an Influential Male...is a well dressed man who carries himself with confidence stands out and gets noticed no matter his XL size...

Wednesday, May 12, 2010

Cast Your Vote...

Nothing speaks status more than having personalized luggage...nothing speaks Influential Male status more than having Louis Vuitton personlized luggage (and I don't mean the luggage tag)... 
With Lionel Messi and his much lauded Barcelona side in real danger of being knocked out of the Champions League by Inter Milan this Wednesday, Louis Vuitton reminds us that it takes more than four goals against Mikael Silvestre and Manuel Almunia to achieve legendary status. Diego Maradona, Pelé and Zinedine Zidane on the other hand are fully paid-up members of the All-Time Great Players Who Wore No.10 Club, and Annie Leibovitz was on hand to capture them indulging in a spot of table football as part of LV's Core Values ad campaign. Only time will tell who emerged victorious (and whether Maradona cheated by spinning) but you can cast your vote at www.louisvuittonjourneys.com, which will be showing more highlights from the match-up over the coming months, including a look back at their careers and a look forward to this summer's World Cup. GQ does know is that the only thing cooler than a Louis Vuitton Pégase cabin case monogrammed with your initials is Louis Vuitton Louis Vuitton Pégase cabin case monogrammed with the initials ZZ (see below).
Now that's Well Done...
louisvuittonjourneys.com
(courtesey of GQ)

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Music to My Ears

Looking for some new tunes to get your Influential on....

Here are few of my FAVS that are hot on the shelf plus a bonus feature for my Influential Males that like to be ahead of their music game.

Rokstarr is the new album from songwriter Taio Cruz and features contributions from Ludacris and Ke$ha. Pre-order the album for the limited-time price of $6.99 and get the single "Break Your Heart" featuring Ludacris (Mixin Marc and Tony Svejda Remix) immediately.


Check It Out !!!




EMINEM
Genres: Hip Hop/Rap, Music

Released: May 03, 2010








ZAC BROWN BAND and FRIENDS
Genres: Country, Music, Contemporary Country, Rock

Released: May 03, 2010

Monday, May 10, 2010

2 is Company and 3 is a Crowd

MayDay!! MayDay!!... You are Influentially dressed for a first date experience with a wonderful new lady friend and on your way to pick her up when you discover that you have a stain on your dress shirt
(Definitely NOT) a good Influential Male first impression...
Faux Pas rule- do not wear clothes with STAINS in them...


Tickets for Broadway play $250, Dinner at Cipriani $175, the smile on her face when you show up SPOTLESS to pick her up, from using your Mr. Stain Remover stick PRICELESS..... 

Sunday, May 9, 2010

Happy Mother's Day !!!

To all the mother's of my Influential Males...
Thank you for the great job of influencing in all the right ways...

Thursday, May 6, 2010

Cinco De Mayo Edition...

Happy Fifth of May my Influential Papi.... I have a style pick that will sure be an conversation piece for your Corona Day Party.....Cinco Celebration Shoes


The Saucony Cinco De Mayo Puts the History of the Holiday at Your Feet....

The Saucony Cinco de Mayo is the smartest Cinco shoe you will find. The date of the Battle of Puebla is printed in the shoes insole and the colorway is designed after the Mexican flag. If that doesn’t score you major points with the chicas, than I don’t know what will.
(courtsey of trendhunter magazine)

Wednesday, May 5, 2010

Influencing Ain't Easy...

What man doesn't want a chance to date a Super Model....well for some dating comes easy but not necessarily true when it comes to a 5'10" thin is in beauty of the runway. Over the past decades GQ has benefited from great advice from some of the world's most influential people. Few however has looked as good as Miranda Kerr (Victoria Secret model)

....here's what she had to say about "How to Date a Supermodel"

Your approach...
 (Miranda) Simply smile come over and say hello... nothing fancy  and definitely no cheesy pick up lines... There is nothing more attractive than a man who carries himself well, is confident but at the same  time humble and open.

The Right Time to Ask for the Number...
(Miranda) Life is too short so it's never too soon to ask. Even if you get the number, it's best not to assume anything. Women have a sixth sense and can tell when a man wants one thing. You'll have more luck with a woman if you are there for them- no strings attached.

The First Drink Went Well is Texting the Next Morning Too Soon...
(Miranda) Text away! It only makes a woman feel appreciated and again shows that you are confident. Life is so much more exciting when you live in the moment rather than impose rules on what you do and when you do it...

We've Only Been Hanging Out for a Couple of Weeks and Now It's Your Birthday...What do I get you ?
(Miranda) Something thoughtful, not necessarily expensive, just something that has been well thought through.

Is it a Turn Off That I'm Seth Rogen Than Lance Armstrong?
(Miranda) No, not at all. In fact I prefer that you aren't ripped. It is ultimately more natural and I am all for looking and feeling natural...

Looks like we got this in the bag...because all her answers are the definition of an Influential Male...

Monday, May 3, 2010

All Mixed Up...

It's May Day Monday... and your week is not off to a good start. You are having problems pulling it together for your new job or interview. Well Influential Males I got the answer to help you avoid a Fashion Faux Pas. Yes it's spring and colors and contrast are definitely HOT for the season but not so much for the work place... Mayfair look- in a few words, if you are not going to a summer fair or performing at your child's birthday party as Homie the Clown I suggest you keep your color scheme down to at least 2-3 colors instead of following the rainbow....

Make your choice of colors judiciously go for smooth combinations try to blend in with your surroundings, for the office environment shades of white or grey exude ultimate class and for the more relaxed environment, sky blue or light shades of red.  
Also if you have a good collection of shoes, it is pale clothes with pale shoes and dark with dark...
 Now exhale Influential Males and have a GREAT day !!!

Sunday, May 2, 2010

Paying Attention to Details

Le Mans may be the most famous film you've never managed to sit through. But no one knocks the star. Steve McQueen favoured clothing with purpose: when he wasn't dressed for car or motorbike racing, he'd be seen on set in his favourite sport coat and black rollneck. McQueen's style was all about clear-cut masculinity, so invest in pieces that look better with a bit of dirt such as a leather jacket or a denim shirt. Man up. (Jodie Harrison)
Photo credit: Rex Features

To get this look:
Shirt and Jeans by Wrangler (both in Big and Tall) http://www.wrangler.com/

Saturday, May 1, 2010

Yoga Anyone ?

Keeping fit can be achieved from more options than just throwing a rack around at your local gym or weight room. Most men would question the question of asking them to participate in yoga due to the preconcieved notion of "yoga is a for housewives". Well Influential Males you are wrong on this one...
Guys have the world to gain by practicing yoga. So what's holding you back Influential Males? While in the back of your mind you would much rather be relaxing watching ESPN or golfing with your buddies, you find yourself surrounded by floral print mats and beside someone else's painted toenail polish.... A world turned upside down-that's yoga for most men. So I did some research to find out exactly why so many men stick to the yoga sidelines and here are few reasons why:

Social Obstacles: Yoga Takes a Brave Man
First thing first how do one overcome the awkwardness of entering a room of pensive women readying for class sets as strong a tone as a locker room of guys snapping towels. "Men walk in needing a challenge, " says Judith Lasater, who has authored six yoga books during her 35 years as a teacher. So Influential Males suit up and enter the yoga game with your game face on for Downward Dog... To offset the the pile of voguish flip flops armor yourself for yoga bravery by introducing yourself to the instructor and discuss fears and anxieties...

Physical Hurdles: Overcoming Groins and Pulled Hamstrings
Get a man past his reservations about Warrior pose and he'll still have a well-founded reason to drag his feet to a studio: Yoga can be painful (Tilin, Yoga Journal). Because it's in your Influential DNA that you are FORD tough and built to last (minus the flexibility), which leave you chanting Ommmm for other reasons than finding your center... Stretching has long taken a back seat in a man's daily things to do. But many men have had benefits from its effect. Bernstein, a former competitive high school golfer who's managing director for an investment firm realized that nowadays for him "everything hurts".  Soon after several classes of Upward and Downward dogs, he began to realize that his once stiff back now feels better.

Physical and Emotional Benefits
Elasticity also helps men who are determined to play all day. Barry Zito, the 28 year old star pitcher who's spent most of his career with the Oakland A's serves as a role model for any jock who's determined to stay injury free. Many athletic trainers of all genres of sports are slowly accepting and incorporating alternative training methods into their training regimens. Not just for the player at heart, businessmen in the corporate world find spiritual (uplifting) benefits. Taking a break for mind and body has become essential in staying abreast challenges that day to day life may bring. Yoga can also help you with mental clarity "realizing that the bigger game you're playing in life isn't about competitiveness". (Oz, Mehmet).

What life is about Influential Males is awareness and keeping one's ego in check- after all this world is bigger than one man it is filled with many Influential Males....

NAMASTE...

Friday, April 30, 2010

Do You Know What Time It Is ?

There may be Gloom in Bloomberg but the Watch (timepiece) market is up .....who would have ever thought that valuable stocks were right within arms reach (on your wrist). Many watch enthusiast have found lotto winnings with their watch collections....but hold on before rushing out to cash in on your Fossil or Timex. The return is only for the old and famous timepieces. Only the BEST watches increase in value over time. Here's how to tell the difference between the collectible and the merely expensive...

RESALES AT AUCTION
"To invest in watches you either buy vintage or you buy incredibly rare and special pieces, "says Adam Lindermann, New York-based collector and principal shareholder in Ikepod, Swissmaker of timepieces designed by Marc Newson. Over the past 4-5 years resale of various vintage watches have skyrocketed at auctions. Such vintage pieces as Paul Newman, Steve McQueen, James Bond all nicknamed after film stars... The recession may have hit on Wallstreet but others have had Luxe luck in the resale of their timepieces... "We had clients tell us, I am not earning any money in the bank, so I'd rather put it into something I can wear, enjoy and that's holding its value, " says Sam Hines, a Christie's vice-president and head of watches in New York.

LOWER-PRICED OPPORTUNITIES
Although you may need a discretionary income to collect watches, it is not absolute necessary nor a prerequisite to be a Saudi prince or Russian oligarch...many timepieces have been valued or moderately priced in the $50,000 from such designers as Patek's dated from the 40's and 50's. They have not only retained value but have sold for very good profit...no offense to the ladies but value has only be noted to collect on men timepieces as women watches are seen as jewelry. Tips for investing wisely for a smarter return: remember to make sure that the timepieces are produced by one of the top brands and are extremely complex mechanically and limited in number. So next TIME you are in the market to invest some of your hard earned cash consider indulging in some wrist candy...

Because TIME will tell of a Influential Male....

Thursday, April 29, 2010

EXTRA ! EXTRA !....Read All About It !!!

Today's Fashion Headlines Read....

Marc Jacobs Lands in Time 100...




Marc Jacobs is the only fashion designer who landed on Time magazine's Time 100 list of influential people, which comes out tomorrow....











Let's welcome Marc Jacobs to the real world of Influential Males...

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Coming Soon...

Diaries of a Taliored Made Man.....

A Step in the Right Direction

Ok Influential Males...Spring cleaning time...Take this opportunity to revamp your closet and stock up on the latest in foot fashions for Summer...Saks Fifth Avenue is offering up to 50% off of the hottest designers in foot gear.... This ad is rated XL only for my Influential Males who are ready to put their BEST foot forward....


Friday, April 16, 2010

Holla If You Hear Me...

Sometimes we can get sooo caught up into ourselves that we forget how to listen when others need our attention.... Well Influentail Males please accept my apologizes for not listening. I want you to have my undivided attention at all times....I want to hear what you have to say no matter the subject, thought or reason you want to talk. If  you don't know what to wear on your first date, which fabrics are appropriate for Spring/Summer suits, what color shoes goes well with gray or whether or not you should wear jeans to the play...I am giving you my LISTENING ear....

so please holla back...

Friday, April 9, 2010

'Sole" Searching...


There's truth in the saying that men's shoes are like cars...getting you from point A to point B in a certain style and plummeting in value the minute your feet hit the sidewalk...similar to that of a car when it leaves the dealership. For those of you Influential Males that feel that one or two styles serves the purpose of your entire wardrobe.... NOT !!! No longer the ritual of one black and one brown, every man should have a shoe for the season, the date, the office, the court and the just because pair. So then the question arise from men asking why 20 pairs and the answer to that is... "If men paid attention to shoes, it would be easier for them to put their outfits together more successfully" (Lauren Solomon, a New York-based Image Consultant). Here I will discuss 10 pairs of shoes that every man must own...






1. The Black Oxford
Every man needs a high-quality black oxford lace-up in his shoe collection. This $1,440 leather-soled and stacked-heel style by British shoemaker John Lobb is worth the investment. For more information, visit
www.johnlobb.com
2.The Brown Wing Tip
Also known as a brogue, the wing tip is another classic, but differs from the oxford thanks to its perforated leather pattern. The $975 pair shown here is by British shoemaker Edward Green; the company started making shoes in 1980 and today each calfskin pair, made mostly by hand, takes several weeks to complete. For more information, visit
www.edwardgreen.com
3.The Summer Dress Shoe

As more men embrace seasonal dressing like lightweight suits in tan and gray for warmer weather, the summer dress shoe has become a necessity. Michael Toschi, founder and designer of San Carlos, Calif.-based retailer Michael Toschi International, suggests lightening things up with cream contrast stitching and laces on a brown or tan shoe. A good choice: the $660 Berta (left). It also looks great with jeans on weekends. For more information, visit www.toschi.com
4. The Loafer
Forget pennies and tassels. If you're ready to splurge, exotic leathers are the way to wear loafers. The $1,895 Arlo by Martin Dingman (left) features saddle-tanned alligator skin with a rubber sole for year-round wear. For more information, visit
www.martindingman.com
5.The Driving Moccasin
The driving "moc" is designed with a flexible rubber sole and rounded heel that allows the wearer to gradually apply pressure to his vehicle's brake or accelerator. The Roadster by Hush Puppies, $120 (left), features a cushioned lining and is available in sage,oatmeal,russet, chestnut and mint. For more information, visit
www.hushpuppies.com
6.The Boot
You know that favorite pair of worn-in, rugged jeans that fit perfectly and look good with everything? You need a boot to go with them. The $298 Jake Chelsea boot by Frye (left) is made with distressed, weathered leather, a leather sole and a stacked heel. For more information, visit
www.fryeboots.com
7.Classic Tennis Shoe
Save your sneakers for the gym. Nothing looks worse than a well-dressed man in jeans or shorts with a clunky, white athletic shoe on his foot. An understated classic like a Converse Chuck Taylor by John Varvatos ($95, left) is a must-have for running errands and walking the dog. For more information, visit
www.converse.com
8.The Athletic Shoe
The athletic shoe should be used for exactly that--sports. Go for comfort, support and functionality--just don't wear it out to dinner or to the beach (unless you're running there). This $100 Nike Trash Talk is the first basketball shoe ever made from recycled leather For more information, visit
www.nike.com
9.The Leather Flip-Flop Or Slide
Anyone aspiring to the laid-back casual lifestyle should start by owning a pair of leather flip-flops or slides. More sophisticated than $5 rubber versions, this $120 pair by Ugg Australia has a comfortable split-sole rubber bottom and molds to the wearer's foot with time. For more information, visit
www.uggaustralia.com
10.The Tuxedo Shoe
The black patent leather lace-up is a safe bet for formal occasions. The $250 Bickel plain-toe blucher by Johnston & Murphy (left) is an affordable option. For more information, visit http://www.johnstonandmurphy.com/
*Video courtsey of Forbes.com

So when it comes to men's footwear, the rules are relatively straightforward: Always match your shoes to your belt, your sock to your pant and never wear socks with flip flops...Please!!! So Influential Males before you step out of the house be sure your foot game is on point because "A woman always notices one thing about a man when she meets him"... His Shoes...so what are your shoes saying...

Monday, April 5, 2010

New Development Coming Soon....

"Body Talk... talk your body to me"...remembrance of this oldie but goodie song definitely can be related to this subject matter I'm about to discuss. What is your body saying to you Influential Males...are you liking what it has to say or how it's looking? Well if not... lets go to work to prepare you a foundation for which to build upon a new dressed you....
It has always been assumed that, most women think men are totally unselfconscious about their physiques, but guess what world most men would (secretly) disagree...Some research have found that men have feelings of intimidation by the images surrounding them... Billboards, magazines, runway all depict images of not the Generation XL man but the man with a perfectly built body machine...

Well Influential Males I beg to differ because I personally feel sexiness, swagger, confidence, self esteem and power is seen in the attitude that the man carries while in the suit not just the physical attributes of the man. 
 Influential Males you are not alone and I hear you and so does Larger than Life rapper Rick Ross.. " I would love to target a big and tall audience, " Ross told a magazine about creating a line for big bosses like himself.                                                                

While I'm not encouraging self-esteem blasting fixations (raise up from the bench press and grab a burger!), dressing for your shape is essential part of style and it's a good idea to know how to dress your body in order to play up it's strenghts and play down your weaknesses... Throughout this blog you will find tips tailored to your physique. Your body type should no way limit your fashion choices. (Julian,Tom 2009). In fact knowing your body type can help you hone in on the right ones for you.

With that being said and for the purpose of catering to my Influential Males we are going to focus only on your body type... some may refer to it as Oval or apple shape, Endomorph or Broad as I will refer to it..

You've got a bigger physique, and those few extra pounds you carry are probably around your middle. But bigger can look better with a few considerations and proper selections with regards to silhouette... (Men's Style, 2009).

Now that the foundation has been layed it's time to find out what looks good on you....see you in the dressing room !!!!

Sunday, April 4, 2010

The Right Fit Fight "Round 1"


Never understanding what the big deal was between the rivals of underwear....





 I decided to consult with a very trusting and reliable source that I feel has expertise in the underwear business. I was surprised at the vast amount of information and the thought process that a man has to put into the decision of what underpants to wear... read here about what my source had to say...





Whether boxers or briefs or anything in between the decision of which type of underwear to wear once represented a coming of age moment in a man's life and the types and styles have come a long way...


Briefs aka "Tighty Whities"

Briefs should be in every man's underwear wardrobe for several reasons. They should fit neither too snug or too loose. Briefs give great freedom of movement, they don't bunch up and they provide support. When shopping for the right size Influential Males please keep in mind that size in this case definitely matter...




I know many men invest in the color white but black and gray will always look better on you...(in the right size that is) !!!




Boxers

Every man remembers their first pair of boxers...
Boxers look good on all physiques. They can come large and offer a camouflage to a man's physique and in case of a fire in the middle of the night and you had to run out of the house it would be socially acceptable to be seen in them...kinda. In this case a man should have a few in his arsenal...




Boxer Briefs

A boxer brief really offer the best of  both worlds.
This style is most flattering in black and come in quite a wide variety of fabrics and colors.
Many say that they give good support, look good on most men including the Generation XL man 
and don't ride up...They can also help with issues of chaffing...




And for the Influential Male with the free spirit the jury is in for the last and somewhat least...

                                                           
Thongs

Now prejudice I am not.. this choice of underwear is only for those that can wear them well...meaning being able to actually see the thong...(if you know what I mean)...
This is a personal preference and can be incorporated into your underwear staples just for fun and to give the love in your life a little shock...

In conclusion wear whatever kind you want-boxer, brief, boxer-brief, or thong. The choice is yours and whatever style you choose just be sure that they are comfortable and they add to your confidence in the way you dress....

Because you never want to get caught with your pants down and not have on the right underwear...










Saturday, April 3, 2010

Forgot Someone ?

Many of us have skeletons in our closet that have been long forgotten about...not on purpose but from not having time to notice that they are  there. Influential Males you have forgotten about yourselves... your mind, your body and  your spirit that you have left hanging empty and alone. No life nuturing or caressing them... You get up, get dressed everyday passing by those skeletons as if they don't exist... You start your day with a coffee in one hand and the briefcase, mobile phone, laptop, bagel, and on and on in the other. From the rush of caffeine your minds race, your body in overdrive and your spirit on empty from lack of soul food...


So the next time you dress, don't forget to caress your mind, body and spirit skeletons by taking the time to bring them back to life with showing love to yourself first before the coffee, mobile phone, laptop and on and on...
because Influential Males... you soooo deserve it....

Proceed With Caution

Being an Influential Male is more than title, social status, portfolio and wearing the luxury labels. It's knowing when to say when...Illness, stress and burnout fatigue are warning signs that are initiated by the body that danger is near. There is only one YOU and that YOU needs to be paid attention to... so please to all of my Influential Males...


Everyday I'm Hustling

Can't see the forest for the trees... but can you see me? Everyday I'm hustling to make ends meet not having time to even speak when I see my friends in the streets... Taking time to do what ? Are you serious, when I have deadlines and meetings...Worrying about day to day life is enough to cause anyone to forget how to stop and take time to Smell the Roses ...

To my Inflluential Males from me...

Friday, April 2, 2010

Who is the Man in the Mirror

Fashion goes deeper than just the superfical layering that outsiders only see...If we took the time to look past the labels that some can not pronounce or even identify and examine the inner core of who's representing that label we would find answers to some of our most thought provoking questions about who we really are...
"The well-dressed man is he whose clothes you never notice-" W. Somerset 
From all walks and talks of life Influential Males have represented strength, leadership, power and have come in all shapes and sizes....



and is all about loving the skin you're in no matter the size...

Monday, March 8, 2010

What Lies Beneath...

To "V" or not to "V" that is the question...
Specific underwear styles work best with certain clothing styles, making you more comfortable and confident in the way you dress. Here's a list of underwear essentials that will have you covered for any occasion. So before you dress please select influentially...



Crew Neck Undershirt
A man should have 3-6 basic white 100% cotton crewneck undershirts. These undershirts are worn under dress shirts to control perspiration and hide body hair. They should be form-fitting and fairly thin so as not to cause extra bulk, make you hot, or compete with the outer shirt. These undershirts are not worn as outerwear.


V-Neck Undershirt
White 100% cotton V-neck undershirts
are worn under a dress shirt when you don't button the top button.
Figure on 3-6 of these in your wardrobe.
If you work in a casual office setting,
you may need even more.
Again, these undershirts are not worn as outerwear.

Tank  Top Undershirt
A tank top undershirt in 100% white cotton is the undershirt to wear during summer months to help keep you cool. Again, this style undershirt should be thin and form fitting. It is not an outerwear piece. If you perspire heavily, this undershirt style will probably not work for you.

Now come on fellas... could I forget that the purpose of this blog is to cater to my Generation XL...and yes I know that sometimes the basic undershirt just won't do and we have to pull out the BIG guns...I mean special artillery. Well for those of you who are not feminine shy http://www.equmen.com/ have developed a "mirdle" just for you... This Man Girdle shirt not only help to minimize your mid section but also states to improve your posture. So at ease Influential Males I got you covered....