Look Book: Love my Russells

This is me wearing the new Clae Russell high-tops in the new apartment. Along with the shoes are G-Star Arc jeans and an Obey hoodie from a while back. The shoes are finally broken into, which they do not hurt my pinky and big toes. Click onto the picture to see an up-close shot of the photograph.

Brand of the Week 7: Kuyichi

Company: Kuyichi
Website: www.kuyichi.com

About: Solidaridad was founded in 1969 to promote social justice; fairtrade and cultural justice. In 2001 it helped develop a denim brand called Kuyichi, which focused on producing 'green' denim products through the means of handpicked organic cotton that is dyed with natural indigo which is then recycled. There are other green products such as vegetable-based leather belts for example.

Why I like them: I haven't purchased a Kuyichi item yet but I respect what they are trying to achieve. The clothes look good but knowing that these wares are not made by a ten year old girl is welcome. The company provides decent wages along with safe and clean working environments for its workers.

Where to buy:
ASOS

Notes: The name of the brand is that of the Incan rainbow god. On top of that the logo has some symbolism; the circle represents the world and the plus sign represent positivity.

Kuyichi launched Pure Premium a more luxurious line unfortunately available only for men. It features 100% organic cotton (hemp here and there), vegetable dyes and hand washes to fane a few things that make it special.

Sneaker Pimp: Sergio Rossi Puma 1st Round

Photograph from Revolve Clothing

Pumas designed by Sergio Rossi are the epitome of high-top sneaker design. If you don't know who he is, just know he is a prominent designer from Italy known for his women's footwear and handbags. The Sergio Rossi Puma 1st Round shoe (pictured above) in Black Isis is an awesome looking shoe. The material is suede and patent leather upper with a rubber sole. The Rudolf Dassler shoes I posted on the first Sneaker Pimp are pretty premium at around $150 but the Sergio Rossi 1st Round shoes are fetching for $230. Check out Revolve Clothing to see more views of the 1st Round.

Website: www.sergiorossi.puma.com

Where to Buy:
Revolve Clothing

Product Review: Clae Russell

I went and purchased the Clae Russells in white I discussed in the second Sneaker Pimp feature. The shoes are spectacular! They do fit a half size smaller but I am not sure if that the problem. The shoes are pretty narrow so there is pressure on my pinky and big fat toes but buying a 9 rather an 8 1/2 may helped. I hope wearing them out here and there will eliminate the tension. Overall I am happy with them because I purchase the shoe through Piperlime at $64.97 rather than the original retail price of $130! I will be buying more Clae shoes in the future... at least a half size bigger.

Lykke Li

Lykke Li is one of those artists that I love listening to when I am hard at work on a project. For some reason the songs keep me focused and motivated. Enjoy some of this sweet delight.

Website: www.lykkeli.com

Brand of the Week 6: Acne Jeans

Company: Acne

Website: www.acnejeans.com

About: Another Swedish company that was originally about raw denim and reworked basics. Now the company's collection is moving towards vintage inspired workwear.

Why I like them: It's more than just the denim. Although having particularly great looking jeans for both men and women, it is the total collection that I yearn for. Fantastic looking shirts to must-have skirts.

Where to buy:
Acne Shop
ASOS
Revolve Clothing
Ssense

Notes:

Essentials: Watches & Time Pieces

As I acquire more classic essentials in my wardrobe, I've been pondering on accessories that might give a great outfit just that extra touch to finish the look. One item that comes to mind, hardly anyone uses, is the watch. Time pieces have gradually declined with the rise of mobile phone owners. It is just as easy as pressing any button on the device so the screen may light up for the user to find what time it is. So why have another item to wear around our wrists when there is one device, with all of its other functions, that can do the same thing?

I believe it is convenient to wear watches. My job does not allow me to carry my phone while on the clock. It is a pain to walk by any one of the clocks at work because there are only two in the store. Does not seem like a big deal but it does get bothersome after making the trip numerous times throughout the day. Another thing is the battery life of a watch will far exceed that of a phone, which requires regular charging (and will hold the charge for far less when it gets older).

Beyond those reasons my real obsession comes down to how obscure they are. The very fact there are not many people wearing them makes it more appealing for me. If you haven't guess it, I love rare findings and things that are not popular. There are such a variety of watches out there, from analog to digital, I can collect. Here are some links to watch companies I dig.

Websites:
Casio G-Shock
Nixon
Nooka
Swatch

Sneaker Pimp: Creative Recreation Dicoco

Photograph from Piperlime

This shoe is women's high-top from Creative Recreation. This shoe is a bi-product of merging comfort of sporty shoes with grace of dress shoes. When I first ran into these shoes I thought they were pretty hot stuff but the coolness lost a bit of its novelty as many other companies have followed their lead. Definitely a new and innovative against the traditional sneaker. What caught my eye is the women's Dicoco model pictured above.

Website: www.cr8tiverecreation.com

Where to buy:
Karmaloop
Piperlime
Revolve Clothing
Zappos

G-Star Spring/Summer 2010

Photograph from Style.com

Style.com has photographs of all of the pieces from the G-Star Spring/Summer show from New York Fashion Week. Here is the link to see more: G-Star show

I have not seen all of the pictures but I did watch the entire show online, which I will post eventually. Some of the items I don't think are nearly as strong as last years' but I still love G-Star Raw. Enjoy some highlights I came across.

Brand of the Week 5: Baracuta

Company: Baracuta

Website: www.baracuta-g9.com

About: The revolutiony jacket, called the G9 (eventually named the Harrington), started in 1939. This British icon is lightweight nor too tight or too wide with a classy shape. This jacket exploded in the 70's as it was worn by Mods, punks and skinheads.

Why I like them: Baracuta knows their coats. The G9 Harrington exudes style with ease. Unlike manufacturers who depend on gimmicks, Baracuta has timeless jackets that defy anything I have seen in my entire life. Come on! The original G9 was designed back in 1937!

Where to buy:
ASOS
Revolve Clothing

Notes: The G9 was also worn by Steve McQueen on the cover of Life magazine in 1963. The Harrington comes in a variety of models from the slimfit to dogtooth patterns, so everyone can find something they might like. Also, the jackets are made in England, which explains why they cost so much.

Another creative outlet

Making clothes is another creative outlet for me. If asked if I was ever interested in doing this a couple years ago, I would probably looked at that person strangely with a slight open mind. Always loved clothes and apparel, which seeking the new and wearing the different is important. With that in mind, making clothes was a distant concept. It was until I brought the idea to Anna did I learn that this is another creative avenue.

What I most like is the process of designing and constructing denim jeans from paper to final product. The steps it takes to bring these concepts into realization is satisfying. It is akin to industrial and graphic design. It all starts with a sketch. After the ideas are out, I converse with Anna about the illustration. Then we start putting it all together, which is when the fun starts. Once everything is done a great deal of delight overwhelms me. This is why I love making denim jeans.

Sneaker Pimp: Clae Russell

Clae is relatively new to the sneaker scene but its designer has been around for a long time doing stints at Triple Five Soul, Supreme, and DC Shoes. Although sporty looking, Clae shoes are not for skateboarding but strictly for casual wearing.

WAD magazine describes it best; Clae provides footwear for adults who don't want works shoes, but don't really want to look as if they're refusing to grow up either. Its minimalist design aesthetic and sober colorways are the epitome of discretion.

My favorite model is the Russell in white. It is a proper classic high-top. Only problem I see is it will likely wear out faster than most shoes since it's all-white. The Russell looks bloody fantastic though.

Website: www.clae.com

Where to buy:
Eilatan
Zappos
Revolve Clothing

Hypnotic Brass Ensemble

I am a curious dude. When I browse the internet I try to examine every nook and cranny of a site to unearth just about every ounce of information I can get. Thoroughly searching the G-Star site I came across Hypnotic Brass Ensemble. Being the guy who loves to find new stuff all of the time I looked them up and became hooked on first sampling. I later learned played live for a G-Star fashion show in New York. If you guys (the Hypnotic Brass family) can correct me if I am wrong that would be awesome.

Play the videos I supplied below. I love their music and I hope others will too. Look them up and see what they are about. I am keeping my eyes on them because I am dying to listen to them live in a small theater... I just know I would be in pure bliss.

Website: www.hypnoticbrass.net

Blog: www.hypnoticbrand.blogspot.com

Playing in NYC


'War' played live at the Jools Holland Show


Video of 'War'

Randon Find: Madewell Clothing

I came across Madewell through the J. Crew website a couple months ago. Since starting this blog I kind of wanted to cover the brand but it is still a relatively unknown company for me. Today I thought I would just mention it as a random find.

What I know about the company is that is has been in business in making denim jeans for about 70 years. The primary target is for women but I wonder if Madewell ever made jeans for men. If so, I bet you they might eventually become collector items.

There are six fits titled, rail straight, bootlegger, skinny-low, skinny-ankle, slim slouch, and ex-boyfriend. Each can come in a variety of washes as well. My personal favorite is the rail straight. It has the right look. It really does.

As far as pricing goes it really ranges on the treatment. The lowest will be the skinny-skinny jeans fetching for $59 whereas the highest I've seen is $255. It seems the average price for a pair is around $95 to $110, which isn't bad.

I am super hyped about Madewell. I am also excited to buy a pair for a friend to see how they are. My friends know how enthralled I become when I find something new. Too bad the closest location is Dallas but I wouldn't mind that, as there is an official G-Star store nearby.

Website: www.madewell.com

Where to Buy: ShopBop

Current: From Russia with Hate

I love many a things. Don't get me wrong there are times where I can be in a state of strong disliking; I am human. People may hear me say, "I hate this song," or "I hate it when dudes buy women's jeans." It bothers me but I should not say hate because the term is too strong, which I will try rephrasing things like that. What I cannot stand is when people commit violent acts for their strong hate. This is one video which caught my attention while browsing the Current website. It is about the current rise of the Russian Neo-Nazi movement due to growing numbers of migrant workers. It is a hard video to watch as there is some strong material.

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week

Also known as the New York Fashion Week, the show will be held September 10th through the 17th for the upcoming Spring 2010 season. Throughout the week brands like DNKY to RVCA to Nicholas K will be on show to display their new items. I'll be posting videos and websites featuring a video of their products on the catwalk. When you have the time visit the NYFW homepage.

NylonTV - Make it Pop

Brand of the Week 4: Edwin

Company: Edwin

Website: www.edwin-europe.com www.edwin.co.jp

About: Edwin started as an importer of United States-made denim jeans (mostly Levi's I believe), as there was no Japanese denim manufacturer at the time of 1947.

Once Japanese denim started to be produced it was slated as inferior to American counterparts, which Mr Tsumeni(founder of Edwin) decided to create his own denim.

Why I like them: If you love denim then this is one of the unknown world powerhouses of the material. Innovative and classy. Just about everything you see at the stores were first started by Edwin. Awesome styles proving a clean look.

Where to buy:
ASOS
Yoox

Notes: Edwin is the only company I know that makes a 16 oz denim. Also Edwin invented stone washing, which just about every denim company does! For fun, take a look at their Fall 2009 look book.

Random Find: Cold Method

Cold Method is a Dutch fashion brand exclusively for men. Their focus is 'The 9 Aesthetics of a Man's Wardrobe.' The 9 Aesthetics are the following: T-Shirt, Denim, Knitwear, Pants, Shirt, Suit, Coat, Accessory, and CM2 (which I haven't figured out what it is). All of these are styled in a very simple yet elegant manner. A good way to describe it, used as their tag line as well, is discreetly well dressed. Check out the link and enter to win a new wardrobe, which consists of a single piece of each of the nine aesthetics.

Essentials: How to Tie a Windsor Knot

Men and women should know how to tie a Windsor knot. It takes a couple tries but after that it becomes second nature. Give it a try.