We are still very much in the New York Saga, and although we are heading toward Fall, know that there are still parts of the country that are scorching (i.e. Atlanta). That’s not really what this post is about though…
There’s a very real travel component of to the Wkender that gets lost somewhere in all of the fashion and lifestyle posts. So I was thinking, lemme pull someone into the conversation that helped shape my appetite for travel. You could reasonably call him
“Mr. Pull Up on Ya” because there is virtually no where in the world he won’t meet you! That man is Mr. Omotayo Akintoye (@omosblack). I want to emphasize that this is not his feature; although he very well thought it was lol. Here’s what happened…
I’m planning my trip to NYC. Don and I are coordinating shoot logistics and sleeping arrangements then after all the business is complete, I’m thinking hmm. There’s always room for fun! I gave Omo a shout and asked what he was doing that weekend. He was free, and voila we have a lituation loading. Keep in mind, I try to be reasonable about booking flights especially coming from the west coast, which is to say I book months in advance. So a month or two passes, and I’m about 48hrs out from departure. Omo hits me like, “we still linking this weekend?” I’m like “yep, bring something to shoot in.” On 48 hrs notice, we came out looking like the bosses have arrived in Capri, Italy!
The back story is a template for how Wkenders and WkendHERs do life. It’s a call, a flight booked, lituations and photoshoots scheduled, and back to work on Monday. Honestly, it can all be summed up in a single word… BALANCE. We work, we Hustle, we have a blast, and we build bonds that will last a lifetime in the process!
The fits are simply dope! In a place like NYC where you have to walk 10,000 miles a day, you have to learn to seamlessly blend professional with tennis shoes (especially until you are acclimated to walking WALKING!). For these looks, we pushed to the casual side (twas the Wkend, shrug), but these looks could easily be tweaked to be appropriate for most workplaces.
Omo went with separates for a light-dark contrast, pairing a light blue/white pinstripe blazer with navy trousers. The details further elevate the look: very light button use, rolo link cross chain, spectacles, and Louie belt to close it out. One detail I left out of the back story is that I left Omo to his own devices when selecting his outfit. All I said was dress competitively; I ain’t gone hold you (NY Slang look it up on Urban Dictionary lol). This look says Omo came to play, and I’m here for it 100%!
As for me (I literally just thought of the Cardi B gif with her tongue out lol), Teal Suit Shawty! The moment I saw this color I knew I had to cop, cut, and stunt! Summers are made for big splashes, and the teal, bold, pinstripe suit is a splash of a statement. I kept the details simple; you’ve gotta know when the suit itself is enough. However, even in their simplicity, you see the intentionality. All gold everything! Campy cross earring, Rayban Clubmasters, 2 chains (small – jade leaf pendant on a figaro chain | large – cross on biker spiral chain), and a green face Nixon Time Teller to close out the standard look. I also picked up a few props along the way: Coach Men’s Varsity Saddle Brown Leather Charles Backpack, and as I mentioned in Embracing Dad Vibes!, New Yorkers will wear a Yankees fitted with anything. The more shots I see of me in it, the more it’s growing on me lol. (I look like I’m on somebody’s professional sports team!)
Last but not least… shirts and shoes. There is no simpler pairing than a solid white shirt and solid white tennis shoes. It easily balances an outfit. I would recommend that you find a go to white shirt and shoe for summer and buy two of each. Here’s why, I have a set that I go out in and a set that are reserved for cleaner settings. Duplication was totally worth it; I can hit the festival circuit in style and go to a wine tasting without having to wear hard bottoms. CLUTCH!
To A Life Worth Living,
The Wkender!