ESSENCE: Nia Long & Family | VOGUE: Angelina Jolie | Ritz(y) Kind of Girl: Kate Moss |
How many models still have a vibrant career more than 20 years after first strutting down the runway? Very few, I imagine. Having graced the covers of more than 600 magazines, Cindy Crawford has been blessed like no other. In The September issue of Tatler, she looks as sexy and radiantly beautiful as when she first burst onto the fashion scene; possibly even more so. What I’ve always liked and appreciated about her is that yes, she’s gorgeous, but she’s also articulate, smart and an enterprising businesswoman, from designing a home accessories line for JCPenney to promoting her burgeoning beauty line, Meaningful Beauty. Oh, and if those endeavors don’t keep her busy enough, she’s also a wife and mother of two. All Photos by Ruven Afanador You May Also Like:
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I know that I was just one of many young men who had a crush on Nia Long when she appeared in Boyz N The Hood back in 1991. "Brandi" was the film's "good girl"; a beautiful young lady that you'd want as your girlfriend, as well as, someone that you could take home to your mother. She had morals in an environment that seemed to be lacking in them.
I ran into her a few years later at Noteworthy Stationery in the Beverly Center, shortly before Valentine's Day. I chickened out on possibly meeting Whitney Houston (read about it here), and I didn't want to make the same mistake twice; No more missed opportunities or Missed Connections for me, I thought. I stealthfully sidled up to her as she rifled through the vast selection of romantic greeting cards. "See anything interesting," I asked. "Not really." came the sweet, but succinct reply. I tried again. "Looking for a card for that special someone?" I crossed my fingers, all the while hoping that the reply would come back, "no." "Yeah, this guy I'm seeing." she answered, with too big a grin on her face. DAMN, DAMN, DAMN! Abort Mission. A few more pleasantries and there I was, left looking at cards that I couldn't have cared less about at that moment. Oh well, nothing ventured, nothing gained, right? I guess "Brandi" was a good girl, after all; dating only one man at a time. DAMN, DAMN, DAMN! Here she is, radiant as ever with her two sons, on the August cover of Essence. With Father's Day less than a week away, here are a few gift suggestions beyond the common (and quite tired) tie/shirt combo: 1. The new Lytro camera is more than a marvel; it's revolutionary. It truly takes the guesswork out of photography for the average man. Unlike any other camera, it allows you to focus an image AFTER you've taken it. No more blurry or missed shots because you were still trying to focus long after the action stopped. For the neophyte or the professional, this camera is a must have. Even though I'm not a father yet, I'd gladly welcome this as a Father-to-be gift. ($399-$499) 2. Any man worth his wears a belt, so why not make it this elegant Engine-turned Slide Belt Buckle, in Sterling Silver, from Tiffany & Co? Throw in a reversible black/brown leather belt and he's more than good to go. ($225.00) 3. This Gucci checkers set is definitely for the father who has everything. The buttery-soft brown leather would be a beautiful addition to any library. ($4,350.00) 4. L.L. Bean's Hunter Tote Bag (Zippered or Open-Top) is the perfect accessory for the father looking to upgrade his style, but doesn't care for the messenger bag/murse look. Manly and rugged, it can take him from a camping trip (it has a water resistant lining) to the gym to an overnight stay at a friend's house. ($25-$39) 5. Sure you good buy that special man in your life a classic wooden case to hold his cufflinks and watches, but why? This Faux Zebra Box (Cowhide) from Mecox is surely more sophisticated and stylish and a welcome addition to any gentleman's bedroom dresser. ($360-$440) You May Also Like:
A few months back, Donna Karan opened her west coast outpost of Urban Zen in West Hollywood. I finally made it there today and while they’ve yet to carry menswear (hopefully, by the end of April, I was told), it was still worth checking out. Rarely, have I entered a space that felt so welcoming; the cordial staff, the smells, and even entering through a kitchen (yes, a kitchen!) all came together to give this place a most warm feeling. It was very much like walking into someone’s home. While it is still a store, albeit a very homey store - selling clothing, purses, leather goods and jewelry - the store’s main mission is to bring attention to the Urban Zen Foundation, with 10% of retail sales going towards the foundation. Donna Karan has said that, “The Foundation’s goal is to create a community dedicated to change – to improving patient care through integrative medicine, to strengthening children’s social, emotional and physical resilience, and to celebrating and promoting the inherent value in all cultures.” Although it’s a small contribution, I picked up one of the hand-carved hearts from the Million Hearts For Haiti Campaign with the proceeds to aid the Hand/Eye Fund’s Artisan Grant Program. The New York Urban Zen location recently had a benefit night where many celebrities (Hugh Jackman, Anna Wintour, Charlize Theron, Ralph Lauren, Susan Sarandon, Tory Burch, among them) came out to paint/decorate hearts to be auctioned off; furthering the causes of Urban Zen. All images by N.D. Harrington for The Sophisticated Gentleman You Might Also Like:
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SOPHISTICATED SITES:
Architectural Digest Elle Decor Esquire GQ Interiors Magazine Polo Ralph Lauren The Rake Vanity Fair N.D. Harrington
I was born in the country, but brought up in the big city, with hopes of always maintaining the charm, wit and character of a southern, sophisticated gentleman. In my goal to live more passionately & purposefully, here are just a few things that I've learned and experienced along the way, making my journey more interesting, and more importantly, easier. Categories:
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