Street Fashionista: Jared Penna

I love a gruff-looking guy – oh and by gruff, I mean scruffy facial hair, basic dressing (jeans, tee, boots), and maybe some kind of flair – retro hat, tattoos, or a vintage blazer.

But when it comes to flair, facial hair is the new black.  The mustache has taken on a life of its own; just watch IFC's "Whisker Wars."  So what is it about the beard?  It has become man's best accessory.  No more murse (man+purse), the Fedora is losing its steam, the scarf is just too consuming, and the chain wallet always gets caught on the doorknob.

But the fuzz is here to stay.  I can almost smell the increase in mustache wax sales over the last couple years.  The kicker is just this – in order to pull off the coiffed 'stache or beard, one must dress down.  In my opinion, it works.  A three piece suit and a dandy handlebar only make you look dated – like you're an extra in the new box office smash, "Nacho's Last Stand."  I think ZZ Top did it best, and we just laughed at them in the '80s.  Today they would be put in a museum for the magnitude of their fine beards.

So that's just it – jeans, tee, boots, flair, and whiskers.

Ladies how do you rock this look?  Unless you're the bearded lady, just stick to your beachy, blonde waves.

Who?  Jared Penna

Where?  The Oasis Pub

Why Jared?  He is the quintessential ruff, gruff, sweetheart.  With his shaved head, basic duds, tattoos, gauged ears, and majestic fuzz, Jared pretty much kills the look.

Describe your style and typical "go-to" outfit.   I don't really see myself having style per se, I just rock out a black Harley T-shirt, jeans, and work boots.  Typical Penna style!

Tell me something about you people may not know.  I'm actually a very conservative person.

Tell me about your favorite tattoo.  Definitely my choo-choo train – how can ya go wrong with a choo-choo train?!  Especially when it's a tribute to Johnny Cash and it goes the whole length of your leg, that's right, the whole length.

The beard is amazing – what's your beauty regimen with it (hee hee).  It's actually a top secret regimen, but I will say it involves volumizing and heat.

Top 3 most-listened-to bands in the last month.  Extremely hard question – I jam out to Pandora every day, all day, so the most played are Johnny Cash, Abandon All Ships, and Lamb of God.

What's your favorite thing to do on your day off in Erie?  I don't get too many days off, but if I do, I'm usually hanging out with friends or getting tattoos.  In the summer I'm always on the Harley, a.k.a. "therapy time."

If you had the choice to fly, be invisible, or bi-locate, which would you chose and why?  Definitely bi-locate; I could get twice as much stuff done!

Who was your favorite James Bond?  Sean Connery for sure! His swag, his way with the ladies, and his overall badass-ness is unbeatable!

Tell me about the Anchor Inn. I know you put a lot of TLC into it.  After five years of the Oasis being open, we decided it was time to bring the downstairs back to life. With all the reclaimed ship wood, Ralph the Ghost, the jazz and blues on Friday and Saturdays, and a new chef, how could anyone not want to get it opened up? And, I'm a beast with a hammer and nails.

The Oasis is turning into a staple in Erie. What's the background and how did you come to it?   The owner, Ryan Newara, a former bar owner / manager, decided to start from the ground up at the Oasis about 5 years ago, which has been numerous establishments over the last 50 years. We completely renovated the interior of the bar and Wet Willy's Tiki Bar – the outside patio. I actually started working with Ryan years before the Oasis and our bromance – ha! – has lasted ever since. I couldn't ask for someone better to work for.

Jared has tons of cool tattoos, a winning smile, a golden personality, and a huge heart.  Go give him hell while he's bouncing at the Oasis!

Check out the cool events at www.oasispub.net, I am a sucker for Jazz on Fridays!
 

Find me out on the town and challenge yourself to get noticed by the Erie Reader!r!