Instructions Blog

The Watcher

Posted on: January 14, 2010 by Marcus Ware • Posted in General

So, I know in many of our blogs we talk about watches and how well they compliment outfits. Well, it’s true. A nice watch compliments even a “not so stellar (shitty)” ensemble. But, in corporate America you have to be careful with how daring you want to be with your wrist wear. In short, no light blue bubble gum bands, no crazy ICE and no large faces with numbers displayed like an alarm clock. With watches, keep it sleek and simple, just like we always preach. A couple of years ago my dad bought me a Kenneth Cole watch (black band, square face with silver outline) that the public loves. I wear it in both formal and casual settings. Also, I was given another Kenneth Cole watch (Brown band, round face) by my beautiful girlfriend that everyone loves as well. When at work, go with a round or square face. As for the band, stick with brown, black or silver. Also, stay with the regular format of the hand that goes clockwise; numbers, slashes or nothing at all (Movado) I will let you decide on. Watches are like underwear, once you start wearing them you feel like something is missing without them (unless you are a rock star, a freak or a woman).

Don’t Sleep on Khaki Pants

Posted on: January 10, 2010 by Marcus Ware • Posted in General

I know to most, khakis remind you of that summer you worked at the golf club or that stint that you had at private school before you were kicked out. Khakis are underrated in my book and have more sex appeal than you may think. Khakis became well known during the Second Boer War. The British forces became known as khakis because of their uniforms. The name is derived from the Persian word khak which means dust or ash. Alright, I’m done with the history lesson for the evening. Now listen up and let me give you a mental picture. Let’s get some khaki pants, a nice button-up or polo shirt, a nice watch and the appropriate shoes and you are money. Now, when you rock khaki pants the color of your shirt should be pastel or close to. Don’t ever consider wearing black or gray, not a good look. As for shoes, you can go with a loafer, trendy sneaker or boat shoes, which should be brown, cream or blue. You can do other colors, just not black. Broaden your horizons and consider my recommendation. Fine, don’t listen and you will be ironing those same dirty jeans (you know the smell) all spring and summer!

The $100 Million Dollar Man? Not Anymore…

Posted on: January 9, 2010 by Duane Smith • Posted in General

What would you rather have? One of these? or $111 Million Bucks? Exactly.

Not too much to say here… but in case you haven’t heard, All-Star point guard Gilbert Arenas has been suspended indefinitely by NBA commissioner David Stern for carrying/brandishing guns during a purported argument with a teammate. Yeah, you heard that correctly: Gilbert Arenas, who is blessed enough to get paid millions to play a kid’s game ended up in a dispute with a teammate where he pulled out three guns… talk about being a studio gangster.

Due to Agent Zero’s great decision-making skills, with each game he misses, he stands to lose about $147,200 of the $16.2 million he will earn this season in the second of a six-year, $111 million contract. As of Wednesday he had $9,429,505.41 remaining for this season…

Yup, you read that correctly… $147,200 per game… (insert me shaking my head in disgust!).

Personally, I’ve always been a fan of Gilbert Arenas. As a college player I felt he was seriously over-looked. Despite a stellar collegiate career, he slipped to the second round. Hell, he even wears the number zero because he’s always felt he had something to prove. I guess when he brandished those guns that day, he still had that “I have something to prove” chip on his now potentially unemployed shoulders.

But then again, why am I surprised? It’s not like his decision making skills have always been the sharpest. After all, he did show up to his 25th birthday party (which was one of the best parties I’ve EVER been to, fyi) dressed like this:

Fashion Resolutions for the New Year

Posted on: January 4, 2010 by Duane Smith • Posted in General

If you are Jermaine's height, why are you wearing Suge's size?

*In 2010, if you are Jemaine's size, do not buy Suge's size. Please!*

Now, we all know that New Years Resolutions are so passé.

We all know the usual suspects: lose 10 pounds, “get involved” (whatever the hell that means), go to church. Blah, blah, blah.

We all know the types: the Fortune 500 executive in the $200 Brooks running shoes, fanny-pack, too-small runners’ shorts and the “I eat a lot of fancy dinners” stomach. He jogs down main street USA the first Saturday morning after the new year; we have the buxom debutante you saw doing her best Coyote Ugly imitation on Saturday night at the local waterhole, now sitting in the front row in church on Sunday morning; and lastly, the soccer mom at Gold’s Gym going 3.5 mph on the last available treadmill attempting to work off those love handles from the holiday season.

We don’t believe any of you! Do you know why? Because you are like the rest of us! Come February, you will be back to your same over-eating, over-drinking, non-exercising ways.

However, unlike you brave souls, I am creating a list of “resolutions” that are actually possible.

My top 5 fashion To-Do list for the 2010 year:

1) Purchase a navy-blue blazer.

-Let’s get this clear: when I say blazer, I don’t mean the jacket/coat from your Jos A. Bank Suit or some random tweed joint your buddy left at your house in a drunken stupor. I mean, thee blazer. A navy, wool blazer with gold buttons. This is a must do.

2) Dressing for the occasion- all the time.

-A few blogs ago, I talked about the Rat Pack and how they dressed for business, all the time. Whether it was running up the street to the store, a business luncheon, or a night on the town, they represented the essence of male masculinity in their appearance at all times.

3) Not spending too much money on trends.

-Now if you know me, you are probably saying, “The nerve!” “The audacity!” I’ know that I have spent many a dollar following trends that died a quick death (Ed Hardy T-shirt anyone?). But you can stay abreast on the latest fashions without breaking the bank. Prime example: In 2009, flannel shirts regained popularity. I purchased two- for the prices of $25 and $28 respectively. In 2010, Denim Shirts are making a comeback. I have purchased a Ralph Lauren denim shirt for only $40 (hooray for Holiday sales!).

4) Invest in timeless pieces that will stand the test of time (read: Fitted Trench coat, a “grown-man” watch that costs more than $200, Cashmere Scarf, black pea coat, etc.).

- Quick story. I happen to have a Burberry scarf that is rather pricey. I have had many of my peers tell me that was “too expensive”. But you know what? They spend that much and more following “trends” (Red Monkey Jeans anyone?). Quality is worth the investment, and will stand the test of time.

5) Stop wearing clothes that do not fit.

-This does not really apply to me because I know better, but if you are 6′0″, 180 lbs, WHY are you wearing a XXL sized button up? I am 6′3”, 210 lbs, and I don’t wear a XXL. Neither should you.

To this, I will leave you with a famous quote courtesy of author Chili Davis…

“Growing old is mandatory, but growing up is optional”.

In 2010, let’s “grow up” our clothes. Veritas.

Don’t Take Notes From Johnny

Posted on: December 31, 2009 by Marcus Ware • Posted in General

Let’s go down the list, My, My, My, Rub You the Right Way, Wrap My Body Tight, the list goes on and on. If you were born in the late eighties then you should write Johnny and thank you letter. One question I want to ask Mr. Gill personally though is, how low is too low? Johnny, I see you have been in the weight room and you may have pecs that women drool over. For the first and only time in my life (until I have a daughter) I will say this, “Leave something to the imagination.” My opinion on this is simple, if your shirt reveals the area where if you are hit, the wind will be knocked out of you, you should wear something underneath. Let’s let the ladies continue their tradition of showing cleavage. If you need some ideas on what to put under these v-necks or button-ups,here are some simple tips. For v-necks you can go with a button-up or a t-shirt. For button-ups (that you want to button down to the fourth button) I would say go with a t-shirt, v-neck or round depending on your flavor. Trust me, I can appreciate having one or two buttons undone, but when you venture to the third one I get nervous. Also, don’t use the weather as an excuse; you would break a sweat in the heat even if you were nude. Happy New Year!