One word generates billions of dollars, is one of the sincerest forms of self-expression, and is quickly becoming important to every American.

Fashion.

Fashion does what so many things can’t. It inspires, it demands, it sells, it offends, and it awes.  So let’s be awed by a couple of things in fashion.

First this incredible ad by Alexander McQueen featuring those oddly yet sickeningly innovative shoes of his.

The amazingly stylish designs of Burberry’s Brit 2010 Summer/Spring Collection

Who said fashion only meant clothes? Check out the BookBook Macbook Cover by TwelveSouth.

Available [Here].

Here’s until the next fashion discussion.

Cj..

L.A.M.B Zan Sandals. A twist on the strappy bootie heels.

$379.99

Thoughts?

Cj..

I want these Shwood sunglasses.

And at only $95 dollars..I think I will be getting them.

Available [here].

If you don’t think these are something serious, kindly exit my life.

Cj..

Honestly, I’ve never been a big fan of rain boots on guys as a fashion item.

It’s not that I don’t like galoshes, but moreso that usually when I see guys with them on, the boots [and the guys themselves for that matter] appear to be either too feminine, or just not that dope.

But the bicycle people over at Vanilla Bicycles have totally changed my outlook on the item. Below is the object of affection: the Speedvagen Pit Boot.

There’s just a lot to like about the shoe.

Not only is the grey a great, versatile color [and you can see above that they do look good), but the boot is also very durable. With semi-insulated interior, and a dual density sole, the boot is ideal for rugged terrain and overrall hard wear— a great feature for guys!!

I’m digging the logo as well.

But the best part of these shoes are the price. You can own the Speedvagen Pit Boots right in time for the thick of Winter and the oncoming rainy springtime for $50 USD.

Available HERE

AR!

Topshop has quickly become one of my favorite fashion outlets for the ladies. The British-based brand brings a legitimate dash of European style from over the pond that is cutting edge, trendy, and most important: affordable!

Here we have some offerings from the Spring/Summer 2010 TopShop line. Seperated into 4 categories: Parisienne, Meadow, Saloon, and Downtown, TopShop brings a ton of new, fun looks for  the new year. [didn't like the Downtown collection so I omitted it from this post.]

Parisienne

Channeling classic french glamour equipped with all the staples: polka dots, stripes, pearls, etc. The Parisienne line is fun and flyy.

Saloon

Complete with ruffles, lace, frills, and old [looking] leather and canvas, the American Cowboy is channeled with this collection.

Meadow

Merry o England at it’s finest. The Meadow collection instantly brings to mind images of Thrushcross Grange, Heathcliffe, and Helena Bonham Carter–waifish, brooding England at it’s best [no shade]. Employing what I believe is going to be a big spring 2010 trend [dark colored lipstick] waistcoasts, and intricate emroidery–this collection is a winner.

I’m not a conversion expert, but I think you can shop all these looks for under $150 USD. Not bad at all!

Shop These Collections HERE

or

Visit Topshop in Soho, NYC

478 Broadway

New York, NY 10013

AR!

PS: The male counterpart to Topshop is Topman. Located in the same store in Soho, Topman offers the same great array of fashions as Topshop–but for the fellas. Post coming soon. But until then, shop Topman online HERE

Perkinsville, Vermont.

Remember the name next time your ice-laden drink becomes a bit too watered down for your taste.

The good ole folks [more specifically Scotch-lover Andrew Hellman] of Perkinsville have developed the Soapstone Whiskey Stones to combat this all-too-common problem. Instead of dealing with ice cubes that are sure to melt and dilute as you slow sip the old Jim Beam, try these stones.

1. Freeze the stones for a few hours.

2. Plop them [preferably 3] into your drink. After only 5 minutes of standing, they will substantially chill your malt to a chill temperature and keep it that way for a good amount of time.

3. When finished, wash, dry, and put them back in the freezer until the next use.

Available HERE in a set of 9 for $20.00 USD

AR!

Here at MESH. we’ve got bars for days— no last call.

Resources, connections, clientele. buzz. It’s all building. We’re going places. [fingers crossed]

But that doesn’t mean we have forgotten where we came from. [Enter Reebok]

Whether Louie Vuittoned up [yes, we have the labels] or a little less, ostentatious [ha!] We play both sides. Bi isn’t always bad.

Therefore I introduce you to the sneaker label that has been all but forgotten: Reebok. What used to be the hottest shoe label on the market not named Nike, the folks over the pond seem to be making a resurgence. Starting with the Reebok Pump Twilight Zone retro sneakers [1990 edition.]

They’ll cost around $120 USD.

Available HERE

AR!

We’ve shown you a preview of the shoe line [here] and now want you to take a peek at the ‘Sweet Charity’ bag collection from designer Christian Louboutin.

The colors are amazing in my opinion.

Yea, they probably cost close to half of your semester tuition at school but if you got it, flaunt it.

—

Ban.Do is an accessory line out of Los Angeles that features fun and colorful head bands, belts, and corsages. Although the prices aren’t exactly a steal (most of the head bands range from $30-45), the line is a cool one that caters to the needs of those with that funky eclectic style. Check some of their head bands out.

Check out more of Ban.Do (including their belts and corsages) [here].

Cj..

Introducing Beyonce’s very first fragrance, Heat.

Heat will be available to retailers in February 2010, and has already received great reviews amongst fans. I hope it smells good, if so I’ll definitely be getting a bottle, I need to re-up on my perfume colleciton anyway.

“A lot of my performances have had fire involved, so we thought ‘Heat.’ Also, red is one of my favorite colors, as is gold.

“I wanted something with an antique yet modern feeling,” she said. “Even with my wardrobe, I always try to find things that have a little bit of something vintage, yet still timeless and classic.”

Aisha

What: Clark Suede Desert Boot

Where: Available in various color ways at David Z

Why: A good break from the mundane  in color, texture, and style these boots are an easy decision. Not to mention the fact that they retail for $95 over at David Z. Doesn’t get any better than this. Great gift for the trendy lil fella on your Christmas list ..

AR!

HOT CHRISTMAS ITEM!

What: Casio Exilim Ex-G1

What: Casio

When: December 2009 Release

Where: Most retailers

Why: Shock-resistant, waterproof, dustproof, freezeproof, 12.1 megapixels, slim, edgy design, great for active shooting with its high interval feature. All around kick ass. Get on it.

How: Stay tuned to the Casio and Best Buy sites. Both are sure to carry the camera three weeks or so from now, just in time for Christmas.

AR!

Okay, so I don’t really like to wear T-Shirts. But if I am wearing one, I’d like it to be ridiculously fresh or painstakingly witty. I’ve discovered a shirt that’s both.

Upper Playground is a cool company with a host of cool products. The Grotesk Collectionshirts are interesting ones sporting some of Hip Hop’s most legendary rappers (like Slick Rick) as well as James Brown.

The shirts are about $26 a pop.

Check them out [here].

Cj..

Recognize: Looks for the upcoming 10 Deep Winter 2009/10 offerings.

Understand: Its not always about the formal, straight-from-the-runway look. A big key to fashion is being able to respect different facets of it. To think only outlandishly expensive gowns and things seen in fashion magazines are the only acceptible form of fashion, makes you just as ignorant as the person who won’t venture outside of his/her tall tee’s, sneakers, and baggy jeans.

Fashion, like most things, is about mutual respect.

Respect 10 DEEP.

I’ve always been a fan of 10 Deep, but after seeing looks from their upcoming line, I feel as if they’ve outdone themselves. They’ve been going with a very outdoors theme lately, and its working nicely. The pieces are practical and fashionable without doing too much. Always a plus.

Make the investment!!

10 Deep is found in most urbanwear stores, and can be found online at http://www.karmalloop.com

AR!

Who: Filson for Men

What: Wool Cape Coat

Where: Available HERE

How: $229.50 USD

Why:

One of the biggest trifles guys run into each winter is the search for the perfect winter coat. Cancel that conundrum. This Wool Cape Coat, by proven outerwear company Filson, is the best one I’ve seen so far. Its versatile, can be worn as your only jacket, or under another larger one, is able to retain up to 30% of its body weight without any problems, smells, weathering, etc., and at just under $230, is a great buy. All signs point to GO on this one.

You already know… make the investment.

AR!

Recognize: Air Jordan Retro I Obsidian Sneaker

Understand: One of the most recognizable brands in existence, Air Jordan shows it can still get a few things right. Having lost a sizeable portion of their trademark insatiable Jordan-Head fanbase, the upcoming release of the Retro Air Jordan I Obsidian colorway is a sure winner. They’ve always been best when simple. Its a crisp look, and a good buy.

Make It Happen: Don’t front. You “Jordan heads” know where to go to get these. And for those of you who don’t, start HERE. The shoe is unreleased, but is set to release later on this month.

AR!

It’s no secret that I am a fan of online retailer 80’s Purple.

They have men’s and women’s clothing at decent prices and that are hard to find anywhere else.

So, every once and a while I like to go take a peek at what they have new and let you guys know what I’ve discovered.

Here are my recent 80’s Purple findings…..enjoy.

IMKING Sweater $70 [here]

purplelabel Dress $44 [here]

Nixon Newton Watch $100 [here]

Report Footwear Signature Shoe $85 [here]

Well, go on. Stop looking and go log on to 80spurple.com and get to shopping.

Cj

Who: Clae Shoes x Stussy

What: Clae Kennedy Stussy LA Edition shoe

Where: EXCLUSIVE! 24 pair online at www.clae.com. 12 Pair at Stussy DC. All remainding shoes will be available at the Stussy LA retail location

Why: ‘Cause, for some reason, you don’t own a pair of Clae’s shoes.

When: Friday, Novermber 6, 2009 relese

How: Store visit, or visit HERE

AR!

Ladies, believe it or not, but guys pay attention to details. We notice the extra effort you put into your hairstyle because you were going to see us that day or the extra bit of skin you’re showing to tease us. We notice details, appreciate details, and expect them. So don’t disappoint.

Wow us with the accessories of B-Side.

Check B-Side out [here]

Cj

Some cool shoes by UBIQ

Yea, that’s satin.

Check out some more UBIQ shoes [here]

Cj

Kanye West teams up with artist Bill Plymton to conjure up a new book, which goes on sale November 10th titled Through The Wire.

Through the Wire is a graphic memoir that illustrates the lyrics of twelve Kanye West songs to tell his story, from his decision to drop out of college to pursue his dreams in music, through his days spent folding chinos at the Gap while struggling at night to make a name as a producer, through the pivotal car accident that eventually set him on the course to stardom and the epiphany of realizing exactly who he had become.

It sounds and looks pretty cute, I’m glad he’s trying to reach his fans through a different medium. What are your thoughts???

Aisha