THE MEN’S PERSPECTIVE ISSUE
JOSEPH
CARRASCO AWKWARDLY INTRIGUING
MEN’S STYLE REVIEW WHAT
TO WEAR HOW TO PULL THE LOOK TOGETHER SET IT OFF WITH ACCESSORIES
DALLAS MUSIC AIN’T JUST HIP-HOP ONE MUSICIAN’S
SEX SOMETHING SECRETS EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW ABOUT WHAT A MAN KEEPS IN HIS TOP DRAWER
FEATURE:
ONE MAN THAT EVERY MODEL IN DALLAS CAN LEARN FROM LESSONS YOU CAN TAKE RIGHT TO THE BANK
EXPRESSION
DEC. 2011 THESMAGAZINE.COM DEC. 2011 // THESMAGAZINE.COM 1
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FRONT OF #THESMAG
DEPARTMENTS
22
MEN’S PERSPECTIVE ISSUE
18 5 HEAVY HITTERS Contributors get some sh*t off their chest 7 EDITOR OF #THESMAG Stepped up #theSmag game to give readers the best of the season
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TWEET THE EDITOR Followers with something to say land on the pages of #theSmag 8 #ff #theSmag’s take on who to fill your timeline with 9 SURFING FROM MY SOAPBOX Local hip-hop artists battle it out for a feature in #theSmag
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COLLABOS Local hustlas team up to give the readers what they need in music, fashion, and lifestyle. 12 SOAPBOX SHORTS The hip-hop community reacts to one guy in “Lipstick & Tights”
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WHO WORE IT BEST? Readers vote on who rocked one of this season’s trend the best
14 LIFESTYLE There’s an app for that. What apps drive the creative genious of one Texas-based blogger/socialite
31
17 SOUNDLAB What happened to make one Dallasbased hip-hop artist “The Boy King”? 18 NOT JUST HIP-HOP One artist found his niche in the Dallas musical landscape outside of hip-hop 38 WHAT’S IN THE TOP DRAWER One reader asks #theSmag sex-pert how to interpret what her mate is telling her in the bedroom
THE MEN’S PERSPECTIVE ISSUE
JOSEPH
CARRASCO AWKWARDLY INTRIGUING
42 SOAPBOX with Jai Can you last through the #2weekchallenge. How would you know without trying it. One guest helps us understand what a habit really is. 46 CREDIT One reader talks about credit-stealers. That’s some #Sh*tThatPissesMeOff
Cover Photography by QC Cong Photography Styling by Fashion Junkie Styling Company
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The S Magazine M. Jai Makokha Editor-in-Chief Jai Okoli Contributing Creative Director Isaiah Perkins Contributing Music Editor Nicolas James Harris Contributing Photographer Special Contributions Fashion Junkie Styling Company B!Creativity: Talent and Creative Management XO Photography, Jakx Photography, SonRise Graphic Design, Salvage House SOAPBOX with Jai M. Jai Makokha Executive Producer Marcie Randolph Senior Producer Jeleesa Traylor Audience Producer Adrian K. Harris Producer Published by Manyonge Ent. LLC Edwin Hampton Chief-of-Staff Chris Carter Advertising Designer The S Magazine and its logo, SOAPBOX, SOAPBOX with Jai and its logo and SOAPBOX Store are trademarks of Manyonge Enterprise, LLC. All rights reserved. theSmagazine.com SOAPBOXwithJai.com twitter.com/SOAPBOXwithJai facebook.com/SOAPBOXwithJai
ISAIAH PERKINS Affiliate: B!Creativity: Talent and Creative Managament Location: Dallas, TX What is some “sh*t that pisses you off?” “Unprofessional ‘professional’ people really grind my gears. They make promises they can’t keep, then, when we REAL professionals try to work with them, they make all of us look bad and create a whirlwind of headaches.”
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AHMIER GIBSON Affiliate: inhaleme.com Location: Houston, TX What is some “sh*t that pisses you off?” “Unprofessional ‘professional’ people really grind my gears. They make promises they can’t keep, then, when we REAL professionals try to work with them, they make all of us look bad and create a whirlwind of headaches.”
Music Fashion Lifestyle
THESMAGAZINE.COM
DEC.Cong 2011 // of THESMAGAZINE.COM Photographed by QC XO Photography5
EDITOR OF #THESMAG
UPPING OUR GAME FOR he issue looks a little different this go-round. The team and I have made some major changes to position this magazine at the forefront of music, fashion, and lifestyle for North Texas. Earlier this year, I started this magazine because I kept hearing people say “Dallas is so late” or “tired,” or “I’m moving to Houston”. All these comments did not sit well with my ‘the answer is in the room’ mentality. I tell my team all the time when they start complaining or talking about what we need to change, the answer is in the room. It means that whatever your question, comment or concern, you hold the power to change the outcome…so we changed. The S Magazine has built a good following by telling the greater community what is great about Dallas. Now, we have been presented with a great opportunity: to change the community. As we, writers and readers, editors and followers alike, go together into 2012, #theSmag will be thinking us forward: showing you what we like as editors (pg. 8), enriching our online experience to delve a little deeper into fashion, music and lifestyle (pg. 9) and partnering with waymakers in Dallas to bring you a diverse overview of what matters to us (SOUNDLAB pg. 17). Like I said last issue, take this ride with us as we make our publication as representative of Dallas and forwarding thinking as it can be. Let me know what you think. I want to hear from you.
Isaiah Perkins of B!Creativity Talent and Creative Management collabo with #theSmag on SOUNDLAB (pg. 17).
Reggie Coby
Mrc0by Listening @addplus on the way back to Austin. These boys jammin. Texas got something to say!!!!!
M. Jai Makokha
RT @TheHostJai I know. That’s why we started #theSmag. Mrc0by Listening @addplus on the way back to Austin. These boys jammin. Texas got something to say!!!!!
Ferret Festival
@SpectacleL7 #CanYouFigureOut why great artists get downplayed, and the wack ones are on all the playlists?
M. Jai Makokha Editor-in-Chief jai@manyonge.info
So, it was the average, run-ofthe-mill shopping excursion to commemorate the anniversary of my 21st birthday when I stumbled on these interesting finds.
1. Nike Blazer Hi Metallic, $78.00, kicksonfire.com (Check out how I rocked them on the first episode of SOAPBOX with Jai, pg. 42.) 2. Classic Canvas Bag, $26.90, 21Men Forever21.com. Check out the whole story on pg. 22. 6 DEC. 2011 // THESMAGAZINE.COM
@JKerrMusic
THESMAGAZINE is...
Music Fashion Lifestyle
THESMAGAZINE.COM
Photographed by Jakx Photography DEC. 2011 // THESMAGAZINE.COM 7
EDITOR’S PICKS
MODEL BEHAVIOR
Our timelines are flooded with people we follow. These up-and-comings are worth a #ShoutOut. Check out these Editor’s Picks for our #FridayFollows and stay on the look out for them as they blow up on the Dallas scene.
CHASITY GARRETT Age: 20. Fashion enthusiast who has dreams of becoming a high fashion model. “I love modeling because it gives me life! I’m so big on fashion and those two together makes me feel beautiful, and a girl loves to feel beautiful.”
LAUREN CHANEL FARRUYA Age: 25. “To date, I think my absolute favorite was a full body paint shoot that focused on intricate body posing and angles. “So much fun, minus the three showers it took to get the paint off”!
Stay Connected to Dallas Get your fix of Dallas music, fashion and lifestyle.
8 DEC. 2011 // THESMAGAZINE.COM
RODERICK BOGAN Age: 19. Once called a young Tyson Beckford. “After looking him up, I knew I absolutely looked nothing like Tyson, but from that simple complement, my mind was open to the modeling industry.”
FRONT OF #THESMAG
THESMAGAZINE.com Surfing from my SOAPBOX
SOUNDLAB on pg. 17.
Clockwise from the top left. 1. Murda Season, Vol. 1 by Yung Hero, 2. Headlines by Cash’mir, 3. Antique Mixtape by King G.I., 4. Finally Confident by Topic, 5. The Boy King EP by Jmil Kly, 6. Home Schooled by RNDepartment, 7. L7 by Terrence Spectacle.
Good music is so hard to find these days. Here at #theSmag, we’ve teamed up with B!Creativity Talent and Creative Management to bring you the hottest album releases in the metroplex. In SOUNDLAB, we will highlight one artist and his or her album that we’ve identified as the hottest. Spectacle said it best, good artists get downplayed while wack artists are on all the playlists. We want to highlight the best music in Tripple D, regardless of their following or how many performances they have had. To us, good music is good music. For artists to be considered, send either the album or links to your albums to hello@bcreativity.com. If selected, you will be notified so we can interview you and include in the next edition of SOUNDLAB. For readers, step on to your SOAPBOX and let us know who you think is the best album out right now. You may just be included alongside your favorite artist. Comment below or email us at contact@manyonge.info.
Step on your SOAPBOX. Visit theSmagazine.com and leave a comment. DEC. 2011 // THESMAGAZINE.COM 9
THESMAGAZINE is...
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Music Fashion Lifestyle
THESMAGAZINE.COM
Photographed by Jakx Photography
FRONT OF #THESMAG THESMAGAZINE.com cont’d
#theSmag has teamed up with ISAIAH PERKINS, A/R Manager at B!CREATIVITY TALENT AND CREATIVE MANAGMENT to add SOUNDLAB to every issue. This section of the mag is dedicated to highlighting all the great music that comes out of Dallas. Unsigned artists can send their newly released albums or mixtapes to hello@bcreativity.com. All the submissions will be screened and considered. Our partners at B!Creativity will pick the best new project and the winner will receive a feature in an upcoming issue.
Love Caleb’s look. He shows that you can be stylish and comfortable and the blazer brings the look together. -Anonymous
TREND WATCH: #theSmag discovered something major. Everyone is a fashion icon in his or her own right--not just the Kardashians or Tyra. Each issue, #theSmag will be looking for how you rocked your trend and asking our readers who wore it best. Step on your SOAPBOX and cast your vote, your comments may be featured in an upcoming issue of #theSmag.
For each SOUNDLAB, the artists who submitted their works will also receive recognition on THESMAGAZINE.COM where their listeners can vote for their project. The winner may also receive a feature in an upcoming issue of #theSmag. Be sure to send your submissions as soon as possible to be considered. For more information, please visit the link below. http://thesmagazine.blogspot.com/search/label/ SoundLab
JAI OKOLI, one of the creative minds behind FASHION JUNKIE STYLING COMPANY, a Dallas-based fashion agency, started a major collabo with #theSmag called POSE. This is a fashion workshop featuring many of the heavy hitters in the fashion industry to impart knowledge to up-and-coming talent. The competition will train models on the skills necessary to make themselves as bookable and bankable as possible. We can’t guarantee models will be booked for work, but we do intend to give models the skills for them to make themselves bookable. The workshop will occur in 4 cycles of 10 male and female models. From each cycle, there will be one ‘winner’ selected to be featured in an upcoming issue of #theSmag. Additonally, of the 40 participants, one will be selected as a People’s Choice, also to receive a feature in an upcoming issue of #theSmag. For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/ event.php?eid=200183296718837,
TheSMagazine is a bi-monthly music, fashion and lifestyle magazine targeting culturally conscious young professionals. As one of the newest Dallas-based publications, TheSMagazine offers its readers insightful discussions on the Dallas cultural scene. A provocative editorial emphasis on the overall well-being of the socially-involved Dallas-ite allows TheSMagazine to extend its focus far beyond a simple overview of the Dallas urban lifestyle. This publication is a conversation with real Dallas natives and residents about topics that are immediate to this geographic region and to our social climate.
Step on your SOAPBOX. Visit theSmagazine.com and leave a comment.
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FRONT OF #THESMAG
@THESMAGAZINE
Readers take to their own SOAPBOXes and tell us what they think
where did this come from?
memorable... Hey Jai and the #theSmag team... lol ya’ll out did ya’ll selves and Mean Lingo appreciates you and the things that you are doing for us!! Keep up the great work.... feedback is “out of this world”....the vision has started running and we appreciate ya’ll!!
Didn’t know moments like this exist. VINCENT THA SEKUND Dallas, TX
EDITOR’S NOTE: We just started, but everyone will know soon enough. Check out the other issues at THESMAGAZINE.COM.
#theSmag tackeled subjects like friends...building empires together.... businesses that friends and others alike own joining together to succeed....I appreciate that light because its rare that you get that attention especially on the finer things in life that you WANT people to see...instead of the negative ones that people do see....I thank you guys and please know you have created a memory i will never forget.
Detra Dominionette Hearne facebook.com/ thedhearne
Remember that a government big enough to give you everything you want is also big enough to take away everyting you have. ~ Barry Goldwater ~
#theSmag doing major things for the Dallas Music & Fashion scene. Get to know them. KEISHA D HUNTER Dallas, TX Beginning of the TAKEOVER!!! we here!! #SPANGfam #BURGUNDY
CHRIS CARTER Dallas, TX
JAYRON ONEDEEP HOBBS Dallas, TX
Rozay
@LorenzoLemmy Don’t cry for a guy, let a guy cry for you. Cos girls give and forgive, but guys get and forget.
who wore it best? GUY EL #TeamGuyEl
Blazers for fall are the perfect layering piece for men and women. They can be dressed up for the “I mean business” office look or dressed down as an additional layer for the breezy mornings or cool evenings.
twitter..com/ iamGUYEL
We posted on THESMAGAZINE.COM to see who wore it best. You still have a chance to weigh in. Visit the link below to express your opinion. Caleb ThePrincebee, Dallas Socialite Step on your SOAPBOX. Visit theSmagazine.com and leave a comment. 12 DEC. 2011 // THESMAGAZINE.COM
William Mitchell Fashion Stylist
Twitter √ Facebook √ Tumblr √ YouTube √ Skype “Dude, do you have a life?” ... “No dude, send me the link!”
Have something to say, SAY IT! We listen, we read, we RT. facebook.com/SOAPBOXwithJai twitter.com/SOAPBOXwithJai
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#THESMAG: MUSIC
“Why do great artists get downplayed, and the wack ones are on all the playlists?” @SpectacleL7 says. In the music industry, those who hold the cards of promotion are constantly balancing what people want to hear with what people need to hear. The focus is giving advertisers the listeners they need, giving listeners the music that appeals to them, while giving the artists the platform needed to take their
respective careers to the next level. Every artist is constantly looking for ways to build their followers and listeners, the next best performance and greatest track to lay the hottest lyrics over.
A good artist looks to professionals that can lead them and their craft forward. In a perfect world, the artist can create art, while the promoters promote, the managers manage, and new media outlets like #theSmag can fit right where it needs to, doing exactly it is supposed to do. Promoters, radio stations, TV programmers and the like in trying to pull together the musical landscape for emerging artists end up pulled tighter than a fat girls g-string. As those poor little strings holding Big Booty Judy get tighter and tighter, out squeezes artists like Jmil Kly and his newest album The Boy King EP right through the cracks—no pun intended…or maybe just a little pun. Kly makes promotion just a little easier presenting music in a way that loosens those g-strings and allows Big Booty Judy some time to breath. Kly’s combination of good music is like the perfectly proportioned ass. The anatomy of any good song, just like BBJ, is inherent. Kly chooses beats that drive his songs forward just as hard as
Judy sways her “Don’t Mess With Texas” hips—although she makes everyone want to mess with her, lol. Despite the allusions to the not so common “PerfectProportioned-Big-Booty-Judy”, on a serious tip, our artist uses his heavy hitting lyrics to show his drive and the quintessential hustle in building a brand and creating a name for himself. Touting lyrics like “Don’t you ever doubt my heart, my fire, my hustle. My words will take your brain to another level.” The deeper content of his music is simple: intention. He intentionally uses his vocal inflection, his words and music to leave the listener with a true sense of his passion. Jmil Kly is able to do what every artist looks to do through their work: communicate. Just like that tight pulled g-string, Kly pulls out his lyrics so hard that all you can say is, DAMN!
download THE BOY KING EP http://www.jmilkly.com/
J. HALL FEATURING RUSS “wINDOW PANE” http://j.mp/tVOf8h BOY WONDER A.K.A. EDDY SOUZA “I HAVE A STORY” http://j.mp/vtj0DQ JOHNNY MARK JACOB “SAGACIOUS” http://j.mp/tgml4z K.MC “PLAYGROUND” http://youtu.be/Yxm6JDDA558
Everybody’s got ‘em, but Julian “JI-45” Sneed, CEO/ Co-owner of NoiseBox Media Services, had to get over his. In managing new artists in Tripple D, JI-45 tells #theSmag what bad habits got over to get to his level of success. 1. tardiness. Punctuality makes the music business operate. I had lost opportunities to sign artists because I was late. I quickly learned to give that up. 2. timidness. I have a strong personality, so I would be timid to make others feel comfortable. I learned to give up timidness because I don’t have to downplay myself. I garnered more success by approaching people with the same openness that others could approach me with.
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#THESMAG: MUSIC
Photography by Justin Clemons
damon k. clark
Not Just Hip-Hop
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ip-hop, since roughly 2000, has moved to the forefront of the Dallas musical mind. Artists like #theSmag featured Jmil Kly have created a definite platform for hip hop in the local landscape. In all its diversity, there are only a few musicians who dispute that today’s music started long ago in an discipline far from what we classify today as hip-hop.
ester-year in places like Harlem,
“simply-Damon” style of performing. Clas-
Atlanta, Washington, D.C., and
sically trained, Damon’s father saw his vocal
New Orleans, artists like Sarah
talent at a young age. He grew up with not
Vaughn, Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald and
much interest in jazz or other genres—clas-
Miles Davis were perfecting Jazz in a way
sical music, specifically opera, was where he
that transcends discipline and taste—tapping
found his comfort.
into the true heart and feeling of the beast.
Feeling is what propelled Charlie Parker and
with a new vocal coach that his interest in
Miles Davis through rifts. Feeling is what
jazz was sparked. His trainer introduced
puffed Dizzy Gillespie’s jaws or rasped-out
him to Ella Fitzgerald and Sarah Vaughn
Louis Armstrong’s voice. Feeling is what is
and their styles of the art that hooked him.
revitalizing the Dallas musical scene. Dallas,
Since then, Clark has performed throughout
simply put, is not just hip-hop.
Dallas and lent his voice in several collabora-
tions. His most recent project, “Live at
Hip-hop, just as any other genre
It was not until he was an adult
of music, is an expression of what matters
Kessler, Volume 1” is on sale at damonkclark.
most to the musician. Often sentiments or
com.
feelings, “hip-hop expresses in lyrics what
damon does dallas.
words could not,” says one local hip-hop artist. However, at the heart of every beat, and the root of every chord, there is the
Sitting in a crowded coffee shop near
not-so-distant murmurings of jazz. Those
downtown Dallas, Damon K. Clark speaks of
murmurings are what artists like Damon K.
his experience as a jazz musician in Dallas.
Clark have breathed anew.
“Jazz was dying,” Clark remarks as he sips his
coffee, “until what he calls Dallas’ Renais-
A Dallas transplant, Damon K.
Clark takes much of his inspiration from jazz
sance as talent is molded for greatness with
legends as he translates standards into his
institutions like Booker T. [Washington Arts Magnet] and [University of North Texas].
In other metropolitan cities, jazz
has a prevalence that Dallas is creating. The nature and geography of Dallas leads the T H E
P L A C E
T O
G O
The Kessler
In the heart of Kessler Park, The Kessler Theater was an abandoned theater that set vacant for 20-25 years. Now renovated, The Kessler for the last 2 years has been a platform for emerging artists in art, music and film. Encompassing different genres of music, Jeffrey Liles, artistic director, wants The Kessler Theater is intended to fit in an untapped niche. Artists at the Kessler range from young emerging artists to legacy artists. The goal of the Kessler is to connect the dots between generations. Young artists can learn from the experience of more seasoned performers while conversely thinking and singing the Dallas musical landscape forward. The Kessler Theater 1230 W. Davis St. Dallas, TX 75208 www.thekessler.org 214-272-8346
untrained patron to thinking jazz does not have a presence in Dallas. “Everything in Dallas is spread out. So is jazz.” As Deep Ellum and Lower Greenville re-embrace jazz, the Dallas musical landscape changes and reforms.
the power of performance. Many artists speak of the juice that performance gives them—juice that drives their creative processes. Damon K. Clark speaks of the juice he gets from music.
Vocal performance, to Clark, is
at its core power. “There is something to be said of singing without a mic and filling a space with your voice.” Power of performance lies in the fact that the impact of one’s voice is much larger than the impact of one himself. “Understanding the power I hold
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T ENTERTAINMENT N I PO NK BLA
Point Blank Entertainment was “re-founded” in 2002 by DJ’s Jay*Clipp, Cuzzin B & Phingaprint. While attending Jackson State University, they went by the DJ crew name of Third Eye Entertainment. As a DJ crew they rocked ALL of the major events at JSU and various clubs around the city. After the three graduated from JSU they decided to continue to do business providing DJ services, mixtapes, and street/retail marketing.
We provide professional DJ services & present music of exceptional quality to our audience.
ES apes C I V Mixt ER
S
VICES DJ SER motion nt Pro
Eve
M Street
arketi
Pro Studio
ng
ductio
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For Booking & Info contact us @ 214.810.2577•www.pointblankdjs.com
20 DEC. 2011 // THESMAGAZINE.COM
as the performer urges me to give the best performance, every time.” continued on page
clark’s checklist.
The artist discusses the importance of branding. Being able to understand one’s self is quite possibly the hardest task Clark has done as a performer. He says, “you would think that as 34-year old man, I would know who I am. But understanding who I am as an artist, and making others see that are two separate and difficult tasks.” He give #theSmag his checklist of how he became the artist he is today. 1. Stop dating. This step might not be for every performer, but the principle of it remains the same. Clark is dedicated to his craft. He surrounds himself with people who feed his craft. As he grows as artist, he had to assess whether the 59 calls and texts daily from his potential were worth the time and energy that he could have devoted to his craft. The lesson he took from this is removing life’s clutter to free your mind. 2. Feed my craft. Once Clark’s mind was free and he was surrounded by those who fed him the most, he had to feed himself. He sought out his vocal coach who revolutionized his concept of music and introduced him to a new genre. He started truly listening to himself perform to better develop the Damon K. Clark sound. 3. Every performance is not a good performance. Sometimes new artists, Clark remarks, take every opportunity to perform. This does help understand what your audience responds best to and build your followexplains, he realized that he became a more coveted artist, the less time he devoted to performing and the more time he devoted to perfecting each performance. Music is not a perfect science, but at some point, each artist has to understand that his or her craft is more
Photography by Angel Solis
ing as an artist; however, at one point, Clark
valuable the less available it is. DEC. 2011 // THESMAGAZINE.COM 21
New York and LA may say it’s time for winter coats and heavy accessories, but here in the heart of Texas, with our 70+ degree evenings and t shirt-and-shorts weather, it’s time a magazine give us young professionals the fashion trends we can actually use at the time that fits for our warm climate.
Starring some of the hottest emerging talent in fashion and music— Michael “Big Mike” Pospieski, Kyle Deaton, Joseph Carrasco, and Rondell “TRIGGA” Parham— across 5 chockablock pages.
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Photography by QC Cong of XO Photography Wardrobe Styling by Fashion Junkie Styling Company
01 Metallics conduct electricity, but in fashion, they’re neutral.
Photographed below (from left to right): Kyle Deaton, Joseph Carrasco, Michael “Big Mike” Pospieski, and Rondell “TRIGGA” Parham
Most believe black goes with everything. Expanding the horizons of neutral colors to include metallics is directly in line with this season’s style. Use your golds, silvers, and other metallic finishes to plant you firmly in the Texas fall-winter fashion scheme. How to put it together Try switching out one solid neutral (black, white, beige, etc.) with a metallic. For the fashionisto beginners, try jackets , tops or accessories. For the more advanced fashion scientists, experiment with bottoms or shoes.
Also check this out: Nike Blazer Hi Metallic, $78.00
The calendar says winter is fast approaching, but we Texans are in full fall fashion. Light layered looks that embrace fall’s warm color palette are what will take every man from being a New York hopeful to truly Texas. Men have a particular aesthetic for fashion. Every woman is contemplating how to shop and what to buy as the holiday season approaches. These few steps will give men and women alike the tools for making Texas’ fall season the fashion forward man’s most comfortable season yet.
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02 Let your stuff get carried away with you.
When men are doing big business like record deals, booking performances, overseeing or modeling in photo shoots, and the like, there’s a lot of stuff that comes with that. Carrying around your daily necessities in your pockets is a thing of the past. Letting your everyday bag organize your life is the gateway to your next million-dollar deal.
What to look for Technology has shifted the things we carry around. iPads and smartphones have replaced the legal pads and notebooks of the past. When choosing your bag, stick for a neutral color, usually brown or black, that is big enough for your daily necessities.
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Model: Joseph Carrasco
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Read #THESMAG on your mobile device, anywhere.
Stay up to the minute on the latest Dallas music, fashion and lifestyle Get #theSmag updates directly Follow @THESMAGAZINE on Twitter Like @THESMAGAZINE on Facebook 26 DEC. 2011 // THESMAGAZINE.COM
03 Fur= VOLUME The colder months are the times to pile on the layers for fashion… correction, to stay warm—but who still buys accessories for utility anyway? If the fur is too fast for you try an alternative like scarves. The goal is volume.
Also check this out: Men’s Knitted Infinity Scarf, Forever21 $10.90
Model: Rondell “TRIGGA” Parham
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04 POP! Color is your friend. During the winter months, muted tones run the closet and maybe even the wardrobe. The perk of being in Texas is that we can carry over some notes from summer and spring trends. For men, COLOR IS YOUR FRIEND. Pop any outfit at any time with a bit of color. Whether is a layering piece like a cardigan or rich toned pants, color will put you forward in fashion and making a bold “holiday season” statement.
Model: Kyle Deaton
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Also check this out: Men’s Straight Leg Dockers, Neiman Marcus $29.95
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JAI OKOLI:
DOING WHAT LESSER COACHES CAN’T TAKING THE LESSONS OF THE RUNWAY AND GIVING THEM TO EMERGING MODELS— KNOWLEDGE THEY CAN BANK ON.
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The team Okoli has created are the heavy hitters in the industry. From makeup to high fashion photography and styling, the POSE experience takes models on a crash course through the real fashion industry. Photographed from left to right: Roberta Nunez, Fashion Intern at Fashion Junkie Styling Company; QC Cong of XO Photography; Nicole Watson, Fashion Intern at Fashion Junkie Styling Company, Chris Carter of SonRise Graphics, Crystal Carter, Women’s Stylist at Fashion Junkie Styling Company; Tiffiny Luong, owner of Motives Cosmetics; Jai Okoli Key Wardrobe Stylist and Key Runway Coach at Fashion Junkie Styling Company; Jamila Watt, Assistant Stylist at Fashion Junkie Styling Company; Jarrod Fresquez of Fresquez Fotoz; Angela Phillips, Networking Specialist at Fashion Junkie Styling Company; William “Fish” Fisher of 4th Pixel Productions.
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The world of fashion modeling is ever-changing. Models, men and women alike, have to constantly change, grow and reshape the way they “sell it”. For the most talented among us—like Tyson status—we seek out those who can propel us to whatever our next level is. Model camps have planted themselves squarely in the midst of emerging and aspiring models imparting knowledge and experience in those who seek be relevant.
Jai Okoli, founder and lead stylist of Fashion Junkie Styling Company, seeks to be the voice of reason for the new and talented in the fashion industry. He and his team have created POSE. On its face, some may think it is just another model workshop; however, it is anything by “another”. Okoli has sought out partnerships with moguls and permanent fixtures in the Dallas fashion scene like the Fashionistas and others, to give models life. This intense day of model critique allows models to converse with experienced professionals on a level that will propel the new forward. Each model is coached on their look, image, model ability, print work and runway. They are given the tools to book real jobs with real work.
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AWKW ARDLY INTRIG UING EUROPEAN FASHION, NORTHEASTERN STYLING, WEST COAST INFLUENCE ALL DRIVES US IN ONE INEVITABLE DIRECTION FOR MEN’S FASHION:
SKINNY IS IN. BUFF IS NOT OUT, BUT SKINNY IS DEFINITELY IN. PERHAPS THE GYM JOCKS AND THE SKINNY GUYS CAN MODEL THE SAME SHOW TOGETHER NOW.
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In music, Trey Songs, Chris Brown and the recently incarcerated TI have put skinny men back on the map. Coming from MC Hammer’s buff chest and parachute pants, into 50 Cent’s treadmill shots to, now, the big boys like Rick Ross, have ran the show as far as ‘the look’ is concerned. The motion in fashion has been toward European ‘awkwardly intriguing’ models to show the highest fashions. Joseph Carrasco is the Paris-in-Dallas, tall and skinny with interesting proportions. His physique is becoming more and more in demand among some of the design mainstays like Dries Van Noten and John Galliano showing at 2011 Paris Men’s Fashion Week. Yester-year was glittered with notions that skinny women and buff men made for the highest fashion. Texas has been rounding the evolutionary curve of fashion styling and modeling. But models like Joseph Carrasco are sending the model-sphere even farther forward. 36 DEC. 2011 // THESMAGAZINE.COM
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BACK OF #THESMAG
@theSmagazine
A female reader writes in to #theSmag sex-pert to find out how she should feel about her partners questions and what her mate is telling her when he brings up certain bedroom topics. pornography.
We were laying the bed at his house watching a movie. He asked me to grab something out of the night stand next to bed. I opened the drawer--I knew it was where he kept his condoms--but this time I saw his collection of porn. My first mind told me to be disgusted so I confronted him. He brushed it off like it was nothing, then asked if I wanted to watch one with him. Because he didn’t care, I tried not care either. But now he keeps pressing me, asking me to join him watching porn. I don’t know how I feel about that?
Step on your SOAPBOX. Visit theSmagazine.com and leave a comment. 38 DEC. 2011 // THESMAGAZINE.COM
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Men are, quite possibly, the most sexual beings on the planet. I am sure there are feminists cringing at the notion, especially because of the all of the double standards that exist just because of men’s sexual prowess—A man has a lot of sex and he’s a ___ while a woman has a lot of sex and she’s a ___ (fill in the blanks). The truth is, all the rumors of how often men think about sex are TRUE. We think about sex so much that the next inevitable question to men is “When is the next time I’m going to have sex?” Despite the one dimensionality of many of our thoughts, many men are faithful and upstanding. Given the good nature of the most of us, watching porn for many is a simple act that is explained by either of two reasons: (1) we are horny, or (2) we want to act out whatever we are watching.
watch some porn with your mate. ››› 1. He could really be saying, “I want to know what you like?” Porn is the blueprint from what he thinks is good. If it were a house, watching porn would be just like him saying, “Should the closet be bigger?” or “Do you want extra windows in this room?” He may feel like you are both looking at the same thing and he’s trying to figure out what appeals most to you. ››› 2. He could really be trying to show you what he likes. Perhaps he has an adventurous side that he wants to explore. Porn could be your opportunity to see what he responds most to. It then creates a safe space for you to discuss it and assess if you are willing to go on this ride with him. For instance, if he likes bondage, watching his porn is the best way for you check that out and either nip it in the bud or take a walk on the wide side with him. ››› 3. He could simply not care one way or the other. For him, porn could simply be another movie, and he has not put much thought into watching it with you. Ask him why he wants you to join him. If he has a response, it probably aligns with number 1 or 2 above. Regardless of the reasoning, talk to your partner. You have nothing to lose and hopefully some great sex to gain. The better question in your
››› we are horny.
No, this does not mean your sex is bad or we don’t have enough of it. Men have thought about sex by the minute ever since the wet dreams or the first irresistible urge to put their
men’s repertoire. Simply put, he’s horny.
››› we are aspiring actors.
hand in their pants (and I don’t mean pockets). Men are, simply put, perpetually horny creatures. With the mid-section appendage constantly rubbing against pants or underwear creating friction, men would think, arguably so, about their penis/sex as often as women think about how uncomfortable bras are. Given the direction of our thoughts, men masturbate—boy do we ever masturbate. Pornography simply offers men the extra stimulation to take a ‘good nut’ to a ‘GREAT nut’. For that reason, by and large, porn is commonplace in the 40 DEC. 2011 // THESMAGAZINE.COM
Having thought about sex probably 30 times since “Men are, quite possibly…,” men are constantly thinking of ways to perfect their craft. For most, especially those in committed relationships, men are forever contemplating ways take their partners experience from a ‘good nut’ to a ‘GREAT nut’. Porn simply offers the blueprint for greatness. Peep this. Meryl Streep is great actress or Chris Rock is a great comedian. If one were an aspiring actress or comedian, they may study the professionals to get some pointers. Similarly, porn offers a first-hand account of what a good performance looks like—positions, size, shape,
››› For 20 minute sessions, porn stars seem to last forever. There is a lot of editing, cutting, pasting and directing that goes into making those flicks all that we see on the “big screen”. If you want pointers on lasting as long as the porn stars, regardless of the situation, look to your protection. Durex Performax Condoms are made with a special performance enhancing, climax control lubricant that takes that edge off to ensure the man lasts as long as possible. For the woman, he can hit that spot over-and-over again and for the man, the build up always makes for the highest possible climax. As with any condom or sexual enhancer, try it out. Everything is not everyone. Test out your protection with your partner. For questions email our sex-pert at contact@manyonge. info or write on The S Magazine’s wall on Facebook.
stroke, the whole nine. The normal man is probably thinking to himself while watching porn, “I wonder what that position feels like?” For you, reader, I encourage you to consider a couple things when assessing whether or not to
situation would be why your mate has DVDs when he could just as easily download it on his computer…is he living in 1999? LOL. If you have a question for #theSmag sex-pert, email contact@manyonge.info.
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SEND US YOUR SHOW IDEAS CONTACT@MANYONGE.INFO
The SOAPBOX with Jai team discusses what they learned from the show, what they intended to show their viewers and what to expect for the next episode. ››› What we got. SOAPBOX with Jai on Habits Watch this episode here: www.SOAPBOXwithJai.com
The SOAPBOX with Jai Studio Audience (above), our host, Jai (right) all join in the discussion of habits and how to understand them.
Isaiah Perkins of B!Creativity: Talent and Creative Management (above) joined SBwJ to give his take on habits. Dallas-based recording artist, JKerr (left) performed his newest single “Clouds” which can be downloaded at www.bcreativity.com/jkerr.
Sometimes, its hard to see what is best for us. Despite how much we may know ourselves, it is not always possible to think subjectively about our circumstances. In our inaugural episode of SOAPBOX with Jai, the team had a great idea to talk about one of the most prevalent habits among young up-and-comings and professionals with the least bit of judgement. We had a conversation with Isaiah Perkins of B!Creativity: Talent and Creative Management (who has partnered with #theSmag on SOUNDLAB, page 17). What I got from the show is that our habits, legal or illegal, positive or negative are all lateral. What we do with those habits will define their impact on our lives. I could not be sure about my habits from the show, so Isaiah and I agreed on our “Two Week Challenge”.
››› The “Two Week Challenge” For the two weeks following the airing of this episode of SOAPBOX with Jai, Isaiah and I are going to give up our respective habits to see how we feel. Are we fiending, did we notice a change, how are we relating to our peers, has our patience been affected? I’ll be sharing as much of my Two Week Challenge with our Friends on Facebook. The SBwJ team would like you to join us in our two week challenge. Tweet #habits on Twitter and tell us what you have given up and how it is impacting your life. Isaiah and I will follow up at the end to see what has or has not changed. To join SOAPBOX with Jai in our studio audience, visit SOAPBOXwithJai/tickets to reserve your seat.
››› On the next episode. Music is so dynamic. We will be hearing from Hunter and her take on the Dallas musical landscape. Tune in to stay posted.
Subscribe to SOAPBOX with Jai on YouTube and Follow the SBwJ Blog for the latest updates on the show, tickets, special performances or to be featured on the show. 42 DEC. 2011 // THESMAGAZINE.COM
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IN THE NEXT #THESMAG
PROMOTION
See if you have what it takes to
Model workshop participants compete for a spread in an upcoming issue of #theSmag. You can vote for your People’s Choice Model at THESMAGAZINE.com. Polls open for December 15.
POSE Model Workshop presented by Fashion Junkie Styling Co. Purpose: POSE models (l to r): Nathan Ducker, Brenna Griffin, Lailani. Photographed by Jarrod Fresquez of Fresquez Fotoz during the first cycle. Men’s apparel provided by Lloyd Waxman. Women’s apparel provided by Salvage House Boutique
Like @THESMAGAZINE on Facebook to stay up to date on Dallas’ latest fashion, music and lifestyle news.
Fashion Texas Winter Men’s and Women’s Fashion Trends
#theSmag translates national trends to local weather conditions to keep you wise to winter fashion
Sex Secrets When Is the Best Time to Have Sex?
Topic, one of Dallas’ newest hip-hop stars, what he listens to and what fuels his music. 44 DEC. 2011 // THESMAGAZINE.COM
When is it best to get close to your mate and why? #theSmag shares info you can set your clock to.
The goal is to educate, motivate and perfect the modeling skills of serious aspiring models. Model 101 for some and for others a refresher course but there is a twist. We are not a model agency or management company. Fashion junkie Styling Co. is a company dedicated to providing wardrobe styling; creative direction and conduction of set pose coaching as well as overall photo shoot production. Our team comes complete with in house MUAs, Hair and wardrobe stylist and even post production. I believe that it’s time to band together to offer our services to correct the product of the fly by night “camps” who are generating funds off of giving wrong or unfounded information and starting new models into bad habits, techniques and trends that are hurting them as they try and enter the industry professionally. FJSC is launching a model workshop series called “pose” Over the next 4-6 weeks, 40 serious aspiring models will get a chance to work with and learn from some of the most distinguished talent in the fashion industry for a full day of instructional and most of all professional fashion photo shoot and workshop. The added bonus to this Experience is a tangible goal for all involved and that’s exposure. The partnership with TheSMagazine provides all involved with just that and we appreciate the support of TheSmagazine on print and on film through this venture. Stay tuned ladies and gentlemen, our best has yet to come. Register now for your chance to be featured in the January issue of the SMagazine. And to be one of 5 Featured models to win a 2 page spread and interview. *One winner per cycle and 1 people’s choice winner to be decided on by Facebook and TheSmagazine subscribers. Participants also get the chance to be featured in a junkies promo reel/web mini-series sponsored by 4th pixel productions For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/ event.php?eid=200183296718837
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SH*T THAT PISSES ME OFF
›››
credit.
At the root of all communication, especially disagreements, people just want to know if the person and their words matter. To ChuChu, someone out there does not show, what he calls, necessary appreciation for his hard work—that person takes credit where little or none is due. When in this situation, some may feel unacknowledged. The effort that ChuChu puts into, for instance, his job, his boss may be taking credit for it with out acknowledging the efforts of others. The lack of acknowledgement become a disincentive for ChuChu to perform at such a high level and in turn diminishes his investment into the task. For those who may be in the position of power in this situation should do a quick gut check. Before corresponding with others about your accomplishments, think of all the others that directly or indirectly had a hand in the project’s success. In most cases, our personal success is built on the shoulders of others hard work. Acknowledge those individuals. They will appreciate it, especially with speaking with others.
CHUCHU AGE: 30 PROFESSION: HIV/STD prevetion specialist at a Dallas-based nonprofit organization LOCATION: Plano, TX
As you speak with individuals external to your organization or team, its equally important to show your team--your support system--that they and their hard work are important to you and the success of your project. Affirm your people, appreciate their time and acknowledge their efforts. The more valuable they feel as a part of the team, the more invested they will be in the success of the endeavor.
READERS TELL #THESMAG WHAT IS SOME SH*T THAT PISSES THEM OFF
WHAT PISSES ME OFF: When people take credit where no credit is due.
FROM #THESMAG WALL WHAT PISSES YOU OFF? Tristen Louis
People that aren’t true to themselves and try to come across to others as having more than what they do, just in an attempt to fit in. 46 DEC. 2011 // THESMAGAZINE.COM
Antwaun MadeyaLook Adam
When people are deliberately rude just for the hell of it. What’s the point? No one is still paying you attention.
Exg Fly
When people assume instead of asking or being straight forward. People make things more complicated than they have to.
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