CLOTHES DON'T MAKE LEBRON. PERSONALITY DOES!

Cover Shot

LeBron publicity continues. This time cover modeling on ritzy GQ. Swanking up a tasteful three-piece cashmere suit (Ralph Lauren), the mega athlete took full control affront compadre Ben Watts's camera.

Many of the fashion looks, not to my surprise, were James' fall chosen pieces. It's a wonder why he chose team Miami.

LBJ delivers the heat in GQ's September issue!

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 !

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!!

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

SPRING TIME FEVER!

This morning I rose to the official 1st fresh day of spring. Before this, I have been meandering into retail spaces to drum up what looks and products would bloom bright. I made a strong effort not to recklessly unload dinero until Mr. MSR covered the seasons product gamut.

A hearty thank you to the retail shops/boutiques who previewed Mr. MSR their freshly arranged merchandise; beauty companies who scented me with new masculine scents, and press agents for introducing us with pleasing products and collections.

Here’s what I highly recommend you debut in spring season.

SHOES

Since late December up until February I have been reaffirming inward and outwardly plush velvet slippers are going to be a buzzing hit this season. Like major hit Gents! In the current heavy-laden footwear market, brands are beginning to master and craft lofty counts of luxe velvet slippers. With the reintroduction of velvet slippers, I suggest venturing to the confines of Ralph Lauren and Stubbs & Wootton for stately and matchless velvet slipper selections. They're both known leaders on the specific style.






WARDROBE

We’re calling up fashion pals Michael Bastian and Kris Van Assche to outline our walk-in closets this Spring. Both collections Gents, are terrific! Mr. Bastian conjured an easy-wear-easy-feel spring assortment. With rich solid colors (very few striping and plaids) being the limelight focus, Michael’s spring pieces convey a relaxed broken-in energy. In union with his day job as chief designer of Dior Homme, Kris still makes us men look dashing-casual with his namesake artsy collection. For spring, I zoomed in on a lot of roomy pants and shape-slimming suits. What I marvel about Kris’ wondrous collection is the variety of styling you can achieve, whether opting for minimized or maximized effects.








ACCESSORY

Let’s face it—we’re involved in a global warming rollercoaster. Meteorologists, along with the public just can’t predict the weather outcome these days. Side note: I saw snowflake droplets raining from the sky early this morning, before the clouds opened up to its partner sunshine. Just in case we return to spring normalcy , my accessory this season is, not a well-built trench coat, but a sturdy-functioning umbrella. Who better to turn to than world-class manufacturer Victorinox Swiss Army! This season, check in with V.S.A and seize up the 3-staged automatic titanium-alloy umbrella.



SCENTS

To complete a look, even after loading on your few accessories Gents, a pleasing touch of fragrance touch is end result for any ensemble. This season I had the opportunity to whiff Donna Karan’s new Men’s fragrance, DKNY MEN, and it’s the perfect mix for spring—especially during the night hours. Boasting super-firm aromas of lavender, clary sage, sandalwood, the congruently –angled bottle (inspired by NYC’s historic Flatiron building) is a must-must (twice for importance) grab.

MIKE PHELPS: GOLDEN STYLE FOR MEN’S VOGUE

“Mike Phelps looks really doofus-like and goofy!” exclaimed a male cousin prior to watching the male shark slice pass his fellow aquatic Olympians. My rebuttal, “watch when a menswear magazine or stylist grabs a hold of him—just watch.” And so my statement came into fruition with Phelps starring up in the current Men’s Vogue.

Bite your words cousin!

Pre all the gold medals swathe around his neck, Men’s Vogue believed Phelps possessed winning style and flair—as seen in the shots below. My favorite shot is with Mike settled on the bleachers crossing his hands and gazing out. Mr. Phelps was probably visualizing all those gold medallions he now proudly adorns.

THIERRY HENRY: KICKING WITH STYLE

Honestly, I can’t verbally replay Thierry Henry soccer stats, but his style game, most certainly. Thierry along with D. Beckham are perfect representatives for male athletes that dress to kill with swagger to boot. Of course accessibility to fashion brands (via-stylist or publicist) might be the case with Thierry always-on-the-money wardrobe arrangements. However, the fashion swag Thierry scores is exclusively owned—an unquestionable truth. To add, last year Thierry teamed up with American designer Tommy Hilfiger and über-lifestyle shop Collete, to launch his exclusive trench coat, benefiting The One 4 All Foundation .

Men’s and lifestyle magazines (cover/fashion editors) I encourage taking cues from the pictures below. Thierry without hesitations clutch “style player” credentials.

SUPER BOWL: NY OR NEW ENGLAND?

We're watching today and I know you're too!

Make sure you're plopped in front of your tubes, flat screens and projectors (bar viewers) for kickoff time (6:18pm). I have to say, this is the most-talked-about particular SB to date. Not even the Cowboys got so much verbal coverage. I wonder if it's because NY GIANTS are going to show football superhero Tom Brady (we can't afford him to receive a fourth title) who's in charge.

Whoever you're rooting for (BIG BLUE!!!) enjoy tonight's game and adverts.

GOOOOO BLUE!

JUST IN: 10:04PM

KNOW NEED TO RAMBLE ON TONIGHT'S AMAZING ROYAL BLUE VICTORY! CONGRATS "RESILIENT GIANTS"

GIANTS: THE BLUE TRAVELS TO SUPER BOWL!!

Lawrence Tynes after win!

Courtesy of USA Today

Last night was a pretty exciting time for NY’ers! If you been sleeping or hibernating under a massive rock let me be the first to tell you: “GIANTS MADE IT TO ARIZONA FOR SUPER BOWL BABY.”

Ehhm (clearing throat). Before I continue with GIANT praises, let me express my condolences to the Packers; you guys played a good season. However, we showed Wisconsin and all the GIANT naysayer who played the best season.

So here's the victory scene setup .

"I enter my grandparents’ house in the 2^nd quarter of the game and plop down with them (best sports watchers I’ve met) to take in the game. Throughout the game we shouted both (excluding Mr. gramps) in cheers and sorrows (Eli and the team started slipping hard). But it came down 00:04 seconds with both teams tied. So Giants decide to field goal (rising score to 23) it in for the victory. Star kicker Lawrence Tynes steps up and readies for the winning quick, but unfortunately misses (Coach Tom Coughlin flips; turning fiery red). Shouts of disappointment and more shouts begin echoing throughout the house. Fast-forward Giants regain the pigskin and guess who’s put to field goal it in again: Mr. Tynes! At this point attentive-watchers can’t believe they chosen Tynes again and the distance now (farther than last kick) he’s aiming for the goal posts. Sidebar: Grams is asking for the bible to PRAY for TYNES (lol). Tynes positions—angling right-foot—and POW, its GOOD!

I don’t even have to share the excitements between us. Let's just say a few more decibels, and the windows would have cracked.

Tynes, Manning, Strahan, Plaxicio and the entire roster for NFC, CONGRATULATIONS! See you in Arizona with my blue on!!

ROY JONES OR TRINIDAD?

The fight we've been waiting with anticpation to watch is finally here!

JUST IN: OUR TRINIDAD GOT KNOCKED OUT (2X at that!) IN THE 11TH ROUND!