Native Ambition

Yes, I'm a bit partial to the fashions of my Native fathers....but seriously, how cool are these guys?!

Two Words: Great Expectations

Check out these dapper dandies...

The Big Pink - "Dominos"

Call me crazy, but how can you not obsess over The Big Pink's latest single "Dominoes"? The following video is textbook ear candy with driving drums, epic soundscapes, and the always appealing ice-sculpture explosion. And I might add that my old intern did all the collage art at the website. New album drops September 22. Enjoy!

N. Hollywood Fall/09

Japan's N. Hollywood has me itching for Fall with these vests and boots. The patterned vests are a fresh take on these symbols of woodsy Americana, and a more than welcome addition to any closet.

[via Selectism]

Julian Casablancas "Phrazes for the Young"

Julian Casablancas' new album "Phrazes for the Young" lands next month and yes I'm more than excited. Part 80s animation, part modern hype, and altogether a genius (and rather stylish) marketing tool. Enjoy!

Amazing Vintage Raleigh

[via We Made This]

Roadsworthy

I'm still not quite sure, but I'm thinking these pieces are the work of Canadian stencil-master Roadsworth (aka, Peter Gibson). What I do know is they're incredible works of street art, and give a fresh perspective on the rules of the road and the staleness of auto-culture.

[via ffffound]

ExIT Shoes

In the time honored tradition of European craftsmanship and all of us seekers continually pining for the perfect shoe, I bring you ExIT Shoes. Portland, Oregon-based shoemaker Jeff Mandel creates unique bespoke shoes that start with the feet as opposed to the factory. Each one-of-a-kind shoe caters specifically to the buyers measurements, needs, wants and desires, incorporating vegetable-tanned leathers (from Italy) and enviro-friendly water-based glues. Models run the gamut from traditional oxfords to bike-specific models with kangaroo leather and polymer fiberglass laminates. Mandel's goal is simple: "to continue the European tradition of making shoes for individuals based on their actual feet with the best available materials." The $800 shoes may require a month's rent, but we can all rest a little easier knowing the romance of traditional craftsmanship isn't going anywhere anytime soon...and, of course, it's just another reason that I love all things Portland.

Iroquois Fall 2009

As summer grows closer to fall, I'm finding myself drawn to the idea of the free spirit and immersing into more natural environs like camping, roasting marshmallows, sipping whiskey neat, wandering aimlessly through the forest, etc. How perfect that I should stumble across Japanese label Iroquois and their Fall 2009 collection aptly titled "Be Natural." Despite being "a story of vintage clothing, music, and travel," I'm finding it hard to decipher what I like more: the actual clothes or the hauntingly romantic imagery from this shoot. Either way, the "Great American West" (and the maybe the occasional s'more) will most assuredly be invading my closet as the leaves make their colorful turns.

[via Fashionisto]

Terence Koh - Always the Bride

Today, I fell upon these amazing images of Terence Koh's recent semi-official wedding to his longtime boyfriend/graphic-designer Garrick Gott. And in true TK form, he of course played the bride (in a modified version of his mother's old wedding dress), choosing a white canoe as his grand entrance to the groom who patiently waited in a tree.

I really like the dreamlike quality of these images (all taken by Sophomore's Chrissie Miller) and their subtle romanticism. My favorite has to be the shot of the bride and groom lying in the grass. It has a modern Shakespearian feel that is both tragic and altogether hopeful.

Congrats to both Garrick and Terence!

[via Style.com]

Inn-Spired

Hotels and fashion are meeting on some mighty stylish ground as of late at places like the Standard and Ace Hotels. Ace Hotel has officially opened in New York with a gorgeous interior and, now, custom Dr. Martens boots for its employees (see above photo).























The Standard has gone a more breezy route in collaboration with Quiksilver to create a unique line of boardshorts inspired by both vintage surf and each of the hotel's four locations. Even better might be the fact that these retro trunks will be sold in...(wait for it)...poolside vending machines. As expected, the shorts are loaded with techy fabrics, unique cuts and even a "city guide" in the waist band...but seriously, how cool is it to tell people you bought your boardshorts out of a vending machine?

[via Selectism and Acquire]

Concrete Tumblers

In case you've run out of excuses for another summer bbq, these concrete tumblers from 25togo are surely the most stylish (and stable) reason to test your cocktail skills with both guest and stranger alike. The sleek combination of concrete and glass has a mid-century mod look that sparks images of how Neutra and the Eames' might enjoy cocktails on a sunny day. On top of the obvious functionality and aesthetics, I'm wondering if the concrete might actually act as a kind of built in coaster when the glass really starts to sweat. At $40/pair, I'm willing to take a chance.