Saucony x Bodega Elite Shadow 6000 – Not just another trainer post ;)

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Don’t worry we’ll give footwear a break after this. We don’t want you all thinking we always think on our feet! But I just couldn’t let these go in a hurry. They have been available for a week to be fair, but after allowing my good friend Owen to do two very good posts this week, (do check them out), i thought it only be justified that i speak a little of these now.

Have you heard of Saucony? I would presume, so with the recent flood of trainers hitting the market and currently on trend at the min but for those unaware, the company began selling athletic shoes in the early 1900’s basing their name and design on the local “Saucony” creek lake.

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It wasn’t until the 90’s that they were regarded as a serious competitor in the athletic shoes market against the likes of giants such as: Nike, Adidas, Puma, Reebok and even New Balance. Nowadays they are seen frequently collaborating with designers including: Ronnie Fieg, Hanon and Bodega creating one off designs and hugely collectible sneakers.

Bodega, the later name in question, are a long pioneering and forward thinking apparel store that have been showing their brand and ideas within the fashion world. With some of their designs fetching big bucks and attracting global attention, its no wonder their so in demand.
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This latest instalment comes out with no holds barred. The Tribal African print has been meticulously incorporated into the Shadow 6000 shoe and really does stand out in the jungle that is sneakers. Highly limited and always pursued by the cats over the in the states these won’t be on the hunt for long.

Retailing at £100 and available in two equally mental and desirable colour ways, you sure could get carried away here as their both equally as stylish and unique. I should know, i bought a pair of each last week!

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Pictures with thanks to hypebeast and Saucony.

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THE BROGUE…AW13 ESSENTIAL!

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Grenson Stanley.

thom browneThom Browne.

AMIAMI.

Grenson SidGrenson Sid High Shine.

Grenson G-Lab DylanGrenson G-Lab Dylan.

Something you can not, should not and will not live without. Is there a brogue for everything? Dam right there is. Brogues couldn’t be more universal, what with designers pushing all different colours, textures and materials, you wont find a brogue that doesn’t fit you as a person, not to mention your lifestyle. The first pair you own you’ll have for life as they really will last for ever, any half decent cobblers will re-sole and re-heel a shoe of suit quality…as it happens I’ve just dropped off my very own Grenson’s for a freshen up. I wouldn’t like to go as far as saying they are indeed the best but I will say this, the quality of a Grenson brogue is just incredible. Now you have my word when I say the second you open that shoe box, you’ll be speechless……!

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The only Portuguese family you need know…

International Watch Company, or as most know it…IWC. Now anyone that knows, knows! IWC really are an absolutely incredible Swiss watch manufacture, there are many out there and I must say IWC often has been overlooked, take my friends for an example, I bring up expensive watches, first word to come out of someone’s mouth, Rolex, or if there’s someone that thinks they really know there stuff you might hear Breitling. Each to there own and these are indeed exceptional time pieces and I myself love a good Oyster Perpetual but wouldn’t you just love to wear something exclusive, something that people question but as soon as they type it into there iphone they realize it really is something special, especially when half of IWC’s collection you’d probably have to re-mortgage your house for.

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IWC Portuguese Grand  Complication. RRP £170000.00

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IWC  Portuguese Chronograph RRP £5900.00

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IWC   Portuguese Minute Repeater RRP £57000.00

Before I began writing this post I knew deep down it didn’t need many words, the pictures do the talking in my opinion, and what is it they say? A picture speaks a thousand words…I’ll say no more.

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A Wolf In Sheep’s Clothing – Shearling Jackets

Once again winter, looms around the corner. No longer suffer with the miserable damp and cold climate we’re stuck with here in Blighty, why not invest in a layer of sheepskin? Ok, it may sound slightly inhumane and a tad “fairytale”, but this is no laughing matter. Truckers in the USA look no further than a Levi’s Sherpa jacket (£90) when it gets chilly over the rockies, so why should you feel the cold on your way to the pub on the weekend?

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You can’t beat the simplicity and effect of a denim sherpa. Practical, stylish and 100% wearable. Don’t fear looking too “Red Neck”, go with double denim, boots, sneakers, you can’t really go wrong so the choice is yours

Corduroy, a material which is risky and hard to pull off. No more. Look at this fine sherpa from Battenwear below , at a reasonable £339. No chances of blending in with Nan’s couch here.

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It doesn’t just stop at denim and corduroy though. No, no, no the road just keeps on going and our next stop is, Leather. Recently leathers seen a resurgence on the fashion radar but, it wasn’t long ago you’d be rinsed for looking like a biker or as if you belonged in the Matrix.

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Belstaff, a name that needs no introduction, have hit the nail on the head here (above, £1300). Old-school aviator styling with premium leather hides, you get it all with this stunning example, if it is a little pricey!

So, this winter don’t cry wolf, cry sheep.

Pictures courtesy of: End Clothing & Mr. Porter

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Roll Necks winter, you’ll be wearing these…

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I hate to start with sounding rather condescending, but please tell me you got that little play on words? Read the title again (roll necks winter, roll next winter, get it?). Anyway the question is in hand, Why Roll Necks this coming fall? That man above you should know, who many worship and for one, he’s showcasing one of these beauts in question.

Well the classic knit or cardy, has found its way into the modern mans wardrobe in recent years, (gosh how long thats taken) and why can’t we freshen it up this year? Chunky knits and fine gauge wool doesn’t intend in leaving this season and for one i’m delighted. Now the “Turtle Neck”, as its sometimes referred to, has somewhat of a stigma attached to ancient mariners and fisherman and is slightly harder to recommend to someone who has only just embraced a lambswool sweater.

I see it as two ways you can show off a Roll Neck. Now some may not be convinced, but i recommend you try at least one of these methods. One – as a thick, chunky cable knit that your Grandma would be proud of or Two – underneath a suit jacket/shirt.

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So this winter, wrap up warm and roll on the winter.

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It’s not rocket science…It’s KITH NYC

Evolving. Something or someone that is developing gradually, easily the perfect word to use in connection with the ever-growing trainer fashion. Long gone are the days I’d rarely consider a pair of trainers for purpose, now I find myself only considering a pair of trainers on looks, style, design, brand and not to mention what sort of statement I may be giving off walking down the road in a 1 of 100 pair’s of limited edition kicks.  If I’m completely honest to my readers I’ve never been massively into my trainers, drop me a line regarding Brogues, Loafers or a pair of desert boots and I’m all ears but as times are moving on I find it near impossible to not start traipsing the web for incredible, new release, even limited edition examples.

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More on the point of ‘limited’ what with everyone after the same thing, it then becomes very hard to be an individual, which is something I’m all about. So you start looking harder and harder with minimal luck…unless you know where you’re looking that is! This bring me onto the title KITH NYC, now KITH is New York based shop, that’s right were talking across the pond kind of business. These guys are no strangers to the trainer’s, specialising in releasing some of the very best ever trainers to grace our street. They throw out the door limited edition trainers from many brands, brands that only release via KITH so you can agree with me when I say they’re something pretty dam special.

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They team up with Ronnie fieg and supply us with some of the most sort after Asics EVER. That doesn’t mean they don’t dabble with other big brands because my god they sure as hell do, bringing us Adidas, Clarks, Sebago, Nike, Vans and how can I not forget New Balance. Being over here in the UK proves a little difficult as a rare piece will sell out in quite literally seconds but they keep good stock so it’s always worth a browse when your looking at re-stocking your trainer collection with some rare items, which no doubt, none of your mates will have ever seen.

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Get online to www.kithnyc.com and catch a glimpse a what has been on offer, take note of  ‘has’ as everything is more than likely sold out. Standard day a KITH NYC!

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Get your shell-toes, grab your Kangol Hat, & “Walk This Way” – Adidas x RUN DMC

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You know the story. You know who they both are. Adidas and RUN D.M.C are perhaps the most famous collaboration to have ever existed in not only the music industry but, fashion too. Christ, they even made a song about how much they loved their clobber “With the 3 stripes” in My Adidas and paraded everywhere seen in laceless “Superstars” and MA-1 Leather jackets. Their style was individual, understated and defined the “Golden Age of Hip-Hop”.

Flash forward to present day and not only has Hip-Hop changed, but too the look. However, it doesn’t seem that alls lost with this recent release from the team at Adidas. Unveiled before you is the latest selection of RUN D.M.C inspired pieces including; tees, sweatshirts, sweat pants and the said Shell-toes.

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I’d imagine this collection won’t stick around for long. Certainly, your going to have the “Oldschool” Hip-Hop lovers high off this but, also the “Sneaker Heads” involved amongst us. Me, being both of these, has resorted to me going on a spending spree! Well, I’ll let you judge for yourself but, “It’s Tricky”.

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The French are not to be underestimated….Let alone a god forsaken Rooster!

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Le Coq Sportif or should I say ”The Athletic Rooster” which is the English translation, saved you hitting Google Translate really didn’t it! A French company……..hang on, hold up, did I? Yes indeed I did, Le Coq Sportif are in fact a French company. Now there are not many people out there that are fond of the French, I myself happen to absolutely adore the French, who doesn’t like great cheese and fine wine?

Known for producing sports equipment such as trainers, T-shirts and shorts whats not to like? Founded in 1882 so you’ll probably agree it’s pretty dam old school however the first items branded with the renowned rooster appeared in 1948. The company have done extremely well with sponsorship deals with many football clubs over the years, Everton for an example, not a supporter myself but what the hey COYB. Don’t forget the The Tour De France and also it has been seen within the Boxing community.

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In more recent years and what myself and Jack often discuss is there more fashion based releases, take these Footpatrol X Le Coq Sportif Eclat – Macaron Edition trainers. Pretty special aren’t they? Limited edition of course and if your lucky enough to find a pair, you’ll see a heavy price tag sat next to them.
Like with a lot of sporting brands now such as Lacoste and Sergio Tacchini as years have gone by they have become more popular with the kids on the street, myself included. The problem is for what ever reason I find Le Coq Sportif is often overlooked, people, especially my friends just think of it as that s**t brand that other pupils had in physical eduction back at school. See past that you absolute bunch of tossers, the products are premium, the products are cool and it’s forever growing from what is an already worldwide company. Get on board and get on board NOW, Jack has already sorted me out with a pair of tennis short shorts from The Lanes down in Brighton which he visited earlier in the week.

Merci beaucoup, au revoir .

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Images courtesy of menswearstyle and highsnobiety.

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Don’t believe the hype – Hype Means Nothing

That’s what Public Enemy said at least. However, I think in this case its definitely worth talking about.”Hype Means Nothing” hasn’t just emerged onto the market. They’ve been around since 2010 and have been bearing celebrities mugs all over they’re t-shirts, sweatshirts and accessories. Poses of Beyonce gesturing the “Ray Ban Aviator”, 2-Pac showcasing “Oakley M Frames” and Kate Moss with her “Prada Butterfly” sunnies. Even the celebs have been seen bearing one of their iconic tee’s (of course not of themselves, now that would be egotistical).
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The young Parisian brand has really made an impact on the industry and it doesn’t look like their going to stop. We’d say just one piece at least, adds a “street” style to any wardrobe. So, who’s you favourite character? Homer Simpson? Notorious B.I.G? Or Golden Balls? The list goes on…

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All pics courtesy of “Hype Means Nothing”.

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Shhh! Your secret’s safe with us… Invisible Socks

Well, its the world’s worst kept secret too be honest, but its worth mentioning anyway. “Invisible” socks or “Pop” socks, as their sometimes called, have been around for years and you’ll probably recognise them, as their commonly worn by grannies and school girls for their dolly shoes. It’s certainly something you’d never imagine you’d wear yourself, until now.

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It always vexed me for years, how can i wear deck shoes day in, day out to work and feel comfortable? Often resulting in smelly, sweaty feet riddled with blisters (sorry) and usually blue from the leather colouring, it left me miffed. I tried ankle socks, folding them under the tongue, however this was not only uncomfortable, but still left my ankles bleeding and moist. Then there was just wearing them with normal cotton socks. Sure it stopped any pain or unpleasantries, but looked a little, well, “Special”. So, how can you not compromise comfort and style? Well, after hearing about “Invisible Socks” through Mr. Porter Style Guide, i leaped on the idea of getting some ASAP. And i must say, i haven’t looked back.

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Falke is the brand i fully recommend. Their “Step Invisible” liners are not only breathable, but have an anti-slip system and are perfectly fitted under any shoe possibly imaginable (not sandals though my friend!).

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