The Urban Cowboy

Very few people know that Lenny Kravitz, Jimmy Hendricks, and Slash from Aero Smith are all certified step-dads in my head.  I've said it before that I'm a "t-shirt and jeans" kinda guy but for me the rocker t-shirt and jeans look is my ultimate "go-to"! 

However, since I am making an effort to dress up a little more, I decided not to go to supper casual for this look and opt'd to pair a fitted jean jacket and vintage vest with slim black jeans from nudie.  I like how I feel "bad a** but still put together.  Here is a style tip for those of you if you every want to go casual but still look presentable: never wear your casual clothes baggy! and if you can, pair your look with something semi formal like a tie, dress shoe or as I did with a tweed vest. This will allow you to transition from day to night and still feel comfortable!

I never want to get board with my look or dare to look like everyone but I feel like this is a great alternative to mixing up "casual cool".  Hope you like.  

Hat: vintage, Denim Jacket: zara, Denim jeans: Nudie, worker boot: Spring

Photo credit: Alfred Collar     

Creative Discipline

It's a new day and one of the things I really like about my career is the freedom to dress however I want. I know that there are plenty of jobs out there that don't require a traditional suit and tie but how many of them really encourage us to express ourselves through style?

It's funny because every time I do an outfit post, I do my best to step outside the box and challenge myself not to get stuck in putting clothes together the same boring way as before.  Don't get me wrong, I'm not planning on dressing extreme or too over-the-top. I just don't want you to see me in a suit and tie everyday nor do I want you to see me rocking t-shirts and jeans on a regular basis either. That s#%t gets boring real quick!  Instead, we need a healthy balance and ironically thats where real freedom comes from.. (having the "discipline" to create).

I want my discipline to aid me in creating a fun and exciting life for myself while having the courage to maintain "my" happy. It's not always easy..."no".  However, I feel like, as I'm taking you along this journey with me and I continue to do my part, not only will we stay connected through fashion, style, and art but we will see how good it reeeaally gets in the near future.  We've got some work to do but its all in the process of bettering ourselves and creating the life we want! I've said it before and I'll say it again.. I'm excited about whats to come and most importantly am preparing for it!! ..are you??

Enjoy your weekend! -Toye*

Hat H&M, Shirt: H&M, cargo pants: dockers, shoes: toms
Photo cred: Royal Binion

Growing Up!

Sidenote: I LOVE this hat! It's like my little staple and it makes me feel distinguished when I have it on (even when I'm being mischievous) lol.

Yup! I'ma grown man' and I really do believe that there is a evolution to style as well.  As a kid I grew up watching my Mother and Father's personal take on fashion and remember how compelling it was.  My mother has always been chic and effortless while my father was into "bold" and statement-worthy pieces.  As I've evolved, I've noticed how my style has changed throughout the years and has become a fusion of my growth.

For example, a few years ago you wouldn't have caught me dead in a trouser and collared shirt.  However, as my outlook on style has changed so has the variation in my closet.  Now I'm noticing myself becoming a little more adventurous and taking more of an effort to dress like.. well.. a gentleman.  In today's post I decided to play with a fun yet subtly bold printed shirt and signature hat.  I kept the look streamlined by keeping the color consistant and relying on traditional cuts that complement my frame.

Don't get me wrong I will continue to rock my t-shirt and jeans but having variety, not being stuck in a box and adding adventure to my wardrobe is what I'm all about right now. In short I guess it's another way of saying, "I'm growing".

Hat: Vintage, Shirt zara, pants Topman, Shoes Aldo
Photo credit: Royal Binion         

Blast From the Past

  

I love the idea of going back in time and seeing the fashion.. I guess thats why some of my favorite movies as a kid were Back to the Future, Dick Tracy,  A league of Their Own and Little Shop of Horror.  I guess I just liked the way people in the 1950's to early 60's took their time to put details into the way they dressed.  I think you even see it in way I style some of my celebrity clients as well (go figure).. Anyway check the details below.  Hope you like.. -Toye* 

Photo cred: Ashley Nguyen Shirt: Kenneth Cole, Trousers: Paul Smith, Shoes: Converse, Hat: Vintage, Leather bag by shop Toye coming soon

Toye's Selfie's

So I have this little weird fetish I've noticed that I've accumulated.. Selfies!! Yea, I know it looks like an un-healthy ego moment but it's really something I've been doing for myself to kinda bust any insecurities I might have within myself.. Yea I know... but we all have things we can change and for its just a matter of being comfortable in "me". Hope you enjoy and get maybe some fashion/style
inspiration too.

Top: H&M
Shirt: Banana Republic
Drop Crotch Pants: H&M
Shoes: Study

Dream Day 2012

Recently I had the pleasure of serving as a "Celebrity" panelist for Howard University's Day Dream Seminar.  My role as a speaker consisted of hosting a branding seminar in which I spoke to students about how to break  into the industry and solidify themselves as a credible source in the world of fashion styling.  My day was jam packed with excitement thanks to the project coordinators Jamal Minor and Ferrell Drew who made me feel right at home.  In the first part of the seminar

Desert Shoot

  

I don't just style celebs but I also style fashion as well.  Peep this shoot I styled for a look book / editorial shoot.  My Assistant Bryon was on hand as well and we had to sneak in some fun in between work.  The funny thing is, I never feel like I'm working when styling because of the fact that I like to keep it fun while on set.  loved this shoot and the model! Hope you like... -Toye*

Rachael Leigh Cook: Styled by Toye

Recently I had the extreme pleasure of styling the beautiful actress Rachael Lee Cook.  This was an awesome shoot we did for a international fashion spread.  Loved styling her.. not to mention an over sweat spirited person.  Can't wait for you guys to see spread. (PS.. We gaaaaangsta lol.. just kidding. relax) -Toye*

Rhea Seehorn: Styled by Toye

Recently I had the pleasure of styling the beautiful Rhea Seehorn, star of the hit NBC comedy series "Whitney".  She has got to be one of my favorite actresses I've worked with so far.  She's smart, supper funny, and in killer shape.  For this shoot I styled her in a killer Black cut-out dress with gold accessories.  I wanted to try and keep it simple while styling this particular shoot so her personality could shine through so I chose a lot of simple pieces with strong details.  This is a shoot you'll be seeing very soon but I have to admit I was just honored to be apart of it!  (enjoy) Toye*

Sit Back Relax and Enjoy The Show

 

Hey Guys. I had the pleasure of attending the VMA's and BMI AWARDS this week. Sometimes when I'm styling I don't always get a chance to watch or enjoy the show.. but this time I had the pleasure of seeing both live.  Ran into a lot of my industry friends too and made some new ones along the way.  Check it out!

I try to have a life every now and then.. "We see you lookin"

Toye Styled Me

Recently, I had the pleasure of being commissioned to style ABC Family's David Clayton Rogers for some promo shoots.  David plays a lead actor in Jane by Design and I was supper excited because during my research I learned that David is originally from Atlanta Georgia. Upon styling him, we talked about

How to Become a Fashion Stylist: In The Beginning

So if you are following me on any of my social network  sites then you know that a while back I made a commitment to my followers that I would be sharing insight on how to become a stylist for Free! This came after a lot of people started asking me how they could get a started in the industry and what it would take to become a successful Stylist. So after a couple of small debates

The best revenge is... to live a "good" life... I mean a really, really, really good life.

I had a job to do: Glow Spa Advertisement

 

Here's a look at the Advertisement I styled for the Glow Spa.  Wow.  I love how the images I've seen so far have come out.  This shoot in particular was a long day- I had gotten so sick on this set and had gotten food positioning the night before. I had to shift through the fight of staying present and not letting the feeling of being ill get to me and executing the concept of the shoot i was hired for.

Sometimes we get so caught up in "Doing" that we forget to "BE". i.e. Be "well",  Be able to take "care" of ourselves and "Be" the health we need to Be in our lives to push through and stay creative and strong.  Listen noted! As a matter of fact I've taken a little time off to get back into shape and focus on giving little bit more to me and a lot more to others.  I'm so excited about some of the projects that I have coming up (Style wise) but I'm even more excited that I've learned  remembered what the universal law of giving is which is truly giving to yourself first so that you can give just as much if not more to others.  Matter of fact, before my next gig.. I just might have to go ahead and book a spa day. :)  

-Toye*

From LA to NY: Brittany Sade

I came across this clip from one of my fellow shoe' porn lovers'. (We're a tight-knit group but have a loud presence)! See Brittany Sade's story and get inspired. And, A-yo'.. "B!,"..Trust me when I tell you.. You'll make it..

Shout-out to the Britt's around the world! "Look Ma".. NO HANDS!

Shoe Porn: Twit Pics

if @OllyGolightly isn't a reader of my blog, then I found my soulmate.(click here)

I Had A Job to Do: Young Chris (TTLO)

"I can't leave stylin' alone', the game need me"- Toye*

Circa Home: White and Red

"As If"- The Batman Artwork (top picture, right hand side) wasn't enough to call this place my home. Check Out the rest of the humble abode after the jump!

Wicked

This is how you stand out in a crowd!