Grown Folks Talking « Broad & Luxe

Grown Folks Talking

Versace x H&M Autumn 2011

H&M (Hennes&Mauritz) the affordable designer retail chain department store has got together with Versace to create basically a cheaper line for more sales. And I’m not mad. The recession is real and even producers of the highest high end luxury items feel it. Donatella Versace certainly isn’t doing us a favor.

The Versace H&M line with be for sale November 2011 and January 2012 for spring. A Women’s and men’s selection will be available, but that’s not why I care. I doubt any of these clothes besides a vintage Notorious B.I.G. button up can fit me. There will also be a Versace Home Collection available. This is what I want to see. The gaudy pillow cases, bed sets, linens, towels & hopefully tableware.

The Versace Home Collection is Luxe. I am positive the H&M home collection will be not as bold & royal family-ish as the original collection by Versace, but hope its a tiny bit inspired from it. I’m just not in the right frame of mind or pocket to pay $300 per dinner plate or $277 for a pillow. Maybe that means I don’t need Versace. Maybe it means I was smart enough to buy in a recession.

Here are some items from the original Versace Home Collection not H&M.

Designer clothes are nice. Designer home is nicer.

B&L Snap Shots

I have a camera and take pics, but I am no photographer. I heard there is a difference. Regardless I see something Luxe I’m taking a pic. I usually tweet the pics but I have to get into the habit of carrying my camera. I have some serious photographers around me for inspiration so it will get better. Might step my camera game up this year as well.

Crazy mural of cigar smoking cheshire cat at Kid Robot NYC flagship store.

Nice sculpture. Could be an ashtray.

Gun Lamps! Come on that’s nice. Created by FLOS.

Yellow Korner French Photo gallery inside The Short Hills Mall.

Broad & Luxe dice. Better know your exchange rates to play.

*all pics taken by Serious Bok

Cigars / Events / Grown Folks Talking / Luxe Blvd. — No Comments
24
Apr 11

B&L Premium Night Respect

We would like to thank everyone who came out to have a good time at The Broad & Luxe Premium Night at The Smoke~n~Lounge in Belleville,NJ. The Smoke~n~Lounge is definitely a Luxe establishment. Offering fine cigars, best hookahs,comfortable seating and the same great service I received months ago. It was fitting we host this event here.

This could not have been a Premium Night without premium service. We made that happen with the help of Majestic Staffing. Three beautiful, professional and courteous women provided white glove service for every guest that evening. They served hors devours like fresh fruit, crab cakes, quiche & Italian meatballs. They lit cigars, served top shelf drinks and Moet all evening. Need a ice bucket for your beer? Need a refill? Want another cigar? Relax it was all handled.

I don’t know about you but I don’t like being treated like cattle. Standing in long lines with a herd of people to be over charged. Waiting at a bar with 50 other people begging for a bartender to serve me. Bottle service is cool, but at most places you get the bottle and no service. Shout out to the Elite who appreciate the lifestyle. More B&L events to come for 2011. These events won’t always be open to the public.

Please check out Majestic Staffing for your event from 2-2000 guests. http://majesticstaffing.net/index.html

Visit the Smoke~n~Lounge blog as well http://www.smokenlounge.blogspot.com/ and follow on twitter @SMOKENLOUNGE

Broad St. / Events / Grown Folks Talking / Luxe Blvd. — No Comments
23
Mar 11

Party & Events to Support!

Jersey check out these places to be. Come through have a good time buy ladies some drinks dance network grab the mic have a cigar or black n mild do whatever you do and then do it again. LUXE.

Sunday March 27th Lady Kingpin of BadGirl Ent. hosts a Talent Showcase at Wild Bull in Paterson. You into the music biz? Then you might want to be there. Follow @BadGirlEnt for updates on all BadGirl events.

Every Saturday catch Gone Green Ent. at Aroma Lounge for Stylish Saturdays. Check their site http://www.THEGREENSOCIAL.COM. to keep up to date with the movies they promote.

April 9th SteelSouls networking event is back. It doesn’t get anymore comfortable than this. Bring your business cards, build and stay for the after party. Check out more from the HellRaiser at http://hellraisershouse.blogspot.com/

Support your people. LUXE

*click on flyer to enlarge image*

Grown Folks Talking / Luxe Blvd. — No Comments
17
Mar 11

Art:Rashaad Newsome x Matrix 161

Rashaad Newsome is an experienced artist out of New York I just recently learned about reading some high end literature. His work caught my attention because he went beyond just paintings & sculptures. He also does video, photography and collage art that is influenced by hip hop culture and medieval royalty. Some of this stuff is just gaudy! Anyone who knows me knows I like the shine. If this returns to NY I will be checking this out. Check the video he explains what I mean.

The Matrix 161 Exhibit is on display at the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art Feb. 3rd- May 1, 2011

See more from Rashaad Newsome here .. http://rashaadnewsome.com/

Grown Folks Talking / Luxe Blvd. — No Comments
17
Mar 11

American Shave Classic Barber

Recently Steve a.k.a. @SteelSouls hosted a private event at the American Shave Classic Barber in Union, New Jersey. This was a gentlemen event for more than just haircuts. Breakfast & mimosas were served and sandwiches with beverages for lunch. This event was from before noon till late afternoon. This was a social scene just like any barbershop, but just not like any other barbershop.

I am guilty of judging a book by its cover. I have passed American Shave many times. I just figured it to be like a Super-cuts in a mall. Like most people I am set in my ways when it comes to my haircuts. I have my guy hes been my guy for years and …. that’s it. American Shave is far from a chain haircut retail space. This place has personality, style and very professional. They also have a few flat screens & complimentary beverages. The place has old school charm and its fancy.

I always wanted a hot lather shave but I love my beard and I also have sensitive skin that will result in razor bumps. I had no intentions of getting a shave, but the way I was greeted and the cleanliness of the place made me just go for it. I have received plenty compliments on my cut and its been 4 days and no razor bumps. I have found a new barbershop. Thanks to Steve & the American Shave staff.

before…

after…

(SeriousBok & SteelSouls)

Visit American Shave here http://www.theamericanshave.com/

To see way more pics & info for more events from Steelsouls check his site http://hellraisershouse.blogspot.com/

Broad St. / Grown Folks Talking / Luxe Blvd. / Sports — No Comments
7
Feb 11

Favorite 2011 Super Bowl XLV Commercial x Chrysler

We hope everyone enjoyed the Super Bowl. Congratulations to the Green Bay Packers for winning Super Bowl XLV! Black & Yellow played a great game as well.

As usual the very expensive commercials slots during the big game are like a show amongst themselves. My favorite commercial from last night was the Chrysler 200 ad. Not because Eminem was featured. Forget the fact that the 200 looks like a Sebring in a tuxedo. Nevermind if you are not from Detroit. Also at this point it doesn’t matter who owns the company.

The message in this ad applies to anyone from anywhere who has struggled, but wants better. ”What does a town that’s been to hell and back know about the finer things in life? More than most.” True testament to Broad & Luxe.

I like the Chrysler 200 by the way. Working man deserves a car like that. I like the big grill. Why do you think Bentley and Rolls Royce have such large grills on thier automobiles? Its a personality thing. I would smoke a cigar in this car.LUXE

Food And Travel / Grown Folks Talking — No Comments
29
Jan 11

Breakfast with Dr. Bob Lee of WBLS 107.5fm

Dr. Bob Lee of WBLS 107.5 FM stopped by The Peoples Cafe to promote and have breakfast with the people. He also generously bought breakfast for everyone who entered. Dr. Bob Lee a very cool down to earth guy and an occasional cigar smoker. Check out Bob Lee on WBLS 107.5fm weeknights from 12am-5am for R&B and classic soul. LUXE.

Grown Folks Talking — 2 Comments
2
Jan 11

Rihanna x British GQ

So you have the new issue of GQ, but Rihanna is not on the cover. That’s because you have the normal GQ not the UK version. They’re out there if you know where to look. Sure it costs $11 but your GQ right? I occasionally buy imported mags like Italian Vogue as well. Some times they run way off the American beaten path. Keeps Serious Bok thinking out the box.

In this issue Rihanna gives stunning poses and a typical interview. But her new album “LOUD” is good enough to make me care. Good issue with a large tech section. Travel info on the island of Baros in the Indian Ocean. Learn a foreign drink like the Royal Nail. When the bartender says, “whats that?” Make a face and say,”Never mind its British just pour some Ciroc can you do that!?”

Enjoy your Cigar & BritishGQ

Cigars / Grown Folks Talking — No Comments
10
Dec 10

La Sirena & Nestor Miranda Cigars Extraordinaire

Recently the renowned Barrister Cigars of Union, N.J. hosted a grand event for Miami Cigar & Company. Mr. Nestor Miranda was there to personally introduce the latest of his blends to come out of Don Pepin Garcia’sfactory that he will distribute to the world. A new line of smokes that I fell for immediately were introduced to me by Arielle Ditkowich, Ambassador of “La Sirena Cigars.”

Arielle the Ambassador is a woman cigar smoker who made a cigar for cigar smokers. No strawberry or vanilla tiny trendy sticks. The La Sirena is Nicaraguan, full bodied, a little spice and everything nice. Tastes great, didn’t fall apart, split open and no flaky ash.

The cigar is great down to the packaging. Her name is Arielle. The Disney classic, “The Little Mermaid”, main character was named was Ariel. The label on the cigar features a mermaid. The cigar box is a very appealing eye catching treasure chest. Some creative thought went into this. I love this. Of course none of this matters if the cigar is terrible, but its not its great. Why stop at creating a great cigar by stuffing it into a boring old coffin? I like the direction the new generation of the cigar lifestyle is going. We are not all the cigar smoker that George Carlin depicts us to be.

Nestor Miranda is the founder of the Miami Cigar Company. He shared his story of the ups and downs of the business. Introduced new blends like the Art Deco. Another marketing masterpiece that reminds me of Miami even if it is from an era before my time. I had a metal lunch box or two, I love Miami and cigars. I can relate and appreciate the extra effort put in for the customer.

My conversation with Nester was so LUXE. We talked cigars of course, but ventured off into pinky rings, family, business and personal advice that is invaluable. It was a pleasure to speak with Arielle, who reminds me of Scarlett Johansson, she was very helpful. Head to Barrister Cigars and try these cigars!

Thank you to the owner of the Barrister Cigars David Mallow for hosting another great event.

Barrister Cigars
2565 US Highway 22 W
Union, NJ 07083

**To see what George Carlin (R.I.P.) thinks of cigar smokers click on his name. Not Work Safe!**