Being a designer in the fashion industry, I have a pretty good idea of what it costs to make shirts, jeans/pants, jackets, etc.  That being said, I have an issue with spending alot of money on clothes (regardless of the label).  Typically, they don’t cost too much to make but the mark-ups are crazy!  So let’s discuss how to look good without having to break the bank - especially in today’s economy. 

One of the easiest things to do is shop at discount stores like Ross, Marshalls, T.J. Maxx, DNA (located in L.A.), and Nordstrom Rack (a pricier, trendier retailer). These places usually carry name brand styles of past seasons (as well as overruns and overstock), therefore they are sold at a discount - sometimes as much as 50% or more!  Now I know what you’re thinking: “If it’s from the last season then it’s going to be out of style, right?”  Wrong.  Some trends last more than one season and don’t quickly go out of vogue.  Remember trucker hats?  Unfortunately, that trend lasted much longer than it should have.   For the record, I’m a fan of Marshalls.  Their stores usually aren’t ghetto and carry an up to date selection of clothes - they even sell Seven, Rock & Republic, and True Religion jeans!

Don’t be afraid to try flea markets, thrift, and second hand stores for great bargains.  To name a few in Los Angeles: Fairfax Flea Market, Jet Rag, Aardvark’s, and Crossroads Trading Co. (tends to carry more popular designer names).

Online there are several discount sites to choose from.  When I’m looking for luxury items on the cheap (e.g. Gucci loafers), then I’ll usually go this route.  One of my favorite sites for this is Bluefly.  If you’re not sure how to size an item that you find online (e.g. a pair of jeans or shoes), then simply go to a brick and mortar store and try on a similar item of the same brand.  This way you’ll get a general idea of how it fits. 

Sample or warehouse sales are another route to get good deals on past season clothing, samples, overruns, and overstock.  If you live in Los Angeles or New York City these sales are everywhere.  You can find sample sales for tops, bottoms, shoes, accessories, and more.  Try doing an internet search for ’sample sales’ in your area.  Jean lovers, check out The Warehouse Sale.  I know people that have gotten great deals from there.  

For those living in Los Angeles, The California Market Center (CMC) often has samples sales throughout the year.  Here’s a popular one: The Saturday Sale.  There’s also Santee Alley (not a sample sale but an open-air market place) in the Fashion District that has bargains abound.   

Finally, try to shop at the end of a season.  As seasons change the stores need to clear out  the racks for next season’s styles.  Therefore older items are marked down.  I find great deals at Macy’s at this time - as much as 60% off.

Dressing well doesn’t have to be expensive.  You just need to know where and when to shop.  If you’d like some store recommendations for the L.A. area, then feel free to drop me a line.

Dancing is an extroverted activity and can say alot of positive things about your personality.  If people see you dancing alone, smiling, and having a great time they may think you’re confident, carefree, an alpha male, fun, and outgoing.  What guy wouldn’t want a girl thinking these things about him?!  Which brings up another reason to dance solo: to meet chics!

I can’t count the number of times I’ve danced alone and had a girl come up to me to dance.  It’s easier and less threatening for a girl to approach you if you are not dancing in a group.  Put out the vibe that you’re out to have fun and people will pick up on it.  And don’t forget to smile as you’re dancing, it lets everyone know you’re enjoying yourself. 

With dancing solo, strategically placing yourself on the dance floor can make it easier for girls to notice and approach you.  Typically, I’ll dance on the outside perimeter of the floor.  Here I usually have more room to move and can be seen by more people (on and off the floor).  I want girls to know that I’m by myself and available to dance with.   

Where should you look if you don’t have a partner?  If I’m dancing by myself and there is another person(s) on the floor as well, I’ll dance facing their general direction.  That way I can look for approach invitations (invitations from people telling me to approach them).  I don’t stare but I look in their direction, maybe looking at some point behind or around them.  When there’s no one on the floor then I’ll just look around and observe what’s going on.  I won’t face the same direction for too long, I’ll turn my body and look elsewhere - at the Dj, people at the bar, standing around or sitting down.  Just don’t stare.  While I’m dancing I’ll also look for girls that may be watching me, potential targets to approach later.  

As I mentioned earlier, dancing is an extroverted activity.  Most people on the dance floor just want to have a good time and probably couldn’t care less if you’re dancing alone.  So enjoy grooving on your own! 

This topic came as a suggestion from James, who commented on the post “Getting to a Club Early…”  Thanks James and I hope it helps! 

If I’m at a club or lounge that I’ve never been to, then I’ll familiarize myself with the place.  This is important because if you have the intent of meeting a girl or moving her off the dance floor you’ll need to know where to take her.  It’s not a good idea to wander aimlessly through the club with her.  Doing this may make her uncomfortable and she just may change her mind about being with you.

With that in mind, I’ll map out the place in my head: where can we sit and talk where it’s not too loud; is there anywhere to sit that’s not reserved for bottle service; if I need to get a drink, is there a bar that doesn’t get as busy; is there an outdoor patio to cool off and get some air; is there something in the club that would be cool to show the girl.  You get the picture.  Figure out logistics to make getting to know the girl you just met easier.

Having your phone with you can keep you company.  While I’m waiting for things to get bumping I’ll text message people.  Even if I don’t have anyone to text I’ll pretend I’m texting or just go through old messages.  Another thing you can do is pretend you’re talking to someone on the phone (if you’ve no one to call).  Strange I know, but if you’re uncomfortable with being alone at least this gives everyone the impression that you could be waiting for someone.

Getting a drink at the bar and/or chatting up random people (the bartender, barback, other patrons, the Dj, etc.) helps keep you from closing up before the night really gets going.  Just try not to get drunk early!  Seriously, it’s a great idea to get yourself talking early on - it keeps you from getting too much into your head and worrying what other people may be thinking about you.  It’s also a great opportunity to get to know the key employees of the venue, especially the Dj and the doormen.  Knowing them can make it easier to get into the venue in the future.  As an added bonues, you’ll have someone to talk to next time you’re there. 

Avoid sitting down and closing yourself off, mentally and physically.  Mentally, don’t worry about people’s impression of you just because you may be alone.  Chances are you’ll never see them again.  They don’t know if you’ll be by yourself the entire night or if your entourage will be arriving in an hour.  Physically, don’t be afraid to take up room especially if the club is still empty.  If you’re seated at a couch feel free to put your arm(s) on the back of the couch, slouch into the couch more, and even sit with your legs apart.  Convey that you’re comfortable being alone.  But don’t sit there with your eyes closed - people may think you’re sleeping or rolling on something. 

Arriving at a club early and by yourself can be an uncomfortable experience at first but it does get easier.  Eventually you’ll get to a point where you can just grab a drink, take a seat, and chill out by yourself while you wait for the club to go off.

Got questions?  Drop me a comment and I’ll get back to you.  Or if you have any suggestions for future topics, then leave a comment as well.

Do you know what can ruin a great outfit?  The wrong color socks - white socks to be more specific.  Guys, if you’re going to put together a super fly outfit don’t goof it up by wearing white socks.  Seriously, girls notice simple things like that.  Unlike men, women appreciate the details.  So save the white socks for the gym.

Then what color socks should you wear?  Play it safe and just wear black dress socks.  If you’re wearing blue jeans, then navy blue will work too.   There are arguments that say your socks should match the color of your pants or shoes.  Honestly, if you want to go through all that trouble be my guest.  I prefer to keep it simple and avoid having to think too much about my footwear.

Now don’t run out and buy black, ankle high athletic socks and think you can wear them with a dope outfit.  You can’t!  When you’re dressed to the nines you shouldn’t be showing any skin at your ankle and calf.  Make sure your socks are pulled up and not sagging.  If you need the cushion of sport socks, then you can wear them under a thin dress sock. 

Have a sock specific question?  Leave me a comment and I’ll get back to you.  Or if you have suggestions for future topics, then leave a comment as well.

You probably don’t know this but by trade I’m a fashion designer.  And before I was a designer I was a mechanical engineer - I have a Bachelor’s degree to prove it.  Crazy, huh?  At any rate, I know that alot of guys out there need help with fashion and styling.  So I thought “Why not also use this site to help guys look good.”

Check back often for advice on looking your best.  It may one day save your life (or at least prevent you from tucking in only the front hem of your shirt just to show off that huge belt buckle you’re wearing).