Celebrate throughout the year...

I'm not one to brag but I can say that i'm truly blessed with many of the things that have taken place this year. Most people plan one big bash when they turn 21, 30, 40 etc. Originally, I planned to have a Prince Purple Rain themed 30th birthday bash and the choice of which of my closest friends would come dressed as Prince with the skin tight bootie cut out high waist pants. But instead, I can say that my accomplishments this year thus far has been much bigger than any birthday celebration I've had and I've been able to share them with genuine family and friends. But hey, it's never too late for that themed party, LOL!!!

Many of my accomplishments have been based around my destiny... FASHION. Most of you know that I live and breathe the world of fashion and style. I achieved many accomplishments this year. I was accepted into the Luxury Fashion and Management M.F.A. program at Savannah College of Art and Design of Atlanta, GA. I had my very first fashion art exhibit at the Smithsonian Museum of Art and Design of Washington, D.C. and was offered an internship at Diane von Furstenburg in New York City over the holiday break and I've accepted the position.

Some of you may be wondering, "What kind of graduate program is he taking at college because it doesn't seem official???". Luxury and Fashion Management teaches you the business side of the fashion industry, such as how to run your business but focuses on the fashion industry. You learn everything about designing, photography, marketing, sales, etc. It's been beneficial to me as well as some of the great people that I've met there who share similar talents and interest. Look out for a My closet, L.L.C. fashion house very soon. As far as my first exhibit, if you missed it then I hope you get the chance to come to the next one. I couldn't have had a better experience and great team to make it happen. I would've never thought that my first show would be at such a extravagent location but when it was offered, I didn't complain. Now this internship with DVF... I am loving every minute of it!!! I saw her in person and she is absolutely amazing!!! She is nothing like I imagined or like the stereotypical fashion guru. Just listening to DVF and how she speaks to her team with respect and gives positive feed back. I can honestly say that for someone on her level she is very down to earth and I hope to get the chance to meet her again.

I guess when I'm trying to say is birthday's don't have to be the norm and celebrated on just one day. Make your accomplishments like a Birthday's and celebrate throughout the year. Be happy, think positively and surround yourself with true genuine friends and family. Success is nothing when you don't have God and genuine people to share it with. Be blessed, find your destiny and stay true to yourself.


LBJ

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Hey Fam!!!

Hello ladies and gents!!! I know its been a minute since I last posted an entry. I hope everyone is doing well and I'm glad that you all stayed in contact with me to check on my well being. I love you guys!!! I must say that during the time of my absence, I've learned a lot, gained lot and lost a little (thank GOD not my mind, lol). Its been a little stressful for the past few months and for anyone that knows what it's like to establish a business, work a full time job, creating/running events/projects and dealing with things life throws your way... its not easy. So with that being said, there comes a time when you have to sacrifice something in order to gain something.

I've had a lot of down time in the past few months and I've made it as productive as possible. First starting with prayer and asking for guidance with all aspects of my life and career. Guys and gals it works!!! Not only did my spiritual connection enhance me as an individual, but it made me realize my WORTH!!! You have to know your worth with whatever you do in life. I'm not saying to act like you're better than anything or anyone, but you must know when something is worth your time, energy, patience and that you're getting in return what you put out. I've worked since I was 16 and can honestly admit there was something I hated about each job. Yes every job has its pro's and con's. But what if you're working a job where the con's out weight the pro's??? Been there and it's not a pretty sight. You get burned out, overworked, stressed, moody and sometimes even miserable. So eventually I realized for the 100th time my WORTH, what I was passionate about and this time I'm sticking with it.

Trust me there were so many times when I became discouraged due to ignorance that surrounded me. So it was important to surround myself in the element of others that saw my vision, were supportive and we knew each others WORTH!!! Today I am blessed to say that I'm working with a team of individuals that share the same values as myself. We plan and work on our projects to empower each other to strengthen our weak areas in order for us to be the creative individuals we are. Its been quite interesting, we even made our first video of on-site footage. Yes drama is involved... but good drama, lol!!! We might even fall in line and get a reality show like everyone else that gets paid for broadcasting non-sense, lol!!! So I'll keep you posted with updates more often and pics of my recent work :-). Love you guys and gals, peace!!!


LBJ

Fall 2010 Fashion/MUA tips

Hey guys and gals!!! Fall is almost here and you know what that means… Better clothing, lol!!! There are so many inspirations this fall from some of our favorite designers such as Alexander McQueen, Chanel and of course Michael Kors. Many designers have taken the approach of earth tones again and mixing them with hues of grays, bold colors such as gold and various tones of reds and then throwing a bit of jewel tone embellishments to complete the look, while keeping it retro. Style.com has quite a few great looks to get the “Ready to Wear” look you desire. Keep in mind that if you’re on a budget these similar looks can be found as well at most stores. Your Wardrobe Stylist/MUA (Me, of course lol) can definitely assist you in that arena!!!

The Alexander McQueen Fall 2010 collection was inspired by the Dark Ages and his key was finding light and beauty in it while including memories of his own past collections. Some of the prints in his current collection consisted of paintings of high church angels and demons. He took the fabrics and made them into capes, gowns and even short dresses. For this collection McQueen studied the grace of the Medieval Madonnas and Byzantine empresses. Before his untimely death, 80 percent of his current collection was completed.

The Chanel Fall 2010 collection was inspired by the Arctic. Faux fur snow boots and ice-block heels are some of the trends for Chanel’s “Lady-like” inspired collection as well. Karl Lagerfeld is responsible for the Fall 2010 Chanel collection. Though its ready to wear, it looks more like couture. From furry trousers and skirts to capes, this collection is the most interesting of them all. The suit and coat combinations are probably the closest to ready to wear even though it portrays a haute couture touch. All this collection needs are Jackie Onasis inspired shades to finish the touch.

The Michael Kors Fall 2010 collection is a love to die for!!! He plays it safe but keeps it classic, lavish and HOTTT!!! If that’s what you’re looking for then he’s your guy. This falls looks include chunky cashmere sweaters, camel suede wrap shirts, distressed leather cargo vests, and floor-skimming sequined jersey gowns. This collection is inspired by private jets, vacation homes in the mountains, and lifestyles of the rich and famous. He update simple classic pieces such as chesterfields and full trousers by cutting them in crushed flannel. Throw in some fox fur and you’re a hit for fall. Could you ask for more???

MAKE-UP, Make-up, make-up!!! Ladies, this season is all about less is more. Guys would like to see more of your natural beauty. So if you can purchase yourselves a neutrals palette, do so. Go for the dewey look, its sexy and with just the right light it can give the perfect glow. If you want an even more suttle look o for a mineral foundation. you can also do a smokey eye with this look, but keep in mind it's suppose to look natural, so don't go heavy with the eyes unless you want something dramatic. Gentlemen, we know most of you don't use make up. However, keep your face moisturized, clean face, trimmed beard or goatee and that uni-brow plucked or threaded. No one wants you to look like they are with Bert or Oscar from Sesame Street. As always feel free to comment or email if you have any questions. Peace and Blessings!!! 

MUA/Stylist!!!

Hey Fans!!!

Sorry I've been neglecting you, please don't take it personal. Over these past few months I haven't been B.S'ing as some would call it. I've been very busy with work, life, photoshoots and of course figuring out a way to expand my services as a stylist. So... for those of you who really care, I've been on my grind and I appreciate all of the concerns, love and support. I love you guys and gals, really I do!!!

Over the past few months, even though projects have been a little slow, I've picked up a new trade... MAKE-UP ARTISTRY!!! Yep, I've decided to stop making excuses and pick up a brush or two and start dabbling around. Now don't get me wrong, I've been observing other MUA's work for a loooonnnnggggg time and i must say I've learned a lot. Meaghan Shea, Ja'Ya, Marcus Miller, LaToya, Sheena, Vicki, Tiffany and Tameka I commend you for your work and patience that it takes to do this. Your work and reliability is epic. I've watched tutorials provided by MAC and they've been very helpful. Over these few months I've also practiced on a few clients and they were very pleased with the turn out and have offered to have me work with them in the near future. So very soon I will be posting pics.

I'm sure some of you are asking, "What other reason is he starting this make up thing?" Well, again it's something I wanted to do for a long time but I just didn't believe in myself enough to do it. Now that I've gained enough confidence to become an MUA, I think it would be a great cause to expand my services. Now I have had some situations in the past when either an artist cancels at the last minute or decides not to show up, which then leaves all the time invested to plan a project gone and the cancellation of the photoshoot. So at least, I'll have this trade for situations like that as well. I've had a few words negative words thrown my way as well but hey, negativity doesn't pay my bills, so it's on to the next one. How you doin'!!!

I must say that I love the creativity of being an MUA. OMG, who wouldn't!!! My mommy is my #1 fan. She comes to me for everything now and I mean EVERYTHING!!! So I guess I have the stamp of approval if she admires my MUA/Stylist work. Avon Dorsey, you've been a big inspiration and support system for pushing me further in the fashion industry. You know I have lots of love for you big bro!!! Now if I can just get a grip on this Baltimore market, LOL!!! I'll be back soon with some styling and MUA tips. I can't wait until Fall gets here. I'd love to see everyone fully clothed again, smh.

LBJ

I love you guys!!!

 

What Every Man Should Know About Style - Necktie vs. Bowtie

I'll keep it short and sweet... Let's start with NO CLIP ON's. If you're asking yourself why, well its pretty self explainatory, it's childish. Necktie's serve as a oppurtunity, meaning that if you're going for a job interview, your necktie can speak for you if you're not able to speak for yourself. The best necktie/bowtie is a solid necktie if you're afraid to do patterns. Just choose wisely about your colors. Solids are best in black, grey, deep red and medium blue. Stay away from pastels and loud solid ties because they are meant for the all boy's high school choir. Solid pastel ties could work but you MUST do it right and shouldn't be worn with a suit. I'm working only on the basics right now, so stay focused. If you like patterns, go with a small print stripe neck tie or a paisley. These neckties are nice and even though they add a little jazz to your ensemble, it doesn't hurt. Your patterned necktie/bowtie should have no more than 2 or 3 of the same color varying from dark to light or light to dark. Again choose wisely about your colors. You should be able to tie your necktie, but if not there are plenty of websites to choose from that gives you instructions on how to tie your neckties and bowties. Check the style of your shirt collar and that will determine how you should tie your ties. The finishing touch is to add a pair of cufflinks. It always gives a finishing touch. However PLEASE, no I BEG of you to stay away from the blinged out cufflinks. You don't need to draw attention to yourself with oversized cufflinks, especially with the fake stones. You're look will speak for itself more when you keep it simple. Feel free to email me any questions. I wish you much success on your new look.

LBJ

Remember... "How you look, tells the world how you feel..." - Sergio Valente      

What Every Man Should Know About Style - Business Dress Shirts

Hey new followers!!! Glad you joined and thank you for your support. Feel free to comment or if you have any questions feel free to ask.


So we've talked about shoes, jeans and suits. Now we must talk about shirts. this is very important because every shirt doesn't look good with everything. Tonight I'll guide you to the types of shirts you should invest in and would add that spunk to your suit. Some stylists would recommend that you have at least four white shirts, four blue shirts, four black shirts, etc. etc. etc. However its wiser to have whatever kind of high quality shirts in your wardrobe that is acceptable in your workplace. In your wardrobe, you should at least have ten shirts. Make sure that you are careful with colors, especially if you in corporate America. Pastels are safe if you want to do color, just make sure that its toned done with a tie. You never want to look as if your screaming to get attention.

Your shirt collar should compliment your face. Sounds kind of interesting, huh??? This is very important because the style of your shirt is just as important as the style of your suit. If you have a long face, go with the spread collar, button down collar or tab collar. If you have a square face, go with the button down collar or rounded point collar. Round faces can go with the button down or long point collar. Oval faces you can do any of the collars except the rounded collar. The band collar is a definite no no. This type of collar are normally found on priest (unless you plan to go that route) and pimps. Try to stick with dress shirts that are 95% cotton 5% Lycra. They last longer and keep you cool because the materials are breathable.

LBJ

Remember... How you look, tells the world how you feel - Sergio Valente   

What Every Man Should Know About Style - Suits

WOW!!! Making progress so far, I have my first two followers on Blogger!!! YAAAAAYYYY!!! Hey new followers!!! This is better than Twitter, LOL!!! I hope you enjoy the post and if you have any questions feel free to respond. Thanks again!!!

So just a recap from the first two entries... Guys you know not to wear sneakers with suits and how to pair the correct type of shoes with your suits and jeans. Remember jeans are more versatile, but full suits arent when it comes to pairing the right type of shoe. Oh how can I forget... No cowboy or reptile cowboy boots with your suits. Unless you're about to go for a casting of the movie "Smokey and the Bandit", this is a definite no, no.

Now, lets get down to business. A good suit... Well, what really makes a good suit??? Definitely one that fits as if its made just for you. A good suit will also have horn buttons, hand stitched lapels, felt under the collar, canvas interlining (stitched, not glued), and made of soft quality fabrics. Good fabrics are those that you can wear long enough that won't make you itch uncontrollably. Here's an old trick for finding the right fabric for a suit. If you're ever in a store and you happen to spot a decent suit, take your hand and ball it in your hand for about 10 seconds, release it and if its wrinkled, RUN AWAY!!! An incorrectly tailored suit is a BAD suit. Have you ever seen a guy wearing a suit thats too big, too small or looks cheap due to the fabric and just doesn't wear well with their body type. Well that's a Sloppy Joe... literally.

There are no true bargains when buying a suit. I'm sure there are some great finds when buying a suit, but beware of the things mentioned above. There are BAD suits a lot of places try to get rid of and put them on sale so you can think you're getting a bargain. There are no real bargains when buying a suit, just like there are no real bargains when buying a car. You're going to pay for it in the the end somehow. Don't set your self up with bargain suit talk. You'll end up with a suit like Diddy wore back in the day looking as if it were made of aluminum foil with a sun burned person standing beside you waiting to catch more rays from the sun. Trust me, I've seen it happen.

Eventually try to invest in a "bespoke". I'm sure your saying "What is a bespoke??" A bespoke is custom-made suit ordered and made specifically for that individual. Everyone, male and female should at least own one bespoke suit. Generally an excellent bespoke takes at least two months to make and can cost up to $5,000. Keep in mind this is your own custom suit fitted just for you. Now, wouldn't you want to have your own name on the label for the one custom suit made just for you, rather than buying a high quality store-brought suit with someone else's name stiched on the inside? I would, hey at least I could have that one of a kind piece that no one could ever wear as well as I could, lol. This is the kind of suit you could wear often because it must only be made in the solid classic colors i.e. navy, black and dark grey. Pin stripes and window pane suits are nice but can be over done if the patterns are too bold. Wear them sparatically.

Your style of suits can vary. You could always go for the all-American style suit with a center vent jacket or the English styled suit with side vents. This normally goes well for those who have rumps and need the blazer to have just enough breathing room. If you decide to go with the ventless Italian suit, then you cannot have a lot junk in your trunk. Sorry guys, I'm just keeping it real. I'm trying to help you out so no one will talk about you behind your backs negatively. Instead they'll just say, "Now THAT... is a nice suit!!! Finish the pant off with a straight leg or cuff. Cuffs generally look better

Back to fabrics... If you travel often, the best fabrics to look for in a suit are nailhead, crepe and tweed. On hot days try cotton, linen or seersucker. Typically seersucker shouldn't be worn by men under fifty years of age but I have seen some great looks with the younger generation that I would definitely approve. Just don't wear the jacket and pants together. sometimes it gives the look of formal inmate wear. Don't set yourself up, trust me.

LBJ

Remember... How you look, tells the world how you feel -Sergio Valente