In Style...

Alexander McQueen Samsonite Black Label Set

The holidays always remind me of one thing. No, it's not hot chocolate with marshmallows, or garland strung by the chimney with care, or the hopes that St. Nick would soon be there (and for the record, my house doesn't have a chimney, so good luck with that one homes). Anyway, when I think of the holidays, I think of holiday travel and nothing to me means travel than a nice piece of luggage. The above set is from the late Alexander McQueen and was designed in 2006 as part of the Samsonite Black Label collection.


The design resembles a very, very skinny model's spine and ribs and is what I would consider a sickening set to travel through BWI with. Talk about a head turner. It's pieces like this that you know without a shadow of a doubt wont be thrown up under any plane. Talk about traveling in style! Though "Santa" came and delivered one of the best Christmas' ever, here's to getting an early start for next year.

Something Wild...

Shirt: GAP; Jeans: Uniqlo; Shoes: Aldo; Scarf: Chico's; Watch: Michael Kors

Yesterday was quite amazing and interesting at the same time. Let's start off with the fact that for about an hour or so, this here blog was nicely deleted off the face of the internet :-(. I pretty much damn near died, came back to life and died again. Yes, I know, I don't update as much as I should and if I want this blog to go anywhere fast, I have to put in the time and effort that my million other counterparts put in to have my blog standout amongst the masses of style, fashion, food, art...you get the picture. So heres a little early New Years Resolution...I will update this blog at least 3 times a week! Not just for you, my lovely adored readers (and yes, I adore you, all 27 of you), but for myself. When I thought for a second that my blog was gone forever, it really put things into perspective for me. I LOVE THIS BLOG! It's my child in the attic, it's my escape, it's the only place I ramble on and on (much like I'm doing now) and no one can tell me to shut the fuck up or change the subject. This blog is ME! I LOVE IN ERNEST! I LOVE YOU!

Well, now that's out of the way...let's get to the 2nd part of the day, the interesting part. So at about 3am this morning I watched the Lunar Eclipse for the first time in my life and I have to say that it was by far the coolest thing I've seen in a long time. Something about it took me back to being a kid and thinking that aliens lived on the moon and that all my dreams would come true if I only believed in myself, and didn't let anyone tell me otherwise. Wow! It's amazing how as children we possess the drive to run a little faster, color a little longer, and stay up past bedtime just to say we could and did, but when we're adults, that drive slowly comes to a screeching halt and we're left wondering what happened to the inner child that knew no limits to the possibilities of life.

This is the reason I broke out the cheetah scarf from Chico's today. It helped remind me that there's a little Wild Child inside of me that wants to rule the world and doesn't care how long it's going to take to do it. Isn't that the greatest thing about fashion? How one article of clothing can make you realize who you are or want to be! Man, this is probably the deepest I've ever gotten on this blog, and you know what...IT FEELS DAMN GOOD!

Brrr...

The weather in Fort Myers is seriously stressing me out. One day it's 80 degrees, the next it's 50! Surely you can tell which day it was today. Always excited when I can bust out this military jacket and pair it with my favorite pieces in my wardrobe - chambray shirt and staple black pants. Sometimes its so much easier to get dress when you have those staple items in your closet that always work. The combo today is a true testament of that...what do you think?

Chambray Please...

Velvet Vest: Forever21; Chambray Shirt: GAP; Jeans: Uniqlo; Shoes: Aldo; Belt: Uniqlo; Watch: Michael Kors

I've always been a fan of the chambray shirt ever since the summer started, but I could never bring myself to pay over $30 for it. Even though there were several times I was really close to breaking down and getting this one from J.Crew, I remained a good little boy and waited till I found one that was in my price range. Enter the GAP Friends & Family.

What's that you say? 30% off your total purchase? What's the code?!?! So I got this nice striped chambray shirt for $21; including shipping :). I wasn't ready to bring on the full trend of denim on denim so I decided to break the look up a little with the addition of this velvet vest I've had forever. That's kinda funny seeing as this is a piece from Forever21. Now see, even though I didn't spend too much money on the vest, had to have cost less than $20 if I remember correctly, I still get so much use out it during the year. It's a good thing I take care of my garments and treat them all the same...like found piece of treasure that will enhance my collection. Something tells me this chambray shirt will make a nice edition.

Happy Friday.

Firework...

Do you ever feel like a plastic bag,
drifting through the wind
wanting to start again?
Do you ever feel, feel so paper thin
like a house of cards,
one blow from caving in?

Do you ever feel already buried deep?
6 feet under screams but no one seems to hear a thing
Do you know that there's still a chance for you
'Cause there's a spark in you

You just gotta ignite, the light, and let it shine
Just own the night like the 4th of July

'Cause baby you're a firework
Come on, show 'em what you're worth
Make 'em go "Oh, oh, oh"
As you shoot across the sky-y-y

Baby, you're a firework
Come on, let your colors burst
Make 'em go "Oh, oh, oh"
You're gonna leave 'em falling awe-awe-awe

You don't have to feel like a waste of space
You're original, cannot be replaced
If you only knew what the future holds
After a hurricane comes a rainbow

Maybe your reason why all the doors are closed
So you could open one that leads you to the perfect road
Like a lightning bolt, your heart will glow
And when it's time, you'll know

You just gotta ignite, the light, and let it shine
Just own the night like the 4th of July

'Cause baby you're a firework
Come on, show 'em what you're worth
Make 'em go "Oh, oh, oh"
As you shoot across the sky-y-y

Baby, you're a firework
Come on, let your colors burst
Make 'em go "Oh, Oh, Oh"
You're gonna leave 'em falling awe-awe-awe

Boom, boom, boom
Even brighter than the moon, moon, moon
It's always been inside of you, you, you
And now it's time to let it through-ough-ough

'Cause baby you're a firework
Come on, show 'em what you're worth
Make 'em go "Oh, Oh, Oh"
As you shoot across the sky-y-y

Baby, you're a firework
Come on, let your colors burst
Make 'em go "Oh, Oh, Oh"
You're gonna leave 'em falling awe-awe-awe

Boom, boom, boom
Even brighter than the moon, moon, moon
Boom, boom, boom
Even brighter than the moon, moon, moon

Katy Perry's "Firework" moves me in so many ways. All I can say is I will forever own the night like the 4th of July! With so many people not able to be who they are for whatever reason, it's always nice to know that some celebs do GIVE A DAMN about the little people struggling to let their light shine. I think this song touches me, because growing up as a gay black man was always the hardest thing I ever had to do. Being ridiculed because I preferred fashion over basketball, because I cared that my jeans sat on my waist and not below my ass. I was teased and taunted because I loved being around my "girlfriends" and never wanted to kick it with the fellas.

I can honestly say that if it wasn't for my supportive mother, I would have probably tried to commit suicide because growing up and always feeling different is never easy. You're alone, you feel worthless and all you want is for someone to love and respect you for who you are. Thanks, Mom! Is so refreshing that the fashion industry accepts all extremes, especially homosexuals...hell, we thrive in the fashion world, and if I had to pick any universe to dwell in, this is it!

For anyone out there who still feels alone and trapped (I still do sometimes) just listen to the words of this song...it's poetry that touches you and let's you know that you are special and should demand to be heard, seen, loved!

I'm playing this song every morning when I wake up and right before I go to bed to remind myself that yes, I AM A FIREWORK; SHINING BRIGHTER THAN THE MOON!

A Little More Grown Up...

Sweater: H&M; Pants: H&M; Shoes: Zara; Watch: Michael Kors

Sometimes I find myself fearful of the fact that I am thinking and becoming more and more like a grown-up! Yes, I said the G word. For my generation, we're all about the next party, the next premiere, the next EVERYTHING! I really find myself staying up all night just to make sure I know which celebrity wore what to the premiere of her movie. Honestly, it's quite exhausting at times.

Yes, I know! I work in fashion pr and should be all about these things. But come on! Every time you turn around there's some late breaking news about someone being arrested, pregnant, married, divorced, smacked, and the list goes on and on. I guess I really shouldn't complain giving that I'm what you would consider a nosy rosy and want to know everyone's bizness at ALL times! I'm just saying, like my mom and G-ma would say...it'd be nice if the world was a little more calm and we had a little more time to just smell the magnolias.

Words of wisdom for a beautiful Sunday!

When Life Serves You Lemons...

We've all heard it and said it..."When life serves you lemons, make lemonade..." Well, I've been served a shit ton of lemons in my day and honestly, lemonade aint cutting it anymore. How about, when life serves you lemons...add vodka for a fun, citrusy, summer cocktail! Now that's more like it.

My current helping of lemons comes from the inevitable fact that I won't be in NY to see, shop, and covet the Lavin <3 HM collection. Today, US editors were given a sneak peak of the collection and I have to say that I am so hating on everyone that lives in the Big Apple right now! It's not fair I tell you, it's just not fucking fair (sorry for the strong language, I just sometimes feel really strongly about certain things in life and need a little help from our good friend in the profanity department...but I digress).

The above video is a look at all of the fabulousness that will be available beginning November 23rd, although something tells me that by noon it'll all be a distant memory. This match made in fast fashion couture heaven is going to haunt my dreams with lace and chiffon, sequins and ruffles. But hey, at least I'll have this video...it'll be my porn...MY FASHION PORN! Enjoy!

All The Pretty Pictures...

I'm really hoping that this Christmas (yes, I know it's a little early to be discussing the season of giving but hey, gotta let momma know early what I want so she can plan accordingly :-) ), to receive some great fashion books for my coffee table. And you thought people in fashion didn't read! Yes, these books are generally larger in size compared to the standard size books on the shelf, and there tends to be a lot of pictures as opposed to words...I'm still trying to see where the issue is coming in.

To me, books are sorta like the ever evolving world of blogging. Some blogs are a little too wordy (for me) with little to no pictures, some blogs have great photos to accompany the blogger's thoughts, ideas, opinions, etc., and then there are those blogs that are full of pretty pictures. Get my drift? These books are full of pretty pictures, ideas, and thoughts on some of the most influential people in the industry - just like most of the blogs on the world wide web today. Hope my mom is taking notes :).

Whip It! Whip It Real Good...

WOW! Now we've all seen the surge of young tenders hitting the pop music scene looking to make a name for themselves, and I have to say I'm really rooting for Ms. Willow. The child of celeb couple Will and Jada Pinkett Smith, Willow's eclectic and somewhat outlandish style has helped her make a name for herself in the fashion and music world.

Her first single, Whip My Hair back and forth is climbing the chart and her highly anticipated video debuted today. Let me know what you think...definitely giving some artists much older than her (she's only 10) a run for their money. Go head lil Willow, whip that hair back and forth. Just don't hurt em.

Taking a Walk...

Vest: Zara; Shirt: Banana Republic; Pants: H&M; Shoes: Zara;

I went to see The Social Network on Friday with a few friends and all I can say is "WHOA"! While there were a few times that I felt like Mark Z. was a complete a-hole, I have to admit, his passion and determination to be the best was very inspiring. I really think that a lot of people are too lazy to realize their full potential and I have to admit that I at times I have cut myself short because of "couch potato syndrome". NO MORE!

There are so many things in life that I want to have, do, and see and I can no longer stand in my own way of getting what I deserve! Today is also 10-10-10 and at church I received an awesome word that spoke to my soul - Spiritual Jurisdiction. I must allow GOD to have jurisdiction over my life which will empower me to have jurisdiction to live my life to the fullest. Here's to a new outlook on life.

Just Another Day...

Polo: Polo Ralph Lauren; Pants: H&M; Shoes: Zara; Belt: J.Crew; Watch: Michael Kors

Headed out to the gym to work on my fitness and wanted to post this outfit. Feeling very prep master in my Ralph Lauren polo and web belt from J.Crew. With the right pieces a look can really come together with little or no effort at all.

What do you think?

When In Doubt...

Shirt: Zara; Pants; H&M; Shoes: Zara; Watch: Michael Kors

"Aint nobody dope as me, I'm just so fresh, so clean. So fresh and so clean, clean". I absolutely love this song because it describes my mood every time I leave my house. This outfit, while basic in color combination is anything but when you get into the details.

I would have to say that this linen pullover was a summer staple and is easily making its way into my Fall lineup. Whenever I feel like keep an outfit simple and clean, yet chic all the same, I reach for a black and white ensemble which is basically fail proof.

Anyway, hope your week is off to a great start. Happy Monday.

Focused...

Shirt: Polo Ralph Lauren; Trousers: H&M; Shoes: Aldo; Watch: Michael Kors

Finally! The weather in Fort Myers is breaking and while its still 89 degrees out, there's little to no humidity, making it much more bearable. As you can see...since watching A Single Man (produced by T. Ford), I've pretty much up'd the ante when it comes to getting dressed in the morning.

I feel the need to be a little more pulled together, especially from 8 - 7. It feels quite rewarding to walk into the office everyday and know that I feel and look my most powerful! There is nothing more rewarding or liberating than owning a wardrobe of strong pieces that are interchangeable and speak volume.

I know I've been getting quite deep on this here blog; it just feels like everyday I have a better understanding of my role in life and who I am and want to become as a man, as a publicist, and as a blogger. Does that make sense? Did I lose you yet...

Happy Wednesday.

A Single Man...

A Single Man produced/directed by Tom Ford was an absolutely brilliant movie. To state the obvious, the costumes were stunning (based in the 60's) and absolutely inspiring. I love how much attention was paid to detail when people in those days got dressed. It was about where you were going, who you were going to see throughout the day...it was all quite glamourous actually. I really wish Americans could go back to giving a damn about how they look everyday, but one can surely dream.

I've never read the novel by Christopher Isherwood (immediately ordered it from Amazon once the credits rolled) and I can hardly wait. The main character, George, played by Colin Firth, is dealing with the lost of his lover to a tragic car accident and the movie takes you through the entire day of George's life. What's interesting about the day that the audience is allowed to share in, is this is the day that George has decided to commit suicide. Deciding that the stress and pain of losing is lover, Jim, is too much, George goes about his day making sure to see everything as clear as possible as he knows this will be the last time.

Tom Ford is completely amazing as the film is shot so beautifully that you are instantly transformed into the psych of George and his melancholy way of thinking. Instantly you feel his pain and want to hold him and tell him to hang in there. The film has a grayish tone to it until George stumbles upon something that instantly ignites his senses - the secretary's lipstick, the rose, a prostitute's mouth, the puppy's smell of buttery toast - all light up and instantly the screen is bright and you feel George's optimism about what life can truly be when enjoyed for the simple beauties that one encounters on a daily basis.

All in all, I was so inspired by this movie because it taught me to really appreciate everyday as if it was my last. Make the most out of every single minute, of every single day, because that's all you get. I appreciate Tom bringing this amazing work of literature to film because sometimes, we have to see it and hear it in order to truly understand such a powerful message. Very few movies move, motivate and inspire and A Single Man is that film.

A Little Effort...

Shirt: Polo; Tie: Vintage; Vest: H&M; Jeans: Uniqlo; Watch: Ted Baker; Shoes: Zara

I may be a little late to the party...may have taken the first sip of the kool-aid...but whatever you want to call it, I'm all about my new obsession that is Tom Ford! The man is a complete and utter genius and the fact that I haven't explored his work prior is downright despicable on my part.

I recently read Tom's interview in Women's Wear Daily where he talks about his reason for leaving the States and heading to Europe to develop his talent. Stating that American fashion is too lack and laid back, where Europeans appreciate glamour and style, Tom felt his American way of life was holding him back from his true potential. A little effort goes a long way he believes...and so do I.

Never did I realize how laid back people have become with their looks, especially in the workplace. Hello, flip flops and ripped jeans anyone. It's almost a little sad how society has shut out social norms when it comes to dressing for certain arenas, ie. the office, a cocktail party, someone's freaking wedding, and on, and on, and on. I definitely can say that I've been a culprit of this tragedy and have decided to put a stop to it once and for all. I must remember that looking the part helps you along the way, and my new found obsession with Tom Ford is clearly having positive effects on my sartorial standards. So far, so good.

Distance Lover...

Village (East or West) strolls... (Zara)

Lazy Days in the city... (All Saints)

Never failing...at anything! (J.Crew)

Everyday essentials, no matter where I go...(Filson)


When the lights are too blinding... (Karen Walker)

Unfortunately, living in Florida doesn't give me the opportunity to go fall shopping like my counterparts up North. Oh, the great divide. Until the weather breaks here, my wish list of images above and on my desktop will have to take me to autumn leaves and warm hot chocolate.

Oh distance lover, Fall. I don't know when I'll see you, but when I do...it'll be a glorious celebration.