Thursday, January 28, 2010

Kanye. Louboutin. Paris




Kanye West donned the Christian Louboutin Rollerball Loafers at Paris Fashion Week. I remember him showcasing these on his blog at some point - I think around the Spring shows. If I had the money I'd definitely cop this, but at $995 a pair I think I'll have to pass on this trend. Studs are poppin' right now and I want in on the fun. Maybe I'll find something for cheap.

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Saturday, January 23, 2010

Lady Gaga on 20/20


She looked beautiful in Chanel.

Friday, January 22, 2010

Sparks Don't Fly on ABDC


R&B singer Omarion will venture into the world of reality competition TV this winter as the new judge on America's Best Dance Crew. He'll be replacing former judge/choreographer Shane Sparks. The show had been looking for a replacement ever since Sparks was arrested December 9 on suspicion of child molestation charges.

This is the best choice ABDC could've made. Omarion is a fairly known name in the R&B world and we all know he certainly is one of the best dancers out there. Doing the show will help catapult him into becoming a bigger name in the music game and show off his personality as a judge and performer. I'm very happy to see Shane Sparks go. I hated most of his generalized opinions and terrible wardrobe. If I would've seen him wear one more Christian Audigier (Ed Hardy, Smet) designed shirt I would've thrown up. So, here's a toast to Omarion. May you be better than Sparks - which shouldn't be hard - in your judging, dancing, speaking, and your wardrobe. See his video below.

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Saturday, January 16, 2010

Friday, January 15, 2010

10 Essentials: Alexander "Spudd" Webb


Meet Alexander "Spudd" Webb, my friend, former teammate, and one of the best dressed people I know (and not to mention my number-mate in college). When it comes to streetwear and being up on the dopest clothes out he's the man. He just looks like somebody you just have to talk to. Catch him in skinny jeans, a plaid shirt, Raybans, a beanie, and the dopest sneakers out any day. Here are his 10 essentials.

MacBook Pro
My best friend. My sidekick. My partner-in-crime. My MacBook Pro gets me through the long nights of school work, the long hours of boredom, the long delays in the airport, whatever the occasion. I got it over the summer between my senior year in high school and freshman year in college as a gift from my dad after I had hinted at it for about a month straight. Once you go Mac, you never go back.

HTC G1
My cellular phone of choice. It provides you with all the functions and capabilities of the iPhone on a much more user-friendly operating system. If it weren’t for the Twitter app ‘Twidroid’ (available for free download) I wouldn’t be able to make it through some of the most boring of days and events.

Levi 506's
The 506's are a newer style from Levi called the “skinny taper.” They offer the same low cut feel of the regular skinny jean but with a more defined taper at the bottom of the leg. This aspect makes them even more perfect for your favorite pair of Dunks, Sk8-Hi’s, Blazers, etc. These are probably my favorite and most comfortable pair of pants.

Ray Ban Wayfarers
They're usually not worn right these days but they’re a classic. I grew up seeing them on television and my dad used to own a pair back in the day. I always had my eyes set on having a pair. I saw everybody else wearing the imitations once I got older and I decided as soon as I had the money I was going to buy the authentics.

North Face Apex
I like this piece because it’s very versatile. You can wear it with jeans; add a little bit of class by fastening the Velcro at the wrists and accenting it with a watch for a party or get together. You can throw a graphic tee with an opened-zip hoodie underneath it to rock a sneakerhead look. Even wear it over a dress shirt and slacks in a business casual setting.

RVCA Trooper II Bag
It delivers style and durability. I happen to own a black RVCA Trooper II bag. It offers a super-dumbed down armed forces style that doesn’t scream at you, but shows a bit of personality. They offer the durability and longevity you’d expect from a backpack. I got mine right before the start of freshman year and it’s still going strong.

Vans x Starter snapback
I copped this little gem back home at MODA3 in Milwaukee. Mine reads “AUTHENTIC” on the front in large white letters, bordered by silver on a black snapback hat with a white enclosure on the back. Just like the Starter caps we used to rock as kids, it has the traditional Starter logo right above the enclosure on the back in white and shows the Vans logo in white on one side as well. Don’t forget the green under the brim. It matches pretty much anything.

Playcloths beanie
I don’t have an epic collection of hats and beanies, but the ones I do rock with are definitely dope. It’s a more recent purchase I made for the cold, courtesy of Dope Couture. Sometimes I’ll wear it down over my ears or and other times wear it on the back of my head for style. When I pull it down over my ears and throw the Wayfarers on it has me feeling like I’m Pharrell or Kid Cudi.

Dope Couture x Jetsetters tee
If you’re a streetwear-head it’s about time you became acquainted with Dope Couture. It’s owned and operated by former IU student, Matt Fields out of the boutique in Bloomington and lives up to its name. Last year Dope featured a capsule collection highlighting the Jetsons in a line dubbed “Jetsetters,” picturing the classic cartoon family members with a streetwear/high fashion twist to their attire. It’s a killer, so rock it wisely and don’t waste it.

Casio G-Shock
Some say the G-Shock is played out, but those are only people whose style in general is played out. Watches never really grow old, especially if it’s the right watch and you know how and when to wear it. I own a matte black Baby G that gets me through the times. Smaller than most of the other G-Shocks, the Baby G doesn’t draw massive attention, doesn’t feel large or clanky on your wrist, and delivers both efficiency and style.

Thursday, January 14, 2010

Megan Fox for Armani S/S 2010 Underwear/Jeans


One of last year's "It" girls Megan Fox is the new girl for Armani Spring/Summer Underwear/Jeans ad campaign. While I don't think these photos are overly beautiful or interesting, Fox can always spice up a shoot. Enjoy the underwear ladies!




V Magazine "Size Issue"


V Magazine's "Size Issue" hits newsstands today! I know there's been other size issues done by other magazines but this one is truly ground-breaking. It's a double cover issue with Dakota Fanning on one cover and "Precious" star Gaourey Sidibe on the other. In the pictures below models Crystal Renn (right) and Jacquelyn Jablonski (left) pose side by side in the same looks and poses. These photos are just a taste of what of what the issue has to offer with spreads shot by none other than Karl Lagerfeld and Terry Richardson among others. The issue is out to prove "fashion can flatter any figure." I'm hoping to pick up this issue today or this weekend.



Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Pepper, Vodka, and Black Fleece Cologne.


Came across this while combing GQ for hair references (more on this later). Now, I definitely don't need anymore parfum (it's French and stands for both cologne and perfume), but I love Thom Browne and I love his guest line Black Fleece for Brooks Brothers. Therefore, it's only natural that I would want to smell like him - or, um, you know what I mean. According to Browne the cologne is "evocative of that man sitting in a library or parlor, smoking and drinking whiskey." I'm not a drinker, nor do I sit in parlors, but I do like library's. GQ editors disagreed saying it gave off a hint of pepper and if the man wearing this scent he's drinking he's "sipping a vodka-and-grapefruit Greyhound: Sharp notes of the citrus fruit abound, with a not unwelcome edge of ginger." Sounds fine to me! Unfortunately, at $125 a bottle it doesn't look like I'll be smelling of pepper or drinking a vodka-and-grapefruit Greyhound anytime soon. I guess I'll stick to my I Am King cologne and Ciroc vodka for now.

Video: Lil' Wayne - "On Fire"


I absolutely love this song. It was in my head all yesterday and last night. I even heard it in my dreams - seriously. It's off of his upcoming album Rebirth. The melody, lyrics, and the fact that Lil' Wayne showed off enough passion to learn to play the guitar and the balls to do something different when many told him he couldn't. I'd say Lil' Wayne is on fire...even if he is about to do a bid and cut off his hair.

Saturday, January 9, 2010

Burberry Trench Gets Studded for Colette in Spring 2010


Burberry designer Christopher Bailey continues his English sartorial brilliance this Spring 2010 with an exclusive collaboration with the Paris store Colette. My favorite of his new designs is this remix of the classic Burberry trench featuring Rock n' Roll-type studs on the collar. It hits Colette stores on February 22nd and starts at $2,800. Damn. If I were a rich woman I would definitely buy this and pop my collar everytime I wore it.


Thursday, January 7, 2010

My Indianapolis Monthly Internship Begins


I started my new internship with Indianapolis Monthly magazine on Monday of this week. Today will be day four of my five months here in Indy. The first day didn't consist of much, as many of the editors were either very busy or had little to do. It didn't bother me much because it allowed all of the new interns to sit down and meet each other.

I'm one of the only male interns here, which I hear is typical. With that being said, the guys who are here are really cool. The female interns are nice because they offer different perspectives. They're fun, smart and cute. Oh, and they're hard-working journalists, too.

It's only been three full days and I've already set up four written stories (three of them due next week), which I'm very excited about. The first is a Q&A on Matt Fields, the owner and designer for DOPE Couture, a streetwear clothing line based out of Bloomington, but the guy is from Indy and his clothes are nationwide. The kicker: he's hosting the Jay-Z after party on March 20.

The second story due next week is a Q&A for our annual remodeling section in our March issue. This one might not be as exciting as the DOPE Couture story but it's cool.

The third is a simple thing for the March News and Notes section.

The fourth is pretty cool because I have to track down Roselvelt Colvin, who played in the NFL a long time for the Bears and Patriots, where he won some super Bowl rings. Turns out, he's from Indy and has moved back here to live out his post-career. That story is due in early February. should be fun. I'll keep you updated.

I love the internship so far. I plan to attack everyday with passion and effort. That way I'll be successful and have fun at the same time.

Tuesday, January 5, 2010

The Coldest Story Ever Told...Kanye Drops His VH1 DVD/CD


Kanye West's VH1 "Storytellers" DVD/CD finally dropped today...and I won't be buying it because I'm broke at the moment. But as soon as I come into some dough I'm gonna cop it.

The concert was originally filmed in February in Los Angeles, where he performed both old and new hits before giving their back stories. The DVD features three performances that were not originally broadcast: "Street Lights," "Paranoid" and "Homecoming" in addition to a Q&A session with West. The CD features the live audio version of the concert. The track list is below.

1. "See You in My Nightmares"
2. "Robocop"
3. "Flashing Lights"
4. "Amazing"
5. "Touch the Sky"
6. "Say You Will"
7. "Good Life"
8. "Heartless/Pinocchio's Story"
9. "Stronger"

Saturday, January 2, 2010

Old School Video: Ace of Base - "All That She Wants"


I've always like ace of Base ever since I was a boy. I can remember being shocked to hear a couple white women being played on a hip-hop station in my hometown of Fort Wayne, IN. A friend of mine mentioned the group on Twitter and that brought back memories. Here's one of my favorite songs from them.

Chanel Sports Collection

When I think of Chanel I think of purses, couture fashions, skin care, fragrances and accessories. Now we all can add something to the list – sports. I know I’m late, but I recently learned that the French fashion house expands it’s demographic reach by making very grandiose sports gear. As unnecessary as this may seem, the ski gear and the bikes look very nice and I’m sure some ‘ol chap could put those $750 neoprene dumbbells to good use.








Friday, January 1, 2010

Video: Jay-Z x Swizz Beats - "On to the Next One"


While celebrating the New Year last night at Calhoun Street Soups, Salads and Spirits I saw the debut of Jay-Z's video for "On to the Next One" featuring Swizz Beats. The video blew my mind and I couldn't even hear it! The visual aspects of the video were enough to amaze me. I dare another artist to make a better video than this one in 2010. Now, ain't that something? The year's best video probably will have been shown on the first day. That's why Jay-Z is the best. He continues to change the game of hip-hop.

The video, directed by Anthony Mandler, comes on the heels of Jay-Z's "Young Forever" video released on the web last week (also directed by Mandler). The video is futuristic, dark, edgy and chic all at the same time. It's quite avant garde for hip-hop and looks like something Lady Gaga would do - perfect for the New Year. I love this video...and I want the jacket Jay-Z has on in it.

2010.Smarter.Better.Faster.Stronger.

On December 19 I graduated. It kind of snuck up on me, just like pretty much everything else in the last six months. My mind spent the majority of my final college semester in the skies dreaming of my future and what I’d become. I dreamed of where I’d work and when it would happen. I dreamed of one day being like Diddy, Jay-Z or Kanye West, only in the journalism and fashion game instead of in the base of music. I want to be like them in terms of my hustle and work ethic. I want to conquer more than just one, two, or even three things. Print is just the beginning. I want to be big in radio and TV. Fashion is a love of mine and I want to see how far I can go there. My own line? Who knows? I at least want to become a stylist. I have a love for music, too. All music. I would like to get into some songwriting, as I can’t sing, rap or play any instruments.

This is my new beginning. I’m entering 2010 a confident man. I’m ready to grind and work harder than I ever have before. I have great things happening right now and things look bright for the future. I’m getting ready to intern at Indianapolis Monthly and am setting myself up to earn a 6-month paid internship with Men’s Health agazine. I’m currently freelance writer for MH.

To keep this short, let’s just say I’m on my way to greatness. I can feel it. But this isn’t on any conceded tip. I’m going to put in the hours, ask for help, learn every day and put my talents on display. If I get knocked down you can bet I’m going to get up and come back stronger. Smarter. Better. Faster. Stronger. That’s me in 2010.

Happy New Year!

So, it's about 5:07 am and I just got in from a wonderful night of partying to bring in the year right. As you can imagine, I'm super sleepy so I'm keeping this short. I welcome you to the "relaunch" of my blog. I promise it will be updated as often as I see fit, which will be more often that last year...Woops I actually just fell asleep for about 7 minutes in my computer chair. In this case, without further ado, take a look at the video that best describes my time tonight. It's "Pursuit of Happiness" by Kid Cudi.