photos from NUlookbook

We ladies are usually saturated with images of stars, starlets, models, singers, actors and people who are famous just for being good-looking.

Yes. We get it.  Angelina Jolie is hot.

But what about the guys?  I think we tend to overlook the severe pressures faced by skinny men to have the bulk and physique of Jude Law, Jake Gyllenhaal, that new James Bond, Shaft, Ryan Kwanten, …I mean I could go on but me writing a list of hot muscley guys is not the point.  The point is, dudes face body image issues too, and sometimes, when we see a little fella who is proud to show off his lean frame and dresses with panache to boot, we should acknowledge and reward him.  With a blog post.  You’re welcome.

So here’s to you, sir, you with the stick legs (which, of course, I’m jealous of, because of magazines).  Today we celebrate your strategically ripped skinny jeans, your updated Beatles boots, your tailored blazer-vest-shirt ensemble, your ability to segue expertly from office to street and that you kind of remind me of Morissey.  So what if you got beat up by a jock or two in high school? Let’s remind ourselves that today, those former athletes are wearing khaki cargo shorts, XXXL Big Dogs shirts, shiny white ankle socks and off-brand sneakers from Costco.

Look like the man.

Wearing a monochromatic outfit can be hard to pull off.  To once again reference 30 Rock (I’ll stop soon, I promise), when Liz Lemon tried to wear a tan turtleneck and khakis, she, according to her boss Jack Donaghy (Alec Baldwin), looked like a human condom.

To me, this Disney prince’s look works – no human condom in sight.  Unfortunately this shot doesn’t do justice to the outfit, which could accurately be described as “variations on a theme: beige”, but the blend of textures, patterns and varying tones of tan make this a sophisticated little get-up for a lazy Sunday afternoon.  Also, his socks are lime green.  Eeee!  SO cute.  I wish you guys could see them!  Use your imaginations?

The look:

• Korean infinity scarf from Fusion (Changle Lu)
• Navy striped sweater from Sixpack France (purchased in Hong Kong)
• Fine plaid blazer from Jos. A. Bank (stolen from brother)
• Beige corduroy trousers from Muji
• Shoes from Initial (in Hong Kong)
• Messenger bag from Suitcase London

This young lady works at the African Pavilion in Pudong, site of the 2010 World Expo. The African Pavilion is one of the more interesting pavilions. Interesting because it was funded by the P to the R to the C. hmm.

Back to it.

I think dressing should be season-less but if I had to comment on dressing for seasons it would be this. The best part of summer is minimalizing. So after a long summer of that, the best part of the fall season is accessorizing. Scarves, belts, layers, and oversized leather bags.  A bonus with oversized bags is that they can hide them hips and make any girl (female or male) look a little more petite, if thats the look you’re going for.  I only carry large bags.  Ask my three friends.

When I lived in Paris for a summer my friends and I used to play a little game called ‘spot the American.’  Telltale signs: North Face fleece.  Rainbow or Reef sandals.  College sweatshirts.  Loud voices.  Broad gesticulations.  Chanting, “U-S-A” repeatedly and for no apparent reason. (Just kidding about that last one, kind of.)

Of course my friends and I considered ourselves too continental to be lumped with the touring Yanks, and very carefully attempted to blend in with the populace whose lithe bodies, lightly tousled locks and androgynous-with-a-hint-of-the-feminine clothing choices gave them their distinctly parisienne look.  Margaux (let’s call her Margaux) here exemplifies the Parisian essence that my friends and I, with dubious success, strove for.

Tell me you can’t imagine her sitting at a café in the quartier Latin smoking a Gauloise over a carafe of Bordeaux reading Sartre or discussing the finer points of love-making for hours on end.  Or scooting through traffic on her Vespa with a baguette, block of brie and a poodle in tow.  I could go on and on with the Paristereotypes (see what I did there?).  But really, there’s not much more to say.  Elle est magnifique.

The Parisienne Look:
Top by Cos
Scarf by Antik Batik
Vintage black leather belt
Trousers by Hartford
Shoes by Heschung
Glasses by Oliver Peoples

One of the best shops in Paris: Zadig & Voltaire

The subject of this street snap appeared to be an extraordinarily stylish Shanghai resident, but a closer inspection revealed his true nature: Adidas Streetwear Designer.

Mr. Adidas is an original (unlike the store “Vogue” behind him) in his nerdy-cool specs, oversized ribbed circle scarf, fitted leather jacket, murse (man purse), and grey and black striped cardigan.

The perfect proportions, creative layering and the right mixture of textures allows this handsome fella to jump out in a sea of millions droning in puffy, fur-lined jackets, walking the streets of China.

Despite the well situated beverage next to this handsome fella who exudes suave, European taste, this is not a paid commercial for the Coca-Cola corporation.  And how could I consciously promote a drink that people use to clean golf clubs?  Perpetuating the myth.  Un-perpetuating the myth.

Regardless, our subject looks sharp in his earth-toned attire, faded bomber-esque jacket, plaid flat cap, and wrap-around scarf . Everyone should have a default outfit all ready to go for emergency or random surprise outings. You don’t have to think about it, no fuss, and it makes you look cool right out the door.

• beige plaid hunting/ivy cap by Grace
• similar style Paul Smith double-breasted bomber jacket

Scarf season is in full swing.  That’s about the only good thing about the weather dipping. Androgyny is also in full swing; this fem faced gal can add layers of clothing and accessories that would otherwise be found in the men’s department like the trilby hat, vest, leather jacket.  She keeps it balanced with feminine pink pixy sneakers, an over-sized leather shoulder bag, and mini shirt dress.

Shopping tip for women…always browse the men’s department for some good finds in accessories, sweaters, and even tighty whiteys.

Photo by Natalie Wang

Adorned in what looks like a classic Chanel Suit, this adorable lady is reminiscent of  Carolina Herrera in face and coiffure.  Our well-dressed AARP member (IARP?) keeps her look young and fresh by adding a thick wool chimney red scarf and vintage black pumps to her outfit… and by living in Rome.

But don’t take my word for how good she looks.  Just observe the look on the face of the woman behind her — the younger woman is mighty impressed with her elder’s style, and is absolutely not giving the camera an extremely puzzled look

Case closed.

Gearing up for the winter, this stud keeps it warm by bundling up in a fleece scarf and layering a blue cotton hoodie inside a dusty black bomber jacket.  He keeps it cool with skin tight stone washed low-rise jeans, sculpted-messy hair and an italian accent.

• a bomber jacket by Topman
• Acne blue cotton hoodie
• non-special fleece scarf, in a variety of colors
• Levi’s 511 stretch skinny jeans
• increase your wooing skills