I Have Spring on my Shoulder

Spring, in itself, brings back my memories of school coming to a close and people with a happier disposition because the cold weather begins to vanish.  No longer am I cooped inside to watch the snow fall, and hear the cold whip of the wind (which I do love), but going outside to bask in the greatness of nature.  I love taking walks, running, eating ice cream, and simply enjoying the fantastic weather outside.  I look forward to warmer days but with colder nights that I am able to spend with friends and loved ones. I also enjoy the chance to wear some of my favorite pieces like polos, jean jackets, Sperry’s, chinos and canvas tennis shoes—not to mention bright colors to rep’ the season.

It one of those seasons where a gentleman is able to still wear things that he has enjoyed over the months and mix it with the bright colors of warmer months.  In the hotter weather, I like to bring out colors like yellow, green, and pink and mix them with others that I have been wearing for some interesting layers.

This being said – upon my weekly thrifting travels, I found this yellow bag with rope handles—a dope piece that will for the future weeks complement the vibrant colors I plan to wear.  Also, to go along with the bag find, I snatched some rubber stamps during this trip, which I chose to add some depth to the carry-on.  Honestly, like past pieces I have worked on, the stamping was really easy and added some value to an already distinguished piece.

I find a significance in how some things like this yellow tote may have at one time been something that traveled from ocean to ocean with it’s owner and saw the very depths of their power. Possession of this bag and changing its character has made it into something fresh and able to travel where I may in the world.  There is something to be said for how we take objects as they are or how we construct them into something new for the world to behold.  Remember this the next time you thrift a great piece and cherish it for the shape, color and the unknown history that it brings with it.

Classically Yours,

ZRH

Reppin’ the Street Like a Young Gent

 

 

The idea of camo can be associated with the military and hunting. My idea of this material can also be represented in different facets of life, specifically Streetwear. In this type of fashion, there is a certain proclivity toward the representation of the style, in that it can represent one as coming from a background, which harnesses territory.

I like Streetwear because it is very creative and has the ability to use multiple styles and not seem phony. How does camo work for me in my wardrobe? It works because it seems to never fade away and can be used in most things I wear in a unique way.

 

I think the important quality of camo, like most materials, is the presence it brings. Bright colors stand out much like camo. An individual can pair their attire around this focus and make them appear versatile and stylish without seeming as though they’re from a military or an outdoorsman background.

I like to wear these pants not for their most conventional purpose but to show they can be utilized with the style I most represent. People seem to put things together in their minds as being appropriate. I put things together how I want them and feel they look best on me. I feel it is unjust to someone’s style for them to act upon what looks society deems as appropriate. The sole purpose of individual style is for one to find looks that fit them and not to fall into trends that others see as popular. Individuality is key and don’t let others bring you down if they don’t agree with what you’re wearing.

 

Classically Yours,
ZRH

Earning my Letters

 

In sports, there is always a drive for an athlete to earn their letters, in which he or she puts on a jacket to represent their ability.  I grew up adoring sports and athletes that represented them. The letters mean something more to me now than they did then.

 

I chose to buy the letters I am wearing on my cardigan as a link to the past and to also reminisce about my upbringing.  The sports I once played and loved remain at the grain of my being. The letters, like various projects I have constructed, are small details, in which I still hold on to and deem important.

Baseball, at one time, was a sport that I adored just as much as tennis. I played my seventh and eighth grade years for a local Park Board league. I had friends who also enjoyed the sport so much, we would play it before and after practice. It was a way for me to not only to have a good time with friends but also gain focus for my future sport of tennis. I say this because baseball, to me, is more so an individual sport than it is a team effort.  I’m not saying that baseball isn’t a team sport, but it made me focus on myself and how I performed on the field as an individual.

 

Baseball helped shape me for an individual task on and off the field. The pictures here are of the baseball field where I once practiced for hours on end. Setting my feet on the dirt reminded me of those moments in which I spent hours of throwing, hitting, and stealing bases. These are the moments that will never be forgotten and remain in my memory as time well spent.

 

During the photo shoot, Wezzy (my photographer) and I encountered the obstacle of mud being very thick on the field because of the moisture. Over time, ironically, conditions can somehow hold someone back from reaching toward their goals. A baseball player can be seen as an individual in life, for they are the sole creators of their own destiny. They make choices on the field that produce both positive and negative outcomes.

 

The conditions a person encounters are unpredictable in life. This is comparable to that of a baseball player during a given game. We give it our all and face the consequences, which, to some degree we have no control. Baseball, to me, has become not only a sport I still adore, but also one that respectfully created the man I am today.

Classically Yours,

ZRH

Lucky Umbrellas

In trying to constantly perfect my sewing skills and accessory baggage, I chose to create a new magazine bag. This pouch, unlike my previous attempt of a carryon, this one showcases my abilities at both constructing someone that can carry multiple items, as well as my artistic technique.

I chose to use a more durable material for this project that could not only withstand impact from other things in my bag, but also maintain durability and style. As we all know, I love umbrellas and their gentleman-like qualities they’ve possessed throughout time. I purchased a stamp, which embellishes quality, from Jessica Torrant of Green Garden Stamps. Using paint to compliment the color of the navy blue material, I stamped the umbrellas and raindrops from Jessica’s Etsy. It turned out rather nicely and met my expectations for the look and feel I wanted to achieve.

I chose to place the umbrellas upside down because my mother told me that an upside down umbrella means good luck. I would like to add that assorting the pattern in this way makes the pouch very unique to me.

This project was very important to me, so rather than blitzing through it, I took my time. The process took over a week, plus waiting for the stamps to arrive in the mail. I originally made the bag to the specifications of fitting both my laptop and magazine. Due to my sewing and measuring, it is more adapted toward my future purchase of an iPad.

Classically Yours,

ZRH