EVERYBODY GOES TO HOLLYWOOD

Growing up in Los Angeles has made me one of the most jaded human beings on the planet, it’s a blessing and a curse. After 24 years in this town celebrities, TMZ and kale salads start to loose their magic. However, every now and then places like the Bonobos Guide Shop pop up in town and change the way us Angelenos live our day to day. 

The new guide shop is situated on La Brea in between Beverly and 2nd Street. This particular stretch of La Brea is quickly becoming the new shopping designation for men in LA with Steven Alan and Gant right next door. When you enter the guide shop you immediately just want to hang out, think chic man cave meets showroom—and did I mention there’s beer? Bonobos also set’s itself apart from LA’s saturated retail market through their innovative approach to the shopping experience. The 1,500 sq ft space is stocked with the season’s outwear, shirts, denim, suits and accessories but buyers don’t actually leave the store with product. Instead, shoppers enjoy a one-on-one personal styling experience and then your selects are mailed directly to you door. For those in the industry, it’s like going to a showroom for a fitting and then having your selects mailed next day.

If you’re in the LA area, be sure to stop by the new La Brea location—you will not be disappointed! 

 

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SUMMER SATCHEL

They say when you know, you know. Ted Baker's Classic Satchel is the masculine man's answer to a purse. Rather than stuff a bunch of miscellaneous shit in my pocket and lug my laptop around, Ted Baker comes to my rescue adding classic and sophistication to even the most casual outfit. You can always count on the english to nail the classics!

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LIFE/AFTER/DENIM

“I have often said that I wish I had invented blue jeans: the most practical, the most relaxed and nonchalant. They have expression, modesty, sex appeal, simplicity-all I hope for in my clothes”

— Yves Saint Laurent

Sorry Yves, I disagree! While I could never bash denim (it's almost anti-American to do so) denial is a deadly drug and there is no denying that the current market in menswear lacks some newness. LA based Life/After/Denim is rescuing men's fashion by avoiding the bandwagon of trend and redefining men's staples that never go out of style.

I've learned in my ripe 24 years of life that it's better to shop once and invest, rather than sell my soul to fast fashion. Life/After/Denim celebrates quality, fit and is designed to seamlessly integrate to a man's existing wardrobe (yes, that means you can pair it with denim.) The brand is the epitome of "relaxed edge"  for all my no-fuss brothas out there who still like to look sharp.

As an ode to it's LA roots I shot a full Life/After/Denim look at the Beverly Hills Hotel, doesn't get more "LA" than that!

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                                                                         FULL LIFE AFTER DENIM LOOK

SWEATER: Tournament V-Neck SHIRT: Blue Lagoon Shirt  TROUSERS: Slim Fit Chinos

SUNGLASSES: KNOCKAROUND BAG: TED BAKER

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ALYS BEACH

A few weeks ago I took an incredible trip down south to the ultra luxe Alys Beach Resort in Florida. Although I was in town for work, the white sand beaches and emerald water paired with architecture reminiscent of Santorini, made it physically impossible to not feel like I was on vacation during my stay.

It was my first time visiting the south and I was blown away by it's humid beauty and refreshing slow pace. I got to experience real southern hospitality first hand, which was serious culture shock at first. I've always believed in the kindness of strangers, but growing up in LA can make you a little jaded. It took me a couple days to adjust to everyone asking me how I was and the fresh baked cookies + hand written notes in my room every night. 

Packing for the trip was a little tricky as it's literally a humid paradise, so I went straight to  Reiss and picked up a few airy cotton shirts and light weight slacks.  Their Summer 14 collection is a capsule of quentesential relaxed summer styles that range from elevated basics and short sleeve button downs to their signature tailored trousers in summer friendly fabrics and colors--perfect for a few days by the beach! 

I'm not sure when I'll be returning to this this untapped paradise, but it won't be long. Once you get a taste of that warm water and dig your toes into the sugary white sands of Alys Beach it's very difficult to imagine life without it. 

Photography: Jacqueline Ward 

Reiss Full Look, Tom Ford Sunglasses 

Hewitt Polo - Solace Soft Chinos - Theo Leather Loafers  - Duffle