on designer footwear collaborations

It will be interesting to read about the current era of mens fashion in twenty or thirty years.  Although it’s difficult to put an exact date on it, something that I think is particularly worthy of investigating and praising is the rise of designer footwear collaborations.  Whether or not this is a trend or a shift in menswear remains to be seen, but I am capitalizing on its benefits while I can.

As I mentioned above, dating the rise of footwear collaborations is hard.  For me, I was first exposed to the phenomenon through Band of Outsiders retooling some of the classic Sperry Top-Sider silhouettes.  The first seasons they had classic boat shoes, but over time they’ve also done chukkas and boots (seen below) as well.

I succumbed to the genius of Scott Sternberg on multiple occasions.  Thanks to the rise of some other great things for thrifty shoppers (Gilt Groupe anyone?), I’m on my fifth pair.  Once you own a pair, it’s hard to go back to other boat shoes – the details are that good.  What’s not to like about a unique taste on the iconic offerings of Sperry?

Take the particular pair above (which I coincidentally own).  Laces have been replaced with safety pins, hemp is used and the leather is top notch.  While most of the models are changed with only reversed details (notice the tongue) and better materials, they all come in at a very reasonable price – $150 to $200 region for most pairs.  In my opinion, this is fair considering the materials used and the designer influence.  While other designers might charge a couple hundred dollars for their version of a boat shoes, you get the best of both worlds with a Band of Outsiders x Sperry shoe.  My eyes are currently set on the shearling pair of boat shoes:

If boat shoes aren’t your style, enter my most recent obsession – Mark McNairys collaborations.

While Mark McNairy’s line of shoes isn’t all that expensive, they’re still an “investment” for most people who aren’t used to dropping $350 on a pair of brogues.  As a college student that doesn’t wear dress shoes all that often, I couldn’t justify spending that amount of money on shoes I’d only wear a handful of times during the year.  What I really was hoping for was casual shoes that I could wear to class, that wouldn’t necessarily break the bank.

Enter in Keds.  Not a brand that was on my radar at all, but I’ve been paying attention every since they got “McNasty” to do some collaboration work.  The first collection was with the Royal CVO, redone in suede with a red brick sole:

With Mark McNairy New Amsterdam shoes coming in around $400, I think the collaboration with Keds are a steal at $100.  Seeing as how they weren’t very popular, I know of at least a few ways to get them for cheaper (as low as $40/pair).  Regardless of what price you pick them up at, they

I bought the navy pair (swap out those white laces and use the navy ones) and I’ve turned plenty of heads.  I never thought I’d see the day when a pair of Keds is responsible for turning heads.

The bottom line is designer shoe collaborations are a great thing.  I can’t help but hope that this isn’t a trend – that Scott Sternberg and Mark McNairy won’t be the last but rather the first of designers to properly transform classic shoes and reinvent them.  If you’ve got the money, Band of Outsiders clothing is fantastic (I can attest) as is Mark McNairy mainline shoes (as I hope to attest to soon).  But sometimes you don’t need to be dressed up, and these great collaborations with Sperry and Keds fit the bill.

on the finer things in life

I had a nice surprise tonight when it came to running some errands – I wouldn’t be driving my normal car.  Instead, I would be piloting my father’s car, something I enjoy quite a bit when I get the chance.  About halfway through the trip, I began thinking about something quite powerful that happens when you get a small dose of luxury – inspiration and motivation.

Driving around I couldn’t help but think that having a car with all these amenities really is worth the price tag.  While I’m used to a car that has for example, 3 settings for AC, it’s nice to have 10 settings.  Or a V8 with close to 400 horsepower instead of a 4 cylinder and less than half that.  Reading about luxury sedans in a magazine is one thing, but driving one of them is a different experience.

When some of my peers were playing video games in college, or too tired to go to class, or skipping class for no reason, I went to class and paid attention.  I wanted to get good grades to secure a job out of school and have a successful career.  There were plenty of days when I didn’t feel like going, but thinking about the doses of luxury I’ve experienced convinced me to go.

I can’t help but think that a lot of my peers might have had a different outlook if they had experienced some doses of luxury.  Restaurants, clothing, hotels, liquor – any one of them can be a powerful motivator.  Eating at a Michelin-star restaurant, wearing a cashmere sweater, staying at a boutique hotel or sipping on a nice whiskey or wine all work.  All those triggers (when experienced in small, infrequent doses) motivate you to make them a regular occurrence.

In my case, I’ll go back to 4 cylinders and a cloth interior tomorrow and it will be slightly depressing.  I’ll say goodbye to 400 horsepower, but I’ll be left better off.  Again, I will be motivated to work hard so that I can enjoy those luxuries in the future.  Until then, little doses will just have to do.

Note: Although not mentioned in the post, I think that a private flight is a luxury that most people can be motivated through.  This is a luxury that I have personally experienced, and it is quite the event.  No baggage check, no TSA, no liquid limits – flying any other way has been quite difficult since then.

on watching movies

I have a friend who sees probably 75% of movies that come through the theaters.  Anything with 3D, big name actors or big name directors that you can check out at your local Cineplex, he has probably seen it.  A friend like that is good to have, because he can always give you a heads up of what you should check out (along with Rotten Tomatoes & IMBD).

However, I personally try to see movies that don’t come through the theaters and aren’t available in IMAX & 3D.  Don’t get me wrong, I’m not a cinephile or a snob when it comes to movies.  I’ll gladly watch through The Dark Knight on a huge screen like most people, but I think it’s also worthwhile to watch movies that aren’t “blockblusters”.

What will surprise most people (as it did me) is that there are some unbelievably terrific movies that aren’t shown on thousands of screens nationwide.  Just because a movie isn’t available at your local Cineplex doesn’t mean that it should be avoided.  The combination of blogs, recommendation systems (try MyZeus) and YouTube (for checking trailers) allows you to make much better decisions on what you want to watch.

Netflix has made this task much easier, with a variety of streaming titles and the ability to get just about any movie you can think of.  I would highly recommend signing up for a plan, as it costs about 1 movie ticket a month.  Couple that with the savings you’ll reap by avoiding $4 sodas and $7.50 buckets of popcorn, and you’ll surely come out seeing a wider variety of movies and still have some money in your pocket.

I thought I might share a few movies that I believe are worth your time.  I realize that 4 out of the 5 recommendations are documentaries, and that is intentional.  Message to everyone: learning while watching a movie isn’t a bad thing.  Just because these films don’t have vampires or CGI or Hugh Grant and tell stories of fact rather than fiction, doesn’t mean they are bad.

Art of the Steal

I’ve recommended this movie to almost everyone I know who has a Netflix account, as you can stream this one. Fantastic story whether or not you like art at all.

Tetro

This is the most recent film from Francis Ford Coppola (of Godfather fame) and it is quite beautiful.  A film about brotherhood.  Vincent Gallo does a great job.

The King of Kong

Quite simply, a documentary about the world’s best players of the arcade game Donkey Kong.  One of the great battles of good and evil.

Dear Zachary

If you don’t cry during this movie (men and women alike), you have got some serious issues.  Don’t read about this movie, just watch the trailer (if you have to) and stream this on Netflix.

Helvetica

A film about the typeface Helvetica.  Give it a chance and you might learn that a documentary about type isn’t boring – it’s actually quite interesting.

I’d love to hear your comments if you’ve seen these (or end up watching them).

on college fashion

Look familiar?

Looking back on my time here at college, I’ve made quite a few observations about the way college students dress.  As I walked out of my last class this morning, I could only hope to myself that my classmates weren’t going to take their sense of fashion and lack of common sense into the working world.

I’m not claiming to have been well dressed since I was a little kid, or even asserting that I’m straight out of a Polo ad while walking across the quad.  I had phases in my development that weren’t fashion forward, but that’s only to be expected.  Reading GQ and other mens style magazines in high school and continuing my interest in fashion has lead to me to, in my humble opinion, being fairly well dressed and even dapper in some instances.

That isn’t the case for a lot of people on campus.  I think fundamentally, these problems could be cured with just a few non-negotiable rules:

• Pajamas are to be worn for sleeping and lounging around the house.
• Workout and athletic clothes are to be worn when working out or engaging in athletic activity.
• If you wore it last night, you shouldn’t be wearing it today.

It’s annoying to always hear complaints that the past was better, but I can’t help but think that sentiment is appropriate in this situation.  Perhaps that’s why Take Ivy had such a strong impact and buzz when it was re-released, as it depicts how college men used to dress on campus.

More than 40 years after these pictures are taken, I can’t help but think we’ve taken a step backwards.  Isn’t throwing on nice chino shorts just as easy as basketball shorts?  And slipping on Weejuns just the same as flip flops?  So convenience isn’t a defense.  And wouldn’t buying quality clothing that you can wear in a variety of situations benefit you in the long run?

There is a small percentage of people who dress appropriately on campus, and to those people, I applaud you.  You’ve proved to me that all is not lost.  But to everyone else that either is oblivious, or doesn’t care, I ask you:

If you don’t take yourself seriously, how can you expect anyone else to?

on to the next one

Was a little sad to be reminded I haven’t posted on my blog for an entire year.  It’s been a busy year to say the least, but the end of an era has finally come.  Out with the old, in with the new.

In short, HNIRZ is back.  Sort of.

When I started, I was excited to put my spin and opinion on a number of different things.  Over time, I think that opinion was eroded to strictly facts or a “Check this out”, which isn’t quite beneficial.  In the future, there won’t be a formula, a strict purpose for this blog, other than for me to provide the internets with something it doesn’t already have – my opinion.

If you’re looking for the newest in art or fashion or cars or politics or design, this shouldn’t be your first stop.  There are a number of other fantastic websites that have full time staff to deliver this coverage.  Frankly, that’s not something I can or want to do.  I’d like to impart through this blog my outlook on different things – whether it be products, trends, outlooks on life, really anything I see fit.

Welcome to HNIRZ 2.0.

on the house

As the school year winds down, many people may be out celebrating.  And with a lot of friends, a lot of these celebrations result in a variety of alcoholic shots.  I’d like to recommend a shot that my buddy turned me onto that needs more recognition.

Relax, I am a college student, and yes I am in a fraternity.  So many people think I’m referring to this:

You don’t really read HNIRZ thinking I’m going to be recommending jager bombs, do you?  No, I’m referring to the delicious shot known as Applesauce.  Any decent bartender should know what you’re referring to, but in case they don’t or you want to make one for the pregame/afterparty, here’s the recipe:

2/3 oz. Apple Pucker

1/3 oz. Goldschlager

Splash of pineapple juice

Shake over ice

Definitely recommended for all – it does the job, but doesn’t have any nasty aftertaste.  You really can’t help but remark afterward on how much it tasted like Mott’s.

This shot reminds me of this awesome Goldschlager triple-fluted shot glass I had that was shattered after only an hour.  Need to source another one of these ASAP for the permanent collection.

precious metals

I’ve had quite the affinity towards interesting and unique office supplies this past semester.  From my first Lamy Safari, to a Kuru Toga and a whole bunch of other Japanese exclusive leads and erasers, it’s a new hobby.  Discovering JetPens didn’t help, and I’ve still got my eye on the big dog Zebra Sharbo X:

I read a blog post a few weeks ago about a particular item I couldn’t believe I missed out on – a stainless steel Sharpie.  Everyone’s favorite permanent marker got an upgrade!

How does it hold up though?  The idea is a refreshing upgrade to the classic shape, and it features replaceable ink cartridges.  Did I mention this is a stainless steel Sharpie?

However, there are some downsides, starting with the weight.  I was surprised by how light the entire thing was.  I was hoping it would feel indestructible, and it didn’t give me that impression at all.

Another gripe is the fact that due to the replaceable ink cartridge, the bottom barrel screws off (where the black meets the stainless steel barrel).  Every time you try to pull off the cap, the lower portion gets a little loose.  You find yourself tightening the lower portion constantly.  Not a major problem, but why is it this easy to unscrew?  I don’t plan on refilling the ink after every use.

Overall, it’s a cool idea and concept, but lacks in execution.  The laser etching is a nice touch, but not something that redeems its other lacking qualities.  Still, at around $7, not a bad deal for the toughest Sharpie out there.

to the next level

I’m notorious for spending hours upon hours on the computer.  And as with the rest of my life, I want to make that time as efficient as possible.  This post is going to detail some of the programs and settings I use on my Mac in order to boost productivity.

1. Quicksilver

My favorite application launcher.  Quicksilver is essential to me because I love keyboard shortcuts and commands, as this allows me to keep my dock minimalist as well as reducing clutter.  I’ve got Quicksilver set up so that I press Command – Space to bring up the window above.  I wanted to use Quicksilver strictly for my most accessed programs and folders, so I only utilize a custom Catalog:

So basically, when I know I want to open up iTunes, I press Command-Space to bring up the Quicksilver window, and start typing i-T-u-n-e-s.  Because I’m not searching through hundreds of items in the catalog, I really only press Command-Space and then i.  iCal and iWannaSleep show up secondary because they aren’t opened as often.

Finally, Quicksilver also has all of my Firefox bookmarks cataloged.  In my first example, using Gmail, I just hit Command-Space and start typing G-m-a-i-l until it comes up (similar to iTunes, it’s the first because it’s the most used application starting with G).

Most people don’t understand Quicksilver or see the point, but I’ve yet to find someone that can move around the computer as quickly as I can.  There’s also a ton of other things you can do with the program, but those functions suit me the best.

2. Spaces

I played around with Spaces a few months after picking up my Mac and it’s become such an essential part of navigating my computer.  I have a 4 x 2 set up, with applications designated for individual Spaces.  The configuration is:

1. Firefox
2. iTunes
3. Mac The Ripper/Powerpoint/Evernote/Transmission
4. VLC
5. Word/Excel
6. Undesignated
7. Undesignated
8. Undesignated

Instead of minimizing windows, I keep every window opened in their respective Spaces.  For example, when I listen to music while surfing the web, I open Firefox via Quicksilver (it opens in Space 1) and open iTunes via Quicksilver (it opens in Space 2).

As a note, I can open any Space-designated application regardless of what Space I’m in.  For example, if I use Quicksilver in Space 8 to open iTunes (which is a Space 2 designated program), when iTunes opens it will automatically move me over to Space 2 and leave whatever I was doing in Space 8.

If I want to drag Space-designated programs into other Spaces, I just hold the click and hold on the top of the window and then use my command for changing Spaces (for me, this is Command – # of the Space you want to move to).  This comes in handy when you have PowerPoint and Word designated in two different Spaces but would rather have them side by side for a particular project (or any other combination of applications).

3. DropBox

I can’t recommend the free service DropBox enough.  For signing up, you get 2GB storage space that syncs across multiple platforms.  I keep a variety of files on there, but its especially key for school documents.

What’s great about this is that I keep all of my lecture notes, PowerPoint files, memos, etc. in my DropBox folder, and then I can access it from whatever computer I’m on.  You also can share folders with others, as shown by the folder with people in it (above, shown on RLST 110).  This means collaboration and sharing files is easy and you don’t need to send another email when a new file is created or revised.

Paired with the iPhone app and web interface, DropBox allows users to access their files from anywhere.  Who needs a flashdrive when you can have all your files stored online (and for free)?

4. Evernote

A buddy of mine put me onto Evernote as I was looking for a good program to keep notes.  I had a tried a few of them, and also kept a Moleskine, but nothing really captured and made what I was trying to do any easier.  I read a lot of articles online with recommendations, product reviews, etc. that I want to keep but not necessarily bookmark in my browser.  I also wanted a place to archive some emails without using GMail’s star system.

Here’s an example of how I use it.  I saw this Intelligentsia mug that I liked, but wasn’t really serious on purchasing.  I made a note of it in Evernote, and can reference it from the “What Ifs” folder when I’m looking through things I need to buy or for gift ideas.

Evernote also has a Firefox plug-in which makes things even easier.  All I do is press the little elephant button next to the home icon on my browser, and Evernote makes a note out of whatever page you were on.

And again, similar to DropBox, Evernote also has a fantastic website and iPhone app so you can access your notes on the go or from any computer.
As far as other programs, here’s a quick list of recommended apps (beyond the obvious):

1. AppCleaner – gets rid of applications and associated files much better than just uninstalling or deleting them.
2. GMail Notifr – not Notifier, Notifr.  Checks Gmail quicker than the Google branded version, looks good in the menubar.
3. iTunesMenu – control some aspects of iTunes in the menubar, and utilizes Growl alerts.
4. iWannaSleep – sleep timer for your computer to shutdown.  I use it when playing movies before going to bed so that DVD title menu music doesn’t play for 7 hours.
5. MacTheRipper – my favorite tool for archiving DVDs.  Others prefer Handbrake, but I like the fact it makes a straight copy for archival purposes.

I hope you learned a thing or two from this and maybe even implement some of these strategies.  With more and more time spent on the computer by people in general, I think we owe it to ourselves to make that experience as quick and efficient as possible.  Any questions or thoughts – leave a comment!

epic in every way

Initially, I wasn’t sure about Sade’s “Soldier of Love” track.  I gave it a quick listen through and didn’t see what all the hype was about (as it appeared on two of my frequented music blogs).  When I saw it on the mainstream blogs getting recognition and I somehow had amassed a few copies of it in my iTunes library, I gave it another listen.

The real gem to me is the snare drum.  I understand the connection between a snare drum and the military, but it just fits the song so well.  And if I’m not mistaken, people are continuing to take notice.  ABC is even using the track to promote the final season of Lost.

Sade’s album drops February 9th and if this track is any indication, we’ve got a strong contender already for album of the year in 2010.  I’m having a bit of trouble posting the video but you can check it out at The Smoking Section.

required reading

Books have always held some sort of fascination with me, as if all the questions in the world could be answered in books. During elementary school when those monthly student book order forms came out, I always wanted at least a dozen books.  Luckily for me, my parents were usually happy to order me a book or two (certainly nowhere near what I wanted) and I think this is where my love for reading started to grow.  I even read 100 books during 4th grade in order to win a special prize from my teacher.

Admittedly once I entered high school and definitely in college, I read for fun much less.  As a student I have to read plenty of academic articles, studies and textbooks, but I don’t get a chance to read very many novels or anything just for fun.

As mentioned in other posts, I read about 1000-1200 RSS feeds each day.  Anytime I see a reputable blog post about a book I am interested in, I instantly add it to my Half.com wishlist.  Unfortunately, I add books much more frequently than I buy books, so I’ve got about 120 different items on my wishlist right now.  With Christmas coming up, I thought this could serve as a good “book gift guide”.  Books can give some of life’s greatest treasures – inspiration, knowledge, and personal growth – and definitely shouldn’t be overlooked.

The Visual Miscellaneum: A Colorful Guide to the World’s Most Consequential Trivia

I actually ran across this infographic filled book in Real Simple magazine’s gift guide.  Infographics make looking at data and statistics actually fun – and often make the realities of the conclusions much more apparent.  Definitely a book that will hold your attention cover to cover.

ABC3D

It might be easier to show a video clip as opposed to explaining why this should be on your gift-giving list.  Children and adults both can enjoy the detail in this:

Phaidon Design Classics

I’ve had a love affair with this three book set for quite some time now.  Each book details 333 industrially manufactured products, ranging from Chinese bonsai scissors from the 1600s to the present day.  Everyone, young and old, will bound to learn some interesting facts about items used in everyday life.

Candida Hofer Libraries

Strictly for images such as these:

Stunning.  Leave this one out for everyone to page through.

Simulacra and Simulation

Simulacra and Simulation is the brainiest of the bunch, but there’s a reason why it’s on the list.  The Matrix featured this work – Neo hid his illegal software in it and was even required reading for Keanu Reeves before shooting the movie.  I’d attempt to explain what the book discusses, but Wikipedia can do it much better than I can and in fewer words:

Simulacra and Simulation is most known for its discussion of images, signs, and how they relate to the present day. Baudrillard claims that modern society has replaced all reality and meaning with symbols and signs, and that the human experience is of a simulation of reality rather than reality itself. The simulacra that Baudrillard refers to are signs of culture and media that create the perceived reality; Baudrillard believed that society has become so reliant on simulacra that it has lost contact with the real world on which the simulacra are based.

Save this one for when you want to be challenged or give it to someone you want to impress with your intellect.

The Big Fat Duck Cookbook

This is the boss of cookbooks – 10 pounds with the box, four silk ribbons, over 500 pages and costing two Franklins and a Grant (that’s $250 in case you didn’t pick up on that one).  According to reviews on Amazon, this isn’t just a cooking book.  One reviewer said:

“The Big Fat Duck Cookbook is itself a work of art, combing a luxurious package with striking page layouts and artwork. Its recipes are almost the least of its appeal: Blumenthal’s accompanying essays are the meat of the text and make for a fascinating 500 pages of reading.” – Metroland (Albany, NY)

This book would work just as well in a kitchen as it would on your coffee table.  However, a paired down version is available if you’re interested in just the recipes.

Wisdom

What could be more insightful than advice from 50 of the world’s great writers, actors, artists, designers, politicians, musicians and religious and business leaders of our time?  It’s like having 50 grandparents giving you advice, if your grandparents are Clint Eastwood, Nelson Mandela, Lou Reed, the Dalai Lama and Willie Nelson (let me guess, smoke more weed?).  A great concept and I’m sure the information inside is not to be missed either.

New Skateboard Graphics

I’ve always felt that the artwork done on skateboard decks was mostly forgotten or ignored.  Seeing all of Rob Dyrdek’s decks in his Fantasy Factory made me think of just how many skateboard decks have been made.  Luckily, this book covers some of the most innovative work from nearly 40 manufacturers.  Unfortunately – tracking down your favorite decks you discover in the book will be infinitely more difficult than just getting the book.

Cheap: The High Cost of Discount Culture

With low cost being the basis of most people’s buying decisions, from groceries to clothing to furniture, there have been numerous effects on the economy and culture.  As a firm believer in buying quality once as opposed to buying numerous disposable goods, this sounded particularly interesting and something that every consumer can relate to.