To control the outcome of anything, you control the action at the point of decision making. If you let others make decisions for you, you give up control. When you control the decisions, you control the actions.
It's your life. You decide what you're going to do with it. If you don't run your own life, someone else will. You're in control of your life to the degree that you make decisions.
Take charge of your life, so there is no longer a need to ask permission of others. When you ask permission, you are giving someone veto power over your life.
Take control and start making those decisions. Only you are responsible for your life.
I’m thumbing through some magazines and the adverts for Ralph Lauren’s classic and bit nostalgic Blue Label stares me down. Ralph Lauren—or better yet David Lauren—continuously executes timeless advertising campaigns—both for print and billboard. Side note: Check next week’s entry for profile piece on David Lauren.
Just take a minute of your oh-so busy time and analyze these two story-telling adverts. I don’t know about you, but I find Ralph Lauren ads embed touches of aspiration and luxe. In conjunction with the campaign, the collection IS FIRE! The boastful prints are fresh and the solid-colored (both men’s and women’s) garment engineering is timeless!
Comprised Caption: AMAZING!!
Spring/Summer is soon approaching, and I recommend purchasing from the season-appropriate label. Plus, at the end of the day, a Ralph Lauren piece or outfit beefs up any style—be it for guy or lady.
It will be your constant effort to be first class in everything you attempt that will help you conquer the heights of success. Always do more then you're supposed to do and you can have, be or do anything you want.
Do a little more then average and from that point on your progress multiplies itself out of all proportion to the effort you put in. You can do a little more each day then you think you can. There is always a best way of doing everything.
Find it.
To enjoy enduring success, you should travel a little in advance of the rest of the world (taking your passions beyond limits).
True success comes from being successful in little things.
"You can never get to peace and inner security without first acknowledging all of the good things in your life. If you're forever wanting and longing for more without first appreciating things the way they are, you'll stay in discord."
-- Doc Childre and Howard Martin
Develop an attitude of gratitude. We discover a sense of wholeness as we appreciate both the small and big things in our lives. And it really helps to remember to appreciate ourselves. Appreciation is more than just acceptance -- it's respect and admiration. Let go of criticism and self-abuse.
"Generally, appreciation means some blend of thankfulness, admiration, approval, and gratitude. In the financial world, something that ‘appreciates’ grows in value. With the power tool of appreciation, you get the benefit of both perspectives: as you learn to be consistently thankful and approving, your life will grow in value."
Each week with posting up—the super-popular—MSR: This Week In Style, I’m beginning to take note of the more Gents fashioning up the circuits. And I’m glad the bigger press wigs are overlooking us, because I get the pleasure of dishing out the finest dressers and style influencers spanning the streets—both international and regional.
Who is this colorful style-conscious being? It's none other than Derrick Miller!
The refined Creative Director behind Barker Black Ltd.
Vintage Pirelli Shoes advert with Naomi Campbell (a.k.a 'The Body') and Tyson.
Men's Vogue cover guy A. Rod wickedly executing the editorial shot. Check the pristine background which adds extra luster!
Classic Diddy w/ aviators shot of course. But tell me, how can I get this 'leather ringer' in my closet?!!
I love the colors and their detailed spacing!
Speak of Mr. Diddy, check his design BF out, Zac Posen sport the semi-scruff.
Feature the underlying V-neck ribbing texture contrast on Zac's knit.
This shot of designer Dao-Yi Chow seems as if he stepped out of a venerable Men's Fashion publication.
The glossy Balenciaga's on his feet are simply, stellar.
Bruce, Bruce! I see you bro; he's really channeling Tom Ford slightly with this number.
Besides that, you're a savvy styler in your own right, as we can see below.
Mr. MSR peacing back with Grams at function this weekend!
"It is permissible to take life's blessings with both hands provided thou dost know thyself prepared in the opposite event to take them just as gladly. This applies to food and friends and kindred, to anything God gives and takes away... As long as God is satisfied do thou rest content. If he is pleased to want something else of thee, still rest content."
-- Meister Eckhart
Our life begins to change in magical ways when we open to the experience of life AS IT IS. With acceptance, we stop fighting what is happening. And this creates space, an opening for new relationships to unfold.
Explore unconditionally saying yes to the facts of life. Accept your past and where you are now. Unconditional acceptance is unconditional love and this is healing.
"Sometimes what seems like surrender isn't surrender at all. It's about what's going on in our hearts. About seeing clearly the way life is and accepting it and being true to it, whatever the pain, because the pain of not being true to it is far, far greater."
Sooner or later a crisis will enter your life, and how you meet itdetermines your future happiness and success.Since the beginning of time, everyone has been called uponto meet such a crisis.A closer look will show you that most "crisis situations"are opportunities to either advance or stay where you are.
Indeed, most changes in your life will take place out of either'inspiration' or 'desperation.'Whatever comes your way, give it meaning and transform itinto something of value.Your personal growth is the process of responding positivelyto change.
A precious stone cannot be polished without friction,nor humanity perfected without trials.
With such a praised and fashion-famous last name it’s only right we showcase this young design debonair that’s making elder designers question their bespoke talents. Nana Boateng (cousin of Ozwald Boateng), the Ghanaian, New York-bred designer is creating a strong buzz amongst young Hollywood gents, and fashion mavericks alike.
About three (or four, looking back) summers ago, I went to my borough’s (Brooklyn!) first-ever Fashion Week. The Tents at Bryant Park couldn’t compare to the raw constructed Fort nestled under the city skyline. That night, I became familiar with raw design talent. The designer: Nana Boateng for Akua Adoma.
Nana constructed some of the most exquisite men’s tailoring; think Bespoke with plenty of color and energy. Nana draws inspiration from exotics and various cultures. Often his bright-hued double-vented suits are tailored for all varying body shapes: Athletic to Slim built. (Just take a look at the pictures inset.) Along with master cut suits, Nana’s long sharp-tailored long coats are rad! I’ve never seen nothing like it—and that’s no hyping or puffery. Nana's become known for a runway trademark: models walk sans shoes.
Last week, the crew (Jay, Kwasi, Andrea and Mr. MSR) took in his recent collection at the now annual BK Fashion Weekend. Unfortunately readers, my Exilim couldn’t capture strong shots from the runway. I did manage though to corner a backstage shot of Nana’s models (pictured below) post show.
Overlook the spots and revel in the fits and cuts!
I caught up with Nana during the press madness backstage and here were his quick remarks.
MSR: Love the collection Nana! What were your inspirations?
Nana: Thanks a lot (smiles). Energy+ Vibrancy were strong inspirations. I wanted to invoke that in this collection. The colors I chose are clear telling representations of that.
MSR: Why do you continue using the signature trademarks?
Nana: I don’t use shoes on models because bare foot adds a pop and flair to my suits I find.
Besides styling up Hollywood luminaries (Djimon Hounsou, James Franco, Derek Luke, etc.), Nana’s sartorial wonderment graced the leafs of Essence Magazine, People Magazine, Men’s Health, Bandshell, just to mention a select few. In addition, you may remember seeing Nana make history by headlining the cover of Black Enterprise Magazine. Major!
A brief sampling of Nana's designs:
For more information on purchasing suits, please visit Akua Adoma.
Recent Update: Check out the profile video Black Enterprise did on Nana Boateng.
Viola!! The new-and-improved Meatpacking. Revitalization has swarmed the neighborhood!
Soho House. Gansevoort Hotel. Tracy Reeese. Alexander McQueen. Dianne Von Furstenberg. Jefferey’s. All these titles are instantly, better yet, automatically mirrored with the present Meatpacking District. The ultra-hip cobblestone neighborhood has quickly risen to the forefront boasting the best shops and boutiques NYC’s ever witness. The area use to reek due to the extensive meat slaughtering houses, hence the current name. Today, the stench has evaporated to welcome refreshing smells of high-fashion and sauntering style players.
On a recent merchandise sight seeing tour, I bumped into Scott Schuman on set shooting a fashionable subject. You see the blog of his wicked capturing but to see it on-hand it’s priceless. Picture it: Scott Schuman dressed spring-appropriately surrounding by pools of garbage (literally) shooting this statuesque Asian woman—who was gorgeously striking. As she posed on cue, his lens flickered in the same tune. Another great highlight, his props were so naturale (Italian for natural). Taxi cabs, car commuters and pedestrians were the shoot’s backdrop. I will definitely post the shot when Scott gets it up on Sartorialist.
Excuse the major sway from the post, but I had to give a visual with that one. I spent some time in SCOOP. I toured the very intimate men’s selections and came across just a few items I think were cool. First, I grabbed up these luxe white YMC (British designer) sneakers that were perfect for the summer hit. Picture Jack Purcell Converse’s with more minimalism.
After ingesting YMC’s simple design construction, I walked over to take in their Vilebrequin swimmies neatly hanged on hooks. The styles were blahh...nothing serious. Overall, visit the shop (men’s) if you just need some high-end casual getups. Or if you’re a book junkie or art lover like Mr. MSR, walk next door to their lifestyle concept shop.
You always save the best for last! Jefferey baby! As you enter you’ll immediately grasp the clothing store’s cutting-edge atmosphere. Jeffrey Kalinsky (founder) to this day is a major buyer for both his NY and Atlanta stores. Most times when in Jeffery’s, I’m always in proximity to the Men’s ultra-trendy shoe department! It’s an experience in itself!! On this day, I was salivating helplessly over Bottega’s woven Vans-inspires sneaks; Lanvin’s partial patent cap toe shoes; Dior Homme two-colored three-strap tennis shoes and many more brands (Barker Black suede royal-esque slip-on was nice!) that I could spend my bonus and tax returns on in a whim.
Lanvin!
Take these very brief Meatpacking District tour recaps as a telltale sign where to head for fantastic investment pieces (at these prices, the pieces appreciate with age) that benefits your personal style to the utmost extent.
Of course the unequal Hollywood couple has upcoming or pending projects launching. But don’t you love the focused branding (meaning extra familiarity) the duo is offering up for viewer eyes! I believe it’s incredible and strategic. A power couple posing for same month venerable covers: V Man (even a barber whose so non-fashion got hooked from the issue I toted!) and Harper’s Bazaar. Both covers and accompanying spreads were fresh and appealing to the eye! Stephen Gan (founder and E.I.C @ V Man & Creative Director @ Harper’s) I know you had some workings behind the scene with this stellar execution.
Check this attention-grabbing cover out!
Simply, FABULOUS at your age, is the truth! Whatever your doing sweets, continue it.
**GENTS! Preview these BONUS goodies I pulled straight from the well-styled pages of V MAN. Don't you just feel like snatching up these obsessions because of the artful styling.
Recognize that there are such things as miracles, events for which there are no explanations. Later, knowledge may explain those events away.
The fact that you plant a seed and it becomes a flower, share a bit of knowledge and it becomes another's, smile at someone and receive a smile in return are common miracles.
Your duty to yourself is to believe that for which you have sufficient evidence, and to suspend your judgment when you have not.
Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic. Some things have to be believed to be seen.
“MUJI: It's about designing your own life – not someone else's. It's a belief that simple is better than complicated. And it's the knowledge that real simplicity is always the result of openness and honesty.”
I sponged up the above quote off MUJI’s non-fussy website. I find it offers a clearer glimpse into how this Japan-based company arrived with simplicity and marveled US and Brit consumers. My first hands-on encounter with MUJI came when I received their collapsible cardboard (literally) desktop cube speakers as a thank-you gift. Before that, I've glimpsed their products on the unconventional MoMa store shelves.
This summer MUJI officially opened their ceiling-to-floor doors in the Soho shopping district. Prior to the grand opening, MUJI rented out a sizable space (about 2 months) and executed a soft opening to familiarize people with the MUJI brand concept and products. MUJI is a personal go-to just because of their large category merchandise surplus. The lifestyle shop stocks everything: Aromatherapy candles to plush n’ comfy sofa beds. Even footwear, that I know you GENTS would appreciate for Spring.
Another factor for their win-win is MUJI’s simple design elements infused in the majority of their products and affordable pricing. If you’re ever in NYC, London, Norway, Spain, Thailand or France check in for a great shopping experience Gents!
MUJI OFFERINGS:
A Thank-You gift I accompany with the iPod for the ultimate listening experience!
Plus these cubes are perfect to travel with!
Acrylic Coffee Table. The Lucite effect contrast any book perched atop.
I wouldn't mind schlepping the laptop and readings in this sleek aqua PC bag. Would you?!
I'm sure your kitchen needs a Olive Wood Mortar & Pestle! Great for mincing flaxseed.
**NYC readers-- The upcoming MUJI store is conveniently nestled underneath the New York Times building at 620 8th Avenue! MUJI simple traditional designing will offset the extra-dramatic design of the NYT building I am sure..
From space, positioning a magnified telescope over Central Hong Kong astronauts are bound to focus in on Chanel’s Mobile Art Container oval structure (pictured). It’s very reminiscent of Starck and Gehry monuments. Brand Chanel and curator Fabrice Bousteau, joined creative forces to present a mobile museum in which set up artistic shops in major global territories: London, New York (landing down in Sept!), Tokyo, Moscow, and Paris. “The vision for the mobile art container is to infuse the art experience in a nomadic building. It’s more than an itinerant exhibition,” adds Bousteau.
Brand Chanel elected 20+ contemporary artists (Yoko Ono apart of this select bundle) to create inspired pieces from Chanel’s signature quilted bag. It’s great to see how the simple accessory conjured so many artistic wonderments, interpretations, and inspirations. I glimpsed some photos from the Tokyo opening, and I had to shell forth. Mr. MSR is anticipating their New York debut!
The aerial view shot of structure.
Night shot of signage and art container. This electric-blue base is very wicked!
Artist posing with her creation! Mr. MSR favorite artist expression so far!
You don't have to buy from anyone. You don't have to work at any particular job. You don't have to participate in any given relationship. You can choose.
You steer the course you choose in the direction of where you want to be today, tomorrow, or in a distant time to come. You hold the tiller.
You can decide to alter the course of your life at any time. No one can ever take that away from you. You can decide what you want and go after it. It's always your next move.
"Woe to the man whose heart has not learned while young to hope, to love ... and to put its trust in life." -- Joseph Conrad
How deeply do you trust your own guidance?
Always trust that you know what's best for you. To move forward in your life, gather information from the "experts," consider how their advice relates to your situation and then act only on what feels right for you. You are the only expert for your own life.
I trust so much in the power of the heart and the soul; I know that the answer to what we need to do next is in our own hearts. All we have to do is listen, then take that one step further and trust what we hear. We will be taught what we need to learn.
In the words of Melody Beattie, "You never know what the next lesson is going to be, because we’re not supposed to know; we’re supposed to trust ourselves to discover it."
Your gut instincts never sways you in the wrong path!
There are no real barriers to your success. You must simply overcome any doubts you have about your ability. Your self image prescribes the limits for your accomplishments. It prescribes the area of what is possible for you.
Don't be afraid of living. Believe that life is worth living and you will create that fact around you. If you see yourself as prosperous, you will be. If you see yourself as broke, that is exactly what you will be.
You will never succeed until you believe you can succeed. You can be who you want to be.
Simply said Gents, your thoughts magnify into your reality.
Today's Good Friday! GOD is the focus throughout the weekend--well He always at least. I decided to get you rocking with these classic 'feel-good' tunes for the celebrated Good Friday! Enjoy and have a great Easter! Sorry if I laced your soul to much with these rockers!
GAP Band classic "Outstanding."
"You Rock My World" by superstar Michael. Such a dope track, right!?
"Cover Girl" by New Kids on the Block
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Classic Shabba Ranks: Ting-ah-ling.
I should have been one of the chaps in this video. :)
Everything in life holds both a blessing and a curse. We deny this when we label the events of our lives as either good or bad. The following old Zen story illustrates this lesson most effectively.
A farmer had a horse but one day, the horse ran away and so the farmer and his son had to plow their fields themselves. Their neighbors said, "Oh, what bad luck that your horse ran away!" But the farmer replied, "Bad luck, good luck, who knows?"
The next week, the horse returned to the farm, bringing a herd of wild horses with him. "What wonderful luck!" cried the neighbors, but the farmer responded, "Good luck, bad luck, who knows?"
Then, the farmer's son was thrown as he tried to ride one of the wild horses, and he broke his leg. "Ah, such bad luck," sympathized the neighbors. Once again, the farmer responded, "Bad luck, good luck, who knows?"
A short time later, the ruler of the country recruited all young men to join his army for battle. The son, with his broken leg, was left at home. "What good luck that your son was not forced into battle!" celebrated the neighbors. And the farmer remarked, "Good luck, bad luck, who knows?"
You have the power to do things you never dreamed possible. This power becomes available to you as soon as you change your beliefs. If you did all the things you're capable of doing, you would literally amaze yourself.
You know what you are today, but not what you may become tomorrow. Look at things as you want them to be, and then make those things happen.
You don't know what you can do until you try.
You can do anything you wish to do, have anything you wish to have, be anything you wish to be.
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