When I first saw this Balmain collarless leather jacket on Mr. Porter it took my breath away. As did it, when I saw the price tag, a whopping $4,835.00. Using fine lambskin leather from France and a featuring a unique design isn't enough for me to drop that kind of dough. So I have found myself and all of you a great look for less. It is pretty easy to find a collarless leather jacket for woman but for men you have to dig a bit. I love this one from Leather Fads While it might be missing the quilted leather sleeves, I think that it actually works to most guys advantage. It makes the jacket just a little more versatile being able to dress it up or down. What it has going for it besides the unique double zipper, being made from 100% lambskin and collarless design is the fact that it is available in sixteen colors. You can choose from shades of brown, grey, black and fun colors like reds and greens. Did I mention the price?? A mere $240.00! You cannot beat that. Definitely check out there site where you will find some classic staples as well as some really fashion forward unique pieces at affordable prices.
If you aren't already aware there have been a string of murders plaguing the gay community of NYC over the last few weeks. It started at the end of January with two deaths in Queens. Two gay men were strangled to death; one in there apartment in Jackson Heights and the other in a hotel in Elmhurst. The most recent murder comes this week with a man in Manhattan found tied up with a bag over his head. City Councilman Daniel Drumm and City Councilwoman Christine Quinn are urging the gay community to use caution when meeting people, specifically strangers on online dating sites. I urge the same.
To be quite frank, I am surprised something like this hasn't happened sooner.
When I was young, and I am talking young, like late teen years I was reckless. We didn't have Grindr or any of the other apps that suck the battery out of our phones. I would meet people on the street. It would start with the gay smirk. You walk by, acknowledge that you are both gay and looking and continue on your path. You then turn around, you see him doing the same...continue walking...do it again until you awkwardly meet in the middle. From there I would usually wind up in there house. Stupid. I did have a plan which was to text my best friend the address that I was going to and say "If you don't hear from me in an hour, call the cops" Not the best plan but the best one a horny 17 year old me could come up with. There were many times I was put in an uncomfortable position where I didn't feel safe and wanted to get out of there. I remember being 17 and this guy wanted me to do things sexually that I just wasn't comfortable with; he called me fat, ugly and worthless. He continued to yell at me and started getting violent. He never hit me but I could have easily seen it getting there. I ran out of the apartment with half of my clothes on. I was and am lucky.
I will not lie. I am a slave to the device. While I don't hook up that often from Scruff (my app of choice) I do enjoy using it. I like putting my sexuality out there. I like meeting new people from the comfort of wherever I am. I like being able to say whatever I want with no consequences. I like how easy it is. I like that when I am bored it provides a lot of entertainment. I haven't found many cons until this story broke. When you really think about it, these applications are a huge risk. I am not passing judgement, trust me I have done it...just today I was on it like I was getting paid. I just don't know that right now for me it is worth it anymore. Sure it is up to us to be responsible and say "lets meet in public" or "lets talk on the phone" whatever. We all know what it comes down to is convenience. These sites are the Grub Hub of sex. We can have a guy at our door in minutes...but just like that it can be our last minutes.
This is a serious matter that I really want everyone to think about. We all get cocky (no pun intended) and think it wont happen to me, but you truly never know. So I really urge everyone to be careful and use their best judgement right now, especially when drinking. With Valentine's Day here I can only imagine how many horned up guys will be "looking" I strongly urge everyone to be overly cautious right now and think twice before they make snap decisions, not just from these apps but even when taking someone home from the bar.
It breaks my heart and makes me sick to think this is happening. My heart goes out to the families of the loved ones lost. Please spread the word and be safe everyone.
-Scotty
Back in 2011 I did a spotlight on Factory 413. A great store with a great blend of styles. Think skater, punk, hipster, hip hop but really chic and sexy. Now while it might not be my head to toe style there are plenty of amazing pieces on the website. They have the sickest collection of sunglasses I have ever seen; ranging from current styles to vintage Dior's. They are currently having an amazing sale and everything you see above is under $40, most under $30. I personally cannot wait for my tank tops to arrive in the mail. No matter what your style is there is something for everyone at Factory 413
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With the snow melting and temperatures rising why not spring forward (pun intended) with some bright and bold floral prints to liven things up. I love the idea of mixing florals together or toughening up a soft print with leather cuffs, jackets or pants. Make sure when mixing your florals though that your prints are varied in size. If they are similar it will be too busy and you will lose both. Look to look number three for inspiration. How can you not feel in a better mood wearing one of these gorgeous frocks?
All items are from Polyvore
Now, I know I have probably lost a lot of you guys already. This is a purely selfish post. Since Christian Louboutin debuted his studded loafer years ago, studs have been popping up in menswear collections ever since. From tees, shoes and jackets its hard to walk into a major retailer these days and not see something adorned with a threatening spike. Now I have to say though these loafers are my favorite out of all the ones I have seen. You might see a few pairs at Aldo which just look cheap. These however, have some major spikage and come in some interesting colors. I have never seen them done in red or grey before. The unisex UNIF Hellraiser Flat is available at one of my favorite online shops Factory 413 for $110.00-$150.00 and are also available in black.
I find that when going through a change in our lives sometimes we get ahead of ourselves. We focus on all the positive things that we are doing but forget about the negative things that we are doing. I realized today, I am 100% guilty of this. I have spent so much time praising myself for all the good I am doing and have completely ignored everything else. While I believe it is important to pat yourself on the back for the right things you are doing, it is also important to acknowledge the wrong that you are doing. As a 27 year old gay man, it is easy to panic and wonder what is next? What am I going to do with my career? Where is that pesky boyfriend I have always wanted? When will I be happy with my body? Great things to focus on, sure. However, there are so many little things that I ignore. I dont have a valid ID. I can't save a penny to save my life. I always think about the immediate; the here and now. I never think about the distant future. What I have failed to realize, is that the here and now directly effects the distant future. While I have grown up quite a bit, I am lacking the fundamental things in life that really makes one an adult such as an ID or a bank account for that matter. It is easier to do the fun things like going to brunch or drinking with your friends or hell even blogging but while all that is going on there are things that need to be taken care of; things that no one can take care of except myself. I have always been this way. Things that NEED to be done always go to the back of the line but the things I WANT to do step right up. I can justify them for the time being and even my friends can but I really cant anymore. At 27, I look up to certain people in my life and I want what they have and I dont want to wake up one day with regrets. Failed attempts I can live with but regrets I cannot. So with all this said, I am taking a course of action. I refuse to let 2013 go by and wish I had done this or that or miss out on things because I wasnt responsible enough to plan for them. This is a solid promise to myself and to those who love me...Scotty's getting his shit together.
-Scotty
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2013 is the year of the leg ladies, so bust out that Bic and get to it! Showing some serious leg has been an going trend on the carpet for quite some time and if Jennifer Lopez's leggy look at last nights Grammy's didn't show that I don't know what will. For a more everyday demure look choose for a quite mini. Go edgy with a cropped sweater or more professional with a button down and blazer. Whichever you choose, expect heads to turn!
All items are from Polyvore
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So if you watched last nights Grammy's and paid any attention, you'd notice that it was all about the "Suit & Tie" While I thought Justin Timberlake's performance left something to be desired, you cannot deny the boy looked great. A big trend among Justin, Wiz Khalifa, Miguel and Bruno Mars was the printed blazer. While some went a little more subtle with a soft jacquard others went bold with prints and sequins. The look will be bigger then ever for spring so don't be afraid guys. You can pull it off in your own way. No matter who you are there is a way to wear it. From the overtly masculine to the most flamboyant of boys there is a blazer for you! What do you think? Will you be donning a beautiful blazer this season?
All clothing is from Top Man and Mr. Porter
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Think pink! I have met a lot of girls that have very strong feelings about pink. It really is a love or hate relationship. Let me tell you ladies, cut it out! If you are a pink hater try a hot shade like magenta. Its bright hue is a little less girly and when paired with edgier pieces, can really give you a feminine look with a tough edge. What do you think?
All items are from Polyvore
Okay, so about a year ago I developed a slight obsession with high tops. At first it was just because every other gay guy was wearing them with their skank tanks so naturally I thought I should be too. Now I barely wear the seven pairs that I have but it doesn't mean that I don't still want to buy them and look at them or mean that I cannot appreciate a high top made just for me. Hence why I am obsessed with Pierre Hardy's collection. The high tops are for the guy that doesn't want to look just like everyone else. With varying textures, bold colors and prints the Paris born designer has made quite the name for himself after launching his men's collection back in 2002. His line ranges from $525.00-$655.00 and is available at Luis Avia Roma What do you think of his collection?
Look to the runway or any major retailer and it is not hard to see that prints are everywhere this season for men. Not just plaid, interesting paisley and geometric prints are everywhere from button downs, pants and tee shirts. So it was no surprise to find this great tee from Gucci, what also wasn't a surprise was the $310.00 price tag. If you want to jump on board with this hot trend try this similar tee from Zara for $29.90! Talk about a steal! I personally have it and can tell you the fabrication and blue, black and grey print is stunning in person. Get it now before its gone!
