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)
Related Posts with Thumbnails