|
Pitied are those without a sense of style. Ridiculed are those that surpass style and trend barriers. This piece was really inspired by a recent incident I encountered where the style victim had broken so many fashion rules, that the situation begged I write about it.
On a recent Saturday, I went to the mall to meet a friend of a friend who was new to Dubai. We had spoken a few times over the times, and I was more than happy to meet up for a friendly coffee to offer up some advice on how to settle into this crazy city. Of course I was also curious to meet a new guy who was, according to our common friend, tall, handsome, successful, and most importantly – single!
We planned to meet by Starbucks in Mall of the Emirates and he told me that I would know him by his yellow t-shirt. Hmmm I thought.. Yellow… bit of a bold move.. most guys don’t wear yellow.. but hey.. he could be quite the male fashionista. Boy was I wrong!
I showed up at Starbucks and searched for a yellow t-shirt. None in sight. Then suddenly, my eyes caught the attention of a guy wearing a pale yellow polo shirt (imagine those detergent adverts on TV when they show how colors fade from washing your clothes using the “other” detergent). He walked over and asked if it was me. For a split second I thought of how to just run out of the place and then I solemnly answered yes.
As I started to participate in light conversation, my eyes and brain couldn’t take in all of the fashion mistakes that were glaring at me…. a “no-brand” polo shirt, a “no-brand” pair of jeans, and black shoes which clearly seemed appropriate for a suit or business context and certainly not for strolling around the mall on a Saturday afternoon. Attire aside, the rest wasn’t good either. A hair style that took me back to the mid-70’s where the “bangs” were parted down the middle and feathered back to each side. And to top it all off, a smile that was clearly destroyed from blackened teeth – a clear sign that the guy had smoking since he was probably two years old.
I know I may seem very harsh, but the worst part of all is that this individual truly believes that he is indeed something to run after. In the short spans of time where I seemed to pop into consciousness and pay attention to what he was saying, I picked up on his clear self-assurance and self-confidence; something which I found even more perplexing than is feathered bangs.
It probably seems to the reader that I’m quite cruel to criticize so outwardly and easily. I chose to put a different spin on it. I’m merely pointing out what “NOT” to do. Just as the latest magazines offer up advice on fashion “Do’s and Don’ts”, this piece maybe taken in the same light.
So, to the guys.. please …
- If you cant afford the expensive brands, DON’T wear things that look like knock-offs. Instead, opt for branded clothes within your budget range.
- If you think you may not have the best style going, DON’T just keep doing what you’re doing. It isn’t something to be embarrassed about. Ask a friend (preferably a female who good fashion sense) to help. Or, you can ask within the stores your purchasing clothes from for some tips.
- DO keep up with hair styles and again .. ask friends about what suits you in terms of cut and styling products.
- Finally, hygiene is key. If your smile has suffered from bad habits, such as smoking or too much coffee, please see your dentist and get introduced to the recent miracles of dentistry
|
About Us
abc Says:
November 15th, 2007 at 11:43 pm
thats ao good one..:)..hmm.. interesting
Diva Says:
November 19th, 2007 at 2:38 pm
Thank you for the comment. That’s probably the only good thing to come out of the experience!
Oliver Says:
November 21st, 2007 at 10:43 am
Er….I read this AFTER I read your other post that I commented on.
Well, so cosmetic appeal is everything, eh? Isn’t that shallow?
I’m an advertising man whose job it is to write copy for the ‘BRANDS’ that people crave for so much. And believe me, a ‘BRAND’ is just a brand - like any other names that manufacture the same goods. Maybe you’re talking about consistency in quality here - when you say ‘BRAND’? That would make some sense to me.
>>>
Do malls have some kind of unwritten dress code that I don’t know about?
It is interesting to note the priorities of your initial scrutiny of the poor guy (may his memory of that unfortunate incident be blotted forever, and his soul and conscience and self-esteem rest in peace).
‘BRANDS’ prelude all else, then the 70-sstyled hairdo - and the smile brings up the rear.
Reversed order from a woman of some substance, don’t you think? I have been reading your writs for a while and I sure didnt think you’d feel this way about things.
Where’s the ‘intuitive, imaginative, thoughtful, giving, shy, moody’ you? Well, I’m still of the mind that you are more than skin deep. Don’t disappoint me.
The apparel might oft proclaim the man, but a man isnt always what he wears.
Diva Says:
November 22nd, 2007 at 10:02 am
Dear Oliver,
Thank you for your comment. I always appreciate feedback about my writing.
Perhaps in some ways I was quite \”harsh\” on this individual in making a judgment on him by the way he was dressed, but my intent was not to come across that I’m only interested in “branded” dressed guys. I’m not shallow like that.
I’m not suggesting by any means that I’m only interested in guys who wear “brands”, what I was suggesting is that there is a way to look your best regardless of your income bracket and regardless of how tuned in (or aren’t) about fashion trends.
There are plenty of women out there would not turn down such a guy on account of his attire .. but then do you know what they do? They change the guys\’ wardrobe themselves. Every woman wants a guy who she is proud to be with … that includes mental, emotional, and physical appeal. And part of physical appeal is how you preset yourself. Again, I’m not suggesting that women are only impressed by guys who only wear branded clothes.. such as the new wave metro-sexual types that are parading all over TV and print ads… that is certainly NOT the case.
There are plenty of amazing guys out there who have their sense of style sans brand. But they are also true to who they are. In essence, be yourself and don’t try to pass off a Roleks for a Rolex.
Oliver Says:
November 22nd, 2007 at 11:13 am
Hola Diva,
I’m gratified after what you’ve just written. Yes, one HAS to do one’s best to be the best one can. In all departments.
And I think you’ve explained yourself pretty well to me now. I’m happy.
So strappy Miss Christian Dior, don’t your feet get a wee bit dusty in those? (I liked the idea of describing yourselves as shoes - thats so fresh and cool). Mebbe you guys - some of u - can intern in the creative dept. of some ad agency and see if you like doin what you’d be doin over there. Chuck the MBA - that’s the one degree that’s churning out more clones than an assembly line.
Give it a go. You ARE creative. How are you at art? Ever tried any poetry or kinda soulful writing about the things you really feel about?
I rank you like this. 1) You, 2) D., 3) J20 and 4)HIP-O… may your sisters-in-arms have mercry on me for this classification and understand that a guy likes what he likes - in the order he likes them…..he he he….
Were you ever on Orkut? Do you have a regular email id? May I have it? Also, kindly note that I’m not asking you for a cell number - I’m probably much older than you and have tastes you may consider pretty wierd.
So what say we communicate online? You game?
And hey, take off this post, and email me instead.
Thanks and bye, or goodbye….depending.
Oliver
Jonathan Says:
November 24th, 2007 at 11:22 pm
Hey.. I don’t really think that brand matters so much like you say. And beware, there might be many guys out there who don’t think much about you either. Your dress sense might not be worth much either.
Cheers
Oliver Says:
November 25th, 2007 at 9:40 am
Ah, Johnny boy, don’t be too hard on the lady, she’s a pretty fine woman. Besides she’s explained herself rather succinctly I’d say. Did you read the previous threads?
Let a Diva be a Diva, I say. She’e something u gotta love or hate, but can’t ignore - once you start readin her writs.
Oliver
Diva Says:
November 25th, 2007 at 4:04 pm
Hi Jonathan..
Yes, please read the thread that answers and ad\”dresses\” my point of view quite clearly.
Oliver, many thanks for understanding that although I have a Diva like personality - I\’m much more at the core
)
P.S. My fashion sense is fabulous
Oliver Says:
November 26th, 2007 at 4:17 pm
Don’t mention it, my fair lady. You make me blush. Just permit me to do what I do as my conscience dictates.
My cloak is at your disposal - do not fear the myraids of slushy terrain that obscure your pretty path.
Tread lightly, for I am here.
Oliver
Ramin Says:
December 6th, 2007 at 12:17 pm
I guess your name says it all Miss Diva. I suppose you are on of those girls that are more interested in what car a guy drives and how much money he got in his pocket, than what he actually is about.
Oh well, most people who live in Dubai are like that. ARTIFICIAL. I am not saying that I am attracted to ugly girls, but I dont pass judgment on them even before they have opened their mouths!
Live & let live!
Anwar Says:
December 12th, 2007 at 2:23 am
Hey.
….all i can say is that I looked like a candidate for the Al Qaida sports wear model of the year, before I met my girl….who too at first considered declining me for my uncoordinated sense of style and my nipple waist pleated pants.
But now three years later, I’m still me, but a hell of a lot more stylish….and fit…. thanks to my sweetheart…
So Diva, advice from a happily married stylish man…..if style is something you can bring to a relationship, then, do it.
You might not be able to change a guy’s mentality, personality or general mind-set….but his style…..trust me….he’ll be grateful.
My mom shopped for me till I was 28. And I was a successful Investment Banker by then.
On behalf of my single friends; we’re looking for a girl who will take care of style, social life and all the fun things in life…..
If you can do that; then….. look beyond the Hanes Polo….let us make the money and let you spend it.
Cheers
By the way, my wife loves the site, but is wondering why new posts take so long….
Cursed Says:
March 11th, 2008 at 3:41 pm
I would advise you to watch Prison Break instead of Lost
Anyways Prison Break is not the main reason why I responded to your post. You mentioned that you graduated on December 18. Well dear you need to sit between you and yourself and think where do you want to be 10 years from now?!
I do not think that you want to spend the rest of your life watching movies and downloading music from the internet.
You need to set your goals in life. I would recommend that you start and look for a JOB. You will get the chance to meet new people, gain experience and learn more from life.
Do not tell me that it is hard to find a JOB. Send your CV to places you know and don’t know and eventually someone will contact you.
You might get a JOB OFFER that you might not like or the pay is not good. In the beginning you will have to accept since you have no previous work experience and hopefully if you proved yourself at your job you might be lucky like others and get offers from other companies or get promoted in your current job or shifted to a new department or division of your liking. Just remember things take time and sometimes you need to be patient.
One more thing, you can not get always what you want so be patient, give it time and never give up. Hopefully in the end you will get what you want Good Luck dear.
Cursed Says:
March 11th, 2008 at 3:44 pm
Sorry the last Post was supposed to go to this Link
http://www.dubaigirls.net/?p=272#more-272
Please delete it from here
Chris Says:
April 3rd, 2008 at 8:50 pm
When you are lying in your death bed, will you be thinking about your wardrobe? Or will you be thinking about the way you treated people throughout your life? Don’t get me wrong, I think everyone should put forth some effort to look presentable. However, that is taking it way too far. There are much more important things in life.
Samael Says:
October 30th, 2008 at 7:05 pm
My body is my fashion. I only meet women naked.
La Moda Says:
February 11th, 2010 at 12:53 am
I’m pretty sure you meant something bad when you ridiculed his “no-brand” shirt and “no-brand” jeans. Wow. I’m sure you didn’t mean to come across as that, but that’s who you are. You’re shallow and you judge people for the names they decide to sport on their clothes. No need to apologize for being exactly who you are. Just as there’s no need for everybody else to apologize if they look down on you for what you said.
Joe Says:
March 2nd, 2010 at 6:42 pm
Hmmm …..too much from a girl who calls herself a diva…..girls are so easily influenced by tv, drama and music videos that they feel they know everything about fashion
….. Missy do you know fashion and art lies in the perception of the viewer ……you may not like yellow …but others might …..regarding faded wear ……i think you have forgotten the jeans faded wear and torn wear collections….. life is more than brands…… i personally hate all brands ……why ?
I refuse to be a free walking taking advertising bilboard for a company and that too pay a premium for it ….. if i realy need good quality or design i get it custom made ……. u on the other hand prefer paying companys a premium and advertise for free for them too….. you are the perfect child of the media centric world … glued to the tv and defining things around you based on what the tv tells you is right or wrong……..
grow up or wake up …..
also ps …. i think the guy who you were to meet …surely dint want to arouse your attention and may have come casually dressed intending not to impress you …but unfortunately all you girls think all men are after you……..
please get a life …its only in middle east this is the way ……go to us , or aus or europe ……u girls will be like nerds