The Chic Geek: Things We Learn From Film Fashion, Geek Chic is Back Baby!

By Catharine Coll • January 31, 2011 • 7 Comments

Greetings and salutations Fused Film readers!

It’s been far too long! For those of you who do not know me, I am Catharine: lovingly known as Fused Film’s “Chic Geek,” and kin to it’s fearless leader, Kevin Coll. Kevin brought me on two summers ago to provide the site with a fashion/artist/more feminine perspective. Unfortunately, my schooling became top priority and I haven’t had much of a presence here since. But not so any longer! 2011 will be the year of the Chic Geek!

I suppose I’ll start my first article of the year with a little introduction of myself. As you now know, I am Kevin’s younger and very awesome sister. I am in my last semester of college at The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and in May of this year I will graduate with a BFA in Graphic Design. For as long as I can remember I have been fascinated and moved by film, acting, music, and art.  It’s a common thread that Kevin I share and has brought us closer together as siblings. So, of course I was ecstatic when he asked me to be a contributor on his website. Some of my all time favorite movies include  Moulin Rouge, Indiana Jones, LOTR, Star Wars (episodes IV, V, & VI of course), Gladiator, Casablanca, The Goonies, and Legend. The list certainly does go on, but that’s enough to give you an idea. I have great affinity for old, dusty, and vintage things, I’m completely obsessed with London (yes, the city), and have had an Oscar speech planned in my head since I was fourteen years old (crazy, right?). I’ve come to realize that people never suspect me to as geeky as I am. But when I throw out a Star Trek reference here and there, they’re totally surprised. And I love it. What does my future hold? I’m not sure, but I’m positive that it will be pretty awesome.

So what can you expect of me as the Chic Geek? Well, my job here is to provide you with some great ideas and references for “geek” friendly fashion. This is not assuming that you don’t know how to dress yourself in a unique and personal way (but if you still find yourself wearing socks with sandals, pay close attention). I do think, and this opinion is based in some personal experience, that people tend to get pigeon holed into some monotonous and drab style without even realizing it (how many days of the week do you wear that Green Lantern graphic tee, hmm?). Some people are perfectly content with this routine, and that’s fine, but I am a firm believer that anyone can resurrect their wardrobe with some simple and exciting details that distinguish them from the crowd. I hope that you can grow to appreciate these tid bits and eventually feel revitalized as you head out the door (or to the laptop) everyday. I’ll also share some of my favorite sites each month to read and shop at.

Alright, enough of the zen stuff, let’s talk structure. My plan to start is to divide my articles up focusing part on the guys and the other half on the ladies. Now, this doesn’t mean that you have to stick to reading tips designated to your respective gender. Keep going, and you may find some inspiration elsewhere.

Now, it may not feel like it weather-wise, but spring is upon us, at least in stores. Following the holiday rush, stores start off the new year bringing in their first wave of early spring apparel. It seems strange, but I find the spring color palettes refreshing and optimistic in the dead of winter and it gets me looking forward to warmer weather. So let us talk (early) spring flings:

Alright guys, I’m starting with you today, only because I am so excited about this month’s issue of GQ. If you haven’t picked it up, I highly suggest you do or check out some of the highlights at www.gq.com. Their Spring Style Preview features Kid Cudi, Armie Hammer, and Justin Chatwin. I’m sure you recognize these names. Armie Hammer (I just love that name) played the six-foot-five litigious twins Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss in The Social Network. Justin Chatwin played Tom Cruise’s son in War of the Worlds, “Son Goku” in Dragonball: Evolution, and is currently starring opposite Emmy Rossum again on Showtime’s dirty drama, Shameless. These handsome gents show off some handsome, simple, and (dare I say) sexy spring style. All very easy to pull off, might I add. (see the slideshow and full article here)

Now, obviously they are sporting some high ticket items that that I would never suggest you invest in exactly (unless you have the means, and I say go for it!). So I have some suggestions for those looking to experiment or who would rather spend $50 on an X-box game instead of button-down shirt. You can hit up your local Target store for some basics; colored tees as undershirts and maybe an inexpensive blazer. (William Rast for Target is currently in stores if you want some designer picks for an affordable price). Also grab a pair of dark wash jeans with a slim leg if you’re comfortable with that fit. Trust me, from a lady’s perspective, there is nothing more attractive than a guy in some nice fitting dark jeans. It says, “I’m casual, yet refined enough not to wear the same jeans as my father.” And if you do decide to invest in some dark denim, PLEASE, for the love of all that is good, DO NOT put them in the dryer. In order to preserve your dark wash, wash inside out and hang to dry. And do so about every other week depending on how often you wear them. Over washing and drying your jeans will cause the dye to fade from it’s attractive luster to something light and dingy. You are a man, not a soccer mom.

Also, my personal pick for spring and beyond, is the traditional Skinny Tie. One thing the article in GQ mentions, is that you don’t have to be dressed up to wear a tie. The subtlety of the skinny tie can achieve this with minimal effort. The great thing about them is not only are versatile from casual to dressy, they make you look more slender and if you are a lean guy, they don’t appear awkwardly wide and too big for your frame. For the guy who doesn’t leave his computer, shop online at Urban Outfitters for a variety of some reasonably priced skinny ties.

A great place that you can find some unique and really inexpensive finds is your local thrift store. Now, a word of caution to the beginning thrifter: just because it’s from a thrift store, doesn’t mean it’s automatically hip and vintage. Try things on if you can and make sure they fit your body type. Hit up belts and shoes for some real leather goodness at some amazing prices. Also, a great place to look for skinny ties. Not everyday at the thrift store will be productive, it’s usually hit or miss, especially if your store is kinda crappy. Once you become more seasoned, you’ll figure out what’s worth it and not. Oh, and if you do come away with some nifty things, be sure to wash before you wear.

I could post everyday about trendy and unique things, but a great way to keep up with it is by keeping up with the fashion blog sphere. I can hear the hesitation in your head, no way will you ever follow a fashion blog…my buddies will never let me hear the end of it. (Now your guy friends don’t have to find out, but if they do and they give you crap, it’s because they’re jealous of your newly revamped style and they wish they had thought of it first.) And a secret? Not all fashion bloggers are women. Let me introduce you to Scott Schuman, also known as The Sartorialist. If you don’t already know of him and his blog (thesartorialist.blogspot.com), get to know it now. He is a street photographer, author, and all around awesome guy. He posts from New York, Milan, Paris and more almost daily. Why I want to suggest him especially is not just because he’s a man (a straight man, btw), but because he understands men’s fashion and posts a lot of it with tons of variety. You’re sure to find some inspiration in there sometime. Watch this recent mini documentary from Intel Visual Life about Scott and start a bro-mance. Trust me, you’ll dig it.

Guys Take Aways:

• Dark Denim (and how to care for it)
• GQ is a great resource
• Skinny Tie — The Any Guy Tie
• Thrifty Business
• The Sartorialist (adding to your Google Reader NOW)

Now ladies, I have not forgotten about you. Spring is a time for rebirth and reinventing a fresh new look. As much as love layering on some warm things during the winter, I feel like shedding those dark, bulky, and dreary layers for some light and airy pieces is one of the best feelings in the world. It’s also an opportunity to show off your femininity. And what is more feminine than florals? Not much. Now am I saying you should dress head to toe in florals? Actually, yes. But you don’t have to. Although the lesson here is mixing up and playing with patterns (like leopard print and polka dots). That’s one of the great things about being a woman-endless possibilities. I’m not saying, let’s all be Lady Gaga or anything like that, although that’s a good example of some truly endless possibilities…

Anyway, back to spring. Mix it up this spring. It’s not as hard as you may think. Although I do think it takes some courage especially if you steer clear of patterns because of whatever preconceptions you may have. My challenge for those of you who swear you’ll never wear a bodacious pattern: go out and buy a skirt or a top (blouse or button up) with a pattern on it that you would normally never touch. Take said item home with you and see how many different things you can pair with it. You’ll be surprised, I’m sure.

A champion of pattern mixing is Kelly, founder and blogger at TheGlamourai.com.  I have never seen more pattern play as I have in her wardrobe. Check it out! Another great example of some great pattern mixins’ is Karla Deras of Karla’s Closet. Not only do I love her for her style, but also because she has a very average figure in my opinion. You can tell she’s an athlete and she dresses for her body type. That is one thing I can not stress enough to you ladies (and gents, if you’re still reading to this point). DRESS FOR YOUR BODY! Not all of us have been “blessed” with the model figure, and this is SO okay. I am a firm believer in a lot of things, and one of them is that just because you’re not Kate Moss, doesn’t mean you can not be just as stylish!

I have recently been window shopping online at ASOS, an international store. They provide styles for regular as well as petite and curvy body types (they even have great maternity styles for you soon to be moms!). It can also be very inexpensive. They have a sliding bar on the left hand side so you can adjust and narrow your search to a price range that fits your budget. You can find some amazing deals in the Sale/Outlet section. They also ship free anywhere in the world which is fantastic. A word to the wise shopper (male or female): be sure to check the size chart. Although it may say “U.S. size 4″ it may not fit like you expect. (Double check their measurements; international sizes tend to run smaller even if they say they’re a US equivalent.)

Another item I think will be a must have this spring is a good pair of khaki pants. A straight leg that can be rolled up on the end to let some breezy spring air whisp past your ankles. I personally have never been crazy about khakis, but I’m excited about adding some comfy loose fitting ones to the pile. Another challenge: try out some khakis that aren’t “khaki” in color. Go for the more yellow or olive options or even some pink and orange shades for an unexpected pop of color.

Ladies’ Take Aways:

• FLORALS
• Pattern play
• Your body is unique: Own it.
• (Non Traditional) Khakis
• Try a new online store
• The Glamourai and Karla’s Closet
• You should follow The Sartorialist too for good measure

Thanks all for welcoming me back! Look forward to next month’s article and 2011: Year of the Chic Geek!

Read more from Catharine Coll >>

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