Throw It In The Bag.

 

Being a lover of “exclusive” bags on women, I decided I’d introduce you (or re-introduce for those in the know…) to a great bag label, Anya Hindmarch. Founded a few years ago by Great Britain native Anya Hindmarch, the bags have quickly becomse all the rage, with fans such as Scarlett Johansson, Claudia Schiffer, Madonna, and Angelina Jolie. Hindmarch designs bags for the woman who does it all, creating a Day Collection (comprised of satchels, hobos, totes, etc.) and a Night Collection (elegant clutches). Additionally, she also designs custom bags for clients, a la the Bespoke Ebury Collection (Embossed croc example above). Take a look:

And now the Night Collection…

I dig the Boho-Chic flair that Hindmarch has incorporated into some of her designs. It adds a slight touch of flair. I will say, some of the designs do feel a bit dated, but the spots of color bring them up to date. Additionally, The Bespoke Ebury collection is a great and alternative selection for those looking to invest in, say a Hermes Birkin bag. The bag’s price starts at around $1700, SEVERELY undercutting the Birkin, which can command prices in the tens of thousands of dollars, as well as a lengthy waiting list. Sure, one would say that the Ebury isn’t in the Birkin’s ballpark, but if you’re looking for an affordable, custom-crafted bag, go for the Ebury!

Stay Classick!

JoeCouture.

I’m A Unisex-ist.

“I STARTED IMAGINING CLOTHES THE SAME WAY I STARTED CREATING IMAGES: WITH A SENSE OF CURIOUSITY & INNOCENCE DRIVEN BY MY NO-BACKGROUND BACKGROUND. NO SCHOOL. NO TEACHERS. NO TELLY. NO BOUNDARIES. NO FORMATTING. I LIKE THE IDEA OF A WORLD THAT WE CAN LIVE AND SHAPE BY OURSELVES, ONLY BY OBSERVING. EACH OUR OWN. MY CLOTHES HAVE ERUPTED FROM THIS WORLD OF MINE. THEY ARE ASEXUAL, ASEASONAL, THEY COME FROM NO PLACE, NO TIME, NO TRADITION, YET THEY CAN BE HOME ANYWHERE, ANYTIME. THEY EXUDE A SENSE OF DISCREET CHIC, THE ESSENCE OF TIMELESS STYLE, DRAWN ON A MONOCHROMATIC AND GRAPHICAL CANVAS. PALETTE OF BLACKS, TOUCHES OF PURE GRAYS AND INTENSE BLUES. SOPHISTICATED MODERN CLASSICS FOR ANTI-CONFORMIST INDIVIDUALS.”

-Rad Hourani

Is it me, or is there something extra cool about a unisex clothing line??

Rad by Rad Hourani is a unisex line made of stylish, androgynous designs. Unlike most other unisex collections, this one actually works and doesn’t make either gender look too questionable (aside from those darn shoes
). Are you man/woman enough?? Check it out.

more THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS.

Recording Genius.

If you think this is a cell phone you are sadly mistaken. This little piece of technology is the future. It’s Kodak’s brand new, hi-def pocket camcorder. Equipped with 1080p recording, image stabilization and a slew of other new features, the Zi8 overpowers the current market-leading Flip UltraHD. Ready for direct YouTube and Facebook uploading, putting HD video online has never been easier.

The Kodak Zi8 will be available this September in three colors: aqua, raspberry and black. Retail is set at $179 and is  now available for pre-order from Amazon.com. Check out more below.

CoutureSteez Out!!!

Atlantis Made Real

If all goes well, by the end of this year, we will no longer have to read the story of Atlantis and wonder what life was like underwater. Once the Hydropolis Underwater Hotel and Resort opens off the coast of Dubai, we will have a modern taste at what the “Underworld” has to offer…

Designed by Prof. Roland Dieterle, The Hydropolis will be the world’s first underwater luxury resort. It will sit 66 feet below the surface of the Persian Gulf, right off the Jumeira Beach in Dubai. The complex, composed of three sections- The welcoming land station, connecting transport tunnel for the train, and the resort itself- will be spread over an area roughly the size of London’s Hyde Park. According to parent company, Crescent Hydropolis Resorts (via Wikipedia… The site is under construction), The resort will be a 10-star hotel. Room rates are expected to start at about 5grand per night.

Dubai has been going bananas with these resorts springing up, with sail-shaped buildings, island resorts shaped like a palm leaf, and even another that’s supposed to be modeled after the map of the world! But this underwater thing… Hmm. I’m not too sure about that yet. I know, I know… you only live once right?!? But, I would have to wait a while before I make it there. How about you?!? Would you drop that 5grand or more for an underwater adventure?!?

Stay Classick!

JoeCouture.

Gentlemen Get Groomed

In this month’s issue of GQ Magazine, the Conde Nast Publication did a feature about neat hairstyles for men, one of those being the “Neo-fro” as epitomized by Kid Cudi- a style I’m going for currently, though I’m starting to reconsider that (Some things aren’t for everyone… Though I don’t look bad at all!). Rather than take the entire article- besides, Cudi was the only African American featured- I’d figure I would offer my own hair grooming tips:

1. If you don’t have him/her (yes fellas, females can cut, and from my experience, well), GET A LEGIT BARBER.

2. For everyday upkeep, get a hard, medium, and soft hairbrush. The soft is for the days following your cut, provided it’s cut low. The medium brush is used as your hair grows. And if you’re at the hard brush stage, it’s about that time to invest in a cut.

3. Long gone are the days of “Blue Magic” Hair Grease and “Luster’s Pink Oil.” Step it up to a hair mosturizer, such as ” Shea Butter Moisturizer by Fantasia IC.” I’ve just started using it, and I’m a fan already. For guys with “The Cudi” or something similar, all you have to do is apply, style, and go. It helps the hair to retain moisture, as well as give it a nice luster.

4. I don’t need this much, but if it applies, there’s nothing wrong with getting a line-up weekly. I honestly shouldn’t have to remind you of that.

5. If you’re sporting facial hair, keep it tight! There’s nothing more unsightly than wild, unkept facial hair. Especially if you’re considering good employment. Facial hair is to be treated like the hair on your dome. It should actually compliment the style, not take away from it. Act accordingly!

Anymore tips, feel free to add!

Stay Classick!

JoeCouture.

Hollywood Muscle: Rebels Without a Cause.

 

So, when I spoke with my esteemed colleague, CoutureSteez, about doing Hollywood posts devoted to men in the town- thus spawning the Hollywood Muscle features- I immediately thought of iconic actor James Dean. Sure, as an African American, we have such icons as Paul Roberson and Sidney Poitier, but I honestly don’t find anyone, black or white, who’s more iconic than Mr. Dean, even to this very day. Dying at the tender age of 24 (a pic of Dean and the infamous Porsche 550 aka “Little Bastard” below), James gained a cult following, despite only starring in 3 films, “East of Eden,” “Giant,” and his most famous work, “Rebel Without a Cause.”Dean is so famous, that he was honored with an Oscar twice! So, thinking about the James Dean of today, there was really only one person that came to mind… Can you guess who he is…?

Still don’t have a clue?!? Come on, he’e probably in 3 of the movies in your DVD collection (directed more towards the ladies!)…

Drumroll… It’s…

Zac Efron!!! Staring in Disney’s High School Musical series, Efron has gained a cult following from females aged 2-92. I honestly feel that, with age, and some deeper, thought-provoking movie roles that’ll test his true potential, Zac may possibly become the James Dean of the 21st Century and beyond. Additionally, his style is very versatile, being able to adapt to whatever he’s handling for the day, whether it be a simple tee and jeans for the daily duties, or a tailored suit for the red carpet. He’s truly a figure of the emerging industry, something I like to call “Young Hollywood.” Here a are a few more looks at his shoot from April’s issue of GQ magazine…

 

Stay Classick!

JoeCouture.

Couture Cars: Not Your Grandfather’s Car.

No, this isn’t your Grandfather’s Buick- that big, gas-guzzling hearse he’s been driving faithfully since General Motors wasn’t owned by the American government. For you Philly people out there, this isn’t the “hood Buick” that about 100 of your friends have come to own. This is the all new, 2010 Buick LaCrosse, an indication of where the automaker is going. Lexus, get yourself ready for battle!

The LaCrosse is the second generation of the entry-level model, which made it’s debut in 2005, replacing the aging Century/Regal models. While the first generation was a great seller for Buick, I’m so expecting great things from this current model. Aimed at category mate, the Lexus ES, the LaCrosse comes equipped with a standard V-6 engine, producing 255hp. There’s another V-6 (this one is direct injected) as well,  pushing out 280 American thoroughbreds on tap. For you out there experiencing all weather conditions, it does come in All Wheel Drive form as well. Additionally, to further pull buyers away from the Lexus showrooms, the LaCrosse starts out under 30 grand.

Being a Philly kid to the core, I’ve always had a thing for Buicks, especially since they’re basically the most affordable “starter car” here in my city. But, I’ve never really looked at the company beyond that. However, if Buick/GM continues to produce models like the LaCrosse (FYI: Look out for what may be the next-gen Regal… I’m hearing great things!), I may have to reconsider pursuing a Japanese luxury marque!

How about you?!?

Stay Classick!

JoeCouture.

I Can’t Be Serious…

Yes, ladies and gentlemen, I’m so serious right now. For the longest, while I’ve held much hatred towards the “common Coach” bag- C’mon, you know those ugly, flimsy canvas bags with the C’s flooding every square inch of the bag- I’ve always maintained the leather company does produce some great, “uncommon” bags, such as those displayed in this post. This may get me in trouble with my colleagues @ UC (and possibly some of you), but I’m loving Coach‘s latest products, which fall under it’s “Boutique Exclusives” collection. Take a peek at a few examples (and my personal favorites):

So, I know that the styles I picked are a bit basic, possibly even dated, albeit presented in bold colors and materials, such as the sequined number pictured above… But I must say, they are a great alternative to the common Louis Speedy bags (real and fake) that have been flooding campus since I’ve been around Howard. Additionally, being a more “upmarket” Coach bag-in terms of looks and price- they’re not as flashy and, they’re staples that can go a long way… Remember ladies, this is a recession. You have to shop wisely now!

Any thoughts?!? Do share!

Stay Classick!

JoeCouture.