Recurring Segment On Fostering a Refined and Stylish Appreciation for the Modern Musical Arts.   

POST #1:  THE NATIONAL and Introduction
With this year's Grammy Awards now long gone, and the (majority of the) results of said show serving as a mere testament to the critical and utterly depressing condition of the music industry as a whole, the time has come to combat musical ignorance on every front possible.  If you, my dear reader, find yourself scratching your head at the concept of ridiculously adorned, auto-tuned degenerates dominating the airwaves of a once sane nation--you are not alone.  The fact is, the popular music scene as a whole has become nothing more than a bucket full of mass-produced, unoriginal abominations that we as Americans are subsequently waterboarded with each time we turn on the radio.  Should you believe what the "Top 40" subliminally tells you, you'd probably think that there are only about 20 musicians on the entire planet left alive.  Luckily, these artists have committed their miserable existence to ensuring radio towers across the globe remain suicidal--begging for a tornado to put them out of their misery so they can stop hurting innocent people's ears.  (At this rate I'm going to be forced to add "Insanely Cynical" to this blog's header.)  But alas, there is hope.  Fortunately for those of us who have resisted the urge to reshape our eardrums with an electric drill rather than hear another verse of the newest Nickelback single, there are still artists who take pride in the art form that is music--musicians that believe songs should be about experimentation, passion, exploration, and progress rather than the number of illegitimate children your newest single is indirectly responsible for.  It's time to get some maturity to your music...it's time to rock with the grown-ups.


As this is primarily a style blog, you may be wondering why this has anything to do with the life and style of the modern, refined gentleman.  However, I would like to submit that a man's musical tastes can tell you more about him than nearly anything else.  With a smart, intelligent lifestyle, there must also come an appreciation for the finest works of art.  Refined style, refined taste.

Which leads me to the featured band of this particular installment--The National.  Formed in 1999 and now sporting an impressive collection of 5 full albums (not counting EPs), the boys of The National are some of the very best on the modern indie music scene.  Known for their silky smooth baritone vocals (sung by Matt Berninger) and flawless mixture of a plethora of instrumentation, the Brooklyn natives have created a unique sound that feels both sophisticated and modern, while consistently delivering a powerful sense of emotion with catchy vocal harmonies layered in a virtually endless wall of sound.  I first stumbled upon the band's album Boxer back in 2009 and was instantly hooked.               

My two favorite albums happen to be their two latest--Boxer (2007, above right) and High Violet (2010, above left).  Each has a distinctiveness about it, but the overall feel of the albums retains the chill, intricate, and poetic vibe that I've come to expect from this rare American gem.   Some of my favorites from these albums include:

Boxer:  Mistaken for Strangers, Apartment Story, Squalor Victoria, and Fake Empire
High Violet:  Anyone's Ghost, Afraid of Everyone, Bloodbuzz Ohio, and Conversation 16

If you're wondering why I chose these guys to start off this blog segment, I shall refer you to the band picture above.  The guys are sharp--not only in their music, but also in their style.  In fact, you'll hardly ever see singer Matt Berninger in anything but a suit on stage.  Dressed-up, rock-n-roll cool...the kind reminiscent of other rock greats like the Beatles and the Zombies.  Make no mistake, these guys will leave you wondering why you haven't treated your ears to something so incredible sooner rather than contemplating that horrible electric drill idea.  Give these guys a listen...I guarantee you won't be disappointed.

And as a parting gift, I leave you with one of my favorite singles from The National from their Boxer album--Apartment Story.  Happy Listening!