Some friendships take the work of a creative hand stitching the bonds together. I find myself closer to him everyday, but it's complicated. But what's not complicated in life. So, I look at the big picture: my life is brighter with him in it and it keeps me flexible. And warm this winter.
One of my favorite fashion pieces to rock is the handkerchief. It started when my hair was longer (naturally curly, sometimes unruly) and served as a quick fix when I didn't have time to properly style. Usually a standard blue/white paisley, but sometimes a green camo, the chief soon became part of the bad ass look I edge. Recently, my friends and I came across an extensive list for the hankie-code that has long served as a gay hook-up tool with different color handkerchiefs in different locations denoting sexual preferences and interests. One friend bought me 3 as a joke shortly after: mustard gold (seeking >8" cock), robin egg blue (69), and pink (dildos). Of course I have incorporated these colorful chiefs with my M.I.A. chief to make my own statement instead of wearing in back jean pockets. The easiest way is my traditionally on-top-of-the-head (as shown below), but also tie around my ankle in skinny jeans and converses or folded as band and tied around my bicep or head (as sweat band). It's a great way for guys to add some color and style in a hard tone with some street sensibility.
1. Lay chief in front of you with diamond orientation.
2. Flip over.
3. Fold bottom corner up good 9"-11" (but not all of way in half).
4. Flip right side back.
5. Align with center of forehead just above eye brows.
6. Pull left and right corners tight and tie behind head.
7. Pull top corner all of the way down over first knot (in step 6).
8. Tie left and right corners again over top corner.
I have my tongue pierced, my left ear twice, my right ear twice (in an orbital), and both nipples. I am currently contemplating a nose ring, but haven't decided if it will look bad ass a la Lenny Kravitz or goober a la Carson Daly. I did find an amusing article about nipple rings. It raises a flag for me because I had to take out all of my jewelry before surgery last year, and although wasn't painful, was a bit difficult to maneuver. It is easier to have a piercer do it for you...think about it: you don't take jewelry in/out every day like they do. Another flag goes up because I'm traveling overseas soon and know what a pain it would be to have to take them out. I, too, would have to use pliers. I can already hear my mum, "Then you shouldn't get any piercings!" Thanks, mum. I still want that tattoo of a heart on my bicep that says, "I love MOM."
In a recent interview on NPR, Pete Wentz: "I started wearing it because I felt like it tested some boundaries. Smear it. Because if you're a guy, you don't want your makeup to look perfect. My whole point is I think there's something in art where you should be making people feel uncomfortable." Aside from the fact that he should stop taking credit for EMO, rock-and-roll, hipster, et al. guys wearing eyeliner, this quote may be the only reason I have an ounce of respect for the kid. I, too, wear eyeliner. It does push a boundary for many people still...even in NYC. Most guys I have dated are surprised that I'm wearing eyeliner, and even more surprised that they are not totally turned off by it. Point is, if you're true to your style and you are confident in it, other people respect you and find you more attractive.
EVERY DAY IS AN ADVENTURE. EVERY DAY YOU FOLLOW THE SCHEDULE. EVERY PERSON CAN NOT BE PLEASED EVERY TIME. EVERY LIFE IS IMPORTANT. EVERY DREAM DESERVES TO BE REALIZED. EVERY STORE SELLS THE SAME CLOTHING. EVERYTHING WILL BE ALRIGHT. EVERYTHING WILL BE OKAY. ESCAPE THE WORLD OF EVERY.
Style is essentially a good mix of proportion, color, texture, and references. If it's "good" then it is obviously qualitative and what works for some doesn't work for others. Generally though there is good style and bad style. There is no such thing as a universal style; no such thing as only one thing in "vogue" because fashion is not absolute.
Anyone who knows anything about fashion and style knows that trends are two-fold. A style can be going up in popularity in one area and down in another. It is cyclical and organic...a constant flux of change. Apparel is very much about "in the now" and balancing with vintage and timeless pieces.
You can't take style out of context. Here today "yes, fashionable" and tomorrow it is out of style--or so it would seem. A great example is the upcoming GAP campaign to feature Williamsburg style skinny jeans. All the fashionistas in NYC are screaming that the rocker chic look is SOOO over and we s/b jumping at wider leg culottes as starlets are already doing in SoCo. Honestly is the Hedi Slimane for Dior skinny look capute? Slimane did leave Dior, but I don't see skinny going out of style anytime in the next decade if ever in my life.
I think it really matters how you feel and how you pull it together. The attitude behind your look is very apparent, and we (public/friends/etc) can sense how you feel about the way you're dressed, so rock it out. After all it's just clothes, right?
I own my first Viktor & Rolf! It is a button-up collared shirt from the H&M limited collection. Kick ass!
V&R are the two most talented designers out there right now. Following their career back to their very deconstructed looks that played with odd proportions, they manage to create original and thought-invoking designs. My favorite collection to date is the millenium collection that used vintage couture fabrics and the a-bomb silhouette marking a decidedly festive and intriguing commentary on what wearable fashion should be.
