RECAP: 2011

2011 has been a roller coaster year for me personally, but in the world of fashion and product it has been great. We have seen the influence of work wear resonate through almost every single line you can think of. You walk into American Rag and see 4 lines hung together only to think it is one line. So what I’m looking forward to in 2012 is seeing which brands step forward to distinguish themselves.

2011 gave me the opportunity to visit the homies over at Karmaloop and make new friends like Brendan Boyd of Society Original Products and Jon and Joe over at Rook. Next year’s focus will be to meet more amazing people and write up more Sit Downs for the readers.

Lastly, nothing excites me more in our industry than collabs. They say two minds are better than one, right? Some of my favorite ones this past year were The Hundreds x Garbage Pail Kids, Johnny Cupcakes x Nickelodeon, and Vans x DQM to name a few. Can’t wait to see what the brands have up their sleeve next year.

…so good bye 2011 and hello 2012.

by D

RECAP: 2011

Personally I am a fan of classic pieces with a pop of color or an urban flair. I like to mix big classic designers like Ralph Lauren with street brands like 10 Deep. This past year has been the year of the Rugby and the Henley, both traditional work wear pieces. Beautiful timepieces have made a nice comeback. Unless you can front the bill for a vintage Rolex, I highly suggest Nixon watches. Lastly, I am impressed with what Nike is offering in sportswear. For me Nike serves two purposes. The first is that it is performance wear that keeps you dry while looking cool. The second and most important is that you can wear, barring the fit, most of their products to run errands in and look more than presentable. I am not a fan of putting on a complete outfit to go to Trader Joe’s, so Nike is my go to. For nightwear I keep it simple, leather jacket, dark denim (keep it basic), heather t-shirt and/or button-up, and a cardigan/sweater. The key to it all is comfortably, fit, personal style, and quality fabrics. Below are a few of my own personal staples.

1. Rugby - http://www.rugby.com/shop/item.aspx?productId=12296585&categoryId=3372176&cp=3138868

2. Nixon (Rose Gold) - http://www.nixonnow.com/watches/mens/the-spur-A263.html

3. Nike Pullover (Grey/Orange/Reflective Silver) - http://store.nike.com/us/en_us/?l=shop,pdp,ctr-inline/cid-100701/pid-416030/pgid-520718

4. Ralph Lauren (Charcoal Heather) - http://www.ralphlauren.com/product/index.jsp?productId=12006322&fbn=Division%7CMen&fbc=1&pg=2&f=PAD%2FDivision%2FMen&f=Taxonomy%2FPOLO%2F1760781&kw=hat&parentPage=search

5. Polo (Lambswool Scarf) - http://www.ralphlauren.com/product/index.jsp?productId=12247046&origkw=scarf&kw=scarf&parentPage=search

6. Levi’s Leather Moto Jacket - http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/urban/catalog/productdetail.jsp?id=22574628&CAWELAID=1053882869

7. Theory ButtonDown - http://www.theory.com/mens-shirts-zack-possible/B0574593,default,pd.html?dwvar_B0574593_color=J12&start=2&cgid=sale-mens-shop-all

8. Clae (Grey Leather Shoes) - http://www.clae.com/product.aspx?l=00010000000000000000&p=CLA01235&shop=true&c=0

9. J. Crew Jaspe Henley -http://www.jcrew.com/mens_category/polostees/jaspe/PRDOVR~38089/99102268291/ENE~1+2+3+22+4294967294+20~~~0~15~all~mode+matchallany~~~~~jaspe/38089.jsp

by JT

RIOT SOCIETY

My buddy Julien had a little dinner party, so I thought it would be a nice time to take some shots for my buddy's line Riot Society.  Our contributor JT, George, and Julien were solid stand in models.

Check out the current Riot Society line here. 

by D

MENTOM EYEWEAR

Stopped by the Mentom offices to check out their digs and see the new things they are working on.  I have known these guys for a while.  Jim is a veteran in the industry and taught me everything I know about surviving in action sports.  Jeff is the go to man for anything printed and it is pretty sweet to see these two guys work together on a new project like Mentom Eyewear.  I can't forget to throw a shout out to their creative guy George.  You can keep up with George's work on his site www.offgr.com.

Make sure to check out the Mentom collection (www.mentom.com) and visit your local shop to cop a pair.  I myself am rolling around town in the BLVD's.

by D

ROOK Brand Gift Guide

The fellas over at Rook Brand, Jon Garcia and Joe King, share their top Christmas picks.

Jon starts it off first.

1. Leather Money Clip. Are your jeans too tight to carry a wallet? Until anchor blue beyond baggy jeans come back into fashion to give you enough room to carry a bulky wallet in your pocket, do your self a favor and get a simple money clip!
Check it: http://hypebeast.com/2011/12/grind-x-porter-money-clip/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+hypebeast%2Ffeed+%28Hypebeast%29&utm_content=Google+Reader

2. Vintage Los Angeles radiers jacket on E-BAY. Bring the 90s back comin straight outta compton!!
Buy it: http://www.ebay.com/itm/VTG-90-s-Los-Angeles-RAIDERS-Jacket-NFL-NWA-Starter-Chalkline-Boys-Size-4-EUC-/320797242508?pt=US_Boys_Clothing&hash=item4ab101748c

3. Think and grow rich by napoleon hill - the book that changed my perspective on business…seriously, READ THIS
Buy it: http://www.amazon.com/s/?ie=UTF8&keywords=think+and+grow+rich+book&tag=googhydr-20&index=aps&hvadid=3997323385&ref=pd_sl_360156un25_b

4. Make a Muppet of you and your friends! A tad pricey but totally worth it. This is the guy who made our Chief Rocka Muppet and he stays true to the original materials used for the actual muppets.
Buy it: http://www.puppetsmagic.co.uk/about.html

5. Adult Footie Pajamas….always good for a gag gift. But then the gag turns serious quickly when you realize that the person you got the gift for is wearing these non stop.
Buy it: http://www.jumpinjammerz.com/polar+fleece+jammerz/category-2-pajamas/?9gtype=search&9gkw=adult%20footie%20pjs%27&9gad=5114913864.1&gclid=CL3x5PWoh60CFQVvhwod_0WqlA

6. vintage rolex watch - for the more financially sound…time is money so go buy a rolex!! But keep it vintage, you'll seem less pretentious and more of a "collector" to your friends.
Buy it: http://www.ebay.com/itm/1939-Vintage-Rolex-Brevete-Depose-6294-Oysterdate-Precision-Watch-/300635003429?pt=Wristwatches&hash=item45ff3e1a25

7. chief rock crew neck pocket fleece by ROOK!! Yeah…this thing is super dope and on our website right now!!
Buy it: http://rookbrand.com/shop/chief-rocka-crew-sweatshirt.html


...and from Joe King

By Jon and Joe

SPY Optic and The Seventh Letter release the SPY+ TSL + PUSH Platoon snow goggle today. The collaboration marks the first in a series curated by The Seventh Letter Crew, TSL member Push’s signature style on every available square millimeter of its inaugural SPY goggle, including TSL patching, a collaborative lens print and a Pusher tag inside the strap. The goggle also comes with a free bonus collectible Pusher keychain.

Buy it: http://store.theseventhletter.com/SPYTheSeventhLetterPUSH-Platoon-snow-goggle_p_326.html

by D

Hall of Fame Holiday 2011

Hall of Fame drops more pieces for Holiday, this time they show off their cut and sew skills.  The varsity jacket is dope.

By D

CLIP: Every Third Thursday - sweet tooth candy snowboard

These guys are fucking magicians. Forget the damn gingerbread house.



by D

Hoodies: Hall Of Fame Fame Block

Hall of Fame will be releasing the "Fame Block" hoodies just in time for the Holiday season. The hoodies will be available in Olive, Black, Burgandy, Grey, Khaki, and Navy. These hoodies will be exclusively available through the Hall of Fame retail store and online store this Saturday, December 17th.

by D

Acropolis Apparel Gift Guide

Michael Pino from Acropolis Apparel was kind enough to lend a hand to our gift guides recommending his top picks for the year.

1. Dodgers Black Fitted - $35
Buy it: http://www.lids.com/MLB/Los-Angeles-Dodgers/20229387

2. Levis 514 Atlantic - $78
Buy it: http://us.levi.com/product/index.jsp?productId=11619501&&cp=3146842.3146855.3692034.11926195

3. Bloodbath Cardinal Cardigan Grey - $88
Buy it: http://shop.bloodbathproject.com/product/cardinal-cardigan-grey

4. Acropolis Stand and Fight - $28
Buy it: http://shop.acropolisapparel.com/collections/all/products/stand-and-fight

5. Acropolis Ad Vitam Beanie - $24
Buy it: http://shop.acropolisapparel.com/collections/all/products/ad-vitam-beanie

6. Nixon The Ceramic 42-20 - $2000
Buy it: http://www.nixonnow.com/watches/mens/the-ceramic-42-20-A148.html

7. Jordan XI Concords
Check it: http://www.nicekicks.com/2011/12/air-jordan-11-concord-images-5/

8. Akomplice Hiero Varsity Camo - $120
Buy it: http://www.akomplice-clothing.com/store/hiero-varsity-camo.html

by Michael Pino

JT's Gift Guide

Pow – More to come as I peruse thee internets.

1. Undefeated Crew Sock Navy - $16
Buy it: http://www.undefeated.com/featured-products/undefeated-undftd-crew-sock-navy.html
I am a huge fan of socks. It’s a bit of an obsession. UNDFTD has seasonal socks now and they are made with Japanese cotton. A nice gift, that’s simple and useful.

2. Nixon Mellor Watch - $130
Buy it: http://www.karmaloop.com/product/The-Mellor-Watch-in-Matte-Black-and-Gold/151805
All black with a little bit of gold. A subtle hit to the ever popular “all back everything” movement. Nixon always comes with heat.

3. Nixon Time Teller P Watch - $60
Buy it: http://www.karmaloop.com/product/The-Time-Teller-P-Watch/65167
I would love this as a gift. It’s inexpensive and a statement piece. It’ll definitely stand out so be ready to have a random conversation about it. Pick it up!

4. Ralph Lauren Merino Wool Watch Cap - $25

Buy it: http://www.ralphlauren.com/product/index.jsp?productId=11955921&cp=1760781.2877674&ab=ln_men_cs2_hats%2Cgloves%2Cscarves&pg=6&parentPage=family

Ralph Lauren makes my favorite beanies on the market. They come in an assortment of colors and the price point is great. They are actually on sale! You will not find a better deal on a non-acrylic merino wool beanie. Must cop!

5. HERSCHEL SUPPLY Settlement Bag - $54
Buy it: http://www.karmaloop.com/product/The-Settlement-Bag-in-Black/189561
Herschel has a throwback vibe to most of their backpacks. The Settlement is along the same line but, peep the leather hits and the gold zippers. Those small accents add a little pop to this classic. I have this one in Grey and it’s my daily go-to pack.

by Justin Threatt

THE HUNDREDS MYSTERY BOX

Nothing like a surprise...

by D

EVENT: MENTOM EYEWEAR Christmas Party

Join my friends at Mentom Eyewear for their Christmas Party.  Cop a pair of shades and grab a beer with the crew.

by D

KARMALOOP iKON Gift Guides

The folks at Karmaloop reach out to their friends to form the iKONs.  Check out what the iKONs are picking for the holiday season: http://www.karmaloop.com/ikons

by D

JACKET: ISAORA Insulated Button Up Jacket - $549

A coworker turned me to Isaora and raved about their ingenuity and attention to technical textiles.  No exception here and I love it cause it is applied to a varsity jacket silhouette.  It is worth every penny.

Buy it: http://www.boylstontradingco.com/clothing/outerwear/insulated-button-up-jacket.html

by D

GIFT GUIDE: Bricksworth

This is an obvious choice with the NBA back in full swing.  Actually with all the shit that has gone down with the blocked trade, our team is all upside down.

Buy it: http://www.bricksworth.com/index.php/new-arrivals/hall-of-fame-upside-down-lakers-snapback-1946.html

I have been eyeing the club master shape and SUPER does a bang up job here.  I like the brow bar detail and I am always a fan of dark brown tort.

Buy it: http://www.bricksworth.com/index.php/new-arrivals/super-49er-crystal-havana.html

Why have I become camo obsessed as of late?  I dont' know, but this woven is dope.  Not only is the original camo print sweet, but it has hunter orange buffalo plaid lining.

Buy it: http://www.bricksworth.com/index.php/new-arrivals/stussy-zip-camo-shirt-olive.html

by D

GIFT GUIDE: KARMALOOP

Tis the season to start shopping for gifts.  Karmaloop is always a go to for me and I came across some solid items that I would want and others would probably dig too.

1. First up is the Everywhere Logo Snapback from aNYthing.  Burgundy is a great accent color for anything you wear.  I love it in caps and kicks.  Plus the leather patch on the crown is a solid detail.

Buy it: http://www.karmaloop.com/product/The-Everywhere-Logo-5-Panel-Cap-in-Burgundy/199324

2. With the NBA back in action, but on thin ice because David Stern is an idiot (that is for another post), I need comfortable pants to watch games in. But don't let the Dim Downs Sweatpants full you, they are absolutely acceptable for the club. Just ask Society Original Products Co-Founder Brendan Boyd.

Buy it: http://www.karmaloop.com/product/The-Dim-Downs-Sweatpants-in-Black/193101

3. It's blasphemy for me to like another sneaker brand since I work for Vans, but the Luchese from CR is just a dope shoe. I love the lace gills and what better pairing than melton wool and leather.

Buy it: http://www.karmaloop.com/product/The-Luchese-Sneaker-in-Grey-Wool/190452

FLUD continues to bring it with their time pieces and Doug always gives the customers options. The Alchemist Watch is a classic style with band options for any occasion. I like the canvas band to go with my Levi's, oxford button up, and Leather OTW Alomars, foolproof.

Buy it: http://www.karmaloop.com/product/The-Alchemist-Watch-in-Gold-Black/212707

Sometimes there are items that just grab your attention. Well this leopard print Labbit by Kid Robot is awesome. It has a fucking mustache for goodness sakes...hilarious.

Buy it: http://www.karmaloop.com/product/TheStache-Labbit-Plush-in-Leopard14-Inch/231778

by D

JACKET: Play Cloths Thunderbirds Varisty Jacket - $230

Play Cloths does it up with this premium varsity jacket. I love the attention to detail with the quilted lining.  Beard not included.

Buy it: http://www.karmaloop.com/product/The-Thunderbirds-Varisty-Jacket-in-Black/210430

by D

EXTRA: suck UK Table Gun Vase - $60

Thought this piece was pretty unique.

Buy it: http://www.karmaloop.com/product/The-Table-Gun-Vase/187777

by D

CLIP: Stay Official Pt.2: Winter 2011 Video Look Book

C Plus makes another appearance in Official's Winter 2011 Look Book.  Stop by their shop to cop yours: http://shop.theofficialbrand.com/

Stay Official Pt.2: Winter 2011 Video Look Book, Featuring C Plus from Official Crowns on Vimeo.

by D

CLIP: KLTV BEHIND THE BRAND | PLAY CLOTHS

by D