Utowa.

I was about 18 or 19 when I went into this store for the first time, and it was the first time I had ever been in a store that was so conceptually designed. I knew the minute I walked in that the aesthetic was genius. Located at 17 West 18th street btwn 6th and 5th Avenues Utowa, is a 3-in-1 shopping experience. clothing and accessories (for men and women), make-up and skincare products, and flowers. The layout of well lit and spacious, the clothing is superb, i lusted over this sleeveless white jacket with a high collar and royal blue trim, for a minute. If you care about the skin and like smelling good, you wont leave disappointed. As for the flowers I've always been the type to want them around the house, and if I was in the mood to spend money on some I definitely would, after all I love beautiful things. I'll go back soon and find out what brands they carry, and share them. Besides I know an end of the summer sale is coming up, so I should be stopping by anyway.

The website doesn't really do it justice, but check it out anyway.

Utowa.

Philly.

Ay, I'm in Philly for a few days just chillin, enjoying the quiet and fresh air. You realize how much of it is lacking in the city, when you leave. Sometimes its just nice to kick back with the fam, be in a different place, and just chill you know?

BAD ASS.

just click on this picture. honestly that shit is sooooo piff. i can hardly speak. and whilst were on the subject, my whole steez this summer, has been a white to black color palette. by way of The Sartorialist. 

The Good Life!

you dig? 

July 17th 2008.

It's sometime in the afternoon in Harlem. I walk to 145th Street to meet with Emma, a.k.a. Emmanuelle Tricoire Photography, to do a photo shoot for Germany's Style Magazine.  They want her to take a few portraits of me. Its pretty fucking hot out. Emma happens to be from Paris, and is working on a photography book rightfully titled 'New York Fucking City.' We talk about how she had just finished shooting  Oscar & Vashtie in Soho. I tell her that I have a friend staying with me who's a skater from Barcelona. She doesn't mention it at the time, but she knows my homie Louisa, who skates for Rockstar. We get to the crib and they reintroduce themselves, and all I can think is damn the world is small. We begin to shoot outside my house. Louisa comes down stairs, and my neighbor peeps us and decides to catch glimpses of the action. After we finish shooting these maintenance dudes come out a building with a fucking toilet. This guy sits with it looking tight, and starts to put gloves on. They then drag it and put it in a trash can. Luckily Emma gets it all on video. Classic. Only in Harlem! 

Peep. 

I'M A REAL BIKER NOW.

So I've just recently been hit by a cab. This happened less than an hour ago. Now, during the entire summer of riding, I've begun to develop a true distaste for New York cabbies. They veer, in and out of lanes without signaling, open doors out of nowhere, and fucking HIT YOU, and then have the nerve to try and curse you out, at which time, I reply by telling them to suck it, and go fuck themselves. If you've noticed any spray painted bikes in all white, then you should know this is because someone died while riding. Its a dangerous world out there. Act accordingly. and FUCK CABBIES.

Thank you.

In Heavy Rotation

Yup. 

Renee Lalique.

No introduction is needed when mentioning this master of Glass and Jewels. But I will grace you with one anyway. 

Born in France (1860-1945) Lalique's work is stunning, with many pieces that are tied to nature and the female form. His glass designs are by far the most recognizable in the world, and have been copied by many, since the 1920's and 1930's. During the 19th century 'Art Nouveau' was largely inspired by the Japanese influences that poured into Europe and helped shaped there sense of creativity and design. At the time all the jewelry houses of today came of age; Tiffany's, Bulgari, Cartier. During his early years Lalique worked for Cartier, using gold and silver, as well as ivory, glass and semi-precious stones. 

Below are some of Lalique's famous works, including glass and jewelry.