Timex proves style is cyclical

I'm in the market for a new watch. As my girlfriend pointed out, my Kenneth Cole watch, although nice, just doesn't fit my style so much anymore. I tend to agree, and have been thinking about some new options for a watch that fits my aesthetic.

Though I'd probably get a decent amount of flak for wearing something like this, I think these Timex Black Collection watches look slick if paired up with the right attire. No, they probably don't make the same statement if you have a knack for Wrangler jeans, scrunched down tube socks, and over sized t-shirts (without an undershirt, of course), but I do think that this style is making a pretty decent come back. I imagine people like Pharell and Kanye wearing one of these and looking pretty bad ass. But then again, that's not my aesthetic, either. Maybe I should keep on looking.

(Found via Highsnobiety) FULL POST

i need a pair of good sunglasses.

I've had increasingly worse eyesight since I was about ten and for the majority of that time I opted to wear contacts as opposed to glasses. This past January, however, I decided to return to glasses, jumping on the plastic rimmed bandwagon that made it cool to wear them again. Aside from Chuck Taylor's and a taste for Thai food, this is probably the most important rite of passage for an emerging hipster/indie kid. This rite, though, effectively makes it difficult for another cornerstone of the liberal aesthetic to be accomplished: a pair of over-sized, half-ironic, half-serious shades.

I know that I can get prescription sunglasses, but this sort of creates an inconvenience; one that almost ends up killing any sort of benefit of me having them in the first place. Now I have to carry two pairs at all times, and if I opt to take only my sunglasses with me, I'm that prick who wears his sunglasses at night and in the bar. I'm the self-serious douche bag who has an opinion on everything. If I opt to only wear my glasses, well, then what's the point of owning sunglasses?

Even though I haven't found the best solution yet, I am still considering getting a pair of prescription sunglasses anyway. I'm especially liking what Ray-Ban has to offer, and this pair of Carhartt's (yes, the same Carhartt that 99 out of a 100 Ford truck owners wear) I just saw over at FRESHNESS perfectly blends the Kanye West/Ted Kaczynski look the kids are loving this year. There's definitely plenty of good sunglasses out there, it's just a matter of time before I am full fledged indie (minus Thai food). Here's some I've found that you should look at if you want to add an essential accessory:

Everybody's classic, the Ray-Ban 2132.
Another gem from Ray-Ban.
Banana Republic's offerings.
The Persol 2720, featured in Casino Royale.
Stussy x Fujiwara design. FULL POST

MILLBROOK SUEDE LACE-UP DRIVING MOCS

For a while they have offered the driving moc in 4 different styles, which I thought was plenty. But, my goodness was I mistaken. The 5th variation to accompany the suede, suede/penny, leather, and lether/penny, is the suede lace up. I have been a fan of the look of moccasin slippers and the like for a while now, but thats pretty cheap. Finally I can have the adult, mature, and classy version of it. FULL POST

le sucre clothing

I swear all the best t-shirts come from across the Atlantic. Like ill-studio's awesome portfolio converted into a super-hipster clothing line, Le Sucre too has a nice artistic collection of t-shirts that hail from Europe. The best ones incorporate some nice use of type, while the others display colorful pieces of abstract art. If it didn't cost me a couple weeks worth of groceries to ship from Europe to the desolate Midwest, I'm sure I'd get "Keep Smiling".

(Found via TypeNeu) FULL POST

assouline books make reading classy. so flossy flossy.

Assouline is a crazy cool publishing company. Referred to as the first luxury brand using publishing as its medium, they offer books on anything chic.

“Renowned for their highly original graphic concept, Assouline books are a work of art that capture culture and brings it to life. The spirit and 'savoir faire' of these works have contributed to the creation of a unique and eclectic, chic and elegant brand that is immediately identifiable”

My wishlist includes, but is not limited to; Fred Astaire, Rebel Style, Palm Springs Style, Paris Living Rooms, Eames, and Bauhaus. Because Assouline is such a classy company, they sell their books in insane special boutiques: some Saks Fifth Ave. stores, or on the website. Well, my birthday isn't soon, so you might want to bookmark this so you don't forget. FULL POST

a hate industry

Apparently there's money to be made in the seamstress profession trying to corner the hate demographic.

"Coming from five generations of Ku Klux Klan members, 58-year-old "Ms. Ruth" sews hoods and robes for Klan members seven days a week, blessing each one when it's done. A red satin outfit for an Exalted Cyclops, the head of a local chapter, costs about $140. She uses the earnings to help care for her 40-year-old quadriplegic daughter, "Lilbit," who was injured in a car accident 10 years ago."

This is all sorts of paradox. Not that I'm well-versed in these sorts of things, but I feel like maybe blessing the hoods that shroud the living symbols of hate, prejudice, and violence (among many, many other things) isn't the best way to seek reciprocation.

The photo of the child is going to give me nightmares.

(Found via Kottke) FULL POST

Ralph Lauren is bringing classic style to the US Olympic team.

Hey, guess what, I’m finally excited about the Olympics. The powers that be have decided that Roots is too informal, so the US Olympic team is going to be bringing preppy back to Beijing. And, with preppy comes sweaters. And ties. And crests. My God, crests! Polo plans to use an Olympic logo with a crest featuring a replica of the stars and stripes logo used for the ’32 games in LA. The athletes will be sporting these clothes for the opening ceremonies (if we participate), during the games, and closing ceremonies. Previously Polo has been attached to major tennis events with their deals with the US Open and Wimbledon, but this is their first time outfitting an Olympian team.

"Polo Ralph Lauren is a quintessential American brand that represents a timeless and classic look which we believe our athletes will be excited to wear."

Apparently it’s good for Polo because they will be getting their name in the Asian market; somewhere they have a very small presence. The details of the deal are insignificant to me, for all I care about are sweater vests.

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GAMA-GO Knows Clothes

There is clearly no shortage of quirky and artistic fashion in the world. GAMA-GO has a unique take on the hoodie and the tee, among other things, incorporating playful and child-like drawings that are sure to grab the eye's attention. Featuring yetis in their natural habitat, monster eyes that resemble Loony Toons characters', and turtles ready to brawl, GAMA-GO offers fun threads that just seem to make you want to smile. Their line of clothes have a nice urban flare that doesn't take itself too seriously, which can be a nice departure nowadays.

The hoodies, which I like best, are limited in production, even adding to their uniqueness. You can be quite sure you'll be the only guy or gal at the party with a yeti hoodie draped over your shoulder and the urge to dance. The only problem is that these can get a little pricey, some hoodies exceeding the hundred dollar mark. Then again, you can't always put a price on looking good and looking unique. 'Tis a rare combination. FULL POST

New Imaginary Foundation shirts. My credit card is already out.

The Imaginary Foundation has consistently been producing some of the most phenomenal t-shirts I have ever seen. Today, they have added 12 new shirts to the collection. Strike that, they have given the world a great gift by offering us 12 new designs to look good in.

More than just cool-looking, they are meant to inspire. As the Foundations designer, Nick Philip has stated that "Streetwear is the Trojan horse." Through amazing t-shirts the Foundation has been able to spread the idea that we as people have the power to create a culture full of beauty and harmony, if only we open ourselves up. 95total is trying. I'm showing you the site, right?

They also have one of the best About sections on the 'net. It sums up the Foundation and its mysterious Directors' views with:

"In his vision for the Imaginary Foundation, the Director knew that the human mind has more than one mode, that indeed it has an "ecology" of being. He knew that imagination, intuition, inspiration are basic to psyche."

Even if you don't buy a shirt, you can not pass up checking out the collection and reading their About page. Also, there is a great interview with the designer in res magazine. FULL POST

Animals Make the Best Logos.

For a while now I have felt that I really need to step my game up. My look needs something. I'm not sure if it is a change I need, or just a re-evaluation and a sprucing up. Whatever I decide to do, I'll be sure to follow these rules.

Just in time for my wardrobe contemplation, Esquire has released The (New) Laws of Casual Style. It is the perfect companion to looking at my closet and figuring out what I should be deleting and what I should be adding. I don't think I'd go so far as to suggest printing out the list and reading it with the left eye while surveying your clothes with the right, but maybe just read over the list and keep it in mind. Strike that. Print it out and tape it to the inside of your closet door. Now thats an idea. Or do whatever you want. But, it is a good and amusing list.

I am partial to:

25. The only ribbed items a man should wear are socks and condoms, and he best not confuse the two.
34. Khaki is a color. Chinos are a pair of pants. Know the difference but feel free to use the terms interchangeably.
53. ...A cardigan works... FULL POST

They could make you feel better than wearing Shox

There's not much to them, but they could mean more than any other shoe you have ever purchased. TOMS shoes are simple. Very simple. They're inspired by traditional Argentinean shoes and they look it. And what's going to be better for summer than a shoe made for South America?

What the actual shoe lacks in, uh, pizzaz, it makes up for with humanitarianism. For every pair of TOMS Shoes you buy, they donate a pair of shoes to kids in need. They have been around for a couple years now, but now they have a bunch of new options in material and color. I, however, am still fond of the basic canvas in navy.

If shoes aren't your thing, and you were so inspired by the plastic bag post, check out the TOMS Shoes FEED project Bag. Keeping with the same thought of helping a kid in need, each FEED bag bought will provide a school year of meals for a child. For under a hundred dollars you can give a child some of the most basic necessities of life, food and clothing.

Do some good, and look good doing it. FULL POST

They aren't bad if you use one every 1,000 years

This year the government of South Australia is banning plastic bags. They may be the first of their states to encourage a national ban on the landfill clogging throw-away bags. Likewise, Great Britain is considering a similar ban, and even if the nation doesn't make a national ban, their largest supermarket, Tesco, has already stopped giving them away. Putting in his two cents, Prince Charles has backed the ban by teaming up with another chain, Booths, by giving out eco-friendly bags.

If you're not going to be using plastic bags, and you're a chick, now you may be wishing you had picked up one of those I'm Not A Plastic Bag bags when they were cheap and trendy. If you don't want to pay a ridiculous amount for the INAPB on eBay, or don't have female parts, pick up a reusable bag at ecobags.com and save the planet. They have a ton of types and styles for every occasion! With eco bags and your young person's environmentally friendly conscience, helping heal the planet has never been easier! And remember, It's the thing to do.

p.s. check out the photo essay at the guardian

p.p.s. more on the bags and them lasting 1,000 years is here

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Keep that t-shirt hanging out

95Total is recommending classic style. This may not be revolutionary thinking, but it can not be stressed enough. Get a plain white fitted tee and wear it with anything, especially a pair of khaki chinos. When it’s cool out, as happens, perhaps when sailing to Block Island, bring along the cotton crewneck sweater. Keep it classy but comfortable with a pair of Sperry Top-Siders, but this season go with the Striper CVO’s. When in doubt, look to Kennedy. FULL POST

Rumplo tees have pizazz

The people over at Uncrate have a great ability to find simply some of the coolest stuff ever. Today they displayed a site called Rumplo, which is a collection of user-submitted (and some even user-designed) tees that are very well crafted. My current obsession with Westerns has me looking at this one. FULL POST

If only I wore T-shirts

I would sport this one. Every four years you can be part of the political trendiness by getting behind a candidate. In '08 I’m backing Obama and showing my support of him and baseball. What's more summer than the baseball t-shirt? The October classic ends right before the election so you’ll have the whole season to get some grass stains.

obamaofdreams.com

via withleather.com

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