MJ WE CELEBRATE YOU!

Since MJ's shocking passing I rode a roller coaster of emotions just like many of you may have. Someone said this to me during the weekend: "He wrote our life soundtrack from our childhoods into adulthood." A fitting yet honest quote.

Michael Joseph Jackson imparted musical messages our souls will forever remain knitted with. Over the past few days, people's MJ mementos shared a common tune: Our generation lost a man, a legend, a sheer icon.

We can all sync up our "MJ Hits" as appropriate tributes. MSR platform pays tribute to Michael with decades of captivating images.

Music can be tweaked and remastered, but the camera lens ALWAYS remains true to the man in the mirror.

-MJ Rest Well Sir.

CELEBRATING DAD !!

It’s that time of season folks: Father’s Day! What are you brewing up this holiday to get that special man in your life? I know personally, Mr. MSR is blah-blah with the traditional gift bequeathing of tie/shirt combos, printed handkerchiefs, ordinary long-sleeved oxfords, khaki pants, and all those mundane gifts we merrily offer.

To help switch gears from customary to extraordinary gift buying, MaleStyle Review conjured up the hottest must-nab presents Dad needs lacing with this Sunday!

EXOTIC AROMAS

In tweaking traditions a bit, purchase a unique manly scent for dad this season. The days of Brut and Old Spice no more. Mr. MSR sampled a boatload of men fragrances circling the marketplace. I nailed down two dreaming odors: TOM FORD for MEN and Mustang Blue!

TOM FORD for MEN


Nestled in a fine ridged glassing, the Tom Ford superb fragrance will make Dad great water cooler office chatter amongst his working pals. The luxurious and sensory-activating ingredients of ginger, grapefruits, and other crisp citrusy aroma blends encourages Dad wanting to daily spray dash his work shirts. Mr. MSR must admit, at the cologne's center lays a premium whiff of mesmerizing amber.

Mustang Blue


From the early fabric of Mustang, associations with ruggedness and masculinity always ensued. This time around Mustang is being matched to confident, powerful, sexy, and ultra-cool. Just push the gunmetal nozzle of Mustang Blue and judge for yourself. With high-spirited essences of pine and cedar leaf, contrast infuses of rugged sandalwood, earthy blends of patchouli and hay, Dad deserves this über sexy masculine cologne for his special day!

HEALTHY FIT

GYM Membership Gift Card



Mr. MSR says being fit, healthy, and brimming vitality is always on trend. This holiday, gift Dad a present which promotes all the above. Invest in a local gym membership he can take advantage of. The gym doesn’t have to have all the latest tinkers and whistles—a regular servicing workout center is perfect. What I do recommend: Try doing partner workouts to keep him motivated and energized about contracting those once dormant muscles. If Dad is gym-a-holic (Dad, no offense to you!) surprise him with a paid add-on of 6 month or 1 year to his current membership.

EASY SOOTHING

Full Body Massage


Hours of work at the office, weekend mowing of the lawns, repairs, and all sorts of body aching workings, adds mucho taxing to the muscles and body. Revive and replenish Dad’s beaten muscles with a gift to the masseuse table. Wouldn’t you rather have a limber and moving dad rather than an achy-walking grumpy one? I would in a heartbeat!

GAME TIME

Backgammon Table



During a trip to Miami last summer, Mr. MSR met a super cool backgammon specialist—Walter Gerstein—who heightened the interest about playing the clubby-traditional board game of backgammon. I introduce you to the exquisitely crafted Zimmerman Board Tables:

“If you’re looking for a luxury backgammon table, built to the highest specifications, then this is the backgammon table for you. Built in South America by highly skilled artisans using only the finest materials, you will appreciate the quality craftsmanship found in every one of these products. You will not find a better backgammon table anywhere else.”

Please click link to learn more about purchasing a backgammon board by Zimmerman Boards:

This Father’s Day offer Dad a present he will never forget—Happy Shopping!

MR. MSR TO MARRY ST. BARTHELEMY

Call me crazy but Mr. MSR is head over loafer heels for some St. Barts! Is it legal to wed attractive islands? What a summery locale: Hot sands, clear waters, french-fare eating, and amazing weather ties together a must-visit destination!

AT HOME FORGETTING CITY LIFE!

LENS: THIS WEEK IN STYLE

Even with a pouty expression Yeezy,  the punctuated accoutrements offers a cool gentlemen appeal with your suited look. 

Nothing gets style dashers out like a rooftop NYC party. Over the weekend an awesome-upon-awesome party was thrown for writer and bon vivant Lesley Blume (sporting Jackie O frames)!! This capture highlights the ultra-swag partygoers imparted! 

June Ambrose--Style Architect to the celebs--premieres a glamorized version of the Safari trekker. Mr. MSR digs a woman with boldness and confident strut to boot. 

My POPPA displaying a somewhat disheveled swagger at last week's 50th anniversary for the Four Seasons Restaurant! What a night!!!! Sidebar: The jeans are RL Purple Label if you were wondering.

Menswear designer Yigal Azrouël serving 'rocker chic' with and bevy of glitzy women for an event, honoring GQ creative director Jim Moore, at Barneys New York last week. (Jim, congratulations on the Eleanor Lambert honor you will  receive tonight at CFDA Awards.) 

OBSESSIONS: DUCKIE BROWN X FLORSHEIM

Recently, All-American shoemaker Florsheim closed their retail glass doors in Midtown, New York. I held court at the now defunct store window first disappointed, then secondly hoping the brand would breathe new footwear using a different selling platform à la online store. Mr. MSR is happy to hint you Florsheim continues pumping. 

With renewed energy and design strength,eclectic label Duckie Brown have stepped in (since at least January) to modernize their classics with attractive and modern touches. The collaboration collection include: wingtip boots, unique color-code brogues, warm-hued slip-on loafers, and other updated selections. The new styles ranges from $395 upwards. 

Witness why Mr. MSR feels the new designs are worth your last penny!

OBSESSIONS: TOM FORD CLEANSE BAR

Anything Tom Ford creates immediate obsessions erupts--even over soap cleansing bars.

Recently, Tom Ford's amazing Beauty PRESS team sent over a bundle of superior men's grooming goodies. The caramel-hued soap-on-a-rope makes you want to dash home and awash in its micro-exfoliants splendor. Don't think for flash it has relations with Irish Spring soap bar Gents.

Tom Ford introduces his consumers with a plump bar (it's not averaged size one bit) stocking the best natural additives: coconut and palm tree ingredients (absolute great skin cleansers). The scentful subtle hint it imprints leaves you yearning for multiple and multiple usages. Trust Mr. MSR on that! Another clear and evident result I gathered: Your skin is left feeling super-moisturized and dewy (the perfect compliment for these summer days).

I absolutely love Tom's innovative and non-traditional approaches taking with the Tom Ford for Men Ancillary Collection! For $18 at Nordstroms (nationwide and online), it's a top recommendable purchaser, not matter the season lurking outdoors.

STEVE MCQUEEN: STYLE LEGEND

The past few days I have spent immersed in Ralph Lauren's 40th Anniversary fantastic tome. Every time I delve through the giant sheets either a new thought or visual gem unearths. Another style pioneer bubbled my mind seeing the youthful Ralph Lauren -- of course well-together in a aged leather bomber atop his signature visual-detailed monogram knit sweater.

The pioneer is none other than "The King of Cool" Steve McQueen. The academy award-nominated actor epitomizes the term cool. Known for his fast-and-furious flair with cars and motorcycles, the in-demand actor knew how to coordinate a wardrobe.

MSR wanted to pay ode to a style legend who never appeared not with-it, but always relevant and effortless in appearance.

See for yourself...

MSR CELEBRATED AT INDIE BLOG BASH

Mr. MSR (inset) with two other highlighted bloggers (forefront).

HI EVERYONE!

Boy, did I miss you all. The short departure resulted with loads of amazing happenings. I will actually return with exult dishing about the 'NYC Indie Blog Bash' fete last week. MaleStyle Review was one of the celebrating blogs! Zandile Blay--PAPER Magazine Style Market Editor and NYC personality--celebrated several awe-terrific blogs last week in the intimate environs of Bjorn Borg.

To add, a hearty Thanks to the slew of sponsors for the evening: FACTORY PR, Orange Vodka, and Deussen Global Communications (Wine sponsors). The evening--all-around surefire! They patrons came out heavy style-wielding, making the creative energy and artsy-ness glide through the Bjorn interiors all night.

A FEW SHOTS TAKING FROM THE EVENING.

Event host Zandile Blay pictured left.

NATE GILL HEATS UP GQ!

Happy post-Memorial Day weekend readers! I hope your quick weekend getaways, celebratory barbecues, and beach-y jaunts conjured up relaxation and soul-replenishment. The weekend was terrific for Mr. MSR!

A holiday highlight occurred while navigating leafs of the current GQ issue. Model Nate Gill—who I styled for Ralph Lauren Rugby online site—played up some thrilling summer wardrobe looks! Editorials as the one below remind me why designers rely heavily on models to market and fuel their merchandise sales figures.

Job well done Nate!

SPRING/SUMMER SUNNIES!

This morning I took timeout and feasted up a yummy Americana breakfast with a visiting cousin. The ripen sun partnered with comforting breezes made me reflect on mankind’s good-weather accessory: Sunglasses aka Sunnies! While enjoying a crisped whipped cream-and-banana-topping Belgian waffle, outsiders zoomed by flashing killer seasonal specs.

For Spring/Summer sun eyewear previews, Mr. MSR muse praise over creative styles and off-beat constructions labels are pushing forth for the upcoming seasons!

John Varvatos Limited Edition Frames

Oliver Peoples X Kris Van Assche

Tom Ford

Carrera (Porsche Fold-up style)

Maui Jim

LENS: THIS WEEK IN STYLE

From last week into this week nice and springy weather has sprouted a crop of well-dressed peeps. I had the opportunity to cross path with most of the subjects portrayed. I just kept giving uprising thumbs!!!

No underneath captions from Mr. MSR, so birth your own speech points because I'm still speechless !

OBESSIONS: PALM PRĒ

Since its glam and glitz debut early this year at Consumer Electronics show, I have been holding out from replacing my current Treo smartphone. Honestly, I never gravitated towards the i-Phone or Bl[Cr]ackberry pop culture mayhem. Palm and I have been rocking since early college years!! Let's just say Palm Treo and Mr. MSR developed an unshakable bond through the years.

The new and lean multimedia smartphone is readying for a June debut.

It boasts fully featured smartphone programming; the Pre includes voice connectivity, text messaging, email functionality, an integrated 3 megapixel digital camera, 3G internet access powered by a full mobile web browser, as well as support for third-party applications. To add with more boastings (smiley), the PRĒ will be one of the first smartphones to feature wireless charging, using electromagnetic induction through an optional wireless charging dock (dubbed the "Touchstone") and a special charging back cover, which will also be sold separately.

Action speaks louder than [written] words, check a real-time glimpse of Mr. MSR's latest tech obsession.

THE CLASSIC TUX MODERNIZED!

Yesterday amidst movie-watching (nothing beats the epic Apocalypto!), family dinner, writing press releases, funny bantering, I happen to ingest WSJ. weekend edition. Of course I made beeline toward the Life & Style section! Style scriber Ray A. Smith penned a potent story entitled 'Black Tie' Made of Blue Denim. It woke up my senses to understand why stores, menswear style spreads, and department catalogs glorified nontraditional suiting types instead of the classic penguin tuxedo ensemble.

The article clearly hints note-takers gentlemen are newly honing for black-tie engagements.

I went eye shopping to clutch up some the renovated tuxedos you'll notice making a defining presence in the menswear marketplace!

Salvatore Ferragamo

Michael Bastian

Dolce & Gabbana

BACK AND SHAKIN'!!!

For over ONE month I surrendered you to ancient MSR features. Can I offer you an attractive sorry? Mr. MSR was immersed in rising up new projects and winning concepts! But I am back, and although I may not post daily, know that I will never malnourish your style spirits as I recently did. Speaking of winning ideas, I have been beefing up the video content (I did say I’ll get on camera after welcoming ’09!) during the MSR nonappearance.

Feel free to leave your messages and thoughts in the comment section.

Oh yea, and, MaleStyle Review is back in ONWARD mode!!!!!

Check out my newborn segments below.

Kareem Anglin’s STYLE TALK!

Segment #1

Segment #2

OBSESSIONS: CAROL’S DAUGHTER MEN’S BODY BUTTER!

Spring is officially cooking in the atmosphere. And so will parts of your skin underneath the glaring sunshine. Moistened and hydrated skin is perfect combat for the sun. It constantly attempts to expunge our body casing nutrients and vibrancy. For a couple of years, Mr. MSR have been protecting the skin (especially facial and hand areas) with Carol Daughter’s body butter. Brimming with enticing natural ingredients and fragrant scents, the light-texture (no cake paste available) butter is really awesome! I stopped in Carol’s Daughter storefront space to explore newer selections. However, I can still only opt for “Jamaican Punch” and “SweetHoneyDipChocolate” notes—nothing else.

When the easy-to-smooth-on butter glides onto your skin, seeping moisture into the pores, I guarantee you a product stronghold will operate. The amazement at achieved results with fresh and richer-looking skin arrives shortly after. (I recommend 3 consecutive days of usage post-showering to start noticing lasting results.)

Remember Gents, our skins tells a lot about how we upkeep of our bodies.

ANDRE "3000" BENJAMIN BLOOMS SPRING COLLECTION!

Two months before attacking Miami’s searing sands, I was engaged in conversations about the future succession of Benjamin Bixby store shelf life. What brought the discussion topic were the astronomical markdowns the collection met in BARNEYS New York at the time. My remark response to the topic was lukewarm after assessing the soaring price cuts. Mr. MSR same lukewarm response drummed up to mild-hotness last week. While scrolling through SteelCloset.com (another awesome lifestyle blog) I happened to catch Andre Benjamin lively posing alongside B.B. Spring/Summer ’09 collection at HOLT RENFREW (Barneys and SAKS version for Canada).

Nothing new graced within the collection, but I am anticipating Benjamin’s Bixby Fall preview. At that point, I am hoping my mild-hot feelings towards the brands longevity brews to sweltering.

PS: I dig the bubblegum crushed-cotton oxford on Andre!!

ARE YOU SERIOUS? MICHELLE OBAMA: BARACK FASHION ILLITERATE

OK, Michelle Obama you know I love you...from my inner core, right? Arighty! But I must have to draw the chrome brake pedals about your bold statements spewing : Barack doesn’t understand fashion. I remember Barack's light mom-wearing jeans incident but that’s only 1 faux pas. Barack do not understand the genesis of the Maria Pinto sheaths; Isabel Toledo skirts or Tracy Reese frocks, you so joyously polarize. However, to say he’s fashion clueless might be a bit much. When Barack draws on razor-sharp impeccable suits you’re arm-in-arm beaming on his side. As Barrack arranges his Regan-red or Democrat-blue dimple-windsor knots I’m sure you conjure happy feelings looking on at his orderly presentation!

If you forgot how comfortably and well-together Barack Obama spotlights, as a quick refresher , I gathered some image selections.

NYC: TWO RETAIL ENVIRONMENTS WITH CHARACTER

Who enjoys shopping in traditional spaces? Not me! Well, if it’s proffering me a good sale I totally can understand traditional. I boldly admit, unalike and disparate clothing shops quickly gets my purchasing dollars moving and brewing. If you dwell (or visiting) in super apple NYC, shopping in character-fueling spaces is a must!! Being that MSR cater to the hombres, here are my must-visit retail destinations in New York City.

Opening Ceremony

Brimmed with luxe eclectic merchandise from aspiring and solid design standards, Opening Ceremony merges both creative artistic elements into a fun and pleasing shopping experience. Another great additive is their rarefied vintage selections intertwined among contemporary designs. Opening Ceremony also carries a namesake label which fuses seamlessly with their participating designers. Men, for inventive shoes and artful constructed outerwear Opening Ceremony—whether in NYC or LA—are your resting places.

Visit Opening Ceremony at 37 Howard Street, or online @ www.openingceremony.us

Alohoa Rag

Tatsugo Yoga introduced the two-decade Hawaiian establishment to Hudson Square territories in NYC. Since migrating to the states, Aloha Rag has included menswear design likes: Martin Margiela, Rogan, Alexander McQueen, Common Projects, Ksubi, into its merchandise philosophy. The assortments are displayed in an art gallery formation. Another merchandise kudos: Aloha’s NYC store strictly penetrate brands in Japan, UK, and other international points that are not readily available on the East Coast region. Upon stepping foot in the full super-white exteriors, you’re moved into a tranquil shopping experience.

Visit Aloha Rag at 505 Greenwich Street, or online @ www.aloharag.com

BEN WATTS: IN FRONT OF THE LENS, RATHER THAN BEHIND!

Early last month the creative team at Designing Minds sent me a media alert opening me up to an extraordinary documentary on A+ fashion shooter Ben Watts. If you really knew Mr. MSR, you would know Ben Watts is the official photographer for the groomsmen clang on wedding day. His style of shooting—often uncontrolled and energized—extracts mannerisms and stylized poses the subject never knew existed. (My favorite Ben captures are his in-the-air shots!) If you thumb through the pages of GQ or click the image editorials of Men.Style online, Ben Watts stamp is on most of the medium’s creative imageries.

In Designing Minds’ Part 1 feature “Ben discusses the power of photography and how his love for the craft enables him to capture timelessness in a frame. He goes on to discuss how the streets and youth of New York City influenced his early work, later shaping his process and practice for commercial work. In part 2 of the great installment series, “Ben recounts the journey of making a name for himself in the Big Apple, while trying to continue to push the boundaries of traditional photography.”

Part I



Part II

LENS: THIS WEEK IN STYLE

Kim Kardashian and Reggie Bush traveled a might long way to execute the mastery you witness radiating above. Both decked in deep blue fitted selections, the couple equally compliments one another. Keep up the great work!

Beyonce glittered NYC streets in a shape-accentuating jeweled frock last week. Of course she caused mayhem. The backdrop style players however oozed mucho style boldness. A big Peace greeting to her subject who Mr. MSR calls brethren.

When I saw this shot I shrieked, "It's about time Nick! Show the masses you can lace on a sharp suit and command respect!" And top it off with glossy curve-toe shoes to boot.

James Franco on set looking retro chic for his movie character!

The first shot of Amber Rose and Kanye West that made me pause, analyze, and commend. Amber's neon green motorcycle jacket and Kanye's rose pink cardigan are staples for the pair's sidewalk flair.

Speaking of sidewalk flair, Gossip Girls' cast mate lovers strolled with their white pooch all while cornerning a hipster-esque style appeal. PS: Does anyone know the maker of Ed Westick two-tone awesome olive boots?

What more can I say other than that the girl has swagger-a-million!