Month: August 2014

Fashion, Uncategorized

Men’s Fall Fashion Trends – 2014

Fall2014cover

What does one do on a chilly 66 degree day…in August!?  He starts thinking about fall fashion.  A well dressed Hominid is a cultured Hominid indeed.  If it is too soon for you and you haven’t done your research yet, no worries my friends.  I’ve scoured the net for you and have chosen some age-appropriate trends that will get you started on planning your fresh look for the season.

Footwear

Fall2014shoe

This is very similar to a boot that I already own but creepers (rubber soled) were a theme that I noticed.  Comfortable and versatile, these boots will pair well with denim or a suit.

Fall2014brownshoe

These handsome oxfords with fancy toe stitch and comfortable soles are also versatile.  Wear with denim and a blazer or a pair of wool or plaid slacks.

Tailored Pant and Layering

Fall2014layering

 

After a brief excursion into roomier, baggier slacks, the tailored pant is back.  The cropped bottom was a theme I noted in many fall fashion reports.  The pant is also worn with bulkier layers on top.  The model here is sporting an overcoat, un-tucked button down shirt, cardigan sweater and scarf.

Speaking of Scarfs

Big over-sized scarfs appeared on runways from New York to Milan.  Some were tasteful for men-of-a-certain-age and some were just silly.

Do this (left)

Fall2014scarf

Not this

Fall2014hugescarf

 

The pashmina look might work for a younger man moving about the streets of NYC but for you and I…we’ll just get laughed at.

The Roll Neck

Fall2014rollneck

I was excited to see that the roll neck (turtle neck) was back on the scene.  Especially living in the Northeast United States.  Go classic with a dark roll neck under a dark jacket.

The 3’s

Fall2014Suit

The three-piece suit and 3-button jacket is in the line-up.  The look is far better suited (pun intended) for men over 6 ft tall.  Us shorties will do ourselves a favor by keeping the top button undone and covered with the lapel.

Grooming

Fall2014grooming

I read at least two reports that suggested the clean shaven look is back in.  Thank goodness because I never let my facial hair grow out.  However, if you are single and on the market, I read a study this year that suggested that women tend to find those men going against the facial hair trend more attractive.  So in seasons when beards are in, women prefer clean shaven.  When clean shaven is the norm…you get the point.

These are just a few ideas for you.  Feel free to do your own research to better define your look for Fall/Winter 2014-2015.

Now go make fashion happen!

Fitness, Health

Course Correction

course correction

Hi guys.  I thought I would check in since it has been a week or so since my last post.  I have begun the process of course correction in an attempt to address the lack of work ethic and the 6 pound weight gain that resulted.

Before I could begin to right the ship, I first needed to understand where and how things went wrong this summer.  This is the time of year when I am most active and carry the fewest pounds.  Not so this year.

The first issue is that my aerobic exercise was way down.  At the recommendation of my doctor, I ceased competing in triathlons and, therefore, stopped training.  So swimming, biking, running and brick training went out the window.  At least to the degree that is required to be race ready.  I also strained a calf muscle and that had me sidelined for the better part of a month.

The second issue was that I did not adjust my caloric intake to reflect the decrease in aerobic exercise.  I continued my merry ways of eating, drinking, and snacking despite the fact that I was burning fewer calories.

I knew that, if I was going to get back on track, I needed to return to a healthy balance of resistance training, aerobic exercise, and smart dietary choices.

This past week, I returned to my normal resistance and strength training routine of working the major muscle groups in my arms, back, core, torso and legs.  No problem there.  Just a matter of focus.  I had to remind myself that we lose roughly 1% of muscle mass a year after age 40 and even more after age 50.  So if I am going to keep things tight in the middle ages, I need to be vigilant with regard to strength training.

To get back on top of my aerobic game, I ventured to my local running apparel shop to get properly fitted for running shoes. I attribute some of my running injuries to improper foot gear.  I was fitted for a shoe with proper width, some stability support and appropriate cushion.  I ran three miles without issue and felt pretty good.  I round things out with cycling, treadmill and plyometrics.

Perhaps the most important part of my course correction plan was addressing my inner demons.

Salt monster

Fans of the classic Star Trek series will remember the “Salt Vampire”.  You remember this chick?  Bones McCoy was whipped over her and ignored the fact that she was literally sucking the life out of the Enterprise crew.  Remember her?  Well that bitch lives inside of me.  Clawing at me from the inside, driving an insatiable need and desire for salt.  No manner of exorcism can expel her.  She sits inside me demanding chips, nuts, olives, crackers…anything with salt.  And it comes at anytime of day with unpredictable consistency.

This past week I attempted to limit my calories and alter my palate.  I adjusted to reasonable portions for lunch and dinner, eliminated salty snacks and added fresh fruit as a substitute.  I also added more lean and organic proteins to my diet for proper muscle building.  And I adjusted the point of consumption of wine downward from 7 days a week to 3.

While it is still early in the process, I have loss 2 of the 6 pounds that I have gained and my muscles feel tighter and stronger.  It is at least a sign to me that the ship is now headed in the right direction.

If you are willing to share, I ‘d love to know about your inner demons.  Do tell.

 

exercise, Fitness

Now I’ve Gone and Done It

Bloated

That’s it.  I have managed to accomplish something that I haven’t done in quite some time.  I’ve gained 6 pounds.  And in the summer no less.  Weight gain for me usually occurs during winter months when my activity is low and my consumption is high.  So why now?  Why summer?

My last post asked, “have we forgotten how to have fun?”  Apparently, I have not.  Wine consumption is up.  Food consumption is up.  Snack consumption is up.  And all are outpacing my ability to burn calories.  What’s worse is that I feel like I am spiraling out of control.  This is not a didactic post.  I am looking for some motivation as I am genuinely vexed.  I know what I have to do but just can’t seem to do it.  This, in a sense, is a public shaming.  I should wear a pig nose and sit in the public square.

We all fall off of the wagon and stray from the path.  I am no different.  One could say that knowing and admitting is half of the battle and, with that in mind, I plan to use that knowledge to right the ship before the end of summer.  I will be assiduous in my effort to decrease inputs and increase outputs.

I will reduce wine intake by 30%, reduce caloric food intake by 200 calories and increase cardio exercise to 3 30-60 minutes sessions per week.  Weight and strength training will remain the same.

If you have had a successful rebound, I’d love to hear it.  If you see me post pictures of wine or food on social media platforms, politely ask me if I’ve had an appropriate amount of calorie burn that day.

It’s time to take control and seize the day.  Who’s with me?!