Zoo York Skate Video

Zoo York Mixtape (FULL) from scottieb on Vimeo.

Enjoy!

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

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.

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!

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.

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.

Site: www.sosboston.com

http://www.theoutletmagazine.com/featured/

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

Take Ivy

So upon my usual blog browsing, I stumbled across something that made me truly excited. Craig Cohen and Wes del Val will release an English remake of the prep fashion classic, Take Ivy that truly transformed how people see prep fashion globally. Before this I have only seen images and pictures scattered through out the web. Japan's obsession with prep ivy style garments is now legendary, and in hope of preserving the classic nature of this ivy culture the Japanese during the 1960s documented the style. In particular one man, T. Hayashida created a book that would influence a nation, Take Ivy by photographing students of different Ivy League campuses in 1965. This book is now considered to be the bible of the Ivy League look in Japan and has influenced fashion in enormous ways. Normally the book sell on Ebay if lucky enough to see it there for around $2000, but thankfully to Craig Cohen, Wes del Val, and Powerhouse Books you can order an English remake that will be released August 31st for $16.50 on Amazon. Talk about a steal, I am definitely going to cop this.

Link: http://www.powerhousebooks.com/book/1166

Kanye West's The Horus Chain and Pyramid Ring

Kanye always rocking the bling, gave the world a closer look of the Horus Chain and Pyramid Ring on his blog and BET awards last night. Horus was the sky god and the savior in the Egyptian culture so its interesting that Kanye would wear this along with his song Power. Each takes the form of an Egyptian motif. Personally I think the rings are dope and the chain reminds me strikingly of his Jesus piece. The question is what is this return to the motherland getting at is it simply a cool accessory or more of a statement. I guess have to wait for Mr. West to let us know.

Summer at the Romping Shop

Rompers are definitely a new trend that has definitely surfaced this summer. I used to believe the fad that they only looked good on women that are tall and slender, but new styles have emerged that any shape or taste can appreciate. Above are a few that I personally like. I'm not sure how long this trend will keep up, but I would suggest having at least one for the summer.

Site: http://www.express.com/home.jsp

http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/urban/index.jsp

All Tied Up

One major trend that I have noticed resurfacing in the last few months is the wearing of the prep classic, knitted ties. These ties came to popularity in the late 70s and 80s . The perfect mixture between casual and dress these ties add a nice edge to an outfit really setting off a crisp oxford. They are available at stores like Uniqlo, Brooks Brothers, J.Crew, and more than often your local thrift store.

How to wear it: Can either wear it with a nice white oxford shirt, fitted jeans, wingtips, and Blue blazer to give a classic clean casual look or dress down a suit by the addition of one of these nifty little accessories.

Formally Introduced: A look at some summer formal essentials

So if you haven’t noticed by the mere 90-degree weather we have been having its summer time. Oh no what does this mean, does it mean I can’t get dressed anymore and that I can only wear shorts? What about my suits? Can I still wear those? Well never fear, just because summer is here doesn’t mean you can’t look dapper. It just means you need to make a few minor adjustments. So I have collected some summer essentials to make sure you can still make that statement and stay cool all at the same time.

Suits

Summer time means its all about cotton and linen. Looking crisp well maintaining cool is the number one objective. With that said it is ok to go out and buy a nice summer suit. I would recommend you go one of three routes either the straight tan and brown cotton suit for more traditional occasions, seersucker when want to make more of a statement and during those summer weddings and functions, and linen when its just to hot not too. Also make sure that the suits are tailored correctly, makes a huge difference. The pants should fit well and the leg should barely be hovering over the shoe. Check out GQ for more tips on how too properly wear those summer suits http://www.gq.com/style/wear-it-now/201005/reinvent-yourself-gq-essentials-shop-smarter-for-spring-summer-slideshow#slide=1.

Secret: It’s all in the details. Wear well-patterned shirts underneath such as gingham. Keep and maintain using a bold tie. Don’t be afraid to venture of and add a colorful springtime pocket square and utilize brown shoes as a way to make a statement but make sure to wear a brown belt if doing this.

Disclaimer: When in a more formal setting or work environment it is recommended to stay with the traditional darker suit or grey suit.

Shorts

Rugby recently wrote an article on their blog about wearing shorts for those casual Fridays. The secret is to wear traditional flat front chino shorts and to make sure to dress up the rest of your outfit by wearing a clean well fitting oxford shirt and tie combination. Also make sure to wear dressier shoes, nothing less than a boat shoe should be exhibited and I personally believe a nice brown shoe sockless never steered anyone wrong in these summer months.

Secret: Keep it classic and simple

Disclaimer: Need to have a laidback work environment that will be open to the idea of wearing shorts.

Link: http://www.rugby.com/newsroom/blog_post.aspx?id=f9c3c96e-8aff-409c-be89-44e0bc05b8ed&cat=e59a0926-b377-4acc-8b50-81fb9d33df44

Summer Tie

It is ok to let go of those traditional heavier colored ties and venture into some with a lighter more whimsical summer feel. Summer is about bright colors and making a statement, with that I would look at going with more of a repp tie or a brighter color. For the bolder at heart I would also venture to the realms of floral patterns, seersucker and bowties. Who said that dressing up doesn’t mean having fun. One of the brands I have seen that does these ties well are Pierpont Hicks and Brooks Brothers, but you can also find them at stores such as Barneys, Uniqlo, J Crew, and Urban for pretty decent prices.

Secret: Wear the appropriate patterned shirt make sure if wearing a light shirt to wear a tie that contrasts so that the tie stands out. Don’t wear the same color tie and shirt. Keep it light.

Shoes

GQ featured an article about moving past the classical boat shoe and sporting something a little more modern and colorful. Though I am and will always be a proponent of the original Sperry Topsiders I do enjoy some of these newer more colorful looks. Cole Haan, Sperry, and many other brands are featuring this newer rendition of the classic boat shoe.

Secret: Wear it sockless and with jeans or pants that rest just above the shoe. Also more tailored pants will really bring attention to the detail and not drown out the shoes.

Pocket Squares

It’s all in the details and what better way to add some distinction and excitement to an outfit than to equip it with a nice eye catching pocket square. It will increase the swagger of the outfit a thousand times, seriously. This spring its all about making sure to veer away from the classic white pocket square and get a pattern that is both stylish, says spring, and compliments the rest of the outfit. Some of my favorite pocket squares come from J.Press, Vintage shops, Ralph Lauren, and surprisingly Lands End has some great ones for a good price this season. Check out GQ feature for more tips http://www.gq.com/style/wear-it-now/201002/spring-style-essentials-ties-watches#slide=14.

Secret: Avoid doing to much by not being to matchy with pocket square, shirt, and tie. They should compliment not be the same, or else you may end up looking you have on a tacky NBA draft suit. Also make sure not to do to much pattern play if have a pattern pocket square match it with a solid shirt.

Paul Smith Dog Pattern Ties

Portuguese retailer Por Vocacao presents a new series of Dog Pattern ties from Paul Smith. They are preppy yet funk. The male retailer brought a different perspective when they took the most manly of items, ties and put them on some pretty fly females.

Site:http://www.porvocacao.com/