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ERRRRBODY'S GOIN SURFIN'

I recently became interested in swimwear. Guys are no longer wearing the knee-length swimsuits their moms bought them when they were younger but going back to the original surfing roots. Guys are getting a little sexy and raising their hem lines back up. Sometimes a bit too short! There's the fear that something is going to pop out! But I guess that's the excitement in rocking those lil' shorts.

I did some investigating and found an array of brands that have ventured into swimwear land.

MNii
My favorite thing about MNii is that this California based board short company originated from Hawaii! All of their shorts range from $125 - $165 and come in a bunch of colors, prints and I do believe I saw some color blocking in there.

MNii explains their shorts are, "not just a pair of board shorts, but a memento, a badge of honor."

Mollusk
Mollusk's site opens to a trippy video of what appears to be surf culture from around the world, backed by the song 'Pink Elephants On Parade' from the Disney Movie, Dumbo. At first I was kind of put off by this film, but then I began to navigate the website and I totally got it. Their pieces are an homage to surfers throughout the ages. I really liked their printed Cactai board shorts and their Katin Deliver board short in peach and blue. Mollusk's shorts have a slimmer leg that I think it looks really flattering. ($54 - $84)

"Over the years Mollusk has developed into a cultural institution that integrates surfing, art, craft, music, film, and visual media. We sell products handmade by friends and neighbors, host art shows in our intimate galleries, and function as a concert venue. Our storefronts in San Francisco and Venice Beach have become hangouts and homes for surfers and artists living in these urban, beachside communities. Beach bums unite."

Saturdays Surf NYC
Saturdays Surf seems to be the current brand taking New York City by storm. It's a surf shop based in the West Village of the Big Apple. They sell literally everything: apparel, wetsuits, surf boards, art, hair products and even coffee. You know how much New Yorkers love coffee!  The brand was founded in 2009 by Colin Tunstall, Josh Rosen and Morgan Collet. It specifically caters to all things any NY surfer dude would need to escape this crazy city and catch some waves. Their shorts are indeed short, but they are well made and super stylish. Board shorts are $65 - $75 and come in dozens of colors, prints, patterns and solids.

Onia
(Pronounced O-nee-a) This brand is just so fancy. Their shorts are made from the most amazing fabrics and the hardware that makes up the shorts, (metal snap, buttons, eyelets) are industrial pieces from Japan. The shorts are tasteful and well constructed. You have to check out their website, I really liked the feature where they show you all the elements that make up each of their shorts. Great brand, cool shorts, a little pricey, but totally worth it. ($120 - $195)

"At Onia nothing is overlooked in our pursuit to produce the finest swim shorts and beachwear possible. With a highly intricate and multi-phased production process we strive to provide options for the man lost in beachwear purgatory. We use only the most skilled and innovative designers, source only the highest quality fabrics and finishings, and use factories that are on the cutting edge of manufacturing technology."

I wanted to give it a go and hop on the surfing bandwagon! No, I don't know how to surf, BUT I do know how to make clothes! So I made a pair of board shorts! They are printed with planets which is kind of silly, but they were so fun to make! Check them out!

Now go sign up at your local Cross Fit, get that summer beach bod and buy yourself an awesome pair of board shorts!

SUMMER JAMZ
Floating Vibes, Surfer Blood

High School Lover, Cayucas

Get Lucky, Daft Punk ft. Pharrell

Pompeii, Bastille

Sweater Weather, The Neighbourhood

COWABUNGA DUDES!

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OFFICIALLY A COLLEGE GRAD!

Get inspired!

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Covers!

Here's my second post dedicated to covers of some great songs. 

(They might even be better than the originals!)
 You can also check out the ones I posted on April 19, 2012

Mree - Blood, The Middle East

 

Tori Kelly and Angie Girl - Thinkin Bout You, Frank Ocean

Ben Howard - Dancing In The Dark, Bruce Springsteen

-30-

A guy friend the other day asked me if it was okay for men to wear bracelets. Without much thought I told him yes. I didn't see why not. My entire lifetime of going to sleep away camp and seeing guys wearing brightly colored friendship bracelets seemed totally normal.
Then I thought, "No wait... that was camp, are male bracelets cool to the rest of the world?"
Of course they are! Plenty of designers have come out with stylish bracelets for guys that don't look feminine in any way. You can rock one or a few on your wrist, they'll give you an edge. I don't think you should be too over zealous and stack up a bunch of bracelets, but have fun with it. 

Burkman Bros -Woven bracelets that almost remind me of the ones from camp
Miansai - All around awesome stuff
Kiel James Patrick - Similar to Miansai, but also really fun bracelets
Yuvi Alpert - BEADS!

NY Mag did this absolutely rad illustration on the history of the "Man Bracelet"

-29-

Don't fear prints! They've become very trendy, especially in menswear. It's easy to get overwhelmed by paisleys and flowers, but guys, MAN UP! Don't be afraid of a lil' ol' flower. Obviously you can never go wrong with plaid, stripes, buffalo check or even polka-dots. There are some sweet brands that have been pushing prints like these!
 
Hentsch Man
Our Legacy
Norse Projects
Mountain Research
Bedwin & The Heartbreakers
Engineered Garments
Shipley and Halmos
Bodega
Gitman Bros

Suggestion: Look for prints that blend in with the shirt they are on. Navy flowers printed on a dark navy woven. Even accent prints are fun and give pieces a little pop!

-28-

This past weekend, I turned 22! I Celebrated with friends and family at Houston Hall, a beer garden with a huge crowd and enormous ceilings, so you don't feel too claustrophobic. We all had a wonderful time, despite the hefty line outside and the snow flurries. We really did enjoy ourselves once we got in.

There were plenty of twenty-somethings just all looking to have a good time. Obviously everyone wants to let loose and drink the night away, but there are still ways to get your drink on without looking like a sloppy mess.

At the start of the night, get yourself in the right mindset. Long week at work, fine, put that behind you and focus on the weekend. Do you plan on making it home into your own bed? Perhaps with a lucky lady? Clean your s*%@ up! In all seriousness, when you come home tipsy and stumbling around your apartment it's easier if you're not falling over all of your stuff. Put it away. Also, no matter how intoxicated your "friend" is she will eventually wake up in the morning and see your messy abode. Even if it's just a one time thing, at least make a good impression and have a neat place.

After you've cleaned up, start getting yourself ready. Do not just put water on your hands and rub them through your hair. You might think you don't smell, but you do.

SHOWER! SHAVE! WASH BEHIND YOUR EARS!

When you get out of the shower, under no circumstances should you EVER douse yourself in Axe or any cologne for that matter. De-od in your pits and you cologne a little spritz. It doesn't need to be across your whole chest. Spray some in your hands and dab the cologne on the parts of your body that emit the most heat: nape of your neck, wrists, behind your ears and a little on your chest.

Comb your hair away from your face, use whatever product you are comfortable with and run a hair dryer through it.

Brush your teeth and use mouthwash, your breath smells better longer.

Getting dressed is not as hard as you think. Start at the bottom. I suggest a dark denim or black pant. Boot cut or slim leg. A slim fitting khaki is also good. Pretty basic, right? Also no crazy embellishments or embroidery on your pants or butt pockets. It's awkward.

Invest in a good belt while your at it.
Tanner Goods
Makr
Billy Kirk

If you're old enough to go to a bar, you are old enough to dress like an adult. Leave the graphic t-shirs at home and throw on something chic and simple.   I'm all about brand support but it's distracting and not for a night out. (If you really, really, REALLY want to sport a graphic t/sweater just make sure it works with your look.) A henley always look good, even a plain t shirt. You can never go wrong with a classic button down. You don't need to layer a t-shirt under your button down. Generally guys do this if they sweat a lot to absorb their perspiration, but I think you'll just be hotter. Try a lightweight cotton, your body will be able to breathe.

Throw on a nice blazer, coat, leather jacket, or a sweater and be on your way.

The following is a list of a few brands that have some basic/essential piece.
Raleigh Denim (Linked an amazing video with it!)
Wings + Horns
Twothirds
Simon Miller
Save Khaki 
Engineered Garments (For the more ambitious)
Steven Alan
S.N.S Herning
Velva Sheen
York Street by J.Press

Be confident, not cocky and just have a good time.

-27-

It was earlier this year that I was introduced to Ben Howard's music. The man has an absolutely sensational voice and an exceptional talent when it comes to playing the guitar. Sam's boyfriend played one of his videos for me. I just loved his voice and the way he harmonizes with India, one of his band members. The whole group is just so gifted! The video we watched was him singing 'Only Love' and there is something so charming about him. He exudes that very charm in his covers of Call Me Maybe by Carly Rae Jepsen and Bruce Springsteen's Dancing in the Dark.

What's better than watching him on youtube or listening to him on itunes? Seeing him live, and we got to do just that!

Terminal 5 is a pretty cool venue to see bands. I had seen Passion Pit and Donald Glover (Childish Gambino) there and had a fun but sweaty time. The crowds were pumped, pushy, hipsters all dancing or trying to rap along. I couldn't imagine a Ben Howard show being like that.

The craziest part? The crowd was just as big and just as excited as I had seen them before. But there was more of an appreciation and respect for the man on stage. People weren't jumping or shoving, but swaying and listening. It was so peaceful and epic all at the same time. You couldn't help but fall in love with the performance.

He is already on his way to stardom but even when he is on stage you can see how much he cares about his music and the crowd. That he is so grateful to have all of these people there to support him.

Willy Mason, another talented musician, opened for Ben Howard and he too was an absolute delight to listen to.

Play either of these musicians for ANYONE and they will love them and you.

Have a listen
Old Pine, Ben Howard
Depth Over Distance, Ben Howard
The Wolves, Ben Howard
Oxygen, Willy Mason
We Can Be Strong, Willy Mason

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There is nothing sexier than a guy and his dog. Bouncing around New York City, I see a lot of people walking their dogs. I know, just being a dog-lover myself, when I see anyone with their pet I immediately shriek, probably so high pitched that only the dog can hear.

I started to notice that people were much friendlier towards me when I had my dog by my side. They get these sweet smiles across their faces or point at her and whisper something to the person they are walking with, (I'm assuming they're saying nice things. At least I hope they are.)

I'll keep this post short and sweet. Gentlemen, if you don't have a dog, save your money, commit to the responsibility and get a puppy. Think back to economics, opportunity cost, what are you giving up to gain? Give up some free time, spend money to feed and clean something else and you will gain phone numbers and dates and maybe even a girlfriend or boyfriend, (whatever you want.)

P.S. If that doesn't work for you, at least your dog will love you.

P.P.S. You can literally wear whatever you want when walking your pup. Heck, you can go out naked. Only a small handful of people will judge you.

-25-

My dad kept getting on my case about watching Boardwalk Empire. I always wanted to watch it, but I already have so many shows, how could I possibly fit another one in! I decided to go ahead and start season 1. I have no idea why I didn't watch from the start. I cruised through all three seasons and was incredibly inspired. Fashion trends, no matter how old, never die. Who knows, maybe the flip hair-do with frosted tips will come back.

A look that guys with straighter hair should at least try is the Undercut: Short all around, long on top. Jimmy Darmody, Michael Pitt, has the coolest undercut I've ever seen. It's sleek and I'm sure with a heavy duty pomade, a comb and a good hairdryer anyone can do it. Unfortunately if you google "undercut" or search it in tumblr, you'll find a lot of girls sporting one. They have their hair long all over but one of the sides is shaved close to the head. It's one of those hair styles, that on a girl, would probably take a lot of maintenance, but hey, that's fine.

The tie pins, plaid suites, brightly striped shirts with usually a white collar, and vests with high break points. They just look so cool.

Mens fashion has taken a bit of a turn. Men have become more comfortable with just a woven button down and khakis. Sometimes they don't even wear a jacket! Which is totally okay, but it doesn't hurt to invest in a good 3 piece suit.

fabulous sketches by everydayimharrowin

Something to be mindful of, a high break point can be flattering on the body, for a vest, jacket or coat. For those of you who have a little bit of a tummy, this takes the eye away from that.  The break point is where the left side and the right side of the jacket/coat/vest meet at the center front of your body. It's a mature look that does impress. Vests shouldn't be so snug that your struggling to breathe. Actually, nothing should ever be that snug. If you can reach out like you have your arms wrapped around an invisible person and you're comfortable, then the vest fits. It should not be too big that you're swimming in it either.

A good fitting suit is always a must. Believe me, even if a passerby knows very little about mens fashion, they can always tell when you're suit is too tight, or too baggy.

It's okay to splurge on staple pieces. The ones you will get a lot of use out of. Looking professional and put together will not only impress in the workspace but also on a night out on the town.

Take tips from the past people.

Bravo Mr. Scorsese. Bravo.

-24-

I caved.
Got myself a Tumblr. It was bound to happen sooner or later. I think Tumblr is an incredibly smart company, but also, it's a fun way to express yourself in images. I always pinned pictures from Tumblr to my Pinterest, but I never considered getting one, until now. My Tumblr is called Ten P.M. and it is primarily menswear images, although I do throw a cute picture of a puppy out there every now and then.
I think it's cool that just like there are celebrity bloggers, there are Tumblr celebs. I mean, different actors, musicians and fashion icons have them, (James Franco, BEYONCE, Frank Ocean, Nick Wooster, Local Natives, Aziz Ansari and Joseph Gordon-Levitt) but there are people that just have the coolest Tumblrs, they become Tumblr celebrities. Some of my favorites for example are:

• GtheGent 
• Revelment
• All Roads
• Will Hunt Goods
• Single Malt Scotch
• What Should We Call Me
• Redwood Collective
• Rainy Days and Blankets
• A Well Traveled Woman
• Kanye Wes Anderson
• GQ Fashion
• Miki Miyuki-Zoku

I am not even close to being the only one with a menswear Tumblr. People have dedicated theirs to beards, watches, cars, tattoos, shoes, space, surfing, skateboarding, runway shows, women's fashion, awkward situations, even sex. Yep, be careful. You could be scrolling through someone's Tumblr seeing pictures of baby ducklings and cupcakes and all of a sudden there's a black and white image of two people going at it. It really catches you off guard and makes you wonder a lot about the person who created that Tumblr.

Don't let that steer you from wanting to create one though.  It's easily just another way to get inspired and find new fashion trends OR to thoroughly procrastinate even more. Either way, it's a lot of fun!
Here are the types of images I've been posting. What do you think?