NURSES EVERYWHERE REJOICE

A CROC ALTERNATIVE HAS ARRIVED

It's not with little resistance that I write this post. Let me be clear about one thing: The existence of Crocs and the subsequent wearing of said crocs is a reprehensible offense. If any exception can be made, and again, this assertion is made with great hesitation, crocks might be considered permissible in situations of massive floods, regular occurrences of blood or feces splattering, or other occupational hazards that might warrant the wearing of hose-down-able rubber shoes. In these cases only, may Crocs be worn as a utilitarian need and never still as an actual style choice. 

Whipe that smile off your face sir. There is nothing funny about this. 

With that being said, a little brand by the name of Native began popping up all over the interweb of fashion blogs, gaining traction for it's styley take on the rubber offense. I first noticed this company about a half year ago in Australian GQ, something I assumed was an obvious cultural case of confusion. Then, maybe a month ago I saw these little rubber duckies on the shelves of First Edition in midtown, a store I consider to be rather on point with mens urban fashion. Finally, as I caught up on my google reader, I found endorsements from everyone from Hypebeast, to DapperQ. What gives? Am I missing something? Are these not just fancy crocs? 

The Jefferson - basically rubber chuck T's

I'm not sure I fully understand the phenomenon, but nonetheless, it appears that I am in the minority when it comes to the trend setting community online. So I pose the question to you readers - what do you think? Are these just updated crocs - as reprehensible as their forefathers or are they a viable fashion option with a sense of humor that we should embrace during these annoyingly uber serious times? 

The jury is still out for me. If you're liking what you're seeing and ready to go full on native - buy locally at Getta Clue, Good Stock or First Edition.  Check their cheeky add campaign below and a pretty cool factory video too. More info online HERE. 

- brother

They even make them in baby sizes. .

Factory Video from Native Shoes on Vimeo.

Introducing the Howard by Native Shoes from Native Shoes on Vimeo.

PRAISE THE TEENY TINY INFANT BABY JESUS

A NEW MENSWEAR  BOUTIQUE ON THE SCENE 

- AND IT'S GOOD!

I ran to midtown the other day looking for some funky urban t-shirts for a shoot we were doing and naturally thought to check one of my favorite Urban Accessories outlets - Upper Playground on J street. Low and behold, my go to store and its iconic Walrus sign was replaced with the image you see above - First Edition. 

Once I got past my initial shock (San Francisco based Upper Playground had taken a risk on Sacramento a few years back and it was sad to see them go), I was able to take a look around and allow myself to be truly, and I'm not just saying this, impressed with the change I found inside.

Behind the counter was familiar face Aaron Hearing (that's him above), the ultra calm and cool maestro behind all of this First Edition madness. Aaron spent the last few years with Upper Playground after previous work with Barney's New York in San Francisco,  Heritage Shoes and of course the all important FIDM (Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising) degree. Having amicably split from Upper Playground, Aaron has taken the space in a new more mature direction focusing on the modern evolved man and showcasing a truly discerning eye for style. Think more Urban workman wear than Hip hop. 

The store is well edited, featuring select brands and styles that reflect what is happening in Fashion beyond Sacramento. Hearing looks for merchandise that has a story and a purpose and is blending in complimentary products like premium skin care line Baxter of California and footwear by Native Workshop into his inventory. 

Baxter of California Skincare

The guy seems to really "get it" and judging by the artwork on the walls (See Shepard Fairey and Mike Giant) and the music he plays (an eclectic mix of hip hop and independent artists) First Edition is poised to become a brand unto itself representing the smart, sophisticated and free spirited man that First Edition seeks to serve. 

Check some pics from the store below and head to their website HERE for more on the brands they carry and directions on how to get there. This store has a lot of options for guys of all ages and is a refreshing alternative to the same old stuff we're seeing all over Sacramento. Get to shopping guys - this is what we've been waiting for. It's up to us to keep this place in business - support local! 

- brother

From the front door in.

Still featuring Upper Playground among other cool brands like Crate and Charlie Noble

DEADSTOCK IS ALIVE AND WELL

CRATE DENIM IS FINALLY MAKING IT'S WAY TO SACRAMENTO

One of my favorite brands out of Los Angeles, Crate Denim is finally starting to show up around town  at some of the most in the know boutiques in Sacramento. If you don't know Crate, they are an American Men's premium denim line made from Deadstock materials. Deadstock is a fancy way to say old jeans. Basically what happens is the folks at Crate buy rolls and rolls of vintage and selvage denim from classic brands like Dungarees, Levis and others and then handcraft them into modern and unique pieces using detail stitching and antique buttons. Two big things for me, ONE - they fit men - not lady boys. I've got tree trunk legs and a booty to match, yet I still like rocking out a slim fit pant. Crate is designed to fit a man's body, unlike a lot of the skinny jeans out there that would only fit a pre-pubescent stick figure. TWO - these jeans are Green! Repurposed fashion is usually fug - lets be honest. Crate is actually really cool, edgy and wearable. Love that. Buy Crate locally at Good Stock and First Edition. Check some more images of this super duper brand below. 

- brother

High waisted raw denim skinny jean

Selvage Pique wash button ups. 

The Classics: Denim, oxfords, and chinos.