So this news is at least a couple of months old, but I would like to point out that Record Surplus , fine Westside purveyors of used CDs, vinyl and media miscellany, formerly over on Pico Blvd., is now over on Santa Monica Blvd., at Centinela Ave. They've brought along with them one of the more curious assortments of dusty used vinyl stacks-particularly heavy on vocals and classical-and a wide range of hit and miss media detritus in formats spanning the decades: CDs, VHS tapes, laser discs, used books, old magazines, cassette tapes. You will be [...]
The dusty desert highway of Tuscon-native band Calexico's 15-year career is dotted with a notable collection of passionate Latin infused Americana (for lack of another general category to place them). While the band may not be familiar to most, their music shows up in many places- from interstitial music in NPR to movie soundtracks and in their many collaborations (including one fantastic album with The Iron and Wine ). If only for these works, Calexico will stand as one of the important and influential American bands. Along this [...]
Hiss Golden Messenger is the band name that former Court & Spark members MC Taylor and Scott Hirsch have been using since the dissolution of their previous band in 2007. Since then there have been four releases under this moniker: Live in Big Sur in 2007, Country Hai East Cotton in 2008 (which was re-released last year on Black Maps ), and in 2010 we saw Root Work which was based on live in-studio Country Hai tracks and [...]
Hiss Golden Messenger is the band name that former Court & Spark members MC Taylor and Scott Hirsch have been using since the dissolution of their previous band in 2007. Since then there have been four releases under this moniker: Live in Big Sur in 2007, Country Hai East Cotton in 2008 (which was re-released last year on Black Maps ), and in 2010 we saw Root Work which was based on live in-studio Country Hai tracks and [...]
Aside from the face-melting live performances delivered during their marathon touring schedule and the growing catalog of evolving studio albums, one aspect of Chicago band Umphrey's McGee that continues to amaze me is their ability to constantly keep their finger on the pulse of their fanbase and use that to deliver performances and products that are tailored to the fans. Back in March, the band asked the fans via a survey which songs performed during 2010 they should include in a "Hall of Fame" release. On Tuesday the band announced the results [...]
For the last year, we've been watching the fast rise of Michael Saiger's antique-inspired jewelery brand, Miansai. His success has been matched by his ability to put out new pieces frequently including the Turk's Head Screw Cuff Bracelet pictured above. In April we posted about the classic Screw Cuff Bracelet after we spotted it on a trip to New York. The modified version of the bracelet is looking just as appealing with a nice mesh of different materials and textures. The Turk's Head Screw Cuff Bracelet as well as many pieces from the new Miansai season [...]
Over the long weekend, I was hoping to get in on some of the sales that were going on- specifically Guitar Center in Cedar Rapids, and the full-weekend 20% sale at Half-Price Books. While I didn't actually get over to Guitar Center, I did hit HPB, but also managed to see David Lowery and Johnny Hickman tape a Java Blend session in Iowa City with my friend Erik , which also resulted in a great trip to The Record Collector. I also visited Moondog Music in Dubuque on Thursday and picked up some "missing titles" and hit a Half [...]
Inventory simply has an exceptional eye for good finds for contemporary men. Their magazine has a growing fan base and is popping up on tables in great boutiques all around the world. Their simple aesthetic combined with well chosen content makes them one of our favourite publications. In addition, they also have a great shop that we had a chance to check out in Vancouver, which reflects their perspective on mens fashion nicely. One of our favourite pieces available at Inventory is the Indian Pattern Sweatshirt created by a joint effort between Heller's Cafe and Japanese denim brand, [...]
Bantu is a beach and surf oriented brand that creates goods which are cut and sewn in Africa. The brand is focused on sharing the bright side of Africa that is often overlooked. Here's one of our favourite pairs of swim shorts from Bantu, which features their Cocody print. The nylon shorts feature a drawstring waste, mesh lining and velcro fly. For more details and colourways head over to Bird .
Common Projects has been one of our favourite shoe brands since we picked up our first pair of Achilles mids years ago. Their minimalist aesthetic combined with formidable quality keep them at the top of Handsome's list of shoe brands. We were happy to see Tres Bien Shop post an interview with Peter Poopat this morning going over some of the brands interesting history as well as hints into their future ventures. Here's an excerpt to enjoy. Poopat: At first, "We just wanted to make shoes for ourselves and our girls." Peter smiles. The first [...]
Both Steppenwolf the band and Steppenwolf the book provided the thematic inspiration for this design. The book follows Harry Haller, a man searching for balance in a life full of extremes. His character embodies these extremes as he deals with questions of life and death, the spiritual and material, and what it means to be human. The story blurs the lines between reality and hallucinations as Haller seeks for stability in the battle between his uniquely human thoughts and his undeniable animal instincts. The band Steppenwolf also embodied these themes, balancing approachable radio hits with guttural rock [...]
T By Alexander Wang has been an extremely popular brand in the last year, which has been progressively more apparent with the increasing number of cool kids in slouchy tees. Since winning the GQ Designer of the Year award in 2011 Alexander Wang has continued to grow with a new super impressive space in Soho, NYC. Here's a T By Alexander Wang knit pullover that we had seen and appreciated in the new Soho store. The loose knit, pointelle piece can be worn in a range of ways including the most breathable approach pictured above. Available [...]
The foundation of every Handsome graphic t-shirt we create is the blank that we begin with. We've been working on tweaking our Handsome blank tees with every season and now we think we've concluded the project with our favourite blank. We truly appreciate all of the feedback that customers have provided on the fit and structure of our t-shirts. Combining this feedback with cues from some of our favourite designers, we've created the new Handsome blank. We teamed up with a manufacturer in India who has worked with some of our favourite North American brands on creating their [...]
These jeans are definitely a concept for those who appreciate the details. Junya Watanabe has taken an interesting approach to creating a pair of white jeans. After having collaborated with Levi's on a number of occasions, they've used the classic 503 as a starting point for this summer pair. The denim has been bleached to near white, but maintained certain hints from their time as blue jeans. The Junya approach makes for a classic pair of white jeans with subtle colouring detail that could only be achieved through this distinct process. Available in store and online at [...]
One of our favourite things about Comme Des Garcons and their multitude of sub-brands is their use of patchwork and pattern mixing. We've seen a large range of designs from their SHIRT line as well as Junya that have managed to find a great balance between traditional button ups and more eccentric patchwork; often utilizing the classic camouflage pattern. Above is a great example of just that. The conservative short-sleeve, pinstripe button up is reborn with contrast camo paneling for one of our favourite pieces of the CDG SHIRT SS11 collection. It makes for a great investment piece [...]
Here's another one of our our personal favourites from the Robert Geller SS11 collection. The latest from Geller has been our favourite season of his and the use of the dip-dye process has been really well done. This crew-neck sweatshirt is a great cut and features a charcoal weave that fades to a bleached out effect towards the waste-line with matching sleeves. From our experience, we'd recommend going for a more fitted size as the sweatshirt will naturally loosen out with a few wears. Available in store and online at Nomad .
Band of Outsiders continues their ongoing collaboration with Sperry Top Sider this season. The collection predominantly features their hyper colourful renditions of the classic boat show, which we especially like. It's a great alternative from the traditional colourways that have become so popular in the last few years and another easy way to integrate some colour this summer. Pictured above is our favourite colour blocks options from the collection. Available at Tres Bien Shop .
Klaxon Howl is undoubtedly one of the most intriguing shops in Toronto. The military-vintage oriented shop can only be entered through a back alley of Queen Street West making it a destination for ambitious shoppers. Owner Matt Robinson who has been building his military inspired collection for a lifetime and has now created multiple seasons of military inspired clothing, most often with a modern twist. The brand has been growing, recently showing in Toronto Fashion Week and collaborations with The Hudson's Bay Company. One of our favourite pieces is the Klaxon Howl Imperial Waistcoat featuring [...]
We're now working with TNT The New Trend for our third season and they now have some of our latest designs in their new TNT Man store in Yorkville, Toronto. The newly finished storefront looks amazing and we're happy to be one of the first brands in the renovated space selling alongside some of our favourites including Comme Des Garcons, Junya Watanabe, Wings + Horns, APC and Acne. TNT is stocked with Handsome's latest line, The Teachers Collection . We've teamed up with the shop giving TNT customers a first look at a few designs [...]
Bowie has been an inspiration to multiple generations, changing the face of music and the creative expression within it forever. He is the definition of a true innovator, taking a novel approach to both music and popular culture. He willingly sought out and went into unknown and under-appreciated sonic territory, all the while paving the way for future artists who would soon emulate the man that seemed like an alien. Bowie was a dreamer with massive aspirations from a young age and was well aware of his potential before those [...]
Losanjealous
Time to play b-sides
Handsome Clothing
James Blake – Live Album
Gang Colours – Fancy Restaurant
Trippple Nippples
