The BHGF: Man Bags

Guest Contributor: Burke Hair*

This week, my associate Annaleah wrote about bags for the ladies.  From some pictures I have recently seen, I think some people might be confused. And by "some people" I mean men and by "confused" I mean think that they can carry around purses. Allow me to put forth some evidence:

You can pull this off when you are a fashion designer.
Apparently at this point, Marc Jacobs can pretty much wear whatever he wants.  Notice the kilt.

I'm guessing this guy thought he was
carrying a messenger bag.
 Sorry, but I won't call anything this tiny
and purse-like a messenger bag.
At this size, I will label that an "old man purse."

Tom, man.  Why do you have to do things like this?

That's just a pair of pants on his...Wait a second, that's a purse!
Nice try, purse wearing guy.  

The only way you could pull off carrying a bag like this is if you are on a
dangerous, treasure-promising expedition.
Adventuring archeologists need bags like this.  You don't.

This is why Americans don't like soccer. 

Worse than carrying your girlfriend's purse:
Carrying her extra, larger purse.

There are only a couple types of bags that a man should be carrying around. The basic rule of thumb for this is that if it looks like a purse, it is a purse. Or murse (man purse).

This is what you look like whenever you wear a
string backpack, men.

Backpacks are an acceptable form of bag if you are a student or in some sort of casual attire.  String backpacks are not acceptable. 

Messenger bags are acceptable as long as they are in solid colors and roughly briefcase size (big enough to carry a large laptop).

Briefcases are a bold move, and should only be bandied about if you wear a suit and are an important person. Nice ways to accessorize with a briefcase include slicked back hair, an expensive watch, and engaging in predatory lending practices.

An athletic bag can be carried around but only if you are preparing to, or have just finished, participating in athletic endeavors.

When traveling, you can carry around luggage that can pretty much look like anything.  Traveling is one of the times in which you are allowed to carry whatever bag it takes to get the job done.  I probably won't pass judgment on you for your luggage choices.

To summarize: If you view yourself as a rugged, masculine individual (much like myself), don't carry a purse.  

*Disclaimer: Burke Hair's views on fashion are his own and are not shared by this blog or Annaleah Garing.  In fact, this blog is appalled by his fashion sense. To avoid being the laughing stock of the fashion world, you should probably do the opposite of everything that he says.

More Than Just A Bag, An Investment

Buying a bag every other week can put a hole in your pocket. But handbags can become an investment when you buy quality bags of various sizes.  The different sizes are used for different occasions, such as doing errands or going to the gym. Purchasing quality handbags will cost you the same as buying many of the same size bags.  Having a lot of bags will do you no good if you forget that you own them because they are stored away or because you're too lazy to keep switching.

An ideal handbag collection would comprise of a small, medium, and large sized bag.

Small bags are great when you are running errands or going out. This Marc by Marc Jacobs crossbody bag allows your hands to be accessible when you're out and about.

bloomingdales.com: Marc by Marc Jacobs $198

This Coach Top Handle Pouch can be transformed from a shoulder bag to a wristlet. The shoulder bag is used during the day, and when converted to a wristlet it can then be used for going out.

Coach.com: $138

Medium sized bags are best for everyday use because you are able to put anything from your lipgloss, coin purse, or camera in there and still have room for a large wallet. This Kate Spade bag has a top zipper so there is no need to worry about anything falling out.

Katespade.com: Kate Spade $172

If you want a medium sized bag with a longer strap, then this Marc Jacobs Quilted bag is suited for you.  The bag has ample room but is not too big to use for a night out or for everyday use.  Since it has a longer strap, you would have enough room around your arm when you wear a large winter coat.

bloomingdales.com: Marc Jacobs $795

Large bags allow you to pack the extra bulky stuff, such as ballet flats or heels to change into when it snows outside.  The Kate Spade bag below has a divider in the middle to help keep you organized when you bring your whole house with you.

Katespade.com: Kate Spade $445

The Longchamp Le Pilage Nylon Tote is a great investment because it is easy to clean and large enough to put a pair of shoes, wallet, and any cosmetics in. It comes in an array of colors such as black, brown, violet, and red.

Bloomingdales.com: Longchamp $145

So when purchasing a pricey handbag, think about it as an investment.  It's better to have a couple quality ones than a bunch of cheap imitations. 

Dos and Don'ts: Leggings

I think that every fashion blogger, writer, or executive has discussed the dos and don'ts of  leggings, but I don't think everyone has received the message because women are still wearing leggings as pants. Leggings are not pants, they are an accessory located in the hosiery department.  

Every now and then, I see women wearing leggings that are either made with a sheer material or worn with a short top.  These two fashion don'ts, highlight all your flaws and expose every bit of your bottom to the world, and I'm doubtful that you want to be doing that.

glamour.com

http://laurenroseyt.blogspot.com/

Follow these dos to prevent any fashion mishaps.

Do wear thick, dark colored leggings. Thicker leggings will flatter rather than outline your flaws.  Also, darker colored leggings are more forgiving because dark colors give the illusion that thighs and hips are smaller than what they actually are.

bloomingdales.com: Hue $25

Do wear a loose top.  A loose top will balance out the outfit rather than making you look like your outfit was painted on because your leggings and top are as tight as can be.

Bloomingdales.com: Juicy Couture $228

Bloomingdales.com: Free People $128

Do wear a longer top that covers your bottom, whether it's a cardigan or basic tee.  The world is not interested in how round or flat your butt is, so cover it up.

Bloomingdales.com: Aqua $188

americanapparel.net: $18

Do have fun with leggings of different textures and prints, as long as they are a dark shade.

http://www.collegefashion.net

justjared.buzznet.com

Gift Guide: Part Deux

If the holiday gifts highlighted last week didn’t suit anyone on your list, then pajamas might do the trick.  Pajamas are a basic gift for the holidays because there is a kind for everyone, whether it's a flannel, satin, or jersey set of pajamas. 

Pajamas have become trendier by the season.  High-end designers have come out with their own sets.  Popular pajama sets are from Betsy Johnson, Oscar de la Renta, and Marc by Marc Jacobs. 

Betsy Johnson does a great job of incorporating colors and patterns into flannel pajamas, so they are ideal for girls, teens, and the young at heart on your list.

Bloomingdales.com: $59

Oscar de la Renta has soft silk pajamas for the women on your list who prefer more luxurious things in life.

Bloomingdales.com: $68

And for everyone else on your list, Marc by Marc Jacobs has jersey pajamas with subdued prints, which will suit anyone. 

Bloomingdales.com: $98

The BHGF: Acceptable Winter Attire

Guest Contributor: Burke Hair*

The Inuit laugh at our "mild" winters

December is when winter begins in earnest here in Chicago (where this blog is currently based).  Sure, there is plenty of cold weather in October and November, but December is when the kind of weather that makes you question why you live here kicks in.  This is when the dirty snow piles up, the sidewalks and streets are covered in slush, the wind blows straight through your soul, the cold digs deep into your bones and doesn't ever leave, all the moisture inside your nose starts to freeze, your lips peel like a snake shedding its skin, your eyes are constantly watery - you get the picture.

It's cold, dark, and sad.  The only thing that saves the city from falling into a deep, collective depression is the holidays, which bring just enough goodwill to stave off Winter's brutal psychological effects.  That and the off chance that the Bears have playoff hopes (this is the year!).

Annaleah has a post up about winter jackets that can help keep you warm and fashionable this season.  That's nice but we all know that at a certain point, it gets so cold that clothing choices go from fashionable to survival.  This is the point that it becomes acceptable to put on your super warm, super ugly clothes and just worry about making it to your destination.  The nice part is that everyone understands and gives you a pass for your terrible fashion decisions.

When is it OK to look like this?

But when exactly is this point? How can we define it? Is there anyone brave enough, wise enough, and handsome enough to make this call?

My answers: I'll tell you; Wait and see; I have someone in mind.

After minutes of careful deliberation amongst myself, I believe that this point can be defined as such: 13 degrees.  If the temperature - the actual temperature, not the windchill - is 13 degrees or below, it's fine to wear pretty much whatever you want to stay warm.  With the bone-chilling wind (which finds a way to cut through everything you're wearing like a ninja's katana) gusting and the temperature this low, there is no shame in unflattering attire.  However, if it is warmer than 13 degrees, all of your fashion choices shall be judged harshly and without compassion.  You have been warned.

Note: Major fashion points go to those that can ignore the weather and look good even in these cold, spirit-crushing conditions.

Is it ever OK to look this creepy?

*Disclaimer: Burke Hair's views on fashion are his own and are not shared by this blog or Annaleah Garing.  In fact, this blog is appalled by his fashion sense.  To avoid being the laughing stock of the fashion world, you should probably do the opposite of everything that he says.

Holiday Gift Guide

It's not too early to start your holiday gift shopping with these fun items in mind.

Echo Thinsulate Sporty Nylon Glove is for the tech savvy person on your shopping list.  The gloves keep your hands warm but also allowing you to text because the thumb and pointer finger have a special padding to enable you to text on any phone.  It comes in the three colors shown below (twilight, olive, and black):

Bloomingdales.com: $42

Hunter "Regent" Nylon Rain Boots for the fashion forward person on your gift list.  These boots are great for rainy and snowy days because the water will slide off and not ruin the boots. The boots are structured like riding boots, which makes then fashionable and practical.

Bloomingdales.com: $150

And for the man on your list, a plaid shirt is the ideal gift.  A fitted plaid shirt will keep him warm when

it gets cooler outside and stylish because it can be worn with jeans and a blazer for an everyday look.  But make sure that it is a fitted shirt because you don't want him looking like the Brawny man!

ae.com: $44.50

thecampussocialite.com

Be on the look out for more holiday gift ideas as it gets closer to the holidays!

Miracle in a Jar

If you're like me, then you dread the morning routine of applying make-up to look put together for work or class.  But I have found a solution. I recently purchased a cream eyeshadow, which has become my favorite cosmetic product since it's easy to apply and allows me to complete my morning process in less time.

This magic product is Bobbi Brown Long-wear Cream Shadow ($22).

Bloomingdales.com

After speaking with several Bobbi Brown make-up artists at Bloomingdales, this is their favorite product because a little goes a long way.  I bought the Sandy Gold color, which I use everyday because it's light-weight and neutral.

Avoid the Michelin Look

Don't take the Michelin look from the Michelin man!

findatruckingjob.com

A down coat without structure will make you look like the Michelin man and will not show off your figure. So, finding a coat that shows off the waist will do wonders for you.

If you have smaller hips, then a coat with a belt will be best for you.  Your waist will be accentuated and the focus of attention. Keeping the coat length above the knee will also define the waist.

Bloomingdales.com: Marc New York $330

For those who have wider hips, a coat without the physical belt will work for you.  The coat below shows off the waist without making the hips look wider because the waist is gathered in the back.  The waist is modestly shown off since it doesn't have a belt buckle to attract everyone's attention.

Length is key to complimenting your height and waist.  For taller women (5'7 and taller), a coat below the knee is where you want the coat to hit and for shorter women, the coat should be above the knee.

Bloomingdales.com: Marc by Marc Jacobs $548

Bloomingdales.com: Marc by Marc Jacobs $548

With any of the coats, trying on several pairs is a must.  The belt will not always fit you properly because some of us have larger or shorter torsos.  And if you don't have any luck at the first store, don't give up!  The coat for you is out there at a different store. 

Guys... I haven't forgotten about you!

Lucky for you, any down coat will do as long as it is long enough to cover your stomach.  It's cold out, and you definitely want to make sure that the cold wind doesn't enter through the bottom of the coat because you bought a size too small.  The ideal length is for the coat to just hit the waist.

Bloomingdales.com: Cole Haan $395

And yes, it's possible to be fashionable and warm this winter season!

The BHGF: Ties

Weekly Contributor: Burke Hair*

Hey! You, the one with your shirt unbuttoned to your navel like you're in some Calvin Klein ad.

Your neck looks pretty empty, man.  You could use some fashion up in that general area.  Luckily for you, I know just the thing: a tie.

That's right.  Ties: it's just fashion for your neck.

Allow me to educate you on your tie options, and give you a little background information on each one so that you can make an informed decision in regards to dressing your naked throat.  

Neck Ties - Fun for the whole family

The Neck Tie

The simple neck tie is an obvious choice in under the chin fashion. If you enjoy things that are boring and taking family photographs in oversized denim shirts, then this is the choice for you. Another great thing about the neck tie is that it comes in such a wide variety of colors, patterns, and cartoon characters.  Let the entire world know about your unnatural affinity toward Bugs Bunny with a Warner Bros. themed tie!  

The Bow Tie

The Bow Tie - A perfect partnership 
with suspenders

If you wear glasses, enjoy suspenders, and carry extra writing implements in your pocket, then you might be a bow tie kind of guy.  Traditionally, bow ties are the chosen type of tie for tuxedos.  I, however, reject this.  Bow ties are not cool and can never be such.  If you like doing things that aren't cool (a few suggestions: math, thumbs up, or wearing white socks with dress shoes), feel free to throw on a bow tie.  Just remember that Urkel, from Family Matters, frequently displayed this fashion.  

The Ascot

The Ascot - It lets your neck say, 
"I'm better than you"

If you happen to be royalty, then you might think about wearing an ascot.  This fashion piece is for those who have thought to themselves, "I wish there was some way that I could differentiate myself fashion-wise from these plebeians that I work with. Stupid plebes."

The String Tie

The String Tie - The #1 choice in neck 
wear of 19th century card dealers

The string tie is that rare piece of dress that immediately labels you as "racist," along with white hoods, swastika armbands, and NASCAR t-shirts.  

The String Tie - Might I also 
suggest an all white suit?

 

The Bolo Tie

The Bolo Tie - The white man's gold chain

The bolo tie is the ultimate in western men's fashion.  Do you ever find that you wish you could incorporate belt buckles in more places than just on your belt?  If your answer is "yes," then check out the bolo tie.  The customization options are infinite because you can throw all kinds of crazy buckle-looking things on it.  You can even customize the caps that go on the ends of the strings, like fancy shoelaces.  I've seen some bolo ties with empty bullet shells on the end, which lets everyone know that you mean business. 

The Bolo Tie - If it's good enough for the Boss...

The Bandana

If you wear chaps, then you have no choice but to wear a bandana around your neck.  A bandana is the perfect way to make any look more casual.  Putting a bandana on says to the world, "I live by my own rules and practice a western brand of moral justice." If you don't carry some sort of pistol, then you should strongly consider not wearing a bandana.

The Bandana - Totally not gay on cowboys

*Disclaimer:  Burke Hair's views on fashion are his own and are not shared by this blog or Annaleah Garing.  In fact, this blog is appalled by his fashion sense. To avoid being the laughing stock of the fashion world, you should probably do the opposite of everything that he says. 

Man Scarf

I guess women aren't the only fashion conscious ones on a budget.  It is only fair for me to assist all the guys in their quest to look trendy, without trying too hard or appearing too feminine.  The scarf is an accessory that I feel men are hesitant to incorporate into their wardrobe because it is either too European, as Burke has mentioned, or too feminine.

If worn correctly, scarves can make a man look debonair, like Brad Pitt.  There are various ways of wearing a scarf.  The most common way is by folding it in half, wrapping it around your neck, and pulling the ends of the scarf through the loop.

beckymotew.blogspot.com

Another way, which might take practice to make it look as effortless as Brad Pitt, is by throwing one end of the scarf over your shoulder.

Promadvice.com

And the simplest way is to wrap it around your neck and let it hang.

milenablog.com

For one day only at Gap.com:

Be sure to check out their selection of scarves, all under $25!

Gap.com