MaleUgly's chic blog

Their latest ad campaign is all over town and I gotta say, I like it!

The sleek feel immediately grabs my attention amongst all the crazy Swarovski-covered tanorexic models and super-saturated banners. Sure, CK has been known for their b+w take for decades, but they’ve hit the mark 100% this fall thanks to a revival of their late 80’s logo and photographer Steven Meisel.

To justify, they never left the scene—CK just didn’t suit me, or vice versa, with fits I didn’t understand (from small to medium it grew in width vs in length!), thus there was no second chance to give. The last time I purchased anything from Calvin Klein it was probably 1998 at one of their outlets, and I don’t even remember what it was or where it went (then again, that was 10 yrs ago).

Their ads alone this season have me interested in what might have changed… I’m not even sure I like the clothing featured all that much, but great direction!

Cheers

Thomas asked if I have come across any card wallets I would recommend; he is looking for one to purchase and has not been able to decide. Below I compiled collages of ones I think would befit numerous styles and serve its dual purpose as an alternative to the bi-fold/tri-fold or money clip.


1. Comme des Garçons Classic Leather Coin Zip — this is one of my favorites as it is more of a carry-all for wallets, and has a clean look. I like that there’s a full zipper, which helps when you have loose change to carry. It’s small in size, but can fit a good amount of cards from credit to business. The brand is known for their classic embossed collections and they come out with new designs each season (look for the embossed letters and numbers, out now!). You can find this style in lots of colors and materials. (Note: Rei Kawakubo heads the label and I bet you can’t wait for her guest collection for H&M this coming Holiday!)

• www.tobi.com

2. Bless 4 Zipper Wallet — its slim design can be favored by men who experience the imbalance of sitting on bulky wallets— Fail! The added touch of zippers is, again, great if you have loose change, or a diary key! Kidding…

• www.oogaboogastore.com

3. Modern Amusement Crow Credit Card Holder — if you’re looking for a simple card wallet for daily use, this is definitely a hit! Black leather with a touch of color on the lining, and an affordable price tag! 37$ saves you some weight.

• www.tobi.com

4. Paul Smith Black Card Case — similar to #3, but this version is a bit more classy and sartorial, and is reflective in it’s price at 150$.

• www.tobi.com

5. Dior Homme Multicolored Card Case — I have to say, coming in at 140$ this one has to be considered for its high design and great use of color! There is also a polka dotted pattern which looks rather attractive inside the multicolored piping.

• www.eluxury.com

6. Tanner Basic Cardholder — Basic? As if! Another “grab-n-go” type, perfect for your essentials: ID, credit cards, and cash. With it’s industrial, worker-wear design it definitely stands out in a sea of leather bi-folds and velcro wallets. At 48$ it’s a steal, made in Portland, too! (hi Camille) Probably not the best choice if you’re considering a slimmer approach.

• www.contextclothing.com

7. Head Porter Navy Digicam Case — not a card wallet, but can be used as one! It shouldn’t be limited to cameras, esp at this size—it’s perfect for all your cards! Porter is known for their simple yet durable bags and accessories; this one by Head Porter is no exception. Similar to #1 but more casual with its nylon casing. Good for many uses (think: keys, flash memory drives, and maybe even some mints!).

• www.the-glade.com

8. Surface 2 Air Embossed Leather Small Wallet — I’m a big fan of envelope wallets, but sadly this one was from the Autumn/Winter ‘07 collection. I’ve included it because it’s not your typical card wallet, yet still classy and chic and definitely grabs attention when needed (like passing out your business cards!). If you’re going to invest in a wallet you should give it some thought and consider the unconventional types ‘cause you might be surprised at how well they’ll serve you.


Hopefully this helps you, Thomas, and does not further complicate your decision! Personally, I think you should go for #4, 5 and 1 (in that order) because I can see them being pulled from almost all of your jackets, trousers and bags.


What do you guys think? Which best suits Thomas’ style and is worthy of his use?

Cheers,
Philip

Last week on MaleUgly…

It was a counter-casual day for me. I felt as if I’d been wearing jeans too much and became indifferent to finishing a workweek in denim.

Like the spider? As a child I would find daddy long legs to pick off their legs, and I enjoyed it! Whoops! My apologies from Past Phil.

The boots were a great find from D. There was no hesitation even when she informed me they weren’t my size, and luckily they fit! Thank you :) She took “shopping buddy” to a whole new level, esp with photo-text messaging. Way-to-go!


Next time on MaleUgly…
- The “perfect” card wallet
- Help! What should men wear to attend summer weddings?
- What’s in his bag


P.S. Don’t forget about this Friday! Look for the Uglies and get your photos taken.

You know I had to share this photo from The Sartorialist, so good!

Scott Schuman never ceases to amaze us: his photography is distinctive, his selection is top notch and his composition is something I admire and use as inspiration daily.


This photo must’ve been pulled from Picasso’s Blue Period —it’s practically a painting! The color blue won’t always be my first pick, but this shot proves its strength against my choice. The denim-on-denim feel segmented by his tan blazer against the emptiness of the bkgd draws an emotional response that keeps the story ongoing. To top it off, his handkerchief and hairstyle helps to refine the look just a tad from being too disheveled. And come on, you can do no wrong when you have hair like that!


Basically, I want that shirt—
Let me borrow that top!

Don’t save your bespoke attempts for opening ceremonies and gallery events when you can play dress up on even your most casual days. Showing care in your outfits can be like keeping good hygiene: a necessity appreciated by others and a characteristic we’d hope comes natural.


Bespoke-made-casual is the idea of taking tailored details—the right fit, nice shoes, unique touches—and applying them to everyday wear. The key is to try, period.


What I wore to the bookstore:
Unique button-down, skinny blazer, leather belt, raw denim and boat shoes: looks a lot better than sweats and a hoodie, n’est-ce pas?

19-year old Petey Smith won the VMAN.COM/Ford Models Model Search this year and here are some shots from his shoot with Hedi Slimane this past May.

Some links:
- Vman.com/Ford Models Model Search 2008 Winner
- Vmagazine.com Model Profile