BE BACK SOON!

Hey MSR readers!

First and foremost, excuse the delay with posts. I left for another adventurous road trip (South Beach!) and forgot to pack my wireless connectivity device, so I'm fresh out of luck. Sans laptop, definitely is really a bummer on vacay. The hotel don't have loaner laptops and the Business Center isn't my vibe for computer usage.

I have so much to report back from sunny MIAMI (culture, shopping, eateries, hot-spots,...) with that I can't wait to land back in town to report.

In the meantime peruse your favorite past entries until I get back!!

Take care until!

-Mr. MSR

FALL OF ROME (F.O.R.) COLLECTION

Fall of Rome Logo.

The Fall of Rome: Citing the end of the classical era to welcome birth of the European Middle Ages. Lupe Fiasco—hip-hop artist cum fashion designer—is rocking the pockets of the young-adult subculture market. “A breath of fresh air”, remarks dressed onto Lupe, can also be held to his Fall Of Rome collection. Lupe’s received pioneering cred for his design efforts. Along with raw denims, and cotton-filled knits, F.O.R. offers an array of luxurious leather accessories—knapsacks to wallets.

Lupe Fiasco partnered with Japanese premium street wear label ‘Swagger’ to introduce the F.O.R. line. The collection, as you’ll see pictured, is infused with Roman inspirations: Medallions, Numerals, Laurel Wreaths, and Busts.

At this time, F.O.R. is solely menswear (sorry ladies!) and can be purchased via select stockist across the globe.

Collection Shots from the F.O.R. look book:

ROAD TRIP: BUFFALO!

Bustling Downtown Buffalo.

Summers require road-tripping and jet-setting to your retreat of choice. With three months to travel and explore new atmospheres and cultures, journalizing my experience I thought would be groovy. You know, giving a realer picture of a locale. Oftentimes we get hoodwinked by the grandiose verbiage charming copyrighters spew about travel destinations and getaways.

To kickoff the ‘Road Trip’ series, starting with a road trip last week to Buffalo is fitting. I opted not to Jet-Blue over, but take the 8-hour car ride up North with family. Reminiscing on great familial times erased the lengthy driving time. The reason for the mini vacay: To cheer on a cousin receiving his Masters from Buffalo State.

Immediately touching down in Allentown, Buffalo (late night) I scoped the Allen St. pavements (approx. 2 mile strip); ready to devour the shops and boutiques in the historic row-house area. Allentown is located in central downtown Buffalo. Along with its regal atmosphere, the area pleasantly offers a surplus of modern touches: Wi-Fi-laden coffee shops; Lofty college bars; and Fusion eateries for the cultured taste buds.

With several stops on the walking tour, a few left favored marks. Krudmart—a one-of-a-kind lifestyle boutique stocking moderately priced wears was awesome! I purchased two items: A James Dean t-shirt along with a short-sleeved wood button lined red gingham shirt. Shout out to the helpful salesman at Krudmart who supplied me an above-and-beyond shopping experience!

Afterwards, I stopped in a fair trade shop, which sold a lot of ethnic-inspired items. I bought a sun-colored men’s tunic (for island sands) made in Ecuador. The fit assured it was definitely for me! To conclude the tour, I, mom, and cousins knifed some tasty bites at Cozumel Grill (Elmwood Ave). I highly recommend ordering the Outback Wings—a true essential for any visitor to Buffalo.

BUFFALO SHOTS:

Sunning out with cousin at Cozumel Grill

Mom and Mr. MSR chilling out post-meal.

Cousin with his siblings.

Mr. MSR getting cool photo-op with cousins!

Cousin with buddy Tony!

Mom and Mr. MSR posing with the Masters grad!

Aunt giving the congratulatory mother hug!

Uncle and Cousin offering swagger!
My uncle's adamant we got our style cues from him!

OLDIES BUT GOODIES!

Prince's best video to date:



A Madonna classic!

IN THE PRESENT & NEWS BITS

5/16/08

In the Present

Really be there for another

"Listening is a magnetic and strange thing, a creative force. You can see that when you think how the friends that really listen to us are the ones we move toward, and we want to sit in their radius as though it did us good, like ultraviolet rays."

-- Brenda Ueland

How well do we communicate with others? Often, when we are interacting with others, our attention in both speaking and listening is focused on meeting our own needs.

Our communication skills improve when we can open to be aware of the needs of the other person. When we listen, we can release the filters that serve our own needs for security and receive the message with our compassionate heart. And when we speak, we can choose words that the listener is able to receive. True communication happens when we harmonize with the other individual.

"So when you are listening to somebody, completely, attentively, then you are listening not only to the words, but also to the feeling of what is being conveyed, to the whole of it, not part of it."

NEWS BITS

Hugo Chávez linked to Colombian guerillas. I was just waiting for this story to bust!

I really admire this power couple! And aren’t you too?!

Even when on vacay, stay healthy and fit Gents.

I shun away from [bulky] headsets but the Jawbone 2 is making me reconsider my Bluetooth standoff.

Cool wallpaper for a modern dwelling.

MSR: THIS WEEK IN STYLE

This week's stylish, summoned a common theme: Ultra-Cool!

When did Shia LaBeouf get all matured (still picturing him in Even Stevens) ? His manicured scruff and gentleman attire in this month's GQ secures his arrival to manhood.

The fashionistos and fashionistas of Gossip Girl never miss a [style] beat!

Patrick Dempsey sporting a premium-casual look for his spread
in the current Men's Vogue.

Malcom X: The revolutionary debonair taking a breather in '64.
True style never dates!

Don't you love how the races bring out the style thoroughbreds?!

I love the look Russell! A topper jacket paired with a Yankee fitted is so NY'er!

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.