louis polo, Author at THE LIFESTYLE MAN

Over-sized Coat & Inspiration Hunt x Go Daddy

Posted on by louis polo

When it comes to new online projects, it can be quite challenging to gather developing ideas and generate a plan of execution. When I first started blogging, about six years ago, it all seemed to flow very smooth and as planed, but as things started developing and changing, I was aiming for much more. Aiming for more meant reaching new goals, learning new things, and coming up with new ideas in order to move with the changes. With so many other people blogging and having as much ambition and passion as me, it felt like I needed to constantly step up my game in all different sides of the spectrum. Don't get me wrong, I am fully conscious that there is so much more for me to learn and so many more projects to execute, but I'm ready and willing to take my ideas to another level.

Everything began with an idea and the creativity roll just started to unfold. My ultimate vision is to be able to continue growing and inspire others along the way, the same way I'm inspired by them. Have the opportunity to travel new places and share the world with you! Taking part in what has been describe as a very own millennial epidemic: waking up every morning and be you won boss.

Is all about finding that one thing that comes natural to you, that's effortless and that you're good at doing. From there on, work is the main ingredient for a pleasant ride. This has been a passion of mine for all these years, and I'm forever grateful for who continues to walk with me and @GoDaddy for giving me all the necessary tools I need to pave the road. Now, every vision, dream, and idea that comes my way, I'm confident I will be able to execute it thanks to @GoDaddy. I dare you! Now is your time to #MakeTheWorldYouWant - IT'S ALL WORTH IT!

Cheers,

Discovering More of New York

Posted on by louis polo

New York, the capital of the world, where being different is absolutely accepted. This city has so much waiting for you to discover and tons of unforgettable experiences you can cross off your bucket list. Everything and anything you can think of, can most likely be found in the big apple. Every visit, every walk, and every corner, has been completely different for me. The nightlife, the remarkable tourist sights, and even the subway rides can be quite colorful. I love visiting New York City every two or three months - except during winter time, of course.

When in the city, I try to think outside the "tourist box" - if there's such a thing. I restrain myself from doing the same thing every time I visit, and do extensive research on the trendy places/restaurants of that moment. In such enormous city, falling into a monotonous routine can be quite easy. Is very important for me to get to know the city a little more and explore different corners every time.

On this occasion, my friends took me to an iconic neighborhood, Tribeca. To me more specific, to one of its many back-streets known for its building bridge over the street. This specific spot is extremely popular among influencers, photographer, and people of related industries. Formally known as Tribeca Skybridge, and naturally, is not a location where tourists frequent. Is the place where people go to create amazing visuals and travel back in time. A neighborhood with so much character and history and you can almost feel it. lovely architecture and a scenery straight out of a movie scene, the Tribeca Skybridge is definitely worth visiting and photographing. Hope you enjoy my visual creations 🙂 - haha!

Bon Voyage,

The Dreamy Border of Beausoleil & Monaco

Posted on by louis polo

Monaco is an extremely small independent city-state with great wealth and luxury. Where you are destined to feel inspired and captivated by its breathtaking views. A place to relax, enjoy nature, and admire a different lifestyle. The contrast of its colors and the harmony of the mountains and clouds, is enough to make you fall in love. You will feel free, and your adventurous character will come afloat along the many expensive yachts.

I stayed only three days in Monaco and I seriously wished for more time. To be frank, there is not much to see, considering its size, but there is something about this place that you simply feel like exploring and looking for more. Crystal clear waters, the perfect weather, and an obvious sense of pride for being home of the Grand Prix.

They are many narrow streets, aisles, and very notorious steps that will transport you to a different piece of land in Beausoleil, France. Observing things from a geographical stand point, it sounds amazing to be able to cross borders in such smooth process. From Monaco to France, a set of steps climbing the mountains, that along with the spectacular view will take you to where a different flag waves. Both places have a great deal to offer, with no physical separation, but obvious economic differences. A dreamy border.

TRAVEL EXPERIENCE:

Getting There: Since Monaco doesn't have an airport, we flew from Paris to Nice, France using a budget airline (Easy Jet). We checked our bags to be able to fly priority. From Nice, we bought a bus ticket, inside the airport terminal, straight to Monte Carlo. The 90 minutes bus ride cost more than the flight.

Where We Stayed: Europe in general can be very expensive, specially when visiting 4 other countries/cities. With that being said, we opted to stay at an Airbnb, which was convenient in location and turned out to be comfortable. We booked 2 nights.

Where We Ate: This is where we usually splurge. Since Monaco doesn't have a clearly defined cuisine - besides its french influence- we decided to try different places in its culinary spectrum.

Our favorites:

Café de Paris- Place du Casino (Next to the Monte Carlo Casino)

Le Maison du Caviar- 1 Avenue Saint-Charles

Le Salon Rose- Place du Casino (At the Monte Carlo Casino)

New Indien Restaurant - 9 Boulevard de la République

Things To Do: The best way to see the city, hassle free, is by taking one of the tour buses in Monte Carlo. They will take you around and to the most important sights, where you can hop on and off at your own paste. Of course, you have to take a look inside the infamous Casino and walk along side the roses at Princess Grace's garden. The Museum of Oceanography, the Prince's Palace of Monaco, and the Exotic Garden of Monaco are great places to visit and enjoy THE BEST views of the city.

For more tips, videos and photos, check out the highlight section of my Instagram and come with us to Monaco 🙂 As always, plan ahead to minimize unpleasant surprises, enjoy your time, and be safe!

Bon Voyage,

Every Season Essentials x Anthony

Posted on by louis polo

As a latin man, taking care of my skin and learning different grooming techniques wasn't automatically incorporated into my growing experience. I come from a community where men naturally care about their appearance and looking good - or at least presentable - but not so much on how they achieve the results. I remember observing the grown men in my community, and as long as they had a razor and some sort of soap, they were considered to be taking care of their skin.

Now, so that you have some cultural perspective, I'm referring to a group of men, which I grew up around, in the Dominican Republic more than fifteen years ago. A neighborhood where people certainly didn't have much, but we all knew and considered each other family. I know, this can be an extremely foreign scenario to those that grew up in achievement-driven cultures. The point is, the way we perceive self-care and appearance has definitely evolve with time.

Today, the men of my community - and myself -have a broader understanding of taking care of your skin from a healthy stand point rather than simply appearance. Understanding that regardless of your gender, your skin is the outer and best representation of YOU, requires a lot of barrier breaking and educating - specially when coming from an atmosphere of pure machismo. Going back home, and seeing the barbershops and salons offering skin exfoliation and facial cleansers as part of their services, tells me that a lot of work has been done in terms of changing a cultural mindset that skincare is simply that, and doesn't reflect on anyone personally.

After discovering Anthony, offering a great deal of products also catering to men, my skincare horizon have certainly expanded. They are now offering year round skin care essentials, delivered to you via seasonal subscription boxes. Offering everything you need to ensure a great and fresh experience from their very own shaving cream, after-shave oil, and even hand lotion. I encourage you to follow me on Instagram to get a first sight of their Spring Box and its content! Always remember to be open to try new things and devote yourself to find your favorites!

Cheers,

A Trendy Visit to the New York Library

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With all honesty.. I'm not the one to devote himself to a "great" book or join a book club for the sake of reading and expanding my intellectual capacity. However, I appreciate and value clever architecture, love a place with character, history and feel, but above all - I'm a fashion aficionado!

A place in the city that embodies all of these characteristics, without doubt, is the famously claimed New York Public Library. Open to the public with free admission, you can experience a true voyage back in time. It also seemed to be a great place for locals to do their regular library shenanigans - you know, like devoting themselves to a "great" book. As a tourist or spectator, you will find yourself in one of the greatest places in New York. An enormous building full of story, all with an amazing fundamental ascetics and a immense responsibility to deliver an artistic experience - all at the same time!

With the intention to combine my two favorite things, architecture and street fashion, I decided to go for a photoshoot to the library. It was rainy day, which meant that my look had to be appropriate and the timing had to be perfect. I recommend visiting early morning when less tourist are in the building and be prepared to spend at least one to two hours there. Take your time, take it all in, take pictures (without flash, of course) and be respectful to those that actually visit the library for its convectional use.

Visiting the New York Public Library will make you feel inspired and will be a great opportunity to appreciate the work of incredible artists. Step out of the tourist mentality and completely forget about Times Square, believe me, my pictures do no justice - experience it for yourself!

Cheers,

Si es Moda, No Incomoda

Posted on by louis polo

Para aquellos nuevos integrantes de este blog, y que desean familiarizarse un poco con lo que les espera, aquí les vá! Para que conozcan un poco mas mi estilo: que me gusta, de donde vengo, y que me apasiona. Como ya sabrán, me llamo Louis, soy Dominicano y tengo 22 años. Me apasiona muchísimo compartir mis ideales con otros - por eso escribo - y soy un poco fuera de lo convencional cuando de trata de moda y estilo. El estilo callejero (Street Style) o casual, es el que mas vas a encontrar en este blog.

Entiendo que en todas partes del mundo, la definición popular o colectiva de los que es entretenimiento mediatico es un poco distorsionado. En el sentido de que lo morboso y lo poco intelectual es lo que vende, no lo digo por juzgar, sino por experiencia propia al ser parte de una socio-cultura, que por su gran mayoría se identifica con dicha definición. Y si, todo este blah blah blah para decir que desafortunadamente para muchos, mi blog no encaja es tal definición de los que es el entretenimiento.

Pero como de honestidad se trata, no les voy a mentir, en infinitas ocasiones he sido fiel consumidor de tal contenido poco beneficioso. Definitivamente no hay nada malo con pasarla bien, reír y escapar. Como creador de contenido, tengo que apreciar las cosas desde otro punto de vista. Quiero crear contenido que perdure, para que mi relación contigo sea revolucionaria y podamos compartir - por este medio- muchas experiencias. Si pensamos y analizamos a fondo aquellas personalidades tan populares y divertidas del mundo de las redes sociales, tales fenómenos tienen fecha de expiración, y eso no es lo que quiero para mi pagina.

Si no te has dado cuenta - no te culpo - el proposito de este post no tan divertido, es para introducirme o llegarle de una manera mas orgánica a otras personas como tu y yo... Que hablan Español. Personalmente, compartir contenido hispano hablante es mucho mas divertido o fluyente, ya que es mi primera lengua. Entiendo que hoy día, todos tenemos infinitas opciones de click y de pasar el tiempo con el celular en mano, pero les aseguro, que aquí - como buen dominicano- se vá a guayar la yuca!

Aunque las fotos y el look no tengan que ver con nada, no tenia otra cosa, así que comenta! 🙂

Hasta la próxima,

Autumn in Palm Springs x JCPenney

Posted on by louis polo

With winter and its weather getting closer by the minute, I want to enjoy the rest of my favorite season - Autumn. The main reason why I enjoy Autumn so much, besides the weather, is because I now get a chance to have more fun with the clothing pieces I want to wear. My fashion game has to escalate from t-shirts and shorts to layers and boots. Definitely a fun transition for me!

To make this transition even more enjoyable, I head out to JCPenney to see what I could find. I came across lots of denim, stylish sweaters, dope windbreakers, and of course, my MAIN! - Flex skinny jeans. Considering that I'm spending this season in Palm Springs, where aside from the palm trees and never-ending sunny days, it does gets a little cool, I'm still able let my creativity out. As much as I love coats, I don't go beyond wearing a denim or bumber jacket and using a thin sweater or hoodie to layer things up bit. I found great options at JCPenney and definitely came through with my preferable street style.

Fashion has always been a fun part of me, and as for many people, is a great from of expression and confidence. I was a little afraid about spending the rest of the season in Palm Springs, because I though it was going to be an extension of summer - in terms of style and fashion. I always look forward to Autumn since is a very exciting process for me when the temperatures begin to drop and the leaves start changing colors and falling. I'm so thankful I was able to do the same here, even without the changing effects on nature. Now I think I'll be more open to experience this season in different places, specially those known to be warm.

I'm sure you'll also find your style at JCPenney, but to help you out, I've put together a section of pieces that I think everyone could successfully rock. Check-out the essentials at the end of the post and let me know what you think!

Until next time,

Lonjas de Baguette y Queso – Paris

Posted on by louis polo

Oh Paris! La cuidad de las películas románticas, las motoras rojas, y los berets. Un lugar repleto de historia y de una ideología muy amplia. Visitar Paris es como regresar al tiempo y sumergirse en lonjas de baguettes y queso. Es escuchar los gritos de tantas batallas, inspirarse a amar apasionadamente, y correr con los ojos cerrados hacia la Mona Lisa. Paris despierta inspiración, pero a la vez pena por una ciudad que puede ser corriente como cualquier otra.

En Paris te vuelves a enamorar, te despierta mucha curiosidad, y te mantiene la intriga. Cuando visite Paris no quería regresar; te inspira confianza y te ayuda a soñar. Cuidad de tantas historias y de tantas monarcas, que a la vez pierde su fuerza y carácter por la comodidad de sus pintores. Paris es una cuidad que fue, pero jamas volverá a ser. Cuando solo quedan los recuerdos de aquel lugar amado y emblemático, que décadas mas tardes seguimos sumergidos en la burbuja de la historia. Queriendo resucitar aquella esencia única, la cual cerrando los ojos es la única manera de simular.

Paris puede ser tu casa y tu esperanza. Desafortunadamente el egoísmo de un grupo a matado aquella magia. Es una cuidad que al visitarla, y a pesar de tantos cambios, te remonta en un largo viaje hacia el nuevo mundo. De la misma forma te regala un a sonrisa, pero su gente ya llena de frialdad y humo. Un lugar llego de modernidad pero enfriado en un bloque de arquitectura y creatividad. La cuidad de las películas románticas, las motoras rojas, y los berets...

Bon Voyage,

The Truth About Paris

Posted on by louis polo

Unlike other destinations, when visiting Paris, you may experience the change of stations. If you stay for long enough, or depending on what time of the year you visit, the weather might start playing tricks on you and retain you from enjoying all the city of love has to offer. Fortunately for me, I traveled during the perfect time, the beginning of September. Don't worry, this post is certainly not about silly weather talk, I go from 0 to 100 - real quick!

Paris is known for its rainy gray days, but during my entire stay, the city was covered in gorgeous blue skies and plenty of sunlight. In one day, I was able to visit more than four emblematic attractions and get the most out my day. Sitting on the sidewalk of a Café enjoying some great food and visiting outdoor markets is a great Parisian experience to leave with. The temperatures were perfect to allow us to walk and explore it all.

Compared to other European cities, Paris is a big place completed with amazing places to experience. In order for you not to spend time doing uninteresting things, create a list of the top attraction you want to visit. Depending on how long you're staying, begin with your favorite places and work-down your list. The hop-on and hop-off buses are super helpful to take you around the city's most visited attractions. You'll save so much time, and will get to experience everything at a more relaxed paste.

Paris is one of the most photogenic places I've ever visited. Every corner, every monument, every building, becomes a great place to snap a memory. If visiting more than one place per day, as you should, I recommend not taking a fancy cameras - your phone will do it! When traveling from place to place and getting distracted with so many things, the risks of loosing valuables will increase. Also, if complete estrangers (usually in pairs) offers to take pictures of you, kindly decline. Paris is full of scams and thieves who are always looking for a way to take advantage of you. This applies to not purchasing illegal tickets outside of museums, decline and move on.

Other important thing note, do not sign any "petitions" on the streets. It will be very -VERY - likely that someone will approach you (at the train station, outside of a museum, at the park) and ask you if you speak English - best answer: NO - then ask you to sign a petition. After you sign, they'll tell you is actually a "fund-raiser" for a heart felt cause and tell you there's a minimum to donate. If you don't "donate" anything, based on my experience, they'll harass you, follow you, and most likely run your day while cursing you out. Charge your phone, take your charger, mind your own business, and don't engage, in any type of way, with people informally selling on the streets.

Yes, as many other big cities, Paris is dominated by garbage and graffiti. It seems like Parisian monuments are not well taken care of, structurally speaking. You can touch the layers of dirt on some of the statues and bridges. Gambling in front of the Eiffel Tour is also very predominant. As a tourist, I strongly suggest you not to engage in any of those things.

Before my trip, I wish someone would've told me these things so I would've been more cautious. I don't mean to scare you out, but because Paris is very diverse city with so many different ideologies, and apparently, a very weak police/security system for tourists, it is very possible that you'll encounter nasty people. This statement is based on my experience in other cities of Europe and round the world. Of course, you'll have a great time and will leave France with the desire to come back, but always be woke and aware of your surroundings.

Bon Voyage,

NY Skyscrapers + Amaro Montenegro

Posted on by louis polo

As a general rule, summer nights in New York tend to be very fun and anxiously expected by -almost- everyone. I bet as in any other cold-wintered cities is all about spending the most time outdoors to compensate for the rest of the year.

New York is beyond the skyscrapers and the pretty lights, is a mix of people from every country you can think of, creating a sub-culture and interchanging ideas. When after the hectic routine of the big city, you have the time to spend with friends and family, one must ensure it will be quality time well spent.

Amaro Montenegro is that element to be present on my summer rooftop hangouts. To be frank, I tried Amaro Montenegro just recently and instantly had my friends tried it. It was a collective agreement to make it a ritual whenever we get together. We've responsibly enjoyed its great taste in new cocktails and, of course, on the rock. Montenegro has witnessed so many deep conversations and ideas exchanges. Give something new a try, enjoy responsibility, #makeitwithmonte 😊

Cheers,