Wednesday, December 31, 2008

The Official Livestyle Guide To Toasting: Toast Better. Toast Faster. Toast Master.


CHRIS LIVE AKA SHAKER SAYS: On this New Year's Eve 2009, I deem it important to briefly address what makes for a good toast. Now, I still drop liquor for the homies that aint make it, but, when indoors and surrounded by family and friends, it is not only a time honored tradition to perform, it also can add a touch of class to any occasion.

In my experience, confidence, brevity, a little bit of humor and candor - ya know, speaking from the heart - are what make for a most memorable toast. When all glasses and champagne flutes are raised, Y.O.U. can seize the moment and unify all party attendees or Y.O.U. can just waste their time. Basically, don't fuck this up. Done correctly, you'll be the toast of the town. Need an added incentive? Chicks dig it! LOL. How Y.O.U. like them apples?

Below are some classic toast quotes and an actual toasting "how-to" guide courtesy of Peter Paul "Paulie Walnuts" Gualtieri AKA Tony Sirico as published in "The Sopranos: Entertaining With The Sopranos". HAPPY NEW YEAR'S FROM LIVESTYLE! Cheers!




Toast Quotes:

New Year's Day is every man's birthday. ~ Charles Lamb

May you never forget what is worth remembering and never remember what is best forgotten ~ Unknown

Here's to your health! You make age curious, time furious, and the rest of us envious! ~ Unknown

May you live as long as you like, and have all you like as long as you live ~ Unknown

Success to the lover, honor to the brave, health to the sick, and freedom to the slave. ~ Unknown

Champagne for my real friends and real pain for my sham friends. ~ Tom Waits

Get Money ~ The Late, Great Notorious B.I.G.




"How to give a toast - by Peter Paul "Paulie Walnuts" Gualtieri
I am not a professional toastmaster, but I am usually the first person after the predesignated toasters to stand and speak my mind. Actually, I like to toast. I often prepare and rehearse the right words the night before. Then it comes out of my mouth spontaneously and sincerely. If you can't do that, at least do this:

1. Wait your turn. There's a specific order to these things that cannot be violated at a reception: best man first; then groom; then bride, if she wants; then father of the bride; then father of the groom; and so on. Unless you're one of those people, have another drink and be patient.

2. Quietly stand and ask for attention. No clinking of glasses, wolf whistles, or, "Hey, I'm talkin' here!" joke lines. Show a little class for once in your life.

3. Never say, "You know, I've never done this before," or, "Boy, am I nervous, I'm sweatin' like a pig." No one cares. Just get on with it.

4. Say something nice and personal. Avoid the standard crap like, "Here's to two wonderful people," or "I second what that guy just said." If you have nothing witty or heartwarming to add, don't stand up in the first place.

5. Here are a couple of ways people I know end a toast. "Salut'!" is always good. It means "to your health." Or, there's always "Cent'anni!" It means "a hundred years"- i.e., "May you live that long." If you want to strike a religious note, end with "E che Dio ti benedica," or "God bless you." Who can argue with that?

6. Finally, make it short, my friend. It's a toast, for chrissakes, not an address to Congress."

Tuesday, December 30, 2008

Max B @ Complex Magazine: "The Thug Ethicist".


Uno.


Dos.


CHRIS LIVE AKA SHAKER SAYS: In this most recent installment of Complex Magazine's popular "Thug Ethicist" Max B schools the youth in basic Biggavelli comprehensive G'd up reasoning and comparative analysis. Complex Magazine should seriously consider putting son on permanent payroll for this digital advice column. This aint Ann Landers yall ... lol. Good shit.

Behind The Scenes: Elke The Stallion Photoshoot.

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Diddy = A Self Promoter x A Gentleman.


LIVESTYLE EXCLUSIVE: Great advances in neuroscience and, specifically, brain wave imaging, have allowed Livestyle to capture this amazing picture from Diddy's shiny suit dream bank. Yeah, this photo is an exact rendition of what he wanted for Christmas and New Year's Eve 2009.

P. Diddy offers $15 cab fare for revelers

BY PETE DONOHUE AND BILL HUTCHINSON
Tuesday, December 30th 2008, 12:12 AM


Rap impresario and vodka pitchman Sean (Diddy) Combs wants New Yorkers to party on New Year's Eve, so he's offering to pay for the cab-fare to help tipsy revelers get home safe.

The hip-hop honcho and Ciroc premium vodka will announce Tuesday they are teaming up with the city Taxi & Limousine Commission to give away thousands of free cab rides to ring in 2009.

"New York is the world's most iconic New Year's Eve city, so let's lead by example and show everyone that a sophisticated holiday celebration doesn't just end when the ball drops, but when everyone gets home safely," Combs said.

Thousands of $15 debit cards that can be redeemed for single taxi rides will be handed out by Ciroc street teams in Times Square and in Chelsea beginning at 11 p.m. Wednesday night.

The cards will be doled out until 3 a.m. New Year's Day, or until the supply runs out.

Information Courtesy Of: NYdailynews.Com


CHRIS LIVE AKA SHAKER SAYS: This guy is a class act! Of course this is an enormous publicity stunt, however, I will refrain from using the adjective "shameless" to describe this offer because I really do think that this is the perfect hybrid of marketing and trying to make a difference. I will say this though, with his bid to pay 1 million dollars to turn the New Year's Eve Times Square Ball a festive shade of Ciroc blue (the video is below) having been respectfully declined (READ: ignored) by Mayor Bloomberg, the homie Diddy came back with this free cab ride voucher campaign immediately. Sean Combs made sure to get his heavy slice of the promo pie for New Year's Eve 2009. This man plays for keeps yall! Respect the hustle.


Diddy's Promotional Plea Video:

Barack Obama x Family AKA Barry O. x Co. "Road To The White House" 60 Minutes 12/28/08

Celebrate New Year's Eve @ The Gansevoort Hotel With LOLA NYC x Friends.


"Please join the us to celebrate New Years Eve 2009 at the Gansevoort Hotel on 18 9th Avenue. A top shelf open bar will be provided all night long. Music by LOLA's very own world famous DJ Vibe. Tickets are all most sold out but some still remain exclusively at http://newyears.com/lola. Please let us know if you have any questions and we hope to see you all there."

Tickets Available Online Here: Newyears.Com/LOLA


CHRIS LIVE AKA SHAKER SAYS: Due in no small part to my rich half Puerto Rican upbringing, I have NEVER been a person to party with strangers when the clock strikes 12 on New Year's Eve. Oh, @ 12:01 AM January 1st, all H-E-Double-Hockey-Sticks can (and often does) break loose, but, @ midnight, you've gotta be home homie. Unexcused absences from family gatherings are customarily frowned upon and are punishable by the silent treatment and, in extreme cases, a "cocotaso" ... lol. Don't cry for me Argentina, I have made peace with my family duties a loooooooooong time ago and have actually come to embrace and L.O.V.E. playing my crib or a family member's crib when the ball drops.

Be that as it may, I would never begrudge all of the party monsters out there the joy that is hitting the streets and/or clubs and kissing strangers in the middle of a freezing Time Square or, in the case of this of LOLA New Year's Eve 2009 Bash, atop the über sexy Gansevoort Hotel in Manhattan's Meat Packing District (NOTE: A really unfortunate name for a neighborhood, right? I knoooooooooooow). Snatch up your tickets ASAP my nig. If Y.O.U. plan to step out this New Year's Eve, Y.O.U. had better do it in style. Holla @ ya boy in BK!

Monday, December 29, 2008

"Yeah! Superman. Supa Star. Give Me Super Fat Dough Like Pablo Escobar"

CHRIS LIVE AKA SHAKER SAYS: Because genius continuously teeters on the edge of insanity, we, as observers, are often confounded by the choices that great artists make. As an artist myself, I fully understand and appreciate this fact.

In this case, the great artist is Hip Hop producer par excellence DJ Premier and the curious quiz that's fucked with his fans for a minute is why he would ever give so many amazing tracks to such painfully untalented rappers as Lil Dap and Malachi The Nutcracker (NOTE: I will give Malachi credit for the line "swim in big bucks like Scrooge McDuck" and for naming himself "The Nutcracker" years before the drink got poppin' in the hood) collectively known as Group Home.

On the real, these Group Home guys have arguably the highest concentration of Grade-A Primo beats ever assembled for 1 album on their 1995 debut "Livin' Proof". I always felt where Group Home was coming from, their whole movement was pure grimey Brooklyn @ it's best (I mean, look @ this video), but everybody knows that DJ Premier made this album. So, yeah, "Supa Star" is a classic joint. I wonder why though? LOL. Holla @ ya boy in BK!

New Scene From The Biggie Biopic "Notorious": Lil Kim x Faith Evans Staring Match = The Birth Of A Beef.




BONUS:
CHRIS LIVE AKA SHAKER SAYS:  Seriously, what kind of friend would I really be if I did not post "Big Momma Thing" (NOTE: The original version of this song did not feature Jay-Z, had a few choice bars directed @ the late, great Tupac Shakur and had an entirely different hook which was an interpolation of the classic Eurhytmics song "Sweet Dreams (Are Made Of This)", but that's another history lesson all together ... lol), the song that Lil Kim is depicted recording in this clip from the movie "Notorious".

On another note, ex 3LW employee Naturi Naughton certainly seems to have Lil Kim's signature "Wha? Wha?" down pat. I had my doubts about shorty being that she looks nothing like Lil Kim circa 1996, but, she might just actually have the acting chops to pull this role off. Nice.

Y.O.U. Need To 2-Step Your Way On Over To The Southside Of Chicago x Catch The Last Day Of The Leaders 1354 Sale.


"Us moving will actually be even more beneficial to you because we’re selling whatever is left for 80% off Tuesday, December 30th. Come and get it while you can. BBC shoes $50, Coats, $75 bucks, jackets $30 bucks, jeans $10-$75….and much more."

Information Courtesy Of: Leaders1354.Com


CHRIS LIVE AKA SHAKER SAYS: In an ongoing effort to expand the Livestyle brand and, simultaneously, press reset on Hip Hop's waning cultural standards, it is imperative that leaders such as myself support other leaders, like Leaders 1354. Because I keep a highly esteemed, distinguished and diverse circle of loved ones as well, I also have absolutely no problem practicing promotional nepotism ... lol. Yeah, I've gotta show L.O.V.E. to my peoples yall ... it's only right.

With that said, shout out to 1 of my favorite She-E.O.'s Aisha, the head brand rep over @ Leaders 1354 in Chi-Town. If Y.O.U. are in Chicago tomorrow and you've got some cash money on hand, feel free to take full advantage of this liquidation sale and tell them that Livestyle sent ya. Holla @ ya boy in BK!

Behind The Scenes: Gloria Maria Photoshoot @ Dynasty TV.

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NEW MUSIC: DJ Khaled Ft. Jay-Z & Kanye West - Go Hard Remix (Dirty)(NO DJ)



Streaming Audio/Download Link: DJ Khaled Ft. Jay-Z & Kanye West - Go Hard Remix (Dirty)(NO DJ)

A New Standard: The Journal Standard Hooded Duffle Varsity Jacket.


"The varsity jacket is definitely one of our favorite pieces in the wardrobe and especially in recent months we have seen some great alterations of the classic, especially out of Japan. Here is another one, coming from Journal Standard.

Their new hooded varsity jacket comes with a premium wool body, leather sleeves and further leather accents on the pockets. The added hood is not only functional, but also looks really good and they even added some characteristics of the classic duffle coat. Works for us!

The Journal Standard Hooded Varsity Jacket is now available at Hymns."

Information Courtesy Of: Vagant.Com

Available Online Here: Hymns.Jp


CHRIS LIVE AKA SHAKER SAYS: Apparently, judging from my 1st 2 entries today, this last Monday of 2008 is all about creative collaborations and the reconstruction of classic standards. Hey, that's cool with me ... innovation is right up the Livestyle alley. In any event, much like a mouth wateringly delicious chicken and broccoli combination plate from Brooklyn's very own hood famous Kum Kau Chinese Restaurant, the Journal Standard Hooded Varsity Jacket is a must have combo.

To my loyal Livestyle readers, my affinty for varsity jackets is nothing new, however, I have yet to really address my L.O.V.E. for the classic duffle/toggle/Paddington Bear coat. I have been wearing both styles of coats before Complex Magazine or whatever trendoid manual Y.O.U. fancy told Y.O.U. that these outerwear choices were the way to go.

Now, thanks to the minds behind the designs (NOTE: Ohhhhhhhh, that should be the title of an ongoing feature @ Livestyle. Please make a note of it ... lol.) Journal Standard, I no longer have to choose between 2 of my favorite looks. I mean, the supple leather arms and pocket accents, the simple toggle @ the top and the good hoody (can't forget the hoody) make this some true fly nigga hardcore shit (shout out to the homie Ameer) for the corner store couture crowd. Yeah, I fuxs with this.

UNDFTD x Puma Suede Mid II Collabos = Don't Step On My Blue Suede Shoes Sucker!


"Undefeated has worked with just about all the big names in sneakers and can now add Puma to their long list of collaborative sneakers. The team-up will yield the Undefeated x Puma Suede Mid II. The Suede Mid II is fashioned with blue nubuck on the upper and the Undefeated five strikes logo in gold pins. Other Undefeated details include “UNDEFEATED” written in gold under PUMA on the side and the Undefeated logo on the keychain. Aside from this model, other colors will include red, black and white. Releasing soon at Undefeated."

Information Courtesy Of: Sneakerfiles.Com


CHRIS LIVE AKA SHAKER SAYS: On the heels of the chunky gold link laced über cool Upper Echelon kicks featured here a minute back, comes these similar looking, but still highly original Undefeated (UNDFTD) x Puma Suede Mid II humdingers ... lol. Over the last few years, UNDFTD has successfully established itself as not only the most awesome sneaker boutique in the known universe, but as also a true brand par excellence unlike many of their flash-in-the-pan "look @ me, I just made a t-shirt" streetwear contemporaries. Combine UNDFTD's new school street chic aesthetic with PUMA's legendary retro sole and - voilà - Y.O.U. get these bad boys for your left and rights. Good shit.

Sunday, December 28, 2008

McDonald's McNuggets Lovin' = Fat Ass Baby Maker Music.

A great song + the gorgeous, yet not-nearly-as-popular-as-she-shoud-be-given-her-looks-and-her-immense-talent Daphne Duplaix = my current favorite commercial (or, @ least, a contender for that spot ... lol). C'mon, "Oh girl I know your secret (You dippin' on me?)/Got that McNuggets lovin'/It just ain't fair why can't you share your love with me" are the type of poignant lyrical compositions seldom heard in today's crop of Top 40 R&B crappola ... lol. Y.O.U. will L.O.V.E. this song homie ... trust me. Holla @ ya boy in BK!


The Brunch Bunch Pt. 15 *Year End Special*




























Reverend T.D. Jakes Approved.

Saturday, December 27, 2008

Behind The Scenes: Dania Ramirez Photoshoot @ Maxim Magazine.

 
Get your urban news at DimeWars.Com

   

The North Face Purple Label x Loden Steiner Puffa Jacket Is A Good Example Of Why Y.O.U. Can't Be Mad @ Plaid This Winter.


"A nice tasty treat from the great The North Face Purple Label Collection - that super high end line available in Japan from The North Face.

As HS [High Snobiety] puts it, “They worked with Loden Steiner, an Austrian fabric mill, known for their high end fabrics, and produced a very nice puffa jacket. Founded in 1888, Loden Steiner still produces today their wool pretty much the same way they used to do it back then. A nice sourcing job by The North Face and the outcome is also a very solid jacket.” We’re loving the subtle check pattern on this one. Get it now via your favorite proxy service from Reinforce."

Information Courtesy Of: Selectism.Com

Available Online Here: Star-J.Net/Blog


CHRIS LIVE AKA SHAKER SAYS: Well, Maino and his gang rep the "Black Flag" and now, with this The North Face Purple Label Collection x Loden Steiner collabo, Y.O.U. can rep the grey and black plaid. The good people @ The North Face obviously did their homework and selected the highly respected Loden Steiner company and their pattern of perfection to add some distinguished old world elegance to this new school parka. Now, there aint nothing like a 1990's era Steep Tech, but this "puffa" jackets is still 1 b.a.d. mutha ... lol. Nice.

Friday, December 26, 2008

NEW MUSIC: Fabolous - Brooklyn We Go Hard (Freestyle)(Dirty)(NO DJ)



Streaming Audio/Download Link: Fabolous - Brooklyn We Go Hard(Freestyle)(Dirty)(NO DJ)


CHRIS LIVE AKA SHAKER SAYS: Son, this nigga Fabolous just mentioned sooooooooo many Brooklyn real nigga monuments in this song that he single handedly started a marathon of memories in my mind ... lol.

Sorry Jay-Z, while I completely L.O.V.E. the original version of this song, this is how I like to hear my ode's to Brooklyn - chocked full of nostalgia like The Biltmore Ballroom and Kenmore Movie Theater (NOTE: Both The Biltmore Ballroom and Kenmore Movie Theater where located on Church Avenue and both have been closed for years. Kenmore Movie Theater is also the place where I saw Spike Lee's "Do The Right Thing", kicked it to girls on the way to-and-from the bathroom on the mezzanine and where my big homie Clyde got clapped for his "Circle Ski" Lo goose back in like 1989.) and the late, great Albee Square Mall on Fulton Street. Yeah, I L.O.V.E. my borough, which just so happens to be the most thorough. Fabolous was obviously there yall. Y.O.U. already know.


BONUS:

Nice picture with the young Fabolous AKA Sport-Lo cameo on the right, huh? Oh yeah, my Brooklyn history is deep my nigga. Don't play with me. Trappers, rappers and now bloggers cannot touch the kid. Holla @ ya boy in BK!

"I'm Barack Obama And I Approve This Christmas Message".

Yes, on a break from surfing and doing all kinds of awesome things with his awesome family in Hawaii for Christmas, President Elect (I like saying that) Barack Obama took the time to wish us all a very Merry Christmas. Thank Y.O.U. Barry O. Now, go catch some tubular waves and hang-10 homie!

Yeah, The New Maserati Quattroporte Sport GT S Is Not Havin' It In The Oh-9.


"Maserati Quattroporte Sport GT S pricing starts at $138,400
Posted Tue Dec 23 2008 2:20 AM by Viknesh Vijayenthiran


Late last year we saw Maserati introduce a new performance ‘S’ variant of its already sporty Quattroporte GT, and now the Italian carmaker has released the first details of a similar model based on the recently revealed 2009 Quattroporte facelift. The new car is the Maserati Quattroporte Sport GT S, and it is set to make its world debut next month at the Detroit Auto Show.

While the facelifted Quattroporte and Quattroporte S make do with a 400hp (298kW) 4.2L V8 and a 430hp (320kW) 4.7L V8 respectively, the new Sport GT S produces 440hp (328kW). The small power bump is courtesy of a high-flow exhaust system, which comes with an adjustable valve to keep the engine muffled around town and let loose once in the open country.

Along with the engine upgrade is a lowered suspension set-up, stiffer springs, and new shock absorbers. The Quattroporte’s ZF six-speed automatic transmission remains, however, in the Sport GT S the paddle-shift operated ‘box receives new management software that allows for quicker gearshifts.

Inside, the car’s usual wood panels are replaced with carbon-fiber pieces, while the seats are covered in a mix of leather and Alcantara. The exterior, meanwhile, only receives subtle updates such as blacked-out headlight surrounds and a darkened grille.

The first vehicles are expected to arrive in U.S. showrooms shortly after the Detroit debut, and according to Edmunds pricing will start at $138,400 - including a $2,600 gas-guzzler tax and a $1,800 destination charge. This is only $1,000 less than the stunning GranTurismo S, which made its debut earlier this year."

Information Courtesy Of: Motorauthority.Com


CHRIS LIVE AKA SHAKER SAYS: Dating back to the 1960s when the Aga Khan ordered a stately but sporty Maserati sedan, which became the prototype for the vehicle, the Quattroporte has been 1 of the premiere sports cars in the world. For 2009, the automobile artisans @ Maserati have taken their Triton emblazoned wheels to the next level with the Quattroporte GT S (the performance version of the über popular Quattroporte S type) which will receive it's official unveiling @ the upcoming Detroit Auto Show in SIDENOTE: Woooooooooooooow! It's about to be International Auto Show season again? Like, already? This is ridiculous ... lol.

Featuring a souped up 440hp V8 engine and a sleeker silhoutte, Maserati's newest Quattroporte competitor is going directly @ the head of the Porsche Panamera and the Lamborghini Estoque respectively. I mean, Y.O.U. see that they took this promo shot on the Brooklyn side of the Brooklyn Bridge, right? Yeah, this big boy toy is ready to fight!

Thursday, December 25, 2008

Diddy Blog #37 - Diddy Claus.

Joy To The World!


CHRIS LIVE AKA SHAKER SAYS: I sincerely hope and pray that Y.O.U. and your loved ones had a blessed and a joyous holiday. I don't know about yall, but Santa laced me ... lol. Merry Christmas! GOD Bless.


BONUS:

F.Y.I.: Speaking of Christmas, "A Christmas Story" is the best Christmas movie ever! Bar none. Only a "fra-gee-lay" sucker would say otherwise ... lol. Y.O.U. already know or, @ least, Y.O.U. should know. Thank Y.O.U. TBS for giving me a 24 hour fix of 1 of my all time favorite flicks, Y.O.U. truly are a "Superstation".


Wednesday, December 24, 2008

Wham VS. Run DMC - O.G. Style Christmas Classics Soundclash!


Wham - Last Christmas.


Run DMC - Christmas Time In Hollis Queens.


CHRIS LIVE AKA SHAKER SAYS: For the record, both of these songs and, for that matter, both of these groups are AMAZING! Good music knows no boundaries yall. This is Livestyle. Merry Christmas!

Rankin & Bass Presents: Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer (O.G. Style Christmas L.O.V.E.)


Uno.
Dos.
Tres.
Quatro.
Cinco.

CHRIS LIVE AKA SHAKER SAYS: In the spirit of the Christmas season, I will not penalize Y.O.U. if the headline of this post did not instantly grab your attention and run a wide-eyed childlike smile straight across your adult face. If the title of this entry failed to send your criminally neglected inner child into a terrific frenzy (NOTE: I could and I probably should report Y.O.U. to BCW/CPS for inner child endangerment, but, alas, Y.O.U. get a pass ... lol) then I guarantee that the dope ass vintage videos will do the trick. Y.O.U. may not remember the names Rankin & Bass, but Y.O.U. most certainly know their work.

Founded by Arthur Rankin, Jr. and Jules Bass in the early 1960s as Videocraft International, Rankin/Bass Productions Inc. revolutionized stop-motion production art (AniMagic) and gave us such Christmas cartoon classics as Frosty the Snowman, The Little Drummer Boy and everybody's favorite Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. Ohhhhhhhhhhh, it's all coming back to Y.O.U. now, huh? Yeah, sometimes we've gotta jump start the nostalgia around here ... lol. Good shit.

Nike Zoom iD Commercial Starring Kobe Bryant, Mike Epps x DJ AM


Nike Zoom Kobe IV iD - Mike Epps + DJ AM from Freshnessmag.com on Vimeo.

Yes, Y.O.U. might really want to look into getting some "ankle insurance" my friend ... lol.

Diddy Blog #36: "Stop Just Saying 'Happy Holidays' And Say, 'Merry Christmas'! It's Not Gonna Hurt You"


"Let it go". Diddy once again dispenses some sage advice to all ... real talk.

Bodega x Saucony Collabo Kicks = A Nice Reminder That There's More To Sneaker Collecting Than Just Nike.


"Head on over to Bodega’s newly launched site to check out two colorways of the recent collaboration with Saucony. Although the white colorway is sold out, they still got a decent size run of the other two colorways. You can pick them up for $125 each"

Information Courtesy Of: Dailydrop.Com

Available Online Here: Bdgastore.Com


CHRIS LIVE AKA SHAKER SAYS: People occasionally confuse my palpable disdain for retro-sexuals as grumpy gutter "hate", but, anybody who knows me knows that A) Chris Live AKA Shaker was born, by mandate of GOD, without the petty "hate" gene as a component of my DNA structure and that B) I L.O.V.E. history. Now, because I am physically unable to "hate", my contempt for these day-glo douche bags is directly attributable to the fact that they lazily cherry pick only the most obvious surface representations of vintage Hip Hop and don't have the integrity or the intellectual fortitude to delve deeper into our rich collective history and culture.

Case In Point: Yes, Adidas, Puma and the heavyweight champion of sneakers Nike are the best of the breed when it comes to kicks, but there were a few other brands out there that made some models that caught the eye of the flyest kids. Saucony was 1 of those brands. Sure, some of their lesser models made it to the bargain bin @ V.I.M. (once, "The Greatest Jeans and Sneaker Store In America") alongside perennial losers like Etonic and Voit, but Saucony dropped some dandies as well. With that said, these Bodega x Saucony collabos are right up my exclusive alley. I have never wanted to look like a corny carbon copy of anybody else and that's what Livestyle is all about.

While we're on the subject, I need to see alot more appreciation for K-Swiss kicks and cream Filas. Yeah, super shout out to blog follower/style leader Alex Aleika ... he definitely knows what time it is! Good shit.

Tuesday, December 23, 2008

Mileena Hayes Apple Bottoms© Bikini Photoshoot.

The Designer Christmas Sale Of The 21st Century Is On Now @ Century 21.



CHRIS LIVE AKA SHAKER SAYS: If Y.O.U. grew up in New York City and consider yourself an official clotheshorse, Y.O.U. are no doubt fully familiar with this store.

Yes, you've probably banged a few credit cards here and, more than likely, this is where Y.O.U. purchased you very 1st Versace/Moschino/Iceberg article of clothing @ a steep discount price back when Jay-Z wore tuxedos and Gianfranco Ferre shirts and the late, great Biggie Smalls made the Bill Cosby Coogi sweater the baller's knit of choice.

Times have changed, but Century 21 is still good on the deals and, if Y.O.U. are so inclined, the steals as well ... lol. Find the location nearest Y.O.U. and go to work homie!

Beyonce - Diva

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"My Pockets Stay Fat And (And) They Always Like That, Not Only In My Pocket But In My Bank There's Stacks And Stacks"

Showbiz & A.G. - Fat Pockets
Some Bronx, New York gangsta shit courtesy of Showbiz & A.G. circa 1992. This classic shit is what I do homie. You're welcome. You're all welcome!

Behind The Scenes: Maria Maria Photoshoot @ King Magazine.

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Dude, Where's My Bailout?



T.A.R.P. Application .PDF File Download Link Here: The Official Bailout Billions Raffle Ticket


CHRIS LIVE AKA SHAKER SAYS: Last night, whilst procuring my necessary daily political fix, the brilliant Rachel Maddow over @ MSNBC (more or less the best political channel for your money when they are not running agonizingly long "Lockup" marathons because their breadth of programming has failed to adequately yet match their popularity ... lol) put me on to this troubling information. Yes, the .PDF file that I have provided a link to above is the very same application that banks across the country had to file in order to qualify for a piece of the billion dollar pie that the American tax payers baked and that Wall Street execs threaten to skip out on.

Dude, have Y.O.U. ever had to fill out a loan application? Fuck that, how about a cellular phone contract? Well, both of those agreements demand more of their candidates than this bailout bonanza bullcrap right here. Seriously, Y.O.U., just have to read this 2 page(!) application to believe it. We should have all filled these out my nig ... lol. Wooooooooooooooooow! Holla @ ya boy in BK!

Helloooooo Ladies: Louis Vuitton 2009 Stephen Sprouse Collection x Welovesprouse.Com Launch.











"TBA tried to stay up late after midnight early Thursday morning with the hopes of seeing the highly anticipated welovesprouse.com wesbite. Between cups of coffee and the occasional cigarette, the anticipation went away temporarily…that was until moments ago - when jaws dropped at such a colorful collection, right then and there recession-bypassing notions came into play. In commemoration of the late NYC artist and designer Stephen Sprouse, Louis Vuitton has launched a massive campaign and site paying homage to an artist that pretty much changed the world of art and fashion. Thanks to the Deitch Projects, LV, & Rizzoli we can all peel back our eyelids and indulge in interesting interviews given by Marc Jacobs, Debbie Harry, Patricia Field along with a list of industry’s elite where can learn all about the man who dominated New York City fashion."

Information Courtesy Of: Trashbagaesthetics.Com

Visit Welovesprouse.Com Online Here: welovesprouse.com


CHRIS LIVE AKA SHAKER SAYS: While I am totally and completely against the current tasteless fashion freak-show of obscenely tight and bright trendoid uniforms that have landed here from the Planet F.A.G., this revival of 1 of Louis Vuitton's most recent and popular collections is certainly an exception to that rule. Why? Well, Y.O.U. might think that it is simply because it is a limited edition Louis Vuitton collection and, as such, should be seen as instantly valuable and is to be gushed over. Y.O.U. would, however, be quite wrong. Alas, have I taught Y.O.U. nothing? Since it's inception, Livestyle has endeavored to bring the best to Y.O.U. across a myriad of interests and, more significantly, seeks to refine your senses and engender a greater appreciation of quality and history with regard to whatever-the-fuck so catches my impeccable eye. With that said, the 2009 Louis Vuitton Stephen Sprouse collection is the perfect homage to the late, great American artist and his signature futuristic style.

As is the case with many art world masters, Stephen Sprouse's prolific collections where only matched by the inconsistency of his business ventures. Hey, sometimes it be like that. Inspired by Andy Warhol, Sprouse mixed 1960's silhouettes with daring splashes of neon colors and graffiti (even collaborating with NYC/art world graffiti enthusiast Keith Haring) producing collections off-and-on for well over a decade.

Sometimes the world has to catch up to Y.O.U. in order to truly appreciate your creations. When he was alive, Stephen Sprouse experienced mixed success and reviews, but, today, his most iconic pieces go for heavy fetti in thrift shops and, of course, on the world's thrift shop, eBay. Anyway, Louis Vuitton has spared no expense in honoring this man with both the collection and the awesome website dedicated to him and his work. Oh yeah, this is also a nice accompaniment to the book on the career of Stephen Sprouse that is scheduled to be released on January 8, 2009.

Now, obviously, these bold looks are not meant to be thrown together for 1 ridiculously loud outfit. Y.O.U. do understand that these pieces are meant to accent your ensemble and bring some great color to an otherwise classy outfit, right? Right. I mean, Y.O.U. have to know that or else Y.O.U. wouldn't be here with me ... lol. What's good ma? This is Livestyle.