What you need in the spring

Spring is quickly approaching, with that you're style is going to change too. Time to put away the peacoats and scarves and swap them for linen suits and polo's. With spring you can show off colors and you're unique personality in your style. Spring allows you to play around with patterns and designs, and gives room to be creative. Always remember stay away from being over the top, your personality should scream here I am not your damn clothes. With spring everything should change from footwear to cologne. Heavier scents should be steered away from, in exchange for fresher lighter scents. I recommend L'Homme by Yves Saint Laurent, which goes from $43-$72. Its a light smell that's very memorable, which is a plus for any cologne and stays away from giving you that citrus undertone. Here a few must haves for spring:

Cardigan: The cardigan is a classic that will never steer you wrong. Designers such as Gucci, Gap, Band or insiders, and Ralph Lauren have taken the cardigan to the next level, gone is the plane button up catholic uniform in exchange for eclectic patterns and creative insignia's. The beauty of the cardigan is it can be rocked so many ways, with khaki's and chucks, to jeans and sneakers, or even paired with some slacks.

Khaki's: It used to be you were categorized into one of two groups men who wear khaki's and men who wear jeans. The khaki is definitely stepping into the spotlight and holding it's own. Paired with a crew-neck sweater and some sperry's and you can take it back to the JFK era. You're never confined when wearing khaki's, there an all-round get up and go pant, so throw on your flip flops and v-neck and go.

Graphic Polo: Express your personality in spring. Don't just go for the simple solid polo, many designers are coming out with designs to step the polo up. Stripes to argyle, there's something for however you're feeling at the moment, so show off who you are. Gap, D&G, Banana Republic, and even Lacoste are bringing a new twist to an old classic. If you really want to take it to another level go vintage with the graphic polo and Levi's an bring back the 50's 

White Pants: Nothing has a cleaner look than white pants. The Miami essential, white pants can take you from the Hampton's to the yacht. Short sleeve button-ups or polo's are a great way to keep it simple yet stylish and when the weather dips throw a sweater over it. Unless your going to an all white party, break up the white with some color, change it up.

Tennis Sweater: "Your country club or mine", a staple of the member's only crowd the tennis sweater has caught the eye of a whole new generation. Lacoste and Ralph Lauren wrote the book on this style, but many designers are delving into this territory. Initially a wide rib or cable knit with a deep v-neck, the tennis sweater has been re-envisioned for a whole new generation. Now more tailored with bold designs, the tennis sweater has become more fitted to your style whether it's athletic or slightly downtown. 

The GENTLEMAN: the ENDANGERED species

Spring brings rain showers and for some reason most women don't pack umbrella's for these unexpected showers. If you see a woman caught in one of this showers walk her under your umbrella, remember to make conversation, nothing too deep just general. And ladies don't forget it takes nothing to show your appreciation, a thank you is ALWAYS welcome....................Lets bring the gentleman back* (Sidenote) Being a gentleman does not go into effect only when you see a head turner, it is reserved for every woman!!!. 

Personal FRESHNESS

Instead of hanging sweaters on a hanger, fold them and hang them up. This prevents your sweaters from stretching and losing shape.

The GENTLEMAN: the ENDANGERED species

I did some research this week and asked a few females what they thought was lacking in a lot of men and for some reason they all said the same thing....The gentleman is dead!!! What really threw me was the fact that out the 10 females I talked to on separate occasion's they all had the same answer. The gentleman.....dead? The gentleman isn't dead, but possibly an endangered species, a forgotten classic, among the wreckless rhyme's of the music industry, nonsense on T.V., and lack of appreciation in society. I think many of us guys have forgotten how much the gentleman is really appreciated, I partly think this has to do with many women not knowing what a gentleman is. He's not dead you just don't see him, because you equate it to some cheap advance at you. Well this is a species survival plan to bring the gentleman back from the brink of extinction.

When your walking in a building and a woman is near, open the door for her, whether she's coming or going or if you know her or not. It doesn't take much time or energy an goes a long way. When at an entrance to a walkway, let her go first. At the car open her door to let her in and out. Remember being a gentleman should not be unexpected or out of the norm, it is the standard. And ladies don't forget it takes nothing to show your appreciation, a thank you is ALWAYS welcome...............Let's bring the gentleman back*

WELCOME

I would like to start by saying welcome to the opening of the CHRONICLES OF KOOL*NESS. This blog is an ode to all things cool. I patterned it as a life guide (such as GQ, HITCH) to help steer young gentleman (but still for everyone) in that direction they may want to go but, feel as tho they may not have the skills to get there, WELL hopefully you can take aspects from this blog, to become an icon of coolness yourself. Not only does this blog provide insight to others, but myself as well. Cool is a FLEETING TERM AND CONCEPT and since it's always changing so does this blog. A good thing about this blog, im bringing in guest bloggers to speak on different topics, for one must always remember, cool can not be dictated by one person, but a labor of ideas from many sources. Well, with that being said kick back, relax, and enjoy THE CHRONICLES OF KOOL*NESS 

BE ON THE LOOKOUT

*A name all in itself! This brand embodies a true "Eye for fashion ". The company's mission is to generate ready to wear fashions for men and women, not only to make them look their best, but to project self-acceptance and enhance confidence. Allan.MaRco conquered the market through its exclusive product line. The collection includes items such as, custom-made bow-ties, tailored shirts, vests, jackets, skirts and dresses, bold graphic tee's, and chic swim wear. The company thrives off being a trend-setter and will continue to bring a new meaning to the Rebirth of Fashion; resurrecting unfashionable items and bringing life to an outfit. In a world where fashion takes all prisoners, Allan.MaRco assures quality products for qualified consumers*

This statement about the new label from designer Marcus Cobb really sums up the label. Allan.MaRco, even the name catches your attention as something exclusive. It's rare I take a liking to a line just starting out, but I definitely like what I've seen. "In a world where fashion takes all prisoners" The label is bold and I like the approach. In a world of sharks their swimming with a blood covered suit and not looking back. I feel like the line is a blend of Ralph Lauren meets Benjamin Bixby, yet all Allan.MaRco. For such a young designer the tailoring is ridiculously impeccable, something I think many young designers let fall at the wayside.  I'm tired of young designers coming out with urban wear, because its safe. Allan.MaRco is going into territory that has rarely been touched by minority designers, real fashion. Its a daring move and that's how the label rolls, I dig that. The clothing is for trendsetter's but is far from a fleeting trend. The clothing takes classic concepts, but adds  a new millennium twist. A herringbone blazer  that flips into a jacket, a dress designed from a vest. This label allows you to make your style and, fashion whatever you want it to be, just when you think it's one thing it gives something else. The genius of the apparel is it's simplicity, its not over the top but still like nothing you've ever seen. The signature heart adds an iconic stamp that sets off the clothing. Allan.Marco definitely has the potential to take fashion to another level an inspire many young minority designers................ Allan.MaRco inspired by designer Marcus Cobb is definitely something to watch out for

NOW CHECK THIS OUT

I always like to have different resources to pull my style from. I've come across SSENSE. What I like about the site is the diversity of things you can find, from high fashion to unique casual designs to showcase one's eclectic personality. SSense showcases designers that take you to the park without going into left field and the liquor store down the street. A lot of the clothing is really edgy and I like that, but it doesn't stray away from what universally works. There's something for everyone formal wear, casual wear, and even something in between. Prices can be a little high given some of the designers sold Diesel, G-star, Dolce & Gabbana to name a few, but the sales they have are outrageous making it easy for even the thrifty shopper to come up on some really good items. For a high end look with a casual feel without coming off as "trendy" this is definitely a website to check out.

WAIT!!! Is your Sh*t straight?

Recently I have come across a lot of people speaking out on issues they feel concern them, but they don't have their own sh*t together concerning the same matter. This is why so many people have trouble defining their own coolness because they are constantly concerned with the affairs of others. I ask, how can you achieve your full potential when you constantly knock the moves another person is making? Do people not realize that as you spend time "Hating" on there progression it causes you to slack on your own. You'll hear WTF guess who became a Kappa or AKA, why the hell did they quit there job and pursue that endeavor, or I can't believe they just closed on a house. This is something I think we (African Americans) have bad, we can't be happy for another person's success because we are upset with the inadequate progress we have made. Can you really speak bad on someone because they crossed an alumni chapter and not (your chapter) undergrad, when it has NOT even crossed your mind to join an alumni chapter since you've graduated, honestly that's when your really doing the work of the organization. Why is it so easy to call someone else out, yet you don't know your organizations hymn, nor when or where your national conference is? Now I can admit, when I meet someone who I clearly know is sketchy, I wont have the same interaction with them on all levels as with other's, if i see you are working for the same common goal to uphold the ideals of the organization, there is ALWAYS a respect level, I can never knock someone for doing what there supposed to be doing. Now if your intention's are shady and you are doing nothing to uphold a common goal, YES, you do need to be called out, but by someone who is on their sh*t. Far too many times I've heard people say "Why did they quit their job to do that, they were making great money", but your still working on getting an undergrad degree and job for that matter. You have to think maybe that endeavor they quit their job to pursue in the long run will open more doors and provide greater success in the future, but of course that concept went over your head, you still can't figure out the direction you want your life to go in. Just because that plan may not make sense to you, should not demean the validity of it. People have different skills and ideas and just because you couldn't pull the plan off does not mean they wont. There are a lot of young entrepreneur's out there who have a lot of potential and it's sad you will hear "They sh*t aint that hot" or "They aint doin nothin major" more times when their name is brought up than "There really doing there thing". You may not like what there doing that's understandable, it may not be your groove. If you feel it's not that hot why not give input to help make it better, don't hold someone down. If it's not poppin like that they may need that input so they CAN go back to the drawing board and revamp what there doing to make their endeavor more appealing. It takes a lot to create something from the ground up and even more to keep it running, credit needs to be given, because that IS something major. The crabs in the barrel mentality definitely has a mansion in loser town. Self evaluation is a great preventative to keep you from moving into this neighborhood and will greatly lead to a more fulfilling and successful life in the future. How can self evaluation do all this you ask.........To be continued

SMILE GUIDE

A lot of women say the first thing they look at is a guys teeth, so its surprising that many people don't take tooth care seriously. When brushing your teeth add salt to your toothbrush. The salt crystals help scrub excess plaque off your teeth and work as a effective polisher. Remember to floss to get rid of excess food in between teeth and rinse with mouthwash

My muthafuckan KITCHEN!!!!

Get ready to burn the house down in My muthafuckan KITCHEN. I think it's imperative you know how to cook it brings major cool points an hell everybody gotta eat! Now this isn't make a disaster out of a box, I'm actually going to show you how to make real food from scratch (What the F**K). And don't worry for the cooking impaired I'm teaching by video.

Quick 3 course meal: T-bone steak, corn on the cob, spinach salad

Since my battery ran out here is the finished product. With the salad you can add mushrooms, shredded carrots, really whatever you like. I cut up tomato's and coated it with italian dressing. Pour a cup of water, kool-aid, or cognac an voila' a 45 minute 3 course meal.

DON'T BE A VICTIM

Now this speaks for itself, no one can help you if you don't help yourself!!!! Now I'm up for showcasing personal style and adding your own twist to things but there is a very thin line from you looking like a TOTAL ASS. Now I've seen many people going into territory they have no business rolling into................SKINNY JEANS, now I feel like unless your a woman (an that's depending on body shape) or a rock star no grown ass man has any business rocking these thinking your fly. This is an epidemic that has gotten wildly out of control an I feel like something needs to be done. I mean come on, when you can't put your hands in your pocket, that should be a clear indicator your pants are way too gotdamn tight. A campaign against skinny jeans needs to be started. I feel like every time a grown ass man walks in public with skinny jeans on he needs the sh*t slapped out of him by everyone he walks past and told go put on some f**kan pants

CLASSIC STYLE

The Fedora, one of the quintessential accessories of classic style. Once thought to be a symbol of the GOLDEN AGE of Hollywood. The term came from the title of an 1882 play by Victorien Sardou. In the play actress Sarah Bernhardt played Princess fedora and wore a similar hat. The fedora has been around since the late 1880's. Originally a women's fashion around 1920 it became a men's upper-class clothing accessory. The fedora was a symbol of class, power, and sophistication, worn by the likes of Cary Grant, Humphrey Bogart, mafia kingpins, hell even Indiana Jones. The Fedora is shooting back into popularity mainly because of celebrities and gen-xers, after falling off the radar in the 50's and 60's, being relegated to an old man's fashion. NO hat commands more attention than the Fedora, why you ask, its simple, not everyone can wear a Fedora. Its the ULTIMATE classic that takes a certain air of charisma to pull off. The fedora gets enough attention by itself, where many go wrong is they create an elaborate outfit that already looks like hell and just want to put on a hat. The Fedora is not just a hat, it's created from quality craftsmanship. When rocking a Fedora you really need to keep it simple V-neck, simple button up, jeans, casual shoes and your good to go, the fedora can even be worn with a suit for a more formal look. Don't forget you don't want your outfit to drown out the fedora. The Fedora doesn't wear you, you wear the Fedora

The art of the entourage

No I don't watch the show, but I'm a firm believer your only as good as the people you have around you. It takes a lot of fine tuning to get the perfect entourage, some people luck up others it takes a few trials and tribulation's. Let's start with exactly what an entourage is. Technically an entourage is supposed to be a group of people surrounding an important person, MY definition is your main crew or road dogs, basically your highly exclusive group of friends. The key thing to remember with any entourage as with any team (which is what you are) NO ONE is greater than the group. This is where many groups FAIL. One person feels there better or worth more than the other, but in reality your all equal. In an entourage you should never feel worthless or as though you don't matter. Key rule of coolness everyone has there strength and purpose. With that being said in evaluating your entourage you have to remember everyone must bring something to the group dynamic. Strong factor's to make your entourage a success you need:

• The Publicity stunt king- This is the person who who pulls the wildest stunts Stealing someones car, jumping off a stage etc. Every comment that comes out there mouth is more outrageous than the other they literally have no limits they've tried it all an done it all. As wild as this person is there an integral part to the group. No matter how dry the night may be going (or day for that matter) there going to make it a memorable one. The publicity stunt king can start a conversation with the biggest ice queen there is because he's going to say something so outrageous she has no choice but to respond
• The Mediator- This person keeps the group together. YOU MUST HAVE A MEDIATOR. This is in my opinion is one of the most important components to your group. They are a neutral party, in times of conflict they take no ones side and have the ability to look at situations from all aspects. Whats makes them so special is they have the gift of not being judgemental, they keep the peace and insure all parts of the entourage continue to work together in good condition
• Mr. Take one for the team- Another key player in the group. They are one of the realest friends you will have, why because they have no one problem playing wingman. They are all about helping the homies no matter how dark the situation looks. This is the person you call when there are 4 dimes and 1 demon escaped from the gates of hell, most woman will not leave their girl out and 9 times out of 10 this demon is probably the biggest hater, so Mr. take one for the team comes into action and keeps her occupied cause to him it doesn't matter what she looks like as long as he gets his
• The Comedian- Laughter really is good for the soul. A comedian always lightens the mood no matter how rough times may get, they always have a good quip. There job is to keep everyone laughing, which comes in handy when a wrench is thrown in your plan. A comedian is such a great person because they won't let anything stop you from having a great time
• The Voice of reason- As crazy as it sounds you need someone to be the parent. They provide structure to the group and prevent you from catching felonies at the hands of the publicity stunt king and the ride or die. Yea they worry all the time but it's because they always have the best interest of the group. 
• Mr. Exclusive (see Social Coordinator)- They are up on everything from the flyest fashion, livest clubs, and hottest events. The have some type of connect for anything hotels, travel, etc. There goal is to make sure everyone is just as exclusive as they are, they work well because there mentality is no one gets left behind which is a key aspect in the concept of it's "all for the group" If there up on the hottest fashion they'll make sure your just as fly, if there in the VIP so are you
• I get it poppin- Point blank when you need some girls to come through Mr. get it poppin pulls out the blackberry
• The Social coordinator (see Mr. Exclusive)- Plans out the events. Sometimes its good to just hop in the car and let the night happen, but sometimes you need to have a plan of action and here's your man. They put together a plan for the liquor run, pre-game festivities, an even everyone's mission for the night. This is your researcher for roadtrips, parties, and all social activities they lay the plan of action an Mr. exclusive works the connects.
• Imma ride or die- There a hot head, swing first ask questions later, and hard to contain, but you wouldn't have them any other way. No matter what you can always count on them to have you back no questions asked. Even though there hard to handle this is the person that will always see it out to the end with you. The ride or die friend is always up for whatever whether it's a spur of the moment 3am drive across states or a mission to kick someone's A$$, here they are
  

The most important thing to remember is your entourage are the most exclusive group of people you know, because you picked them. You are all striving for similar goals and work together make sure you each achieve them. Never forget good friends are hard to come by and friendship is something that should always be valued

PERSONAL FRESHNESS

When ironing your clothes spray cologne on your shirts as you iron. This helps keep the scent in your clothes longer an the steam brings out the cologne more. DISCLAIMER: THE SHIRT NEEDS TO BE CLEAN DIRT, COLOGNE, AND STEAM DONT MIX!!!!

MEDIUM POPCORN LOTS OF BUTTER

Rants, raves, and previews of movies already out and blockbusters on the horizon. Since I'm a huge movie buff I'll let you know, was it worth or would I rather have drank bleach. I recently went to go see FRIDAY THE 13TH. Ever since I saw the machete wielding mad man take a tittie bouncing camper who hid in her sleeping bag and repeatedly slam her into a tree I was hooked. I was very critical of this movie because this is my favorite horror franchise and when you try an remake a classic that's treading on hollowed ground. With this movie of course it stayed true to the concept young Jason drowns due to irresponsible camp counselors, comes back to life or a rampage of murder and revenge. What would any Friday the 13Th be without the breast and sex scenes and references to getting high an wasted updated of course for today's generation (meaning x10). Now the highlight of this movie for me was actually the comical weed, alcohol, and sex references. I feel like there was a hardcore lack of creative killing, of course there was blood, but I need more guts, it seemed like everyone died the same way GIVE ME A BREAK. I feel like they tried to bastardize a classic, I've seen Jason deep fry a guys face an your telling me all he knows how to do is use his machete come on. Here are a few issues I had with this remake

1. Since when the hell does Jason sprint? We all know Jason has one speed that slow creepy ass walk, WTF "From the makers of the remake of Halloween". This was the biggest slap in the face to the franchise, I just have issues with Jason looking like Usain Bolt.
2. Please tell me since when the hell did Jason take hostage's, was this supposed to be a hint at terrorism? Lets remember Jason Vorhee's not Osama bin laden
3. Now I have come to grips with the fact that black people don't survive horror movies and surprisingly the one black guy lasted......to the middle beginning LMAO, but damn after he gets an axe to the back an is screaming for help (mind you everyone in the house hears this) an the girl says we have to help him the reply was we can't the killers out there. You know what I thought "See that's what yo ass get for going on a camping trip with all white people "
4. So Jason has a secret lair now, with electricity no less, where he stores all his collectibles, what in the hell is Jason going to do with a wheelchair, go for a roll around the forest
5. Like I said have no problem with all the weed references in the movie, they were the best part.........but we all no, weed is the last thing white people are snorting, I mean smoking, when they go camping............
6. Since when does Jason have boobie traps set up around the woods, damn McGyver
7. Jason knows archery? Must have been a summer camp skill he picked up

This was a remake I def. can't approve I feel like so much more could have been done in that hour and a half. That's why I say you gotta be careful when your messing with a classic