Florida Agenda

Photo: Diesel Thavar 0882r skinny $325 • store.diesel.com>>

By ERIC CHRISTIAN

Some say the “skinny jean” was inspired by the rock-n-roll elite, such as The Rolling Stones and The Beatles, in the 1970′s. When the 1980′s came around, the trend had become popular among both men and women. Many ask, “Who is to credit the now-so-fashionable skinny jean trend?” Many argue women; many argue and blame men. The truth is, it was the fame and popularity of famous MALE rock bands that revolutionized

the trend. Can many of you recall Mick Jagger or Steven Tyler of Aerosmith gyrating across the stage of sold out shows? The original source of skinny jeans starts back in the 50′s, when jeans symbolized the passion of youth and rebels which progressed through the 80′s. Celebrities always had a huge effect on their fans, so the way they dressed was constantly causing their fans to mimic them. Marlon Brando, James Dean and lots of other idols are included as the ultimate examples of this trend.

7 For All Mankind slimmy black white jeans •

$189 www.7forallmankind.com>>

<<<Guess Kurt skinny jean $90 • shop.guess.com

The “skinny jean” trend faded away in the 90′s when popular bands began to wear leather pants and form-fitted jeans. Skinny jeans seemed like a flash from the past when they appeared in stores a few years ago. They seemed more suited to women. Today, sales of men’s skinny jeans are going strong, and mass brands like Gap and Levi’s are getting in on the action. As soon as the 21st century approached, companies and brands, such as Seven For All Mankind, Stitch’s, Diesel, and Rock & Republic, jumped in on the bandwagon and began to mass produce, market and widely advertise. Rock & Republic says sales of its men’s skinny denim over the past several months rose 26% over last year’s figures.  In turn, this has caused the rebirth of the “skinny jean.” There are no signs of this so called “trend” slowing down, I must add. With actors and pop stars like Zac Efron, Justin Bieber, Lil Wayne, Justin Timberlake and Kanye West (to name a few) wearing skinny jeans, they have not only become popular all over again, but this cult following has given permission for style-conscious young men to wear them. After all, and because of this, the “skinny jean” is not so much associated with the term “gay” as it was in the past.

In this week’s issue of Style & Entertainment we introduce our Entrepreneur Series of Profiles for August. This week we talk to Jack Atwell, Chef at Moments in Time Catering & Gourmet, as New York plays host to a rush of weddings for the LGBT community, Paul Rubio offers you a look at the hottest honeymoon destinations in Travel and we get Crazy and Stupid for this season’s romance “Crazy, Stupid Love” by Warren Day in Film.

This week we get the skinny on the skinny jeans fad that has become a trend in Style, in Dining we sample the ‘Sublime’ and welcome guests in Home by Michael French.

Don’t worry we also have your favorites, Recipe, Fitness, Home, Out in Florida and our State-wide Bar Guide.

Enjoy! H – AV

What’s Inside LINKS Below:

Far and Away Exotic Destinations

Crazy Stupid Love

Skinny Jeans

Get That Extra Hard Pump

Sublime Restaurant & Bar

Click on the Links Below to View the Articles

In this week’s issue of Style & Entertainment, we talk city  beautification and good business with Wilton Manors Main Street President & CEO Krishan Manners in Profile, Paul Rubio offers you a front seat for the feeding frenzy of Sharks in Travel and take in the SUPER eye candy of “Captain America: The First Avenger” with Warren Day in Film.

This week we go bold and beautiful with the hottest jewelry accessories for men in Style, applaud a philanthropist in The Scoop and enjoy an old friend in the Hi-Life Café in Dining.

Don’t worry we also have your favorites, Recipe, Fitness, Home, Out in Florida and our State-wide Bar Guide.

Shark Feeding, Osprey Reel Australia

Captain America

Fitness: Get Out of Your Rut!

Bold & Beautiful Accessories

Home: Reinvent Your Castle

Hi-Life Cafe

By Alex Vaughn

When one wants to create a BOLD look, it’s all about the accessories. You can be wearing a simple t-shirt and a pair of jeans, but the accessory, whether it’s a watch, sunglasses, a bracelet or a ring, never goes unnoticed. You are not considered totally dressed and ready-to-go unless you are wearing at least one accessory of your choice. Many consider it a “naked” feeling. Many designers this season are using the “accessory” as the focal point of their runway shows.  For John Galliano’s Men Spring 2011 collection, it was all about the beaded and feathered necklaces and rosaries. For Ann Demeulemeester’s Spring 2011 Men’s collection, it was all about the cuff bracelets and ribbon lapels. Many of you may not be aware, but in the fashion world, hair and make-up are very well considered an accessory, as well. This season there are a slew of designers creating eye-catching pieces, but it’s the designs of Eddie Borgo and Pamela Love that have everybody talking.

Eddie Borgo’s designs are a mix of traditional American costume jewelry, rock-n-roll and the streets of the city that never sleeps, New York! His designs bring new energy and modern point-of-view to these themes, fusing high-end and street in his collections. His designs can be found at www.eddieborgo.com and Jeffrey’s New York.

Pamela Love draws her inspiration from many of her favorite artists, including Joseph Cornell, Lee Bontecou, Hieronymous Bosch, Alejandro Jodorowsky and Francesco Clemente. Her creativity is further fueled by her passion for nature and science, as well as astronomy, astrology, religion, magic and folk jewelry. Her deep connection to the American Southwest also continues to be a driving inspiration behind her artistry and craft. Her designs can be found at www.pamelalovenyc.com and The Webster

and Alchemist, Miami Beach.

For styling, luxury personal shopping, editorial and shopping tours, contact fashion & style expert Eric Christian at eric@styleconciergemiami.com and online at www.styleconciergemiami.com

Eddie Borgo labrodite padlock necklace • price upon request

Eddie Borgo cone bracelet available in gold • $600

Eddie Borgo cone bracelet available in gunmetal • $600

Eddie Borgo pavé cone bracelet • $1000

Pamela Love bone resin tribal spike cuff • $195

Pamela Love medium tribal spike necklace • $700

Pamela Love small crow skull • $875

Pamela Love triangle ring • $150

By Alex Vaughn

It is HOT! There is no question the heat is on, so how can we stay stylish and cool? Well, there really is only one perfect summer fabric: Linen

Linen is a textile made from the fibers of the flax plant, Linum usitatissimum. Linen is labor-intensive to manufacture, but when it is made into garments, it is valued for its exceptional coolness and freshness in hot weather.

Linen is great because it really is effortless. If it is a bit creased, that isn’t an issue as the island feel is not about perfectly pressed clothes! It’s also perfect for travelling, because you can just roll up your shirt or shorts and shove them in a bag and be pool glamour ready instantly!

Color wise, I think white is the best, but it’s almost the most impractical, so opt for beige, teal or navy. If you are
daring, many designers from the Banana to Ralph Lauren offer a linen range in vibrant colors such as orange, turquoise and pink!

Here’s the thing about linen pants: you can wear them whenever you want. They’re comfortable in either warm or cool conditions, so you can wear them around the house, to the beach or you can wear them out to dinner.

Classic linen pants are good summer pants because they’re light and great to wear to the beach, but also can hold up into the evening and night. You can wear them with a tee shirt to make them more casual and relaxed or you can put on a collared shirt to dress it up.

Linen shorts are more relaxed – and yet smarter than the ever-popular cargo or plaid variety.

As for linen shirts, it’s always best to get a relaxed fit, because it leaves room to breathe and for the wind to pick up some of the fabric! When choosing a suit, there are two basic options: Fitted and structured linen or loose. If you are attending a wedding or function that isn’t on a beach, then go for the structured like the one I selected from Nirvana and jazz it up with some bright accessories. For all else, go for the looser option as it offers more variety.

The other advantage of having a linen suit in the summer is you can wear the pieces separately, but be careful cleaning them though or you could end up with different color pants and jacket (particularly if you have a dark hue of linen)!

Turquoise linen Shirt  – Ralph Lauren $110 www.ralphlauren.com

White Button – less Men Suits/ Tuxedo Jacket And Pants $260 www.shoppingnirvana.com

Mode Suite  – White Suit $410  www.modasuite.com

Hartford Blue Fine Stripe Linen Shirt $94 www.mywardrobe.com

Boss Brown Linen Shorts $137 at www.asos.com

Calvin Klein Linen Shorts $72.50 www.calvinklein.com

In response to the Letter to the Editor, in the Florida Agenda, July 14th, 2011.

DEAR EDITOR,
I have just read the July 14 issue of the Florida Agenda and would like to respond to the letter from JP Colby.

It has been estimated that we form our first, and often lasting, impression of a person within the first 7-30 seconds of meeting them and, whether JP Colby likes it or not, much of this impression will be derived from how we judge that person’s appearance. Personally, just as Mr.

Vaughn does, I make positive judgments about people who are dressed smartly and are neatly groomed, and negative judgments of people who appear to have thrown on the first semi-clean clothing they found that morning – this may not be “right” but it is our right.  Just as it is JP Colby’s right to disagree with Mr. Vaughn’s opinion.

Would you arrive at a wedding in denim shorts and sneakers?  Probably not, because it would be disrespectful to your hosts (unless you are in Israel, where this is perfectly acceptable). In the same way, arriving at a business meeting or going to a smart bar or restaurant in these types of clothes is also disrespectful. It suggests to the person/people you are meeting that you do not value them.

Mr. Vaughn’s article does not suggest that he believes that people who are not smartly dressed or groomed or wearing a color co-ordinated outfit are less than he is or not worthy of his time. He has merely stated that he feels better when he has made an effort and appreciates it when others do, too.  Conversely, JP Colby’s sarcasm laden letter implies a believed superiority over Mr. Vaughn due to JP Colby’s assumption that because Mr. Vaughn cares about his and others’ appearances he is superficial. Taking pride in your appearance does not automatically mean you are superficial just as not caring about your appearance does not automatically mean you are intelligent.

With reference to the comment about Scott Rothstein, the implication that anybody who takes pride in their appearance is not only superficial but also in some way involved in criminal activity, is both laughable and offensive. Considering JP Colby’s letter is supposedly complaining about Mr. Vaughn being judgmental this seems to be incredibly prejudicial.

Unlike JP Colby I look forward to reading Mr. Vaughn’s future articles and opinions and should he write something that I disagree with I hope that I will have the respect and courtesy to inform him of my opinion in a polite manner as opposed to a sarcastic and condescending rant.

Dawson Blake

In this week’s issue of Style & Entertainment we talk truth with award winning journalist LZ Granderson in Profile, ease the burden of back pain in Fitness, set sail on luxury yacht charters in Travel and Jam it up at Café Jamm in Dining.

Warren Day reflects on the final Harry Potter movie and why the LGBT community should care in Film and takes on a review of ‘Stuff’ in Theatre.

As the summer is here in force we tackle cool clothing and explore the luxe life of linen in Style, get an inside tip on the development of the beach properties in Fort Lauderdale in The Scoop and let our hearts grieve in Home.

Don’t worry we also have your favorites, Recipe, Out in Florida and our State-wide Bar Guide.

Enjoy! H – AV

By ERIC CHRISTIAN

Dsquared’s 2011 Spring and Summer collection was a blast from the past with reminiscences of the 1980′s and early 90′s hit “Miami Vice”. We all know it wouldn’t be Dsqu ared without

a mix of color, prep and hot models with sex appeal.

Celebrities, socialites and the who’s who in the world watched as handsome, male models strutted down the runway in blazers and jackets tailored sharp and strong; shorts and polos in pink, turquoise and green; and high-cut denim paired with silky printed shirts that apparently have no buttons (the  better to show off those abs).

It seemed as if the collection started to take you around the world, from Scandinavia to Mykonos, and then to Florence, Italy. It reflected a somewhat fictional tourist that spent his vacation traveling and dressing to different parts of the countries. The crowd watched the wardrobe change as the Dsquared men explored the Norwegian coast in trench coats, a beanie, roughed-up jeans,
mountain boots and a scarf. Jet-setting onto Mykonos, Greece, where the sun  is shining and there’s always a party. Here the Dsquared man walked down the runway in red, yellow, and bright, orange shorts and swim briefs, paired with gladiator sandals. By night, he stepped out in colored trousers, gingham blazers, loafers, sunglasses and deck shoes.

There was definitely everything a man could possibly want in this collection. Hats off to Dean and Dan Caten for such a wonderful Spring and Summer 2011 collection.

For styling, luxury personal shopping, editorial and shopping tours, contact fashion & style expert Eric Christian at eric@styleconciergemiami.com and online at www.styleconciergemiami.com

Alex Vaughn

There are many theories about what certain items of clothing say about a man, but none are truer than the wristwatch. Undoubtedly the male equivalent to an ‘It Bag’ for women, this is the one area of fashion that still belongs to men. You can tell someone whatever you want about your lifestyle, personal taste, income bracket and many other little hints of your social standing with just your watch. Are you flashy? Demure? Sporty? Whichever watch you invest your time and money in, chose wisely. Don’t try and be someone you are not; that said, the right watch can speak volumes about you even if you are just wearing boardshorts.

When you say watch, brands come flying to your mind left right and center: Rolex, Omega, Timex, Casio, Jaeger, Cartier, to name just those that hit me straight up! Like so many things in life, the watch you choose should reflect you; are you a fashionista with cash in the bank? A Diamond Rolex or a Chanel J12?  Maybe you have a little less cash in the bank.  How about a Guess or Rado?

You might be sporty and not flashy at all, suggesting a G-shock Sports Watch or a Tag Heuer.

The offering today on high quality watches is phenomenal, any design house worth their salt offers a time piece that suitably incorporates the heritage of the brand, from Oakley to Hermes.

So, how do you pick the right watch? First, pick your price point and the vein in which you want to go, and try them all on. See what looks right (your skin tone, your current lifestyle, etc. will all influence your watch choice.)

I have chosen my top picks for watches across all income brackets.  Remember, a watch is a good investment that will retain its value and capability for a long time (I am currently wearing my late grandfather’s Omega Seamaster from 1969). One word of warning, though: A high-quality timepiece, like a good car, needs maintenance – and that is not cheap. However, it is worth it.

In this week’s issue of Style & Entertainment we talk In Between Men with the star of the new online gay drama, Chase Coleman, in Profile, and get tips on Fitness for those of you who are over 40 in Fitness. Time to choose a new watch? See our top picks that make the man in Style, get a refresher course in dining etiquette in Home and enjoy the French favorite, Croque Monsieur in Recipe.

Speaking of food, now is the perfect time to enjoy and rediscover Zuckerello’s Restaurant, a forgotten gem in Dining. We also have all of your regular delights; The Scoop, Out in Florida and our State-wide Bar Guide. Enjoy! H – AV