Just Because You Can...

July 26, 2006

“Because you can, doesn’t mean you should” is a personal mantra of mine that I like to live by. Opportunity presents itself in everyone’s life, sometimes, at the most inopportune times, what you do with it is your choice. I can make this superficial and talk about how spandex is a privilege and not a right, or could take the deep, more meaningful route and discuss life-changing predicaments in my life that I’ve chosen, at one time or another, to either address or ignore. For now, I’m going where my heart has, and always will lie, with fashion of course….

Last week I had the pleasure of dining with one of my best friends Anna at a delightful bistro on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, and then having one of those fulfilling two-hour long cappuccinos while sitting on a park bench, watching fellow New Yorkers go about their evening activities. For those of you that know me well, you’re aware of my obsession to people watch: in the park, at the airport, on the street, anywhere! Whether it’s the designer in me simply observing what surrounds me -- or the young kid deep inside that goes towards every bright, shiny object I see -- is completely unknown to me, I just know that I love to do it!

Needless to say, at times I can become a bit distraught by how people are torturing their poor bodies -- and my eyes -- with some of the horrid garments that they choose to cover their beautiful selves with! Which reminds me, I am always receiving compliments like “I would love to wear your clothing, but I don’t look like a model” …blah, blah, blah nonsense! I hate when people think they have to be 6 ft tall and rail thin to look good – c’mon guys, use a little creativity! I’m a big believer in learning what looks good on your body and then sticking to variations of that. Trends are a hard thing to attach oneself to because, 1) They’re gone before you know it and 2) Since when is one style of dress/pant/skirt meant for six different body shapes? That being said, please take what I say next with careful consideration and think, “Is that me?” because I guarantee that these fashion mistakes are still being made even on the streets of one of greatest fashion capitals in the world!

Fashion No-Nos!

1) Sneakers with suits. My heart breaks a little every time I see this horrific act! I understand that heels all day can wear even the strongest woman down, but nothing is more of a turn-off than a polished woman in a nice skirt suit, topped off with some obnoxious white sneakers. There are plenty of alternatives out there, think Audrey Hepburn for example, a simple, comfortable pair of flats can keep you looking chic while giving your arches a much-needed rest. Besides, these pack a lot easier into your bag than a pair of bulky sneakers that would also weigh your back down when carrying them -- efficient and fashionable!

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My Summer Must-Haves

July 21, 2006

Is everyone having as much difficulty as I am trying to stay cool and fashionable in this deadly heat!? I can seriously barely even function in my daily life in this sweltering pit called New York City -- let alone attempt to reach for new and more progressive heights in my fashion!

And when a creative being such as myself -- and I’m sure a few of you out there as well -- find themselves stifled by uncontrollable conditions we must either fight it or give in to the enemy…

Sooooo…let’s go shopping and alleviate the pressure!

If you’ve read my previous blog, “Accessory Detail,” then you know some of my must-haves for this summer season: skinny ties and a hot pair of sunglasses. Both of which are demonstrated effortlessly by my favorite peeps, Kieran, Mikey and Anna, on a lazy afternoon walking around NYC.

But since I’ve been craving some much-needed fashion fixes worse than a junkie, I thought I’d expand my wish list and also see what some of yours are!

Footwear is always an important element in your outfit, and often overlooked as an afterthought, but a pair of shoes like the Adidas Fleetwood Snake will hardly go un-noticed when I’m strolling down the street!

A friend introduced these to me months ago and I still haven’t taken the time to pick a pair up: Sporty, unique and comfortable -- how could I go wrong! Now, I’m sure these aren’t for everyone -- and I must admit that this is probably as crazy as I’ll get with my footwear -- but c’mon, we can’t let the girls have all the fun. (And, they're hard to find now. Vintage '04, with a pair spotted at freshness mag.com.)

One of my favorite things about colder seasons is the ability to layer some of my favorite pieces into one outfit. And when sweltering weather such as this puts a damper on my look, I look for alternatives. Cue the sleeveless hoodie.

I LOVE a sleeveless hoodie more than life itself I can’t even begin to tell you. Perfect when trying to bring in another pattern/layer into your outfit without overheating, great for those late, chilly summer nights, and absolutely ideal as a pillow when skipping work on a sunny afternoon in the park. I picked up my first one when living in London, a casual piece from TopMan (similar to Zara/H&M-like stores for those of you unfamiliar), that felt like my favorite worn-in vintage T as soon as I picked it up. I had seen a professional boxer sporting one years ago and always thought that I needed bigger arms to pull one off (granted I could get my ass to the gym) but the sexy, rugged appeal was too much to deny, and it works as such a great layering piece! Viva la sleeveless hoodie!

If you are one of those fashion divas that hates to spot “your” shoes on someone else, simply customize baby! www.converse.com is a great way to not only get a hot new pair of kicks, but the opportunity to flex your designer muscle. Everything from the main body color to the racing stripe and stitching is all up to you -- and for around the same price you’d pay in a boutique, you’ll have yourself a perfectly customized pair of sneaks to strut your stuff in!

So now that I’ve shared a few more of my favorite things, share with me -- and everyone else: What are some of yours? Do you just have to have that vintage T? Those strappy leather sandals? That minidress? Share your latest obsession ... and we’ll see who can get to the coveted goodies first!

Reader Requests

July 10, 2006

Wow. And thank you.

I can’t believe that there’s been such a response to a few little blogs. You all sure know how to make a boy feel special (and yes, sometimes a little creeped out). So in return I thought I’d address some of the fashion concerns/questions a few of you have asked. Please don’t consider these ideas the end-all-be-all, but loose guidelines to follow if found wandering aimlessly through the twisting turns and long, looming hallways of the ever-dominating world of fashion… carry on!

Daniel,
Great blog, now here's my question: I am 5'5" 120 pounds, 28 inch (have been since high school and that was over 20 years ago) what type of swimsuit would look best on my frame? Like you I usually do the mid thigh trunks. Have I been right?
Thanks, Michael

Michael,
Thanks for reading, and yes, you seem to be on the right track with the mid-thigh choice of swimwear.

With a shorter frame it’s important to keep length into consideration, if you go too long you may look stunted and bottom heavy, so the mid-thigh length is a great choice for you. Also, with a 28” waist it seems that you’re in fairly fit shape and don’t have to worry about covering up “problem areas,” so don’t be afraid of adding some color or a fun print to draw wandering eyes to that lean body!

[Side note: For all men and women, a great rule to follow when thinking about proportions on your body, is the rule of thirds: Neck to waist, waist to knees and knees to feet. If you have a longer torso/shorter legs or vice-versa it’s simply using shape and proportion to even things out and give the illusion that everything is harmoniously where it should be. Have you ever seen a girl with super low-rise jeans, or a guy wearing extremely long board shorts, and thought they looked unusually short and squatty? A great stomach can’t hide the fact that your eyes get drawn so far down, and that makes the legs look out of proportion and the torso elongated … so unless you’re a waif-like 6-foot-tall model, leave extreme proportions alone.]

Hi Daniel,
Great Job on your collection, hope to meet you in person some day, you are such an inspiration!
Here goes, I am, ugh! 40 and would like to start working on my midsection, how do I achieve the "V" shape I see on so many of the models? What exercise can I do to get the " Michelangelo" lines?

Robert,
Thank you for the collection love. I do what I do, what can I say? Oh and 40 years old (gasp!) how dare you age in front of us!!!

Now, it’s never too late to start toning your body, though depending on how far off you are from your ideal, it may take a bit longer. As a former gymnast, I lived my life in the gym, and though I wanted to shoot myself every time my coach told us to do yet another round of 400 sit-ups, you know I was thanking him when that shirt came off at the beach that summer!

With all the gadgets, machines and pills out there today, I can offer you no other advice than good ole’ fashion: “Get to work.” Set a goal for yourself and increase it daily by five, if you’re working out at home (which is what I do to save $$$) use your couch as a foot holder when starting out, and don’t forget that you have different muscle groups to target — traditional sit-ups will only get you a four-pack at best. For that impossible to reach lower stomach and the obliques, exercises such as leg-lifts (lay on your back, legs straight, lift them till they’re perpendicular to the floor) are great because you’re stabilizing your upper body and focusing on your lower abs to do the lifting.

Boy. I feel like Chuck Norris schlepping a workout video talking like this. Love it!

From Warren:
So I have a problem. I’m one of those rare but ever so present fat guys. I have a gut and don’t look good in most swimwear. I’m going with several friends to the beach this summer on a road trip. I plan on skipping the boogie boarding for everyone’s sake but what should I wear while hanging out on the beach? I’m 6'2 and about 240. I’m also fair skinned. Any suggestions?

Warren,
If frolicking around in a Speedo isn’t for you, no worries, you can still enjoy the fun while keeping your dignity. Due to your height, I would look for a swimsuit that hits just above the knee, tie front with minimal detailing. Clean and simple is your friend on this one—slimming details such as a side stripe or a monochrome fabric will probably be the most flattering on your frame; Avoid obnoxiously loud prints or horizontal stripes—those almost always draw attention to your mid-section.

Also, if you’re looking for a cover-up, I’ve always thought that a clean, white, cotton button-front shirt does the trick (or suitably light color). With your fair skin you don’t want to attract heat by wearing dark colors, and though a T-shirt is a faithful standby, there’s nothing more carefree than a man lounging in a slightly rumpled, collared shirt, sleeves rolled up and a nonchalant attitude!

Daniel,
I have been looking for any T-shirts you may have design but can’t seem to find some, do you do t-shirts or is that not your thing...do you have a web site were we can see your work? If there is, could you put it in you next blog ... take care, thanks and your smile is amaze-n. -PiperJ

Piper,
I’ll pass the smile comment onto my parents — it’s all them! As far as t-shirts, it really “isn’t my thing”, but you can see some of my past work and check for further updates on my website danielvosovic.net.

Thanks!