It's Gonna Take Russell to Move Argyle!

Only a man of Russell Simmons stature can move the fashion of argyle into the world of grown hip-hop!  Argyle has been around longer than I can remember.  From socks and sweaters, to hats and shirts its been known for more of the less than urban look, nerdy maybe?  However, Mr Simmons, the man largely responsible for bringing the hip-hop culture to the masses is now bringing Argyle Culture.

Will this look succeed?  I'm going to say it will because first of all, Russell is a master at marketing and advertising! Secondly, 80% of the time what Russell pushes relentlessly  does catch on at some point.  Thirdly, it's a really nice look. The look of hip-hop has officially grown up, the Godfather said so...   

Target audience will be men above the age of 25, combining urban styles with the button up look of professional smart attire.  Now, we over here at Suits4Success are just patiently waiting on the suits to be released.  Even though Phat Farm has a premium line of suits, for those of you that don't know Russell sold Phat Farm in 2004 for $140 million.

Stay Inspired,

Dominic

http://www.argyleculture.com

They Named Him Tiger

My man Jay over at Preracejitters.com told me this about a year ago, but it didn't quite register.  So I had to do a little research for myself on Mr. Woods. 

Tiger Woods is 32 years of age, has made career earnings of $76,579,376+, and has made about half a BILLION dollars in endorsements and appearance fees.  Golf Digest Magazine projected that by the year 2010 Tiger may be the FIRST BILLIONAIRE athlete! 

Absolutely amazing!  Do YOUR THING TIGER!!

   

Stay Inspired,

Dominic

The Power Of Professionalism

So, there I was...standing poolside at Wynn Las Vegas Casino Resort admiring the view; a gentleman in swimming gear politely asked if I could summoned his cabana server. I smiled and let him know; I was not an employee but here for business; however, noticed a server out the corner of my eye, extended a wave, she came rushing over and I asked for assistance on this gentleman's behalf.

In the moment of excusing myself, the Spanish fellow asked my name, I said, "Forgive my poor manners, my name is London", his was Javier. I thought nothing of it and returned to the conference room. After the seminar concluded, one of the ladies at the registration table said, "Mr. Estrada dropped off an envelope for you". I'm thinking, "Who the hell is Mr. Estrada?". Inside, was a note:

Dear London,

Thank you for your kindness, I feel embarrassed that I assumed you work here at Wynn. My wife was seated close by and was amazed how you handled the situation; and too, noticed your wedding ring. You and your wife must have dinner with us this evening. If you have children, they are more than welcome as ours will be present. There is a car waiting for you at your disposal. Alicia and I will not take no for an answer. The concierge will escort you to the restaurant upon your return, see you at 8.

 Su Hermano,

 Javier

 

Needless to say, our families had an outstanding dinner and I made a friend for life. The moral of the story is, how you dress and look will bring you various opportunities or blessing if you will and it is up to you, what you do with them...when they arrive.

Not only can the power of professionalism enhance your career...it can enhance your personal life as well.

 

Stay inspired...

London

a.k.a. "the world's best dressed pool manager"

Guess Who's Back!!

Well Well Well!  Would you look at who popped up in KCMO for a concert?  Yes ladies & gentlemen, it's really him!

I heard the show was absolutely classy, but what do you expect.

He's been off the seen 7 years plus if not more, hasn't put out a new album, but can do a tour?  He's the real deal.

Stay Inspired,

Dominic

Art of the Groomed Man

RULE #1- A man MUST, not should, always smell GOOD.  Give or take a few gym visits, some sweat here or there from maintenance duties.  A lot of you women love to see a man sweat by the way, but that's another article! LOL

This rule can mean different things to different people.  Smell good does not me heavy on the cologne.  

IN THIS ORDER!

1. shower or bath  

2. quality lotion (a good fragrance sprayed on good lotion can stay on your skin all day)

3. Cologne, body spray, or scented oil

Tip 1.  Its better to put the fragrance on your skin, not your clothes.  WHY?  If you get the good stuff, say eau de parfum, it may be more oil based.  You don't want to leave a stain on your clothes.  With the sprays and eau de toilette's spray a mist and walk into it, if you must.  Besides, with the alcohol and other chemicals in fragrances, who knows what it may do to the light material of your clothing.  Its made to go on your skin though.

• Perfume, also called extract or extrait perfume, can include 15-40% perfume concentrates. This is the purest form of scented product and is the most expensive as a result.

• Eau de parfum contains about 7-15% perfume concentrates. This is the most popular and common form of perfume. It provides a long-lasting fragrance and generally doesn't cost as much as extract perfume.

• Eau de toilette has around 1-6% perfume concentrates. This makes for a light scent that doesn't linger as long as the more intense versions. It was originally intended to be a refreshing body splash to help people wake up in the morning.

• Eau de cologne is sometimes used interchangeably with the term eau de toilette. However, the concoction began as the name of a light, fresh fragrance mixed with citrus oils and was made popular by Napoleon. Some perfumers today have a version of this called eau fraiche.

The fragrance should be smelled on you, not you coming from 10ft away.  The stronger the cologne, THE LESS YOU SPRAY!  Save some for next time.

Tip 2.  When choosing a fragrance remember, what may smell good in the bottle may not smell good on you!  Before purchasing, always spray your wrist, wear the scent a little bit, and after it settles your able to make a better decision.

*Here's a list of a few great fragrances that may draw some attention

a. Dolce & Gabbana The One  (my current favorite, may change your sex life)

b. Dolce & Gabbana Pour Homme  (Introduced 1994, All-Time Best response Fragrance)

c. Jo Malone  (Unisex, mixable menu- This is for the more advanced fragrance connoisseur)

d. Anthony Logistics, 4 Body Sprays- 1. Courage  2. Strength  3. Spirit  4. Energy  

     (Great Price on Logistics, $20 per bottle, and really good smelling stuff)

...By the way, women absolutely love it when a man smells good!  I speak from experience.

Stay Inspired,

Dominic

http://ask.yahoo.com/20030226.html

Health vs Money

Which is more important to you? 

Health or Money?

There's really not a right answer to this question, more like a logical answer depending on where you are in your life.  A priority item so to speak. It goes something like this, when your young, "Man, I gotta get out here and get this paper!"  That's more of a younger, push push type mentality, and there's nothing wrong with that mind set.  However,  as you get older that mind set will take on a different tone.

As we mature mentally our bodies slowly deteriorate physically, and some have it worse depending up their lifestyle or unexplained medical surprises.  

"I can only stand on my feet so long at work because my knees and back are killing me!"  Could be weight, could be a strain, could be medical... 

Mentally, you have better earning potential because you get a better understanding of finances with age, sometimes. LOL! Physically, your earning potential gets worse because you don't have the strength or the energy to chase that dollar bill like when you were younger.  On the other hand, if we take our health more seriously we can maintain that strong earning potential. 

How do we do this you ask?  Simple, diet & exercise.  Since that metabolism slows quite a bit with age you must follow this major rule when it come to nutrition.  YOUR CALORIC INTAKE CANNOT OUT WAY YOUR ACTIVITY LEVEL!! 

In other words, if you find yourself sitting down eating more often than the time you spend moving, there's going to be an issue.   This is how we create FAT.

Almost sounds like money,  DO NOT SPEND MORE THAN WHAT YOU HAVE COMING IN!!

This is how we create DEBT.  Hmmmmmmmmm...

Stay Inspired,

Dominic

007

Let me start by saying, I am an extremely huge 007 fan, and heavily critical when it comes to the films.  Let's move forward.

I have to take my hat off to Daniel Craig, the current James Bond.  Not since Sean Connery has there been a 007 in this good of physical shape.  Don't get me wrong, Roger Moore is my all time favorite for all the smart and witty reasons, but physically Craig is off the chain!

He runs, he jumps, he fights convincingly I might add, he's vindictive, he's straight up sinister!  He doesn't have a lot of clever remarks or comments, just balls to the wall action.  I really thought I wanted to be Bond when I grew up.  Fast expensive cars, exotic women, license to kill...  I mean damn, what man do you know that would turn a woman down named "Pussy Galore"?!  Anyway, I digress...

Much respect to those who have attempted the British Secret Service position and failed. (Dalton, Lazenby)  Kudos to those who knocked it out of the park, and you know who they were as well.  As for now, lets celebrate Mr. Craig in his second showing as 007, Quantum of Solace, by joining together and purchasing commemorative OMEGA Seamaster Edition watches.  By the way, they are limited pieces worldwide so hurry.  Only $3,000 per watch. LMAO!

Special prayers go out to Alicia Keys for the new Quantum of Solace theme song, ABSOLUTELY HORRIBLE!!

Quantum Of Solace in US Theaters NOV 14

Stay Inspired,

Dominic

Photo of the Week

Being a connoisseur of art photography myself, I had to recognize this kat! His name is Joanot, and as you can see his work is incredible.  I stumbled upon his work doing my regular net surfing, and was overwhelmed by his photography.  Enjoy!

If you'd like to see more of Joanot's works, brush up on your French, and check him out

http://www.flickr.com/photos/joanot/

http://fiveprime.org/hivemind/Tags/golddragon,joanot

Stay Inspired,

Dominic

Enough Talk!!

GO VOTE!!! 

Fundamental Exercise Prescription

Part 1- Open Your Mind

There are 1,000,001 articles on exercise out there, and they keep coming.  I believe the reason for these millions of articles, how-tos, etc. is not to tell you exactly what, how, and when.  The vast articles are to help you the reader, build a foundation for figuring out what avenue works for your exercise repertoire.  Let's not forget the eye candy for a little inspiration doesn't hurt periodical sells either. (wink wink)

What worked for Arnold Alois Schwarzenegger back then (Alois?? Hmmmmmmm...), may not work for you today.  The workouts written in Muscle & Fitness Magazine being technically demonstrated by the fitness model with 3% body fat, weighing 250 lbs of solid muscle, might not work the same for you either. LOL!!!  Besides most of us cannot afford the drugs their taking anyway.  

So while we humble ourselves, here are a few basic tips for the masses;

1. Change your MIND!  Make the commitment to yourself mentally that, your going to put your health into a new perspective.  It doesn't matter whether your just beginning, or advanced at a plateau, there's always room for a revamp.

2. Go and visit your doctor to get a thorough physical exam, and make sure you have the OK to pursue your new direction in health & exercise.  With this step conquered, you don't run into any medical surprises down the road, which may halt all your progress, or sway your focus.

3. There are vast amounts of things to keep someone physically busy, so the trick is to find that activity you like. Finding the physical activity that fits you best is the major item that keeps people going. The object to better health is to keep everything fresh, so alternating activities is a big plus. 

Whether its the gym, swimming, jogging, basketball, walking, etc, the object of the health game is to find what keeps it fun for you!

4. Set small goals to accomplish.  Take baby steps if your just starting out, try new things out of your comfort zone if you've been doing this awhile. Start with physical activity 2-3 days out of the week first, and just make sure you stay committed.  Don't spend too much time being worried about what your not doing, or where you should be, just take it a day at a time.

5. After a consistent 3 weeks, reward yourself with a small treat, and then get back to your plan the next day.  Its just that simple! Spending to much time basking in the afterglow cuts into the energy you need to keep pushing, so celebrate a little, and keep it pushing.

Stay tuned, better nutrition ideas to add to your exercise 

Stay Inspired,

Dominic

Grown Man Basic Requirements

If your age 20 something or older, there should be one suit, or a few in your closet.  It is just that simple, no excuses!  In this generation of $150 plus tennis shoes, $100 jeans, and ridiculous jewelry, a grown man requires a couple suits in his wardrobe.

In my opinion, there should be at least four basic colors always ready to wear. BLACK, BROWN, NAVY BLUE, GRAY.   These particular colors fit all your occasions from funerals, Sunday services, all the way to job interviews.   Now, if the night life is a part of your lifestyle, accessorizing that gray suit with a player-ish pink button down shirt, or a lavender can do wonders for your p--- game. However, that's another article.

Button down shirts, hard soled shoes, ties, and cuff links are all very essential details to go along with the suit, however, just make sure you start with the basics first. 

GET THE SUIT!

By the way, which colors you wear when and where is important also, but we'll get into that another time as well.

So before you run to your local Foot Locker to get your 5th pair of Air Force Ones of the same color, make sure your closet has a suit in it.

Last time I checked, most employers don't advise that you show up to an interview in Nikes...

Stay Inspired,

Dominic

www.henrypoole.com

www.versace.com

Classic Photography

"If you didn't know, you better figure it out real soon."  One of the coldest jazz piano players whom grew up in the hip-hop era, Mr. Robert Glasper.  Don't ask, just listen to the way he manages to tie in his traditional jazz great influences with his gift of composition,  and keep the sound authentically young.  

www.robertglasper.com

Here, jazz photographer Diallo French, captures Mr. Glasper in Kansas City, at the Starlight Theatre, playing keys for Bilal.

Would somebody please tell Bilal we need his next album!! Good Grief!! 

Stay Inspired,

Dominic

Thanks Mr. Stern!

So, Saturday night the Denver Nuggets beat Shaq, and Steve of the Phoenix Suns in a pre-season game. Nothing new, just another NBA game right?  Well, not really...

There was a small twist to this event.  THEY PLAYED OUTDOORS! In Indian Wells Tennis Garden in Indian Wells, CA the NBA had their first outdoor game in 36 years, and in my opinion it was pretty cool. Yes, I am a huge basketball fan, however, that's besides the point.  It looked different, it felt different, and I'm sure the players had that nostalgic feeling of the playground in their early days.  All the elements were surely a factor from wind to cooling temperatures, but according to Nash they still had fun.

I won't be beating you over the head with sports articles, that's what espn, and all you sports heads do. Although, sometimes I'll drop a comment here or there just to let you know I'm watching.

Official NBA Regular Season Begins Tuesday, October 28th

Stay Inspired,

Dominic

Self Evaluation

Whether your on that journey for optimum health, that ultimate physique, or looking for the perfect beat. (Afrika Bambaataa 1983) You gotta love that reference!!!! 

Every once in a while I will drop a thinker on you.

We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.

                                                                                                        Aristotle

Stay Inspired,

Dominic

Molifeney Catches Up With Diallo French

Talented black & white jazz photographer, filmmaker, and Suits4Success photo of the week Diallo French gets noticed by the financially savy Molifeney.com.

The guys over at Molifeney caught up with Diallo for an interview.

Diallo French

Many of us have the goal of doing what we are passionate about everyday AND getting paid for it. Sometimes it takes awhile to get to that point, especially if your passion lies in the arts, an area where people put their heart and soul into their projects, but rarely get back their due in monetary compensation. This months profile focuses on Diallo French, an extremely talented filmmaker and photographer who if you have not heard of yet, you will soon.

 

Diallo started shooting on an 8mm camera from the pawn shop and hasn’t stopped since. He has worked as a production assistant on music videos for TLC, OutKast, Goodie Mob and Xscape. He is currently searching for financing for his screenplay…….. which I viewed and it is amazing, so if you have money or know someone with money throw some support behind this cat.  Diallo’s goal is to produce classic cinema that will inspire and stand the test of time. 

For more info on Diallo's next project check him out at www.myspace.com/javonnefilms or email him at javonnerecordings@yahoo.com

M: You are like many of us caught in the middle of where we are and where we want to be, how do you balance the everyday grind and still find energy/time to create art?

 D: It’s very difficult.  You have to really have a passion for your art.  I try to set aside at least a couple of hours a day to work on scripts or brainstorm on ways to promote my films & jazz photography.  What gives me motivation is the possibility that someone will be moved or inspired by my work.

To see the rest of this interview in its entirety, go to  http://www.molifeney.com/content/view/109/73/

Stay Inspired,

Dominic

Human Sportscar?

I have this little theory I like to follow.  Our bodies are vehicles, so to speak, right?  They take us from A to B, and sometimes C.  Well, when I think about my body, I think of it as an exotic, high maintenance, extremely expensive sports car.  Are you laughing yet, I'm serious.

Let me break it down for you.  My heart, stomach, intestines. etc, the inside stuff are the engine.  My bones & muscles are the frame work which support the body.  Lastly, you have the exterior, which is the skin so you must keep a nice paint job.  A dented, scared, and scraped up body is not cute.

OH! Don't forget the wheels which we call feet, in the bodybuilding world legs are known as wheels, but in my world we'll reference them to feet. Do I have to say it, OK, busted up, crunchy looking feet are not the business!

Here's the major part of your vehicle, which can make or break you literally, maintenance.

WHAT ARE YOU PUTTING INTO YOUR VEHICLE?  

Cheap fuel to get by, meaning fast food and junk food will slowly but surely put your vehicle in the shop, sometimes indefinitely.  Are you getting regular tune-ups, meaning doctors visits, and regular exercise?

All these things, generally speaking, play a major role in your life travels. Once you look at these items as a whole, take an assessment of you, you can get a better idea of how to reach for optimum health.

Sooooooooo, with all that said, WHAT KIND OF CAR ARE YOU?  Hooptie, Short bus, Lincoln with 3 correct tires, and one donut... LOL!  Ya'll know I'm kidding.

Stay Inspired,

Dominic 

Star in the Making, Laura Bailey

Let me introduce you to the beautiful, All-American EFX spokeswoman, Figure Competitor, and former collegiate track athlete, Laura Bailey.  In all honesty, there's not a whole lot I can say, but these pictures are worth much more than a thousand words. 

A true professional, wonderful spirit, good conversation, and a physique that will obviously leave you speechless.

Lets wish Laura the very best because this is a very tough sport to be in, but I got a feeling with that smile, and personality she's gonna be alright. We'll keep an eye on Laura...

OH yeah, and that's me... 

Stay Inspired,

Dominic

Mr Olympia Expo 2008

So, I'm out here at the expo with my partner (London-seen in the pic) taking in the sites, soaking up the fitness business vibe, and guess who I see??  Ms Ava Cowan!! Well, most of you reading this are probably like, who??  Forget all of ya'll I'm a fan!!! LOL!!!

Anyway, in the fitness world she is pretty serious. Ms Figure America 2007, writer for STF Fitness Magazine & Bodybuilding, FAME judge, and been on many covers of different fitness magazines. Check her site out to see her in more depth,    

www.avacowan.com

Stay Inspired,

Dominic