Publicerad 08:27, 24 maj 2013
Everlane Reverse Denim Bags
Everlane? Never heard of them, or it as the case may be. For, according to my old editor (who was and still is ALWAYS right) a brand is never a 'they'. But, crikey, I am now an Everlane convert and no mistake.
It's a label based in California which has the aim to make affordable basic stuff for folk. Sounds familiar yes but, more often than not, such claims are backed up with a decent brand offering. Like Everlane.
Created by Michael Preysman, the label has just slapped out these ace totes, washbags and weekend bags in reverse denim. Numbering four in the collection, Everlane's bags are cheap like hell with the most expensive being no more than 200 dollars.
The material is, of course, denim but inside out. Although, saying that, I'm hoping that (for once) the denim is sanforised as it would bleed like crazy over your stuff were this not so.
The tote has already sold out as this collection has been all over the web over the past couple of days. But there is a waiting list, which has to be sort of a first for a bag aimed at the gents.
Publicerad 12:01, 23 maj 2013
Tricker's & Superdenim
OK, I grant you they're not cheap. But Tricker's never are so get over it.
The chaps at
Superdenim has teamed up with the shoemakers to create an exclusive series of Cordovans which are quite quite loverly indeed. Were I not a convert of the boot (it's become tough for me to switch from a boot even as the weather warms) I'd be on the lookout for a shoe at this very moment. And these (or, given that I have a nipper on its way, something cheaper yet similar in look) would be high up on my list of summer shoes to break in.
Publicerad 09:35, 22 maj 2013
Many years ago, as is probably the case for many a young pup, I was completely obsessed with fitting in. Which was odd because I really didn't. I sported a pink mohawk for a while and was a skater. So about as likely to fit in as a silverback gorilla would fit into a primary school.
Now though, in my middling years I really don't give a shit. Ask me about something and you will probably receive a pretty honest answer that would upset you. I'll listen to whatever damn music I like and play that music if left alone at a party by the music machine. I wear jeans almost every day regardless of the occasion and I detest most people.
With that in mind, I can happily admit to really liking these new Solarsoft Waffle cruisers from Nike and its collaboration with F.C.R.B. I could see myself on holiday slapping and padding my way about a bit tipsy in the early afternoon. Or even early morning. Holiday innit.
But they're proper cheap too at 58 dollars.
Publicerad 12:28, 15 maj 2013
Wolverine Rockwell Update 5(?)
May now and the Wolverine Rockford's have had about three waxes before big journeys. They've been to a wedding, tramped around Milan with me during the furniture fair and are my everyday show. Save for a little ungluing of the tips of the rubber soles that I added, they're still in really good nick.
Super happy with the depth of colour which is emerging and the brasswear is taking on a nice patina. I'm experiencing some twisting with the lace hooks but it's nothing to worry about.
Right now there's a nice layer of Spring dust on them. Mmm.
Such a nice boot.
Publicerad 11:47, 14 maj 2013
Roy RN03 Fades
I love Roy jeans. Made by one chap from start to finish, I concur wholly with Selfedge when they muse about Roy Slaper's incredible attention to detail.
The timing was perfect for me to discover Roy's. I was on the hunt for a new pair a few years ago after the Flatheads and hopped on Selfedge to have a browse and saw the Roy film, which is still on the site and well worth a watch.
Eventually I settled on a pair of RN03s in a 28 (those were the days, right now - following shooting these - I tried to slip them on. Nope. Never going to happen to old thunder thighs) and they arrived soon. I believe these were the last pair of jeans I bought from Selfedge, not because I don't like them. Far from it. But because my paypal screwed up royally so the payment things got a bit messy. With Paypal being the only option for me I have to hunt elsewhere these days.
However, let's go back to them. I believe these were the best fit of any jean I have tried on since my move to Sweden. Everything about them proportionally for my body at that time was perfect. The rise, which is medium, the taper, leg opening... The lot.
And the pockets are sturdy, front pockets lined in a heavy textile, the rear with hidden stud work. Also the rear ones have a very pleasant roundness to them and are a good depth without being over the top.
As it would happen I wore them once before I slipped in the snow and my lighter went through one pocket. I did a rush job at work to fix them. As usual there's a crotch blowout (which happens when you don't wash or soak them) and there's some big chaffing on the honeycombs (again a byproduct of not letting them touch water). These were from Roy's first release so if you get them now you'll get denim from Cone Mills.
Take a proper look at Roy's I really advise it. It's the detailing, from the varied number of different threads and machines he uses, to the way he makes his own leather tags and even signs his name in each one he makes.
He's also just released some really nice
slim tapered fit, which I would be very tempted to scoop up. I hold Roy's in the very highest regard, had a great year or so in them and may have retired them too early but hey, we all make mistakes.
Publicerad 07:40, 11 maj 2013
Pelago Bikes - One for the Summer
Time for a long overdue bike post. And a Finnish entry this time. And maybe it's me getting old but my mind is turning more and more to porteur-style bicycles.
Pelago is a Finnish brand, as established already, based in Helsinki and named after the Finnish word for archipelago whose intention is to make bikes that will survive under regular use until at least 2050. Plus, being Scandinavian you know they've been built to power on through summer and winter alike.
With that in mind, it's good to see that its frames (which are available in some very fetching colours) boast proper double-butted 4130 chromoly frames that will last much longer than you and I.
Personally I can see the missis and I pootling about town on the Bristol and the Capri (pictured - which is one fo the loveliest-looking dropped toptube ladies bikes I've seen in a while). Nothing too over the top, nothing too fancy and the prices are pretty good too I think. Take a peek now and grab one.
If you're in Sweden you can grab one from
Childstore.
Publicerad 13:08, 10 maj 2013
I've never entered a denim contest before. Not one for competition see, too scaredy like I reckon. But I'll follow them. You bet your buttons I will.
This one in particular promises to be ace. The second (seemingly annual) Heavyweight Denim Championship, created by a group of hardened denim purveyors, enthusiats and forum legends. Folk like Beatle from Superfuture and Megatron1505 from Rawr Denim, who are co-sponsoring the shebang.
It follows fairly standard rules with two classifications in this year's contest - the first for 17-20oz (heavyweight) and 21 upwards (super heavyweight). The competition itself has been running now for a month, and people will soon start to dissect the entries, fade updates and fits. The competition itself will run for 24 months, which brings into a number of interesting variables like how long to wear them? To wash or soak? Fix or let fall apart. It's a long time so it's going to be a test of cunning as much as it is pure wear.
However, one of the more fun aspects of denim contests has to be the special releases.
The brands which produce a special jean specifically for the competitors. Iron Heart has gone and dumped a beautious pair of jeans for this comp. The (deep breath) Iron Heart Mega Beatle Buster Limited Edition 25oz. Whoa.
The post by
Rawr Denim has fit pics (which are horrifically good) and a few other sites like
Iron Heart UK has more details. The step up from the rear pockets is huge. Hyauge! The detailing as one can expect from Iron Heart is top notch and there's a fun little explanation of how the jean came about on Rawr too. Funny how most of the good stuff comes from a bit of a boozy doo.
May the best man or woman win.
Publicerad 08:29, 9 maj 2013
Lil' Red Rooster Pomade Review
Some like pomades others prefer a cream. I tend to straddle the midground, preferring to have one of each in my bathroom so I can vary depending on what I'm likely to be up to on a certain day. If it's probably going to rain, or I'll be out for the duration of the day without the opportunity to pop back home for a quick restyle then it will be a proper oil-based pomade. A normal day that could be a little windy and I'll go for a strong water-based pomade but normally I like the ease of a cream.
I also think they seem to smell the best, or perhaps the most interesting and because they don't set all the way hard you can give them a bit of a rejig if things get a bit out of control. So, as stated yesterday I've picked up some Lil' red Rooster from Steve and Elain Hooker in the UK, created to help out chaps with thin, light hair. It's nicely packaged in a plastic tub with fun pink on black graphics and a see-through bottom half. See through probably because the cream is a soft, light pink colour - verging on peach perhaps.
The cream itself has a nice little semi-crust on it and is easy to scoop. I gave it the usual two-fingers worth and worked it into damp (verging on dry) hair and just combed it through.
Styling was quick and it spread evenly out, which is a definite plus with a cream, especially as my hair's quite light and tends to clump quickly with a thicker more heavyweight pomade. It's about four hours old now and has held quite well given that it's 'windy out'.
The smelll could take some getting used to though. For me it's a bit similar to a classic English soap, the Imperial Leather that my parents and Nanny think are indicators of fine taste. So perhaps it's not that bad. Maybe the folk on the bus this morning felt I was a man of fine taste and style. That I may have had a shuck and bag of oysters to eat for my lunch - which, of course, I have.
I think I'll grow to like it though and it seems like a sturdy addition to anyone's hair product library.
Given that I used a picture of it yesterday here's one of BA (Bad Ass) Baracus working his high top.
Publicerad 08:00, 8 maj 2013
Lil' Red Rooster Pomade
Picked some of this up so will do a full review very soon. But interested to see how it works. Apparently it's from England and made for people with lighter hair. And it's kind of pink. Looking forward to giving it a bash tomorrow. Image from
Sivletto, which is where I bought it.
Publicerad 09:09, 7 maj 2013
Storytelling Through a Watch
Last Tuesday, in the late afternoon and following a day's graft, I spoiled myself a bit and indulged in some light watch browsing. After an hour or two I spotted this piece, which has to have the coolest backstory I've come across.
It's a wristwatch craved from the bones of an old Harvard stopwatch which was converted and given to Leo Seltzer. Name's not so familier is it? Nope. Not much of a backstory.
Yet.
Seltzer is the man who created Rollerderby and therefore cooler than you and I put together. It was given to him by one of his roller derby stars.
43mm of nickel-chromium-cased amazeballs. I would probably revert to physical violence to just try this on. It would be like wearing some kind of sexy elixir. And, yes, I am a massive rollerderby fan.
