Should you or shouldn’t you? I say get your ear pierced first, then at least you have the option. I had mine done after losing a bet (for which the punishment was an elective form of bodily invasion- I went for needle Vs. earlobe to avoid anything grimmer) a few years ago and although I rarely (I mean, like, months apart) wear a ring or stud, the hole is still there, usable and totally unnoticeable.
People always react with shock when I tell them I have my ear pierced.
“You,” they say. “But you’re so clean-cut…so strait-laced…you wear suits to the pub.”
“Yes, but I’m a man of my word,” I say, flashing a smile as the light flashes over the golden hoop, from which a cross bearing the blasphemous image of Christ hangs. “I said I’d do it, and I did. It’s fucking super so get over it.”
My input to that illustrative conversation there was a lie. Not only do I not own an earring of such George Michael-esque proportions, I have trouble defending my body maiming antics.
But an earring offers you instant change – the chance to revise your look in seconds. I can go from side swept hair, a suit and polished brogues, to a spiky do, faded t-shirt and ripped jeans, high-tops and a stud, or my personal favourite, a ring.
Seriously, double gold hoops can be done with class and style: think Daniel Day-Lewis or Colin Farrell (more so the former).
Also, try this on for size: get yourself a silver segment ring and take out the closing bar. Slip the now three-quarter circle through your ear and – here’s the money shot – turn it upside-down. It look’s like your ear is pierced in two places and that the ring goes all the way through. I was inspired by a beautiful Frenchman, who first sported this style in my presence before trying to fondle me. I forgave him, though, for his impeccable style (see Etnia Barcelona Glasses too, one of his choice accessories) and utmost Frenchness. This look is Rock ‘n’ Roll in a can. Try it on for size when being too slick for Silverstone in sleet sits awkwardly with a social function.
Pick up THE HARE newspaper at Night and Day, Bar Centro, Font or Tiger Lounge in Manchester town centre, or the Oakwood in Glossop.
E-mail theharenewspaper@hotmail.co.uk with questions, comments or contributory pieces.
Friday, 7 January 2011
Thursday, 6 January 2011
On Style: Canes...
Mid-calf, fold-over, military-style boots for men have arrived. When worn with a tapered-leg jean, they can create a modern, edgy silhouette that screams rebellious cool.
But with so many on the market, what should you buy and how much should you spend?
Once again, All Saints lead the way with their stylistic offerings. They are, without exception in my opinion, the best looking, pre-worn boots on the market. BUT, as always, they would require you to re-mortgage your house and sell your kidneys – both of them – in order to stump-up the price tag.
Finding a wide selection of this style in high street shops is harder than you might think, given their ubiquity on the pages of fashion magazines. In Manchester, in particular, only Artisan off St. Anne’s Square has what you could call choice. Topman is always worth a look, with Bank, Office and Superdry sporting a few examples. Always check out TK Maxx for bargains – my brother picked-up a pair of canvas calf boots in black – you wouldn’t think these would look anywhere near as good, but their more casual styling means they are far more wearable than the arresting appearance of leather boots.
If you can find a decently priced pair, nothing will help define your casual look better. But make sure you wear them with either skinny, or tapered leg jeans – the rest will fall into place.
Pick up THE HARE newspaper at Night and Day, Bar Centro, Font or Tiger Lounge in Manchester town centre, or the Oakwood in Glossop.
E-mail theharenewspaper@hotmail.co.uk with questions, comments or contributory pieces.
But with so many on the market, what should you buy and how much should you spend?
Once again, All Saints lead the way with their stylistic offerings. They are, without exception in my opinion, the best looking, pre-worn boots on the market. BUT, as always, they would require you to re-mortgage your house and sell your kidneys – both of them – in order to stump-up the price tag.
Finding a wide selection of this style in high street shops is harder than you might think, given their ubiquity on the pages of fashion magazines. In Manchester, in particular, only Artisan off St. Anne’s Square has what you could call choice. Topman is always worth a look, with Bank, Office and Superdry sporting a few examples. Always check out TK Maxx for bargains – my brother picked-up a pair of canvas calf boots in black – you wouldn’t think these would look anywhere near as good, but their more casual styling means they are far more wearable than the arresting appearance of leather boots.
If you can find a decently priced pair, nothing will help define your casual look better. But make sure you wear them with either skinny, or tapered leg jeans – the rest will fall into place.
Pick up THE HARE newspaper at Night and Day, Bar Centro, Font or Tiger Lounge in Manchester town centre, or the Oakwood in Glossop.
E-mail theharenewspaper@hotmail.co.uk with questions, comments or contributory pieces.
Wednesday, 5 January 2011
On Style: Jewellery...
Britain has a rich history of jewellery production. With so much quality gear flying around, it wouldn’t hurt you to know a little bit about the kind of stash you might come across at various antiques fairs, bric-a-brac stores and curio emporia you might find yourself browsing in search of that special, signature piece.
For years I toiled in the hunt for a Rose Gold ring that I could call my own. I wanted something unique; standout; engaging, but it wasn’t as easy as I’d hoped to find what I had in mind, or even to know what I had found when I found it.
During my quest for aesthetic brilliance, I spent a short period of time researching hallmarks. Knowledge of hallmarking practices not only helps you ascertain whether what you’re buying is worth your wedge, but is also a neat little party trick.
Imagine your grand Aunt Doris sliding off her wedding ring and you, without the aid of a microscope or chemical testing, telling her it was made in 1949 in Birmingham – she’d be singing your praises all the way to her colostomy appointment. Britain signed the Hallmarking Act of 1973 and thus all jewellery made of precious metal has been conveniently stamped by one of four domestic assay offices (London, Birmingham, Sheffield and Edinburgh) to prove its quality.
The act made trading in non-marked metal an illegal practise and guaranteed consumers a fair deal. In 1998 the BHC (British Hallmarking Committee) reviewed the 1973 document, which had been found to contain many inconsistencies and errors, and re-standardised the system. One notable change to the assaying of precious metal was the removal of the mandatory date stamp. A chart of symbols/dates from 1916-1974 can be seen below. In addition to the removal of date marks, seven new standards of fineness were added to the already stringent testing procedures that all assay offices are required to undertake.
Hallmarking has been around since the 1300s, but the current system is constantly being refined. Recently, Palladium was added to the list of metals that require a hallmark.
So here’s how to impress your friends and work out what that ring you’ve seen in your local antiques centre is made of and where it comes from.
Firstly, look for the assay office mark. There are four of these and very easy to identify. London has a Leopard snarling; Sheffield a Yorkshire Rose; Birmingham an Anchor; and Edinburgh a turreted castle.
Next your need to know what type of metal it is: the colour can be a clue but is often misleading. White gold is rhodium plated and can often be confused for silver or platinum, and what appears to be rose gold could just as easily be copper if it lacks a hall mark.
Attempting to divulge the following in an eloquent way would be cluttered and confusing, for both you and I, so here is a handy list of hallmarks and their meanings:
The following numbers may appear on metal of various colours. Yellow, Rose, White and all other varieties of gold carry the same numbers to denote their purity. Due to the impurities added to achieve different colours, the purest gold available is yellow – its natural colour. All the example charts below assume the piece was caste in Sheffield (check out that sweet rose!) Furthermore, the 990 rating for Gold is 24ct, and the 999 is ‘fine’ Gold. Also, the G is just an example date mark and the orb for platinum is optional. Just thought you’d like to know.
And as for Silver…
Not to be confused with its cheaper cousins, Platinum is one pricey metal. Anything made of platinum will carry the following:
Palladium has just joined the group and is identified by this rather cool hallmark:
Now, these rules apply to Britain only. Foreign countries have different system – few as exhaustive. I believe that other carats of gold are available the world over, but as far as the British Isles go, the above should serve you well. Visit www.assayoffice.co.uk/Services/UK_Hallmarks.asp for more information.
Pick up THE HARE newspaper at Night and Day, Bar Centro, Font or Tiger Lounge in Manchester town centre, or the Oakwood in Glossop.
E-mail theharenewspaper@hotmail.co.uk with questions, comments or contributory pieces.
For years I toiled in the hunt for a Rose Gold ring that I could call my own. I wanted something unique; standout; engaging, but it wasn’t as easy as I’d hoped to find what I had in mind, or even to know what I had found when I found it.
During my quest for aesthetic brilliance, I spent a short period of time researching hallmarks. Knowledge of hallmarking practices not only helps you ascertain whether what you’re buying is worth your wedge, but is also a neat little party trick.
Imagine your grand Aunt Doris sliding off her wedding ring and you, without the aid of a microscope or chemical testing, telling her it was made in 1949 in Birmingham – she’d be singing your praises all the way to her colostomy appointment. Britain signed the Hallmarking Act of 1973 and thus all jewellery made of precious metal has been conveniently stamped by one of four domestic assay offices (London, Birmingham, Sheffield and Edinburgh) to prove its quality.
The act made trading in non-marked metal an illegal practise and guaranteed consumers a fair deal. In 1998 the BHC (British Hallmarking Committee) reviewed the 1973 document, which had been found to contain many inconsistencies and errors, and re-standardised the system. One notable change to the assaying of precious metal was the removal of the mandatory date stamp. A chart of symbols/dates from 1916-1974 can be seen below. In addition to the removal of date marks, seven new standards of fineness were added to the already stringent testing procedures that all assay offices are required to undertake.
Hallmarking has been around since the 1300s, but the current system is constantly being refined. Recently, Palladium was added to the list of metals that require a hallmark.
So here’s how to impress your friends and work out what that ring you’ve seen in your local antiques centre is made of and where it comes from.
Firstly, look for the assay office mark. There are four of these and very easy to identify. London has a Leopard snarling; Sheffield a Yorkshire Rose; Birmingham an Anchor; and Edinburgh a turreted castle.
Next your need to know what type of metal it is: the colour can be a clue but is often misleading. White gold is rhodium plated and can often be confused for silver or platinum, and what appears to be rose gold could just as easily be copper if it lacks a hall mark.
Attempting to divulge the following in an eloquent way would be cluttered and confusing, for both you and I, so here is a handy list of hallmarks and their meanings:
The following numbers may appear on metal of various colours. Yellow, Rose, White and all other varieties of gold carry the same numbers to denote their purity. Due to the impurities added to achieve different colours, the purest gold available is yellow – its natural colour. All the example charts below assume the piece was caste in Sheffield (check out that sweet rose!) Furthermore, the 990 rating for Gold is 24ct, and the 999 is ‘fine’ Gold. Also, the G is just an example date mark and the orb for platinum is optional. Just thought you’d like to know.
And as for Silver…
Not to be confused with its cheaper cousins, Platinum is one pricey metal. Anything made of platinum will carry the following:
Palladium has just joined the group and is identified by this rather cool hallmark:
Now, these rules apply to Britain only. Foreign countries have different system – few as exhaustive. I believe that other carats of gold are available the world over, but as far as the British Isles go, the above should serve you well. Visit www.assayoffice.co.uk/Services/UK_Hallmarks.asp for more information.
Pick up THE HARE newspaper at Night and Day, Bar Centro, Font or Tiger Lounge in Manchester town centre, or the Oakwood in Glossop.
E-mail theharenewspaper@hotmail.co.uk with questions, comments or contributory pieces.
Tuesday, 4 January 2011
NFL Round-up: Week 17...
Who Rocked?
After propping up my opinions for the last few weeks, the Seahawks finally get it right when it matters. By beating the Rams this week they are the champions of the NFC West, despite having only won 7 games all season. This is the first time in history a losing-record has made it into the playoffs and, by virtue of winning their division, the Seahawks take the 4th seed, which mean they will host the number 5 seeds and defending world champions, the New Orleans Saints. Can they turn over an 11 win team and progress to face either Chicago or Atlanta? Yes they can. Will they? Wait and see…
Green Bay finished off a tough schedule with an essential win over division rivals and winners, the Chicago Bears. Green Bay were the most fortunate of the Giants, Bucs and themselves: all three needed a win to have any chance of progressing, but only the Packers were assured a spot if the score came up in their favour. As it happened, all three teams won, but the Packers top the Wild Card standings on tiebreakers and go forward to play the dangerous Philadelphia away from home.
Whose chances were knocked?
The Rams lost an effectively sudden-death game to end rookie of the year, Sam Bradford’s hopes of leading this up-and-coming unit into the playoffs in his first season at the helm. They can take heart from his performances and Steve Spagnolo will have these boys in the playoffs next year, or the year after at the latest.
The Bucs lost out at the last and, after a great season, have nothing but the anguish of missed opportunities and a low draft pick to show for it. Shame about how it worked out for them – they deserved better.
But I never really took them seriously and I think their presence in the top 6 would’ve been at the expense of someone far better and more talented.
Like the Giants, for example: the surprise Champs of 2007 were looking so very good after 8 weeks that I had already ordained them as the team to beat. The Giants AND Green bay were my favourites to make it to the NFC championship game for a rematch of the 2007 game that saw Brett Favre’s storied career n Wisconsin come to a dramatic close with an overtime interception that allowed the upstart road warrior Giants to get into the Superbowl, where they beat the 18-0 Patriots.
Eli Manning will have to go home and polish his ring until September comes. But he’ll get chances…the Mannings always do…
Pick up THE HARE newspaper at Night and Day, Bar Centro, Font or Tiger Lounge in Manchester town centre, or the Oakwood in Glossop.
E-mail theharenewspaper@hotmail.co.uk with questions, comments or contributory pieces.
After propping up my opinions for the last few weeks, the Seahawks finally get it right when it matters. By beating the Rams this week they are the champions of the NFC West, despite having only won 7 games all season. This is the first time in history a losing-record has made it into the playoffs and, by virtue of winning their division, the Seahawks take the 4th seed, which mean they will host the number 5 seeds and defending world champions, the New Orleans Saints. Can they turn over an 11 win team and progress to face either Chicago or Atlanta? Yes they can. Will they? Wait and see…
Green Bay finished off a tough schedule with an essential win over division rivals and winners, the Chicago Bears. Green Bay were the most fortunate of the Giants, Bucs and themselves: all three needed a win to have any chance of progressing, but only the Packers were assured a spot if the score came up in their favour. As it happened, all three teams won, but the Packers top the Wild Card standings on tiebreakers and go forward to play the dangerous Philadelphia away from home.
Whose chances were knocked?
The Rams lost an effectively sudden-death game to end rookie of the year, Sam Bradford’s hopes of leading this up-and-coming unit into the playoffs in his first season at the helm. They can take heart from his performances and Steve Spagnolo will have these boys in the playoffs next year, or the year after at the latest.
The Bucs lost out at the last and, after a great season, have nothing but the anguish of missed opportunities and a low draft pick to show for it. Shame about how it worked out for them – they deserved better.
But I never really took them seriously and I think their presence in the top 6 would’ve been at the expense of someone far better and more talented.
Like the Giants, for example: the surprise Champs of 2007 were looking so very good after 8 weeks that I had already ordained them as the team to beat. The Giants AND Green bay were my favourites to make it to the NFC championship game for a rematch of the 2007 game that saw Brett Favre’s storied career n Wisconsin come to a dramatic close with an overtime interception that allowed the upstart road warrior Giants to get into the Superbowl, where they beat the 18-0 Patriots.
Eli Manning will have to go home and polish his ring until September comes. But he’ll get chances…the Mannings always do…
Pick up THE HARE newspaper at Night and Day, Bar Centro, Font or Tiger Lounge in Manchester town centre, or the Oakwood in Glossop.
E-mail theharenewspaper@hotmail.co.uk with questions, comments or contributory pieces.
Monday, 3 January 2011
On Style: Calf Boots...
Pick up THE HARE newspaper at Night and Day, Bar Centro, Font or Tiger Lounge in Manchester town centre, or the Oakwood in Glossop.
E-mail theharenewspaper@hotmail.co.uk with questions, comments or contributory pieces.
E-mail theharenewspaper@hotmail.co.uk with questions, comments or contributory pieces.
Sunday, 2 January 2011
On Style: Leather Jackets...
Leather jackets are a minefield. Get it right, and you’ll look cool as sin; get it wrong and you’ll look like your dad at a fancy dress party, wearing his own cloths (think about it – even he knows he’s out of date).
Although the concept of leather outerwear is, and always will be, timeless, certain style smack so firmly of an era, they should be avoided at all costs. If you try it on and, looking back at you from the mirror is a character you remember seeing on television when you were little, hang it back up. Reefer jackets are about as retro as you should go, and only if you have the rest of the Starsky & Hutch regalia to go with it.
What seems to be in at the moment, are these crinkled leather, waist length, elasticated hem bomber jackets. I love these when the leather isn’t too crinkled and the collar is ludicrously high. Short, Nehru style collars are not cool anymore unless you’re a motorbike aficionado, so steer clear.
The thing is, buying a leather jacket should be one of those experiences for a man that ranks alongside buying his first can; his first straight-blade razor; feeling his first pair of breasts and the associated undercarriage. In short, it should be almost spiritual.
Bur right now, the shift in trend has left the future of the currently fashionable leather hanging in the balance. Is there longevity to anything that’s around at the moment, or would you be well advised to save the £200+ it will cost you to gamble, and spend it instead on a full-length woollen overcoat instead..?
I know where my money’s going…
Pick up THE HARE newspaper at Night and Day, Bar Centro, Font or Tiger Lounge in Manchester town centre, or the Oakwood in Glossop.
E-mail theharenewspaper@hotmail.co.uk with questions, comments or contributory pieces.
Although the concept of leather outerwear is, and always will be, timeless, certain style smack so firmly of an era, they should be avoided at all costs. If you try it on and, looking back at you from the mirror is a character you remember seeing on television when you were little, hang it back up. Reefer jackets are about as retro as you should go, and only if you have the rest of the Starsky & Hutch regalia to go with it.
What seems to be in at the moment, are these crinkled leather, waist length, elasticated hem bomber jackets. I love these when the leather isn’t too crinkled and the collar is ludicrously high. Short, Nehru style collars are not cool anymore unless you’re a motorbike aficionado, so steer clear.
The thing is, buying a leather jacket should be one of those experiences for a man that ranks alongside buying his first can; his first straight-blade razor; feeling his first pair of breasts and the associated undercarriage. In short, it should be almost spiritual.
Bur right now, the shift in trend has left the future of the currently fashionable leather hanging in the balance. Is there longevity to anything that’s around at the moment, or would you be well advised to save the £200+ it will cost you to gamble, and spend it instead on a full-length woollen overcoat instead..?
I know where my money’s going…
Pick up THE HARE newspaper at Night and Day, Bar Centro, Font or Tiger Lounge in Manchester town centre, or the Oakwood in Glossop.
E-mail theharenewspaper@hotmail.co.uk with questions, comments or contributory pieces.
Saturday, 1 January 2011
On Style: Having a Look...
Whenever dressing yourself, or, in broader terms, defining in your mind ‘a look’ that will become your own, it helps to have a model in mind; a case study from whom you can draw your influence.
Some people choose actors, some writers or artists – whatever medium you feel best represents your personality, is sure to hold many an example that will be able to help you solidify the mental image.
I personally have a summer model, a winter model and a formal model. You to could instigate a seasonal shift in your style without much trouble, and the benefits are simple and manifold.
With a model in mind you needn’t agonise over the form of your outfit, only the components that will make it complete. Rather than starting-out with a blank canvas, the outline has already been drawn. All you need to do is fill in the blanks.
Your own look could easily become a mishmash of your favourite styles. This, I would say, is preferably. If you idolise the people you base your own look on, then you will idolise their clothes, and, by proxy, your own. This kind of reverence will not only encourage you to respect your outfit, but also to have confidence AND cause your own look to become a separate, almost tangible entity in your own mind.
Soon, you will be basing your style on YOURSELF. Weird, but true.
Give it a go: be bold and be yourself. You can’t go far wrong.
Unless you’re an absolute Muppet…then it could be a rough ride.
Pick up THE HARE newspaper at Night and Day, Bar Centro, Font or Tiger Lounge in Manchester town centre, or the Oakwood in Glossop.
E-mail theharenewspaper@hotmail.co.uk with questions, comments or contributory pieces.
Some people choose actors, some writers or artists – whatever medium you feel best represents your personality, is sure to hold many an example that will be able to help you solidify the mental image.
I personally have a summer model, a winter model and a formal model. You to could instigate a seasonal shift in your style without much trouble, and the benefits are simple and manifold.
With a model in mind you needn’t agonise over the form of your outfit, only the components that will make it complete. Rather than starting-out with a blank canvas, the outline has already been drawn. All you need to do is fill in the blanks.
Your own look could easily become a mishmash of your favourite styles. This, I would say, is preferably. If you idolise the people you base your own look on, then you will idolise their clothes, and, by proxy, your own. This kind of reverence will not only encourage you to respect your outfit, but also to have confidence AND cause your own look to become a separate, almost tangible entity in your own mind.
Soon, you will be basing your style on YOURSELF. Weird, but true.
Give it a go: be bold and be yourself. You can’t go far wrong.
Unless you’re an absolute Muppet…then it could be a rough ride.
Pick up THE HARE newspaper at Night and Day, Bar Centro, Font or Tiger Lounge in Manchester town centre, or the Oakwood in Glossop.
E-mail theharenewspaper@hotmail.co.uk with questions, comments or contributory pieces.
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