Tightly Laced Kicks 10.10.10.

I attended Tighly Laced Kicks 10.10.10, which was a sneaker exhibit of rare, and limited edition sneakers.

Alex Saavedra spear-headed this event, asking sneaker enthusiasts in the Greater Boston Area to submit their rarest, most eccentric sneaks. There was also some graffiti art on display, and some local talent performed that night.

As you can see, a man can be just as serious about his sneaker game, as a woman can be about her shoes! I never imagined sneakers could be so polished and sophisticated, viewing them as casual, and laid back, but these sneakers are so elaborate in design they are far from that!

 

Some of these sneakers are discontinued, special edition, or came in limited colors and sizes. Exclusivity is the name of the game; the rarer the sneaker is, the more valuable it can be! High demand could drive these sneaker prices through the roof! These sneakers came in amazing, vibrant colors, and were in mint condition. Who knew sneakers could be seen as pieces of art?

 

ARTWORK





It was amazing how artwork was incorporated into this sneaker exhibit! Sneakers, artwork, and performances worked together harmoniously to pay homage to the world of Hip Hop locally, and abroad.


 

 

What are your favorite sneaker brands?

Dita Deems Designers of "Fresh Baked Goods" Tastworthy

Tastworthy. (tays-t-wur-thee) adj: Any person, place, or thing, that Dita believes deserves honorable mention and is oozing with style and/or taste.

I must admit that I'm an avid sweet eater. But when I heard about Fresh Baked Goods, a clothing company that bakes the kind of sweets that would leave a man feeling "so fresh so clean", I just had to talk to one of FBG's creative masterminds, Marquis Thibodeaux, so I could satisfy my fashion "sweet tooth" for all things tastworthy.

So, I felt honored when he agreed to do an interview with me, just to answer some questions about the brand, it's concept, and even some advice Marquis could give to other young, aspiring designers.

Dita (Tastmakr): What is your background?

Marquis (FBG): I was born in Boston, MA, on November 15, 1988, and I went to several different schools while growing up, because I moved around alot. My mother was an artist and my father was a muscian/rapper.

Tastmakr: How did you come up with the FBG concept?

FBG: The idea of FBG wasn't mines. A friend from my first college I went to in North Carolina came to me with this idea of a clothing line called FBG cause he knew of my artistic skills. At first I didn't want to do it because of the "Johnny Cupcakes" concept in Boston, but then I just started to ease into it. I started to come up with ideas entirely on my own using my own artwork and cleverness. Then as it started to get bigger I started to figure out more things like creating a website and stickers and all kinds of things that I learned entirely on my own. When it first started out there was an original three: me, Dean Ross who came up with the idea, and another artist John Misshoun but things happened and Dean had to leave the group so FBG split into 2 parts, which is how Fresh Baked North and Fresh Baked South came about.

Tastmakr: Who is your target audience?

FBG: I dont really have a target audience just yet because it is still all so new, but so far the FBG line has attracted a hiphop/rocker crowd.

Tastmakr: What makes FBG stand out from, let's say, a company like Johnny Cupcakes?

FBG: To break it down from my point of view Johnny Cupcakes is more gimmick based; all of his t-shirts revolve around one type of image, which is the "cupcake"; basically when you name your brand around one specific thing there's only so many things you can do. Fresh Baked Goods revolves around so many things, not just food, but there are metaphors using slang, like "cake" means money, and you "bake a cake". Get it? lol. So there are so many ideas for my line and I try not to revolve around one thing. I like to change it up with every new design, while using street refrences, sarcasm, visuals, etc. so many things that can be used. Also from a product standpoint the graphics on the shirts are made with a special print that doesn't fade off over time, unlike other shirts.

Tastmakr: Where are you located? How can male customers purchase FBG merchandise?

FBG: Right now we are "street corner" based, using word-of-mouth to spread buzz about our product, and online-based, using social networking sites like Twitter, Facebook, and FBG's blog. I currently am located in Brockton/Boston, MA.

Tastmakr: Any role models? Who inspired you to design t-shirts and other apparel?

FBG: Pharrell Williams and Kanye West are my inspiration; they are multitalented!

Tastmakr: Any future plans for FBG? Where do you envision the company in 5+ years?

FBG: I like to stay in the present and not think that far into the future, that way I continue to build the company and make progress as I go along.

Tastmakr: What advice could you give to other young, aspiring designers/entrepreneurs?

FBG: Don't give up, and anything is possible.

Photos, courtesy of  Fresh Baked Goods

What a Man Should Have in His Closet

     I think a man's wardrobe should look quite different than it did when he was a boy growing up, because being a man requires more. His status in life has changed (or should have); He has more of an established career and should have an idea by now what he wants out of life. Therefore, he should have the means to make better choices in attire, and have acquired more sophisticated tastes in fashion than he had when he was in high school. (This is not true for some, to much disappointment, because I've noticed some men who still dress like they are sophomores in high school). Anyhow, here is a list of staples I believe should be in an adult male's closet.

1. A Suit. Oooooh, I love a man in a suit. There is nothing sexier than a man in a suit. He exudes power, confidence, prestige, and sophistication. Aside from that, there are certain events that men will attend that will require that he wears a suit (not to mention that it is very professional for a man to wear one to a job interview). Also, formal occasions may arise, such as a Christmas dinner party held at the Westin Hotel by the company he works for, a black-tie charity event  a wedding, funeral, church, etc.

2. Blazer. These are essential because they are staples to a man's wardrobe, as it is for a woman's wardrobe. It can be worn at work, or paired with denim for a casual yet sophisticated look when a man is on a date, out with friends, or at a function where suits aren't required, but looking "classy" is. (It sickens me to see men dressing like teenage boys (sagging or torn jeans, over-sized clothing, tight clothing, etc). Is it because he trying to hang on to his childhood, or "keep it real"? If a man wants to be taken seriously ( as a man) he needs to look the part.

3. Crisp button-up shirts. I think men should have these on-hand, not only for work, but also for the same reasons he would have a suit or blazers. There are some events that a man would be required to attend, that would call for a nice shirt and tie. A button-up shirt is simple, classic, and can be interchanged with a suit, or dressed casually with pants/denim, and a blazer. Sophistication is the key!!!

4. A great pair of Denim.  ( A great pair that fits, please!! Baggy and saggy is unattractive, unkempt, and shows lack of self-confidence; I also think "skinny" is not a good look on men, either! Oh no she didn't, OH YES I DID).

I think great denim serves the same purpose for men as it does women. Seven For All Mankind, Rock & Republic, and Rockawear make some very flattering denim for men. As I've stated to the women, "if you look good you will feel good".

5. Dress shoes.Just as there are certain types of clothing a man should wear for a given occasion, the same goes for footwear. Wing-tipped, square-toed, oxfords, loafers, gators (oh my!), or whatever style men prefer. It is important that a man's look is appropriate from head-to-toe.

6. Polo shirts. They are very simple, and casual, but more sophisticated than wearing a t-shirt.

7. Tie. I cannot say this enough; There are some events in a man's life that will demand he dress a certain way.

8. T-Shirts. These are excellent for layering and are a basis to just about any wardrobe (can be worn under a button-up shirt worn with a suit, or under a blazer and some trousers).

9. Trousers. Most jobs don't allow employees to wear pants, and trousers are casual and not as fancy as dress pants, or pants that are part of a suit. Even if a job allows a man to wear denim at work, at least try not to look like your 15-year-old nephew when you are wearing them.

10. Trench Coat. Simple, yet sophisticated. It can be worn to work, or to a formal function. The good thing about a trench coat, as well as the many other items on this list, is that it serves many functions and can be worn more than once. Most importantly, it can be cost-effective to have pieces that can be incorporated in more than one type of wardrobe.

Stores:  Brooks Brothers, Macys, H&M, Marshalls, Filene's Basement, Men's Wearhouse, Banana Republic

Photos: (Hugo Boss suit) www.italiancart.com ;(shirts) www.m80im.com ; (Rock & Republic denim) www.bombayharbor.com ;(Burberry trench coat) www.ecx.images-amazon.com

 

 

Men: How to Coordinate and Accessorize Winter Wear

     I sure hope that men don't think they are exempt from fashion. Although I notice there are some who do take care into what they wear, I have also noticed some who don't, which to me indicates that there is a lack of interest=lazy, or self confidence. But then again, there are some men out there who are virtually clueless. I'll try my best to not come down so hard on you blokes, but this is an issue that must be addressed (this blog is for you, Bossy; Thanks for being the leading man who follows my blog). Although we have finally come face-to-face with Old Man Winter (he's a bitter old geezer, isn't he?), it is just as important for men, as it is for women, to wear warm, yet fashionable clothing this season to counteract with this harsh winter.
     There are two important features of a man's winter wardrobe I would like to address: layering and textures of clothing that are appropriate, as well as key to a warm, stylish, yet simple wardrobe. Layering does not mean that you should look like the Good Year blimp wobbling down Commonwealth Ave. Layering not only allows for warmth, but once you get to your destination you can remove those layers accordingly (and appropriately, no stripteasing, leave that for the Chippendales). Anyway, let's begin with the bottom most layer, the undershirt or t-shirt (H&M,starting at $5.95). It is important, as well as sensible, to have an under layer of clothing against the torso in the winter time. Bottom line: unless you intend on getting cold in your bones and suffering from rheumatoid arthritic pain when you get older, then I say, don't wear an undershirt, be my guest.

     Also, the undershirt brings the entire look together, making it look polished and neat. Albeit a simple,  daytime look, a man will look like he put some thought into what he looked like before he left the house. Atop the innerwear could be either a long sleeved shirt or button-down. This layer should be appropriate enough to be exposed to the public. In other words, keep the thermal tops, or as my mother calls them "LCDs" or "long cotton drawers", underneath your clothing! No one should see your underwear, please, and thank you! Some men may even prefer to wear the thermals underneath a t-shirt, and then layer the shirt on top. Whatever works for you, as long as it is neat.
     Let's talk about what bottoms, or pants (cheap finds: H&M, starting at $19.90) that could be worn with this look. This also will tie into textures as well. Corduroys, denim (weekend or days off from work) or whatever casual pants you may choose. Just please, wear a belt, and please, please, please make sure the pants fit well! Other good textures of clothing that are suitable for winter: wool, cotton, cashmere and flannel. You can wear these textures in the form of sweaters, vests, sweat shirts or basic shirts. Textures are important because certain ones are appropriate for particular seasons. For example, wool is more suitable for the winter than it is for the summer.
     Winter accessories include hats, scarves, gloves/mittens, and outerwear, of course (cheap finds: Marshall's, H&M starting at $5.90). Although these items do not have to necessarily match in color, do make sure they complement each other. In other words, if you have a red scarf, make sure your other accessories complement the red scarf. If your scarf has designs, pull out a color in the scarf and have your hat or gloves match that. There is no excuse for having one green glove and one yellow glove. And don't give me that shit about  "I don't care, I just want to be warm" because you know you didn't buy the gloves as a pair that way, and you are too grown to be looking like a Nickelodeon reject.
     Outerwear: my friend recently scored a pea coat for $100 from Macys (I am so proud of him, I think a "movie" tear fell..that's one tear from one eye, work with me here! ). I personally think that men look distinguished, classy, and handsome in pea coats, but there are other forms of outerwear on the market. As long as you are warm and your coat isn't falling apart, you are golden. I work at H&M so you will see I have posted some pricing on here from that mass merchandiser. The cost of men's outerwear at H&M varies from $69.95-99.95. Because these coats are made of wool, and winter garments cost more to make, the pricing will be a bit higher. These prices are actually low for winter coats because at other retailers who specialize in menswear will be priced higher.

I hope this article/blog helps those men who need a bit of help when accessorizing winter wear. Feel free to comment or leave questions.