Flashy or Fugly: Meggings

Givenchy | Spring/Summer 2009



Givenchy | Autumn/Winter 2009



Givenchy | Spring/Summer 2010

The insurgence of skinny jeans changed menswear in recent years. Baggy faded Levi's didn't really seem to cut it anymore as men's clothing became slimmer and skinnier. And as one might have guessed, this shrinking of pant silhouette didn't stop there and have steered towards the likes of stirups and leggings.

Call them whatever you want: leggings, men-leggings, meggings. This piece of clothing could potentially just become another option in your wardrobe. Although a word of caution: it is not for the timid or heavy man.

Leggings peeking out from underneath shorts as seen above in the Givenchy collections seem to give another dimension to below-the-belt fashion. It provides the option of layering and creating a new look. Of course this is not a new idea as many have rocked this look for quite some time on the streets around the world.

- On the street



-On the street, Japan

For me, men-leggings are alarming but if pulled off in the appropriate style as done by the two guys above, it does seem appealing. I do like them slightly shorter instead of the full-length ones and only having a limited amount of it showing from underneath the shorts.

But of course I sincerely hope the shrinking trend stops here as the continuation of it would result in thrombosis-inducing garments or worse, no garment at all.

poll by twiigs.com

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Casual wonderment.

One week into my internship and I'm finding myself questioning the idea of how casual can I go without ending up looking like I'm the hired help who clean offices. How can I not ask myself this when some of the really talented workers look more 'morning-jogger-by-the-beach' than 'educated-professional-worker.'

I do know that in the creative field, most people tend to dress down a little compared to people working in say, management and finance. Dressing down to me probably means a basic shirt, slacks, belt and leather shoes combo, sans tie unless there are meetings. But I didn't expect that they would dress way WAAAAAY down. I mean t-shirts, cargo pants and sweats?! Is that even possible? I didn't even considered polo tees to be office appropriate let alone t-shirts. Might as well wear beach attire. Oh wait, I think I did spot some flip flops around.

- Dress up?


- Or Dress down?

So my question is what should I wear to work? Should I conform to the rules of comfort over impression and risk looking like a tantric yoga student, or should I step it up and do the full on crease-less ironed shirt, impeccable slacks and spotless leather shoes?

poll by twiigs.com

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Flashy or Fugly: L'Incognito Sunglasses

Fine, it was released a year ago, but these Maison Martin Margiela L'Incognito Sunglasses are still looking futuristic enough to be considered 'in vogue'. Even more so as these shades are not available locally.



These are one of the things that are head-turning no doubt. And although I think they look a little too severe, deep deep down I know I want a pair too. But of course, don't expect me to sport them anytime soon as they cost USD$500 over.

In a way, it's a very minimalist interpretation on a pair of sunglasses featuring a very clean silhouette. Almost architectural, if I can say so myself; and maybe that's why I love em. They're so simple and clean cut and yet, they make such a strong statement. The L'Incognito Sunglasses are anything but!

poll by twiigs.com

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Flashy or Fugly: Flash Some Ankle

Cuffing is one of those things people do just because their pants are too long. But it can also be a way to show off some ankle.

I find a lot of editorials doing the cuffing thing where they fold up the pant leg up just enough to let you see their ankle. I think it's a good look. Makes you look a little nonchalant. They do this especially when spring and summer approaches, which is perfect for us because if you want to show-off some of that ankle, where else better to do it than right here in the tropics where it's freakin hot and humid all year round. Instead of having your pants skim your shoes, cuffing your pants may also be a way to ventilate your feet...kinda. And if you want to flash your shoes, all the better!

But be warned, do NOT cuff your pants until it hits mid-calf. Just an inch or so above the ankle will do. You want to look casual, not like you're going off to work in the paddy fields.

A great way to cuff your pants is to fold them up two to three times (nothing more or else it'll be too thick) and them scrunching them up a little so that it doesn't look so neat.





Or if your pants are already perfectly cropped to the desired length, you can rock them as it is.




But more importantly, what do you think?

poll by twiigs.com

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Flashy or Fugly: Drop Crotch Pants

It's just one of those days where I'm feeling slightly detached from my normal self. Having just been to the mall earlier in the afternoon, I've encountered many many people wearing anything from mundane to outrageous (It's KL after all).

So as I sit here in front of my computer, staring at drop crotch pants, all I can think of is "Is it just me or are these starting to look kinda good?"

I just can't quite put my finger on it. I haven't exactly seen anyone wearing drop crotch pants in person. These are pants with a lengthy rise, thus dropping the 'crotch' and hence the name. And believe you me, I'll actually remember when I see someone wearing one of these.

I'm very indecisive on the look. On one hand, "OMFG, what the hell is this? Diapers for adults?"
On the other, "Hey, that actually kinda works!"
But I feel mostly "Wow....just....erm....yeah, wow. It's kinda intriguing."








So yeah, you gotta help me out here...

poll by twiigs.com

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Table for one?

I was walking along Bintang Walk yesterday when pangs of hunger struck. I walked into Pavilion in hopes of chancing upon an eatery which I would fancy. The first shop which crossed my mind was Sakae Sushi. I was having one of my Japanese cravings again. On my way to the outlet, I passed rows of restaurants jam packed with people all dining al fresco trying to see and be seen. Table after table were people with their friends, chatting, laughing and having a good time. That's when it hit me. I'm alone.

Although my feet eventually carried me to the shop front, I turned away and left. If they say two's company and three's a crowd, then what's one? I have, in many events dined alone. But somehow I've never really given thought on the perceptions other people may have towards me, a lone diner.

So I guess my question is, is it okay to eat alone?

Do you judge a person who eats all by himself/herself in a restaurant? I mean how often do you see a person walk into a restaurant and say "Table for one please." I'm pretty sure most people pass judgement on lone diners. Either they are weirdos or have some obnoxious personality or thinking that they are really bitter to be with. The negative perceptions always surface first.

Is it even okay to have a meal anywhere alone? Grab-and-go foods like hot dogs and pretzels are safe to be consumed alone. But what about places like hawker food areas and food courts and restaurants. Places where people actually sit and have their meals. Or even a coffee house. Do you know how many times i've seen someone in a Starbucks sipping on their frappucino all alone while clicking away on their laptop mouse.

It's like this idea that people generally have, linking 'being alone' to 'being miserable'. I for one find it perfectly okay to be alone. Spending time with yourself. Having no one else to please but yourself. But then again, I am still under the impression that dining in restaurants should be done in the company of friends or family. Hawker places, okay. Food courts, maybe.

Restaurants are great places to socialize. The meals would be the medium and the conversation is the action. But when alone, you've got no one to interact against. No one to say "This creme brulee is awesome!" to except maybe to the waiter. As I see it, the act of dining alone in restaurants is simplifying an action to its most basic form: A human-being consuming food as a life source.

poll by twiigs.com

PS: By the way, I ended up buying hawker food to-go and ate it at home. Alone.


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Flashy or Fugly: Wayfarers & Traditionals.

Big sunglasses have been in vogue for a couple of years now. The big, huge ones which almost always obscure your face. And because of this enthusiasm in gigantic sunnies, it's only natural that the Ray-Ban Wayfarers are in fashion again. That, and also the company's constant attempt to position them in pop culture.

The Wayfarers were very popular back in the 1950s and 60s and because of their strategic marketing and 'showcasing' them on celebrities, lately, they are enjoying a revival. Yes this revival has been going on for a while now. So much so that other fashion brands have jumped in on the wagon and created Wayfarer-inspired sunglasses, but who's really complaining?

The Wayfarers are fashonable plastic shades which have an atheletic twist and can come is a variety of colours. Although I usually consider sunglasses as a form of eye protection, I do have to admit that they are a fashion statement in itself. Shades can make of break your style. But the thing about Wayfarers is that because of their unique frames, they almost seem to fit and flatter faces of all shapes. Same goes to the Ray-Ban Traditionals which are quite similar to the Wayfarers. They, too have a collection of shapes which can complement a broad range of faces.

- Ray-Ban Traditionals pay a close resemblance to Wayfarers (maybe it's part of the family) and flatter a range of faces.

Personally, I think they're great for their flexibility. Being able to accomodate different faces and they can even be worn with formal wear! And, Oh yeah, they protect your eyes!

So, what do you think?

poll by twiigs.com

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Flashy or Fugly: Collar it Up

The trend has been around for a long time. The hip hoppers did it and so did the preppy hipsters. Even after so many years, the popped-collar trend still carries on. But I don't really get it. Infact, I hate it. Never have I seen more popped up collars than right here in KL. Just this past week, I counted about 6 to 7 people sporting gravity-defying collars on their polos.

- All collared up

Okay, I will admit I don't wear a lot of polos but it's not because I hate them. Infact, I think it is a fail-safe option to step out of the house. It's the kind of garment you wear when you don't want to look different. And alot of middle age men tend to choose it as their unofficial uniform. The polo strikes a balance between formal and casual wear.

But when that collar takes flight, I honestly think it looks ridiculous. Some may say it frames the face and gives them a cool look and all that bull but frankly, I think it just makes you look as though you're trying too hard. A sort of needy desperation to seek attention.

Okay, I will make A FEW exceptions. If you have a severe, possibly life-threatening rash which has practically engulfed the skin on your neck...okay. If it's cold out there and your neck is feelin' the chills...maybe. If your neck is so disproportionately long that popping the collar makes you look more appealing...*thinks hard*...maybe. Other than those reasons...abso-f*ckin-lutely NOT.

Seriously, if you have an upturned collar right now, go kill yourself. If you haven't done it and intend to do it in the near future, go kill yourself. And if you popped you collar while reading this post, go kill yourself. Just calmly put that collar down and no one's getting hurt.

And by the way, the collar of a polo is supposed to sit more or less stiffly against your body. If it falls limp against your shoulders, donate it and get a new one.

poll by twiigs.com

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A New Cult

I am noticing a trend amongst my friends which has been surfacing lately. Friends of all sizes, tall, short, fat, skinny, are beginning to join a seemingly popular cult. One which not only empties your pockets but it also robs you of your time and saps your energy. The GYM.

I have approximately nine to ten friends who have willingly sacrificed their precious time, moolah and strength and in return, they attain physical fitness. Using the gym no doubt contributes to a healthier life as long as you routinely go there and utilize the equiptments appropriately. The most obvious objective for gym-goers, is to attain a fit bod by losing weight and building body mass. Who doesn't desire that? But it's not that simple. There are things that one must consider before enrolling into a fitness center.

Time is one of the factors which has to be considered. Do you have sufficient time to spare for gym? Being a student, it is often more difficult to set aside ample time for gym when assignments and tasks are consistently flooding your schedule. Other than that, you need time to study, run errands and have a social life. Although, some courses have a lighter workload and thus time does not pose as a problem.

The other issue is Money. I assume people who are already 'gym-ing' are less likely to consider money as an obstacle. But how much are you really willing to spend on a gym membership? But then again, the membership fee is not the only thing to think about. Parking fees, gas for your car and/or transportation to get to the gym must all be taken into account.

In my case, I believe I wouldn't be able to fully utilize the exercise center while being an architecture student. Assignments are already reeking hell in my daily schedule. Sometimes I don't even have time to sleep, let alone working out in the gym. In addition, I think that the fees are quite high...affordable, but still quite high. However, occasionally I do give some thought into being a member of the cult. Maybe i'll only join when i'm earning myself enough greens. What do you think?

poll by twiigs.com

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