If you haven't been at Fresh's shop in the past little bit, make sure you guys come by to check out all the Cityfellaz, Joy Rich, Raised by Wolves and Android Homme ish that he just dropped.
This is a lookbook I shot for Fresh last month to introduce the Cityfellaz and Joyrich S/S 2013 line. Deep colors, fun graphics and animal prints. Its about to be summer baby. Gotta get your game right!
498 Queen St W, Toronto
When I used to think about Miami, particurlarly South Beach I'd think of spring break. Tons of young people who were always drunk and high wearing neon colors. Then I used to think of the Bang Bus' driving up and down the street filming. lol. And after Jersey Shore was there, I just thought it was douche town. I thought it was too corny and novel with all the colors and the architecture. I felt like it was one giant theme part for drunk folks. lol.
Then again, all I had ever seen of Miami until Chris and Adrienne moved out there was only Ocean Drive. And although Ocean Drive is nice, thats not all of Miami. Being a tourist and going to Miami is very different from knowing someone who lives there. Which is pretty much the same in any city.
Last year while Julie and I were in Miami for Chris' birthday, we stayed at the Surfcomber Hotel on Collins. Sure it doesn't have the most intriguing name, but dont let that fool you (because it sure fooled me). If you've been to South Beach before than you know its full of older looking hotels that look outdated based on the exterior. Yea, there may be new paint and some new signage, but its not what we're used to when we think of fancy hotels. You think of glass windows from floor to ceiling, you think of big driveways and tons of flashing lights. Like I said, the hotels look pretty basic from the outside, but it's a whole different story on the inside. The Surfcomber was so cool and modern. It was fancy yet funky. You could feel the real youth in the decor. It's not like going into a Marriott or a Hilton and feeling like you're staying in a hotel full of old sophisticated business people. It felt young. Everyone who was walking in and out was young, fit and good looking...for a second I almost felt unworthy of being in the hotel. lol.
Apparently we arrived just after the Ultra Music Festival. There was a giant party in our hotel for the past week and Dead Maus and Avicii were spinning in the back by the pool.
And you can't be mad at a hotel for having an Asian fusion restaurant downstairs that serves banh mi sandwiches! If you love Vietnamese food than I love you too. lol.
Something that I really appreciate about hot places is the outdoor shopping. Aint nothing like it. Lincoln Mall is basically a road that runs for like 6 or 7 blocks thats filled with retail, theatres and restaurants with patios on both sides of the walkway and in the center. If you think you have trouble wanting to leave the mall now, imagine shopping in sunshine, blue sky and palm trees. Who could be mad at that.
And yes, Julie and I stopped by Sushi Samba - a Japanese, Brazilian and Peruvian fusion restaurant that specializes in sushi and seafood. Julie made us try it because she saw it on Sex and the City. lol. Whatever, it was damn good!
While we were out there, Julie and I went on our very first ever yacht ride. Sigh. We took a ride through the intercoastal waterways. It was honestly one of the most relaxing and soothing little adventures I've ever had to enjoy. The breeze from the water, sun on your shoulders, sounds of crashing waves by your ears, palm trees and giant condos and hotels at the shore, liquor and food for your belly and jokes and laughs from the homies. Life is good.
We also attended a Heat game while we were out there. Beyond seeing a friend play, its always much more fun to cheer for a team that wins. The vibe is different when the crowd that stands behind the team actually believes in the players.
But anyhow, as always, much love to Chris and Adrienne Bosh, Geno and the rest of the Miami fam. Thanks for the hospitality and thanks for always making us feel at home away from home.
If you've been following my blog than you know Im huge fan of the Terroni on Adelaide and I'm not particularly fond of the Terroni on Queen West. I just think the one on Adelaide is so much nicer. Nicer building, nicer interior, higher ceilings, more of an atmosphere...but then I discovered the patio at the Queen West location.
And I love patios. This one was pretty damn cool. It had a tree with like white flower petals that was blowing in the wind that made it feel pretty romantic and epic. It had a large umbrella to keep out the shade. A random tree that's growing diagonally across the patio where they hand lamps from. The walls are made of concrete and painted black wood panels. The decor is simple. But the best part about it is that I didn't even feel I was in the same place anymore. It feels super secluded and you feel super exclusive. lol.
Anyhow, if you're ever on Queen West...do it. And if this was someone's secret date spot and I just baited out their scene? Oh well. lol.
And the food is amazing here as well. :)
720 Queen St W. Toronto, ON
(416) 504-1992
You're right. None of us are Mexican. But that's ok. We'll drink to any happy occassion happily. lol.
Cinco de Mayo is a day that celebrates the unlikely Mexican victory over the French forces during the American Civil War, but for us, we're just celebrating good Mexican food and tequila!
Tacos and margaritas. Who could ask for more on a beautiful Sunday afternoon spent with friends and family?
Shouts to Vicky and Fern for the amazing meal and the hospitality. Also shouts to Jill, Danilo, Kingsley, Cara, Brooklyn, Zenee, Sheryl and Ryan. And of course to my favorites, Julie and Benjamin. :)
Sigh. Dan and Fresh are back in Dubai and unfortunately I wasn't able to join them on this trip.
These pics are from the second trip I made to Dubai last winter when I was out there for New Years Eve. I remember thinking my first trip to Dubai was awesome, but it was nothing compared to the second trip we made out there. The first time was dope but it was very tourist-y but the second time made me feel like I could live here some day. We got a better taste of the culture and the lifestyle. We found out what the young people do and where they go. But Ill post more about that another time.
My first trip to Dubai was 11 days long but my second trip was 14 or 15 days. We did a lot of cool things while we were out there but I feel like we definitely saved the best for last.
Before heading out anywhere, we took shots and downed a bottle of Dom. We headed over to Dubai Mall where all the Emirates love to stunt in their cars and walked over to the Burj Khalifa (the world's tallest building) and took the elevator straight up to the 123rd floor to the Atmosphere Lounge which is the highest public view point in the world. We ordered some appetizers and sipped on some champagne while we marveled the view from 442 meters up. It might have just been a lounge in a very tall building, but I felt like it was a real achievement to be able to see the world from this high (excluding views from planes). I really felt like I was standing in the clouds. The venue was also gorgeous as well. Glossy piano finishes on everything. Glass, steel and lights. I felt like James Bond chilled here on his off days.
After we finished the champagne we headed over to the Address Hotel for some more drinks and cigars. I don't know how many of y'all have been to Dubai or plan to go to Dubai, but do make sure you visit Neos. The whole experience of even getting to the venue is sexy. From the secret valet in the back corner of an underground parking garage, to the security at the elevator, to the elevator that takes you to the dark and dreamy and very ambient elevator lobby that takes you to the second set of elevators that take you to the actual lounge. If you're trying to impress a date...this is a good spot. But when I think of it, all of Dubai is a pretty good place to impress a date. lol.
Anyhow, Neos is high enough to get a beautiful view of Dubai including the Burj Khalifa. Its got high high ceilings, live entertainment, beautiful design elements and decor and just everything about it just feels super bossy.
Sigh...I really wish I was in Dubai right now. It's ok, Ill probably be there in June or July anyways. Shouts outs to Dan and Fresh. Hope you guys are having a blast. See y'all soon.
