His Point of View

I am not a person who runs out to buy the latest hot scents, I typically purchase the same four or five colognes until they are no longer available.  During my trip to Las Vegas this past weekend I wandered into the Tom Ford store and I found three new favorites.   Tom Ford’s Black Orchid is the scent that I am referring to, and I like it even more each time I wear it. (continue reading…)

If you have read much of my blog you know that I have been around the world a couple of times.  I encourage all Americans, especially young African Americans to go beyond the borders of this country, and go farther than the Caribbean. When you travel you change.  When you travel you change the people and the land you are visiting.  When you see how the rest of the world lives you can have a better idea of how you fit into the world.  Not only will you grow and become a better person, but you will teach the people you encounter how diverse America is, beyond what they see on television (assuming that you venture beyond the traditional tourist areas, and you actually interact with the local citizens).  The majority of the world only sees the images that movies, music videos, and the daily news display of African Americans.  As we all know those images are not the complete picture of our culture or lifestyle.

Recently I was having a conversation with a woman I work with, who was born in South Korea.  Once she learned that I had visited her native land not only did we have a lot to talk about, but she also asked me how I was treated when I was there.  She asked because she knows that many South Koreans born in the last 30 years have not seen people of African descent in person and in many cases they have no knowledge of us beyond music videos.  Music videos…Music Videos… Music Videos…It’s terribly disappointing and sad that most of the world is exposed to African Americans via music videos.  Currently there are not many positive or accurate images African American culture i

When I was waling the streets of South Africa I was speaking to a local citizen and he made it clear to me that even many people of Africa think that most African Americans are gangsters and rappers.  The world in general has no concept of the middle class African American lifestyle and they want to learn just as much from us, as we want to learn from them when we visit their land.

There is a lot to see in the world, there is life beyond Jamaica, go and see as much of it as you can, before you can’t.  Not that I have anything against Jamaica…I am just saying that there are other options especially if you have been there a couple times.

I suppose women are trying to show off as much as possible during this unseasonably warm fall, as I have seen some nice skirts around the office during the last few weeks.  Personally I am loving the flared pencil skirts and the knee/mid length (flared bottom) tulip skirts.  Although I threw in a mini skirt, the skirts that show off a woman’s curves from the waist to just above the knee, with a slight flare at the bottom is really working this season in my opinion.  There are so many stylish and affordable skirts in stores now from $15-$1500, conservative to super sexy, no matter your price range or style there is something for you… so happy hunting.

If you are seeking to show off a little more before winter sets in, or if you are hard core and you show off your legs year round, perhaps some of these skirts might be a fit for your wardrobe…

Victoria’s Secret, Tulip skirt $70 @ www.victoriassecret.com

TanJay, Pull-OnFlounce $45 @ www.Dillards.com

Julia Coco, Tulip Skirt $174 @ www.UK.Forzieri.com

Herve Leger, Banded Mini $600 @ www.neimanmarcus.com

Amberlynn Clothing, Western in White (temporarily sold out) @   http://www.couturecandy.com

This is so OC that I had to post it.  I am guessing this is in Miami….(no disrespect to my peoples down there, but you know this has Miami written all over it…) This looks more crazy the longer I look at it…LoL

I got the pics from your man JD’s blog over at www.global14.com

These Carbon Fiber Wheels by HRE Wheels are lighter and stronger than aluminum wheels… Lighter wheels = faster lap/race times and better braking.  But these wheels will set you back at least $10,000 (US) They come in 19 & 20 inch sizes for now, with 18 and 22 inch models coming soon.   Images from www.hrewheels.com

This camel back sofa by Dominic Gerard (DG), which is upholstered in Versace velvet is certainly something to look at.  If you have $13,7500 (US) and a home/office interior which can handle this style of furniture I say this is a must have.  It comes in a black and gold as well as a black, blue and silver colorway as well.  Go to www.DominicGerard.com to see more.  DG has been able to carry on producing the same style of furniture that Versace is known for.  Many items on this site are featuring Versace designs and or fabrics.  Even the non Versace branded items produced by DG fit in very well with any other Versace furnishing you may have, or that you may acquire in the future.  On the DG site one can also order Versace branded home accessories and fixtures such as bathroom sink faucets,  curtain stops, rugs, towel bars, shower heads, lamps, bed linens, and more.  Even if things are out of your price range it can be fun to imagine what life is like with 24K gold plated soap holders.   Oh and I can’t forget the $700(US) gold plated Versace toilet brush holder… Image from http://www.dominicgerard.com/

I am a huge fan of fountain pens, if I had a couple hundred dollars to invest in one I would pick up a “Boheme Jewels Topaz” by Montblanc.  This particular pen is white gold plated Rhodium.   Rhodium is used as a jewelery quality metal itself these days, but in this case that was not good enough, so the fine folks at Montblanc plated it in 18K white gold.  It is wrapped in blue tinted calfskin, and topped off with a platinum plated cap and a square topaz stone.  You don’t have to spend more than $100 for a fountain pen but you must remember that you get what you pay for, and I can say that Montblanc pens are the finest that I have used(even though I don’t own one…yet).  Generally you can find a Montblanc for under $500 but many of the more ornate models are nearer to $1000, if not more.  Image from http://www.montblanc.com

Recently I have come across some very fine pieces of lingerie that the ladies (and men with a lady) need to know about. These pieces are a major upgrade from what you can pick up at your average local mall. Many of these pieces are 100% silk, chiffon, or pure (fine quality) cotton. In addition to spicing up the bedroom you can wear some of these items with a suit or jacket and turn up the heat when out on the town. A lot of these pieces are also just great comfortable lounge wear for when you are having a lazy day at home but you still want to look good, just in case…

Grazia’lliani: Traforato Salerno Bed Jacket $307, Even though I had never heard of a thing called a “bed jacket” until a few days ago I am loving it…just don’t ruin it by trying to wear something under it.

photo from http://www.nancymeyer.com

Bordelle: Bondage Angela Chemise $532, I am feeling the detail of this item. This is most certainly a hot item.

photo from http://www.nancymeyer.com

Carmen Marc Valvo by Cosabella Medallion Bustier $340, This is one of those items that could easily be paired with a nice jacket or suit…. or neither if you so dare when you burn up the late night party scene.

http://www.shopisabella.com

Axami: Beautiful Embroidered Bra $95 & Beautiful G-String $ 55

http://www.pamperedpassions.com

Lise Charmel: Ivory Guepiere – $320

photo from http://www.shopisabella.com

Simone Perele: Stiletto Bustier – $250, This is absoluely a flat out classy yet sexy item…you can’t go wrong with this one…

photo from http://www.pamperedpassions.com

Plus Size Strapless Corset $75, everybody needs a little sexy in their life…

photo from http://www.pamperedpassions.com

Bracli: Single Strand Pearl Thong $69, If this does not get your point across, you need to find yourself another guy (or girl)…

photo from http://www.nancymeyer.com

Sabrina Nadal: Bamboo Chemise $225, Bamboo Babydoll $214 & G-String $76, The Chemise is definitely nice to lounge around in, yet it is still conservative and sexy at the same time, while the babydoll is just nice period.

photo from http://www.nancymeyer.com

Julianna Rae:Indulgence Chemise $175, This item is 100% silk, and it comes in 9 colors, each with an optional matching robe.

photo from http://www.shopisabella.com

Mimi Holliday: Aioli Shorty $65, This item is 100% silk chiffon with olive polka dots. I can not put my finger on what it is about these shorts that I like, but I think these are definitely a “love it” or “hate it” item… I vote for “Love it.” Actually I think these shorts with the light fabric, frills, and the little bow just scream femininity, which is something style has gotten away from with all the “boy shorts”, “his jeans”, and such. Every now and then seeing a girly girl is refreshing… but that’s just my $.02

photo from http://www.nancymeyer.com

Sawren Anais: Halter Push Up Bra $62 & Sawren Anais: Tanga $37, There is no question that this bra is meant to be seen, so if you disapprove of your undies being visible, this is definitely not for you.

photo from http://www.pamperedpassions.com

Dolce & Gabbana: Resort Demi Cup Bra $175 & Resort Thong $95

photo from http://www.nancymeyer.com

I am not saying that I like every single pair of boots displayed here… but I am definitely feeling the over the knee and the thigh high boots. So take a look at these and let me know what you think. Even though they are not knee high boots or higher I am really feeling the Yamamoto boots because they remind me of (motorcycle) racing boots, which hold a special place in my heart.
My favorite of the knee high or thigh high boots are the Stella Mccartney thigh highs, with the Louboutin running a close second. I am not really feeling these Cavalli boots, they look like a regular shoe that they transformed into a boot by just adding a couple yards of (not so attractive) fabric until it reached the thigh area, and the seam across the knee is not helping matters at all.

All of these boots are a part of the respective designers’ Fall 2009 collections, so they should be in stores soon.

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Stella Mccartney, thigh high boot

Christian Louboutin, over the knee boot

Roberto Cavalli, suede thigh high boot

Giorgio Armani, crocodile flat boot

Yohji Yamamoto (designed by Salvatore Ferragamo)

Louis Vuitton, gold brocade thigh high boot

all photos from www.style.com

“Clean” is a term some of my good friends and I use to describe being dressed well. To be clean in 2009 you should check out these suits and accessories by Ralph Lauren and Stefano Ricci. These designers are hitting hard on the off the rack suits and accessories for 2009.  Ralph Lauren(RL) has always been one of my favorite designers, but this guy Stefano Ricci is really impressing me with his colors and materials used in his accessories.  You should be able to find many of these items at your local Ralph Lauren store, Macy’s, Neiman Marcus, or other fine retailer. This post is for the guys who can’t quite afford a $5,000+ custom tailored suit but still want to look  good in what they wear. You can get your hands on a quality Ralph Lauren suit for well under $2000 and get it tailored to fit you for around $100. Stefano Ricci’s accessories are pricey, but their quality is second to none and their bright colors and classic styles work well with RL suits and shirts.

Stefano Ricci Paisley ties $215 each

photo from http://www.neimanmarcus.com

Stefano Ricci Silk Satin Ties – $185 each

photo from http://www.neimanmarcus.com

Stefano Ricci Purple Paisley Tie $250

photo from http://www.neimanmarcus.com

Stefano Ricci Red Crocodile cuff links $970

photo from http://www.neimanmarcus.com

Stefano Ricci Horse Head cuff links $6,930 (ok, these are pretty expensive)

photo from http://www.neimanmarcus.com

RL Black Label Wool Gabradine suit $2,150

photo from http://www.ralphlauren.com

Ralph Lauren 3 button Charcoal Suit $1,395

photo from http://www.ralphlauren.com

RL 3 button Navy Striped Suit $1,395

photo from http://www.ralphlauren.com

RL Purple Label Barrel Cuff shirt $425

photo from http://www.ralphlauren.com

RL Purple Label Barrel Cuff shirt $395

photo from http://www.ralphlauren.com

Ya’ll are going to get tired of me and watches… for real. But do I care??? Obviously not. Well this one is not going to be a lesson on anything but style. 2009 is going to be a good year for the watch world. There are a few old reliable brands that are breaking new ground. Breitling is manufacturing its first in house movement.  Zenith has figured out how to combine a chronograph and a minute repeater into one movement for the first time ever in a wristwatch. Patek Phillepe has broken ranks from the COSC and the Geneva Seal Bureau to create its own standard of quality craftsmanship(instead of only testing the movements Patek Phillipe has developed a method of testing the entire completed watch). 2009 is an exciting year in the watchmaking world… many of these decisions to break from these companies’ standard method of doing business will go down in history as genius ideas, or mega-flops… either way they will become collector’s items.

Below are more great timepieces to go pick up if you can… or to dream about if your pockets are a little light.

This is the Zenith “Defy Classic Zero-G”.  Zenith has been making fine watch movements since 1865, and you definitely pay for all those decades of experience when you purchase one of their fine time pieces.  This particular model costs approximately $260,000-$300,000 in the US.  Note the lack of diamonds or “bling” even though this item costs more than most people’s houses.  Its all about quality materials, detailed workmanship, and the engineering behind the brand.

(photo from http://media.modernluxury.com)

If you like Zenith but you want to own a piece of horological history that is a bit more affordable  you can pick up other models such as these for under $20,000.

(photo from http://media.modernluxury.com)

Next up is the Bulgari “Diagono Calibro 303″ This piece of work is in the $10,000-12,000 US price range.  At 5.5 mm thickness this is considered to be a very thin mechanical self winding watch.

(photo from http://home.watchprosite.com)

So that we don’t leave the ladies out here is the Boucheron “Ellipse Anniversarie”.  This watch features blue & pink sapphires, and white diamonds for a retail price of $35,000 US.

(photo from https://www.boucheron.com)

OK, this post serves two purposes

Purpose #1 if you know that there is a proper type of know to wear with various shirt collar styles I will simply provide you a link to see videos on how to tie many of the most common types of knots  http://www.youtube.com/user/avvi66

Purpose #2-  If you don’t know the reason why your tie doesn’t quite look right (provided the colors & patterns work well together) with that shirt you are wearing I need to provide a little help with selecting the proper knot for your shirt collar.

photos below are from www.brooksbrothers.com

“Windsor” knots are for shirts with a very wide collar, and traditionally these knots are used for formal ocassions, but I say if the knot fits wear it.

“Half Windsor” knots look very similar to Windsor knots, but they are adapted to fit a shirt collar slightly smaller than one which a Windsor knot would be suitable for.  Notice that the shirt collar above is a bit more wide open than the shirt pictured to the left.

The “four-in-hand” or “simple” knot is probably the knot you were first taught you to tie as a young man.  This is one of the easiest knots and it is the general purpose knot.  Unless your collar is very wide this knot will likely work.  This knot is widely used with button down collar type shirts and with ties that are wide.

If you have a wide tie you may want to consider the “small knot.”  But remember that this knot is not just for fat ties, but if your collar is closed in you may need to consider this knot as well.








This is only a small sample of the many types of tie knots.  These are the few knots which I have found will get most men through most situations… Of notable mention are the “bow tie” knot which I did not cover as you will surely know when you need this type of knot and the “Prince Albert” knot which is useful if your shirt collar is long.  Some of these knots go by many names so read carefully to make sure you are learning about the correct knot.