→ Quicksnap – Banana Bread

I think every man should be able to cook at least one thing, without a cookbook. Having finally made banana bread for the first time, after 20 years of cooking, I’m pretty sure this is my item of choice.

→ Levis x Filson Denim/Twill Tote

Not everyday is a briefcase day, some days are a lot less serious, and I just need to be able to carry shit from point A to point B. I’ve been accomplishing this daily task, with the help of a rather nice BAPE tote I picked up. And while I don’t question the construction the bag, as I began to use it over an extended period, my trust in its ability to withstand my hectic daily transportation came into question. As luck would have it, my necessity coincided with the release of the new Levi’s x Filson collection. Both brands I have an enormas amount of love for and know the level of quality to expect.

I managed to get myself to the Levi’s flagship in downtown SF just in time to pick up one of the last of the denim/twill versions in stock. The strictly denim version of the tote would have done the job just fine for me, but the twill/denim combination makes this tote tank-like. In addition, the fact that it mirrors my Filson briefcase made the decision rather simple. Like the briefcase, its constructed with rugged twill, with bridal leather handles, while the inner portions are Levi’s quality rigid denim. It even comes with a small field notes moleskine, that uses the first few pages to cover the collaboration, with the remaining pages being standard grid paper. Four pockets line the outside, with plenty of space on the inside. I can throw a hoodie, my laptop, and one of those 200lb Free & Easy magazines in my bag without even a concern.

So far the Levi’s x Filson collab seems to be a huge success, as majority of the line is sold out in stores, as well as online. So if you’re interested in the twill/denim or the strictly denim versions of the tote, I would kinda move fast over the your local Levi’s shop, or pick one up online. I can assure you, you will be very pleased with either.

→ Clae Ellington fit

I got a couple requests for a fit for the Ellingtons, so I had Nicole snap a quick picture of me. The trick is to just treat them as though they were a normal pair of brick sole Bucks, nothing overly complicated. Any dark denim, a white oxford, red base plaid, pink(cranberry), or even navy blue, and its a done deal. So there you have it.

→ Clae Ellington

Early this year, Clae released their “Ellington” silhouette in an effort to define what a sleek, stylish, simplistic sneaker should look like. Mixing the aesthetics of a derby shoe, with a low profile sneaker, double takes are definitely something you should get used to seeing. This particular colorway of walnut suede upper, with a brick rubber sole, has to be my favorite release thus far. I’m definitely looking forward to to what Clae has in store for next season.

→ Appreciation

This internet thing is an unforgiving, unfulfilling, and sometimes, down-right lonely place.Years ago when I began blogging, if anyone questioned if people read my site I’d have told them, “I don’t give a rats ass”. The sad thing is that I really did care, but failed to see just how saturated the internet was on the subject matter that interested me. I had ideas on topics that I imagined would be a fresh perspective, and spark interesting conversation amongst my peers, alas there were none to be found. Although a bit discouraged at times, I never quite gave up and kinda just stuck it out.

Over the years I honed the little bit of skill i’m clinging to, and have grown in readership as well as an ever growing circle of peers. These are people whom I admire and respect a great deal, as well as value their varying points of view. In return, and without compensation, these folks have offered me guidance, inspiration, an honest opinion, and in most cases, back me up when I’m having an insane rant. Today being a friday, I’d usually be scrambling to put together my #ff (follow friday) on twitter, but today I felt the need to point these people out, as they are as deserving of you attention as I am.

@freemanbrand @kingfunckncarter @g_mas @pletty @onandbeyond @jl_ltdhype @mrkpmtl @ridlej @marcustroy @lvaldizon @get_dizzy @dctobc and last but not least, @nicolegregory my wife, who has supported my search for a voice online, and hasn’t tried to divorce me over all the shoes I keep bringing home. Thanks to all my friends and followers for the support.

→ Quicksnap – HTC Evo

After about a month of waiting, calling, and hunting, I’ve finally manage to get my hands on an HTC Evo. Definitely worth the wait as it puts all other phones I’ve owned to shame. Pro-tip: If you are still trying to get one, don’t call stores, go to a physical Sprint store and ask if they can just order you one or check your local Radioshack.

→ Fall Approaches

Although most of the East Coast is still suffering from second-degree sunburn, please keep in mind that Fall isn’t terribly far off. Before you know it, you’ll be tossing your sandals and shorts into a plastic, cedar block-laced time capsule where they’ll reside until next year. The threat of heat stroke is no reason to slouch on copping your Fall gear, so get on it. Here are some of the items I’m looking forward to this season, although most would require I sell a couple vital organs to obtain.

→ Transportation

This is my Aston Martin, sure its missing about five hundred horsepower, and its not exactly british racing green, but living in the city, this will get me front point A to B quicker then most stuck in San Francisco gridlock.

→ Nike Air Max 90 Infrared

“Fresh” taken to another level. Fuck all the oxfords, loafers, mocs, and desert boots, deep down I’m a sneakerhead. When the re-release of the Infrareds was announced, I was ecstatic that I’d finally be able to grab one of my grails at retail. Don’t let hype confuse you though, the Air Max 90 isn’t some technical running shoe masterpiece. It’s the more the combination various aspects that made this so sought after. The overall comfort of the shoe is excellent, the long panels of the AM90 that give each color equal balance on the silhouette, and the Infrared colorway itself. The majority grey and white upper, is just enough to balance out the black and red hits, but not mute the entire shoe. Thats enough, I don’t need to write a thesis on this shoe, all I can say is, my patience has finally been rewarded, and if you’re on the hunt, I’d advise to pick up a pair or two before they disappear again.

→ Style in simplicity: Skagen watches

Watches are made to be functional, accurate, and in some cases, serve as an interesting conversation piece. They should flow well with your outfit, and never look like the star of the show. Not many brands can say they’ve figured out this formula while staying in an obtainable the price range. With pieces that look like they have their own gravity and orbiting satellite, your average consumer would consider these, big name, “super watches” to be some sort of frivolous purchase, and move on to something more realistic. The husband and wife run, Skagen, have figured out how to make affordable timepieces, that have a simplistic aesthetic, while displaying quality craftsmanship and attention to detail. Constructed using materials such as carbon fiber, steel and titanium, these watches are also some of the lightest I’ve come across, yet seem to easily put up with day-to-day abuse. Currently I have three of my own, and with a sub 200$ price tag for most of their watch line, you really are getting a hell of a deal.