(Sigh of relief) finally finally finally [hip-hop] music is getting good again– and no I’m not talking about Drake, Kid Cudi, or even Wale (those guys are all really cool) I’m moreso speaking of the Bobby Ray’s and Theophilus London’s of the world– the artists with the unique versatile sounds.
Theophilus London first grabbed my attention when I heard his remix to Solange’s “Sand Castle Black x Blue” a year or so ago. Since then I’ve been secretly addicted… a few of my favorites from his charming mixtape: “Want You for Myself” (Peter Hadar featuring Theophilus London), “Grey X Sage” (his remix to the international hit Sabali), and “Always Love You” (a poppy electronic version of Whitney Houston’s hit song).
And now on May 31st:
Well, I’ve spent the last three weeks entranced with his latest mixtape, I Want You. Between his new album and Janelle Monae’s The ArchAndroid, minus a few rounds of Ella, Sammy, and Frank, it seems like the new-wave of music is all my itunes player knows. (Oh and Lykke Li has been getting alot of play too)
His cover of Marvin Gaye’s “I Want You”, Tweets “Oops”, and the mysteriously erotic beats of “Soles Of Fire (Chauffeur)” float around in my top three. (The first 57 seconds of Soles Of Fire, can’t be described as anything but sexy, the beat goes hard and it’s also very sexy). Matter of fact, just listen to it yourself…
Theo’s style can’t just be categorized as hipsterish… it’s more like a direct ode to the past, 96% vintage 4% new school. He likes layers– lots of em, swanky college or NBA snap-backs (90s style), blazers, button ups, jean outerwear, corduroys, classic frames (he usually sports brown tortoise shell by Oliver Peoples, clubmasters, or classic clear wayfarers), and whichever kicks complete his raw vintage 70s/90s look. Mr.London’s style is actually reminiscent of past local urban gentleman Curran Swint.
To authentically get Theophilus’s style you’d have to spend your days in vintage and thrift stores and on sites like etsy and ebay. And I know its often hard to dig through the thousands of threads these stores have, but you have to get in the mindset of shopping there like it’s the only option you have, lol. Once you lock-down on that mindset it’ll be much easier to have visions for the clothing these stores offer (and it wouldn’t hurt to have some inspiration photos in your pocket or on your phone).
well you can scoop his look below:
Complex Mag had one of the freshest Theophilus spreads,
They sort of created a refined version of his look…
And as far as his album, well…
Zebra ‘Louis’ and Boot.
If you’re gonna give us Men’s Louboutin This is what we’re looking for, some down right elegantly unique luxury shoes.
All the gentlemen wardrobe/styling books tend to avoid the topic of men in sandals. And when a book does mention it, it’s either sternly against it or indirectly snubs it. A friend told me that he once read a rule in Esquire Mag that stated, “You lose 61 percent of your respect for a man when you can see his toes through his shoes.” (or something like that).
With that said, plenty of well dressed gentlemen opt for a luxe pair of sandals when in sunny Rio de Janeiro, vacationing in Jamaica, or simply strolling through the cobblestone streets of Sicily. So, now you may ask– what’s the final verdict, can me wear sandals or not?
The Traditional -vs- The Nontraditional
The hipster urban gents can get away with just about anything
But whether traditional or nontraditional, flip-flops on the beach are just common sense. And sandals are just apart of life for the Urban Gents from island countries.
Disclaimer: If you are choosing to wear sandals, then please get a pedicure. There’s nothing worse than a man wearing sandals with unkempt feet. Make sure your toenails are cut and feet are moisturized, for more help go here.
Spring/Summer 2010 Fashion Shows:
Other articles to help prepare you for summer:
How To Keep Cool in the Summer
Summer Rolls
He first caught our eye on Disney’s Even Stevens as a mischievous teenager and ultra annoying younger brother. Then his overall “swag” changed to the world on July 3, 2007 when he starred in the blockbuster hit Transformers…
Shia LaBeouf In Cannes, France promoting his new movie,
Wall Street: Movie Never Sleeps
After Transformers, there was Indiana Jones, then Eagle Eye. And I must say, that’s where Mr.LaBeouf truly metamorphized in my eyes. About an hour into Eagle Eye I said to myself, “Hmmm, this guy has really grown up”, as he went from the lil’ kid on Even Stevens to the handsome action-movie stud who has a secret taste for island chicks, lol (ie. Rihanna,). Then there was Transformers II, and in his latest film, Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps, he just, well, he just exemplifies the looks of an Urban Gentleman.
Tie by Ralph Lauren Black Label.
Shia’s charisma, comedic charm, and seemingly bad boy behavior keeps us all captivated… and patiently awaiting his next move.
Cardigan by J.Crew. Shirt by Band of Outsiders.
Tie by Ralph Lauren Black Label. Sneakers by Converse. Socks by Adidas.
Tie by Ralph Lauren Black Label. Jeans by Ksubi. (photo here and above by GQ)
The Style of Shia LaBeouf
Casual or Dressy Shia gives it to us old-school cool from the skinny ties to skinny jeans and characterized canvas lo-tops.
Casual:
Get the Look:
Shia LaBeouf and girlfriend/co-star Carey Mulligan
Shia and Michael Douglas
Gucci ‘loafing’ on the set of his movie.
His casual ensemble in France is much different than his casual style in Cali. Shia wears a basic blue button-down, black sweater, black jeans, and black oxfords.
Get the Look:
Wool suit, $518, by Club Monaco.
Shirt by Spurr. Tie by Band of Outsiders.
Shia filling up his ‘Heavy Chevy’
Shia has had several surgeries on his left hand
(that’s why its in bandages in so many photos)
7 for all Mankind: Men’s Sale, save up to 40%
7 for all Mankind: Free Shipping on orders over $150
Converse: Save up to 40%.
G-Shock: G-shock Watch Sale.
Footwear Sale:
Sneakers
Boots
Shoes
Footwear Sale.
Lots More stupendously great sales below…
(long and short sleeves)
Famous Footwear, up to 50% off
Finish Line, sale on men’s shoes.
(Jordans, All-stars, Lacoste, etc).
(for example: another suit, 2 dress shirts, tie, shoes)
plus free shipping.
- All suits: But 1, get 1 Free. Plus 2 dress shirts and 2 ties.
- Buy 1, Get 1 Free: Sportshirts, pants, linen pants/shorts,
sport coats, tuxedo separates, and polos
Jordan 60-Plus was $150, now 89.97
(plus 20% off with code below).
Mankind Grooming, Free Offers
(Giorgia Armani, MenScience, Men-U, and more)
Shopping for your kid brother?
2 for $15 here.
Big and Tall sale items.
Free Next Day deliver (for UK readers).
