For most of the country it’s time to break out the shorts. I know some of the readers are still buried in snow, but eventually it will too hot for pants and jeans. I figured we should get a jump start and check some great styles that you may not have thought about in the past. Let’s journey into the world of short pants. The rest of the story after the break.
Showing posts with label Top 5. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Top 5. Show all posts
Monday, March 7, 2011
Monday, February 28, 2011
Top 5–Nike Air Max Running Shoes
I love vintage running shoes and the most collected is the Air Max series. They are the flagship running shoe in the Nike Brand and a have a loyal following for each release year. I chose the 5 that I think represent the series best. The rest of the story after the break.
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Top 5 Packer/Steelers Colored Shoes
I have been a Green Bay Packers fan since birth. I am so happy that they won the Super Bowl and are receiving the recognition that they deserve. I didn’t want to do just a Packers colored shoes Top 5, because frankly there aren’t that many in the true colors. So I included the Pittsburgh Steelers colors, Yellow and Black, because they had a lot of heart and played a fantastic game. I have decided to to use only the team colors and not colors that might match. Check out the Top 5 after the break.
Monday, January 31, 2011
Top 5–New Balance Retros
New Balance has been a part of my life since my childhood. They were my first pair of running shoes and my dad made me wear them, even though I wanted Nike. I later on began to grow and appreciate what New Balance had to offer. They offer quality, durability and comfort; everything you want in a great running shoe. Check out the Top 5 and see if your favorite made the list, right after the break.
Monday, January 24, 2011
Top 5 Skateboarding Shoes
Let’s just say I am no professional skateboarder. I have dabbled in the sport, back when boards were wider. I tried, 4 years ago, skateboarding again with a more modern board; quickly learning that skateboarding has gotten a whole lot more amazing. Which means I couldn’t compete. Now my only link to skateboarding is shoes and my old decks. You know my back story and how I have no expertise in skateboarding. What I really mean is that these shoes may not be the best shoes for skateboarding, just the best looking shoes that have to do with skateboarding. See the full list after the break.
Monday, January 17, 2011
Top 5 Places to Buy Discount Clothes
These are places to buy amazing items at a discounted price. Each place must deal exclusively in discounted goods and can only sell stuff that is real. Every site is approved and safe to shop at. Did your favorite make the list? Check out the Top 5 after the break.
Monday, January 10, 2011
Top 5 Most Unappreciated Denim Brands
These are brands that people don’t always think of as “go to brands.” These are not the mainstream denim brands and they are not the most popular either. They are all great brands, but they just don’t get the respect they deserve. They are either new brands or brands that are established but are not known for making denim. There is no price limit, but the jeans have to be amazing to make the list.
#5 – Orisue
I first heard of Orisue when they got into some trouble about a tee they made using Howard Stern’s likeness, with out his permission. I have that shirt and it is a beauty. Recently I have been seeing their jeans pop up on a few websites. The jeans have great color contrasts and the light tan leather patches really works well with the darker pairs. I haven’t experienced these in person, but I am looking forward to trying them on.
#4 – RVCA
RVCA jeans really started becoming great when they started their Leo Romero collaboration. The Romero jeans started with dark blue stretch and a faded grey/black pair. The dark blue pair looked just like your basic Nudie jean, but with some really nice stretch. This year the line has blown up and they started to release twill pants, cords and a lot more denim. RVCA is mainly known for their awesome tees, but they should be known for their denim.
#3 – Bullhead
Everyone knows Pac Sun’s denim brand Bullhead, but this brand doesn’t get the respect it deserves. The brand used to be just a bunch of denim in the back of the store that no one paid much attention too. The brand has gone from basic to down right amazing. They cover the denim spectrum like no other brand. From the skinniest jean to straight leg and everywhere in between. This year they have upgraded the hardware and added twill pants in every color of the rainbow to their line. Their biggest upgrade is the skinny slouch. I know I trashed a pair of skinny slouch before, but these are the perfect skinny slouch. They have a roomy thigh and slightly skinniest bottom.This may sound like complete opposites, but it really works and guys with thicker thighs can wear skinny jeans comfortably. The best part 2 pairs of jeans for $59 or $55, depending on the fit.
#2 – Nudie Jeans Co.
Please, I beg you to find me a pair of Nudie Jeans that aren’t amazing. Nudie Jeans is a known jean brand, but I feel like people don’t give them the respect they deserve. You can name off some of the top denim brands and if you were to mention Nudie, you might get some blank stares. Nudie lives within people who know great denim, but most people would walk right past it onto a known brand. These jeans also run the fit gambit. They range from the skinniest possible jeans to loose tapered fit. The denim color and the stitching are always sharp and compliment each other. I have the Slim Jim which is labeled as a slim fit, but is a little more like a skinny jean. Let’s get out there and campaign for Nudie Jeans Co.
#1 WeSC
I have talked about WeSC multiple times and people still don’t get it. They see the price tag and pass them up. The jeans are well worth the money if more people would try them on. Also they are the softest jeans I have ever experienced. They are thinner and crisper then most brands that cost 3x as much. WeSC doesn’t have the largest fit category, but they have the primary fits; the fits that people wear the most. WeSC is still rising, so people are just getting their first taste and I will give it another year before people really get hyped about the jeans.
Each brand I have talked about are all quality brands, but people are looking for the cheapest not the best. The problem is most people end up spending more because the cheap jeans wear out and fade much faster. People need to learn that quality is much better, in the long run, than price. Yes you can buy $20 jeans, but you going to get $20 jean quality and fit. Spend the extra money and don’t hit the buffet that week; your jeans will fit a lot better.
Monday, January 3, 2011
Top 5 Jordan’s I want to own
I grew up idolizing Michael Jordan; he was one of the main reasons I loved and watched basketball in the 80’s and 90’s. I never had a pair of Jordan’s growing up and I wasn’t really into them until recently, but now I have a passion for all things Jordan. These are Michael Jordan’s shoes not any of the other players on the Jordan Brand roster. These are the Top 5 Jordan’s I want to own; there can be only one per year
#5 – Air Jordan Rare Air “Olympic”
This was the pair I recently came across and I really like what I saw. The Rare Air is a hybrid of 4 different Jordan models, the Jordan threes, fours, five and sixes. This shoe is pretty much the best of the best, of some of the great Jordan’s. These were first introduced in 2010 and already have a ton of colorways. The Olympic colorway were designed to represent the Beijing Olympics with all the colors of the Olympic rings on the bottom of the shoe. This colorway was first seen on the Jordan 6’s and now the Rare Air is getting the treatment, with laser engraged elephant pattern on the toe and heel. This is one the newest Jordan’s on my list and my least favorite, but this doesn’t mean I’m not a fan.
#4 – Air Jordan Fusion 8 Black/Varsity Red – Flint Grey
The Fusion series combines Air Jordan’s with an Air Force One sole. I love the concept of mixing genres; basically because the Air Force One’s are so plain and the soles look awesome attached to most of the Jordan’s. The Fusion 8 is just what the name suggests, a fusion of the Jordan 8 and the Air Force One, but it really compliments the Jordan 8. The flat sole of the Air Force One really smooth's out the look the 90’s styling of the Jordan 8. I chose the black and varsity red because it the most simple of the 3 available colorways and the flint grey sole separates the black top from the red bottom. I like the look of the six, especially the Jumpman logo on the tongue; the only feature I don’t like is the straps that cover the laces. I have never been a big fan of straps or how to wear them. Fusion may power the world one day, but for now it can power your feet.
#3 Air Jordan IV “Mars Blackmon”
Everyone knows who Spike Lee is and has probably seen many of his movies. Besides watching “Do The Right Thing,” Spike was very popular as Mars Blackmon, a Michael Jordan super fan with giant glasses and a flipped up hat. He first burst on the scene as Spike Lee’s alter ego in the movie “She Gotta Have It.” Mars was next seen is a series of Nike commercials taking about were MJ gets his moves from, with the famous line, “Is it the shoes.” The Jordan IV “Mars Blackmon” is a White shoe with Red and Black accents; there is also a little image of Mars Blackmon almost peeking over the heel. The Jordan IV shows the changes from the 80’s style in the 90’s futuristic style. Do the right thing and buy yourself these shoes.
#2 – Air Jordan XI “Space Jam”
These are the most sought after Air Jordan’s ever. The Space Jam was first introduced in the movie “Space Jam.” If you are just crawling out from under your rock and haven’t seen the Bugs Bunny/MJ live action/cartoon feature film, then you are missing out. Basically Jordan retires to play baseball, which actually happened in real life, and is sucked into the toon world to help Bugs and friends win a basketball game against the “Monstars.” The movie was a huge success and it spawned one of the most amazing Jordan’s ever made,Jordan XI. The Jordan XI is worn by Michael in the movie during the final basketball game. These shoes were released in 96, but was first worn in the 95 playoffs because Jordan couldn’t wait to wear the shoes. This action literally caused riots. When they were re-released last year they again caused people to lose their mind and trash a Foot Locker to get these shoes. As much as I love these shoes they don’t have anything on the “Shoes that got away.”
#1 – Air Jordan 1 “Hare Jordan”
The “Shoes that got away,” or the shoes someone stole before I even got to see. If you read my blog about my history with shoes then you have heard the story about my debacle with trying to buy my first pair of Jordan’s. The Jordan 1 is my favorite Jordan because it’s the most retro, if you don’t count the skytop, and the “Hare” is the simplest of the colorways. A basic red and white colorway, but the secret lies with the Jumpman logo. The classic logo is replaced with Bugs Bunny in the famous Jordan poise on the tongue. The tongue also strays from the normal colors of red and white, with a mix of green and orange triangle pattern. This is an homage to the Jordan VII “Hare Jordan” release in 1991 to coincide with a Bugs Bunny/MJ commercial. I love this shoe and not just because it’s the shoe that got away, but I also grew up watching Bug Bunny cartoons and also I loved the fact that they combined Michael with the toons. I will have these shoes soon and this time I will make sure I am home when they arrive, so no one else can take my shoes.
What’s your Top 5 Jordan's? Post your list in the comments section or email the list. I think this list encompasses some of the best Jordan’s and I know I couldn’t add all great one’s on here, but this gives you an idea of some great colorways. Michael Jordan is one of the greatest players to ever play the game of basketball and he also has some of the best sneakers ever made. So I think it’s only fitting that he get his own week dedicated to his greatness.
As always email me at threadandsole@gmail.com, like my Facebook page Thread and Sole , follow me on twitter @threadandsole and tumblr. Comments are welcome on the blog and make sure you follow to get updates on posts. If you want to donate any amount is gladly accepted and remember if you are shopping at Karmaloop.com, use “jcam1981” and receive 20% off.
Monday, December 13, 2010
Top 5 Classic Nike Running Shoes
To get on this list the shoe must be made in the 60’s, 70’s, 80’s or 90’s. The classic running shoe is a trendsetter and a shoe that has changed the running game. They must be a good looking shoe and there will not be any super crazy designs because they don’t help you run faster; it’s like putting a ton of stickers on your import car.
#5 Nike Cortez
This is Nike’s first running shoe designed by Bill Bowerman, the legendary coach from Oregon. This is a very comfortable shoe and was revolutionary in 1968, but by todays standard this shoe wouldn’t hold a candle to the air max collection. The Cortez features a wedge-like sole and an almost rocket like design. I own the nylon version, which are super lightweight, but after you wear them all day your feet can really start to ache.
#4 Nike Air Max 97
The Air Max 97 introduced the world to an almost full 360 degree air cushion. It’s not my favorite of the Air Max series, but its sleek design and giant air cushion make it revolutionary. It’s not as bulky as the Air Max 95 and way less hideous then the Air Max 96. I am not sure what happened from the 95 to the 97, the Air Max 96 is just awful. The Air Max 97 is not a favorite in the sneakerhead community, but I love the sleek and sporty look; plus it’s a really comfortable shoe.
#3 Nike Waffle Trainer
This is Bowerman’s second creation, he even ruined his wife’s waffle iron making this shoe. The Waffle Trainer looks very similar to the Cortez but has the distinct waffle pattern that changed running in the 1970’s. This shoe is a little more comfortable then the Cortez and helps cut down on blisters and drag. I have the Rockwaffle, which is a combination of a running shoe and a rock climbing shoe. They can be worn all day with little discomfort, but I wouldn’t use them as a daily runner.
#2 Nike Air Max 95
My Second favorite Air Max with front and back air cushions. The 95 is designed on the bottom like a human spine. The lines on the side are very sleek and have the look of a high end sports car. They are a bit bulky and higher than most running shoes, but they look damn good with jeans. I still haven’t bought these, but I look forward to purchasing these for my Christmas gift. The Air Max 95 is one of the most highly collected of the Air Max series. It seems to be in a dead heat with the Air Max 1.
#1 Nike Air Max 1
This was the first Air Max shoe I added to my collection and it is my favorite shoe in my collection. It was also the first of the Air Max shoes and the first to have a visible air cushion. The shoe is amazing, not too tall and not too bulky. It is the perfect classic running shoe, just a clean, classic shoe that looks good in any color and look great with both shorts and jeans. I hate to wear shorts, even when it’s super hot outside. I have the Air Max 1 skull pack in the orange and blue colorway. I chose this colorway because I am a Florida Gator fan and this shoe has the exact same colors as the Gators, but it isn’t a gator shoe like the Air Tim Tebow. This is the first shoe you should buy, if you want to start the Air Max collection. It’s only fair since it was the first of the Air Max series.
Running shoes have changed so much in the past 10 years; Nike has added Flywire and a 360 air cushion. Not every change has been good, example the Nike Shox. Even with all the gadgets and gizmos, nothing beats a classic. Let’s face it, no one is strapping these shoes on to go pound the pavement; they are putting them on to turn the fashion world on its head.
As always email me at threadandsole@gmail.com, like my Facebook page Thread and Sole and follow me on twitter @threadandsole. Comments are welcome on the blog and make sure you follow to get updates on posts. If you want to donate any amount is gladly accepted and remember if you are shopping at Karmaloop.com, use “jcam1981” and receive 20% off.
Monday, December 6, 2010
Top 5–Most Overrated Denim Brands
I will probably get a lot a grief for writing this, but it’s something that has been bothering me for long time. I have been a member of multiple denim forums, not to be named, and some of the people tend to be super pretentious and very judgment. I don’t think everyone in forums is bad and most of the people can be super helpful. To make the list the jeans have too cost way too much and all fit terrible. Well, on with the countdown.
#5 – Lucky Brand Jeans
I know Lucky has a hardcore following, but I have meet a lot of the hardcore fans and they are just not on my fashion level. The jeans are comfortable but they just don’t fit right and are not worth what they cost.
#4 – 7 for all Mankind
Seven jeans have a huge following and as much as I wanted to like these jeans I just couldn’t get into their fit and style. I think the the A – pocket is the most ridiculous back pocket design.
#3 – Abercrombie & Fitch
I don’t hate everything Abercrombie, just their jeans. Back in the boot cut days I thought Abercrombie was the best thing going and maybe that was because I worked at the store. The jeans are super low rise and the boot cut is super baggy and they make people with butts, look like they have no butt; if you don’t have a butt just forget about these jeans.
#2 – True Religion Brand Jeans
As much as I love True Religion, I also hate most of their looks. The worst are the Super T’s and Big T’s, they have super big stitching and it doesn’t always match the denim color. The worst was when they started adding murals on their back pockets and some pairs had a ridiculous amount to holes and patched holes. Some pairs are way over priced; I don’t mind dropping money if they are worth it, but $300 for ugly ill fitting jeans in not right.
#1 – BKE Jeans
This is the only brand that I truly hate all of their jeans. First off the jeans are super uncomfortable, even the loose fit jeans. They cost about $70-$80, but they feel super cheap; I am talking about the quality and fit. For a company that has the largest variety of fits, the jeans sure don’t fit well. The slim are too baggy, the relaxed is too loose and the the boot cut is like a flare jean. The back pockets are atrocious; to much going on and no clear signature pattern. The pockets are all different and are made of crazy patterns; it’s just way too busy. Most people like these jeans because they are talked into liking these jeans and are made to believe they are the greatest, the power of suggestion.
I don’t really hate all of these jeans, except BKE, I just think people give them way too much credit and they tend to cost way more than they are worth. Just because a pair of jeans cost around $100 doesn't mean it’s worth a shit. If company are going to charge that much, at least the jeans could feel and have the quality of that price. They best way to avoid getting a crappy pair is to research and try on different pairs. Now you know, any knowing is half the battle!! G.I. Joe.
Monday, November 29, 2010
Top 5–Cardigan Sweaters for winter 2010
Cardigans are the best way to wear a sweater, whether it’s cashmere, wool or cotton.You can wear it open or closed and it goes great with any t-shirt. Are you excited that we get to layer up? It’s not about a thick or thin sweater, it’s just about loving a good winter sweater
#5 – Black Scale Tuxedo Cardigan
I am not very familiar with Black Scale, but after searching through their catalogue it’s looking like something I would happily wear. The sweater is just a simple cardigan, aside from being red, that you could easily match with many different tees and jeans. Once I find a store that sells Black Scale, I will let you know how it fits.
#4 – Abercrombie & Fitch Goodnow Mountain Sweater
I know most people hate Abercrombie because they are pretentious and a little naked, at times. Well I don’t think so, it’s only because I used to work for the company and I had a pretty great experience . I have always had a soft spot for the clothes and they are very well made. This sweater is your typical thick, wool, cable knit sweater. Good for keeping warm by a fire and super stylish. Just imagine hanging at a ski lodge, sipping a glass of scotch and getting ready to make sweet love to a snow bunny. It’s like that everyday if you lived in an Abercrombie ad. Either way this sweater is an awesome addition to anyone's closet.
#3 – Freshjive Mockery Cardigan
This is an old brand that had totally done a 180 degree turnaround. Freshjive used to be the premiere stoner t-shirt, and then one day it just disappeared off the radar. Then without warning, Freshjive jumped back on the scene with a renewed soul and some incredible apparel. This sweater is proof of their triumphant return. The Mockery has the look of a letterman jacket, but the soul of a cardigan. Ok, I don’t know what kind of soul it has but it’s a different example of innovation in the sweater world. I haven’t really tried anything on from Freshjive yet, but I will tomorrow. Fear not readers, Freshjive is back and better than ever.
#2 – WeSC Gaspare Cardigan
Finally something I actually own. I purchased this a couple months ago and have been wearing it ever since. It’s a pretty lightweight version and is even great for those cool times of the year. The colors are a light gray and dark gray mix, working well with most tees and jeans. Like all WeSC tops this runs small, so go one size up. There is not much to say, this is just a simple, classic striped cardigan. This is one purchase that will be in your life for the next couple of years.
#1 – Obey Shoreline Naval Sweater
I picked this as number one, because it’s so different from your conventional cardigan sweater. It almost resembles a jacket, but maintains the look of a cardigan. The Shoreline is polyester blend with real nautical metal buttons and multiple pockets. The collar also adds an element you rarely see in most new sweaters today. I applaud Obey work, for thinking outside the box and creating a sweater that looks like a 1920’s steamer ship captain would wear during his down time. I can’t wait to find this in person and see if the fit matches my love for the look. I love cardigans and I love when they aren’t your typical everyday sweater. Thank you Obey!
What do you think of the list? Let me know with comments, tweets or wall posts. You can follow me on twitter @threadandsole or like me on Facebook – thread and sole. You can also follow me on here, I am looking at you Netherlands. 1
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