Meet a Truman's Client - Alex Fogelson

By Melissa Colabella


'Meet a Truman's Client' is our answer to your question, "What kind of guy comes here?"

Meet New York resident Alex Fogelson, a 21 year old student of Tulane University and creator of Chapfix, the lip balm engineered for men.  This young entrepreneur's product can be found at www.chapfix.com

What drew you to Truman's?  It's in my neighborhood and I liked that it is catered to men. I had walked by a million times and thought I should give it a try. 

Did you enjoy it? What was your favorite part of your Truman's experience? Definitely - the atmosphere. There's a great vibe there and I was taken care of very well. The level of service and quality is very high which makes for a really enjoyable experience. 

Instant Hair Turnoff's by AskMen.Com

Posted by Melissa Colabella

I found this article by Christina Colangelo on AskMen.com which I thought was pretty on point. Her suggestions mimic my own and she's not even a stylist. My only counterpoint is to her suggestion that a man shouldn't fuss with anything more than a comb. If you want your hair to look exactly as it does as it grows out of your head, then fine. But if you're actually trying to look stylish and your desired look doesn't occur naturally, you will need product, and possibly a blow dryer. And as for her opinion on dread-locks, she's right. They're hot on Lenny Kravitz, and can work for even your average rocker or college student. But even so, keep then clean and neat.

Instant Hair Turnoff's by Christina Colangelo

Chris Shows Us How To Dress Up A Casual Outfit

Posted by Melissa Colabella

Meet Chris Stanley, Trumans' Valet, Front of House, and resident DJ.

Even on dressed down Saturdays, Chris fancies up his jeans and white t-shirt with a buttoned up vest, jewelry and new Supra sneakers because he "always prefers to overdress." In fact, he wears a vest every day except for Sunday.

"I like to put effort into my outfits," he says. "I think people appreciate it."


What inspired you to make vests your daily uniform?

"I don't own a suit. My mother invited me to a formal dinner and I didn't have a suit to wear so I bought a vest. I've been wearing them ever since."

What happened when you began dressing differently? I bet girls asked for your number.

"Yeah."

Iran Promotes Classic Styles- Banning Mullets, Pompadours and Ponytails

Posted by Melissa Colabella
Here's an interesting article that CNN ran earlier this month. The regime has always required head coverings for women and recently provided hair styling guidelines for men. Apparently the textured modern mullet won't work here either.

See if your is acceptable before traveling:
CNN Article: Iran promotes "Islamic" hairstyles

World Cup Soccer Hair

Posted by Melissa Colabella

The 2010 World Cup is coming to an end, and in case you lost interest due to the USA's recent defeat, here is another reason to stay tuned. Soccer hair!

In soccer, there will always be crew cuts, fades, mullets, braids, faux-hawks and afro's but certain players have taken a modern twist on old-school do's, dejecting distasteful stereotypes and starting new trends in men's hair styling. However, before you run to your stylist for the latest coif, keep in mind that not everyone can pull off a textured mullet like body-fat deficient Portuguese playboy Cristiano Ronoldo.

Legendary trend-setter David Beckham had to sit out this time around but must be mentioned for his influential styles. Although fans booed him during the US vs. England game, one cannot deny that he is very very stylish.

Each country's style reflected their culture with the US remaining more conservative than the rest. Our players performed well in their cropped styles and classic cuts.

Trending this year are bleached non-blondes with Algeria leading the trend in blonded bald fades. Most notable was Hassan Yebda and Faouzi Chaouchi.

The textured faux-hawk is still popular amongst players varied by color, length and styling. Check out Fernando Torres and David Villa. And while Fernando said goodbye to his long blonde highlights, Fabio Coentrao of Portugal  and Valon Behraim of Switzerland wear them proudly.

Outside of the hipster population, long hairstyles haven't survived as a mainstream style in the US. However, soccer athletes around the world wear their hair long, either coiffed or unkempt, causing a need for accessories a la Serbia, Greece, Argentina, Uruguay, Italy and Mexico.

Honorable mention goes to Taribo West who hasn't exactly started a trend with his multi-colored braids, but earns credit for doing so.




And lastly, while Colombia hasn't qualified for  the world cup since their devastating loss of Andres Escobar in 1994, notable mention must be made to the renowned hairstyles to both Andres and Carlos Valderama.

Comment on this post and tell us your favorites!

5,500 Year Old Shoe Found in Armenia

Posted by Melissa Colabella

The Associated Press came out with an article yesterday announcing the oldest shoe ever discovered. The shoe was found in an Armenian cave and dates as far back as between 5,387 and 5,637 years ago.
"The shoe found in what is now Armenia was found in a pit, along with a broken pot and some wild goat horns.," says science writer Randolph E Schmid.

I can't help but notice that after 5,500 years, men's shoes haven't evolved that drastically. Notice the similarity to Cole Haan's FLX Air Jasper Mid's. Come on guys, its time for a shoe revolution!

For more information, check out Oldest Leather Shoe Steps Out After 5,500 Years

Meet A Truman's Client - Erik Michielsen

Posted by Melissa Colabella

Ever wonder who you will meet at Truman's? We want to thank Truman's client and today's guest blogger, Erik Michielsen for the interview.

Please tell us about yourself. Who are you and where, how and why do you do it?

My name is Erik Michielsen and I'm 36 years old.  I'm a Brooklyn-based Internet and Media entrepreneur.  I was born in Chicago and raised in Michigan.  Since I've been young, I've always been about bringing people together to play, to learn, to work, and to serve.    

My passion is in the human story and how to improve an individual's narrative by connecting him or her to resources - people, information, finances - that can make his or her story shine brighter.  

In early 2009 I began my startup journey piecing together what would become Capture Your Flag.  There are two elements.  The first, the public facing side, is an online video interview series that spotlights up and coming leaders across industries.  The show aspires to inform and inspire its early to mid career viewers to build more fulfilling careers.  The show It does this by showcasing the formative experiences shaping interviewee career decisions and development over time.  Interviews are segmented into short pieces by question and are organized by common leadership themes as well as by industry.  Interviewees return annually to discuss new topics and revisit how previously covered ones have evolved.  The show can be seen at www.captureyourflag.com.  The second element, the private side, involves creating custom Capture Your Flag experiences for corporations, namely going internal, interviewing rising talent, and creating video interview libraries tailored to talent development, leadership training, and internal communications to help companies develop tomorrow's leaders, starting today.    

My passion for human story extends to my efforts outside my startup.  My focus is on enabling a younger "next generation" of leaders, specifically children.  I'm very involved on two fronts related to this.  The first, Kilifi Kids (www.kilifikids.org) has provided computer labs, scholarships and de-worming medication to over 30,000 children in Kilifi, Kenya.  I'm on the board of directors and am headed to Kenya this summer to kick off a mobile health project that aims to bring health care to the people and, specifically, fight off malnutrition in Kenyan children.  The end goal is to keep them healthier and in school to open their future to possibility.  I'm also involved locally with Peer Health Exchange(www.peerhealthexchange.org) which trains college volunteers to go into public high schools across the country and teach a 12-week health education course in schools that no longer offer health education. 

When I'm not building my business or engaged in philanthropic efforts, I love to run - somehow managed to complete the 2009 marathon - and am a huge foodie.  I regularly enter food cookoffs and host dinner parties.  Why?  You guessed it...the unifying element of shared experience and discovery around food, wine, and the encompassing conversation.  Please follow me at  www.twitter.com/erikmichielsen, www.twitter.com/kilifikids and www.twitter.com/captureyourflag on Twitter!  

What drew you to Truman's?

My early hair salon experiences were interesting ones.  For one, I wore a flat top in high school.  Two, I somehow had the bright idea to have laser lines, specifically a Van Halenlogo, cut into my hair.  While my laser line days are gone, the memories, oh the memories, remain.  In college, I worked at a tailor - a true haberdashery - in Ann Arbor, Michigan.  It was a true salon for conversation and offered a throwback to days where timelessness mattered, not trend.  That element is present in Trumans, where I can go and be comfortable.  Comfortable in my dress and comfortable in my choice of cut.  Medium to long length with a balance between Internet business and Brooklyn.  

As for what drew me to Truman's, it was the concept and dear friends.  New York City is a busy place, and this is good.  There are times however, where we need to find respite amidst ongoing, seemingly never ending demands.  For me, that means three things: running in parks, going to movies, and, yes, hitting Trumans.  I know that going into Truman's guarantees me a warm, casual, stress free experience where I'll be greeted by Joel, Joe or another welcome face and will catapult into the back for a Six Points beer or coffee, a hot towel, a good conversation, and a great haircut.  

On the friends front, I was able to watch my friends Joe and Hans transition into entrepreneurs first hand.  It has been special watching John, Joe, and Hans learn and develop a growing business over time.  The best part has been witnessing the team and culture shape year over year into something that remains so special.  People come in with passion, enthusiasm and commitment and, over time, they build fulfilling careers.  I'm looking forward to what comes next with Truman's, not only for its aspiring staff and clients but also for those who have yet to discover the 56th St. oasis.  

What is your favorite part of the Truman's experience?

As for favorite parts of the Truman's experience, I think it comes down to interacting with staff, exchanging smiles and stories.  No matter my mood, which is admittedly normally a smiling mood, I always leave the Truman's team feeling great and ready to make a greater lasting contribution in what I do each and every day.  

Capture Your Flag

Truman's at the Manhattan Cocktail Classic

Posted by Melissa Colabella

On May 17th, Truman's attended the Manhattan Cocktail Classic at the New York Public Library. The Manhattan Cocktail Classic, "New York City’s first ever multi-day event celebrating the history, contemporary culture, and artful craft of the cocktail. Part festival, part fête, part conference, part cocktail party, the Manhattan Cocktail Classic brings together the unparalleled talents and opportunities of the bars, bartenders, and restaurants of our great city for five days of activities, both educational and celebratory in nature, championing the common ideals of authenticity, equality, sustainability, service, and pleasure."

Covering all four floors of the library, over 130 sponsors offered up their best drinks with the attendees. Amongst the incredible concoctions to be appreciated, my favorites included Aperol's lavender infused limoncello mixer, garnished with fresh flowers and Ultimat's refreshing vodka, cucumber juice, simple syrup and fresh pepper drink. Ultimat Vodka had also created a real photo shoot. Fedoras, 1950s style cigarette holders and faux blue and purple mink stoles were available accessories as patrons posed on set with cigarette girls.

In addition to the live music, Harlequins, Oompa Loompa’s, and a brief appearance from Mario Batali, Truman's Gentleman's Groomer's set up shop on the top floor offering guests complimentary shaves, facials, manicures, massages and shoe shines.




To read more about the event, visit: Article by Socially Superlative featuring Truman's at the Manhattan Cocktail Classic

 

(Photos courtesy of Socially Superlative and photographer Eric Strauss)

Truman's Participates in the Hair For Oil Spills Program!

Posted by Melissa Colabella

Check out this video:
Watch the Matter of Trust Video on You Tube

It was reported today that oil from the Gulf Coast leak has hit the Louisiana coastline and is headed towards south Florida.

For three weeks Truman's has been collecting hair clippings and will be sending them to the Matter of Trust Organization. Once at Matter of Trust, volunteers compile loose hair and stuff it into nylon stockings which are then tied together to make "booms" that surround and contain as well as soak up oil spills. The organization has also teamed up with Ottimat to create hair and fur mats that clean up the spill with their National Fiber Recycling System.

"You shampoo your hair because hair collects oil. Hair is very efficient at gathering oil, skin oils off your face, oil pollution out of the air, water, and even petroleum oil spills. Hair is adsorbant, (as in clings to, unlike absorbant, which is to soak up). There are over 370,000 hair salons in the US and each collects about 1 pound of hair a day. Right now, most of that goes into the waste stream but it should all be made into hairmats." - Phil McCrory, inventor and stylist.

We want to thank all of the volunteers of the Matter of Trust program for orchestrating this program and we thank our clients for allowing us to assist in the cleanup through recycled hair!

Matter Of Trust.Org