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.