THE FASHION GUY WITH THE VINTAGE EYE presents New Arrivals!!!!

Carraway Concepts New Arrivals

      This season is soon to change and Carraway concepts has some amazing new pieces in! I'm sure just like myself, others scroll down their social media news feeds hoping to see an amazing look from Carraway Concepts or their Creative Director Rashon Carraway. They take Vinatge inspired looks and thrifty pieces and elevate them to the highest of highest levels. Whether it's a double breasted blazer or a wide lapel vintage suit, they meet the need for every stylist gentleman. Recently I did a blog on their 25.00 Blazer sale and I do believe they sold out within hours. They offer so much to complete the perfect look for the everyday man; from lapel pins to ties, I promise you I will not lie, Carraway Concepts has the best buys (I'm a gospel rapper now LOL). I recently checked to see the prices of the merchandise but they haven't been listed yet, which means they are giving us the chance to preview. If I was you I would constantly keep checking their website because once they go on sale, the game will change and these amazing pieces for men will be gone faster than I will be during the rapture! Different sizes, textures, colors, and patterns, they really do have something for everyone. Also check out "Mr. Goodwill Hunting" at rashoncarraway.com; one of my favorite blogs, it's like my bible!

Facebook:

Carraway Concepts

Website:

www.carrawayconcepts.com

THE FASHION GUY WITH THE VINTAGE EYE presents VSTYLE Lapel Pins

      Everyone fashionable in Christendom does, should, and will know the name Verlon D Lofton! For years Verlon has been styling and designing for women of the Church of God in Christ and beyond that denomination in the greatest looks. Whether it is a St.John knit, Christian Dior vintage dress, or a design he created himself, women from all over this country claw to get to him. Many people who attend the conventions and or convocations of the COGIC will recognize Verlon Lofton as one of the main faces selling at the great Shellie McDowell booth amongst the vendors; but what many people don't know is that Sir Lofton has many hidden talents. He just doesn't assist world renowned designer Shellie Mcdwowell but he designs hats himself, he will turn your ordinary clutch into an amazing crystal bag; he will take your 800.00 Christian Louboutins and strategically place the finest Swarkvoski crystals on it and turn them into a masterpiece. I personally know Sir Lofton and consider him to be a brother of mine, and although I could be bias with this blog (being that it is my own blog) I am not. I promote people and things that hightens the look of Christians and not diminish it. Verlon has now taken his God given talent and turned it into a business. For the past 2 to 3 years it has been the season of the Lapel Flower/Pin and just when I was getting ready to "Be Over" it (I was really already over it but) Sir Lofton has introduced his Exclusive Collection of Swarkvoski Crystal Lapel Pins for Men. These amazing colorful Swarkvoski Crystal Lapel Pins will definitely take your look to the next level. Forget all the other lapel pins, these are eye catching, plain suit popping, style adding, gentleman wearing lapel pins. Sir Lofton has taken his love for jewelry, hats pins, stoning,and has created a one of a kind piece for the everyday gentleman. When it comes to pulling a look together my motto is "if you can't wear it to work then it's not for church" (that will keep you away from the clownery). You can take his lapel pins to work, church, parties, and etc and take the shine away from everyone else. I asked Verlon, what prompted him to launch this line of Lapel Pins? He simply said "God gave me the gift to create wealth"! I truly believe that there is so much wealth in Christendom, but because we are scared of the unknown and scared of what others think, we keep our amazing ideas and talents to ourselves. But just like I said "NO LONGER" and advanced towards fashion blogging, Sir Lofton did the same thing with fashion. Verlon says, he knows God has given him the green light to pursue his passion publicly and it has been confirmed because since he went public with his passion he has been overwhelmed with orders, that I am sure go beyond Lapel Pins. I am really looking forward to all the The Lofton Brand has to offer the saints and beyond, because it's ABOUT TIME! If you are interested in anything by Verlon Lofton please feel free to check him out on social media and he will get back to you in an expeditious manner.

Facebook:

Verlon Demarcus Lofton

Instagram:

Vstyle1

THE FASHION GUY WITH THE VINTAGE EYE presents GMWA pt1

GMWA pt1

       I'M BAAAAAAAAAAAAACK!!!!!!!! National Recoridng Artist and Asst Elect Lady of the Evangelism Department of the COGIC, Dorinda Clark Cole had a fashion show showcasing her new line of DCC Rose Collection (God knows I love titles). During this fashion show "that I wish I was able to attend" my fashion icon, designer extraordinaire Tim Arrington showcased a few of his amazing pieces for men and women. I have always been in love with Tim Arrington's work of art so I was extremely upset with myself that I didn't attend this fashion show. This fashion extravaganza was one of the many events going on during the Gospel Music Workshop of America Convention that was being held here in Atlanta last week. Tim Arrington who is such a Creative, Cultured, Christian, whose mind expands the borders of church fashion. Sir Arrington I believe pulls from his many adventures traveling all over this world; visiting countries of different ethnicities; there he has the advantage of finding and being introduced to different color pallets and fabrics; not to mention he is from Jersey (being from up north gives him an upper hand, and yes I am bias). Wednesday July 30th at 10:30pm in the Regency Ballroom of the Hyatt on Peachtree, the amazing pieces of Tim Arrington came down the runway, adorned on the backs of some of gospels greatest such as Professor James Hall, Otis Battles, and one of the greatest female directors in Christendom and make up artist, Lady Jamara Schofield. Tim Arrington's pieces where seen all over Atlanta last week during this great convention of music; from lay members to high ranking officials of GMWA. Kudos to Sir Arrington, a man who I look up to and admire in this amazing industry of fashion. Definitely check out Sir Arrington on Facebook and Instagram if you are interested in getting a piece or two made. He just doesn't cater to celebrity clientele but to the everyday person.

Facebook:

Tim Arrington

Instagram:

@timarrington

THE FASHION GUY WITH THE VINTAGE EYE presents "A Cole Haan Sale"

        COLE HAAN IS HAVING A SALE!!! I went to check my email and what was waiting for me????? A promotional email from Cole Haan, a two day 50% off sale on CLEARANCE items!!! My feet are getting happy just thinking about it. From the sophisticated church man to the Wall Street woman, they offer such a wide variety of shoes and other leather accessories. I get most of my Cole Haan shoes from eBay (brand new) because I find more sizes on eBay and better prices. Being that my birthday is two weeks away from today, I began to receive gifts in the mail already. I received a pair of Cole Haan loafers from the actual store, now you know I was super hyped (they aren't dancing shoes but cute enough LOL). Cole Haan took the place of the Silk Shop in NY (a store with a wide variety of pointy toe (wingtip) shoes that made a splash in Christendom some time ago).They made such a big splash that now it's season is over many of the saints are still wearing them and they are OUT OF ORDER (touch your neighbor and say "let it go"). Cole Haan brought a variety of men's shoes which still had the wingtip look but wasn't so pointy, more of an oval shape and they brought solid sole shoes! These are shoes you can wear to church, work, banquets, and parties (Holy Ghost parties that is lol). Being that my step mother works in finance on Wall Street I noticed her extensive collection of Cole Haan heels and flats, being that they are comfortable walking from the train to the office, they take you from work to revival, and are very stylish. If you aren't buying clearance from Cole Haan, I find them to be an investment piece; unlike Christian Louboutin and YSL shoes, Cole Haan are extremely comfortable for men and women. They will certainly last you along time, being that they are made of durable leathers and other materials. This SALE is only lasting two days and I believe they started yesterday; "Lord help your people make this sale". I was on their website looking for a few things and a lot of sizes are already sold out so you need to get on the Good Foot and get to shopping. You won't be disappointed with the your purchase; all of the colors they offer, materials (patent leather, suede, and etc), price points, and just a great shoe makes the purchase all worth it. 50% off of shoes at checkout on shoes that are already on clearance; TO GOD BE ALL THE GLORY!

www.colehaan.com

(A few items from this amazing sale)

THE FASHION GUY WITH THE VINTAGE EYE presents "Levite Community Fellowship Church"

          Romans 10:9 says " if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. We don't do this for show or for fashion but it has become fashionable to be saved or to be amongst those that are sanctified. These days we have many church choirs, community choirs, recording choirs, and etc who clearly choose fashion over thee anointing, but that's not so for Pastor Andre Jones and Levite Community Fellowship Church (LCFC). I have noticed Pastor Jones and his church, especially his church choir who has definitely become a favorite of mine on social media. Just like people go to their newspapers when they wake up in the morning; after prayer I go directly to my phone and on Instagram I look up (we_are_lcfc) to see what latest videos they have posted. The songs and music that Pastor Jones and his choir provides are some of the most amazing worship material I ever heard. Such "Oily" music especially with Pastor Jones on the organ and his wife, First Lady Chelsea Jones leading Praise and Worship. They are a church full of young spirited worshipers, but being that this is a fashion blog I want to speak about their amazing use of vintage apparel.

          This choir has really impressed me when it comes to their choice and sense of style especially during ministry opportunities. The women are in amazing pieces from the 70s and 80s (which can be tricky at times) and they find a way to make them modern, which shows their personality. The men are always dapper (which is rare to see these days in choirs) but they feed off of their leader. Pastor Jones is always suited with a tie or a bow tie and a lapel flower. He sets a standard for how Men of God should look when it comes to wardrobe. He has really become a trendsetter when it comes to "Big and Tall" men. I recently did a blog on one of Pastor Jones singers and directress ShaRonda Lassiter, who alone is a force to be reckoned with. This music departments women use of colors, prints, always in order long "Chanel-Like" pearls, and heels (as a woman should be, HELLO CHURCH); the gentleman who always look like gentlemen with their use of colors, lapel flowers, vintage and vintage inspired suits; everyone compliments everyone! It doesn't seem like their style if forced as if they are pushed to put these amazing garments on whereas the garments are wearing them. Most people who try to attempt these looks epically fail but these Levites are setting a trend and I am excited to see what they have in store for the admirers. From their musicians who are sick on their chosen instruments, to the material Pastor Jones writes, to the way the choir follows right behind him, to their wardrobe, EVERYTHING JUST FALLS INTO PLACE. God is not the god of disorder but of PEACE, and if your wardrobe that you minister in brings confusion then you are out of order. I appreciate anointed minstrels who can flow in God, and give us what we NEED and DESIRE in fashion. The season of gloves, oversized hats, and clownery are OVER; thank you Pastor Jones and LCFC for being trendsetters, I'M ON THE LORD SIDE!

THE FASHION GUY WITH THE VINTAGE EYE presents "Sunday Recap"

Sunday Recap

           While trying to put a blog together on my favorite look from COGICs Aim Convention that occurred the first week of July, I stumbled upon this picture on my IG timeline. We say that young girls and women today are not presenting themselves in a lady like manner. Either they are wearing too tight, too short dresses, and gaudy jewelry and shoes; but these young ladies I'm presenting to you today have put all of that talk to rest. I was so impressed with there use of colors, accessories, hair, makeup, and making their vintage and vintage inspired pieces modern. Introducing the Dames (United Kingdom equivalent of a Knight) of my Sunday Recap.

          First we have Dame Rachel Kershaw from DC; this 22 years old is absolutely a force to be reckoned with pertaining to all things fashion. She was actually my choice for best look during the COGIC Aim convention, but I decided not to go through with that blog. In my interview with her I asked; what inspires your sense of fashion? Dame Rachel simply said "her personality" in which I thought that was such a befitting answer. These days so many young women do not know their self worth and have low self esteem issues, so they hide behind labels and men. Dame Rachel says it's imperative that you wear your garments and not allow your garments to wear you. So many times I (The Fashion Guy With The Vintage Eye) see so many people, men and women adorned in the most absolutely beautiful pieces but unfortunately these Holy Garments of Fashion are wearing them. Dame Rachel says "I make sure whatever I am wearing represents my personality and who I am; STYLE IS PERSONAL". This is why Dame Rachel Kershaw is one half of my Sunday Recap blog!

Her Look:

Dress- Russ (pleated skirt and top with petticoat)- Value Village (Thrift Store)

Shoes- Loulou pump- Steven by Steve Madden

Purse- Vendors (Convention)

Makeup- Of course all things MAC

     My final choice for my Sunday Recap blog is 26 years old Dame Charda Cuffia from Maryland, whom happens to be close friends with Dame Rachel Kershaw. Again as I was scrolling through my timeline on Instagram (thee_vintage_guy) and came across this picture of these two young ladies representing Christ and their church in a fashionable and amazing way. When interviewing Dame Cuffia I asked; what inspires your sense of style? She stated "being a "LADY", what an incredible answer. When young girls today just want to be Beyoncé and Rihanna, so they showcase it in their wardrobe; but Dame Cuffia says being a LADY is what she tries to portray in her everyday wardrobe. If you are like me and your urge for fashion goes beyond the department stores and boutiques but into movies, then you should be well acquainted with "Breakfast at Tiffany's". Although not the greatest story line for this particular blog; the wardrobe and accessories in the movie that the Legendary Audrey Hepburn gave was EVERYTHING TO MY LIFE! Well Dame Cuffia says she tries to portray such elegance and class in her wardrobe as "Holly Golightly" does in Breakfast At Tiffany's. I am so looking forward to see what look Dame Charda Cuffia will be presenting before the saints tomorrow morning!

Her Look:

Dress- Custom

Shoes- Bakers

Jewels- Post Earrings

Belt- Fashion To Figure

     

THE FASHION GUY WITH THE VINTAGE EYE presents "Afrocentric Sunday Good Garments" Men's Edition

Afrocentric Sunday Good Garments

"Men's Edition"

       

           Tuesday you might have seen my blog titled "Afrocentric Sunday Good Garments" Men's Edition which included different and amazing looks inspired by Africa for women. I have been on this Afrocentric vibe lately when it comes to clothing; although I haven't purchased anything for myself as of yet. I use to hate wearing African apparel on Sunday mornings in February for Black History Month. Everything was big, some had a smell to it because of all the incense from the people who made these garments, the fabric was always itchy to me, and I wore it because my mother made me. Well thank God for the Holy Ghost because someone has found a way to made these garments into beautiful structured pieces for men. Here are a few looks from other high end designers and have caught the Afrocentric bug.

       "To push the boundaries of African inspired fashion and paying homage to the beauty of Africa" says designer Abenaa Pokuaa. This British born designer created an amazing line in 2008 called Ohema Ohene (pronounced oh-he-maa oh-he-née). This meaning King and Queen in Ghanaian which is the designers heritage and she wanted to pay tribute to it. Many of the amazingly colored, rich prints, and incredible fabrics are from Ghana; not to mention because this designer pulls her inspiration from Ghana and has workshops in Ghana, employing the Ghanaians there to bring income into their land, you will notice all labels feature "MADE IN GHANA" which I find very fashionable. Looking through the look books of different seasons for this brand I have noticed they really push the envelop and create amazing "western" pieces without losing the integrity and vision behind these pieces. I believe the perfect shoe for this look are the "velvet slippers" that a lot of high end designers such as Christian Louboutin and low end brands such as Zara have been putting out. (s.n. I am working on a blog concerning this amazing slippers for men and how you can get a pair even have them custom made for you). These looks certainly have me excited "down on the streets in the city of my soul" and I can't wait to order my first look from her shop in London. They is everything from boxers to blazers and from T-shirts to Trousers.The price points are in an "investment piece" (something that you will have for a very long time and is timeless" bracket so I will be putting money on the side for this ASAP. (I won't be going to one of my two national conventions for the remaining of this year LOL). Now I'm am ready for February because I have something for the saints!!!!! Again step outside the box and try something different, this is the best way to find your sense of style.   

Check out the website at www.ohemaohene.com