So I got to personally witness a spectacular wardrobe malfunction today.
It's not often in Washington, D.C. that we get to see someone in a bright blue suit jacket with flowers.
Obviously, this is a pretty conservative dress town.
Some might call it rather style boring or even nerdy.
However, this brave guy went out on a limb and stood out like a sore DC thumbnail.
Actually, I believe it's nice to add some color, flair, and style and light up the room and the faces.
Too much gloominess and depression here at times.
I was so excited when someone actually called me "Happy Tie!"
Then everyone took a turn showing off their colorful socks to each other.
It takes so little to turn a room of people joyful and laughing.
Honestly, we need more of this, and why not be a contributor to people's happiness and smiling?
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Showing posts with label Standout. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Standout. Show all posts
February 8, 2017
December 8, 2016
Graffiti Blood Fashion
Aside from all the colors, the design is just eye-taking.
Almost like graffiti on a skirt!
Hey, I think that would make a great business for someone(s) by the way.
Give me a call...and we'll start it up and make a $ billion--I hope!
Seriously, this skirt is so interesting with a scare theme of monsters, heart, teeth, and blood.
But the fright is quickly turned into envious fashion style as a complete standout item.
Gorgeous design and style, and I definitely see a fashion trend emerging here big time. ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Graffiti Blood Fashion
August 10, 2016
Superman Leadership
This guy's socks were very cool.
If you can say that socks make the man then perhaps this is it.
Superman that is!
No special shirt, underwear, or cape required--the socks communicate it all.
For the man of steel or one in the making (if worn at workout time).
Then again, I was trying to imagine someone actually having the guts or nuttiness to wear these to the office.
If they would, it probably be with the following in mind:
I can do anything helpful to get the job done--
1) Rolling out cutting-edge systems and business process improvements faster than a speeding bullet
2) Creating positive change more powerful than a locomotive
3) Able to leap with integrity over organizational obstacles, red tape, and naysayers in a single bound
It's a change consultant. It's a corner office bureaucrat. It's a "superleader!"
Up up and away...it can be done (even without the socks). ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Superman Leadership
April 19, 2016
Her Hair Was A Hoot
No offense intended, but not going to miss this lady in a crowd.
Orange-hot pink hair, a zebra shirt, big black-rimmed glasses, and a wild bag with dozens of pins all over it.
It was also funny that the sign over her head says, "Orange" to match this lady's hair.
My childhood friends would probably call this a "Hair Don't" like a hairdo, only don't do it!
Sometimes, you have to wonder what people are thinking.
It's nice to get attention, if it's attention worth getting. ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Her Hair Was A Hoot
April 4, 2016
Hate Ties, But Love These
I hate neck ties in general, but love these specifically.
If you have to wear a tie, these strong gorgeous silk ones called Quindici by Ermenegildo Zegna are absolutely beautiful.
At a retail price of $285 each at Nordstrom's, they are not cheap, but what a powerful and confident accent for any formal outfit.
These are all for me! ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Hate Ties, But Love These
December 27, 2015
Next @7Eleven
This lady is a scream at 7-Eleven.
With the looks, personality, and humor, she should definitely have her own tv show.
Great times in Florida (thank you Hashem). ;-)
(Source Video: Andy Blumenthal)
Next @7Eleven
Labels:
7-Eleven,
Customer Service,
Employee Of The Year,
Florida,
Fun,
Funny,
Gratitude,
Humor,
Laugh,
Looks,
Personality,
Standout,
Store,
Video
December 7, 2015
Makeup That Leaves You Wondering
So I was in Macy's yesterday doing some holiday shopping for the girls.
And came across these eye-catching advertisements for MAC cosmetics, especially lipstick.
The one with the mustache lip and the big gap in the front teeth caught attention--like what in the world is that?
And the poster with twenty-one different lips certainly let you know that there is quite a bit that makeup can do to express your lips and yourself.
Overall, thought it was quite an effective advertisement, even if the one with the mustache was a little gender confusing. ;-)
(Source Photos: Andy Blumenthal)
Makeup That Leaves You Wondering
August 16, 2015
Trumpet Chandeliers
I took this photo at Pike & Rose in Rockville.
These are Trumpet Chandeliers.
Inside the Bell of the Trumpet are the light bulbs.
It looks beautiful with the blue ceiling and the accent lights along the side.
Believe it or not, this is the walkway between the garage and iPic theatre.
Nicely done even without the trumpet music. ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
These are Trumpet Chandeliers.
Inside the Bell of the Trumpet are the light bulbs.
It looks beautiful with the blue ceiling and the accent lights along the side.
Believe it or not, this is the walkway between the garage and iPic theatre.
Nicely done even without the trumpet music. ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Trumpet Chandeliers
July 30, 2015
Hey, Lady On The Shirt
This was just a really cool shirt that I saw.
It's has an image of a lady standing out front with what looks like a volcano in the background.
The volcano is shooting up its hothead steam, and looks like it's blowing the cloud on the left sideways, off-kilter.
What's nice about the lady on the shirt is that it's not just drawn on, but has materials sewn in to make it 3-D.
The black and pink fabric for the dress, the green and red beads for the shirt, the pink and silver over the black patches for the sunglasses, and the yellow for the hat.
Also, like the way she's standing all confident wth her hands on her hips and her elbows out--like "Hey, that volcano is nothing (compared to me)!"
The shirt is so simple, yet very smart.
That's the way most things should be. ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
It's has an image of a lady standing out front with what looks like a volcano in the background.
The volcano is shooting up its hothead steam, and looks like it's blowing the cloud on the left sideways, off-kilter.
What's nice about the lady on the shirt is that it's not just drawn on, but has materials sewn in to make it 3-D.
The black and pink fabric for the dress, the green and red beads for the shirt, the pink and silver over the black patches for the sunglasses, and the yellow for the hat.
Also, like the way she's standing all confident wth her hands on her hips and her elbows out--like "Hey, that volcano is nothing (compared to me)!"
The shirt is so simple, yet very smart.
That's the way most things should be. ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Hey, Lady On The Shirt
July 19, 2015
That's Good Cookin'
This was a funny picture when we were out west.
This guy is standing on the corner dancing around in his apron and chef's hat.
He's also got a big fat fake mustache on top of his real one and big round glasses/googles on his face.
He is working hard to attract people to come into his restaurant.
This "chef" calls over to us jumping around--doing anything to get our attention.
So we had already eaten lunch, but he did get us to stop and say hello--this picture captures the moment. ;-)
(Source Photo: Dannielle Blumenthal)
This guy is standing on the corner dancing around in his apron and chef's hat.
He's also got a big fat fake mustache on top of his real one and big round glasses/googles on his face.
He is working hard to attract people to come into his restaurant.
This "chef" calls over to us jumping around--doing anything to get our attention.
So we had already eaten lunch, but he did get us to stop and say hello--this picture captures the moment. ;-)
(Source Photo: Dannielle Blumenthal)
That's Good Cookin'
Labels:
Attention,
Branding,
Chef,
Cooking,
Dancing,
Eating,
Funny,
Hat,
Mustache,
Persuasion,
Photo,
Restaurant,
Sales and Marketing,
Standout
May 3, 2015
Fashionistas Oh Mista
I found this gorgeous picture on Facebook.
I believe this model on the runway is wearing Armani.
The green dress is overflowing with beautiful ruffles, accented only by a black belt.
As the model walks down the black and white runway, the whole outfit just seems to pop with soft texture and sheer eloquence.
I showed it to my daughter and she was hesitant about it, thinking that the green color made her look like a tree and surrounding foliage.
I can see her point--maybe a nice sky blue or candy pink would be better...I think all three on stage would be amazing! ;-)
I believe this model on the runway is wearing Armani.
The green dress is overflowing with beautiful ruffles, accented only by a black belt.
As the model walks down the black and white runway, the whole outfit just seems to pop with soft texture and sheer eloquence.
I showed it to my daughter and she was hesitant about it, thinking that the green color made her look like a tree and surrounding foliage.
I can see her point--maybe a nice sky blue or candy pink would be better...I think all three on stage would be amazing! ;-)
Fashionistas Oh Mista
March 15, 2015
Best Animated Shoes
These are some very cool shoes--different!
My daughter found these on Youtube
They are made by this unboring shoe company in the U.K. called Irregular Choice.
Walking on the back of a dragon cannot be a bad thing.
Stepping alternatively on the bride and groom--maybe an interesting perspective on the ins and outs of marriage.
They also have a neat pair of Panda shoes.
Check these out, I think you'll look cool and really like it. ;-)
Best Animated Shoes
Labels:
Best,
Chic,
Colorful,
Cool,
Design,
Distinctive,
Dragon,
Fashion,
Innovative,
Marriage,
Panda,
Shoes,
Standout,
Stylish,
Think Different
January 4, 2015
Diamonds And Opals
I like the big diamond in the middle surrounded/lined on both sides by more diamonds.
What seemed really special was that it was inlaid in a setting of beautiful blue, green, and red opal gemstones.
I asked the jeweler how much this ring was...
Couldn't believe the price tag for this was $35,000!
Probably a little steep for most people, and not exactly traditional, but in my mind, it was definitely a stand out. ;-)
Diamonds And Opals
December 30, 2014
Now That's A Plug!
I turn to my wife and daughter and ask if they think it would be okay for me to ask him about them.
After the look at him and me a couple of times back and forth, I get the nod, okay.
First, I had no idea those disks in his ears were called plugs.
(Now I'm a Jewish kid from the Bronx, and to me earplugs are what I use for swimming!)
I asked innocently, "How did you get your lobes that big?"
He then described this process where you start with an earring in your earlobe and over time, you stretch the hole with larger and larger insets.
He had been doing this for 8 years, but confessed that his holes could've been much larger by now.
I asked, "Do you ever take them out?"
He told me sure at night, and for showering, swimming, etc.
Curious, I inquired what he does about the big flappy earlobes when the plugs aren't in.
The young man said, "It's no problem....it just hangs there."
At this point, I thank him for talking with me, but now am laughing at the conversation as I read it over, and happy to be a little innocent and even naive to some things. ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Now That's A Plug!
Labels:
Accessories,
Attention,
Body Piercing,
Design,
Ears,
Fashion,
Funny,
Innocent,
Interesting People,
Jewelry,
Look At Me,
Naive,
Photo,
Plugs,
Standout,
Story,
Stretching,
Style,
Swimming
December 17, 2014
Cash And Books
I took this photo in downtown Washington, D.C. today.
It was interesting to me for a number of reasons.
First, the amount and variety of advertising here (and there was more that is not even pictured here) was a little bit incredible, especially in light of the single customer at the stand.
Second, this vendor is buying the books back from the university students at a hotdog stand--yeah, more than a little weird, no?
Aside from the fact that students pay an exorbitant amout for textbooks and then get pennies on the dollar back, now you are encouraged to make your transaction with a street vendor in the cold of December.
Anyway, you think anyone will notice this cash for books stand? ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Cash And Books
Labels:
Advertising,
Attention,
Books,
Branding,
College,
Customer Service,
Education,
Hotdogs,
Look At Me,
Marketing,
Photo,
Signage,
Standout,
Street,
Vendor,
Washington D.C.,
Winter
April 21, 2014
Disease Of The Ordinary
I asked the store owner about them, and he said he gets these mostly for (window) display purposes.
But one lady actually bought a pair similar to this for a big event she was going to.
I think these would certainly make a statement (however crazy) when someone walks into the room wearing these.
Maybe that's the point for many people--to stand out!
People want to be noticed, special, and be thought of as something or as somebodies.
Being 1 of 7 billion people is not very satisfying--so how do we differentiate ourselves?
- The fancy house and cars we have
- The clothing and accessories we wear and carry
- The trophy wife or husband that hangs on us
- Our own physical good looks, fitness, and skills
- The prestigious university we went to and the degrees we possess
- Climbing the career ladder and our titles and offices
- Our pedigree from kings, clergy, hollywood, rich, or otherwise famous or successful people
- The children (and grandchildren) that we rear to be smart, successful, well-integrated, etc.?
- How religious we are, how much charity we give, the kindness we show others?
This is something that we all struggle with as human beings--what is a life of purpose, meaning and how do we know that we've achieved it?
I think the problem for many is that we measure ourselves by what we have and not who we are. Perhaps, this is a clear mistaken case of quantity over quality.
Down in Florida, I see so many "haves" and "have nots"--but it's not enough for the haves to have, but if they aren't showing it off, getting stares, having people talk about them, then they seem to feel uncomfortably ordinary.
What is this disease of the ordinary that people must ever run to escape from--and even with the reddest, wildest, wing glasses or whatever--will they ever feel truly happy and satisfied inside?
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Disease Of The Ordinary
June 22, 2012
One Of These Things Is Not Like The Other
There was a train coming by pretty fast, and on the flatbeds were what seemed like a endless line of Tractors.
-- Red, red, red, red, blue, and then red again.
I hurried to get my iPhone out and capture this photo while the train was rushing by at full speed.
I love this shot, because it teaches an important lesson about diversity.
Firstly, it reminds me of the children's song, "One of these things is not like the other. One of these things just doesn't belong."
From early in life, we are taught to conform a certain way--based on norms, culture, values, policies, rules, regulations, laws, religion, and so on.
There always seems to be a reason that we have to talk, dress, think, and conduct ourselves--properly, politically-correct, and just like everyone else.
And we are warned that "the nail that sticks out, gets hammered down"--so don't do it--it's too risky--you'll be labeled bad or worse yet, crazy.
So while creativity and innovation is valued if it can bring someone a nice profit, we are still cautioned not to go out too far on a limb or else you risk getting ridiculed and rejected--hey "you may never work again in this town."
But in this picture, the tractors tell a different story--that it's okay to be a blue tractor in a long parade of red ones.
No, the blue tractor wasn't a mistake, it isn't abnormal or alien or evil, it's just different and it's cool.
The blue tractor stands out, but it isn't a bad thing to stand out--and the blue tractor won't get hammered down.
It's okay to be a blue tractor in a long procession of red tractors--and it's great to just be who you are--blue, red, yellow, green, or whatever.
Conformity is not normalcy--it's just look-alike, copycat, and probably even boring.
Being different can be novel, inventive, out-of-the-box and exciting--and more important it can usher in needed change.
I think we need more blue tractors in a red tractor world.
Will you take a chance and be a blue tractor too?
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
One Of These Things Is Not Like The Other
Labels:
Change,
Children's Song,
Competitive Advantage,
Conformity,
Copycat,
Crazy,
Culture,
Differentiation,
Diversity,
Exciting,
Innovative,
Norms,
Photo,
Politically Correct,
religion,
Risk,
Rules,
Standout,
Tractor,
Trains
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