31 August 2009
30 August 2009
232. Classic clip of the week (W/e 8.30.09): Michael Jackson- "The Way You Make Me Feel"/"Man In The Mirror"
This is post 2 of 2 in this Michael Jackson dedication weekend and I now introduce greatness. We move away from the Fashion aspect of "F.A.M.E." and place the focus on the Music and Entertainment factor. Pay no attention to the length of this video. If you haven't had the joy of viewing this clip, you're in for a huge treat and if you have seen it already, watch it again and enjoy getting those goosebumps. This is quite possibly the single greatest live performance I've ever witnessed, in person or on television. He clearly takes what was a great song 100 steps further and the last half of this video does not disappoint, I promise.
I admitted right after he died that even though I heard this song hundreds of times and recognized the greatness behind it, it didn't have that big of an impact on me until June 25th, 2009. As a teenager, I wasn't into the socially conscious Michael Jackson, but selfishly was only interested in the hit making side of him. I need not say that this is one of his best records.
29 August 2009
231. Man of Sartorial Excellence: Michael Jackson (Circa 1980's)
On what would have been his 51st birthday, this is the first of back to back posts featuring the one and only King of Pop and his impact in F.A.M.E. (that's Fashion, Art, Music and Entertainment. I'll credit Tommy Hilfiger for that). At the height of 80's excess in popular music, Michael managed to stand out not only as a solo artist at the beginning of the decade but in less than 24 months later, a global mega superstar. He had the rare effect on the public of having us follow whatever he did.
The electric red blazer from the "Thriller" music video, repeated again in the "Beat It" video but this time with multiple zippers. High cut trousers with sequined socks....the sequined glove....and the sequined band jacket (notice a theme here?). Everyone from punks to B-boy breakdancers, adolescents, hair metal rockers all followed suit, by either taking a little or a lot. I personally think his moves weren't contrived or pretentious, just good instincts (not to mention 80's excess) and more than 25 years later, we're still in awe of him.
Btw: I must have the jacket similar to the first two photos, sans the sequins. Epaulets a must.
28 August 2009
230. On The Move....(Chelsea, NYC)
This reminds me so much of something MTV personality Alexa Chung would pull together.
27 August 2009
229. Love that 'Fro (Soho, NYC)
I like this look a lot and it's originality. The little specs of gold give it a nice touch and her afro adds on to the 70's retro attitude.
*Feel free to insert any Pam Grier, "Foxy Brown" references. I couldn't think of one.....*
26 August 2009
23 August 2009
227. Classic clip of the week (W/e 8.23.09): The Police With Bono- "Invisible Sun"
I love how after all of these years Sting has maintained his "zee German bad guy look from "Die Hard With A Vengence"".
226. About time I've been tagged (3 exclamation points) (don't worry, I'm still grateful.....)
I have been tagged from my favourite country not named the U.S. courtesy of the beautiful Living Reflection Of A Dream. I will answer a couple of questions about my likes/dislikes so you awesome folks can learn again how quirky and "out of space" I really am lol.
What is your current obsession?
Hmmm....tweeting is one. I never thought I'd get this addicted but 1,831 random thoughts later, I'm still at it. Also blog comments/followers. I love to know what people are thinking when they come across any given post.
What is your horoscope and do you relate?
I am a scorpio and I try not to read into it much but sometimes you can't help it.
What are you wearing today?
Where I am, I have to dress for the heat so possibly a tee shirt, Levi's khaki skinny ankle trousers and navy sperry boat shoes (no socks of course) should do.
What is the last thing you bought?
Clothing wise, I believe it was my boat shoes nearly a month ago (wow, that long ago?!)
What do you think about the last person who tagged you?
I'll say exactly what she said for her answer that I don't know her name either but I think her blog is rad and she's on her way to the topomos of the popomos!
What's for dinner?
Not quite sure yet. I'm currently in Haiti so anything goes! But I'm sure it'll be delish and healthy for my diet (trying to gain weight folks lol).
What's your favorite decade, fashion wise?
The 90's and all of it's glory!...No, no sit the weapons down folks. Anyone that knows me knows in a past life (along with pretty much all of my other blogger mates haha) I was a child of the 60's/70's. I'll say 1964-1974. Beautiful things were happening man.
What are your must haves for the summer?
Well the summer is all but wrapped up so I'm more looking forward to my favorite season, Fall!! You can refer to post #224 on this and as far as electronics are concerned, I'm looking to update my blackberry to the new Tour and getting a replacement Macbook. *sheds tear*
What would you love to be able to afford?
Traveling just like any other sane person. Anytime I check out Garance Dore's or any of the blogs that highlight Europe, it makes me want to pack my bags and take off for a few months (this "thought" might happen come next spring). Asia (Japan, Hong Kong and S. Korea to name a few) is another desired destination of mine, also for their fashion forward thinking and mindset.
What is your favorite piece of clothing from your wardrobe?
I basically own two of same pair of Levi's skinny jeans. One is the standard 511 skinny eco jean and the other is a re-issued 1966 "super slim" jean. Both are dark wash. The former has some stretch while the latter doesn't give much. If you ever run into me in person or see me photographed, 9 times out of 10 I'll have one of these trousers on. They're edgy, can be dressed up or down, sideways or backwards, I don't own another article of clothing more versatile than this.
What is your dream job?
To be an Editor in Chief of a Vogue or Elle. Travel the world at a blistering pace, front row at the fashion shows, dictate (and in some cases, put to an end) trends, all the while, making the world a more fashionable place, one body at a time.
What is your favorite magazine?
Love the domestic and foreign versions of Vogue, GQ, Elle (need to start my subsription of the Euro versions to these mags) as well as WWD.
What do you consider a fashion faux pas?
I'm a firm believer in everyone having their own personal style. But I also believe people should look presentable when the situation dictates it. Not all clothes are created equally.
Describe your personal style?
European based, with a dash of classic americana. I love the idea of looking presentable everywhere you go. It says a lot about who you are personally, not to mention your style.
Which Beatle is your favorite?
I'm not supposed to be picking favorites but the one whose songs pull me the most has to be Paul. Show me a man who constructs better ballads and I'll show you a man who hasn't met Paul McCartney.
What are you most proud of?
My proudest moment is always around the corner. I can just feel it.
And now I'll give this too:
Stray Cat Blues
Faces And Places Of Antwerp
*Late addition! Sorry dear!*
Because Sometimes The Clothes DO Makes The Man
What is your current obsession?
Hmmm....tweeting is one. I never thought I'd get this addicted but 1,831 random thoughts later, I'm still at it. Also blog comments/followers. I love to know what people are thinking when they come across any given post.
What is your horoscope and do you relate?
I am a scorpio and I try not to read into it much but sometimes you can't help it.
What are you wearing today?
Where I am, I have to dress for the heat so possibly a tee shirt, Levi's khaki skinny ankle trousers and navy sperry boat shoes (no socks of course) should do.
What is the last thing you bought?
Clothing wise, I believe it was my boat shoes nearly a month ago (wow, that long ago?!)
What do you think about the last person who tagged you?
I'll say exactly what she said for her answer that I don't know her name either but I think her blog is rad and she's on her way to the topomos of the popomos!
What's for dinner?
Not quite sure yet. I'm currently in Haiti so anything goes! But I'm sure it'll be delish and healthy for my diet (trying to gain weight folks lol).
What's your favorite decade, fashion wise?
The 90's and all of it's glory!...No, no sit the weapons down folks. Anyone that knows me knows in a past life (along with pretty much all of my other blogger mates haha) I was a child of the 60's/70's. I'll say 1964-1974. Beautiful things were happening man.
What are your must haves for the summer?
Well the summer is all but wrapped up so I'm more looking forward to my favorite season, Fall!! You can refer to post #224 on this and as far as electronics are concerned, I'm looking to update my blackberry to the new Tour and getting a replacement Macbook. *sheds tear*
What would you love to be able to afford?
Traveling just like any other sane person. Anytime I check out Garance Dore's or any of the blogs that highlight Europe, it makes me want to pack my bags and take off for a few months (this "thought" might happen come next spring). Asia (Japan, Hong Kong and S. Korea to name a few) is another desired destination of mine, also for their fashion forward thinking and mindset.
What is your favorite piece of clothing from your wardrobe?
I basically own two of same pair of Levi's skinny jeans. One is the standard 511 skinny eco jean and the other is a re-issued 1966 "super slim" jean. Both are dark wash. The former has some stretch while the latter doesn't give much. If you ever run into me in person or see me photographed, 9 times out of 10 I'll have one of these trousers on. They're edgy, can be dressed up or down, sideways or backwards, I don't own another article of clothing more versatile than this.
What is your dream job?
To be an Editor in Chief of a Vogue or Elle. Travel the world at a blistering pace, front row at the fashion shows, dictate (and in some cases, put to an end) trends, all the while, making the world a more fashionable place, one body at a time.
What is your favorite magazine?
Love the domestic and foreign versions of Vogue, GQ, Elle (need to start my subsription of the Euro versions to these mags) as well as WWD.
What do you consider a fashion faux pas?
I'm a firm believer in everyone having their own personal style. But I also believe people should look presentable when the situation dictates it. Not all clothes are created equally.
Describe your personal style?
European based, with a dash of classic americana. I love the idea of looking presentable everywhere you go. It says a lot about who you are personally, not to mention your style.
Which Beatle is your favorite?
I'm not supposed to be picking favorites but the one whose songs pull me the most has to be Paul. Show me a man who constructs better ballads and I'll show you a man who hasn't met Paul McCartney.
What are you most proud of?
My proudest moment is always around the corner. I can just feel it.
And now I'll give this too:
Stray Cat Blues
Faces And Places Of Antwerp
*Late addition! Sorry dear!*
Because Sometimes The Clothes DO Makes The Man
22 August 2009
225. Woman of Sartorial Excellence: Madonna (circa 1983- 86)
As you can tell, this segment isn't only about the timeless styles or people that seem to never fade away but the ones that can rule a decade, the 1980's to be specific. And with that being said, the only other artist that belongs in this small but elite company is of course Michael Jackson.
The lace gloves. The stacked accessories. The red lipstick. The borderline (pun certainly intended) disheveled hair and she was even brash enough to famously (or infamously) wear that wedding dress multiple times and made it look super cool. While Michael blazed a bigger trail with his sartorial choices, Madonna was always the bigger risk taker, those leading to even bigger rewards. When I think of how music and fashion are so in sync with one another, and the ones who made the biggest impact in the last 45 years, Madonna is easily on the shortlist of those who belong in that class.
We have been smack in the middle of an 80's revival on the runways over the last couple of seasons, with Madonna's influence leading the way. The pop queens of today like Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, Pink, Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, Karen O. of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Rihanna represent just a small list of those who have in one way shape or form have taken at least a piece and applied it to their respective repitoires. The cool thing about taking on this trend is that a) you can get more for less (if you have a sharp enough eye for a bargain) and b) it's not difficult to enjoy the complete look as long as it's done properly but you already knew that, didn't you?
21 August 2009
224. James E. Jean's Fall '09 Outlook....
Military inspired boots (pretty much anything military inspired): Mainly in black but I'd love to get brown as well. You guys get the idea, right? Of course you do. The perfect boots to "dress up" with a suit and also looks classic with a pair of dark washed jeans and a white t-shirt (definitely love them with a short but high sitting cuff. I am soo there.....)
Knits: Cashmere v necks in bundles of colors such as this one here, shawl cardigans, turtlenecks, sweater vests in a fair isle print. These are the reasons I love the fall/winter, you can layer however you like, in as many layers as you like (when the weather gets low enough of course).
Leather Jacket: For one reason more than anything: To dress up with a shirt and tie.
Tweed: I have a few prints and textured blazers but no tweed. This look is offered by J Crew and I don't mind using mannequins or models for inspiration at all, I plan on pretty much wearing this look here (*insert different color sweater for each day of the week).
Basics: Because it's good to go back to the drawing board and start over sometimes. Dress shirts in basic neutrals (whites, light blues and pinks for me please!), proper black oxfords, and slim (3.25 inch) ties because there aren't enough solids in my collection.
19 August 2009
17 August 2009
16 August 2009
221.Classic clip of the week (W/e 8.16.09): Van Halen- Eruption
I'll keep it short just like this "record" is. These 2 minutes are like heaven for my ears. This sort of feeling I like to call "Eargasm"........
15 August 2009
220. Man of Sartorial Excellence: John F. Kennedy
This was an obvious choice for me. I always felt he was the most fashion forward President without having to break a sweat. This also reminded me of what President Obama recently said afer his trip from Africa and throwing out the first pitch at a White Sox game that style wise, he wants to take the light off of him and leave it on Michelle.
He also stated that he liked those infamous "Dad" jeans he wore at the ballgame and looking frumpy when off the clock. While I completely understand you don't want to outshine Michelle, there's something called looking "presentable". I actually find this kind of mindset disturbing coming from the leader of the freeworld and while I love him as a President at this point, I loathe those jeans and feel he needs to set a better example. By getting dark washed jeans at least....Oh I apologize. I was supposed to be weighing in on one of the most popular Presidents ever.
Case in point, if you take your style cues from Kennedy, consider yourselves on the right track. Hopefully our current President will take this into consideration.
Fun Facts about JFK, Sr:
- He was the second youngest President ever (after Teddy Roosevelt) but the youngest elected to office.
- He was the first President born in the 20th century.
- The first and only Catholic President.
- He recieved the Purple Heart, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal and the World War II Victory Medal for his tour of duty in WWII.
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