Monday, July 28, 2008

The Man Bag: What if Your Pappa Got A Brand New One?

There has been lots of chatter about Mens Fashion. Mainly because it has begun to once again blur the line it maintains with womens fashion.

First it was skinny jeans. The snug fitting bottoms once worn only by old school Rockers came back on the scene a couple of years ago, though really only on the Womens side. The few guys who were wearing them were from the "EMO" sect, and were purchasing across the isle...or just borrowing a pair of their sisters.

THEN: Like a mighty river, the 80's rushed back into our lives and suddenly everything was tight and colorful again. Now it wasnt just the "EMO" guys crying out for a tighter fit, it was all guys. From Skater Boys to B-Boys; they, much like a certain commercial from the time, declared "I Want My Skinny Jeans!" And the industry responded.

Now they can be seen in most every shop and boutique, and on almost every size and frame. Reminding all of a safer time...when what was in a guys pants moved around less than Denzel in The Bone Collector.

NOW: The big issue? The Man Bag. The topic has been toted around more than any of the actual bags have. And the reason- typical apprehension to new things. A particular problem for men whenever something comes along that challenges outdated views of masculinity.

Ive heard the arguments and read the blogs. The best they can come up with is that the bags look like purses and therefore, make the men who carry them look like women.

Really?

When women wear pants do they look like men? No. Because aside from the fact that the styles are different, they embody them in a completely different way. There is nothing inherently feminine about a non-bifurcated piece of cloth that is worn around the pelvis and buttocks (what we commonly call a skirt). Because with the right pattern, that same fashion is called a Kilt in Scotland, and its anything but feminine!

*Believe me on this one. Ive clubbed in Scotland before*

The wearers of the Kilt don't carry themselves as women, so they aren't confused with women. Are men in the US afraid that if they carry bags they'll be mistaken for the fairer sex? Surely they're smarter than...oh who am I kidding? Guys cant even stop screaming "No Homo!" (trying to reassert their imagined manhood) long enough to realize that if they feel like they have to do it, they're not really men.

Real men know who they are and don't give a damn if you don't! And style works the same way. Style is very personal, unique to an individual. You have to be able to know that you look good in what you're wearing. Fashion will continue to blur the lines between men and women, because both groups are distinct enough to extract their own feel. Fashion is for everyone, but style is all your own.

FUTURE: Men wont be patting themselves down while doing the "Keys, cellphone, wallet" check, but will instead be going through their man bags.



Sunday, July 20, 2008

The Summer So Far



I cant believe it was March since the last time I wrote one these. Actually, on second thought...I can believe it. So much has gone on I just havent taken the time to write it all down. And though recently I've had plenty of time to write, I've just now gotten some inspiration.


Its the middle of the summer and there are only a few days left in July, so for me, my time in Charlotte is winding up. I'll be moving into my new apartment in Greensboro in a few weeks and saying "See you later." to the city. But Charlotte has become more than just a city to me. It embodies my new life, new job, new career goals and new friends.

Before I even arrived in town I was on the lookout for jobs. My second oldest sister, Kamille, who I would be living with during the summer helped by gathering applications and asking people she knew about positions. I was busy scouring the internet for something that would enhance my career aspirations of being a writer. Thankfully I found a listing for CharlotteStyleMag on Craigslist.com.

The listing described the mag as representing everything fabulous and fashionable in the Queen City. An online publication that was offering experience based internships. In other words, a great way to learn and get in on the ground floor of a budding fashion magazine. No pay but...BABY STEPS! So far- the magazine has been a great method for putting my name out there, getting to know people and, above all, honing my craft.

Much of this summer has been spent making new friends and spending time with the ones I already have. My buddies Jay and Marcus have been great sources of entertainment and escape. When I need to get away (even though Im already away) I know I can go to Jays place. And nine times out of ten, Marcus will be there. Whether it's an all night Scare-a-thon (Nightmare on Elm Street's a must!) or a Sex and the City Day (Jay=Miranda, Marcus...Samantha!) they're my go to guys.
Of course I have one of my favorite ladies in the U.S. here with me in Charlotte; Shari Tate. An indispensable font of inspiration, love, humor, and great places to go in the city(restaurants, museums, galleries, etc). She has made my sisters job of showing me around much easier.

And I would be remiss if I didn't mention the special visits made throughout June by my big, little brother Dustin. Big because he's bigger than me, little because he's younger-though not by much. We actually celebrated his 21st on the 6th. Fun times.

I got a job at Express at the end of last month. Ive worked a total of one day so far. It sucks but, I would rather have something than nothing. Well...to tell the truth, I would rather be working a job than just being employed but... aaanyway....

All in all, Charlotte has helped me have a great summer. Especially now that one of my NAACP colleagues has reminded me that she lives here and now Ive incorporated her into my circle. Lovely!

There's just one thing that takes away from everything else; the fact that I have to leave. Its not something thats particularly difficult for me, or at least it wasnt. Not until I started dating. But thats a post for another time.