Does My Watch Have to Match My Belt and Shoes?

From the first time that I first received a Timex Mickey Mouse watch from my mom and dad (circa '80s), I've always been told that the watch strap and the entire watch in general must follow the color of one's (1) Belt and (2) Shoes as well as (3) Bags and accessories.

Flash-forward to 30 plus years in the future, I had the chance to be with some of today's hottest online fashion+styling blogging sensations David Guison, Lissa Kahayon, Camille Co and Myx VJ Joyce Pring in a grueling two-day photo and video shoot in BGC for a fashion project for the biggest watch retailer in the country that simply erased my belief about matching watches with what you are wearing.

The bottom line is, watches now can be made a focal point in one's outfit. It doesn't have to strictly match color-for-color with what you are wearing. It serves as an accent to the overall look you are trying to achieve --- it is a statement of your lifestyle, your passions, your personality.

Go ahead break the stereotype. Pictures of the actual shoot coming soon!

My New Jordan 2012

I've never liked high cut rubber shoes but I really like the color palette and silhouette of the new NIKE Jordan 2012 Wollf Grey/Volt.

My wife surprised me with this pair as our 2nd wedding anniversary present --- after she got her PSP and Fossil bag gifts...hehehehe.

Just glad that I work for a company that allows us to wear casual clothes to work. Any ideas friends on how I can wear this monster to work without looking like I'm about to play some hoops during break time?

I'm thinking of just pairing this with plain jeans and a plain colored polo-shirt in black, grey or white when I don't have any meetings scheduled for the day.

Here's the real thing...sooo happy!

Do you guys think this can go with jean and a long-sleeved black button down?

Garage Magazine Young Talents 2012

Had the chance to get invites c/o Man on the Street Thons Edano to attend Garage Magazine's Young Talents 2012 presentation at the roof deck of the W Building (where the Lamborghini showroom is at BGC) - SKYE bar last February 28, 2012.

Here are some of the pictures: (Thanks to Thons Edano for some of the pictures)

Me and ex PBB Unlimited housemate Wendy

Garage Magazine Editor Ray Ilagan and MYX VJ Joyce Pring

Andi Eigenman (looking good) and Lauren Young

Solenn Heusaff

(l-r) Inja Fajatin-Fossil Marketing Manager, me, Jemelle Mendoza-Wenger, Victorinox and Bench Time Marketing Person and VJ Joyce Pring

MEGA Young Designers Competition 2012 Grand Finals

I miss going out to attend events especially now that I have a baby but luckily last February 16, friends from MEGA invited me to attend the 20th Anniversary of MEGA as well as the Young Designers Grand Finals at the NBC Tent.

One thing really hit me while watching the designs of the finalists --- the way modern pop culture, online games, anime as well as the overall influence of Japanese manga and Japanese fashion have on the Pinoy youth was very evident in the designs presented by the finalists.

Not that there was anything bad about it at all but I'm a bit worried that some of the clothes presented by the finalists were what you would see one lazy Sunday afternoon in Megamall during a COSPLAY event.

But in fairness to the winner Renan, he did present a modern, edgy, and most importantly "wearable" collection.

If I had a size 34 waistline and if I were even just 50 pounds lighter and 15 years younger I would want to wear clothes that he would design since I did love the jacket that he wore (last picture below).

But what do I know, I'm not a high fashion sort of person...so I'll just stick to my everyday fashion stuff.

Oh by the way I did get away with wearing my pink button down long sleeve, black jacket and dark jeans but vowed to myself that I would be going to the tailor soon and getting myself a decent suit and pants for such events.

Attending Another MEGA Publishing Event

Last year I attended the MEGA 10 Most Beautiful party at OPUS in Resorts World. Here's a photo of me with one of the attendees Miss Aubrey Miles.

Tonight, I will have the chance to attend another MEGA Publishing Event --- The MEGA Young Designers Competition 2012 at the NBC Tent.

Please check back in the next few days for some exclusive photos from the event.

I'll be coming from work and the invite said the guys must be wearing suits... Hopefully I can get away with wearing dark jeans, an untucked button down pink long sleeve shirt, my ever reliable Julius Marlowe leather shoes, my TWSTEEL Icon watch and of course my one and only black blazer.

Wish me luck!

Miss Earth 2011

Just want to share with you guys...a few months ago, I had the chance to treat the Miss Earth Philippines 2011 finalists to a shopping day in Skechers Trinoma (part of my job people when I used to work with Skechers).

Athena (the girl on the far right) eventually won the pageant and I think moved on to become one of the Miss Earth 2011 winners in the international pageant. But Miss Cebu was my bet.

This photo reminds me that next time when I have my photo taken, it should not be at an angle as my double chin come out and my cheeks seem to cover up the rest of my visible neck. Hmmm this could be a good topic for a post in the future ---- how to pose when you're fat or how to minimize your fat profile when having your picture next time... :)

Breathing New Life to My Old Watch

A few Christmases ago a friend of mine who I haven't seen for the longest time literally gave me a Rudy Project watch off his wrist since he noticed that I wasn't wearing any. This friend has been with me for the longest time - for more than eleven years.

I'm a very sentimental guy so this gift is more than just a gift but is something much more. The watch has been through tough times with me, but sadly the leather strap it came with leaves much to be desired. It's all worn out, scratched, and in some parts stripped of its color (my sweat is quite acidic) and yet I still wear the watch for sentimental reasons.

Quite recently I came across ASPREY in one of the malls and saw what they called a NATO STRAP and found out that they had a blue colored one that was very close to the hue of the watch face of my favorite wrist watch. So I bought it and upon reaching home removed the worn out straps and replaced them with my brand new ASPREY Nato Strap!

Tip: If you have an old plain vintage looking silver watch (in my opinion looks best with any colored strap), drop by Asprey and pick out any color NATO strap to breath new life to your watch.

Butt Crack Trouble

I'm fat and can't avoid having fat friends, fat bosses, fat relatives and we all fall prey to buying the wrong type of pants - either too loose, too tight and never just right.

Most of the time I notice that we fat guys really wear loose pants that inadvertently slide down and we often find ourselves hiking up our pants as we walk, run and move. And there's the danger of what I call "Butt Crack Trouble" --- that's when your pants slide down while you're actually moving around in your seat, then you stand up, then bend down and pick something up while giving everyone a good view of your (our) pimpled backside.

How to avoid this:

1. Wear the right size of pants - Kinda hard to find the correct fit and size so once you buy the pants, take the time to visit your neighborhood "mananahi" (usually just Php50) and alter-to-fit your pants.
2. Wear a belt - They do have big sizes available from McJim belts in department stores.

Give everyone a break and stop "mooning" your officemates, friends, relatives and loved ones. Just a friendly reminder.

Fieldwork Wear

Comfort is key.

My job sometimes entails my having to go to various places. I've grown to love the IZOD long sleeve shirt that my Aunt brought home from the US as it keeps me warm enough in the plane yet comfortable enough when I walk the streets even at high noon.

I also like to wear my cheap cargo pants I bought years back in 168 mall as they have proven to be durable and comfortable with a "no-need to iron" personality. I hear the fashion police sirens now --- I know, I know that it's a fashion no-no to wear bulky pants especially when you're big, because they tend to make you look bigger--- but hey I have skinny legs! (Plus 2012, they said, the loose, more comfortable bottoms are in.)

Weather is unpredictable nowadays so I always rely on my Merrell Waterpro Ottawa to keep me comfortable, and stress-free even when walking long distances. And the color I picked is low-maintenance too so no need to worry about mud and dust, and you can just grab a wet cloth and the pair is as good as new.

Lastly, I'm always on the run when I go on field work so I need to make sure that I'm on schedule so I always use my NIKE Heritage watch which I just found out when I changed the battery, has a double case construction that makes it really splash proof and water resistant.

Comfort Food Series - TOP 10

I have had a score of food that never fails to comfort me especially when facing a very tough day in the office. When I transferred to my new job late last year, I discovered ARMY NAVY.

Since last September I would order the same thing and pay the same Php210.00 for my lunch. My comfort food ranked 10 would be the basic burger and an order of onion rings and loads and loads of the GARLIC SAUCE! (The ARMY NAVY Garlic Sauce deserves its own blogpost - that's how great it is!).

What I like best about the burger are the following:

1. Tastes like real meat not the longganiza-tasting Jollibee burger and the cardboard-tasting McDonalds burger (which I still like by the way).
2. Juicy
3. Vegetables are fresh
4. When they say the burger patty is grilled, you can actually see it sizzle on the grill

What I like least:

1. It seems like the burger has been shrinking the past so many months
2. The juices of the burger drench the bread sometimes making the bread too soggy to hold --- probably the price one has to pay for real, grilled, fresh beef.

As for the onion rings, well at least you can still taste the onions and not like the Burger King onion rings that taste like batter.

Oh, did I mention the great Garlic Sauce! One thing though, the Shaw Boulevard branch near my office has gotten very stingy with it. They just used to give me the dispenser and use the sauce to my heart's content but last Friday, they told me point blank na "bawal na raw" when I asked for my usual (reserved for those who order burritos I suppose). BOOOOO!

Oh by the way, go buy yourself a 500ml Coke in the PET bottle...the more than Php40.00 can of Coke seems like a rip-off when you think that the 40 bucks could have well bought you a Coke LITRO.

Full on Friday!

I have full day today so I chose this look as the combo gave me a sense of work but also gave a strong hint of the coming weekend.

I'm totally Pinoy as in brown-skinned and a lot of people told me never to wear pastels since the light colors will make me look darker. But I've always wanted to wear pink and wanted to prove to myself that I could pull it off; and then I happened to chance upon a long sleeved polo that was on sale at MAXWEAR so what have I got to lose?

The dark Freego jeans (used to be black) but after countless bouts with the washing machine and the labandera's "palo-palo", it's still dark but no longer black. I also chose grey-colored PONY sneakers recommended by my friend from PONY marketing, Donna Santos (who told me that grey was the new black). To top off the look, I chose to wear my PUMA Motorsports watch in with a white dial and a red and black strap from LTIMESTUDIO.

I lost a pair of my "el-cheapo" shades from SM again so I had to scrounge around my closet and found my old MOSSIMO shades given to me by my friend.

So with that, Happy WEEKEND everyone!

RJ Jacinto Still Rocks

Quite recently I was asked together with Fossil Marketing Manager, Miss Inja Fajatin to guest in a radio program in DZRJ to talk about wrist watches. There we got to meet RJ Jacinto himself who up to now exudes the enviable "I'm a rockstar" vibe.

I'm wearing my super comfortable Lacoste short sleeved polo and my Big Men indigo jeans with of course my favorite TWSTEEL Icon watch and Florsheim loafers .

Mossimo Bikini Summit 2007

Almost five years ago I had the chance to produce the 2007 Mossimo Bikini Summit. The overriding concept of the contest to me is one of the more brand-loyal concepts in the history of this competition as we tried to bring back Mossimo to its roots as a street wear brand. My partner and I gave it a little more twist by injecting the look and feel of the movie "Fast and the Furious" to ensure that the bikinis as well as the street clothes would gel into one cohesive concept.

I am particularly proud to say that the contestants and winners of the 2007 MOSSIMO BIKINI SUMMIT made a name for themselves immediately after the contest. The interesting cast of characters to name a few were Jacqui Christian, Arra Castro, Gail Nicolas, Cherry Kubota, Zara Aldana, and a host of other interesting characters like Andy Smith (boyfriend of Jacq Yu of the famed Elasto Seal commercial seen often during Pacquiao fights), and now Bikram Yoga instuctor to the stars Al Galang.

One of the more sought after winners up to now is half-Pinay and half-Japanese Cherry Kubota, or Chek who has graced the pages of FHM, and was hailed as the Century Tuna Super Bods.

Shown in the picture above right is Chek modeling for Level Up with yours truly wearing the racing shirt specially designed for the online casual game Crazy Kart and CK2RBO.

How to Roll Up Your Sleeves

Ever since ex-President FVR folded-up the sleeves of his barong to appear more like a hands-on President, wearing the sleeves folded up has been an acceptable thing in the workplace.

I really believe rolled-up sleeves gives a guy an immediate air of “I’m ready to get down to business.” A guy with rolled-up sleeves is the go-to guy - the one everyone turns to when things get hectic and tense. Rolled-up sleeves give the impression that a guy is quick to act, no-nonsense and respected. Now below are some guidelines on looking cool while you keep the "I'm a hands-on type of guy" aura about you.

STYLE 1:

1. First, unbutton your cuffs.
2. Flip the cuff over, then pull it up toward the elbow, smoothing it as you go. Stop when the cuff is just above the elbow.
3. Evenly roll the inside-out material hanging below the cuff up until it covers half of the cuff.
4. Leave the rest of the cuff visible, so that it peeks out of the roll.

STYLE 2:

1. Unbutton your cuffs.
2. Fold the cuff up to the same width as the cuff.
3. Continue folding the cuff, making sure that the folds are the same width as the first cuff fold, until your sleeve is the desired length.
4. Be sure to smooth the fold after each roll to prevent lumps and wrinkles.

STYLE 3:

Italian Style

1. Unbutton your cuffs.
2. Flip the cuff up, then pull it up until it reaches the middle of the elbow.
3. Fold the shirt material below the cuff up either once or twice, depending on your length preference and how thick you want the roll to be, until it reaches the top of the cuff.
4. An Italian fold never goes past the elbow. The roll is always tight and flat, without any bulk.

Chinggay Andrada

I've always been a fan of Chinggay Andrada. From a Monster Radio DJ, an FHM Cover Girl, host, model to television fitness guru, Chinggay has reinvented herself countless times and has succeeded in everything she set her mind to.

Last year, I had the chance to work with her while still handling part of the Marketing of Skechers as we tapped her to be one of the fitness brand ambassadors. After the launch of Skechers PROSPEED in Fitness First Trinoma, she actually asked me to do exercises in the Trinoma hallway in full view of everyone --- I couldn't understand what she wanted me to do!

But to my surprise, she got down on the floor and demonstrated to me what I was supposed to do while some curious onlookers were actually there calling out her name. I suppose the people realized that Chinggay is the same Coach Chinggay in the Biggest Loser Philippines --- I mean what they see on TV is actually how she is in real life --- the way she would bark orders, how strict she was and at the same time how she always has a ready smile to put you at ease.

Hopefully sometime soon, I do get the chance to work with her again.

By the way in the photo, am wearing my loose jeans (A BIG NO NO!), my too tight Fred Perry copycat bought in Greenhills (some said tama lang ang fit) and my size 11 Skechers Prospeed which I do use for running, and my SOMA watch (feeling sporty again).

How to Wear Jeans - Basic Guide

Wearing jeans are the most normal thing for us Pinoys as the national casual wear is jeans with a sports shirt or a plain tee. Below are some very basic guides on how to wear jeans.

1. Baggy jeans are a no-no unless you're going for a slim shady, hip-hop look. Chances are if you're reading this blog, you do own these baggy jeans for comfort because of your size --- but wearing them makes you and I look fatter! Go for the straight cut my friend.
2. Wear your jeans just below your waistline. I've seen guys wearing them too high and they just look downright silly.
3. As for the fit, AskMen.com gives this advise: A good tip to know if your jeans fit properly is to try them without a belt; if they fit and stay on without having to wear a belt, it means they will look even better once you slip one on. Also, be sure you can still breathe when you have them on, because having extremely tight jeans looks as silly as when they are hanging on your knees.
4. I've also seen a lot of guys sporting what the British call "turn-ups" --- folding the cuffs of the jeans from anywhere between 4 to 10 inches. If you don't like the look, just have them altered to your length.
5. As for color Dark blue is the way to go. Dark-colored jeans easily match with most types of shoes, and can be combined with a variety of colored shirts and sweaters.

Gaby dela Merced!

Veering away from fashion for a while, let me just share with you one of the people who have inspired me the past years, Gaby dela Merced --- actress, race car driver, and all-around nice person (by the way, she's Godmother to my baby girl).

I've had the chance to work with her before when we got her as a brand ambassador to one of the online games I used to market called Crazy Kart in Level Up. Read more about Gaby here.

Oh, did you notice the shirt I'm wearing? It was a shirt we designed to give away to players of Crazy Kart (similar to Mario Kart). This is my favorite design in the set.

The picture on the right is the Crazy Kart Game Management and Marketing team (aka Steamroller, DriftKing, RaceBoss-me-, Slingshot) with Gaby.

Happy Weekend!

Should I buy the PUMA Easter Basket?

I just love sneakers!

A friend of mine, Andy Smith is selling a PUMA Easter Basket. I don't know what's so special about it except that they do look pretty neat. Researched a bit and found this on the web via http://sneakernews.com.

The Puma Basket might not be as famous as its similar siblings the Clyde and Suede, but there’s little doubt these are the best fit for this pack. The Puma Easter Basket is a play on words that translates well to the lowtop silhouette.

The black joints feature icy greenish-blue and deep purple accents. It favors an Easter egg design in lieu of the Puma logo on the heel tab.

Hmmm at Php2,500 it does seem like a steal. So what do you think?

Sporty

I do try and lose weight by running and by walking most of the time. SO after doing a 3K around the neighborhood or if sometimes I get the chance to run laps in ULTRA, I want to keep that sporty feeling the entire day so I end up wearing this set.

Putting Collezione Back on the Map

Had the chance to be a consultant once for Collezione C2 and one of the things I said was we needed to get the brand back on everyone's fashion radar --- a distinctively young, fresh and nationalistic idea or take on the designs and collections --- this was the time that the youth was decidedly very pro-Pinoy.

And fashion designer and now Collezione C2 creative director Rhett Eala stepped-in and did his magic of coming up with the Philippine Map designs.

Oh this did wonders for the brand but then again after a few months and after getting so much acclaim for the designs, Collezione C2 suffered the most flattering insult --- it got copied by everyone! How hard was it to put the Philippine map on a shirt right?

If I were still the consultant, I would be asking and finding a solution to this question: SO after the Philippine map, what's next?

Anyway, three things the copycats didn't do right were the "burda" of the map --- it was downright sloppy unlike the one made by Collezione C2; and another thing was the quality of the polo shirt itself. The quality of Collezione-made polo shirts is, really for me unequaled since the 80s (kudos to Mr. Joey Qua and family).

The third and last is the most important --- the cheaper copycat versions didn't have OUR size!

As I wrote before, if your waistline is somewhere in the vicinity of 40 to 42 inches, get the 2XL from Collezione C2.

By the way, they still have sizes up to 4XL. GREAT!

Pa Ulit-ulit Favorite

Just my favorite when going to the office whether with meetings or just sitting on my desk thinking of Marketing stuff.

No Meeting Mondays

I rummaged through my closet and decided I want to wear this on Monday when I have no scheduled meetings of any kind.

Disclaimer: The more fashionable readers may not agree with my choices but hey, please feel free to recommend what else to add or change.

Hold That Tiger!

One of the funniest commercials involving women chasing men (even before the AXE commercials gained notoriety) was aired sometime in the 80's here in the Philippines for a clothing brand with the basic lyrics of "Hold that tiger" in its catchy jingle. The clothing brand was and is LE TIGRE.

(Wikipedia) Le Tigre is an American brand of apparel designed to rival Lacoste in styling. First offered in 1977, Le Tigre polos sported a leaping tiger in lieu of Lacoste's signature crocodile. The brand made a comeback in 2003, after being out of production through the 1990s. Le Tigre had become popular during the later 1980s.

I'm not sure if they

ever did disappear in the Philippines since up to now an outlet store that sells Le Tigre is still up and running along Shaw Boulevard Mandaluyong in the building beside Puregold Liberty Center.

TIP: If buying a Le Tigre polo shirt and you have a waistline of roughly 40-42, buy the XL. It's at Php500.00 (for all that cloth!).

Aside from Lacoste and Le Tigre, the Philippines had its own version of aclassic, vintage brand called Collezione (the logo is the famous key; now it has the key and the Philippine map). More on Collezione later.

I know some of you weren't even born when this brand hit the shelves but hey, Vintage really is back in style. If you don't believe me, what are the supposed modern brands still in use and being bought by Pinoys nowadays --- There's Lacoste, FOSSIL, Collezione, Sebago, Keds (the first sneaker), Sperry Top-sider (the world's original boat shoe), LEVIS, etc.

Over or Under the Tummy?

This is a quick post being a Sunday and all...word of advise from FAT MAN FASHION TIPS:

Wear your pants just below your gut not over the top of it. Your belt should be below your belly not running over the top of it like they did in the old days. Your belt line should be at the point just above your ass. Think of it as your belt separates the moving part of your lower body from your upper body. That is why fatter men that wear there belt too high look so foolish. Yes, you should make an effort to lose some of that gut. But in the meanwhile, wear your belt at the proper location. By the way, for the thin men reading this, this location applies to you also. Thin men look stupid wearing their pants too high also.

Happy lazy Sunday everyone!

Untucked

I've always tried to get away wearing my tops un-tucked since I do believe that the mirror doesn't lie at all when I see how wide I am. I've always been big but the problem really is not that my gut sticks out whenever I tuck my shirts in, it's more of how wide I look.

So how does one wear an un-tucked shirt whether they be polo shirts or button down shirts?

A good friend of mine gave me these two tips:

TIP NUMBER 1: An un-tucked shirt should sit in the region from a little below your belt line to halfway down your ass. Any higher and your butt crack will show. Any lower and it is way too long.

A good measurement really is, the hem or bottom of the shirt should sit either right above the top of your back pocket or a little under the top pocket.

TIP NUMBER 2: If you are going to wear your shirt un-tucked especially in the office, try and go for the square-hemmed shirts as they offer a more finished, more sophisticated look than normal curved shirt hems.

Sleek Shoes Make Fat Feet Look Sexier

I've always loved shoes because no matter how big you are, shoe sizes tend to be pretty standard and one need not worry about the sizing too much --- if you're a size 11, chances are you are a size 11 for all shoe-brands. I saw this Nike sneaker in the COMPLEX LIFESTYLE STORE in Eastwood. I shunned NIKE sneakers for a time since they have a bad habit of breaking apart if you don't use them often enough --- the glue that holds the uppers to the sole just turns to powder - but hell, if I get this then I'll just wear it more often.

The Nike Flyclave, is a no-fuss sneaker which is very similar to the Nike Flash. What I love most about it is the ultra slim profile that makes my fat feet look sexier. It features a combination of leather and suede on the upper, a super sleek EVA midsole, perforated Swoosh, and a rubber outsole --- simple enough to wear in the office (if you do work for a no-uniform, casual company that is). By the way it costs Php3,495. (Hopefully my friends from COMPLEX can give me a discount).

Boat Shoes are Back In Style

Let's talk about shoes for awhile...Just came from Trinoma and saw once again the Sperry Top-Sider that I so badly want. So I'm reprinting one of earlier blog posts to remind me and everyone else that the boat shoes are back in style!

Had the chance to be with Martin of Sole Movement and a number of other bloggers way back (last August 31) in the COMPLEX LIFESTYLE STORE sneak peak of SPERRY TOP-SIDER in Eastwood Mall and what an experience it was.

I was quite amazed at the feeling I got when I first entered the store and saw the rows upon rows of Sperry Top-Sider --- happy memories came rushing in. Memories of my carefree high school days, Saturdays in Greenhills with family and friends, anticipated mass in dela Strada Parish, merienda at Shakeys Katipunan and soirees with girls from Miriam, St. Paul and Assumption...all because of what greeted me as I entered COMPLEX --- the Authentic American iconic Sperry Top-Sider (in brown leather).


Kind of hard to imagine that Sperry, the originator of the boat shoe has been around for 75 years.

Back in 1935, Sperry was out for a sail with his dog, Prince, when he noticed that Prince had no trouble navigating the cold, wet, icy decks. Paul took a look at Prince’s paws and noticed that there were several cuts and ridges going through the pad on the bottom.

Prince inspired Paul, and he went home to create shoes with rubber soles that looked just like the bottom of Prince’s paw. And, thus, Sperry boat shoes were born!

I still see friends and relatives wear this style in various permutations. Nephews and nieces boast of their latest finds and how boat shoes are the rave these days, how my uncle refuses to part with his ages-old navy blue Sperry Top-Sider bought in Cartimar, and how my youngest brother got cited for not wearing socks with his boat shoes to work.

In spite of falling in love all over again with the leather "Tops", one new Sperry-style caught my eye and it's the Bahama. It has a modern look yet almost retain the silhouett

e of the classic Top-Sider that I love. It really is a wonderful cross between sneakers and Top-Si
ders.

Sperry now comes in a variety of styles and designs for both men and women that ranges from the Authentic Original leather Top-Siders that we all love to vulcanized soles and canvas tops.

Lissa Kahayon

I had the chance to meet up with another stylist-fashion blogger who at 20-something has inspired so many and has demystified fashion for the youth --- Lissa Kahayon.

See her work at http://www.lissakahayon.com/.

Fashion Tips for Fat Dudes

Seriously, the best way to look great in the long term is to shed some of those excess pounds. No need to enroll in those expensive classes or spend for gym time. Your best bet is to put on some running shoes and run, walk, hike --- just move --- take the stairs instead of the elevator, walk instead of taking the jeep, any activity that will get you off the couch or in front of your computer.

Anyway, here are some more tips for us larger-than-life fellows from ASKMEN.COM:

1. ENSURE YOUR CLOTHES AREN'T TOO TIGHT

Wearing clothes that are too tight will showcase the lumps.

2. DON'T WEAR TOPS WITH SLOPED SHOULDERS

Draw attention away from your midsection by wearing tops that have more squared shoulders.

3. WEAR LOW-RISE PANTS

4. WEAR V-NECKED SHIRTS

As my friend Daemon Frost told me a few days ago, wearing V-NECKED tops makes it seem that you still have a neck. I laughed but seriously thought about it and then I saw this tip on ASKMEN.COM and lo and behold he was right all along.

5. WEAR PANTS WITH A LONGER HEM

For more tips visit ASKMEN.COM

Laureen Uy

Had the chance to meet this wonderful twenty-something stylist-fashionblogger-actress last Saturday.

Laureen Uy is the younger sister of stylist Liz Uy and Vince Uy of Preview Magazine. She in her own right has made a name for herself in fashion through BREAK MY STYLE and STYLEBREAK.

By the way I'm wearing a ten year old NAUTICA raglan sleeve shirt in 2XL. See, this brand ages well.

The List PART 1

Here goes...in no particular order --- the polo shirt list of where we, the horizontally challenged can get our fashion fix:

Polo Shirts

1. Greenhills Tiangge (Ralph Lauren/Polo overruns where XL is roughly chest size of 48" at Php800 per polo shirt)
2. Le Tigre (80's classic with the tagline HOLD THAT TIGER) warehouse outlet along Shaw Boulevard, Mandaluyong in front of Liberty Center and Puregold where Le Tigre polo shirts are at Php500 for the bigger sizes starting at XL --- if you have a waistline of 42, the XL is perfect for you, the 2XL is waaay to big.
3. Collezione and Collezione C2 (in major malls for boutiques and in department stores) - 80's classic again made famous again a few years ago with the introduction of Rhett Eala's Philippine map design sadly copied by the cheaper brands. Price is around Php375 to Php650. Sizing is a bit smaller than the Greenhills Tiangge export overruns XL and the Le Tigre XL so if you are a size 40-42 waistline, get the 2XL polo shirt in pique (but this depends whether the design is classic fit or slim fit).
4. Nautica - Pricier at almost a grand per shirt but quality is stupendous. They have sizes ranging from XL to 3XL. The 2XL is roughly 47 inches at the chest.
5. Lacoste - sure to have your size (until 2XL I think). If you're above a size 44 waistline last time I checked they no longer have the 3XL to 4XLs polo shirt. (You can try the class A one's in Greenhills though they may have much bigger sizes.)

I will add to the list soon. Last piece of advice, there is no harm in trying on the merchandise. Fit it, feel it and look at yourself in the mirror --- you are probably thinner than you think your are.

My New Best Friend

Shoes have always made me happy and would reward myself with a pair from time to time but when this "gwapo" watch came along, I just had to have it.

My TWSTEEL Icon watch is great for us "big-boned" individuals as these watches are huge.

Their tagline says it all: "Big in oversized watches". I got the 50mm (it also comes in 45mm) size, the biggest in their arsenal with a black face (dial) and black soft leather so it can match most of the clothes that I wear --- looks good when wearing jeans and exceptional when wearing a bit more formal clothes.

Some TIPS from Pinoy Guy Guide

PINOY GUY GUIDE posted tips on how to buy clothes if you're sorta chubby way back. AM re-printing it with some of my comments.

1. Don’t buy too loose or too fit.

When chubby guys buy clothes, they have a tendency to buy either clothes which are too fit or too loose to prove that they are not too big. However, I think this is a wrong move in choosing clothes.

If you happen to be a chubby guy, go for clothes which are one size bigger than your actual size BUT choose a slim fit version.

Confused?

Let’s say you go shopping for a shirt. You know that you are a size XL. So what you need to do is to find nice clothes on size XXL which are SLIM FIT. Once again read: SLIM FIT! So what will happen is that you will end up buying clothes which are just about right for your size and since it is slim fit, it will make you look slimmer.

TOOFAT4FASHION SAYS: Know your measurements. Shoulder, chest and waist. There is no standard sizing in the clothes found in the Philippines. An XL for one brand may be an 2XL for another brand.

2. Vertical Patterns

If you have attended Psychology 101 you should remember a topic their called visual illusions. During my freshman year in college, I clearly remember my Psych professor teaching us how to wear good clothes which will make short guys appear taller, fat guys appear slimmer, skinny guys appear bigger and so on and so forth.

I will not go over all of them. But what I remember is that, if you are a chubby guy, you should avoid horizontal prints on clothes because it only will make you look bigger and yes, fatter. Instead, what you should do is to wear vertical prints because the length of the prints will produce an illusion that you are taller and slimmer than you actually are. Choose a variety of vertical prints and not just plain stripes. I’m sure you wouldn’t want to find your wardrobe full of vertically-striped clothes would you?

TOOFAT4FASHION SAYS: I've been hearing this a lot of times but hey, horizontal striped shirts look great especially the Ralph Lauren (POLO), Lacoste and Le Tigre designs. No matter what you wear, if you're plus-sized, you are plus-sized. Wear what is comfortable, wear what looks good --- basta walang masyadong bilbil na visible. If you must wear horizontal stripes, try to wear more tapered pants (not the baggy hiphop one you have in your closet or loose slacks).

3. Buy from shops like…

…Jag, Lee, Penshoppe, Bench, Human, RRJ, Tribal etc. They have tons of stylish and inexpensive clothes available up to XL (and in some cases even XXL). I also recommend that you go shopping for clothes in department stores rather than stand-alone shops for variety and for size availability. And if you can find American and foreign brands like TopMan, Van Heusen, Izod and Von Dutch – it would be much better because American sizes are naturally bigger.

You mentioned in your email some brands that you like. However, People are People, Folded & Hung, Refill, Mint, Oxygen and other similar brands rarely have BIG sizes. Yes, their clothes are very modern and chic but their target market is for slim guys. So I suggest you go for the previous ones I have mentioned.

4. Try MaxWear at SM Department Store

If you have some time, try to drop by SM Department Store one of these days. They have a section there called MaxWear and they have a wide variety of inexpensive clothes for big men.

TOOFAT4FASHION SAYS: Sure they will fit you but the quality sucks big time.

Whatever happened to BIG MEN?

There used to be a great store for plus-sized guys in Shangri-La EDSA mall and SM North EDSA Annex called BIG MEN up until 2008. Sadly they're no longer in existence.

The quality of their clothes really was exceptional. I've been using all the stuff (slacks, jeans, polo shirts, button downs and short sleeved polos) I bought from them for the past ten years and they're still great give or take a few pieces that got worn out. I followed the advice of my friend who told me to stick to classic cuts and designs so they never grow old in terms of look.

Nowadays it's a challenge really to find the same quality of clothes for us BIG MEN. The SM Department Store version called MAX WEAR really isn't up to par in terms of design and quality (more on MAX WEAR later on).

Whatever happened to BIG MEN? Tsk tsk tsk...

I'll soon be publishing a list of the brands as well as the boutiques that are "fat-friendly", so check back from time-to-time.