Beauty, art, and an army getup

This is a US Army Doughboy uniform that dates back to 1971. I saw it at the “Defining Moments: 50 Years Of Fashion” exhibit at the Phoenix Art Museum a few months ago.

It would be easy to assume that this exhibit was primarily for women, however, that couldn’t be further from the truth; case in point, just look at the photo here! 
Art is everyone! Well, at least good art is! Hope you enjoy what I’ve shared here. I think it would be pretty hard not to like this art & piece of history shown in this image. Peace!๐Ÿ˜„โœŒ๐Ÿพ๏ธ

#art #fashion #fashionblogger #phoenix #phoenixartmuseum #style #writersofinstagram #writer #styleblogger 

Menswear in the free world

Suits will NEVER go out if style. Menswear will never die. Here before you, is one of the reasons why!
It’s a suit designed by Kenzo, and part of it is decorated with outlines of threads, patterns, and stitching a bespoke tailor would use to make a suit. It was his way of paying respect to the legendary tailors of Italian menswear.

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Again I say, menswear will never die. Keep on rockin’ in the free world y’all!๐Ÿ˜‚โค๏ธโœŒ๐Ÿพ๏ธ #writersofinstagram #fashionblogger #writer #theblackaesthete #art #fashion #style #Kenzo #LACMA #losangeles

Friday Controlla

“I think I’d lie for you.
I think I’d die for you. 

Jodeci “Cry For You”.

Do things when you want me to.โ€จLike controllaaaaa, controlla!โ€จYeah, like controllaaaaa, controlla!” 

– From song “Controlla” by Drake on “Views” album


I don’t care what anyone says about Drake. It’s a hard thing to make songs that appeal to so many different people with different tastes. Shoutout to Drizzy for the feel good Friday song vibes! 

Like Drake and this song, I decided to take a risk and try something different. The sleeveless hoodie is something I found on sale recently, and even though I have no true need for one, there is something strangely satisfying about it! 

The shorts (with the pockets designed like they are) are safari shorts in a light, olive color. I don’t have any pants or shorts this color, and I try to buy colors of things that I don’t have. Otherwise, it’s easy to wind up buying things similar to stuff you already have in your closet.

To finish things off, I threw on some 6 year old Vans. Their longevity is a testimony in itself!
Are you ready for this weekend? If not, put on “Controlla” and start dancing! I’m ready for it. I’m done dancing for now and am going back to my Tupac DVD’s. Catch ya later!

#theblackaesthete #writersofinstagram #styleblogger #style #fashion #fashionblogger

Living and dressing one day at a time!

I may have received some troubling news recently, but I’m not going to stress about it & worry like I usually do. This time, I’m facing whatever challenge that lays ahead, and I’ll just focus on what I can control! Life is better lived in the moment and focusing on one day at a time!๐Ÿ˜„
Maybe that somehow channelled itself into what I put on today? I love minimalism, so I took a shot at it here, and I also attempted a little bit of layering. 

I’ve been listening to a lot of New York hip-hop recently too (classic stuff from the 90’s), and the “Timbs with the shorts” combo is me borrowing a little bit of inspiration from there. Big up to New York!!โค๏ธ๐Ÿ™Œ๐Ÿพ
Crewneck shirts and tanktops are coming in a lot longer lengths, and it’s really good for me (I’m 6’4), but there is something out there for people of all heights for sure. Ever have the shirts that bunch up right at the small of your back? So annoying!๐Ÿ˜‚
If you have a few moments to spare today, please go to my blog (link in bio), and check out a new article I wrote called “Determining The Fate Of The V-Neck”. Its a short, fun, informative read. Thanks!!๐Ÿ˜„โค๏ธโœŒ๐Ÿพ๏ธ 

*glasses: Ray-Ban; shirt: A.P.C. Paris; shorts: Levi’s; Work boots: Timberland; Necklace; Koza Jewelry

Western vibes in blue, gray, and brown

Trends are great and all, but if they limit your creativity, I say: “To hell with ’em!”
I mean, have you ever put something on, and then taken it back off because of what people might think? 
I’m an honest person, so I’m going to tell you that I have definitely done that, and even today, I was tempted to re-assemble things when putting together something for today. 
However, I relented, and here are the results. I knew I wanted to wear this denim shirt (I haven’t worn it since buying it at the Levi’s outlet), and I wanted to have some fun with it! 


Fun to me is pairing these John Elliot ripped jeans with one of my favorite pair of boots, and one of the removable belt buckles I have, which are made by Creatum. 

The hat was necessary to cover up my unkempt hair (I’ll have to make a trip to my barber tomorrow. It’s a must!), so it joined the fun. 

I got the shirt on sale this past week and figured you can’t go wrong with a light grey like this (JohnElliotCo calls it “clay”), and it plays nicely with the jeans, which have a darker grey hue. 

So basically, a lot of blue, grey, and brown today!๐Ÿ˜„โค๏ธโœŒ๐Ÿพ๏ธ

#fashionblogger #outfitoftheday #stylist #fashion #writersofinstagram #writer #style #photography #photographer #instagood

Beauty and pain

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My mom sent me a link the other day about how nothing is achieved without sacrifice, pain, and struggle. And as I sat here and thought to myself having coffee this morning, I thought about how serendipitous her words were. They were like how her style is: perfectly suited for the occasion, and my little story today!๐Ÿ˜„โค๏ธ๐Ÿ™Œ๐Ÿพ

Still thinking, I’m browsing through my pictures, and I see this image (which I love!!๐Ÿ˜€) of John Lennon; technically, it’s graffiti in the Wynwood Art District in Miami, but it’s much more to me.

When I saw the image, I immediately thought of how he wasn’t around anymore, and of course, there’s a little pain to that feeling. But I soon realized, that pain, however unfortunate and sad, contributed in a major way to this piece of art being possible.

Beauty and pain. Perhaps the best art always incorporates these things?โค๏ธโœŒ๐Ÿพ๏ธ #writersofinstagram #blogger #art #streetart #graffiti #streetphotographer #beauty #painting #music #TheBeatles #JohnLennon #rocknroll

100 degrees plus and wearing black

When it’s over 100 degrees, sometimes you have to hide your face from the sun. The heat was no joke today! I need a haircut badly, so I covered the scraggliness with a 6 year old Stussy hat I haven’t worn in a while. I was worried about the black drawing in a lot of heat and being unbearable, but I was surprised that I actually felt a little cooler with it on, and it gave me a little bit of shade from this brutal Arizona sun.๐Ÿ˜‚

Add a little black from the Doc Marten boots and now the hat has a friend. The shirt I teamed up with the shorts; having a light blue shade of denim like this is a must have in either jeans or shorts. You see here how having it comes in handy. 

I tip my hat to you and all and hope you have a stellar weekend!โค๏ธโœŒ๐Ÿพ๏ธ #theblackaesthete #writersofinstagram #fashionblogger #blogger #photographer #stylist #style #outfitoftheday #tattoo

Men wear jewelry now??

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Image provided by Koza Jewelry from 2016 lookbook (www.kozajewelry.com)

Somewhere out in the distance walks a man on a hard path. He loves fashion and has been subjected to all matter of hardships searching for acceptable jewelry. Not just any type will do. This jewelry has to be of the particular sort as to pass society’s taboos-and not look too much like women’s jewelry-otherwise, this man will be subjected to ridicule and silent responses from his potential partners on his favorite dating site.

I know this because I have walked in this man’s shoes before, and there’s been a considerable gap in the availability of tasteful jewelry for men, excluding, of course, those of the old, boring, and conventionally acceptable variety (cuff links, belt, watch, etc). Still, something that channels that inner James Dean in us has been missing for some time.

That open space now, my friends, is being consistently filled up with shot after shot deepย from the 3 point line by Koza Jewelry. For further clarity on what I’m describing, just close your eyes and envision Steph Curry launching that beautiful jumper into the air, and it falling down into the basket with an enourmous swishing sound!

To be clear, Koza Jewelry has picked up on something special happening in fashion right now, and that is the growing amount of retailers offering men fashionable, masculine jewelry which is upscale enough to wear with your work outfit and is also stylish enough to wear with your outfit after leaving the office. They make their jewlery with unique materials that cause them to stand out from the crowd, all while maintaining a sense of good taste, and without being too loud.

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From left in order: Black Stingray with Sterling Silver and Screw Connector; Sterling Silver Screw Cuff. Images provided by Koza Jewelry (www.kozajewelry.com)

 

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Black Diamonds, Sterling Silver Nail Spike Necklace. Image provided by Koza Jewelry (www.kozajewelry.com)

These materials include genuine leathers, stingray skin, brass, and diamonds. There are many artfully done pieces to choose from, and their unique individual designs serve to enhance one’s outfit in special ways. I like the fact that they are an online store only also because now everyone can get a little taste of LA’s style without having to actually be there.

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From the right side of the screen in order: Black Diamond, Sterling Silver Biker Spike Necklace; Brass Nail Spike Necklace; Sterling Silver Hex Bolt Necklace. Images provided by Koza Jewelry (www.kozajewelry.com)

You can check them out at: Koza Jewelry Online Store)ย and add some life to the otherwise stale boringness of conventional men’s fashion.

The owner & founder of the company-Timur Koza-remarked to me that with him being from L.A. and all, he wanted to create jewelry that would embody the lifestyle and sprit of the heart of Los Angeles. By viewing some of the pictures of his work, I think you get the idea! With beauty like this being created in LA, no wonder it is securing its place as one of the hubs of the world’s best fashion.

 

 

Determining The Fate Of The V-Neckย 

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Credit: BigBoyTV, You Tube

BigBoyTV Interview With Kanye West June 3rd, 2016

Trends come and go, and it seems like only yesterday, the v-neck was sitting comfortably in its position as a wardrobe staple. Recently, however, it was rocked by a celebrity earthquake in the form of Kanye West declaring his dislike for them in a recent interview with Big Boy on Real 92.3. As soon as I heard this, I knew there would be consequences!!

We live in a world where celebrity comes with more than just fame; with it, comes a power and a voice that spreads across the world in milliseconds enabled by the vast reach of the web to all corners of the globe. I feel sorry for the v-neck. I truly do, but my nostalgia for its days of glory doesn’t stop the critical body blow it was just dealt.

That being said,  I’m not against v-necks at all! I even purchased one a month ago when I was in Miami (picture below), and it’s one of my favorite shirts. Upon closer observation, you’ll notice that the neck opening is like that of a crewneck at the top, but it gradually opens up like a v-neck at the bottom; it’s like the best of both worlds.

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Cotton Citizen/OFY Shop special edition v-neck


I’ll defend the v-neck while I still can, but I fear they are already being crowded out by all the new styles of shirts flooding the marketplace. Many of these have already hit the streets, and they can be identified by their longer length (the bottom of many of these shirts fall almost to the knee). I’m not really a big fan of these, but this is a trend fast fashion stores, like H&M, and Forever 21 have been diving right into.

I chose to layer a gray tanktop under the white crewneck to better tie it in with the denim.


The longer shirts are great for layering and also adding additional color to your outfit in a subtle manner (without it coming across as overly pretentious).

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Clockwise from left: John Elliot, 18 Waits, and Native Youth t-shirts


Price ranges vary, but expect to get what you pay for. The shirts that are softer to the touch are usually more expensive. They also fit differently and are more form fitting. This is something to watch out for because they will cling to whatever is underneath them-whether that looks good or bad.
So although I am mostly on Ye’s side with this, I think the people ultimately decide. What do you think? Should we collectively dead the v-neck? If it were up to me, I think they still deserve a place at our table; perhaps they don’t deserve a place as prominent as before, but still a seat no less-just a very small one! After all, the v-neck has given us so much throughout the years, and it’s the least I think we should offer to a longtime friend.

 

 

How you feelin’ man?! “Kanye Shrug”๐Ÿ˜‚


My mood today? It would best be described as “Kanye Shrug”.๐Ÿ˜‚ What do I mean? Well, remember when ‘Ye rushed the stage? Remember how he just DGAF? 

There you have it: today’s inspiration! 

I don’t care what the weather is, or what anyone thinks, doing you is the best trend you can follow!๐Ÿ’ฏโค๏ธโœŒ๐Ÿพ๏ธ *Sidenote: The Jordan jersey is an a limited edition 50th anniversary edition.* #fashionblogger #writersofinstagram #theblackaesthete #photographer #stylist #KanyeShrug

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