Rick Rubin and Clipse

Take a look at that photo! I let out a legitimate yelp of joy when I saw it and put two and two together to realize that Rick Rubin is actually going to produce a song (or two if we're lucky) for Clipse's upcoming album. If you aren't familiar with Rick Rubin well shame on you here's a crash course: founded Def Jam, OG Beastie Boys DJ, produced mega-hit albums for LL Cool J, Run DMC and Public Enemy in the late 80's. Then he shifted gears to produce albums for the likes of Red Hot Chili Peppers and Slayer. While he hasn't really made too many forays back into the hip-hop world, his last three tracks have been certified bangers. (Yes even the Lil Jon one, just think of what Weezy should/would/could do with that beat.) I'm always already fiending for anything new from Clipse but now... so incredibly excited. Oh yeah, and they've got a song with Kanye. Link.

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Bespoke Magazines

I just saw this pretty interesting concept that was executed by Cunning Agency and HSBC for their Premier branding. The idea was to offer travelers coming through Heathrow Airport in London and chance to essentially make their own magazine. There were a number of articles to choose from, and each person can pick their favorites and the order they come in and have the magazine bound right there in the airport. The concept and execution does look great, but of course in the large scope it's probably not ideal - especially for publishers. The thing with a printed magazine is that it is becoming more of an art and the composition of the articles and pages and how they are laid out and order are what make it particularly special. For the most part, you can pick and choose the information you want already thanks to the Internet. So taking away a lot of the artistic influence and execution of a printed magazine is something I wouldn't recommend. But they aren't trying to do it long term, and I think for the concept 2-week period, it looks great. Check the video below for more info.

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Sunny Sports Chambray

Here's another good looking option for a chambray work shirt. I am still looking for one of my own, and I am on the fence between this and Engineered Garments. I quite like the pocket detailing, but I have a chambray shirt in nearly the same color of this one, but it's in a western style. As a couple readers mentioned after the last chambray work shirt was posted, these are really ideal for wearing a couple times a week. You can wear them with so much, they are comfortable and casual, but you really won't find too many people wearing them around - it's easy. I think that's what most of us are looking for in men's clothing. So the light weight chambray work shirt might be at the top of the list of spring essentials...find out in Issue 11.

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45rpm Spin Venetian Coat

I'm sure everybody is just trying to find that perfect sport coat to drop a C note on this spring, so look no further. Between that grey Patrik Ervell blazer and this 45rpm coat, you're options should be covered. While the price is beyond my current reach, there is no denying how nice this coat looks. 100% Suvin cotton. Silky to the touch. Fitted with nautical-inspired details. This would be an easy piece to wear 4-5 days a week for me as it would go with all of the denims and chinos I could throw it's way, it might even work alright with some shorts. 45rpm continues to focus on it's high quality, high price, highly nice items. I hope this brand is still doing okay in Asia because I know it won't be able to rely on the North American market in the next couple seasons.

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Reading Material

Even though I do 98% of my reading online in some way, shape or form, I still have that special reverence for books. I go through phases of being obsessed with print every once and a while, and after finally cracking the copy of Wisdom I got for Christmas the other day, I have the '-itis' again. This time I'm hankering for various photography and illustrated books. Anyone else?  Armed America: Portraits of Gun Owners in Their Homes by Kyle Cassidy is a pretty self-explanatory book. The photos of the subjects are so good and it's interesting to see the different responses from the subjects which range from justifiable to mind numbingly stupid (in my opinion). James and Karla Murray's Store Front: The Disappearing Face of New York shows the evolution of the city over the years. I really just love seeing all the old typography on the shops. I also want a copy of Max Ernst's Une Semaine de Bonte to go through and maybe frame some of his illustrations. Last on my list is Frank Miller's Ronin because well, I'm kind of a huge nerd.

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Porter Tote/Sack

You can probably put this one under function, rather than fashion. I saw a couple bags by Porter in Las Vegas that were utilizing this tote bag/ruck sack combination. The technical closures, very durable canvas and synthetic materials and functional details make this bag pretty solid for everyday laptop, camera or clothing carrying, as well as pretty useful for weekend camping trips. I prefer carrying a tote bag while I'm walking around, but being able to throw it on your back if you have a bike is a pretty good option as well. I don't think I would ever consider this bag in anything other than all black, so it's a good thing that's the only color it seems to come in.

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Mjolk A/W 2009

h(y)r collective favourite Mjolk by Lars Stoten recently finished up a successful Paris showing of the upcoming Autumn-Winter collection. Entitled "Cameras For Eyes and Horses For Hearts." It is a collection of garments which have been given the customary Mjolk twist in tailoring and finishing. Like the fall landscape, the line is presented in muted earthy tones of brown, grey, navy and oatmeal with hints of yellow, red and blue here and there. Aesthetically the line is nice as usual but it also looks super cozy for the fall which I'm into. I'm impressed again with how good the suiting looks for a ready to wear line, the jackets seem near perfect and the fit of the trousers looks awesome. Other standouts for me are the herringbone overcoat, the cream merino wool knit sweater and all the accessories, those packs are amazing.

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Cook to Bang

I'm a younger guy that's been living on my own for a while now, I just never really taught myself how to cook. I can't be the only one though otherwise, one of my new favourite blogs Cook to Bang wouldn't exist. The premise of the site is pretty carnal; nowadays we don't cook for loved ones instead we spend our hard earned money on going out for a meal "only to end up with a doggy bag and blue balls..."   I'm sure there are plenty of cooking/food blogs out there, but none are as funny and as good as this one and I'm not even trying to bang. I just want to eat better!  The recipes are good and simple. The writing is crude, witty and therefore interesting. It might just be the perfect 'cookbook' for bachelors whether we're eating potato fries alone or making blueberry waffles for that special someone the next morning. Looking good is only half the battle...

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