It's YOUR fault! Take CONTROL of your life, MASTER your BODY!

I was lucky enough to hang and train with a Duke Garone, Independent Strength and Conditioning Specialist, head of Real Fitness NYC, and all around bad-ass.

I can honestly say, it was one of the best ass-kickings I have ever had.

This is what Duke, (who has a brother named Ceasar,) had to say about working out, radical self-honesty and above all, taking responsibility for your own actions!

The following is an article written by Duke Garone of Real Fitness NYC
Duke: 

"It's your fault! Whatever your current fitness level is, its your fault.

I know that sounds like a negative statement but it's not. If you felt it was negative thats an automatic indicator that you are not happy with your current fitness level. What are you doing about it?

Most will answer, "I go to the gym." Here's my response, "So what!" I go to the movies that doesn't make me an actor. What do you do at the gym? Even bigger than that, What do you do outside the gym?

As a personal trainer I train clients two times sometimes three times a week. Our sessions are never less than an hour sometimes more. That leaves 22-23 hours left in the day. Let's say, for arguments sake, you actually sleep 8 hours a night, that leaves...where's my calculator that's 14-15 hours left!

Here are some of the excuses i hear from that 14-15 hour time span:

1. I didn't have time to eat.

2. I had a work function so I had to drink.

3. I'm at work at 7am but I can't eat before 11.

The list goes on and on. So again I say, whatever your current fitness level is, it's your fault. Are you looking to shed pounds? What's your daily caloric intake? What's your daily breakdown of proteins, carbs, and fats? If you don't know the answer to these questions than your on the wrong track.

This doesn't mean that you have to know everything. I don't know how to fly a plane so I pay a pilot to do it for me. Hire a qualified fitness professional to guide you in the right direction. With that said, pay attention to what's required of you so that you learn how to make better food choices.

Your current fitness level IS your fault and when you say that to an athlete they say damn right and give you a high five. Take control of your fitness by taking accountability for your fitness.

For questions, comments, and to schedule a session (if you dare!), Duke can be reached at 

realfitnessnyc@gmail.com.

To say that I got a good workout in is a severe understatement. I have also seen Duke teach classes, and have the ENTIRE class, one at a time, use him as a punching bag...LITERALLY!  

At the end of the day, we want to spend time with people who inspire, motivate and help cultivate our best selves. A Real Fitness NYC workout with Duke will def push you to your limits...and then a bit further.

Bonus: Check out the sick Kettle Bell training below

Awesome Men's Furnishings SALE!

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Men's Clothing, Furnishings and Sportswear  Up to 80% Off Retail Prices Sunday, May 1st through Thursday, May 5th                                       Sunday: 9:00am to 6:00pm Monday through Wednesday: 9:00am to 6:30pm                                    Thursday: 9:00am to 5:00pm To be held at: Soiffer Haskin 317 West 33rd Street, NYC (Just west of 8th Avenue)

SHINE ON! Mean Hi-Tops, equipped with secret weaponry!

For all you sneaker-heads out there who are hunting for an exquisitely mean pair of kicks to rock this Spring, the news is good! My recent acquisition of Nike's Obsidian joints came loaded for bear. I got the box from my doorman and ran upstairs like a babe on Christmas morn. 

I cracked the box... "The safe flies open, the shining was blinding my eyes." (Thanks Pun.) 

Shiny indeed, the trim definitely have a reflective hint but think more "freshly-waxed-whip" than ya girl's "rhinestone-clubbing-dress."

I lit them two ways so you can peep the level of shine but trust, these are some hot kicks from any angle. The color is deep and will pick up the blue in your jeans but will also be fly with shorts during the warmer months. 

Hit up this link and get 'em on the quick before they sell out.

regular lighting

swept lighting 

NIKE DYNASTY HIGH HOH BASKETBALL SHOES (DRK OBSIDIAN/LT CHARCOAL/WHITE)






















FYI; if you are looking for something specific, or have a general question, please feel free to post, comment, and/or harass me!

Who shot ya?...I'll make ya famous!

People, let's face it...on those wet and gloomy days most of us would rather pull the covers up over our heads and hit snooze than get all decked out. 

Oh the humanity! Between the rain and the cold and the very real possibility of getting stabbed in the head by other people's umbrellas, it can be a struggle to get out of bed... And it was on a day such as this that I decided to embark upon on a mission to suss out dope vintage sunglasses in New York's East Village.

During this mission  I happened upon Evan, who most definitely brings classic chic to our modern street and never hesitates to put his best two-tone single strap chocolate/carmel monk shoe forward...no matter the weather.

I sat down with Evan to see how he rolls and what influences his look...

Evan Saltsman,  fighting out of the East Village

How would you describe your style? Elegant thrift, bohemian and classic

What guides your eye and style choices? Color palate and compatibility, textures are big for me. Cleverness in design or the ability to be cleverly redesigned.

Who or what are your biggest clothing and style influences? My father and grandfathers were well dressed men and taught me how to compile and care for a comprehensive wardrobe. Though GQ and Esquire have taught me valuable tips, my stylistic foundation was at home. 

What's on your wardrobe wishlist? A skilled tailor. (as should be on ALL our wishlists).  French cuffed, baby blue oxford. Pinstripes.  

What style should we bring back, or what are you loving right now? The buckled shoe. The buckles provide a  cleaner look than laces, more enduring and easier to use than the slip on. 

Its obvious Evan doesn't play when it comes to his gear. Complete with elegant straps for his umbrella and vintage cane, layered colors for contrast and comfort, and his cigarette holder, Evan is prepped for the weather, and very well put together.

Evan also confided in me that because of an unexpected NYC relocation, he is actually living out of a suitcase for now...SAY WORD!!!

Superstar Hairstylist; 5 things men NEED to know about their hair

"Your hair is your headsuit".

-Alec Baldwin as Jack Donaghy

Your hair is a vital part of your look, most importantly because it will frame your face, the focal point of anyone who is talking to you.Your hair stylist should know the lines of your face, listen to what you want, but also have the guts, talent and creativity to add to you vision, or create a whole new look. You in turn, must know what you want, but also be brave enough to embrace change, and trust your hair stylist.

Take Jackie Cruz Owner of the Bella Vista Salon. Anyone whose hair Jackie has cut and styled, knows how seriously she takes her clients, and how passionate she is about hair.

Jackie knows how to listen to her clients, and because she is soo proud of her work, she will NOT let you leave her salon with anything less than a great hair and style for days.  As a kid I remember hating to get my haircut, mostly because my Jewfro, yes I said Jewfro people, ...was more wild than Charlie Sheen on a Monday. As I became older, and wiser, and my hair calmed, I have become a better client for hair stylists, and effectively had better hair cuts.

For many years, because of my lifestyle; motorcylces, martial arts, gym, travel, I had a short or shaved head.That hair was easy to put in and out of a motorcycle helmet, jump out of the shower with no product, low maintenance, and for a time, looked great.  It was only very recently that I grew out my hair and needed an expert like Jackie.

I was looking to get a real classic Don Draper-esque hairstlye, but as I told Jackie, "I don't want to look to nice". I think she struck the perfect balance.

Don Draper meets the Faux-Hawk.....guard ya grill!

Here are Jackie’s Top 5 Hair tips for men

1. Acknowledge the type of hair you have!

2. Have your stylist teach you how to use the product.

3. Don't skimp on the quality of your hair products as (Shampoos & Conditioners are part of the maintenance).

4. Take your time apply generously and thoroughly comb the product evenly into your hair.( feel free to apply a small amount of a water based or non-alcohol gel on unruly beards and eyebrows!)

5. How do you know if to embrace your grays or not? Have your skin tone analyzed by your stylist.

If you have a question, comment or wisdom to share, jump on this blog and get at me,....and remember to do it with STYLE!!!
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Transformer Hightops, tha Kick game is SERIOUS!

SUPER FIND of the week, J-Shoes the “JayWalker”. Soo versatile and Fresh;  super huge tounge to accommodate the spillover jean effect, crispy white base or the inner plaid gives you the option to flare it out if you are feeling the plaid, or ride those hi tops on full...also the velcro strap for extra swagger, also with plaid interior....

BUT WAIT, THERES MORE....Did you notice the zipper along the sole???

Look closely, these joints are convertible! They zip out to reveal..drum roll...sandals for the beach and pool, WHAAAT!!!! Miami here we come,...and just in time for the summer.

They normally retail for about $180, Men’s LifeStyler price less than half that. Get at me find out how...

Suit buying guide, Tips and Fits

How to Buy A Suit: The Complete GQ Guide Style: GQ.com