[The Puh~NASH]

At the Top of My Playlist 3: Hiatus Kaiyote - Nakamarra

Tue, 26 Mar 2013 10:35:08 -0400

Last Thursday I payed a visit to Brooklyn Bowl to catch the future soul band Hiatus Kaiyote’s first-ever performance in New York CIty. Hailing from Melbourne, Australia, these up-and-comers are reigniting that funky, electronic, jazzy soul that is currently lacking in music right now. Nai Palm, the bands lead singer has already been compared to Lauryn Hill, Amy Winehouse and Eryka Badu which is a pretty legendary cast of soulful chicks! The critics are actually spot on! I was absolutely mesmerized by every performance. Even DJ ?uestlove couldn’t get enough and he’s usually the reason why people are bowling on a late Thursday night in Williamsburg, but not this Thursday. It was all eyes and ears on Hiatus Kaiyote’s soulful sound.

Below is a video of my favorite song on the album and is currently at the top of my playlist “Nakamarra”. Actually, each and every song on their debut album “Tawk Tomahawk” are my favorites, but this was the song that got me hooked on! This song just puts me in a good mood when I’m taking that morning train to work! Enjoy!

Here is the acoustic version! With some added help with a few desert essentials!

Few photo’s via Instagram at the show

Public School FW 2013

Sat, 16 Mar 2013 19:44:04 -0400

With the drop of another stellar show this past NYFW F/W13, designers Dao Yi Chow and Maxwell Osborne of Public School are quickly climbing the ranks of the menswear food chain. This season they wowed the crowed at Milk Studios drawing in celebs such as Carmelo Anthony, Fabolous and A$AP Rocky. The vibe of the collection was that casual athletic cool mixed with a polished feel. Perfecting the juxtaposition of style elements from street to mod and rugged to minimal. You get a little taste of everything currently dope in menswear in my opinion such as athletic shorts over trousers, all leather everything, ombre’s, streamlined suiting, scarves tucked in your headgear and patent leather shoes with thick white soles (Public School x Generic Man) all done in a street savvy sensibility. No longer are they the rookies in the game, the NYC duo are major players now!

Public School NYFW Autumn/Winter 2013 Video from Slam x Hype on Vimeo.

Chill Mode

Tue, 05 Mar 2013 11:30:00 -0500

Bite alert!! I was diggin on that Push Button x Harvey Nichols Hong Kong collab so much that I had to mimic the leopard, navy and neon yellow color palette. The only difference here is this thrifted aztec print coat I scored for a mere $30 bones!!! It’s my winter statement coat, so winter please stay on chill mode and let’s ride this out til the Easter bunny pays us a visit. Now let’s get are Macklemore on!!

@Cool_Gene

My rooftop view of the Manhattan Bridge

Kenzo x Vans

Navy tweed suit: Club Monaco ~ Leopard shirt: Topman ~ Beanie: American Apparel ~ Shoes: Kenzo x Vans ~ Coat: Thrifted

Push Button x Harvey Nichols HK Capsule Collection

Sun, 03 Mar 2013 08:54:00 -0500

One of my favorite Korean designers Push Button recently teamed up with Harvey Nichols Hong Kong for an exclusive capsule collection this winter. Creative director Park Seung Gun continues to “PUSH” (no pun intended) the envelope by innovating the new of the new with his unique and loud designs. For this special collection he sticks to his guns with a bold and fun color palette of neon yellow and pink and grounded by a shade of navy and leopard prints. Combined with the sporty fabrics and silhouettes makes this line-up a definite must have, but how the heck can I get my hands on these rad pieces? Maybe a round trip ticket to Hong Kong is next on my agenda?

Photo’s credited to Pushbutton

Kenzo x New Era SS13

Thu, 28 Feb 2013 11:30:00 -0500

Once again the Kenzo x New Era 59Fifty fitted’s are back!! This season the collab is inspired by the colors and prints of Kenzo Takada’s legendary Jungle Jap store back in the 70’s. From animal to ethnic-like prints, the collection has a wide a range of fitted caps that got us Kenzo Kids going bonkers! Get em’ quick, they will be sold at select retailers worldwide and Kenzo.com.

It was definitely inspired by the fast-paced world of adventure films, with a few fitting tributes to the Indiana Jones films or “Jurassic Park” by Steven Spielberg, but it also took inspiration from “magical” places that actually exist, like Mount Nemrut in Turkey.The classic “venture into the jungle” theme is what first inspired the series, but I’ve also tried to bring in some more urban jungle influences or whimsical themes as well. You’ll find a hardy combination of Rousseau’s jungle paintings and the giant pigeon sculptures found in La Grande Borne (a low-income housing district in Grigny, just south of Paris).The motifs and the prints have a kind of childlike, comic book, or even pop art style, which really works well with my photos”.

-Maciek Pozoga (Photographer)

Photo credits by Kenzo.com

Cozy Up

Mon, 25 Feb 2013 11:30:00 -0500

It’s been a few weeks after the storm and damn I’ve been missing the snow already. See, in Hawaii we obviously don’t get much snow and although residing in NYC for the past 5 years now, the last couple of years has been lacking those beautiful snow white winters. If it were up to me, it would be snowing everyday of the season. For some reason it just puts me in a good mood, it’s that same tranquil feeling I get when I’d see the ocean back home. Plus, you get to cozy up in big furry coats and you feel kinda pimp-ish with it on. Now add that all up with a cup of hot chocolate and an adventurous stroll through a snow covered city equals a perfect day.

@Cool_Gene & @J9

Gotta love H&M’s latest collaboration with Margiela. This piece was probably my favorite from the entire collection. The nice thing about it is that I don’t have to layer much with this coat because it’s suede lining is enough to keep me warm.

Coat: Margiela x H&M ~ Polka-dot L/S shirt: PLAY Comme des Garçons ~ Military jacket & shades: Thrifted ~ Jeans: Uniqlo ~ Shoes: Bernhard Willhelm x Camper Together

The IIIBeCa bag by Joy Gryson are hand crafted with supple vegetable tan leathers. Not only are these bags modern and chic, but they also give back 3% of their net proceeds to the following three charities: 9/11 Memorial, Family Focus Adoption Services and Memorial Sloan-Kettering.

Faux fur coat & leather gloves: Club Monaco ~ Top: Opening Ceremony ~ Skirt: Asos.com ~ Bag: IIIBeCa by Joy Gryson ~ Hat: Dimepiece ~ Shades: Target ~ Shoes: UO

Our neighborhood in DUMBO

Forfex: No Kill Iron Flight 2

Sun, 24 Feb 2013 11:30:00 -0500

You’ve seen me rock the first version of the No Kill Iron Flight shoes from Italian sneaker label Forfex in military green and chrome. This season it comes in a navy blue with black and 4 brand new patches. This exclusive boot is the second collaboration with Opening Ceremony and I hope there will be many more to come. I really love how the boot was modeled after a military bomber jacket. The simple silhouette and it’s rugged details like the steel toe cap, shark tooth sole, back zipper fasten, orange lining and of course the removable patches all resembles a military bomber jacket to a T (trust me I know, I used to own one back in my military days). I’m excited for the rest of the Forfex SS13 line up, I saw them and they’re pretty killer! Look out for the collection soon.

Summer collection is awesome! Peep the shoes below, I’m getting those for sure!

Paris Picks

Thu, 21 Feb 2013 11:30:00 -0500

Now that NYFW is said and done, it’s time to take a quick trip back to Paree. I’d hate to leave PFW out before I dive further into New York. So, I’m going to give y’all a quick go-around of my favorite shows and stand-out trends that I’m diggin on for next fall.

Let’s start with Riccardo Tisci’s Givenchy collection. This season he took every cool kids favorite brand to “chic to the next lev”. The collection was definitely more couture-ish and less hip-hop. Tisci took on new cuts and fabrications and still capitalized on his signature prints, but done in more lux-like fabrics. For instance, the print on the left in leather, plus I like that it’s styled with it tucked into a pair of trousers. Now that’s some cool grown man ish right there. The upside down American flag sweater to the right is probably my favorite out of the collection. It resonates back to his “love letter to the U.S.A.” theme for the season.

Then it was leather and zippers galore. I’ve seen a lot of zipper action this season and I’m liking the trend, but only if it’s functional and I’m assuming Givenchy’s is. Mix it with leather and a sporty raglan sleeve and I’d say it’s a winner in my book.

Next up is Carven and the new approach to office wear. Guillaume Henry takes the crop pant and goes so far up that you might mistake it for capri’s. Seem’s like their flashing more leg then i’m used to, but if paired with the right length of socks and a longer/larger outerwear piece then I’m on board with it. I definitely appreciate the 50’s references in the collection and the cut of the suits are immaculate of course. That turquoise suit on the left is pretty killer and the satchel too.

At Dries Van Noten it was all about the prints. Baroque, paisleys and Hugh Hefner pajama-like prints. Speaking about pajamas, there were a few robes in the collection that were pretty dope. That’s kinda what the feel was for this collection: a lounge-ish, grunge-ish wake up and put your shades on and go feel.

Everything at Thom Browne’s was squarish, although it was everything but. Mr. Browne always puts on a great show and the inspiration behind it is always up to ones interpretation. Apparently, he drew some inspiration from the simplicities of the Amish and Hasidic Jewish population, a la models building a house on the runway. I guess that all ties into the linear looks and boxy silhouettes. Everything was streamlined to a 90 degree angle, from the squared hats, the sleeveless coats, windowpane prints and the briefcases. My favorite of them all though, is the cross printed sleeveless coat on the right.

Man, so many great designers come out of Antwerp’s Royal Academy of Fine Arts and Belgium’s own Kris Van Assche is definitely one of them. The juxtaposition of tailored and athletic wear has been a hot topic as of late and KVA successfully cut and paste the two aesthetics together for a phenomenal hybrid product. A sporty college sweatshirt and a formal black suit would be the most unlikely of pairs right, not in this case. The two are married well together here unifying everything awesome about menswear.

The rest of the collection pretty much stayed on course of hybrids, but other pieces were done in other fabrics and silhouettes, like cable-knit sweaters and wovens or blazers bonded with plaids.

I never really got into the whole patchwork trend until Junya Watanabe did it. I really like the clusters of patchwork on the center of the blazers/jackets. It suits well with the old school rail road / industrial worker Watanabe always references from.

Walter Van Beirendonck is another graduate from Antwerp Royal Academy of Fine Arts. Didn’t I tell y’all, Belgium is about to take over this mug. His David Bowie inspired collection was unexpected and surprising as usual. The catwalk was full of textures and shimmering suits, along with heavy decorated/embellished pieces. Normally, I wouldn’t go for a shimmery glitter-like piece, but WVB makes me intrigued. Also, I like his spin on the argyle prints below. I feel like the print is making a comeback, especially if it looks hand-drawn by a 5 year old like the one on the left.

These two prints are dope!

If ninjas needed outerwear then Alexander Wang would be the designer of choice this season. These oversized outerwear pieces with detachable face masks are pretty bad ass and you’d expect nothing less from GQ’s Best Menswear Designer recipient in 2011. His signature dark and streamlined collections never disappoint. He always has a tight well-made collection of wearable pieces that represent the future of downtown cool.

I love the T collection as much as I love the Alexander Wang collection. You know how I feel about sweats!!! If it were up to me I’d rock it every day, just as he does. This season texture is prioritized with more of a grungy feel, whilst sticking to his slouchy, easy and sweat suit heavy style. Plus, this season Wang introduces a T boot that comes in plain, pebbled and croc-embossed leather. Look out for that!

Finally we have Pigalle, hailing from the Parisian Red Light District. This season Pigalle pulls a lot of references from parisian cultures from past era’s combined with street wear influences visible through the long shirts, hoodies, varsity jackets and the kilts over trousers trend, which I dig but have never attempted yet. I think I’m more of a long shirt kind of dude anyway. The 4 looks below are all of my current obsessions. Like I said the kilt thing, the overalls on the left, the jumpsuit below it and the oversized hoodie. Stylistically this show was probably one of the best in my opinion, I could see myself taking these looks right off the runway.

Photo’s credited to Style.com

Milk MADE Fashion Week via Instagram

Thu, 14 Feb 2013 12:30:00 -0500

I always have a great time at Milk Made Fashion Week! Last weekend I was ecstatic that all of my shows were located at Milk Studios. With the blizzard and all, work and a hectic school schedule I was glad to just go to one destination and not scurry around town in this crazy ass weather. The line-up of shows included Hood By Air, Patrik Ervell, Public School, Carlos Campos, En Noir, Lucio Castro and Rochambeau. Here’s a small sample via Instagram!

Me and A$AP Rocky at MILK MADE fashion week

Patrik Ervell

A$AP Rocky closing the Hood By Air show

Public School

Boy Child at Hood By Air

Carlos Campos

Rochambeau

At the Top of My Playlist 2: G-Dragon - One of a Kind

Sat, 09 Feb 2013 20:50:36 -0500

I’ve been currently fixated by everything Korean, so much that I think i’m turning! Everything from their style, the emerging designers and now the music. I first got into the whole ordeal when Opening Ceremony introduced Korea as its country to showcase this past fall and now moving into spring. It started off by discovering/learning more about the country’s amazing designers such as Human Potential, KYE, Peace Love and Understanding, Beyond Closet, 99% IS, MVIO, Juun J, Keenkeee and General Idea just to name a few. I’ve become an avid follower of all these brands and the K-Pop stars who donned them on a regular.

Particularly G-Dragon, You may know him as the front-runner of the Korean super group known as “Big Bang”. You know the dude that raps and sings and rocks the craziest shit in all their videos, matter fact they all wear crazy ish. But you know what? That’s what’s so great about it, the more cray the better! I can appreciate people who think outside the box and this guy is way out there. The video below entitled “One of a Kind” from his solo album also titled “One of a Kind” is quite fitting for his style, musically and fashion wise. I’ve been on this song since it’s release back in september, so much that it’s now moved up to ringtone status. Although I don’t understand what the hell he’s saying 90% of the time, the songs pretty damn dope regardless and the beat it is pretty rad! Check it!

Also, check out Nicola Formichetti’s “Mugler” fall/winter 2013 show below. The runway music was done by G-Dragon himself, sick beat!!!!

Kenzo Menswear FW 2013: Above the Sky and Beyond

Wed, 06 Feb 2013 17:01:00 -0500

The sky, clouds, night and day, travel, pilots, mythological creatures, two-headed tigers and Asian warriors were a few of the inspirations that drove Kenzo’s menswear fall/winter 2013 collection, say’s Carol Lim, 1/2 of the dynamic duo of Opening Ceremony. Now in their third year as Kenzo’s creative directors, both Carol and Humberto has taken Kenzo Takada’s Jungle Jap to the sky and it did just that. The show absolutely took me to cloud 9 with it’s celestial approach.The collection was composed of cumulus and stratus cloud prints, powder blue color palette’s resembling the sky and streamlined silhouettes with techy fabrics that straddled an airplane hanger-like runway that was sitting up in heaven.

There wasn’t one flaw in this entire collection, I personally love the whole vibe. Surely it wasn’t as vibrant as the last two shows, but Kenzo delivered a softer and more sophisticated side without loosing that excitement that’s carried over since they taken over the reigns of the Parisian brand. It was quite powerful too, maybe even Zeus-like in a more futuristic way. Considering the soft powder blue hues and cloud prints, there was a sense of power and strength exuded by the different shapes of the silhouettes. The outerwear pieces were oversized and grand while the bottoms were tailored and skinny, which symbolized the warriors and gods that inspired them. Even the accessories signified the warrior-like feel, large backpacks, hard case bags and fanny packs that looked like military utility belts epitomized defense and protection. Also, the infusion of deep reds and black that made-up of the rest of the color scheme added a darkness and edge to this celestial collection. Season after season Kenzo has wowed me, they’ve conquered the jungle and now the sky, I can’t wait to see whats next.

Check out the complete runway video and making of video below, enjoy!

Here’s a few of my favorite individual shots:

Photo credit: Style.com

OC Camo's

Tue, 05 Feb 2013 15:01:00 -0500

Camo has been a staple print in both men’s and women’s wear for a hot minute now. The traditional print is used in all facets of apparel, footwear and accessories and has been manipulated in many different ways. Every designer has put their own spin on it, but I personally dig Opening Ceremony’s interpretation of the print from their last two fall/winter collections. The peacoat below is from OC’s FW 2011 men’s collection and it’s been in heavy rotation since I got it at their past sample sale a few months back. I look at it as a cross-breed between cheetah and swamp camo that sort of pulls off a 3-dimensional look, a fresh take on this classic print.

@Cool_Gene

It’s been crazy cold the past few days and I’ve been layering like a mug, jacket on jacket and everything. But hey, no complaints from me, the more layers the merrier. Proportions are the key to it all, different lengths and sizing make all the difference from style and comfortability. I love a long shirt or a pair of shorts over long johns to add that extra depth of scale.

Another update on the camo print is the tiger stripe camo on these Burton gloves. Rocking two different camo’s are not a bad idea, Do It!!!

I just bought these mustache print socks at Target the other day, oh and these colored mirror aviators too. They were extremely affordable at under $20 bucks for the both of them. Janine and I enjoy going to Target to find little gems like these, as well as their awesome collabo’s. Target is becoming one of our go-to destinations for not only everything we need for our home, but also everything we need in our wardrobe.

Camo peacoat: Opening Ceremony ~ Long shirt: Muji ~ Shorts: Club Monaco ~ Beanie: C’H’C’M’ Shop ~ Gloves: Burton ~ Aviators and mustache socks: Target ~ Hikers: N. Hoolywood

Janine’s OC camo jacket is from this past FW 2012 women’s collection. Another great interpretation with a watercolor-like camo motif including a warm shearling collar to keep her cozy during this brick-ass weather. This print was also done in a few men’s pieces as well.

Janine loooooves to pull style inspiration from me, and thus, utilizes one of my flannel shirts to add length and proportion to her outfit too. Plus, she takes on layering with different fabrics like myself. She layers with 3 different materials and uses a sheen sequenced top that resembles my biker jacket to add a bit of pop that doesn’t take away from the camo print. Add that all up with once again her favorite, a maxi skirt!!!

@J9

This beanie by Dimepiece was a Christmas gift from yours truly. She absolutely loves the brand and what woman wouldn’t, this west coast street wear company designs pieces that emphasize women empowerment utilizing cheeky and feminist phrases on tee’s and hoodies.

These photo’s were taken on a brisk day in our neighborhood in DUMBO Brooklyn. We love galavanting in are area, even in 20 degree weather. I suggest you visit!

Camo jacket: Opening Ceremony ~ Sequence top: J. Crew ~ Beanie: Dimepiece ~ Maxi skirt: UO ~ Bag: Cynthia Rowley ~ Boots: ACNE

Ciao Milano

Thu, 31 Jan 2013 21:19:00 -0500

Last friday Paris men’s fashion week wrapped up, yet I’m still hung up on Milan and still checking everybody’s shit out. Pardon my lateness and my language, but there were so many great shows and I needed to thoroughly take the time to go through my favorites before I could digest Paris.

First and foremost, I will most likely not talk about Kenzo’s show yet. I’m sure everyone knows that Kenzo’s my ish and it’s obviously obvious that they need a post of its own. On the other hand, let’s talk about the other killer shows that got my inspiration juices flowing.

Neil Barrett had to be one of the top shows in Milan hands down. I pretty much liked everything that came down the runway, especially the statement sweatshirts below. It was the simple geometric patterns that worked so well, plus it was pieced with leather, which is the talk of the town during mens fashion week.

Also, Barrett had a few more sweatshirts composed of fur and cable knit-like leather. But it doesn’t stop there, many pieces were done in lofty wools and fuzzy mohairs to balance out the luxurious leather. Add in skinny trousers, coats with hidden plackets and even a pony hair vest all done in a neutral color scheme.

It was hard to gauge the color palette of the season due to a small showing in London. Luckily, Milan had nearly double the shows and had a number of options. Sure, the crimson red’s, inky navy’s and rich mustards were the obvious choices, but it was the little bursts of pine green’s and powder blue’s that were surprisingly refreshing. Other than Kenzo (whoops I mentioned them again), Gucci was the only other show in Milan who heavily pushed my favorite color of the season - powder blue.

We’ve seen all over plaid suits everywhere, although you’ll never see em’ done like how Mr. Thom Browne does it, never!! The vibe for his Moncler Gamme Bleu collection was a Scottish tartan winter wonderland mixed with a fencing/skiing-type uniform. Head-to-toe plaids from kilt’s to cape, belted coats, shetland suiting’s and fencing swords rounded up this amazing show that trickled over from his spring 2013 home base collection.

I’m happy that Jil Sander has returned to the label she founded two years ago. I’m even happier that +J has finally taken it’s last ride into the sunset, but that’s neither here nor there. I just wanna acknowledge her latest collection, which was pretty awesome. The collection had a touch of military references with a mod feel. But, it was the exaggerated collars and the elongated sleeveless sweaters that won me over. Emphasis on collars are big this upcoming season and Sanders pulled it off in a boyish way that compliments this confident look.

Next up is Prada who focused on staple pieces this collection. Nonetheless, it was the styling and subtle design details that moved me. For instance, the straight neckline pullovers paired under a simple blazer was a simplistic way to update this wearable look. I also liked the cropped jackets, a great piece to emphasize the art of layering.

Taking a seat back from it’s louder collections, Moschino took a more wearable approach this season. Lots of plaid, dinner jackets and fur trimmed coats made up of most of the collection. My favorites were the hearts and peace sign intarsia sweaters and the plaid parka below with fur hood.

Another bright side of the collection were the formal wear options. It’s still January and I’m already thinking of my next New Year’s Eve get-up. Any of the three would be a great choice.

So, we’ve been talking fur a lot in Milan and it doesn’t get any better than a gigantic fur coat right. I’m thinking pimp status and only Versace can pull it off with patterned or leather pants and no shirt lol. I’m definitely getting a coat of this magnitude, but of course I will be rocking a shirt underneath fo sho!

Street Wear Revival

Tue, 22 Jan 2013 14:17:00 -0500

This past fall I was introduced to Russian designer and artist Gosha Rubchinskiy. The 20-something year old stylist turned designer made his comeback last season after a 2 year break from fashion. The comeback was much needed, as his design aesthetic is one that’s been needed for the street wear scene since the brief interim. Gosha’s collections are all inspired and made for his closest friends who happen to be models, fellow artist, punk kids and skateboarders, now how dope is that to have your friends as muses. The clothes were undeniably made for them, but more importantly for the new generation of Russian subcultures they represent. With the backing of Comme Des Garcçons and the revival of street wear in high fashion, Gosha Rubchinskiy has seamlessly returned from exactly where he left off.

The 2012 fall/winter collection was composed of sweatshirts, hoodies, graphic tees w/ iconic Russian prints and textured knitwear in compelling color ways. I basically loved everything in the collection, but the graphic pieces in cyrillic script and old english were my favorites out of the bunch. I’ve paired it below with a lot of black, leather and Tahitian florals, a make-up of a little punk and a little Polynesian.

Tee: Gosha Rubchinskiy ~ Coat: Versace x H&M ~ Leather Cap: OAK NYC ~ Floral Pants: KITH NYC ~ Duffel Bag: Asos.com ~ Tote Bag: Zara ~ Shoes: Forfex

Here’s a few looks from the FW12 campaign highlighting those dope cyrillic and old english fonts.

Gosha Rubchinskiy SS13 collection: Really feeling the vibe of the upcoming spring collection too. Gosha went with a more simplistic scheme and used a neutral color palette opposite of his FW12 collection, yet kept the Russian skateboard vibe in tack. The jump suit below is a definite cop for me!

You gotta love what Ronnie Fieg is doing over there at Kith NYC. I’ve been following him since the Sebago Nexus Project a few years back and since then he’s done nothing but raise the bar in street wear. His latest drop, the “Blue Label” was a smash for me. This capsule collection exudes that downtown steez of floral prints, military inspired jackets, elasticized pants and 5 panel hats, not to mention that they were all made in the USA. Also, varsity jackets paired with Golden Bear and Harris Tweed followed the collection and even a genius collab with one of my favorite Parisian designers Brooklyn We Go Hard. The flow just keeps on coming and I’m excited to see what’s next for KITH NYC.

Yo think u can style up your boy raul in floridaaaaaaa

Thu, 17 Jan 2013 00:31:22 -0500

Of course homie! You know I got you!

Across The Pond

Mon, 14 Jan 2013 18:00:00 -0500

What a way to bring in 2013 with mens fashion week taking off across the pond. It began last week in the city of London and has now percolated to Milan, but before we take a trip to Italy, let’s take a walk through Abbey Road and discuss men’s LFW. Man, there were a lot of awesome shows that definitely inspired me. As my style persistently evolves every season, I’m looking for some new ish to take me into the new year.

First, I wanna start with Katie Eary, this British up-and-coming designer who’s bold prints of lobster claws and large floral motifs mixed with gold chains, shades, Jordans and even the slick back hair are style elements I’m adding to the arsenal. It’s safe to say that the collection will probably be worn by the likes of Hova and Ye, as the collection exudes that high fashion street style myself and the two love. Katie Eary you are officially one of my favorites!!!!

I’m sure we’ve all seen prints in florals and maybe lobsters before, but the way Katie Eary executed the prints and done them in her signature fabric of silk neoprene and sporty silhouettes was genius. I definitely wanna get my hands on either print, but I tell you what, those lobster spaceship motif pieces are just too damn gangsta!

Another cool thing I spotted on the runway were baggy trousers. We’ve seen this the past couple of seasons and I’ve been meaning to give it a shot. I’ve been open to wearing everything between skinny to regular fit trousers, but the baggy trouser is on a whole other level. A number of designers did this well, but Topman had it done in monochromatic outfits that got me wanting to jump into these bad boys once again, plus they had nice backpacks to complete the look.

As you already know I’m huge on athletic wear. Last spring and fall I was hung up on basketball and baseball jerseys, now Shaun Samson got me hooked on hockey jerseys. I really dig the fact that they don’t have logo’s on it and that they were paired with leather shorts for a more modern take. Can you say: “Mighty Ducks Chic”

I’d be out of my mind if I didn’t mention Alexander McQueen in this post. Out of all the great things this show had to offer like the color blocked pieces, the oversized coats and the pin stripe suits with pointed shoulders were all stand-outs, although it was the church window-like print that took the cake for me.

Christopher Kane has always been one of my favorite designers from the UK and his monster approach this season did not disappoint. It was the classic Frankenstein and Dracula faces that hovered over a bunch of tees and sweatshirts, even that creature from the Black Lagoon made a cameo on a black hoodie that was pretty dope. The collection was all tuned in with animal prints, oversized coats, skinny bottoms and lux fabrics.

Last but surely not the least, Jonathan Saunders had it going from all angles for me. I really dig these water color-like camo prints below in particular, Saunders also had ombre shaded prints and blanket stripes that I’m sure any city slicker would appreciate.

The collection also utilized a great mixture of fabrics and textures like fuzzy alpaca, mohair, cotton sateen, woolly felts, flannel and leather and in some cases a few of the looks had them all. For me it’s finding the right combination of mixing the right prints and the right textures with the right color scheme and Mr. Saunders definitely accomplished that with this collection.

Hawaii Through Instagram

Thu, 27 Dec 2012 05:59:52 -0500

Once again I’ve taken another hiatus last month from the blog to spend a portion of my holiday in home sweet home Hawaii. It’s been over a year since I’ve been back and I’ll admit I was super homesick. I needed the two weeks of vacay for a little R&R due to my hectic school schedule with finals approaching at the time and working tirelessly at my new gig over at Opening Ceremony.

Man I was so spent this semester!!!! All I really needed was to spend some QT with my fam, grind amazing local food, soak in the beautiful Hawaiian sun and simply just get away for the holidays. For me, it’s important to visit home at least once a year to escape the “city that never sleeps”, because if you don’t, you don’t get any sleep at all! So if your need of keeping your sanity in NYC, then I suggest you take a vacay to Hawaii, but in the meantime you can experience it through my Instagram @Cool_Gene

Fall Files

Mon, 19 Nov 2012 16:44:00 -0500

Apparently its inevitable for me to shy away from my athleisure addiction, just as much as Janine cannot part ways with animal prints and maxi skirts. To NOT incorporate our two current fixes into our ”Fall Files” would be somewhat of a disappointment wouldn’t it? That’s why we’ve revolved these get-ups around our go-to vintage threads. Another basketball jersey from me and a zebra knit sweater for her that are both interchangable and transitional layering pieces, that’s why these thrifted gems are one of our favorite this season.

CoolGene & J9

On another note though, color is here in a big way. With no particular flave to be singled out, everything and anything is good to go. Usually rich, dark or subdued colors are primarily used this season, but the infiltration of spring and summer hues into fall palette’s makes things just a lil more interesting don’t ya think! So combining our favorite pieces with a “no holds bar” of color range is like shooting fish in a barrell.

By now we should all have a couple of DB blazer’s in our arsenal, dressed up or down, it’s as versatile as the reg. We don’t wanna limit it to just a pair of trousers and a tie!

Mesh jersey, DB blazer and shades: Thrifted ~ Denim shirt: Club Monaco ~ Jeans and beanie: Topman ~ Satchel: Cambridge Satchel Co. ~ Low top hiker boots: Opening Ceremony

Zebra sweater, shades and cardigan: Thrifted ~ Moto jacket, bracelets and watch: NastyGal.com ~ Snapback: Obey via UO ~ Wedges: UO ~ Maxi skirt: Topshop ~ Satchel: BKI ~ Snap slap bracelet: Gerlan Jeans

A Youthful Statement

Thu, 08 Nov 2012 14:38:00 -0500

I don’t know about y’all, but the graphic sweater is my new ish this season. Thanks to Polyvore, I was able to put together this smorgasbord of my favorite graphic intarsia sweaters for you’re viewing pleasure.

I know we’ve come accustom to wearing fair isle patterns and stripes on our chunky knits this time of year, but these corky graphic sweaters serve as a great alternative that steers away from the common and exudes a playful sensibility. Plus, you don’t have to worry about loosing your grown man swag, all these sweaters below are in a timeless crew neck silhouette and done in lux fabrics like cashmere and camel to juxtapose sophistication with a youthful statement. So, I definitely recommend you pick one up if your like me, I dig em’ all, but the safety pin graphic from McQ by Alexander McQueen has my name written all over it!

Stay tune for more sets with Polyvore, as I am currently getting myself over addicted with it.

Graphic Intarsia Sweater by thepuhnash on Polyvore

Jil Sander Dinosaur Intarsia Camel and Wool-Blend Sweater / Michael Bastian Cashmere Crew Neck Sweater / Burberry Prorsum Dog-Patterned Cashmere Sweater / Undercover Unicorn Intarsia Wool Sweater / Jil Sander Whale Intarsia Camel and Wool-Blend Sweater / Julien David Knife Crew Neck Sweater / Julien David Soft Drink Crew Neck

How We Can Help Hurricane Sandy Victims

Sat, 03 Nov 2012 04:59:00 -0400

It’s really hard to swallow the destruction Hurricane Sandy has left behind. Witnessing the devastation on the news and walking the streets of my neighborhood (picture below), which was hit heavily and had our area submerged in great heights of water gushing from the East River. Businesses, homes, art galleries and our beloved Brooklyn Bridge Park was ravished by the high tides and flowing debris.

Slowly, but surely we are getting cleaned up here in DUMBO. Unfortunately other parts of NYC are a long way from where it used to be. There are so many people in the Big Apple who are in desperate need of aid. There are still many without power, families in need of shelter, food and water and sadly the death tolls have risen each day. My heart truly goes out to all of those who were affected by this travesty and as New Yorkers we will all pitch in to those who are in need and put this great city back together.

Here’s how we can all help:

Donate to the Red Cross. All donations will provide shelter, food, emotional support and other assistance to those affected by the storm. To donate, visit www.redcross.org, call 800-Red-Cross or text the word “Redcross” to 90999 to make a $10 donation.

Nearly 100 Red Cross blood drives were canceled because of Sandy, so blood supplies are low in the areas affected the most. The Red Cross asks that those who can donate to schedule an appointment to give blood. The New York Blood Center is urging people to donate blood for those in the New York/New Jersey area. To donate, call 800-933-2566 or visit www.nybloodcenter.org.

The Salvation Army has dozens of mobile feeding units and shelters along the East Coast that are working to serve thousands in the most heavily hit areas. Visit www.salvationarmyusa.org to donate.

Feeding America has thousands of pounds of emergency food, water and supplies in the disaster zone that it is working to distribute to the storm’s victims. To donate, visit www.feedingamerica.org or call 800-910-5524.

AmeriCares is providing medicine and other supplies to people affected by Hurricane Sandy. To donate, visit www.americares.org.

World Vision is distributing flood clean-up kits, personal hygiene items and emergency food kits to people hit by the hurricane. To donate, visit www.worldvision.org.

Save the Children is also working to provide relief to families and their children. Visit www.savethechildren.orgto donate.

Samaritan’s Purse is asking for volunteers to help storm victims. To volunteer, visit their website.

Here’s more on how to help the heavily affected areas in Brooklyn:

Aftermath

To donate to the communities and organizations hit hardest by Sandy, there is a fully tax-deductible Brooklyn Recovery Fund.

To donate time, money or items to Red Hook residents, use this site and follow @rhookinitiative for upcoming donation opportunities. We’ll add more resources for Red Hook as we hear of them.

To help DUMBO get back on its feet, you can donate to businesses here, and follow @DumboBID for more volunteer opps.

Today:

Refinery29:

As our city searches for power, ways of rebuilding, and outlets of assistance, New Yorkers are stepping up to the plate by serving food, providing shelter, and distributing resources (we’ve put together some ways to pitch in here). This weekend, if you’re looking for a way to help, join the gang down at the Williamsburg Church — they’re sharing their own personal life source (that would be blood) at the New York Blood Center drive. Due to hurricane Sandy, many blood drives across the city have been cancelled in the last week and the blood supply is reaching a critical low. Luckily, it takes only an hour to donate — an hour when you can also, you know, charge your phone, refuel on some snacks, and give back. According to the organizers, just 60 minutes could save three lives. Sounds like your most productive Saturday yet.

When: Saturday November 3, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Williamsburg Church, 231 Ainslie Street (at Graham Avenue), Brooklyn, 917-727-8148.

Make sure to sign up on Facebook or call 1-800-933-BLOOD to check your eligibility.