men fashion: Washington D.C.

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Vineyard Vines to Open D.C. Outlet in '08

Vineyard Vines, the purveyor of New England nautical themed ties and clothing, has announced that it will be opening it's seventh freestanding retail store in the tony Georgetown section of D.C.

The 6,000 square foot space is located in an historic townhouse on the corner of Wisconsin and M streets. The store is scheduled to open in April of 2008.

As an aside, I was literally standing on that corner about 30 minutes ago. It is a fantastic location and the specialty retail hub of the city. Go up Wisconsin in one direction to find the newly renovated Ralph Lauren boutique. Turn around an go the other way to visit the new Rugby outlet and cafe'.

According to the DNR article, other than specialty retailer Sherman Pickey - itself in Georgetown, but further up Wisconsin Avenue - the Vineyard Vines store will be the only place in the capitol to buy their wares.

Though I am biased, both as a native New Englander and a longtime D.C. resident, I completely agree that Georgetown is an excellent market for the company. Vineyard Vines ties are incredibly popular with both Democrats and Republicans, not to mention all those well dressed lobbyists.

Throw in the fact that the Chesapeake Bay is only a short drive away and sailing is a huge pastime in the Mid-Atlantic and sales should be just fine.

Dressing A President

With the election over and a second round of history ready to made next month, Washington, D.C., is preparing for the mother of all inaugurations. With an estimated influx of five million revelers, this town is really going to be hopping. As you might expect, inaugurations are a big deal here and this one is shaping up to the biggest ever.

In a nod to the troubled economy President Elect Obama has scaled back the traditional plethora of inaugural galas, but the fact remains that the incoming first family is very much channeling the "vigah" of the John F. Kennedys. They are the new mirror thought which we all view what "America" is to now mean around the world - the president especially.

And with menswear showing itself as the bright spot of this holiday shopping season it should come as no surprise that folks are wondering, "what, or who, will the president be wearing"? (perhaps Richard James, left)

The newly launched WWDMEN'S (formally DNR) asked several leading menswear designers to come up with their idea of the perfect inaugural outfit and a little something for the evening's balls. Below is a selection of my personal favorites. For the full sideshow, visit WWDMEN'S.

Classic Brooks Brothers

A streamlined look from Nautica

Elegant lines from Brioni

Retro watercolor look from Thom Browne

Lounge cool from Tim Hamilton

Day and evening looks from Zegna

Channeling P. Diddy on the town, from Sean John

The perfect dinner jacket from Farragamo

Target Pop Up Store In Georgetown

Target just opened its cool little pop up store in Georgetown today, at the corner of Wisconsin and M Streets.

Target has squeezed a custom designed mini Swiss chalet into the parking lot right next to Old Glory (great place to stop for lunch by the way).

There are only three of these pop-up stores in the entire country - San Fransisco, New York City and here in Washington, D.C. It runs for only three days and then, it's gone. So make sure to swing by and check it out. Also, if you follow their Twitter feed, you'll get clues for the Target Gift Tag Hunt to win gift cards worth $100, and even on worth $500.

Sure, you can pick up a neat little Billy Kirk wallet over at ACL's occasional pop up flea - but for the next three days you can get your hands on a limited supply of Target's top holiday 50 gifts. Everything is pre-wrapped and ready to go. When you arrive, you are handed a clipboard printed with images of all the items, organized in nice, orderly fashion. The "store" is basically a huge glass case stocked with numbered examples of all 50 gifts, so you can see them in person. Make you picks, walk over to the bank or registers, pay and you are ready to go.

Products range from the new Star Trek movie DVD to a mini Margarita kit to a quilted bathrobe to a new Wii Fitness Pack. Some of the items are so exclusive to this project that they aren't even in regular Target stores yet. Whatever price point you have in mind, they can probably cover it.

I stopped by for yesterday's press event and was really impressed with the whole operation. Staffed by Target employees from both the home office in Minnesota and local stores across our region, the pop-up Target has a fun, seasonally festive feel to it.

It's cold out right now, so make sure to stop by the pink Curbside Cupcakes truck for a awesome cupcake and hot chocolate.

Art of Shaving In D.C.'s Union Station

Not too long ago, while passing through Grand Central Station in New York, I first noticed the Art of Shaving.

Warm woods and glass, alabaster lighting with a vague Parisian/Milano feel to it, the store cum barber shop was an immediate draw.

Its elegant feel belies a company obsessed with the timeless and masculine art of the shave. The approach? (1) Prepare, (2) Later Up, (3) Shave, and then (4) Moisturize. Their extensive line of product offerings follow this mantra with pre-shave oils, skin sensitive shaving cremes and a variety of after shave balms.

Founded by a husband and wife team, she with a spa and skin care background, the company is not just a fancy showplace; it's an actual skin care business. That it is a modern "guy's spa" that still retains a definite air of manliness is testament to the owners style and business savvy.

The Art of Shaving also stocks a wonderful variety of razors and associated paraphernalia. From the ultra-modern five blade Gillette Fusion to classic old school strait edge razors from Thiers-Issard, every need and skill level is covered. You will not, however, find an eight pack of disposable single blades. This is temple built to the "art" of shaving and is appropriately stocked with products equal in design and price.

When I first saw that it was going into Union Station I hoped it would do well, it's a great site for travelers looking to grab that unique grooming product on the dash to the train's platform. It just feels right. I finally took the time to stop by the shop and chatted with Marcus, the store manager. Even with a shaky economy, he indicated the store was doing just fine.

His philosophy is that even when times get tough, there are some things people still need - and grooming products is one of them. I tend to agree. While I may not feel the need to get a Starbucks coffee every day, I do shave. Maybe I'll make Art of Shaving grooming products my small day-to-day luxury; form and function working together.

For a real treat, stop by the in-house barber spa for a shave or haircut. I have yet to get in there myself, but you can bet I'll let you know how it goes when I do. From what I've heard, it's worth every cent. Another larger Art of Shaving will be opening in 2009 near the Mayflower Hotel. It also will be in relatively direct competition with The Grooming Lounge.

Whatever the result, there are going to be a lot more well shaved guys in D.C.

Be Better Guys Event: Celebrate the Season While Doing Good

Newly-announced partners, BeBetterGuys.com and The School of Post Modern Dating, are providing DC area professionals a chance to celebrate the holidays while supporting a fantastic cause – a Toys for Tots toy drive Wednesday, December 12.

The event will be at the Clarendon Grill, 1101 N. Highland Street in Arlington, from 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. The goal is to collect 200 toys for underprivileged children in the greater Washington Metro area.

In addition to bringing a toy, a $20 donation at the door automatically enters attendees into a raffle with $4,000 worth of merchandise, including a men's Tag Heuer watch from Boone and Sons Jewelers and a month-long membership to Sport Club LA (and a complimentary squash lesson with a top-rated squash pro). All proceeds will benefit Toys for Tots.

David Boris and Brian Joyner, "The Guys" behind BeBetterGuys.com and monthly Guy Tips guests on NBC4, will talk about the hottest gifts for guys this year, while Project Beltway's Rachel Cothran will provide gift ideas for women. Special guests Amy Senger and John-Michael Scott, founders of The School of Post Modern Dating, will provide dating tips for thriving (not just surviving) during the holiday season.

Get some great tips for enjoying the holiday madness while giving to a great charity. Co-hosting the event are NBC's D.C. Scene, D.C. Style magazine, and Project Beltway.

Finding a Shoe Shine in D.C.

Getting one’s shoes shined used to be a regular occurrence for most men. Back when most workplaces were formal, suits, ties, and business shoes were the daily costume of every working man, from CEO to junior accountant.

After decades of erosion, the very foundation of men’s business dress was on the verge of collapse until reason and style began to slowly regain a foothold in the boardroom. As dressing well makes a comeback so, thank goodness, does the shoe shine stand.

Getting your shine on is not only a welcome, albeit brief, respite in a busy day; it is a practical investment in preserving the longevity of your footwear. Leather shoes are vulnerable creations. Water, salt, dirt, grime, and daily wear all conspire to soak, dry out, and eat away your shoes’ natural defenses. By giving your shoes what they need – a soapy cleaning, polish or crème, and wax – they will pay you back in a glossy shine noticed by women with taste and men with an eye for detail.

In some places where the suit, or at least dressing to some standard of formality never died, the shoeshine remains a pattern of daily life. Washington, D.C., is one of those places. Shoes shine stands can be found in many hotels, restaurants, clubs, and those ubiquitous franchised operations that haunt airports everywhere. There are two shoe shines stands however, that stand out from the crowd. One is the savior of Amtrak commuters and the other buffs the shoes of power.

Washington's Union Station

In my personal opinion, one of the best shines in D.C. can be found in Union Station, overlooking the Amtrak train gates. The three elevated seats stand high in the rear concourse, roped off in a small square close enough to the gates for travelers to keep an eye on the Acela Express. These guys do such a good job that a number of commuters from New York tell me that they wait until they get to D.C.for a shine! That says something; as Nicholas Antongiavanni points out in recent issue of Classic Style magazine, there are dozens of excellent stands throughout New York.

My second choice for an excellent shine is located just a short stroll away. In the basement of the Russell Senate office building is the United States Senate Hair Care shop. In so many ways this place is a throwback to the classic barber-shop–cum-clubhouse of the 1950’s. With the witty and talented staff working on the heads of senators, house members, Supreme Court justices, and everyday folks, there is almost always someone interesting wandering in or out of the place.

Russel Senate Office Building

The shoe shine stand is tucked up against the hallway which leads to the men and women who sculpt our fearless leaders’ coifs. While the shine itself is excellent, the real the treat is to see who is waiting for a cut or a quick buff of their requisite Brooks Brother’s tasseled loafers.

The best part of all is that it’s open to the public; anyone is welcome. If you want to get a haircut, just make sure to call for an appointment as it can get pretty busy in there.

Behind The Scenes: Terra Cotta Warriors at National Geographic

I headed up M Street feeling a bit like an archaeologist being ushered into a dig site long after the locals had cleared out.

With the White House a few short blocks away, I strode up to the National Geographic Museum and promptly entered the wrong door. After finding the right entrance, I found myself face to face with a warrior and his horse - both almost 2,000 years old.

Along with about 30 bloggers and photographers from across DC, I was invited to a sneak peek of National Geographic's new exhibit, "Terra Cotta Warriors: Guardians of China's First Emperor." I've been telling you about this for a few months and I really could not wait to get in and take a look.

The exhibit finally opened today but yesterday evening I got the chance to be slightly more than an armchair adventurer. I also got to take pictures which you will not, so if you go please leave the camera in your bag.

Featuring the largest number of terra cotta figures ever to travel to the United States for a single exhibition, the collection showcases 15 terra cotta figures from the tomb of China's first emperor. It also highlights 100 sets of artifacts including weapons, stone armor, coins and jade jewelry among many other items.

Stone armor & detail

Considered by China to be Grade I artifacts, the collection sent to the United States is literally priceless. My notes from the sneak peek contain words like "remarkable", "astounding" and "beautifully curated exhibit." The setting is serene and organized as though one where walking through a pavilion or elegant home.

The exhibition will run through March 31, 2010. Hours are 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., with extended hours on Wednesdays until 9:00 p.m.Tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for children 2-12 and seniors. Kids under 2 are free. For more information, visit www.warriorsdc.org or call (202) 857-7700.

As a special benefit, the PIMCO Foundation, an exhibition sponsor, is partnering with the museum to offer 200 free tickets every Wednesday evening.

I want to thank the National Geographic staff for hosting this special event and for a remarkable show. Here are some of my favorite shots from last evening:

For information about this remarkable and rare show, please visit its site at www.warriorsdc.org.

Yes, He Did.

This evening at 11:00 p.m., ET, Barack Obama was elected the first black president of the United States of America.

My son will never know a world without a black president - to him, it will be just another unremarkable fact. And that's a wonderful thing. In addition to it's historic role, this coming transition will hit D.C. with an especially monumental impact as well.

An Obama administration will also change the character of D.C., from 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue to Capitol Hill; from the Georgeton bars to Ben'sChili Bowel. The incoming staff, turnover in the halls of Congress, and new players will all put a new stamp on this city and its institutions.

Off The Cuff will be following the transition and the impact of this president's incoming crew.

VOTE.

For all my American readers I have a small request: vote.

If you have not yet done so please, and it pains me to say this, turn off your computer and go vote right now.

Apart from my personal belief that voting is a civic duty akin to paying taxes, keeping your lawn neat and helping old ladies across the street, this year our country is facing a collection of important and dynamic issues that will shape our nation and our world for years to come.

The votes cast or not cast today will reverberate in countries around the world. Every election is important, but this year provides citizens with the ability to make a fresh start here in Washington. It is also historic because of the candidates themselves. Either way barriers will be broken; be it Barack Obama as our first black president or Sarah Palin as our first female vice president.

Though it's easy to say that all politicians are the same, it's just not true. The candidates for president are different men, with different views about our role the world, economics, geopolitical conflicts, taxes and social issues. So please take a few moments and learn about each candidate's views and plans. If neither Democrat Barack Obama or Republican John McCain work for you, there is a Green Party's Cynthia McKinney, Libertarian candidate Bob Barr, the Constitution Party's Chuck Baldwin, and perennial independent, Ralph Nader.

As I stood on line this morning and waited for more than an hour to vote, two thoughts ran through my mind. The first was that I've never seen a crowd quite this big before. The second was that in many countries throughout the world voting can be a perilous and even fatal endeavor.

The simple yet profound act of choosing our leaders by secret ballot is most certainly taken for granted here. That's not a condemnation, but rather a fact: those of us born in the U.S. have never experienced anything else. We cannot imagine not being able to vote or to not vote; it is the benefit of a comfortable democracy. Yet in recent years we have seen the lengths to which people in other countries will go to secure this right and the price that many have paid to do so, too often the ultimate price.

And don't forget that you are not only voting for a president. On my ballot alone where choices for judges, members of the school board, and members of Congress; ballot questions; and potential changes to the state constitution. So, all I ask is that you take the time to go vote; it is a wonderful privilege granted to us through the efforts and pain of others.

Of course, you should also make a point to dress well when you head out to the polls. When doing your civic duty, look like it matters. Because it does.

OTC: Behind DC's Velvet Rope

On Monday Fashion Washington, The Washington Post's luxury lifestyle magazine hosted a private party to celebrate its one year anniversary. It was also FW's chance to flex a little fashion and eco star power as it also awarded Philippe and Alexandra Cousteau the honor of being DC's Most Fashionable.

From 7:00-10:00 that evening, the recently opened Masa 14 was ground zero for many of DC's best dressed and most fashionable. OTC was there to check it out and report back to you.

Celebrity blogger Scott "The Sartorialist" Schuman was there to schmooze and do a special book signing for the attendees. His official book signing began at 10:00 p.m. and by the time I got there a crowd was already gathering outside Masa 14.

I chatted with Scott for a while and asked why is it that Europeans in particular always seem to pull together great, classic looks that are always in style. Without hesitating he replied, "American men have too many choices. We have all these brands and labels that just pile up and encourage American guys to "be" a certain look. Who am I today? Am I a Ralph safari guy or an Abercrombie pretty preppy boy?"

He noted that Europeans - Italians in particular - "tend to have a single, classic silhouette with a few variations in color, fabric and cut. Milan, style-wise, is deep but narrow, so you have this amazing depth of knowledge and style and everyone tends to refine a common look."

"American men also have an issue with fit. We are so focused on getting something right now that we forget to make sure all the details fit - basically we are pretty lazy about looking good." That said, Scott was wearing Ralph Lauren Purple Label head to toe - and it fit just fine.

He added that "American guys need to utilize and appreciate tailors - that is a big failing of ours." Lastly, Scott pointed out that we should not necessarily try and be Europeans; American style, especially the American Preppy/Ivy League look, is our heritage when it comes to fashion. We should be proud of it.

Philippe and I compared our Kobold dive watches. Of course, while I am a huge fan of my New Arctic Diver, Philippe was wearing the watch he designed with Kobold - the Large Soarway Diver - a portion of the purchase price goes to help fund his organization Earth Echo.

He was a very nice guy - look forward to a more in depth discussion with Philippe in the coming weeks.

It was a great event that really did highlight a fashion community on the rise - no complaints about that!

Here are a couple of shots from the FW party: