The Guru
Dear Guru, I've been seeing a lot of plaid flannel shirts in the stores. I really want one but don’t know how to carry it off without looking like a member of Alice in Chains. Any suggestions? I'm a 33-year-old guy. --Jacob T., Hollywood
You mean you're not itching to relive the days when you worshipped Kurt Cobain and drove a patchy-painted VW Bug with a Sub Pop sticker on the bumper? Uh, nobody else wants that for you, either. Grunge references are totally fine. But, like all good trends, this one needs a modern update. Instead of the roomy flannels you wore in the early '90s (you know, the ones that you tied around your waist so the corners grazed the top of your Dr. Marten’s boots ever-so-slightly), go for something slim and structured.
KZO's lumberjack-esque offerings come in muted, wearable colors, including forest green and deep, Bounty Man red. Parisian outpost Surface to Air's version is also cut close to the body, but features a nifty button-covering panel for that extra ounce of oomph. Layer these bad boys over dark, slender denim and you're sure to look more Nerdy Professor than Paul Bunyon. Unless the only babe you’re trying to score is, in fact, a giant blue ox. Then you're on your own.
KZO's grunge-tastic plaid shirt.
Dear Guru, I've been wearing a pair of really chunky plastic eyeglass frames for years now. I'm feeling like I may be ready for something more subtle and grown-up, but still cool. What would you recommend? --Rima F., Atwater Village
For people who wear glasses as a serious style statement, the right pair is the difference between looking chic or looking like someone who deserves to be called four eyes. It's easy to want to go with a bigger, bolder frame to stay true to the very current Geektastic trend that even Jay-Z is in on. But if you're leaning toward looking more grown up, ditch the large specs and downsize to a sleeker model.
If your current specs are black, make the move to a sophisticated, softer tortoise shell. L.A. Eyeworks' Minnow frames in Havana Tortoise -- a dark, rich finish -- ooze brainpower but boast a quirky, librarian-esque shape that looks irreverent instead of stuffy.
A slightly more daring choice lies in transparent grey Nolan glasses by Salt Optics. With their charming nerd aesthetic and modern colorless plastic, you'll be the Kanye West of the nearsighted night drivers for sure.
Even just a little less plastic from that of your current pair will make a major change without sacrificing the bold style you're used to. Just promise us that you won't go to Lens Crafters for the wire-framed, gradient-lensed specs your Great Uncle Art rocks. Someone needs to burn those already.
Salt's gray Nolan glasses. Nerdy in a good way.
L.A. Eyeworks' Minnow frames. Holler, sophisticate!
Dear Guru, I've dropped about forty pounds in the past six months and am swimming in most of my old clothes. Though I'd love to get a whole new wardrobe, my budget is tight. I'd like to get some things tailored but don't know where to go. Will any old seamstress do or do you have suggestions for sewers who really do things right? --Aimee J., Toganga Canyon
Congrats on your whittled down waistline my newly svelte friend! You're right to sync up your wardrobe with your fabulous new physique. And luckily, with celebrity stylists and costume designers nipping and tucking their wares locally every single day, there are a bevy of top-notch tailors lurking right in your own backyard. Finding the right one is imperative, so start with a small and relatively inexpensive task such as a simple pant or skirt hem. Once your tailor can be trusted not to make your bottoms look like a costume from Victor/Victoria, graduate to more complicated pieces -- blazers, dresses and delicate chiffon and lace fabrics. Here are a few of my in-town favorites:
Crown Cleaners
Seamstress Sue is quick, inexpensive and always understands your needs. I could make a dirty joke here, but I won't. 840 N Fairfax Ave Los Angeles, 323-653-6016.
Murat's European Tailor