Interview with Tod Abrams

Tod Abrams works in motion picture marketing and is president of his own national promotions firm, Alternative Marketing Solutions, Inc. He and his family live in both Los Angeles and New York. In addition, Abrams is the also author of thereluctantdaddy.com, a blog about parenting, marriage and other atrocities. He is presently in negotiations with a major network to develop a TV show based on his crazy life as depicted in his blog. Read it, it¹s really funny.

Briefly describe your personal style.

Decrepit, slightly over-the-hill Disco Dolly meets Victorian era dandy.

How has it changed over the years?

As you age, you realize there are certain 'looks' you just can't pull off anymore. My days of Abercrombie and Fitch cargo shorts and tank tops are but a distant memory. Being in the entertainment industry, I try to pick 'classic' looks but give them a little bit of an edge. I sometimes fail miserably.

Who are your style icons?

Brad Pitt - he and I are exactly the same age and I try to emulate him every chance I get. Sadly, Brad is a head taller than me and way better looking.
I've become accustomed to the cutting remarks I get from friends and family who advise me to 'give it up' as Brad is a movie star, and I'm a cave troll.


Does you haircut influence your sartorial choices, given your recent trials and tribulations with your son Ethan¹s hair?

Despite my unbridled narcissism, I spend very little time on my hair. I have very thick hair for a man my age and owe it in large part to my impoverished Russian ancestors who if nothing else, gave me great hair. My beauty routines consist of getting out of bed and running my fingers through my hair. I consider 'bed head' a real style statement.


When you pick up Ethan from school/play-dates do you think you¹re the best dressed Daddy?

It depends. When I'm not bitterly resentful for having to give up an afternoon of frivolity so that I can pick my son up from some mind-numbing play-date, I make a concerted effort to look 'sporty.' On these rare occasions, my son generally looks me up and down and says, "You look weird."

What are some menswear trends you hate? What are some you love?

Where do I begin?! I can't stand the 'flip-flops' with any outfit or any type of weather trend. Flip-flops are for the beach and for the pool...period. I also have 'issues' with Ed Hardy. There's something frightening about men who wear clothing emblazoned with tigers and rhinestones, and who espouse the philosophy 'love kills slowly.' These men need not accost anyone, as their horrifying outfits do it for them.

Don't even get me started on DOCKERS.

In terms of trends I love, I really like a great suit. Dressed up with an amazing shirt and tie or dressed down with a cashmere 'hoodie,' you can never go wrong with a great looking, well-tailored suit. Unfortunately, I live in Los Angeles where the prevailing attitude toward wearing a suit is viewed as 'scary' as the legion of Hollywood agents and managers have co-opted them as their blood-sucking, soul-stealing uniform of choice. Sad.

You live in LA, but we met you in New York. Can you talk about how menswear trends differ in the two cities?

I live in both places but probably consider Los Angeles home as my family resides there most of the time. Men in New York are far more daring than men in Los Angeles. I'm constantly amused at some of the wild looks I see parading around the Village or Soho. Were I one to try and pull off one of those madcap, NYC looks in LA, you would get the requisite stares, clucking of the tongues, and eye rolling. Despite being the home of the 'liberal elite' movie business, LA is surprisingly conservative (boring) in terms of fashion.


What was your favorite era for menswear?

When I was a teenager, I saw that movie CHARIOTS OF FIRE and thought that the 1920's were the shit. I am to this day, influenced by that film. I mean who wouldn't want to run around in wool suits, skin-tight riding jodhpurs, cashmere scarves and beanies?


In a fantasy world where money was no object, what would you wear every day?

In my fantasy world, I would dress as Louis XIV and rock the silks, satins, and wigs of Versailles. I'm not sure how practical my 'look' would be riding the subway, but I'm certain it would be a real crowd pleaser.

You have described Ethan as “very straight” and he refers to himself as a “surfer." What does he like to wear? What do you agree on? What do you guys fight over?

My son Ethan's taste in clothing is deplorable. Given the choice, (I'm nauseous thinking about it) he would wear the same pair of Wal-Mart shorts and stained 'I love New York' t-shirt every day. It is a constant battle of wills in our house determining what outfit he will wear to school. These raging battles generally culminate in a tantrum and a flood of tears - usually my own.


Last but not least, what¹s your favorite Buckler item that you own?

I love Andrew Buckler, who I've personally christened 'The New John
Varvatos.' I own a ton of Andrew's jackets and shirts, but my new obsession is an Indian blanket-inspired sweater (Navajo Poncho) that is far too young for me. Take that Brad Pitt!


Thanks again to Tod Abrams for humoring our first blog interview. You can keep up with Todd on thereluctantdaddy.com.