Well, as a writer it’s hard not to be a huge fan of Harry Potter and J. K. Rowling. And if not a fan, at least curious about her writing process and rise as the most successful and wealthy writer ever! I made my way to see the last installment of the movie over the weekend with mixed feelings. Not having been a huge fan of the seventh and last book, because I felt the scenes in the woods dragged on a bit, especially as compared to the rest of the books, I had initially been surprised, (well, it is Hollywood after-all) that they thought it possible to squeeze two movies out of it. But in fact they did. The first installment, last years movie was, to me, a lot like the book and though visually stunning, not very interesting (to me). But part 2 was really very well done. Steve Kloves, the screenwriter, kept the essence of the story and helped us lose some of our favorite heroes without too much blood and gore while guding the story along at a much more intelligent pace than the other movies delivered. David Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, and the ever lovely Emma Watson did an outstanding job growing up their characters and showing us what outstanding actors they have all become since their debut all these many years ago. David Yates did a wonderful job as director of bringing one of the most beloved stories to an end without leaving us wishing for more (of course, we will always want more!) or a better ending. He did a very good job in honoring both Ms. Rowling as creator of this amazing world and to the fans, whose lives have been ever made more magical because J.K. decided to show up and write this magnificent story. Thank you J.K. and thank you Harry Potter!
Tag Archives: Boi
Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows
NAUTICAL
Even if you aren’t planning to get within 100 miles of the water the trend this summer is an interpretation of the maritime look. The one featured here is very low key and can be worn both on and off the shore. Everything works here if you are on deck sailing the high seas except the Macalister swede boots which can easily be traded out for Sperry top-siders.
The pull over weather resistant hooded jacket will keep you warm and dry when you are out enjoying nautical fun whether you are in P-Town or Cherry Grove and when the temperatures drop at night. To keep the look easy wear a simple t-shirt underneath which will also give you an alternative look for when you get back on shore and the temperatures or the company you’re with get a little hot. Wear a slimming pair of shorts, linen is great for these occasions.
This look will compliment Dandi’s of all sizes and shapes. Just make sure and get the jacket to fit like you would a sweatshirt. If you get it too big it will add extra bulk to your shape. Oh, and don’t forget your accessories, the days of not wearing a belt are over so pick a great one that compliments the colors and the fabrics you are wearing, along with the perfect pair of sunglasses and you will not only be sharp but comfortable as well.
Photo courtesy of J. Crew
SHORTS
As a matter of course shorts are always a summer staple. The showing of the leg can be scary to some Dandi’s and finding the right pair that fits is very important to keeping our dapper silhouette from getting too bulky. When summer rolls around and it’s time to add to our shorts collection – buying on trend, staying within budget and keeping signature styles are all a concern.
There are many styles and lengths of shorts to chose from this year. A few tips before buying, if your parents didn’t give you much height long shorts will make you look even shorter and if you have long legs it’s great to show them off but too much leg will give you that daisy duke look (a great thing if that’s what you’re going for.) The trend right now is for shorts to be several inches above the knee though the acceptable length is right at the knee. Flat front shorts are still a must. Pleats will make you look like your grandpa. If your legs will accommodate it a tapered silhouette will give you a more sophisticated and dapper vibe, complimenting the Dandi style.
Shorts can be spiced up with the perfect fitted shirt and tie or rocked with a well fitted t-shirt. Solid colors are great but don’t be afraid to add some preppy spice to you wardrobe and add a madras plaid or paisley number to the collection. Don’t wear socks with shorts, it really does make a person look like they don’t understand the basics of style and fashion. If you want to buck trends wear a clunky boot, that will give you the style edge you are looking for and keep you away from the fashion police.
Photo Courtesy of J. Crew
The Espadrille
The big summer trend in shoes for 2011 is the Espadrille. They are stylish, comfortable and even designer labels are easy on the pocket.
The Dandi wears them with anything they would wear with a pair of sneakers or flip-flops, even a summer suit! Espadrilles are also the perfect travel shoe; they are lightweight an easy to pack and you can coordinate them with everything from your looks for the beach to your dressier looks for evening.
Shoe styles range from open and closed toe to exposed back. They are made of canvas, cloth, or jute (a plant fiber) with flexible but solid soles. The fun part about them is they come in many fun colors and designs plus they let your feet breathe during the hot summer months while giving you this summers fashionable yet relaxed Dandi look.
The Groom
WAY TO GO NEW YORK!! Well now that that’s out of the way let’s talk Tuxedos. Why? Because I know a lot of us Dandies are going to be dropping down to one knee and asking our beautiful girls to be our one-and-only’s and while they go off to find that perfect wedding dress (our suit) we need to show up looking sharper than we’ve ever looked before.
Renting a Tux is one way to go but you do not want to look like you’re going to the prom on your wedding day. But tuxedo rental is certainly the most economical way to suit up the Dandies in your wedding party. But if you’re the Groom, it’s the biggest fashion day of your life so dont’ rent your tux, buy it and have it tailored to fit your body impeccably. Even if you are on a tight budget you can buy a very nice used designer tuxedo for around the same price you can to rent one three more times. I know you plan on only getting married once, but there will be many other occassions (like other weddings) to wear it to so why not be the cool Dandi that looks elegant in their formalwear everytime.
The Fit
Those of us bigger Dandies should get a two or four button double-breasted jacket. Again, get your jacket and pants tailored to fit your body. If you are going to bind be sure and wear it the day of the fitting (if it isn’t something you always wear).
The Style
Again all black is the most elegant. Actually if you can get a midnight, let me repeat, midnight (not navy or royal) blue tux. It reads richer and blacker than black which can sometimes look harsh green in the wrong light. If you want to wear Tails do it! But take it all the way and get your top-hat to match your pants, wear fitted gloves (white or grey) and get spats for your shoes. In the case of Tails, go ahead and rent. Unless you are a might eccentric they will not work in every formal occassion and won’t be worth the expense.
Accessories
As I mentioned in The Style you can get a top-hat, gloves, spats, but then there is also the cumberbund or vest, bow-tie or traditional tie, jewelery like a watch chain, cuff-links or tie-clips. Add a handerchief in your jacket pocket that contrasts with your shirt and/or add a flower to your lapel for added style. Play around with these ideas, remember to be yourself inside of this formal presentation. It is important not to lose the essence of who you are.
The Shirt.
What I love most about this picture of Darren Criss in this Prada one button tuxedo is the shirt. To me when it comes to the shirt the last thing you want to wear is an actual tuxedo shirt. Here is your chance to really make the look your own. I feel there is very little you can do wrong here and once you pick the shirt you can accessorize with the ideas above to make the look complete. The shirt is also a great way to continue to wear your tuxedo for years to come and always have it look totally different.
Photo courtesy of GQ
I know you want to look nice for your bride and impress your bois so give your special day the attention and care you deserve. you want it to fit.
Sunglasses
Sunglasses are the top accessory for any summer wardrobe. They are Style for you eyes! The first thing that you should consider when buying sunglasses is what you are wearing them for. If you are into sports, especially sports on the water, you should definitely be more concerned with UV protection than with style. Protect your eyes first and then go for fashion.
If however you are just going to lunch or riding with the top down then you can go with the standard UV protection most designer sunglasses afford and choose the shades you love that also love the shape of your face. And if you’re like me and need prescriptive sunglasses there are some great, fashionable frames out there. To save money and not have to replace your prescriptive sunglasses every season stick to the more classics styles like aviator and Rayban designs.
Bigger sunglasses are very fashionable this season but if you have smaller features be sure to get frames that compliment and don’t overpower them. Metal frames are for daily activities, driving or hanging out with friends. They are also considered to have a dressier style and can be worn with business attire. Plastic frames are for more active sports and casual outdoor activites. They look great with jeans, chino’s and t’s.
The Linen Shirt
Linen is a summer must have and now that the heat is on it is time to buy that cool, stylish shirt that will keep you looking dapper and not over heated.
Linen has always been considered a luxury material and has been around for a long time. It is used in many types of clothing and accessories from handkerchiefs to shirts to incredibly stylish suits that can be worn for work as well as for play.
Long sleeve or short the current styles in linen shirts range from solid colors to checks and are mainly in neutral muted colors. These shirts go great with khaki’s or jeans and any shoe where no socks are required. Also linen, both in shirts and suits, makes a wonderful travel companion because it’s allowed to be wrinkled. So pack it up, pull it out and it, like a true friend, will be ready to go.
Photo courtesy of J. Crew
The Loafer
According to Details Magazine the penny loafer is this season’s go-to shoe. The latest designs are a little more streamlined than the old school loafer with a narrower toe.
The penny loafer originated in the 1930′s when the Spaulding company produced a shoe styled after the ones Norwegian diary farmers wore in an article that appeared in Esquire Magazine; but the penny didn’t entered the equation until years later. The modern day loafer was created by John Bass who put his mark on the shoe with the creation of the Weejun. He added the decorative strap across the top that was soon used to add a bit of style (and money for an emergency phone call) by adding small objects such as pennies.
Generally worn without socks for a preppier style. It is a simple practical shoe that looks great with a pair of rolled up Chino’s or for the more daring a classic suit.
Photo courtesy of Details Magazine
Black on Black
One of the most elegant ways to dress is to work a complete outfit of black on black. It is striking, slimming and gives the wearer an air of confidence that no other color in the spectrum can acheive.
Every Dandi should coordinate a black on black outfit for every season and formal occasion. When creating your look be aware that fabrics absorb color differently and you want to be very careful when trying to match blacks. The black color in clothes can carry a purple, brown or grey cast so be careful in mixing and matching, the wrong hue and can dilute your look.
Mix different fabrics and textures to avoid a uniform look and when matching your black shirt or tie to your black suit use the textures in the tie and the design of the shirt to give your palette contrast and approachability.
Now that we are in the summer months the lighter weight the fabric the better, that said cotton can be a challenge because it fades easily so always hand wash or dry clean your these black items (even if laundered get them dry cleaned, not washed) and rarely if ever put them in the dryer. If you do decide to wash them always use cold water.
If you feel the urge to add jewelry, keep it minimal. A watch or ring will do the trick. Avoid shiny jewelry around your neck, let the black speak for itself.
The Watch
Watches define the outfit and the Dandi. People notice the accessories of a Dandi often before anything else. Finishing touches are premiere when it comes to being a dapper Dandi and finding the right watch for you will depend on a few things – the formality of your job, the sports and activities you enjoy and your Dandi style when you go out at night. Not all watches can be all things to all outfits.
The first thing to consider is why you are purchasing the watch – function or form? Your budget is next, then the fit (and what it will take to get the fit if you have smaller wrists). I love Casio‘s G-Shock because it’s lightweight, earth friendly (it’s solar and doesn’t need battery replacements) and it’s very versatile. It has a lot of useful functions for the more atheltic Dandi and can serve in the place of a dress watch. Watches are an important detail in any Dandi’s wardrobe and there are many colors, styles and functions to choose from – water-proof, shock-proof, analog, digital, stainless steel, plastic and the list goes on and on.
Your watch is a statement of your personality and in certain price ranges an investment…remember the days when Dandi’s would leave their beloved watch to their favorite younger Dandi, it was like being given a stamp of approval. I believe that tradition should live on, so the next time you are in the market to investment in a watch, think of it in the world for generations to come and the excellence of it having been a part of your sartorial statement.
Sheree L. Ross
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