OBSESSIONS

Ralph Lauren by Ralph Lauren

Ahh, a good bedtime story! Think back to the formative years when you snuggled under the cartoon covers (mine were Power Rangers!) to read or hear a story which drifted you in REM (rapid eye movement) mode. Being a grownup lad, and resting on bachelor comforters, I upgraded my bedtime book to: Ralph Lauren by Ralph Lauren. As a recent present, my brother sent me the 16”x12” –weighing 14lbs.—pictorial hardback. Kudos to big bro for the well-appreciated token!! Bookstore phenomenon Rizzoli published 482 pages of amazement.

The book cover (pictured atop) oozes American heritage and lifestyle with a sepia close-up shot of Ralph Lauren nesting a thin stick between his teeth! The average individual would prefer perching the larger-than-life volume on a minimalist coffee table, but I believe it belongs at your beside. Inspiration should always be in eyeshot and reach! Inspiration this Ralph Lauren telltale is. The penetrating images allow you to travel with Ralph Lifshitz from the Bronx to the present Ralph Lauren: Devoted family man vacationing on Hampton sands—governing a billion dollar empire.

I finally found the first heirloom for my unborn son. Come to think, it’s a premiere legacy item—something Ralph Lauren already left in our style cerebral.

The book tags a hefty price ($135.00) but look at this as an investment that forever appreciates—just like Ralph’s incredible garments!

Just take a glimpse of what’s inspiring Mr. MSR:

THE PICTURES DELIVER THEIR OWN CAPTIONS!

IN THE PRESENT & NEWS BITS

5/15/2008

In the Present

Imagine your ideal future

"Your imagination is your preview to life’s coming attractions."

-- Albert Einstein

If you were to create an ideal future for yourself, what would it be like?

All things that now exist in form were once simply ideas in consciousness. We each hold the power to manifest different circumstances for our lives. If we wish to manifest a new reality for ourselves, we need to consistently focus our imagination on the ideals we seek to realize.

Remember to explore your ideal in terms of qualities, not people or things. What qualities do you most want in life? Freedom? Respect? Playfulness? Abundance? Whatever qualities you seek, imagine experiencing them now and be open to new ways to discover those qualities appearing in your life.

"Change is created by those whose imaginations are bigger than their circumstances"

NEWS BITS

At approximate 6:38pm EST I was pasted to the TV screen as John Edwards endorsed Barack Obama. All I have to say: Timing is everything!

Angelina Jolie is set to birth bundling twins in August.

Celtics takes it all on home turf.

GQ dishes their most-favored suits for Spring/Summer!

A Real Estate oxymoron this structure is—in the heart of Queens (mostly brick homes), New York. Just in awe over this space!

CLASSIC STLYE BREATHES MODERN INSPIRATION

Robert Redford in "The Great Gatsby."

On a recent tour, or call it scroll on Men's Vogue I walloped into an awesome feature: 50 Films that influenced Men's style. From superb flicks, I grab inspirations and creative ideas for my own human devices. But with style--the watched movies are seeped into my subconscious; then instructing my style choices.

Kudos to all the great movie wardrobe and costume personnel who captures the spirit of a film!!

I gathered my faves and some referenced from Men's Vogue for their authoritative male style.

Humphrey Bogart in Casablanca.
Mr. Bogart is sporting a lax trenchcoat by Burberry. Talk about classic--this is from 1942!

Legendary Sidney Poitier in Guess Who's Coming to Dinner!

Sidney's style flair with appropriate bravado made this entire movie I believe!

Cool guy James Dean in Rebel Without a Cause.

Rebels like Dean and Marlon Brando invented 'cool on the screens.' They made sporting fitted blue jeans with bleach-white tees OK. Now, this look has become a modern staple for Gents everywhere!

Side note: I got this awesome T-shirt (Sole Mates) last weekend with James Dean on the front accompanied by an emblazoned caption: BACK WHEN COOL WAS EZ. It's the ultimate Tee!

Michael Douglas in Wall Street.
Douglas' sturdy braces and banker collar shirts made you want to trade on the big Wall!

Readers: What were some of your favorite style-filled movies?

LUSSW Magazine: THE SECOND TIME AROUND!

Earlier in the year, I made an entry highlighting the spotlight shot LUSSW Magazine (Men’s lifestyle magazine for Japan) gave Mr. MSR. Well guess what happen two weeks ago: The magazine shot me again! In addition, they shot my stylish comrades as well!! The infamous photographer—TeKay—executed magic once more. She definitely knows how to maneuver the optical lens.

Her relaxed and composed composition for capturing shots (as you’ll see below) made the shoot seem a breeze! At one point I felt like an actual model on set…lol. After seeing our shots, and previous works, I could see TeKay shoots “stories” and not individual subjects.

As bustling NYC streets and tenement architecture as the focal backdrop, she still manages to confine the ‘lifestyle’ presence beaming from the garments. With permission, I am able to give the readers EXCLUSIVES from the amazing shoot.

Check out the shoot, as well other NYC style dandies in the next issue of LUSSW magazine hitting newsstands soon.

SHOTS:

Mr. MSR in spring essentials!

Shot in my favorite go-to neighborhood of NYC:
Meatpacking District

My bro Jey showing us crazy Spring Flair!

Focus in on the detailing.
Very urban Great Gatsby, huh?!

Tomas just 'gets it' every time!

You know a hat connoisseur when you see one.

The belt buckle is speaking 'urbane.'

How can you ever lose with fresh soles? You simply can't!!

IN THE PRESENT & NEWS BITS

5/14/2008

In the Present

SUCCESS IS CLOSER THAN YOU THINK

Every situation, properly perceived, becomes an opportunity.
But you have to act on them if you're going to be successful.

Distant pastures always look greener than those close at hand, but real opportunities are right where you are. You must simply take advantage of them when they appear. You can start where you are at any time.

Success is all around you. It's not in your environment, it's not in luck or chance, or in the help of others. Success is in yourself alone.

You don't need more strength or more ability or greater opportunity. What you need is to use what you have. Learn to seize good fortune, for it is always around you.

You must go to success, it doesn't come to you. Open your own doors to opportunity.

NEWS BITS

The other night my Mom made mention about the towering prices for food. Now I see this article exposing the realness (inflation) of the matter.

1 OAK: The hottest ticket in town last night!

Ralph Lauren unveils his prized car fleet for Men’s Vogue.

My NBA bro Chris Paul (CP3) gets relaxed in Men’s Health Style Files.

Opening Ceremony + NIKE presents the print of-the-moment: Florals!

MSR FUNNIES

Quincy and McDonald's with the Cha-Cha slide.

OBSESSIONS PT. 2

Martin + Osa Cashmere Knit

Cashmere: The ultimate luxe fabric!

To be honest I never really fancied or killed for Cashmere. Most of my svelte cashmeres were bought at the best markdown prices. Last month at 60 Thompson Hotel—adolescent brand cum über brand—Martin+ Osa hosted a meet 'n greet for the ultimate style bloggers (mostly from Glam network). Of course MaleStyle Review was the only men’s blog in the building chopping it up with Martin + Osa execs. and other femme bloggers. Before heavily chatting up the brand’s Marketing Director, Mr. MSR was proffered a plentiful gift bag along with a luxury-soft feel cashmere knit.

The sweater (pictured) is great for a spring date night out. It’s V-neck and full-out shoulders frames the gently physique. Subtle ‘rib trim’ details are marked throughout the knit. If you prefer Spring-esque colors, the knit is offered in Corn Yellow and Flamingo (a soft burnt orange).

Feel free to venture Martin + Osa’s super-interactive (literally!) website for your spring/summer men’s garbs. Also, ladies reading, the brand offers fashion likings for you too.

OBSESSIONS

Kiehl's Facial Fuel

What do you define grooming to be? In short, some might say self-cleanliness and tidiness. I think that’s valid. I notice from conversations, magazine articles, and style experts ‘grooming’ has resigned from other areas of the body. Case in point: The ‘facial’ area. Going to the barbershop, and getting rubbing alcohol padded on isn’t grooming. That’s the temporary cleanse Gents. So moving further, let’s get your facial pores in tune with Kiehl’s Facial Fuel. The permanent cleanse. As a thank-you gift, my former boss gave me the facial fuel along with other Kiehl’s men grooming products. From that day on, I became the Kiehl’s loyalist!

Kiehl’s Facial Fuel is the perfect exfoliation and refresher for our masculine texture. The vitamin (Vitamin C & E) enriched moisturizer injects a smooth finish after use, and protects against environmental stress. I normally recommend using this product in conjunction with your normal face cleanser. Also, using the fuel 3x times per week is sufficed. Remember its exfoliation, so going overboard (using daily) results in thinning of your face.

Also, Kiehl’s just launched the men’s travel grooming arsenal pack (pictured below) that accompanies your travels for the summer season.

IN THE PRESENT & NEWS BITS

5/12/2008

In the Present

Take the first step

"When we take one step toward God, he takes seven steps toward us."

-- Hindu Proverb

If our ego is to know spirit, we must make the first move. Spirit does not come down and knock on our door. It sits waiting for us to acknowledge it. We must want to change and take the initiative and persevere. The love of spirit will embrace us. But we must take the first steps.

In what areas of your life are you ready for change? What step can you take to open the door to new possibilities? It starts with you. Faith is not complacent; faith is action. You don’t have faith and wait. When you have faith, you move.

Simone Weil said "It is not my business to think about myself. My business is to think about God. It is for God to think about me."

NEWS BITS

Can Barack capture Hillary’s democrats that might be up for grabs?

Cablevision (with joint help, of course) knocks Rupert Murdoch (News Corp) out from purchasing American classic paper: Newsday.

With summer quickly approaching, let’s get the beach body tightened Gents. San Tropez, Capri, Bora Bora, and South Beach sands can’t see us slipping or wobbling. Check these quick and body sculpting beach exercises out!

The design school in my neighborhood makes it to WWD!

Henry Chase Hager (what a dope name!) weds Jenna Bush this weekend.

MSR: THIS WEEK IN STYLE

Due to the overwhelming amazing wears from the MET's Costume Institute Gala, and other style-inclines, this week's edition is a little lengthy. But great style can't be shorten--it always has subtle continuity.

Superheroes: Fashion and Fantasy (theme for MET's Gala).

TomKat complimenting each other.
Tom Cruise: I like the deep-V jacket backed by the white-on-white!
Note: Deep V cuts elongates the torso giving the wearer a taller frame.

Tom Brady to be honest, I never new you had this style in you. I'm use to the baseball caps and sweats. I was taken aback. PS: Holding onto her tight is right. lol.

What a popping-print frock! It's awesome and appropriate for the Gala theme.
Djimon having a suit-ready frame always assure him a best-dress title. I just hoped though, he would of brighten the necktie a tad bit.

The young of-the-moment actors both donning Ralph Lauren.
I love the bro's carefree style. It's so Johnny Depp!

Save the best for the last!
Zac Posen in his luxe Superman blue two textured suit. I gave him the most props; for being daring and executing in the same token. The Clark Kent eye wear was superb accessory pairing.

GENERAL STYLE

Fonzworth and Jay-Z showing back-to-back
style!

Adam Brody showing us Gents how accessories can beautify the gently
ensemble.

The newlyweds are a style match-made in heaven.
I think Nick wears suiting well and should incorporate them more often.

IN THE PRESENT & NEWS BITS

5/7/08

In the Present

Calm the mind

"All man's miseries derive from not being able to sit quietly in a room alone."

-Blaise Pascal

Meditation calms our minds and makes it easier for us to pay attention to the reality around and within us. Meditation breaks through the masks that have built up as our identity. It helps us see through our defenses and connect with unacknowledged and unloved aspects of ourselves. It opens us to higher mind and the voice of intuition.

We can consciously choose meditation as a way to become more aware of who we truly are. If we don’t take the initiative to open to our authentic selves, we can be certain that deep challenge and pain from life experience will push us to awaken.

"Meditation helps me feel the shape, the texture of my inner life. Here, in the quiet, I can begin to taste what Buddhists would call my true nature, what Jews call the still, small voice, what Christians call the holy spirit."

Paul Borthwick said, "In a world filled with noise, we need to quiet ourselves to hear God’s voice."

NEWS BITS

Foreign aid finally reaches Burma. Catastrophic events such as the cyclone taking the lives of 22,000 makes you become instantly present to your own life.

Uma Thurman stalker found guilty by jury.

NCAA bench two USC scholarship recipients for low bearing grades.

For all the wine winos out there!

Another suit designer to add to your closet this Fall.

IN THE PRESENT & NEWS BITS

5/5/2008

In the Present

FOCUS ON YOUR FUTURE NOT YOUR PAST

Your future is a big adventure. Prepare for your future don't live in the past.
Savor your good memories, use any bad ones as lessons in life.

Carve out a niche for yourself in your imagined future. Think, feel and see yourself as successful.
To achieve any goal in life, you need to project your end result. Think of the elation, the satisfaction, the joy you'll feel.

Carry these ecstatic feelings with you every day and watch them bring your desired goals into view.

Sooner or later, you can win if you think you can. The cards you are dealt in life are less important than the way you play them. Everyday you're offered a new deal and new cards.

Success is in your future if you're willing to work for it.

No NEWS BITS instead check this Nas video out. It correlates with today's In the Present.

WEEKEND SWAGGER

Mr. MSR normally role with three F's to keep his spirits up and percolating. The three F's : Family. Friends. Fun. During the weekend, I had the opportunity to partake in some Fun happenings with cool Friends. With the constant occupation of work and side projects, I decided to get away and enjoy a weekend (three full days!!) ; having fun with several amigos. I normally don't post up personal photos just because; however I wanted to encourage you readers to fill up your summer weekends with family, friends, and fun! Just watch how heighten your summer enjoyment becomes.

Friday: Zandile Blay (The Blay Report) and Julee A. Wilson hosted an Über networking soirée (The Rolodex Party) in Harlem, NY. It was awesome to connect with so many power players and genuinely cool individuals. Check a sampling of photos I documented from the night:

Mr. MSR and cutie kicking back.

The Fellas breezing out.

Mr. MSR and "The Rolodex" co-creator Zandile Blay.

Saturday: We targeted many functions but the most memorable had to be TARGET & Takashi Murakami's well-attended social at the Brooklyn Museum. The photos below explain it all...

Priceless shot. Clearly, they're enjoying the scene!

Straight blooper posing!

Smiling duo.

Mr. MSR and amigo Trav.

Jewel cueing up glamor for the lens!

BECKHAM EVOLUTION

The Beckham's style equally evolved and the gathered photos surely represent that. It just shows us men, and ladies, how great clothes can influence ones ultimate transformation and self-brand.

Before: Regular D+V in the early years working on their style efforts.

After: It's VOILA now!

ENDNOTES--To master or create great style remember the two 'F' words.
FIT & FABRIC.
You will never loose if you carry those simple instructions with you!

A COVER ALWAYS GRASP!

NEW YORK OBSERVER Cover

To be honest I never read or had interest in scoping my pupils through the NY Observer until this Tuesday. Well, thinking back, I was excited when this Ivy League gent (under 30) purchased the paper a while back. I digress. I'm at the job Tuesday morning and a colleague says in passing "this is up your alley." He knew me good, because it totally was. Barack+ Men's Fashion= In Mr. MSR interest. I filched the paper and laughed and favored the fashion-forward Barack caricature.

Simon Doonan (Barney's Creative Director + regular contributor to NY Observer) wrote the Barackie O! article going on about designer 'what ifs?' for the candidates: Imagine Hillary Clinton in Cristóbal Balenciaga and McCain in Lanvin?

The below shot is Barack Obama donning Jean Paul Gaultier collection pieces.


Caricature or not, the Gaultier overcoat is great!

i-GOOGLE GOES i-FASHION

i-Google banners in a museum space.

I and millions of other Google enthusiasts, fanatics, fiends, etc. are always thrilled at newly developed Google functions. Today, prior to searching for this new men's organic grooming product ( J. Earl), a little tag line seared below the search bar asking if I wanted to create a new iGoogle theme from some popular artists? Of course, I wanted to try it out!

The gasp was Google's strong reach for artist and fashion designers for the project. i-Google artistic themes boasted creations by Dolce & Gabbana, Tory Burch, Oscar de La Renta (even Oscar baby!), Diane von Furstenberg, NIGO, Phillppe Starck, Marck Ecko, Jeff Koons and a score of others.

If you're Googleized (sp) daily, consider creating a cool aesthetic to cruise your search results in. Oh yea, I am coolly cruising with my buddy Phillipe Starck. After I become zzz'd with Starck, I'll implement the Coldplay themes.

A sampling of artist themes available for i-Google.


Oscar de La Renta


Tory Burch


Marc Ecko


Phillppe Starck

IN THE PRESENT & NEWS BITS

5/2/2008

In the Present

FIND THE GOOD SIDE TO EVERY SITUATION

The ultimate optimist you must become to really turn sour situations into sweet happenings.

You cannot have the success without the failures. Any experience can be transformed into something of value. Everything depends on the way you look at things.

In all of your adversities lies the seeds of equivalent advantages.
In every defeat there is a lesson showing you how to win the next time.

What are stumbling blocks and defeat before you can be stepping stones to victory if you remain determined.

View your problems as opportunities. When it's dark enough you can see the stars.

NEWS BITS

Mariah Carey and Nick Cannon to wed? When? Where? How? I’m just thrown off (not in a bad way) if this actually factual.

Victims from Minnesota bridge collapse to get compensated.

MSR Financial Bulletin: The following companies just filed for Bankruptcy:
Hollywood Video; Levitz; Sharper Image ;Performance Team Freight; Linens n Things and Circuit City. If you have gift cards from the above list use them ASAP, they will not be valid for much longer.

An inside view of the John Varvatos boutique at the old CBGB space.

NYT writer Eric Wilson gives readers an in-depth visual at luxury discounter (way oxymoron) Steve & Barry’s.