this fellow

Outfit Details:
Hoodie: J Crew
Jeans: Hudson Denim
Boat Shoes: Tommy Hilfiger

I recently took some time away from NYC to go back home to Florida.  I was there for about two weeks and came back to Brooklyn only after making a pitstop at my aunt and uncle’s house in North Carolina.  It really puts the whole cost-of-living thing into perspective.  Their gorgeous property, their houses and acreage were such good deals!  If NYC didn’t make so much sense to my life right now, I’d move there in a heartbeat, get a simple job and get a gut on Southern food and sweet tea. 

Mmm, sweet tea.

Keiko and I decided to take advantage of that short time there to snap some photos, breathe in the perfect country air, still crisp with the last hints of winter.  It was a brisk day, but sunny enough to break in my new Tommy Hilfiger boat shoes.  I’m a sucker for burgundy.

This should be a great summer.

Best, 

Bobby

Outfit Details:
Shirt: H&M
Tie: Thrifted
Suspenders: Thrifted
Pants: Levi Denim
Tie Bar: Antique

Keiko and I recently took a trip down to New Orleans for NOLA Fashion Week!  I can’t express enough how much I loved the time down there, the people down there and the general hospitality we were shown.  
While there, we did a gig at the Paris Parker Salon, on Prytania, where Keiko gave free beauty work and I made complimentary cocktails!
Check out the NOLAFW Facebook page to see some fun photos!

Outfit Details:
Shirt: H&M
Vest: Jack Spade
Denim: J Crew
Railroad Spike Cuff: c/o Giles & Brother

Outfit Details:
Clarkson Down Jacket:Coach, Christmas gift from Keiko
Shirt: H&M
Suspenders: Thrifted
Pants: H&M
vintage tie bar - gift
Shoes: Kenneth Cole

Outfit Details:
Shirt: H&M
Suspenders: Vintage Brooks Brothers
Pants: Zara
Tie Bar: Vintage
Tie: Thrifted
Fragrance: BOSS BOTTLED. NIGHT. 

As a bartender, it’s important to understand the chemistry of what you’re doing; being certain not to over-dilute the drink, not to shake too long, or improperly measure your ingredients.  The science and the history behind what goes on with making great drinks is what fascinates me, outside of the social aspect.  But playing the part means you have to do it well, so dressing up and smelling like a gentleman is important.  HUGO BOSS approached Keiko and me about testing out their new fragrance line for men, by showing how one could be ready using their day and night scents.  Being behind the bar, you’re moving a lot, shaking and getting pretty close to your guests.  BOSS BOTTLED. NIGHT. is great for that.  It has a strong, masculine scent that doesn’t overwhelm the palate, but will most certainly no go unnoticed with the crowd.

Share what #readyis on Twitter or on the Hugo Boss website, so I can find out what your thoughts are!

Best,
Bobby 

Outfit Details: 
Cardigan: Vintage
Vest: All Saints
Shirt: H&M
Tie: Brooks Brothers
Tie Bar: Vintage
Pants: Zara
Watch: c/o Diesel

     With the beginning of a new year we find ourselves reflecting upon what we were able to accomplish just one year before.  Weeks pass by so quickly sometimes that it’s a wonder when you realize how much you had done in those short 365 days and nights.

     But it’s important to remember that this is a new year.  Regardless of whether you feel you met your goals for 2012, or missed the mark, it’s important to know that you’ve got an entire life ahead of you to step forward and raise the bar, watching the seconds pass by on your wristwatch with ease.

Best,

Bobby

Outfit Details:
Shirt: Perry Ellis
Jeans: J Crew
Shoes: Zara
Belt: H&M
Beanie: Target
Bag: Kenneth Cole 

One of my favorite combinations with clothing is the use of a classic Letterman jacket with a patterned shirt.  I’ve been really digging this Burkman Bros button up, wearing it far too often.  A classic look will never die out, hence why it’s classic.  I felt like embracing some Buddy Holly moments.  Every day it’s a gettin’ closer.

Best,
Bobby 

I’ve been wearing this Diesel watch a lot, lately, which is kind of funny when you consider the fact that I didn’t even own one before. I rely on telling time by looking at my phone, but there’s something special about a dedicated timepiece. It’s for a similar reason I haven’t traded in books for an iPad: a screen doesn’t compare to the tactile experience of leafing through pages, and it doesn’t come close to the ticking hands of a watch and its gears beneath the surface. It still has its place, but I’ve decided I have room for both. Just like I have room for both a tattoo of Vester, and the real thing. 

Best,

Bobby

Outfit Details:
beanie - Target
Wyatt Field Jacket - c/o Coach
shirt - Uniqlo 
484 jeans - J. Crew 
shoes - Steve Madden

Best thing about Fall? Breaking in this new Coach jacket. Easily one of my favorite pieces right now.

Best, Bobby

Outfit Details:
Shirt: c/o Fisher clothing
Tie: J Crew
Suspenders (Button-on): Thrifted at Guvnor’s Vintage.
Tie Bar: Etsy
Tie Pin: My late Grandfather’s.

When I was a kid, my dad would always say I was a gentleman and a scholar.  He’d say it over anything, though.  If I handed him the remote control or swept the driveway.  If I called to let him know I had plans for dinner or simply did the dishes.  None of these things had anything to do with being a gentleman or a scholar, but it made me feel great.  
For the past few months, I’ve been dressing up like this on a daily basis.  It feels incredible.  Taking the 20 minutes in the morning to shower, shave, comb my hair, steam my shirt, pick a tie and a tie bar, etc., has left me feeling so rewarded.  I finally feel that same connection I had before when my dad would say I was a gentleman and a scholar.  Not because I’m doing anything particularly intelligent, but I just feel great, like a gentleman, and confident like a scholar.
Try dressing up every day for one week, minding the little things, like combing your hair or shaving; taking the time to make sure your tie touches your belt-line and not above it or below; actually wearing your dress socks.  You will notice a wave of respect five-fold greater than just being a nice, hard working person.  I absolutely promise it.  By the end of the week, you’ll already be planning what you’re wearing for the following week to keep it going.

Best,
Bobby 

Outfit Details:
Shirt: Thrifted
Pants: H&M

This year has seriously blown by so quickly, which reminds me of how terrible I’ve been at updating this blog-dohickey. 
A lot has happened recently, with my departure from The Meatball Shop, I’ve moved onto newer endeavors with The Mondrian Hotel SoHo.  I came on board as another bartender but quickly have climbed the ranks as one of their principal bartenders.  I say this with sincerity, that, if you’re of age to drink, and are willing to come to SoHo to visit me, I’d love to make you a cocktail you won’t forget. 
With that great news, things got better!  I was approached by one of NYC finest bartenders, Theo Lieberman of Milk And Honey, to see if I’d be interested in working at The Lantern’s Keep, a bar inside of the Iroquois Hotel in Midtown.  I knew quite a bit about this bar, seeing as it was voted one of the top 10 best Hotel Bars in the entire world.  Not NYC (which has enough hotels), not state, not even country - the world, y’all.  
So, nail-biting aside, of course I said Yes.  I am now the newest bartender at this incredible bar, apart of a team of about 4 other people.  
I have always felt that I’m incredibly lucky to have such good fortune fall upon me, but truth is I work terribly hard to get where I am.  I think the differences between me and the next guy, is I sweat bartending from my pores, bleed cocktails from my wounds and shed tears of gin.  If there is anything in your life that means that much to you, you’re walking down the right path, friend.
Make things happen this year, you’ve still got a few months left!

Best,
Bobby 

I’ve been clean-shaven for a few weeks now.  But the air is feeling crisp, cool and refreshing.  The beard is coming back.  And with the beard will follow many more fall/winter posts, which are my favorites anyway.  It’s hard to dress up differently over the summer and keep things interesting, when you’re like me and dress like your from the 30s every day.  But with the cooler months coming, I can layer again.  Looking forward to layering.  And the beard.  See you guys around.

Best,
Bobby 

This is just a friendly reminder to anybody who was unaware, but Keiko and I will be hosting/tending bar for a night at WiNK.  Seychelles will be giving away shoes and it’ll be much more enjoyable with your presence there as well.

Best,
Bobby 

Outfit Details:
Button-up: c/o Fischer Clothing
Tie: Vintage
Vest: Vintage
Pants: H&M
Belt: Perry Ellis
Tie Bar: Rugby by Ralph Lauren.

Not only am I crazy about ties, I’m crazy about knots.  Learning new knots is something I do to spice up an everyday winner.  Being a guy, we get away with being able to dress up a collection of probably 5-10 shirts, 2-3 pairs of pants, a blazer, a vest or two and some nice shoes.  Little things like a proper collection of bow ties or some good knots really open up the doors to somebody’s sight and perhaps even their respect.  When I’m at work, conversations will go from “Hey that’s a good drink you made me,” to, “Wait.  What kind of knot is that?” 
A good knot is something anybody can do, and it’ll allow you to modestly stand a step higher than the rest.

Best,
Bobby