Extra Credit

Local Urban Gentleman Josh Savage, gives us a little something more for the schoolyard wardrobe.

Your seasonal staple fitted. It doesn't hurt to have one favorite fitted hat each season. And for the guys who don't wear fitted hats-- you may not have any in your closet now, but there will probably be atleast one weekend, or rainy afternoon, where you wish you had a nice fitted to just switch it a little a bit. Check out Fitted Hats.

Cardigans. One can never have too many cardigans, so it's okay to slightly stock up. They take you from Fall to Spring without a hitch, while making cameos during the Summer season.

More G Star...

T.U.G Idea: When buying a "varsity" type sweater, get one that doesn't boldly sport the designer's logo so that you can customize and authenticate it. Go to your campus bookstore and purchase a custom embroidered patch of your university's emblem. Then iron and sew it onto the sweater. Some of you are probably like, "what, sew!", lol. Well, if you don't want to sew it yourself then most dry cleaners (with tailoring services) will sew in on for a few bucks.

Simple Summer Style: Red & White

I meant to put this up in time for the 4th, but you can still rep the red and white since July is the unofficial red, white, and blue month.

(shirt: vintage, pants: J.Crew, shoes: Toms, hat: Rag &Bone)

Urban Gent Kanayo King keeps it simple with a red and white gingham button-up (though it may appear pink in the photo), white chinos, and his favorite summer shoes-- classic red Toms. And it all comes together with the fedora (brown with a red and white ribbon).

Get the Look:

More J.Crew...

Jeaned Up

Urban Gentleman Kanayo King
(shirt: Ralph Lauren, vest: vintage, jeans: RL, shoes: Converse)

We've combined a few trends to get this look: colorized, shades of blue, summer layers, and well, jean. Basically we've jeaned up urban gent Kanayo King, threw in some 'characterized' classic chucks, classic frames, and beaded accessories to top it all off.

Detailed Notes: These days when you opt for monochromatic or colorized, you can either keep it classic 80s with everything matching exactly or you can update it and add depth by varying the shade of the color you're wearing... we did the latter. We also mixed jean textures: chambray shirt, hard denim vest, and soft denim jeans-- this adds a sort of visual interest to the look and it gives it a bit of stylish ruggedness. (PS: The vest is actually a vintage jean jacket with the sleeves cut off).

Get the look:

More Converse...

Local Urban Gentleman: Curran Swint

At the start of the year we gave it to you guys classic urban gentleman style with Jason Simon. Now, it's time to switch it up, and display an urban gentleman who feels his uniqueness makes him stand out in any room. Local Urban Gentleman Curran Swint is from Philadephia, PA (an urban gent first! putting Philly on the map) and prides himself on mixing the traditional with the nontraditional. He's not only inspired by style icons such as Andre Benjamin, but attributes much of his unique style to the sartorial choices of the elders around him.

Presenting Curran Swint...

Down Vest: vintage custom House of Ra'oof; Denim shirt: Meezan Artcouture;

Pinstripe pants:  RCVA; Plaid Tennis shoes: Paul Smith

Name: Curran Swint

Age: 22

Location: Philadelphia, Pa

Occupation: Personal Stylist, Event/Party Promoter

Style Icons: Andre 300, Kanye West, Pharrell, My father, and close friends

Favorite Quote: If you're not trying to succeed you're not in my class

Favorite Brands: Dsquared2, Energie, Scotch & Soda, Meezan Artcouture, and Paul Smith

Favorite Store: Thrift stores, J.Crew, Barneys, Urban Outfitters, and Kamouflage Concept Store

Favorite Piece of clothing: Pinstripe pants


Bow tie or tie: Bow tie

Flat front or pleated: Flat front

Shades, hat, or scarf: All three. Accessories compliment the outfit, but if only one, a hat.

Ultimate goal: I want to live a happy and prosperous life as a stylist/designer, with a well developed clothing label and my own clothing store.

Favorite Books: The Noble Qur'an

Hobbies: Skating, Traveling, Bowling, Shopping, and Music enthusiast

Grooming product of choice: YSL Cologne

 Velor Blazer: vintage Members Only; Bag/Suitcase: Bally;

Green Glove: Lamb Skin; Merino Wool Turtleneck: Joseph and Lyman;

Pinstripe Pants: Energies; Glasses: Gucci; Wingtip Blutchers (shoes): Alfred Sargent

1. How would you describe your style? I'm a very versatile dresser with unique ideas on fashion. As fashion recycles itself, I am working to stay ahead of the trends.  I pride myself on being a unique individual and trendsetter, so you never really know what I might wear on any given day. It's just important to you have to be dare to be different.

2. How did you become so stylish? I always wanted to be different. I would rather stand out in a crowd than blend in, I therefore take risks as well as criticism for being myself, but that's what fashion is about-- taking risk. I also have always had older figures in my life who I looked up to because they were big fashion heads in their time, I feel as though they passed on the torch to me.

 

Leather Hunter Bag: customized vintage House of Ra'oof; White Skinnies: BDG;

Duffle Coat: Ralph Lauren; Glasses: Gucci; Sand Chukka Sneakers: Paul Smith

 

3. What advice would you give someone trying to find their personal style? When dressing be creative, dress in the colors and styles that best fits you. Look for styles and accessories that really speak to you. Essentially, just be yourself, don't dress to please everyone else, dress in a way that makes you feel good.  PS- Don't be a label whore. Just because its Gucci or Louis does not mean it's hot. Forget the labels and focus on the style.

4. What's the best clothing advice you ever received? When you're shopping don't worry about whether or not you have items to go with the clothing pieces, just buy what you like and everything will come together.

 

 Loafers: Ferragamo; Wool Scarf: vintage; Chinos: J.Crew;

Polo by Ralph Lauren Varsity Jacket

 Get a piece of Curran Swint's '70s Prep' 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.

Local Urban Gentleman: Jason Simon

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

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.

Always on the search for (stylish) Local Gentlemen.

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:

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?

Local Urban Gentleman: Jamie Ryan McFarland

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...

Presenting, Jamie Ryan McFarland...

someone's been paying attention, Jamie exhibits the hautest trends
of 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!

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 :D
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.

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.




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 :)

Local Urban Gentleman Pat Wolinski

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

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.

Local Gentleman: Rashon Carraway

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 :)

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 indeed

1. 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.

***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!

Local Urban Gentleman: Kendrack Lewis

This weeks featured Local Urban Gentleman is Kendrack Lewis. The moment I opened Kendrack's submission I was sold. His style is exactly what I envisioned when I initially created The Urban Gentleman-- polished, preppy, fallaciously easy... classic yet modern. I implore you all to take a few notes from one of the best dressed educators in Texas :)

Presenting Kendrack Lewis...

I love this look because it can be worn in so many ways.
Don't like the bow-tie? You could take it off and undo a few buttons.
Not a fan of the lime green? Wear light blue.
This look can be re-arranged and re-styled into something for any guy.
I really like the clean white pants (perfect for spring/summer)
with the white loafers worn sockless.
And I feel all well dressed gentleman should own atleast
one classic navy blazer with gold buttons

Name: Kendrack Lewis

Age: 25

Location: Houston, TX
Occupation: 7th Grade Teacher/ MPA Graduate Student

Favorite Quote: "If you look good, you'll feel good"
Style Icons: Kanye West, John Legend , Brad Pitt and George Clooney
Favorite Brands (up to 3): Zara, Express and Polo

Favorite Store: Goodwill ( Any thrift store)
Favorite Piece of clothing: Oxford Dress Shirt
bow-tie or tie: Bow-tie
flat front or pleated pants: Flat front
Shades, hat, or scarf: Shades
Description of favorite accessory: A very slim and sleek watch "Skagen" that's timeless and perfect for any occasion.
Ultimate career/life goal: To become a university professor and U.S. Senator

Favorite Book: Dreams From My Father

Hobbies: Basketball, Reading & Thrift store shopping

Grooming product of choice: Chrome by Azzaro & Mania by Armani

Take note of the layering and the color choices.
On the left, he has a simple black to white color palette and uses the red bow-tie for a splash of color. On the right, a charming chocolate and pink color palette. In both he plays with textures- from tweed to velor and does a great job creating a modernly dapper look.

1. How would you describe your style? A classic approach to a contemporary frame! I like to let my style speak for itself because the first impression is the last impression.

2. How did you become so stylish? Where did it come from or who inspired it? I wanted to break away from the normal everyday mainstream trends and fads, so I began redefining what my attire should look like. I am inspired by those who know every occasion presents an opportunity to fashionably express themselves.

I adore this ensemble because it shows how easy it is to have great style.
He pairs a simple navy jacket and pants with a white v-neck and leather moccasins- creating a very nice comfortable easy-going look.

3. What advice would you give someone trying to find their personal style? Rock what makes you feel comfortable! If you don't believe in it no one else will!

4. What's the best clothing advice you ever received? Wear your size !!! Not two sizes bigger, clothes are designed to fit you not hang off you!!!

Kendrack is also immaculately groomed- its very important to keep your hair (including facial hair) cut, trimmed, or styled. Maintain your skin and complexion by keeping it moisturized.


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.

Local Urban Gentleman: Steven Powell

This weeks featured Local Urban Gentleman is Steven Powell. Now this guy... well he first captured my attention late last summer during New School Orientation, all the Parsons "fashion grad-students" were in a meeting and of course we were all, yanno, scoping each other out- (checking out our future competition, lol.) Throughout the semester we would chat, maybe do lunch, and every time I ran into him, he always, I mean a l w a y s looked fly. I like people who always look fly.

Presenting Steven Powell...

Name: Steven Hugo Powell

Age: 30

Location: Fabric District NYC, and Chicago IL.

Occupation: Parsons Fashion Design Student/Store Visual at DSW/Creative Director for SHUGOP

Favorite Quote: "I'm far from being God, but I work god damn hard" -Big Homie aka Shawn Carter

Style Icons: Duke of Windsor, Beau Brummell, Valentino, Tom Ford, Oswald Boateng, James Dean, Robert Redford, Ralph Lauren, Yves Saint Laurent, Lagerfield, Thom Browne, Andre 3000, Bentley Fonzworth,Sean Combs, Kanye West, Shawn Carter (Big Homie) and Marc Jacobs

Favorite Brands: Tom Ford, Ralph Lauren, Oswald Boateng, and Dior.

Favorite Store: The Mansion (Ralph Lauren) NYC, LAVIN Paris, Billionaire Boys Clubs NYC, Any store on Savile Row (London)

Favorite Piece of clothing: My Louis Vuitton Messager Bag, Dior Hommes Hedi Slimane Skinny Necktie, Ralph Lauren Suit and bow-tie, My Purple Label Tuxs, Yves Saint Laurent jeans, my Marc Jacob sunglasses, Ray Bans Glasses and Lavin Sneakers!

Bow-Tie or Tie: Bow-Tie

Flat front or pleated pants:Flat Front

Shades, hat, or scarf: Scarf (Hermes)

Favorite Accessory: Betsey Johnson and Ralph Lauren pocket-square! Oh my Special made tie-clip! My girlfriend gave them to me!!! Thanks pum-pum! lol

Ultimate Career/Life Goal: Creative Director for Tom Ford Mens, Stylist for Barack Obama or Jay-Z and Fashion Designer and owner of SHUGOP Bespoke Couturier.

Favorite Book: Tom Ford by Tom Ford, The little train that could, The Ralph Lauren Book, 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey

Hobbies: Being a Stylist for myself, researching the history of fashion, Studying how to develop a tailored/polished look to the American man, especially my generation!!!!

Favorite Grooming Product:DDF and my Shea Butter from the corner of 125th (Harlem) :)

Always daring with his combinations...

1. How would you describe your style?

My style is a little of everything! My style is the sexy edge of Tom Ford, the rough versatility of James Dean, the elegance of Sidney Poitier, the flamboyant edge of Robert Redford, the confidence of the Duke of Windsor, the color pattern edge of Andre 3000 and B. Fonzworth, the swagger like Big Homie (Jay-Z)and a the classic presentation of Frank Sinatra.

(Brief interruption... ummm... how fly is that?!... did he really just say all those things... makes you want to quote it, hmmm, maybe that is the formula to being the perfect Urban Gentleman... okay, okay, back to the interview...)

2. How did you become so stylish? Where did it come from or who inspired it?

It started from reading, music, album covers, watching people and dreaming... I remember exactly what inspired my fashion passion, it was the 1983 NBA All-Star game, the late great Marvin Gaye came out to do the National Anthem in LA, with so much style and swagger! Bespoke Couturier is the words to describe Marvin Gaye that night... He gracefully blessed that game in so many ways. That's was when I was said to myself, "I have to become a Mogul in the Fashion Industry!

3. What advice would you give someone trying to find their personal style?

The best personal advice I can give someone trying to find their personal style is to explore it!!! Explore a side of fashion that helps you develop a better you, and building a stronger character each time you upgrade! Don't Be Afraid!!!!

4. What's the best clothing advice you ever received?
Let Energy+Vibrancy be the inspiration! Nana Boateng for Akua Adoma!

Steve on the Brooklyn Bridge


*Want a piece of Steven's look:*


Ralph Lauren Rugby, on sale $54.99


The American Necktie, on sale $16.95
spring plaid or traditional plaid




If you have serious style with a bit of swag send an email to urbangentblog@gmail.com, expressing your interest. Send about 3 pictures of your style and answer the questions below.

Local Urban Gentleman: L. David Stewart aka Nizm

We're going back to the basics and re-starting some of the basic urban gent sections, like our beloved Local Urban Gentleman! So if you have serious style with a bit of swag send an email to urbangentblog@gmail.com, expressing your interest. Send about 3 pictures of your style and answer the questions below.

This weeks featured Local Urban Gentleman is L.David Stewart. He's a Chicago native that lives a double life as an architect and rapper-- pretty impressive. He spends his weekends kicking, pushing, and coasting, basically he skates-- seems like a popular recreation choice among chi-town rappers. Amongst his living a double life, Mr. Stewart also finds time to model and is a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity...

Presenting L. David Stewart, aka Nizm...

very nice layer combination.

Name: L. David Stewart
Age: 27
Location: Chicago
Occupation: Designer (Architectural)
Favorite Quote: "Character and temperament change under my dominant power"
Style Icons: John Legend, James Bond, Sean Carter
Favorite Brands (up to 3): Ben Sherman, Do Denim, Seven
Favorite Store: Too many
Favorite Piece of clothing: T-shirt
bow-tie or tie: Tie
flat front or pleated pants: Flat front
Shades, hat, or scarf: Hat
Description of favorite accessory: something that works within the architecture of the outfit as it's own piece but has it own character.
Ultimate career/life goal: architectural designer of the restaurants and offices worldwide Favorite Book: The Bible
Hobbies: Rollerskating, writing, traveling, reading

Grooming product of choice: ANY type of AXE body washes mixed together (2 minimum)

1. How would you describe your style? A grown hip-hop/sophisticated casual with a touch of business.

2. How did you become so stylish? Where did it come from or who inspired it? In terms of stylish I feel its because of my love for design and music. Can't be into creating style without loving style. I outline my style by my persona and character. As far as inspiration my mother as well as successful Black men in all industries.

3. What advice would you give someone trying to find their personal style? Like music, don't go with trends, our personalities are not trends, we are who we are, and let your attire market the corporation that is you and be the best representation of that.

4. What's the best clothing advice you ever received? Be yourself.

Red, White, & Blue: Local Gent

one of my favorites from those who sent in pictures of their presidential style...

Preston Davis- I really like the red Lacoste cardigan, white tee, and aviators-- very classically casual. And the Barack Obama Button adds the perfect touch.

the shoes... are very unexpected- lets me know we have a black (mixed) president in the White House:-):-):-)