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A Relatable Casual Uniform

Sun, 24 Mar 2019 14:19:49 -0400

In a firm-wide email sent Tuesday, the top-brass at Goldman Sachs told employees they’re loosening the company’s fashion standard. Historically known as a white-shoe investment bank, Goldman Sachs will be joining the Silicon Valley crowd by allowing its 36,000 employees to shed their coat-and-tie uniform and put on more casual attire. This shift would have been inconceivable thirty years ago when bankers relied on sober suits to earn their clients’ confidence. But as Goldman Sachs CEO David Solomon wrote in the memo, workplaces today are more casual and he wants to accommodate a younger workforce. One Goldman Sachs employee told GQ yesterday the firm’s dress code has actually been loosening for years. Still, the person noted, “all the men are psyched.“

So if bankers no longer wear banker stripes, what should they wear? The email didn’t specify. The management only said they want employees to dress in a manner that accords with the company’s and clients’ expectations (whatever that means). "We trust you will consistently exercise good judgment in this regard,” they wrote ominously. “All of us know what is and is not appropriate for the workplace."

This is the problem with modern dress codes. Hard-written rules have been replaced by softly coded norms, which leaves many confused on how they’re supposed to dress. Are grey flannel trousers too dressy? Are sneakers too sloppy? What should I wear for the meeting or office party? When the accounting firm Crowe Horwath gave up on the coat-and-tie a few years ago, they had to film a video explaining what was not acceptable.

This “not too formal, but still professional” dress code has given men one uniform: flat-front chinos, probably tan, worn with a button-up shirt, probably gingham. The look doesn’t live up to the potential of casualwear, but it’s also not as sharp as a coat-and-tie. It’s not ugly; it’s just vanilla bland. You could break it, of course, but at the risk of paying a social cost. A few years ago, Anna North wrote a New York Times op-ed about how the new, cool, office environment can be "just as oppressive as the old, buttoned-up one.” Dressing now follows subtle, in-group views – those who understand them know how to navigate the corporate world; those who don’t pay the price.

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The hardest sport

Fri, 01 Feb 2019 13:17:37 -0500

I have come to the conclusion that golf is the hardest professional sport to win in… especially with any kind of consistency. It’s a thorough test of all aspects of a player’s skills over multiple rounds. The course and the weather conditions are the “defense” which changes with each tournament and winning is also dependant on how well you play relative to the other best players in the world.

I’ve been trying to come up with comparisons in other sports in which players are challenged in the same manner and could not come up with a similar comparison. In almost any other major sport a player can exploit a potential weakness in a defense. For example, in basketball, the closet thing I can think of would be if all players had to play one on one against LeBron (who would be the closest thing to a great defender capable of guarding 4/5 positions). Who would do the best offensively? This is not even taking defense into consideration because I think gifted offensive players will usually find a way to overcome great defense. And they may do it relying on only one particular skill rather than being tested all around. (ie using speed vs size, power vs speed, etc). Maybe I’m missing something, can you think of any comparisons?

Anyway, what’s the point? All this to say that professional golf is HARD. So it’s not hard to understand why players like Rickie Fowler or Hendrik Stenson only have a few wins on their resumes. Even some Hall of famers only have 9 wins.

Amazing color and craftsmanship.

Thu, 04 Feb 2016 21:42:28 -0500

Amazing color and craftsmanship.

Giving your husband a gift he'll be excited about

Fri, 14 Nov 2014 17:29:24 -0500

I incited a little discussion on Facebook yesterday about the seemingly impossible task of finding gifts for husbands. The question asked was “How many wives are good about getting their husbands gifts that they actually want?” Now I didn’t ask the question because of my dissatisfaction about the gifts I’ve been receiving from my wife. I appreciate the thought that she put into some of the more recent gifts. But I wanted to acknowledge that this is a challenging task.

Below are some of the reasons that make shopping for husbands particularly difficult:

Men are very specific about most things that we care about. So while you might think we would really like a bigger TV, we will really only be happy with a very specific model of the said bigger TV.
Men tend to buy everything we want at any given moment. So even if you knew exactly what he wanted, by the time the special occasion comes around he might have already bought it.
The money comes from the same funds. So while getting something way over the top might be the easy thing to do to get him excited, you still have to be a responsible adult.
He says he doesn’t need/want anything. This is BS. There’s always something that men wouldn’t mind having, you just need to work hard to figure it out.

Among the responders, it seems like 1 husband got something he was really excited about from his wife recently (you’re a lucky man my friend).

Many wives chimed, including my wife who said “I say just buy what you want. Save me the trouble.” Which kinda made me a bit sad but I can’t blame her for feeling that way since I know how I am.

Considering the holiday season is coming up, here are 6 strategies for getting your husband a gift that’ll he’ll glad to receive. Results may vary.

1. Seek the advice/opinion of someone who your husband respects on any given hobby/subject. This will work better if he’s just starting out in a particular hobby because he probably won’t have a strong opinion about specific items yet. But if he is deeply rooted into a hobby you can always ask his friends what he’s been wanting or waiting to get.

2. Collectors - if your husband is into collecting certain things and you come across something limited snatch it up and save it for the next special occasion. Anytime time you can come across something that is in limited supply chances are he’ll be excited to get his hands on it even if he already has it. Examples of these things are: sneakers, stamps, baseball cards, etc

3. Consumables - if your husband is into collecting things that are consumable such as wines, whiskies, cigars, etc get him something that might be a bit different than what he already has or used to. He may enjoy it but it’ll just be part of the collection that he can share with others. The upside to getting something different is that you may actually introduce him to a whole new world that he hasn’t experienced before and will enjoy going forward (which is an even bigger gift!). The key is that whatever you get make sure it’s not a run of the mill whatever. It still has to be special! He may not like it but he’ll recognize that you got him something special never the less and it’s something he’ll be proud to have in his collection.

4. Indirect gift - Perhaps there’s something that you know he’s been wanting forever. It’s a big ticket item and you’ve been fighting him about it but now is a good time to get it for him. But you’re scared to get it because you don’t know exactly what he wants and because it’s such a big spend you don’t want to get the wrong thing. What you can do is buy a small accessory to whatever it is that he’s been wanting. That’ll let him know that you’re OK with him getting it now and he can take his time to pick out exactly what he wants for exactly how much he’s willing to pay! He can always return the smaller accessory if he really doesn’t want it but the real gift is him knowing that you’re OK with him getting the bigger thing. Example: Giving him a PS4 game when he doesn’t have a PS4. Buying him new swim trunks for the vacation he’s been wanting to take. You get the idea. ;-)

5. For the super practical - Maybe you’re one of the lucky gals whose husband really doesn’t need much and is easily pleased. Get him something that he’ll need eventually. A month’s worth of socks? The best feeling undershirts you can find rather than the standard Hanes? The idea is getting him nicer versions of essentials that he wouldn’t spend the money on himself. He may never buy it again himself but how can he reject it as a gift? Hopefully he’ll appreciate the better quality of it and take solace that it’s still practical despite being a bit splurgy.

6. Lingerie - Most red blooded males will be ecstatic if they see this as a gift. Hopefully he’ll know that this is not for him to wear! Just like women, men want to feel wanted and desired too (especially from our wives). It also saves him from one less awkward moment when he’s going to buy lingerie for you.

Let me know what you think and what are the results.

Happy Holiday shopping!

One of my favorite groups

Thu, 09 Oct 2014 16:17:49 -0400

One of my favorite groups

Where's the belt?

Thu, 09 Oct 2014 11:06:53 -0400

I’ve noticed that people like to point out that I don’t have a belt on typically when I have tailored clothing on like I’m breaking some kind of rule. My response to them usually is I prefer not to wear a belt since my pants fit properly without a belt. It sounds kinda snobby and I struggle with finding a way to say it as gently as possible since most men are accustomed to wearing belts whether it’s need it or not.

What is the purpose of a belt?
Practically speaking a belt’s purpose is to prevent your pants from falling down. For all of my dress pants and chino I make sure they fit without the need for a belt. I do have a need for a belt with some of my jeans.

Aesthetically speaking belts can be used to:
1. Break up your body visually. When an outfit is color blocked (top and bottom are similar colors), throwing in a belt will help add a subtle detail and breaks up your body from top to bottom if you prefer. I’m not a tall fella so adding something that visually cuts my body in half is usually not desired.

2. When you want to complement other accessories. Occasionally when I do wear a belt, I’m more inclined to wear brown belts because browns are more interesting especially when shoes and watches are thrown into the mix. I realize that this is probably why most well dressed men wear belts and I have no issues with that.

Take away: If your pants fit properly wearing a belt is usually redundant and I’m just too lazy to find a belt to put on every morning.

Fall means the cords are back in play!

Thu, 02 Oct 2014 20:38:54 -0400

Fall means the cords are back in play!

Pass it on

Wed, 01 Oct 2014 12:42:00 -0400

Growing up as a young immigrant boy in America meant that there were a lot of things that I had to learn on my own. I’m not ashamed of my experiences or moments of cluelessness growing up but I must admit that it certainly would have been easier at times had I been taught certain things before confronting situations for the first time. Many of the more important things I would have liked guidance on are burned deep within me and I pray that I get to shared those things with my boys as they grow up.

But there are also many small, seemingly insignificant things about being a man that should be taught to boys as they grow up. I am by no means an authority about how a man should dress but there are some very basic things every man should know when they are required/expected to don a suit. This is NOT about style or how clothes should fit and I am not interested in debating about what you or I personally prefer sartorially. I’m generally not a fan of rules anyway but there should be no debating these 3 common mistakes that are seen frequently.

1. Don’t leave the designer/fabric labels attached to the jacket sleeve of your suit jacket/sportscoat.

(Unless you are you planning on returning the suit after you wear it.)

2. Don’t wear athletic socks with dress shoes. If you need thicker socks there are thicker dress socks available.

3. Remove the stitching to the back vents of your suit jacket before wearing. The stitching is there to prevent tearing the vents before the suit is sold and not meant to be left on.
* (optional) remove the stitching of the jacket pockets (chest and 2 side pockets). Some people prefer not to undo the stitching to help maintain shape of the fabric but most men that don’t do it usually just don’t know that they can be removed.

That’s it! Any other rule you may or may not have heard of, feel free to break as you please or continue to live in your blissful state of not knowing about them.

Peace!

Shooting tips

Tue, 05 Aug 2014 18:34:37 -0400

http://www.swish22.com/assets/fixing.html

#4 was a recent revelation for me. Helped increase my range by a lot.

12ent: #training #workout #gym #phenincityal #columbusga...

Fri, 01 Aug 2014 10:35:30 -0400

12ent:

#training #workout #gym #phenincityal #columbusga #manhattanks #basketball #AI

The Magic of Steam Stations

Thu, 31 Jul 2014 12:30:42 -0400

Was going to write something similar. Derek saved me the effort. Thanks.

I just picked up a refurbished Rowenta one up last month for ~$70. Highly recommended especially if you can find a similar deal. You can pick up a new Rowenta for under $200 from Macy’s or Bed Bath and Beyond.

dieworkwear:

Most menswear reviews go something like this: a ridiculously trivial problem is blown out of proportion, and some expensive item is proposed as the solution. The slightly uncomfortable experience of being caught in a drizzle, for example, can be solved with a handmade raincoat with bonded seams; the slightly-off fit of ready-to-wear shoes can be solved with something bespoke; and any difficulty in understanding Four Pins can be solved with someone young and hip, serving as a personal translator.

In reality, most things have a steep diminishing returns curve, and much of what you need can be satisfied for not too much money. For ironing, I recommend Black & Decker’s D2030 iron, any kind of non-countertop ironing board, and a basic spray bottle (since most irons are terrible at spraying mist or steam). All three can be had for less than $100.

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I think he posted this a few years ago but it’s very good...

Tue, 29 Jul 2014 09:16:45 -0400

I think he posted this a few years ago but it’s very good reference for those who ever wondered about how your suits should fit.

mostexerent:

COVER YOUR ASS

There is no actual quantum science or emperical measure as we are all blessed with different body proportions as shapes.

But in my opinion it is best to understand your body proportions & shape then adhere to some certain guidelines not rules to make you look your best:

Jacket MUST cover your ASS

Sleeves of jacket should be no shorter than the natural flex point - where your hand meets your wrist (I will elaborate on my technique later) & not past where your thumb meets your hand

Jacket MUST cover your ASS

Shoulder of jacket not sit before or no more than 2cm from the end of your natural shoulder

Jacket MUST cover your ASS

Body of jacket not be so tight that you look like an extra from some bad commercial shoot of certain ‘FASHUN’ brands or Men’s “STYLE” magazines

Jacket MUST cover your ASS

The actual buttoning point at your natural waist (give or take a cm, lower is better) & you natural waist is roughly where your belly button is. DO NOT GET CONFUSED with wearing jeans as they tend to sit on YOUR HIPS, unless you have progressed to Grown Man Style dungarees ;)

Jacket MUST cover your ASS

Pants should sit as close as possible to your natural waist (see above) - pants are not jeans

Jacket MUST cover your ASS

Good tailoring is not tight fitting, good tailoring provides movement

Jacket MUST cover your ASS

As mentioned in an earlier post, Patrick Johnson (tailor) & I changed a few minor measurements with this suit to keep it as ‘classic’ as possible compared to my other suits.

Jacket is nearly 2cm longer (see comparison to yesterdays flannel chalk stripe) to add an unbroken line
‘Roped’ versus ‘soft’ shoulder or ‘con rollino’ v ‘spalla camicia’
Waist points or buttoning dropped by 1cm & retained circumference measurements

Higher sleeve hole to add elegance & to lengthen the torso

Sleeve shape & length the same
Different pocket treatment (actually tucked in the flaps)

Pants are same

What do we see?

Other than the grey suit looking more English & the navy chalk looking more Italian - see the difference.

Where the (sleeve) ends
“My method” as no tailor I know uses this but agree it works for me
Stand “naturally” & let arms hang “naturally”

Raise hands so that they are parallel to the floor - yoga helps

Jacket sleeve kisses back of hand with no break, this is ‘my’ natural flex point & where I try & make sure all my sleeves finish

Ask tailor to pin or take measurement

Walk around & start again to make sure it is the same

Now have a look at the full body shots & see the consistency & the effects this gives me.

Is there a natural flow from shoulder to arm to wrist point & where the jacket finishes.

Finally - if your jacket body is too short (as in not covering your ass), your sleeves will look too long & hence throw the whole visual proportions out & the above will make no impact.

FWIW (this series was from back in 2010 when I wasn’t riding or doing anything for fitness):
5’7” or 168cm. Not of model height
160 lb or 73 kg. Too many burgers & dumplings

18.5” or 47cm across the shoulder. So wider than what my height dictates if I was ‘average’

Rather not disclose my waist. Too many burgers & dumplings

The most important message - find a GOOD tailor that you connect with & TRUST him or her.

Details | Suit - P Johnson for GW | Shirt - Ascot Chang for GW | PS - Facconable | Tie - 15 YEAR OLD Channel (sheesh I have an old passport picture of me wearing this same tie) | Hoofs - John Lobb “Phillip II” on 7000 last for Leather Soul

First attempt at cold brewing coffee at home

Fri, 25 Jul 2014 09:53:08 -0400

I love to try DIY things. I don’t mind trying and retrying until I get it right so last night I made my first attempt at cold brewing coffee.

I ended up using about double the amount of grinds that I normally use for hot coffee. Approximately 30 heaping spoonfuls of grind for 5 tall mug’s worth of water. Result is it came out too bland.

Pitcher of my first batch after 12 hours in the fridge.

I used cloth tea strainer. I might try it without this next time during the brewing and just use this to do the straining when it’s ready.

Used the coffee maker’s basket with a paper filter to strain the really fine coffee mud at the bottom of the pitcher.

Since this batch was bland I did not have to dilute the coffee concentrate as you would normally would.

Next try I will use 45 spoonfuls for the same amount of water. I can see this getting really expensive really quickly. Now I can kinda understand why they charge $4 a cup!

De-Stink your watch

Tue, 22 Jul 2014 08:43:36 -0400

Having a smelly wrist makes me self conscience. For the longest time one of my watches smelled really bad and no matter what I tried I couldn’t get rid of the smell.

I tried using liquid hand soap and a tooth brush to scrub the watch and bracelet. I tried freezing it for a couple of hours. I even switched to nylon straps but the smell would return within a day or two.

Then I tried soaking the watch and all the straps and bracelets I used with it in a 50/50 mix of distilled vinegar and water for 15 minutes. I then rinse the watch with water and hand soap. With the nylon straps I soaked in tap water for a few minutes to get rid of the vinegar smell. I am happy to report that the smell is gone and it’s been about a week.

* I would not try this with a leather strap.

Sale: Fancy loafers

Mon, 21 Jul 2014 14:04:00 -0400

For all you fancy loafer lovers out there. It’s on sale.

Up the dubs

Thu, 17 Jul 2014 21:10:32 -0400

Edward was getting lonely being the only one of his kind in the closet.

So I got Alfred to join him. =D

Never thought I would hear a Chinese song would get sampled for...

Thu, 17 Jul 2014 09:40:45 -0400

Never thought I would hear a Chinese song would get sampled for a rap song.

Congrats on the 20 Years NAS!

Cleared

Wed, 09 Jul 2014 21:03:23 -0400

Been OK’d to start throwing, shoot jump shots, and light batting practice!

Ice

Fri, 27 Jun 2014 14:11:37 -0400

I typically like my whisky drinks neat only because I nurse all my drinks so using ice will dilute my drink before I’m half way done with it. I’ve tried whisky rocks which don’t melt but I found them to take away from my drinking experience. The thought and the smell of rocks (may just be in my head but still) in my drink wasn’t appealing to me. I’ve tried the larger ice cubes and it was OK but there’s still had the dilution problem.

A while back I came across some articles advocating the benefits of clear ice as lasting longer in drinks due to less air trapped within the ice. It takes a lot more effort to make. You’ll need a small cooler, enough freezer space, and you’ll have to chisel out the ice trays just to get to the cubes but things like this are actually appealing to me since I love DIY sort of things.

Here are some pics of my first attempt at making clear ice:

2 large cube silicon trays were submerged in the cooler to make 1 large block of ice. Here it is out of the cooler and partial chiseled.

Ready to go. Looks pretty cool.

With my favorite scotch.

View of one of the larger chunks broken off from the block. So clear.

In the end, the dilution problem still exists so I’ll probably drink my stuff neat most of the time but it’s really pretty to look at. I’ll probably forgo the trays next time and just make a huge block of ice and break off big chucks as needed.

Cheers

PT coming along

Thu, 22 May 2014 13:15:55 -0400

I’m finally at the point where I can do some light running. Started doing agility drills yesterday and I realized a few things:

It’s harder than it looks on TV.
I’m definitely not “fast” anymore
My endurance is horrible

Hoping to be able to run outside soon so that I can run with dog and give him some exercise. That poor bastard.