Monday.

I put a few things through the ringer today. In an attempt to shrink some of my clothes which have become a bit over sized, I came across a pair of pants that are mind blowing in their cool. A pair of black and white plaid pants, that are no doubt older than me. I've never word them for both their size, and their design. I love the pants, don't get me wrong, if I could I would wear them every other weekend with a white shirt and a suit hat, with a little feather on the brim. Yes, cheesy I know, but these pants are a testament to what style used to be. Perhaps you might notice, when looking at pictures of the 1960s, or 50s, men used to wear those hats with their suits. If you were outside, and you were wearing a suit, you were wearing a hat. If you didn't, you would be one of those new age hipsters that didn't know how to be a grown man. (or JFK) After typing this, I immediately think of the USA television program White Collar. The main character, Neal Caffrey, is often seen wearing a hat with his suits. Taking a new age approach on the classic tradition however leaves me to think that he looks a bit- silly, wouldn't you say? While I have never been a huge fan of fedoras, I've come to accept them in some social circles, however these social circles are not white collar work places. However when looking at old pictures of the common man, I have an appreciation of the accessory. I know, I'm spouting a river of contradictions, but I have a point, I swear.

A functional suit + fedora.
All credit due to the owners of this photo.

Some things take time. A few years back my brother was really in to wearing bow ties at the work place. While I had nothing to say to him back then, in retrospect I think that it was a pretty nifty idea. Substituting ties for bow ties takes a certain amount of skill that not just anyone can jump in to. The same goes for double breasted suits, pinstripes and certain liquors. I've always been an adamant believer that confidence is the most valuable accessory, but sometimes confidence just isn't enough. Get read for this, because I'm about to drop something heavy on you: Knowledge is more powerful than confidence. (School House Rock!) My brother knew what to wear bow ties with, as well as what colors work well together. He didn't go out and buy a random red bow tie and assume himself a fashionisto. I think it's very possible for someone to wear a hat with their white collar business attire, but knowledge of the accessory is absolutely key. With a combination of confidence and knowledge, it is possible to make just about anything possible, even outside of one's wardrobe. I mean, who was it that decided that thick brimmed glasses were cool again? I promise you it wasn't someone who was afraid to try new things. That's my soapbox speech of the week. Hope you have walked away ready to be adventurous! 

Woody Allen, a man who knows his tastes.
All credit due to the owners of this photo.

Don't forget: Back when they thought pink polo's would hurt the Roc, Before Cam got the sh*t to pop, the doors was closed. 

Sunday.

The wonderful season of autumn is slowly creeping along the outskirts of the year to deliver a swift headbutt to our subconscious. While we are merrily entering the month of August, it is our final adieu to the summer before we rendezvous with September. While of course September isn't going to be causing us to pack up the shorts and tee shirts just yet, it is the harbinger for what we all know will be an immediate, blunt fall; a fall that I am incredibly excited for. Aside from autumn being my favorite of the four seasons, the fall of 2011 is something that I am very eager to endure. What's not to like? Neutral tones, casual scarves, sports coats, cardigans, auburn up the wazoo etc. Aside from just the arbitrary enjoyments of fall, there are also a few things to look forward to as well. A list of new music is likely to release this semester, which I have no doubt will be mind blowing. Albums from artists/groups such as CSS, David Guetta, Lil Wayne, VHS or Beta and Feist (omg) just to name a few, I can already tell that I'm going to be excited. Not to mention the plethora of enjoyable holidays such as Halloween, Thanksgiving and Veteran's day, autumn pretty much speaks for itself when it comes to being the best darn season there is. However, there are a few things in particular that I am looking forward to this season that I haven't really spoken to yet. Ironically, they both involve Kid Cudi.

Watching the video above will show you a sneak peek of what it is yet to come from the creative minds of Scott Mescudi, Cage and Shia LeBouf. While the premise of the short film has yet to be released, I have understood it to be a horror short based on the song by the two recording artists. With Shia taking the creative lead, he is exploring his capabilities as a director by taking us fans of the artists down a macabre road that no doubt will leave us wanting to leave the lights on. However, considering my absolute love for the song, I am no doubt going to find myself as addicted to it as I was to Kanye's own mini-movie, Runaway. It should be interesting to see the same concept of music-inspired film between two completely different minds. While I don't want to automatically compare Shia and Kanye, or Kid Cudi and Kanye, this project is going to ensure that we do it anyway. Now, as you can see, Maniac comes out in October of 2011, Halloween day in fact. However, Kid Cudi has yet another film project that will also be debuting in the month of October. One of my favorite television shows is rearing its head out of hiatus to give us a much anticipated return. How To Make It In America is coming back to show us just how Crisp is fairing after their restless attempts at making a name for themselves in the previous season. With more women, higher stakes and no doubt more swank, the second installment of the series is no doubt going to attract more viewers than the previous season. HBO has yet to disappoint me with an original series, and with such a down to earth series like HTMIIA, I'm already prepping myself for its awesomeness. Check out its teaser trailer below.

Is that Theophilus London I hear? Oh yes, his LP is out. Go get it. Now.

R.I.P.

Billy.

One of my favorite songs. Watch in Full Screen.

Thursday.

I have a little story to tell. After posting yesterday's entry, I stayed up for a few more hours. During my two cups of late night coffee, I continued to promote Origami Citizen on Twitter, which of course is nothing out of the ordinary. However, what is out of the ordinary is that the focus of yesterday's post, Nick Wooster, got wind of the post, and of my tweets and decided to let me know about it. Of course, he being the man that he is was no doubt awake far before my nine o' clock alarm went off. So as I fumbled awake this morning, the first thing I noticed was an e-mail from Twitter notifying me that I had a new follower: Nick Wooster. Ecstatic, I tweeted my thanks and admiration to him, only for him to thank me. What a magnificent guy! People say that the fashion industry is precarious and shallow? They obviously haven't met Nick Wooster. I'd say he's a pretty well rounded gentleman. Haha.

Nick Wooster
Photo from Fuck Yeah Nick Wooster

On another note, today is indeed Thursday. This of course means that at ten o' clock tonight, one of my new favorite television series will be airing it's fifth episode. While I am not really a TV person, every once in a while there is a series that really catches my attention. In fact, I could probably count the list of my favorite television programs on one hand. However, when I heard about USA's new series Suits, I knew that I had to at least give it a try. After watching the hour and a half long pilot, I was instantly hooked. Following the life of a twenty-something college dropout with the, now overused thanks to Psyche and The Mentalist, ability to remember things in the blink of an eye, and his hot shot lawyer boss, this series is absolutely promising. What makes this show stand out, considering super-memory is now cliche, is the chemistry between the characters. The slick back hair, pinstripe loving, three-piece-suit persona that is Harvey Specter is devilishly smart, and has the word 'ambition' written on his forehead. He holds the throne for what every man wants to be: a smart, daring, stylish, rich womanizer who knows how to get what he wants. His partner, Mike Ross is what the reality of the situation is. In over his head, his intelligence is only an accessory to his work ethic. Being the 'new guy' at the firm, his coworkers are reluctant to help, giving him more trouble than assistance for the most part.

Harvey (center) and Mike (right)
All credit due to the owners of this photo.

However, there is an element of romance slowly starting to crop up between all of the busywork that Mike engages in. Between filing paperwork and being scolded by Harvey, Mike interacts with the firm's most promising paralegal: Rachel Zane, played by Meghan Markle. While this is my first time seeing the actress' work, it goes without saying that she is a bombshell. With a quirky attitude and a chip on her shoulder, Rachel is what every man wants in an office romance. Mysterious gazes, complex outfits and a smile that is only saved for those who earn it, she has the whole package. However, considering we are still in the introduction phases of the program, Rachel and Mike have had only one douse of drama. While I'm not going to spoil anything for those who wish to catch up on the program, I will say that we've all been there before. So listen, do yourself a favor, watch the show. While I would say the series markets at those 19-30, it gives some inspiration for not only how hard the corporate world is, but how to dress in it as well. At least once per episode, Harvey will scold Mike about what he's wearing, which I find pretty interesting. Kids these days. 

Ms. Markle
All credit due to the owners of this photo.

You know, I'd even go as far to say that I almost like this show just as much as I like How to Make it in America. Almost.

Inspiration.

vs

I didn't even know Kanye's song Spaceship had a video. Watch in Fullscreen.

Frankie.

Classic. Watch in Full Screen.

Obsidian.

Incredibly dope performance from our boys at #Rosewood. Watch in fullscreen.

Thursday.

Today wasn't too productive. After attending last night's Fly Union show, and seeing a few artists that I had never heard of perform, I left a little overwhelmed. While it wasn't the music, which was all great, or the performances themselves, which were each unique in their own right, I would say that the majority of my emotion stemmed from the fact that the crowd was so boring. I attended the show with a single female friend of mine, and was later joined by another friend. I had only heard a little bit about Fly Union before last night, but the friend who I went to the show with has been a devoted fan, considering they come from her hometown of Columbus. However, despite Fly Union's still underground presence, they attracted a fairly decent crowd to the Grog Shop where they performed. While the crowd was fairly diverse, it appeared that the fans who had the most fun was a young man who positioned himself as close as possible to the stage, and another young man who stood directly behind him. While the sounds of the three MC's would would doubt get the hearts of all of those who watched racing, it didn't appear to be enough to get them really... into it. When asking to sway their hands back and forth, only a small portion of the crowd would do so. When prompted to jump up and down in a hyped up manner, it appeared that only five or so people would commit. Even the stereotypical rap 'wave' towards the stage was a lackluster performance by Cleveland's finest. Even though they were willing and able, no one really seemed to be getting in to the show. They purchased the entrance tickets, so they had to know who they were seeing. The group played most of their newest songs, so it wouldn't be a matter of not recognizing the sounds. Instead I'm going to chalk it up to something that I call: The Lackluster Effect.

A few people that need to unwind. (above)
All credit due to the owners of this photo.

The cause behind the Lackluster Effect doesn't come from a lack of skill shown by the performing artist, or a lack of stage presence. While this does occur, and can often result in the crowd being bored, what I witnessed last night was not one of these cases. Instead, what I witnessed was a bunch of people afraid to let them selves have fun. A few times, the MC's even called the crowd out by saying something to the likes of:

"I know Coventry is known to be the coolest place in Cleveland, but are you too cool to party!?"

Perhaps Cleveland is a bit too cool to have fun. But if that's the case, then maybe they shouldn't spend the money to see a show they won't even enjoy. Fly Union is comprised of some pretty cool cats, with some pretty unique sounds, and even still was able to have a fun and exciting show. Even if their Grog Shop appearance was clouded by the Lackluster Effect, I'm still excited to see what else this Columbus trio has in store for their fans.

Personally, I enjoyed the visual aesthetic that was added to the music. Let's just how I won't have to suffer the same fate on Friday. The Lackluster effect knows no bounds, and could very well branch out into the party atmosphere instead of just the concert.