The nicest thing ever said to me…:)

While at brunch with some friends, we were discussing my theory that Jay Cutler needs a life coach (which is my highest rated blog, btw), and to briefly recap, my friend Cinda said that in order to be a life coach, you really need to have your life in order.  I indicated I wasn’t offering to be Jay’s life coach, just that he needed one.  But truth be told, I don’t think I’d be half bad at it.  And, no I don’t think my life is perfect, but I do have to say, I know how to learn by my mistakes (not a future blog).

So …Cinda and Dave were discussing life, college and choices with Meredith, and she said, “I don’t need a life coach.  I go to my Mom …she  helps me out with everything!”.  Who would have thought the nicest thing ever said to me would have come from my daughter?

And that is what constitutes a good day…and a very happy Mom. 

This week we brought Mer Mer back Indiana University to start her sophomore year.  (I’m not sure who these people are who said that dropping off your kids at college, gets easier each year.  Take it from me, it doesn’t.  At all.)  Perhaps I’ve done a few things right, because for a 19-year old (soon to be 20-year old)…she does seem wise beyond her years…and like her Mom (who is not wise beyond her years), she is quite the savvy packer …2 cars, Not quite packed to the gils like last year, and we did not look like the Grapes of Wrath!  And, based on the amount of clothes she brought with her, she still will be  fabulously and stylishly dressed, so all is right in the world.    Meredith is happy, so I  am happy (very, very sad she’s gone, but delighted she’s so happy).  And the icing on the cake is she has determined  she wants to do what I do for a living (yes, I know, whatever that is).  Of course when she saw this picture of us she said, “you’re hair too’s puffy”.  She’s right.  Again, wise beyond her years .

Life is short…hug your children.   They grow up and go to college, and it’s happens in an instant…before you realize it’s happening.  And children, hug your Mom and Dad…they deserve it.

Next week:  Fall Fashion Trends.

Have a great weekend and Go Bears!

and thank you Carol for reminding me that my Blog is one-year old!

xoxo,

T.

Related Posts:

http://dressedtoat.wordpress.com/2010/08/25/did-i-handle-myself-stylishly/

http://dressedtoat.wordpress.com/2010/08/22/what-does-a-girl-pack-for-college/

http://dressedtoat.wordpress.com/2011/07/22/jay-cutler-needs-a-life-coach/

Looking good can be costly…and dangerous

My friend Deb Z.  posted this article on Facebook, and I think it’s actually pretty important for women to read (and Men to roll their eyes at).

Applying Makeup While Driving Can Raise Your Insurance Rates

It’s not that insurance companies are sexist.  Or that they expect all of their female customers to go barefaced and disheveled.  But if you use your commute as makeup application time, you’re a crash risk. In fact, applying makeup is actually more dangerous than dialing a cell phone–it’s the fifth likeliest task to increase crash risk.

Talk about a dangerous tube of MAC lipstick.

About 3% of female drivers have had an auto accident while applying makeup, and 75% of those women are under 27 years of age, says Kevin Alsup, vice president of insurance at Foundation Financial Group in Florida. “We hear a lot about the dangers of driving and texting,” says David Miller, CEO of Florida-based Brightway Insurance, “but applying makeup while driving is just as dangerous.”

Whether You’re A Little Or A Lot At Fault

According to Nancy Germond, an insurance expert from Phoenix, AZ, an insurance company might “forgive” your first auto offense if you have a good driving record. Otherwise, if the accident is deemed to be your fault, you can expect your rate to take an upward hike.

“If you are at fault in an auto accident and your insurance carrier pays more than a small amount, your rates will undoubtedly increase,” says Germond. Although some companies forgive the first accident, most will charge you “whether you’re 1% or 100% at fault.”

Makeup-Related Crash? Your Rate Could Increase Exponentially

The number of separate accidents you’ve had is more important than the amount you’ve racked up in insurance claims, says Miller. A single accident may raise your rate $100 to $200 a year, whereas a second claim increases it by much more and a third will probably bump you into a higher price tier entirely. Miller explains, “Frequent accidents make insurance companies believe you’re likelier to have other accidents down the road.” On average, Insurance.com told us, “drivers with no violations pay $1,119 annually for car insurance. By contrast, drivers with three violations pay $1,713.” So, if you end up regularly filing claims because of that eyeliner habit, you’ll be paying way more than the cost of new makeup in the end.

Source:  I have no idea, but the above statistics were previously printed.

I must admit, I used to be guilty of this “crime”.  When I used to drive downtown everyday, there were times when I caught myself applying make up while driving (I know, totally stupid).  I was broken of that habit, when the driver behind me, and we were indeed clipping along at a pretty good pace, Honked his horn, and when I looked back at him in my rear-view mirror, he gave me a “Thumbs Up”.  Nice.  Ugh.    Totally embarrassing, and I have to say, that was Many years ago, and I basically haven’t done it since.

Make Up Do’s and Don’ts while driving

Applying Mascara – Don’t

Applying Eye Shadow – Don’t

Curling your Eyelashes – Don’t

Applying Eyeliner – Don’t

Applying Lipstick or Lipgloss - I think we are a-okay here!

Applying lip gloss is no different from changing your radio channel. Of course, I apply mine without having to look in a mirror, by just dabbing the gloss on my lips.  If you need to look into a mirror, do NOT do it.

Driving is complicated and dangerous enough, with everyone talking on their phones , texting (YIKES, but it does happen), drinking coffee and Smart Water, changing the iPod setting on your radio to replay Build Me Up Buttercup on repeat…don’t make it even worse, by applying your make up.  Wait until you are parked (and not at a stop light either) to do what you couldn’t do at home.

Drive Safe!

xoxo,

T.

What a Guy should Pack for College…

It has been almost a year since I was helping get Meredith ready to leave for college…and since that little turn of events is basically what started this blog, we know what a girl packs for college…EVERYTHING…I think the guys deserve equal time.   And here is a flashback of some of Mer Mer’s clothes she had set aside (only half of them, as there were no jeans, pants, skirts of shorts here).  And this is a Packing DON’T, btw…

So… you are going away to college, and going to live in a dorm?   The college kids are extremely excited, while the mother’s are secretly crying themselves to sleep every night…so let’s try to make the packing go as smooth and efficiently as possible, to lighten the stress load on your poor Mom…and I’m not saying that Father’s aren’t upset either, but speaking from our situation, I don’t think Kevin was crying while going for a morning run the day we were heading to take her to school (of course I could be mistaken, but I think not).

Going away to college there are a few staples that every student should have. There are tons of checklists for the obvious things.

http://packinglistguru.com/college-packing-list-for-guys/

http://www.collegeandfinance.com/18-overlooked-things-everyone-should-bring-to-college/

http://www.justtherightthings.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/Julies-College-Packing-List.pdf

But I asked some friends for their overlooked essentials, and came up with the following list:

I am aware that some of these items depend on your dorm’s policy.

Pack your clothing.  Bring only three weeks of clothes since you won’t be able to fit everything you own into one dorm.  ( Of course, don’t use Meredith as an example as it was like shoving clowns into a phone booth).  Also, make sure you have at least one nice outfit. Two nice outfits are best, especially if one is more conservative and the other outfit is more funky. You never know when you will have to  go to a job or internship interview, a fancy restaurant, or a religious service . Don’t forget clothes hangers .  Meredith’s room did Not have a dresser.  I found that really strange, but we bought 2 sets of plastic 3-drawer carts from The Container Store, which were a god send!  If possible try to rotate seasonal clothes back and forth from dorm to home.

A Microwave/refrigerator Combo
You can rent one of these combo models, or you can buy one at Target.  This is a necessity.  You will not always be able to get a snack at the cafeteria, whenever you wish.  Your meal plan is either very expensive or very limited, and you will not feel like walking to a store at 1am. Do yourself a favor and pack some Easy Mac or some lean cuisines (:) )to heat up.  Microwave Popcorn is always a crowd pleaser, and basically the simplest thing to prepare.  Just make sure you know how to nuke popcorn without setting off the fire alarms.  Many colleges offer a refrigerator/microwave rental…It’s up to you if you want to rent it for $75 and have the luxury of having it waiting in your room (my recommendation), or buy it at Target, for $150 or so, then be responsible for getting it to and from.

Laptop, Printer, Paper, School Supplies

And make sure you have everything backed up on an external hard drive!

Bedding

XL Twin Sheets, a Blanket or Comforter, Mattress Pad and your pillows.  And bring an extra set, because it’s my experience that guys did NOT change their sheets…As a matter of face, it’s also my experience that girls did NOT change their sheets either.

Toiletries – I’m not going to elaborate here, because you know what you need…But make a list, and make sure you bring everything you have on your list.

Medications – and have copies of your prescriptions.  And make sure you have your own insurance card.

Aspirin; Tylenol; Advil; Pepto Bismol; Allergy Medicine; Cough Medicine; Cough Drops; First Aid Kit

Electronics

iPod/iPad; Chargers; Batteries; Alarm Clock; TV; iPod speakers

Flip Flops/Shower Shoes ;Towels

Clearly guys will not wear “Shower Shoes”…but you really should wear flip Flops into the shower.  These are essential.  Do not walk around barefoot in a public washroom.  I have 2 words for you:  Athlete’s Feet.  I have 1 word for you:  Gross!  Wear flip-flops.  And I’m aware (based on feedback from my friends) that guys will probably not wear flip flops into the shower, but it really would be a good idea.

Cleaning Supplies/Laundry Supplies

Clorox Wipes are the bomb!  I used them to clean Mer’s room when we packed her up to leave.  Bring 2 containers.  And if you can, a small hand-held vacuum will be handy.  And you will be doing laundry, so have laundry detergent, a laundry basket or bag, and fabric softener sheets.  When we were going through orientation at Indiana, someone asked about the “laundry service” for the students.  One of the student aides, suggested skipping the laundry service, as  ”doing laundry is a good skill to have”.  I couldn’t agree more!

Fan

You can buy a great fan for $25.  Money well spent for keeping cool, as Not all dorms have air conditioning.

More Tips:

Try and buy your textbooks on eBay or Amazon, and not through the student center.  If you can get the list of books required prior to school, you can save loads by getting them online.

If you cannot “Loft your beds”, you can buy bed risers, to raise your bed by 8″ to give you more space to store your things.

A great way to make some extra money for college, is to offer to help others move, and charge $10/hour.  I would have happily thrown a “hundo” to someone to help load, and unload the large laundry cart we were using to move Meredith into her dorm.  And think ahead to next year, put out some flyers with your cell phone and e-mail , and schedule yourself for the entire week.  I’m sure it will More than pay for the pitchers of beer.

Please remember to call home.  With cell phones, laptops, iPads, and skype…you have No reason Not to stay in touch with your family.  Your family will miss you, and you may (or may) miss them as well…Even if you don’t, tell them you miss them and love them.

And here are Moving Tips, courtesy of Mayflower:

1. Be realistic and clutter-free: Let the size of the space you are moving into, not your emotions, determine what to bring.
2. Think ahead, buy green: Most of the new stuff you buy before school will be thrown out when you move out in May. Purchase green items such as organic sheets and natural material furniture to reduce your carbon footprint. Donate your used items to local nonprofits.
3. Roommate basics: Coordinate with your roommates before the move. Share decorating ideas and plan what items each roommate should bring, so you don’t waste money and end up with duplicates.
4. Priority packing: Organize your belongings in boxes by priority. The most important items, such as medicines, toiletries, valuable jewelry and paperwork, etc., should be packed clearly marked boxes.
5. Survival kit: Pack a clearly marked “essential trip kit” that includes items that you will need for the first night in case you arrive late or are too tired to unpack. This will save you from rifling through boxes to find your toothbrush or pajamas.
6. Wrapping: Save time by NOT using newspaper for wrapping like your parents did. The ink can rub off and damage or dirty your valuables.  Use clean, white newsprint which you can get from moving companies or at office supply stores.
7. Label it: Whether you move into a dorm room, apartment or house, label boxes by location, so you know where each box should go.
8. Decorating essentials: Pack a small toolkit with items like a screwdriver removable adhesive strips to hang pictures and decorate your new place without damaging the walls.
9. Function first: Personalizing a new space is important, but make sure furniture is moved before unpacking personal items.
10. Take a break: Take short breaks throughout moving day to avoid burnout. Meals and sightseeing on campus are great ways to stay refreshed throughout the day.

And for those of you who are saying to yourself (Cinda)…”Yeah, when I think of someone to ask advice on what a guy should pack for college, I automomatically think of Terry O’Brien…since she has had One girl go to college, and she totally overpacked”.  This blog was based on “research”, not personal experience…and for those of you who are saying, “I’m sitting here with her, and two of us have had two sons go to college, did she call us”?   No I did not.  Again, Note to self…don’t publish a blog while sitting with a group of girls on a girl’s weekend.

Oh, and here’s another Tip…when developing a taste for beer (as I’m sure you never partook in high school), try to stick with a cheaper beer…aka, Keystone Light, Coors Light, and other more inexpensive beers…My recommendation is Not to develop a taste for “Chimay” Ale.  This is the beverage of choice, of one of my all time favorite people (former, actually, but that’s another blog).  A case of this will set you back $141.99.  A case of Keystone Light (which is the beer of choice for beer bongs) will cost you $15, and probably for 30 cans.  You’re in college now.  You do the math.

Enjoy!  You are about to have the time of your life!  I’m jealous!!

xoxo,

T.

Related Posts:  What a Girl Packs for College, http://dressedtoat.wordpress.com/2010/08/22/what-does-a-girl-pack-for-college/

Are Crocs the new Jimmy Choo’s?

Crocs…hideous but revolutionary shoes made of Croslite polyurethane—an antimicrobial resin that (contrary to anecdotal evidence) resists odor. The classic clog is made several colors with and without holes and with and without straps. More and more styles (even boots) are about to hit the market. Ugly is comfortable.   (Urban Dictionary)

When I say I’m wrong, I’m wrong (Dirty Dancing)…though , as I just read someplace, and have to agree, the Father (Jerry ORbach) in the movie never Did say he was wrong to Johnny.  But I think we know  it was implied.  I will do more than just “imply”, I will come right out and say I’m wrong.  In one of my last blogs, I was dissing Crocs…and actually felt pretty good and confident about that.   They can look like a blob of rubber on one’s feet.  And I know people do wear them for comfort, and I can live with that.  I just never thought these would be a footwear that I would find “fashionable”   That being said, I was Unaware of the New Crocs…the “fashionable” Crocs.  Who knew Crocs could look like this?:

Or this:

Or even these:

The price point is great (I’ve yet to find a pair for more than $99), and the premise of Crocs is that the shoes are comfortable…and now, they are even Stylish.  Stylish and Comfortable?  In women’s shoes, that is a winning combo!

So, are Crocs the new Jimmy Choo‘s?  I don’t think so.  Are Crocs the new Stuart Weitzman‘s?  Nah.  Are Crocs even the Steve Madden‘s?  I think not…but, I like them!  I really do, and no one is holding a gun to my head to say that (LAP!)   And I am going to buy the cheetah print high heel pump for $99.99.  And the cute silver wedges, which are on sale for $49!

Happy Monday, and Happy start of the NFL Season (and I’m aware that pre-season is not a true game, but we’ve been without football since February, and I’ll take what I can get)!

xoxo,

T.

Related Posts:   http://dressedtoat.wordpress.com/2011/07/29/dont-be-a-fashion-victim/

In Case of Emergency…

 

In case of Emergency, a Wardrobe Emergency…one should have a Wardrobe Emergency Kit (and will need one after break dancing)! 

Wardrobe Malfunctions…and no, clearly this has not happened to me (aka Janet Jackson), however, I have spilled on my blouse, I’ve had my hem fall down, been given a White Napkin while wearing a black skirt, and had lint all over me, and been out wearing high heels and smiled through the blisters forming on my feet…So these, and other fashion tragedies, call for everyone to have their Own Wardrobe/Fashion  Emergency Kit…Now I’ve gotten one of these lists from my other bible…”The Everygirl’s Guide to”…so it’s geared more towards women (hence, ‘Everygirl’s Guide)’…actually, it’s totally geared towards women.  Perhaps I shall post a Man’s Emergency Kit in the next MANic Monday.  Afterall, I am an equal opportunity blogger, and what Man can’t use their own double-sided tape to keep their polo from flying open?

In Case of a Wardrobe Emergency, Have these items on hand:

1. A full length mirror in a well-lit area. Obviously, a full length mirror will help you find out if something fits well, and a well-lit area will ensure that your dress/top/pants are not see through or that you need to change undergarments.  Sorry, but there was no other way in which to word this…But to be blunt…you do NOT want your underwear showing through your clothes. I really don’t care what the guys like.
2. A Lint Roller.  A quick swipe with a lint roller can fix almost any stains or things that are NOT supposed to be there. Another helpful hint: if you’re wearing dark-colored bottoms in a nicer restaurant with linen napkins, ask your hostess for a black napkin. They usually keep a bunch in stock, and it will ensure that you won’t spend the rest of your day or evening trying to pick lint balls off your legs!  Because we have white carpeting in our house (not a wise move, btw), I also use the lint roller to quickly pick up those little tiny specks of I don’t know what, and the carpet looks good as new, and alleviates the need to have to vacuum every day!
3. Fashion/Double-sided tape. If I’m wearing a button up top or blouse, I  put some fashion tape between those two buttons that always manage to gap open! Works like a charm…(though don’t always need it).   I’ve even used it to hold up a hem in a pinch.
4. Blister block. I’ve blogged about this little item, and now I got Meredith hooked!  This little gem has saved my feet from painful blisters more times than I care to admit.  And when I forget this little tip, I’m regretting it all night!   Swipe a little on the  areas of your feet that rub against the shoe and starts to cause a blister, and toss the little tube in your bag for touch ups later.  Or, in a pinch, you can use gel deodorant.  Though it’s harder to “throw that in your bag”
5. In keeping with the feet theme, Shoe Pads. These little lifesavers come in all kinds of shapes, brands, prices and sizes. You can pick up a pack at anywhere from Walgreens to Nordstrom.  Foot Petals are a popular brand, and Dr. Scholl’s has numerous types of foot pads and solutions to alleviate pain from the ball of your feet to the heel of your foot!

6. Nude/Metallic Pump or High Sandal – If you are ever at a loss as to what color shoe to wear, or cannot seem to find the correct shade of brown or red that matches…go with a Nude or Metallic Shoe.  They seriously go with anything from a LBD to a floral mini to skinny jeans and a white blouse.  I have metallic shoes in high heel sandals, and flats, and since I’m a savvy packer (;) ) I always travel with them.
7. A sewing kit. This may be the most obvious item on the list, but it’s probably also the most helpful. Keep some extra buttons, and make sure you have safety pins.  Always put one of the small sewing kits you get at hotels in your travel kit.
8. Dryer sheets. These aren’t just for throwing in the dryer! If you smear deodorant on your clothes, use a dry dryer sheet to rub it off.  These also help alleviate static cling!  Plus, after many summers watching little league, they can be used to keep away mosquitos!
9. A Tide to Go Pen or Shout Wipes. I am the clumsiest person ever…so not only do I trip and fall (on solid, dry ground, btw), but I’m always spilling.  These are super handy, and can help save your favorite blouse.  Be careful to only dab with the shout wipe, so you don’t end up with a wet stain on your shirt or pants….which the big wet stain on your pants can attract more attention than the speck of ketchup!

10. Well fitting undergarments. Because of my 5 male blog followers, and based on the fact that they are all always giving me a hard time with snarky comments, I shall not elaborate on this…but you girls know what I mean.  If not Private Message me and I shall elaborate.    Plus, based on ”Mr. X’s”  comment from Monday’s blog on Men’s Summer Fashion Faux Pas, “I’m disappointed to hear that Speedo’s now classify as a fashion don’t.  I hope this is a new development on the fashion front since I was rocking that look in South Beach a few weeks ago.  I must say, I did get more than my fair share of attention.  Stuffing them with a potato may have been the reason for my popularity that day! “ …it would be Open Season on me and my little blog…so shall forego elaborating any further!  Oh, and Mr “X”…bring it on!

“I find it handy to keep all of these items together in my house (I store most of these in a hole in my shoe rack), and if you really want to be prepared, keep duplicates in your car or purse (a lot of these things have mini versions, too!) “ (Maria Menounos)

Keep these tiny tools on hand for those minor mishaps!

Mini Wardrobe Emergency Kit:

• A small can of static guard can rescue you from the “creeping/clinging skirt” syndrome.  $2 at Drugstores.
• Attach a tiny Swiss Army knife and a safety-pin to your key chain.These two tools are indispensable for speedy saves.  $20, swissarmy.com.
• Wet Ones moist towelettes leave minimal water rings and work on most stains, even makeup, says costume designer Mona May. Put a towel under the stain to absorb the liquid, then pat; don’t rub.  $2.50 at drugstores.
• This Mini Sewing Kit, packed with essentials, is about as big as a pack of gum.  $7, containerstore.com.
• A tiny Evercare travel-size Lint Pic-Up Adhesive Roller is handy and smaller than your palm.  $1 at drugstores.

And to prove that size does Not matter…I received this fabulous small emergency kit from my friend Nancy:

Minimergency® Kit for Her
This Minimergency® Kit is an all-inclusive set designed to help women survive beauty, fashion, and personal care predicaments. Fix flyaways with a teeny-tiny hairspray. Stop runs in your hose with clear nail polish. Mend a fallen hem with double-sided tape. This kit does it all—and it comes in a cute gold metallic bag to boot.

This set contains:
- 0.017 oz Blistex® Lip Ointment
- Dental Floss
- Ice Drops Breath Freshener
- Emery Board
- 0.8 oz Clear Nail Polish
- 1 Nail Polish Remover Pad
- 0.1 oz Hair Spray
- Clear Elastics
- Earring Backs
- 1 Stain Remover Towelette
- Double-Sided Tape
- Mending Kit
- 1 Deodorant Towelette
- 1 Small Latex-Free Bandage
- 1 Regular Tampon
- 1 Packet of 2 Tablets of Advil®

The Only thing that separates us from the animals is our ability to accessorize! (Phyllis Coneset…though she may have heard it from Steel Magnolia’s, but I would like to credit Phyllis with this little nugget!)

May you always be Prepared and Exceptionally Accessorized!

xoxo,

T.

Men’s Summer Fashion Faux Pas

Finally mother nature has realized it is indeed summer (and too much so in my opinion, for the last 3 weeks we’ve had of “summer”)…and it is  time to see some fairly tragic fashion mistakes roaming the parks and beaches.  These are general tips, and Not aimed at anyone in particular.  And let’s face it, my only male followers are Bruce, Mark, Jason and Chris.  I mean, my son Patrick won’t even read this, and Kevin O’Brien actually said “you have a blog?” (which is why he’s always featured here )…so Bruce, Mark, Jason and Chris…this is Not meant for you.  But this can give you the necessary material to poke fun at others out there who are less fortunate than yourselves and happen to make these summer fashion errors.  “Maybe we feel like the slowness of the season gives us permission to take a vacation from discriminating taste”?

The selection of colors can either make or ruin an outfit. Combine colors and shades carefully. Some colors go well together while mixing others will produce disaster. Your outfits should have no more than two, three colors at most. Experiment to see which shades go well together.

For the record, the above is a Fashion DON’T!

These are the seven + deadly style sins of men’s summer fashion (thank you askmen.com), and lucky for you, their seasonal solutions.  Disclaimer…these are only guidelines, if you life what you wear, it fits properly, and you feel good in it, then all the power to you.  And I truly mean that.  And there are more than 7, so LAP, no need to count.

Socks and shoes

If you are going to wear sandals, leave those socks at home.  If you’ve sensed a trend, that I’ve mentioned this in probably 4 previous blogs…then you have a good idea of how strongly I feel about this.   End of story.

Cargo shorts

You remember cargo shorts — the circa ‘97 type that you could use to store everything from lunch leftovers to a small child. Yeah, well, those are so last decade, and this brings us to the next men’s summer fashion mistake.  The huge pockets bow out at the sides and force the shorts to sag. It’s time to try a silhouette from this century. Cuts are slimmer (like your favorite pair of jeans) and  patterns range from bold plaids to seersucker; even everyday khaki is a fine choice. The secret to a great pair of men’s shorts is finding ones that don’t stray away from a straight line running from hip to hem. And speaking of hems, yours should always end an inch or two above the knee.  For the record, I think cargo shorts are a-okay, if they fit properly…and that goes for basically everything here (except those “wife-beater” t-shirts).  A well-fitting pair of cargo shorts can look great, but askmen.com was referring to the pair that hangs below a man’s hips, and is 3 sizes too large.   Patrick was rocking the cargo shorts this summer in California, and I thought he looked great…and with Mer Mer as his fashion accessory, how can he not be?  But he is, after all, 14-years old, and the world is his oyster.

Not sure who this is, but I would not be at all surprised to find out it’s Kevin Federline.

Board shorts/Swimming Trunks

 Men’s swimwear should look and fit like a great pair of everyday shorts. Slim ones that sit just under the waist (not unlike a lower-rise jean) and finish somewhere between mid-thigh and an inch or two above the knee work best for every beach-going guy. And do NOT even think about wearing a Speedo…that is just a joke waiting to happen!  Wear swimming trunks that fit…and do NOT wear your board shorts out and about, as if they are actual shorts.  And, for Pete’s sakes, do NOT wear them paired with a Hawaiian shirt, to the Doctor’s office.  And yes, I know someone who did this.

Strong fragrances

Easy on the cologne, Rico Suave!    Lighter is better…and this is a great rule for year-round.  A lighter after shave is perfect for the summer.  Ever since college, and even today, Grey Flannel, by Geoffrey Beane, makes my knees week.  And, you can buy it at the drug store!    I just got Kevin,  Dolce & Gabbana’s Light Blue, and have to say, Love it!  That…you have to get at Nordstrom.

Flip-flops

Summer’s official footwear is undoubtedly the between-the-toe flip-flop, which leads us into our next men’s summer fashion mistake. It’s the barely there cover for your feet,  ideal for a backyard barbecue or a beachside jaunt. And that’s about as far as a flip-flop should go.   Any other outing should get the sandal treatment — not the “Kumbayah-kind” with fabric straps  or a thin-strapped European mandal. We’re talking about a simple leather criss-cross that hugs the foot while still allowing it to breathe. As the saying goes, X marks the spot.  Oh, and while I’m at it, Flip Flops are Not acceptable office attire. 

Tank tops

The tank is meant to be worn as an undershirt.  So, what’s a guy to do in the heat of the summer? Try a light-colored V-neck T-shirt or polo shirt instead.   I think the term for the sleeveless t-shirt look is “wife beater”…which I find actually more offensive than the look, and I really find the look offensive.

Hawaiian Shirts

Unless you are going to Hawaii or a luau (Thanks Julie), no need to wear one of these.  I’ve already dissed these in my last blog on “How not to look old…for Men”.  I’m not beating a dead horse, but truly, there are Much better options out there.

Wraparound shades/and just plain ole bad sunglasses

Apart from being a trendy and fashionable accessory, sunglasses will protect your eyes from the harmful sunrays. Pick sunglasses that have UV protection and that suit you. That being said, it doesn’t mean you have to reach for Terminator-type wrap-arounds to protect your eyes. Sure, sport-inspired sunglasses are perfect for a round of golf or a game of tennis — everything in context. But, outside of an athletic activity, everything else requires an aviator, Wayfarer or other such style-savvy shapes.   And while you may be thinking that fashion-friendly frames don’t look good on you, remember this piece of lifelong advice : “Finding the right pair of sunglasses takes time. Try on 100 if necessary. Then, sit back, relax and enjoy the show”.   Oh, and let me touch upon Blublockers!  We were at a Bears game with my brother-in-law Bruce and his lovely bride Beth, and Bruce was poking fun at a gentleman behind us wearing Blublockers…so I asked the man if I could try them on, and he said, “Sure”…so I was sporting some Blublockers at a Bears game…Bruce accused me of “showing off”.  Perhaps, but I thought it was really funny.  And I looked really foolish.   So…Don’t wear blublockers either!   Refer to my previous blog on Men’s Summer Fashion Tips for great sunglass looks for men!

SUMMER STYLE

With one more month of summer weather ahead,  let’s ensure they’re bright (but shielded by a classic set of shades) tank-top and speedo- free.  These are Great summer looks:

Regardless of what I (or the nation) feels about him at this point, Mr. Obama, does seem to nail the look of the Board Short (because it Fits properly):

Other looks I enjoy…They are a spin on the Fashion Don’ts of above, and turned into Fashion Do’s.  The biggest difference is the clothes are pressed, fit properly, and they are worn with confidence.  And I cannot help myself from posting a George Clooney picture whenever I can!

I am a sucker for a man in a pink shirt or a pink tie.

Enjoy the rest of Summer!  Go Bears!!

xoxo,

T.

Related articles

• Men’s Summer Fashion Tips (dressedtoat.wordpress.com)