Forgive me if I say, precisely what I don't mean.....

Forgive me if I say, precisely what I don't mean.....

As I embrace a new post graduate life I felt as if I should begin to share with you my thoughts and opinions on a variety of topics and when time allows share a couple of ruminations that I have had.

Since we all know that fashion is somewhat of an obsession of mine it is fitting that I will be spending the most important years of my life in New York City, arguably the worlds fashion capital (emphasis on the arguably for all my international friends!) But for all that NYC exudes in eccentricity and character it really shines when it comes to the complexity of its greatest resource, its citizenry. From the European style cobbled streets of West Village to the skyscrapers that populate Midtown, NYC is many things to many people. Last summer I was fortunate enough to have gotten a taste of what summer in the city was like and why New York City is where dreams can come true, but only if you are committed to put your blood sweat and tears into your craft.

Since I have been out of the working world the past 3 years I have seen a lot that has changed the way I look at things. I have taken a much more holistic approach to solving problems and I expanded my cultural palate. Despite new friends, new adventures and new obsessions I still share an undeniable passion for style and renewed commitment to comment on it. As of today I will be keeping weekly tabs on all that I see from a style standpoint while living in this great city. So allow me to reintroduce myself and pay close attention as I chronicle all things cool in NYC. Please do not hesitate to comment or provide suggestions along the way.

Fashion Advice for the weekend.....

In keeping with the theme of my recent posts I wanted to offer some fashion advice for all of the gentlemen who should happen to stumble upon my blog. A trend which is picking up steam recently (for some of you) is the proliferation of bracelets that seem to be adorning the skinny wrists of many men these days. This trend hit me with the weight of a freight train while I was vacationing in Mexico for NYE. As Europeans descended upon Playa del Carmen, I could not help but notice the effortless swagger they had. I'll be honest, its not the first time I had taken cues from our neighbors across the pond but for those of you who have the pleasure of knowing me, you can see I incorporate a little Euro flair in everything I do. Ahhhhh where was I, oh yeah the bracelets....

I for one am a big fan of this look and have even added my own swagger to it. A great place to find these bracelets is www.1000markets.com. You want to click on the mens bracelets link and go to custom pieces. I order mine through "Brooklyn Threads" which has an amazing array of custom pieces (everything from handcuffs and keys to Hamsa bracelets) While you may feel somewhat idiotic to pay $20 for a bracelet made from fabric, what they do to accent a wardrobe is absolutely priceless. The key is subtlety folks and these bracelets tend to give the impression that despite the well manicured Tod's you may be wearing on your feet or the crisp Jil Sander white button down you may be sporting that day, there is a bohemian spirit inside of you which I must say women find quite endearing.

My new look for the spring:

White jeans, White oxford and black v-neck-for those who can pull it off try accentuating this look with a pair of black reading classes which can be found at my new favorite eye glass company warby parker. (big ups to GQ magazine for calling our attention to this company started by former Wharton school of Business grads (WWW.WARBYPARKER.COM) For those of you who live out East, this is a much cheaper version of what you may find at SEE. Try adding some dark brown loafers to this look and you will be set for the spring and if you have a little chest hair let it show.

Ciao,

BMW

Time for reflection...

I thought this video would be a good way to get people thinking about the state of our country and the divisive nature of politics. Whether you are Republican, Democrat or Independent my hope is that you will remove your biases and really think about the message in this clip and then take a step back and think about where our great nation is headed. a I think it may be time for some of us to see the writing on the wall....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w0y4L_Ue5HY

Music

If you are a Neo-Soul junkie like myself I would suggest the following ALBUMS for immediate purchase:

Dwele-Subject, Some Kinda, Sketches of a Man

This Detroit crooner has an unbelievable way to make you reflect on what really matters in life. With all of the stress that comes along with just being these days its nice to listen to music that brings a smile to your face every time you hear it.

For all of those fans of Sade, I would also suggest picking up her new album-Soldier of Love. She doesn't stray far from what has made her great all these years. I guess if it ain't broker don't fix it.

I will bless you with my Hip Hop picks for the month. Just you wait....

Ciao,

bmark

Don't you ever wish....

Life could be just a little easier. What I mean by that is the following. Between the errands, various job/school requirements, disgruntled and unhelpful employees you encounter on a day to day basis, sometimes one feels as if he or she will never get to a point where it all stops. Or perhaps we don't want it to and you are like me and create the stress we complain about everyday. Just a thought to get this blog thing kick started.

Ciao

bmark