The Tone of Atonement is PINK

Of course all women in-the-know, know what begins tomorrow. The coveted marketing ploy/media jihad known as the Victoria’s Secret Semi-Annual Sale. However, this is not a post endorsing the Vicky’s Covert semi-annual sale of already overpriced cotton, this is an attempt at diverting your attention back to Strumpet & Pink and the other “undergarment underdogs” that are trying to get their products on the asses of the masses.

u|T|ø Endorses…Zuriick Shoes

I almost didn’t post this because I was enjoying my Christmas break (even though Christmas is definitely not the same as it used to be) but I decided to listen to my motto “grind over glamour.” I have been on these shoes since I first discovered them because of their simple look. I’m loving the \un/derstatement on these shoes…the purple bottoms. So if you like minimalist design, simple construction, and subtle use of color, then you will like what Zuriick has to offer.

Fashion Hopes = Stylish Memories Reversed

I hope the Urban Graduettes are taking note that UTØ has been showing the womenfolk much love with our recent posts.  But as long as you ladies keep showing love I’m gonna reciprocate.  So here I am once again with something that I think you all will like.  Everyone knows about the French manicure; it was popular in the 1920s and 1930s.  It died, as all popular things do, and was then resurrected in the 70s.  In the present, the understated is what show others that you have style.  So enter…the wayward, fraternal twin sister of the French manicure…the Reverse French manicure.

Unlike the original French manicure, the classic Reverse French manicure paints the nail bed white and colors the tip.  My favorite take on the RFM is where the moons of the nails are painted white and the rest of the nail is painted black.  The third version involves a white moon and a white tip, with a vivid color in between.  The RFM is not a technique for the novice so Urban Graduettes start practicing.  Here is a link to help you get started.

The smARTORIALIST: Gifts for Her

Fellas, we all know that shopping for an Urban Graduette is a task that Ethan Hunt wouldn’t want to come anywhere near. You have sooo many variables to think about — and most of all, you never want to disappoint. Well, u|T|ø is here to help. But first, let’s lay down the ground rules for sh[e]opping.

1. NEVER buy her a pair of shoes. (My grandma always told me, “She’ll walk right on out your life”)

2. KNOW HER SIZE! If you don’t – get the smallest size you can find.

3. ASK for opinions from other women. (Hell, THEY are who she is trying to impress….not you)

4. JEWELRY = Explanation. (If it shines, sparkles, or glistens in the moonlight, be sure to have a solid paragraph memorized to explain your reasoning)

Now, with that out the way, here are some Go-To product lines that will appeal to the Urban Graduette. Remember, it’s not all about the “BIG LABELS” — it’s about the thought and the significance.

Janelle Ford Handbags – Exclusivity at it’s Finest, this designer uses a range of materials (ostrich?!) to hand make high-quality bags; $$ – $$$

Philosophy Cosmetics – Think…Bath and Body Works, SQUARED. It’s more of a lifestyle brand, and it demonstrates attention to her details; $ – $$

The Picnica Tote - A tote bag that comes from the innards of a bunny. I know it sounds harsh and very anti-PETA but just look at the pics; $ – $$

Get Familiar: ‘Ver Eo’ Bags

Urban Graduates,…

…Christmas is almost here and I’m sure that most of you have been shopping for others and yourself (I personally shop for myself first because it makes it easier for me to spread the holiday spirit).  December 25th will come and go as soon as you think and so will the New Years and the presidential inauguration.  And before you know it Spring will be upon us…and it will be time to hit the beach.  In preparation I have compiled a list of some hip Spring travel bags.  Nothing says what the f@%$ like a flyly dressed individual on the beach or walking the city with a crappy, contrasting travel bag.  And this is by no means an exhaustive list, feel free to let me know what other bag would make a great addition.

Just thought these were cool (still trying to find out availability)…

Greek 2 Chic: Dogs | The Re-up

Just when you thought your holiday season was safe, we had to let the Dogs loose! [Urban+Take(øut)] is rebooting (pun intended) the Q – Dog series, pumpin out a whole new style selection for the nastiest brothas on the yard. **To the Ques, please grab your Crown Royal bags, Vikings, and Lakers paraphenalia….and proceed to roast them on an open fire.** So relax, grab a pint of that Oil, and watch as we upgrade the Bruhs, (for in the immortal words of George Clinton, “The Dog that chases its tail will be dizzy”):

House Dog (Polo + Rugby)

*The embroidery on the Rugby sweater….ridiculoso. Plus the belt is a 4 season winner!

Street Dog (LRG + Billionaire Boys Club)

* Grape Cardigans?! No brainer.

Nasty Dog (Supra + Paper ROOt + UNDRCRWN + Beasted)

*I hope everyone notices that the two most powerful men in America are on these tees — Barack Obama…and Kimbo Slice.

Atomic Dog (NIKE + CLAE + Lacoste x Mita)

* Two words…Eggplant Flightposite — easily one of the top 100 sneakers ever made by Nike. And, did you peep how Lacoste’s collab with Mita Sneakers (Japan all day) look like The Retro Jordan 3′s??

Match Maker, Match Maker [REDUX]

Sorry for the pause in posting but it has been an interesting couple of days (I’ll save THAT story for another post).  But anyway Im here with a new Match Maker for the cosmopolitan Urban Graduate.  A keffiyeh is a nice introduction to wearing a scarf.  But it’s also really trendy, and if you wanna show that you are truly refined and have a fashion sense then you might want to pick up a real scarf.  A keffiyeh is cool for few occasions, but do it too much and you’ll start to look like Piccolo from Dragon Ball.  The good thing about a real scarf is that you can still be casual but if you wanna throw on something “after-five” thats fine too.  So I’ve decided to compile a post of different scarves and some accompanying bottom suggestions.  Your welcome.

Topman Orange Check Scarf

KR3W Muska Dirty Grey Jeans

Paul Smith Red Skinny Striped Scarf

Levi's Capital E Stacked Skinny Jeans

Paul Smith Multi Stripe Wool Scarf

Ijin Selvedge Jeans (straight leg)

POLO Signature Lambswool Scarf

Fink Grey Plaid 5 Pocket Pant

POLO Glen Plaid Scarf

Levi's Skinny 511 Garment Dyed Jeans

Mary Meyer Snake Dance Scarf

Helmut Lang Black Piece Dyed Pant

From the Mouth of [a] Gouyen

It was a cool, overcast day when I came across a wise women on my path to fashionable enlightenment.  Her face was soft but her look was stern.  She had thick, dark amber colored hair that gently touched her face; as if to remind itself that it was connected to something so beautiful.  I noticed she was traveling in the opposite direction as me.  With slight apprehension, I decided to stop her and ask her why she was headed ‘fashion-backward.’  She tossed her hair from her face and spoke in a very soft tone as if I didn’t just ask her such an invasive question.  She told me that she had learned enough and was on her way to bring fashion knowledge back to her people.  She then looked up, as if to see my next thought, and said that she would tell me five things that a wise woman should have in the Fall…

Boots.

Fall dress.

[bad ass] Skirt.

Funky sweater.

and Tall gloves.

…After we each walked but a few steps in our separate ways, this Gouyen-like woman turned around and said to me (with what seemed to be the first sign 0f a smile since we began our encounter) “there is nothing a woman cannot get with a smile and a gun.”

u|T|ø Endorses…Strumpet And Pink

OK, so you know how you see outfits on the runway that no one could ever pull off in real life? Well this post highlights clothing like that…well more like undergarments.  [Urban+Take(øut)] is endorsing Strumpet And Pink, a line that brings couture from the runway to the bedroom (I’ve just awarded myself two douchebag points for that).  [Sidenote: I wonder when a rapper is gonna call a girl a "strumpet" in a song]  Vicky’s Secret has nothing on this line.  These unmentionables are strictly for the privacy of one’s home; plus there is no way that a woman could comfortably wear this lingerie under her clothing because of all the wonderful embellishments.  This is the go-to line for that I’m-going-to-slip-into-something-more-comfortable situation.  Graduettes, show that special Graduate that you really care by holding it down publicly and privately.

With that said, FELLAS…if you need a gift idea….Ding, Ding.  This is one of those gifts that will show A) you want to keep things fresh, B) you’re romantic, C) you are really knowledgable about random things and D) you know here size (ALWAYS a  pl+s). Here are some links from which to cop…Faire Frou Frou and Catriona Mackechnie.

The smARTORIALIST: The Ultimate Gift for Him

It is rare that I endorse a particular object. I’m usually a fan of learning through observation, and then refining to one’s particular taste. However, TODAY, I’m going to step outside of my comfort zone and suggest that every guy acquire one specific book this holiday season – Esquire’s The Handbook of Style: A Man’s Guide to Looking Good.

This book is going to provide some key information about men’s wardrobing that can be used for years and years. Materials, cuts, outerwear, basic essentials, accessories……The Works — all the information you need to develop or preserve your style are inside it.

With that said, LADIES…if you need a gift idea….Ding, Ding. This is one of those gifts that will show A) you care about his appearance, B) you’re thoughtful, and C) you are really knowledgable about random things. Please be sure to put your order in quickly, because this item WILL sell out (release date isn’t until January 6, 2009).

Greek 2 Chic: Rabbits | The Re-up

Long overdue but always on time, these gentlemen know how to make an appropriate entrance . Hence, we at u|T|ø would like to introduce to some and reinvent to others, Rabbits n’ Diamonds (insert skreaming women and launched Vicky Sekret produkts). The process of perfekting one’s style  (so he kan always stand out in a sea of K. A. O. S.) takes time, guidance, and a “fire” sense of what’s hot and what’s not. Check out these styles that will separate the men who run the yard from those that kan’t. (And of kourse, Ladies, relax and take notes.)

Klassic Kut (Band of Outsiders + Honeyee Ties + BEAM + Generic Surplus Footwear)

* Please take time to appreciate the lining of the trenches, and the use of a playing card as a pocket square. Sick.

Kasual Play (Rugby)

* Sir, Madaam, his slacks (which are deep green) and the tartan colorway (the plaid pattern shown above) are krucial.

Street Kouture (Diamond Supply + Supra)

* If ever you needed a go-to label for streetwear…..hark, it has arrived.

The Urban Graduate [a.bloke.named.Glen]

In efforts to be dog wide and not as useless as a chocolate teapot, I’d like to present a post on one of my favorite woolens, glen plaid.  The name hails from the valley of Glenurquhart in Iverness-shire, Scotland.  It’s been around for yokes but it never goes out of season.  A nice glen plaid suit lets you get your grown man on without looking like a dickey dazzler.  If you don’t want to spend a lot of sheckels then you can buy an article of cover with the same woven twill design.  Say for example, a nice pair of trousers or an accessory of some sort.

   

Don’t forget that my ould mucker Pee Wee Herman (before he showed his arse) made the glen plaid suit his personal uniform for years.  See any similarities?