Millennium Promises, Promises

Tommy Hilfiger and Glamour Magazine hosted an event to launch The Millennium Promise Collection, a capsule collection benefiting the Millennium Promise Project.

Curious passersby take in the fleet of customized taxis outside the Tommy Hilfiger Flagship Store on Fifth Avenue in Manhattan Thursday, April 26th 2012.

Lines of taxis are a normal sight that can be seen along New York City’s infamous Fifth Avenue.  It is no surprise that it would be Tommy Hilfiger that would put a twist on something so classic. A closer look shows that the taxis not only serve as an attention grabber, but a unique source to share a very special message. “The Promise Collection. Tommy Hilfiger is proud to be a part of Millennium Promise, supporting communities throughout Africa through funds and volunteers.”

The unique taxis were part of the Promise Collection Launch Event. They proudly displayed Tommy Hilfiger's Promise Collection Mission Statement.

The Millennium Promise Collection is a capsule collection designed by Tommy Hilfiger in partnership with the Millennium Promise and Millennium Villages Project, in which all proceeds will be “committed to the development of sustainable communities, in the hope of making a long term change that will benefit generations.” To help launch the collection, Tommy Hilfiger partnered with Glamour Magazine to host an event at its Fifth Avenue Flagship Store in Manhattan.

The Flagship store windows were transformed for the event, infusing both the modern Prep aesthetic of Tommy Hilfiger with the rich cultural traditions of Africa.

Upon entering the store, guests were immediately immersed in a mixture of cultures. A DJ atop the second level of the store took turns playing popular music with a group sitting beside him playing traditional African music on African instruments. Model-esque servers weaved through the crowds to bring champagne, wine, and scrumptious hors d'oeuvres to shoppers browsing through the shop that housed the collection. Friendly store associates served as personal shoppers and attentive hosts, completing transactions one moment and topping off an empty glass the next. Woven baskets and colorful rugs lining shelves and floors contrasted nicely with the Americana memorabilia; a true representation of the collection which consisted of classic Tommy Hilfiger designs and items made using African textiles, colors and motifs.

African patterns, colors and motifs could be found throughout the decor, creating a consistent brand message.

An attentive server tops off the glass of champagne for a guest as he browses through the Promise Collection shop.

The theme of vibrant colors, textures and patterns carried through into the upper displays.

The environment was not the only thing fueling excitement during the event. In addition to all proceeds from the collection going to Millennium Promise, 10% of all sales during the event would be donated as well. And if that was not incentive enough to open wallets, customers who spent $150 or more were treated to a free taxi ride to anywhere in Manhattan, courtesy of the special Promise Collection taxis parked outside.

Guests enjoyed music, drinks and hour devours as they mingled and shopped throughout the night.

A mannequin poses proudly as it models pieces from the Promise Collection.

As the evening drew to a close, happy customers began to head out of the store and into the taxis with shopping bags in hand, special event only bracelets around their wrists, and an extra warmth in their hearts for being apart of something truly outstanding.

Guests who spent $150 or more were given a fare free ride in the Promise Collection taxis to anywhere in Manhattan.

Items that I purchased while attending the event. Woven Genuine Leather Belt and Africa Map Tee (Made in Tunisia) from the Promise Collection, in which 100% of proceeds "will be donated to Millennium Promise, a non-profit organization empowering people in sub-Saharan Africa to escape extreme poverty for good".

Guests who purchased items during the evening's event received special bracelets that were available that night only.

For more information or to purchase items from The Promise Collection, visit Tommy.com.

Below are more pictures from the event:

Don Draper As Runner Up Not At All “Justified.”

In a showdown between Madison Avenue and the Wild West, it’s clear who should end up on top.

The leading men of Justified and Mad Men went head to head for the top spot on GQ’s 25 Most Stylish Men on TV. Photos: FXNetworks.com & AMCTV.com

Recently GQ, the men’s fashion magazine, released its list of the 25 Most Stylish Men on TV. I was happy to see that many of my favorite dapper gentlemen made the list. However, what I was not happy with was who took the top spot and who got pushed to the position of runner up as a result.

According to GQ, Raylan Givens (Timothy Olyphant) of FX’s Justified beat out Don Draper (Jon Hamm) of AMC’s Mad Men for the title of Most Stylish Man on TV. GQ's justification for this decision is as follows, which can be read in its original form here:

"Where Don Draper and Tom Haverford work hard—in their suiting, their grooming, their boozing—Raylan Givens just sort of is. Take him as he comes, all swaggering I-just-shot-someone-yesterday machismo: that tan ten gallon hat accented by a leather band is a phallic indicator of what's coming through the door, with two six-shooters on the hip and terminating scum on the mind. And as casually as he'll put a hot slug in you, he'll smartly sport a crispy chambray shirt and woven belt. Not everything is hard. Sometimes you've just got own it.—S.F."

Read More http://www.gq.com/style/profiles/201105/25-most-stylish-tv-stars-men#ixzz1NDyMdURJ

I completely disagree with this decision and its reasoning. I am not sure exactly what criteria GQ used to arrive at this, but in response I have developed my own set of criteria to show that there CLEARLY needs to be a recount.

First of all, I believe that style is composed of the following 3 elements:

• Individuality/Personality

• Versatility

• Attention to Detail

If an individual is able to incorporate all 3 of these elements effortlessly into their wardrobe choices (as well as everything else about their daily life) they will earn the right to be called stylish.

Analysis of Style: Don Draper

Hard to see just how stylish he is? Click image for a larger version. Photos: AMCTV.com

Individuality/Personality

There is no denying that when it comes to dressing for the modern man, Don Draper has set a pretty high bar. He has mastered a look that he has made his own, while at the same time making it iconic. The slicked back hair, the square jaw firmly clenching a smoldering cigarette, the perfectly tailored suit all contribute to Don Draper’s individual and personalized head to toe style.

Versatility

No question about it: Don Draper looks amazing no matter what he is wearing. From formal to business to casual, he is always put together with a debonair confidence about him. 

Attention To Detail (Strongest Element)

Don Draper is definitely a man who knows the power of details. With every outfit he displays his masterful knowledge regarding the perfect knot, choice in pocket-square, and the necessity for all accessories to compliment one another. 

Don Draper is definitely a man who knows the power of details. Gold-rimmed sunglasses combined with gold cufflinks and a gold lighter perfectly compliment one another as well as the suit he is wearing. Photo: AMCTV.com

Analysis of Style: Raylan Givens

Hard to see just how stylish he is? Click image for a larger version. Photos: FXNetworks.com

Versatility

It is more than obvious that Raylan Givens displays much less versatility in his attire than Don Draper. His overall look tends to stay the same with slight alterations from ensemble to ensemble. His go to look consists of his signature cowboy hat; button up shirt (either with or with out a tie,) and a blazer; alternating in colors.

Attention To Detail

Once again Don Draper outshines Raylan Givens when it comes to this element. Although it is not up to the same level as Draper, his attention to detail is still very much present. All of his blazers and jeans are the perfect fit and show off his physique nicely. When he chooses to wear a tie, it is a compliment to the shirt he is wearing.

Individuality/Personality (Strongest Element)

Raylan Givens has created THE look for the modern day cowboy and he OWNS it. His western influenced sense of style shows through in many different aspects of his ensemble, from his tie to his belt to once again his signature cowboy hat.

Raylan Givens has created THE look for the modern day cowboy and he OWNS it. Photo: FXNetworks.com

There is no doubt that when these two men stand alone they have amazing style they have made their own. On the other hand, placed against one another it is obvious that Don Draper is the clear winner when it comes to who has the best style.

Based on this analysis (which is based entirely on my own point of view) GQ should let Don Draper reclaim his rightful place at #1, a position that should never have been questioned, and be awarded the title of GQ’s Most Stylish Man on TV.

Try Courting Your Career

5 Rules to Follow to Land That Dream Job…Or Special Someone (Whichever Comes First.)

Graduation from college is a time of celebration. It can also be a time of absolute terror, especially for those who still have to face the Big Bad Wolf that is the job market. Nothing is more humiliating or self-defeating than being turned away from a job opportunity that you had your whole heart set on. Nothing that is except for being turned away from a potential love interest that you had your whole heart set on…

Being rejected from a job makes you feel just as low as being rejected from a date. How many “break up” emails have you received from HR that read, “We’ve gone with another candidate,” or in other words, “We have feelings for someone else”? How many phone calls with potential employers have ended with “though you have impressive credentials, we feel that you do not fit our criteria at this time,” or in other words, “it’s not you, it’s me”?

It is not foolish or outlandish to compare the potential job pool to the potential dating pool. People are accepted or rejected in both situations based on very similar criteria. If you have scoured your brain for reasons as to why you are still “economically single” and still come up empty handed, maybe it is the way in which you COURT your potential job that needs an up in its game.

Graduation from college is a time of celebration. It can also be a time of absolute terror.

The following rules have been developed (based on my own personal experiences and advice given to me from others) to help you achieve just that. Hopefully if you start seeing courting a potential job in the same light as you see courting a potential date and vice versa, the intimidation of one may lessen that of the other.

Click links below to jump to individual rule:

Rule #1: Get to know them BEFORE you meet them.

Rule #2: Put the utmost importance on appearance.

Rule #3: Arrive on time.

Rule #4: If you are interested, LET THEM KNOW!

Rule #5: Accept that they might “not be that into you,” and be able to remain “just friends.”

 

 

 

Rule #5: Accept that they might “not be that into you,” and be able to remain “just friends.”

There comes a point in any courtship where the possibility that the other person might “not be that into you” becomes apparent. Sometimes this can catch a person completely off guard, but if you have been reading the signs it most likely will not come as much of a shock. There are times when the chemistry is just not there. Being rejected more times than you will be accepted before you find that perfect fit is a hard fact to accept. This is the time when a person’s character is truly tested. The following are some helpful tips to help you handle this unfortunate situation with grace:

·      Keep professional in your correspondence. Much like you can tell if you were accepted into the college you applied for by the size of the envelope, you can usually tell whether you got the job (or a second date) by the form of communication the other person uses to contact you back. A phone call is almost a sure sign that you’ve “been hired” while an email is most likely the dreaded “let’s just be friends.” Whether you get turned down by phone or by email, stay positive and professional in your communication.

·      Do not respond immediately to bad news. Most likely you will be overly emotional, especially if it was a job or second date that you really wanted. Take a moment to cool off and send a response once you have a clear head. Also, don't send the first draft of the response that you write. Keep taking breaks from your response and come back and edit as you become more level headed.

·      When you do respond back, keep emotions on a neutral level. Respond back in a way that you would for any professional situation. Avoid the taboos of using highly emotional words, punctuation, and capitalization.

·     Remember, once something is written down, ESPECIALLY in email form, it is there FOREVER and cannot be taken back or erased. Now days in the age of Facebook and Twitter, people forget to refrain from speaking exactly what they are feeling and tend to respond to bad news in an overly emotional and unprofessional way, and this spills over into their professional life. This is NOT a good reflection on you. I advise to start practicing restraint while using Facebook or other Social Networking platforms to get in the habit of proper behavior both on and off line for any situation.

·      DO give a response. No response is sometimes worse than an emotional one. It gives across the perception of bitterness, which doesn’t look good on anyone.

Just because things didn’t work out the way you wanted this time around does not mean that it is the end of the road. Being rejected is the perfect opportunity to turn the negative into the positive. Just because you were not a right fit at that exact moment in time does not mean that there isn't a great possibility that you WILL be in the future.

Be the first to extend the hand of “friendship” if the other person has not already. This will show your true class and maturity and will leave a positive image of you in the other person’s mind. Doing so will help you gain a valuable contact.

Gaining this new contact is just the beginning. Make sure that you put in the effort to retain them as well. A good way of doing this is by staying in contact with them through emails that you send during important stages or transitions in your professional career. This will keep you on their radar for when an opportunity arises that they may be able to extend to you. Holidays are also a very nice opportunity to stay in touch.

Original Design by Dustin Enrique Larsen

Original Design by Dustin Enrique Larsen

 

There they are. My 5 rules to help land that dream job or special someone by using courtship as your guide. I hope that what I have shared is helpful for when you take on those most nerve wracking of endeavors. Click HERE to return back to "Try Courting Your Career" Main Page.    

Rule #4: If You Are Interested, LET THEM KNOW!

Hopefully if you have followed the rules and have reached this point, you have an idea of whether you are interested in taking the “relationship” to the next level. There is no way of knowing for sure whether the other party is on the same page, but if you are interested, MAKE SURE THAT THEY KNOW! Letting your feelings be known is the one thing that you are completely sure about and have complete control over. 

The universal sign for showing that you are interested and want to remain in contact with the other person is the leaving of the number. In the sense of interviewing for a job, leave your business card. If you don’t have one, make one. It is a lot easier and cheaper than you may think to have professional looking business cards. Having your contact information strictly on your resume or application just isn’t enough. Handing over a business card brings direct attention to your information and gives a crystal clear signal to the other person that you would like them to use it. They will also be extremely impressed with the fact that you have your own business card, and will most likely offer you theirs as well. A VERY good sign and will include information necessary for what I am about to suggest next.

Original Design by Dustin Enrique Larsen

Once you leave the meeting, the task of letting them know you are interested is not finished. As soon as you get home, HANDWRITE a thank you card, preferably one of your creation, which matches your business card that you will send the old fashioned way in the mail. Again, HANDWRITE the thank you card. I cannot emphasize enough the impact of a HAND WRITTEN card on the other person. It shows that you are truly interested in continuing the “relationship” and are dedicated enough to take the time to put pen to paper. Keep it short, sweet, and sincere.

(NOTE: In the case of a date, the thank you card can be substituted for a follow up phone call, in which case make sure to ask when would be the best time to do so when numbers are exchanged. If you want to send an actual card, by all means go ahead and do so! You never know, it might catch them off guard in a good way!)

Original Design by Dustin Enrique Larsen

After you have sent your HAND WRITTEN thank you card, don’t feel like you are off the hook quite yet. If you have not received a response the week following you sending the thank you card (which makes it two weeks following your in person meeting,) I feel that it is appropriate to send a follow up email. Keep it short, sweet and to the point making sure to thank them once again for meeting with you. You do not want to come across as too aggressive, but you also do not want to risk falling through the cracks in case something out of your control has happened (card lost in the mail, HR person has become swamped, etc.) Usually you will get a response to your email which will include the yeah or nay outcome of your meeting.

(NOTE: The follow up email is NOT necessary and probably SHOULDN’T be used if it is a date you are trying to score. If you do not have an idea of where it is going by now, you should probably prepare to start to move on.)

Hopefully the outcome is the one you were hoping for, but in the case that it is not, see Rule #5.


Click HERE to return back to "Try Courting Your Career" Main Page.
 

Rule #3: Arrive On Time.

Nothing reveals more about a person’s character than how they value and use other people’s time. It is extremely important to not only be on time when meeting someone new, but to arrive a few minutes earlier than you are scheduled. Doing so not only insures that you will be on time, but it allots you a time cushion to complete any tasks that might be waiting for you (paper work, table not ready, etc.) 

The perfect time to arrive to an appointment is exactly 15 minutes early. No more, no less. If you arrive later than15 minutes early, you run the risk of being late, and no one likes to be kept waiting. If you arrive more than 15 minutes early, you run the risk of the person you are meeting not being ready for you, therefore inconveniencing who is there (receptionist, roommate, etc.) with the burden of entertaining you until you can be seen. 

Punctuality is also the perfect excuse to invest in a fashionable time piece!

Men's Stainless Steel Bracelet Watch with Genuine Diamond Accent by GUESS.

Click HERE to return back to "Try Courting Your Career" Main Page.

Rule #2: Put The Utmost Importance On Appearance.

 

We all try to refrain from “judging a book by its cover,” but the bottom line is it is nearly impossible as humans to do so.  Within the very first SECOND of meeting a new person, we take in their whole appearance. Within the very first MINUTE of meeting a new person, we develop a judgment of the person based on the appearance we just took in. This is why it is extremely important to always look the VERY best when meeting someone new. Follow these few simple tips and you should be able to take on that meeting completely confident in the way that you look:

·      Keep your appearance clean cut and well groomed.

·      Men: Shave that morning even if you shaved the night before.  

·      If you are in need of a haircut, get one at least one week before your meeting to avoid that awkward “just got my haircut” look. A week allows your hair to grow a little and gives it a more natural look.

·      Choose appropriate attire and make sure it is clean and pressed.

·      If you are unsure of what is appropriate, always err on being overdressed than underdressed.

·      Base your attire on what company you are interviewing for or the venue you are meeting in. You should have gathered this information if you followed Rule #1.

·      Plan out your outfit BEFORE the day of your meeting. This way you will make sure that everything fits just right and is clean, and that you are not missing any key items.

·      Pay attention and plan out EVERY detail. This will show that you put in some time and effort into meeting the other person and that meeting really matters to you. The other person WILL notice.

·      Easy on any scents. Spray a small amount at the shoulders and elbows. These are the areas of the body that get the most movement, so a little spray will go a long way.

·      Get plenty of rest the night before.

The below images are the components of my go to interview ensemble:

Black Tonal Stripe Suit from Simon Carter West End, Lilac Dress Shirt from Geoffrey Beene, Black/Lilac/Purple Striped Tie from Geoffrey Beene.

Purple/Grey/Black Argyle Dress Socks from Club Room.

Black Leather Monk Strap Dress Shoes from Steve Madden.

Click HERE to return back to "Try Courting Your Career" Main Page.

Glee Goin’ “Gaga” Gives Birth to New Fashion Fad

“Don’t hide yourself in regret, just love yourself and you’re set…”

Those lyrics from Lady Gaga’s #1 hit Born This Way served as the theme for the latest episode of FOX’s hit television series Glee. Now it is no surprise that Gaga and Glee make the perfect team when it comes to confronting the constraints of social norms through song and public image, but now the duo can add influencing fashion to their list of team accomplishments. 

Yes, Gaga has been influencing fashion on her own for the past few years, but it is Glee’s debut of what I would like to dub “Embraced QualiTEES” that has all of the fans raving. The Born This Way episode concluded with a musical number featuring the Gaga cover (see Video above.) During the number each character donned a plain white T-Shirt, on which was printed in bold black letters one word or a phrase that described a quality or trait that they were born with that they once hated but now embrace and celebrate.

Photo from FOX.COM

History has forever been updating and rejuvenating the modern staple that is the plain white T-Shirt, and Glee has taken it to the next level. The basic nature of the “simple as black and white” design is what makes the “Embraced QualiTEES” genius. Black and white are neutrals that can be worn with everything and look good on anyone. As the Glee kids also show in their musical number (again, see Video above), the “Embraced QualiTEES” can be worn as part of an ensemble or BE the ensemble. The possibilities of how to wear it are endless.

Digging a little deeper to below the superficial qualities, the T-Shirts become a “badge of honor” for the wearer, an emblem depicting the embrace of insecurities and putting it all out for everyone to see. The T-Shirts are not only extremely personalized based on the word or phrase, but also act as a way for society to unite with one another through their differences.

Photo taken from FOX.COM

I wanted to take a page out of Mr. Schuster’s lesson plan and apply this new fashion trend to myself.

I was what you would call an “early bloomer” and began to grow body hair on my arms and legs WELL before any of the other boys my age. This singled me out and in my mind made me a freak. I would get all sorts of comments and strange looks whenever my arms or legs were bare and this made me extremely self-conscious. I can remember wishing on multiple occasions to just shave it all off. The one thing that stopped me from making this wish a reality was the fear of having my hair grow back even thicker.

My insecurities with my body hair caused me to hide it whenever I could. This included wearing jeans and long pants even in the most blistering temperatures of the summer months. I kept to this practice well into the end of my teenage years. Finally, the summer following my senior year of high school, I gave into physical discomfort and began wearing shorts. I will admit it was a challenge at first to ignore some of the looks and comments, but it became easier over time. I credit me finally embracing my insecurities for this.

I am proud to admit that now I fully embrace that my body hair is what makes me unique and that this quality that I was born with plays a part in who I am. No longer do I make an effort to hide it. Thanks to Gaga, Glee and the below “Embraced QualiTEE” of my design, I can now display that pride in myself for all to see. 

Now I leave you with a question: What will you show the world is your “Embraced QualiTEE”?

Design based on my own "Embraced QualiTEE."

Design based on a friend's "Embraced QualiTEE."

Design based on a friend's "Embraced QualiTEE."