Dean Paul Jones

Memoirs of a discerning and stylish mind

[deanpauljones]

It's All in the Label

Had a great time rocking this Burberry Prorsum A/W14 print shirt at the 5th annual Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic! Benefiting Will Rogers State Historic Park (in an effort to support California State Parks) the day was filled with music, picnics, games, an exciting polo match of course the famed yellow orange labeled champagne. Looking forward to the next match. Cheers!

[deanpauljones]

If we can’t find a moment to do something special for someone else, after all, our life will never be worth living.

[deanpauljones]

I have noticed that the people who are late are often so much jollier than the people who have to wait for them.

E.V. Lucas (1868-1938) Author

[deanpauljones]

Devilishly exciting! One of my favorite pieces from renowned American photographer David LaChapelle who collaborated with style icon Daphne Guinness to portray the luxurious extravagance of a Maybach. LaChapelle never fails to transport me to another world or as critics would say his "celebrated surreal tableaux".

[deanpauljones]

People will stare. Make it worth their while.

Harry Winston

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WHERE WOULD YOU MOST LIKE TO VISIT ON YOUR PLANET?

Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts

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It is incredibly hard to change your habits, but you have to do just that. You have to think of your future self, and treat your future self with respect.

A.J. Jacobs

[deanpauljones]

I was looking through a men's fashion magazine at Barnes & Noble the other day and came across a fantastic one page for Jack Wills - a British "Prep" style clothing company. Being that I'm in love with the whole British, Kennedy, Hampton style I could not help but to visit their site. Started out in 1999 from Salcombe, Devon located in south west England, the brand is geared towards young professionals ages 25 to 35 who fancies a lifestyle appearance of polo, rugby and rowing. Unlike other competitor brands whose appeal comes in the form of half naked sculpted models (AHEM A&F), Jack Wills prides itself on word of mouth. Refreshing, classic and sophisticated. Sounds like my cup of tea!

[deanpauljones]

A State College Wedding - April 28

I can still replay in my head that October night in Paris when I received a disturbing text from my friend Nikki. Adorned with mirrored walls and Baccarat crystal chandeliers, the dining room at Le Meurice was a comforting space to the terrible news that was about to break. I stepped outside to phone Nikki only to hear that my good friend Nicole was in a near death accident shy of a couple days before her wedding.

Planned to take place the first week of November 2011, the wedding  was postponed due to Nicole's endless surgeries and rehabilitation efforts. Since then, Nicole has healed tremendously and is a constant reminder that faith, courage and love is all the strength you need.

Earlier this year I received her second invitation with the fitting words of "Take Two". So my trek to the east coast was inevitable. I could not miss this special day! Randy who was my plus one since the beginning made sure he came along for the second trip back to the great land of the Nittany Lion.

Choosing to arrive in Philadelphia this time, we were welcomed by Nikki accompanied by Zorro which you will come to know later. Driving through the city and arriving at the Alexander Inn, the three of us could not help but to appreciate the old world charm that Philadelphia had to offer. From old brick buildings to cobblestone roads, all that I could picture was Paul Revere on his galloping horse shouting "The red coats are coming! The red coats are coming". Although I'm sure that did not happen in Philadelphia, still Nikki and Randy laughed hysterically as they corrected my history.

We connected with Naiomi's cousin Raj who was kind enough to show us around town. First we enjoyed a nice meal at KNOCK and then headed down to one of Philadelphia's main staple bars called Woody's. Comprised of three very distinct rooms we were surprised to see how the diverse the crowd was. Unlike the pretentious attitude commonly found in West Hollywood, we all felt at home. Perhaps because no one knew us. A good thing since we found ourselves inebriated while jumping on and off the stage. Finishing up our last few cocktails we decided to have a late night snack and to our avail was a pizza place around the corner. I stuck to my regular pepperoni and sausage while Nikki went for the breakfast pizza which had a plethora of ingredients such as eggs, ham and bacon. The pizza stop was a great respite from the nightclub and light drizzle of the rain.

On a tight schedule to make it in time for Nicole's wedding rehearsal dinner, we managed to squeeze in some sights such as Independence Hall, Liberty Bell and Benjamin Franklin's grave. The area has dramatically changed from the last time I was in town (early 2000). Now there are small eating areas and common spaces surrounding the great lawn. I'm glad that I was able to visit again and see it completed. After the quick tour we decided that our trip would not be complete without trying a Philadelphia Cheese Steak sandwich at Pat's King of Steaks. There was a sign at the beginning of the line saying that ordering should be said in less than 30 seconds and if you should fail to go back to the end of the line and reorder. Ordering what we thought was delicious, we found ourselves disappointed. There was no seasoning on the sandwich and taking a second look at the menu we should have ordered a "peppered" sandwich. Hopefully next time we'll have the ordering process to a tee.

So a little about Zorro. Basically Zorro was our rental car. An old beaten down gray Chevrolet. I forget the model and year but it was very old. And when I say old I mean antique status with roll up windows, a funky odor when the AC or heater was turned on and a whistling noise as we drove forward and backward. So you could imagine three Los Angeles kids who are used to comforts of luxury cars driving an old jalopy in the streets of Pennsylvania. Nonetheless Zorro was good to us. He got us to where we needed to be in one piece. So thank you Zorro. I promise I won't judge a book by its cover again.

Finally reaching State College we checked into the Penn Stater Hotel and headed to the dinner which took place in a handsome colonial style stone cottage called Duffy's Tavern in Boalsburg. We were treated to American favorites such as hamburgers and fries but the delicious finale were the homemade cake pops by Jordan's aunt Lori.

About 100 of Nicole and Jordan's closest family and friends gathered at The Eisenhower Chapel located on the Penn State campus. I could not believe the day was finally here. I can only imagine the long journey that Nicole and Jordan had to go through to make this all happen. All I could do is smile and hold my breath as Nicole, draped in a vintage inspired lace gown, walked down the aisle with her father. My breath was taken away. I was so happy and could not stop smiling! The fun memories I had with Nicole especially working at the GAP during our college years rushed through my mind. My face had a serious work out! Words can not describe what I was feeling inside. Its as if time had stopped for a minute and the world was where it needed to be.

After the ceremony we headed to the gorgeous and charming Nittany Lion Inn for the much anticipated reception. Awarded the prestigious AAA Four Diamonds and also part of the Historic Hotels of America, built in 1931 the Nittany Lion Inn keeps to its Colonial country heritage. Rich cherry-wood furniture and floral fabrics paired with cascading crystal chandeliers throughout the hotel transports guests to a time when Presidents Eisenhower and Johnson, Eleanor Roosevelt, Helen Hayes and Louis Armstrong walked its hallways and guest rooms. I also had the pleasure of sitting next to an old GAP co-worker Meredith who was able to share great stories about her new life in Maryland. And how can I forget about Nicole's friends Jonah and Ellen! They both looked fantastic and happy. I just wish I had more time to spend with them.

Waking early the next morning, we turned our hotel room upside down to get our things packed to make it back in time to Philadelphia. Nikki had to catch her flight back home and for Randy and myself to catch our train to New York! Our trip could not have been complete without stopping by the Big Apple. After a grueling four hour drive we finally reached 30th Street Station and all I could picture in my head were those season finale episodes of Jersey Shore and The Real World. You see, Nikki was about to embark on a new career in Las Vegas. Nicole just got married, Tisha was leaving for the Navy in less than two months, Celine getting a tattoo sleeve, and Randy and I going off to New York - truly made it seem like it was the last time we would all see each other. I'm so dramatic! We gave Nikki a big hug and off we went to board our Amtrak train to Penn Station.

Surprisingly the train was very clean and peaceful. A short hour and a half, we arrived to Penn Station. Checking into the W Hotel Downtown - we enjoyed views of the 9/11 Memorial and the Freedom tower that was taking shape. Our room at the W Hotel was on the petite side but still fabulous. With its stark white walls and asymmetrical angled furniture and glass accents, you could easily mistake our room for a seat on a Virgin America flight.

We did our usual shopping spree and ate at a few different places. Being Sporty Spice Randy, we had to fit in a fitness excursion. I found this to be rather enticing since I've never been running around Central Park. Naomi decided to take us to the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir which had a running trail. The Reservoir loop gives runners just a little over 1.5 miles of soft surface cinder. With a combination of running and jogging I decided to enjoy a light stroll after 800 yards. Obviously Naomi and Randy jogged the whole way through and had enough time to purchase a few snacks and bottled water. This was perfect for my "run" because I had water and snack service waiting for me at the finish line!

Ending our trip I decided to treat Randy for his birthday to one of my favorite things to do in NYC - Afternoon Tea at Bergdorf Goodman! We booked a complimentary ride with Acura which chauffeured us in a nice new MDX. I was very pleased with the ride. Not to mention all the bells and whistles that came inside. I wish we had the technology we have now when I was kid. I would have been so amused and over stimulated to the point of over exertion.

Two days in New York was enough. It was a great ending to our East Coast trip. In just six days Randy and I were able to go from Philadelphia to State College and back to Philadelphia and then to New York. We were on the go from the very start of our trip and looking back I would not have done it any other way. Although time and distance may separate us friends, what I can take from this trip is a great memory of sharing in our friend's special day and importantly spending time with great people.

[deanpauljones]

Progress. It shapes. It changes. It leaves old ways behind. And brings new ways forward. It comes in many forms. The big and the small. The historical and the personal. The social and the scientific. And while we may never see it coming, we most certainly know when it has arrived.

Audi Advertisement

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Bear Mountain Arsenal - March 23

When I heard a fairly good storm was passing through Bear Mountain I quickly rallied the gang for a final day of boarding!!! This was my last chance to enjoy the slopes before it all melted away and to use my new gear!

Living in Los Angeles, many of our sporting good stores only carry generic items and you know me I'm not the one for generic (LOL). Ordering most of my items online I took a big risk on sizes. A lot of blogs recommended trying on things in person especially when it came to boots. Taking a shot in the dark I purchased the ultra fabulous Nike Zoom Kaiju in the limited edition Quick Strike pattern. Worried that it might end up being too big or too small - like a hand to a glove they were a match made in heaven.

For my board and bindings I went with Burton. Many argue that Burton has turned corporate by manufacturing their gear in China as opposed to their earlier years in Vermont and Austria. Being that Burton has been in business since 1977 I have no qualms rather trust.

Searching for an all white board I chose the Burton Barracuda 153 and the Cartel EST bindings. Both the board and bindings were extremely responsive and a blast to ride. The Barracuda lived up to its name quickly eating up anything from from blower to bulletproof. The board's design was created by William Wasden of the Kwakwaka'wakw Nation in British Columbia which I chose to compliment the native tribal design also found on the Nike Kaiju Quick Strike.

I continued the native tribal First Nations look with a fur lined Jack & Jones Aronack and a pair of over sized goggles from Von Zipper.

Randy drove us up to the mountain and was also our instructor for the day. He shared many stories of his younger years as a snowboard trainer in Seattle and in Whistler (the world class mountain and ski resort in Vancouver) which was reassuring. Although I knew how to board down the mountain, he was able to help me fight my fear of "toeing". I find it scary because your back is towards the descend while using the edge of your toes to stay afloat. As the day progressed I made sure I went home loving how to toe.

Everyone had a fantastic time. Joel did some impressive jumps. Oh and not to forget our little MVP Maritoni. She finally got her boarding legs in and was able to go down the mountain in less than four hours!!! Maybe next time I'll be able to do some half pipes (I can dream right?). All in all it was a great day trip and a memorable end to the 2011-2012 winter season.

[deanpauljones]

Truth is a battle of perceptions. People only see what they’re prepared to confront. It’s not what you look at that matters, but what you see. And when different perceptions battle against one another, the truth has a way of getting lost. And the monsters find a way of getting out.

Emily Thorne (Emily VanCamp) Revenge Season 1: Episode 14 “Perception”

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Happy 65th Birthday Mom - February 25

Time has a fantastic way of reminding us that we're getting older. This comes in the form of wrinkles around the eye, or putting on weight, and let's not forget about the ultimate reminder - birthdays. My mom celebrated her 65th birthday this year surrounded by close friends and family. This was a planned surprise party given by Carmela (one of her best friends from Kaiser Permanente) but to her dismay my mom found out and made sure the whole world was invited! About 90 of us gathered in a quaint Chinese style buffet located in Alhambra, CA called Gold Coast in which we were treated to endless food and funny stories. One of the stories shared was from her former co-worker Soleman who one day caught her after work collecting soda cans in the storage room.

Glamorous and illustrious as her life has become in the states she would collect cans in exchange for a few cents in her pocket. The hilarity of the story was that she was trying to pack all the bags of cans in her Mercedes-Benz. Counter intuitive yes but that simple story has characterized my mom ever since the beginning of time. She has surrounded herself with a lot of materialistic things but even with the good life in the palms of her hands she has always managed to stay grounded, sincere and modest. Not once have I seen her boast or brag about anything. Not even the purchase of a new car, luxury watch or a home in a fancy address has made her shout from the top of her lungs. Rather she remains conservative and almost secretive.

Holding her hand as we danced to a slow song during the party, I could only remember all the trials, tribulations and victories we have battled together. Although my relationship with my mom is not perfect and let's face it, which mother and son relationship is, I am extremely blessed and fortunate to have her in my life.

So let this be a dedication to my mom on her 65th birthday. Because of you I am the best person I could be. Thank you for teaching me everything that I know and instilling in me the best gift you can give to a son - humility.

[deanpauljones]

A Palms Tale - February 17 to 20

Tropical as the title may sound, once again we found ourselves in the fabulous desert oasis of Las Vegas! I joined Maritoni and Jason as we took part in celebrating Lori's 25th birthday. We usually like to stay near The Strip but this time we checked into Palms Place. A short drive west off of Las Vegas Boulevard, Palms Place was truly an exceptional experience. First off the lobby is done in a dark black and gold color scheme which welcomes guests to a respite of understated elegance. Stepping off the elevators you start to walk through the dark halls and upon reaching the door to your room - the magic happens. Our 1,200 square feet one bedroom suite consisted of three balconies, hardwood and marble flooring, 9-foot ceilings, fully equipped kitchen, two 42" plasma televisions, Villeroy & Boch whirpool bathtub, living room with fireplace, disappearing walls, laundry closet with washer and dryer and enough closet space to house all of Imelda Marcos' shoes! This was no ordinary Las Vegas room. This was Shangri-La!

Our first night we went to TAO located in The Venetian hotel. TAO Nightclub and Beach originated from New York City's famed restaurant TAO located between Park and Madison Avenues. As for TAO Nightclub - guests are transported in to a world full of Asian sensuality paired with heart pumping dance music! From gold glitter falling from the sky to the feathered winged acrobats and Geisha's bathing in the middle of the dance floor, we were able to enjoy all the indulgences from our private table perched high above on a catwalk overlooking the magnificent venue.

The celebration continued the next day with dinner at the delicious Wicked Spoon Buffet located in The Cosmopolitan Hotel. Unlike traditional Las Vegas buffets, Wicked Spoon serves most of its foods on small plates, pots or pans which cuts your time in scooping items onto your plate. If you're looking for a casual attire, upscale environment and delicious dining experience - Wicked Spoon definitely lives up to its name!

A trip to The Cosmopolitan is never complete without an appearance at Marquee Nightclub and Dayclub. A monstrosity of a dance hall which opened in December 2011 - Marquee has entertained millions of guests with world renowned musical talents such as Deadmau5, Tiesto, Kaskade and more! With Benny Benassi playing on the turntables it was no surprise that the nightclub reached capacity as people were elbow to elbow packed like a can of sardines. Divided into numerous floors and various spaces Marquee has become the epitome of Vegas nightclubs. Ready to pass the velvet ropes? Be prepared for long lines, guest lists, machismo security and exuberant entrance charges. And for the boys, make sure you have an entourage of lady friends to walk in with you! Gorgeous reigns supreme in Sin City!

And who ever said Sunday was a day of rest! We met up with Jason's cousin Jimmy and his lady friend Tomoyo to ring in his 25th birthday as well at The Revolution Lounge! Located in the famous Mirage Hotel - the lounge pays homage to The Beatles. Although a small intimate venue, popular music artists such as Ke$ha, Kerli and Kat Deluna have appeared and performed. The Revolution Lounge is a great way to wind down after a high intense weekend and also to get in one last cocktail or dance before ending your Las Vegas fun.

For the many times I've visited Vegas, this round had to be one of the best all thanks to Maritoni, Jason and Lori. Nonstop parties and endless dining excursions - My life is that of a permanent hotel guest!

[deanpauljones]

Apres Mammoth - January 27 to 29

I learned a new word today. Après-ski which translates to after skiing in French. It means to go out, have drinks, dancing and socializing after skiing. I love it already! It's common in the Alps where skiers make a bar stop on their last run of the day while wearing all their ski gear. This term is used all over the world and in the United States après-ski is used to describe the atmosphere of ski resorts, ski culture, ski themed architecture and decor and the snow oriented lifestyle.

This year started off with a wonderful snow trip with great friends so its fitting that my first blog of 2012 is called Apres Mammoth. You have to admit the French always has a way of making simple words sound fancy!

Comfortably packed in our white "church group" style van, the nine of us began our journey to Mammoth in the wee early morning. Leaving the shimmering Los Angeles skyline behind us whilst braving through the dark open spaces that housed little towns like the the ones shown in the movie Texas Chainsaw Massacre we were welcomed to Mammoth by an amazing sunrise to only reveal the majestic mountains covered in blankets of white snow.

We stayed in Mammoth for two nights and three days housed in a handsome two story condo located in the luxurious Snowcreek Resort. The house came with two bedrooms, three full baths, second floor bedroom loft, fully equipped kitchen, stone hearth fireplace, balcony and access to a premium spa and athletic club. Who knew camping could be barrels of fun!

We had a welcome breakfast at The Stove and dinner at Nevados Fine Food and Spirits. Both were equally delicious places to eat. On the second night we had a special Spirit Hood dinner celebrating the birthdays of Marcelino, Monika and Oliver. We also went to Von's to purchase a cake for the birthday bears but for some reason the baker or I should say butcher forgot Marcelino's name and had the penmanship of a kindergartner. I wanted to complain but I was too exhausted from the drive up and the butcher seemed like he really gave it his all to frost the cake. The added fun was that we all wore our furry animal hats and howled while enjoying our perfectly cooked chicken dinner made by none other than Chef Jose!

It may seem that all we did was eat but we were pretty active! We went sledding, ice skating and tubing in which case Maritoni careened over the safety nets because she purposely failed to break in time! It looked like she was competing for the X Games!

But the best part of the trip was my chance to go snowboarding again. I've always wanted the chance to visit Mammoth and take on the slopes. My first snowboarding session was in Bear Mountain a few years back and all I did was stay on the baby slopes. Now this time I was equipped with my arsenal to succeed - pro boarders Jose and Monika to train me and not to mention a pretty good ski outfit. I am very drawn to this sport because it bridges two worlds - one is to fill the void of athleticism in my life and obviously my love for fashion. Has it ever occurred to you that slopes are like fashion runways? They're usually done in a white canvas and always dangerous to walk on. One wrong move and you can ruin your modeling career forever! Just like the slopes, you have to balance yourself, look fabulous whilst speeding down in front of a crowd!

On our way back home we played ad libs and name that tune. It was too much fun with the gang and could not have asked for a better trip. The snow was truly out of the ordinary for us city kids and being able to snowboard at such a location was truly a gift.

This year has started off on the right foot. Or am I Goofy footed? Regular? I seriously need to make a decision on which foot to lead on or else my snowboarding days will be as much confusing as my life! There you go. My first blog in 2012 - Apres Mammoth!