this fellow

This Is Sparta

Sun, 05 Feb 2012 22:47:31 -0500

Outfit Details:
Mud
Dirt
Sweat
Blood

So, as some of you know, I’ve been really involved lately with training for the SoCal Super Spartan Race that just passed. It was the first race of the year, held in Temecula, California, and it was incredible. The weather was perfect, ranging around the steady mid-upper 70s, without a cloud in sight. The dry desert wasn’t too bad because of the nice, cool breeze that came across the hilltops.
My friends, Markus (#2758) and Jeffery (#2421) competed with me. This was my first race but they compete fairly regularly between any Spartan events and Tough Mudder events.
Markus was a beast and ended up placing 19th overall, in the entire race, with a time around 1 hour and 55 minutes. I had placed 13th overall in my age division (24-29) and around 80th overall in the race, which had over 2000 people, with a time around 2 hours and 6 minutes. Shows how tight the race was! With only an 11 minute difference, Markus killed me in placement.
Jeffery was having trouble from the beginning, having not trained as much as he would have liked and feeling off from the start. He crossed the line later than we did, but he was still a Spartan, finishing with the rest of the crowd.
The training for my race really opened my eyes and made me realize how much I love exercising and working towards a goal, like a race. I’ve made it my 2012 goal to enter and compete in as many Spartan, or of the sort, races this year, that I can. My goal from these experiences will be gaining the knowledge, experience and strength to compete in the 2013 Spartan Death Race and the World’s Toughest Mudder, possibly sneaking the Scotland Coast-To-Coast in there, if I can!
Wish me luck, because 2012 will be my best year yet.

Best,
Bobby

Shallow Means, Deep Ends.

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 10:00:05 -0500

Outfit Details:
Letterman Jacket: Brooklyn Circus
Shirt: H&M
Jeans: Levis
Beanie: Target

Quick Picks and pictures.

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 10:00:05 -0500

I finally joined the iPhone revolution and fell in love with the Instragram app. You can follow my photos and my twitter at @thisfellow.

Best,
Bobby

Lookout Hill

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 13:49:20 -0500

Outfit Details:
Jacket: Robert Gellar
Button-Up: H&M
Bow Tie: Jean&James
Pants: H&M
Shoes: Zara
Glasses: Urban Outfitters

This was one of the last sets of photographs Keiko had taken before I took my big trip to Los Angeles. I was participating in the SoCal Super Spartan, an 8.5 mile, 20+ obstacle race that took place in Temecula - one of the hilliest places I’ve ever seen, let alone run through.
My friend Paul and I train every week at Lookout Hill in Prospect Park for such races. I cannot wait to enter another Spartan Race.
Now that I’m back, it’s back to the hard training, back to the regimental, health-conscious dieting because I will be in my peak physical care for the following races, and eventually the dreaded Spartan Death Race, which takes place in Vermont. 45 miles of horrible weather, obstacles, and 75 pound backpacks, all taking more than two days to complete. Here comes an entire year of bettering myself, and pushing the limits of my potential.
Perhaps I’ll post some of the photographs from the SoCal Super Spartan race, when they’re available. Until then, please appreciate the greatness of a bow tie, the simplicity of shoes and the effect a simple pair of glasses deliver.

Best,
Bobby

Freddie Freeloader.

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 10:00:05 -0500

Outfit Details:
Pea Coat: H&M
Cardigan: H&M
Vest: All Saints
Button-up: H&M
Bow Tie: c/o Jean&James
Pants: Forever 21
Shoes: Aldo

Jean&James, a boutique tie company, was kind enough to send me a couple bow ties of my choosing! I felt that it would be best to split up the looks, since each had its own feel.

Better Late Than Never.

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 10:00:06 -0500

This is something I should have scanned and posted, perhaps a month ago, but, what can you do?
I was recently in the December issue of Inked Magazine, for their “Ink on the Street” section of the magazine. In the issue I was asked which tattoo was my favorite - an unfair and difficult question, since I really have a strong connection with so many of my tattoos. I chose to mention my Matryoshka tattoo that Ashley Love gave me. She’s such a killer tattoo artist. I really need to get more work done by her.
I had an incredible time working with the crew, who were all excited and ambitious to make this a great issue. I would love to work with them again one day.
The winter coat was provided by Alpha Industries, and it was really warm, which makes everything cozy and fun.
That being said, I’m ready to wear t-shirts again. Maybe shorts - not sure how I feel about them yet.

Best,
Bobby

Ashley Love

A Picture of You, Holding A Picture of Me.

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 00:26:47 -0500

Outfit Details:
Pea Coat: H&M
Button-up: H&M
Bow Tie: J Crew
Cardigan: H&M
Pants: H&M
Shoes: Not H&M. Aldo.

Tis the season to wear your bow ties and wear them with pride. I recently went through my tie box and realized that I have, perhaps, more ties and bow ties than I do shirts to wear them with! What can I say? I have an unhealthy obsession with anything tie-related. I recently read a wonderful quote on a card from Jean&James ties.
Paraphrasing it reads:
“A gentleman should bow the ties on his neck as often as he bows the laces on his shoes.”
I couldn’t agree more. I still need practice! With the bow tie, not my shoes.

Best,
Bobby

Last Known Surroundings

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 22:39:03 -0500

Outfit Details:
Scarf: Zara
Sun Glasses: c/o David Yurman
Denim Jacket: Levi’s
Shirt: H&M
Pants: Hudson Denim
Shoes: Saucony

I think the time spent happiest for me is when I’m at a park. Keiko and I spent some time at Fort Greene Park and it was just a beautiful day. I’m looking forward to more days like this.

Best,
Bobby

For The Home Team

Wed, 07 Dec 2011 20:08:48 -0500

Outfit Details:
Letterman Jacket: The Brooklyn Circus.
Shirt: H&M
Vest: All Saints
Tie: Thrifted
Pants: Hudson Jeans
Shoes: Aldo

Keiko and I finally made it out to this really great store in Brooklyn. We’ve driven past it dozens of times, always saying that we’ll stop in next time. The Brooklyn Circus was a real gold mine for men’s wear; and let’s face it, it’s hard to find things for guys to wear sometimes.
After walking around for a while, I finally decided on the Letterman Jacket (with Keiko’s help, of course). I can certainly say I’ll be back to visit them sometime soon!

Best,
Bobby

Chinos

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 17:42:07 -0500

Outfit Details:
Coat: Robert Gellar
Vest: c/o Chaps
Shirt: H&M
Tie: UniQlo
Pants: c/o Chaps
Shoes: Aldo

It’s finally becoming winter! I must admit, despite my Floridian background, I have thick skin and warm blood and look forward to the changing weather, the amber to orange leaves, and the brisk wind, dragging the scarf around your neck. I always feel more alive and more inspired in the winter months, and with the necessity of keeping warm, it gives me much more reason to dress-up than the summer does.
Layering is one of those masterful arts that women seem to have. I’ve never been very adept at looking at a jam-packed closet and seeing what I should wear. It’s much more organic. I grab a shirt, pick a pair of pants and see what fits thereafter. A nice tie that works with this vest or that coat, maybe a scarf or a fedora to balance or break-up monotony. In a way, it’s a lot like cooking. And like cooking, everything depends on balance. Less is more, almost always.
With very few basics you can really create a larger wardrobe than many would imagine.
Stay warm, guys.

Best,
Bobby

aWEARness

Fri, 04 Nov 2011 15:45:48 -0400

Outfit Details:
Blazer: Uniqlo (killer deal)
Shirt: H&M
Bowtie: Pierpont Hicks
Vest: All Saints
Pants: c/o Hudson Denim
Belt: Perry Ellis
Shoes: Aldo

Keiko and I were approached about teaming up with Kenneth Cole, MTV’s Staying Alive Foundation and amfAR to spread awareness about AIDS. The frightening reality that it’s been over 30 years and still no cure is shocking, but there are ways to prevent it! Kenneth Cole has designed this new ribbon, with two bows, to symbolize the redoubling of efforts to find a cure, and to symbolize coming together.

You can purchase your own ribbon here and help bring awareness to your community. I encourage everyone to do their part! And for $5, it’s hard to avoid such a great cause.

From the release: The ribbon will be sold through December 31st and 100% of net profits will go to AWEARNESS, the Kenneth Cole Foundation, in support of the MTV Staying Alive Foundation and amfAR, the Foundation for AIDS Research. Kenneth Cole retail and outlet stores all over the world, and www.KennethCole.com will sell the ribbon.

Best,

Bobby

Release The Hounds.

Fri, 28 Oct 2011 17:49:40 -0400

Outfit Details:
Shirt: H&M
Pants: H&M
Tie: Express
Tiebar: c/o Chaps
Sweater: c/o Chaps
Shoes: c/o Chaps
Belt: c/o Chaps

Keiko and I were invited by Chaps for a little fun. She, along with Christine and Aly, were supposed to style the men in their lives. I’m too independent for that, so I sneaked away, while the girls were nibbling on cheese and fruit, and browsed the selection.
While we were home, Miku had a blast, running around the yards, so when we got back, she was still in that “outdoor” state of mind. It was time to take her to the Dog Park!
We got a lot of glances at the dog park. I’d like to think it was my dapper dressing, but, let’s be honest… it was Miku those dogs were checking out.

Best,
Bobby

The Greatest Sandwich, Ever.

Tue, 04 Oct 2011 00:09:47 -0400

Just a brief update, to prove that I’m not dead or missing.

I’ve been trying to stay busy lately. I recently left my job at SoHo House, under good terms, to go to Culinary School. This time off has been good for me, but I needed to work somewhere again, so I went back to bartending. I now work at The Meatball Shop, as one of the bartenders.
The thing I love about the place, aside from the people, ambiance and food, is that they’re so willing to take any creative ideas to the table, and run with them. I spoke to the Chef and asked her if I could make a meatball of my own, bring it in and get it on the menu, if it was up to snuff. So, last night, after buying my own grinder and all, I made my first attempt at my Banh Meatball! Seemed like a fun idea. I was leaving work the other day, stopped off at this great Banh Mi restaurant next door and thought, “Duh, that would be an awesome meatball!” So far, I’ve had some positive responses to it. Great heat, good flavor, fun idea and easy to make - who wouldn’t love this thing, if you ate meat? But a ball on its own isn’t enough, so I made a cilantro-ssiracha aioli with bread-and-butter pickled carrots. Now it’s ready. One bite with all the fixin’s and it leaves the body wondering where the rest went.

I also wanted to share a couple pictures of a sandwich that I make nearly every single day for me and Keiko. It’s usually the first thing we eat, when we wake up. Simple to fix and fun to make, and it’s just freaking delicious, too. It’s quite simply “The Greatest Sandwich Ever,” adapted from Thomas Keller. Aside from the Banh Mi, that is.

Ingredients:
Peasant’s Bread (or other, good-quality bread)
1 Egg
Bacon (or veggie bacon, for Keiko)
Red Leaf Lettuce
1 Red, ripe tomato
Mayonnaise
Whole Grain Mustard
Grilled Chicken Breast (Optional - more my thing)
Kosher Salt/Pepper
Extra Virgin Olive Oil

The trick to this sandwich, especially when you make it as often as I do, is to have a system. You want everything to finish at the same time and be hot, without overcooking anything (i.e. The egg).
If you do this right, you should be able to stay busy doing something the entire time, while waiting between cooking, and have your sandwich turn out awesome.

Firstly, preheat your oven to 400. Take your bread, apply a small amount of oil on one side of each slice of bread, enough to cover most of the surface. Sprinkle Kosher salt and pepper on each slice. Place on a baking sheet tray and toast for about 5 minutes and flip over.
While bread is toasting, you can clean and set aside your lettuce leaves, and cut your tomato slices. If you’re cooking bacon, rather than microwaving it, now would be a good time, so you can let it drain on a paper towel, when finished.
When bread has toasted, apply the mayonnaise and whole grain mustard to your slices and dress with lettuce and tomato, bacon, too, if ready.
When you’re done, heat a pan on your burner. You want to let it run on the heat for a good minute or two, without oil, and after it’s hot, add about a teaspoon of olive oil to the pan, just to loosen your egg. Move the pan around to coat the oil to the pan, and be sure to keep it from smoking. When your pan is hot, crack the egg over the center of the pan and let the sucker cook. You want to season generously with Kosher salt and pepper and after about 15-20 seconds, with the flip of the wrist, flip your egg over. Turn off the heat on the burner and let it cook on the hot pan for an additional 30 seconds or so. Enough to cook it, but not to cook the yolk. Slide it off the pan, onto the sandwich and plate it up! Cut on a bias and voila! You’ve just made/eaten the greatest sandwich in the world.
I make mine with grilled chicken, so usually when the bread comes out, I’ll throw my cooked chicken breast in the oven, to warm it up.
I hope that some of you take the time to understand what’s so great about the greatest sandwich ever. It’s pretty great.
If anybody happens to frequent Brooklyn, or Williamsburg, for that matter, bring yourself over to The Meatball Shop. Get some balls, get some booze, say hello and have a great time. I promise, I’ll make it as entertaining as I can. Who knows, you may be there when my meatball makes the menu!

Best,
Bobby

All The Bright Lights And Company

Thu, 18 Aug 2011 10:00:05 -0400

Outfit Details:
Shirt:
Pants: H&M
Flippy-Floppies: H&M

I don’t know why, but I’ve always had a thing for climbing trees. Since moving to NYC, it’s been hard to find decent trees to climb! All the branches are trimmed and removed, leaving adventurous height-seekers, like myself, grounded.
I saw this beast and hopped up to the top before Keiko even realized where I was. Skills. But, I won’t lie, Miku got worried, so I came down.

Best,
Bobby

Miku

Mon, 08 Aug 2011 01:24:06 -0400

Outfit Details:
Shirt: H&M
Pants: J Crew
Shoes: Urban Outfitters

I don’t think I really talk enough about Miku and how amazing she is. So, here it goes:

Imagine yourself with the greatest company you could ever ask for - your best friends, family, loved ones, etc. Unfortunately, you’ll never experience the pure joy from them that you’d get from Miku. Let’s face it, it takes knowing Miku to really understand what Miku is and does to you.

Keiko and I decided to take her to the park recently. The weather has been beautiful and there have been plenty of other cute pups playing around with their friends in the field. The dog park is such a wonderful place to visit, even if you don’t have a dog of your own (it just might seem a little strange). There is such a kinetic relationship that you can see between a dog and its owner. It’s difficult for me to understand how people can’t love some or all animals. They offer such unconditional love for their owners; it’s really a beautiful thing to see.

And I'll be anything you ask and more.

Thu, 21 Jul 2011 01:25:06 -0400

Outfit Details:
Hat: H&M
Shirt: Courtesy of Fischer Clothing.
Pants: H&M
Shoes: Aldo

Jazz-Age Lawn Party.

Fri, 01 Jul 2011 14:39:51 -0400

Outfit Details:
Shirt & Suspenders: H&M
Vest: Thrifted
Pants: Levi
Shoes: Aldo
Hat: Urban Outfitters
Bowtie: Gilt Group
Socks: Courtesy of Ozone Design.

Keiko, the kids and I went out to Governor’s Island to attend the annual Jazz-age Lawn Party the other day! It was awesome. Mostly everybody was dressed up to the 9s in 20s inspired clothes, with an amazing jazz band playing for hours. There was ice cream, food and St. Germain inspired cocktails from the era.
Another lawn party should follow in the coming months, so I’m anxious to go again! We all had a blast and loved taking the ferry across the water. Walking off the boat, you feel like you’re entering another decade, entirely.
For those who follow my blog regularly, I’d like to make the wonderful (and perhaps surprising) announcement that I’ve decided to attend the French Culinary Institute, in SoHo. Working in the kitchen, for nearly a year now, I finally realized that this is what I want to do, period. And I want to do it better than many other people, more quickly, but with the backup assistance of a formal education.
I’m excited, nervous and ready for this move. I’ll keep you posted.

Best,
Bobby

And All That Jazz

Mon, 27 Jun 2011 23:56:24 -0400

This post differs from others because it has nothing to do with what I’m wearing, nothing to do with my cooking, but with the amazing opportunity that Keiko and I were given, along with a wonderful group of other bloggers - an Evening with Tiffany and Co.
Upon meeting at Tiffany and Co., on Wall Street, on a rainy day, we all piled into two buses, which caravanned us about the city on a focused food tour to two amazing establishments. Firstly, we stopped by the warmly lit, and aesthetically sound, Italian Wine Merchants, in Union Square, where they treated us to some delicious cheeses, wine, pasta and charcuterie. Everything about this place made me feel welcome and comfortable, chasing away the nervous jitters that most people usually experience in catered events with food. Everybody happily grabbed a plate, a glass of wine and forked the antipasti into their mouths.
There was a pride in the establishment that every place should strive to attain. The owner of Italian Wine Exchange gave us a short, personal tour, highlighting the vintage wine room, where many couples had celebrated their anniversaries, asked for another’s hand in marriage or any numerous reasons to be in that beautiful, intimately lit space. He explained that they love pairing a wine to the birth-year of each diner. They had some reallly old wines, too. It was awesome.
After the demonstrations of opening a rather rare champagne that had to be opened under water, we had to pack up, jump on the bandwagon and truck over to the swanky, Dom Drapper-style prohibition bar, Raine’s Law Room - also in Union Square. Tiffany and Co. even had their own signature cocktail for the night - refreshing libation showcasing St. Germain, perfect for the era and feel of the bar. Keiko doesn’t drink, so the bartender made her a special strawberry mocktail. It was seriously better than any other drink there, for sure.
I can’t thank every person enough for putting this event together. We all had such a great time and it was nice to see some places in the city that I had never known existed! I would love to go back to both places, but I can say that Raine’s Law Room is a great place for a late-night cocktail, when you’re feeling like you’re in the wrong decade.

Best,
Bobby

Wall Street

Tue, 14 Jun 2011 13:42:19 -0400

Outfit Details:
Shirt: H&M
Tie: Uniqlo
Pants: Levi
Tie Bar: Club Monaco
Shoes: Aldo
Glasses: Urban Outfitters
Bag: Courtesy of Kenneth Cole

Outside of Tiffany and Co. on Wall Street. More on that later!

Best,
Bobby

Know When To Whisper And When To Shout - KC

Mon, 13 Jun 2011 02:49:34 -0400

Outfit Details:
Shirt: H&M
Shorts: H&M
Shoes: Urban Outfitters
Bag: Courtesy of Kenneth Cole

Kenneth Cole had invited Keiko and me to his spring collection pre-preview several months ago, when the weather was cold, wind brisk and my overcoats were put to the test. I already miss the cold weather ::sigh::.
While we were there, he let us choose something from his new collection. Both Keiks and I were hooked on this chic, trendy and functional leather duffel. I try to find reasons to carry it around - usually helping Keiko carry around her camera and other things. This thing is pretty awesome.
You’re pretty awesome, too.

Best,
Bobby