Wednesday, November 30, 2011

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Sunday, July 17, 2011

The ASFC Re-Porter on MR PORTER: Blazing



There are points in our lives where we all consider change. In the last month, I've considered making many changes to improve various aspects in my life. Whether it was my view on love or the career path I wanted to take, I took time to focus on what I needed, rather than what I wanted. 

In relation to all this, I recently organized my sea of clothes and began to think of what I could change about my wardrobe to elevate or push it to the next level. I figured since I'm getting older my style has to evolve into something more focused and more sophisticated, sort of, in the same respect that the older you get, the wiser you become (or so we all hope). 

With all this existential thought, I decided that I wanted to make it a point this Fall to become more  concentrated with my style. Several years to thirty, I felt it was time to start making changes for the upcoming milestone.

Looking at everything I owned, I found a necessity for more options of blazers. I have about two to three good blazers that I really love to wear. The rest need to be altered to fit my petite bod (lol). It is apparent that blazers, when fitting like a glove, help to upgrade and sophisticate any outfit. Whether you're wearing a simple white t-shirt and jeans or a beautiful button-up with great dress pants, a blazer adds that  bit of "oomph!" to the overall look.

To jump start this 'blazing' mission of mine, I've selected a group of blazers from MR PORTER that will surely elevate and mature one's style. 

ALEXANDER MCQUEEN Wool Blend Jacket $995



J.CREW Ludlow Chino Suit Jacket $250



BURBERRY PRORSUM Two Button Tweed Jacket $1, 095



ETRO Corduroy Blazer $1,260



CANALI Water Resistant Travel Blazer $1,180



LANVIN Raw-Edged Wool Jacket $2,250

(Images and product information via MR PORTER)

Friday, June 17, 2011

ASFC Music Hype: Mike Taylor


If there is anything to keep the moods light, smiles on, and life fun this summer, it's music! Like New Yorkers, I bet many of you are waiting for the rain to end and for summer to finally come. Lately, we've been getting teasers of gorgeous warm nights and fresh, cool style on the streets. However, the weather resists in remaining consistent.

Forget all these thunderstorms and tornadoes, where is the cool breeze and the energizing sunshine?  I'm sure Mother Nature has her reasons, but it was a long winter, so give us a break. Hopefully summer comes in full swing by it's usual start date on the 21st of June.

In the meantime, to jump start the high temp activities, outings and travels, I highly recommend a recently released mixtape From The Stars by artist Mike Taylor. Coming out of Philadelphia, this  artist combines the genres of  hip hop, R & B, electro-pop, and dance to make tunes that will surely get you on your feet this summer and have you grooving, dancing, and gigging, simply enjoying the weather. The mixtape, released back in May of this year, exhibits Mike Taylor's synthesis of these music styles. Whether playing at a kick back BBQ or in an upscale club, his music will help press play on the summer heat!

Enjoy the two videos below, one for "Searchin for Summer" and his recently debuted video for "Perfect."






The ASFC Re-Porter on MR PORTER: All Black Everything



About several weeks ago, a friend and I enjoyed dinner at the quaint Cafe Cluny, tucked away in New York City's West Village. Waiting for our reservation, we walked along Bleecker street, stopping into  stores like Burberry, to pass the time. What captivated me the most, that made us enter Burberry, were the bags that were displayed in the window. There was nothing extremely special about them, except that I am a sucker for a great accessory.

I'm  constantly allured by what I call the 'finishing touch.' There is something about a quality made bag, a sleek pair of shoes, or a fun pair of sunglasses that really complete an outfit. In many ways, the accessory helps to elevate the overall look of an individual. And, almost every time I encounter a beautiful accessory in the window,  I will walk into the store, simply to gaze, touch and feel.

Oftentimes, people are concerned with what they are wearing, and there is no wrong in that, but, to me, that just scratches the surface of being fully styled. It is with the accessories that a man or a woman can put a personal twist on their look, which can carry the whole outfit. Think of an accessory as that 'pop of color' that shows the world your sense of taste, and that you care, all the way down to the details.

Quickly looking over the apparel on the main floor, my friend and I soon found ourselves downstairs, obsessing over several bags. Despite their varying shapes and styles, I was most attracted to the  fact that they were all black. There is something quite captivating about the color noir. Whether it represents a feeling of mystery or exudes sexy, I find black to be sophisticated and stylishly, tasteful for any occasion.

A fan of accessories, I selected bags from MR PORTER that illustrate this love for the noir beauty. 

ALFRED DUNHILL Bladon Leather Holdall Travel Bag $2,050


YVES SAINT LAURENT Coated Canvas Tote Bag $395


BILL AMBERG Canvas and Leather Backpack $365


ALFRED DUNHILL Chassis Leather Holdall Bag $1, 070


MULBERRY Barnaby Leather Messenger Bag $790

(Images & product information via mrporter.com)

Monday, June 13, 2011

The ASFC Re-Porter on MR PORTER: Patriotic Pride



With the Fourth of July rapidly approaching, probably not faster than the heat wave that struck NYC in the last week, a sense of patriotism has inspired me. Although of Asian Pacific Island descent, I am American born by way of the sunny, west coast of California.

Growing up as a child, the Fourth of July was always an eventful time to spend with family. My brothers and I were always so excited to see the spectacle of colors during this time of the year. We knew as soon as the sun went down, the time was nearing when the night sky would become illuminated and come alive, transfixing our eyes for a mere twenty minutes, but feeling like an eternity of enchantment.

From what I can remember, my parents would drive us to a hillside in the neighboring city, where there was a small parking lot and a field of grass. Hundreds of people, who were clever enough to make this a viewing spot for the show, gathered. Parents, children, friends, and couples, alike, situated themselves upon the lawn. With blankets rolled out and cool beverages by our sides, a lot of time was spent bonding as we all waited patiently for the firework show to begin. 

A curious people watcher, even as a child, I would take a couple of minutes, every now and then, looking around at the surrounding crowd. I always noticed how everyone, at least back then, festively dressed for the occasion. Everyone wore their red, white, and blue proudly.

It felt like the whole country stopped to forget about their worries or troubles,  to simply celebrate the independence of our nation. It was as if on this day, a sense of comradery, the pride of our country,  and the idea of family were the only things that mattered to everyone. 

As time neared for the firework show to start, anticipation grew.  The noise slowly died and a calm swept the crowd. Then, it began. A blast went off and BOOM! Dark turned into light. All we could do was tilt our heads up and stare endlessly. It was fantastic! Colors of all sorts, soaring into the night sky, forming shapes in all directions. Smiles came over everyone as we gazed in awe.  Here we were, celebrating independence!

So, in the great American spirit, I chose some pieces from MR PORTER that will surely keep us males cool, while looking cool, this Fourth of July and all summer long. Let's hear it for the red, white, and blue (and maybe even the Mavericks...lol)!

POLO RALPH LAUREN Custom Fit Pique Polo Shirt $75


MARGARET HOWELL MHL Relaxed Fit Cotton Shorts $240


HARTFORD Linen Bermuda Shorts $165


 CHUCS Positano Swim Shorts $230 & ORLEBAR BROWN Graphic Print Swim Shorts $215


CONVERSE Canvas Chuck Taylor Sneakers $45 & RIVIERAS Denim Slip-On Shoes $69

(Images & product information via mrporter.com)

Monday, June 6, 2011

The ASFC Re-Porter on MR PORTER: Bienvenidos a Miami



With the weather finally letting up and the sun's vibrant rays shining down, there seems to be more smiles on faces, lighter moods in personalities, and an overall aura of happiness in the Big Apple. Gone are the days of rain and clouds, at least for now, and now are the days of skin, sheen and shine, Summer is practically here!

I returned from a trip in Miami, just a couple days ago, with amazing sun kissed skin and a renewed appreciation for the fabulous things in life. Although I was with family, instead of my 'rolldogs' or 'joy friends' as some may call it, the vacation was fantastic and full of fun Whether it was swimming in the warm waters of SoBe or going jet skiing in sunny Key West, my family and I (parents and brothers, and no, I don't have kids) definitely enjoyed a nice time of bonding and some much needed R&R.

To prep for this trip, I packed a group of items that I couldn't go without: comfortable canvas shoes, a lightweight tank, a simple, but stylish hat, a great carryall bag, a pair of casual pants, and, of course, a nice pair of shades.

Therefore, I found it fitting to choose pieces from MR PORTER that will help to illustrate the must-haves for your tropical travels this season: 

CASTANER Canvas Espadrilles $145

J.CREW Slim Leg 484 Selvedge Jeans $150

SUNSPEL Lightweight Cotton Vest $46

YVES SAINT LAURENT Leather Weekend Bag $2,295

 
ALFRED DUNHILL Roll-up Panama Hat $645

 
LINDA FARROW LUXE Transparent Green Sunglasses $500

(Images & product information via mrporter.com)

Thursday, April 28, 2011

Design Factor: Kips Bay Chic



This morning the press gathered on the Upper East Side for the Kips Bay Boys and Girls Club 39th Annual Decorator Show House. Because I've missed prior years, I was finally able to go this year and LOVED it! 

At first glance, there is no expectation of a 'chic' element when walking up to the Neo-Federalist structure. However, when entering this 16-bedroom home, there is a sense of awe and intrigue, as each room is beautifully decorated with detail, style and taste, exhibiting the design aesthetic of each designer who was involved in the annual fundraiser. 

Walking through the home, up and down staircases, it felt like an exploration. Venturing onto various floors and into different rooms, as if you were in Hogwarts, each room possessed such personality that anyone could relate to, at least, a few of the rooms' designs. One particular room that really attracted my eye was the Brad Ford room on the top floor. With the use of traditional materials, such as wood, and a natural color palette, Brad managed to convey a very hip, modern design with edge and sophistication. The added touch of playing British female artist, Adele on the speaker lined walls, off of a record player built within a coffee table, was definitely clever and sleek! Here are a couple of shots from the Brad Ford room:



















In addition to all the fabulous rooms, the hallways, too, added a little touch of glamour. I was particularly captivated by this ultra-chic ram trophy head, encrusted with black crystals. I mean dies! So chic!


Want to visit? It's a must! Become inspired. The show house is located at 163 East 63rd Street (between Lexington Avenue and Third Avenue) in New York City, Manhattan. Admission is $30 per ticket. The house is open this year from April 28th to May 26th. Enjoy!

Sunday, February 6, 2011

Nary Manivong is Dressed to Impress


In an effort to support up-and-coming designers in the Big Apple and the belief that if you make it here (New York City) you can make it anywhere, it was only natural to see the movie Dressed


The documentary film, which premiered in select theaters on Friday, February 4th, follows fashion designer Nary Manivong and his humble beginning as an aspiring designer in one of the most cutthroat cities in the world for fashion, New York City. In the city of dreams, one day you're hot and the next day you can, simply, be old news. 

With a rough childhood, growing up in poverty, and homeless by the age of fourteen, Nary Manivong faced adversity and rose up from the weighty hardships he experienced in his hometown of Columbus, Ohio to make something of himself. As a young teen, Nary worked multiple jobs to survive, all while attending high school. His evenings were spent in public establishments like a local donut shop, where he would reside for the night in order to gain sleep. Fortunately, Nary did not allow this low point in his life to hinder him from pursuing his found love for fashion and designing his namesake collection.

Never allowing himself to fail, even during moments of weakness, the film illustrates how Nary's past drives him to only do better and be better in life. With only about five-thousand dollars saved to create his first collection, moviegoers are taken on an inspirational ride as Nary struggles to produce and debut his line during New York's Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week

The film is accompanied with commentary from elite fashion insiders, such as designer Nanette Lepore, Fern Mallis formerly with IMG, Simon Doonan Creative Director of Barneys New York, Mickey Boardman of Paper magazine, Simon Collins Dean of Parsons The New School for Design,  and Lynn Yaeger formerly with the Village Voice, who all provide insight into the raw, competitive world of fashion, that so many, season after season, attempt to draw incredible success and recognition from, yet only a few triumph.  

Enjoy this trailer for Dressed:


Keep an eye out for Nary Manivong and his collaboration with Ally Hilfiger for their debut Fall 2011 collection this season of NAHM (Nary Ally Hilfiger Manivong).

(Image and Video: Courtesy of Google Images and YouTube)

SyFy is Cool Again!



It is a new year and a new approach for the SyFy channel. Back in 2009, the network changed its name after formerly being known as the "Sci-Fi" channel. In an attempt to leave their "geek" image behind and hopeful to expand on a more diverse audience, the network changed their name feeling as though it would help to gain a broader audience, particularly women viewers. In an article on TVweek.com, Jon Lafayette interviews TV Historian, Tim Brooks, who played a role in the network's humble beginnings while at USA network, with Brooks explaining:

"The name Sci Fi has been associated with geeks and dysfunctional, antisocial boys in their basements with video games and stuff like that, as opposed to the general public and the female audience in particular."

Although it has been many years since the childhood days of watching shows like Tales from the Crypt and The Outer Limits as well as the broadcast syndication of Quantum Leap, the Syfy Channel has managed to spark a renewed interest in the network and its shows.

Two original shows that are helping to revive the network's credibility amongst its old and new audience are Face Off and Being Human. Having debuted only several weeks ago, the new shows display their adaptability to the current times of reality television dominating our DVRs and Tivo sets and, in recent years, the youth's fascination with vampires and werewolves with books like the Twilight saga and the CW television series, The Vampire Diaries playing on the fancy for the immortal and  the undead.

Face Off - A reality show focusing on the talents of special effects makeup artists and their magnificent imagination and fantastic creativity, put contestants to the test each week by competing in varying degrees of challenges involving special effects makeup. The grand prize of $100,000.00 and a year's worth of makeup from Alcone are at stake in this inside look of those who create the creatures and monsters we love to fear.


Being Human - A television series that revolves around three roommates, all who are not your "normal" crowd with Aidan (Sam Witwer) the vampire, Josh (Sam Huntington) the werewolf, and Sally (Meaghan Rath) the ghost. All living under one roof, the three characters battle with accepting their nature while trying to lead regular human lives out in public. 


(Images: Courtesy of SyFy.com)

Thursday, January 27, 2011

Give Me Drama, Give Me Valentino!


 
The couture reviews keep on coming and this time it's Valentino in the ASFC (A Style of Culture) spotlight. Wednesday evening the merveilleuse Chiuri and incroyable Piccioli, the creative duo behind Valentino, presented a collection that included gowns that seemed to revisit the Edwardian Era with hints of the Elizabethan Ruff. 

In the latter half of the Valentino show,  gowns of dramatic, yet subtle detailing with frilled trims, tiered ruffles, and gathers of chiffon, nostalgic of the late-1800s to early-1900s, were shown. Reflective of the past, each look spoke volumes with the softness and weightless ease they evoked, as  the models walked with graceful fragility.

Unable to contain my excitement for these simple, yet skillfully constructed gowns, I chose my top four looks that captured the mood of the garments, for your viewing pleasure. Enjoy!



(Images: Courtesy of Style.com)

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Elie Saab: Haute For 2011 Academy Awards



With Paris Couture Week well underway, there is one designer that seems to be offering quite a number of possible red carpet gowns for this year's Academy Awards. Being held on February 27th at Hollywood's famed Kodak Theatre, the Academy Awards, also known as the Oscars, is the premier event of awards season. Therefore, female celebs make it a point to look their absolute best for this one night of ultimate recognition of theatrical performances.  

Elie Saab's couture show today presented beautiful gowns that offer up dazzling options for top stylists like Rachel Zoe to pull for the Awards later next month. Primarily solid colored gowns with soft textures, Elie Saab created a beautiful romance of elegance and style. With the combination of lace hints, weightless chiffons, and intricate beading throughout the collection, it is as if the designer was inspired by an ethereal figure.

Because Elie Saab's couture collection presents some amazing options for this year's highly anticipated red carpet event, I've narrowed the forty-one looks down to my top eight. Which glamourous A-list female celebs will walk the red carpet in one of these gowns? Only time will tell.




















(Images: Courtesy of Style.com)

Paris Haute Couture Collections: The Past In Full Blossom


 
Outside it does not seem like the weather is going to heat up soon enough for us to shed the layers of clothing we've been wearing all winter. However, in Paris things are getting Haute! The Spring-Summer 2011 Paris Haute Couture week has commenced and the fashion world is ready to blossom for the nearing warmer seasons.

With varying color palettes, fresh and flowy silhouettes, and designs much resembling those of the past, particularly those of the fifties, this week's shows, in my opinion, have seemingly reflected on fashion magazine covers of the past. I noticed that certain looks reminded me of  illustrations that have graced the vintage covers of Vogue. Therefore, I chose my favorite looks from the shows currently posted on Style.com and paired them with images of covers that could have easily inspired what is coming down the runway this week.
The mastermind behind his namesake label came up with a clever concept this season by creating gowns in both white and in color. With the white version coming out first and then followed by the colored version, there is a sense of the yin and yang being displayed with each look. I was drawn to this red gown, a colorway of the same silhouette in white. With its vibrant red hue against a white background, the look became reminiscent of this January 1950 cover.

















Mr. Armani will always be one of the greatest designers of our time and he never seems to fail each season, producing such great designs for women of the world. With the warmer months approaching,  he has a created a collection that speaks of fluidity displayed like liquid mercury swimming over the female form. Bold blues, rich turquoise, and ruby reds walked the runway showing an elegant edge of style. I loved this luminous jacket complemented with the metallic necklace, and topped off with a hat right out of the fifties, just like this cover from June 1950. 


















Lord Lagerfeld can never disappoint. He IS the master of fashion! With a palette of pale pinks and soft greys, Lagerfeld has yet again created another beautiful, wondrous collection of elegance and tasteful  style. With models walking in ballet flats, the garments felt light and effortless, with each model looking as if each step she took was soft and gentle. He managed to embody the idea of feeling playfully, pretty in pink (say that five times fast)! This look from the collection caught my attention as it helped to portray the essence of the show, luxury and richness with ease, like this cover from April 1952.

















John Galliano knows romance and he knows how to create it well! For this season he seems to have taken inspiration from the 1940s, which is apparent in everything from the make-up and accessories to the garments themselves. For Galliano the collection, as Tim Blanks writes on Style.com, was a:

"salute to René Gruau, the illustrator whose work for Christian Dior in the forties and fifties created the house's most iconic imagery, felt like it had been a long time coming, not just because of the designer's own early aspirations, but because it gave him another opportunity to indulge his passion for an era when couture was truly haute."

With its feather accents and dramatic gathers of fabric, I found one gown in particular to be reminiscent of the elegance of the twenties like this cover from January 1925.

















The creativity of Riccardo Tisci always seems to venture into an amazing world of fantasy. The edgy construction paired with contrasting romantic silhouettes, creates a mood both hard and soft, all at the same time. One element that inspired this visionary designer were the performing arts of Japan, as Tim Blanks detailed on Style.com. In addition, it seems as though, the garments also became inspired by the simple, structural modernity the Japanese display in everything from their architecturally clean lines to their disciplined way of life. I found this look to possess a chic elegance with a very structured top surrounding the bodice and then flowing into a very soft, weightless floor length petticoat-type skirting. It reminded me of this cover from November 1953.

















(Images: Courtesy of Style.com and Google Images)

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Dolce & Gabbana Do It Right!


 
As all of the  glamourous fashionistas, handsome fashionistos, budget conscious buyers, and fabulous editors gear up for the Fall 2011 shows for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, which kicks off February 9th, I wanted to do a last minute review of one of my favorite high fashion labels: Dolce & Gabbana.

Since high school, I have been such a big fan of Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana and the amazing work they produce each season. The two designers always manage to capture the essence of masculine sexy and cool. From the slim fits to the sharp, detailed construction of the clothing, these Italian masters of fashion design never fail to display and exude an unparalleled style that is all their own.

This season for Fall-Winter 2011-2012, the designers and their team decorated the Milano Men's show with tones of grey, hints of white, and shades of blood red. Walking the runway were supermodel regulars such as Noah Mills, David Gandy, and Adam Senn, who are all  apart of the core circle of models the designers use both on the runway as well as in their advertising campaigns.

One particular, yet simple piece that was of strong interest was a basic button up shirt that showed on the runway in white and charcoal. Although appearing non-distinctive at first glance, the shirt can be considered just a shirt and nothing more. However, with one simple twist of constructive detail, the designers added a built-in, fabric tie clip. Something as little as the utilitarian addition transformed a classic men's shirt into a fully functional, yet, ever so, stylish top. Yes, it doesn't take a rocket scientist to add such a detail, but the detail, however uncomplicated, was simply genius!

Another piece that had a fashion moment was the thick knit, black and white, wide-striped sweater that model Arthur Sales wore with such manly, lumberjack appeal. There is something that definitely makes an individual just want it (and I mean the sweater)! It reminds us of a take on a gorge Isabel Marant sweater a la Kate Moss for Isabel's Fall-Winter 2010-2011 campaign. Dies!

Whether horizontal stripes or vertical stripes, narrow and wide, become part of some of the big trends this upcoming Fall, Dolce & Gabbana still remain at the top of their game. The fabulous duo continue to turn out amazing, wearable men's designs that are sure to make any man feel molto provocante y fresco!

(Images: Courtesy of Dolce & Gabbana, Isabel Marant)

Sunday, January 9, 2011

Steamy, Sexy...Adam Levine


Earlier this week, the media highlighted the racy coverage  featured in Cosmopolitan UK's  STEAMY February 2011 issue. It all starts with their top centerfold male, Maroon 5 front man, Adam Levine in his uber sexy photos exposing everything except his most private asset (which we all know, if allowed, would be revealed without hesitation).

We all know February is the month of love with Valentine's Day representing that special time when all couples, lovers, and swingers alike will spend a day "loving" one another in their own personal ways. However, after seeing Cosmo's lineup of gorgeously displayed men in their birthday suits, there is only one thing on my mind on this year's cupid day. *wink*

Not much more to say here, except that all you straight women and gay men...ENJOY! Happy Early Valentine's Day!

For the rest of Cosmo's centerfold picks, click here.

(Images: Courtesy of Cosmopolitan UK and Google Images)


The February Frump



Frumpy? Matronly? What should be thought of a couple of February 2011 covers on stands for readers this month, has editorial become too comfortable? Or are they trying to  counteract any potential advertising slumps? We are all entitled to our own views and opinions. However, some well known magazines have left chic and edgy at the doorstep when entering this new year and they are keeping it simple, easy, and a bit dowdy.

The two women above, Gwyneth Paltrow and Victoria Beckham, are some of the most  attractive and most fashionable women celebrities today. Oddly enough, it seems as though Good Housekeeping and Vogue UK took a turn in another direction by keeping it basic and minimal this February. Could it possibly be because of the big spring fashion issues that will be coming out this March that they have decided to keep it bland the month before? Whatever the reason or inspiration may be, they have definitely kept their covers toned down. Although both women are mothers, it does not mean that they have to look the part, and in a bad way. 

Good Housekeeping lets it all hang out with Gwyneth in that poorly styled turtleneck that seems to have a bit more yardage than needed. Despite the fact that they are not a fashion magazine, the pieces used on Gwyneth could have been chosen more carefully.  Fortunately, Vogue UK kept it a bit more chic with Victoria's hair blowing and keeping the sweater tone a neutral, clay-like hue and sans  a visual on the bottoms.

Regardless of the February frump, got to love Gweny and Vicks, still so fabulous, so fierce!

(Images: Courtesy of Google Images)
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