THE FASHION GUY WITH THE VINTAGE EYE presents "Vintage Finds"

Vintage Finds

1960s Swing Coat and Sheath Dress

           While exploring different fields in fashion trying to find my way to a profession I was and am passionate about, I ran into and have befriended many people in the fashion industry. I have interned at Marie Claire, I have been a freelance stylist, personal shopper, and ended up in a field where I married two of my loves "WRITING and FASHION". Although I still can operate in all these fields, writing about fashion is my first love. While styling I came into contact with different Vintage Vendors and Connoisseurs; they put their trust in me and merchandise in my hands knowing that I had the right clientele and most importantly I am passionate concerning Vinatge merchandise. Recently I came across this beautiful piece of art from the 1960s, a heavily beaded vintage swing coat with a matching beaded sheath dress. What is a sheath dress you may ask; it's a figure hugging (but not to tight over here in Holiness) silhouette with a defined waiste without any adornment (belt or waistband). It usually falls right above the knee or lower to give it such an elegant and lady like look. A lot of young women (and older saints) feel that short, tight, ill fighting dresses and skirts are what's HOT but they are ABSOLUTELY NOT. I think there is nothing better than a feminine dress or skirt that hits right above or a little below the knee (that's figure hugging). There are a few fashionable women such as First Lady Michelle Obama and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge who are known for the sheath dress look. Especially with different conventions coming up whether you are apart of PAW, COGIC, or COP (my organization) this type of look will have you stand out from everyone else. With it being a vintage piece you are reassured you will be the only one on showcase with this amazing look. You can maybe even switch the look up with wearing the swing coat with a different simple dress or pair of pants or just wearing the dress with an amazing cocktail ring, to much jewelry is not necessary for this look, and a 5inch heel (NO PLATFORM PLEASE). Since The Holy Convocation of COGIC is coming up in November (which I will be attending) this vintage piece being that the material is heavy and beaded and the swing coat and sheath dress is fully lined, it would be the perfect look for that Convocation where some of the most stylish saints from all over this world gather. I have a few more "Vintage Finds" coming up in the weeks to come, so if this one didn't wet your appetite, I am sure the other pieces for men and women I have lined up will.

If your are interested in this piece, contact me via email at thevintageguy87@gmail.

THE FASHION GUY WITH THE VINTAGE EYE presents "Summer 1/2 Off Sale" Value Village...

Value Village Sale!!!

I Felt A Thrifting In My Spirit...

       Value Village is a well known thrift store here in Georgia and I'm sure other southern states, in which they hold some of the most amazing "vintage inspired" looks. I was first introduced to this thrift store by my good friend and known stylist Marcus Deron Jeffrey, when I moved to Atlanta a little over 7 years ago. I was always a thrift store and vintage shop shopper because I was drawn to the way Gentleman and Ladies dressed in the 40s up until the 70s and thrift stores are the best and cheapest places to go when trying to accomplish that look. I don't consider myself to be a stylist being that when I found amazing looks I intentionally and selfishly keep them for myself (LOL) but I don't mind helping others look for Vintage and Vintage Inspired looks. I always have to feel a pulling in my "SHONDO" to go to a thrift store knowing that there is something there just for me; and yesterday I felt it! As I walk into the Value Village close by my house I started seeing these colorful signs that read "SUMMER 1/2 OFF SALE" my feet got light and I became like a kid in a candy store! I don't usually grab a cart (because they are the one with the big noticeable poles that stick high up in the air) but I sure did grab one this day. Everything I passed I grabbed and through it in there; I take my clothes from a thrift store straight to my tailor and CLEANERS so whether they are to small or two big "Ming Fung Cho" will work it out for me. In my Ricky Dillard voice (ITS A GOOD THING) to walk past the men's suit section and pull almost everything off the rack; finding amazing pieces for myself, my fashion forward brothers, and clients. The downfall of Value Village is they do not have fitting rooms, BUT they do have a furniture section with many many many mirrors. After I was finished in the men's section I tipped and YES I said TIPPED, over to the women's section pulling pieces that were Donna Karen, Vera Wang, and even a Vintage Dior dress. At thrift stores like Value Village you have to know how to pick and choose your battles; one thing I will never do is buy shoes from a thrift store unless they are brand new (never been worn), and I will never pay more than 15.00 on a piece unless it's by a well known designer vintage piece. I knew The Lord was telling me to go thrifting yesterday and THE LORD BLESSED!!!!! They usually have sales at the end of each month to get rid of old inventory to put out new things in case you would ever want to run into a sale. Most vintage shops do an end of the year sale to move out their old merchandise and showcase new pieces. Slap your neighbor and say "Thank God For The Man Of God Who Built Value Village"! Here are just a few pictures from my shopping trip to Value Village!

(Just a few pieces I bought from the sale)...

THE FASHION GUY WITH THE VINTAGE EYE presents "Fashion, Faith, and Fathers"

Fashion, Faith, and Fathers...

               Although Father's Day was over a week ago in which I had another blog planned focusing on two fashion forward, faith driven fathers, I decided to go this route. There have been many stereotypes when it comes to the Black Father. People have thrown out words such a "dead beat" and "no good", luckily growing up my dad (Ernest Michael Myrick) was always around. He introduced me to the world of fashion. I remember as a teenager while all other young boys were buying Jordan's and going to local shoe stores for dress shoes, my dad would make my shoe buying process a two day excursion. We would start out with breakfast at a diner in Jersey after which we would head out to Philly and just SHOP! I never was one who loved (or even liked) sports, but my dad played all throughout High School, College, and on a charity basketball team in NY for a radio station (WBLS Sure Shots). Since I was never interested in any kind of sport, shopping was our time of bonding; getting to know each other and realizing we have so much in common with each other. My father introduced me to alligator, snakeskin, ostrich, and other exotic shoes; he also introduced me to Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Barney's, and Bergdorf! I remember being the only one in High School with an exclusive pair of denim coach loafers, custom burgundy snakeskin belt, and custom dress shirts all because of my dad. He helped me express myself through fashion and what I wore. He afforded me to know how to make a proper knot in a tie, how to have my pants tailored to my body, which cut suits fit me best, how to be fashionable and manly, and most of all how to present myself wardrobe wise in interviews; I realize many young men do not know how to properly dress when it comes to interviewing wardrobe. I was licensed as a minister November 15,1998; I have always been faith based. I haven't always been the best Christian I could have been but like everyone else I'm striving and pressing. My dad has always believed in God I know that for a fact but growing up he was really never one to worship with us (family). I would always pray as a young boy "God I know my daddy knows you but he doesn't know you for the pardon of his sins so please save him and fill him AMEN". A few years ago my dad become extremely invovlved in his church in NY (The Historic Abyssinian Baptist Church), and was saved and filled with the Holy Ghost!  Out of all of our bonding experiences to many 5 star restaurants and shopping at the finest boutiques all over this country, this was the best way for us to bond. A black son would be able to worship and pray with his black father. Despite what statics and the news says there are Black Men who are amazing faith based fathers, setting positive examples and loving on their children. I remember worshiping with my dad as an adult the first time in his church; during his mens week and he had the opportunity to be apart of the program and share the word of God with his fellow brethren. I was extremely proud of my dad as he eloquently and boldy read his scripture in his well tailored 3 piece pinstripe suit, complimentary pocket square, and a great "not to big not to small" bow tie. My dad has never been shy to tell me that he loves me and the barrier is down and I know I can go to him in confidence about anything in life. My dad embodies Fashion, Faith, and is an amazing Father. The young black boy in me loves the black daddy in him and the Young Black Man that I am hopes to become the Strong Black Man he is! 

The Fashion Guy With The Vintage Eye presents "The iLead ESCAPE" Wardrobe!

The iLead ESCAPE (Wardrobe)

Pastor Tasha Cobbs

       "To provide a healthy environment that promotes community amongst worship leaders around the world". iLead ESCAPE is an aid to help worship leaders fulfill the commission given to them in (Isaiah 42). In case you were wondering what this conference "escape" was all about, this is it to the T. Pastor Tasha Cobbs has created a conference along with the ordaining of God a platform built for the front line worship leaders and all who want to know in depth about praise and worship and beyond to be filled, informed, and rejuvenated. This spirit filled conference was held at the "Westin Lake Mary" in Orlando,Florida June 11 through the 13th. I found out about this conference through the amazing and free adverstising tool of SOCIAL MEDIA from many well know worship leaders and different gospel artist local and national. There were many sessions during this praise packed conference with well known and qualified clinicians such as Pastor Hart Ramsey, Pastor William McDowell, Pastor Stephanie Jennings, Shanicka Vail, and of course Bishop William Murphy (the real Prince of Praise and Worship). Pastor Cobbs also had other artist such as Kierra Sheard, Vaughn Phoenix, and Shana Wilson; along with other worship leader such as Atlanta's own (Harverst Tabernacle Youth Pastor) Enrique Holmes. NOW, what I want to get to are the many different looks Pastor Cobbs blessed and when I say blessed I mean BLESSED the saints in during this time. Every piece that I saw she executed (as Kevin Lemons would say) "ALL THE WAY". Along with Celebrity Stylist and a man I look up to J.Bolin, and with hair and makeup, which included Atlanta's own Serena Williams, Pastor Cobbs pulled off every look! From Tasha Cobbs "Black Affair" Tuxedo look to her jeans with an amazing peplum top that was belted with an amazing wide leather belt, it was all done with perfection. Although I believe wardrobe, hair, and makeup aren't the first attributes when it comes to ministry, it certainly is important. The anointing will always be first and foremost when it comes to ministry; and I do believe from my own personal experience with Pastor Cobbs that she is anointed and appointed (churchy huh??? LOL). People will look at your outward appearance before anything else, and I was always taught that your first impression to people is your lasting impression. Don't be afraid to step outside of the norm and do what others aren't doing. Trust me if you began to apply confidence to your clothing people will ask you where and how can they get what you have on (ummmm but don't tell them LOL). Again J.Bolin and his team has done an amazing job with Pastor Tasha Cobbs during her iLead Escape Conference, so KUDOS KUDOS KUDOS to Pastor Tasha Cobbs for allowing herself to step outside of "church attire" and be fashionable, fantastic, and SAVED!

Glam Squad

This "somebody put a praise on it" song/chant is addicting and has been in my spirit all week; I need this CD to come out quick, fast, and in a hurry because these 15 second videos on Instagram are not doing it for me....

THE FASHION GUY WITH THE VINTAGE EYE

The Fashion Guy With The Vintage Eye presents "Sunday Recap"

Sunday Recap

Lady LaTisha Hamilton

         I have been watching this young beatiful lady ever since I saw her during the 2013 Church Of God In Christ Aim convention in Baltimore, MD. I wondered all during service after getting a quick dance in and walking through the vendors three or four times, who is the high heel wearing, multi strand 62 inch pearl hanging, lap scarf waving, and wide brim hat adorning lady. Finally I was introduced to her by my close brother Sir Verlon Lofton and from that moment on I was captivated by Lady LaTisha Hamilton. Not only is she into her wardrobe but her depth as a person is much more than that. Interviewing her for this blog I found out that she is a personal aid to Dr.Judith Christie Mcallister (President of the International Music Dept of the COGIC), she is also a background vocalist for National Recording Artist Maurette Brown Clark, she serves on her Jurisdiction Music Dept (Greater Maryland First), and like everyone else SHOULD who works on a Jurisditonal and National level (however your church and or organization is set up) she operates in her local church "Carter Memorial COGIC" as a praise and worship leader (Pastor Carl Pierce). During my interviewing process I ask most of my female features, what are a five necessities they believe a lady should always have. Lady Hamilton gave six great necessities for women and they are; 1) Girdle (a firm foundation), 2) Great Chest Support (a good ole bra), 3) A slip that suits your style that day, 4) A good pair of pantyhose, 5) a genuine strand of pearls, and just for a bonus she also mentioned a Lap Scarf is always in order, also known as a COGIC Woman's Spiritual "Baton" says Lady Hamilton. Being that Sunday was Father's Day I asked; what did her plans consist of on that special day?  She said of course she made her way to Carter Memorial COGIC, after which she had dinner with her father. After dinner she made her way to the hospital (just like a missionary) to visit with her former Pastor and god father. There in her Louboutins she prayed for him and sang songs of Zion by his beside (be ye also ready). After appreciating her father and spiritual father she took the time out to appreciate and acknowledge her love interest and companion for Fathers Day, Elder Verlon Lofton! I appreciate Lady Hamilton for the little time I have been around her, and getting to know her I find that she is such a sweet heart and a lady of integrity. Lady Hamilton says "fashion represents Integrity and Substance; looking pretty means nothing without a pure heart and a deep rooted genuine love for God and his people". Lady Latisha Hamilton is my favorite look from this Sunday and is my Sunday Recap!

Her Look:

Ruffled Peplum Top and Skirt- Designed by Verlon Lofton

Swarovski Crystal and French Veil fascinator and hat pin- Designed by Verlon Lofton

Swarovski Crystal earrings- Designed by Verlon Lofton

Shimmer Pantyhose- Givenchy

Polka Dot Clutch- Kate Spade

Swarovski Crystal Christian Louboutins- Christian Louboutin (stoned by Verlon Lofton)

COMING SOON...

Fathers Day Blog ft. Sir Taron Pollard and Sir Ernest Stinson

Fashionista Blog ft. Legendary Singer Anita NiNi Wells

Fashion In COGIC Blog ft... Elder Verlon D Lofton (the man who changed the face of fashion)

THE FASHION GUY WITH THE VINTAGE EYE says "Happy Birthday To The Ad-lib Queen"

Lillian J Lloyd

"Sense Of Style" Confidence... 

             Blonde hair swinging, 6,7,8 inch heel wearing, rolling on the floor singing, hardcore preaching Evangelist Lillian J Lloyd's birthday is TODAY. A certain group of us fell in love with the "Ad-lib Queen" as she is affectionately called while she was one of the lead singers for Supt Nathan Simmons at Citadel Of Hope Evangelistic COGIC, but many of us (like myself) fell in love with her dramatics with her anointing when she lead "One More Chance" with Ricky Dillard and New G; a song written by Bishop Eric McDaniel. Some of you may ask the question how does she fit in the category of fashion and Christendom? Simply it's because she is SAVED and because of her personal style. I've said in numerous blogs before, you can have the most expensive Shellie McDowell hat, amazing Christian Dior patent leather black pumps, Swarovski Crystal bag, but without self confidence you will end up looking like everyone else. It would be best to just run to Conway and get you a 15.00 suit (no shade) if you plan on fitting in, but "GOOOOOOOOOOOOOD is looking for a people who are willing to step outside the box" (in my good preaching voice) LOL. Evangelist Lloyd owns whatever she puts on and she carries it as only as she can. To some people it may be to much; but guess what? They don't have to wear it. Her self confidence exudes through her pores, so whatever she is in, whether it's a multi color New G robe or a St.John Knit it becomes everything to my LIFE because of the way she carries herself. Self esteem isn't easy to come by but when you GET IT, don't allow anyone to take it away. Her message in 6,7,8 inch pumps is pure Holiness, whether she is singing it in Sinner Man, One More Chance, or many of her Pentecostal sound songs. Some people are caught up in her look with all the make up, hair, and jewels but she captures your attention. Not only does she capture your attention with her outward appearance but as you began to listen to her sing, going beyond what you see, she is sowing seeds into your life. She is quoting scripture throughout all of her ad-libbing, he is speaking healing and deliverance into the lives of those listening. I really do enjoy Evangelist Lloyd's ministry but I am in love with her "Sense Of Style" which is Self Confidence. Happy Birthday Lillian Lloyd, and I speak long life into your very existence.

THE FASHION GUY WITH THE VINTAGE EYE presents "A Lapel Pin Sale"...

The Big Fashion Guy

Michael Anthony Spearman

Menswear Image Consultant/Designer/Stylist

       If you follow different Fashionistas and Fashionistas in their own right on social media sites then Michael Anthony Spearman is certainly on your list. This budding fashion designer is clearly on the rise to becoming one of the most influential mens designers of my generation. He has a way of paying attention to detail, his use of colors and textures is beyond imagination, and his bold stand to step outside of the box is amazing to me. Michael Anthony Spearman inspires gentleman of all sizes (especially those who have more to love) through Fashion, Faith, and Fitness, and I appreciate and honor him for being a trailblazer in this category. With him being a personal and close friend of mine I know how many people (men and women) reach out to him asking for fashion advice concerning plus size and really all over the size chart. He is full of knowledge and wisdom when it comes to Fashion and Faith and he applies it to his modest but exciting wardrobe. When I found out he was having a 10% off sale on his one of a kind custom Lapel Pins I definitely wanted others to be aware and purchase while they are still avaible. Trust me my favorite lapel pin besides my Vintage Christian Dior Lapel Pin is one he made just for me. He has all different shapes, colors, material, textures, patterns, and pins. Check him out at www.etsy.com/shop/TheBigFashionGuy; the sale ends Thursday June 12,2014. The code to type in at checkout to get your 10% off is (TBFG10). I will be doing a full feature on Michael Anthony Spearman in the near future concerning his education in fashion, his creative designs, and all of his AMAZING looks! You can follow him on Instagram @THEBIGFASHIONGUY and on Facebook (Michael Anthony Spearman).

THE FASHION WITH THE VINTAGE EYE presents "Pentecost Sunday"

Pentecost Sunday 

                   Happy Birthday to the "CHURCH"; yesterday saints all over the world celebrated Pentecost! Christians celebrate Pentecost 50 days after Resurrection Sunday; it commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit. Most Christians who celebrate Pentecost will either wear White representing Purity and others wear Red which represents the Fire of the Holy Ghost. When it comes to my attire on Pentecost I dress in WHITE because I am PURE (sideeye lol), plus I think to much red can make an outfit go completely array and all the way left field. So how can some of the most fashionable people in Christendom wear the same color but still be set apart and keep their own Fashion Identity; this is when personal sense of style comes into play. Every male can have the same white linen suit on from K&G but there is something that separates the novice from the expert.1) Editing, when you go into a men's suit store they will try to sell you a suit, shirt, tie, belt, suspenders, socks, and draws which they believe all go together. DO NOT FALL FOR IT; they throw words at you such as bargain and sale in your face to make you think you are actually saving money but THE devil IS A LIAR, save your coins and just get the suit. (If you let them talk you into it I promise you people will throw words at you like crazy and tacky). 2) Tailoring; a tailor like I've said in previous blogs will be your best friend, especially ones by the name of Hong Yun Lee and Su Toi Lee (two Asian people I made up lol). What will separate your same suit from the same store in the same color that is being worn in the same church is having the pants tailored to a straight (tapered leg) or making them a cropped pant. This has been done over and over but adding piping to the jacket or making the pant a tuxedo pant. What I have done many times is adding different textured and pattern elbow patches to a few of my plain thrift store pieces. Adding a black tuxedo shirt with no tie or great custom shirt (by Jameel Moore) with an amazing thick material tie and an amazing pocket square. A great shoe will always take a 50.00 suit into a million dollar Neiman Marcus look! And of course adding a lapel flower (not these oversized bouquets) for a splash of color and an amazing time piece on your wrist. Just a few pointers I go by to allow myself to stand out from everyone else, plus I'm from NY living in the south so I will stand out no matter what (no shade), we are just bolder when it comes to our Fashion choices. I browsed my news feed on social media sites for some of my favorite looks from Pentecost Sunday and I've chosen Pastor Altavon Clark, Fashion Risk Taker Dion Dickens, The Young but Experienced Eric Johnson, Sir Michael Crutchfield, and The Ever Fashionable Dereck Coleman. Of course I have my top look of Pentecost which is Lady Stephanie Williams!!!!!! I was recently introduced to who she is "Fashion Wise" and I am in love and hopefully will be doing a full feature on her in the near future. 

Altavon Clark

Suit- Calvin Klein

Shirt and Bow Tie- Why Not Boutique 

Sock- Pierre Cardin

Belt- Kenneth Cole

Shoes- Todd Welsh

Dion Dickens

Suit- Tzarelli Italy

Shoes- Irregular Choice

Shirt- Steven by Steven Land

Socks- Happy Socks

Bow Tie- Custom (ND Designs)

Eric Johnson

Suit- Tallia

Shoes- Kenneth Cole

Socks- Calvin Klein 

Glasses- Warby Parker

Hat- H&M

Michael Crutchfield 

Suit- Express

Shirt- Michael Kors

Shoes- Cignal

Tie- Banana Republic

Pocket Square- Brooks Brothers

Cufflinks- Vintage Crystal Links (London Vintage Shop)

Dereck Coleman

Suit- H&M

Shoes- Guess

Shirt- Tuxedo Shirt (Hugo Boss)

Tie- Michael Kors

Accessories- Macys

Lady Stephanie Williams

Hat- Jack McConnell (Vintage)

Dress- Jody Davis Designs (Custom)

Shoes- Christian Louboutin 

Purse- Louis Vuitton