A Gents Pep Talk- The Finer ‘Tings’

Photo Credit: Francis Bassey

The good life is a process, not a state of being. It is a direction not a destination.” Carl R. Rodgers couldn’t have said it better.

Our goals, aspirations and hopes of what we wish to accomplish are generally shaped by others. These are things that are naturally rooted by our likes/dislikes and ambition to change our current situations. Along the timeline of events, we develop an idea of success and failure. Both shape us in such a unique way; we often confuse the two. Failure has a reputation of making the bravest fighter hesitant—but success has a reputation of making the hardest worker content. The most difficult thing isn’t chasing your dreams, it’s holding on to them.

The idea of succeeding towards our goals can become a one-time-measurement—rather than a measurement of success by our growth. It is a divine process blended with failures, each one more intricate than the next. The more we consume the success of others, the more we allow failure to consume us.

Photo credit: Francis Bassey

Pinpointing success comes from perfecting who you are. Your best ‘you’ is incomparable. It’s an exclusive right to exceeding the goals you’ve set, not just reaching them. Remember, keeping up with the Joneses can be expensive—but originality is a priceless trend.

Onward,

j.Bodwin

From the Shadows to the Spotlight: “Dark color combos that stand out.”

Photo Credit: Francis Bassey @frvncisbvssey

Since the age of my earliest memory—I’ve been a batman fan to the core. I owned all the costumes, read all the comics and threw the best batman-themed birthday parties up until the age of 21. While most of my peers sought out the heroics of others with super powers, I saw something different. It wasn’t the idea of being fastest, strongest or tallest. It was the idea of being the coolest.

Despite what you may think about a 21-year-old wanting a batman cake and balloons. Or batman being the coolest, I became obsessed with his confidence. He had the undeniable ability to be calm in any situation. He carefully orchestrated every mission as if it were his last. He truly defined what it meant to be a soloist. Most importantly, he did it while wearing black.

Over the years, black has been commonly referred to as a bold color. It goes with virtually anything and will cease to go out of style. From the leather jackets to timeless tuxedos—it has befriended most. But the new age of casual wear and dark colors will be sure to befriend all. Colors such as midnight blue, charcoal, and original gray have adopted a bold characteristic. One that is much more refined than before.

How to do it?

You can always bet on black—so start by gambling with your favorite piece. For some it begins with the shirt and for others, it starts with the shoes. There’s never a wrong answer when deciding which piece of the puzzle comes first. The best artists are inspired by whatever comes naturally. But remember, boldness is the offspring of confidence and risk-taking.

 

Here are a few shots that should hit your target while gaining modern notoriety. Try not to miss.

Photo Credit: Francis Bassey @frvncisbvssey

Photo Credit: Francis Bassey @frvncisbvssey

Upward,

                                                              J.Bodwin

                                                           @treybvonte

 

 

“The New Road Warrior: “Streetwear for the Unruly.”

Photo credit: Francis A Bassey

Between your fathers criticism of skinny jeans and Russell Westbrook’s extreme amount of originality– there’s a happy medium that doesn’t require you to pick sides.

It takes a lot of moxie to dress and play like Mr. Russ, but it only takes the character to stop traffic. It’s no secret that confidence is key. Character is the defining factor that separates us. It disconnects the hyper-aggressive billboard advertisement from the vibrant street graffiti in downtown. It alone separates the flat-casual route from the extraordinarily-scenic drive.

OK, enough with the street puns. Your character in style epitomizes the difference between what you wear–and how you wear it. The pioneers, the trailblazers, all have one thing in common. Their motives are to transform, transcend and innovate–not to reside within specific parameters and formalities.

So where do you start?

Everything has a beginning and your persona should dictate that. Your staple pieces should bridge your personality with your confidence. It takes time for some; others have already created an ensemble before reaching this point of the teaching. Remember, creativity comes from authenticity. Inspiration can be seen/ heard anywhere, but uniqueness unveils by design.

Don’t expect any cheat codes, but these combos should inspire an easy path to the next level. 

Onward,

j.BODWIN

Photo credit: Francis A Bassey