Dirty Jersey

We Movin'!!

2010-03-22T10:00:00.002-05:00

Word Is Bawn! we movin' B! No harm, no foul. I just need more control of my content. Just click on the above photo or the title of this post, and you'll be directed to the new and improved.
Jerz.
Out.

i AM the come-up KING!

2009-08-04T09:02:00.007-05:00

Me and my homies stay challenging each other on our sneaker come-up skills. Everytime we put forth a challenge, we'll set up different rules. Last weekend was the "under 21" competition: 3 stores, you have to find something under $21.00, and it has to be your size and something you'd rock. Our first stop was Nordstrom Rack. Now as usual, NR is known for having some ill kicks but under 21? Not so much. Although they're not my first choice, I keeps a few pairs of Chucks on deck, for them days i'm chillin at the beach (yes NJ, Chicago has a beach!). I didn't think I would find anything here until on my way out I spotted these. Nice!My homie, Dre found nothing at Nordstrom, so this gives me one up on 'em....I found some other kicks at nice prices, but not under 21, I'll put those up in another post.
Next stop, Marshalls! we got to Marshalls and they definitely had some 'Lo heat, so I picked up a couple I.T.'s and then stepped to the shoe dept. to get to the official business. Suprisingly, they had quite a few nice kicks in the building: adidas Oregon's, Dunks, all types of dope stuff, but nothing @ the right price for me to win, so I paid for the I.T.'s and bounced...off to AJWright. I KNOW I'ma find something there.

You know when you go to AJ Wright or Ross, you have to look over the entire shoe dept. and not just section with your size. The employees there just don't give a cot damn about order, so I go straight to the size six and work my way up, 'cause you never know. Sure enough, soon as I walk in, I spot these size 12's in the size 8 section. Nice shoe, old school look to mash up with my vintage 'Lo, I take a look inside the shoe at the price.....$14.00. $14.00?!?!?!? GTFOH!! COPPED. Of course that was the only pair, and nothing else better, otherwise, I woulda doubled up. I win. Dre, you lose with them Reeboks. I am the come-up king, B!!

Today's Kick Pick - STÜSSY x PRO KEDS

2009-07-30T10:00:00.006-05:00

Growing up on the Jersey Shore, you absolutely HAD to be into skateboarding and the lifestyle. There were skateboard and surf shops everywhere, so at some point, you had no choice but to embrace some part of it. I always took the train to NY for my hip hop game, but I loved the way skateboard companies like Ocean Pacific, Vans and Stussy put it on. Mixing and matching was my crews thing, and we would stay stuntin' on cats. Nowadays, I dont fux with skateboarding, but every now and then, I'll catch an item that I'll have to cop for the books. These STÜSSY X PRO KEDS collabo's are definitely firestarters! that I caught in San Diego a few years back. I'm still looking to find the other two colorways to complete the set, so if you see 'em, get @ me!

I caught this STUSSY x JAM HOME MADE wallet chain last year from my Hong Kong connect. I took a couple links out and made it into a bracelet that murders 'em every time, B!

MINDY'S HOT CHOCOLATE - FTW

2009-07-27T13:00:00.000-05:00

On the summer weekends I normally put something on the grill for me and my babygirl, but with us being cooped up in the crib lately, we decided to try a different move. For Saturday brunch, we met up with her cousin, Monique and go to one of my favorite nightime dessert spots in Chicago, Mindy's Hot Chocolate, located in Wicker Park. With the Wicker Fest being held this weekend just 2 blocks away, this turned out to be a straight up win. When I'm in that area, I normally stop by Hot Chocolate and pick up a few goodies to bring home, and they always wrap the fancy box with a brown bow, which definitely puts on win status for the night. See, the pastry chef, Mindy Segal is a nominee for the James Beard award for Outstanding Pastry Chef, and to those that don't know, that means she's kinda like a big deal.
Walking into this place, there is a huge waiting area, where there's a showcase of some of the sweets just to get you familiar, leather seats,
and a beautiful painting of a woman's ass. On top of all that, the music selection is a go!
I ask you, what guy doesn't want to wait in this spot? Needless to say I sat back and quietly enjoyed the artistry while the ladies chopped it up.
After a quick 7 minute wait we were seated. No need to look at the menu, I already knew what I wanted, I just waited for the ladies to decide. I went with the Warm Doughnuts and French Press Coffee for starters, then the BLT. Both girls went with the Grilled cheese and the Black & Tan Chocolate drink, served with house made marshmallows. The doughnuts came out first and did not disappoint. They were little too hot to handle, which is a good thing, otherwise I woulda' scoffed them all down in 10 seconds flat. I would've had them with just the cinnamon and sugar dust that was sprinkled on them, but they came with raspberry preserves on the side that made them even tastier. Only gripe, the serving of 4 was not enough. Being in the coffee business for a few years, I'm a coffee snob, so I'm crazy critical of coffee. Most restaurants use good coffee, but normally the wait staff doesn't take the time to serve it right. It's always either cold or burnt, sometimes both, but never like a coffee house or busy diner. Mindy's french press coffee was definitely top notch - hot, fresh, delicioso! If waiter would've asked if I wanted another, I would have said yes. It matched up nicely with the doughnuts, but as you can see, I ran out of coffee, so the leftover doughnut came home with the kid.
The sandwiches came out, and I was ready to get to business. Everything was fresh and upscale. Butter Lettuce, Tomato, Sugar Cured gourmet bacon, mayo, all on a toasted sesame bun. Me and my girl traded a half sandwiches so we could try everything. The BLT was good, but certainly not great. I'm not sure what didn't put this sandwich over the top, because it did nothing wrong. Maybe when I order a VERY simple sandwich at a restaurant this cool, my expectations are too high. But I wasn't totally let down, just not totally moved.
The Cheddar Melt on the other hand was bangin'! Aged cheddar on pumpernickel toast. Thats it. One bite into it and I knew it was serious business and not Cracker Barrel and Wonder bread. Cheese and bread done perfectly. right amount of crunch & perfect amount of cheddar. Both sandwiches came with a side shot glass of roasted tomato soup that I wished came in a bowl. A big bowl. Very tasty and spicy and matched up nice with both sammiches.

Overall, we enjoyed the lunch and as much as I would normally like to have a brewski or two, I opted out...I figured I'd catch a few at the Wicker Fest! On the way out, my girl went to the showcase and copped a few goodies for later on. For your buck, Hot Chocolate is not an everyday spot for lunch, but definitely one to keep in your books for dates and sweets for your sweet when you tryna make up! because you will get what you pay for. I will be back for dinner.

TODAY'S KICK PICK - G.O.A.T. SHOE - AIR MAX 1

2009-05-29T12:57:00.007-05:00

I'm often asked, "Whats your greatest shoe of all time?" and the answer will forever be the same - The Nike Air Max 1, Red/White. When this shoe dropped, most cats thought the air bubble was a little too futuristic, but I was immediately drawn to it. I wanted to see how it felt to walk on a pillow of air. I went to Athlete's Foot® and tried them on and they felt good, but not as orgasmic as I'd imagined. But walking over to see how they look in the full length mirror on the other, I knew that this was THAT shoe. I looked at the saleswoman in the mirror and she had that look. Like she knew she had a sale. Like she knew I had the future on my feet. She was correct in her assumptions. I did not hesitate to pay her what I can remember was $100 dollars. That was my first too. $100 for a pair of kicks. I didn't dare tell my parents what I'd paid for them, since I was living at home at the time and my share of the rent was late.I think I had maybe 5 different outfits that were worked around these shoes, and everytime I wore them, somebody would always say, "I seen those in the store but they didn't look right, but now that I see them on somebodys feet, I may have to get 'em" or girls would say "You rockin' them sneakers right!". I guess thats where the "walking on air" concept came into play. Tinker smashed the game with the AM1, and while there are 100's of different colorways, the red/white/grey/black is at the top of the heap. I've gone through 4 pairs because the clean-up on the driver heel was, and still is, horrible. Today, I'm looking to cop the 5th pair despite that issue.
Me & the homie, SupaCee...circa 1989-90.

THE LO' DOWN - Blue Label for the summer!

2009-05-26T07:53:00.000-05:00

Ralph is definitely official this summer with that Blue Label. But a buck 50 for a shirt? I had to wait until 'Lo.com marked this joint down, and I found a free shipping coupon code, so I finally went ahead and copped today. Next Monday can't get here fast enough!

I also copped the matching cap, FTW! not sure if I have any kicks for this to splash with this...any suggestions?$200.00 left in the budget to play with, so I went ahead and copped this one.I think I'll mash this one out with the Clydes I've had on ice for about six years. The Clydes that are out now are shaped funny, so I look forward murdering Chicago with these. With $150.00 left, getting on the #4 and heading to the Nike Factory Store sounds lovely right about now, B!

After 5 year hiatus.... RAP IS BACK!

2009-04-26T21:35:00.006-05:00

As I take some time today out to rotate my IT stock and sneaker game from winter to get my thing on schedule for summer(Chicago has no Spring), Im listening to music and thinking to myself---Rap is Back. That's right, it's back. and don't tell me it never left because it did. It was on hiatus for 5 years and came back this week. Sure there were dope MC's here during the 5 year stretch, but were specialty or boutique rappers. Like MF Doom, who is one of those that held it down during those 5 years, but you all know, Doom aint for everybody and we like it that way. It's the same with Ghostface, Joell Ortiz, Madlib, Pacific Division. That was YO shit and nobody elses, and you kinda liked it that way. It takes a different type of sound to move the masses. And that was void for 5 years. DJ's relied HEAVILY on old school to get a party into full swing.

Fast forward to April 2009, my New Year month... This, internets is a great time for rap. Last Tuesday I purchased the first two CD's that I've bought in a 5 years. Everything since 2004 has been Lemonwired or given to me and I don't check for mixtapes for the obvious reasons--DJ's put way too much emphasis on being the first to have a record without concentrating on the song having merit. Then theres the annoying verbage over songs, just to show you that their the first to have the song, or to place their bum ass patent on a song that they dont even like. Again, in the immortal words of the "Creator" one of the top 5 hip hop songs ever made, T.R.O.Y., Pete Rock..."exclusive sh*t, it really holds no weight." Word Is Bawn.

Here are the joints:Rick Ross- Deeper than Rap & Asher Roth - Asleep in the Bread Aisle I went out and bought these two CDs and they're the first CD's that i've purchased in 5 years and that gives me the authority to review them. I'll start with Rick Ross. Given the circumstances, this dude was SUPPOSED to fail. Hell, I WANTED him to fail. First he came on the scene with the Miami drug cartel tough talk, like most rappers do, which is totally some science fiction on all levels. We all KNOW this, don't we? He took that posturing a bit too far by saying he didn't like the way the multi-millionaire x5, 50Cent looked at him at a industry function one evening. Looked at him?Imagine that. A real bitchified way to create beef, 'specially from the "biggest boss that you seen thus far". 50, went on to expose Rick's hidden past as a former corrections officer. Imagine that? An honest living. god forbid. 50 also went on to inform us through hilarious internet videos that he will ruin Officer Rickys life by dragging family matters into the game. Makes for a great movie, in a CB4 kinda way. Ross answers with nothing. Nothing but vague denial, and the infamous "BAWSE!", and in the meantime, quietly works on a masterpiece of a CD. Upon hearing the first single, with its lush, air-tight production, and the slickest of slick talk, I was compelled to go out and purchase the joint, I spent the extra papes and copped the deluxe edition, and it did not dissapoint. I can't front. Remember, I WANTED this dude to fail. but cot-damn if he didn't do his numbers, and rightfully so. With tough talk and Dre-like production this dude wins. as some would say, "sonically cohesive"...whatever that means, shit is dope, kid!

Asher took a minute to grow on me, even still he did. His tribute to fraternity antics, "I love college" was clever and we could see it turning into an anthem for college kids. But upon hearing a couple more joints from the kid, I knew he was official. Party people got so caught up in tough talk that they can't feel this kid, so I knew going in that he was gonna do his thing, but it would not be easy. Also, you have to factor in the Eminem stans that really want this dude to BE Em. So once heard, they considered this dude soft and biter and discrace to white rapdom. White hardrocks mad this dude ain't near black. He's definitely none of those things. He's got his own steez, and as much as you want him to be Em, he aint. And bottom line, any dude that can bring the ladies back to the hip hop party is definitely official with that alone,B! Asher's album if definitely not classic, but damn sure better than most hip hop CDs that are out today and worth hearing and bonus DVD story is worth watching.

So, if comparisons are being made, then I'll say this--50, them Pimpin' Curly videos are funny as f*ck, but step ya' game up! you set it up for Ross to fail and he in turn made a monster of a CD that the Def Jam Machine is adding more fuel to. Em, you too! They say you always go left field with your first single, but that new sh*t is gahbij. hot gahbij. Asher is winning. All these drug stories and execution style murders on CD are falsehoods and lies, and it's all about how convincing your role is. Wood Harris smashed The wire, and this is why 2 years after the last episode, he walks down the street, people call him Avon, and are mad @ him for having his mans merk'd. You gotta do the same with your gangsta rap steez if your wish is to win...get in where you fit, B! Next up, Duo Live, MF Doom, DeLa, Jay Electronica.

Protect Ya' Kicks-Vol.II - SWIMS™

2009-04-07T15:45:00.000-05:00

From past posts, you know how I am with protecting my joints. This product is a new addition to the upkeep of your kicks. Boom! Lets say you wake up one sunny morning to go to work, and decide dress your freshest, (on some casual Friday type sh*t), and to finish your mash out, you put on your exclusive suede or nubuck Dunks. You get to work, everything is cool, and since you are lookin' on point, you decide, like Fred Flintstone, once Mr. Slate sounds the horn, and you slide off the dinosaur's back, you'll be sliding into the local happy hour. What you didn't factor into the equation, is that you missed Al Roker's forecast this morning that there will be late afternoon April showers, and by the time you clock out and downstairs to the lobby, the showers are on full tilt. And you got on the nuevo suede Dunks. Damn.

Worry not, if you have this product. My friend at the Norwegian company, SWIMS®, have taken clunky grandpa galoshes and elevated them to the next level. I own two pairs of these, so I know...you will stay winning with a pair of the classics or for the snow, go with the Mobster. They come in flavors so you can actually style on 'em! You HAVE to keep a pair in your backpack or in the bottom drawer of the office desk, just as you would an umbrella. Speaking of which, SWIMS' umbrella game is official issue too! With the auto-up/auto-down button!?!? c'mon, B! Peep how functional that is, coming in from the rain and trying close an umbrella with one hand without getting soaked.
Hey Ladies!! SWIMS™ did not leave you out of the game either. With these joints, they got your shoe game covered with the Classic™ for the sneakers, the City Slipper™ for the pumps, and they'll be dropping these joints for the boot and half-boot in a minute! I peeped the bottom of the City Slippers, and it has a map of either NYC on one, and Paris on the other...how fly is that!?!?

So get your shoe game covered and cop a pair @ Sak's or go to swims.com and tell 'em DirtyJerz sent ya'!You hunted all winter and copped kicks with your hard earned money....may as well protect your investments!

Back In The Lab, B!!!

2009-04-06T18:56:00.000-05:00

Just closing up my born day weekend, so its only right to start something on my new year. Its been a minute since I've done anything on this blog, but it was definitely a much needed break. Trying to write some goodness on a daily and make it readable is definitely no joke. I've been on my grizzly, tryna get my business right and family matters in order. As some of you know, I've been in the lab, working on the apparel archiving system and things are turning out nicely. I'll be keeping you posted on that as well...Patent is definitely pending...Word. Is. Bawn.

2009 is looking lovely thus far, and I'm gonna have sooo many things poppin' on this blog. I will definitely keep up the usual suspects, "the Lo' Down", the "Mash-Out", and "Word Is Bawn", but I will be adding many new segments, interviews, schwag-giveaways, etc. I copped a new Nikon and a HD camcorder, so at some point, DirtyJerz will go to video. I'm meeting so many interesting people in the Chi that it's only right that I visually document my travels.Also, during those 6 months, I've gone in for the win with shopping more than a little bit . My come-up game is even crazier these days, and I've found wild discounts on kicks and 'Lo all over the city that I'll be puttin' you up on. Next mission: Find a come-up on an iPhone or Blackberry.

Although I've been on a 6 month hiatus on blogging, I stays on the internets. I gotta give it up to cats that write the realest sh*t on the internets. My Google Reader is up to 60 blogs, that I follow daily. If I put a comment on your blog, you ARE that dude, or that chick, B! I'm also getting my twit-game correct, so check me on that- NuJerooz

Great to be back at it tho'!

Just a thought.

2008-10-19T12:56:00.002-05:00

THE MASH OUT-LDRS 1354 X NIKE Dunk Hi- Happy Halloweeny, Beyotches!

2008-10-19T12:03:00.009-05:00

"...Word Is Bawn,
CandyCawn!"
Whenever you're in Chicago, make it your business to stop by one of the Leaders 1354 shops just up the skreet from me, in Bronzeville (Sowfside stand up!) and Wicker Park. Vic, Mike and the rest of the staff were real cool about putting me onto the Hip Hop scene when I first got to the Chi. Also be sure to check their daily blog, where they give up to the minutes notices on new sh*t, as soon as it enters their stockroom. They also have a segment, WDTyWT, where the homie Ty, straight styles on cats daily, mashing out exclusive pieces and things that are available in the store.This exclusive, festive Ltd. Edition New Era cap is on some straight Halloween/Autumn/Sweet Pota-ta pie sheet, fa' reala! LDRS New Era fitted game is the official issue, Word Is Bawn!Then you style on 'em with the Holiday dunks!?!? cop 2, B!

THE LO' DOWN- Ralph Lauren X LeBron James Ltd. Edition B-Ball

2008-10-19T11:36:00.004-05:00

This limited edition basketball (300 pcs.) is hand signed by LeBron James and sells for $1000 at polo.com. 100% of net proceeds will benefit the LeBron James Family Foundation which seeks to inspire children to be physically fit, academically focused and environmentally aware, and to empower single-parent families to succeed.

Why not style on 'em and mash out with the Black and Purp 90's, B!?!?BTW - Whenever you order anything from polo.com, ALWAYS go with the complimentary gift boxes, even if the gift is for you. The boxes are top notch!

THE LO' DOWN- 1992 POLO STADIUM JACKET-Marathon Stylin' on ya!

2008-10-14T09:59:00.004-05:00

The past weekend was the Chicago Marathon, and that was definitely cool to check out. I think it was the last warm day of the year here in the Chi, so I definitely had to get outta the house! What better way to rep the marathon, 'cuz I damn sure wasn't runnin', than to pull the POLO Stadium Jacket outta the archives. The crazy part about it, was that quite a few people asked about it and one guy wanted to buy it off my back....crazy!Yo! I had NO idea that the runners that are in the lead were running that fast! B, Its like they're sprinting for 26.2 miles! Bigups to Kenya's Evans Cheruiyot, who reigned victorious over fellow countryman David Mandago, and winning the race and 2 hours, 6 minutes and 25 seconds, and caking off lovely with $100K...Word Is Bawn!

TODAY'S KICK PICK- NIKE X SARAH PALIN (?!?!)

2008-10-12T14:05:00.003-05:00

Nike may have officially gone Daddy Yahnky on us with these new kicks. Coming from two separate projects, these two kicks may be the first sneaker to acknowledge Alaska as one of the United States.artwork courtesy of VEEThis Eskimo inspired Nike Terminator Hi Womens, is definitely for that Sarah Palin supporter, Fa' sho!
"...Rolex and bracelets is frostbit;
rings too,
N*ggaz 'round the way call me Igloo Stix!..."
Biggie

These SB Dunks are from the Nike Winter Animal Pack. I call these the Igloo Stix!

Word is Bawn!

Today's Kick Picks- Nike SB Dunk-Spidermanz 'n nem!

2008-10-11T19:09:00.011-05:00

Aiight, Dunk Heads, get on ya' grizzly. You know i'm gonna try to go in on all three of these. The one on the top of the list is the SB Dunk Spidey. I got way too many IT's to match up with these joint it's ridixnix! They'll be releasing these in December, just in time for the holidays...these will def be a gift to Dirty Jerz from Dirty Jerz!
Imperial Cow Tipping, B!Some of yall cats only go for the regular dunk Hi's and Nike's bangin' em out next month! Howz about these, B... the Stormtroopers!?!?! Cmon, B...and the basic colors are a must have in the arsenal. I gots to cop, to add to my Star Wars joints...
and you know you cant front on the Dark Knight!Just straight Charcoal suede, with just a touch of the utility belt gold!?!?These SB Dunks are set to release in December as well...I gotta get a second gig of sumthin'!
courtesy of my man Maze at Kix And The City

The GHETTO SURF & TURF™

2008-10-09T10:15:00.004-05:00

"Yo, who the f*ck said surf & turf can only consist of steak and shellfish?"
Annonymous

I was put onto this epicurean delicacy of colossal proportions by way of the homie and respected blogger, Dallas Penn, of the iNTERNETS CELEBRITIES, creators of the Ghetto Big Mac™ and the Futuristic Brunch™...Chea! It was first introduced to the internets by way of
an impromtu street interview last week with a fellow blogger, and immediately the sammich was christened The Ghetto Surf & Turf, by the L.I.'s infamous 40 Diesel, of Mighty
Healthy. Upon watching the video, and being challenged by the stunning and illustrious
Marvelous Mo, I was compelled to get at McDilzNilz's and try this toothsome piece of
goodness....Check da joint, righ' --->

1 Double Cheeseburger
1 Small Fry
1 Filet-O-Fish - Minus the tartar

Boom! - take the top part of bun from Filet-O-Fish, and the bottom part of bun
of DCB off and discard or place back in DCB wrapper and offer a friend a light-in-the-ass
hot air sammich.
Numero Dos - lace the top of Filet-O-Fish with a layer of fries.

da' Third - Slap that burger on top of the layer of fries, and...

Forff - Viola!! The GHETTO SURF & TURF™

I've since tried different variations of this sammich, and this one seems to be FIRESTARTERS, fa' sho'!! Applying any additional sauces like tartar or special sauce, is considered a diabolical, flagrant foul, and will result in the heinous demise of your gutpiece!

Word. Is. Bawn!

AM I MY BROTHER'S KEEPER?

2008-10-09T05:49:00.009-05:00

Yesterday, I recieved the usual 4:00 call from the mailman, telling me he has a package and I have to come downstairs and sign for it. I do most of my shopping, trading, and selling via the internet, so this daily phone call is nothing out of the ordinary. Yet and still, I'm always excited when I get packages in the mail. As a kid, I used to just order all types of stupid sh*t just to be gettin' mail like grown folks! Anyway, yesterdays package was a far from the usual. It was from my baby brother, USMC Lance Cpl. Telley Vestal, who is fresh outta his 2nd tour in Iraq, and currently stationed in Hawaii, holding me, and the rest of the free world the f*ck down. F*ck going back upstairs to open this package, this one can't wait.

This is from my little brother. This is the one out of my 4 brothers, was the one that was born when we were all teens. This was the one that we faught over who was gonna hold him first, coddled and overprotected and basically never really wanted to see the day when this cat officially grew up. Our parents assigned us the job of looking after Telley and keeping him out of harms way, and we loved our job. So him telling us that he was enlisting into the Marine Corps, was like getting downsized from a job, but walking away with a serious severence package. The package is watching this boy grow from baby to man, and him announcing his joining the marines at a Thanksgiving dinner was like witnessing him step into grown-manhood right before my eyes. My Brothers and I were hurt, the 9/11 tragedy fresh in everyones mind and all, but we knew that was some grown man business that you just don't f*ck with. Our job was done.

Not having a knife, sissors, or the infamous crackhead stylee ball point pen, I wrastled with that damn indestructable Priorty Mail tape like I was in the WWF Smackdown...but, Hulk Hogan wins, and I, am him. I shoulda waited. I shoulda waited until I got upstairs to the safety of my apartment to open this package. I knew from looking at the return address, that the contents of the package would bring me to tears. A box of garbage would've been all good from this dude. But this, my friends, was no box of garbage. My lil' bro knows that I love to style on cats, and it's the lil things that set you apart. He knows that I rock Camouflage, but not in excess. Just the jacket or just the cargo pants, or just the shorts. Anything more'll have you lookin' crazy! Telley sent me the official issue, digital camouflage dopp bag, with the hanging folding toiletry kit, complete with soldier body wipes, for that outta town smashdown!...FIRESTARTERS!

Lance Corporal Vestal, you, my brother, are golden and I love you. You caught me off guard and the gift was top notch, B! And Word Is Bawn! I wanna fight you for real for making your big brother cry like that in front of my neighbors..HA! I know Ultramagnetic is ya favorite, so here you go ked!

KRINK® X NIKE AF1 !!

2008-10-08T20:42:00.004-05:00

With soooo many bootleg variations of this shoe, coupled with seeing some cornball musclehead football dude wearing them in Dancing With The Stars,and those god awful AFJ Fusions,The Nike Air Force 1 is pretty much a done deal with me. Nike doesnt help the situation with dumb colorways, 1000 different exclusives, and depending on the color, $65.00-$175.00 in any store. Needless to say, when I relocated and sold my collection, the AF1 stash was the first to go.

Since I am a graffiti head, and I fux with Krink markers heavy, this collabo with Nike is one that I think is hot and I may consider copping. With the trademark metallic paint drips, this shoe is definitely one to cop!

Today's Kick Picks- New Balance 580's

2008-10-08T17:03:00.003-05:00

These joints are a Japan exclusive from the homie, Joe, on the official trade! good looks, B. The colorway is plum/lemon/red/linen. I never sported 580's, but these are good money! With the crazy colors, I can't say for sure what I would splash 'em with, but I'll find somthing. Maybe stiff Levi's w/a red Champion hoody.

Ichiban!

SECURITY!!!!!! - Lil' Fame

2008-10-03T18:09:00.008-05:00

Security (prod. Fizzy Womack / mixed by Statik Selektah) - Lil Fame
This is one of my favorite new joints that I bump in the car. Lil Fame aka Fizzy Womack from the hardbody BK duo M.O.P., tears this one down in the usual Mash Out Posse fashion. While I don't advocate violence, if you're gonna stole somebody's jaw peice, this, my friends, is the soundtrack to make it a success.

Cafe Bustelo- Nike Air Challenge---Hybrid!?!?!?

2008-10-03T17:46:00.007-05:00

Anyone that follows this blog knows that I was waiting for Nike to bring the Air Tech Challenge III to drop. Its one of my most sought after shoes to cop, at full price even...but nooooooo! They go and try to combine I, II, and III to make this monstrosity, that does all three models injustice. This one will wait until its at the Nike outlet, in a box with no lid, or at A.J. Wright, with a plastic tie holding the pair together. I still wait impatiently for the real sh*t....

I MUST OWN THIS! - Sneaker Box Ottoman

2008-10-03T16:57:00.005-05:00

...or at least I should own this, It's a lil too, no, a lot too pricey for the kid. But damn if it ain't FIRESTARTERS!This ottoman thats covered with a crazy assortment of sneakerboxes is one of them joints that any sneakerhead would love. Once I saw it, I started to think of legit reasons of why I really NEED to have it. But common sense prevails...DAMMIT! and of course the fact that if my girl saw this purchase on the credit card bill, me and my ottoman would be on the curb. This piece of furniture would be so sexy in my 2nd bedroom/makeshift walk-in closet. At $658.00US, this can be shipped from Japan at APPLEBUM free shipping!

JERSEY STAND UP!!!-NAUGHTY by NATURE!

2008-10-01T22:51:00.010-05:00

Word is Bawn!, I hear the VH1 Hip Hop Honors 2008 is honoring one of my favorite rap groups, NJ's own, Naughty by Nature. O.P.P., Uptown Anthem, Everything's Gonna be Alright, Feel Me Flow...all that! Todays hottest rappers included, not many can match their energy and stage presence, and these cats STILL bring it, everytime. Come on stage after Naughty and you're ill prepared? You lost!
Not only did these cats run the rap game, they were pioneers in the fashion game as one of the first to have a legit clothing company, Naughty Gear™, with a flagship store in Brick City. The store is no longer there, but the gear is still available...in 3X, so you know I'm coppin' that Champion Embroidered Reverse Weave hoody!@ $80...the ultimate in sweatshirts(them joints last forEVER!) and the T's at $15 each? dont even front on that, B. I'll murder 'em with these here Adidas ZX9000 to match!

THE LO' DOWN- 1992 POLO GOLF RUGBY

2008-10-01T22:16:00.003-05:00

Going through the archives, trying to put the summer stuff to the rear of the closet and bring out the fall wears, I came across this piece. I can no longer fit it, but dammit I'm keepin' it just for the memories!...Once again, Ralph's best year and one of Macy's worst!...we had a team of girls from the neighborhood that would take Lo' and Tommy orders, run through to mall and comeback with the flyest sh*t on the cheap! and we would hit the club with LAYERS of POLO! crazy days..

THE MASH OUT- Vintage Polo X Adidas Major ZX600

2008-10-01T22:09:00.006-05:00

Word is Bawn! Adidas is really coming with it these days! I think that Burnt Orange/Brown/Lt.Olive is my colorway for the Fall. The earth colors make this shoe a lil more grown up, but the orange & the digital camo give 'em just enough flash to make 'em FIRESTARTERS!! Adidas teamed up with the Washington, DC sneaker spot, Major®, produce this hot ZX shoe. They put the icing on it with the matching New Era fitted. I would definitely pull out a mean Lo' rugby to splash with these. Maybe a tan bubble vest or Army Jacket...any more brown and I would look way too UPS! I have a lot of Adidas joints to showcase in the near future...keep posted!

I MUST OWN THESE- ADIDAS MÜNCHEN OKTOBERFESTxCROOKED TONGUE

2008-09-28T19:13:00.006-05:00

Ha! I wanted to give these kicks the proper respect, so I had to go in and learn how to type the "Ü" symbol before wrote this. These joints are FIRESTARTERS fa' sho! Adidas teamed up with Crooked Tongues to create these luxurious lookin' neck breakers created to commemorate the German Oktoberfest. The colorway is Sand / Light Scarlet / Expresso / Chalk and so fedora & lederhosen! Available @ the Crooked Tongue® website. So I had to cop. With only 300 pairs available @ 88.00 I had to cop these from the UK.

Today's Kick Picks-NIKE SB DUNK - BOBA FETT

2008-09-28T18:38:00.004-05:00

These right here will get you on your Star Wars bounty hunter sh*t right quick. What more can you say about 'em...they come in the bossy ass Boba Fett colorway. These are a must have in your arsenal. Soon to drop at Premium SB accounts, meaning you'll more than likely have to stand in a long ass line to cop.

Cafe Bustelo- YAHOO! x PONY (WTF?)

2008-09-28T18:24:00.004-05:00

Welcome to Cafe Bustelo, where we showcase gear that is straight hot gahbij...on sight makes you yell, "what the f*ck is that?". This Yahoo! and Pony collab is just utterly trash. From the giddy up, Pony always made horrible kicks. This monstrosity is part of Yahoo's Celebrate Purple campaign, a campaign that Yahoo recently began which urges the public to celebrate the color Purple for it's energy and creativity...in Limited Edition at $54.00, you better act fast...Ha!

THE LO' DOWN- 1992 POLO SKI JACKET

2008-09-26T04:26:00.005-05:00

Word is Bawn! This jacket brings back so many memories...taking those out-of-town trips, and straight stylin' on cats....layered up in Lo' !!! This was when Ralph Lauren would get so obnoxious with the designs, but we loved that. You wore your polo like a badge of honor, and the louder the piece was, the more cats wanted it. So coming out the house with something like this one on your back, there was some serious risks involved. Ha! if only I could fit this one now.....

UPPER PLAYGROUND-N8 Van Dyke "PayDay" figurine

2008-09-24T05:00:00.015-05:00

I'd never seen the two that Upper Playground released earlier this year, but when I saw this one and I HAD to COP. Illustrator N8 Van Dyke created this bread and burner toting Animal-Thug figurine, complete with detachable walrus mask. N8 is ill with the illustrations (Juxtapoz, IronMan video game), so its only right he comes wit it on the vinyl medium. Available at Upper Playground

THE INCOMPARABLE SHAKESPEARE

2008-09-24T05:00:00.014-05:00

"How do you market a rapper with a 4.0!?!?"
THE INCOMPARABLE SHAKESPEARE

I've only witnessed a few cats break down the science of MC'ing...I mean really go in and disect lyrics to give you a clear understanding of rhyming compositions: KRS-1, Rakim, Can-I-Bus, Elzhi, and now Brooklyn's own, the Incomparable Shakespeare. Shake is clearly the thinking man's MC, with joints like the ode to Brooklyn, "King's County", and the homage to that early 90's nostalgia, "Fresh", and my new favorite joint, "Hater".

Not only is Shake an ill MC, this cat is a Style Don, and fellow Lo' Head.

Pay Attention!

I MUST OWN THIS! - 10 DEEP - 5 Panel Cap

2008-09-24T05:00:00.013-05:00

Some new sh*t for the fall, from 10 DEEP™ . These cats killed it with this accessory the 5 panel cap is a staple in my wardrobe, and most times, I splash 'em with the solid color Canal St. joints. The 5 panels made by SUPREME just don't move me, but these joints right hur? with the dark color glen plaid and cropped logo hit on the sides? I must cop all of em!

Today's Kick Picks- Nike Clima-Fit Terminator

2008-09-24T05:00:00.011-05:00

Nike ACG stays winning once again, with the Terminator/ACG fusion, with the Clima-Fit fabric. I never really cared for Terminators, and I sure as hell don't like the first installments of the fusions,but I've always been a stan for the ACG line, and this combo brings 'em both together quite nicely. The Black/charcoal/pink ones are Firestarters, fa' sho!

photos:highsnobiety.com

Word Is Bawn! Protect Ya' Kicks!!

2008-09-23T07:37:00.010-05:00

Big up to Pete Dzuban, who I met yesterday in the Corner Bakery™ downtown. BTW, If you'e ever in the midwest, stop in this place and cop ANYTHING. The baked goods are top notch fa' sho! Pete works for this high end cardboard company in the Chicago suburbs. High end cardboard!?!?!? WTF is that? He designs archival boxes for museums, for storing old bones, Cain and Abel's wifebeaters, King Tut's truck jewels, etc. Pete does not collect anything, nor does he have he desire. But this cats knowledge on the archiving and the safe storage of things, like say, clothing and sneakers is, for lack of a better term, vast. The things that he explained to me may have me just f*ckin' change the game on yall.

I told him about my collection of things- comics, trading cards, clothing, and sneakers, and how I stored them. He told me that I'm slowly destroying everything that I've amassed by leaving them the way that they are. Firstly the sneakers should be taken out of the boxes, and the tissue paper. Thats whats making the soles all yellow and sh*t, the acids in the cheap cardboard and tissue paper. The clothing should be taken out of the plastic bags too. The plastic is killing the gear. As the conversation went on, this dude had me wanting to just make the mad dash to the crib and take all my joints outta the box...early!

Now peep the business model.

With the onslaught of sneaker hoarders who collect high end goods that they've stood in line for days on end to purchase, the packaging that the shoes and hats come on is horrible and downright detrimental to the product. What if I create a high end acid free cardboard archiving system, with boxes to fit sneakers - high top and low, and baseball caps and shirts with a clear plastic slot on the front of each box to place a picture of the shoe, so that the box isn't opened repeatedly. And a giant box for separate storage of the original shoe and hat packaging. Let's say I'd splash out the boxes with a mean, uniform color, that'll give your closet a really polished look.

Wow.

As Pete and I brainstormed, the ideas started to get ill! You know that feeling you get in the pit of your gut when you think you may really be onto something? well, I got that yesterday. My new homey Pete said he would point me in the right direction as far as the science and manufacturing in the R&D of this thing....Word is Bawn! i'm getting that feeling as I type this...gotta do more research...

Sneaker Fiends, collectors, Lo' Heads...I'm taking the ball and runnin' with this one---let me know your thoughts on this!
Good looks on that Pete, I'll definitely be at the party Friday!

THE MASH OUT- Vintage Polo X Adidas Oregon

2008-09-23T06:19:00.009-05:00

This here is an official 1992 piece from the archives. It'll be gettin' a little chilly here in the Chi in a minute, so its time to break out the fall sh*t. I may splash this one out with the Adidas Oregons...Brazil Release piece

Today's Kick Picks - Nas X Fila -- WuTang X Fila

2008-09-23T05:40:00.007-05:00

As yall know, I'm trying to get my sneaker game back on schedule. This go-round, I'm looking to diversify my stash house with some sh*t other than Nike and Adidas. Fila has officially stepped up the game plan by inking deals with some of hip hops rap legends. First, in July with NY rap general, Nas and just recently with legendary group, Wu Tang clan, to produce hot kicks for the fall/winter season. These boots are def raw deal, with the subtle Wu Logo hit...and they waterproof!?!?!The official Queensbridge representer, NAS, comes through heavy, with the Italia™. These come with the ill Fila classic style with the colors Navy/Red/White, with a updated twist to 'em with the patent hit.....I'm lovin' what Fila did with these joints.

THE LO' DOWN- "Same damn Lo' Sweater...

2008-09-17T12:00:00.004-05:00

...times is rough, and tough like leather!..." Raekwon This piece is surs bit'ness. I found this on the eBay come up and battled HARD for this one. just one of the ones I like back in the day, but missed the boat on!

THE LO' DOWN - is where we showcase the classic POLO sh*t and we respect it as a badge of honor! if you care to share, send your pics, and if we post, I'll return the love and send some swag

Today's Kick Picks-CLAE® Romare Hi/RUN ATHLETICS®68 Hoodiez

2008-09-17T12:00:00.002-05:00

This shoe is so buttery slick!Reminiscent of the Slick Rick suede Bally boots, The Clae® Romare Hi is a definite shoe in for that Fall season No Sneaks, Jeans event that ya just hate! I ran the Clae Parker Lo last spring, but the Hi's will definitely get it this Fall. They come in some mean colorways too! Bust 3 then flee!

Oh Word!?!? Run Athletics???Yessir! Rev. Run nailed it with these, B...yeah I said it! Aaand I'm coppin' em at the drop, They mighta got a little carried away with the colorway but hey, These over them Cafe Bustelo Supra's any day....I'ma find a outfit to work around these joints thats sooo mean, you wont front on 'em! It's a collab with Adult Swim's, the Boondocks™, producer and illustrator Carl Jones. Jones' toy series, The Hoodiez® is a collection of vinyl figures with colors to match these kicks. RUN ATHLETICS®

THE LO' DOWN- 1992 POLO TEAM RUGBY

2008-09-11T05:00:00.006-05:00

I remember it like it was yesterday, because before this day, I never was a big fan of POLO.
I'm headed to BK to go to the now defunct Albee Square Mall. A lotta cats would put their orders for gear in with me, 'cause most Jersey Shore cats would only know midtown Manhattan and way too shook to go to BK. Once I got off the train @ DeKalb, I walk upstairs, got to the street, and there they were...a crew of about 20 cats, all wearing this same shirt. The first thing that got me, was that it was early 1991, and these dudes were ahead of curve with the 1992 joint. 2nd thing was that they all had brand new matching kicks on too. Compelled to know where they copped, I asked one of the brothas where'd they get them. He told me they came up on like a truck load, and then asked if I wanted one. Ha! If you got XXL, I'm wit' it! Dude coulda charged $200.00, and it woulda been all good wit me, but reached in his backpack and he gave it to me for $25. When I came back home, I wore it to a party that night (this could not wait!). Cats just spazzed the f*ck out, and my Lo' addiction started.
I still like some of the new POLO stuff (minus that Big Pony), but not like the golden era. The colors, the concepts, the quality - all were top notch. Thats why you see Lo' heads pullin' out sh*t from the early 90's and still looks crispy and up to date. Nowadays, theres so many other brands out there that are exceptional, its difficult to stay loyal to just one, but none match that 1992 sh*t. It's the most jacked style to date.

I MUST OWN THESE- NIKE AIR CHALLENGE TECH-ANDRE AGASSI

2008-09-11T05:00:00.004-05:00

Word is Bawn! yallreadyknowwhatitiz, when you miss that boat on a pair a kicks, just because when it was released, ya' money was funny? OR you just thought it would be around for a minute? then, you're ready to cop and everywhere you look for it it's "we only have that in a size 7". Sound familiar? Well these are just one of those pairs that I missed out on, and I look forward to NIKE re-releasing it. Lemme know what kicks you missed out on, and ya' never know with this internet. Somebody may have it to trade or sell.
A young lady in Finland had a pair of Air Terra Humaras (My 2nd favorite shoe) that I couldnt find anywhere. I had a Levi jacket that she wanted that wasn't half as valuable as the brand new kicks. Before I even sent the jacket, she sent those kicks in three days and left a note saying that she knew I loved sneakers and that I didn't have to send the jacket, just pass on the love. Now if she were here in the states, I'd smash just on the strength of lookin' out for a cat. But for the kind gesture, I sent the used jacket and a new one just like it. While the jacket was no comparison to what she gave, I do believe in karma, so I'll do the same for one of yall. Which clothes or pair of kicks is a MUST OWN for you?

COUNT of L.E.P.-10 Take Down Commandments

2008-09-11T05:00:00.003-05:00

These days I don't f*ck with much new Hip Hop, but since I've moved to the 'go, I been checkin' the scene out here. These L.E.P. cats stand out, hardbody! and that dude Count goes in on 'em!

Today's Kick Picks- Nike ACG Blazer

2008-09-10T14:13:00.006-05:00

OH word!?!? The NIKE Blazer was once one of my favorite shoes, up until the hipster factions recently claimed ownership of it. These ACG's are the remedy for that. The RoughRugged&Raw look of these joints take the Lime and the Coconut out of it completely, thus making these FIRESTARTERS fa' sho! and waterproof!? c'mon, B! I'll be splashing these black/yellow GoreTex joints with my Steelers jersey at your nearest ESPNZone! Word to Franco Harris!

THE LO' DOWN- POLO TEAM USA CAP

2008-09-10T09:46:00.006-05:00

Now this piece right here, is serious business! This is one of those RL accessories that if you wore it today, cats on the street will stand at attention and salute you(ll). Just as the early 90's were considered the golden years for Hip Hop, that rang true for POLO as well. Don't be suprised if you start seeing RL try to re-release all the stuff from those years in the near future. THE LO' DOWN - is where we showcase the classic POLO sh*t and we respect it as a badge of honor! if you care to share, send your pics, and if we post, I'll return the love and send some swag

JOELL ORTIZ - "MEMORIES"

2008-09-08T17:41:00.002-05:00

Joell Ortiz - "Memories" from Three/21 Films on Vimeo.Yo, "remember that feelin' yall, when you wanted to push the rewind button 'cause what a nigga say is hot!?!?" Joell shuts it down every time!

Today's Kick Picks-adendum- TIMBERLAND x XLARGE-WHEAT-lug bottom moccasin

2008-09-06T15:15:00.004-05:00

I keeps a pair of the burgundy joints like these in my arsenal, cause they are definitely ill, but unlike most Tims, these Mocs are definitely NOT waterproof and the leather lining inside will turn your socks yellow fa' sho! The Tim/XLarge collabo is a definite cop tho!

Today's Kick Picks-NIKE SB DUNK-WHITE DENIM!

2008-09-06T15:06:00.004-05:00

NIKE's a lil late on this one...being that it's all white, cotton, and the summer's just about over. But the simple white with the black bottom, makes this one FIRESTARTERS! and you may be able to catch these on sale in a couple months! so you can splash 'em in summer '09

STYLE DON - GHOSTFACE!

2008-09-06T13:03:00.008-05:00

In the fashion game, theres only a few cats that push the boundaries so far, that you can't imitate. Yall know what I'm talking about, some style that if anybody else would attempt copy, it would just look like hot gahbij! Ghost is that dude. The crazy jewelry(with the eagle armpiece alone, he stays winnin'), the robes, the Kangols, and the Clark Wallabees. I've seen cats do all three of these things separately before Ghost did it, but the Wally Champ combined all of them and styled on ya'. Even wearin' this crazy stuff, he never seems like a buffoon. It's almost like he's supposed to have this sh*t on. He's one of my top 5 MC's, and probably one of the most entertaining dudes out there.

Mighty Healthy

The World According to Pretty Toney
STYLE DONS-is a section of this blog where we recognize people that changed the game of fashion or basically know just how to SPLASH on cats! (ll) I'll be adding these from time to time.

Today's Kick Picks-adendum- Nike Air Burst -Grey/Volt

2008-09-05T16:43:00.004-05:00

This one is straight FIRESTARTER---I'm on a hunt for these today! Chi-town, lemme know somethin'!

STYLE DON - DANA DANE

2008-09-05T14:28:00.005-05:00

Dana Dane was that dude when it came to puttin' it on, on the dressier side. This Brooklyn cat came wit the sharkskin suits, with the tapered leg, the Furgora Kangol Cap and the suede Bally boots and argyle socks. Back in the day, when you had to go to a "no sneaker, no jeans" function, you wanted to go for the Dana Dane look, 'cause dressy, but it was still Hip Hop straight BK style!STYLE DONS-is a section of this blog where we recognize people that changed the game of fashion or basically know just how to SPLASH on cats! (ll) I'll be adding these from time to time.

Today's Kick Picks- Nike X Pendleton - ACG x Blazer

2008-09-05T13:36:00.004-05:00

Nike teamed up with the Pendleton Wool Company (know for premium lumberjacks and Native American inspired blankets) to create this rugged ACG/Blazer joint. There's also the WMS boot to match. While these are not FIRESTARTER status, they're definitely something to rock on a snowboarding trip, to the afterparty!

Word is Bawn!-Wear Yo' Kicks, B!

2008-09-05T09:58:00.006-05:00

Before I relocated to Chicago in January, I sold pretty much my entire sneaker collection, and now that I'm settled into the Southside, it's time for the re-up. I am a collector, but I don't collect to hoarde or be exclusive...I wear all my joints! I never quite understood how some of these sneakerheads can buy sneakers, only to put them in the closet, never to be seen again. Thats like collecting Beanie Babies®, and you see where that went. Those things are pretty much worthless today. To me, the ill sh*t, is to pull out a pair of kicks from the closet and have a great story to tell about the times you wore them. Telling a story about how many days you sat out in front of NikeTown to get a pair of sneakers that you really didn't like, so you never wear them, could never be that interesting.

Like the time I wore the AF1-Linen/Atmosphere's with the pink POLO top,and basically MURDERED catz on the block when I stepped outside...or when I wore them again to Downtown Disney in Cali and dudes was runnin up on me askin where'd I cop? Everytime I pull them out the closet, even though I no longer wear AF1's, and these are all wrinkled up at the toe, like 1's normally do, they bring back memories!

WORD IS BAWN-AMC's Mad Men

2008-09-04T22:59:00.000-05:00

Yo, over last weekend, my girl had me watch the first 3 episodes of this show, and to me it just seemed like one big novella...but for the men's fashion alone, and the dope ass animation intro and RJD2 soundtrack to the show, this show gets a FIRESTARTER rating. Catz can learn something by watching how these cats dressed in this show.
Show's theme

STYLE DON-GRAND PUBA

2008-09-04T08:41:00.000-05:00

This is one of those cats that I got me inspired to take the clothing game seriously...this dude single handedly put Tommy Hilfiger and Girbaud on the map merely by mentioning it in a song and wearing the clothes in the video. Today, rap catz wouldn't even consider doing that without getting paid for it...and not only did he wear the clothes, Puba rocked it right!

STYLE DONS-is a section of this blog where we recognize people that changed the game of fashion or basically know just how to SPLASH on cats! (ll) I'll be adding these from time to time.

Today's Kick Pick-ADIDAS x PATTA splash!

2008-09-04T06:16:00.000-05:00

click on pic

Yo, I normally don't f*ck with the recent onslaught of weirdo hipster colors, but every now and again, something'll stand out and this is one of them. And since I've relocated from NJ to, the Home Of The Hipster, Chicago, I gotta have something in my arsenal for these cats out here. This is a strictly summer shoe that I would only wear with like khaki cargo shorts...adding yet another matching accessory, like matching purple or green sunglasses or fitted, is overkill and might get you robbed, just for lookin' too frooty!

Today's Kick Pick-Holy Ginobili!!

2008-09-03T07:15:00.000-05:00

Nike Dunk Lo-Manu Ginobili...FIRESTARTERS fa'sho! I would splash these joints with this Leaders 1354 Tee...this one I call "the reigning champ"...cop 2!courtesy of Leaders1354.com ...Chi City stand up!

Today's Kick Pick-the MADISON SQUARE GUARDIAN

2008-09-02T09:28:00.000-05:00

These are are on some straight old school NYC, Patrick Ewing type sh*t! FIRESTARTERS FA SHO NUFF!

WORD IS BAWN-Brush Yo' Teef, B!!

2008-09-02T08:44:00.000-05:00

Went to the dentist just before the holiday weekend-I had whats called a crown lengthening...This thing hurts like hell and they told me that it would hurt like this for 2 weeks(!?!?!)WTF, but when I saw dudes grill, I can't go out like that....WORD IS BAWN! At this very minute, stop whatever the hell you're doing, and BRUSH YO' TEEF! not now, but right now!!...and stay away from the Pudding Pops, B!

Today's Kick Pick-Nike Dunk High NBA Pack - Boston Celtics

2008-09-01T14:32:00.000-05:00

Available today at CitySole

The muted earthtones makes this one a must have for the evening at the local bar, tryna' bag up some neo-soul honeys noshing on some vegetarian delights and organic brewskis!

DITC!

2008-09-01T14:00:00.000-05:00

The ultimate crate digger, hands down. You Smart-Dumb DJ's need to wisen up!

RETAIL 101....

2008-09-01T09:18:00.001-05:00

I know I'm gonna show my age with this one, but f*ck it! Coming up in Hip Hop's PRE-golden era, going to NYC wasn't hardly as safe and Disney as it is now. Coming from the Jersey Shore, me and my crew's bi-weekly payday trips to NYC to get gear and records was REALLY like going for the coke RE-up. You had to be smart, daring, street savvy, and at the same time blend in and keep a low profile. If Bronx, Brooklyn, or Harlem dudes knew you were from NJ!?!?!?fuggedaboutit!We would start in the Bronx and work our way down. We would hit Brad's Record Den, Jew Man, 1-2-5, Fulton, Delancey & Orchard, Time Square, Rock & Soul records, then work our way back to Penn Station...in that order. Making it back to Penn Station, drunk on 40's, with arms full of bags, and back on the North Jersey Coast Local, unscathed, was the challenge. But the way we would be stylin' on cats back home would make it well worth the twice a month trip.
Nowadays, things are much different and the game has changed dramatically. The challenges that we faced in sneaker hunting and shopping for fresh gear are no longer there. You can find fresh gear everywhere. In the suburbs, the mall, and even more conveniently, the internet. Now that the danger and excitement is taken out of it, companies have gone on to make limited edition sneakers and clothing in very small batches, so if you're willing to stand on line like a bozo for 2 days, then HOPE you get the Willy Wonka golden ticket privledge to buy a $500.00 pair of kicks. And then, that same cornball cat that stood on line for 2 days is now looking at you, like your sneaker game aint on point. HAHA! just because you have some exclusive shit does not make you fresh. It just means you were idiot enough to stand on line for 48 hours in a lawn chair, in the dead of winter. In the immortal words of Pete Rock, "Exclusive shit, it really holds no weight".

I still love the game today, but this is just part of what compelled me to start this blog. The fashion game retailers, and nerd ass patrons that support them. Yall know who I'm talkin' about...that guy that refuses to get off the iMac and come from behind the counter and assist customers, establish rapport, introduce new products instead of sitting in front of computer, pretending he's managing all this stock, but is really checking MySpace or FaceBook. Ask him if they have ANY of the kicks on the wall in your size the answer is usually no. And heaven help you if you ask him one question about the quickstrike they sold out of a week ago, that they still have posted on their website - in sizes! They'll look at you like you have 3 heads. Need some names? sure. the Hundreds, DQM, Training Camp, Clientele, and ALIFE. And I'll list more in future postings. I list these names because I've shopped at each of these stores on 2 or more occasions and while they have the hot sh*t, their customer service is in the basement. TheHUNDREDS even created a video telling you, the consumer, How To Suck At Shopping. and other retailers have co-signed this video and posted it on their website. Don't get me wrong, I like the Hundreds brand and their products, but I didn't know there was a rule saying that you can't touch merchandise thats on the sales floor.
Even if the customer ends up buying nothing today, establishing loyal customers is something that a store owner and it's employees is SUPPOSED to do, but these stores are simply not doing anymore. Assume that every person that you buzz into that door is a potential customer and even though he may walk out with no bags, depending on how you answer him when he asks if you have his size he'll more than likely come back. But if a customer asks you a question about your merchandise and your response is less than cordial, trust me, he'll NEVER return. Clothing company owners, do plenty of trunk shows...get to know the customer and vice versa. These new boutique retailers dont care to establish a loyal customers, just the money, so don't cut out the middle man(retailers), just step on his toes. MAKE your customer demand your brand.

New Puma colorway

2007-10-24T15:35:00.000-05:00

New color available for the Holiday season! cop 2!

Nike ACG & Running Pack Air Force 1

2007-10-24T15:28:00.000-05:00

Available summer 2008! photos courtesy of Highsnobiety

Flickr

2007-10-08T11:12:00.001-05:00

This is a test post from , a fancy photo sharing thing.

Nike Tech Pack Air Trainer 1

2007-09-19T20:10:00.001-05:00

Welcome!

2007-09-18T21:08:00.000-05:00

Welcome