Monday, December 13, 2010

Film: The Things You Can Do With a DSLR

Many thanks to Vivek Mohan for providing such great examples of inspirations to up and coming film makers.  This is from one of the best in the field of DSLR film making, Vincent Laforet.  Watch and enjoy!!!


Reverie from Vincent Laforet on Vimeo.

Music: Armin Van Buuren

But if you just want to chill here's a cool track by Armin Van Buuren courtesy of my friend Vivek Mohan.

Music: GIRLTALK

Awesome mashup by GIRLTALK which you can download for free courtesy of my friend Kelly Dessoye.  Makes you want to just shake your money maker.  WARNING EXPLICIT LYRICS!!!  Take a listen to one of my favorite tracks.

Thursday, November 25, 2010

Fashion: 'Tis the Season for Giving

'Tis the Season for Giving.  But, if you don't know what to get for that one person who has everything or is just difficult to shop for, look no further than the Neiman Marcus 2010 Holiday Catalog.  I'll take #4 please.  If the catalog doesn't inspire you to stimulate the economy here's a look back at Fashion's Night Out 2010.


Fashion's Night Out 2010 from Raymund Aranda on Vimeo.

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Fashion: Black Friday

The Holiday Shopping Season officially kicks off the day after Thanksgiving. For those in the retail industry this is known as Black Friday. For shoppers this is the time to take advantage of major deals. If you are looking for a fun, happy shopping experience during the holidays Black Friday is not for you. Black Friday is crowded and competitive. You are better off shopping on Cyber Monday...the Monday after Thanksgiving when consumers take to online shopping. Cyber Monday is also safer and you'll have less chance of being trampled or killed by an overzealous crowd. That's right KILLED!!! If you decide to shop on Black Friday please use common sense, be courteous of one another, and most of all be safe.

Friday, November 5, 2010

Fashion: Fashionably Challenged?

If you are fashionably challenged you need to go pick up a copy of GQ Style Manual 2010.  It's the best and simplest guide to the most basic do's and don'ts to men's fashion.  The manual covers everything from what to look for when buying a suit, how a shirt should fit, and what shoes to wear.  Follow the manual and you'll be looking sharp from head to toe.


Some of my favorite tips from their cheat sheets are:
  • A suit's gotta fit right or it isn't worth wearing.
  • If you ever can afford a bespoke suit, get one made.  It's worth every penny.
  • Always buy a fitted dress shirt--even if you're not model skinny.
  • Be a man: Wear a pink dress shirt to the office.
  • Your dress shoes should be as contoured as your suits.  Say no to square toes.
Now go out and be fashionable!!!

Monday, October 18, 2010

Grooming: Hair Products

In order to have great hair you have to take care of it.  And that begins with selecting a good shampoo and conditioner.  Not one of those 2 in 1 shampoo/conditioner bottles.  I have my favorites, but once in a while I like to switch it up and try new products.  I was browsing through Whole Foods and found Mineral Fusion Fortifying Shampoo and Conditioner.  I've been using it for about 3 months and have been very happy with how gently it cleans and moisturizes my hair.
Mineral Fusion Conditioner
Mineral Fusion Shampoo
The next thing is to choose styling products that will protect your hair from damage.  Some guys can walk out of the shower without doing anything to their hair.  I'm not that fortunate.  I wish I could say that I just use one styling product, but I would be lying...I use three.  First and foremost, always read the directions on how the product is to be used.  I start out with damp hair and spray KMS hairplay paste up spray and blow dry.  Then in the palm of my hand I rub a dime size dollop of Bumble and Bumble Sumo Wax and Paul Mitchell firmstyle extreme thickening glue.  The Sumo Wax adds shine while the thickening glue gives a firm hold without having the stiff feel of hairspray.  Whether you're hair is short and conservative or a medium length mohawk these three products will not let you or your hair down.
Bumble and Bumble Sumo Wax
KMS hairplay paste up spray
Paul Mitchell firmstyle extreme thickening glue



Monday, October 11, 2010

Fashion: It's a Man Bag NOT a Murse!

Until there's a better name for it, it's a Man Bag not a Murse.  I've been carrying a man bag for years.  Why? Because it's functional.  I don't like shoving my personal effects in my pockets.  A man bag keeps everything organized.  I've had my man bag for about 10 years now.  I bought it at Banana Republic.  It's very practical.  Military green with a flap and functional buckle.  It's great for traveling (hard to pick pocket).  The inside zippered pocket can fit my wallet, mobile phone, and passport.  The main compartment can house my sunglass and eye glass cases, mobile adaptor/charger and small purchases (like and iPad if I had one) while the front pocket acts as my mini medicine cabinet (allergy pills, excedrin, eye drops, and altoids).  The back pocket has enough room for maps and a phrase book.  So there!!!

Friday, October 8, 2010

Fashion: Mens Fall 2010 Trends

The Fall fashion collections are my favorites.  Here are a couple of trends to keep in mind this season when shopping for your Fall wardrobe 1) according to @pour_home camel is the color for Fall and 2) Ex Michael on Facebook posted 3 Fall Men's Fashion Trends that Travel Well.

Thursday, September 30, 2010

Dining & Entertainment: Morac Restaurant & Lounge

My friends Vivek, Kelly, and I  wanted to go to a hookah bar.  Or as Vivek calls it shisha.  We decided to try Morac Restaurant & Lounge in the Mission District of San Francisco.  When we arrived the restaurant side with the dance floor was booked for a private party.  That left the lounge crowded and busy...but in a good way.  We were lucky enough to get a table toward the front by the door.  Normally, I don't like sitting close to the door, but this table gave us the best spot to people watch.  We had an awesome and attentive waitress named Monica.  She gave me an honest and direct answer when I asked her which drink from the cocktail menu she liked...the Que and the gimlet.  I ordered the gimlet, Kelly ordered the Que, and Vivek ordered a blueberry infused cocktail which I don't remember the name.  We agreed to try the soft apricot for the hookah.  When the drinks arrived we took a taste of each other's drinks and were extremely happy with our choices.  The Que was so good that I downed my drink just so that I could order one for myself.  The soft apricot was the perfect choice...very subtle and smooth. This was as close to perfect a night could be...awesome company, great conversation, beautiful people, excellent service and delicious drinks.

If you're looking to chill out with friends in a swank and intimate environment with great service and lots of people watching I definitely recommend Morac Restaurant & Lounge.

Where do you like to go for a chill night out with friends?

Thursday, September 23, 2010

Grooming: Facial Products

Like many people, I continue to have issues with my complexion (eczema, acne, etc.).  As a teenager, it was all about acne control products.  As an adult, it's all about anti-age products.  I've tried almost everything from prescription to organic products.  Right now I'm using Rodan + Fields "anti-age" products and loving the way my skin looks and feels.  It's always and ego boost when I'm with a group of friends the same age and I'm the only one carded for my i.d.

(left) Gentle Exfoliating Wash, (center) Hydrating Toner (right from top) Multi-Function Eye Cream, NIght Recovery Cream, Skin Protectant Cream with SPF 15

If you want to try Rodan + Fields you can contact R+F Independent Consultant, Camille Stept.  She'll be able to inform and assist you in choosing the right Rodan + Fields products for your skin.

TIP:  NEVER wash your face with soap. ALWAYS moisturize and use sunscreen.

What facial products are you currently using?

Friday, September 17, 2010

The Perfect Jean

I was walking around Hayes Valley and walked into Duke et Duchess.  It's a cool boutique shop which sells graphic t-shirts, long sleeve button down shirts, jackets, accessories and ,best of all,  jeans for both men and women.

Duke et Duchess sells an assortment of jeans so I decided to try one from their own label and another from one of many labels they carry.  Now, I've always claimed to be a diehard Levi's fan.  But lately, none of the Levi's cuts have been fitting me well at all.  The Duke et Duchess cut Fernando fit like a glove and the denim was soft and comfortable to the touch.  If I can look in the mirror and know I look good in what I am trying on, I buy it...so I bought 2 pair of Fernando jeans at Duke et Duchess.

What's your favorite brand, and fit of jeans?

Duke et Duchess
528 Hayes St
San Francisco, CA 94102-4214
(415) 431-3555