Tyquise: The Collector

There are many collectors in the world of millions of things like: antiques, baseball cards, comic books, purses and shoes. Thomas "Tyquise" Holbrook a 20-year-old junior and art major at Central is an avid sneaker collector with hundreds of graphic t-shirts, Levi jeans, jackets and hats to go with them. He has a very diverse style and likes the finer things in life, with a very high Pri$e limit. 

Like many guys Tyquise is a "Jordan Head" as he calls it.

"I go off of Jordan release dates and old school Jordans," said Tyquise.

 If it's any other kind of sneakers he buys one pair of each that he really likes just to say he has them, like a pair of Foam Posit(s), Air Max(s), Chuck Taylor(s) etc.

You can say he has every number Jordan in every color and they are very near and dear to him. There are many females that are the same way, and over my many years of living I've realized that Jordan fever is not gender specific. In no way shape or form do I have a problem with the "Jordan Heads," but that lifestyle can be a pocket breaker.

Tyquise doesn't stick to one style, color scheme or the norm, but whatever he chooses has to be nice and pop. He does look at a lot of celebrities' swag like Chris Brown and implicates that in his own wardrobe. He also says he caters to what he calls the "now phase."

"The "now phase," I would say is whatever the style is now for 2011; I would follow that, but put my own little taste on it, my own little spin," said Tyquise. Things like jean jackets are coming back so Tyquise would sproose it up with a different shirt, like a button up and put on some sneakers.

He doesn't really like to be as I call matchie matchie, which is your shirt matching your shoes and your hat and/or accessories, but it does make some kind of sense.

"I don't believe in the whole black hat, all black shirt and all black shoes for example. I hate it," said Tyquise. "As an artist I know colors that make other colors pop like blue and orange and red and green because they're complimentary. I wouldn't do like three different shades of brown," he added. 

When putting outfits together Tyquise starts with his outfit like many other people, but mainly the shirt. "I have so many shoes. I need to worry about how a shirt looks on me first then I kind of like to wear whatever looks creative on my feet," he explained.

You can say Tyquise would be the cool kid in class. He would be "that guy" as he put it. Mr. tall, lean, smooth and just "swaged" out; walking down the halls getting all the hugs from the ladies, dap from the fellas and a ship load of compliments, and the main one, “I love your shoes.”

Like any other intense and serious collector of something Tyquise will do what he can to get the sneakers he likes. "If I get them the day they come out, it would be retail, which would be $150. If not, if I have to find them, they're usually expensive. I don't really have a price range for sneakers because what I want I try to get, and tend to get, but my max would probably be $300," said Tyquise.

When it comes to the rest of his wardrobe he typically spends $44 on Levi's and usually doesn't wear anything else besides maybe a pair from H&M or some True Religions. The T-shirt prices definitely vary by style and store but typically the ones he buys are around $40, but don't really go much higher. His jackets are like $60 and above and his hats which he loves and "doesn't walk around without" tend to be no more than $30. "Then they go under because I have my Lids card so they're like $25," said Tyquise.

Tyquise's employer Stash House, a sneaker boutique is the enabler of his obsession providing him with the employee discount and different varieties of shoes and shirts to choose from. They bring styles from places like California and Florida to the people of Connecticut and "give it to the urban crowd," to expand their market and bring people to their store. They have a lot of clothes skateboard kids wear and brands like Stussy and Pink Dolphin. If Stash House doesn't have his size or ran out he doesn't mind taking a visit all the way to New York to get it, at streets like 125th street and places like Flight Club and the House of Hoops.

"I tend to not try to outdo anybody else, I try to outdo myself."

The Leather Jacket

The black leather jackets used to be strictly a biker thing, but now fashionistas say other wise. Wearing your leather jacket is a trend that both men and women are a part of, and it doesn't seem to be going anywhere. Whether you put it on as a fall daytime look or at night when you are heading to a party, it looks good either way. Leather jackets are edgy, fun and can add that extra umph to an outfit. I definitely own a leather jacket and I love it.

Style, Swag and Charisma

This picture is absolutely priceless, maybe even breath taking. For one the movie was amazing, two he's definitely hot and three he embodies the style, swag and charisma of many guys now-a-days. From head to toe he's rocking the latest trends of 2011.

On his eyes are a pair Ray- Ban sunglasses. There are two types of Ray- Ban sunglasses; the ones he's wearing are the Wayfarer style and the design was a "radically new shape" to the people of the 1950's, "a mid-century classic to the rival Earnes chair and Cadillac tail fins" (Wikipedia). The other style is Aviator. They are so dark to the naked eye you wouldn't know he was staring at you, but he would definitely peep you staring at him. They're edgy and very popular.

His grey v-neck t-shirt adds to his bad boy look and is in by popular demand. A lot of guys are wearing v-neck t-shirts gay or straight and you won't walk down the street without seeing a guy in a white, black or grey one, and it's no problem to me. I like a man in a v-neck t-shirt.

He's also, wearing a pair of black boot cut jeans, which you can never go wrong with. They pretty much go with anything.

Lastly, the combat boots seem to be taking over the fashion world. It's blazing through college campuses, high schools and the entertainment industry like a wild fire and spreading to both men and women. They give that edgy rebel look and make a person look like they're ready for war.

On a scale of one to ten he would definitely get a ten from me for this outfit and any boy sporting it would too.

Bold and Beautiful

The make-up is a step beyond the hair. It is also, one of those things that can make or break your outfit. To much make-up can make you look like a clown while not enough of it will make you not stand out. You need just the right amount and just the right color. This picture has more dramatic and in-depth make-up because this was probably for a show or photo shoot so the artist, LaToya Santos, was able to be more creative with the jewels,  face art and colors. Certain colors look good with certain skin tones and pop with different color outfits. Many woman do their own make-up and know what colors they like on themselves and how much they like to put on. Essentially doing make-up is like an art form in which some are quite gifted at. LaToya is an aspiring make-up artist who works hard and takes pride in her work. Here is a link to her facebook page so you guys can check it out for yourselves. http://www.facebook.com/pages/Arel-Quintese/148416348551774?ref=nf&sk=wall

The Classic High Bun

For women our hair is one our most valuable possessions  and is the last thing on the to-do list when getting ready because the style depends on the occasion or the outfit. Your hair style can really make or break an outfit, so you want to make sure your look is cohesive, presentable and appropriate.  

The classic high bun is chic and elegant while so simple. Whether you're going on a date, out for drinks or to a business meeting it can give you that class and sass you're looking for while showing off your really cute make-up or nice facial features.

Heather Lewis, a 22-year-old pastry chef, is a connoisseur of this hair style; it's her favorite and definitely her signature.

Ankle Boots & Cheetah Print

These cheetah printed wedged booties kill two birds with one stone. They are a combination of ankle boots, also known as booties and Cheetah Print, which both have definitely been in this year.
Whether it's a cheetah printed shirt, skirt, dress, shoes or accessories it is ramp-id in girl's wardrobes.
It used to be all about the knee and thigh high boots, but now booties are the way to go.

Rebellious and Urban with a Punk Flare

Marquise Holbrooke is a Senior majoring in design at Central Connecticut State University. He defines his style as "rebellious and urban with a punk flare." He enjoys fashion and lives to the beat of his own drum, "I love taking risks when it comes to what I'm wearing."

This particular outfit Marquise feels embodies his style very well. He's wearing a gray cardigan with colorful pattern designs, a graphic t-shirt, skinny jeans and boat shoes. Cardigan sweaters are very much in style for the fall season for both boys and girls and the graphic t-shirts have began to run ramp-id in the male community. "Cardigans and graphic t-shirts are my favorite to shop for." 

"I'm big on accessories as well. With this outfit I went stud crazy." He added studded earrings, belt, necklace and a two finger ring, which seems to take the the outfit to the next level. "Thought I'd keep it consistent."

I like attire that is very different and unique. Something that looks hand-made and or one of a kind. I never want to dress like the norm or do things because other people are doing them. I rock the clothes the clothes don't rock me. I would say my biggest style inspiration would be Rihanna. People may find it a bit weird because she's a girl, however, I love how her style matches her personality and attitude. Very bold, daring and just a big "I don't give a f***" mentality. I also look up to Kanye West and Pharrell on the fashion tip.

"Don't sell your soul, sail your soul."