Style Icon: Andre '3000' Benjamin

Todays guest post on style icons brings us the musings of one of the sharpest style bloggers out there, Robert I. Brown. The sixteen year old blogger extraordinaire is taking the style world by storm with his fabulous blog (that you must check out!) and his regular guest post at Details Magazine. I could go on all day about Robert and his blog but my simple words can not do either justice, so click on any of the links found above (or in the favorite blogs link in the sidebar) to be taken to his blog.

Young gentlemen like Robert restore my faith that all is not lost with the younger generation when it comes to style, manners, and the art of elegant living. We are beyond honoured that he found the time to tell us a little bit about his style icon, Andre '3000' Benjamin.

Thank you so very much Robert!

André "3000" Benjamin. The creative gentleman from Atlanta is simply the best-dressed man of our time. Why do I say this? Mr. Benjamin is an innovator of style.

During his early rapping career, I must admit I was confused with his choice of wardrobe. He favored loose trousers, crazy tops, and even wigs. I remember one image of the style rebel dressed with football shoulder-pads apart of his ensemble. Sure, Mr. Benjamin may have looked eccentric in his own way, but I do believe the message he sent through his earlier dress was meaningful: he dressed the way he wanted without thinking about what the next man had to say about it. This was all that truly mattered.

André later refined his style. This is when the man behind Benjamin Bixby, his fairly new clothing line, became a sartorial threat. He still has that eccentric edge, but it isn't so "show-off," as in the previous years.

Today, you can see André still wearing his favorite accessory (hats), bow ties, sharp formal wear, denims that fit, items from his new line, and what I'd like to think as everyone's best accessory: his big smile. This is the same guy who brought the world fine musical pleasure, and he'll now be showing his stylish tastes through the Benjamin Bixby line.

André "3000" Benjamin doesn't boast, he just dresses like it's his last day on Earth, and if God was to choose individuals by their creativity through dress - guess who's going to heaven first?

On the Cover: Penelope Cruz at Vanity Fair

One of my favorite beauties, Penelope Cruz graced the pages of Vanity Fair (another one of my favs) in September 2001. A very chic European feel to the shoot, courtesy of the very chic European lady I am sure!

All images courtesy of Vanity Fair (September 2001) and Annie Leibovitz

Psst....I Have a Secret

I dream of having my own bedroom.

Now, I want to go on the record saying I love my husband and he is a wonderful man. With that said, he is a very restless sleeper and on occasion he has been known to snore something awful. I, on the other hand, require complete stillness, darkness and silence to get a good night's sleep.

I don't need to make it a permanent move either, just a room where I can escape to every once in awhile for some quiet time and a nap (or a 10 hour sleep marathon!).
I voice my desire occasionally to my husband but he doesn't seem to get it and looks at me like I am joking around so I daydream in silence now.

A few days ago, I was reading a hilarious post written by the ever so charming Mrs. Bliss at Housewife Bliss (click on the link or here) about the trials of escaping for a few moments of solitary bath time and it got me thinking about it once again.

I figure since I have shared my little secret with all of you, there is no harm in occasionally showing you some images of what my daydreams look like!

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 Martha Stewart

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courtesy of Alkemie

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I know this is fantasizing in a very large way but what post on my dream bedroom would be complete without some images of Jackie Kennedy's White House bedroom! Does it get any better???

JBK Bedroom White House 1962

JBK Dressing Room White House 1962

JBK Sitting Room White House 1962

Style Icon: Edward Herrmann

If anyone knows what it takes to be a stylish gentleman, it would be today's guest blogger, James from Man of the 50s. Surely we are a bunch of lucky readers in that, not only has James chosen to shine the style spotlight on who he considers to be a style icon, actor Edward Herrmann, a favourite of many who loved the hit show "The Gilmore Girls" but he has also allowed us a glimpse into how he started courting his lovely wife (men, take note, this is how it's done!). Click on the link above or here to be taken to his blog. Let's do the male population a favor and introduce them to James and his words on the art of being a real man, it would be the best thing that ever happened to them (and quite frankly, to us).
A very gracious thank you to you, James!

After our first “pity date“, acknowledged by both parties as such, I had decided to pursue little Elaine. I had insider knowledge due to our mutual friend Kate. She supplied me with two important bits of information. Elaine was a big Robert Redford fan and I wasn’t the only horse in the race. My rival was one of those guys I hated in high school. You know the type, hair always perfect, shirt tail always tucked in, perfectly shined shoes, just the right amount of Canoe aftershave and everybody liked him. A real cretin. I had to save her. After a telephone call ended in “I’m really busy in school why don’t you call back in two or three weeks, thanks”, I decided to spring “the Plan”.
I don’t care much for Mr. Redford, Jeremy Irons would have been so much better in “Out of Africa”, but a man’s gotta do what a man’s gotta do. There were three Redford movies playing at the time and I figured I had three tries to wear her down. For the love of mike, am I ever going to get to the style part? Hooray we’re finally here! Right out of the gate was “The Great Gatsby”. And there for the first time I saw Edward Herrmann. The tall, lanky kid playing the piano. He reminded me of well…me. We are both tall, I’m 6’4” and he is 6’5“, and are what polite people call big boned. I also have a baritone voice, but don’t possess his wonderful ability to articulate the English language.

He speaks and his charcoal smooth voice simply overwhelms you with honesty, sincerity, and knowledge. Don’t think you have never heard him, he has narrated many shows on PBS and the History Channel . My favorites are “History’s Lost and Found” and “ The Ultimate Auto”. He was the voice of Dodge automobiles for many years.

He was a 1965 graduate of Bucknell and a member of Phi Kappa Psi. He was the perfect preppie. When he graduated he studied acting in London which I’m sure added to his sense of style.

I have always held Mr Hermann to be the ultimate in male style. His clothes are on the conservative side, mostly traditional looks with a few extras like daring socks and ties, oh yes, bow ties also!

He lives his life and practices his craft with style and dignity. He can be summed up as a true class act. While until recently he was Richard Gilmore , his body of work is too vast to list here.” Google “ him to see it all. You may be surprised that you have watched him work.

As we were leaving a restaurant the other night my middle daughter commented as I took Elaine’s arm. “ How nice Dad”

“Nice hell”, I replied “ I’m still afraid she’ll get away!”

Look of the Day: Reese Witherspoon

images courtesy of JustJared.com and Kevin Mazur/WireImage

This fine southern lady (who also celebrated a birthday this week!) looked radiant in a dark blue Jason Wu knotted peplum dress at the Vital Voices Global Leadership Awards held earlier this month at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.

Elegant diamond drop earrings, a couple of simple bracelets and black peep-toed pumps were her only accessories. No one does the modern, classic American look like Ms. Witherspoon! I can't get enough of the delicate detail of the fanned embellishment on her dress

What do you think of Reese Witherspoon's Look of the Day?

On the Cover: Sandra Bullock at Harper's Bazaar

Some very unpleasant news lately about the lovely Sandra Bullock and her husband. I usually don't pay too much attention to that sort of thing but I couldn't help thinking of Ms. Bullock this week.

Seems her face keeps popping up everywhere and since I hate to associate her name with anything other than that beautiful smile, I thought I would share some images from the Harper's Bazaar shoot she did last year.

All images courtesy of Harper's Bazaar (June 2009) and Peter Lindbergh

Where in the World is Lily Lemontree??

image courtesy of Vogue Nippon April 2009

No, no I have not gone AWOL or anything of that nature. It is March Break for us and since we have been having the most glorious weather, entertaining the little tykes outdoors has taken precedence over my posts. I do apologize for this and I promise to be back tomorrow with a daily schedule of posts and some fabulous guests bloggers on tap.

Enjoy the sunshine!!

We Are On A Roll-The Beautiful Blogger Award

I am going to blame my forgetfulness on having children, I have never been quite the same since my first day as a mom. I am constantly writing things down that I need to remember to do. It helps most of the time but occasionaly something slips through the cracks. Not a big deal when I forget to pick up orange juice at the grocers or make sure the recycling is out before 6:00 am but a bit of a big deal when I forget to say thank you to someone who has shown me some blogger love and kindness!

That certain someone was the wonderful Suburban Princess from The Life of a Suburban Princess.

She passed along the Beautiful Blogger award a couple of weeks ago and I have been remiss in thanking her.

Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!

Click on the link above (or in the sidebar, she was March's blog of the month!) and get a taste of what life is like for the Suburban royalty!

Look of the Day: Abbie Cornish

images courtesy of Zimbio

Miss Abbie Cornish looked absolutely stunning at a Vanity Fair function in this tailored, belted, traffic-stopping red Dior frock that she paired with black peep-toe pumps.

A little black clutch completed this sleek and sophisticated look, c'est magnifique!!

I love nothing more than a chic bob! Okay, I have sported one since the dawn of time so I might be a little partial to the look but Miss Cornish looks exceptional in this chin length version, just short enough to showcase these beautiful diamond drop earrings.

 

What do you think of Abbie Cornish's Look of the Day?

Here Comes the Sun-A Thank You!

The weather has perked up here in Toronto, haven't seen snow or below freezing temperatures in over a week but the last few days have been a little rainy and gloomy.

I can't really complain though since I was sent a little sunshine from the lovely lady over at A Refocused Life, a daily must read for anyone looking for a visual feast for the eyes!
 It means so much to me when I know a blogger I admire is entertained by what we post here. A very sweet thank you to you for the award!

A Refocused Life

If you are in the mood for some amazing inspiration (she posts the most stunning images!) than this is the place for you. Click on any of the links above or click here to be taken to her latest post on 'crazy' staircases (the hollowed out tree stump is fantastic and my favourite of the bunch).
I know the rules are to pass it along to a number of other bloggers but I have chosen to pass it along to just two other blogs who I think could do with a little sunshine.

I have added a little twist though to the usual award repetoire. I know the bloggers you pass the award onto are then supposed to follow your steps, link the original blog, pass it along to others, etc... but since I think these two ladies already have their plates full with their individual situations, all they have to do is accept the award and ........ not do anything. Just enjoy the award, the sunshine, the recognition and know that someone out there is thinking of you!

Summer is a Verb
A new blog on my daily favs roster who has been experiencing some less than pleasant dental issues this last week. I thought she and her furry friends (who have also not been in the best of spirits) could use a little sunshine.

The Modern Traditionalist
I know I have passed along this award to the Modern Trad before but I have a feeling she is in need of a little warmth and sunshine. Hope all is well with you friend, we will all be here when you are ready!