The ASFC Re-Porter on MR PORTER: Blazing

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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)

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

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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)

The ASFC Re-Porter on MR PORTER: Patriotic Pride

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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)

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

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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)

Design Factor: Kips Bay Chic

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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!