A Gentlemen's Escape

There is pleasure in catering and fulfilling the whims and desires of others but there's no greater pleasure than finding what fulfills you and catering to it...-Anonymous

I had the pleasure of visiting the wonderful Belvederes men's spa over the weekend here in Austin. While it was my first time visiting it definitely won't be my last receiving a manicure while watching the game and 30 minute massage all while sipping on my complimentary glass of pinot noir. I left feeling like a million bucks. They also offer facials, hair cuts, shaves, shoe shining and in January will be offering teeth whiting anytime you find yourself in Austin and need a gentlemen's escape make a trip to Congress and in to Belvederes.

Casual Luxury

Functional Fashion

To honor 125 years of Coco Chanel creative director of Chanel Karl Lagerfeld designed a special 5 euro coin, featuring portrait of Coco Chanel on one side and trademark material pattern of the fashion brand on the other. Struck by Christine Albanel, minister for culture and communication and Lagerfeld last week in Paris, the coins - of which there are two in silver and two in gold - symbolically have a value of 5 euros (5 being the number of the brand's iconic fragrance). -design scene

DEMIN 101

DEMIN 101

Versatility is key in many of life's efforts. In order for a man to maximize his potential and successfully act upon numerous opportunities, he must be prepared in all forms. In fashion, demin successfully embodies this versatility. In the wardrobe of any well-dressed man, demin is always present. Denim possesses a multi-faceted function that allows it to be worn in a variety of forms for differrent occasions. Despite being categorized as a casual item, denim jeans can be worn in other occasions and utilized to compliment one's day to day activities. Indeed, denim is a casual staple. Easily paired with any t-shirt, sneaker, or fitted hat to create a relaxed, approachable look. Yet, demin jeans may also be complemented with loafers, button-downs, or blazers to create a completely different, sophisticated look for the night on the town or social occasion with friends. Additionally, denim in any other form, jacket, fedora, etc - when done in good taste - can further compliment a man with a sensible sense of personal style. The versatility of denim must not be underestimated when appropiately considered and integrated into the wardrobe of a well-dressed man.

Introducing....

I have the distinct pleasure of introducing my friend and partner on this casually luxurious experience. Brandon Douglas a fellow dandy. Imparting his words on style.




IT PERSONIFIES YOU...

Style represents the visible manifestation of lifestyle, worldview, and epistemological stance. Although typically viewed as trivial, or possibly superficial, the clothing one wears often reflects the crafting and development of a man and his place in life. What is important to note however, is that style is more than the selection of fashionable items in trend with the masses. Style cannot be developed from merely piecing together the purchases of the latest seasonal lines of one's favorite department store or retail chain. It takes a reasonable knowledge of taste, an individualist flair, and an aesthetic appreciation of color, texture, fit to really understand and interpret personal style. In order to ascend to above the commoditized forms of superfical "flyness", one must approach the realm as fashion as more than just appearance. The necessary approach must examine fashion and the development of style as a transcedent attainment of the aesthetic. Furthermore, this transcedent attainment of the aesthetic must be approached as an artist would approach a canvas. Each piece of clothing represents a technique, a color, a texture in the composition of a larger work of art. With that being stated, personal style should not necessarily resemble what your fellow man finds fitting or intriguing in his physical and visual appearance, but should be one's own fashionable construction and interpretation of lifestyle, worldview, and epistemological stance. Whether it be polished or weathered, refined or rebellious; a man must wear his hats, pants, shirts, ties, socks, shoes, and more in his own method of composition, reflecting his own inner workings and personal style.

Creamy....

Ingredients
White Russian 1 1/2 ounces vodka3/4 ounce Kahlua3/4 ounce heavy cream

Glass Type: old-fashioned glass

Instructions

Shake well with cracked ice, then strain into a chilled Old-Fashioned glass (it'll look less wicked than in a martini glass; that's important). Some folks build this one on the rocks, floating the cream on top.

Classicly Contemporary

This classic boroque inspired lamp adds comtemporary flair made entirely of transparent or batch-dyed polycarbonate. Providing a paradox of something subtly oppulent.

http://www.ylighting.com/krt-bourgie.html

Hand-Carved Mammoth Ivory Coffee Table

I love it when art meets function so seemlessly.

Sprezzatura Swag

Billionaire Couture is the pinnacle of casual oppulance croc umbrellas, velvet slippers, gold encrusted pens,and mink throws. But you better bring ya black card ;). Check em out. http://www.billionairecouture.com/

One of my favorite online stores

Antonioli is one of my favorite online stores and they have a great sale going on right now. You've shopped for everyone else why not spoil yourself. Here are a few things I'm thinking about picking up.

www.antonioli.eu

"Elegant Fuck You Clothes" Alan Flusser

"Unlike fashion which is elusive, it's something you chase, something you have to try to keep up with...but what you look good in is dictated by what fits you properly and what colors enrich your complextion..."Fellas if you have someone choosing your clothes how well dressed can you be?" -Alan Flusser

“Learn the past, watch the present, and create the future.”

Philip Stein Large Classic Watch, 20mm
630.00



Philip Stein Prestige Trieste Watch, Large
1590.00




Philip Stein Prestige Vogue Watch, Large
1490.00
All available at Neiman Marcus

Sartorial Savoir Faire

Tom Ford S/S 09

Art in Action

I recently came across this interesting article Illoiha a designer gym in Japan by Nendo has recently incorporated the aesthetic of art while working on your body, it does have some semblance of alice in wonderland don't you think?


http://inventorspot.com/articles/picture_frames_and_bird_cages_ma_10110

Spring Trends

Style: a distinctive manner of expression...How do you develop it? Well a good way to start is to watch trends and put your own spin on it. Check out these new spring trends from GQ and think of new ways to diversify your fashion portfolio. Look forward to seeing what you come up with...

Ambitions of an Actor

I came across this behind the scenes photo shoot of Anthony Mackie for Complex Magazine and I felt like it was a representation of urbane sophistication, and pristine poise. Enjoy.

Holiday Mixer

Style is about self expression and individuality, so this Christmas season while you're entertaining guest or just want to try something new might I suggest one of these.





This cocktail is just right if you’re looking for something a little decadent that’s rich and sweet. Its flavors are elegantly balanced and sure to cure your cravings.


Ingredients

1 1/2 ounces brandy
1 ounce crème de cacao
1 ounce heavy cream
1 scoop crushed ice
Whole nutmeg

Instructions
Pour brandy, crème de cacao, and heavy cream into a mixing glass with ice and shake vigorously. Strain into a 6-ounce cocktail glass and grate nutmeg over top, to taste.




Spending time with a potential new years eve date and want to make a quick good first impression? This is a perfect quick mix.

Ingredients

3 oz Champagne or sparkling wine
1 oz fresh white peach juice

Instructions
Pour the peach juice into a champagne flute. Fill the glass with the Champagne or sparkling wine.







Having a private party? Or looking for late-night cocktail? This is the best way to go with Peppermint Martini. It’s both elegant and chic.

Yield: Serves 2


Ingredients

5 ounces high quality vodka
2 ounces of white crème de menthe
1/2 ounce of peppermint schnapps
Mini candy canes

Instructions
1. Pour ingredients into a shaker filled with ice. Shake vigorously.

2. Strain into a chilled martini glass and garnish each with a candy cane.

In this new digital era, networking has become easier and less informal than ever, which is more convenient, but often times less meaningful, many of us have become accustomed to thank you card emails, email blast, and have forgotten the pleasure of receiving a hand written invitation or thank you card, or the allure of calling cards as this Time article explains. A little something that expresses your personal brand, and life philosophy. I have mine do you have yours?

http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0%2C9171%2C1828303%2C00.html

Garment Graffatti

I came across something that really embodies what I've been trying to convey through an artistic medium. Clothing communication literally... Thomas Voorn has created the "Garment Graffati" exhibition at Saville Row's b Store. It's a beautiful representation of what he called "temporary landscape of pollution" a beautiful display of color fused with wonderful tailoring and is a beatiful representation of how chroma adds vibrancy to a beatiful landscape both naturally and socially. We shouldn't be afraid to be colorful, go against the grain trends are temporary but style is forver. But as with all art it's open to interpratation that's mine...your thoughts?
http://www.thomasvoorn.com/thomas_voorn.htm

Speaking of Tom Ford if anyone really wants to spoil me for Christmas I would definitely be smitten if I recieved a Tom Ford Fragrant Candle in Neroli Portofino, Tobacco Vanille, Oud Wood, and Noir de Noir any will do(price NL Neimans or Saks) or Tom Ford Beauty Private Blend Coffret Set (225 @ Neimans or Saks). I love that his fragrances always offer a sense of androgony something familar and hypnotic to both sexes.

Tom Ford Interview with Details

So one of my favorite designers/sartorialist did an interview with details talking about his style choices, grooming techniques, and being adventurous lol. enjoy.


1. I don’t believe in playing around much with suit cuts. I like a fairly classic shape that gives a man strong shoulders, a fitted waist, and long legs. Classic simplicity always works.

2. Someone who is secure enough to be very present when relating to another person is sexy. In other words, a good listener always lands who he wants.

3. When mixing patterns, don’t think about it too much—just throw it together.

4. I hate the trend of short suit jackets. When a man’s butt is showing below the bottom of his jacket, I think it makes him look like a female flight attendant from the back—not my idea of sexy.

5. With jewelry, I actually like bracelets more than anything else, but they have to be small and simple. Cary Grant always wore a simple gold bracelet with his watch, and I think that was very chic.

6. If you’re careful not to overuse Botox, then yes, why shouldn’t you use it? A little bit of it between the brows can make you look less stern and more approachable. Who needs to frown, anyway?

7. Just like girls need to learn to be comfortable in heels before they go out in them for the first time, a man should try wearing a suit throughout a normal day. I do most things in a suit—and sometimes even in a tuxedo—and so I’m really comfortable in one.

8. When it comes to grooming, keep earwax out of the ears and keep stray hairs and flakes of skin in check and you should be good to go. In the morning, I put ice cubes on my eyes and use lots of Visine.

9. Time and silence are the most luxurious things today.

10. There’s one indulgence every man should try in his lifetime: If you’re straight, sleep with a man at least once, and if you’re gay, don’t go through life without sleeping with a woman. Either way, you might be surprised at how natural it will feel if you can get past the mind-f*** of stereotypes. In the end, it’s just another person that you are relating to in a physical way.

PS. I could get with Mr. Ford all of the way until number 10 that will never natural to me but to each his/her own. love is...

Aight despite how you feel about him...Diddy remains relevant in the fashion world and he definitely is a true representation of the attitude that is the attributed to swagger, not necessarily the actual garment, definitely killed the L'uomo Vogue photo shoot. Hope you got the mag I sure did. Love is...

Selita Ebanks and cotton panties

So one of my new crushes is Selita Ebanks (if Nick doesn't want you, I'll take you lovely) she did an interview with Esquire magazine in Feburary about women in cotton panties...Ladies we love the thongs, and the lace boy shorts but sometimes there's sexiness in simplicity check it out.

Srulirecht also carries some amazingly unique boots I'm feeling like I need to get my hands on, definitely statement makers.

Check it out http://www.srulirecht.com/index.php/projects/