Slog
News & ArtsWednesday, July 1, 2009
Housekeeping Shirt Lifter
Posted by Dan Savage on Wed, Jul 1, 2009 at 11:47 AM
Why does Savage always wear the same shirt when he appears on national television news programs?
Because I keep one button-down shirt at work that I can toss in my bike bag when I have to ride down Fisher Plaza—where I always say hi to Marlee Ginter—to do an interview with CNN or MSNBC. I don't own a lot of button-down shirts because I don't like wearing them and I don't really give a shit how I look. And I only wear collared shirts on TV because they need to clip the mic to something and my right nipple won't do. But I hear you, Sloggers: my limited selection of button-down shirts make me a bad fag and I look slovenly on TV and the few button-down shirts I do own are the wrong color, cut, style, etc., and I'm wearing them all wrong. But I suspect that if I wore a different button-down shirt every time I was on TV—or if I wore more stylish shirts, and wore them well (perhaps with an ascot?)—Sloggers would bitch about me being a typical fashion-obsessed fag and rap me for all the money I'm blowing on clothes. There's no pleasing you people.
1
Please, Dan, you could wear just one shirt for every appearance, but maybe you could consider a more flattering color and fabric? Go to Nordy's, splurge on one nice shirt you could keep at work. You deserve it...
2
That truth is more more hilarious than my truth of getting much less money than originally thought.
3
There's a lot of pleasing us people, a lot. We adore you, srsly. But it's no trouble to unbutton the collar points and spread 'em out a bit to avoid over-narrowing the appearance of your face. Strictly dutch-uncle advice.
6
You sound like most middle-aged Dads. "I got this one shirt that works for such and such." And you will wear that shirt until there is nothing left or your spouse gets you another shirt.
8
i bet you that Fisher Plaza would let you keep a small wardrobe there - shirts, ties, jacket.
look like a pro.
look like a pro.
9
Dan, I love you just the way you are... actually you remind me of my dad, who has one perfectly nice shirt for all "dress" occasions. I find it endearing.
12
Maybe you could stop by Bonney Watson on the way? They likely have a couple suits just hanging around that you can easily slip in and out of because of the giant tear up the back.
13
Dan, why don't you ask Terry to buy you some shirts specifically for TV appearances? You'll get out of the work of buying more shirts and you'll give Terry a chance to feel he's doing something nice for you.
Isn't that what marriage is all about? :)
Isn't that what marriage is all about? :)
14
I think that, just maybe, there's a middle ground somewhere between "I will wear this one shirt until I die" and "I must throw my shirts away every time I wear them, lest I suffer the embarrassment of repeat wearings."
Like maybe owning two shirts. Or, maybe, if you're feeling crazy, three. : )
Like maybe owning two shirts. Or, maybe, if you're feeling crazy, three. : )
16
@8: Dan has stated on the record that he doesn't wear ties.
Besides, he doesn't need a stinkin' tie.
What he says is more important that how a certain shirt 'reads' on camera.
It was a very nicely done segment. Bravo Dan.
Besides, he doesn't need a stinkin' tie.
What he says is more important that how a certain shirt 'reads' on camera.
It was a very nicely done segment. Bravo Dan.
19
I say we get Tim Gunn in here to get you some snappy looking TV clothes. And while he's at it we can teach America a valuable lesson: Not all homos care about/are interested in/knowledgeable about fashion.
22
only beef with the shirt is that you look like you're drowning in it. a tailor can take it in for $15.
23
You can never have too many ascots Dan! maybe a boating hat to go with it?
http://www.forzieri.com/usa/depta.asp?l=…
http://www.forzieri.com/usa/depta.asp?l=…
28
What's your size, Dan?
I'm thinking maybe at the next Slog Happy some of the Sloggers would be happy to bring some hand-me-downs that would look great on you.
What do you think, team?
29
for someone who doesn't "really give a shit how I look" you sure do seem to obsess over how the BODY under the shirt looks, Mr Big Guns...
31
Not an ascot, but cravattes are lovely.
I'm sure plenty of sloggers will send you shirts now.
But I'd certainly like to see you with the mike stuck to your nipple sometime.
I'm sure plenty of sloggers will send you shirts now.
But I'd certainly like to see you with the mike stuck to your nipple sometime.
33
As you no doubt know there are loads men who get off on sending expensive attire to others (usually to a dominatrix). Just saying...
(anyway you've got my email address)
(anyway you've got my email address)
34
Don't let them dress you, Dan! It'll become a competition to see which of their shirts you wear first.
36
Yes, but if WE dress Dan at a Slog Happy, everyone will bring their paper-doll dress-up clothes - Dress Dan as a Cowboy! Dress Dan as a Grunge Boy Circa 1992! Dress Dan as a Midwest Tourist in NYC! It'd be kind of like the Slog version of the Village People.
37
I think Dan should buy a new shirt for every teevee appearance then auction off the wardrobe in this year's Strangercrombie.
40
I agree with 10, 18 & 30.
People will always complain - even when you do everything right - especially when you're in the public eye like you are.
HOWEVER
There is NO crime in having a couple of shirts or outfits that make you look like a well-dressed man when you need to. Gay or straight, we ARE still men, and sometimes, a nice shirt or nice outfit can brighten your outlook (and your look). Aside from when I have to wear business casual attire for jobs, and suits for occasions, I'm a jeans & t-shirt guy all the way. I'm sure your husband loves you as is, but get a few nice things just for YOURSELF.
This reply was sponsored by the Bummy Dudes Who Have Class Coalition, a subsidiary of The Jeans & T-Shirt Association.
People will always complain - even when you do everything right - especially when you're in the public eye like you are.
HOWEVER
There is NO crime in having a couple of shirts or outfits that make you look like a well-dressed man when you need to. Gay or straight, we ARE still men, and sometimes, a nice shirt or nice outfit can brighten your outlook (and your look). Aside from when I have to wear business casual attire for jobs, and suits for occasions, I'm a jeans & t-shirt guy all the way. I'm sure your husband loves you as is, but get a few nice things just for YOURSELF.
This reply was sponsored by the Bummy Dudes Who Have Class Coalition, a subsidiary of The Jeans & T-Shirt Association.
41
Well, now I feel lame, because I didn't notice his shirt at all. I must be very unobservant, I'm too busy listening to what he's saying and watching his facial expressions. I'll try and be more observant about his shirt next time, but I can't promise it.
43
@28 great idea.
Since I am beginning transitioning from male to female. . . I am getting rid of all my guy clothes.
What size is Dan?
Since I am beginning transitioning from male to female. . . I am getting rid of all my guy clothes.
What size is Dan?
45
I have a decent shirt you might like Dan, and it will be fine for TV... I am not sure how you will feel about the leather collar, though.
46
I think it was Karl Lagerfeld who said that a man should find the one thing he looks best in and wear only that. So as long as it's clean, I think you're okay.
47
I love watching Dan, but I always think that shirt washes him out. I don't care about the number of shirts, but I also vote for blue:)
50
Fuck them all -- wear what you want. No need to worry about wearing the same thing all the time b/c THAT IS NOT THE FUCKING POINT? Who are these assholes criticizing your shirt (!?!?!?!) for goddamn's sake? What the hell???
Disclosure: I just went shopping for shoes and bought two pairs of the same style in two colors hoping they will last for years. shopping sucks. anyone who wants to hear your message shouldn't give a shit what you wear.
Disclosure: I just went shopping for shoes and bought two pairs of the same style in two colors hoping they will last for years. shopping sucks. anyone who wants to hear your message shouldn't give a shit what you wear.
51
Dan keep up the good fight, you're a fantastic advocate for our rights! I always try to view your TV appearances, however, regarding your shirt situation, I do think you need to bump it up a bit. I agree blue always looks good on TV, that said, try a fitted blue chambray dress shirt. It's a very polished and professional look (oh and lose the t-shirt underneath, kinda sloppy.)
52
You are selling your ideas. Your ideas are looking to hook up at a party. Make sure they wear a nicely ironed, light-blue shirt, for the Love of God.
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