Its that time of Year!

MY Awesome LIFE!
After worship service on yesterday, I was fashionable late for brunch. So, i connected with some friends and associates at a cake tasting. It was the perfect day for an outing with some friends we laughed and took photos (action shots). Dinner at another restaurant I have been wanting to visit. Great and of course they thought it was a " jacket required" establishment. One of my friends alleging that is all I do. Later that evening we went to see a great movie American Violet. Awesome.!!!! http://www.americanviolet.com/

So, I say that it is that time of year to begin to grab those essentials that I may have talked about once before that you will need for the colder months. Why now? Because they are putting these things on sale and you can find them for pennies. Literally! Bloomingdale's sales things for a penny. I am telling you.

Patterned v neck sweater
cashmere hoodie
cashmere hat
camel blazer
leather gloves that fit. must be smooth on the hand
corduroy jeans ( check the whales)
cashmere socks (Syms)
modern hiking boots

These are a few of the classics..

Remember I told you all about the Birkin? It is home!

I Need A TABLE NOW!

Hellooooooowwww!
I hope that all is well . Well I wanted to inform you all that the Garden at Baralo is opening very soon. http://www.nybarolo.com/events.cfm. It is very important you learn how to get a table at these great restaurants. How I know that the garden is opening and will be present? I frequent these restaurants.

OK! Here are the two ways to get the table at Le Cirque and other fine eateries.

1. In case of an emergency embark on a little story. The phone is one and going in person is another. However, you might have to slide the host or hostess a little cash. It works. It really does.

2. Become a regular! You don't even have to go for dinner. Just go to have a Shirley Temple. They will love you. Tip well. Always!

Ciao for now.

Has Spring Sprung?

Greetings ALL,
With the longing for cabriolet weather envelopes us, I am also twiddling my thumbs for the crisp evenings to divorce us.

Well with all that being said it is time for Spring Cleaning!! Yeah! YEAH! YEAH! As people of class and stature. We need to do a few things in preparation for the warmer weather.

Closets( dressing rooms) are the first things we need to do or in my case hire someone to assist. This is very important. When purging your closet, as you should your cell phone. Get rid of things that are no longer being worn. IF you didn't wear it last year get rid of it.

I DO NOT TRASH clothes. I donate or give away. I have an associate that loves my shoes. It really makes me happy to see him getting good use out of them. Besides they are great shoes. Now if they not comfortable or they're not drop dead one of kinds, to good to be true shoes............................ they gotta go! LIG................ LET IT GO!

Speaking of shoes, I recently purchased some shoes from the Gucci Outlet!!! Hmm .....Many of you didn't even know there was one. HMM! Nevertheless, these shoes are great. I will post pics later.


While you're cleaning, rid yourself of ANGER! The end result will cause you to want cosmetic surgery.
Ciao for NOW!
So many events and so many shopping outings

Lent is almost DONE!

Well, I must say that this is the first time that I have ever been able to do this ( Give up shopping for Lent). I will say that I did break, but not like I have in previous years. Thanks for the support and prayers.

Now here we are.

CLASS Is something you can not purchase, well in a sense you can. However, it is like fine wine it only get s better with time, Chateau d'Yquem 1787

On Sunday, I had taken brunch with a few friends. I had invited two friends that arrived before me and my other friends were present already. So, respecting the almighty Iphone , I used it to communicate with the two that arrived before me to connect with the other party that was very early.

Much to my chagrin, when I arrived the two that were to accompany me opted to establish themselves at a separate table. Whoopsy! That is a definite NO! I was saw floored. I had to play love to two parties.

What should one do in this situation? You already know!

Now you know I am one for easily living. I recently learned about Verizon's new home phone.
I am truly for living the good life. Hey I just learned that we were in a recession. Nevertheless, tell me what you think of this and I will provide you with my feedback
http://www.verizonwireless.com/b2c/vzhub/overview.jsp

IS IT OVER YET....... IS LENT OVER YET!!!??

OK!
I almost got caught with my hand in the Herme's jar. I went to an Herme's sample sale. I had this wonderful cashmere hat in my hands. Then I received a phone call from a friend, that reminded me that I was giving up this task for Lent. I got out of line leaving this wonderful hat for someone well else that has no regard for the poor soul that had to depart without his hat.

Well when it is over,..... I am going straight to Herme's. Nevertheless, I have been really good and have saved a bunch of money. Even got that Neiman's down...... now it's minimum payment is just a car note and not a mortgage payment.

Oh by the way, I apologize for the absenteeism. I have joined everyone else with the Facebookness. I affectionately call it CRACKBOOK!

Did I tell you that I allowed my passport to expire. What an experience. Truly! I'm no longer held captive to this great country. It is truly a freeing experience to have a passport. If you don't have one, I am going to include the link once again. This for all my USA buddies. http://travel.state.gov/passport/get/first/first_830.html.

OK! I will chat with you all later.

Confession of a Shopaholic!

YES!
I am admitting that I am the above. Recently a very good friend of mine has ushered me to participate in Lent. Although, I am not catholic. I do believe in the art of FASTING! I do believe that we all should fast from something, cell phones, computers, television, coffee and shopping.

Well here is the meaning of Lent.
Lent is a forty-day period of time that proceeds the Catholic holiday commonly called Easter. During this time, observers tend to give up something they like (such as a food, like meat or certain meals or a form of secular entertainment, like television) essentially as a form of "fasting" for the purposes of getting closer to God or for penance.


So, the author of this blog started late. Now here it is! I started last Sunday. There I was standing in line with 2 great fitting shirts, a cashmere turtleneck(blue). I don't have one; and it was only $20. The prices were great. Wait, I forgot to mention the beige and white polka dot scarf and this funky black and neon green jacket. To match these sneakers. Click the link .
http://eluxury.com/estore/browse/product_detail.jsp?id=12253099

Then the voice of reason via a friend sounded off and said, " WHAT HAPPEN TO LENT!??!?!?"
Now I am sitting here 10 days later, wondering why I am sitting in this state of withdrawal.
So, there it is.
Feedback is more than welcome. WHEW! Its getting hot.

The Grooming Process II

Here we are after this major snow storm in the Northeast and a tad bit in the Southeast. Nevertheless, I am a survivor. I didn't suffer from cabin fever. I decided to assist the middle schooler who asked to shovel my snow. He did a fine job. Hey it is recession!

I was telling you all about the grooming process. Many of you asked about the process I endure. I was a little floored, but I said, "Hey I am here to assist." I take a bath at least once a week and a shower everyday. I had to say that before some of you get the wrong idea.

I use Dial or good Ole's fashion Ivory. I don't care for those soaps that have a lingering fragrance because I wear colognes. I don't want anything to clash with my fragrances. Makes basic sense.

The face.............. Simple! Step one. Cover my face with black soap until it dries. Then I rinse with a another soap from C.O. Bigelow. http://www.bigelowchemists.com/index.php Step three I use an astringent from C.O. . Last and final step is Molton Brown lotion. http://www.moltonbrown.com/mens-grooming/face-and-body/skin-defence-daily-protector.html

That's it for now. Hey do you really want to here about my conversation with Kimberly Leemans and later with William James?
There is a complete world out here while you are sleeping. I am telling you.
I will keep you all posted on what I have given up for Lent.

The Grooming Process!

Greetings,

What a restful week it has been. I know many of you are chuckling. Keep all the wonderful comments to yourselves. Last week,I decided to break my four day fast of no shopping and go to The Barney's Warehouse Sale.
I acquired some wonderful little keepsakes. I am a slight fan of the Benjamin Bixby line. I also really enjoy Rod Keenan hats. I truly recommend that you take a look at his collection. I also purchased some boots nice black ones. http://rodkeenannewyork.com/

Now back to the business at hand. Many of you are always wondering what my oral hygiene regime consist of. Have I ever had braces? NO! Have I ever had professional whitening? NO! I am just simply blessed with great oral hygiene. It runs in my family. However, the process is serious. Here it is.
I use Listerine to start, then Listerine Whitening, then brush with two different toothbrushes and two different toothpastes. I never use the same toothpaste after completing it. I change it! However, the same toothpastes are always being used. Example............ Brands A,B, C and D. If D has been finished then I will go to brand B. You got it. This works for everyone! I am a telling you. OOOOOOOOOOOOHHHHHHHHHH! Flossing is key!

Also, have those dark grey fillings replaced. Nothing like smiling or laughing and see the results of your candy addiction.

Also, lip balm is very important. I never leave home without, pen, lip balm, Amex, debit card, keys and license (identification). If you need recommendations for lip balm just email me. I have tried them all, even Prada's.
Ciao for now!
Also remember that FASHION IS A LUXURIOUS NECESSITY!

Fashion WEEK NYC 2009

The events that are outlined this week have been................. a little boring. Many Fashion Week events are always grand and packed with lots of activity. However, I am sadden by the lack luster. Nevertheless, I have a few photos of some of the activities. I hope that you all enjoy them.

Nevertheless, Zegna had a great show. Baby Phat... I skipped. Tracee Reese............

I have not shopped in four days. WHOA! However, I have been frequenting my tailor. HINT HINT! THE GYM is beautiful experience. I will be back to share with you all some things about etiquette. I have noticed some things that I am not pleased with.

MY NEW Stephen Sprouse Addition and MORE!

I have said once and I will keep saying it "FASHION IS A LUXURIOUS NECESSITY!" Here are my latest acquisitions. In the early part of the decade Louis Vuitton issued the graffiti collection by artist mentioned above. Needless to say, I got only one piece.

This time it was a different situation.

The GUCCI Backpack WAS ONLY 200.00!!

Here is another piece of information the Barney's Warehouse SALE!!! CHECK IT OUT!http://www.barneys.com/Barneys%20New%20York%20Warehouse%20Sale/WAREHOUSE_SALE,default,pg.html

AS I said...........

John Legend, performed at Radio City a week ago. He did an awesome performance. Thanks to a very good friend of mine, who acquired the passess. Its good to know people and be loved by them. You know a lot people and not one of them love or like you. HMMMM!

Also, I had spent the weekend in D.C. Needless, to say I did one of the many things I do best and that is what.......................... SHOP! I went to Polo Rugby www.polo.com. I went to Polo by Ralph Lauren and Pottery barn I purchased this lamp http://www.potterybarn.com/products/p11343/index.cfm?pkey=cnew%2Dsale%2Dlighting. Great. You know you can't just have all the clothes and your place looks like a fall out shelter.

I also went to Urban Outfitters. I purchased this t shirt. Love it. and I also purchased this bobble head from them as well. I am off to the Barneys sale. Hey fashion week is coming and I have something to wear,but need something else. SMILE! CIAO! http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/urban/catalog/productdetail.jsp?_dyncharset=ISO-8859-1&navAction=jump&id=15000599&search=true&isProduct=true&parentid=SEARCH+RESULTS&color=00http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/urban/catalog/productdetail.jsp?_dyncharset=ISO-8859-1&navAction=jump&id=16024333&search=true&isProduct=true&parentid=SEARCH+RESULTS&color=05

What to Do When You Live in a Shoe?

What do you when you live a shoe? This could be taken in many ways. One way it can be interpreted as living beyond your means. These economic times have had a hit on many of us. We all know at least one person that is not doing as well , because of job loss.

As I have stated I have cut back on the dining out. So, I cook at home. I have commenced to cook for a couple of friends that I know that have been hit by this unfortunate state of the world.

So, we are sacrificing in many ways. However, I must say that I am exhausted with people being afraid to flaunt wealth and fashion like it is the spawn of satan. RELAX, the good book even says do all things with moderation. I will return to this soapbox later. However, I have not endured many years of educational chaos to achieve this life that I prayed for to be dismissed. Understand that I have always been the one to give back more than I should. So, this is not something that I am going to be a part of.


Here is a little tip for shopping. Shop inexpensive for trends. Invest in good stuff that is timeless.
When most of us think twice before buying something new, it's wise to shop for quality investment pieces that will look good for several seasons. And that is where many bargain racks come in, for real.

Get a head start on the looks for the Spring. Pink is it, ladies!
2. One shoulder
3. snakeskin accessories
4. ruffles
5. carryall bags
6. colorful cardigans
7. bold jewelry (faux or real)

I will be back to talk about my John Legend evolution, and my weekend in DC. What a world wind?!!!!

What is a Friend?

Good A.M.,
I am a true advocate of the Fall and Winter. One because I was born in the greatest month of all. Secondly, you could truly absorb a person true since of style during these colder months. However, I am exhausted with this snow. Its enough to make me drink Pomegranate juice without a straw.

Well, on during one of my many cabin fever episodes. I commenced to meditate on the importance of friendships.
What is a friend? So, I decided to look for a meaning of what I thought a friend is and should be. After reading a plethora of meanings I completely and totally agree with my friends from Wikipedia, ( friend used very loosely). Here is what we say a friend is.

Friendship is a term used to denote co-operative and supportive behavior between two or more people. In this sense, the term connotes a relationship which involves mutual knowledge, esteem, and affection and respect along with a degree of rendering service to friends in times of need or crisis. Friends will welcome each other's company and exhibit loyalty towards each other, often to the point of altruism. Their tastes will usually be similar and may converge, and they will share enjoyable activities. They will also engage in mutually helping behavior, such as exchange of advice and the sharing of hardship. A friend is someone who may often demonstrate reciprocating and reflective behaviors. Yet for many, friendship is nothing more than the trust that someone or something will not harm them.
Value that is found in friendships is often the result of a friend demonstrating the following on a consistent basis: the tendency to desire what is best for the other, sympathy and empathy, honesty, perhaps in situations where it may be difficult for others to speak the truth, especially in terms of pointing out the perceived faults of one's counterpart
mutual understanding.
In a comparison of personal relationships, friendship is considered to be closer than association, although there is a range of degrees of intimacy in both friendships and associations. Friendship and association can be thought of as spanning across the same continuum.

I usually never use the term best friend. Yes, I completely understand that BFF is cool to say. How should your other friends feel when you are not placing them in that same category? Well, with all that being said I just understand that there are different friends for many things. You are a multi faceted person. Therefore, you have friends for many things.

Similar to those non platonic relationships they need to be nurtured and cared for as well.
You are probably saying, "Mr. Cosmo, How do you nurture a friendship?

1. I send little personal notes to them. Yes, I write personal notes.

2. Yesterday, I sent this little message via text" If you threw a party, and invited everyone you knew. They would see the biggest gift would be from me; and the card attached would say, "Thank You for being a friend!"

Life is a wonderful thing. Be honest and understand that these friendships needs to be nurtured.
So, drop the BEST and be the best you can to yourself.

While Attending.................

I had an absolute awesome weekend. I attended this great birthday celebration at an associates home. Very nice event. I was totally impressed and had a great time. While out shopping on Saturday. I tossed on the above jacket. It was the rave for all onlookers/gawkers. (Please disregard the backdrop! My dressing room was in a slight disarray.... Hey I had a full weekend.)

I havent attended a house event since the holiday season ;so it has been a long time. When you attend a party it is imperative that you always take something. If the invitation states a dish, then oblige. If not then you must not enter or even imagine going without a beverage. The rule is to bring what you consume. It is declasse' to bring a beverage that you dont prefer and you are seeking the host last bottle of Grand Sie'cle. If you are not the invitee of the host, ask the person with whom you are attending about the invite.

When entering plaster a smile on your face and immediately look for the host to offer salutations. While entering remembering faces of those that you have made eye contact with. I call this when four eyes make two. This is the person that you will converse with immediatley. If you become nervous remember a few topics to initiate an exchange.

0. Your schelp to the party. ( Parking, commute to the event, something you experienced on the way.)

1. Sports - almost everyone likes some kind of sport.

2) Hobbies

3) Weather and climate being experienced

4) Your respective spouses and children(do not brag)

5) Media - such as television shows, movies, or music that both of you may like.

6) Holidays that you think the other person may enjoy (but refrain from talking about how much your holiday cost you - unless the other party brings it up.)

7) Your respective hometowns... Are you from ...............?

8) General information about the occupation of each person. (intro........... Are you in same occupation as ................................(the host)

9) Current trends in art or fashion.

10) Gossip about famous people. ( Keep in comical and not insulting)

Hopefully all these tips will allow you to have an easier time looking for a small talk topic.

Be well-read and well-informed about a host of topics. You have heard it said that it pays to read a lot and it is true - if you know a lot about different topics, you can easily conduct a conversation with people from different backgrounds. It will not be so hard to find a small talk topic then.
Keep the flow of the conversation on a casual keel. You might panic if the conversation takes on a very deep tone, such as when you are talking about politics or business, because then it becomes harder to find common ground that you can agree. Topics should be light, hopefully cheerful, so that you will be able to bond better with the other attendees.

Avoid controversial topics. Controversial topics might only put the other person on the defensive. Also, you and the other person might be on opposite sides of the issue.

BOW TIES AND POCKET SQUARES! etc. etc. etc.

As you all know that I am an advocate of the bow tie. I'm not going to go into full details about why. I have done that before.

Nevertheless, I am telling you all that men must wear a pocket square when wearing a suit or spot coat. It just takes the sport coat to another level. A level that many are fearful of. I have acquired more than 100 pocket squares and bow ties.

So, I say all this to beg of you to learn to tie manual bow ties and invest in pocket squares.

Ciao until later.

Etiquette 101 ............. CELL Phone Usage

Don't you just hate it when people are on their cellular phones,and speaking as if they learned how to whisper in a helicopter.

What prompted this post was while waiting taxing on the aircraft this guy next to me whips out his cellular phone and commences to have a full blown out meeting. Everyone in the entire aircraft could here him even in coach.

So, what I did to quail his verbal blog. I started chuckling. That got his attention. Then I just plastered an innocent smile on face and he got the message. So, here are a few rules for cell phone usage. TAKE NOTES!

2. One was just stated.............. Never use your phone at a dining table.

3. Try not to use your phone while on a date, or even text while the other party runs to the restroom. They will assume that you are checking in with someone else.

4. CHURCH, masjid, synagogues, weddings, theaters, funerals,.................. Your phone should be on silent.

5.Allow your calls to go to voice mail when handling transactions.

6. If you are in the presence of a group you do not have to answer the phone all the time. Just simply excuse yourself. My all time favorite is stop nursing your phone while out with friends. You are at a lounge and you go into withdrawl because your phone is not lighting up like the Vegas strip. Just get over it. ABSORB THE MOMENT!


If you are still using a flip phone, then take a look at these.
Here are some of the latest cell phones I think are hot---ola!
ASK YOURSELF THIS? Could you survive 5 hours with this device?

Miami! Miami! Miami!

I needed a little break from the cold of the city. So, I decided to do a little schelp to the subject matter. What a joke! The flight was really crowded. However, It was a pretty smooth one. Thank God!
I have come to the complete and total understanding that the economy has had an impact on all of us. I have become bff's with my crock pot and my housekeeper has been placed on sebactical.
I say all this to support that even Miami has had cut backs. Legendary night spot Mansion made an attempt to get $70 for entry to a half full venue. Prive' had more black jackets than patrons and Jerry's ( the diner or Collins) was empty as well. Tomorrow is another night and day!

Welcome to the White House!

Greetings ALL,I hope that this wonderful day has found you and your loved ones happy and pleased with all the world has offered. I am presently examining the DVR of the events in Washington D.C.
Now to the good stuff. LOL! I was asked to participate in a photo shoot.Hey given the fact that I was not asked to participate in the inaguration. I leaped at the opportunity. It was one of best I have done.There are few photos posted.
Someone recently asked me about cardigans. I used to loathe them. I could not understand the purpose. Now it is one of my favorite items. Really it is. However, everyone can't do them. Please stay in your lane. There is a certain attitude that must be established when wearing one.
I was in Ralph Lauren recently and one of the employees complimented me on my full length shearling. She said, "Not everyone could wear that!" She then went on to share that wearing Ralph Lauren is a lifestyle. I concurred. Some of you have still not gotten that embedded in your thoughts. Fashion is a lifestyle not something to toyed with.
OK! OK! I will simmer. I don't want to establish a somber moment on this great day. Ciao! ALways remember that "fashion is a luxurious necessity!"

I'm Back by POPULAR DEMAND! with VUITTON BAGS IN HAND!

That's right! I am back. I was meditating on the fact of whether I wanted to keep this blog going. WHY? There were so many faux bloggers who thought that they had what it takes to do my thing. Nevertheless, I am back .
I have read some blogs that are just trash. I mean they are chatting about frivolous things like BBQ's ( WHO EATS THERE?! !!!) I would not be caught dead in that spot. OH BBQ's is a place where people like to eat in the city. See how nice creatively stated this not so fine dining establishment. WOW ! I am a mess.

Let me set you all up with the must haves right away. How much I dislike that Vuitton Speedy, they have decided to reissue the graffiti from 2001. Praise the Lord! Check it out under Stephen Sprouse collection at Vuitton.com You know I got the sneakers for and a T-shirt.


Christian Louboutin is having a sale. 40% off. Hey,! it is a recession. Nevertheless, I am done for now. I have to run to the gym and get my spiritual, mental and physical in place. YES! I get my worship on the treadmill. The mental has to be there as well. Wait! the physical is awesome! Why? Don't ask! I have a photo shoot tomorrow. I will post the pics.

P.S. I have included a few photos of My day on Nov. 4,2008.
Went to vote. wearing Thom Browne( I am mess!) I then wore a bespoke denim suit when I schlepped to Harlem to share the next to Chicago experience, where I cried like a new born.

Always remembe, Fashion is a Luxurious Necessity!