A few days ago A Time To Get asked an appealing question(s): What are the 4 most practical and classic staples? If you could have one watch, one wallet, one pair of shoes and a pair of sunglasses for the rest of your days, what would it be? Below is my final four…what is yours?
(feel free to share)
Sunglasses: Tom Ford- Jack (Black & Havana Tortoise Shell)
Wallet: Makr Carry Goods- 3 zip Wallet (Black)
Shoes: CDG Play x Converse low (White & Black))
Watch: Timex® military watch (J.CRew)
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In these last few days of scorching HOT heat, I have experienced a huge case of “writer’s block,” seeking inspiration (for a new post) from everywhere, and today…I finally found it; for some reason I had the biggest urge to go through some of my old Complex magazines (circa 2005-2007) which at the time was my ultimate lifeSTYLE reference. During this “trip down memory lane“ I couldn’t help but think about my days as a streetwear enthusiast (self-proclaimed), when I would just stay up late on hypebeast marking my calendar (literally) for all of the special releases I wanted to get. I am pleased to say that I have come a long ways since then, but like many of us men whose style has matured over the years, my roots (fashion) remain in streetwear. This post is an ode to the streetwear culture.
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What I love most about the streetwear culture today is how a lot of the brands are becoming more sophisticated within their designs, swaying away from the over-saturated loud colors and all-over prints that dominated the culture when I was coming up. The items above are some of my favorite pieces from this season, and they are a good representation of the streetwear brands that focus more quality than quantity. Also might I add, they represent me best as The Essential Man.
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I have always been the type of consumer who was just as equally interested in a company’s back story as I was in their product. In my humble opinion, it is the story behind the brand that result in the quality of the garments because they are creating with a purpose oppose to creating to generate profit. Imogene+Willie is an example of a brand that embodies both, high-quality garments and purpose.
“Imogene+Willie was formed by husband and wife team Matt and Carrie Eddmenson who previously worked together in a family business designing, developing, and producing premium denim apparel for the greatest brands in the world – Levi’s, Lee, RRL, Rogan, J Brand, and Diesel. They developed new processes and inventions that led to the aesthetics of modern day garment making and finishing, and the premium denim asthetic that drives apparel today. They now call Nashville their home.”
You just can’t get more aesthetically pleasing than this! John Moessner does an amazing job bringing the Imogene+Willie vision and concept to life.
Here goes the two styles from their most recent collaborations with J.Crew, varying in price from $350 (dark wash) to $425 (light wash).
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Everything about this Black Ivy movement is extremely refreshing and inspirational! The guys of Street Etiquette and Fred Egan of Unabashedly Prep did an exceptional job executing and captivating the essence of the original Black Ivy League . What I admired most about the visuals is that it was not forced and everything appeared very organic because of their unity.
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I feel the birth of the LA chapter happening REALLY soon…just watch!
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This post has nothing to do with clothing…I was simply inspired by it so I am sharing it with you guys. However the video is pretty long, so make yourself comfortable (grab some popcorn), it’s worth watching the whole thing though…by time you are done, I shall have another style guide for you!
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If I had to give my dad credit for anything in my life, it would definitely be for teaching me the importance of grooming at an early age. Although at the time (5 years old), I didn’t fully comprehend its significance but when the girls began to complement me for “smelling good” it all made more sense. Since then I have been fortunate enough to receive many more complements (from the ladies *winks*), and the one complement that has remained consistent is that “you (I) smell good!” However, I must admit that I have come a long way from wearing Michael Jordan and Curve cologne, and today I would like to think of myself being experienced in the eau de toilette department. Here are my three favorite fragrances I use today.
1. john varvatos by john varvatos
(wild-card) 3. Marc Jacobs Cucumber
The moral of the story is that it pays to “smell good”!
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Better late than never right? Well late last night I finally took the time and made a facebook “fan page” for The Essential Man. It’s a process yall!
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If you are an avid online shopper like myself, then you know that there is no greater feeling then receiving your package in the mail. This past weekend I received two books that I purchased two weeks ago through Amazon. Today after taking time to glance through my new reading material, I was very impressed by the content and wanted to share them with you guys. So far they appear to be great books to have in the collection or at least for the coffee table.
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Every season my wardrobe is slightly modified, whether it be me adding something new or taking something away, the one item that you can always find in my closet is a henley (heathered grey). In my humble opinion, henley’s are one of the most underrated men essentials there is. I say that because whenever there is a discussion regarding “men essentials” henley’s are rarely mentioned (well at least not to me). I mean think about, a henley is one of the precious few items that could be worn year around despite the climate, while still having the versatility to be dressed up or down. Below are two of my favorite henley’s that has made their way into a weekly rotation and I don’t see it changing anytime soon!
Apolis Activism: Classic Henley
J.Crew: Heathered Cotton Twisted Rib Henley
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Apparently Complex online magazine and Ciroc Vodka presented a “Top 25 Smooth Fall Fashion Trends” list featuring what seems to be pictures of everyday stylish people who embody what they deemed as the fashion essentials for this fall…guess what, your boy (me) stumbled on the list! I’m assuming they found my picture on my LOOKBOOK page. The most exciting thing about being on this list is what I am actually on the list for…denim is something that I am very passionate about, and something that I happen to know very well (my humble opinion), and for me to be referenced as the example to represent an ideal look is a honor within itself. Shout out to my good friend Jesse for spotting me because I was sure unaware!
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The Essential Man: (December 2009)
Headwear- Christys’ Hats
Shirt- GAP Chambray Shirt
Scarf- Five Four Clothing
Pants- RRL Slim-Fit Raw Denim
Footwear- Timberland Boot Co. Counterpane
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