Character of Style: Ryan Gosling

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This summer saw the release of “Crazy Stupid Love”, a film that helped propel Ryan Gosling to a new realm of stardom. That’s not all the box office hit did for the young star though. It’s no coincidence that Gosling took his style swagger to another level about the same time this movie started filming. If you look back at Gosling’s street cloths five years ago you would be surprised by the evolution that has taken place. It seems his character’s style in films correlates to how he dresses off set. The man has never looked terrible at premiers, but he certainly wasn’t recognized as one of the most stylish men in Hollywood when “Lars and The Real Girl” released. Could that be because Lars was a socially awkward character who wore faded plaid shirts and oversized winter boots, looking homely at the least but better categorized as creepy? It’s difficult to say exactly, but in recent months Gosling has without doubt taken a few cues in fashion from Jacob Palmer. While there is no way I would ever say “You are better than the Gap” Gosling’s character did have impeccable style, and any man could learn a thing or two from him. Gosling kept his on set wardrobe fresh in recently released high action drama “Drive”. Seen above wearing a vintage Levi’s denim jacket in one photo and satin jacket with leather driving gloves in another. It will be difficult for Gosling to continue to find films that offer costumes with the type of style of his summer 2011 hits, but it looks like his off set swag is here to stay. Look for him to continue to stay ahead of the style curve and out dress most actors on the red carpet.           

Bastian Reigned Supreme at Fashion Week

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As the 2011 NYC Mercedes-Benz fashion week drew to a close on Thursday, Kanye West had yet to unveil his new line, but it is reported we will get our first look during Paris Fashion week. It is a women’s line so not really that interesting. I just like to see what the creative mind of Mr. West will come up with next.  With so very many brands showing off their spring 2012 products this week it is difficult for me to boil down my favorite collections, but the one that really caught my eye was that of Michael Bastian. Bastian started his brand in 2006 and has done relatively well, but last year chose to recreate his image and find a way to sell his products at more reasonable prices. He cut ties with his partner, Brunello Cucinelli, last December and is committed to lowering his prices by 20% without sacrificing quality. Unfortunately even with the price reduction his line will be out of my price range, with hoodies retailing for upwards of $1000. After not releasing a fall lineup this year we finally got our first look at what Bastian has been working on for almost a year. What I find most intriguing about his spring 2012 lineup is the classic American pieces to which he added his own unique design. While some brands such as Versace, Calvin Klein and Y-3 have started to trend towards a baggier look, Bastian for the most part kept his collection slim and refined, the way clothing should be worn. I will have to come to grips with the fact that some top brands are going with looser fits, but I don’t think that is ever a style I can really get behind. Tailored suits and slim trousers will never go out of style regardless of what the new trends may be. Some of my other favorite collections featured on the runway include Band of Outsiders, Gant Rugger, and J Crew.
Props to QG for photos          

State & Mechanic

Alma MI

New Coldplay: Paradise

Chris Martin and company recently released the second single off their upcoming album "Mylo Xyloto" which will officially hit stores on October 24th. After hearing three songs that have made the track list for "Mylo Xyloto" I think the album easily has the potential to be the band's best to date. While I enjoy listening to all of Coldplay's previous records, it seems to me that  the songs on each recording tend to sound a little too similar to each other. This is the case especially on their first two studio albums. This new album will hopefully have a nice blend of slower more dispiriting songs along with the upbeat type that dominated the track list of "Viva La Vida Or Death and All His Friends". Their first  "Mylo Xyloto" single "Every teardrop is a Waterfall" sounds nothing like "Paradise" and "Major Minus" has a different sound than either of the official singles, so it looks like this album will include some variety. This will be a breath of fresh air from what they have done previously. I know from personal experience that it's hard to get through the whole "X & Y" album if you are driving the interstate on a dreary day in March. The album is just too depressing. "Mylo Xyloto" should be an album that breaks the monotony with a few cheerful tracks spread throughout. At this point, this is all  speculation though, so we will just have to wait for the release at the end of October and hear what they have created.

Mr. Rager Video

Kid Cudi dropped his latest music video earlier today for his track Mr. Rager off his second studio album "Man on the Moon II: The Legend of Mr. Rager". With his new lifestyle this might be the last time you will see  Cudi raging, so take a watch. I won't comment on how great it is because the video speaks for itself. Cudder's a beast and kills it in whatever he's up to. Can't wait to hear some new music from him.

Musical Killstreak At Call of Duty Event: Kanye and Cudi

Kanye preformed a number of tracks last night at the Call of Duty XP event in Playa Vista, CA. For the final song of his set he brought out G.O.O.D Music member Kid Cudi to help with the vocals. Too bad Rhi couldn't show up too, but who would really expect her at a gamer event? From the video it looks like it was a great performance... Give it a watch. That jacket Cudi is rocking is killer, I need to find one like it. He might be the only performer with the ability to out swag West.

Via Complex

Campus Essentials

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With the Labor Day weekend coming to a close that means it's time to head back to school and begin the fall term. While we would all like to be able to bring thirty pairs of shoes and twenty pairs of pants with us, the fact is dorm rooms or small apartments just don’t lend enough space for that type of luxury. Here I  give you the list of what exactly you will need to look fly this school year.

Pants- Since space is limited, the best thing to do is diversify and find pieces that are versatile. Buy a couple pairs of slim fit cords and trousers that can easily be dressed up or down depending on what you wear them with. Wear them with a tee and sneakers to class. Wear them with a button down and cardigan out to the bar. As long as you have them on you’ll look good; don’t be afraid to break the norm of sweats and collegiate t-shirts this year. Really the only time you should be wearing sweatpants out of the dorm is if you are walking to the gym.

Bags- Some guys can pull off the messenger bag look, but for most of us the best bet is a classic backpack. The fact is, Indiana Jones might wear a satchel, but so does Joy Behar so just play this one safe and wear a rucksack to class. Get a durable bag with enough room for a few textbooks in case you have back to back classes. You can’t go wrong with a vintage JanSport or opt for a newer look from Incase or Nike SB. A bag is something you will use everyday so don’t skimp on price by buying one from Wal-mart that will make you look like you belong in middle school or will fall apart after half a semester.

Tops- With shirts the best way to shop is to go basic. Classic V-neck tee’s from the Gap are a great casual look that won’t break the bank. When buying white t-shirts, which are possibly the most important item in your closet, just get a pack of Hanes because its not worth the price to buy designer labels. Save the money so you can purchase a nice leather bomber jacket, brand name dress shirts or some new shoes, pieces people will actually notice. Also, buy a basic zip hoodie that can be worn over anything if its a cold fall morning or the AC is just cranked up in a lecture hall.

These items are just the basic necessities, if you have been reading the blog then you already know my views on footwear. Wearing scarves, hats and other accessories will make you look that much better, but if you are shopping on a budget and have little room for storage these are the items you really need to cop.