Best Posts in Forum: Fitteds, Blazers and Watches

  1. OckyDub

    OckyDub is a Verified MemberOckyDub I gave the Loc'ness monstah about $3.50
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    I’m a grateful appreciator of architecture and design. I’m also thankful that over the years publications like Interior Design, Home Trends, Architecture Digest in addition to networks television stations like HGTV and DIY; have shown that interior designs, accent decorations and styles can be masculine and at times even aggressive. I came across examples of masculine designed bedrooms and thought some of these rooms look like habitable works of art. The wall hangings, color palettes, lighting, accent pieces, bedding, flooring, furniture, etc., are inspirational. At the same time, I can feel the energy of a couple of these bedrooms may be to contemporary or modern for some. Check out the link Masculine Bedroom Ideas Evoking Style for additional details on the designers of each bedroom presented.

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    Read the whole post here.
     
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  2. Cyrus-Brooks

    Cyrus-Brooks is a Featured MemberCyrus-Brooks The Black Vulcan
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    Two words, FUCK NO! For the same reason I wouldn't wear a shirt that said, "n***a."
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  3. Nick Delmacy

    Nick Delmacy is a Verified MemberNick Delmacy Da Architect
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    I know I come off as cynical and bitter, but this shit is yet another reason why I'm over the gay scene and these trendy gaylebrities, party promoters, bartenders, socialites, etc...

    Trendy Nikkas be wearing space boots and tight wool sweaters with zippers and leather patches like its normal.

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  4. Nick Delmacy

    Nick Delmacy is a Verified MemberNick Delmacy Da Architect
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    By Pedro Fequiere

    What’s up, y’all? I’m Pedro. I’m 24 years old, and like most black men my age I have to be extremely careful with what I choose to wear.



    Every day, we are essentially dressing for survival.

    Throughout my life, I’ve experienced a collection of microaggressions — from employees following me in stores to women gripping their purses at the sight of me. At 13 years old, I was detained by the cops on suspicion of something I didn’t do. Just the other day, a woman grabbed her child and hurried into a store to get away from me when I was walking around the block. I don’t want to be another statistic and have my appearance be the blame for it. But I won’t conform and change my appearance just to make people feel more comfortable around me. I dress myself exclusively to fit my mood, which is often “laid-back/something I can skate in” chic, or whatever. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ I’m curious to see how much of an effect my wardrobe choices have on my life as a young black man in Los Angeles.

    So to find out, I decided to dress up for a week and then dress down for a week to see how people treated me.

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    1. I must perform the same activities in both weeks.
    2. While dressing up, I must have my shirt tucked in and wear a tie and/or blazer.
    3. While dressed down, all outfits must be something I can comfortably sleep in.
    4. I will not expose my tattoos in either weeks.
    5. I will not change my typical behaviors or act differently than I normally would.

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    Thoughts while dressing up: I felt pretentious, uncomfortable, and embarrassed, especially because of the blazer. A certain Kanye West line came to mind when he says, “So I don’t listen to the suits behind the desk no more / You n****s wear suits ‘cause you can’t dress no more” on “Last Call.” I softened my walk to mute the piercing click-clack of my shoes, my belt had to be constantly adjusted, and on top of it, these pants were giving me a slight wedgie.

    Experiences: The woman who worked at 7-Eleven greeted me with a smile and instantly asked, “What is THIS for? Meeting or interview?” “It’s for work,” I said, as I grabbed my change for the bus. She raised her eyebrows and subtly nodded her head. This was within the first 10 minutes of my day, and I thought to myself, Damn, this is going to be an eventful two weeks. My bus pass had insufficient funds, but before I could use the change I got at 7-Eleven, the driver told me it was OK. That was pretty tight. I got to save my change.

    For lunch, I headed to BLD, a kind of upscale-ish lunch spot. The service was cool — the server seated me at the front of the restaurant and I received my order ahead of two gentlemen who were there before me. I walked over to Chase Bank and the security guard not only opened the door for me but also gave me a heads-up about signing a waitlist to be assisted by a teller. On my way out after I asked him where the ATM was he chased me down to inform me about the available parking, assuming that I drove, but I had walked.

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    Thoughts while dressing down: I felt much more comfortable in my hoodie and sweats. I didn’t have to worry about the click-clack of the dress shoes or if my belt was in its proper place. An anti-suit ’04 Kanye West would be proud.

    Experiences: I saw the same woman at 7-Eleven and she only asked me if I wanted a receipt. My bus pass, again, had insufficient funds, and the driver didn’t move the bus until I put a quarter in and began to pay the fare. It was then she told me I was OK to go. So I still got to save my change, but it was slightly different this time.

    I went to BLD for lunch again, and was greeted by the same server. This time he looked toward the back of the restaurant for a place to seat me. He ended up seating me in the front, coincidentally by the cash register. I received my food fairly fast and he asked me if I needed hot sauce, paused, then added salt and pepper. I caught him looking at me in his peripheral during my meal. At Chase, the same security guard only greeted me with a head nod. Nobody assisted me as I walked in, and after sitting there for several minutes, I remembered to sign the waitlist. The teller who helped me last week was walking a client out and after passing me a couple times, he finally approached me.

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    Thoughts while dressing up: I was much more confident in what I was wearing. I was relieved without the blazer because I felt like I was giving off Secret Service or press conference vibes, and without it I was just some corporate dude doing adult stuff. That comfort was shattered as soon as the click-clack of my shoes announced my arrival. I prefer to be seen and not heard. Although now I have a newfound respect for galloping horses.

    Experiences: I went to the gym, punched in my phone number, signed in with my thumbprint, and was greeted with a “Have a great workout, Pedro.” At CVS, the cashier said, “How are you doing, boss?” and I got a “good evening” from the greeter at The Last Bookstore downtown. As my man Ice Cube would say, “Today was a good day.”

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    Thoughts while dressing down: I made sure I wore this outfit the day I drove to work because of the red flannel. I’m conscious of where I’m going and the colors I wear, because I can be mistaken for a gang member. My legs were cold and my slippers’ lack of traction made me self-conscious.

    Experiences: I wasn’t treated any differently at the gym, but people aren’t usually in their Sunday best anyway. The cashier at CVS was looking at me in the corner of his eyes but didn’t say anything. I crossed the street, and a man in a shirt and tie rolled his windows down and turned his music up. He was playing Future and made sure that it caught my attention. Even though I’ve had Dirty Sprite 2 on constant rotation, it weirded me out having this man actively seek my attention with it. At the bookstore, I got standard hellos and goodbyes from the employees.

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    Thoughts while dressing up: I’ve been getting compliments from my co-workers, so I was looking forward to getting snazzy and completing my outfit with a tie. I’ve also gotten accustomed to waking up earlier and ironing my shirt and slacks.

    Experiences: A neighbor, who has literally never made eye contact with me before today, smiled and said, “Good morning.” I went to Lulu’s for lunch and the owner welcomed me with a smile and led me to my usual seat. My order got messed up and I was given fruit instead of fries, but the woman waiting my table quickly fixed that.

    On my way out, a group of middle-aged men moved to let me pass through. I headed over to Meltdown Comics, where I felt out of place because of my clothes, yet right at home because I was surrounded by the things I love. At Vacation Vinyl, I got a “What’s up man?” from the guy behind the counter who followed up with “Are you looking for anything in particular?” He got excited when I asked him about a Turnstile record and we started a conversation about hardcore and punk bands.

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    Thoughts while dressing down: I threw on a simple hoodie with sweatpants that fit better than my previous day’s gear. I mentally prepared myself for the microaggressions I was going to experience during my morning routine while reminding myself to act as I normally would.

    Experiences: I felt good walking to Lulu’s for lunch, but the hoodie-sweats combo wasn’t the best move for the warm weather. I saw the same waitress and she quickly announced my order to me before I could get a word in. On my way back to work, a valet almost ran through me and I low-key had to jump out of the way. At Meltdown Comics, I found a comic by an artist I went to school with, so I asked the employee how one can submit their work to the store. He asked me about my Tumblr account, and liked my work! That was really cool. In my experience, visual artists have always been accepting, but I especially appreciated that moment of validation.

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    Thoughts while dressing up: I felt really fresh! I liked the turtleneck because it covered up my long-ass neck. Not a fan of the blazer, but the turtleneck evened it out. And after the third day, these slacks weren’t too bad. Third day’s a charm, I guess.

    Experiences: I had to run after my bus and hop on at the next intersection. The bus driver smiled at me as I thanked her. When a few black teenagers got on the bus, I felt like their elder in my getup. I went to the Beverly Center and immediately felt so formal and stiff, like a total dweeb. I decided to work my way from the mid-level stores to the luxury ones. At Express Men, the associate was really courteous and told me about the current deals, then left me to shop. I wasn’t as comfortable at Club Monaco, where the employees were on shoplifting-prevention watch. They started a fitting room for me, and one of the women told me she liked my outfit, which made me feel less like a dweeb. I headed over to Louis Vuitton and browsed their shoe selection, where an employee told me, “We have a lot of styles, great colors.”

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    Thoughts while dressing down: I love this hoodie and would probably add it to my actual wardrobe if it wasn’t so oversize. I was a little wary about how people were going to treat me at the mall this time around, but I wasn’t as self-conscious as I was last week.

    Experiences: I went to Express Men and there wasn’t an associate in sight so I walked around. Eventually a woman appeared and asked me if I needed anything; I told her I was just browsing, and I caught her staring at me a couple of times as I looked around. When I requested a size check at Club Monaco, the woman seemed annoyed but she eventually found the shirt. It was frustrating at Louis Vuitton because not only was it obvious that they had two sets of eyes on me, but also because nobody bothered to acknowledge me as a customer. Before I had the chance to look at anything, or even make it much past the entrance, a security guard approached me asking if I had any questions. At this point, I was so bothered by the experience that I wanted to leave, but I checked out the shoes only to be ignored by the man working there.

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    Thoughts while dressing up: Getting dressed up is cool. I feel fancy, but not myself. I’m glad this is the last day because I’m running out of outfits! Walking around like this makes me feel more important than I actually am. I’ve also noticed more people wearing suits, in the same way that I noticed everyone with locs once I got my hair locked.

    Experiences: At the bus stop, I noticed that my fly was open, which made me realize that I haven’t changed regardless of the clothes I wear. My headphones were on full blast as I did my best J Dilla head-nod rendition. A woman took the seat next to me on the bus, even though there were a good amount of available spots.

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    Thoughts while dressing down: I was relieved and happy that this was my final day. I questioned why I really did this experiment, and “I did it to piss myself off” was only thing I could come up with. It has been a trying week.

    Experiences: As I waited for the bus at the bench, a car pulled up on the far right lane and left an unreasonable amount of space between it and the car ahead. The only thing in between the cars was me. Maybe it was just keeping a safe distance, or maybe locking their door was too mid-’90s. An elderly couple also kept their distance from me at the bus stop and waited at the corner. As I saw the bus down the street, I got up and stood behind the couple, allowing them to get on before me. They instantly got up and took the bench. The older man finally understood my gesture as the bus pulled up to the stop. As I walked to my second bus, a woman moved her purse to the shoulder farther away from me. I couldn’t help but walk with a lot less pep in my step and I actually got emotional putting that in my notes.

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    During my dress-up week of blazers, ties, belts, and loud-ass shoes my initial discomfort faded as I noticed my treatment improved. It was really surprising to see how frequently I was made aware of my identity once I was dressed down. I would love to give people the benefit of the doubt, but they weren’t isolated incidents. There were multiple moments where I felt unaccepted and feared.

    It’s this same assumed uneasiness that can cause a police officer to shoot an unarmed black child, teenager, or adult. This predisposed perception of black men being violent criminals gives others the consent to write off our mistreatment as something we deserve rather than prejudice and injustice. What I wore while dressing down is no different from what an average college student might wear to class. But why does a women need to protect her belongings from me in broad daylight? Why must it be for an interview if I’m dressed up? Why does a group of retail associates need to divert all their attention to me when I’m in a hoodie? Or why do they feel I’m more approachable with my shirt tucked in? I don’t know, but I shouldn’t have to change what I’m wearing to not be feared.

    A Black Man Wore Different Kinds Of Clothing To See If People Treated Him Differently
     
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  5. alton

    Squad Leader The Great Debater The 1000 Daps Club

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    I "stole" these off of a FB Friend's thread on the same discussion LMAO

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  6. OckyDub

    OckyDub is a Verified MemberOckyDub I gave the Loc'ness monstah about $3.50
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  7. cypher21

    cypher21 Deactivated Account
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    Great topic @HauteChocolat glad to see you posting! I think the natural scent a man gives off is very appealing..hard to describe really..not BO, definitely not that but just a earthy deep scent that you faintly smell anyway. I hate overpowering colognes I prefer that you just be clean and neutral but when a guy does have on cologne I like it to be light but distinct in smell, I shouldn't be able to smell you before I see you ugh. Don't really wear it that often myself so I don't know any by name to use as an example sorry, but I know what I like when I smell it!
     
    #2 cypher21, Jan 23, 2016
    Last edited: Jan 24, 2016
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  8. Nick Delmacy

    Nick Delmacy is a Verified MemberNick Delmacy Da Architect
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    If the shoe game is an indicator than I must make a shyt boyfriend. I mostly wear old skater kicks, sometimes beat up...I'm a a black hipster that was born two decades too early... I gives no fuks about fashion and trends, just wear whats comfortable to me.
     
  9. OckyDub

    OckyDub is a Verified MemberOckyDub I gave the Loc'ness monstah about $3.50
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    Fate is the development of events beyond our control...a destiny guided by an all-knowing higher power watching over us. For Daquan, this sentiment is believed to be true; that he and Jamar were placed on each other's path. And what initially began as a friendship would later develop into love as overtime they began to fully comprehend the totality of their bond, and just how rare it is to have a relationship so complete...

    Read all about Daquan and Jamar's love story, surprise romantic proposal, and wedding experience in their intimate and stylish wedding. Planned and designed by MunaLuchi Coterie member Darryl Wilson of D'Concierge Wedding Events, featuring invitations by Oda Creative, and specialty designs by Ten23 Designs. See the complete gallery here.

    Couple: Daquan and Jamar
    Occupations: Daquan - Dancer/Choreographer/Cheer Gym Owner, Jamar - Manager of HR Quality Systems and Technology at Comcast.
    Wedding date: 11/6/16
    Wedding location: Arts Ballroom - Philadelphia, PA

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    Tell us how you met and all about the proposal.
    Daquan - "I believe it was fate. I was invited to a game night by one of my good friends. I had not seen him in a while so I agreed to attend. When I arrived, I heard a lot commotion at the front door which let me know that the part had gotten started. I knocked and 3 guys answered, none of which were my friend or anyone that I knew. I asked if my friend was there and one of the 3 guys replied,'NO, he stepped out to grab some ice,' I said, 'ok cool,' and walked right in. One of those 3 guys was Jamar.
    Jamar seemed to really be the center of attention at this event. He had my attention as well. He was handsome, funny, and outspoken, especially when joking with a friend telling his friends, 'you have one more time before I throw you out my house, I pay the bills here damn it!' We all laughed, and then I asked someone, 'Wait! This is HIS HOUSE!?' They replied 'YES!' It turned out my friend was just staying there for a while. I was so embarrassed as I walked right by this man, barley even speaking, thinking I wasn't in his home. Not the best first impression. After the party we kept in contact and often joked about my rude first impression but friendship became fascination, which in 2 years time became dating. 5 years after that , I now call my friend my husband."

    The proposal:
    Daquan - "Let's start by saying that Jamar hates surprises, but I've been determined to change that. It was Jamar's birthday weekend and I was determined to give him the best birthday weekend ever. All he asked for was dinner at a specific restaurant that he had his eye on.
    I called his mother the week of, who lives in Florida and told her about the plan for his birthday and how I wanted to surprise him with friends and family in attendance. She was excited. I then asked her for her blessing and she became overwhelmed with excitement and said 'yes!' Her only request is that when she gets old, that we don't make her 'return to Cold Philadelphia...' I agreed! So I flew her in that weekend and put her in a beautiful hotel in Center City Philadelphia.

    Saturday night, we got dressed and I told him I was taking him to dinner. We made our way to the restaurant he told me about a few weeks prior. When we arrived he gave me a huge hug. Little did he know, he had a much bigger surprise in store.

    We walked in holding hands and I led the way. He was startled by the huge group yelling 'SURPRISE! I was able to get our close friends from New York, DC, Philly, along with his sisters, and most importantly, his mother all the way from Florida. Tears instantly came to his eyes which was shocking for all of us as Jamar is not known to get that emotional. It was perfect. But there was still another surprise in store. In fact the biggest one of all.

    We ate dinner, drank and socialized as I wanted to wait for 12:00am, which was his actual birthday. The time came near and my nerves were through the roof. I cued an old friend who is a singer and he stood up to sing one of our favorite SONGS... I grabbed Jamar's hand and pulled him into the middle of the floor, got down on one knee, removed the promise ring that I gave him the year before and said, 'the promise ring was nice and all, but you deserve more than just a promise. You deserve forever, Will you marry me?' The room was full of tears of joy! He replied, 'Yes!' And pulled me in for a huge hug. It was a success!"

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    What was wedding shopping like for you? We both were styled and designed by Octavius Terry-Sims and Groom Official. He was amazing. We flew to LA for fittings and our tuxes were made to our body types. Groom Official styled our entire party.

    Did you incorporate any culture into your wedding? Our main goal was to mix some traditional aspects all while incorporating ourselves and our culture. We had traditional moments, but we also made sure that our wedding was a celebration of our union.

    Groomsmen gifts: Matching watches.
    Favorite item on the menu: Omelet (brunch style).
    First dance song: "Smash into you" by Beyoncé.

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    What is your best memory from your wedding?
    Daquan - "My favorite was for sure was when Jamar came out and surprised me with a choreographed wedding dance performance. I am a professional dancer/choreographer and I surprised him first after our first dance with dancers. He was surprised but it was to be expected from me. No one expected him to surprise me later on. He performed 'Ego' by Beyonce with two back up dancers! It was amazing!"
    Jamar - "My favorite was our 'first look.' We had not seen each other since the day before in the wedding rehearsal and we highly anticipated seeing each other. Our groomsmen played a big part in this as they made sure we did not see each other the day of although we had connected Grooms' Suites at the venue. They walked us out and we met back to back. We grabbed hands first, and they counted down. '3,2,1...' We turned around and the emotions took over. He looked so handsome. I was staring at my soon to be husband!"

    What is the best wedding advice you can give to engaged couples? Our best advice would be to enjoy the engagement. No need to stress about the wedding planning process. Hire an amazing planner like we did and always remember that your wedding will be one of the biggest celebrations of your union.

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    Vendors:

    Planner/Designer: Darryl Wilson of D'Concierge Wedding Planning
    Cake: Desserts by Dana
    Floral: 19Eleven
    Invitation: Oda Creatives
    Venue: Arts Ballroom Philadelphia
    Tuxedos: Groom Official
    Linens: What's the Occasion Linens
    Speciality Design: Ten23 Designs
    Photography: Ken Maurice Studios


    Daquan and Jamar's Intimate and Stylish Philadelphia Wedding |Munaluchi Bride
     
  10. OckyDub

    OckyDub is a Verified MemberOckyDub I gave the Loc'ness monstah about $3.50
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    This is a guest post by Letroy Woods of Man Becomes Style. His website is able to fuse cultural aspects, modern trends and traditional values to provide advice on grooming, attire, fitness and personal development that’s suited specifically to black men living in an era where personal image is paramount.


    What is the Truth.

    ….and what has been taught to us about our Truth from the beginning of our African-American existence.

    I wrote this article to talk about the things that don’t get talked about, and that’s the black man & style.

    The black man’s understanding of himself within our society, and as a human being has been misunderstood.

    Therefore, I created the 5 Truths For Black Mens Style.

    It is my aim to ensure that the modern black man is equipped with the tools to put his best foot forward every time.

    Keeping things simple, I have laid out 5 Truths For Black Mans Style.

    [​IMG]Truth #1 – Recognizing How Color Affects African-American Men
    Color shouldn’t be thought of as just your skin color. Understanding the color of your skin and the clothes that compliment them will build a powerful Image for the black man.

    Truth #2 – The 4 Hair Types
    Stop worrying about hard to manage hair. The right hair product, a brush, and a haircut will always have you looking your best. That haircut will compliment your face. Seeing that this is what people will be looking at when they talk to you.

    Truth #3 – Culture, Traditions, And Customs of the African-American
    Why do so many black people have similar actions and habits. Recognizing where you come from will answer the many questions of who you are.

    Truth #4 – The Black Mans Style
    How do you dress? Well from slavery, to Hip-Hop culture, to the American culture, all play an important role in how you dress today.

    Truth #5 – Grooming
    Having an unique skin type doesn’t have to be a disadvantage. The right skin products make things easier.

    Knowing and applying the 5 Truths will have you walking tall, proud, and with purpose.

    Going through the motions in life isn’t enough. Teaching the everyday black man his role in the community, the workplace, and his Identity is essential.

    The people who fought for freedoms and rights has to count for something. This guide will provide black men with the tools needed to start his path to personal development. By not avoiding the 5 Truths you will be set on a path towards being an improved individual.



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    Style and Grooming Issues
    There are not many options out there for the style and grooming issues that black men have. Writing this article has opened new education to myself also. Being born in the south (Tennessee), many African-American traditions were instilled and practiced by my family without realizing it.

    I can relate to the problems we deal with. This guide is to serve as a foundation of where to start. And depending on where you live, resources on style and grooming are very limited.

    Growing up in the military presented many opportunities of meeting many different cultures of people. From my teens into adulthood I realized of all the many places I lived, there were never really that many options for taking care of a black mans needs or style.

    I propose to develop strategies to educate, enlighten, and eventually build your confidence in yourself and inspire others to have confidence in you. Change is necessary.

    Are you willing to sacrifice who you are for who you will become.



    1). Recognizing How Color Affects African-American Men
    Skin Color
    The Fitzpatrick scale is a common skin scale used for human skin pigmentation. The Fitzpatrick scale is a numerical classification schema for human skin color. It classifies the typical response of different types of skin to ultraviolet light. There are 6 categories of the Fitzpatrick scale. We will talk about Type 4, 5, and 6. This is where most African-American people fall into.

    Type 4, (Moderate Brown) – Typical Mediterranean skin tone, rarely burns, always tans well.

    Type 5, (Dark Brown) – Middle Eastern skin types, very rarely burns, tans very easily.

    Type 6, (Deeply pigmented dark brown to black) – Never burns, tans very well.

    [​IMG]



    [​IMG]Skin Tones
    If you’re a darker skin tone, you have more freedom with clothes with bright colors. Whites, pastels, shades of purple, pink, rich yellow and orange look good with your skin.

    The colors dark skin men should avoid are, black or dark brown. I’m not saying to not wear these colors at all but these colors will not compliment your skin tone the best.

    Wear warm colors. Yellow, pink and orange are good colors that bring out the natural glow in our skin. Contrast benefits the dark skinned man. Contrast is to show differences when compared. It’s all about complementing, not matching.

    Going clothes shopping will have more ease since you know what compliments your skin best. Step outside the normal color scheme and reinvent yourself with color. When you get your first compliment you will know you’re on the right track.



    2). The 4 Hair Types
    Hair styling in African-American culture is greatly varied. African-American hair is typically composed of coiled curls, which range from tight to wavy. Often as men begin to lose their hair, the hair is either closely cropped, or the head is shaved completely free of hair.

    Since the beginning of African civilization were used to convey messages to greater society. Various styles would indicate a person’s marital status, age, religion, identity, wealth and rank within the communities of the culture.

    Unkempt hair in African culture was considered unattractive to the opposite sex and a sign that one was dirty, had bad morals or was even insane. Hair maintenance was aimed at creating a sense of beauty.

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    Andre Walker Hair Type Chart
    Type 1, (straight) – This hair is straight and not typical of the black community or mixed African ancestry.

    Type 2, (Wavy) – Deep waves with little or no curl. Coarse and stays in S shape.

    Type 3, (Curly) – Unique, fine and soft. Q shaped pattern. Straight when wet but curls when it dries.

    Type 4, (Oily/Kinky) – Most textured of all hair types. Tightly curled and wiry, Z formation. Driest and most fragile of all hair types.

    Most African-Americans have Type 3 and 4, with very few being type 2.

    Nappy was a term used growing up, meaning people of African descent who do not chemically alter their hair texture. But the term was loosely used. When an African-American with type 4 wouldn’t comb or brush their hair, their hair would kink up very tight to where you could see spaces in-between the kinks. If this happened you would get made fun of for not taking care of your hair.



    [​IMG]Care and Styling
    No matter the hair type you have, now that you know your hair type, take the measures to take care of it so it looks its best.

    Find the resources near you if you have any available or go online to buy the products you need to take care of your hair. Remember that many of the products used by non African-American people don’t work as well with these hair types.

    Ask your African-American friends (if you have any) or look on the internet to find out where to get your haircut, if you don’t already have a barber you trust. It will save you hard-ache and disappointment. Not all barbers and stylist know how to cut or style our type of hair.

    Get your haircut on a regular basis and keep it groomed. There’s nothing like having good hair and getting a new haircut. Something as simple as a haircut will make you feel like a new person.



    3). Culture, Traditions, and Customs of the African-American
    “For Africa to me….is more than a glamorous fact. It is a historical truth. No man can know where he is going unless he knows exactly where he has been and exactly how he arrived at his present place.” – Maya Angelou

    To understand where the Black men get their style from we need to give some history behind it. Where we originated from to our current culture and style. We need to speak on slavery. It’s irrefutable that it’s what made the black culture.

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    Many of you guys are probably not from Africa. You might think even though you’re born in the United States, that most of your culture is the American culture. I’m here to give insight into the African-American culture that is a part of you, whether you know it or not.

    Times are much different now, but history tells a story. This story is the one of the culture of the African-American people.



    [​IMG]From The Beginning
    African-American culture (Black culture) in the United States refers to the cultural contributions of African Americans to the culture of the United States, either as part of or distinct from American culture. The distinct identity of African-Americans culture is rooted in the historical experience of the African-American people, including the middle passage. The “Middle Passage” was considered a time of in-betweenness for those being traded from Africa to America.

    The culture is both distinct and enormously influential to America culture as a whole. Slavery in America began when the first African slaves were brought to the North American colony of Jamestown, Virginia, in 1619 to aid in the production of such lucrative crops as tobacco.

    Most aren’t aware that slavery in this country didn’t officially end until Dec.6, 1865, the day the 13th amendment to the Constitution was ratified. It didn’t end on Jan. 1, 1863, when president Abraham Lincoln issued his Emancipation Proclamation.



    During Slavery
    In the United States, the dominant forms of contemporary American music and common dance are also derived from America’s African based slave legacy. When slave masters and overseers in the United States discovered that drums could be used as a secret means of communication, they were banned.

    In the place of drums, enslaved Africans in the the United States substituted hand clapping, and tapping the feet in poly-rhythmic cadences to reproduce the complex rhythms of African drumming.

    [​IMG]

    The song was and continues to be a popular way for African Americans to recall past struggles. African-based oral traditions became the primary means of preserving history, and other cultural information among the people. They did not rely on the written word. Most blacks for the greater part of American history were not allowed to read or write.

    “History will have to record that the greatest strategy of this period of social transition was not the strident clamor of the bad people, but the appalling silence of the good people.” – Martin Luther King, Jr



    [​IMG]Culture Today
    During the 1970’s the Dozens; a game of spoken words between two contestants, common in black communities in the United States, where participants insulted each other until one gives up. According to some the game was almost exclusive to African-Americans.

    Furthermore, Hip Hop later become a multicultural movement. However it still remains important to many African-Americans today, in music and fashion.

    In the south religion is very active within the culture. Another common aspect of fashion in African-American culture involves the appropriate dress for worship in the black church. It is expected in most churches that an individual present their best appearance for worship.

    African-American culture is a combination of what was bought to this land by the African slaves, the segregation of blacks throughout American history and those values that make America.

    African-American culture is visible in music, clothing, food, language, and religion. Has much changed from the past to the present in our culture?

    Freedom has liberated us. But our mind-frame is still that of the old. The demand for the truth is essential. The 5 Truths For Black Mans Style, commends the man who wants to venture side by side to discovering your true potential.

    [​IMG]4). The Black Man’s Style
    We wear clothing to protect our bodies against nature, to define our social roles, and to express our personalities, but what happens when we are forced to wear clothing chosen by another. In West Africa where many American slaves originated, clothing was minimal, and even that was generally stripped away from newly enslaved people.

    If your own style hasn’t yet been established, you may have conformed to what everyone else is wearing.

    Depending on the demographic of where you live it affects the clothing choices as well.

    Clothing is our second skin. Most of our life is spent in clothing, and clothing projects an image to the world of how they see you. Men you have to care about the projection of your image. This article will guide and teach you to hold in high regard the importance of a black mans style.

    So what is a black mans style. Let’s start with what options work well black men.

    Colors
    Most light colors work well with dark- skinned men. Pastels, whites, oranges, and bright yellows. Bright colors are a part of our African-American culture. Traditions have been passed down through the generations. African culture is festive, and celebrations are held with a lot of colour, vibrancy and decoration.

    [​IMG]Clothing
    During the Civil rights movement young black revolutionaries adopted the African culture of male head caps. Now known as skull caps or Do-rags. Still to this day African-American men frequently wear some type of headgear. Stereotypes of African-Americans continue to be present in regards to style and beauty.

    In the midst of slavery, black people kept their best clothes for Sunday, their day off, and exercise that continued in freedom. Image is a high in priority in the black communities. Is your Image working for you or against you.

    Clothing doesn’t know skin color, but there is history in our clothing. Clothing doesn’t make the man, the man makes the clothing. Keep it simple and use tradition. The everyday man still wears the clothing of the past for style today.



    5). Grooming
    The need for African-American male grooming products in America is vital. Why isn’t the African-American population being market to. It’s an untapped market. The right question would be, what mindset is the current America in.

    African-Americans purchase nine times more on grooming products than any other ethnic group.

    The preference for facial hair among African-American men is due to personal taste. We are prone to razor bumps and many prefer not to shave. Black skin is less susceptible to wrinkling, but becomes dry and flaky very easily.

    The challenge for the African-American man will be finding the right products for your hair, face, and skin. Depending on where you live, depends on the options available to you. The internet is a great tool to find your grooming needs. Grooming challenges will be issues for African-American men for current and future generations.

    [​IMG]

    Conclusion
    “It is the duty and high privilege of every human being to endeavor to improve himself. Effort at self-improvement is the definition sometimes given for religion. It may relate to our actions or to our convictions. In our actions we should aim at goodness; in our convictions, at truth.” – Joseph P. Bradley
     
  11. ControlledXaos

    Squad Veteran Most Valuable Player The 1000 Daps Club

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  12. questforknowledge

    Bae Material Squad Leader The 100 Daps Club

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    I wholeheartedly agree about seeing guys in basketball shorts, that's a big turn on for me lol.
     
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  13. Infinite_loop

    Infinite_loop Is this thing on?
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    I am like....the worst at Fashion. I just do NOT give a hoot at all lol:iverson2:
     
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  14. alton

    Squad Leader The Great Debater The 1000 Daps Club

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    Isn't "Genderless Men's Clothing" an oxymoron?
     
  15. ControlledXaos

    Squad Veteran Most Valuable Player The 1000 Daps Club

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    Just about everytime something claims to be genderless, it's actually just feminine.
     
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  16. Winston Smith

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    Being one of the older types round these parts, I came along when Gen-X black males were encouraged to dress up by older folk to "break the stereotype." It was just one of those things that black boys should be taught, like when I was five years old and me and friend came from the candy store and my Great Aunt smacked our hands for not having the candy in a bag or a receipt ("You ALWAYS get a bag and a receipt, they'll try to say you stole something!"). I would always encourage any black man to "dress up." It makes you feel better (America, regardless of race, is a society of nasty, sloppy, casual, fat slobs), and your OWN folk will accept you more, which helps to chip away at that internal black hatred that we were taught.

    Keep in mind, that MLK, Malcolm X and leaders of the 1960s alway wore suits and ties, even when marching and protesting. They understood early media and psychology, so that when the world saw black men getting beaten by racists in America, the rest of the world got the message, "Look at those viscous American rednecks beating up on well-dressed businessmen and professionals!!!"

    [​IMG]

    Yeah, it's unfair to a degree that black males should have to go that extra mile for presentation, chiefly for the benefit of so-called acceptance by others (as this article points out: Black Men Shouldn’t Have to Dress Formally as a Survival Tactic   ), but it's a matter of picking your battles to fight another day.

    That being said, I've also grown old enough to realize that, for a large part of civilization, clothing style on a black man makes no difference. As Stevie Wonder once sang, "you might have the cash, but you can't cash in your face."

     
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  17. Kouncelor

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    No, no, no. This is nothing new or exciting. It's just men wearing women's clothing. It's always the same when folks are trying to break gender constructs in fashion: -Trying to redefine men's/women's clothes for the opposite gender. -puting men in women's clothes I have yet to see anything that is new and innovative that could truly be called genderless...Something that is far different from the societal fashion constructs.
     
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  18. Nick Delmacy

    Nick Delmacy is a Verified MemberNick Delmacy Da Architect
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    Being honest, if I were slim 25 years old and under 5'10" tall, I would def dress a lil more "urban trendy" like some of these rappers and athletes. Tall ppl always look kinda comical in these outfits tho, it never fits the same due to arm and/or leg length. And the look never quite looks the same oh heavier dudes.

    However, I wouldn't do the "fashion show runway trendy" look tho, that stuff looks too experimental for my tastes. It always looks like a cross between a homeless person and someone from the future.
     
  19. OhSheit

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    Summers almost over and no one actually wore these things. This wasn't even a fad/craze.
    upload_2017-8-27_15-3-58.gif
     
  20. ControlledXaos

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    I'm too old to be wearing t shirts with curse words for one thing.

    I like abstract t shirts or super hero insignias.

     
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  21. Kouncelor

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    Everyone's priority is different...everyone is at a different place on life and society.

    I wouldn't necessarily let attire dictate me talking to or dating someone. That is way too superficial/shallow.

    Too many damned rules for datng..I'm over it.
     
    #11 Kouncelor, Oct 15, 2015
    Last edited: Oct 15, 2015
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  22. Dante

    Dante https://www.gofundme.com/qv7v5dw
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    That's why I'm glad I was born in the 70s!

    [​IMG]
     
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  23. RolandG

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    If you're gonna wear knee-less pants, you should at least put a little lotion on them knee caps.
     
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  24. OckyDub

    OckyDub is a Verified MemberOckyDub I gave the Loc'ness monstah about $3.50
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    tumblr_n91qk5QHtR1qd8zg3o1_500.gif
    You to much. Sometimes it pains me to agree with you. Tatts on the face freaks me out.
     
  25. Jaa

    Jaa
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    [​IMG]
    This chic hobo look might be off-putting on an everyday dude, but I would probably give Lenny Kravitz a pass. And the scarf does look warm. It's so long he could probably share it with me if I forgot my own.
     
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  26. mojoreece

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    Crop tops on men were always more of a athlete sports thing. Like when you at practice and running its ok to have a half cut shirt on so that the bottom part does not stick to your belly when your sweaty running. But I ant mad at Zek; I like hairy dude and hes a cutie too lol.
     
    #5 mojoreece, Apr 29, 2016
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  27. SB3

    SB3 is a Featured MemberSB3
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    No! I can admit that I like being able to charm either sex, and the perks that come w that, (yet im the same dude hating why ev1 thinks im str8) but im not tryin to wear a shirt bout bein gay. In my 30's tho, i got no prbs saying it if its brought up
     
  28. Tyroc

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  29. OckyDub

    OckyDub is a Verified MemberOckyDub I gave the Loc'ness monstah about $3.50
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  30. mojoreece

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    So while screen shopping for clothes on ASOS I noticed that they have added a "plus" size men's section. I wished they would of just called it big and tall instead of "pulse" size. Nevertheless, I'm glad that they finally did this. Now its time for H&M, Zara and Express and the others to follow. Im prob about the same size the model is (just shorter lol) so its harder to find the right size clothes at some of the stores I like. I can only buy maybe a shirt or top and accessories. They def would never have pants that fit me and the skinny jeans.... don't even think about it ....NEVA EVEAH lol. Big props to ASOS for doing this.

    ASOS PLUS | Big Men's Clothing | ASOS

    [​IMG][​IMG][​IMG][​IMG][​IMG][​IMG]


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    #1 mojoreece, Dec 12, 2016
    Last edited: Dec 12, 2016
  31. Winston Smith

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    When I travel, people always ask about Chicago weather. For the record: I'm a brother that actually likes Winter weather (as long as you stay in your place on the calendar, Winter; show up at the front door in late November, cover me with wet, white stuff in December and January, then get yo ass out of my bed by end of February). One reason I dig winter. I get to bust out the sweaters!

    Not those ugly, off-the-rack, rapey-assed Bill Cosby-type sweaters (the Smithsonian BET' not put that shit in the new African-American Museum)...
    [​IMG]

    But good, fit-your-style-and-body sweaters. A good sweater is something that looks great on men of ALL ages, old or young.

    [​IMG]

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    After all, what's the use of a cuffing season, if you got no cuffs? LOL

    [​IMG]
     
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  32. Winston Smith

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    I've never been one for ostentatious men's watches. Even though I've reached the point in my life where I guess I could buy a Rolex or TAG Heuer, I prefer minimalist design watches, no matter how inexpensive. To me, a good watch is like cologne; it should accent your presence and ensemble, not overwhelm the senses like "ooo, look, it's business man bling!" Thoughts?

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  33. OckyDub

    OckyDub is a Verified MemberOckyDub I gave the Loc'ness monstah about $3.50
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  34. OckyDub

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    [​IMG]

    Axe personal care products began stepping up and outside of the box, by marketing to a more diverse consumer base. The usual sex driven “use Axe and females will want to fuck you” ads are being replaced. The newer commercials are telling men to be comfortable with themselves in their skin with the tag line “Finding Your Magic”; whatever and however that may be and smell good in the process while using Axe body spray and products.

    The LYNX ad (Axe in Australia) set the stage for the company’s new approach in 2015. Around the 27 second mark of the ad, the narrator says “kiss the hottest girl or the hottest boy.”

    Regardless if one uses Axe products or not, let me start by saying I think this approach is great. Men come in all sizes, shapes and colors and this company at the minimum acknowledges this. They hired marketing agency 72andSunny to help this convey this message in these new ads.






    Matthew McCarthy, senior director of Axe and men’s grooming for Unilever stated, “If you look at all the vignettes in the campaign, it really represents a tremendous spectrum of masculinity. That includes personal attributes like hair, nose, body type, clothing type and lifestyle. We want to make it clear it doesn’t matter how you define masculinity, which is very different than some of the storytelling we’ve done in the past.”


    Again…fantastic message and outlook within their new “go forward” strategy. Here is the new commercial.

    Great commercial and it answers the call of needing more imagery of regular complex (non-hyper masculine) men in media. The cook in the pizzeria and the two guys in the record/book store were my favorite.

    At the 18 second mark the narrator says “on fire as you rock those heels”, while feminine men in high-heels wearing female attire, vogue and fall out on the floor. This section of the ad is what got the gay community singing praises for this new ad campaign. The joy is in that they are being “included”.

    Carlo Cavallone, executive creative director of 72andSunny Amsterdam said, “There’s not one single-minded, one dimensional idea of masculinity out there. We wanted to make it as inclusive as possible. We wanted to give to guys a sense of confidence and liberate them from stereotypical bullshit about what it means to be a man. The ads aim to show the diversity of masculinity without becoming a sociological study or losing a sense of fun or irony.”

    [​IMG]

    To me there is always this lingering essence within the conversation of expanding or relaxing masculinity to make it more traditionally feminine…just for the sake of inclusion. If a man wearing women’s cloths and accessories is masculine then what is feminine? Are we on the cusp of advising that free and true masculinity should include males presenting themselves as women is just a different form of masculinity?

    Examining masculinity or bucking traditional masculine norms shouldn’t morph into femininity. They both have their valuable separate spaces and intersections…but they are not the same.

    Feminine men are men. Their manhood is as important and relevant to the discussion on maleness as any masculine man’s. Nonetheless femininity is not masculinity. Regardless of how we want the spectrum to slide or blur to cater to sensibilities.

    [​IMG]







    Read the whole post here.
     
    #1 OckyDub, Jan 17, 2016
    Last edited: Jan 17, 2016
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  35. OckyDub

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    I'm not saying his attire doesn't look nice but for me it seems overly trendy. Yeah I've seen worse but still...sometimes I feel like dudes try to hard and it can be a bit of a turn off.
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