SPRING FASHION IS HERE! Can you handle it?

The temperature is changing, people are starting to become a little nicer and everyone in the city is coming out of their seasonal depression...finally!  Now that we are putting Winter behind us, it is time for us to start thinking about our Spring/Summer WARDROBE!  You didn't think i'd let you all off the hook, did you?  GUESS AGAIN!  But instead of dreading having to go downtown to 5th with your girlfriend or with your "girlfriends'' and roam around like a fat girl at the gym...I am here to help!

Every Spring/Summer season has a trent that starts about mid January.  It is a fashion path that is established throughout the entire high fashion industry and then trickles down to the little people such as H&M, Zara and UNICLO.  Don't get me wrong, when I say little people, I mean the 20 Million Americans that shop at these retailers seasonally.  Including ME!  So let me give you some examples of some great outfits and combinations that will set you on the right track to a successful, stylish Spring and Summer!

  

Let's talk a little about Tommy Hilfiger this season. I will admit, his clothing have never appealed to me, but this season is different!  The light button up top and the white jeans/pants are going to be essential pieces this season.  It's a clean and tidy look that gives every spice of debonair to your image.  Tucked or untucked stick with a light pattern on the top.  Stick with sky/baby blues, light pastels.  Solid or patterned will work.  If you go for the pattern look, stay with vertical stripes.  You can get the SAME outfits at your local H&M retailer.  The Oxford button-up shirts start at $19.95 and the vertical stripped button-ups start at $24.95.  What a deal!

When buying a pair of light pants, STAY SIMPLE.  The pants add a light charm to the outfit, you don't want to distract anyone from the most important part of the outfit, YOU!

Let's look at the new GUESS collection and what it has to offer! 

This season is all about SKIN.  Dark jeans and stone button up shirt.  I think they want us to think Country with a flair of GAY.  Yeah, I said it.  But you don't have to go full homo to sport the style.  Button the shirt half way up and add a white under shirt tank (wife beater if you will) and you'll be captivating any woman (or man at that).  The stone brown or gray shirts with the cowboy flair is what is in!   These shirts can be found all over the new Zara line.  The tops can be purchased at around $39.95 and you will DEFINITELY get the look at Urban Outfitters or even UNICLO.  Again, don't get me wrong, GUESS has never been crazy expensive, but way spend the $198 when you could drop 40 and have a nice night out?  PRIORITIES PEOPLE!  

• Cut off Black shirt with design (H&M $12.99...cut off the sleeves yourself)
• Dark Jeans - SKINNY JEANS (everyone needs a pair) $59.99 ZARA

Well, I hope this short issue has helped ya'll out a little bit!  There is more to come, keep tuning in as I will be back to slap you with more Style tips for the Spring and Summer Season...oh yeah, GET TO THE GYM!

Namaste,

Marcus Lovingood

Writer/Editor

P.s. Come see my new Webisode Series - 'NEW YORK UNCUT' on YouTube or on Blogspot at:

www.newyorkuncut.blogspot.com

YouTube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lP7_-hdEpgg

New Year 2009 - Fashion in a time of Crisis

Let's face it, we are all broke.  Everyone is trying their hardest to pinch any penny dropped in their proverbial hat and Fashion is the LAST thing on everyone's mind.  I'd like to ask everyone to remember that this is a new year!  it's really a new age in not only politics but in fashion.  Reason I say this is because I feel any change in society has drastic impact on how we all percieve fashion.  for the past 8 years, we have been under a conservative government that has influence on the general population.  Now that the times have changed, Liberal idealism and culture will bleed into the soil of our country.  I have decided to re-start my fashion publication in light of recent economic shifts and crisis and assure that my reporting and advice will keep everyone's pocketbooks in mind, as it has always.  I am very excited to begin my tutorials on how our fashion culture will shift with the incoming new administration.  Take a look at some new fashion ideas below and let me know what you think!  

I feel that Zara has what we want.  If you are someone who is trying to break into the fashion spotlight, take a walk in to a Zara store.  I live by this store as you see from my past posts.  Being fashionable does not mean being broke while doing it.  Simplicity is a very important aspect of today's fashion.  Simple collar and simple tie with a pea coat is classic and sharp.  Loud colors and designs have the possibility of going bad...you never want to set yourself up for failure in ANY sense.  

If it's women you want to figure out and find out how to keep them interested, fashion is the way to do it.  A very nice look is the sweater/collar look.  Pair a simple design sweater with a WHITE button up with either a nice pair of jeans or casual slacks, you are bound to turn heads.  

DON'T BE AFRAID OF THE LONG COAT.

I say this because in parts of the country, the long coat isn't functional.  Make the look functional for you.  It is one of the sharpest looks out there and I guarantee it will be successful for you.

The Three Piece Suit is slowly becoming more and more popular.  It's all about the vest.  Grab a button-up sleeveless vest from United Colors or H&M for under $40.00.  This will up the stakes on your entry into the fashion world.  Pair it with a tie or just a button up.  Dark colors are always the way to go. NEVER invest in patterns.

Happy 2009 to all of you wonderful readers.  There is far more to come and I welcome our new President, Barack Obama.

Namaste,

Marcus Lovingood

Writer/Chief Editor

The Time Is Now.

Hello Everyone! I apologize for the delay, but I am compiling information for the next series of MFNYC Publications for your reading enjoyment. Get ready for this weeks post expecting to land this Monday! See you all soon...you beautiful people!

Happy TG

Marcus Lovingood
Writer/Chief Editor

The All Powerful BAG

Hello Everyone! Welcome to the 8th Edition of Men's Fashion NYC. Today, I decided to tackle the all powerful Bag. Many of us men have a very hard time dealing with how to wear a bag with their ensemble. Yes, I said WEAR a bag. Whether it is a messenger, carpet or a brief (Don't worry, I don't expect you to know what any of these are yet) I am here to give you some pointers on how to sport the right bag, with the right clothing, to give you a look people will move around YOU for while walking down Madison!

These, days, a bag will tell everyone around you what kind of man you are. I know many will disagree with me, but lets face it if you see someone wearing a Jansport Backpack and a man with a Gucci weekender you get an idea of what kind of fashion sense both of them possess. Don't get me wrong, every situation has it's bag. You wouldn't take a brief case with you on a camping trip in the Adirondacks, would you? of course not! That is why I am here to tell you what kind of bag to use, where to get it and how to sport it so you can be fashionable in every situation.

I know most of us men go to the gym. If you don't, then I would suggest joining one. I won't go into my health spiel, but a healthy man = a good looking man = a stylish man. they all work in the fashion circle of life. When going to the gym, don't settle for the average duffel. We all forget that there might be prospects in every situation! A nice, solid leather duffel is the key to looking your best. Now, it doesn't have to be a premier Louis, but something simple from Filene's Basement that Will cost you about $80.00 will suit you perfectly! Here is and example:

This is your classic Louis Solid Duffel or Weekend Bag. This Will run you about $1600.00, but you'll look damn good!

OR

A Beautiful Torino Black Duffel for about $136.00 that is not only stylish, but affordable!

Now and then, we all love to get out of the city for a weekend. It's just something we all need to do. Let's say not only escaping for the weekend, but staying over at a boyfriend's/girlfriend's house for the night and you need to bring a change of clothes because you have to work the next morning. The Leather Duffel is a perfect way to go. Not only to you have room for every amenity that you need, but you are able to look sleek and stylish.

What to wear, what to wear! well, if you are an avid reader, you can tell that I am an earth tone kind of guy. These bags go with that mindset. Try to stay neutral. If you decided to go with a mostly black wardrobe, keep the bag either black or brown. BUT, if you are sporting an ALL black look, head to toe, spice it up with a lighter toned bag. Such as a white or blue as shown below. Although these Louis Vuitton Bags are quite pricey, similar brands can be found at H&M or even at Filene's for a fraction of the cost!

I bet you you are asking, How many and of what kind of bags should I have? Well, that is an awesome question. I have compiled a bag chart and outfit suggestions below to answer those questions!





The Fossil Montana or what I call the Rugged Messenger is a must have for casual business meetings, visits to the park for some writing or even going on minor nature adventures. This bag goes with ANY outfit, except anything involving short shorts. Keep it simple, no bright colors. ($139.00 Fossil.com)

This is the Average Louis Messenger. Any man Deserves a Messenger bag for minor outings, and casual as well as formal business meetings. This goes with any outfit. Stick with a black bag and it can be worn with anything from a suit to a summer ensemble. Try it with a pair of Euro Khaki/White Capris during July or with a Black overcoat in January! (Louis $1,400.00, Macy's $145.00 - you choose!)



As I discussed before, A man needs a designer/Leather Duffel, in this case, I love the Louis Vuitton Keepall Duffel bag. I can be used to go to the gym, weekend trips and even a s a small carry on. Remember, there are many brands out there that are much more affordable, and I would suggest going that route, but if you would like to treat yourself, this would be the ultimate statement.

And then there was the Tote. This is a staple to any man's wardrobe. this can be used for sporting events, and anything in between. Throw on some loafers and you're ready! Choose a bright color that expresses YOU. It's most important when it comes to the tote.

Last, is the Men's Bandouillère Hand Bag. This is an essential that should be held at your side or over the shoulder. Whether is a square design or a bowling bag, this is essential on an average outing to any extent and style.

Well, there you have it. I hope all of you out there are able to take this info and apply it to your every day fashion needs. With the right bag, with the right ensemble, you are bound to get the respect you deserve...even if your runway may be 59th Street!

Namaste,

Marcus Lovingood

Writer/Chief Editor

Gossip Guys - Do You Have What It Takes?

Ive decided to take on writing about the Phenomenon called "Gossip Girl". This season, I got the opportunity to become a Gossip Guy myself on the Television show. I may not have been a Chace Crawford or a Penn Badgley, but let's face it, who is? In today's publication, I want to prove to you that you may be closer to being a Gossip Guy than you think. Looks, Style, Fashion is what you need ... oh, and one more thing ... ME! and I am here to show you.

Let's start with Looks. Let's face it, we are not all top models. I will tell you, a good 75% of us on the show are definitely NOT. But the one thing that puts the cast of Gossip Girl above the rest is what I like to call LOOK CONFIDENCE. As long as you have the knowledge that you are a sexy, young beast, you are half way there! Easier said then done, right? But let's get into the fashion side. It seems like the boys in the show have a cool sense of preppy meets edgy look. As difficult as this concept may seem, its not that difficult to execute. Let me show you some examples.

Apart from the St. Jude's School for Boys uniform, we meet the many students at high class Upper East Side Parties in slick, stark lines of drab colors and formal satires of what their parents want them to wear.

Take out that White Button Up and that Tux shirt and unbutton it to the 4th button

Use a skinny Black Tie and wrap it around your Left Bicep with a button up white oxford. Very sexy.

Also, A wonderful addition to any Male's wardrobe is the Black Velvet Blazer. It is the classy touch that the single woman would NEVER expect a straight man to wear to a function and the item a gay man should have purchased when he was 12...Seriously guys, YOU NEED ONE OF THESE. You can purchase one at H&M for under 50.00 or at ZARA for about $129.99. I'd go with the ZARA brand, but if you are on the pinch this month, go with H&M. Believe me, you'll have the girl in the bag, and that hot guy out of the the closet in no time.

Every man needs to know the word TAILORED. This word is the key to Chic Male Style. Let's face it, Baggy is out. Very FAR OUT. Now, I don't mean completely convert to the extremely tight English rock look, but where your trousers fit. It is all about the European mindset. As males, we should show off our bodies as much as we can. It is what women want. They want to get a peak at what they are investing in. I kid you not gentlemen. The tapered pant look is in now. Throw some of those Euro fitted Tapered trousers with some Chucks or some pointed black shoes with a solid deep earth tone long sleeve, contrasting scarf and you're there.

Well, there you go with the styles of the boys on Gossip Girl. Let's face it, we may not be as Hot as say Ed Westwick, but one things for damn sure, we can dress like them!

Namaste and Be Well,

Marcus Lovingood

Writer/Chief Editor

Actor