Pre-LAFW :: Lynn Dee

Pre-LAFW :: Lynn Dee

Getting a headstart before all the rest, friend and designer Rhonda Persons (above) gave us an amazing LA Fashion Week kickoff with her collection Lynn Dee, showing at Falcon in Hollywood last Monday! I've seen Rhonda's collection before, but what made this occasion so special is that she debuted her menswear line alongside her chic line of women's clothing! She made me pinky swear that I'd come cause she wanted to get my honest opinion on her work. My thoughts? She did a great job! Lynn Dee's menswear extension is definitely new and refreshing. Check out the photos below!

Click here to follow the designer and get updates on Lynn Dee!

Style it You!

Style it You!

One of the greatest exercises of creativity is taking an article of clothing that upon first glance may not be you, but instead taking it as a challenge and styling it to make it completely yours. That's exactly what BLOW Clothing, by Los Angeles based designer Darryl Threat, does for me. Described by the creator himself as "urban couture," BLOW combines colorful American basics with a unique street edge in manner that I've never seen before.

I'd like to think my style is more classic and prep than anything. Most of the clothes I own are timeless basics that can be combined with just about anything. BLOW is the only "urban" line I've allowed access into my closet because its so thoughtfully designed and so well executed in its intention.

The latest piece from BLOW (an exclusive that hasn't yet been released online) is from the Black Diamond Collection - the "Please Don't Provoke the Goons" hoodie & sweatshirt. I LOVE it! Such an ingenious kitschy term! It reminds us that no matter how stylish you are, everyone has a little bit of a "goon" inside - and that can be interpreted in more ways than one. I'm a cerebral beast and when provoked my intellect, creativity and aggression are released!

See how I incorporated the 'Goon' into my style below!

Click here and purchase some BLOW for yourself!

"All Black Everything" Event

"All Black Everything" Event

Last night I attended friend and recording artist/producer Malcolm Harvest's "All Black Everything" event. I had an awesome time! What an intensely refreshing experience! It's very rare that I come across an event where people appreciate looking good, being professional and having a great time. Everyone looked amazing in their mostly all black attire. There were live performances by local artists and even a short set by Malcolm himself!

Amongst the Angeleno elite, the party was also attended by Chris Brown, producer Polo da Don (who refused to take a photo with me), and actor Tristan Wilds. It was crazy to be up in VIP standing right next to these guys...and the groupies who were throwing themselves at them. Haha!

I also had an opportunity to do some networking and met my newest partner-in-crime, Earl Grae. Definitely a pleasure talking to him about our outlooks on men's fashion and what we're both trying to do. We have big things in store!

Shout out to my TN fam and other friends Kianna, Keisa, Symphony, Tiffany, Asia, Bryan, Kitti and Trend! Many Kudos to Harvest! Awesome, awesome party! I look forward to many more!

Wardrobe breakdown --- $5 grey dress shirt (Goodwill), $5 black wool blazer (thrift), $10 black bow tie (Men's Warehouse), $0 sequenced pocket square (from Kianna's dress), $10 Kenneth Cole black flat front slacks (Marshall's), $4 black wingtips (thrift).

Fishing for the Perfect Bow Tie

Fishing for the Perfect Bow Tie

I've been asked a lot lately about bow ties and namely how to tie them. I like to see such a timeless and classic staple being embraced so openly by men of all different sartorial tastes. Besides wearing a tuxedo to my senior prom in high school, I hadn't had much exposure (or interest for that matter) in bow ties until I became a student at Morehouse College. Atlanta is such a huge melting pot of culture and style. It was there I developed an appreciation and respect for this usually formal necktie. Over the years I've collected more and learned the many different functions outside of being paired with my dinner jacket.

Below is probably the most comprehensive video on how to tie the perfect bow tie I've seen to date. The instructor takes his time and gives you different camera angles so the viewer can see each step at every turn. Like everything else, practice makes perfect. The more you do it, the easier and more fluid it will become. I recommend walking around the house and doing it repeatedly for a set amount of time until you feel comfortable. Make sure the knot it tight and you have enough room to breathe comfortably. One thing I do personally is flick mine with my thumb and middle finger when I'm done. Something about adding that slight imperfect element makes it...perfect.

ONE IMPORTANT RULE ABOUT BOW TIES! It is NEVER okay for a grown man to wear a clip on...EVER! Shame on you if you own one!

You're welcome!