Saturday, April 16, 2011

Lil Weezy

One of our favorite rappers, has to get credit for wearing a WNBA Jersey... and honorable mention for the striped knee-socks.
http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/basketball/blog/the_dagger/post/Lil-Wayne-wears-Skylar-Diggins-8217-Notre-Dame?urn=ncaab-wp2190

Friday, March 4, 2011

Thee Comedy Swagger

Funniest Man of All Time

The Phenom Comedy Swagger

Donald Glover a.k.a Childish Gambino

Chronic Introspective Comedy Swagger

Marc Maron is a comedy soldier, who's made it through the battle and has won the war, but he's got his battle scars.  Maron has gone through many looks throughout his career, but his new bohemian Zappaesque facial hair look is by far my favorite, he looks like the icon he is.  Check out his WTF podcast.  Not only is it absolutely hilarious, but this guy is digging into some deep psychological issues that I think anyone can relate to.

Nerd Alert Comedy Swagger

Chris Hardwick Nerdist.com

Next Generation Comedy Swagger

If you only know Zach Galifianakis from the Hangover (which he is brilliant in) watch Comedians of Comedy the Movie and his Live at the Purple Onion.  He is hands down one of the most innovative comedians to ever live.

Insult Comedy Swagger

There is a classic Don Rickles story: “It’s a true story, so help me God,” he began obligingly. “Sinatra was headlining at the Sands, and I was with this girl having dinner in the lounge. She wasn’t anybody I would bring home to my mother, but I really wanted to score big. Frank was in the lounge at his table with Lena Horne and some other celebrities and all his security guards. And my date says, ‘My God, there’s Frank Sinatra! Do you know him?’

“I said, ‘Sure, he’s a friend of mine.’ Which he was. But I made it sound like my whole life. ‘We’re like brothers!’ She didn’t believe me. So I said, ‘Wait here, sweetheart,’ and I went over to Frank’s table. ‘What do you want, Bullethead?’ he said. That was his nickname for me. I told him I was trying to impress this girl and would he do me a very big favor and come over and just say hello. He said, ‘For you, Bullethead, I’ll do it.’”
Five minutes later, Sinatra strolled over and said, “Don, how the hell are you?”
And Don Rickles looked up and replied, “Not now, Frank. Can’t you see I’m with somebody?”

                                                                    

Dual Signature Style Comedy Swagger

Eddie Izzard is one of the most talented comedians and actors of our generation.  The fizzling out of his series, The Riches, is the most disappointing cancelation of the last decade to me, over Arrested Development, Freaks and Geeks, and Pushing Daisies, because I think that show's best work was yet to come.  I absolutely adored Izzard's con man.  Check that show out.
Oh and he's bold enough to embrace the fact that he's a transvestite.  That's confidence.

Impressive Comedy Swagger

Jason Sudeikis is a genuinely hilarious man, both physically and verbally, he can play average joe hilariously, like on 30 Rock, and is just as adept at the crazy, silly shit on SNL.  If you need further proof of his merit, he dated Betty Draper. 'Nuf said.

Snarky Comedy Swagger

Joel McHale

Classic Comedy Swagger

Chaplin

Thursday, March 3, 2011

Comedy Swagger

PFT is always dressed sharply, but he looks legit badass in this pic

Comedy Swagger

Buster Keaton shows how to use accessories to make an outfit your own

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

Versatile

This jacket from jiniy.com is amazing, simple, but with enough individuality to standout.

Saturday, February 26, 2011

Wow...just wow

Donald Glover has finally released an official video for his rapping alias Childish Gambino, and he did not disappoint.  Lyrically I think he can go toe to toe with anyone, his style is reminiscent of Pharoahe Monch, the way he plays with tempo, and can infuse genuinely funny lines without making it parody.  That last trait is an amazing feat given the fact that Donald is best known as a comedy writer and actor.  This cat is a septuple threat.  Donald Glover is a genuine prodigy.  He got a job writing for 30 Rock straight out of college based on a Simpsons spec script.  After a few years on that show, in a move that took massive swagger, he left to pursue his career as a standup.  Based on his stage persona, Dan Harmon offered him the role of Troy on Community without an audition.  That's two massively sought after jobs handed to the dude based solely on his talents.    What I love about this video, is that it is beautifully shot, and the song is a cut above the majority of hip hop on the radio today, but the energy is that of someone at home in front of their mirror, just enjoying themselves.  I recommend watching the larger version here: Freaks and Geeks
Childish Gambino represents the next step in Glover's career, as well as the next step in the music industry.  Making music yourself, it's so inexpensive now, and building your fanbase from the ground up.  Producing his tracks independently and releasing them for free online is building him an underground fan-base that is swelling, and I believe, on the precipice of erupting.  His songs are almost always fluctuating between genuine humility and insecurity, and a complete confidence in his obvious talents.  He is an icon of the new wave of nerd cool culture.  I personally will be attending his tour this year, I recommend you do the same.

Thursday, February 24, 2011

Oribe on Oscar Hairstyles

Look how fucking dope Oribe looks.  This cat is not only an icon himself, but he has helped make icons.  His profile is on the way, have no doubt, but today, just check out how cool. he is in this video.

                                                             ORIBE OSCAR UPDO'S

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Parents Listen Up

It's important to teach your kids how to dress appropriately, and hopefully well.  But let them make mistakes and find their own signature style.
Look how gorgeous my family is.

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Omar's Coming

Michael K. Williams portrayed one of the most unique, captivating, and iconic characters in fiction, Omar on HBO's the wire.  He does not get as much work as he deserves.  While his new role on Boardwalk Empire has not given him enough scenery to chew (with the exception of the torture scene), it has given him the opportunity to step up his style game.  He's come along way from the tie over the t-shirt and bomber jacket at Bird's court case.  This GQ photo shoot, show's how my favorite outfit, the three piece suit can be versatile.





Oh yeah, and I me Mr. Williams at Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter's screening of the series finale of the wire at city hall.  That was awesome.

Sunday, February 20, 2011

You know what?

Fuck it, I'm just gonna do it right now... she said yes...now there will be two monsters spending the next several years planning a sick wedding.

I've created a monster!


I've been with my epically awesome girlfriend, Katie for a little over a year now, and I have no doubt that I want to spend the rest of my life with her.  While this is a few years away as both of us are focusing on our careers,  I wanted to get an idea of what kind of ring she wanted me to get her.  I don't know a lot about jewelry, nor do I care much about it, so I needed her advice, but wanted to get it now, so that when I do pop the question once we're settled, I would know what I was looking for and she can be completely caught off guard.  Not surprising, she has amazing taste and likes antique style, ornate rings like this Le Vian white gold with Chocolate diamonds.
While now I feel like I am on the right track, a beast has risen in my girl.  I have gotten about 500 pictures of rings in the last few months, and it doesn't bother me as much as it does her.  She DOES NOT like feeling like the typical ring crazy girl.  I think she feels like a foreign being has taken over her body and mind, and is mildly embarassed.  I can't help but tease her though and now she thinks I'm playing games with her.  I assure you, Sig Style Nation, I am not.  I want to spend my life with this girl, I just need a few more years to get her a ring I find fitting of my bride...that also fits into my budget, so I'll just try to make her feel amazing in every other way until I make this thing official.

Friday, February 18, 2011

I Need To Live in This Shit

My epically cool girlfriend showed me these pics, and we've both decided we're biting all this shit for our place we're getting together.   I love the color of this room, found at gaitainteriors.com, not a huge fan of flower paintings or that lamp shade...
but that's why we'll incorporate these silhouette pieces that are super easy to make ourselves, from http://bahrainidiva.blogspot.com which is a really sick design blog.

Can't you all see me sitting on that couch with some whiskey, reading a book?  So fucking classy.

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

More Gilt!

With a few days of what I'm assuming is just a tease of slightly warmer weather has me thinking spring.  This means jacket and sweater weather.  Two items on Gilt from Ben Sherman have me fighting to keep my wallet in my pocket, seeing as though I'm trying to save money.  I might buckle.  Give me strength Signature Style Nation.
Wool Plaid Peacoat.  The length, color, buttons, and epaulette's keep this from being another tired peacoat and will help you stand out.

Double Breasted Lambswool Cardigan.  There is not one word in that description that I don't like.  This sweater could be worn so many different ways.  I would love to see it worn with two less buttons done, creating a massive V, making one's shoulders look wider and showing off whatever shirt/tie combo you're inspired by right now.

Gilt

These are sick!
Helm Leather and Cavas Lace Up Boots.
$219 on Gilt


Sunday, February 13, 2011

That's Mr. Carter to you.

So much of hip-hop style leaves me saddened at the state of popular fashion today.  Too often a Triple XL white t-shirt and pants sagging so low... I think "thug fashion" is so inundated in our culture for me to try to come up with snarky commentary on it will sound cliche'd instead let me just shine a spotlight on a man who while in the past was guilty of many of the traditional rap sartorial sins, has resurrected himself as a style icon; Lil Wayne.
Lil Wayne started his rebound from the closet full of oversized clothing, by embracing his frame.  Google Lil Weezy, and most of the pics you will get are shirtless.  He describes his body as "marked up like the subway in Harlem".  I am a firm believer in tattoos as a sartorial choice.  While the majority of the Birdman Jr.'s tattoos are not of the quality I aspire to, the shear quantity creates a striking image, and with the silhouette created by his mane of locks, he looks inhuman.

Lil Weezyana has created a hybrid style, incorporating certain trends from urban culture, usually a flat brimmed baseball cap or a baggy hoody, but more often lately, he has a skate/rock vibe, trading in the extra large pants for a slimmer jean or khaki, which still hang off his slight frame, breaking around the ankles.

Accesories are the real key to President Carter's style arsenal, and he has masterfully blended iced out watches, "nerd glasses", designer scarves and belts, trilby's, and a personal favorite of mine, the wallet chain.  The wallet chain gets such a bad rap for it's involvement in the grunge movement and the neo-zoot suit trend.   Personally my chain is not attached to a wallet, for like many of the best fashion choices, it serves no purpose other than to enhance an outfit.  Many people disagree with me, but a chain can break up the monotony of an outfit, and add texture, and I think The New Orleans Nightmare utilizes them perfectly.



What's most important is that Young Mulah has made it his own, making bold choices, holding on to some trends he likes, and incorporating new ones.  He has given the hip-hop community more sartorial options.  Like Kanye West did with preppy fashion, the Martian has made it okay to slim it down and throw on a vest with a wallet chain and a Phillies hat... okay, that last one is always appropriate, but you get it

Friday, February 11, 2011

Cinematic Style

The Brothers Bloom
Rian Johnson's 2008 film is an orgy of style.  Vests, ascots and bowlers.  I'm sold.
The film's style is emphasized by simplicity, the brothers themselves played by Mark Ruffallo and Adrian Brody wear no color in the entirety of the film, strictly black and white.



The lady's of the film deserve mention as well because rarely does women's fashion hit my radar, I find a woman sexiest in a pair of jeans and a t-shirt, but Rachel Wiess and Rinko Kikuchi go toe to toe with the boys in this one.


The film as a whole is a ton of fun, and while any film with characters dressed like this is immediately going to get a few extra stars from me, I highly recommend this film.  I'm excited about Rian Johnson, who previously made Brick, another spectacular film.  

Thursday, February 10, 2011

I feel so comfy under the covers

Jaime Cullum has swagger, his voice is dripping with it.  And he makes this song listenable.  He not only has signature style, he has a signature sound, and he can make every song his.

Rolling In The Deep

Rawest voice out right now. Sick Video.  This song will get you through that last 4 minutes of your workout, and keep you classy at the same time.

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

My Kind of Party

I got turned on to this video from Donald Glover's i am donald blog.  I just love the cat's in this video, just style poppin' out of every shot... this is what a party should look like in my opinion.  I like a well dressed gentleman that doesn't mind his clothes a little rumpled, and some sweat on his brow.

Sunday, February 6, 2011

If Knowing is Half the Battle, Dressing is the Other Half!

Something compelled me on Netflix Instant Watch today, to fire up the G.I. Joe movie.  I think starting season 3 of Doctor Who, had me mildly wistful for Christopher Eccleston.  Many people criticized this movie, and I could not figure out why.  It's exactly what a G.I. Joe movie should have been, crazy action scenes involving crazy weaponry, wielded by unimaginably attractive people.  What I had forgotten about was how well the villains and even some of the Joes in this film were dressed.  The two standouts though are Eccleston's Destro and Byung-hun Le's Storm Shadow.

Destro's slim frame is draped in dark three piece pinstripe.  The pin in his tie to me looks like a modernization of Dracula's medallion, he just looks sinister.
I had trouble finding a picture of Storm Shadow in his white trench coat to go along with the white suit, which in the film was also a three piece.  Even Storm Shadow's battle attire was high fashion, that coat looks like it would be extremely effective battling the harsh winter I've been experiencing.  It was hard to root against this cat, looking so fucking sharp.