437. "Cowboys" B-Rolls

436. "Cowboys"

I am no stranger to hats. Neither is my wardrobe foreign to classic Western influences. On a recent trip to JJ Hat Center, the world renowned 5th avenue boutique who has been in the business of placing crowns on the heads of men for 101 years, I dropped in searching for a replacement Stetson cowboy hat and ended up leaving with the 19th century classic Bolero as well.


Unbeknownst to me, the purchase gave my wardrobe an emphatic boost I wasn't aware I needed. The mood of my closet had strayed in that direction lately, dating back 100+ years. But this is also a nod to rap's infant stages in the early 1980's, specifically Grandmaster Flash and The Furious Five's raw video for "The Message", Whodini's "One Love" and other similarly stylish videos of that era.


To my memory, these are the first references I've ever had with young Black men from the same environments of New York City that I grew up in, sporting lots of leather, cowboy hats and boots, tassels everywhere, all the things that made hip-hip's first era not only the most creative but by far the best dressed one overall. Obviously because of the era I made my bones in (from 1992 on), the look became dated, replaced by a roomier silhouette and designer logos everywhere.


Lined up with me are good friends Rinaldy Laguerre and Kadeem Johnson, whose signature styles usually revolve around their respective wide brims as well. I always note their approach towards it, Rinaldy usually taking the minimalist route while Kadeem, a bit more adventurous, lets his accessories do the talking for him.

435. The Appetizer.

The following post and subject (coming Monday) will be on the Country Western influenced chapeau. And a couple of friends of mine decided to join in on the fun as well. Beware, this one will be a goodie.

434. SXSW.

433. Austin, Texas

As you're reading this (if you happen to be reading this early enough), I'm currently en route to Austin, Texas for the final leg of the SXSW festival. My initiative there? To voluntarily clog my arteries and profess my love for red meat, duh. But most importantly, to speak on a style panel focused on design, presented by Style x Austin.


I'll try to remember to snap pics.


xx

432. Wedding Crashers

For the second year in a row, I partook in Wedding Crashers, a wedding expo brought together by the Green Building and Brooklyn Based, providing style advice to future grooms on their forthcoming weddings.


I recruited frequent Street Etiquette collaborator Cleon Gray of Layonbone to be my extended eye for the event.


All images courtesy of Cleon Gray
Suits on mannequins and shirts courtesy of Suit Supply

431. The Appetizer

Some fun times and great company was needed a couple of Sunday's ago and the following post gets more in depth into the how, why, who, what, where and everything else in between. 

430. New Purchase: Ovadia & Sons Pebble Grain Double Monks

Welcome back the color black. But then again, it never left to begin with. I've come across lots of men and women who have problems with the color because it is a difficult one to coordinate and work with. Black suit? Shirts with deep hues and prints look horrid and don't even get me started on black dress shirts. They should cease to exist in the male wardrobe. However, I've seen many women work them very well.


And of course it can be worn with navy and brown. I've lost count over the years on how many times I've paired these colors together but its execution ultimately depends on your level of comfort and how well you can wear them together.


Which brings me down to footwear. This is my first black shoe purchase nearly three years. Why? Even though I've been on the hunt for a semi formal/dressy casual black shoe for what feels like decades, I'm terribly picky when it comes to this and the market for men isn't nearly as versatile as it is for women without having to break the bank. Toe box and shape, leather, last, sole, color, fit, eyelet, stitching, etc. all make the difference when a specific kind of man has to decide which pair of kicks he will be taking home with him.


Thankfully, my favorite twins at Ovadia & Sons had me covered. As an excited fan of theirs for nearly two years and this being the first addition to my closet, this just goes along with my personal commitment of supporting friends who have their own businesses and having my closet prove such. And not only for the sheer sake of just helping them, but also because I am in love with the products and services they provide. If money was no object, they'd easily occupy half of my closet. Its just that damn good and I believe in it that much.


The search is back on, though. More shoes to conquer, strengthen the rotation. I can only hope it doesn't take another three years to find the next black pair.

429. The Appetizer

There are going to be quite a few posts lined up in the coming weeks. Each week provides a totally new subject and mood. The following post will be a bit toned down in terms of the look and feel but a strong message will be sent nonetheless. What message is that, you ask? Well for starters, smiling never hurt anyone.....