This weeks featured Local Urban Gentleman is Rashon Carraway. With his bow-ties and well-fitted ensembles, I’d say he fits the bill of a modern day dandy… maybe the ever-so-slightly flamboyant kind 
We’re starting 2010 off on a high note, with one of the most stately Local Urban Gentlemen to date. He looks more like a Nordstrom men’s model than a student/lecturer… but I guess that’s the true making of an Urban Gentleman– innate versatility. Jason Simon is the first Urban Gentleman to exclusively represent New York, but he’s not just representing the state; he’s representing Brooklyn in particular, a place where more than half of its inhabitants seem to have a fetish for good taste and style. Jason not only offers us his above the bar elegance through his choice of words and style, but provides urban gentlemen around the world with quality examples on how to dress in the winter.
The Urban Gentleman is very proud to present, Jason Simon…
Button Collar Oxford Shirt, Belt, Down Vest, Shoes: Polo RL / Polo Sport
Jeans: Earnest Sewn; Denim Jacket: Diesel; Silk Knit Tie: J Crew;
Tie Bar: Vintage Swank, Duffel Bag: David King Boston; Beads: H&M
Tie Bar: Vintage Swank, Duffel Bag: David King Boston; Beads: H&M
Name: Jason Simon
Age: 24
Location: Brooklyn, NY
Occupation: Grad Student/Adjunct Lecturer
Style Icons: Gianni Agnelli, Sean Connery circa ‘James Bond’, Michael Caine circa ‘Alfie’, Harry Belafonte, Sidney Poitier, Malcolm X, JFK
Favorite Quote: “There is no better than adversity. Every defeat, every heartbreak, every loss, contains its own seed, its own lesson on how to improve your performance the next time.”- Malcolm X
Favorite Brands: Know what designer/ brands work for your style and body type and stick with them: Earnest Sewn, Ralph Lauren, Scotch & Soda, Cole Haan
Favorite Store: Century 21
Favorite Piece of clothing: Blue Bengal L/S Shirt
Bow tie or tie: When in doubt! Four in hand knot.
Flat front or pleated: Flat
Shades, hat, or scarf: Shades!
Ultimate goal: To have increased autonomy to contribute my energies and resources in places that warrant them most.
Favorite Books: Blink! M. Gladwell, The Apology of Plato Aristotle, Black is The New White P. Mooney
Hobbies: Traveling, Reading Periodicals, Thrift Stores,
Grooming product of choice: Andis T-Liner
Blazer, Khakis: Polo RL; Pocket Square: Robert Talbott
Hat: Weatherproof; Vest; Silk Knit Tie: J Crew; Gloves: Fownes; Duffel Bag: David King Boston
1. How would you describe your style?
Classic, functional, and above all, appropriate for my environments and activities.
2. How did you become so stylish?
Style is inward-driven. My style develops as I discover more about myself. I pull from what other folks are doing but my style begins and ends with me.
Beanie, Quilted Jacket, Shirt, Boots: Polo Ralph Lauren
Silk Knit Tie: RL Black Label; Gloves: Vintage Daniel Hayes
Jeans: Earnest Sewn; Duffel Bag: David King Boston
3. What advice would you give someone trying to find their personal style?
To thine own self be true. Forget trends, express yourself through what you wear, be appropriate for your spacings, function over fashion, and most of all, BE COMFORTABLE!
4. What’s the best clothing advice you ever received?
“The world is bigger than timberland boots”
The story behind the quote:
I was 19 going on 20 years old at the time I was in SoHo window shopping. I went into a few local boutiques like Union NYC (their store will show you how I was style wise at the time) because I was looking for a Leroy Jenkins floral hoodie. By chance and boredom I wandered into a small shoe store, a very non descriptive place. I saw that it sold footwear, but the pieces were too trendy/avant-garde for my taste. They had alot of pointed toe boots with different insignia’s and designs (very Mark Nason-esque). A little italian guy sized me up and down (i.e. for those who step into high end stores as consumers sales associates are taught to look at your feet first.) I’ll never forget [what he said], I can quote his exact words til this day, “The world is bigger than Timberland boots”. It was not rude, he was trying to be helpful (I was wearing a pair of beeswax 6-inch premium boots at the time). I replied “I know” and promptly left the store, but that comment resonated with me more so at the time because I had 4 different colors of size 13 Timberland, and those were only the ones good enough to be in the rotation.
Blazer: Scotch & Soda, White Dress Shirt: Ike Behar, Hat: Weatherproof
Shoes: Frye, Jeans: Earnest Sewn; Pocket Square, Socks: Robert Talbott
Tie, Belt: Polo RL Blue Label
(a small letter of appreciation from Jason to the Urban Gent editors)
Dear [Urban Gentleman],
Your advice helped a pal of mine buy his first bespoke suit in Hong Kong. He is a heavy set guy; he played as a college linebacker for the past four years, is about the graduate in May, and wanted to step away from LRG for his life as a professional. The tips you posted guided him to a sound choice insofar as cut, detail i.e. double vented and color.
- Jason
Jason in Hong Kong. He just returned to the USA not too long ago.
Trench: Club Monaco; Shirt: Scotch & Soda;
Tie, Belt, Pants: Polo Ralph Lauren
What’s the esteemed Urban Gentleman manifesto/decree: “The Urban Gentleman is the modern gentleman, he is a man of style, class, culture…” In order to sufficiently become a cultured gentleman, one must travel when the opportunity avails itself. For the readers who are still students, please take advantage of the Study Abroad programs at your school. Explore the many countries in South/Central America, Africa, and Asia– indulge in their bountiful culture, try to learn their language. Take summer internships overseas if possible… if you are American go over to Europe perhaps London, Paris, or Milan if possible and vice versa. Don’t bankrupt yourself traveling, but seek programs that will extricate most of the costs.
Get a piece of Jason’s look:
Are you the next Local Urban Gentleman?
Answer the questions above and submit them to
urbangentblog @ gmail.com
along with 4 or more stylish pictures.
Answer the questions above and submit them to
urbangentblog @ gmail.com
along with 4 or more stylish pictures.
Our newest Local Urban Gentleman can simply be defined as classic. Classic style, taste, and interest. His name is Tk Usayiwevu and he like Local Gent alumni Pat Wolinski, Steven Powell, and L.David Stewart, hails from the great city of Chicago. Sometimes… actually, alot of times style isn’t about how flashy you are or what designer threads you wear- its about having the innate ability to exhibit the confidence you have through the clothing you wear. It’s easy to spot a person who’s trying to make up for their insecurities through alot of extra accessories and flashy clothes. It’s also easy to spot a man who naturally has confidence and style- that’s exactly what we have here.
Presenting, Tk Usayiwevu…
Name: Tk Usayiwevu
Age: 17
Location: Chicago, Illinois
Occupation: Student
Style Icons: John Legend, Kanye West, Pharrell
Favorite Quote: “Seeking attention and approval only shows how weak and insecure you are, instead, be yourself…improve yourself and have resilience all the time..”
Favorite Brands: Ralph Lauren, Brooks Brothers, Calvin Klein, Guess, Lacoste, D&G
Favorite Store: Brooks Brothers, Lacoste, Joseph A. Banks
Favorite Piece of clothing: Chinos
Bow tie or tie: Slim Tie
Flat front or pleated: Pleated
Shades, hat, or scarf: shades and scarf
Ultimate goal: Be the best there is…
Favorite Books: Portrait of Dorian Gray, Great Gatsby, Catcher In The Rye
Hobbies: Photography, Music, Singing, Dancing, Acting, Modeling, Sketching
Grooming product of choice: Cologne
1. How would you describe your style? Classically original, and mostly flexible.
2. How did you become so stylish? Icons and media usually are the beginning but then later on you realize there is more in grooming and looking gentlemanly each and every day. It shows class, style, and confidence.
3. What advice would you give someone trying to find their personal style? It’s good to experiment after you’ve have the gist of other styles, but don’t go overboard. With everything there is a limit…
4. What’s the best clothing advice you ever received? Don’t buy the first item you see in one store..look around first at least 5 other stores for both prices and quality. Never look stuffy, and always dress accordingly..
Are you the next Local Urban Gentleman?
Answer the questions above and submit them to
urbangentblog@gmail.com
along with 4 or more stylish pictures.
Answer the questions above and submit them to
urbangentblog@gmail.com
along with 4 or more stylish pictures.
I know late August/early September is a very busy time for people, but it’s also a time in which many of you up your wardrobe by 5-20%. Meaning there’s usually a boost in confidence and style… we want to see! So if you have the style, the attitude, and great pictures to match be sure to submit yourself as the next Local Urban Gentleman.
Send 4 stylish pictures to urbangentblog @ gmail.com
And answer the questions below…
Name:
Age:
Location:
Occupation:
Style Icons:
Favorite Quote:
Favorite Brands:
Favorite Store:
Favorite Piece of clothing:
Bow tie or tie:
Age:
Location:
Occupation:
Style Icons:
Favorite Quote:
Favorite Brands:
Favorite Store:
Favorite Piece of clothing:
Bow tie or tie:
Flat front or pleated:
Shades, hat, or scarf:
Ultimate goal:
Favorite Books:
Hobbies:
Grooming product of choice:
1. How would you describe your style?
2. How did you become so stylish?
3. What advice would you give someone trying to find their personal style?
4. What’s the best clothing advice you ever received?
I’m super excited to introduce our newest local urban gentleman. His name is Jamie McFarland and he hails from England, United Kingdom! Yesss, finally, the FIRST non-American local gent (round of applause)… I heart it. His style game is sick, and he’s definitely one of my favorites thus far- you’ll know why after you see his pictures. Oh, and did I mention he’s from England, that’s right I did Without further adieu…
Without further adieu…
Presenting, Jamie Ryan McFarland…
someone’s been paying attention, Jamie exhibits the hautest trendsof this year… rolled cardigan, skinny jeans, gold chains,
heart brooch, all seamlessly combined in a subtle way.
My favorite part of this look? the gold chains.
why? well because its the little things that go a long way,
Jamie wears 2 different sized chains- a thin herringbone and medium cuban
He chooses to wear them under his shirt.
This helps to focus and fine-tune the look.
If he had worn them over the shirt it would take away from the
red brooch and the chains would perhaps appear too “blingy”.
Name: Jamie Ryan McFarland
Age: 20
Location: England, UK
Occupation: Student
Style Icons: Taz Arnold, Gok Wan, Kayne West
Favorite Quote: It is better to regret something that you’ve done, rather than something you haven’t.
Favorite Brands: Its not about the brand, its how you rock it!
Favorite Store: Topman
Favorite Piece of clothing: Denim Jacket
Bow tie or tie: Bow Tie all the way!
Age: 20
Location: England, UK
Occupation: Student
Style Icons: Taz Arnold, Gok Wan, Kayne West
Favorite Quote: It is better to regret something that you’ve done, rather than something you haven’t.
Favorite Brands: Its not about the brand, its how you rock it!
Favorite Store: Topman
Favorite Piece of clothing: Denim Jacket
Bow tie or tie: Bow Tie all the way!
Flat front or pleated: Flat
Shades, hat, or scarf: Shades!
Ultimate goal: To become recognised for something I am good at and enjoy…
Favorite Books: Twilight
Hobbies: Shopping, Swimming, Raving (Clubbing/Partying), Drinking
Grooming product of choice: Hair Gel
Shades, hat, or scarf: Shades!
Ultimate goal: To become recognised for something I am good at and enjoy…
Favorite Books: Twilight
Hobbies: Shopping, Swimming, Raving (Clubbing/Partying), Drinking
Grooming product of choice: Hair Gel
simple summer dandy.the blazer. the shorts. the white boat shoes. the brown braided belt.
everything gets a check mark in my book.
jamie made these perfect summer jean shorts by cutting a pair
of jeans and rolling the edges- very clever.
1. How would you describe your style?
I would say my style is eclectic, I like taking different styles and merging them together then adding my own touch.
I would say my style is eclectic, I like taking different styles and merging them together then adding my own touch.
2. How did you become so stylish?
Ever since I was young, I had always went with the fashion, but in the past 3-4 years I have purposely tried to achieve a specific style of my own and one that suits me.
3. What advice would you give someone trying to find their personal style?
Wear what you like, as long as you feel comfortable. Try to make a statement, however keep in mind that some times less is more! – but that doesnt mean less clothes and walk around naked lol!
4. What’s the best clothing advice you ever received?
“Wear clothes that bloody fit!!”
What I like most about Jamie’s style is the versatility. One minute he looks like a polished hipster, the next a traditional dandy, then a trendy urbanite. He even changes the style of his hair…. seriously they’re different in every picture- who does that? I’ll tell you who- cool people, lol. One of my best friends gets his hair a tad different every time he cuts it… he has 3 main looks – caesar, high-top fade, and tapered. (His hair texture is similar to Jamies, but a bit thicker)… Hmmm this inspires me to do some hair articles for you guys…
Get Mr.McFarland’s Look….
Dee & Ricky Heart Badge, $60, click here.
Dee & Ricky Heart Badge, $60, click here.
Levi’s Jeans Jacket, $68, click here.
I think I’d go as far as saying these two items or similar items are essentials in an urban gentleman’s wardrobe these days. I’ve been getting alot of emails about jean jackets, so I searched some online stores and placed a few in The Urban Gent Store, check them out here.
Are you the next Local Urban Gentleman?
Answer the questions above and submit them to
urbangentblog @ gmail . com
along with 4 or more stylish pictures.
Now that Jamie has broken the ice for the non-Americans I expect to see more entries from you guys… so Canada, South America, all the guys who email me from Japan, China, Australia, etc, yes all of you- I hope to be featuring you soon
This weeks featured Local Urban Gentleman is Pat Wolinski. Yet again another Chicagoan with style (the third so far… the midwest and south represent strong- the west coast and northeast are slacking a bit…). Mr.Wolinski is an urban gent currently transitioning styles. Traditionally known for his cool hair and graphic tees, he’s now developing his own style… which consists of slim cuts that pay ode to old-school looks.
Presenting Pat Wolinski….
Name: Pat Wolinski
Age: 18
Location: Chicago, Illinois
Occupation: Student
Style Icons: Pharrell, Kayne West
Favorite Quote: Dress to be respected, respect is earned.
Favorite Brands: Brooks Brothers, DKNY
Favorite Store: Brooks Brothers
Favorite Piece of clothing: White V-Neck
Bow tie or tie: tie
Flat front or pleated: flat
Shades, hat, or scarf: hat
Ultimate goal: To live life to it’s fullest.
Favorite Books: The Great Gatsby
Hobbies: Shopping, Photography, Dancing, Working out.
Grooming product of choice: Hair Gel
Age: 18
Location: Chicago, Illinois
Occupation: Student
Style Icons: Pharrell, Kayne West
Favorite Quote: Dress to be respected, respect is earned.
Favorite Brands: Brooks Brothers, DKNY
Favorite Store: Brooks Brothers
Favorite Piece of clothing: White V-Neck
Bow tie or tie: tie
Flat front or pleated: flat
Shades, hat, or scarf: hat
Ultimate goal: To live life to it’s fullest.
Favorite Books: The Great Gatsby
Hobbies: Shopping, Photography, Dancing, Working out.
Grooming product of choice: Hair Gel
1. How would you describe your style? Old- School with a modernized touch.
2. How did you become so stylish? It used to be a decent pair of pants and a graphic tee, slowly I started to transition because I wanted to be unique, more different ..have my own look. I started to admire the old-school look.
3. What advice would you give someone trying to find their personal style? Your style will always look best on you and only you!
4. What’s the best clothing advice you ever received? Don’t go out and shop where everyone else does, find your own thing. Be unpredictable.
Are you the next Local Urban Gentleman?
Answer the questions above and submit them to
urbangentblog@gmail.com
along with 4 or more stylish pictures.
Answer the questions above and submit them to
urbangentblog@gmail.com
along with 4 or more stylish pictures.
Presenting Rashon Carraway…
Name: Rashon Carraway
Age: 25
Location: Rock Hill, SC
Occupation: Health Benefits Educator for a major Healthcare Provider
Style Icons: Fonzworth Bentley and Andre 3000
Favorite Quote: n/a
Favorite Brands: Polo Ralph Lauren, Banana Republic and Nezlan
Favorite Store: Nordstrom
Favorite Piece of clothing: Vintage Leather Jacket
Bow tie or tie: bow tie
Flat front or pleated: Flat front
Shades, hat, or scarf: hat
Ultimate goal: To have lived the life required when I see Jesus.
Favorite Books: It’s actually a short story by a Russian writer called, “The Bet” by Anton Checkov
Hobbies: Reading, Shopping, and Sleeping
Grooming product of choice: Portable Shaver.
Rashon gives us a close-up of his combination skills, very dapper indeed1. How would you describe your style? Traditional mixed with edgy contemporary.
2. How did you become so stylish? I was in middle school and became frustrated because my parents could not afford the latest brands and styles my cohorts were wearing. So I caught a glimpse of some of my cohorts wearing khakis and polo shirts. Since then, my style has evolved. I am an avid shopper of Goodwill, Thrift Stores, Vintage Stores and the Salvation Army. At least one piece of garment I’m wearing is vintage.
3. What advice would you give someone trying to find their personal style? My advice is the advice I give when I consider outfitting a home. Clip magazine articles of the style you like and the people wearing it…look at them…you clipped them for a reason. Now go buy what you like and put it on. Its personal…Its your style.
4. What’s the best clothing advice you ever received? Try to find what no one else is wearing…
Want to see more of Rashon’s dandy style?… check out him out HERE.
Are you the next Local Urban Gentleman?
Answer the questions above and submit them to
urbangentblog@gmail.com
along with 3 or more stylish pictures.
Answer the questions above and submit them to
urbangentblog@gmail.com
along with 3 or more stylish pictures.
***And, umm, well thus far it seems as if all the stylish gents are southern bred- Atlanta, Texas, North Carolina, now South Carolina…. I get emails from people all over the world- so I want you guys to send in your photos too!
