Days are getting colder and yet Underground is heating up the scene in Chicago. Fashion shows, hot DJ’s and most important award winning drinks that will have you rockin’ out all night– are some of the many elements that Underground has to offer. We have been observing the mixologists, staff & most important management at Underground for awhile. It is the premier nightlife venue in the city for the above mentioned reasons. It has been a Chicago hit for awhile now but did you know that the Bombay General also won GQ’s “America’s Choice Cocktail”. It is to no surprise that the man behind the drink is also involved in all aspects of the club.
Benjamin Newby, Operating Partner at Underground
I had the pleasure to chat with Benjamin Newby, operating partner at Underground awhile ago and one of the key points he mentioned was that the Underground staff is a big family, who deliver day in & out without fail. I would have to be blind not to notice that this family is extremely good looking as well. The service and the culture are of superior status that purveyors of the nightlife industry have come to appreciate over & over again.
Before you stuff yourself silly on Thanksgiving, check out Underground on Black Wednesday and burn off some calories on the dance floor. DJ Cobra will have you moving all night long. Cobra has opened up for and performed with artists like Ludacris, Prince, John Legend, Lady Gaga and many more. You can get on the most wanted guest list in Chicago right here or simply RSVP at VIP@ROCKITRANCH.COM. No need to thank us, we are just the messengers. Ladies & gentlemen have a great workout on the dance floor; I will see you all at Underground! Happy Thanksgiving.
XOXO
Ahlam
P.s. Just in case you have silly little obligations like visiting family & friends who live out of town. Here is a video to recreate the award winning drink ‘Bombay General’. Cheers!
I haven’t been able to listen to the same six songs on repeat for hours since I discovered Mariah back in the 90’s. With so much house music these days, it’s hard to let my ears bathe in something that doesn’t have a ‘deet-deet’ beat. Despite these conditions, I’m happy to say that I have fallen in love with a San Francisco band– New Diplomat.
Described by Aaron Axelsen of Live105 as “by far one of the BEST local releases I’ve heard all year,” New Diplomat’s debut album Buy Yourself Some Freedom is a hypnotizing collection of music that makes you put your baby down and rock out. Their sound is something that I haven’t heard before, yet it’s reminiscent of every time that I’ve held up two fingers and a thumb and whipped my head back and forth.
New Diplomat’s killer sound is inspired by many legendary bands but is executed via the band members’ unique backgrounds. They are five guys, from five countries who work their asses off to deliver one incredible, goose bump-giving performance.
Horacio, the lead singer and Uruguayan eye candy, belts out his self-written lyrics like a tribal war cry while still keeping your ears feeling velvety. He’s the driver of the rock train with stops in four octaves.
Giovanni makes magic happen with his synths; building an awe inspiring bridge over the rock and electronic gap. Not to mention that his Argentine-Italian swag drops panties left and right.
Jef (owner of Blush Wine Bar) destroys the drums like no one from Belgium has ever done. His drum solos cause heart palpitations which can only be cured with the best French wine.
Laurent has the bass guitar down to a science. This comes as no surprise because this French bassist is a scientist by trade. He brings every song together with a slap of his bass in a way so precise it can only be seen under a microscope.
Last but not least is Italian Paolo. This rompipalle can’t turn off his unbelievable ability to make you smile. He electrifies a room with one strum of his axe while harmonizing his voice with Horacio’s for some crucial backup vocals.
Together, the five members of New Diplomat work like the fingers of hand building a shelter of sound for all of us to thrive in. Their EP, Buy Yourself Some Freedom, is now available at a Broke Livin price on iTunesas well as through their merchandise store on Facebook.
I hope to see you all at New Diplomat’s next show at the Rickshaw Stop in San Francisco on Tuesday, November 15. Presale tickets are going for a bargain at $10 a pop at http://www.rickshawstop.com/event/65451/.
Until next time, stay stylish, stay hip, stay fab.
It’s that time of the year, where you simply reevaluate your closet situation. I certainly am! Unfortunately mother nature is not willing to give us more sunny days, where we can still frolic at beaches or parks but she is giving us great opportunities to sport some new fall boots. The glass is always half full here at BL. Here are some of our favorite fall boots that are….wait for it….under $50! Hello shoegasm; we have been waiting for you. Enjoy ladies & gentlemen. XO
We have been obsessed with Yesstyle for years now but we mostly can’t get enough of Ask Nikki! I don’t think we could have answered this question any better.
Hey Nikki,
I just have a quick question about men’s dress shirts. I’m having a little problem choosing a dress shirt color for my black suit. I don’t want to be too boring and pick white, so I wanted to ask you what other colors you’d recommend for dress shirts. Also, what color for ties? Any particular fabrics you would recommend?
Thank You! David, 21/USA
David, sweetie, you forgot to tell me where you plan to wear this black suit of yours! Is it for a formal occasion, drinks after work with your buddies or for the office? In case you didn’t know, traditionally, black suits don’t belong in the office. They look great at formal events and go along with the glamour of the evening but the color can sometimes be to overly dramatic and strong for the day – unless you wish to look like an undertaker. While most rules about business wear have progressively relaxed, including that one, you should still consider investing in other colors. Adding even just one more suit to your wardrobe can provide unlimited styling options – maybe in navy or dark gray for example. Consider it, especially if the black suit is all you have at the moment. Anyhow, you haven’t provided me with very much specific info, so I had to make do, but it’s all right darling. Here are my suggestions!
The Formal Way: White Shirts Only Unfortunately my first answer is going to disappoint you a little, David. As boring as a white shirt might seem, if you’re headed to a black-tie or any other formal event, it’s pretty much your only option. Especially if the dress code on the invite says formal or business. Now, if you really want to stand out in the crowd, try choosing a white shirt with sutble, fancy designs, like pintucks along the front, a mandarin collar or a small pleated accent at the front. Just please don’t pull a fashion faux-pas by going with colored shirts at a formal event! As for the tie, a simple black one is always chic; go for the skinny version if you’re looking to make a fashion statement.
In the Office: Light Colors and Subtle Patterns Each office and industry has it’s own dress code so it’s a good idea to look at what everyone else in your office is wearing as a guide. If you’re due for a formal meeting, white and blue are standard – sorry dear, but sometimes strict business is stiff and fashionably boring. If your office dress code isn’t so rigid, you can try shirts in very light shades; mint green, pale pink or yellow for example. Subtle patterns like pinstripe or grid can add instant cool to a white shirt.
A Tiebreaker in the Office Color: Your tie should go with both your dress-shirt and suit. Since your suit is black, which goes with almost anything, that’s one less thing to consider. Colors should match (slightly different shades of the same color) or complement (opposite colors on the color wheel). Traditional or formal occasions call for a solid colored tie, while stripes or dotted patterns are less serious and can also be worn in the office. Fabric: Cotton, polyester or nylon ties are standard while silk ties are glamorous. Wool ties are usually more for fun than anything. Size: In terms of size, classic wide ties are a little bit too old school now, I would recommend one that’s roughly two inches wide (nothing more narrow for work!)
Business Casual or Smart Casual Dates: Playful Details In semi-casual wear, there’s more room to play around with patterns and colors so you can really add flavor to your look. A trim at the placket adds a dose of visual interest, whether it’s gingham, plaid or check. Roll up the sleeve slightly after work for a look that’s a little relaxed but still smart enough for a date. Easily layer a cardigan over the whole thing to add a bit of preppy cool to your look.
The Key to a Comfortable Shirt Lies in the Fabric You also asked about fabrics, David. I would recommend cotton blend shirts: It’s a standard fabric that’s more comfortable than polyester and more wrinkle-resistant than 100% cotton. On hot days though, 100% cotton might be a better option as it’s the most breathable of fabrics.
For those looking for a finishing touch to their classic fall outfits (think tweed, tutlenecks, boots, scarves and rich colors), look for structure satchels, the bag of choice this season! Anything with chunky hardware, crossbody straps and sleek silouhettes go. Check out some of my faves, all under $100!
Here are our favorite summer jamz! This list is just full of hot tracks that will keep you moving. Hope it’s not too hot for your liking. It’s Monday! You are probably already at the office; preparing for some meeting and making sure you covered your royal a**! Whatever you might be doing here are some fine tunes that will put a smile on your grouchy face. Enjoy ladies & gentlemen!
There are times where the fashion gods smile upon us mere mortals. Versace for H&M is one of those rare moments where fashionistas around the globe have their calendars marked like it’s the annual Barney’s Sale. Well lovelies by now the entire fashion world has fallen for H&M’s marvelous collaborations ….moi included! The video alone has me reaching out for my credit cards, a date and a fun event to attend. Beautiful clothes tend to make a girl slightly go loco.
I know it has been awhile since we got you some dope looks on a budget. Here are some of our favorite summer items. Yesstyle is the place to shop! It has become our one-stop-shop for almost everything. Keeping it easy, fun spirited but most important comfortable is our number one priority. Let’s not forget versatility as well.
Being able to go from boardroom to your favorite Happy Hour spot should not cause a total style drama. We agree with Nikki of Yesstyle, “Madras plaid is a surefire winner with its vibrant shades but don’t overdo. Team it with an all-solid shirt and trousers.”
Hope you can keep it cool with these looks. Go ahead, imagine yourself in one of these stylish shirts at a cool resort or at your local hang-out. Stay Stylish Fellas!
