THROWIN A GOOD PIRATE BASH

ARRRH!!!! FOR GET 80'S NIGHT AND HOLIDAY BORRING. STEP UP TO A NIGHT OF TOUGH COSTUMES, SLANG LINGO, BAR WENCHES, PRETTY FEMALE PIRATES, AND OF COURSE RUM.

           MY LOVELY HEATHER'S BIRTHDAY BASH WAS A PERFECT PIRATE PARTY BASH.

HERE'S HOW TO DO IT RIGHT:

1. LOCATION IS KEY: REDWOOD BAR A GOOD EXAMPLE.

2. GET DISCOUTNS ON DRINKS FOR PARTY MEMBERS BEFORE HAND

3. COSTTUME REQUIRED - SIMPLE AS A BANDANA TO A FULL GEAR AT LOCAL COSTUME SHOP. PLASTIC GUNS A MUST

4. MAKE A RUM PUNCH - GOOGLE RECIPES

5. SPEAK PIRATE - http://www.io.com/~sj/PirateTalk.html

6. GET A SPECIAL PIRATE CAKE

HAVE FUN BE MERY THROW FIGHTS CAUSE HAVOUC OR GO LOW KEY EITHER WAY A TIME THAT I LOVE, TRY IT OUT. 

LET ME KNOW HOW IT GOES???

LOFT 7 & HUGH SIMMS SALE/PARTY

The penthouse of the famous Haas Building in Downtown Los Angeles is the setting for the monthly designer showcase. The HUGH SIMMS BRAND is featured in top boutiques across the country including Fred Segal but still can be found in these pop up parties and sales.  LA is famous for these "in the know" sales that give people the chance to buy cool products and meet the upcoming designers. 

With a parties that has no fees, free cocktails, live DJ, rooftop jacuzzi, twin bartenders, amazing deals it is a must see.  Check me or the brand out on facebook for updates. http://www.facebook.com/people/Hugh-Simms/530165159

          - 

MUST HAVE BRIEFCASE

PALMER & SONS

"At Palmer And Sons we make all of our designs with only our own hands in Vancouver, Canada.  My son Jack and myself design, prototype and produce each design one at a time from start to finish. Using traditional methods, heritage materials and vintage tools to bring you designs that are timeless and peaceful in their principles." - Nick Palmer

WHY I DIG: "Strong, Sophisticated, Handmade, Reasonable Price Point, and a soothing sexy interior that prevents a cocky alpha male pigeonhole." Join me as I am planning on buying one of these bitches at: PALMER & SONS"

**Thanks to Helge Pedersen for the money find. Support his blog: bikesbopsandbovver.blogspot.com

 

FALL FASHION TIPS: OLD SALT DOG

There is no one tougher than an old salt dog fisherman. My family comes from the S

eafood Crabbing Industry and these individuals working the lines and nets have been and will continue to be a major

inspiration on myself and my 

designs.

The clothes they wear are as true

and transparent as they are.

 So let me break it down for you.

THE LOOK:

1. BEANIE - Big w/ thick front band. 

                   -  Blue/Grey/Orange/Grey Color and no visible logos.

                   -  Cheap Cotton Fabric, yes cheap.

2. PUFF VEST - Not to bulky. Solid Color. Simple Design

3. CHECKERED FLANNEL - No fancy designs or complex hues. Basic colors and patterns.

4. HAIR - Long scraggly salt wash look.

5. Beard - If you don't have the beard you don't have the look. Untamed

* Hugh Simms Tie: No way keep it at home for this one!

FALL FASHION TIPS; HEADPHONES GO BIG AND SEXY

WHAT HEADPHONE TO BUY:

In my Cornell days collegiate girls would give nods of appro

val to me as I smoothed crossed campus but then whispers of laughs would faintly follow pointing at my clashing canary yellow phones. With a glance in the mirror I saw the blunder. So guys rock your outfit

then put on the phones as the final look not an after thought.

CURRENT TREND:

1. GO BIG - Tiny eardrop phones are uncomfortable can look like a tampon string. Hurt your ears and loose base.

2. Good Sound System - Not just the highs but the lows. A Modern Re

nnasince Man appreciates good sounding tunes. This only comes with bigger headphones despite some one's lame comment.

3. GO PUNK - Remember Punk isn't a style its a mindset to not conform to society. There's a wide selection I will point you in the right direction but choose a hip pair that fits your pers

onal style.

PURCHASING OPTIONS:

1. Skull Candy 

- These are Big and Fresh. Make a statement for your love of music- http://skullcandy.com 

2. Bose -  I live in these they grey goes w/ anything and they have a noise cancellation button

  which is important for my many cross country flights-  http://bose.com

"Feeling Music Predicts Intelligence" - mc5

;

DO YOU REALL KNOW WHAT PUNK IS???

PUNKS AREN'T NAZI SKIN HEADS. 

THEY ARE BLACKS/WHITES/LONGHAIRS ANY RACE IT'S A MOVEMENT OF INDIVIDUALITY/CONFIDENCE/ AND REFUSAL TO CONFORM. WE ALL CAN BREATHE THAT!!

Punk by definition is rejecting not only contemporary mainstream rock but the broader culture it was associated with. It's a form of independence a progression to individuality and a sense of freedom and confidence. It's not black leather, mohawks, and safety pins this was all designed to be different and to grab one's attention. If that works for you and you can use it as a symbol than do it but be Punk in your own way and your own definition. The key to it all.

THE MUSIC:

I am by no means an expert but "John" at HEADLINER RECORDS in LA is and after conversations he has given me the road map to the foundation. From there after spinning these Classic Vinyl's I will dive into the more advanced but like fashion you need to understand the basic before truly appreciating the obscure. Trust me it's a good train to jump on. Who's coming with me.

THE STARTER KIT: NEXT STEPS:

1. MC5 - "It all started here in 1964 not w/ the Ramones. 6.  MISFITS

2. THE CLASH 7.  BAD BRAINS

3. SEX PISTOLS 8.  THE DICKS

4. RAMONES 9.  MINOR THREAT

5. DEAD KENNEDYS - My favorite some great live albums. 10. BLACK FLAG

I grew up on punk music it reminds me of surfing/snowboarding and skating of days past and good days to come. Before a good surf session nothing feels better than the sounds of the Dead Kennedy's. So now I start my quest to fully understand the movement and the music. Toast everybody.

"TRY THESE RECORDS OUT LET ME KNOW WHAT YOU THINK." - HUGH

FALL FASHION TIPS: HANDCUFFS THE NEW CHAIN

Early fall is here not cold enough yet to rock the heavy layers but too chilly to go short sleave. Here's a great option an East and West Coast moving in together style that defines the modern man.  Don't get Mono but think Mono. The many shades of black and white keep this look a refreshing break from the past summer hues.

THE LOOK TIPS:

1. Black and White Long Sleave - Start out with this punk staple I got this one from one of my favorite LA boutiques. 

Popkiller: www.popkiller.us

2. Monochrome - Go black and white polo all the way down to the kicks. Pin striped. www.vans.com

3. Faded Jeans - Avoid overly distressed they tip the look to messy.

4. HANDCUFFS - The new metal hipster chain is here!

I bought two pairs and extended the chain to give a little more look. This accessory gives out some mixed messages which keeps you out of a "pigeon hole" but be ready for some enquiring questions and the occasional nervous suspect. Notice in the above picture how it is slightly concealed while it still gives off a slight pop of metal flash. A great way to balance the soft texture of fabric much like the punk safety pins.

THE BLINDSIDE TIE:

I go with the Hugh Simms Blindside Tie. All the tie patterns are custom and this I had done in a deep castle rock grey which gives a dark vibe. www.hughsimms.com

FALL FASHION TIPS: THE PERFECT PEA COAT

Many that know me know that I am vocal about which designers I dislike and am the first to tell why. I hold back nothing here but make no mistake I am no "hater". For I am the first to tip my Cabbie, spread the word, and let all know about them and their clothing. So here's one I respect.

VANISHING ELEPHANT

A new brand that like a friendly shadow appears in most of the stores that I am carried by. It's a modern sophistication that is a step in front of trends and I fell in love with this Pea Coat.

THE MODERN PEACOAT

1. Notice the slightly sliming fit but still holds the classic look.
2. A sharp collar that has a strip of leather detailing on the seams. You can't really see it on this picture.
3. The military straps on the shoulders is a strong addition.
4. The navy and white flower pin reminds me a bit of Prom the one I used to match  to my date's corsage. Please no comments here you can remove this from the jacket.
5. Complex navy color and an overall great medium weight.

2009 WORLD RECORD!!!! : Largest Toast

THE ARTHUR GUINNESS TOAST,

Every year on Sept. 25th on this day many years ago Arthur Guinness founded the stout we have come to love. The Guinness Company and Friends spread the word across the country with a simple purpose, to create the largest toast in history. Today I checked Sep 25th I checked the results and was stoked on the turnout and yes we did it, actually we destroyed it.

MANY PEOPLE SENT IN THEIR TOAST GOWWW.GUINNESS.COM

THIS WAS MY TOAST

THE STOUT & ARTHUR:

Guinness gets it's burnt flavor from Nitrogen and was founded in Dublin.

THE WORLD RECORD:

Many people worldwide on Sep/29/09 set this record. I was apart of it does this make me a World Record Holder. No gold medal on my neck, no claps, no podium, not going to brag to my friend and mom but I like to think I am. Cheers!!

EXTRA EXTRA BUY A NEWSBOY HAT

The cabbie hat is a must have for any wardrobe men/women alike. For men it adds a pub vibe and a boyish charm all in one lid and for women it adds a street savvy vibe. Guys good news, lucky for us we have more room for error in this fashion element while the women can end up in the Britney Spears train wreck look, we've all seen these cabbie nightmares.  Avoid the classic cabbie and go Newsboy here's what separates it.

TIPS ON BUYING:

1. GO BIG!! - The look is based off of young kids wearing their old man's hat so step up the size no snug fit. XXL Time.

2. SOFT COLOR - Pick a soft brown or charcoal color. 

3. WOOL - A pure classic fabric.

4. GREAT LINING - Find the right one and you'll want to live in it so the inside feel is equally important.

I love the comfort and loose feel it gives it's a staple in my wardrobe and I can't live without mine. Second hand shops can provide some pure gold in this department.

BOCA SNOWBIRD

Recession is here you have a bit of coin to burn why not head to Boca, FL and retire early. Much like the die a young good looking corpse attitude. Be casual enjoy great restaurants, palm trees, excellent customer service, clay courts, and plenty of tom collins. The good life.

PULL OFF THE LOOK:

1. Slightly muted Nantucket Red Pants

2. "Rusty Gate" casual Hugh Simms Tie www.hughsimms.com

3.  Aviators, no socks, and drop some bucks on veneers

4.  Don't forget the pastel plaid sport coat and mix it up with a vertical striped shirt.

5.  Eye candy w/ smarts of course

Have fun with this look even if you don't possess the fashion sense. This look goes easy on fashion blunders. So if you don't have a big fashion sense go wild this is like a free hall pass, girl's get one for Halloween to look sluty we get it for Boca Snowbird. Be aware of the Cougars. Arrrarr. Say hi to my mommom for me too. Cheers!!

Where to Buy:  These were given by Kyle's Grandfather an overlooked fashion stop.

GET THE DAVID BECKHAM LOOK

Don't hate. Appreciate. 

I hear it all the time, "David spends too much time and interest on fashion and not enough on Futbol/Soccer".  I don't know anything about the sport just that I love drinking at the Pub during the World Cup and we suck at it.  In my home court of Fashion, guy has skills. Despite his Mouseketeer voice David pulls off thirties tough style with this look so here's the meat and potatoes on it.

MAIN:

1. Fitted white shirt big sleeve rolls

2. Vintage Vest - Stay away from pinstripes for this look and hit a solid pattern

3. Suit Pants

4. Stompin Boots - Rough and Rugged keep them partially laced and don't tuck under pant leg but leave partly exposed. This takes the Frankenstein look away.

5. Fingerless Gloves - Urban Outfitters has a great solid pair and with a ten dollar price tag a great cheap accessory to punch up that look. Wow "punch" sorry about that. These pictured I have and love.

6. HUGH SIMMS GENTLEMEN JONNY TIE - Tie patch has a skull wearing a Cabbie Hat.

 

FALL FASHION TIPS: "Moonshine Man"

Fall is here so set yourself apart with these quick tips on how to create the Hugh Simms "Moonshine Man" look. 

Approach your closet with a new look and a new approach. Patterns with stripes, stripes with plaids, different weight fabrics, black and browns, who cares!!!!

THE  LOOK  TIPS:

1. Start w/ a bottle of moonshine

2. Mix a plaid stripped shirt with a HS repp stripped tie

3. Suit vest under a beat up military inspired jacket.

4. Penny loafers to show off your hint of prep

5. Vintage brown belt

6. Herringbone cabbie

7. Heavy  denim dark navy jeans

THE TIE

- The Lost Library Tie has a cool repp stripped crest pattern which is big for the season trends. Keep the tie a bit longer to expose the bottom patch on the tie through the vest. The disheveled patchwork, muddy colors, and crest logo makes it a solid choice. www.hughsimms.com

BATHROOM SIGNS DRIVING ME CRAZY!

My all time pet peeve is ambiguous public bathroom signs hands down.  A few beers in at a restaurant bar an Indiana Jones hunt for the bathroom ends up with one final task. No it's not picking the Holy Grail it's picking the right bathroom door. Come on designers this is not the place to express your creativity or wit, leave it to the actual designs not these signs. We've all been stumped for a quick minute trying to guess the meaning of these pointless brain teasers that always correlates to the restaurant/bar theme. Still not sure step aside and wait for someone to make the "public falling down the stairs" like chance for you. 

DRY BOARD STOP MOTION

Modern Renaissance Man (M.R.M.)

It’s all about being well versed in all the arts and if you can’t be well than just be versed. I am just versed when it comes to Stop Motion Films but that doesn’t mean I don’t get stoked on it. You need not posses the highest form of graphic design or film work just a strong imagination. So here's the nuts and bolts.

What you need? Any Video Camera that takes pictures and hooks up to your comp.

What I use? HANDYCAM, MAC PRO, IMOVIE

How's it work? You can use a tripod to hold the camera or I just rock it in my left hand and draw on a dry erase board. I draw a line than snap a pic draw again snap again and so on. I change the picture around and use slight of hand tricks for more visual effects. Than i load it up to my MAC drop it in IMOVIE. Change with one setting the time lapse of the pictures and get the correct time i want for the feel. Upload a song from itunes into it and add special effects from garage band where needed.

Hope this helps and stay creative.

CLICK FOR MY STOP MOTION SHORT

WAKEBOAT SESSIONS

Everyone loves to be on a boat, yes everyone maybe not on the Time Bandit in Deadliest Catch but some form. A boat owner in a beach town is as popular as a tiki bartender with a love of locals and a heavy hand for good reason to. Sun, no crowds, bar hopping with no lines and no real threat of D.U.I. and you can have a mean pre-game before sunset.

The friends that don’t surf can’t be hanging out with you in a surfing lineup but on a boat different story and a crazy tube ride can send the boat crowd into a frenzy almost more than a front side big spin. Whatever you want to do the boat has a bit for all so enjoy and if you have a boat in California than let me know friend. Cheers!

MY TOP TEN TIPS:

1.     BOAT CLEAT WORKS AS BOTTLE OPENER

2.     BRING EXTRA BEERS – good for trading spare tank of gas or wakeboards

3.     KNIFE – Cutting limes, crab traps caught on prop, and that overall pirate feeling

4.     THE ROBOT – Drop the rope do the robot or loose your turn

5.  DON'T GO COMANDO WITH WHITE LINEN PANTS

CLICK FOR VIDEO - ME AND MY BUDDIES BOAT SESSION - TOO FUN!!

My Ole Man's Drink

His stories of youth are filled with success fueled by integrity, friendship, love, an occasional bar fight, business by handshake, and an overall good ole boy mentality. Few and far between here’s the drink of the man who defines man.

J&B on the Rocks with a Twist.

My minor at Cornell was beverage focused so I inquired curiously, why? Rocks “ice” watered down Scotch and blends have always been inferior to single malts and looked down upon. His response, “I gave single malts neat a try and when it came down to it son I was never really one of those guys.” This is raw cool which is not trying to be cool so capture it with a try.

Rock the Burly Beard

Shortly after I grew in my Brandon Walsh sideburns sophomore year in Prep school I got into the elusive beard not the stubble or shadow but pure burly beard. Two class mates and I would even sketch cartoons of us rocking beards trying to top one another, with the All Time winner being Serge who drew himself running me over heading to the forest shirtless, bearded, and to chop down trees.

Dear mom will hate it, most girlfriends, mine doesn’t “exception” cool chic, and with relaxed clothes you can look Hobo. One mother even pulled her child away from sitting beside me in an airport, although I did smell like stale beer from the night before.  So why do it? Why take it that far?

Simple, it’s for you, a statement, a sign of third world travel, toughness, higher level intelligence, rocker, and cred on the rugby field. I do it to get those feelings yet on an occasion I do it during darker times so when I look in the mirror I look just how I feel, a sense of peace in them both. Who rocks them: Professors, Salty Dogs, Texas Blues Players, Woodsmen, Drifters, Soul Surfers, and even Prince William took it for a ride, the exact type of person I design for.

 My Fashion Tips: First grow it in the summer and leave the "I'm growing it out for the cold winter" to the weekend warriors. You can rock it with a white tee, shirtless & jeans, and of course the flannel. 

However the true style tip is to counter it, just as extreme as it is head the other direction with options: fitted three suit, tie, fedora, bowtie, a preppy hair style, and polished shoes. To me this is the all time sex appeal for men of course.

Any of you headed this direction I would love to get a pic and if you’re in one of my ties I’ll give you a 25% Off Code. hugh@hughsimms.com

Starting a JUG BAND

Random jam sessions is the times of all smiles, laughs, friendship, suds, and the occasional in sync moment that gives a glimpse, a tiny glimpse, but yet a glimpse into the rockstar moment.

As an average guitarist, a below average drummer, and a one solo harmonica player I by no means will be echoing out on K-Rock. My music career highlights consists of younger days strumming on the sea wall of Ocean City, MD, performing at the Parlor Lounge, getting booed off stage after playing “Blowjobs on the Beach” written by band member JD Koonz, and becoming a member of LA based band “Cuilingus Dan & The Replaceable Backups”.

The electric chill rush however experienced from these times I would combat with these Rock Cats any time. We’ve all hopefully have been apart of a "sesh" so here is my inside look at “getting the band back together” and ignore "starting..." it sounds more homegrown.

Why Jug Band, here’s why: homemade instruments to accompany traditional ones so no bongos no problem grab two spoons, hide that bad player on a soup pot, little to zero cost, and it just sounds hipper/tougher to be in one. Picking up a vintage rusted washboard or making an upright broomstick bath tub base is entertaining by itself not to mention great conversation pieces for the pad. You’re done with you drunken college days of “Wonderland” and “Flake” so let’s step up the game and here’s how.

MAKE IT HAPPEN:

My Favorite Jub Band: http://www.myspace.com/thedevilmakesthree

How to Make the Instruments: http://www.ehow.com/how_2068161_start-jug-band.html

How to Play Them: "This down home teacher even shows you how to rock the tree saw!"    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fb5WN5ivfJ8&feature=related 

For those out there who get this thing going I would be super stoked for you to send me  pics, links, or youtube vid. All in fun! Cheers!!  hugh@hughsimms.com

WEREWOLF PRIEST

This dusty Urban Legend I have used in various designs and in my current line is now featured on a unique rugby patch stitched upon the Werewolf Priests Tie. Hope you dig the story it's classic Good vs Evil.

The legend is based on a faded priest broken by personal loss. Residing in a small-impoverished village whose faith has long slipped away he is required to travel to service all his parishioners. Forced to camp out on one particular night he is attacked and bitten by a wolf. The priest fights off the wolf and returns to the village to heal. Now at his point the anticipation is a steady consumption of great evil in his werewolf form at night. However the unlikely occurs. His walking life becomes relentlessly fueled by a “RENEWED VIGOUR” in his preaching duties causing a rebirth of faith into the population.   

The priest later has a dream of killing a prominent local citizen and when the crime is replicated in real life, the Priest realizes he is cursed. At the same time the newly inspired village embark on a crusade to hunt down the evil that has killed one of their own.                        

Now it gets cool. Some say the townspeople killed the wolf and watched with surprise and great sorrow as it transformed into their beloved Priest. Others say the Priest committed suicide. A select few say the townspeople realized the truth and left him unaware and alive for his religious strength knowing a few sacrificial deaths would inevitably occur. It's up to you to decide.

TRUTH: Dr. Lee Illis of Guy's Hospital in London wrote the Aetiology of Werewolves, in which he argues that historical accounts could have been referring to victims of congenital porphyria, stating how the symptoms of photosensitivity, reddish teeth and psychosis could have been grounds for accusing a sufferer of being a werewolf.

The priest suffered great personal loss and was plagued by this deathly illness and that kind of dark situation can provoke extreme faith.  This story could have been true.