LA BRIDGE : LOSING OUR HISTORY

Levi Stocke January 28, 2016

It truly saddens me to know that the tearing down of one of the most historical spots in Los Angeles has begun... The LA Bridge. This has always been one of my go to and favorite locations to shoot. This should not only sadden LA locals but everyone as a whole because this landmark has literally been used in so many movies and worldwide productions I can't even begin to count. We fought to keep it but lost the fight so it now will become memories...

LA.Curbed.com did a great writeup on the history so here is that link if you would like to read further... http://la.curbed.com/places/sixth-street-viaduct

Photos shot under the LA Bridge by Mariusz Jeglinski

Sunglasses : MADE Eyewear

HIDDEN GEM OF NEWPORT BEACH

Levi Stocke January 26, 2016

Tucked away behind one of Newport's most busy bars you will find the best damn seafood tacos Orange County has to offer... WILD TACO. From the outside it looks like your normal taco shop but when you step inside you find something that's not only Aesthetically pleasing but also a menu that is incredible. If you are like me and love seafood make a trip to check this place out and it's right by the beach. It's a win win...

Don't forget to try the BBQ Oysters. Insanely good!

Chicken, Carne Asada, shrimp & Carnitas tacos

Best grilled corn on the cob I have ever had...

THOUGHTS MISUNDERSTOOD

Levi Stocke January 17, 2016

In a material industry material is everything... I can't stress enough on how important it is to invest in your craft and truly believe in it. Myself speaking from the fashion industry I would like to shed some light on how things work in the business and how they are so closely related to the traditional work field because I find it gets very confused with certain people thinking you are shallow because you make a good living off of something they don't view as an occupation or understand. I will tell you honestly I wake up and go to sleep doing exactly what I love but also will say don't think for a second that there is not hard work involved... Notice how I said "waking up" and "going to sleep"? It is a 24/7 365 day a year job if you want to make it in this industry and you are going to have to have the passion to do whatever it takes because someone will if you won't. Most people think that a model/influencer just gets in front of the camera and has some photos taken and that's it. What is captured on camera is the final touch that is seen, that took months maybe years to finally achieve. The massive growth in social media has also created a higher demand for imagery therefore more photo shoots, more wardrobe, more time spent when everything is durastically changing day to day People just don't look at it that way because they don't view it as a necessity because in their situation or career it isn't. Why do real estate agents need nice cars?... Presentation to their clients so they are more likely to be believed as successful and good at what they do. It's the same thing. No different. I hope this helps with briefly understanding some of the "ins and outs" of anyone trying to pursue this as a career. It is difficult but well worth it and you can do it. Cheers!

A few Q&A's about "LOCK, STOCKE and BARREL" Pomade

Levi Stocke January 2, 2016

Decided to throw together a few questions I've been getting about my pomade... Here are a few of those answered.

What does it smell like?

The scent is gunpowder. If you like a masculine woodsy smell of pine and fresh forest then you will love this . When it comes to my hair products I have never been fond sweet smelling scents or ones that are too strong and over power my cologne of choice which is what led Apothecary 87 and I to gunpowder.

Is it water or oil based?

It is oil based but will not leave your hair greasy. The Clay makes it so it maintains a nice medium and workable hold.

Where can I get the stuff?

Apothecary 87 is based in the UK and can be found at many barbershops there but it is quickly being picked up in U.S. by retailers all over so check locally. You can always order from Apothecary 87's website and they ship quickly worldwide.

What length should my hair be for the best results?

Works best with short to medium length hair.

How strong is the hold?

Medium but won't leave your hair shiny as it is matte finish so it doesn't harden like gel or hairspray.

Hope this helps. Cheers.

- Photography by Gilbert Pereda.

VULKAN MAGAZINE

Levi Stocke December 1, 2015

Full shoot and interview get it here... http://www.vulkanmagazine.com

THOUGHTS AND REMINDERS...

Levi Stocke November 17, 2015

In light of what has been going on in the world recently and the tragedy in France, I have been leaning into the inspiration of some of the ones who have led by example. This positively reflects on my day and I hope it does yours as well. Anyways it's a quick read if you are into it. Cheers.

"The lyrics of Bob Marley’s “No Woman, No Cry” are officially credited to his childhood friend Vincent “Tata” Ford, who ran a soup kitchen in the Jamaican ghetto where Marley grew up. Marley gave Ford credit for writing the song so that the royalty payments could keep the soup kitchen open."

This is Jonas Salk. He invented the Polio Vaccine in which he refused to patent his invention to keep the costs low. He gave up his chance for 7 billion dollars in order to save as many lives as possible.

Gandhi would frequently get off trains to collect money to in return give to the poor. A friend once said of him 'If you want to see somebody consumed by greed, look no further.' Of course, instead of being greedy for himself, he was greedy for the poor.

LOCK, STOCKE and BARREL Clay Pomade

Levi Stocke November 6, 2015

For a long time I've been dealing with the frustration of finding the perfect hair product. Everything I used I would find that it was either too greasy or there was not enough hold, or it would make my hair extremely shiny etc. so when Apothecary87 came to me they were very adamant that I was involved in the creation process which I knew was the sign of something great. We started testing sample after sample and then it would go back to the lab in which this went on for well over a year until we got it right. LOCK, STOCKE and BARREL is it... When it was decided on what the scent was to be we knew it had to make a statement and be something that had never been done before so we pulled the trigger and got gunpowder... Available now at www.apothecary87.co.uk

- Cheers!

BOOT CARE 101 : WINTER IS COMING...

Levi Stocke October 29, 2015

Boots are an investment... actually a depreciating investment so it's important to care for them especially with the winter months coming on to keep them as fresh as you can for as long as you can. If you are lucky enough to live in Los Angeles or a climate similar, boot care can be very minimal due to the fact that we don't deal with much weather but I have first hand tested these 2 products in all different climates and these are my choices when it comes to a protectant from dirt and water. Also even if you are lucky in the weather aspect your boots tend to dry out quicker in these desert "like" climates and these options will help with that too.

KIWI Boot protector "Suede" get it here.

Cheers!

Steve Zissou (Bill Murray) from "The Life Aquatic With Steve Zissou" — Steve Zissou (Bill Murray) from "**The Life Aquatic With Steve Zissou**"

6 classy bearded Halloween costumes

Levi Stocke October 22, 2015

Halloween can be tough finding the right costume to suit a beard while keeping it classy. These are 5 options to consider if you are stressing about that last minute costume dinner party while keeping it fun yet not over the top...

"SERPICO! SERPICO!"

You can never go wrong with "Abe". Classy and one of the most iconic men to ever live.

If you are a sports fan and a Giants fan this is as you know is most likely already your "go to" costume. If you have an intense beard you should be able to pull this off easily and for cheap since you probably already have the hat and jersey hanging in the closet.

Not much is needed to say about the classic bearded skipper/fishermen. Simple yet timeless.

Lastly the man himself... Ragnar Lodbrok. May not fall into the category of classy but if you can pull this off it it won't matter. This costume can be rocked with and undercut or a shaved yet which we have seen in the newest season.

Stay classy, Stay safe and Happy Halloween. Cheers!

+ REBEL RITUAL +

Living done differently...