An Esquire's Eye

Styles I'm Diggin: Green

2011-03-09T13:28:00.000-08:00

The green on green in this picture is amazing. The vibrancy of color is wonderful. The silhouette isn't bad either, and I know most of you think that's what I dig about this pic, but in all truthfulness I was captured by the color.

Styles I'm Diggin...Clair Huxtable, Worth A Look Back

2011-02-27T21:20:00.000-08:00

Sometime I find myself just mesmerized by the sheer beauty of a young Phylicia Rashad. She help to create the design of the women whom I would want to be my wife; of course she was somewhat of an ideal design but she wasn't "out of reach". She, along with the real women in my life, helped me sketch what I want I wife to be, or at least exude; in one word CLASS!

I have indeed found that! Thank you Phylicia.

A thing called LOVE

2011-01-10T13:41:00.000-08:00

Funny thing about love, there are SO many takes on what love is and isn't that when you find something that makes you chuckle and smile about love you have got to post it. And I spy with my EsQuire eye this wonderful take on that "sinking" feeling. Love isn't always this but it when it is it feels amazing!

Styles I'm Diggin: I'm A Sucker for Short Hair!!

2011-01-03T13:55:00.000-08:00

If anyone knows me then they know that I love the female design in all its shapes and wonderful glory. From the crop of hair on the top of their heads (or lack there of) to the toes and feet that support their magnificent frames. However, as it stands right now, at this moment, as much as I love long flowing, curly locks, I am a sucker for short hair. Here are some stellar examples!!

Salli Richardson in short haired glory!

Nia Long, Oh Damn!

Of Course, Halle!

There is just something about a short haired, confident women that drives makes my heart race. Just ask the lady in my life...

See, told you!

Style I'm Diggin

2010-08-23T01:15:00.000-07:00

The fact is, as you can tell by the dates, I haven't posted in a while. As a matter of fact and reflection, this is my first post since I changed the name and shifted the focus and design of the blog. Since I have fully embraced the idea of a blog, based in style and substance, revolving heavily around visuals I've decided to restart my posting with the site favorite, "Styles I'm Diggin", utilizing two of my all time favorite women. The first Pam Grier, who has single handily kept the idea of a strong, sexy, vibrant, curvy black women alive and in the public spot light for over 30 years; the other Jeniffer Lopez. A women whose style and essence I have crushed on since her feature film debut in "Money Train". And even through the over saturation of her image, she still helps define the word 'beauty'. I hope you enjoy my return.

Black And White Pin Ups

2010-01-31T22:25:00.000-08:00

I've been on the fence about getting a tat. I've always been of the mind that I didn't want any non-natural permenant markings on my body; I mean, why mess with perfection! Recently, I've been thinking about getting two, one of which is gonna be a pin up girl. While these pin ups aren't what I'm looking for, at least right now, these are some that I'm digging, especially the side rib cage, black and white pin up. I saw one on South Beach the other day when I was hanging with the girl crew and everybody agreed that the tat was tight. Too bad I couldn't get a picture of that one, but this will give you an idea of what I'm talking about.

Styles I'm Diggin...

2009-06-28T22:50:00.001-07:00

Rudy Huxtable don' all grown up. I really do dig this picture and the style she's rocking. It's sexy and elegant, all at the same time. Actually all the pictures that I've posted of beautiful women have this same quality, which is essential to design of what an EsQuire Qlique gentleman finds attractive in a women. So I find myself, as has been the case recently, only having time to do a quick post of what "I'm diggin'" in a women, visually, as depicted in pictures.

Styles I'm Diggin...and when the words come back.

2009-06-18T16:09:00.000-07:00

It seems as if this blog is becoming one of just pictures, in particular those of beautiful women, which never goes wrong. Believe me, its not. But I will get back to post commentary, showcases, spotlights and any other thing that may come to mind when reflecting on being a gentleman, or educating people about the gentleman's way, the scoundrels design or just something from the male psyche. All in all it will be worth while and readable, but until that time comes I will keep hitting you with "Styles I'm digging" both masculine and feminine.

I'm not one for ladies that smoke, other than when they have a drink or play pool, but this whole image just screams sexy! Not to mention these two. (Check out the color and black & white one of the same design.)

I realize that this will take you to her site but the pics I like are under photos, new pics, last one on the first page, first one on the second page. Enjoy!

Styles I'm Diggin...

2009-05-27T18:23:00.000-07:00

I was looking for a picture for another post on the EsQuire Qlique blog when I came across this picture of a style that I'm diggin. The deep cut dress that sits wonderfully on the bosom. The beauty and lighting of the picture. And of course Monica Bellucci doesn't hurt, lol. No, I was really struck by the picture and I'm digging the whole style.

What is Romamtic: Senesuality in Scene Conclusion, 4 of 4

2009-04-30T12:15:00.000-07:00

This brief series started as a series to enlighten folks on what I deem to be romantic/sensual. Sensuality is a key component to romance, as I have stated time and again. Well, this final installment will veer off course just a bit and incorporate videos. I heard the new Maxwell today, and in honor of the inspirational chord that it struck with me, I've decided to end the series with two examples of what is really sensual, romantic. The lyrics may not always be sexy, but the content is sensual.

Maxwell - This Woman's Work (Official Music Video) - More free videos are here

I hope you've enjoyed my take on the sensual. Please come back soon

What is Romantic: The Senuality of the Scene Continued 3 of 4

2009-04-05T12:52:00.000-07:00

Please heed the warning of the last post. If you are under 18 do not proceed. This post contains nudity and strong sexual content. It is meant for adults and mature individuals that can appreciate sex for more than just the physical act. This is not a porn post, it is however one that continues the cinematic depiction of what is sensual and sexual.

And then there's more. I don't know if its my longstanding crush on Jennifer Tilly that made me put both of the these clips up or its just the fact they are both sensual and romantic, even when nudity is not shown, that I decided to use them as a complimentary duo. Don't believe they are what I say they are? Open another tab and just let the audio of scene 1 play and tell me you don't want to wrap yourself in the arms of your special someone and begin a strong, sweaty, passionate, passion filled session of getting the sheets wet. I know I do.

Bound Scene 1

Gina_Gershon-Jennifer_Tilly-Bound-1of3
Uploaded by nyad3

Bound Scene 2

Gina_Gershon-Jennifer_Tilly-Bound-2of3
Uploaded by nyad3

Desperado

ANTONIO banderas et salma hayek
Uploaded by looklady

What is Romantic: The Senuality of the Scene Continued

2009-04-05T11:53:00.000-07:00

Please DO NOT proceed to watch the video clips here if you are younger than 18. I am not kidding. This post contains nudity and sexually explicit themes. While they are integral to what is sensual and romantic, it is not intended to be viewed by those that are under age as well as those who cannot seperate sex from porn, what is nasty from what is natural and cannot view these scenes through a critical, sensual, adult lens. For those of you that meet this criteria, please proceed.

These were scenes that were added because they were recommended as scenes that fit the description and design of what is romantic/sensual, there will be more to come, not a lot, but more.

"Saving Face"

"Posse"

Salli_Richardson_Nude in Posse
Uploaded by gbunny85

"Jason's Lyric"

Jada Pinkett Smith Love Scene - More bloopers are a click away

What is Romantic: The Senuality of the Scene

2009-03-26T19:21:00.000-07:00

Now on to the quick note. As you may or may not be aware of I manage 3 blogs that are associated with the grand design of the EsQuire Qlique. Spreading the ideas of a gentleman, the design of a lady and the elegance, style and sophistication of the past eras like the "Jazz Age" (minus some of the debauchery) and the "Harlem Renaissance" is key to the mission of EsQuire Qlique. In doing so I believe it my duty to showcase what a gentleman is, as I see it. With that in mind I'm creating a series of post revolving around the idea of "what is romantic/what is sensual". Romance always carries with it an element of the sensual; and a gentleman is a romantic. They way in which he chooses to show it may differ but that romantic spirit is always there. It may manifest in the cooking of a spouses favorite meal, the rubbing of his or her feet, singing of her favorite love song during karaoke or something much more significant to you. Romance doesn't neccesaily mean flowers and candy and all that is cliche. It can mean an assortment of things. Romance is also alive in the sexy, the sensual and the raw action of "making love". With that in mind I wanted to post my favorite love scenes from movies, those with a strong sensual feel, I've seen, in no particular order. I also want you to comment, give suggestions on scenes and tell me why you have chosen the scenes you have chosen. I will then post them to the ongoing series that will be housed at the here at the EsQuire Qlique Gentleman's Guideblog. So be interactive and enjoy!

Out of Sight: Regardless of what you think of the movie, this scene is one of the most sensual, slow, sexy, romantic scene in recent memory.

Okay, So I just wanted the love scene from "love and basketball" but I couldn't find a good quality version, but this montage, with the track behind it invokes that sensual feel that I was looking for. The love scene in here is amazing.

Styles I'm Diggin...Volume 2

2009-03-12T22:36:00.000-07:00

Styles I'm Diggin...Volume1

2009-03-04T20:16:00.000-08:00

So I am sitting doing work, well I'm procrastinating really, looking at "The Great Wall of Sexy" on flickr, come on sexy V work, sexy wins out all the time, and it dawns on me that I want to big up styles that resonate with my, so I've decided to start a dual post series "Styles I'm Diggin". This series will be dual post between this blogspot and the EsQuire Qlique aka the Group blog, showcasing looks and styles that I...Dig. Here's the first in the series. Enjoy!

EsQuire Originals: Muhammed Ali

2009-02-18T10:12:00.000-08:00

Some people have personalities so large, are so important to the landscape of the culture that they become icons in their own times. Muhammed Ali, the former Casius Clay, is indeed one of these people. His story is so well known, his elegance and strength so familiar that he is the candidate for the first ever picture retrospective post. Instead of putting his story in words I'll let the pictures do the talking, because for this EsQuire Original, indeed I can.

EsQuire Originals: Nat King Cole

2009-01-31T23:03:00.000-08:00

In trying to keep with updating a more focused blog I wanted to make sure I've updated my postings on EsQuire Originals. Its been some time since I created the first one but I wanted to do the second and third one soon, so I started today. Today's EsQuire Original is Nat King Cole. While Nat King Cole is known to many as the father of Natalie Cole and the original singer of "Unforgettable" he was much more than that. He was a movement in a time when being a movement, especially a colored movement was not something that happened everyday, hell it still doesn't. Nat Cole is credited with building the capitol record label on his back. It is often referred to as the house that Nat built. He was the first black man to have variety show on television in 1956. Knowing the history of this country just imagine how much of a coup that was getting on national television in 1956. While the show didn't last long, in great part due to the racial overtones of the country, it marked a pioneering step for black entertainment and American entertainment (and society) as a whole. Songs like "straighten up and fly right", "Route 66" and the aforementioned "Unforgettable" are all part of the American musical fabric.

Nat Cole was more than an entertainer, he was a model of confidence, pride and style. He indeed embodied the term swagger, in an era when the term was coined, given significance and actually meant something, (something aside from the cliche catch phrase and deodorant that its now become). His grace, elegance and demeanor are all models and markers of style and substance. Where many point to Frank Sinatra has having swagger, class and elegance, which of course he did, Cole was just elegant and classy as any of his contemporaries. Cole serves as the model for how aspiring gentleman should carry themselves in public.

EsQuire Elegance: Eartha Kitt

2008-12-25T14:17:00.000-08:00

I just found out that Eartha Kitt past away and that saddens me a bit. I was creating this series of post as the first original post of the this Gentleman's blog. Just like life is balance and balance defines life so to is that reflected in the things that I and my EsQuire Qlique brethren aspire to. I've already created the EsQuire Originals series which is to give glimpses, examples and guidance as to how to be an original, unique individual while defining what it is to be a gentleman. I want to have a series that showcases what it means to be lady, a lady of distinction, an original,unique presence that would compliment and balance a gentleman. Hence EsQuire Elegance. EsQuire Elegance will be a series of post dedicated to those women who define elegance, style and grace, a fitting counterpart to EsQuire Originals. The design of these women should be the design that gentleman look for when selecting a lady to accompany them throughout the day or throughout life. Ladies like Josephine Baker, Rita Moreno and Ruby Dee will be showcased and honored. With that stated the first of these ladies of elegenance is no other than Eartha Kitt.

Many people just know Eartha Kitt as Catwomen from the Campy 60's series of Batman or as the cougar on the prowl in Eddie Murphy's Boomerang, but she was much more than that. She was a vixen with a voice in a time when women, especially black women in America were not allowed to be sexy and lady like all at once, without being constrained by the hypersexualized images of black women in a racialized world. She exuded sexuality and class all at the same time. Her grace and style were showcased in films but truly shined when it came to her singing and dancing. The coke bottle shape that she had is a design that everyone from JLo to Beyonce could appreciate and emmulate. Everything about her said women!

"EARTHA KITT is an international star who gives new meaning to the word versatile. She has distinguished herself in film, theater, cabaret, music and on television. Miss Kitt is one of only a handful of performers to be nominated for a Tony (three times), the Grammy (twice), and Emmy Award (twice). She regularly enthralls New York nightclub audiences during her extended stays at THE CAF√â CARLYLE and these intimate performances have been captured in her newest recording, Eartha Kitt, Live at The Carlyle."

Like many of her contemporaries, specifically Josephine Baker, she made her fame and legend in Europe initially, but she was able to bring that popularity with her to the states. She even used her position to speak out on social issues, namely the Vietnam War, which she was blacklisted for. Her legend is a bit diminished by the pop culture we live in, but her story is only a click away, so just click and read the rest. Eartha Kitt we will miss you.

EsQuire Qlique Originals: Satchel Paige

2008-12-25T12:35:00.000-08:00

EsQuire Originals is a new segment that showcase individuals throughout history that model and typify the Esquire Qlique ethic and way of life. These are men (and sometimes women) that carried themselves with dignity and confidence. They are individuals that had presence, walked with an aura, demonstrated swagger before the word and the movement became cliche. These are people who set trends and never followed them. They are also individuals that some of you may or may not know, but deserve to be spotlighted for the elegance, flair and originality in which they lived life. They are individuals in the truest sense of the word. Hopefully you can take something from them and the post that they thrive in. If its a musician add them to your playlist, if its an athlete familiarize yourself with their accomplishments, if its an actor watch their films or if its a leader learn their speeches. Basically understand the significance of their lives, not in a one dimensional sense but in the 360 degree framework that is the life of every man and women. In the spirit of Esquire Qlique member Dallas Black's Step Your Game Up, perhaps these individuals will point you in the right direction to step.

Without further ado, the first EsQuire Original is Satchel Page. I was going to start with Muhammad Ali, which is probably the best place to start, but I read a couple of quotes from the famed Negro League Pitcher and the only man to be a dominate pitcher in MLB baseball as a rookie of 40+ years old that stuck with me.

Ain't no man can avoid being born average, but there ain't no man got to be common.

Money and women. They're two of the strongest things in the world. The things you do for a woman you wouldn't do for anything else. Same with money.

Not to be cheered by praise, not to be grieved by blame, but to know thoroughly one's own virtues or powers are the characteristics of an excellent man.

My pitching philosophy is simple - keep the ball way from the bat.

http://www.satchelpaige.com/

Distinguished. Gentlemen. Always.

2008-12-23T01:14:00.000-08:00

The Birth of the EsQuire Qlique aka The Group

In the fall 2006 I was struck with an amazing and overpowering urge to define what it meant to be me and those in my circle. First, it must be made clear what I am referring to. When I reflect upon who I am, what I have become and what I am becoming, I am pleased and thankful that it’s someone of substance and character. I am a learned individual with ambition to not only help myself but to help and change the world. As I see it now my duty is to leave a deep social footprint while leaving a faint ecological one. I am an educated, upwardly mobile, ever growing, ever maturing man. An ever growing, ever maturing Black man. This distinction is important in that in a time when some many of our young men are reported to be heading down the wrong path, I am not, at least from these vantage points; and neither are the individuals that create my circle. They are all educated, professional, upwardly mobile, ambitious, socially conscious, family and friend oriented, loving young men. And they are all Black and continually defining what it is to be black in not only this country but this world. (While being Black, and/or minority is not mandatory to being EsQuire, it is this spirit of defiance, divinely guided, that permeates the energy and essence of all things EsQuire). While women make up a significant and important aspect of my circle I was thinking of only the men in my circle and what they represented when I was struck with the notion of making what we are, who we are and how we do things a brand, a trademark. The way in which we live our lives, the approaches and loving acceptance of one another inspired me to evaluate and create a circle name that would inspire and impress upon people certain ideas and images that go hand in hand with who and what we are, and the quality of life we haven chosen to lead. Make no mistake the women in my life have contributed to my life’s direction, focus, perspective and the over all sense of fulfillment that I have gotten out of life. SO by extension EsQuire is infused with the influence and sensibility of the female kind.

However, to digress, this is about the core, the circle, that was made up of five individuals and will grow into others. That being stated and in an effort to revitalize the push to establish EsQuire as an internationally understood life brand (the way in which we go about leading life) I have written what it means to be a Distinguished. Gentlemen. Always. And the code of conduct that characterizes our circle. Former EsQuire rules where merely for laughs as laughter is key to an EsQuire existence. The rebirth of EsQuire is my way of rededicating myself to the idea of the life brand, truly enjoying the journey and growth of all things EsQuire. So with that I present the essential EsQuire guiding principles, philosophies, missions, mottos and mantras.

The mission statement and 7 guiding principles can be found at my webpage. This post was already long enough.