THE FASHION GUY WITH THE VINTAGE EYE presents "Arrington & Mcallister" COGIC Aim 2014...

Arrington & Mcallister 

COGIC Aim 2014

       (In my Pastor Kevin Bond "moving on" voice) JUDY, JUDY, JUDY, JUDY, JUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUDY was dressed "all the way up" this week during the COGIC National Auxiliaries In Ministry Convention, thanks to the one and only Tim Arrington. This "Brick City" Jersey native is not only an amazing singer but I first and foremost know him as a FASHION DESIGNER! He has designed some amazing outfits for many different gospel artist such as Stephen Hurd, Dewyane Woods, Amber Bullock, Y'Anna Crawley, and of course the legendary live recording look of Youthful Praise "live in Baltimore". If you follow Sir Arrington on social media you may wonder how does he find the time to execute such amazing looks being that he is constantly in Russia, Norway, Hungary, Italy and etc being Tim Arrington! This week saints from all over the world gathered in Kansas City for the Church of God in Christ Auxillaries In Ministry which consist of Sunday School, Missions, Evangelism, Youth, and of course the Music Dept headed by Dr Judith Christie Mcallister! I was focused in for the word, music, and of course the many amazing looks Dr. Judy gave this week. There were so many colors involved from reds to blues to black and the sleeves on these looks were "EVERYTHING TO MY LIFE". Tim Arrington I believe knows how to put the perfect look that interprets and represents your position, personality, and most importantly your ANOINTING. We all know Dr. Mcallister is adamant about the way Levites present themselves when coming before the people of God. Sir Arrington's great attention to detail, use of fabrics, and great finishes on each piece has certainly made my SHONDO excited! Every day and night I couldn't wait to see what this great orator was wearing. Luckily I follow Sir Arrington on Instagram and he would post a few minutes before the services would start each look; so it just made me even more excited to see Dr. Judy in each look. Whether she lifted her hand in worship or danced and pranced to a praise break, her clothing flowed and moved with her body. My mouth would drop open and just drool over her every move. As we all know Dr. Judy is "anointingly" dramatic which always draws my attention, whether she is leading praise and worship, directing the choir, or just sitting down; everything she does exudes anointed dramatics and her clothing is a great counterpart because of Sir Tim Arrington. As a young man trying to find his way in this fashion industry and looking to make a name for myself in the fashion writing community, I appreciate the many encouraging messages Sir Arrington post on his Instagram, especially one that I screenshot and read every morning "Stay Patient And Trust Your Journey". The bible says your gift will make room for you and certainly Sir Arrington's gift is making for him going beyond imaginations. You can definitely check out more looks of Tim Arrington on his social media sites, and inbox him to have something amazing created for you, I know I definitely will!

Instagram 

@timarrington

Facebook

Tim Arrington

THE FASHION GUY WITH THE VINTAGE EYE presents "The Carraway Concept" Independence Day Sale

The Carraway Concept 

Independence Day Sale

          HURRY, HURRY, HURRY; merchandise are going quickly like communion crackers right after a fast. There is a sale going on with amazing BLAZERS from "Carraway Concepts" with their creative director, fashion icon in his own right, stylist, blogger "Mr. Goodwill Hunting, and a saved young man Rashon Carraway. I was scrolling through my FB newsfeed this morning and ran across a mentor of mine in the Fashion Industry page and saw there was a 25.00 sale going on. These blazers have a vintage flare to them with wide lapels singe and double vents, with amazing colors and materials. There are only a selected few with this special price and last I checked there were only 3 left. So with the quickness of Pentecost check out www.thecarrawayconcept.com and get what you can! There are also other reasonable priced merchandise such as suits, vintage ties, and amazing lapel flowers. The sale ends at the end of the day, so don't be lackadaisical because there is something for every fashionable gentleman on this site.

Instagram

@thecarrawayconcept

@rashoncarraway

Website

www.rashoncarraway.com (blog site)

www,thecarrawayconcept.com

Facebook 

The Carraway Concept

             

THE FASHION GUY WITH THE VINTAGE EYE presents "Fashion Finds"...

Fashion Finds

Mezlan 

         For the past couple of months Cole Haan has been an incredible source when it comes to men's shoes. They have really brought back to light the "Oxford" shoe for men; and their price points have been accommodating everyone. So while I was racking up on Oxford and similar style shoes being that they all have evolved within the past 3 years with different materials, colors and designs; I got an itch for Patent Leather! This spring/summer 2104 season has been all about bright colors for me especially when it comes to Loafers. Nooooooooo not suede loafers (loose your hold devil it's to hot for that) but leather and actual rubber loafers (Vivienne Westwood and Gucci). I feed my fashion monster on the way I feel and what I read thru two of my favorite magazines and websites for men, GQ and ESQUIRE. These two magazines pour a foundation when it comes to my style for the season and then I go off of my mood adding a vintage flare to everything. But I am now preparing for fall/winter 2014 when it comes to my shoes and thanks to a friend, I am hooked on Patent Leather. I have always wanted a wonderful pair of amazing Black Patent Leather shoes, which I do have a pair but they are for black tie affairs (know the different saints). In my "getting understanding" (churchy) I stumbled across a pair of Mezlan Patent Leather "Basket Weave" shoes and I GOT HAPPY. Being that my dad is huge when it comes to his shoe game whether it's Jordan's or a full Alligator Head Shoe (I don't do skins) I have always been afforded to wearing luxury brand shoes. So of course I knew Mezlan is an amazing luxury shoe brand and I had to jump at the opportunity of being the lucky owner of these shoes. Now I have never paid more than 200.00 for a pair of of shoes or anything for that matter except my car note, so when I saw the price for these shoes I almost passed out but I knew GOD WOULD MAKE A WAY. Some of you may think I'm being cheap or crazy not paying anything more than 200.00 on a pair of shoes but when I know there are children all over the world starving, sick, and homeless, I can not bring myself to purchasing such a product for a hefty price. NOW if someone wanted to purchase anything for me more than said price than I'm all for it (HELLO CHURCH) LOL. As I began to look for other shoes I just couldn't leave these alone; "In my distress I called on The Lord and he heard me" one of my favorite scriptures; and you might think it is such a minut thing to pray for (which I could care less what you think on this) but I desired these amazing pair of shoes with every fiber of my being AND I GOT THEM! The supplier who happens to be a Christian reads my blogs and saw what I was doing and thought it was such an amazing entity I was presenting. He took HUNDREDS off (touch your neighbor and day HUNDREDS) and gave it to me for next to nothing. Before i started my blog I prayed to God (YES PRAYED) and told him exactly what I wanted to do, wanted to get out of this, and where I wanted to go concerning writing about Christians and Fashion. One thing I wanted to do was to receive merchandise from various sources and blog about it and that door has just been opened. God is honestly "Faithful and Just" and I do know this is only the beginning. I was thinking about putting them in my birthday giveaway in August but "the devil is a liar" that won't be happening LOL. It pays to believe in and to push people with their dreams and aspirations. Well these will certainly make an appearance in STL for COGICs Holy Convocation in November.

THE FASHION GUY WITH THE VINTAGE EYE presents "VINTAGE FINDS" Men's Edition

Vintage Finds Mens Edition

             With my first experience to St. Louis for "All Saints Week" the Holy Convocation of the Church Of God In Christ vastly approaching, I have been gathering different Vintage and vintage inspired pieces together for different looks. I was hoping to do a Vintage Trunk Show (coming soon in Atlanta) in my room during that week but every piece I have purchased or acquired I fell in love with and did and do not want anyone else to have it. Well in my "getting ready" to pull looks from my closest, thrift stores, vintage shops, and etc, I came upon this amazing structured coat. An incredible Vintage Teller Fashion House double breasted tweed coat. Vintage attire is not just limited to Chanel and Dior all though those things are wonderful, but it's designers whose collections have spanned throughout decades. The Teller Fashion House was a boutique (small) family business, creating most of their clothing in Austria. Teller Fashion House are known for their speciality overcoats with silk lining (like mine) and a stand up collar (like mine LOL).Their use of heavy fabrics such as wool and tweed and natural materials have launched their fashion house to be equal with Ralph Lauren today. The Tellers were inspired by European overcoats (aren't we all) and brought that same aesthetic to the states where they created a bigger name for themselves (thank God for google). This double breasted amazing piece of art has been structured to absolutely fit the body of the person who owns it (ME). It's great detail with the simple pleating in the back and the belted waist, embellished sleeves (I hope that's proper lingo), and the raw material buttons, with an amazing collar takes this coat to another place in GLORY! I have acquired a few pieces that I will be doing a giveaway with and I can't wait to share that with all my readers. I am also working at the moment on a Persian Lamb Black Overcoat for St.Louis (FOR ME) that will be amazing but you can be assured this coat will be making an appearance amongst the saints in November. 

If you are interested in any similar vintage or vintage inspired overcoats contact me via email thevintageguy87@gmail.com

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

Vintage Finds

               I told you I have amazing items to be featured every day this week and I am super excited about sharing this. There is no tag on this amazing piece of vintage art so I had a fight with the devil (google) in trying to figure out the creator of this creation. Being that im love all fashion from the 50s, 60s, 70s, and some of the 80s, I figured this dress is from the mid 60s to the very early 70s. I have no problem and I have never objected to a female wearing a GOOD gown (depending on what it looks like) on a Sunday morning. It adds so much to your look when coming dressed to meet the King in the house of God. An extremely high heel (especially with these ratchet platforms) will not be needed with this elegant piece; it should continue to be a duster and sweep across the altar as you walk to place your offering in the basket (I hope y'all tithe), or if you are up giving greetings, or laying out the saints while preaching. This multi color (white, blue, green, and purple) sheer overlay, cinched in the waist, cuffed puffy sheer sleeves, with a full skirt that will give the most AMAZING dramatic presentation. Women in the 60s usually wore dresses like this when hosting "shindigs" (urban dictionary) in their homes; I wish we could dress like they did back in those days. Wearing gowns during the day and men wearing well tailored suits all the time, but we are in a day of tight terribly fitting skirts, extremely tight or extremely big pants, trashy platform heels (that works my SHONDO), but I DIGRESS. I just believe down in the city of my soul, whether you are in church on a Sunday morning, your national women's convention, or at a wedding (where you will take the shine from the bride) this amazing piece will make a statement! A simple necklace, a good peep toe shoe, and a Swarkvoski crystal bag (COGIC CANDY), a Lapscarf (although not needed it but adds to it) is all you need for this vintage dress! Just wait until tomorrow for the two looks I have for men and women!

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

 

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)...