What To Wear At A Rodeo

Above, spectators at a Gallup area rodeo. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It's funny that this topic should come up from USA Today since I attended my first rodeo of the year last evening.

The subject is what to wear to a rodeo "to fit in and stay cool." Yes, staying cool in warm western rodeo climates is a must. 

Above, this young lady wearing typical western wear. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Generally, denim is the dominant fabric as are cotton shirts (t-shirts or western button or snap front shirts). 

The USA Today article gives plenty of ideas on what to wear.

They begin with:

It's rodeo season and Americans across the country are showing up to compete in and watch hundreds of events this summer. Many Americans grew up hearing about rodeos, and others, participating and watching them. But for those unfamiliar with the sport there's a lot to know.

The sport of rodeo was born from the cattle herding traditions of Spain, Mexico and Australia. Texan vaqueros, and later, American cowboys were born from and inspired by Mexican charros.

Is there a dress code for a rodeo?

Rodeo competitors already know there's a formal dress code they are required to follow. But spectators might not be as clear about what they should wear to different events. Whether you are dressing country crazy or as city slick, all outfits are welcome at a rodeo. 

Above, a girl and her dog enjoying the 2022 Best of the Best Rodeo. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

To read more, go here. 

9 Most Popular Clothing Shops In Ginza

Above, the Ginza Mitsukoshi department store at Ginza Crossing. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Ginza has always been known as Tokyo's premiere shopping district, even when Godzilla stomped through it in 1954.

For those who are visiting Japan, Tokyo in particular, and want to do some shopping for clothing or other goods, Live Japan has a list of nine most popular clothing shops in Ginza.

They begin it with:

Here are the best Clothing Stores in Ginza, with travel tips and more, according to LIVE JAPAN, a top-class travel website for visitors to Japan. Our ranking is based on the most popular pages viewed by foreign visitors in a given category. 

For instance, Luggage and Travel Bags | GINZA KAREN, Luggage and Travel Bags | GINZA LIFE in Ginza Core, Ginza Maggy Ginza Main Store and other related spots will be listed. Be sure to check them out during your visit to Ginza!

To read more, go here. 

What To Wear While Traveling In Japan

Above, snow on the ground in Tokyo's Kappabashi "Kitchen Town" section. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

My February 2014 trip to Japan was rather interesting. My arrival timing couldn't have been worse as I arrived at about the same time a big snowstorm hit Japan and I ended up stuck in a Keisei Line commuter train midway between Narita Airport and Tokyo in Chiba Prefecture. Although snow is not unusual for Tokyo, it was the biggest snowstorm in years.

Also, towards the end of my trip to Japan, another big storm hit Tokyo.

Live Japan has a useful article on what clothing to wear while traveling to Japan during any one of its four distinct seasons. Even though I was stuck in a train car, at least I knew ahead of time what to wear.

They begin with:

Planning your trip to Japan soon? The weather makes a huge difference in the kinds of clothes and accessories you'll want to pack! 

Since Japan has four distinct seasons and that weather varies greatly from area to area, in this article, we’ll take a closer look at those four seasons and the weather in Tokyo all around the year.

To read more, go here. 

Re Aloha Shirts Going Out of Business

Above, the Re Aloha Shirts Store in 2016. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Two years ago, in preparation of our vacation trip to Hawaii, I found a store in Westlake Village (near Thousand Oaks), California that sold used Hawaiian shirts at reasonable prices. One of the shirts was the Mustang shirt that I was wearing when I had my heart attack last summer. It was Re Aloha Shirts.

Above, the shirts I bought. They came in handy during New
Mexico's monsoon season this year. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The owner of the store, Craig "CraSH" Hatton posted the following on Facebook:

Mahalo for an Amazing 7 Years! 

I am sad to announce that re Aloha Shirts will be closing at the end of the year. I have been honored to serve up Aloha to the Southern California community during that time. It has been a wonderful experience to personally serve and attend to your Aloha fashion needs. I paddle away knowing that I have had a part of increasing Aloha in the surrounding area. 

I smile at all the stories that you have told me about the shirts and dresses that you have purchased here. I always took great pride in making sure you strolled out of the store looking your Aloha Best. But things eventually come to an end. 

The reason I am closing is that I have been amazing opportunity to work for a new company. I do apologize for such short notice, but I was just recently offered this job. It would be extremely difficult to continue to do the store and pursue this new opportunity with FestiFi. You will be able to reach me at crash@festifi.co after the beginning of the year. 

The store will be closing on December 30th. During this time I will be keeping the store open everyday from 10am to 6pm. (see below for hours) Please come by and I will work you a deal. Got lots of inventory that must go! Stock up on that Aloha Wear that you have been eyeing for a while. 

One last thing, since the internet is forever. For an eulogy to the store, if you could leave a review on Google or Yelp to memorialize the era it would be appreciated. Put your story about the shirt or dress you got here or anything else you would like to say. 

Hours
Will be open everyday till 12/30 from 10 am to 6 pm give or take.
12/24 will be open from 10 am to 3 pm
12/25 will be closed. 

Mahalo and Aloha! 

Craig "CraSH" Hattori

Unfortunately, since I am no longer in California, I can't take advantage of the sale. They are located at:

31139 Via Colinas, Ste 202 (586.27 mi)
Westlake Village, California 91362

This is the second small business in a month to announce a closing that I liked. The other was Distant Lands Bookstore & Outfitters in Pasadena.

Poshmark

Above, the shirt I bought through Poshmark. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Recently, I bought a replacement Reyn Spooner Ford Mustang shirt through a website called Poshmark.

I am pleased to report that I am quite satisfied with their service and I received the shirt within days after ordering.

What's Poshmark?

Poshmark is the largest social commerce marketplace for fashion where anyone can buy, sell and share their personal style. With over two million Seller Stylists and millions of shoppers, Poshmark brings together a vibrant community everyday to express themselves and share their love of fashion.

You or I can even sell clothing and accessories through them!

The items they sell include:  Women's Clothing, Men's Clothing, Handbags, Shoes, Jewelry & Accessories, Makeup, Kids and Brands.

To see what they have, go here.

Replacement Shirt Has Arrived!

Above, the replacement shirt. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

My replacement Reyn Spooner Ford Mustang shirt arrived in today's mail.

It is an exact duplicate of the one the Wells, Nevada paramedics cut to pieces on July 27. It is in excellent shape (like the last one was).

However, in view of the angina episode I had last night, it probably wouldn't be prudent yet to wear it as I don't want this one to meet the same fate as the other.

At least until after I see my cardiologist tomorrow morning.

Mission Accomplished!

Above, the shirt (far right) the day before it got sliced up.

Well, this morning I accomplished something.

My Reyn Spooner Ford Mustang Hawaiian shirt that I bought two years ago at re Aloha Shirts is being replaced. I did some digging and found one.

While being treated for the heart attack in Wells, Nevada, the paramedics sliced it to shreds. Where the pieces went, I have no idea.

I always received a lot of compliments whenever I wore it, including at Waikiki Beach in Hawaii. I rarely wore it as I kept it in the clothes closet in The Beast.

What Were They Thinking?!

Above, the offending photograph.

Clothing retailer H & M has a major public relations problem after an ad for a line of sweatshirts smacked of racism. 

According to the Seattle Times:

NEW YORK (AP) — Singer The Weeknd said Monday that he will no longer work with H&M after the clothing company posted an ad of a black child in a sweatshirt with the words “Coolest monkey in the jungle” on the front. 

Many people criticized the image on social media, calling it racist. H&M removed the image Monday and apologized to anyone it “may have offended.”

The Weeknd, who has a clothing line at the retailer, said on Twitter that he was “shocked and embarrassed” by the photo. 

“I’m deeply offended and will not be working with @hm anymore,” he wrote.

How could anyone in their designing department miss that? Anyone with common sense would find the sweatshirt's words eye-popping. Where were the kid's parents? I can't blame The Weeknd for his reaction.

To read more, go here.

Patagonia Boycott Begins

The best way for a business to find itself in bankruptcy is to meddle into politics and take stands that will piss off much of their customer base.

The latest is Patagonia, the outdoor clothing giant.

From Young Conservatives:

Are you on of the millions of Americans out there who enjoy shopping at Patagonia? 

If so, you might want to reconsider that position when you hear what the popular retailer is doing in the political arena. 

If you are the kind of person who believes in boycotts, odds are you will go that direction with Patagonia. 

From Weasel Zippers via Breitbart: 

The CEO of outdoor clothing giant Patagonia is burnishing her anti-Republican bona fides again, this time saying she intends to pledge her entire company to the “resistance” of President Donald Trump. 

Patagonia CEO Rose Marcario recently attacked President Trump for his statements about rolling back President Obama’s unusually aggressive campaign of confiscating millions of acres of state lands and claiming them as “national monuments.”

This action by Patagonia's CEO Rose Marcario will accomplish nothing except hurt the retailer's business. It is clearly a stupid move on Marcario's part. 

I have not shopped at a Patagonia store, but I did buy a pair of Patagonia walking/hiking shoes at R.E.I. (photo at top).

Unless Patagonia changes its tune, they will not see another penny from me. Looks like a boycott of Patagonia is about to begin.

To read more, go here.

Men's Lace Short Sets

If you thought leisure suits, bell-bottom slacks and very wide suit lapels of 1970s fashions for men were horrid, you ain't seen nothing yet!

The latest in gawd-awful "men's fashions" are the new lace short sets.

Heatstreet wrote:

On social media, the reaction was predictably scornful. 

“You guys look like you’re about to have a butter knife fight in the back alley with a gang of seamstresses,” one Instagram user posted. 

“My man better only wear lace shorts for me,” one person quipped on Twitter. 

“Next week probably gone be like move over lace shorts we’ve got a whole new line of dresses FOR MEN. F*ck outta here dawg,” another Twitter user wrote. 

“If your man wears these it is time to trade her in for a real man,” another Tweet said. 

But if you don’t like your men in pastel lace daywear, you’re actually incredibly problematic, others have suggested.

Or, "intolerant"! Well, since I am on side that finds these horrible and that no self-respecting man would be caught dead in these get-ups, then I guess I am intolerant.

To read more, go here. (You may want to bleach your eyes afterwards.)

*************
Some friends's reactions:

• Kind of hard to hide my rod and extra magazines in that outfit. Guess I'd have to carry them in a woman's handbag. If you have to wear matching heels, I'm out.

• Those shirts would be ugly on anybody female or male!

• I don't like that look..... on anyone.

• Whoever comes up with this crap should be shot.

• ... and don't forget flared pants

• Well, if they only had black...

• I wouldn't design these for women; well, maybe the toddler range. 

• This is definitely not something I could pull off... I don't think anyone could. Disturbs me !

• That's how they win the battle. By making you to be in the wrong.

• Yeah, but lets face it. These people are a part of the voting DNC base.

• The best thing about opinions is that everyone is entitled to theirs. If you shame someone else for their thoughts, what does that say about your *own* tolerance?

• Not anything I would want to see on anyone..but I don't have to look..lol

"Operation Steamroller" Attire

Above, what I'm wearing today. No red tie here.

My "honorary sister" was concerned that I might show up at the Hot Bench taping today in a red tie.

It is not because I may be tempted to do Rodney Dangerfield imitations, but according to her, red ties imply something else.

She said:

You look great in the blue.  Red power ties connotes a position of power and implied ability to intimidate.  You want to come across as sincere (blue), dignified, and the victim of having believed in true love with someone who did you very wrong and led you on in every way possible.  You should be the guy every woman hopes will love and care for her if she only returns that love with honesty and kindness.  

The show provided a sheet stating what is appropriate attire. I read mine, not sure if Denise Santos read her's. We shall see.

On her, my "honorary sister" wrote:

Denise on the other hand, will be the bimbo trying to play at sullying your intentions, your relationship and love.  In other words, her defense, to quote Donna Summer, is "She Works Hard For the Money".  

She is as fit to play the ingenue, as I am to play a sumo wrestler.

Man, she sure does have a way with words!

Brand-new Gianfranco Ties

Last week, I reported that I assisted Asya with a photo shoot she was doing on a new line of men's neck ties.

Those ties are now available at eBay!

According to the listing:

A variety of 1000 brand-new ties to choose from, coming in original transparent packages. Geometric and floral patterns in different colors available, light and dark: blue, green, violet, grey, brown. 

Each tie comes with a handkerchief. Italian fabric design, produced in the U.S. 

Each tie is labeled with Gianfranco label and Italy design label.

I closely examined the ties and they feel great to the touch.

Here's more of them:

Besides being great-looking ties, they are only $9.99! Where else can you get a tie and a handkerchief for $9.99? What a deal!

To order these fine ties to look terrific at the office or out on the town, go here.

My Mustang Shirt

Above, at the Sheraton Waikiki wearing the shirt. Photo by Jackie Scott.

Of all the Hawaiian shirts I bought in L.A. before going to Hawaii, the Mustang-themed shirt received the most compliments. I bought it and several others at re Aloha Shirts.

Above, a detailed view. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

One fellow tourist stopped me as I was photographing Diamond Head one morning and we talked about Mustangs for a while. He was from Granada Hills (not too far from Tarzana) and was vacationing in Hawaii for two weeks.

Several other people also liked the shirt.

Get Your Aloha On!

Above, the storefront of re Aloha Shirts. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

In preparation for an upcoming trip to Hawaii, I checked around for stores who specialize in Hawaiian-styled shirts. There's virtually none in the San Fernando Valley, but I did find one in neighboring Westlake Village (near Thousand Oaks) off U.S. 101 at Lindero Canyon.

It is re Aloha Shirts. It is a store (and warehouse) specializing in vintage to modern Hawaiian-styled shirts and dresses. Their stock consists of used clothing, but they are in great shape. I much prefer going not looking like I just bought everything from Macy's or some other place. Also, I could have waited to buy some in Hawaii, but they would probably be more expensive.

Above, there are plenty of dresses for the ladies. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The Hawaii travel guides I read all recommend clothing that is 100% cotton, as the islands are tropical and humid. Cotton fabric breathes better than synthetics. re Aloha Shirts has plenty of cotton shirts and dresses to choose from.

I found four shirts to my liking, one of which has a Ford Mustang theme. I tried them all on and they were comfortable (I can now see why the late Forrest J. Ackerman favored wearing Hawaiian shirts).

More shopping will be done tomorrow when Denise, her friend Jackie and I head down to the garment district of Los Angeles.

Above, the four shirts I bought. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The store is located at 31139 Via Colinas, #202, Westlake Village, CA 91302. Phone number is (818) 575-0600. They are open Thursdays through Saturdays 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM or by appointment.

Have To Buy A New Suit

Well, I had to say farewell today to my blue suit. I've had it for about six years.

At my aunt's funeral yesterday, I noticed that the jacket was apparently attacked by Mothra as there were holes in the fabric in different areas. That's why I kept on my wool overcoat.

I went to Tarzana cleaners today to see if they could fix it, but it was too far gone. Even if they were able to, it would have cost me around $35 per hole. There were three just in one area. So, I told them to just chuck it.