1. Leopard Print Sweatshirt – $150 by A.P.C.
2. Solid Black Selvedge Denim – $135 from Naked & Famous 
3. Hight top trainer – $455 by M. Martin Margiela available at Ssense
4. ‘Large Bold’ Watch – $350 by Movado available at Nordstrom
5. Canvas Tote bag – $235 by Want Les Essentiels De La Vie
6.  Bracelet – $95 by Vim Beget available at Blackbird

Bonus: Single Breasted Macintosh Coat – $129 by Uniqlo

This is my “downtown internet café  for a creative meeting” look. HA! I featured these Margie’s in my last post as one of my favorite white sneakers for this Spring and Summer. These are a clean, sporty, casual sneaker so matching them up with something a bit edgy and eye-catching won’t hurt. My homie Icy and myself caught wind of this sweatshirt a few weeks ago. I pulled it out of my casual gear memory bank to use with this look. I think dark straight fit denim pulls the simple sneakers and the not so simple sweatshirt together well. (Black jeans are my preference but dark blue would work) Be careful though the dye from these Naked & Famous denim jeans will run onto an all white sneaker. I’ll need few accessories to assist the slick, casual vibe here so I’ll go with a really sleek black on black watch with a leather band instead of a metal band and simple leather bracelet to compliment the watch. No doubt I’ll have my laptop if I’m going to an internet café so I’ll need my trusty tote to carry it in. Bonus: If it’s a bit chilly out I’ll throw on a clean khaki color Macintosh jacket. I was thinking field jacket but that has too much of rugged feel. The Mack is much slicker. That dark khaki is like camouflage for the leopard print and now the look is complete.

                          

2. Superstar 2.0 – $70 by Adidas – Thanks to combination of Run DMC’s fascination with shell toe Adidas and Jay-Z’s love for white on white Air Force One, these Adidas have climbed to the top as an inner city lifestyle shoe. They’re loved so much because they’re less bulky than the Nike’s Air Force One and the shell toe cap prevents the sneakers from showing a gruesome crease in the toe box. They also just seem cooler than AF1′s nowadays. Unfortunately this hold dirt just as well as any other white sneaker and it’s a hassle to clean them so there’s a good chance these won’t make it pass August. Myself and many others make these a yearly purchase. I broke that habit three years ago but that doesn’t mean these won’t be on shelf of your local sneaker retailer in about week if they aren’t there already.

3. Achilles Low – $345 by Common Projects available at Mr. Porter – Still my favorite sneaker that I don’t own. These will work with every, I repeat EVERY, Spring/Summer look you can put together. The best thing about them is that they don’t even look bad after they’ve collected a few smudges and dirt. They’re made with some of the finest Italian leathers so that ensures quality and durability. The high tops are good too but the low tops have a sleeker silhouette that kind of just gets out of the way if you’re wearing pants and shoes more ankle if you’re wearing shorts.

4. Leather High tops – $460 by Giuliano Fujiwara available at The Corner – I couldn’t just give you all low tops to for the entire season. Here a pair of gorgeous hightops for the higher end shopper. Fujiwara has been making waves with his sneakers in the past few seasons. I took my notice 2 years ago and last year when I saw these futuristic high tops which I love. The brand has came back from the future and gives us a much more tame, clean silhouette that can be worked into just about anyone’s wardrobe. They’re 100% premium leather with a suede tab on the tongue and a suede toe box that extends slightly around the side. I think that’s the best detail. It hard to make  the classic Chuck Taylor silhouette look new yet keep it true and simple but Fujiwara does so in this Spring/Summer 2012 collection.

UPDATE:

Hight top trainer – $455 by M. Martin Margiela available at Ssense - I knew these were dropping for Spring but I couldn’t find a good image to post of these yesterday when I upped this post. Then an email for these hit my inbox today and I had to come update this post because I’m definitely a fan of Margiela sneaks. So much so I had to share here. This is one of the sleekest athletic silhouettes I can possible think of for a sneaker. Its sporty and sharp but wouldn’t be mistaken for a purely athletic shoe. The gum is proper and is reminiscent of the old school gum bottom AF1′s. The mix fo suede and leather is perfect and the beige laces are the icing on thee cake. Now my white sneaker pick for Spring/Summer 2012 is complete.

                          

1. Ludlow Two Button suit – $425 (jacket) $225 (pant) by J.Crew
2. Michale Jordan Sweatshirt – $95 by HypeMeansNothing
3. Jordan 1’s (Banned) – SOLD OUT (except at FlightClub)
4. Scot Plain pocket square – $8 by TheTieBar
5. Square Tortoiseshell frame – ? by TomFord
6. Canvas Tote bag – $235 by Want Les Essentiels De La Vie

Today is the last day for NYFW. For the last day I’d go with a relaxed, sporty look. I love the juxtaposition of wearing a suit with sneakers, especially athletic sneakers. J. Crew’s Ludlow suit has a trim modern silhouette that leaves room for layers but still fits close. I normally shy away from black suits but for some reason I feel they’re required, so when I do where it I hope to have fun with it and not wear it to a funeral. Sneakers with flat soles tend to look better with suits than any other type of sneaker. Jordan 1’s are really trim and flat and kind of compliment the slight break in your pants without making them bulge and stack at the hem. These ‘banned’ Jordan 1’s got by me with their secret release at Nike Outlets. I called around for a few days checking on these but no haps. To keep with the sporty, comfortable look I’ll throw on a sweatshirt instead of a knit sweater. What would be better with Jordan 1’s than a witty pic of the man himself. Slide on some frames to hide my tired eyes and grab the trusty tote and I’m set.

                          

He says that the rules to the game are out of the window and being humble and working hard won’t be the only things that get you ahead. He says that you have to mix it up with the fakers and “let your nuts hang on ‘em” so that they know you’re really about that life, that you’re not scared and that you’re living what you’re talking about. Of course all of this pertained to the glossy fashion and entertainment industry where everyone claims to be everything just for attention. I tend to refrain from talking a lot about fashion and style other than on my blog as to avoid getting labeled as being full of hot air or jumping on this super cool, fly bandwagon. There are a lot of people who try to use brand names or name drop to try to prove that they’re somebody special in the game. I don’t do any of that. I just show up. I may be somebody, at least in this city, but I don’t act like it and maybe I should a little more. I know what I do. I know styleI know menswear design. I’m a great shopper. I know a bit about blogging. I don’t feel I have a point to prove but actually I should.

I should be proving that I’m a step ahead and above. That I’m not mediocre. That I do study my passion. That I’m not just doing it for attention. That my taste is what defines my character. That I can move in room full of vultures. This doesn’t just apply to me but to everyone. If you know you’re good, you have to move around in the world as such. You don’t have to be cocky but you shouldn’t humble yourself so much that you’re on mute. I shouldn’t be afraid to show my strengths and neither should anyone else. I thanked my friend greatly for giving me that pep talk and letting me know that people see me and if they don’t make them. Just like that great Party Boyz said “hit em with the flex they gon’ be began for some mo”

(below is an incredible version of that song)

                          

1. Black peacoat  – $129.90 by Uniqlo
2. McKie high neck sweater – $68 by Reiss
3. Black slim stretch trousers- $122.99 by Theory available at Bluefly
4.  Wingtip Espadrille Oxford – $840 made to order at Prada
5. Canvas Tote bag – $235 by Want Les Essentiels De La Vie

NYFW is still buzzing and I’m still here in Baltimore imagining what would make for a good outfit if I were there. From what I understand temperatures have dropped so its time to break out some heavier garments. First, I need a comfortable shoes to walk around in. These Prada platform wingtips are in my top 3 shoes all of time! That includes sneakers, boots, dress shoes, everything. I’ve yet to try these on or see them in the store but I still love them and it’s hard to imagine that with the extra midsole that these would be uncomfortable. Black trousers are automatic as long as you have the proper fit. Theory fits me very well, slim but not too tight. After a little alteration at the bottom they’re perfect. I’m digging cobalt blue at anytime of the year but especially during the winter and spring. Lucky for me its pops up early in the Fall season so now its on sale at Reiss. Moving through the city on foot means you’ll probably need something to carry around your essentials. Keep the major accessories consistent with the quality of your garments. I’m going for bag that I’ll have for a longtime, no cheap supermarket usable bags. This tote by Want compliments just about everything and shows that you really care about the things in your bag whatever they may be.

                          

1. Check Blazer w/ Suede contrast elbow patches – $196.96 by Vito available at ASOS

2. Dry Flat Selvage Denim (Thinn Finn Fit) – $275 at Nudie Jeans

3. Cashmere Pullover Hoodie – $325 by DKNY

4. Brogue Boots- $485 by Mark McNairy for Standard available at StandardAtl

5. Double Mackinaw Wool Cap- $60 by Filson available at Park&Bond

Bonus: Watch strap – $20 by J.Crew

My 3^rd fashion week look features a shoe by everyone’s favorite shoe designers right now, Mark McNairy. The way he has spiced up bucks, brogues, and boots has changed the whole game. He hooked up with Standard in ATL for 3 pair of wingtip brogue boots. All three are awesome but I’ll go with the white wedge heel. (It never hurts for me to look a little bit taller) The black and navy color way is cool because of the mix of fabric and that’ll go perfect with raw denim jeans. I’ll pull the Thinn Finn Nudies back out to break them in a bit more. This layered look includes a hoodie and blazer. This once was cool, then it became corny, now its whatevs. Who cares about rules in fashion? If you’re rocking it right rules don’t apply. The reason the hoodie/blazer combo washed out is that designers made wack pieces that had the two attached. It never looked quite right. Another factor were the not-so-stylish types looking for a trend to hop on so that they looked fashionable. They murdered the whole look for everyone. With the hoodie/blazer combo keep it slim and keep it good quality. Cashmere is top notch, start there with the hoodie, especially in winter. The grey and navy check blazer shows a bit of flavor but still blends with overall tone/color of this look. Elbow patches add a little umph. Pop on the Double Mackinaw Wool Cap to keep my thoughts warm and it’s all good. The cap shows a little fearlessness and if I really want to get swanky I’ll switch the color of the watch strap on my Timex (like I did here) and head out to the first engagement for Friday at NYFW.

                          

“Y’eent bout dat life”

I’ve been rocking with Donnis since the “Fashionably Late” Mixtape. I thought the track “Gone” would be on there, it wasn’t but I was disappointed because the mixtape was very solid. Most recently he’s been dropping the Snack Pack series with  2 or 3 new tracks each. Here’s a visual for “Bout that life” featuring Juicy J from Snack Pack Vol. 2. I love how the young dudes always show love to Juicy J and the Hypnotized Minds crew. Download all the Snack Pack series or just listen to the tracks here

                          

2. Tapered Leg Sweatpants – $110 by Adidas SLVR available at Park&Bond

3. Suede Hi-Top Sneaker – $675 by Rick Owens available at Ssense.com (sale price)

4. Flare Ranger Frames – $129 by Vintage Frames Company (sold out)

5. Printed  Rihanna MC t-shirt – $295 by Lanvin available at Ssense.com

Bonus: Cashmere Scarve – $139 by Barneys New York (sale price)

Yesterday I decided that since its New York Fashion Week (and I’m not there) it’s only right for me to at least put together daily looks as if I were actually participating in some way. Even though its winter and there’s a lot of walking the streets, much of the time is spend at show rooms, fashion shows, mixers and parties so you’ll want to be comfortable. This is my super comfortable sporty chic look. I’m sure a blazer and sweatpants don’t even look like they should be in the same store let alone on one person at the same time but that’s just how I’m feeling. With the right fit and confidence, you can pull of just about anything. These sweatpants have a modern tapered cut that fits close but not tight. They’re not like the old Champion or Russell sweats from back in the day. The ribbing at the ankle gives them a bit of a clean look so that leg doesn’t droop over your ankle or shoes all sloppy like. The blazer from Surface to Air has a modern trim cut as well. Trim but not too slim. It’s still comfy and roomy enough for a sweater underneath if you want to layer up. These sneakers by Rick Owens were a tough choose. It took me about 3 years to warm up the attitude and aesthetic behind his brand. Back in 2008-9 when I first paid attention to his work I didn’t like it at all but now I see the light, or the dark rather. I appreciate and understand the dark, grungy, draping and high-top leather sneakers. These come in leather but I prefer the suede. I think they’ll look dope with proper fitting sweatpants or jeans. I’ve been digging a lot of the all over print tees lately. They don’t seem as generic as the all overprint that trended a few years ago with many streetwear brands. This tee by Lanvin is called the “Rihanna MC” T-shirt but it is a man’s shirt. And what man can say no to Rihanna right now? Throw on some frames from Mr. Shapiro’s Vintage Frames Company and a solid color scarf to add a pop of color and make your way to the next event on your NYFW itinerary.

                          

Secret wash shirt – $64.50 from J.Crew

Thin Finn Light Natural Jeans – $249 by Nudie

Perforated Camo Suede Slipper – $310 by Del Toro

Aviator sunglasses – $145 by Ray-Ban

Tiger’s Eye Spiritual bracelet – $425 by David Yurman

Timex Vintage Field Watch – $150 available at J.Crew

Slim cotton-cashmere v-neck  – $59.50 from J.Crew

Today’s look is a glimpse into Spring of 2012. It’s been a warm winter but I’m ready for some real sun. This is what I’d wear on a lunch date or maybe a happy hour or maybe on vacation in Miami. I saw these slippers up close a few weeks ago at Capsule. I have a pair in black velvet and they look great on me. (FYI: they run small so size up.) The staff at Del Toro is young but they’re focused and friendly. I’ll always show support for them and their products. I’d cop these in a heartbeat if I didn’t have other items on my list ahead of them. Since the shoes are the statement piece it makes sense to keep the rest of the outfit clean and simple with a few complimentary accessories. You can never go wrong with a crispy white button down. The secret wash shirts from J. Crew are super comfortable so I’ll start there. Light denim doesn’t get much play nowadays with everyone still sporting dark raw denim. If you’re gonna go light, get a broken in washed look. You don’t want to have the “dad jeans” look going. The key pieces are set now time to throw in a few accessories. I’m playing off the camo colors with the military watch and green watch band along with the classic green aviator frames. Keeping my man jewelry nice and understated I’ll go with a singular tiger’s eye beaded bracelet. No precious metals or rocks this time around. Bonus: If it gets a bit chilly throw on a black v-neck to beat the breeze.

                          

The first program, or clip rather, was the “Face to Face” interview with Karl Lagerfeld from my last blog post. Karl asked himself what the perfect day would be like for himself. Lagerfeld is a very savvy, very wise and very patient man. All those contribute to him being the icon that he his but he’s also surprisingly simple. His response to his question was proof of his simplicity. Everyday should be the perfect day. He states that “it’s up to you to work on it”. You have to make your day perfect. You and no one else but you must give your day purpose. It takes will and discipline says Lagerfeld, to accomplish those goals, achieve that purpose and make that day perfect. The lesson to be learned from the silver-hair genius is that you won’t be happy unless you set a goal and go about your day working towards that goal making things as you see fit for your own happiness.

The second program I watched was episode two for this season of Starz hit series “Spartacus”.  The episode begins with Oenomaus, the former trainer for the gladiators of the House of Batiatus, in the underground gladiator fight circuit. (This is like the D-league of the Arena gladiators). Oenomaus was once Doctore, a noble position that held pretty good rank within the House, but now he’s lost and fighting for his life for mere coins. The episode flashes back to Oenomaus as a youth and shows his path to how he became a gladiator within the House of Batiatus. The Dominus of the House of Batiatus handpicked Oenomaus because he fought with anger and passion. Dominus saw greatness within Oenomaus and decided to give him guidance and wisdom. He told Oenomaus that anger and passion are not enough for him to become great, he must find a purpose to fight for, a purpose larger than himself. Only then will he achieve his full fighting potential as a gladiator. Oenomaus determined, on his own, that his purpose would be to serve the House of Batiatus. He went on to be one of the greatest gladiators and trainers but now since there is no House he feels as if he has no purpose, thus he’s fighting in the underground until he meets his death. The lesson learned here is that setting goals and defining your purpose pushes you passed obstacles, sets your aim and gives you life and vigor. Also serving a purpose larger than yourself amplifies the magnitude of your actions and benefits yourself and others along the way.

Think about rocks. What purpose do rocks have? None until we determine a purpose for them. They can function and serve us in many ways but by no means are they worthless. Life is the same way. It’s not worthless at all but we must give it a purpose and set goals as we live our lives. That’s how we accomplish things. That’s how we complete projects, have good days, or provide great service. That’s how we become happy. Now that I’m preparing and organizing I need to remind myself to make myself happy.