45. Noticing a little trend? (Union Square, NYC)

You don't see this look done better anywhere else but south of Midtown....and I don't necessarily mean to call it a trend because it's been around for ages but there's always a new twist to this downtown hipster look.

44. What secret(s) are you hiding? (Soho, NYC)

43. OMG!!! Dude this is so awesome!!

http://www.najle.com/idaft/

42. Classic clip of the week (W/e 3.29.09): The Kinks- Waterloo Sunset

Of the main 4 British invasion bands (The Beatles, Stones, and The Who and not counting Dave Clark 5 or The Monkees, sorry Brittany lol), The Kinks usually get the least respect but how can you argue? The other 3 made quick and immediate impacts on America from '64 on while the Kinks had to settle for an ban from the States for a few years (about 5) and by that time, it was the late 60's, The Beatles were on the verge of breaking up, The Who were more than household names and The Stones were in the beginning stages of music's greatest winning streak. Also if you're Ray Davies and your counterparts are Lennon/McCartney and Jagger/Richards, its easy to be overlooked but in his own (w)rite, he carved his own niche and penned great numbers like the one here. Bon appetite!

41. Rebel, Rebel (NoHo, NYC)

40. Is this London or SoHo? Reminder II

Just another reminder about the Grand opening of the Topshop store on Broome street and Broadway next thrusday 2 April. No they're not paying me to plug this (as if there aren't enough posters around Soho or the Village), I'm just excited about the Kate Moss collection and from what I can see, a better mens collection than what you can find from H&M.....as long as the quality is decent. I'll be out there, taking photos of course and looking for that striped henley from post # 21.....and maybe a blazer. Peace, Love and Rock & Roll!!

39. Turn up the volume (5th ave Apple Store, NYC)

38. The Randomness @ Washington Square Park (W. Village, NYC)

37. Elderly style (5th ave Apple Store, NYC)

I love the elderly. They're always ones to learn from plus they lived during my favorite times (pre-1980's) so they're always good for stories about NYC back in those days and their respective recollections of it. I only hope that my future lady carries as much grace and elegance as this wonderful woman here as I certainly will like the gentleman is.....

36. 25 random things about me

I- I can't sleep for no more than 4-5 hours. No matter how early or late it is, or tired or fired up I might be.

II. After watching my favorite tv show, I immediately go to wikipedia to read the plot synopsis.

III. At the end of every week, I plan out all of my outfits for the week...on my notepad....in my blackberry.

IV. Sometimes at home, since I have no drum set, I'll take my drumsticks and drum away to some random songs and use my tambourine as a crash cymbal.

V. I'm really getting addicted to blogging.

VI. My life can usually be referenced back to a Beatle song (music in general), or a 'How I Met Your Mother' episode.

VII. Pretty much everyone knows I'm a Beatle-maniac but my favorite record of all time is from the Beach Boys ('Pet Sounds').

VIII. My recent guilty pleasures are Disney/Nick programs (Hannah Montana, Drake And Josh, The Suite Life, iCarly) and the JoBros. They are wicked awesome. L1k3 0MG!!

IX. If I could, I'd have broccoli (or any green vegetable with almost any meal).

X. My best ideas come about when I talk to myself (sometimes out loud lol).

XI. I have a tendency of layering year round. Blazers, cardigans, suit vests, sweater vests, regular v-necks, scarves, you name it. Even the mannequins I dress at work end up being layered most of the time.

XII. When I download a song, I immediately go to wikipedia and copy the song information for further reading when listening to that particular song.

XIII. I was always jealous of my little brother for getting to use crutches to nurse his ankle (or was it his foot? I was always the healthy one).

XIV. I have a crazy attraction to women who look nerdy and a bit like Tina Fey (porcelain skin tone, dark hair, plastic framed glasses).

XV. Sometimes I feel like I live in my parents shadow (major shoes to fill).

XVI. If I'm wearing a blazer and no pocket square, I feel very naked.

XVII. Other than NYC, I would live in London and maybe in San Francisco (has to be in a NYC-like setting).

XVIII. I definitely feel like I was born in a different decade/city (50's or 60's, Europe, in another life of course) because most things I like are from 1975 or prior.

XXIX. 3 items of clothes that drive me up a wall from a woman: well fitting pencil skirt, well fitting button up w/ enough attitude and a riding boot (sorry ladies, can't co-sign with Uggs).

XX. Referred to my mother as "Mummy" or "Mum" and my father as "Poppy".

XXI. Leaving Queens @ age 18= best decision I've made in my life at this point.

XXII- The one thing I'd like to take on but I'm fearful of is wearing cocktail rings
(another nod to the 60's) but you can't be a regular Joe and do that... then again, I am no regular Joe right?

XXIII- One of my biggest fears in life is raising bad kids.

XXIV- The biggest fear is not being successful (Take as many risks as humanely possible mate!!).

XXV- Last 2 times I cried: "Seeing" mummy on her anniversary (Sept '08), and an old friend Eddie's wake (Sept, '06).

35. The Chain Gang

On 99.9% of other rappers, I'd say that this is not only ignorant, but very cliche and pretentious but maybe because I'm so Kanye biased (I think of it as being a Kanye "enthusiast"), to me he pretty much does no wrong (this includes his recent "black man mullet").


via: Kanye University

34. The most convincing man on television....

.....probably ever. I've never in my short TV watching life have ever loved and hated a character as much as Ben Linus. He's so cunning, partly charming, he has this way of making you believe the sky is yellow and grass is red. If you watch "Lost", I have to believe that you agree with me that given his history on the show, when he says something, even if it totally contradicts something he said or did prior, you have to believe him. Take this picture for example. You just know he's up to something evil but he'll tell you that killing your best friend is he right thing to do for that particular situation.....and you'll do it. I think it's partially due to that semi blank stare he gives that can melt walls. That's the hallmark of a great character actor.

33. Franz Ferdinand- No You Girls

Franz Ferdinand - No You Girls



One of my recent faves, goes very well with my dance music theme as of late.....

via: Kanye Univeristy

32. Classic clip of the week (W/e 3.22.09): The Beach Boys- God Only Knows

Why the Beach Boys you might ask? Before I answer this question, let me first say that my favorite band of all time is The Beatles. Period. Nothing changes that. I'll also say with no doubt that they've produced some of the best music in the history of popular and modern music and that if I ever had to rate my favorite songs or albums of all time, they'll always be up there but if you ask me what I feel the greatest album ever is, here's your answer. Once again your probably thinking, why The Beach Boys? I too wondered that when I first came across this record. I first knew of them from watching "Full House" in my youth and immediately wrote them off as some novelty band from California who only sang about surfing. Then "Pet Sounds" happened. Every review I read said that this is the best album bar none with me thinking, "over "Abbey Road"? "Rubber Soul"? I'm not gonna get into any long and drawn out story about me and this particular record but I'll say briefly why I love it so much and why it's critical acclaim is justified.

This record represents finding and losing love, being vulnerable, insecure, unsure about yourself, etc. It literally takes you through an emotional rollercoaster in under 60 minutes. These are emotions I can strongly relate to so much it scares me sometimes thinking about it. There's only a handful of records that I can listen to front to back, track for track (the aforementioned "Abbey Road" from The Beatles of course, Pink Floyd's "Dark Side Of The Moon", Amy Winehouse's "Back To Black", and Wu-Tang's "Enter The 36 Chambers" are ones that immediately come to mind). This album contains 2 instrumentals and I never listen to instrumentals but for 'Pet Sounds' (and 'Dark Side' for that matter), I make the exception because I feel musically, it's just as enjoyable as the best songs. This isn't your ordinary pop record. Sure there's the trademark Beach Boys crisp harmonies but it's not your standard 2 guitars, a bass and drums. The Harpsichord was first popularized here. There's about 4 different bass guitars used, multiple percussion instruments and even bicycle bells used. Without counting, I can safely say that over 20 different instruments were used for a record that only contained 13 songs....ok I'm really cutting myself off here because more thoughts are gathering and I'd probably be able to go all night with this post so without further ado, one of the greatest (and beautifully crafted) songs you'll ever hear in the universe.......

31. New Purchase Part II: BR Monogram Double Breasted suit

I now present to you the second suit from two weeks ago. I have to admit, before purchasing both suits, I was more excited about getting this one but over the course of a couple of days or so, I'm liking the gray suit a little more b/c I can get more mileage out of it. Double breasted suits are very distinct and thus should be used for specific situations. Nonetheless, I still like this suit and I see the designers at Banana Republic finally got the lapels right.

30. New Purchase Part I: BR Monogram 3 piece suit

Here are the first of the 2 suits I purchased a couple of weeks ago during my little spending binge. In post #16 I said I would have the pictures in 24-48 hours and obviously I didn't which I'm deeply sorry for but I had to have them tailored (speaking of which, the third piece, the vest is back at the tailor for a little minor alteration) asap. Well nearly 2 weeks and 14 posts later, I'm glad to say, the time is here....

I love this photo in BxW. Just call me Mr. Tambourine Man

One of my many little style quirks: No "socks" when it's over 60 degrees and shorter length trousers......

This suit is just begging to be worn...must....show....these guys...how it's......wait for it...... done......

29. The Ting Tings Live Part II

I think Hot Tub was singing "M.A.N.B.I.T.C.H." here lol....

Can you imagine what happens right after this shot?

One of the "Madonna" girls making her way through the crowd

Jules with instrument part 2 of 3

Katie chugging away

28. The Ting Tings Live (3.16.2009) @ Terminal 5 (Midtown, NYC)

Lost fans from Madonna's "Like A Virgin" tour came to show support

Awesomeness ensuing.

The cutest (and fashionable) brass section I've ever seen.

Katie White looked a teeny bit like Victoria Beckham.

Jules De Martino commanding the crowd.

The show was great. I was already disappointed that I didn't come with my SLR cam, rather than my digicam but fortunately I got some decent photos. The opening act, Hot Tub was disgustingly awesome (considering we waited on foot for an hour but that's a part of rock and roll) and it was all summed up by a middle aged dad among the younger, hipster, rayban (including me) wearing crowd when he asked "how often do you get see 3 spitting lesbians perform?" I quickly shot back "never!" in which he fired back, for this 19th birthday and I replied "ok, twice!"

As for The Ting Tings themselves, they provided a more than great performance. The "Jack of all trades" Jules De Martino swiftly going back and forth from drums, to guitar (most times playing guitar at the drum set) and also the keyboard while Katie White looking cute as ever bouncing around with her guitar, and would not keep still as I tried to get a good shot of her.

All in all it was great and I wish I could have gone to the Brooklyn show the night before but I'm sure there'll be other opportunities.


More photos to come.....Peace, Love and Rock and Roll!!

27. Classic Clip of the week (W/e 3.15.2009): The Who- Baba O'Reilly

The Who is one of only 2 groups (along with Led Zeppelin of course) who has arguably one of the if not the best guitarists (Pete Townsend and Jimmy Page for The Who and Zeppelin respectively), bassists (John Entwhistle and John Paul Jones) and drummers (equally out of this world John Bonham and Keith Moon) in Rock history. The difference maker is with their front men, where I give Robert Plant (Zeppelin) the upper hand (over Roger Daltrey) but I digress. If there's any reason to watch this vid (besides the fact that this song is beyond legendary for many reasons) watch it for Pete's windmills with his guitar and John's hand movements with his bass. His hands are almost octopus-like in the way they move and ceases to amaze me. Ladies and germs, be prepared to be blown away......

26. No, we seriously need to stop and reflect here.....

This is the preemptive stop and reflect. I love Beyonce as much as the next guy and all and even though I'm not a fan of her clothing line and it's logo loving ways, I let things I normally wouldn't slide in the past but this I cannot and will not stand for..... I swear to everything I've ever loved and ever owned, if I see someone in the street with this.....this...... "piece of shit" would be too nice to describe this thing, I'll "Chris Brown" them on site.

*- Note to Ruby- You should post this on your blog and remember to post lots of threats along with it.

25. Cute Model (5th ave, Midtown)

24. Love the boots (5th ave, Midtown)

23. Navy DB jacket (Grand Central Station, Midtown)

With style there are a lot of rules. In the case of this young lady here, maybe it's good that some of them are broken. If you don't know the unofficial rules with wearing a Double Breasted blazer or coat is to a) leave the bottom button undone and b) DB jackets look better when buttoned in general so in seeing her, I thought it was a bit refreshing to see the little rebel in her take that chance. Lastly in my opinion this look would have been perfect if she had cropped trousers, exposing some ankle but with spring steadily approaching, I'm pretty sure I'll see plenty of those (including from yours truly*)


*- Only with my loafers

22. Classic 70's throwback (6th ave, Midtown)

In a city full of stylish men, for some reason you don't come across them often that actually get "it" but for this lucky guy who you can obviously tell is in that stylish minority doesn't have that problem. His look is definitely a throwback, from the nearly full cut trousers (well proportioned), down to the minor details like the fit of his pea coat to the color combinations in the outfit.

Something tells me he could have gotten his style from his dad because he carries the look that well. I feel he could literally walk onto a set based in the 70's (when men still knew how to wear a suit) and still stand out for the right reasons.

21. Topshop- Grand Opening 4.2.2009

Tell your friends to tell their friends that there's finally an H&M alternative.... must get that henley asap.....

20. "Gossip Girl" Gawking Geek (The Russian Tea Room, Midtown)

This lovely couple look familiar?

I was asked by Production about a potential walk on role and I said only if Chace admits that my outfit was better than his. He didn't and I didn't get the nod.....I'm only kidding but I found it pretty cool that we pretty much had on the same outfit......

19. The Guitar slingers (Midtown, Rockefeller Ctr)

18. The Urban Cowgirl (Soho, NYC)

I wasn't too fond of cowboy boots growing up (well, can you blame me? I have vivid memories of seeing Texans wearing them with suits) but when worn this way, how can you not love it? My only regret with this picture was that I didn't get a shot of the crest logo on the left side of her cardigan jacket (ironically this was the first thing that caught me eye when I saw her, besides the way she held her cigarette and her gorgeous face of course). I think it's safe to say that the hottest cowgirls are the urban ones (even if they didn't intend on being one)

17. Classic clip of the week (W/e 3.8.09): David Bowie- "Space Oddity"

This is my theme song. It's easily part of my life soundtrack (still not complete). The lyrics kind of reflect this "new" me (or at least that's my take on it).

16. Out to lunch?

Sorry for the layoff but I've been busy making new purchases and helping the economy as much as I can, will post tons of pictures of my new purchases within the next 24-48 hours. It'll be a doozy, I promise.....

15. Back In Black (Soho, NYC)

This picture almost didn't happen. I was strolling along Crosby street looking for a tailor when I passed by this man who looked like a cooler, hipper version of Neo from "The Matrix". I let him pass me by and after about 5 steps, I had to turn back around and get this picture and thankfully, he obliged. I've gotta say, the leather trousers were the first thing I noticed. Although it's not my cup of tea, I really, really love the way he put it together with the military style boots (tucked in the way I do!!) and kept everything black altogether. I can safely say, he's exactly what this blog represents. It might not be something you agree with, might not wear, or even thought of but it's different and I love that.

14. It's hard out here for a MacBerry user

That's right, if you haven't heard of it before, MacBerry (those who have Mac computers and Blackberry phones), remember who you heard it from first. So I had a problem with my AIM instant messenger on my phone since last summer and I've totally put it off until I wasn't receiving my AOL e-mails to my phone. When we got the e-mail issue out of the way (I think), I told the Sprint representative about my AOL troubles (not being able to log in to IM due to the phone not being activated) and it turns out my phone doesn't have the latest software for Blackberry. I tried downloading the software onto my notebook and after sometime, me and the rep (who also happens to be a Macberry user) then found out that you can't download the Blackberry software onto Mac computers.

So my two options from here is to a) find a Windows machine to download the software and update it or b) go to a Sprint store and have them do it for me. Finding someone with a windows machine isn't too hard since not too many people have Mac's to begin with (sweeet!) so I'll try the former option. Why is it that Blackberries aren't compatible with Mac computers? There's gotta be millions of MacBerry users so the fine folks at Blackberry, get it together and quick because I don't want to have to be a full-time Apple supporter.

13. The Sartorialist looks of the month *02.2009*

This look you can find in just about any neighborhood in New York City. The main difference here is this girl had enough spunk to add the Fedora, which she probably took from her Dad or older, more fashion forward sister. Details like this is something I believe you can't teach. It's instincts to me. If I were close to her, I'd keep a watchful eye because she looks like she'll be a force to be reckoned with. 

I absolutely love this look. So much that I'm tempted to find every piece or something similar to make this look my own. The first two details that pop up at me is the fitted leather bomber jacket and the double breasted cardigan. Then you have the green shirt under just poking out to give this an undone but not pretentious look. I'm also very fond of the way his scarf is tied and those classic plastic frames.

Via: The Sartorialist

*New addition to the blog. At the end of each month, I will choose my favorite female and male looks from The Sartorialist, post it and you tell me if you like these looks as well or not