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.”

 

 

 

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."

GQ to You: A Fashion How To Introduction

I have always been a sucker for chic style. Each month when my issue of GQ arrives, I am known to disappear to my room for hours while I devour each and every page. One of my favorite hobbies is designing my wardrobe based on pieces I love from my favorite looks that are featured in that month’s issue. I always get a thrill from bargain shopping for those various pieces and putting together looks that are FRACTIONS of the costs found in the magazine.

As I was packing all my spring looks for my trip to NYC next week, it dawned on me that I should share my savvy fashion sense with those that would appreciate it or find it interesting.

The following are three spring looks from the feature titled Weekend Update by Eric Ray Davidson from the February issue of GQ. Click on the links below to view them in detail along with my looks for MUCH less. 

Look #1

Look #2

Look #3

GQ to You: A Fashion How To #1

Look #1 consists of:

Cardigan from Banana Republic-$90

Shirt from Lands’ End Canvas-$40

Chinos from Dockers-$50

Shoes from Quoddy-$230

Belt from Lands’ End-$40

Grand Total for this entire look: $450

 

Photo taken from GQ.com

My Look consists of:

Two Tone Trimmed Cardigan from Forever 21-$21

Men’s Patterned Long-sleeved Shirt from Old Navy-$25

Men’s Slim-Fit Khakis from Old Navy-$30

Brown Slip On Shoes from Steve Madden (on Sale at Ross)-$25

Men’s Braided Belt (Fossil) from Macy’s-$25

Grand Total for My Look: $126. That’s about ONE FOURTH the cost of the items in GQ for the same overall look.

GQ to You: A Fashion How To #2

Look #2 consists of:

Sports Jacket from PureDKNY-$425

Shirt from Band of Outsiders-$230

Jeans from Citizens of Humanity-$178

Shoes from Allen Edmonds-$325

Grand Total for this entire look: $1,158

Photo taken from GQ.com

My look consists of:

Vintage Sports Jacket inherited from my dad’s closet-$0

Men’s Patterned Shirt from Old Navy-$25

Men’s Dark Wash Distressed Straight-Leg Jeans from Old Navy-$40

Brown Oxfords inherited from my dad’s closet-$0

Grand Total for My Look: $65. You could buy 18 of my looks for the price of the look found in GQ!

GQ to You: A Fashion How To #3

Look #3 consists of:

T-Shirt from Levi’s-$30

Jeans from AG Adriano Goldschmied-$168

Shoes from Ralph Lauren-$475

Jacket from Topman-$80

Belt from Gucci-$290

Grand Total for this look: $1,043

Photo taken from GQ.com

 

My Look consists of:

Striped V-neck Tee from Forever 21-$13

Straight-fit Jeans (white wash) from GAP-$65 (splurge item)

Boss Black Charlie Shoe (Hugo Boss) on Sale from Piperlime.com-$110 (splurge item)

Men’s Denim Jacket from Old Navy-$40

Men’s Braided Belt (Fossil) from Macy’s-$25

Grand Total for My Look: $253. That’s 4X LESS than the look in GQ.

ECHO, The Sustainability Fashion Magazine Launches TODAY!

"Where sustainable voices are heard." Washington State University’s first Apparel Merchandising, Design & Textiles student-run magazine focused on bringing to light issues of sustainability abroad and also on campus.

CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW TO DOWNLOAD YOUR FREE PDF PREMIER ISSUE!

http://www.coroflot.com/echo_fashionmag

Sneak Peek of "ECHO." Launching Wednesday, December 8th, 2010!

CLICK ON THE PICTURE CAPTIONS TO GET MORE INFORMATION ON THAT PIECE

The Following is an article from the new Sustainability Fashion Magazine "ECHO," launching WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 8TH 2010.

 

Sustain-Ability: Entwined with Nature

 “Best New Visual Artist” Prisha Brown shares with Dustin Enrique Larsen her passion for all things naturally and sustainably beautiful, the thread that is woven throughout her already highly successful jewelry line.

Paper Chains: New Crayons

“Many artists are inspired by natural elements and there is definitely a reason for this in the Pacific Northwest. With each changing season we have a rich array of colors and textures all around us. It is so easy to just go for a hike or drive and take your camera and come back with so much new inspiration.” This organic act of receiving inspiration is what Prisha Brown has based her career as a jewelry designer on, giving birth to her very own line: Entwine by Prisha Brown. Organic also finds its way into her actual jewelry itself. “Sometimes my bead patterns in my bracelets actually look like a forest path or river stream winding through the bracelet. The organic elements of my gemstones and pearls offer a natural beauty that is easy to connect with and wear.”

“Playa del Silencio Bracelet”

Brown started her journey as an undergrad at Central Washington University where she studied Apparel Design and Fashion Merchandising. Being in central Washington and fairly secluded from major cities, she was surrounded by the natural beauty that came with living in that part of the state. After building a solid background in textiles, as well as completing a course in metal-smithing, Brown set off for Florence, Italy to study jewelry design during a summer abroad program.

Upon returning back to the states she pursued two fashion design internships in San Francisco. When she had accomplished those as well, her fire for jewelry design began to burn even brighter with the desire to learn more. “I felt the longing to study jewelry design further while still wanting to incorporate the textile background I still found very fascinating and inspiring.” This led her to pursue her Master’s degree in Apparel Merchandising, Design and Textiles at Washington State University in Pullman, WA.

Turquoise Wave Cuff Bracelet

Entwine; named for the techniques traditionally found in woven, knit or crocheted textiles and basketry that she uses to create her jewelry; was born out of all her hard studying at home and abroad, and the inspiration that she obtained from nature. The process in which she creates her jewelry, from the ideas formulated in her mind to the actual physical jewelry, is as organic and natural as the inspiration that drives her. “In the past I have done a lot of sketching out of ideas and designs, but now I really let my materials speak to me from the color, shape, size, and texture of my beads to the color and gauge of my wire. I lay things out and just play with bead palettes before I start, adding and taking away colors until I have a combination I am really excited about.”  She uses fine gauge spool wire; usually .999 pure silver, which is a very soft and supple material to work with, and recently began enjoying using brightly colored enamel coated wire. “I begin my freeform crochet process by very randomly stringing each bead onto my fine gauge spool of wire. Once I have several feet of beads strung onto my wire, I start by making a slipknot in the wire, which becomes my very first crochet stitch. Depending on what I am making determines my starting width row of crocheted chain, from there on out everything is freeform as I work in all directions and delicately make spider webs around each bead. The lacy web-like look of my freeform crochet is very organic.”

"Spring Honeysuckle" Earrings

Brown has already accomplished a lot while pursuing her dream, but she is not planning on letting up anytime soon. She has many goals for her line that she would like to accomplish. “I think the idea of sustainability is really important and something I am currently researching and moving toward. I love the idea and want to support and share this whenever I can.” She finds that this state of mind and behavior makes it so that “everybody wins.” She has already chosen to live by these values in her everyday life by shopping in her community to support her local economy, reusing and recycling items as much as possible, and making sure that her jewelry maintains the cultural and social ideals that she acquired along her journey.  She hopes that others will adopt this lifestyle as well and that it will grow to become the norm on a national and global level.

Having already been living with these sustainable values for most of her life, she feels that incorporating them and creating a sustainable jewelry line is “something that will be easy for me to get excited about moving toward.” She already has a mission plan that will help her accomplish this. “Ideally, I would like to use all recycled wire. I also love using reclaimed vintage beads in my work. I have taken apart some beautiful necklaces found at antique stores. Vintage beads definitely offer a unique source of inspiration that can easily be designed around. It is wonderful to give materials a second life!”

Forest Path

Not only is Brown a talented artist, but she is also a savvy businesswoman. “I have also been thinking a lot about the idea of ‘scalability.’ For example, if I get an order for many pieces, how do I fulfill the job if I am a one-woman show? I need to plan for the growth of my business and more production capability along with the sustainability aspect. I would love to expand nationally. It would be an honor to have more work sold in galleries and museum gift shops across the country.”

     
     She has also tapped into the innovation of social media and marketing; which now is becoming the most sustainable method of marketing and PR, to broaden her clientele. “Social Media is a new and very powerful way of marketing your business. It is so new that people are in the early stages of understanding it’s fullest potential. In my research, I have heard it called ‘Engagement Marketing.’ It is a very effective two-way channel. The product that you offer is no longer the whole story. People buy from an artist because they trust the artist and want a piece of that artist’s personal story. I enjoy regularly updating both my personal and business Facebook pages and believe that my new blog will also add another dimension to my jewelry…a deeper, more personal story of my journey as I experiment, learn, and grow as an artist.”

Watercolor Burst Earrings

Please visit the following links to learn more about Prisha Brown and Entwine Jewelry:

http://prishabrown.com/home.html

http://entwinejewelry.blogspot.com/

http://www.facebook.com/Entwine.Jewelry

http://www.facebook.com/prisha.brown

https://twitter.com/prishabrown

http://www.flickr.com/photos/prishabrown/

http://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=60672072&locale=en_US&trk=tab_pro

http://www.etsy.com/shop/prishabrown

http://crafthaus.ning.com/profile/PrishaBrown

Liked what you saw? Watch for the launch of "ECHO," The New Sustainability Fashion Magazine, WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 8TH 2010! Also watch for information on how you can get YOUR OWN FREE COPY OF THE VERY 1ST ISSUE!