OJAI // STREET STYLE

OJAI is for lovers.

The last couple weeks have been so healing to say the least. Ojai is one of the most magical and beautiful places I have ever traveled too. If you haven’t heard of Ojai a short history would be it was founded by the Chumash Indians during the 1800’s and is surrounded by so many sacred mountains, fields of lavender, beautiful Spanish architecture, and tons of, well very spiritual people. Rocks shaped as whales and dolphins hidden among the hills were once spiritual grounds for gatherings for the Chumash. The legend has it that the Earth goddess commended the Chumash to relocate from their home island of Santa Cruz to the mainland. To do this she created a ‘rainbow bridge’ so the tribe could migrate over the water. Those who fell off into the ocean would be turned into Dolphins rather than she see them drown. Therefore the Chumash always regarded the Dolphins as their brothers. Long story short, if you’re looking for a place to cleanse your soul, clear your chakras, and bathe in the sunlight, OJAI is your place.

Like I’ve said the best thing to do when traveling to a new place is to GET LOST. Walk streets you usually wouldn’t, take different routes to the same location, and just explore! That is exactly how we ended up finding this chic little spot called Tipple & Ramble. A hidden garden that serves charcuterie boards, wine and cheese etc. Since COVID it was the perfect spot to socially distant yourself while enjoying great conversation with your friends. The wine is a little pricey for my liking, but the ambience was well worth it.

The vibe here is very BOHO CHIC. Neutral colors and patterns pair perfectly, and with the heat you definitely want to make sure your clothes ventilate. Did I mention between here and Ventura the THRIFT SHOPS are insane and so cheap. I’m wearing a complete thrit store shopped outfit, except for my Suede YSL Boots, TWOJEYS Necklace, Rings by VERAMEAT, and Vintage sunglasses. It was so fun being able to try a completely different vibe. Think Captain Sparrow meets Aladdin meets well, OJAI!

I’m so grateful to be able to be here with two of my old NYC roommates who actually grew up here, making the adventures that much more fun, and feel even more at home.

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SANDRO X McQ // STREET STYLE

I've got the East Village blues.

One of the best travel tips I ever received was, "Go out and get lost." At first I was a little skeptical, why would I want to do that? What if my phone dies? But, they were so right. It's always been something that stuck with me whenever I'm traveling to a new city or country, or basically any new environment I'm not familiar with. You turn down streets you never would have, find restaurants you never knew existed, and come across hidden gems all over the place. I've found so many cool vintage shops, and coffee bars all over my new neighborhood. I've lived in New York 5 years now and it's always cool to come across new places you haven't seen or been before. If you live in NYC you know that when we leave our door we usually are on a mission to get from point A to B, avoiding tourists, and traffic at all coasts. So it was fun when I did this shoot completely unknowing where we'd end up... It kept things fresh and exciting.

We ended up choosing this cool artwork to add some color to my all denim look. (If you guys know the artist comment below). I'm wearing a FW 17 vintage wash denim jacket with contrasting sleeves from McQ by Alexander McQueen, Ine Cigarette jeans from AllSaints, white Nike Free sneakers, wool cap and AMOUR hoodie from Sandro.

To be honest it wasn't warm enough for the weather that day, feels like Winter is right around the corner. Counting down the days until Art Basel in Miami! Anyone else going?

Thanks to my girl Tyra ( @theedgyhippiechild ) for embracing the cold and helping me capture this look effortlessly!

Hope you guys have a good weekend.

G

I'M BACK // STREETSTYLE

It's good to be back!

As some of you noticed, or none at all, I took a bit of a break from my blog in order to regroup and build a stable foundation for my pup and I. Since then, I FINALLY have my own apartment in the heart of East Village New York. It's a big step for me, committing to something for a year, or anything in general has always been hard for me. With that caused a never ending uncertainty and unhappiness. I was pretty much lost to be honest, and it wasn't fair to myself or my pup to live this life of sporadic unknowingness. I never really realized how important it is to have a foundation. It affects your relationships, your reliability, your family, your motivation, even your sanity. I've also hurt and lost a lot of friends because of it. As a matter of survival, it turned me into an extremely selfish person, I was confused with my way of thinking and not thinking. Instagram became kind of a smoke and mirror to hide my unknown depression, and I started losing touch with not only myself, but my goals. Not realizing that there is hope, and that you can overcome depression, can really make you feel lonely. I turned to drinking and partying as kind of a way to well not face the reality of who I was becoming. I always joke and say my dog Korra saved my life, but it's true. I don't know where I would be today, without her. She really forced me to grow up.

I'm so grateful for all my friends and followers that stuck by me, despite any unfulfilled promises I may have made or any selfish lies I told without thinking how their affects may have had on my character. So honestly thank you, and I'm sorry.

You live, you learn, but more importantly YOU GROW! And that's why I'm excited to share with you guys this new blog post, because I've never been more motivated and excited for what the future may hold. It's a feeling I haven't had in a long time, and to be constantly surrounded by friends that bring me higher and by people who challenge me with new perspectives, is truly amazing. There's no way to move forward, if you keep looking back. We all have a past, and either you can fall victim to it, or let it motivate you to learn from it. Guess which one I chose? They say the first step to recovery is admitting you have a problem. Change is never easy but I can't wait for you guys to see what I have in store, and to be on this journey of growing up together.

Okay now that's off my chest, lets talk fashion! I spent the day shooting with cutie, and newfound friend @theedgyhippie! We shot on my roof spontaneously and the skyline in the background mixed with the graffiti and rustic exterior piping, really allowed us to showcase the clothes perfectly. I'm wearing a S/S 17 Dries Van Noten shirt, All Saints Cigarette jeans, Saint Laurent Jodhpur boots, and gold framed Raybans. This shirt is definitely a statement piece, so it was fun to try to wear it with a more casual aesthetic. Or at least as casual as I could :P I can't wait for Summer, rooftop party anyone?

Thanks for listening, & thanks to my good friend Zack for pushing me to be vulnerable for once.

xo

G

UNTUCKIT // STREET STYLE

Bonjour bitches! It's been a while since I've updated my blog, but I'm back; With new ideas, collaborations, and even a new design coming soon. 

This week highlights a shirt from creators UNTUCKit. I'm not usually a button-down-shirt-kinda-guy, but this shirt in many ways was a perfect collaboration for me. It's a shirt that's meant to be untucked, hence the name right? It's the perfect length and material, so all you have to do is pop it off a hanger and throw it on.

This collaboration is special because for every shirt purchased they will donate $8 to a charity of my choice! I chose UN Women , because why? Feminism rocks, and Gender equality has been an ongoing issue - Also, my best friend Shosh gave me a perspective about it, that sadly most people don't have, YES, IT'S AN ACTUAL ISSUE.

Check out some other shots below and you can purchase your own by clicking HERE!

-G

Shirt: UNTUCKit Shoes: Gucci Pants: DL1961 Denim Sunglasses: Rayban

Photos Courtesy of Rj Sebastian

'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

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) 

STREET STYLE // Daniel Wellington

Jacket: Jake Fischer Shirt: All Saints T-Shirt: DKNY Pants: Diesel Boots: Steve Madden  Watch: Daniel Wellington

Today's look was based around a hot new accessory that was sent to me all the way from Sweden - a new brand of watches called Daniel Wellington. The watches specifies in clean design aesthetics paired with the option of either NANO straps that come in many different styles, colors, and patterns. this pairing creates an effortless and timeless design perfect for any occasion. The style I'm wearing is called the Classic Sheffield Rose Gold.

I chose to pair the rose gold color with neutral tones making It perfect for fall. The brown leather band against the jacket let me showcase the watch perfectly. I recently pulled this jacket out of my closet, It's a Dutch brand called Jake Fischer that I snagged up while in Amsterdam. If you know me I love the dutch so this has become one of my new favorite pieces. It's the next best thing to a dutch guy, just without the drama.  You can check more about the cool brand HERE.

for all things Daniel Wellington check out their site: https://www.danielwellington.com. or check out their instagram @danielwellington. the prices range from $195-$229. And they are also sold now in 25 different Bloomingdale locations throughout the U.S.

Use my discount code (GEORGEALVINNYC) for 15% off all products!

(Photos Courtesy by: Mitch Zachary)

STREET STYLE // Through the hood

Jacket: Thrift Shop Sweater: Adidas Originals Pants: All Saints Sneakers: Nike Hightop

Recently I moved downtown to the heart of China Town and East Soho. Once you get used to the unique smells (took me only 4 months) and the fast paced crowds of tourists, you start to appreciate the not so normal things you see daily. Whether it's the park filled with cheerful Chinese cultures singing karaoke, the scalpers trying to sell me fake rolexes, or the many fish markets that cause you to hold your breath as you walk by - China Town has found a special place in my heart. I managed to take advantage of todays 60 degree weather and my long time friend Mitch, was there to capture the look effortlessly. You can check out his site HERE.

Usually I'm a pro believer on the whole timeless and effortless black on black on black look, but this fall I'll be challenging myself to play around with more monotone color schemes and textures. The jacket was an effortless way to take a basic sweater and jean look to the next level. Adding accessories like grey beanie, Daniel Wellington watch, and my signature Marc by Marc Jacobs backpack gave the look a cleaner yet casual simple feel perfect for a day like today.

(Photos Courtesy by: MITCH ZACHARY)