As someone that generally avoids reading at all costs, I do enjoy magazines. I thinks its mainly because of my A.D.D., and the fact that a magazine is just the appropriate length to retain my train of thought without feeling like a lecture. An advantage of the format is that its just a bite sized amount of info on a multitude of topics, ever page a new experience and possible lesson learned. Most of what I pick up fall into a few main categories; fashion, shoes, design, and the occasional auto tuning mag. Lately I’ve been taking full advantage of a bookstore in San Francisco’s Japantown to grab copies of all the Japanese magazines I’d otherwise miss out on. Here are some of my regular pick ups:
If I was to describe myself, I’d honestly have to say I’m a realist, not a person to waste time bullshitting you. So if a month ago you asked me if I’d ever own a pair of Visvims, I’d have flat out responded, NO, while crying a little on the inside. Its not that I’ve never tried to obtain a pair, there are just hurdles that constantly stone walled me from my goal. The first hurdle is the resale price of Visvims. I can honestly say I understand the relatively high retail price point for their shoes. Given quality of leathers sourced, and the hand construction of each pair, they can easily command 300$ minimum. But the kick in the teeth comes by way of the resellers, who mark up the shoes north of 100$ over retail. The fact that very few shops outside of Japan actually get any to sell makes it a bitter pill that you sometimes have to swallow.
The final problem is, the size runs. Most of the releases seem to only go from size 8 – 11(US), with 12 being a rarity. I’m guessing this is because the Japanese brand might have a tough time selling the larger sizes within the country, or that Nakamura just plain hates me. Now at some point a bit of karma finally came my way, and I manage to secure a pair of FBTs in the rare size 12(fits more like a 12.5/13) at a bit under retail price. To describe the shoe kinda doesn’t do justice, and is something that you really should see in person. The buttery suede make these moccasin style shoes, feel more like slippers, and the removable collar allows you the versatility to wear your FBTs in stealth mode, or dress them up to break necks. Now if i could just secure a pair in honey/dark brown leather, or sand suede, I can die a happy sneakerhead.
One thing about living in San Francisco is that there is always change and movement, such is the case with actually residing in the city. Considering 90% of the people in the city could probably never afford to own their current residence, you never know when you may need to pull up the stakes and relocate. I found myself in this sitation recently, and I can say that having to relocate puts everything else on hold. It shuts dow your work productivity, your social life, and in some cases your health (see also: fucked up back). Regardless I find the change refreshing, and sometimes look forward to it, but the single thing I hate most about moving… is having to deal with my shoes.
This picture is actually cart one of three needed to move just my shoes. I’m not gloating, I just like shoes, and its a bitch of an obsession to deal with. I’m finally set up in my new digs and settled in, which means I can turn my focus back to other projects, such as this site. Thanks for sticking around, and lets get on with the show. Cheers