Music: "Good Night, and Good Luck" (Soundtrack) - Dianne Reeves

1. Straighten Up And Fly Right
2. I've Got My Eyes On You
3. Gotta Be This Or That
4. Too Close For Comfort
5. How High The Moon
6. Who's Minding The Store?
7. You're Driving Me Crazy
8. Pretend
9. Solitude
10. TV Is The Thing This Year
11. Pick Yourself Up
12. When I Fall In Love
13. Into Each Life Some Rain Must Fall
14. There'll Be Another Spring
15. One For My Baby

>> Download <<

I was introduced to this soundtrack, or rather album (for the sake of this post), through a blog I've mentioned before: Whiskey & Cigarettes. A couple of my friends are involved; they are just a posse of music enthusiasts who posts whatever they feel is worth sharing. It's so interesting they would post about this album, and that I would stumble upon that post — it speaks so directly to my whole #FantasticMan "swag" [yah, I had no better word for it]. Dianne Reeves' voice is so slow and sensual over top of the blues and jazz arrangements. This definitely has me pining for a taste of a time not of my own — not to mention, want to watch the film it's featured in. Now, like Edward R. Murrow, I bid thee, "good night, and good luck."

Video: Black & White // Silence & Noise

Two men with exceptional tastes and amazing approaches to minimalism — Terence Koh is an artist in ever sense of the word, you've seen his work even if you aren't familiar with him. I admire his vow of silence, it really makes his StyleLikeU video that much more profound. I contrast that with Sonny Groo, a stylist and editor of Mykromag. I love his dedication to mixing high and low; he openly admits 80% of his closet comes from H&M. Though his style doesn't rest on only black, it does contain a certain weight where Koh's style feels very light. Both men have such effortlessness with their wardrobes, and an understanding that fashion doesn't have to be loud to make a statement. Placed side-to-side, there is a message of simplicity which has me super inspired... I need a fashion shower.

TV: Sex And The City... The Beginning

Rumor has it, or rather not so much rumor anymore, that Sarah Jessica Parker has agreed to help produce a SATC spin-off based off the Candace Bushnell book Summer in the City — a prequel to the original. While apparently there had been talks to produce a film version of the book, SJP apparently found tv to be a wiser route considering the less than favorable critiques of SATC2. The rumor part comes in with its casting; four young hollywood names have been tossed around more than a few times to play the four trailblazing women. Elizabeth Olsen (yes, that one) is to play Carrie Bradshaw, Blake Lively as Samantha Jones, Selena Gomez as Charlotte York, and Emma Roberts as Miranda Hobbes. While this seems like quite an interesting turn for the franchise, I'm puzzled by the arrangement — natural fan reaction, I feel as if I could have casted this better. I would shuffle these girls around a bit: Emma as Carrie, Elizabeth as Miranda, Blake is fine, swap Selena for Hailee Steinfeld (if only she was a tad bit older).

IDK, how do we feel?

Will & Grace... saving lives one laugh at a time.

>> How Will & Grace (and Jack and Karen) Saved My Life <<

A friend of mine submitted a Op-Ed piece to Salon.com's "Saved by Pop Culture" open call and was highlighted on their site. His piece describes his personal journey towards self-discovery and self-acceptance through the scope of the former NBC sitcom Will & Grace. His natural charm and honesty drips from the words in this piece — an enjoyable glimpse into this man's struggle and triumphs. I know I'm talking his essay up a ton, but if you knew him in real life, you would be just as proud as I am. I've tumbled this in the past, but I came across it again today; it felt appropriate. The link to his article is up above... it will direct you to his blog. Oh, and as a side-note, Kaleb (the friend), is one who I would label #FantasticMan — jsyk.

Video: Yoü & I — Lady Gaga

Our Lady of Gagalupe awaits thy arrival after the jump...

Models: New Faces, Louis Mayhew (RED)

Louis Mayhew, Dark Blonde, Green, 6'0.5", RED NY
full name, hair, eyes, height, agency


[photos via MDC]

BYT: Jill Scott

Here's yet another review I've recently done, this time for Philly's main Diva Jill Scott. She brought along Anthony Hamilton, Mint Condition, Doug E Fresh, and DJ Jazzy Jeff for the ride — she created a sort of contained Block Party; the music* went through a sea of hits from 70s/80s/90s (*DJ Jazzy Jeff played DJ — #redundancy). This woman holds almost as high a seat in my court of musicians as Beyoncé, so you can imagine how excited I was to hear her live. Click the image to check out my review.

eta: I forgot to mention, forever fierce songstress Mya was in attendance as well.

[Image via MetromixDC]

BYT: Darwin Deez (Round Two)

I'm going to just out and say it, forgive my lapse in journalistic integrity but for Darwin Deez' second stint at DC's Black Cat, I didn't actually witness any of their performance. I, in not too many words, left early — well, okay, I was ejected. The first time I saw them, they were charming, albeit gimmicky; I'm confident not much had changed with their formula if the photos are any indication. I heard parts of the opener, Caged Animals, they were moody, very much in keeping with the emotions of summer; but nothing spectacular. Turning to Darwin Deez, if you're wondering how I was able to (for lack of a better word) BS an entire review, click the photo above for my imagining of what that night may have been had I not been review.

[Photo via Farrah Skeiky/BYT]

Video: Otis - Kanye West & Jay-Z

That's All.

Video: Beyonce - Roseland Ballroom - NYC

The most coveted concert tickets this year sold out in a matter of 22 seconds, you can imagine my frustration. Beyoncé Giselle Knowles-Carter, my Queen Diva Supreme, took the stage last night for the first show in her "Night of 4" residency at the Roseland Ballroom in NYC. Luckily there was footage of the opening night, and not poor footage either — so as I mourn my missing of such an amazing opportunity, you all can enjoy her performance after the jump. It's so funny to me how "hood" Bey's gotten since being married; she has such a different swagger now when she performs — don't get me wrong, no one's complaining over here. She goes in on "I Care" and "1+1"... all while sitting down mind you; in other words, she takes a major dookie on all of your favorites.

eta: unfortunately many of the videos have been removed from Youtube, but what I could scramble remains after the jump.

eta2: check out what Jay-Z had to say in a recent interview.



[audio clip courtesy of MartianLeaks]

Video: IT. IS. ON.

My only hope for this cycle is that these girls have learned something during their time away from the show about the industry; how very real [and unglamorous] being a working model can be. I'll try my best to reserve judgement until this premieres in the Fall; but I'd like to make it quite clear that I'm upset at the exclusion of that bi-racial butterfly Jade (she had much to say about that btw here and here). Check out a break-down of who's on this season after the jump... though it's no secret at this point.

Photo: The Fray

#FantasticMan

It's been a while since I've updated, and I feel it necessary to explain where my focus is currently directed. Work has dominated my time, followed by my internship, followed by friends & family. Personally, I have been seriously exhausted by it all, but am very thankful to actually have a full schedule once again. As summer winds down, I'm getting back into school mode, blasting through what should have been my last year in university. Every year I adopt some new consciousness, I don't know why, my only explanation is self-imposed self-improvement... it's all about evolving people; staying stagnate is no fun. With that said, this fall is all about the "Fantastic Man" – he is very much pulled from the late 40s, early 60s. I've taken to simply hash-tagging media that speaks to this theme, so keep your eyes open for it (like the above image for example).

[Image via Jak & Jil]

Books: The Book of Job[s]

Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson

Previously titled "iSteve: The Book of Jobs" has received a new release date: November 21st. Being a total MacHead, this authorized biography of Apple founder and CEO Steve Jobs (the first of its kind mind you) has me extremely excited. The man has been very cooperative with the publication of this biography, going so far as to not leave any topic untouchable. I'm sure there is much to be said about the journey to success of the man behind the world's most valuable company. If this book does well, it's pretty likely that a film adaptation will soon follow — Steve Jobs is as enigmatic as Facebook's Mark Zuckerberg, and we know the latter spawned The Social Network (2010). Pre-orders are currently being offered through Amazon's bookstore; ignore the release date, the November date is the most recently updated.

eta: the back cover and binding images have been released...

"The cover," writes Isaacson in private e-mail, "is the Albert Watson portrait taken for Fortune in 2009. The back is a Norman Seeff portrait of him in the lotus position holding the original Macintosh, which ran in Rolling Stone in January 1984. The title font is Helvetica. It will look as you see it, with no words on the back cover." [Fortune/CNN Money]

Pont en Royans

Pont en Royans, originally uploaded by FrenchHope.

This is such a beautiful image—I would live like that.

Fashion: Emporio Armani Menswear ss12

For Giorgio Armani's ss12 menswear collection under the Emporio Armani label was more April Showers than May Flowers a sea of grey. The theme was lightness; the fabric were light, the color palette was light, the easiness of the fits was light (it's all just sort of tossed on in an effortlessly chic way). As a whole, watching the models come out one after another, there was a sense that you were walking through a thick fog — the only color to be found were in subtle dip dyes, and the few pieces asserting a bold blue near the end. Once again, another solid, marketable menswear collection; every piece is accessible, and practical. Much as with Dolce&Gabbana's menswear collection, there is a lean towards dropped waistlines for belts — it seems to be a subtle nod at the slouchy belt trend seen in womenswear, only more refined. I certainly saw more than a few pieces I could see myself wearing (if I had the money). Check out more detailed shots after the jump.

Fashion: Alexander McQueen Resort 12

HOLD. THE. PHONE.

I kind of closed the book on Resort 2012 a bit prematurely — true it ended already, but there are still presentation images trickling in. Probably one of the best was the very last to arrive, and that was Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen. The McQueen woman is very much represented here; the toughness, the sex appeal, the sleekness of it all. Burton continues to pay homage to the late Lee McQueen by incorporating elements seen in much of his work, but she reinterprets his aesthetic into a more toned-down, marketable version. What we have here is a collection that is very much Safari, as seen in the color palette, the animal prints, and the cuts. The collection is driven by a certain power which is even more punctuated by the details — the craftsmanship that has become the fame of the House of McQueen is ever present. I can't say this is without its flaws, but Burton has definitely made enough of a style statement here to set her apart from the other presentations we saw this season; the woman knows clothing, she learned from one of the best. For ss12, I just hope she will feel confident enough to take the label to the next level; she just needs to find her own point-of-view, and put it out there... you've proven that we can trust your instincts, so don't be afraid mademoiselle. Complete collection after the jump... and yes, this would have ranked high on my Top 10 List.

Fashion: Dolce&Gabbana Menswear ss12

Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana know masculinity, they know sexuality, they know style. For their Spring 2012 menswear collection, the theme was "Netting" — in every sense of the word. From soccer nets, to finishing nets, to internet (paraphrasing Tim Blanks; I'm not that clever ha), it was all represented. There were knits and leathers which interpreted the sheer trend seen in womenswear as netting; the end result consisted of blazers, tops, shorts, pants, and bags all netted. While such a literal translation of an idea can often times come off as uninspired and/or bland, Dolce&Gabbana intermixed the theme with well tailored suits, oxfords, and sturdy leather bags. This collection is more so about beating the idea of nets into our heads, but closer examinations reveal very interesting details, most notably the lowered waist lines on the trousers. This collection has the buyer most definitely in mind... if only their D&G presentation wasn't such a load of garbage. More detailed images after the jump.

Fashion: Burberry Menswear ss12

There's a reason why Burberry remains to be such a successful brand, and no, it's not because Christopher Bailey is just so talented and makes such amazing clothing — it's because season after season, he finds ways to remain true to the brand, while still being innovative and relevant. Some of you may read that and go, "so yeah, it's because he makes amazing clothing"; that's not where I'm going with this. By finding ways to add subtle updates to designs that have already been made famous by the Burberry label, he is able to keep consumers craving what he makes. The expectation has been that Bailey would go for a more urban take on the London brand, but this season, he did a 180° and opted for more statesman chic. The busboy caps in what looks to be whicker, and then again repeated in the brogues (which if I may point out feature elements of cork and alligator). The tribal trend which was seen in many of the collections of Resort 2012 and some of the s/s 2011 collections is teased in the totes and then interpreted in an interesting way with the geometric shapes attached to the sweaters (they are like pieces, rather than a print... kudos to Burberry for that one). I am really loving this collection; it certainly makes up for a beyond boring Resort collection for the women. And before I forget, I SO want one of those alligator iPad sleeves — too bad they're $4200 (#BlackGirlProblems). Detailed images after the jump.

Fashion: Versace Menswear ss12

Donatella Versace, I have my issues when it comes to womenswear, but you struck a chord with me for your menswear this season. From the studs, to the straps and buckles, to the bags and sandals, to those eye-popping patterns, there is just so much going on here, and I'm loving every bit of it. While menswear is usually pretty bland or extremely oblivious to trends, Versace proves that by remaining true to its brand's legacy (notice Versace's notable use of baroque) and concentrating on the details (buckles, eyelets, studs, zippers) that one can create something that can be quite accessible and practical. I'm hoping against hope that elements of this collection like the buckles on those blazers and pants, as well as those gladiator sandals get translated to the label's diffusion line for H&M. Detailed shots appear after the jump.

Fashion: Top 10 Looks from Resort 12

I'll begin my saying, I'm not a fan of Resort — it seems unnecessary, and consumes time and creative energy from designers which could be focused into even better fw/ss collections. It can be said that it allows designers to have more fun, and test out trends, cuts, colors, fabrics in preparation for fall; as pre-fall is for spring. Nevertheless, this was a boring season in my opinion — labels I'd thought would wow me, left me with a question mark, specifically Balenciaga, Chloé, and Chanel. On the other hand, I was treated to quite impressive collections by the ones that didn't drop the ball (i.e. the good ones were DAMN good, unfortunately there was a bell curve). This is a wrap up of the looks, not collections, that truly impressed me. As this is my blog, my opinions, my words, my point-of-view, I chose based on what appeals to me as a consumer, my tastes, cuts, details, color and fabric choice, and its ability to remain wearable come September - November when these pieces actually become available. Follow the jump, check out my rankings, and feel free to argue for/against my choices in the comment section.