Last month marked my eighth year of being a vegetarian and I rather like how in vogue the dietary lifestyle has become. As I was searching for new warm and tasty recipes to make during this forever winter I came across this vegan red thai chili recipe on YouTube by supermodels Jordan Dunn, Chanel Iman and Joan Smalls. How befitting it is to find a healthy, meat free, low in calorie meal cooked by gorgeously thin people. I don’t know about you but I’m sold.
Bon Appétit!
Now that I’ve figured out what it is that I want during Lent by committing to fasting and giving up certain types of luxuries as a form of penitence. I know to get the body of my dreams I will have to be strong, discipline and keep my goal in sight. No matter how long it may be, how tired I am to workout, how hungry I get or how discourage I may get when I don’t see instance results. I know doing this is less about my physical appearance but more about my drive. I hope that this will inspire me to push myself further in other areas of my life and to ‘thinspire’ me to become more of a hard worker.
The Three Areas That I am Sacrificing to Resurrect.
Diet:
Workout:
Lifestyle:
Lent (Wednesday, March 5 and ends on Thursday, April 17) has begun and I am a day late (there’s goes my procrastination penitence,) I’ve had a difficult time trying to decide what will I be sacrificing for the next 40 days in observation. Every year since attending university I have participated in the annual solemn religious observance. More so to give myself a proper restart to a new year beyond the traditional take of New Year’s resolutions on the first day of the year.
Some believe that New Year’s resolutions are designed to fail and by the once packed now empty cardio room at my gym I slightly agree. But inevitably resolutions are about sacrifice, discipline and effort i.e. Lent.
The purpose of Lent is to mirror the 40 days Jesus Christ spent fasting in the desert, where he endured temptation by Satan. Which is done by preparation of one’s self through prayer, penance, repentance of sins, almsgiving, atonement and self-denial.
And here lies my fat a** problem, I have nothing to sacrifice, however I have a huge problem with temptation. This started a snowball effect of thoughts I know many of us deal with. We want so much from life and have such a strong feeling that we are destine and deserve certain successes yet we aren’t willing to completely sacrifice to earn such rewards. Not to imply that anyone is lazy nor aren’t doing his/her best to propel one’s aspiration in life but, I am stating we are only willing to give up the things we are “ok” with living without hoping it will be enough.
We all go through the “am I doing all that I can do” self degrading period. Sometimes this doubt leads into a funk, depression, weight gain and/or giving up on one’s dreams entirely.
I realized that through sacrifice comes motivation and the presence of motivation goals are set and achieved. This is where I asked myself “what is it that I want” and of course it is to have 5% body fat.
I mean I got down to my goal weight and have maintained it for over two months now it’s time to sculpt it. With spring less than 15 days away I need to whip this winter body into shape. Not just any shape but my dream body.
Being that Lent is correlated to Easter and Easter is all about the resurrection which, means you can’t celebrate the resurrection without the sacrifice. I am trying to resurrect these abs and pecks!
This not only speak volumes to my life but I’m sure many can see the relativity in theirs as well. As superficial as my angst may be if there is something you want to achieve you need NOT to give into the temptation of shortcuts, quitting or slowing down from what’s at stake. Howbeit, love, financial, economically, faith or physical we all should be staying true to ourselves to live out our dreams.
I get motivation from different places and one of my most effective motivational tactics is my weekly fast. It test my dedication and patience to allow me to home in on what I truly want then devise a plan to acquire it. Lent is the ultimate fast, I do a lot of diet, exercise and weight-loss advice and I just want to be in the best shape to continue to give such. Also, there are other areas of my life that are hazy and clouded that I think this 40 day fast will help clear up to allow me to enter a new successful chapter in my life.
I challenge you to construct a list of 1 to 3 things to sacrifice over the next month that you feel will help you clear a better path to your goal.
“The foolish man seeks happiness in the distance. The wise grows it under his feet.” -James Oppenheim
I know what you’re saying, “FINALLY, someone care about the men of the Academy Awards 2014.” and you’re right I will always be here to give you a great yet ‘filling’ report of menswear no matter the locale (the runway, the streets or red carpet).
Being the fashion skinny savant I am I’ve composed my list of best, worst and almost dressed men of last night 86th Academy Awards Red Carpet.
Best Dressed:
Joseph Gordon-Levitt in Calvin Klein was the epitome of young Hollywood even though he’s 33 (almost an artifact by Hollywood standards). The magic of his look and why he’s at the top of my best dressed list is because his suit; it’s young, fashion forward and fits superbly. As well as, the textile of the suit is a great departure from the traditional and expected monkey suits worn by many men.
Kevin Spacey in Burberry was unexpected and refreshing. I expected to see this color and style suit worn by a young Hollywood crooner so for a mature man to pull this risky look off and still manage to make it look classic, dashing and refine is a win with me.
Chiwetel Ejiofor in a Rake tux with Christian Louboutin shoes brought the gentlemen back on the red carpet. The fit of Ejiofor’s suit was a winner for me even if he wasn’t. He had the perfect break in his slacks that gave his entire look a seamless finish. Not to mention his date was a smashing accessory (not too flashy nor under-dressed) complimenting his look from head to toe.
Michael B Jordan in a Givenchy tux and shoes, Piaget watch, Forevermark diamond earrings, and a collar from the Gentleman Collection by Dave Thomas for Jason Of Beverly Hills almost made my worst dressed list. Reason being, when I seaw this look come down the carpet I thought it was too much and borderline gaudy. Upon looking at photos I started to appreciate this look. The tux is tailored very well, the almost overbearing accouterments are in vogue and the fact that he is another young Hollywood-er displaying a new aesthetic of tuxes on the red carpet for men.
Jason Sudeikis in Prada scored the ultimate win by knocking up the beautiful Olivia Wilde and had another big score with his suit and foolproof coiffed hair. A splendid blend of dapper and scruff with a hint of goof. The guy cleans up swell.
Michael Strahan in a 3 piece oxblood tux with black trim (apparently no one knew who made it) maybe because he may not count as red carpet royalty being that he was there to host. However, being an ex-footballer with a large build it isn’t easy to clothe a frame like that as crowning. You can even tell he felt confident in the suit by his well practiced scowl and pursed lips also, I am a fan of colored tuxes. Only if it complements your complexion and appropriate for the venue.
Worst Dressed:
Christian Bale in Dolce & Gabbana was a major disappointment. I always want him to be as sleek and sharp as his “Batman- Bruce Wayne” & “American Psycho- Patrick Bateman” characters. The suit was too big, frumpy and his hair was a mess, more than that I’m over the facial hair. Dolce & Gabbana suppose to make you look appetizing not like you’ve already ate.
Mathew McConaughey in a Dolce&Gabbana tuxedo, Christian Louboutin shoes, and Chopard watch was almost as uneasy and kooky as his acceptance speech. I never understand how this immaculately built man can never wear clothing well. I mean look at those pants he didn’t ever bother to go to one fitting, I hate that hue of jacket and I don’t like matchy matchy dates- this isn’t prom. But his hair was awesome. Man, even the shoes are awkward, like whose suit is this?!
Pharrell Williams in Lanvin doesn’t even need an explanation as to why this was purely awful.
Will Smith in Berluti with a Harry Winston watch is a prime example of why divorce was invented. Its a wife’s job especially when she hasn’t been in a move since before DVD’s to make sure her man looks his absolute best. I wanted to like this suit but when I found out it was Berluti a clothier known for it’s exquisite tailoring I became very disappointed in Jada because she could have took his suit to be altered. I mean it wasn’t like she was busy watching over kids. Oh yeah, I dislike the slippers and ascot, you’re not Huge Hefner Will.
Zack Efron in a Calvin Klein tuxedo, shirt, and tie, Johnson Murphy shoes, and a 1967 rose gold vintage Rolex from Wanna Buy a Watch? was very embarrassing. Poor gorgeous Zack in a too little suit. I think he may have a weight problem.
Kellan Lutz in a blazer, pants and shirt remarkably hideous that no one bothered to find out the designer. He was almost more dreadful than Pharrell but, no Pharrell was the worst! I’m convinced Lutz and Chris Hemsworth had a shift waiting tables at one of the after parties later that night, you know working actors.
Almost Dressed:
Bradley Cooper in Tom Ford with a Chopard watch had my attention briefly. Not amazing enough to make best dressed but not dismal to be worst, just deserves mentioning. He looks great.
Tyler Perry in Peak Label Tux, Martin Katz studs and cuff-links was pleasantly appealing except for the tightness around his crotch. The one button blazer was very big on the fall/winter 2014 menswear runway.
Ethan Hawke in custom made Dior may have inspired Dior Homme’s fall/winter 2013-14 collection with his 1997 film “Gattaca” but fell a bit short with the hemming of his pants and I hate things in front pockets of slacks. No matter, Hawk the 43 year old fellow Texan is still dreamy. Nice haircut btw.
Jack Huston in Dolce & Gabbana have a way of looking incredibly like old Hollywood on and off the screen. He didn’t make my best dressed list because my limit was six.
Leonardo DiCaprio in Armani and Jennifer Meyer cuff-links knows how to wear a suit undoubtedly. Can he at least get an Oscar for that?
Jared Leto in Saint Laurent with a Piaget watch and Neil Lane jewels almost made my worst dressed list. I would have preferred him to wear his hair slicked in a ponytail and I believe that the white blazer on black pants always look ill fitting on anyone however, he’s too gorgeous to totally cock the look up.
What’s your thinspiration? The term (THIN)SPIRATION isn’t about just being thin (well not completely) but more so about motivation. Sunday I posted a quote on Facebook, “If you don’t like where you are in life, move. You’re not a tree.” This summed up my definition of thinspiration; some days I don’t feel like getting out of bed, working out or even working in general. However, I want to wake up thin, rich with all the amenity of my desire. I’m sure this is a conundrum that we all suffer with. I like to have a routine because it keeps a checks and balance system with the productivity of my life, on the other hand sometimes a routine can lead to a rut especially when it’s more to life I want and feel as though I don’t have the resources, luck or opportunity to bring them to fruition. A way I conjure up thinispiration i.e. motivation I surround myself around positive progressive people, I am also a person that love to see other people succeed because it gives me the reassurance that I too can levitate to the top.
Every one wants to be the supreme of their craft in order to create the life they feel they desire. Along with hard work we need key ingredients to cast a spell of success. Howbeit, screenshoting abs pic on Instagram to get you to the gym, finding a mentor at work that has elevated to the position you aim for, or ripping pages out of a magazine to home in your own personal style. That’s why it’s important to create your own coven of progressive people that share your same desire of propelling to the highest.
Having a group of people that have your back as well as you all being able to benefit from one another is a brilliant motivational gambit. A good coven of friends should all bring some motivation to the group. Play off each other’s strengths to melt your weakness such as, if you have a friend with great style, another with a great body, one that’s good at math or another that’s well connected and so fourth. Motivation isn’t just about you it is also about you doing better to motivate someone else.
Photography: Micheal Saisi
Wide-Brim Hat:Target $16.99
Shirt: Stafford $15
Moto Jacket: TopMan $144
Shirt: Stafford $15
Leather Pants: Zara $97.32
Patent Leather Slippers: Zara $99
Accessories: (cuff Target, bracelet MK and ring BCBG)
New York Fashion Week is over and there are less than 30 days till spring. While you fatties have abandon your New Year’s Weight-Loss Resolutions and continue to put off your spring/summer body here is one last collection from Mercedes Benz Fashion Week. If this doesn’t get you to step away from the table then I don’t know what will help.
Like many fail diet attempts or weight-loss programs the best marketing tool to get chubby consumers to regain trust in such delusional hopes is re-branding. Cut to Marc Jacob; in his & LVMH attempt to gain IPO success like other American fashion designers such, Micheal Kors, Ralph Lauren and Coach, Jacobs has decided to create a new image for his diffusion line Marc by Marc Jacobs. First by renaming it MBMJ.
With the help of designers Luella Bartley & Katie Hillierto the revenue generator for the Marc Jacobs brand is undergoing a face-lift or lipo starting with the first ever standalone presentation for the accessibly-priced line.
For this fall/winter presentation the mood is vivid, upbeat fashion with a rowdy fun vibe. You can tell the the heavy Japanese culture influences from Anime, Tokyo street style to the kitschy take on the classic Kimono. The other elements are the BMX and motocross references. Though, this collection doesn’t seem relative to a mass audience sometimes it’s best to have a niche audience and this is a great collection to be inspired by.
To be a guy into loafers and boots I am salivating over these Geta inspired sneakers. A trend that seems to be spreading faster then carb laden thighs, high-end designers are attempting to enter the big business of sneakers. If you haven’t noticed designers like, Giuseppe Zanotti, Jeremy Scott and Riccardo Tisci are trying to step on Jordan’s territory to include a younger loyal following to it’s revenue. Also, outerwear is a always a winner and with the ever changing temperatures here in the states, it’s best to invest in a stellar coat that shirt being that it’s all you’ll be wearing anyways. The jackets and coats are well thought out in aesthetic and construction. The shorts may take a few season to catch on but this collection broken down properly and stylde with practicality I can see these pieces making it’s way into many guys’ wardrobe howbeit, a bulk or paired down personal style.
I like this seemingly kiddish alternative collection but with the impeccable tailoring and luxurious materials this collection is a winner. No this isn’t a versatile collection but everyone loves good fashionable active wear. I know I like to look great burning calories.
Another snow day another day with my favorite coat! Stopped by the R. Coffee House for a fat-free latte and to cure my cabin fever. I was getting enough compliments on my look that I decided to snap a couple of shots. Nothing amazing, I wore this flannel as an accessory a couple of weeks ago, it’s only right to don the winter/grunge staple the proper way. A cool blend with my camel coat and this season’s trend of oversize tops with slim bottoms (The V silhouette). The denim I distressed myself added the right amount of edge along with the cut-out boots to give my overall cozy look a bit of heat for this dreadfully cold weather.
The winner of the Ginch Gonch underwear giveaway is Tyric of ToastandGrits.com
Editing by Theodolph Mason
Wide-Brim Fedora: Target $16.99
Flannel: Fireside $12
Camel Coat: Stafford JC Penny $78.75
Denim: Levi’s 511 JC Penny $41.54 (distressed by myself)
Boots: ASOS.com $99
Accessories: (watch MK, leather bracelet Hollister and cuff Urban Outfitters)
