Someone Likes Me!
Daily Crossover just tagged VintageGent’s Menswear Daily in their Top 10 Emerging Blogs. I am speechless. I just don’t know what to say! I am not sure if this blog has officially “emerged” yet, but apparently someone has taken notice. What are my picks? What would I consider my short list of Top Ten Emerging Blogs to be? I am halfway through deciding and will reveal my choices later today (I hope!) There are four that surely you will not want to miss.
blogging | Comment (0)Paintball: The Sport of Gentlemen
I added a new category to the blog called “Repository of Useless Information.” No, that is not my middle name, although some may think it is. I love trivial facts, and there will be some trivia to be gleaned here before the post is over. I’ll be adding more to the category from time to time, so read it and be prepared for your next party.
In my aimless wanderings, I stumbled by an online paintball store. It made me marginally nostalgic for participating in laser tag birthday parties, as at such parties we were imagining or hoping that we were really playing paintball. We weren’t interested in hunting. We didn’t want to harm animals, we only wanted to hit eachother. Although laser tag gave us that feeling that we were actors in the “Tron” movie of our youth, it lacked the requisite supplies and messiness. We would also argue the fact that the sensors fired by accident and would argue and cajole our way back into the game.
There is no “gray area” with paintball. The paint makes several things irrefutable. Firstly, the fact that you are “out”. Secondly, the Tippmann x7 sniper paintball guns and others firmly indicate to your friends that you are in fact an “army guy,” or a special opps person. With laser tag, half the time is spent arguing because they can’t tell that you were obviously supposed to be Luke Skywalker, and there can only be one Luke!
What is the point of all this?
Did you know that paintball wasn’t just a 1980s invention? Paintball actually originates in the 1940s from the forestry industry. Something was needed to mark trees a little more clearly and efficiently. Thus, the paintball gun was born.
I wonder who the first person was who decided to shoot their buddy to find out if it hurt or not. The recipient of the blow would have probably been the one decide that you need some sort of tactical vest or face protector. Well, maybe that person didn’t think of that, as their thinking cap probably wasn’t ready for the adventure of creativity. They probably were just complaining about how much it stung.
Of course, paintball didn’t make its way into bachelor party outings or corporate events until after 1981. Thus, it causes us to associated the activity with modern life, versus something gentleman and ladies in the middle of the century would have thought about doing after their weekly bridge game.
That’s the historical Tippmann for the day. I mean historical tip, man.
Until Next Time,
Dockers Commercial Entries! Now Live!
Hopefully, I lit a fire under you all a few days ago to think about entering the Dockers contest TV Commercial contest. If you win, the commercial you created will be shown during the Tonight Show. Entries have already been streaming in. In otherwords, you better get cracking! Go to www.nbc.com/Dockers for information on the rules and how to enter.
You can review the entries below!
There is a real mix of commercials. A few people used what appears to be existing footage and spliced in their own material. For others, they started from scratch. They may be less slick, but very much more original. For example, take a look at commercial #4, entitled “We Speak Your Language.” It is one of the more slick entries, for sure, but I am sure that they didn’t go out in their helicopter and record the footage.
Far more original, and my favorite, is the “Do It Dockers” Commercial by Rich and Rich Productions. Because, as the British say, it is a bit cheeky (literally!). I do not think it would win, but it would be fun if it did. The simple motto illustrates a variety of people “doing” adultery, using the bathroom, fixing plumbing, and committing grand theft auto while in their trusty Dockers. Dockers have never been the bad boy of the clothing world, and now they get their chance.
Could the next commercial appearing be yours? Better hurry! Start filming tonight.
Could the next commercial appearing be yours? Better hurry! Start filming tonight.
Dockers Asks: If You Were a Pair of Pants…
I have pondered the usual personality questions such as: “If you were an animal what would you be?” Of course, the other popular query is: “If you were president for a day, what would you do?” There are actually books and articles of how psychologists would interpret responses, so perhaps that influences my responses.
There is no psychological profile for imagining yourself as an article of clothing.
Dockers asks: “If you were your pants, what would your day be like?” Well, that’s complicated. I would start out by asking the interviewer to expand on that. I would need to know what day of the week it was, and what the weather was like. I know, I may be seen as a little secretive and evasive by answering a question with a question.
If I were a pair of my pants today, I would be annoyed by the glaring light of the closet. I would argue with myself that surely I must be mistaken, as I am made of wool, and should surely not go outside in the humidity today. Also, I am no longer a young whippersnapper, having been tailored in 1948. I must preserve myself for more apt occasion. Then, I may get into a fight with a pair of beige khakis, as I push them forward as a better volunteer. Afterall, the khaki pants is a young whippersnapper who was made for the heat and doesn’t have to worry about wrinkles or age spots like I do.
Now, it is your turn to think about what a day in the life of YOUR pants would be. Unlike preparing for a daft cocktail conversation, there is actually a Dockers contest. To enter, film your own Dockers commercial for the NBC contest to tell the harrowing tale! Or, should I say tail? Contests ends June 6th. The winning commercial will have a chance to air during The Tonight Show. I would love to see my readers enter.
Sizing Notes for 70s menswear
It might be very tempting to occasionally trade in your double breasted suit, and with 70s elements always seeming to pop up everywhere in fashion, you are probably tempted to try it. But for you, a modern imitation will not do, you want the real thing.
There are a few tips to consider when shopping for 1970s wear online or in a shop
- Do not be surprised if a size on all platform shoes are not printed inside. Usually they are, but occasionally the ink has faded with time or it wasn’t there to begin with. Always try them on. If you cannot, and are shopping online, follow the lead of the ladies. Gals are more accustomed to measuring the inside of a similar pair of shoes of a similar pair and choosing “new to you” shoes that way. Look at what the platform shoe essential is at the basic level. Is it a loafer, a sandal, a boot, or and measure comparable shoes accordingly.
- The arm holes on most trendy blazers and suit coats were cut higher and smaller than modern suit coats. If you have a slim build, you may find that 70s jackets may flatter you well. If you don’t, or broad shoulders, you may want to see if the next size up fits you better. Remember, though, that the fit in many things is supposed to be slim and your size regular size may indeed fit. You just have to get used to the cut. Most clothing was not made to be baggy with miles of “ease” room.
- Not everything was poly. Polyester was a big staple of the 70s, but if you have an aversion to it, there are plenty of other choices. Wool and other classic fabrics were still used in abundance. The idea that people have is that if it was wool in the 1970s, it must be boxy and plaid. Some of the other popular cuts were actually available in wool.
Dress That Man is a site that I had stumbled by quite some time ago, and can’t believe I have yet to mention in the “Daily.” The 1970s are alive and well and expressed in fashion at the site. Hipsters, Rockers, and Halloween party attenders alike can find something to love. Browse the aisles and try on a pair of sky high platform shoes or a shirt. Of course, you can’t really “try them on,” you have to know your size.
1970s | Comments (4)In Lieu of Flowers
When my cousin and her husband first met, she talked about the custom of ladies being sent flowers at work. While she would never refuse something like that, she wondered:
“If someone is buying something that is $50-100, why not buy something more practical…like shoes.”
Shortly later, a delivery showed up on her desk. It was a box, and in it was a beautiful pair of shoes. It became a custom that for Valentine’s Day, “Just Because,” “I’m Sorry,” and later “Happy Anniversary,” that a new pair of shoes would enter my cousin’s wardrobe. It was something that I think definitely set Mike apart and helped him win my cousin’s heart.
Infinityshoes has a lot of different styles that I BET that after ten years of marriage, she doesn’t have yet. I found that seychelles shoes not only makes peeptoe wedges, but they make plaid boots. The next time you don’t know what to buy something who loves both boots and plaid…now you know! If she has boots like that already, I will fall over.
Another maker that is carried is minnetonka boots. They make a variety of styles, but in particular, make fringed moccs and boots. They would be perfect for a lot of different looks. If you have been waiting for something to perfectly compliment your vintage fringed jacket, this would be it. Tsubo shoes also makes some styles that are very funky.
The site is chiefly women’s shoes right now. However, it is not too late to order Mom some “Flowers.” There is expedited shipping, afterall.
Did Mickey Mouse Kill Disco?
We know that “Video Killed the Radio Star,” but what specific and single entity killed Disco? Broad summaries of the changing tastes of society does not do for Disco what the Buggles so succinctly described regarding musicians with a face for radio several years later.
Thanks to Katy, otherwise known as her Super Hero Alter Ego, RollerKaty, for a stirring up a painful childhood memory of mine at TheRollerBlog. The Mickey Mouse Disco Album would be definitely a part of any good thesis on why Disco sputtered and died, or evidence of the moment when it was about to crumble. The creative moment when someone in a meeting suggested that a Disco version of “It’s a Small World” must be unleashed on the world had to involve a compromised mental state for sure.
If you were old enough to have any conscious memories from any part of the 70s, or you weren’t conscious until much later and just like the retro vibe, the site is definitely worth a stroll and a laugh or too as well.
1970s | Comments (5)Making the Leap
A few of my readers have mentioned that they are also small business owners or aspiring entrepreneurs. Some of you sell vintage clothing, or sell fashion items that you have made yourself. Some use their base of expertise for consulting purposes. It was easy when it was just you, but sometimes success comes with growing pains. What happens when something goes from being a hobby or something that is a one or two person show, into something that catches on and requires a few more hands on deck?
Journyx Timesheet is an Online Time and Expense software that currently is being offered with a 45 day free trial. It may still remain free after that period if you require up to 10 licenses. You can use it for any billing you might do, and to keep track of your workforce whether they be regular employees or pay per play indepedent contractors. It may just be the thing you need to make that leap to the big time in a very productive way. The price is just right for the small business, too!
