Archive for November 28, 2007
Men: what to wear on a first date
This page gets a lot of traffic, so it’s due for some nice revisions.
Assessing what to wear on a first date for either gender is tricky. One wants to look their best, but not as if they strategized to look their best. Here are a few shortcuts to achieving that physical comfort zone so you can careen headfirst into the emotional discomfort zone known as dating.
First off, some of the physical basics women look for:
Dry palms, although a slightly sweaty palm can be slightly flattering.
Decent breath, but not amazingly good. A burst of mint can be nice, especially when it comes from your dental hygienist’s mouth, but it seems overly coached from a date. Neutral is just fine, but not meaty, k?
A level C douchebag shirt (see last post) Avoid level B and DEFINITELY no level A.
Eye contact-with warmth if possible. An evasive glance can be unsettling, and direct eye contact is usually quite sexy. Obviously the old Clint Eastwood steely glare, we all know isn’t so comforting, but that’s a given right?
And now on to the clothing portion of our evening:
Women love jeans midrange in price, but not GAP, please not Gap jeans. I’ve never seen anyone’s tush look really good in them. Also please avoid super high luxe brands because women will think you’re vain. Also consider opting for cords (women love them,
They think of rubbing their hands on your legs, even if it’s subconscious)
Some guys can pull off quirky touches, such as wearing a cardigan. Only a rare breed can win this look, but occasionally a guy will look truly individualistic, in the spirit of one of the characters in Whit Stillman’s Metropolitan movie.
If you’re in an urban area, at least consider a vintage shirt. Those express your individuality, just make sure the smell is A OK. Those button down Cuban numbers are adorable on most guys, and you’re sure to have no one copying your exact look.
Hipster shoes that are NOT chunky (women think you’re trying to add height if you wear those). Think of those bowling, faux vintage shoes…
To cologne or not to cologne? That is ze question. I personally love the subtle smell of cologne or after shave. Subtle being the operative word. Listen this isn’t a job interview, you don’t have to be that neutral. That said, some guys like to express ultra casz attitude in the first date or don’t like a strong smell. I say just go for it, green, crisp and subtle. Yum.
Your wallet (and ALWAYS refuse the woman’s offer to pay, but please, stay
within your financial means! It’s ok to go to a casual place, datingdish
will find you affordable options, I promise!)
Add comment November 28, 2007
What is a douchebag shirt?*(asked by Maria, NYC)
A shirt’s douchebagerie level has three classifications. Akin to the Bush administration’s security codes, here at datingdish we have opted for the simple alphabetical approach.
Level a (Emergency-total fashion clone)=diagonal, untucked, with premium jeans. Sometimes offering an embroidered print. Wearer often sports hair hardened by styling products, probably wore Drakkar Noir until freshman year in college.
Level b (confused, but not sexually)
not diagonal striped, perhaps a solid color, oftentimes with
a sheen and a slight butterfly color. A man who sports this shirt is oftentimes confused about footwear, might opt for cords or Gap (wrong) jeans with this.
Level c-(code green, we can breath easy and declassify you
as a clone) offering western details, maybe a plaid of floral.
You’re not afraid to be a bit flamboyant, but the colors are
leaning towards neutral. You listen to true alternative music, don’t care for techno, but think goth punks are trite. You might already be in a creative profession and will opt for the zipped up sweatshirt and chunky shoes.Once in a blue moon (incidentally, probably your second favorite beer) we’ll find you in a ribbed turtleneck in shades of rust.
*referring to the first posting about “Vintage” wine bar
5 comments November 28, 2007
Cleo’s-a low commitment occasion
1935 W. Chicago Avenue
(312) 243-5600
Cleo’s is the bar you pick when you don’t care too deeply about first impressions. When I think of the bar (with grilled food, more on that later) the dim lighting comes to mind. Not dim in a defrocked Ricardo Montalban type of way, but in a “a bunch of wet kindergartenders on a field trip just sullied our tile floors” kind of way. When one walks by from the south there is always a jetblack maned underfed youngster (grandma!) acting as de facto greeter, perched on his seat, blowing smoke within a 15 degree radius of my sad self. The bouncer, usually a mere 20 lbs. heavier than myself usually seems grateful for the additional company.
Lighting, as we all know, is key, and Cleo’s scores several datingdish points (tada!) by stringing little red lanterns in the front room. If you can squeeze in a seat among the 30 and 40 something hipsters and other somewhat questionable types you have scored. Otherwise you are relegated to the Siberia of the back room, which has the dull warm flourescence that makes you question your eyesight. In addition the Olde Chicago favourite, the sports monitors/monsters become a hindrance to that first, second or frankly any date. I had to compete with my date who had roving eyes there, not for the dishy waitress, but for ESPN2 tennis.
The drinks are relatively affordable, though I remember the at best average wine costing a bit more (was it $7?) which I think is ridiculous considering the ambiance and House vintage. The service, usually in faux vintage t-shirts, is palatably friendly but again, curiously absent at that moment you’re desperate to pay and get away from that awkward date, which would be an unremarkable experience at Cleo’s.
The summer provides better opportunities for dating there, because the beer garden is open and there is a more expansive provision of saxy lighting. Unfortunately one is forced to sit on that awful metal chair that leaves a diamond pattern on one’s tush. Additionally I had the experience there with my dear friend L (not a date but who cares) of having to GET UP and get my own water from the near empty cooler. And pay for table service on top of that. Quite the offense. Though I shy away from food reviews, Cleo’s is NOT a place to dig into anythng healthy or colored anything other than brown. It’s fine if you want the conventional bar food trappings, but even in that case, it’s just OK.
In summary, Cleo’s is ideal for the after party party with that date you already know somewhat, when you’ve been swanked out by the loungy, throttling beats of the clubs with low furniture. (Why is it clubs now have such low furniture? Seems like a liability, even without imbibing martinis ) The relatively lower price point will come as a relief, the softer music will soothe your tinnitis strained ears, and the nonambiance will neither intimidate nor enthrall you.
In other words, it’s just ok, but awful if in the back room.
Add comment November 28, 2007
