Feature Friday: James W. Brashears III

He sets the precedence in the A for one and for many: fashion, philanthropy, events and most importantly- change. While he is known for his dapper and dashing style, James W. Brashears III endorses only one epigram, "stop judging a book by its cover." 

Being the businessman that he is, Brashears combined his love for fashion and philanthropy and produced a life changing nonprofit: Corporate Code. Designed to help displaced men reenter the workforce by providing them with interview-appropriate attire and career counseling, Brashears has proved when innovation and obligation tango, something great is born.

Looking dapper as always

Me: Where are you from and how would you describe your fashion style growing up?  

James: I am a true Northerner. My style growing up can be described as undefined.  I have always had a thing for comfort and still today find myself enjoying in a graphic tee and sweat pants when I can. But, I understand the importance of dressing it up when needed.

Me: What is your go-to item of clothing that you know works best for you?  

James: Eyewear/Glasses. I am all about a good pair of frames. 

Me: One word to describe your current fashion style. 

James: Individualized! I do what makes me comfortable and like to push the envelope when the mood hits me.

Fab

 

Me: Favorite place to shop- National Store- Local Store-  

James: Let’s see… Cole Haan, Miller Brothers, Original Penguin, Ermenegildo Zegna and Zara… in no particular order!  I am also a huge fan of Thrift-ing. 
 

Me: What advice would you give to Atlanta men who are trying to dress fashionable? 

James:Don’t try too hard. If needed follow trends, seek professional guidance… but it’s not meant to be difficult and doesn’t require a great deal of money. Style is individualized, be you, make sure it fits and rock it with confidence!

Me: If you have a stylist who is it and why did you select him/her to be your stylist?  

James: No Stylist, I’m soo not that guy!

Me: What are your thoughts on the current fashion scene in Atlanta? How do you think it could get better?  

James: The current fashion scene in Atlanta is growing (SLOWLY). I feel that with the right energy and collective efforts we can shape the city’s fashion movement to come sought after by many. Rome wasn’t built overnight…. LOL

Me: One thing you would never be caught dead in.  

James: Something that doesn’t fit!

Me: What is your typical morning routine to get ready for the day? How long does it take you to get ready?   

James: My day starts with the normal routine grooming rituals but also includes my morning dose of DR PEPPER… Yes I said Dr. Pepper!!! (don’t judge me, it’s my coffee).  I have never been one to spent long amounts of time getting ready, I would say my normal routine takes me all of 30 minutes from start to finish.

Me: If you could bring back one trend from your childhood what would it be and why?  

James: Not sure most of the hottest trends from those years have recycled themselves.

Me: Hottest trend right now?  

James: Colors.

Me:  Favorite fashion event in Atlanta.  

James: I am partial to the movement and would have to say Fashion & Philanthropy is my favorite fashion event of the south.

Who doesn't love Goose?

Me: Favorite person to follow on twitter.  

James: I have a Twitter List called “People I Respect” it includes a number of individuals I have connected with and am genuinely concerned with being updated on their lives.  I will not name names but you know who you are!

Me: Favorite fashion magazine.  

James: GQ Magazine all the way. Even have the APP on my IPAD! (Staying Informed!!!)

Me: Anything else you would like to add about yourself, your fashion, your thoughts, etc.  

James: I am just a regular guy on a mission of change. I utilize this platform created to push the mission of helping men who are less fortunate feel better and look better… #theCODE

Me: Fav quote.  

James: "Never judge a book by its cover." 

The Man, the Myth, The Legend.

Friday-finally! I have some great news to announce and it is thanks to you all who read! Sole of the South has over 4,000 hits since it was conceived in May- and is being read in over 12 countries. THANK YOU for reaching out and pushing it out, dolls! We can only go up from here!

Sole of the South- International

So anyway...who knows where we will wind up rendezvousing this weekend. The only thing for certain is there will be some (vodka) and water(s) involved- which I think is more than well deserved for us all. Cheers, Dolls. x0x0-JFK.

Thursday's Thesaurus: your weekend event guide

Events...who doesn't love them? Complimentary tastes-and-treats (usually), local celebs and always a chance to make a new connect. This weekend's stellar list consist of: 

The Next Boxster hosted by Jim Ellis Porsche

What: Jim Ellis Porsche celebrates the 2012 Boxster at a private cocktail event at PDK Epps Hangar #....

When: Thursday, June 28th 7-9 PM

Where: Hangar number.......

Tickets: RSVP......

Strategy Magazine Cover Party

When: Thursday, June 28th

Where: The Fairfield House, 815 Fairfield Road, Atlanta

What: Ella Vive Boutique kicks off the summer heat wave with an all-too sexy interactive fashion show, promising contagious glitz. enjoy caribbean cocktails, as well as a fine selection of Hors d'oeuvres and sweet sumer delights

Hosted by: Brittany Padgett and Doug Duncan

Time: 7-10:30 PM

Attire: Cocktail

Tickets: RSVP...

The tail end of CWPR Restaurant Week

Sponsored by 99X at 98.9FM, this inaugural event features seven days of lunch and dinner deals ranging from $15-$35. And with VIP entry and bottle service specials at one of the city’s hottest nightclubs (if your in to that kind of thing), this foodie felicity offers just enough assortment to satisfy all. With a three-course prix fixed menu offering specials at 15 establishments throughout the city- this is the gastronome's gusto. 

Restaurants include:

The Albert – Inman Park – (Lunch Only)

Café Circa – O4W – (Dinner)

Cucina Asellina – Midtown – (Lunch & Dinner)

Cypress Street Pint and Plate – Midtown – (Lunch & Dinner)

D.B.A. Barbecue – Virginia-Highland – (Lunch & Dinner)

Diesel Filling Station – Virginia Highland – (Lunch & Dinner)

Genki Noodles and Sushi – Buckhead, Virginia Highland, The Prado in Sandy Springs – (Dinner)

Park Tavern – Midtown – (Dinner)

P’cheen International Bistro & Pub – O4W – (Dinner)

The Real Chow Baby Ponce – Poncey-Highland – (Lunch & Dinner)

Sun in my Belly – Kirkwood – (Lunch & Dinner)

STK – Midtown – (Dinner)

*Tongue and Groove – Buckhead

-For menus and pricing click here

DRINK, DINE & WASH Neighbor Party at AUTO SPA BISTRO Hosted by CALIBER Enterprises

When: Friday, June 29th

TIme: 5:30 PM- 8:30 PM

Where: 348 14th Street Atlanta GA 30318

What: Buy dinner and receive next at half price.
Phone number: 678-974-8187

On the web: http://www.autospabistro.com/

Fashion STATEment 2012

When: Saturday, June 30th

Time: 6:30-8:30 PM

Where: KAI LIN Art- 3096 Roswell Road NE

What: 

Banana Republic will host an all exclusive fashion show, brought to you in part by ProFashional Alliance, featuring the new Trina Turk collection, while recognizing our military personnel and industry hero's; for the benefit of P.U.P.I.L. (People Uplifting People In Life) & The Arts 4 Life Campaign! With custom designs Designs by opening designer, Rob Bennett, Fashion STATEment 2012 is the "must attend" event of the year!
Fashion STATEment 2012 -
Honorees for the ProFashional Award of Excellence:
1. Beloved Author & Celebrity Stylist - Tracy Sipp
2. Style Expert & Lifestyle Mentor - Stan Mukoro
3. Noted Celebrity Fashion Photographer - Derek Blanks
4. Celebrity Hairstylist - Derek Jae
5. Owner of Fashionado.net - Vincent Martinez
6. CBS, 11Alive and Atlanta & Company Producer - Evelyn D. Mims
7. Owner of Kai Lin Art - Yu-Kai Lin
8. Proprietor at CALIBER Enterprises - Marcus Jackson
9. Super Model, Actress and Director of the Bailey Agency - Cynthia Bailey
10. Founder and President of BMH & Company - Brady Henderson

On the web: http://www.PFAlliance.com/

Ticket info: 

1st Class - $98.00V.I.P. - 75.00
General Admission - $50.00

The Afterparty for Fashion STATEMENT 2012

At Havana Club, 3112 Piedmont Road

OMG dolls, two days and counting until that clock hits 5 PM. We all know what goes down (and 

possibly up) then. Cheers, I need a drink. x0x0-JFK

If you would like to be included in upcoming Thursday's Thesaurus: your weekend event guide- please email your requests to soleofthesouth@gmail.com or tweet @soleofthesouth

Local Lapidary Lisa George

I've said it once (or twice) and I'll say it again...who doesn't love exclusivity? The sensation of knowing the necklace, bracelet or earrings you've garnished your Friday night best with-may be often imitated-but it will never be duplicated.

And while it is constructed locally, it's sold at some of my favorite shopping sanctuaries- like Sandpiper, Raw Denim and Beth Ann Boutique.

The ace behind these animate, arrestive accessories, you ask? Lisa George (check her site here).  And although she is a Kansas City native, Lisa has taken the art of (custom) accents by storm. Designing over 250 exclusive designs for ladies around the country- Atlantans are proud to call Lisa our local lapidary (look it up if you don't know how to define it).

Lisa looking fab.

While the prices in her self-named collection range from $25 to $550, Lisa hopes to reach a customer who appreciates distinctive designs.

Obsessed.

Since she is motivated by personalities, Lisa has dubbed herself a designer, "For the people." And who doesn't love that?

Celeb status. I must invest.

Steming from her conceptions are Kim Junod, Mariana Gutierrez and Tribble Reese.  This trio, along with Lisa, are the up-and-coming tycoons of the embellishment business- so indulge immediately.

I'm dead- how cute?!

Big day at work, my loves. Hoping to close on a major partner for our summer soirées. Maybe if your lucky you will be invited to one of our exclusive events. 

Two days until the weekend rendezvous? We're so ready.

Don't forget to check tomorrow's blog aka "Thursday Thesaurus" for your ATL event guide hook up. (Also make sure and follow on twitter @soleofthesouth) Happy hump day, Dolls- celebrate in style as I know you all will....Cheers. x0x0 -JFK.  

Try a Trend Tuesday: Ab Fab

There def is a difference in dressing stylish and dressing slurish-for lack of a better word. Ab Fab is back like that 1967 candy-red SL 500 drop top. And like cruising around in a timeless whip, try this trend and don't plan to blend in.

This trio of tips for "Try a Trend Tuesday" can take you from trash to class in 1.5 seconds- almost as fast as the new whip I'm wishing for (but that's a whole different post).

1) Less is more.
Let's remember ladies (and to you fab gents who couture chichi) this is not a sports bra you are wearing out-it's a crop.top. If you’re feeling confident (which you ALWAYS should be) and are ready to plunge into the world of crop tops, opt for a shirt that hits right above your belly button.

OFF trend. (But cute skirt-obvi.)

ON trend. (And cute skirt-obvi.)

2. What's the sitch?
So obvi if you are attending work, a work social or an evening at my fav- The St. Regis- you are not going to strut in like you are Kelly Kapowski from Saved by the Bell. While this trend is meant to be worn, it is not meant to be forlorn.

KILLER.

3. Pair it to par
Par-scoring in golf-obvi. While marrying a pro-PGAer is every girls dream (and if its not-it should be) pairing is key to superseding this ab fab swing.
What is acceptable:
-high wasted skirts
-high wasted jeans/bottoms
-high wasted shorts
-pairing with a blazer
What is NOT acceptable
-low cut demins
-cut off jorts
-slurey skirts
-anything Abercombie
-anything Hollister 

All hot.

NOT.

Obvi the key component to this is your hot bod. I hope everyone is hitting the pavement and gym as hard as I am. It's summer and there is nothing more sizzling than a sexy stature. Cheers to 500 cals or less, Dolls. x0x0-JFK.

Teaser of some Tibi shorts I may try to trend in the upcoming days....

Author Emily Giffin chats local living, liabations and life.

She has the adhesive power to seduce. So much so that her bestseller-turned-Box Office hit, Something Borrowed, raked in almost $40 million domestically. 

And on July 24, she plans do it all again with the release of her sixth novel Where We Belong. The Chicago native and now Atlanta resident Emily Giffin sits down with the Sole of the South to talk life, libations and local living. 

Although I won't indulge you in all the dirt just yet (check JEZEBEL and The Atlantan July issues for in-depth interviews) staying schtum was just too testing. 

Some of the highlights from our interview sesh I just have to dish: 

Me: What is your favorite restaurant in Atlanta?

Giffin: For special occasions, Aria. For a casual night out, I like dining on the back porch at Ten Degrees South. And it’s hard to beat Three Dollar Café during college hoops season.  

Me: Favorite place to shop?

Giffin: I love Jeffrey and always work with Kiea and Vincent. For more casual clothes, I shop at J.Crew and Vince.

Me: Favorite hotel?

Giffin: My two favorite domestic hotels are the Peninsula in Chicago and the Beverly Wilshire in LA. Internationally, I love Claridge’s in London.

Me: Favorite place for a happy hour---what is your drink of choice?

Giffin: The Mexicali Mule at Local Three.

Me: If you were going to take a drive around Atlanta, what road would

you chose?

Giffin: Anything but a highway. I haven’t driven on a highway in over fifteen years. 

Me: Which book is your favorite that you have written thus far?

Giffin: Something Blue and Where We Belong. My two favorite characters are Darcy (in Something Blue) and Kirby (WWB). 

Talk about teasing...I know yall are dying to know what else Giffin had to say- so make sure and read your two fav ATL luxury living mags in July. 

Hope everyone lubed up and got some sun this weekend- I know I did. Would love to indulge you in my weekend rendezvous, but the dish may just be too disheveled- so I'll leave you with this photo. 

BBQ and Blues

Cheers to a successful week, Dolls. I have my eye on a new Chanel so let's hope this Friday is payday, or that I can talk Daddy into lending me the loot. Or both. x0x0 JFK. 

Feature Friday: E Vincent Martinez

He is the blogger baron of the fashion world-not just the A. He has set the standard for compelling and clever content. He is a role model to those who may doubt the power of a blog, and he has shown us how determination merged with a little sexy syntax can result in making dreams a reality.  

E Vincent Martinez (aka Fashionado) is not only one of Atlanta's paramount players in the social scene, he is a philanthropist and adventurous. 

And on the three year anniversary of the launch of his blog, Sole of the South is honored to hallmark this significant date in the fashion and blogging industry. Thank you so much, Vincent, for your contributions, and for constantly indulging our fashion fancy. You are truly an inspiration!    

Lure Portraits

Me: Where are you from and how would you describe your fashion style growing up?

V: I was born in Cuba and grew up in Miami. I was always aware of fashion and style. Especially growing up in the late 70's and early 80's where I followed all the trends and fads!

Me: What is your go-to item of clothing that you know works best for you?  

V: The blazer never fails me. Whether I'm wearing or button down or dressing up a fitted T, a nice blazer always does the trick.
 
Me: One word to describe your current fashion style. 

Ben Rose Photography

V: Confident.
  

Me: Favorite place to shop? 

 V: Ha! I'm a whore and am not loyal to any retailer. For example, at Lenox Mall in Atlanta, I'll start at Bloomies and work all the down to the Gap, hitting every store on the way.

Me: What advice would you give to Atlanta men who are trying to dress

fashionable?  

V: Well that all depends on what their intentions are. Why are they trying? You have to be yourself. AND if you are a fashion lover, then stay on trend, but not too much and push the envelop while dressing age appropriate. 

Me: If you have a stylist who is it and why did you select him/her to be your stylist? 

V: I do not have a stylist. It's all me! I do, however, bounce ideas off my extremely stylish bestie of 30 years, Jeff...his taste is impeccable.

Me: What are your thoughts on the current fashion scene in Atlanta? How do you think it could get better?  

V: The "scene" is small. There are so many people in Atlanta and most of them don't know what the fuck they're doing. Women dress like hookers and guys don't know the definition of "fitted." Now, that's on the extreme. So to play good cop, there are those who make a conscious effort to dress stylishly.
 

Me: One thing you would never be caught dead in.  

V: Uggs!

Me: What is your typical morning routine to get ready for the day?

V: How long does it take you to get ready? I can get ready fast BUT my preferred routine involves laying in bed with a cup of coffee, my laptop, CNN and tuning to Will and Grace at 8am. My daily attire is contingent on my schedule.

Me: If you could bring back one trend from your childhood what would it be and why?  

V: Seeing that I've lived through the 70s, 80s, 90s and current trends, everything has come around.   

Me: Hottest trend right now?  

V: For men, I'm personally a fan of the blazer. Not only are they everywhere but men of all ages are sporting them. For women: loving the oversized look.
 

Me: Favorite fashion event in Atlanta.

V: Jeffrey Fashion Cares, hands down.

Me: Favorite person to follow on twitter. 
V: I enjoy Joan River's Fashion Police.

Me:Favorite fashion magazine.  
V:Vogue - kinda old school there, but there are some very fab mags out there too.

Me: Fav quote? 

V:1974 Diana Vreeland:  “Everything was larger than life. The diamonds were bigger, the furs were thicker and more luxurious … silks, satins, velvets and chiffons, miles and miles of ostrich feathers … everything was an exaggeration” 

Me: Biggest fashion splurge?

V: Funny, but its a Fendi wallet I purchased in Bal Harbor when I was 19. It was only $95 but I had NO money at the time, so this was a big deal at the time. I still have the wallet!

 Omg dolls, can you believe it's already the weekend? But the even more important question is....can you believe I haven't had a sip of liq*our* since Sunday? Told yall I was being serious about my new diet. Now let's just see if I can make it through the weekend.


Hope to see everyone at at least one of this weekends events. (Check my fashion event guide here!) Hope everyone is on the list(s)-and if not. Well...do what it takes to get on it. Take that how and as you wish. x0x0 JFK

Thursday's Thesaurus: your weekend event guide

The City is saturated in social soiree's this weekend. Check my weekend event guide so you mix and mingle with the most chivalrous of crew's.

Friday June 22
Bill Hallman Love is Art App Launch at Atlantic Station
Time: 8- 11 PM
Loca: Bill Hallman Atlantic Station 265 18th Street Suite 4170 Atlanta, GA 30363 
Digits: 404.347.2690 
Info: Love Is Art iPhone app launch party, Artwork and photography exhibited, Live art presentation
Complimentary cocktails & beer (Svedka & Duvel beer), DJ, Acoustic performance by Frank Bell & Grace Lee, Love Is Art Crop Tops for sale 

 Saturday June 23
#TheGoodsLYFE Fashion Show 2012
Time: 7 PM
Loca: 585 Wells Street SW Atlanta, Ga 30312
Info: This summer LYFE brings to you the biggest styles & fashion in the city of Atlanta. With styles from Vanne Clothing, The Goods Clo, A Better Me Clothing, and more! Sponsored by Kristalized Sweets, Sweet Like Cake Jewelry & High Life Ent! Special appearances by Atlanta International Fashion Week, Infinite Appeal Fashion Organization, About Faces Management, HOP Modeling Agency, Delux Magazine, Forever Young Fashion Organization, Platinum Plus Divas Modeling Agency and more!! You don't want to miss this event.Seats are limited.
Price:  With college ID: $7, General: $10, VIP: $20- visit http://thegoodslyfe.blogspot.com/ for ticketing info

JEZEBEL's Sunset Swim Soiree
Time: 5-9 PM
Loca: Poolside at Gables Century Center: 1740 Century Circle NE Atlanta, Ga 30345
Price: Free
RSVP: jezebel@modernluxury.com
Info: Rain or Shine, Must be 21+ to attend, Presented by: CoCo Breve and Grey Goose Cherry Noir

 Obvi I'm on the list for all three. Hopefully you are too. Cheers to the almost weekend, Dolls. x0x0




 

Tabatha Takes Over with John Paul DeJoria

Owner of the Mastery Salon in Alpharetta, me, John Paul DeJoria, Tabatha Coffey and Robert Cromeans

Who would have thought Sole of the South would have asked John Paul DeJoria (owner of Patron Tequila and Paul Mitchell) and Tabatha Coffey (of Bravo's hit show Tabatha Takes Over) two questions that they never have been asked before....And- Tabatha told me I look familiar...that's major.

-To Tabatha- "Who is your favorite person to follow on Twitter?"
-To John P (my new bestie btw) "What is your biggest business regret?"

Got the Patron hookup on lock.

Stumping stars in sit down interviews is the jar of the journalism world. Let's just say Sole of the South got more than close with these celebs... John Paul dished about his first food fight, Tabatha admitted that she doesn't really pay attention to her timeline on twitter and Robert said despite his star-stopping style, he is not gay (sorry guys-exact quote). Check these highlights from a Wednesday afternoon of kicking it with scissor superiors at The Mastery Hair Salon grand opening in Alpharetta. 

 John Paul Interview Highlights: 
His fav joint to dine in the A: Although he doesn't come here that much, he loves Imperial Fez- and even partook in his first food fight there. 

His biggest fashion splurge: Although he doesn't indulge in fashion splurges, he did drop a few g's painting his '67 Chevy Candy Apple Red. It took 20 coats and he got it done at West Coast Customs 

His biggest biz regret: (After thinking it over for a while) Connecting with a Patron descributor in China who ruined the brand-the only reason he went with him was because of his big name.

His fav cocktail besides Patron: A fine Bordeaux 


His fav person to follow on twitter: Doesn't have a twitter, Facebook or email for that matter. Completely computer illiterate- on purpose. Doesn't want to waste his whole day emailing, tweeting and Facebooking. 


Goal in life: To change the planet


Fav beauty product for himself: Paul Mitchell Tree Shampoo


His fav designer: Logan Reese in West Hollywood.


Tabatha Interview Highlights:
Her fav designer: Hands down, Alexander McQueen

Her shoes: Louboutins (obvi)

Key to success: Continuing education

Bottom line of her business ideal: Pay it forward. Teach others everything you know and hope that they, "kick your bottom."

Fav person to follow on twitter: She is so busy answering her fans and everyone who tweets at her (she does her own twitter personally) that she doesn't really have time to check her timeline.

Best quote of the day: "Numbers turn me on."

Robert Interview Highlights:
His fav designer: Alexander McQueen

His fav sunglasses: Tom Ford (which he was wearing and they are prescription in case you're wondering.)

His best story about being a hairdresser: Changing lives and being a rock (emotionally) for his clients.

Well it's finally hump day, dolls...you know what that means (take it as you wish). Cheers to my new Patron hookup. x0x0-JFK.