Individuals: Troy Brooks

If used for the right reasons, social networks can be wonderful tools to meet amazing people. Troy Brooks is a perfect example of this. I met Troy over Twitter while still living in New Orleans. We've kept in touch over the past few months and it's been great to know this gentleman of distinction. With stints at The Brooklyn Circus and Billy Reid, it's easy to appreciate the unique aesthetic that has rubbed off on him. It's not just Troy's one-of-a-kind style I find admirable, but it's also his undying pursuit of daily improvement, his perspective on life, and the love he has for his significant other that he's never afraid to put on display.

What does style mean to you?

Style to me means self expression through substance and character. It's not just what you wear, it's how you live your entire life. I feel for most individuals; when they truly learn who they are they find their style. The more you learn about who you are as an individual, the more you experience—the more unique and personal your style becomes.

How would you describe your personal style?

I have an old  soul; I'm a bit of a classic gentleman. My style is "Traditionalist Americana" and I'm a detail junky. I invest in timeless and classic garments that I hope my children would love and one day raid my closet for—the way I did my grandfather's. I love heirloom pieces...things that can be handed down—the so called "play it safe" stuff although I don't see it as doing so. I just love great textures and strong materials that are well-crafted and timeless.

Who or what has influenced your personal style?

My grandfather. His father was a master tailor and he was sharp; he wore suits well. My grandfather is the same way till this day. He's super sharp. The man just dresses well even when casual; he makes you want to go home and change up. Another gentleman by the name of Mish Tworkowski who is a world renown jewler and man of style. Mish has been featured on my blog; he has great style. Also, my good friend Ali of A Noble Savage—he's a great man of style. I'm always inspired by him. He was recently involved in the Ovadia & Sons look book.

Do you have any personal style habits?

I wear a lot of ties. It's hard to wear a shirt without a tie, and I have ironing OCD. Everything has to be pressed.

The first thing I do when I go to get dressed…

I put on my pants first, then my shoes and shirts so they don't get wrinkled in the process of tying my shoes (weird I know).

I feel my best in…

...shawl cardigans and sport coats.

What is your favorite item in your wardrobe?

My Jeans Shop Jeans. I wear them all the time...well-built American denim. They fit perfect and go with everything.

Pleated or flat-front trousers?

Definitely flat-front trousers.

Do you have a favorite clothing company?

No, I don't  have a favorite brand. I have a few go-to companies, but not a favorite. They all serve their purpose.

What is your most cherished item?

My most cherished item is my 2007 Explorer II with the Corvus James Bond Nato strap. It's not flashy, but subtle. It's one of those "if you know about it, you know about it and if you don't, you wish you did" kind of pieces. Real enthusiast respect it. 

What is your favorite movie?

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels. Classic and hilarious.

Where is your favorite place to dine?

My favorite place to dine would be Spitzer's Corner in the Lower East Side. Honestly, the Kobe Burger and Truffle Oil Mac and Cheese are sinful.

Where is your favorite place to vacation?

I've been blessed to travel a bit, but my favorite place so far is the Dominican Republic—"La Romana" to be exact. I went last year with my fiancee for our fifth year anniversary and my birthday. What an amazing place.

What is the best advice you've received from your parents?

The best advice I've received from my mother has been to love openly, work hard, and not get involved in anything I'm not passionate about.

What does the word "gentleman" mean to you?

The word "gentleman" means everything to me. It's a word I want people I come in contact with to think of when describing me. I think chivalry, politeness, a man who is confident yet humble, educated, helpful, well-spoken, well-dressed, and still a manly man all represent the perfect gentleman.

Journal: The Ride

Garscube Road in Glasgow, Scotland.

Being young and in a perfect position to chase dreams can be dangerous and overwhelming all at once. When your mind is traveling at the speed of light you must gather yourself and slow down before crashing. You must enjoy the ride. Lately, I've been proving only to myself of what I am truly capable of. It's an amazing thing to be able to humbly accomplish small goals in order to further position myself to tackle the much larger ones. Rushing equals rushed work, but when you sit back, relax, let your mind rest and meditate on one duty at a time, perfection—or coming close to it—can take place. Slow down.

Don't go too fast; don't loose control of the wheel. Remember: You're in control.

Life is what you make it. Although I wake up some days trying to make the most of it all at one time—this is an impossible task. Being in the place I've fallen in love with, it moves so swiftly...causing me to believe I must move and maneuver just as fast. False. It took a phone call last night to slow me down, further humble me, and show me that in the end, I am truly in control of how every aspect of my life will be determined on how well I do in this very moment. My biggest fear is missing out on a golden opportunity. The gentleman reminded me by saying, "New York isn't going anywhere. Enjoy your family, friends, and hometown."

I'm in a rush to make my family proud. I'm in a rush to make all of my mentors proud. I'm in a rush to make my friends proud. I'm in a rush to make myself proud. I'm in a rush to make my God proud. After a brief conversation over a friendly billiards match with my cousin who is in the same position as myself (chasing his dreams only four hours away in Boston), he knows our time will come. "We can't put all of this work in for nothing," he explained. "Our time is going to come." Although on two different personal journeys, we heavily inspire each other.

I love sharing my story with those who aren't familiar (when they do decide to ask of course). I get the same response from every person: "You're young. You have time. You're only eighteen." I get a little annoyed, hoping I'd get more advice than just those three sentences. Maybe those three sentences hold much truth, but it's hard to understand when you're steadily chasing after something that may not get accomplished because of time.

When I first moved to New York, I knew I was in my comfort zone. Being surrounded by other ambitious individuals who are all working very hard to accomplish what they've set out to achieve is extremely inspiring. Honestly, I feel at home away from home. For a creative, N.Y. is a humungous playground...allowing one to be free to make the most of their visit. All one has to do is take their time and put in the necessary work.

If there's anything I've learned since I've started my journey almost two months ago, it is to slow down, take in each moment, and continue from there. I've taken the leap of faith. My journey is in God's hands. I must stop worrying, only focusing on continuing to pursue what I'm here for. However things decide to happen, I am here to enjoy the ride.

*I'm currently back home in New Orleans recharging and just taking life in at a much slower pace. It's needed. I return to the playground in a couple days, and as that journey carries on, it will only get better. My time will come.

Quest Magazine

"Like the scion of a once-great dynasty, Quest is New York's last magazine devoted to Society with a capital S. In print for 25 years, Quest is the monthly journal of the socially prominent, covering their causes and careers, the passions that drive them, and the unions that unite them. It is a family magazine devoted equally to shining a light on the glamor of past generations as it is to admiring the sun rising over the Upper East Side on a new generation."

Patience is certainly a virtue. Being in New York you must learn to seize the moment and take advantage of every opportunity presented to you (the ones that are relevant to your personal future of course). Since I've been in this amazing city, I've been enjoying myself and taking this moment in. It wasn't until two weeks ago that things started to look incredibly good. I began to come across many opportunities that all deal with an aspect of what I want to do with my life. One of them came by way of one of my mentors (Christian Chensvold of the Ivy Style blog). He granted me the opportunity to intern for Quest.

As you all know, writing is my first passion. This is a beautiful start for me. I plan to take away as much as I can from this experience. You have to start somewhere. I'm happy with this one.