You had me at lovesong

It occured to me recently that I am not the "spring chicken" I once was. I'm constantly reminded of this from my roommate of nine years. Despite this I find myself pushing the envelope or "burning the midnight oil" in an effort to maximize certain fun activities. But it all seems very planned out. What I've realized is this: I am no longer spontanious. Or at least I haven't been in years.

I was asked at lunch today what my most memorable date was. I instantly remembered a trip I took when I lived in Victoria ten years ago. It was a Tuesday night at 1:19 in the morning. There was no plan. But there was a woman. We organized a roadtrip within minutes and by 1:30 we were on the road. Our destination took us three hours west to Long Beach near Tofino. It was November and the clouds were low and there was slight rain. But it didn't matter. We stopped at the gas station on the way out of town. She bought bags of candy while I grabbed an extra large coffee.

We had breakfast in Tofino and joked about that being the name of a movie. We drove back exhausted after spending only two hours in town. It wasn't the destination of course. It was the music. It was the conversation. It was the silent moments we endured as we snaked through the mountain pass on the Pacific Rim Highway.

Somehow, somewhere that spontaneity got lost. The reality is I would love to take off to Portland on a whim on a Tuesday night. But that's just not going to happen. I am, however, willing to explore new opportunities, even if it is within the comforts of my own city... perhaps an all night coffee session at 2 am? Or maybe it will be an extended weekend spent on a dark desert highway with just the right song to tie it all together. Either way, songs are important. Almost as important as the adventure they serve.

I don't know if it's her sparkling personality or her subpar lyrics, but Selena Gomez' hit "Love You Like a Lovesong" is truly a treat for the ears. I first heard this tune on a 44 foot sailboat in early September. It was a nautical affair and we gorged ourselves with fancy cheeses, cured meat, and lots of sunshine. A friend of mine was obsessed with Selena Gomez. And so we listened to this song on repeat peat peat peat peat. The truth is, this song is hot. And if you are planning to take a trip, spontanious or not, you would be wise to turn this shit up and start your adventure on the right note.

Khaki revival.

It occured to me that I really need to take khakis to the next level. Most of you don't know this but up until recently I only owned one pair. People are in shock when they hear this and I can understand why. I'm a big khaki talker- but am I a big khaki walker? Apparently in the literal sense no, I am not. Until now. A few weeks ago I caught wind of a one day khaki sale happening at the Pacific Centre. I tuned into my ipod and headed straight there after work. The vibe in the store was electrifying. Men of all ages and of all heights were taking full advantage of the incredible deal of 40% off. I grabbed a pair of slimmer fitting khakis. I figured it was time to diversify. No regrets. They have now become my Wednesday routine.

The idea of a slimmer fitting pant originated from the owner of a mid to high end men's clothing store in Portland: Michael Allen's. If you happen to be in the Portland area- you will not want to miss out on some great sales and solid advice from a man who knows pants. Americans are great. We left the shop with our oversized Michael Allen's bags. People would stop us on the street and tell us what a great man this Michael Allen is: "such a nice guy and he's got such great sales." I loved it. My friend and I spent a good amount of time walking and talking and listening to great nineties songs. It was that kind of weekend.

We had a great soundtrack. It varied as soundtracks do and we managed to play some darker songs too. Take The Band for example, and their hit "Makes No Difference." Be prepared to shed a few tears as the bassist pours his heart into an emotional struggle with "these old love letters- I just can't keep. 'Cause like the gambler says, read 'em and weep." It really tied the trip together.

I think this revival in khakiness can be traced back to a movie I recently watched, "Midnight in Paris." Owen Wilson wears khakis in every scene. I've never seen anything like it. Wilson really pulls them off well, providing an "approachable and unassuming persona." His inspiration is contagious. And I am excited about it. I'm excited about the consistency these pants have shown over the years. Give it a try: blow khakis to the wind, you may just end up wearing a pair on a bi-weekly basis for life.

Pacific Blue. I Love You.

I was recently asked numerous questions about navy blazers and the ubiquitous khaki. It has come to my attention that navy blazers are actually quite an appropriate touch to the khaki ensemble.

Navy blue and khaki are quite possibly the best colour combination ever. Looking for something casual to wear to that exclusive country club? This is your time to shine. My first compliment came from my sister in 1996. Back in the 90s baggy was in. As were khakis. As long as they were oversized and a shredded hem didn't hurt either. At the time, I was sporting a navy blue Benetton t-shirt complemented with a light khaki pant. "That outfit looks fantastic!" she said. Those four words stuck with me for years. As far as I was concerned, this was the only fantastic outfit I had in stock. It was no surprise then that two other friends ended up wearing an almost identical ensemble. The three of us shared a beach towel near a lake. Jokes were made. Laughs were had. "What team are you guys on?" I secretly cherished every moment; friends wearing khakis and navy blue t-shirts. It really couldn't have gotten any better than that.

And so here we are 15 years later. Except we've replaced the t-shirt with a perfectly fitted navy blazer. Perhaps it's a consequence of becoming older. I don't think we could have pulled off a blazer at that age but I am tickled by the idea. I've deliberated on the blazer for quite some time. Friends have forwarded articles with fancy pictures and diagrams. My conclusion is this: there are only a few articles of clothing that can make the khaki look even more exceptional than it already is. Cardigans are one. And so is the blazer. Try it out next time. You won't be able to live without it. And while you're sitting there in your most perfect outfit, why not listen to some "Sea Captain" by the Pawnshop Diamond. It would be most appropriate.

My love for this song began in 2009. I was attending one of many Pawnshop Diamond concerts at the Railway Club. As the percussion chimed in and the first verse opened up I couldn't help but lean over and whisper to the man sitting next to me "best song I've heard all year." The crowd agreed and we "cheered in a toast" to nothing but good times ahead. The song speaks volumes. It's got it all: a personal touch, history, and yes- even local references to British Columbia. It's a very visual song and you can easily jump on that ship and get away from it all.

So take a listen and grab a pair of khakis. And why not add a navy blue blazer. It would really tie it all together. Then join me on the Estevan for some afternoon English tea and cucumber sandwiches. Now, doesn't that sound like heaven?

Rolls right off the cuff

January has turned out to be a cold and wet month. I continue to count down the days until Spring when I can wear khakis guilt-free. I have decided to throw a khaki get-together in anticipation of warmer weather. This will mark one year since my eyes were open to the khaki world. A full account of this experience can be referenced from "I'm single. I'm not tied down. And I just bought a pair of khakis." The theme of the social gathering will be to wear, reminisce, and discuss the khaki outfit, i.e. what works, what doesn't. You get the idea. In light of this, I will now highlight specific dos and don'ts when it comes to the khaki ensemble. The fact remains that the khaki pant is as comfortable as wearing sweat pants late at night after a long hot shower. But here's the difference: khakis feel great all the time. The thin layered soft cotton feels like silk and the deep pockets allow for a practical, stylish, and comfortable look. So let's dive into what makes the look so good.

Long sleeve button up shirts are absolutely key. Keep the colour vibrant by utilizing blues, greens, pinks, and reds. These all work. Stay away from dark shades like browns and blacks. These colours don't jive well seasonally if you get my drift- it's more appropriate as a uniform at Future Shop. Add some stripes- thick or thin- they both work. Be careful with checkers. Too many checks on a shirt could act as a distraction leaving your audience confused, annoyed, and possibly discouraged from ever wearing khakis. Remember: wearing these pants represents everything good in the world. Next, the vibrant blue medium striped long sleeve shirt must be tucked. I don't care for an untucked shirt when it comes to khakis. Just for kicks you may wish to give it a try. But you will be disappointed. It always looks good tucked. If it is warm enough you may wish to "juj the sleeves." In this case, unbutton the cuffs and roll over no more than twice. Pull the rolled cuff half way up the arm. Nothing looks better. Nothing. And the vibrant colour of the shirt really enhances the juj effect. Give it a try. One can go with a short sleeve shirt but I strongly recommend the long sleeve with the juj. Nobody beats it. Take a minute. Take two minutes even and try this out in the privacy of your own home. You will like what you see. And while you're at it, throw on some Keri Hilson and see where the afternoon takes you.

Where did she come from? I hadn't heard of Keri Hilson before 2009 with the release of her smash hit "knock you down." At first listen I didn't think much of it. But then I couldn't get enough. For a brief moment in my life I decided it would be a good idea to take up jogging. I don't know how people do it. It's tough on the legs and worst of all it's just boring. I endured a month of half hour jogs. It wasn't bad but it really wasn't my cup of tea- so to speak. However, this is the one song I really enjoyed jogging to. It felt empowering. And a little Ne-Yo never hurt either. A side note: I am yet to meet someone who doesn't like this song. It's that good.

This brings me to my next point, what is the most universally likable song? I've contemplated this for quite some time (years) and am aware of people's diverse tastes yada yada yada. But there must be one song. There must be. Is it a classic song that is overplayed? But it must be overplayed if everyone likes it. I don't have the answer but hopefully I will when February rolls around. One song that I always come back to is the Who's "Behind Blue Eyes." Strong words. Hits the heart like a rock. And because I love cover songs so much, it would be a crime not to mention Limp Bizkit's contribution in 2003. Most of you probably forgot about Mr. Limp Bizkit. But I'm here to make sure that you don't. Here's the bottom line. The original version is great. But then you have a (crappy) band like Limp Bizkit cover it- and it works. But not entirely. The song really falls apart at 2 minutes and 29 seconds. But up until that point it's golden. Do I miss the crazy guitar solo of Pete Townshend in the original version? Absolutely. But what can you do? Compromise.

On that note, February is around the corner. And with that, the long anticipated khaki gathering that so many of you have been longing for. It's going to be good. I invite everyone to pull out there best pair of khaki pants and give them a once over. Try a few shirts. Find what works for you. And then let's talk it over. One cuff at a time.

It really is the perfect cup!

Well, 2010 came and went. It was a good year by all accounts. I am yet to meet someone who thought otherwise. One song that really ties the year together is an oldie but a goodie (aren't they all?). Elton John's Goodbye Yellow Brick Road. It's got a great melody and really jives well with a beautiful crisp winter day.

A few weeks ago, I had this song stuck in my head. I could not wait to go home, listen to it, and sing along with Elton. But before I did, I tagged along with some friends to Granville Island. I was a little hesitant at first but soon realized it was a great decision. Let's find out why.

We took the aquabus from Hornby Street to Granville Island. It took approximately two minutes. A friend of mine had the trip all figured out. I love that. A plan. There was no milling about. We bolted through the market with a mission. Our destination: Granville Island Tea Company. The three of us ordered chai lattes right away. I watched in awe as our tea master blended this perfectly steeped chai. I grilled her about everything. "What's the deal with this particular latte?" First things first, she steeped a tea bag one cup at a time in boiling hot water. Next, she poured this perfectly brewed cup into a blender, which included a combination of spices and butter. That's right: butter. The tea master couldn't wait 'till I took my first sip. It really was the best chai I ever had. It was creamy. Very creamy.

My first time drinking a chai latte was in Cook Street Village Starbucks in the Fall of 1999. The millenium was just around the corner and I fell in love... with the latte. I loved that all one needed to do was order it and walk out. There was no need to add sugar or cream. It was great on its own. I know what some of you are thinking: Really, Starbucks? The Starbucks chai latte is a simple drink. There are no frills. It's not too strong- it's actually slightly bland. But it's predictable. And I kind of like that. And of course, for those of you who have spent any time in Victoria's Cook Street Village- you know it's just the perfect place to have a cup.

During this time, money was tight and a regular chai latte was priced at about $3.00. I would seldom go on my own for a chai and was usually there with a friend to touch base. It was then that the "splitting of the chai" was born. There is quite a procedure that goes along with it. You order a large chai, which back then had a cost of $3.96. Done. Next, you request a second cup from the barista. Once the drink is ready you pour half into the cup and give it to your friend. It's about half an inch less than a regular cup (but with a savings of $1.00 each who could argue with that!). Next, you both sit outside and talk about what a great deal it was.

The truth of the matter is, splitting a chai was much more about the experience than literally saving a buck. We would order it extra hot- no water and split it that way. Once, I even ordered the latte with half and half- wow that was a mouthful. The possibilities really are endless.

These days I don't usually order a chai latte other than for nostalgic purposes. But when I heard about a place that makes the best chai latte in town- I had to try it. And am I ever glad I did. I invite all of you to take a trip to Granville Island and order a cup (by the way, the cost is a measly $2.08).

There is no better way to start the new year than with a perfect chai latte. I am heading down tomorrow morning at 10:00. And I'm going to drink it: one sip at a time. 2011 never looked so good, and thanks to one of my favourite Elton John songs, I think I've finally figured out where my future lies!