permanent wave

Hand. Made.......

2012-01-09T00:40:00.001-06:00

Quickly moving into a new era...

Blah...

2011-12-29T00:24:00.002-06:00

Made in U.S.A.

Feet Warm.......

2011-11-27T00:27:00.002-06:00

God.......

2011-11-09T18:37:00.001-06:00

Creep...

2011-11-08T23:39:00.002-06:00

Only because I think the coat is butter.......
Creep by Hiroshi Awai Striped Duffle Coat (Buy here)
Creep by Hiroshi Awai Marled Yarn Shawl Cardigan (Buy here)
Levi's Redline 501...not LVC
Red Wing Pecos Boot

Galt the MacDermot...

2011-11-07T18:07:00.002-06:00

Just two for now...

The Cartier Lens Era...

2011-10-28T13:38:00.004-05:00

Vintage? Steampunk? NNFW? Good.

Damn Near.......

2011-09-14T16:17:00.002-05:00

Not bad, Penfield...(can't really vouch for the quality, however)

Strapped...

2011-08-08T09:09:00.003-05:00

Muck you.......

2011-07-22T18:11:00.001-05:00

Perforated...

2011-07-22T18:10:00.001-05:00

Sir, yes Sir Sargent

2011-06-22T20:41:00.003-05:00

An unHoly derby for summer and little scotch grain love. The more pointed last on a heavy lugged boot (middle) is growing on me. I would heighten the style 2" and wear Suits with trousers tucked in cashmere cable hosiery this fall. All by Alfred Sargent

Simple as this. Everyday

2011-06-14T08:19:00.002-05:00

The worker in the corner makes sure i clock in.

2011-04-22T23:32:00.003-05:00

compli of Stretch over at blrdsgn.com

Percy El...

2011-04-17T13:18:00.000-05:00

Kostym Maid Julian Boots.

C.P. Company

2011-04-13T19:26:00.003-05:00

Kinda creepy but i could dig it.

Red Herring...

2011-04-12T23:38:00.002-05:00

Cool.

Tilted...

2011-04-12T23:15:00.001-05:00

Kangol Spring/Summer '11 Picks...

Me Want Honeycombs!!!

2011-04-09T23:31:00.003-05:00

I guess your new Balmains would be more like Frosted Mini Wheats.

® a i n y d a y

2011-04-08T02:29:00.001-05:00

Bulls are about the only thing winning today..

R.A.G.U........

2011-03-31T09:39:00.002-05:00

"Turn on the radio all you hear is X and Jigga...HAHA! You vexed nigga!!!"

Repeats, nothing new, but w/out Commercials

2011-03-30T20:28:00.004-05:00

That's your A$$$$ mister postman & the Oldie but the Ghillie

Going raw dog is healthier

2011-03-29T01:51:00.003-05:00

Turkish workers believe two global fashion brands’ recent decision to ban sandblasting will not prevent workers from contracting silicosis because other large companies continue to employ subcontractors for sandblasting in emerging markets.

Fashion brands Levi’s and H&M recently announced a decision to refrain from employing workers for denim sandblasting, a process by which many denim workers contract silicosis.

“I don’t know how much they will stand behind this decision, because international companies, along with local companies such as Mavi jeans have moved to Bangladesh and Egypt and do their production there,” said Abdulhalim Demir, a denim worker who has been battling the fatal disease since 2007.

Many firms made new deals with subcontractors in Pakistan, Egypt and Syria after the Turkish Health Ministry prohibited the practice in 2008, Demir said.

Still, Levi’s and H&M insist they will neither cooperate with such subcontractors nor sell sandblasted products in the future.

According to Demir, some companies continue to use sandblasting techniques as they cannot obtain the same results with current technology.

“Although chemicals and lasers are sometimes used, many large companies won’t stop sandblasting because chemicals only create a change in the color, whereas sand gives a worn appearance,” said Demir.

Profit before loss

The reason this method has not been abandoned, despite the fatal threat to workers worldwide, is the huge profit sandblasting brings as experts say the price of denim rises in proportion to the amount of sandblasting done.

“It’s a very profitable job because it adds a value of 50 percent to a product,” said Professor Zeki Kılıçaslan, a chest physician at Istanbul University.

Kılıçaslan said enormous amounts of money were earned by some companies as their workers sandblasted numerous pieces a day, which are later exported. “These denim workers, unaware of the risks, sandblast between 2,000 and 3,000 items of clothing a day over 12 hours,” Kılıçaslan said, noting that some workers were continually exposed to the danger by sleeping in their workshops.

Noting that the number of Turkish workers suffering from silicosis has passed 1,000, Demir said illegal sandblasting was facilitated by workers coming from Georgia. Demir, who used to produce goods for Tommy Hilfiger under the Turkish subcontractor Pangel, said several terminally ill workers cannot sue the main brands as they were not directly working for them.

“In the end, big companies like Levi’s are not considered responsible for silicosis deaths because subcontractors do the sandblasting on their behalf. However, once you decide to sue the subcontractors, you cannot reach them as they are either [cannot be located] or have changed their work,” said Demir.

Kılıçarslan said there had been worldwide attempts to permanently prohibit sandblasting, as there is no chance of recovery from silicosis once it develops. Nonetheless, Demir said there were no specific punishments for subcontractors continuing the practice in Turkey.

“The penalties have not yet been determined. It is open-ended,” said Demir, adding that he was critical of the lack of interest in the issue.

No support

Some workers are fighting to have their voices heard, but are finding the process difficult because their ill health prevents them from working.

Such workers said they were not eligible for financial assistance or retirement benefits because the Labor Ministry did not consider their condition a legitimate occupational disease.

“An audit certificate is needed to prove that you have been exposed to this disease at work, which means an inspector must contact the subcontractor who employed the worker – but of course the subcontractors disappear when the condition appears. We have experts’ reports, but the Labor Ministry won’t accept them,” Demir said.

Yılmaz Kartal, who worked as a sandblaster between 2002 and 2005, said that without state support, he was having trouble making ends meet.

“I don’t have enough strength to work as I have difficulty breathing, and the companies won’t hire us under such circumstances. I’m wondering how I will pay my rent. The state should protect us,” he said.

If I had wings I could fly, let me contemplate..

2011-03-29T00:23:00.003-05:00

The Permanent Wave Summer Shoo...

2011-03-28T12:53:00.001-05:00

Made expressly for Dr. Funkenstein.......

I'll be spoke for that.

2011-03-28T03:31:00.002-05:00

i'm just a fan of norvegese welt. it should be done on more shoes. Roberto Ugolini

Nigel Caborn Camo Cameraman Jacket...

2011-03-27T22:41:00.001-05:00

Get Sillayyyy (still don't think this stuff is worth the ticket, though).

bUTTA sHIT.......

2011-03-23T01:21:00.003-05:00

LeTom Caps

Neil Barrett Hybrid Deset Boot.......

2011-03-22T20:58:00.002-05:00

Definitely. If I had the bread. For now, may be inspiration for a custom.

If you all only knew...

2011-03-22T12:12:00.003-05:00

Heavy Washed Daicock Worker Suspender Jeans by Evisu (it'll come back around to this by fall in certain sects).

Pure $$$.......

2011-03-22T11:59:00.002-05:00

Smart-looking white bucks from _____-_______.

These are a close second for me.......

2011-03-22T11:10:00.001-05:00

@tai_landbreezy (This colorway only, though).

Directa Yo' Feetsa.......

2011-03-20T19:13:00.002-05:00

Yes, more shoes...

Yikes!!!

2011-03-20T13:05:00.000-05:00

Go-ILL Athletics...

2011-03-20T10:08:00.003-05:00

Resource.......

Cool Boots, kid...

2011-03-19T15:21:00.001-05:00

Danner Urban Light

Red Wing Pecos Boot...

2011-03-17T09:46:00.002-05:00

I'm going to swap out the Vibram Cristy Sole for a nice lug-bottomed demonstration. Should come out pretty nice...

Mihara Yasuhiro Denim Jacket...

2011-03-11T20:16:00.002-06:00

Mihara Yasuhiro...purchase power.

@ Nepenthes...

2011-03-03T15:32:00.002-06:00

Aside: I can't wait to get Arrow Moccasins @sirandmadame. I think it's a pretty good move for us.

Dehner Alert Boots...

2011-02-26T05:35:00.003-06:00

Whether the look may be New Jersey Drive or Apollo 13...these knock.

Styled by Japanese Grafiti.......

2011-02-22T14:25:00.002-06:00

If you've ever flipped through a Free & Easy magazine, you've undoubtedly come across several of these uncanny illustrations. Mister Crew was nice enough to scan several of his favorites, and here are a few of mine.

Edward Graves...

2011-02-09T21:48:00.001-06:00

Only EG piece I'm looking to own from SS11...

Seydou Keita...

2011-02-08T13:35:00.003-06:00

Fairly new to me and maybe new to you. Check him out...Seydou Keita

Smallz.......

2011-01-24T19:11:00.000-06:00

Sweats 'n Gore-Tex

2011-01-19T19:32:00.005-06:00

" I cruise in a GS Lex', Cartier specs, nauctica sweats with the fresh Gore-tex" -Big L

Just because of the go-ill chi weather. Although people like to call Chicago the 'Windy City' because of its lakefront coolwave winds, the name originates from its rich history of journalism, reporters, and polititians pressing the name to establish chi-dentity. Not to be longwinded but this is for those 10 to below 0 days. Jackets all TNF. Pant Isoara... Robert Geller, The Real McCoy are all decent amongst others, however prefer Buzz Rickson.

"I must confess, my destiny's manifest In some Goretex and sweats I make treks like I'm homeless"- Lauryn

Nicely.......

2011-01-17T23:44:00.003-06:00

Came across these a couple times before. These are really good. Goodyear welted & made in Northampton, U.K. just like ya' like 'em. Have a seat Duckie (pronounced Doo-key) Brown.

Kostym Tricknology.......

2010-12-27T00:59:00.001-06:00

Shoes.

Lew Alcindor in a Snow Storm.......

2010-12-21T21:39:00.002-06:00

Walk-Over Shoes: Handmade in U.S.A. since 1758

8 Heads in a:

2010-12-17T23:57:00.002-06:00

Since we all love these now.......

YVAN EHT NIOJ.......

2010-12-12T20:56:00.002-06:00

Not bad at all...

Wanted: Cobbler.......

2010-12-07T13:31:00.001-06:00

Just One More...

2010-12-04T02:59:00.002-06:00

Not knitted by virgins, but.......

Soul Clothes.......

2010-12-03T23:27:00.002-06:00

The folks over at Archival Clothing are always impressive. Realized by Skookum/Centrailia Knitting Mills.

If You're Gonna Do Red Wings.......

2010-07-19T12:58:00.002-05:00

Do the moc toe oxford this fall (spring & summer, even) and be certain that your socks are woolen and stricken with color.

Slangin'.......

2010-06-12T10:30:00.003-05:00

SOLE Glow.......

2010-06-02T13:38:00.001-05:00

I think I only dig this because they rode the Sa-Ra Creative Partners wave so tough.

Shoes.......

2010-05-23T15:29:00.002-05:00

Spotted over @ Nice Kicks. Get 'em May 29, 2010.

Pretty Wangs.......

2010-05-20T15:53:00.004-05:00

Deck Shoes.......

2010-05-16T19:37:00.003-05:00

Splendid comes in Primary Colors.......

Cold.......

2010-05-14T13:51:00.001-05:00

Haven't worn a pair of Vans since '08 but...these hit. $198.00 @ Union.

Holy Warz.......

2010-05-05T21:41:00.000-05:00

Watch Coonskin.......

2010-05-05T12:49:00.003-05:00

There was a little trepidation posting anything about this film because, well, it's a pretty hard hitting post-Blaxploitation created by a Jewish guy. Yet and still, a lot of the shit in the film is so dead on. Whatever, though...just watch it. Or not.

Florality.......

2010-05-04T02:53:00.003-05:00

By South 2 West 8 (Japanimation)

The Champ is Here.......

2010-04-29T02:18:00.005-05:00

Two-Toned Short Sleeve Crew by Reigning Champ.

TOM Foolery.......

2010-04-29T02:03:00.002-05:00

There's nothing really new, exciting or prolific about TOMS Shoes, but a pair of these androgynous bangers in a red hue would be cool.

The Lanyard.......

2010-04-28T03:02:00.002-05:00

Kinda like this...get it from @RSVPGallery

T.N.F.P.L........

2010-04-28T02:59:00.002-05:00

Mainly because they're made by The North Face (Purple Label)...

Gang Bangin.......

2010-04-27T08:46:00.003-05:00

If you've known me for a while you'd know this song , "Southside Blood Cuz'n" by Taz Arnold has been playing on my Myspace page for the past four years. From what I know, this song was released on some Sa-Ra shit released exclusively in Japan. I've never actually had an mp3 of this until I ran acros this at HighSnobiety today. They've remastered it in the last 4 years, too (and not necessarily for the better). If there was any trepidation in downloading this due to Taz' rap skills or your disdain for Sa-Ra Creative Partners, I'm here to inform that this one's actually a good listen (click the picture for download).

Kausing Much Damage.......

2010-04-26T10:28:00.004-05:00

I'd probably get treated a bit If I admitted KMD is my favorite rap group (along with 'Kast...and Wu-Tang doesn't count). The original members were Zev Love X, Onyx the Birthstone Kid, and Subroc (Zev's younger brother). Find some of their music and enjoy.

Born-Free.......

2010-04-26T08:51:00.001-05:00

From Hypebeast

M.I.A, Born Free from ROMAIN-GAVRAS on Vimeo.

SIR & Madame.......

2010-04-25T23:46:00.001-05:00

Vocab. // Brian & Autumn of Solemates Chicago from The EP Art Brand on Vimeo.

Go-ILL Bright Spot.......

2010-04-25T10:15:00.001-05:00

Mtume.......

2010-04-25T00:04:00.001-05:00

These just saved my life tonight. Thanks, Ma.

Really Nice.......

2010-04-24T23:45:00.002-05:00

Visvim a.k.a. "Can't afford it"

The Choice is Yours.......

2010-04-24T23:28:00.004-05:00

Spring Court G2 Sneaker in Navy

Nike HF All Court (I absolutely hate these without the Swoosh on the side)

Ubikwituss.......

2010-04-24T22:57:00.001-05:00

The Qwerty by Ubiq. $80 USD.

Nordic-Track.......

2010-04-24T22:31:00.003-05:00

I mentioned this retailer a bit in my last post but I couldn't NOT delve into the spot a little further. A "clothing, footwear, design store, and agency aiming to introduce, nurture, and market new and exciting brands on the Nordic market," Mr. Mudd and Mr. Gold may just be one of the best I've seen. I probably won't buy anything from them because the USD is weak and that stuff is high as giraffe pussy. Anywhom, here are a few of my favorites:

Denim Rucksack.......

2010-04-24T15:12:00.003-05:00

MFSC Ramblers Pack available now @ Mr. Mudd and Mr. Gold (this WILL be the new favorite online retail spot for heritage snobs all over the world)

Walk a Narrow Path.......

2010-04-21T21:31:00.003-05:00

Legend has it that Jesus created the New Balance 574 on his 31st birthday. The "N" on the side, superfluously so, stands for Nazareth. I didn't believe it until I put a pair on for myself. Kinda spooky.

Converse Shoes.......

2010-04-21T18:45:00.003-05:00

My bro @RegularOlTy featured the Converse Sea Star OX on his site the other day and these are another great boat shoe from Team 'Verse: the Edward Boat Jack Purcell. I actually like the Sea Star OX a little better, but the color placement on these ispretty interesting. Find em here.

Pullover.......

2010-04-21T10:01:00.003-05:00

$175 @ Opening Ceremony

Mojo is Back.......

2010-04-20T17:20:00.003-05:00

My deceased uncle passed this ring down to me back in 2005 and I had been wearing it non-stop since last May. I misplaced my baby about 3 weeks ago and I was ALL SMILES when it resurfaced this morning. In the words of Team Uncut: "Time 4 Freakin'."

THE Mountain Parka.......

2010-04-19T02:03:00.004-05:00

Desertic Mountain Parka (it'll run you about $450 or so)

Batman vs. Spiderman.......

2010-04-19T01:25:00.002-05:00

VERSUS

An ongoing debate in which people NEVER set their personal biases aside and just look at the facts of the matter. Batman, while a skilled ninja, sharp detective, billionaire, and playboy does not possess the strength or speed to fuck with Spidey in a brawl. We all know that Peter Parker is the average teenage emotional headcase, but at the end of the day he still has SUPER HUMAN STRENGTH (Last time I checked his bench press was between 15-20 tons), Insane speed (understatement), and a Spidey-Sense that's basically developed into pre-cognition. If that wasn't enough, Spidey's costume (armour) created by Tony Stark (again, I haven't kept up recently so this may have changed) is built so that it can almost withstand bullets. That being said, those damn Batarangs don't stand much of a chance (not that they'd hit anyway. Remember that Spidey-Sense?)
I'll make sure to get back in the shops and make sure my little bit of knowledge on this subject is up to snuffleupagus. It actually had never ocurred to me until a couple years back how many Batman fans, and comic book fans in general, HATE Spiderman. I only wanted to show that the guy is THE ultimate superhero and the facts behind why I think he'll virtually rip Batty Boy's head off (II).

The Silver Surfer.......

2010-04-19T01:20:00.001-05:00

Max B Documentary now on sale here.

Sight? Seen.......

2010-04-19T01:15:00.000-05:00

Put this movie in your Netflix or Blockbuster.com queue.

You Must Create.......

2010-04-18T08:22:00.001-05:00

Chore Jacket available now from YMC.

Crop Shots.......

2010-04-18T07:51:00.004-05:00

If you're 5'10" [maybe 6 feet (II)] try your hand at some cropped pants. The above are from Bedwin Tokyo (probably too rich for anyone's blood) and they're all pretty slick.

If you needed any style ideas, I jacked this pick from NewDandyism...on top of that, they're featuring one of my favorite shoes of all time.

Pants.......

2010-04-17T12:40:00.004-05:00

"Alive Pants" by Brooklyn Tailor (proxy service needed)

Stankonia.......

2010-04-17T12:12:00.003-05:00

I get a lot of flack from the older heads on this one (particulary @TheSIRofSMC), but Stankonia is my favorite Outkast album. But unlike many of my peers, I was actually WELL AWARE of 'Kast before "So Fresh, So Clean." The track above is just stupid.

A Huey P. Newton Story.......

2010-04-17T11:58:00.002-05:00

Realised by one of my favorite actors. I can't believe you haven't seen this yet.

Plain Gravy.......

2010-04-17T11:20:00.003-05:00

Perforated Leather five panel cap from the now defunct Plain Gravy (boy I hope they make a return). If you like what you see, we've still got one of these left at SIR & Madame Chicago.

Jacketwear.......

2010-04-16T10:44:00.002-05:00

Gant Rugger Varsity Jacket available now @ Blackbird. (Right color scheme but about $100 too expensive).

Erryting is Irie.......

2010-04-15T11:09:00.007-05:00

Click image for Originoo Pillsbury Doughbooty. Makeup by this girl and Photo taken by this guy.

SIR & Madame Clothing.......

2010-04-14T20:02:00.006-05:00

Collect all 6 (3 designs, 2 colorways...available for guys & gals). SIR & Madame Chicago. Thank you.

Janelle Monae.......

2010-04-13T09:11:00.002-05:00

I was invited by a good friend a couple weeks ago to see this lovely woman perform at Schuba's in Chicago. She may be one of the most splindifferous people on the western hemisphere and her moves are second only to Little Joe Dancer. The only problem I had with J.M. was that her performance epitomized "form over function." But it didn't have to...the girl has an impressively strong vocal chord/diaphragm combo and I would've loved for it to been a little more about "the music." That's just personal preference, though. I still think one of the only worthy acts in music today.

Hats.......

2010-04-13T09:02:00.003-05:00

From Hypebeast.

I remember seeing one of the Beastie Boys wearing a similar FUCT snapback circa 91 or so. Erik Brunetti is a pretty wise man and he's got a provocative philosophy.

adidas Originals by Originals.......

2010-04-11T23:51:00.001-05:00

Motocross Sweat Pants by Jeremy Scott for adidas.

Black Wisdom.......

2010-04-11T20:47:00.003-05:00

Photos by Kwesi Abbensetts taken from stopbeingfamous.com

A Jacket.......

2010-04-11T20:42:00.003-05:00

Pretty fun looking jacket from Thoroughly Denim...perforated cotton detailing.