George Alvin Vlogs | Coming Soon!

It's happening!

I know I've been teasing the idea for a while now, and thanks to you guys motivating me, and Amsterdam being a place that always inspire me, I'm finally giving it a shot!

Let me just say that Youtubers have so much of my respect... it is not an easy thing to do. And it definitely is hard work. Basically for my teaser video (Watch Below), it took me about 8 hours to edit a 30 second clip! Keep in mind that I have never used Final Cut Pro, other than like once or twice in an A/V class in high school. I spent 3-4 days watching tutorials, reading forums, and researching the best software and plug-ins that Youtubers like to use. Then I just put my newfound knowledge to the test and dove right in. Only the best for you guys ;)!

Anyways, why do Vlogs? Well, why not? I like challenges and I think this will be one of my biggest challenges yet. My life is always so all over the place, and I need something that is structured - & I think posting consistently can help give me the stability I need. Or at least a good start in the right direction. Also, I've always had this weird thing awkwardness with directly talk into cameras, so hoping this could help me overcome that.

As for what I'll be posting? Well that's entirely up to you! So make sure you comment here or on my Youtube video and let me know what you wanna see! Also my first video is up next week and I'll be answering any questions you ASK. So ask away. 

Check out the teaser video for my channel below, and make sure you SUBSCRIBE and THUMBS UP if you like it!

x G

'A penthouse story' Shot by Cyle Suesz

Vintage Rolling Stones Tee, Underwear by Calvin Klein.

Have you ever heard of the saying "When life hands you lemons, you make lemonade" ? Well, when New York City gives you access to a sick penthouse in Tribeca, you do a photoshoot in it... at least that's what I did. It involved halfway drowning in a bathtub that took an hour to fill up, being shirtless in -5 degrees Celsius weather, a wolf fur coat (Sorry PETA), a lot of Pinot Noir, and one of the first photographers to photograph me when I was like 19: Cyle Suesz. 

Every time we get together we just have a great time and some of my best pictures come out of it. You can check out a shoot from 2012 we've collaborated on HERE. 

Shirt by Dolce & Gabbana.

Hat by Calvin Klein, and Vintage Wolf Fur Coat.

Underwear by Versace, Jewelry by Luca Plus Jewelry. 

© George Alvin

LucasPlus Jewelry // Shot by Sean P. Watters

Wearing Pixel Eye Ring $150, 2x Pixel Band $110 each, Triple Plus Ring $90, Gold Plus Ring $110

Who says men can't wear jewelry?

I've always been a big fan of wearing jewelry. More so now as I mature, then the past actually. It's a quick and easy way to sharpen up any look whether casual or chic. It's a category in which, surprisingly, most men aren't comfortable trusting their own ability to pull off successfully.

A lot of jewelry-wearing-men usually begin with a watch, but it doesn't have to end there. Although it's a good start, you can incorporate tons of different variations of jewelry. Personally I like to layer a lot of rings, and a necklace or two... You'd be surprised how much it can actually bring together even the simplest outfit. 

Wearing Gold Plus Pendant $90

I had the privilege of recently collaborating with Lucas Goossens, designer, and man behind my new favorite jewelry brand LucasPlus Jewelry. I love this jewelry because you wear it and you feel empowered, it's a constant reminder of not only being positive, but to also spread it. LucasPlus jewelry is "conceived with positive energy in mind." Not only is the jewelry expertly designed, but they are a refreshing and subtle reminder, that a negative mind and ego can be cured.

So I spent the night traveling up to Harlem 125th Street to visit my good friend and photographer Sean P. Watters, who captured the jewelry effortlessly. (See Below)

Wearing 3D Plus Necklace $90

Visit http://www.lucasplus.com/ now to get your own and start spreading POSITIVITY!

AMSTERDAM // STREET STYLE

I just arrived back to Amsterdam from New York City, where it was record breaking temperatures. With highs of 21 degrees Celcius. Global warming? Sadly it wasn't a white Christmas. ANYWAYS, Amsterdam in the winter can be pretty grey. Everyone's usually in recovery mode from the Summer festivals, and canal boat parties, that once winter comes around, Amsterdam's too cold to function basically. BUT- That doesn't mean it's still not beautiful! The canals are filled with light shows, and the squares with ice skating rinks and winter festivals, making it perfect to bring out some of your favorite winter accessories.

In today's Street Style post I'm wearing a beanie from Topman, Coat from Nautica, oversized sweater from Weekday, Chelsea Boot from Aldo, and scarf from All Saints. I went with a neutral pallet of greens and grays making it easy to wear this outfit over and over by just switching out the sweaters and accessories. Easy for those winter mornings you don't want to get out of bed and need an easy and comfy alternative.

Hope you guys are having a great holiday vacation!

x

COLLAB // NIKE x TOPMAN

NIKE x TOPMAN. Before arriving back to NYC, I had the privilege  of working with good friend and long time collaborator Joshua Walter in Amsterdam. Today's shoot was based around my new Nike Roshe One iD's. These shoes are not only extremely comfortable, but super light-weight. 

I paired the shoes with my Armani slim-fit suit and a Topman slim turtleneck. Turtlenecks haven't really been my thing the past years, but I've recently started becoming more and more into them. Some brands I've found that have affordable as well as good quality turtlenecks are, TOPMAN, WEEKDAY, DAViD BECKHAM for HM, and Marc by Marc Jacobs. 

You can get your own NIKES at SNIPES. And check out more of my friend Joshua Walter by following him on Instagram @djjoshuawalter.

DANIEL WELLINGTON // Classic Glasgow // PARIS

Paris x Daniel Wellington. I recently spent the last week in the city of love. I guess I really got to understand why it's called that because despite the recent attacks, Paris was stronger then ever. They came together as a community, to show love, support, and strength. It was a tragic event and to see everyone continuing their daily schedules and routines showed that they weren't going to let this setback bring them down. It was truly inspiring.

I stayed in a beautiful air bnb on Rue de Teheran in the Dior building. The house was furnished with antique art, and vintage furniture, which made it perfect to pair with Daniel Wellington's Classic Glasgow watch $195 in this cool still-life photoshoot.

You can see more of my Paris trip on Instagram by Clicking HERE and you can get your own Daniel Wellington watch using my code (GEORGEALVINNYC) for 20% off.

MAJOR LABELS // BLKN CLOTHING x BRIAN LICHTENBERG

BRIAN LICHTENBERG x BLKN CLOTHING x RADICAL BLACK LINE. There's something about New York's district Chelsea that I really enjoy. The energy surrounding it is always addicting, and the views and scenery even more so. I spent one of my last days in the city before traveling back to Amsterdam in my friends studio in the heart of Chelsea. Sadly, due to uncharged batteries it involved to an impromptu photoshoot using a polaroid camera... but hey, I'm a firm believer of everything happening for a reason.

Which happened to turn out for the best. The brands I'm wearing are based around the  effortless chic sensibility that the city is known for. I'm wearing a new collection called BLKN Clothing. They're a new street-style-esque brand that can easily be worn, and perfect for any outing around the city. Their clever abstract designs and in your face slogans made it obvious to pair it with one of my favorite Brian Lichtenberg beanies 'Trippy & Company'. His brand has been worn by A-List celebrities, top models, and fashion icons around the world. Best known for his creative and genius interpretations of the worlds top fashion brand logos. One of his famous being, 'Homies' printed beanies, sweats, and sweatshirts, printed in the font and style of Hermes.

(Photos by Mitch Zachary)

SPECS NYC // 4 Shades You Need This Fall

During my last trip to NYC, I met up with Specs New York. Specs brings a new experience to high end Designer Sunglass stores. They seek to carry all your favorite brands in each of their locations. I think I spent 4 hours in the NOHO location, trying on all of their latest collections, from Dior, to Persol, to Celine etc. Pretty much was in eyewear heaven. 

I decided to choose 4 pairs of sunglasses that were my personal favorite for this fall, and well anytime for that matter. I based my choices on shape, color, and adaptability to everyday street style. Enjoy! Also make sure sure to check out any of their 2 NYC locations. The Sales team are pros with helping you choose the best match for your facial structure, style, and taste!

Shoutout to my good friend @MITCHZACHARY for shooting all of these portraits in such short notice! He's epic, make sure to follow him on Instagram and checkout his website: (www.mitchzachary.com)

1. Dior - 'Dior So Real' Bleu Marine $595

2. Oliver Peoples - 'Afton' - $405

3. Coco & Breezy - 'ERA Mirror' - $125

4. Thom Browne - 'TB 709 Matte Black' - $705

Specs New York - 810 Broadway New York, New York 10003

FOOD // Cafe de Jaren // Amsterdam

After a productive trip in New York City, I arrived this morning to my favorite city in the world... Amsterdam! People always say how could anything be better than the Big Apple? And unless you've traveled here for longer than a week you really would never understand the beauty this city has to offer. Highly recommended.

One of the first cafés I've ever checked out during my first visit to Amsterdam 3 years ago, was this café in the heart of Amsterdam called Cafe de Jaren. So to cure both the jet lag, and awful memory of the airplane food, I decided to stop by my favorite place for an early lunch. 

The café has a pretty epic outside terrace right on the canal, and usually is never crowded. Today's great Fall weather was perfect to take advantage of it.

I ordered a warme chocolademelk met slagroom, aka a hot chocolate with whipped cream, (although there's really nothing quite like a dutch hot chocolate), and a smoked salmon with horseradish, yogurt, dill, lemon on a fresh baked ciabatta. They have some pretty great toasties too, as well as a great wine selection. If you're ever in Amsterdam make sure to check out this hotspot, you won't be disappointed!

Café de Jaren
New Doelenstraat 20-22
1012 CP Amsterdam 

DANIEL WELLINGTON // Fall Favorite

Hat by American Apparel, Sunglasses by Oliver Peoples, Jacket by All Saints, Watch by Daniel Wellington, Necklace by Yse Cream, Pants by Weekday

New York City's weather has been great this Fall. Crisp air, blue skies, even hitting some temperatures up to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. I'm almost sad to go back to rainy Amsterdam. JK! 

Seeing how the weather has been so good, lots of layers haven't really been as necessary as it was last year. You can see below some tips on how you can master layering this fall! This basically allowed me to pair together my All Saints Parka, some Weekday jeans, a baseball cap, and a grey textured sweatshirt from Topman.

Not to mention this yeah I decided to team up with my friends over at Daniel Wellington for an exclusive collaboration for the upcoming Holiday Season. I'm wearing the Classic Sheffield 40mm watch in Silver. Make sure to check out their website and get yours today.

(Photos Courtesy of @Mitchzachary) 

FOOD // Zankichi // NYC

(Photo courtesy of @newyorktimes)

This speakeasy Japanese restaurant is located in the heart of Williamsburg, and is changing the whole restaurant game.

I arrived to the corner of North 6th and Wythe Street, got out of the car with my friend Zack. We looked around confused wondering if we had the address wrong... he insisted it was this building on the corner, that to me, from the outside, looks like a wooden warehouse or something. We tried one door, it didn't open. We walked along looking for a door we thought was non-existent. We pushed on the other door and entered this maze like atmosphere of jazz like music, and downtown Tokyo vibes.

"Opened in November 2006 by a homesick Tokyo-native, Zenkichi is a modern Japanese brasserie providing an authentic dining experience of popular Tokyo establishments."

We were escorted through the hall of mirrors, by booths with curtains and drapes, to a booth of our own concealed by two orange drapes. On the end of the table, was a small card and a button that stated something like, "We protect your privacy, please hit button below when service is needed." I pushed the button to see if it was real, then boom, she popped through the curtain and began telling us the 50 types of Sake they had. We ordered a sampler.

I forgot to mention as you walk by the Reservation desk there's a big sign that says "PHONES ON SILENT OR TURNED OFF." Yes, that also meant NO WIFI. So it's kind of like a phone-less dinner and it was really refreshing.

For more information check out their website (http://zenkichi.com/), and if you want a reservation make sure you call at least 1 week in advance!

77 N 6th St, Brooklyn, NY 11211, 718.388.898