The Half Pint Gentleman
HALFPINTGENTLEMAN.COM
A Gentleman Covets: TOKYObay Watches
Dear Reader:
As a small child I remember sitting on crumbling concrete steps of a local honky tonk listening to my Mother belt out a Tanya Tucker tune with a live band. Even though I would tearily beg each time, I was never allowed inside for any of her gigs for the obvious " You have a baby in a bar" reasons. Besides, I was infamous for having the hammy habit of attempting to chime in anytime she sang even though my whiny warbling never quite harmonized with her effortless honey coated expertise.
Instead I would sit there with my cousin and think about the day when I would be allowed entry and all the ruckus I would subsequently cause. In review of my recent 'of age' years, it would seem I've been making up for lost time. I guess you can take the boy out of the honky tonk but you can't, no matter how many attempts at being a nice mild mannered gentleman, take the honky tonk out of the boy. So when I look at clothing or accessories, I seek out those that are not only stylish but durable for my rough and tumble outlaw lifestyle.
Enter my time telling savior, TOKYObay. The recent trend towards ribbon wristbands for time pieces is most certainly a welcome one for my preppy heart but honestly wouldn't last half a whiskey filled night for this Half Pint. With the TOKYObay watch there is the trend appearance but with a flexible colored canvas backed with a strong leather base which increases the durability of the piece. Whether in the bright traditional solid or unique striped combinations, this watch only gets better with each wear.
Classic, dependable style starting at $75. Now, that's something I can sing about.
With Delta Dawn Love,
HPG
A Gentleman's Lesson: Interview with George from Bravo's 9 By Design
With The Hills crashing down in a fiery inferno by the torches of LA townsfolk seeking to cage the infamous Franken-Heidi and the Gosselin goblins running rampid in the Hollywood Hills, it is evident that reality television has switched gears from celebrating actual reality to full throttle monstrous freak shows. This fact, among many, is what makes Bravo's new show 9 By Design such a breath of fresh air to the reality catalogue. The show documents the stylistic trail of Bob and Cortney Novogratz, along with their 7 children, as they create groundbreaking home design by way of their firm Sixx Design. Apart from the truly remarkable interior and structural transformations, what makes this show so unique is not only the solid relationships within the Novogratz clan but the family's relationships with their outside professional and personal circles. Amid the consistent creative chaos, these bonds maintain a firm grounding effect due to a clear indication of love and respect for one another.
The show itself would not be the same without George, Bob's assistant, who acts as a steady right hand to both firm and family. His persistent positive demeanor and can-do attitude, along with a slamming sense of personal style, make him a deserving recipient of a reality gold star. Recently, George took time out of his busy schedule at Sixx Design to answer a few burning questions about his design beginnings, the design process, and his personal style.
The Bungalow Hotel by Sixx Design
1) Have you always been interested in design? What drew you to pursue a career in design?
Yes, Growing up, my sister was the artist. A photography major at RISD and now a web designer/art director at MTV. I never really created at a young age, but between her and skateboarding, I was always exposed to and had opinions about music, art, design, and fashion. I was a bond trader for 6 years right out of college. I liked finance but knew I wanted to do something creative. After I got married, I wanted to make a shift before I got too comfortable at the trading desk. Bob's brother is a good friend of mine and I had always watched Bob and Cortney's business from afar with envy. Over a few beers, I expressed interest to Bob. He started showing me the ropes and eventually the time was right and I was asked to come on as Sixx's first employee.
2) What is the most interesting project that you've worked on?
Our current project because it is the first that I have seen from underpinning the foundation through design and finish work. As project manager it was really a "baptism by fire." Bob and Cortney put a lot of trust in me and I learned so much about the entire building design process.
3) What is your favorite part of the design process? What inspires you to create?
My favorite part of the process is actually creating something tangible. After years on Wall Street, I got tired of transactions that essentially amounted to nothing. To walk by a building or see pictures of something Sixx designed in a magazine and know that I had a hand in it is extremely gratifying. There is a story behind every picture. You may see a cool room, but I see the blowfish and rhino skull that Bob and I lugged through Soho on our shoulders. I get inspired to create because there is so much cool shit out there! Some would say I am materialistic, but it stems from a deeper place than just accumulating things because I'm such a visual person.
4) Being on a show with a family of extremely stylish folks, you have a unique style of dress all your own. In one word define your look.
Tailoredexskateboardingdandy
5) Name an article of clothing that you couldn't live without.
Jackets! I hate cold weather but love jackets. Also, obsessed with sneakers and shoes.
6) What is playing on your Ipod or record player right now?
Probably some Southern rap.
7) A piece of advice about life that every man should follow?
Be honest and humble. Have both an opinion and a good tailor.
Major shout out to my wife Katie and identical twins, Rex & Guy, who were born 6 weeks ago! There must be something in the water at the Novogratz house!
Lobby of the Bungalow Hotel by Sixx Design
A Gentleman Promotes Events: Couture for a Cure Runway Show featuring DKNY
Couture for a Cure will make Washington DC fashion history on May 25, 2010 with New York fashion house DKNY presenting its Spring 2010 collection for the first time in our nation's capitol. The Second Annual Couture for a Cure Runway Show will be at the Kogod Lobby of the Woolly Mammoth Theatre in DC's vibrant Penn Quarter neighborhood from 7:00 to 10:00 pm with a VIP reception from 6:30 to 7:00 pm to benefit the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
Tickets for the event are $75 per person for general admission and $125 per person for VIP. Purchase your tickets here.
All proceeds from Couture for a Cure will benefit the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS).
A Gentleman Ponders About Alfie
Dear Reader:
With Spring in full bloom, my mind has become rooted to one word: Alfie. No, I'm not speaking of the unfortunate Jude Law recreation a few years ago. (Although Marisa Tomei, as always, was an otherworldly siren who effortlessly burns a hole into every screen she's on with those rich truffle brown eyes.) Nope, I'm fluttered with thoughts about the 1966 Michael Caine fueled film loosely based on the life of one of the most famous clothiers in the world, Dougie Hayward. Less about Hayward's fashion and more about his infamous womanizing, the film itself turned Caine not only into an international sex symbol, but the ultimate men's style icon.
Honestly, I'm not sure what specifically it is about Alfie that tugs at my bow tie so? Maybe, the sleek but effortless tailored clothing. The casual yet tart one liner observations on the obstacles that men face with commitments to not only women, but ultimately to themselves. Perhaps, the overt and blatant discussion of the evolution of masculinity in the late 1960's. Or it is just the plain fact that Alfie is a likeable, dare I say lovable, rogue living his life as a perpetual womanizer and we as the viewers of the film somehow accept him. And subconsciously shake his hand because above all the wrong he creates through his swinging escapades he maintains a certain unfortunate and brutal honesty with his lovers.
Given our current state of rogue examples, Tiger and Jesse I am speaking of you, it is evident that perhaps many men of the world have forgotten that living your life the way you please often comes with certain responsibilities. Honesty, should be one of them. Honesty to self, and honesty to others. Sure, Tiger and Jesse are not the first public figures to have multiple affairs with women and of course they certainly won't be the last. But perhaps if there had been a little more Alfie in each of these men their subsequent actions wouldn't have been so personally shocking and professionally devastating. If their had been a mutual understanding with their partners from the inception of their relationships concerning their personal need to revolve with extra-marital lovers then maybe 'divorce' wouldn't be the primary factor in their current equation because there would have already been a recognition from each party about this factor of their relationship.
I'm not sitting here pointing my blogging finger at everyone that stands outside the gleaming picket fenced American Dream of the ideal relationship between a man and a woman. Or man and a man, woman and a woman. Whatever, your personal preference may be. I realize and understand that the conventions of traditional relationships have evolved. I used to be a firm believer in the white picket fence myself until little self doubts and personal discoveries starting chipping away at the paint. But this has to do with my ongoing personal journey as a man finding out who I am and what my needs are in the partner I choose. The fact that every human being is unique with different wants and needs should be such an easy concept to understand, as it is evident every day we walk out into the world, but its one as the human race we've had the most difficultly getting over and coming to grips with. Perhaps because if we could start accepting each others differences then we'd be forced to start accepting our own. Pursuing our real wants and needs. Maybe step outside the realms of tradition and leave the Tigers and the Jesses of the world to their own devices.
Now, I'm not an expert. But at 31, I fully understand that there is no full proof equation to the perfect relationship. What relationship dynamics work for one couple, may not work for another. But what is full proof every day and I bet a thousand bow ties on it, is honesty. Honesty with yourself. And honesty with your partner about your needs, your wants, your expectations. And above all the watches and shades in the world, honesty is the most stylish accessory a man can have.
Rest in Peace Dougie Hayward, wherever you are.
Best,
HPG
Michael Caine and the real "Alfie" Dougie Hayward. Picture by Getty Images.
A Gentleman Covets: Kiel James Patrick Bracelets
Dear Reader:
Lizeria Treston Iszabel
Her name was Kelly and she broke my heart. In between turns on the swing she tore the friendship bracelet she had given me right off my wrist and before the week was out had tied it to Jamey Tracey. It was as if our two week courtship had meant nothing to her, and I was just a background dancer in her playground heartbreaker routine.
(And she knew I really really hated Jamey Tracey which made her evil and only long for her more.)
Sure, it was the 3rd grade but playground love sticks for life. And since then I've never been a bracelet kind of guy. I just could never bring myself to wear another one. Partially, because friendship bracelets went out of style over 20 year ago. And partially because I'm still hoping that Kelly will right her wrong. (Although, my best friend just informed me via phone that she's married with three kids. Not, to Jamey Tracey just in case you were keeping score.)
But when I feasted my eyes on the wonder of Kiel James Patrick bracelets the woes of my playground love triangle quickly vanished. The fine craftsmanship and unique pattern pairings radiate eternal Summer. Think lost days on the beach underneath the warm domineering sun. Margarita infused afternoons on weathered piers with old friends. Early morning sails with no particular destination. With these bracelets, not only do you have the perfect accessory for your Spring and Summer wardrobe but you have the capability to remember the splashing good times year round.
Buy one. In fact, buy two. And pour me another margarita. Extra salt, if you please.
Blackwell Hook and Net
Lizeria Treston Iszabel Sengekontacket Shipwreck Cover
A Gentleman Gets Hate Mail.
Dear Reader:
I've currently been feeling like a heavy cupcake of stress smeared with whipped frustration and lightly sprinkled with self doubt jimmies. As my Mother would say, "HPG is in a mood." Translation: Few things make me smile these days except the thought of successfully finishing my law school experience in a few days and remembering all the items necessary to have a completed bar application.
Easier said than done.
This past week was particularly troubling due to my law exhaustion until I opened my blog email account to find something truly wonderful which lifted my spirits to the heavens: My First Piece of Blog Hate Mail. Normally, my initial reaction to anything spiteful or mean directed at me would be to immediately drink some whiskey, and then confront the mean, spiteful person to discuss our issues. But my reaction to this was quite different. Perhaps, I've changed. Or perhaps its the anonymity of the internet that shields my sensitive man feelings from being hurt. But truly, I feel kind of famous. Special. Controversial. Who knew that my little bow tie blog would cause such a ruckus? Someone actually took the time out of their busy schedule to write me a lengthy email because they hate my HPG-ness?
With this sudden bad press, I feel like I've become the Lindsay Lohan of Georgetown, minus the major drug and alcohol addictions, and instead of diving into a bucket of self pity I'm going to zero in on how Lindsay would react to this. She being the Guru of Receiving Bad Press. So WWLLD (What Would La Lohan Do?) She would love the negative attention. Like really love the negative attention. She'd go on a bender to celebrate said attention. She wouldn't wear underwear. ( I'll skip that one. Commando is not my style.) But above all else, she would take it in stride and do what she does best: Living La Vida Lohan.
Listen, dear reader, let's straighten out a few things that were so eloquently addressed to me in said hate mail. I want to avoid any possible confusion about who I am and what I do. I write what I know and what I'd like to know. I email individuals for interviews who inspire me for one reason or another. I'm no one special. I'm not an expert. I'm not a socialite. I don't get invited to fancy pants parties on the regular. I'm not a Pillar of the Community on LNS. I'm not part of "the scene" or whatever that is. I'm just a regular guy, well as regular as someone who refers to himself as The Half Pint Gentleman can be. My only real claims to 'fame' are that I once streaked from Georgetown Hospital to the Main Library without getting caught, was permanently blacklisted from LuLu's for getting into four fights in one night, and danced on the bar at Smith Point with Jenna Bush long before she became a gossip magazine staple.
So to all you haters, keep it coming. HPG ain't scared.
In Living La Vida Lohan,
HPG
A Gentleman Gets Illuminated with Lumina Clothing Company
Dear Reader:
My Snuggie and slippers have been packed away. I've sent my Mister Rogers inspired wool cardigans to be dry cleaned. And Late Night Cheeseburger Doritos, my cold weather comfort food, are oddly absent from my weekly grocery list. These few factors can only mean one thing: Spring is officially here. And as quick as the warm weather has hit us, my hibernation haze has been replaced with the zestful need to be social.
To get started, I need an ample amount of Pimm's Cup. The sun to quickly cure my pale like Powder appearance. And, plate after plate of BBQ (East Carolina-vinegar based, if you please.) until my belt buckle needs to be released. But above all else, I need bright, traditional neckwear that reflects my new happy disposition.
Just my luck, the North Carolina based Lumina Clothing Company has created a line of ties and bow ties with bright, fresh patterns and traditional cuts. The designers were inspired by Wrightsville Beach's Lumina Pavilion, the famed movie house and dance hall, which was built in 1905 and not torn down until 1973. During the Pavilion's height of popularity, crowds would travel from all over the East to see movies illuminated over the waves and to jitterbug the night away with tunes by famed band leaders like Glenn Miller and Cab Calloway. The designers at LCC have captured the essence of this celebrated time with a line that is both delightfully classic, but forward thinking.
See below for some of my favorites.
With Pimm's Cup wishes & BBQ dreams,
HPG
Raspberry Lemonade
Dawn and Dusk
High Noon
Paisley Two Timer
A Gentleman Tweets.
Dear Reader:
I don't fully comprehend this Twitter business. People with their @this and @that. Their Lists. Their interconnected messages that I can't decipher. I mean do we really need to know where everyone in the world is at 24/7? Are we all so insanely important that others should care about our whereabouts? Do people really care that Kim Kardashian is in Miami again wearing another skimpy bikini lounging by some swank pool with her sisters?
Oh wait. I DO.
So after a little pushing by Miggellsworth, who is really the Queen of all Media, I've decided to start tweeting. But much like blogging, I have no idea what I'm doing. So if you tweet (and care about my whereabouts) then you can follow me here.
I promise to keep my posts as clean as a struggling gentleman can.
(Which isn't really saying very much, is it?)
With twittery love,
HPG
A Gentleman Has Pet Peeves.
Dear Reader:
I've been hanging out with some shady characters lately. One in particular happens to be local up and coming comedian Aaron Zev. I've come to realize that being around a comedian, this being the first comedian I've ever really been around besides my high on Nyquil Adam Sandler sick day marathons, has made me slightly bi-polar. I spend half the time laughing at his new material, and the other half worrying that I will actually become his new material. Let's face it folks, there is a lot to be said about a little angry man who has an affinity for the bow tie. So after some time, I've come up with a way to protect myself from becoming his latest comedic inspiration: I constantly make fun of him and all of his flaws. (Don't tell him, but he doesn't really have THAT many so I mostly just make them up as I go along.)
But recently while out with the Zev, I didn't have to dig too deep for inspiration because as I glanced down at his feet I viewed one of my most hated, truly despised pet peeves: White Socks with Work Attire. Shouldn't this be a no-brainer at this point? I mean we are so advanced with all our Ipad-ness and 3-D mania that for one of the simple choices in life our brains should go right to a nice argyle or simple black sock when wearing work attire. Or jeans. Or really anything for that matter. Adult men wearing white socks screams," I may appear to be a man but really at the heart of it I'm still a little middle school boy clad in a ugly odd fitting gym uniform looking for my place in the world." And who wants that? Certainly not me. I've got enough issues to sort out.
And yes, I won't even get started on Zev's shoes which are heinous. Who knew Dr. Marten was still around and making shoes?
The Doc should have quit while he was ahead, like back in 1993.
A Gentleman's Inspiration: Aidan Gill for Men
Dear Reader:
It was the Spring of my 8th Grade Year of Middle School and, unfortunately for those around me, I was knee deep into my 'awkward' phase. (Which some might argue I never outgrew.) During this most dreaded portion of pubescent life, my issue wasn't the usual acne or an insanely warbled voice; it was hair. Specifically, the hair on my head which grew at alarming speeds and oddly curled around my ears in a way that would make Shirley Temple flip me the bird for giving her mainstay a bad name. Sorry, Miss Good Ship Lollipop it was out of my control.
And thus like most teens going through this phase, my hair was a life or death situation. A situation I had to take into my own hands because I knew my parents couldn't be trusted because parents are soooo lame. Riiight? Right. So instead of doing something silly like requesting a haircut, I went into my father's medicine cabinet and gave myself a quick trim. Oh no, not with the electric clippers mind you. No, I just took his shaving razor and with my surgeon steady hand decided to 'trim' the hair around my ears. For my left side this actually worked like a charm. It was the right side where I got a little shaky and ended up taking a larger chunk of hair than expected. A larger chunk that forced me to wear a baseball cap for the next week before my parents discovered my "Rihanna Before Her Time" do. This resulted in my first lifesaving trip to the barbershop where my lifelong affair with the shop chair began.
During my recent trip to New Orleans, I had my first, second, and third experience at Aidan Gill for Men. Yes, that Aidan Gill. The famed shop that has been voted by basically every major men's publication in America as being the "Best Barbershop in the Universe." Pretty hefty title, huh? Well, there couldn't be a more deserving recipient.
The store's shelves are filled to the brims with highly regarded men's necessities from all over the world. Shaving Creams and Facial Moisturizers. Custom razors. Chic ties. Unique watches. Aidan Gill truly has it all for the modern man, but what makes this space truly remarkable is not what sits on the shelves but the individuals working behind the counter. Gentleman clad in bow ties and dressed to the nines who were not only gracious and kind but extremely knowledgeable about men's grooming. They weren't just selling products but an experience which made all of my purchases worth every penny.
In the back of the store, the barbershop offers traditional haircuts and shaves for $35 and $40 respectively. These services are guaranteed to make even the saltiest of dogs feel like and look like a proper gent. However, judging by the line of eagerly awaiting customers I would advise on calling ahead and making an appointment.
So in between sipping Hurricanes and throwing beads, make an effort to stop by Aidan Gill the next time you are in New Orleans. You won't regret it. I promise.
Cross my heart and twirl my bow tie.
Aidan Gill For Men, 2026 Magazine Street, New Orleans, LA (504)-587-9090
