A Woman's Work

I'm having a problem, but the good thing is I am looking for help. As a result of my personal fashion pride i found myself in a conversation that suggested the lion's share of the adult male population cannot dress well, however that is not how the conversation started. It was recently explained to me that most women dress their men [when in a relationship] - if I was the one being dressed it would probably make me self-conscious - and women generally think nothing of it because it's a role they've accepted as commonplace. Hours later I found another lady friend and she suggested the opposite, so I'm curious to know where the rest of the world lies on this teeter-totter. Now when i say "dress", it doesn't mean that they literally put the clothes on the man's body [although that would count too] but it suggests that the woman buys/picks out the majority of their wardrobe and options. A couple of bullet points as we move forward; 1. I don't know if i believe most women dress their men, 2. If so, do women consider it a task [something that takes deliberate effort], and 3. Why would a woman pick a man that she has to dress?

 Let's explore the theory that most women do indeed dress their man; there are people called "stylists" who are often paid a handsome ransom for that profession, therefore i consider that a job. Now I can bake chicken but that doesn't make me Gordon Ramsay. I don't see how it got to the point where this wouldn't be considered a job, it's laborious finding the size, the fit, and the bargain. Is this something that women have become largely immune to?

 Although fashion is subjective let's simplify it and say that everyone's style falls into one of three categories: good, better, and best [no negative words like "bad" will be used]. Are we then implying that in any of the three categories the woman usually dresses better than the man, i.e. a better dressing woman will always dress better than a better dressing man; or are we saying that a man is rarely above the "good" category? Although my world is smaller than the average rapper's humility gene i would like to think most of my male friends or associates have at least a sense of direction when it comes to coordinating their clothing.

 Lastly, why would a woman pick a man that she has to dress [I promise this part isn't a shallow inquiry]? Why not pick a gentleman whose style you fancy, seems like it would save you a few hours of browsing [more time for manicures]? And science tells us that the male species is a primarily visual gender, not the female so why then does it seem the women are more concerned with visual appearance than the guy? As you can see I've found quite a bit of consternation in this subject, however it really just boils down to understanding more about the world around the 'Sofa.

The End of the World is Coming...

Unless you vote for me in the Karmaloop.com model contest. [Daily] For those unfamiliar the website is one of the largest online streetwear retailers. This is your opportunity to have me wearing all those shirts and pants in the men's section of Karmaloop. I've actually been a rep for them for quite some time.

Here is what you have to do:
You have to go this Facebook link and then it is going to ask you to like the "Karmaloop" page...which is okay, there is no harm in that. After that it will allow you to vote for me. Now here's the really important information....YOU CAN VOTE EVERY 24 HOURS. I know you don't want to remember that everyday, and that's why i'll remind you, either on Facebook or Twitter.

The process is pretty painless. But the point is this should be fun, AND WE HAVE TO BEAT THESE FOLKS FROM OTHER CITIES, and heaven forbid someone from Toronto win! We can't let the Drake effect happen twice!

The Rook Brand

I try not to prognosticate success but, what a brand! Sometimes you can see what makes people special in less time than it takes to make rice, minute rice. I went into a trance the entire duration of the video and that's how i knew it was worth sharing. This is a video about the Rook Brand which is built by two gentleman, one of them, the artist Joe King, has worked with several brands that were already known to me although he wasn't. Some of the popular ones you may be able to reference include, Crooks and Castles, Billabong, Obey, and Freshjive. However the point of this post is i like the concentration of the brand, they take a lot of cues from subcultures and eclectic brands, that resonated with me because i consider my self to be - by nature - a subculture product with mainstream versatility, and i'm sure that would be ideal for their brand. To be able to have subculture respect usually indicates authenticity, keeping that while simultaneously influencing mainstream is so rare i would stop just short of calling it divine. Hopefully you can now better visualize what i saw when i watched this video, aside from the awesomely startling art and presentation.

New Balance x Burn Rubber: MT580BR

My closet (or Burn Rubber), located on 202 W.Fourth St in Royal Oak is sharing their biggest accomplishment to date in a week. Very proud and motivated by my guys @OhShitRoSpit & @BurnRubberRick. I'm not going to do too much talking, I'll skip right to the meat and potatoes, pay attention.

Historically the New Balance MT580 is a shoe released out of Asia with various collaborators. This marks the first time that the shoe has been collaborated on and brought through by the New Balance America team.

In business since 2004 Burn Rubber is Metro Detroit’s first premium sneaker boutique. The Burn Rubber name is a play on a phrase from the Motor City’s car culture. The name came from the comparison of the use of sneakers on a person to the use of tires on a car. Burn Rubber is known throughout their community as the place to get hard to find, limited edition sneakers and clothing.

Burn Rubber made the shoe their own by applying a shop colored theme and utilizing materials in unique ways. The custom designed argyle pattern that lines the inside of the shoe was created to incorporate all of the company’s branded colors. A reflective 3M material, originally developed to reflect light for night running, was also used throughout the mostly gray shoe to give the design another dimension. The majority of the shoe design is comprised of New Balance’s premium nubuck and gray mesh, and completed with a touch of patent leather and a classic gum sole.

As one of the most recognizable aspects of the Burn Rubber brand they have chosen to include the shop’s mascot on the hangtag provided with each shoe. The Chef, originally created to be “just another T-Shirt design”, ended up taking on a life of its own. The photo shoot for this project was done from the perspective of a chef and was intended to bring light to the story of Burn Rubber’s popular logo & style.

The Burn Rubber MT580 will be available on November 26th at www.burnrubberdetroit.com and at Burn Rubber’s Royal Oak Location (202 W Fourth Street, Royal Oak, MI 48067).

For the sketch and my man @BurnRubberRick 's insight go touch his site.
There are also Wallpapers to download for your phone. Head over with your mobile.

Dress Easy

I love to see different takes on style, particularly takes that I align myself with on some level. This bite size film also incorporates some creative principles and perspective about being your own "Designer". We are all "Designers", if we choose to be. Here is the point you have been waiting for, this is about DE [Dress Easy], something i was recently dialoguing with @Kerrel_ about; the idea of buying what you need and having quality pieces. The days of buying frivolously are behind me; and there were very few of those as it was. Purchase with a purpose. The winter is approaching buy boots that actually keep your feet warm along with the style they possess. Although this isn't about boots i am confident you were caught in my gust.

Onitsuka Tiger x SEVENTYFIVE

There is a lot of history and legend behind the Onitsuka Tiger brand, even down through the Olympics, so when they do collaborations and make custom pieces we should take notice. The details of this shoe are incredibly tailored. Here's some small insight.

Cause Footwear

"With Summer 2010 almost in effect, Japanese footwear brand Cause previews a few of its upcoming releases for the new season. Colorful while still maintaining a focus on casual, the models range from a classic lace-up silhouette to boots and low-top moc-style shoes in leather/nubuck. All take on a fresh yet familiar look."

I just felt these shoes needed to get a little bit of shine. I understand the overlying theme that these are from a Japan brand and probably won't be too prevalent over in the states but the world is smaller these days. If you put in enough dedication you can probably get your hands on these. I don't have a specific website for you...Hunt healthy

Another BR visit

Just another BR visit. I was trying to get some crucial New Balance information out of @BurnRubberRick.

Ice Cream Man

I got wind of this through Hypebeast, and i was caught up in the draft. This is a mobile retailer that has borrowed he idea of "the ice cream man" (not Method Man & Raekwon). But i found it quite interesting and if done right on a consistent basis can be epic. There is a similar high end version of this in The Hamptons.

Parra, an underground star in his hometown of Amsterdam, drafts art with much spice; he frequently does collaborations with Nike and other ingenious brands. Stones Throw is a few things merged down to one lane, but primarily a record company. The two companies, Parra x Stones Throw collaborated with this idea. They drove around the metro Los Angeles area with product and virtually came to the customer.

I think its a solid business idea and can create quite a demand. Initially i thought this could only be wise as a one time gimmick until i gave it more thought. But think about how much zeal the ice cream creates in the neighborhoods when he comes creeping down the street. People lose their mind. With this idea you have the opportunity to create exclusives and you increase the demand because the potential shoppers don't know when or where they are going to see you next. In the current atmosphere of retail and instant availability i think a regressive approach could be refreshing and profitable in the form of money as well as brand equity.

I think its an interesting occurrence to learn from. Im going to try be more forward thinking in my approach these days.

I Had to Do It!

This is going to be one of my few self motivating post. I was recently in Atlanta at a store entitled Wish. They had the illest shoe collection in the western hemishpere. Those who live in fashion priviledged areas such as Atlanta, LA, or NY may scoff at this post but im an ardent seeker of quality and variety and i do not get much of that in the "D", so "what choo want me to do, im sorry!". Who am I kidding nobody in LA reads or NY reads this blog!

The unique thing about a lot of the aforementioned places is that they have a good selection of independent boutiques and shops which creates diversity, individuality, and identity. When you live in a big city and they only utilize big business it creates redundancy, and it really doesn't promote the spirit of entrepreneurship. Also when you have other budding designers they are afforded an avenue to get out their pieces or collections and it makes a beneficial scenario for everyone involved. There are positives to larger business, such as jobs and familiarity but you need to mix it up with a little friendly competition. As far as a tourist is concerned they are not looking to come into town and visit a Macy's because every state contains one already, nothing new the same things, give them something fresh, native, and indegenious.

So back to my shoe zeal, you can't even see all the shoes they had in here but you can extrapolate from what i've displayed. I was just a little excited; they had a bevy of shoes and i assume they must own a top tier account with most of the brands. Nonetheless i hope you found something of quality amongst my excitement. Oh and they are killing everybody with the name embedded in the concrete like "we own this spot". Life is about the details.

Im so Sneaky

This is something I saw a while ago. It touches on the sneaker culture a little bit and that is an aspect of life that i am very passionate about. I figured i could share some of my soul with people through these passionate individuals. The video is about 14mins. take a look if you have time. Its slightly more informative than you think. "Me collecting sneakers is a manifestion of my love for art".

Some Men's Fashion Commentary

This post is for the guys, (sorry ladies, but you may want to check it out for your man) I came across 8 Men's Fashion Mistakes to Avoid. Since im an exceptionally yet unconventionally dapper individual, I "Wallo the Fresh Doctor", the fashion savant, have taken initiative to add my commentary to their suggestions. Check out these faux pas and make sure you're not perpetuating these errors.

1. Socks with Sandals- This should really go without saying, because really the idea of sandals is to give your feet a little liberation to indulge in the same air quality that the rest of your skin gets. Socks with sandals is a travesty through and through. By the way do not exacerbate the situation and wear socks with thong sandals.

2. Novelty Ties, Boxers, Shirts etc.- Symbols such as smiley faces, lobsters, or triceratops should not checker your clothing articles. If nothing else its redundant and counter-artistic. Not to mention it dates your clothes because its hard not to notice that pattern every time you wear it.

3. Blaring Designer Labels- This is one that the urban constituents struggle with...this will help you in your efforts to endorse or billboard your allegiance to the label, but then again why would you want to do that if you don't have any stock in the company. Bottom line it looks like your trying too hard and its gaudy.

4. Backpacks at the Office- I don't have much of a quarrel with this because im going to make backpacks cool. But with a suit and/or office attire it just looks like your going hiking... but only to the 28th floor.

5. Chunky Shoes- Now this really applies to men and women, just because you have a larger sole doesn't mean you have more support. But for your shoes gentlemen nix the square toe approach, although in the D(etroit) this memo probably wont make it to the gator pimps.

6. Shiny or Glittery Shirts and Suits- You shouldn't even have any of these in your closet because that's just wrong. If you're not on dancing with the stars save the glitter for the 5th grade art class.

7. Clothes that are too loose fitting- Now, THEY said unless you're a hip hop artist (I was offended too, just playing!) but really it doesn't do much for anybody outside of the nuns.

8. Unflattering Colors- You have to put your colors in the game subtly, for instance don't get the all lime green shirt, get the black shirt that has some lime green in it. Really you need a plan when you're breaking the special colors out, don't wing it.

You're welcome, YOU'RE ALL WELCOME!

Endorse or Remorse?

These are pieces from a fashion show in Milan, I believe they are all from the Prada winter collection. The two pieces in the middle i find pretty amazing, however the others are questionable. As they say it is a thin line between GENIUS and INSANITY. But i bet you could be really warm in the bottom left outfit, hahahaha.

Commentary on Black America

THINGS AREN'T ALWAYS AS THEY SEEM

This is a picture that i received in an email with the accompanying paragraph:

"This is a sad commentary on black men in America. The men in this photo have a combined wealth of over $40 million. Yet they look like they're posing for a high school yearbook photo. 40-year-old-men should dress more age appropriate to set an example for the young black youth. Especially when so many black fathers are incarcerated or absent."

Lets dissect this commentary along with the corresponding photo. First it comments on how much money these men have combined, however at least 50% of that is in Jay-z's region of the pie chart. People have yet to realize that money does not give any individual wisdom, knowledge, or humility. You can give money to anyone but that alone does not change them as a person.

Next the individual compares this picture to a high school photo. That is a stretch as well, if you look at actually look at the photo the oldest one, Jay-z is just standing straight up, pretty simple right? Jeezy is leaning in a little to fit in the frame, nothing high school about that, just common picture etiquette. Now Slick Pulla looks a bit high schoolish, the pants low and the hat cocked, and Scrappy looks a little tough but guess what, those guys aren't that old still in their twenties. In the commentary it says they should dress more age appropriate and i shall take that as a stone at Jay-z because he really is the only one close to forty years old (and there really is nothing wrong with what they are wearing but that is to be discussed later). Jay-z has on a regular t-shirt and some regular jeans. His shirt is not a 3x or a long tee, it fits him and same for the pants. What's wrong with that for crying out loud. For the record just because you are approaching forty years old does not restrict your dress code to dockers or suits.

The point i would like to most fervently make is "man makes the clothes, clothes dont make the man". People get so caught up on the insignificant properties of life. These guys are just hanging out at some local event. Its not a board meeting or church, heck they are not even at work. They can wear their leisure clothes if they want and that's what they feel comfortable in, the clothes are clean trust me! What makes wearing one thing right and wearing something else wrong if that's what someone feels comfortable in then let them be! Maybe i feel a little close to this situation because i have seen people judge people based on their style of dress, then when they finally meet them they think that they are one of the best people they ever met. Well i will just come out and say it, it has happened to me plenty of times! There, you have it! This one man told me before "you're way different then i thought you were, you are a very bright young man with a good head on your shoulders". He thought i was some stereotypical black guy because when he saw me i looked rather urban. Now i would have you know I have multiple looks in my closet and that just so happened to be what i had on that day. I say all that to say this, stop judging people, PEOPLE!

And on the subject of role models that's a wholeeeeeeee different can of worms, all im gon' say is people in the community need to step up (father, neighbor, uncle, grandparent, mother, whoever). Im out, im bout to go buy some more t-shirts and sneakers! HOLLA!