No Fashionista?

The FF didn't post last week.

Which probably explains why I went out and bought myself some pleated-cuffed trousers to go with my new flip-flops.

Friday Fashionista

Today the Friday Fashionista gets on his high horse about athletic gear in the workplace.

Why has it become acceptable for men to wear athletic gear to work or social situations? Increasingly, I see men wearing Under Armour ® brand apparel in business casual environments and casual gatherings. Did I miss a memo about gym attire being integrated into office attire? Did my favorite local gay bar suddenly become the newest location for Results? Trust me when I say that Under Armour ® does not go seamlessly from day to evening wear.

I see co-workers wearing examples of the brand’s golf shirts to the office. I feel very strongly that these should be left for the golf course. If they are to be added to work situation, then you either need to work at the golf club, the store where these are sold, or on work trip to the country club with a client or colleagues.

Another example of the brand I see men wearing during business hours with nice trousers is the ultra tight shirt. Allow me to reiterate, this is for the gym or sports related activity. I had to bite my tongue a few days ago in an elevator with a man who wore one of these with his suit pants and wing tips.

I know that guys will say, but these are comfortable. Indeed they are. I have a few of their items – that I wear to the gym or while working around my house. Comfort does not equate to athletic wear. And when you consider the cost of the aforementioned gym apparel, there is no excuse for purchasing a similarly priced (if not less expensive) polo or T-shirt that is equally comfortable and much more appropriate for business casual or social gatherings.

It all goes back to consideration of where you are going and what is appropriate attire for the occasion. Not all offices have a strict dress policy, so this may be acceptable. And perhaps in social settings you are hanging out with members of the PGA. Whatever you do, be sensible and look at yourself in the full length mirror before you leave the house. If in doubt, call a friend for help.

Friday Fashionista -- On Monday

The weekly Friday column is appearing today because fashion plate Matty Dale didn't get it to me in time before I left for my backpacking trip. I sent him an email saying I wouldn't have time to post it and gave him access so he could post it himself. Alas, his employer's firewall, as with so many of my emails to him, blocked it. And thus you, dear readers, were denied for a few days MD's excellent fashion advice. Apologies to all.

Ta ta ta ta ta ta Touch Me!

One of my favorite guilt pleasures is the quest for tactile clothes – things that make me feel great and also feel great on me. And the bonus when it comes to tactile clothing is that it begs to be touched. In other words, people won’t be able to stop touching you, or at least what you are wearing!

When you are feeling special and would like some extra feel-good attire, here are a few suggestions. First and foremost, this is a time when it’s okay for it to be all about YOU. What feels good on your skin? Super soft natural fibers!!! Ultra soft cotton is a wonderful feeling. So is cashmere. I have found some super soft cotton items at Banana Republic; almost every time I wear one of these items, people ask if they can feel the fabric because it looks so soft, touchable and inviting.

Speaking of soft, touchable and inviting, there is a store I have been bragging about for quite some time now. My friends always ask whenever they see me, “Oh I like that – is it from Alex?” Alex Boutique has some amazing apparel for men (yes they have women’s clothes too, but this is all about the men). I have found some incredible items there – ranging from luscious, soft velvet jackets, luxuriously soft leather apparel, shirts made of fabric so soft, you’d swear it’s a sin, jeans that feel as if they are made of the softest denim known to mankind and of course the most amazing velvet pants that make my ass look unbelievable. It’s a dream come true, and the best part is that the clothes you will find there are from some more obscure designers, so aside from the fact that you are going to get glances and touches, not every queen in the Metro DC area will be sporting the same look as you.

Remember some basics when searching for lovely tactile clothing… make certain it fits properly… not too big, not too tight. Also, don’t overdo it – remember that you should look as though your selection was made effortlessly. Otherwise, you look as though you are trying too hard, and we don’t want that, do we? When you are ready to literally feel great in what you wear, you know where to find the Friday Fashionista. The lines are open for questions from callers now.