<![CDATA[Socrates Howard - Blog Home]]>Sun, 12 May 2024 16:20:10 -0400Weebly<![CDATA[#WHITETEEONLY - Relax Ladies: Comfy is Sexy]]>Wed, 02 Oct 2019 05:53:54 GMThttp://socrateshoward.com/blog/whiteteeonly-relax-ladies-comfy-is-sexy

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Full write on on WHITETEEONLY.COM/BLOG
]]><![CDATA[White Sweater Tee - After 5pm Construction Worker OOTD]]>Mon, 05 Aug 2019 17:05:05 GMThttp://socrateshoward.com/blog/white-sweater-tee-after-5pm-construction-worker-ootdPicture
It may seem strange, but the sweater tee is legit one of the easiest ways to be comfortable while appearing to have made some effort on your OOTD!
See more on this Hem Sweater Tee from ZARA and more...
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This is a straight cut fine knit sweater with round neck and short sleeves. Hems with piping in the same material. The beauty of this white tee is the cotton material makes it appear to be more than a basic #whiteteeonly on the surface.  The fabric adds texture which transforms it into a "dressed down" shirt.  Mashed with this Groonin flat/bucket hat, and you have a after 5pm steel worker fashion OOTD.
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Construction worker after 5 OOTD. Textured Weave Pant - Zara
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Samba OG Shoes - Adidas
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#WHITETEEONLY options for this tee below:

PREMIUM MOCK NECK TOP
TEXTURED TOP
COLORED DELUXE SHIRT
TEXTURED TOP
PIPED HEM SWEATER - as seen in pics
]]><![CDATA[Mika Jaymes - White Tee]]>Sat, 30 Mar 2019 13:04:46 GMThttp://socrateshoward.com/blog/mika-jaymes-white-tee
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Men's Modal Curved Bottom Crew Tee
Mika Jaymes - are they #1 when it comes to white tees?  That's for you to decide but what I will say is that they are in the top 10 in my opinion.  Mika Jaymes is a L.A. Based company that has taken comfort, style and made their own uniqueness...I recently purchased my first tee from them and love it...

The One Loose Tee I Like :)

Men's Modal Curved Bottom Crew Tee
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ASOS DESIGN western faux shearling jacket in black
I tend to rock tight, fitted or muscle tees primarily.  Mainly because those match well with any pant, short or jogger.  However, I've been searching for a loose tee a long time now.  Loose tees normally have sh*tty quality or the bottom cut comes down to the knees which is not cool to me.  But this Mika Jaymes tee is cut at perfect length.
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HM Skinny Jeans
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Goorin Bros. Men's Animal Farm Snap Back Trucker Hat
I truly believe the #whiteteeonly movement and style is timeless.  I get a little crap due to wearing the same top daily, but hey we must do what makes us happy in fashion.  There is no fashion crime to be had here.  Mesh that with the #loosebelt and there is no telling me nothing.  I often get asked "Soc, did you really clear your closet and only wear white tees?" the answer is YEEEESSSSS. I did this because I was tired of the societal standards of what people say "high fashion" is.  The cost to achieve these social media and celebrity standards is ridic. And more than anything, I wanted men, especially short men to know that we are all cool and awesome in our own way.
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ASOS DESIGN western faux shearling jacket in black
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Men's Modal Curved Bottom Crew Tee

Lot's or Pro's but there was 1 Con

First a foremost, I really LOVE this product and like their white tees greatly.  But I have to point out one thing that stood out to me.  And that is the lack of diversity on the website and within the display.  Maybe it was intentional, perhaps they worked with a marketing and advertising company who positioned their visual layout to them - BUT there was no representation of color on the site.  I can't leave that unspoken.  Personally, I do look towards brands that are inclusive and have diversity as a common part of their brand.  This leads me to another point of contention with my #whiteteeonly movement.  That first word of the movement is not just about the shirt color, but I purposely cite it because I'm not caucasian.  As crazy as it sounds, I appreciate being an african american all while branding my chosen wardrobe life with White Tee shirts.  The juxtaposition is awesome and nothing is better than mixing, meshing and blending white/black together.  So I truly hope the founder and designer of Mika Jaymes adds a bit more inclusiveness and diversity to their brand and how it is logistically showcased to the public.  I also plan on reaching out to the company directly to share this tidbit of constructive criticism.  Hopefully, they see it as a friendly view point from someone who likes their clothes.

In closing, the price point is on the high end, but for the quality, and selection of their tee shirts, I think it's well worth it.
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]]><![CDATA[One Sound From My Fav Producers: prod. Socrates Howard]]>Sun, 17 Mar 2019 17:20:43 GMThttp://socrateshoward.com/blog/one-sound-from-my-fav-producers-prod-socrates-howard
I know 2019 just started but this is definitely one of my favorite music productions this far.  I've been following Diddy and Timberland on social media for a while, but as of lately I feel their presence online has been much more needed and inspirational.  Look, I'm not saying it should "Black EERRTHING" all the time but I do believe there is a lack of how influential Urban ie Black Music is appreciated.  Let's make not mistake, Hip Hop/Rap is the most consumed music genre to day, BY FAR.  Yet, those suits & ties in every other profession like to speak negative towards Hip Hop Culture.  I haven't been too vocal about preaching to folks about Black culture, or Black influence on Hip Hop but I hope you find this lil tune to be dopeness :).

​So I went through about 50 records produced by some of my favorite producers, took one specific sound I liked from reach and made my own sound bank.  From there, I created this track that you here in the video and below.  If there ever is a 21st century "Reading Rainbow" this should most certainly be the intro music.


See Who Inspired This Sound

Kick - Timbaland
Hit Hat - Swizz Beatz
Cymbal/Tambourine - Dr. Dre
Toms - Mannie Fresh
Bass 1 - Kanye West
Bass 2 - Mike Dean (honorary)
Snare - DJ Premier
Clap - Pharrell Williams
Lead Filtered Piano - Socrates Howard
Vocal Sample - Deadly Combination (Big L - feat. 2 Pac & Biggie)

See In Studio First Listen

]]><![CDATA[Peaky Blinders x White Tee: Birmingham, England Look]]>Fri, 01 Feb 2019 03:17:28 GMThttp://socrateshoward.com/blog/peaky-blinders-x-white-tee-birmingham-england-look
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Peaky Blinders!!! Has anyone else watched and now loves this show?

I've been all in since episode one and got hooked.  Ok ok so outside of the great acting, hardcore language, and all out bad*ss vibes there are two things that really make me dig this show..........
First being the fashion...that old Birmingham, England worker swag is super dope (at least to me).  The bucket fisherman caps add the final piece.  Mesh that with the heavy peacoats and you immediately become a "Shelby Brother".
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So this style and fit matches my current way of dressing.  Semi distressed boots, crop pant, plan shirt better known as #whiteteeonly, suspenders and boom you're an british chap eh?!?  I think males have an inadvertent way of making film fashion trends in some aspect.  So people inadvertently start to look how they dress in it.  That leads us men to seeking out others...my immediate take was that this was something David Beckham would wear.  Go figure that led me to this brand he and his son Brooklyn are often seen rocking Kent & Curwen.
Although being eco-friendly and sustainable conscious is also my "new" attempt at doing my part in the world, sometimes I can't convince everyone.  But that doesn't stop me from recommending a brand that others who follow my journey may like.  Definitely check Kent & Curwen out but please remember there are a lot eco-friendly brands that can come close to matching high end as well as being cost effective.
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The second thing I adore about this show is the cinematography.  It's grungy always in every shot.  I think often if they troll weather.com and only film on rainy/foggy days haha.  But it has that cool Guy Ritchie edge and his eye in film is one I Like.  Mix Guy's vision with Cillian Murphy's phenomenal acting chops with his look and you get a trifecta for success.  My attempt to recreate this look took some time due to the locale but I found this great area in Astoria, NY near some apartments.  I asked the Super if I could take a few shots in the lower basement area and was able to get some really great captures.
I hope you all enjoy this outfit and try to recreate your own.  Let me know if you like this post and shoot me ideas on other looks you are interested in that hold the #whiteteeonly standard.

SHOP THIS LOOK
Navy and Orange Check Stretch Pant (Topman)
​Traditional Long John (Amazon)
​Topman Overcoat (Opt 1, Opt 2, Opt 3)
Adjustable Suspenders (Amazon)
​Aspin Fisherman Flap Cap (Goorin Bros)
Suede Lace Books (H&M)
​

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]]><![CDATA[White Tees: Can They Be Eco-Friendly?]]>Sat, 19 Jan 2019 05:33:13 GMThttp://socrateshoward.com/blog/white-tees-can-they-be-eco-friendly
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Can white tees be sustainable and fashionable?  Welp, as many of you know, I started the #whiteteeonly movement for a year now.  What is this movement you ask ---- well go ahead and read more...
So when I made the decision to only wear a white tee in social settings, I did it to prove a point to someone who follows me and to open up the idea that "fashion" is more than expensive clothes.  But while on this endeavor, I become drawn to the idea of a more sustainable and eco friendly life.  Now, for the record I have not converted fully and I'm not a vegan but I do appreciate this new path and possible journey to full sustainability.  The #whiteteeonly movement has really changed my outlook on fashion completely.  In fact, it has given me my own style, my own mark and my own wave.
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Many people have also big up'd the idea of cutting back on clothing and picking their own sustainable approach.  That being said, I want to share a few tee shirt brands specific to men but unisex as well that are eco friendly and more sustainable to rock.  I decided to pair this current vibe you see with a Birmingham, England look; fully inspired by the goodfellas of Netflix Original "Peaky Blinders" I LOVE this show and really dig the UK error fashion design.  Mainly the hat and suspender fittings are so freaking dope.  This entire fit is under $125 bucks top to bottom.  AND AND AND you can pair the tee, suspenders and hat with a variation of colorway pant.  Meaning you can rock the same top half over and over, with a different pant and alternate jacket without looking like a repeat outfit offender lol.

Check These Sustainable Tee Brands

Mack Weldon
Vav Basics
Royal Apparel
Alternative Apparel​
​7 Great Eco Friendly White Tees for Women (good read)
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Don't forget to follow me

]]><![CDATA[White Tee: Vol. 1]]>Sat, 15 Sep 2018 10:00:00 GMThttp://socrateshoward.com/blog/white-tee-vol-1
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White Tee, with a smile.  Hold your hat. $17 bucks only
]]><![CDATA[Wakanda Pt. II - Music Inspired by Black Panther Film]]>Wed, 12 Sep 2018 23:28:37 GMThttp://socrateshoward.com/blog/wakanda-pt-ii-music-inspired-by-black-panther-film
Shortly after I watched the Blank Panther movie, I was beyond motivated.  I humbly understand the impact of the film for not only the african-american community but the visual and music components raised so much awareness within urban culture. You know that feeling you get when you are watching something and thinking "ugh, I wish that was me, or I wish I could have created something for that".  Welp, that's how I felt...I immediately went home and told myself: "Man I could have made a record for the score on that file"...
Granted everyone thinks they can make anything they see or hear lol.  But personally, I know I've done some really good things within my music production; however, this film made me want to make the next installment of the Black Panther series sooooo bad.  So, I created a production that I felt was the best feeling for the film. And I truly hope some of my viewers take it, repost this blog and share the sound lol.  Let's get me to make the soundtrack of BP2!!!  

Also, one of my constant collaborators Jet-I jumped in the fun.  Moments after I created the production, I sent him an email explaining the track and the vibe I had for it.  Check it out:

​Next thing you know, he replies back with some fire lyrics.  Hope you enjoy and don't forget to follow me on all social platforms to stay up to date on all things Soc!

Listen to Track

]]><![CDATA[White Tee Is Every Season]]>Wed, 29 Aug 2018 11:50:40 GMThttp://socrateshoward.com/blog/white-tee-is-every-season
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 T-shirt (or t shirt, or t) is a style of unisex fabric shirt, named after the T shape of the body and sleeves.  It's pretty much the most simple, yet fashionable garment for decades upon decades.  T-shirts were originally worn as undershirts, but are now worn frequently as the only piece of clothing on the top half of the body, other than possibly a brassiere or, rarely, a waistcoat (vest). T-shirts have also become a medium for self-expression and advertising, with any imaginable combination of words, art and photographs on display.  Whether loose, slim or athletic fit you can literally rock a white tee for any occasion.  Special thanks to one of my best friends Tim for joining in on this post for some snaps.  If you're looking to see some adventure and world traveler definitely give him a follow.  Read more to see some of my fav fashion icons and their take on the white tee as well as my favorite tee brands currently.
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White Tee Fashion

By the Great Depression, the T-shirt was often the default garment to be worn when doing farm or ranch chores, as well as other times when modesty called for a torso covering but conditions called for lightweight fabrics. Following World War II, it was worn by Navy men as undergarments and slowly became common to see veterans wearing their uniform trousers with their T-shirts as casual clothing.  The shirts became even more popular in the 1950s after Marlon Brando wore one in A Streetcar Named Desire, finally achieving status as fashionable, stand-alone, outerwear garments.  Often boys wore them while doing chores and playing outside, eventually opening up the idea of wearing them as general-purpose casual clothing.
Printed T-shirts were in limited use by 1942 when an Air Corps Gunnery School T-shirt appeared on the cover of Life magazine. In the 1960s, printed T-shirts gained popularity for self-expression as well for advertisements, protests, and souvenirs.
Current versions are available in many different designs and fabrics, and styles include crew-neck and V-neck shirts. T-shirts are among the most worn garments of clothing used today. T-shirts are especially popular with branding for companies or merchandise, as they are inexpensive to make and purchase...[additional detail c/o wiki]
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...Socrates Howard

]]><![CDATA[Production & String Arrangement Session: Socrates - NYC, NY]]>Sat, 16 Jun 2018 12:42:55 GMThttp://socrateshoward.com/blog/production-string-arrangement-session-socrates-nyc-ny
Hey folks it's been SOOOOO long I know but things have been busy my way.  Between collaborating with many brands for their fashion & lifestyle content and working on a ton of new music, I've been neglecting you peeps here. I know I know, this sometimes seems like a repeat but I promise I'll be better :).  But I wanted to post this vid of some new music I'm working on and give you some BTS of one specific piece...Read more to see the background:
Backstory: the beauty of music is all the directions you can go for one common basis. Many people that know me, know I love history and digging into previous centuries. I binged The Tudors the other day and West World, both of which I’ve watched multiple times as if I’ve never heard of the shows. But anyway, I had an idea 💡 from excessive amounts of watching these and had to lay something. However, I was really adamant about a string arrangement presence. So I called upon a friend and for about 2 hours on phone I was trying get him to understand what I wanted for the strings. Let me start by saying this person knows no hip hop or pop songs. He doesn’t have an insta or twitter, he is classically trained and for whatever reason he takes my annoying calls whenever I get the courage to hit him up lol. That all being said, he allowed me to argue with him over 4 violas verses 10 haha. I asked for his opinion but when he didn’t agree I kept buggin him until finally we worked it out. Now, I’m speaking to him as I would to any friend of mine and it’s just so amazing to vibe with someone of completely different backgrounds, different periods in life and still mesh. Moral is, we all have to understand that we share this place called earth. We are all neighbors and we are all family. We should make a teeny bit of effort to connect with different parts of life because it’s so valuable to do so.  Hope you enjoy this one!
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