Saturday, January 29, 2011

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Raphael Saadiq





Classic style and even more classic boundary defying music.

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

Over-sized pants and tight tops: Fashion Feminism at its Best







From iconic figures such as Aaliyah, to the dynamic trio of TLC, all the way to our most recent popstar Ciara, these celebrities display a trend that sparked during the 1960's to evoke a new kind of feminism. This trend clearly stated that sex appeal can be attained without the skin-tight outfits that most of their competitors wore. You must of course have hard rock abs to pull it off. lol. In everyday life this trend is emulated by boyfriend jeans which surfaced last year and can be worn in many different ways as seen below. They're sleek and comfortable yet extremely bad ass.






Site: http://lh4.ggpht.com/_GoiZyycwNHE/SmN7_M7onEI/AAAAAAAACCA/03OC4pzTBoQ/s800/boyfriend_jean_celebrity%2002-38-12.jpg

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

Bebop: When Creativity Had No Boundaries


Bebop is a form of jazz that came about in the 1940s that stressed virtuoso soloing and playing off ordinary resolution of musical themes. Bebop encouraged artist to venture into creative realms that had been unexplored before, melodically venturing off of original harmony. The era encouraged creativity and taking what was old and making it your own, like the music a lot of the artists were unique and varied off the path too. They had a style unique to themselves that transcends a generation and can be used as inspiration to this day. The beautiful thing about jazz is it builds off the generations before and develops into another voice, another sense of reason just like fashion. Mavericks like Dizzy Gillespie, Charlie Parker, Bud Powell and Thelonious Monk were influenced by the preceding generation's adventurous soloists, such as pianists Art Tatum and Earl Hines, tenor saxophonists Coleman Hawkins and Lester Young and trumpeter Roy Eldridge.

The 1939 recording of "Body and Soul" by Coleman Hawkins is an important antecedent of bebop. Hawkins' willingness to stray—even briefly—from the ordinary resolution of musical themes and his playful jumps to double-time signaled a departure from existing jazz.


Style: His fedora and formal minimalist look added to his cooler than cool demeanor.



Style: Look at these frames and the baret. Fits perfectly "The first time you hear Dizzy Gillespie play the trumpet, you may think that the tape was recorded at the wrong speed. He played so high, so fast, so correctly." —Wynton Marsalis

Charlie Parker also known as the Bird was an icon for the hipster subculture and later the Beat generation, personifying the conception of the jazz musician as an uncompromising artist and intellectual, rather than just a popular entertainer. His style – from a rhythmic, harmonic and soloing perspective – influenced countless peers on every instrument.


Working in the bebop and hard bop idioms early in his career, Coltrane helped pioneer the use of modes in jazz and later was at the forefront of free jazz. He was prolific, organizing at least fifty recording sessions as a leader during his recording career. A pioneer in history his music had an increasingly spiritual component through his career.

Style: The thin lapel tailored cotton sport coats added to his spiritual and laid back personality. His style expresses thoughtfulness, freedom, and yet has a sense of decor.

Johnny Griffin


Thelonious Monk was an American jazz pianist and composer considered one of the most prolific american musicians ever. Monk had a unique improvisational style and made numerous contributions to the standard jazz repertoire.Often regarded as a founder of bebop, Monk through time evolved and so did his music. His compositions and improvisations are consistent with Monk's unorthodox approach to the piano, which combined a highly percussive attack with abrupt, dramatic use of silences and hesitations.

Style: His style was as unique, creative and off the beaten path as Monk himself. He wore incredible patterned blazers, sweaters and shirts, great unique glasses and hats that resemble a Buddhist monk at times. His style transcends generations and screams independence, freedom, and creativity.

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Pharrell Williams on Chasing Dreams


One of my favorite pop icons, Pharrell inspires the youth to chase they're dreams & be original. Check it out!

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Topped Off (Summer Hat Style)



This summer one thing that I have noticed is that I am seeing more and more straw hats and fedoras around. They offer perfect protection from those blistering hot days where the sun seems to just not leave you alone and look pretty fly as well. They can be worn casually with some jean shorts and a t-shirt and also be dressed up with some nice linen pants and a button down. Me personally, I believe that every man should both get a stingy brim (one with smaller brim perfect for city style) and a panama (Large straw brim that alumni rock at graduations) for those weekend excursions. They will add a sense of style to all your outfits. Definitely go to your store (Uniqlo, Jpress, J.Crew etc.) and pick one up. I promise its well worth it and if nothing else on those hot days your body will thank you too.

Saturday, July 10, 2010

Save Our Souls

























I just wanted to take a minute to recognize, Save Our Souls, a new Boston Based streetwear brand that has just release their premier Summer 2010 Lookbook. The name SOS evolved from the idea of freeing the power that producers have over the consumer. From what I've seen of it so far, I would classify this brand as customary urban streetwear, and would like to encourage these fellas to keep the designs coming. I'm always excited to see fresh new brands, and I'm especially anticipating the designs of someone we all know all too well. Just be on the look out.

Friday, July 9, 2010

Imogene + Willie


The Nashville based Jean producer and store Imogene + Willie turn 1 years old this month and do it in old American fashion announcing a partnership to feature their classic American denim with J.Crew. As J.Crew continues in the direction of workwear and maintaining the American image this definitely will be an exciting partnership. Imogene + Willie is run by a couple that breathes denim having worked in the business for years and coming from denim families. Paying homage to denim of yesteryear, Matt and Carrie work and live out of their shop, a retro gas station in Nashville. They create premium denim that though is rooted in the traditions of denim of the 40s and 50s has modern touches and cuts. They worked together in a previous family business designing, developing, and producing premium denim apparel for some of most well known denim brands in the world - Levi’s, Lee, Girbaud, Ralph Lauren Polo’s RRL, Rogan, J Brand, Diesel and Replay. They developed new processes and inventions that led to the aesthetics of modern day garment making and finishing, and the premium denim aesthetic that drives apparel today.

site: http://www.imogeneandwillie.com/index.html