by Amber on October 19, 2010 in Style
Being no longer stuck in the year 2006, I find cuppycake iconography totally overcooked and a bit twee. But I can’t help but smile when I see this “Bake Someone Happy” tee by Parinto. It’s true! Baked goods make the world go ’round.
Designer Stephen Richardson says “Back in the 1970′s my dad’s advertising agency produced some sweaters for a client with the slogan “Bake Someone Happy” on them. He gave one to my mom and for whatever reason that slogan has always stuck in my head. To cut a long story short, this design is a nostalgic nod to that long-gone sweater.”
Look how stoked this guy is:
Thinking I might post a few of the cool tees that I snap here and there. Stories too, if there is one.
Jess’ Osaka Castle tee was purchased by my friends Jerm & Jules in Japan, a souvenir of their adventures through Asia. Apparently they had bought a ‘cooler’ shirt earlier, but as is the life of backpackers, one of them ran out of clean shirts and pilfered from the stash of gifts. This one is still very nice! It reminds me of cyanotypes and classic pottery.
If you have a graphically devastating or favourite t-shirt you’d like to show off, email me!
I went sneaker shopping with my dear friend Nikhil today. He needed a little bit of style advice and I gladly obliged him, in exchange for good conversation and tea. Oh and vicarious consumerism… I LOVE it when other people buy stuff I want.
After hitting up local stores Area 51, Loaded and Made, we found the perfect pair – Lacoste’s kooky version of the boat shoe! Technically they’re called the Lacoste Cabestan Cup LA 1 Black/Grey and hail from Lacoste’s more experimental Stealth collection. They have thick vulcanized soles, cute detailing and popping colours – perfect for the boy running about town.
I think Nikhil made an excellent choice – the grey is flattering and lace detailing is very sharp. (The packaging is nice too). If grey doesn’t happen to float your boat, you can also buy the Cabestans in pink/black or yellow/white:
I think all 3 colourways are pretty tight – but if you’re feeling adventurous the pink ones would look AMAZING in summer with shorts. Ahoy sailor! Nice one Lacoste.
by Amber on July 1, 2009 in Style
Whether for your good self (or women, for your nearest dude!), it is imperative to know what you’re in for when you go shopping for men’s shirts. A great fit makes all the difference in looking like a true professional, while knowing how to choose good material will make life a lot easier!
As my friend Matt can testify, wearing a great shirt changes people’s perception instantly. In a sloppy t-shirt you might be vaguely recognizable as the DJ from some club, but wearing a shirt you’re transformed into trusted professional. Yes, I will give you my money.
Whether you’ve bought 30 shirts already or you’re about to buy your first one, it’s always nice to brush up on the basic rules. So, with your best image interests at heart, here are a few guidelines to follow when shirt shopping:
MEASURE UP
Size and fit are the two most important things to think about when buying a shirt. First, you’re going to need to know a couple of measurements: neck and sleeve length.
[click to continue…]
by Amber on October 26, 2008 in Design
Sadly, I will never have the opportunity to personally enjoy the made to measure services of Crane Brothers. However, watch out if you plan on marrying me because that’s where I will bundle you off! They’re an Auckland based men’s outfitters. They have a true handmade ethos, supported by their skilled in house tailors.
I love the icons they’ve photographed and used to build a sense of their brand and quality. There’s a lot of vintage New Zealand kitsch, interpreted in a sophisticated way.
Recently they commissioned artist Gavin Hurley to produce some works for them, loosely inspired by 1930’s Men’s Magazines. These hang in their city boutique, an amazing space recently profiled by the Italian interiors magazine Casa da Abitare. Boys and men of Auckland – if you want to look sharp, get thee to Crane brothers and get suited. It’s imperative!
