Jacket Optional, Shoes Required

You blinked didn't you? I think so. You blinked during the winter, opened your eyes from that nanosecond and it's already a month into Spring. Where does the time go? Before you know it we will be bombarded with 'Back To School' ads and 'End Of Summer' deals. It was just a short while ago, wasn't it, that you proclaimed aspirations of reclaiming that fit bod that went away for a time due to the cozy comforting culinary delights of Winter. Now here it is almost halfway to Summer and about a month away from the unofficial start of Summer and what do you have? A questionable waistline and regrets. Don't get frantic, get started!

I, for one, am always looking for ways to live my best life by examining what I would like to do versus what I am doing all pushed up against always assessing how I think about doing things. With my two year vegan anniversary a little over a week away, I have discovered the powerful coercive physiological aspect of food and how I don't have to subscribe to how things were always done. I inform myself then think for myself based on what I've learned. Over the past two years I've learned that I don't need whey and dairy in my protein powders to get the protein I need. This is why I was glad to be introduced to Plant Fusion at a recent Editor's Showcase here in NYC.

Plant Fusion is a line of plant-based proteins that has a complete vegan assortment within their selection of shakes and powders. Through sourcing garden-fresh ingredients from non-GMO produce and ensuring high quality standards for exceptional flavors, Plant Fusion speaks to those seeking plant-based protein choices that speak to individualized needs. For example, they offer their 1:1 Fats & Protein powder that uses good fats and takes then from oil to powder form then blends it with a high-alkaline plant-based protein. You feel fuller longer and gain energy without sugar. This is also the case with their Complete Lean protein powder whose prebiotic fibers and probiotics aid in digestive health, sustaining energy and supports healthy blood sugar levels. Their Fermented Superfood Protein powder supports those seeking enhanced immunity, gut health and energy. Meanwhile, their Collagen Builder is the first plant based shake that supports new collagen building, hydrates skin and joints with plant-based ceramides and protects existing collagen.

So based on what you are seeking, all of Plant Fusion's proteins are candidates for pre and post workout shakes. Along with Complete Lean, finishing out their 'Complete' line is Complete Meal, a perfectly balanced meal replacement that also builds and repairs muscle and Complete Protein, (my favorite) whose 21g of protein feeds the muscles, digests easily and is dairy, soy and gluten free. What's even better is that Plant Fusion is free from the dry chalkiness that many plant-based protein powders can have. It blends up smoothly and tastes natural and not overly processed with the unnatural sweetness. Check out my post-workout smoothie recipe, that I swear by, below for a great pre or post workout smoothie suggestion then head on over to PlantFusion.com and learn more about their complete line of plant-based power. You've just been briefed and what to ingest so now all you have to do is meet it halfway with the motivation and the movement.

Post-Workout Plant Pump

1/4 cup Ice

3 Frozen strawberries

10-15 Frozen blueberries

1-2 1" to 1 1/2" X 1/4" to 1/2" in diameter fresh turmeric root

2 Pinches of ground black pepper

1/4 cup Fresh cut pineapple

1/4 cup Fresh cut papaya (with seeds)

1 scoop Plant Fusion Complete Protein powder

1 tsp Fresh cut ginger root

1 Fresh Banana

1 tbsp Black Chia seeds

2 tbsp Oatmeal

1 tsp Almond Butter

1/2 cup Almond Milk

Juice from a 1/2 of a fresh cut lime

Note: You can also use a 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric powder if you can't find the root.

Put frozen ingredients in first and into a 24 ounce blender cup and follow order as laid out above. Blend until smooth and enjoy.

PlantFusion.com

Dave White

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It would appear that the moment we were all waiting to happen, since the suits got uncomfortably slim and the sportswear proportions got bizarrely exaggerated, has happened. Menswear has taken that vain cue from the pages of womenswear and we now live in a world where in the boardroom there may not be just grey and blue suits, but louder colors, florals and prints. There may not even be a suit in the boardroom. Hell, there may not even be a boardroom! Someone may materialize to the conference call in French terry sweats from the privacy of his living room or phone-in while on set in tattered denim, bicep-hugging leather and exorbitantly-priced trainers. Now while I applaud the shift from predictable to excitable, what has always reigned true is the incarnate beauty of those guys who own their looks as opposed to those who borrow and repurpose someone else's look. You know, those who see the beauty of the design, be it in the form of a simple enzyme-washed tee or a laser-cut distressed leather moto jacket, and then put their little creative and innate 'stink' on it.

Well in this world of nattily tailored Prince of Wales checks worn with white low-tops and defensive lineman sizing on horse jockey body frames, let's not forget the beauty of the hard-bottom shoe. What's more, let's also not forget to make them our own! Similar to how we can place puffed-up oversized sneakers with nods to the 90s with abbreviated trim suitings as well as swaddling hoodies with ankle-puddling jeans, we can surely find a renewed creative space for the historically more traditionally beloved mens shoes with an ardent fervor. Enter Top Owens. Launched in 2015, Top Owens is the mens luxury footwear brainchild brand of Owen Jiang, a 20-year footwear industry veteran who's footwear passion was fueled by influences from Italian craftsmanship. What emerged from Jiang's tenure is a footwear collection that upholds to the highest standards of mens luxury footwear by finding a trifecta balance between craftsmanship, style and fit. Currently Top Owens has seven flagship stores with six in China and one in Sydney, Australia. The design studio is based in Milan, Italy where Jiang can stay close to the techniques, artisans and materials that initially inspired him.

In February of this year, I had the pleasure to be introduced to the Top Owens experience at the brand's exclusive U.S. launch during New York Fashion Week which also showcased its new collaboration with Mykel C. Smith, the creative one-man collective who has an attuned knack for molding and translating clothing, cosmetic, and now footwear, brands. From the result of Jiang's tireless drive & vision and Smith's seasoned experience in creating energy for brands through promotion and style, Top Owens is now positioning itself to become a rising global footwear powerhouse. The Collection showcased in February highlighted beautifully tooled, tanned and burnished leathers & suedes on chisel & mock apron-toed silhouettes in classic & remixed long-wing brogue, double monk, loafer, half-boot and loafer styles. It was a fitting introduction that gave guests an introductory taste of the skillset and commitment of Jiang together with the electric vibe and influence of Smith.

What stuck out and impressed me about Top Owens was its poise as a well-executed collection of mens footwear that has a cross-sectional appeal to men seeking classics, those seeking styles more fashion-driven and those seeking a clever combination of both. Such a welcomed respite in the land of oversized soles where sometimes you want to remind yourself of the tactile joy of slipping your foot into a leather-lined insole to experience details that are tooled rather than inflated and ones that feature a hand-sewn rather than an air-bubbled sole. For more information on Top Owens and where to purchase the footwear, please visit their website here and keep up with how the brand is growing on their instagram here.