[ URBAN + TAKE(ØUT) ]

**[APOLOGIES]**

[Urban + Take(øut)] would like to make a formal justification in writing to all of our readers/friends for the lack of posts in this month of February. My associate and I have been very busy trying to make the world that is the Urban Graduate’s a reality. We understand that sometimes in order to have a productive grind and be successful there must be sacrifices, and we just ask that you all understand. A great English philosopher said that, ‘insincerity is always weakness; sincerity even in error is strength.” So with that said I am going to be sincere with you all in the midst of this [error]…

First off, for all of those continuing to support us, we appreciate all of you. Much love to ya. However, we have been trying to continue on our path to rack up those 10,000 man-hours in order to see that our vision reaches full fruition. My associate has been out on some serious field research trying to pump the Urban Takeøut brand at different boutiques across the country. He actually had a chance to get up with his boy Jon Famous and Jim Jones and rep for the Urban Grads in VIP. On the other side of the country, I had been spending the month getting together my portfolio. I had an interview with the Chairperson of the Menswear Department at F.I.T. So I flew up to NY a little early, spent the next day searching for fabric swatches for my designs, and then I interviewed the next morning.

I’m saying all that to say, we never forget about our obligation here at the Urban Takeøut blog. We are just trying to make sure that you continually get the most innovative, exclusive, and consumer-friendly fashion updates from a reliable source. So once again thank you all for understanding and…we’re back online.

**[APOLOGIES]**

In every man’s luggage there should be 3 MANDATORY things. First, there should always be a suit or blazer/trousers combination (that’s in case any event pops up). Second, there should always be an EXTRA set of basic undergarments, you know — boxers/boxer briefs, crewneck/A-neck/V-neck t-shirt, and dress hosiery/athletic socks. Finally, there should be (drumroll please….) a DOPP KIT!

A Dopp Kit is to a man what a cosmetics caboodle is to a woman. We’re gonna run down some of the necessary elements of the dopp kit, so get out your pads and pens:

1. The actual Dopp bag

Go with leather (traditional) or nylon (washable). You want something that’s durable, roomy, and shallow enough to stack inside your luggage.

2. Skin Care Products

Travel appropriate shower gel, shampoo, facial cleansers, shaving cream, aftershave, and lotion.

3. Oral and Bodily Hygiene Products

Travel appropriate toothpaste, mouthwash, dental floss, and of course — the toothbrush. For the body, deodorant and cologne of choice.

4. Hardware

Razor (straightedge is ideal, but disposable or electric works too), finger/toe nail clipper, comb/brush, and nosehair trimmer (seriously).

5. X – Factors

These are the answers to those “in case of….” scenarios. Book of matches, bandaids, aspirin or cold medication, condoms, lint roller, spare contact lenses, earplugs.

Sorry for the last few days of absence but The Grind called. This is another Spring-prequel post geared at getting you Urban Graduettes prepared. You heard it hear first, one-piece swim suits are in for Spring ‘09! I know there are some that like to show that Janet Jackson abdomen they have worked so hard for, but as I always say…when there is MORE fabric to work with there is MORE fun. Case in point…

Here is my favorite. These are some pieces by Lenny Leleu. Her stuff is so official that it almost got it’s own “u|T|ø Endorses” post. I would love to see an Urban Graduette masterfully pull off any one of these pieces [not literally].

This Diamond Underwire One-Piece from Lover is bad too. It’s a little more subdued than Ms. Leleu, but still equally a sign of style. Too bad the model doesn’t look happy wearing it.

Even Urban Outfitters is getting in on the “classy” action with this one-piece from Silence & Noise. The waistband on these can actually be widened to do a little more sculpting…NICE.

I admit, I absolutely love to walk the subtle path were fashion meets convenience! And as of late,  The Hobo Bag is MY #1 TRAVEL BUDDY . So as a guest writer, fashionista, and Urban Graduette, I wanted to share the things that I think make THE perferct Hobo bag.

The first thing I think about is the “Slouch Factor”. I need it to be very duffle-like, with slack in the right places — like the ends. You can usually tell this when you put it on your shoulder. If the slack is still there, that’s the one.

The next thing I look for is the “Openness” of the bag. I like to have enough space to fit a pair of shoes inside, along with my iPhone, pocketbook, my makeup….and the list of essentials goes on. Basically, it should be roomy, but not overly spacious.

The final thing, and my personal favorite, is the “Hidden Treat”. I love bags that have neat details — like special key chains, textures, light ornate accents. THIS adds the spice to the bag!

Just my lil take on Hobo Bags. Anatomy 101

- K.S.

Our Valentine’s Day essentials series will be posted at the end of this week. Here’s a little something to wet your whistle..

I know these action figures have been out since like 2005, when Hedi Slimane was still with the house of Dior, but I wanted to bring attention to the “liveness” of this collabo. It’s an interesting, but not surprising, combination of Japanese toy company x international, star fashion designer x acclaimed electronic music duo. The fact that Mr. Slimane dressed these Daft Punk figures is second only to the attention paid to detail. For some reason I don’t really think the $230 price tag is that bad…I guess my OCD gives me a profound appreciation for artful detail.

Check out the Daft Punk 400% Be@rbrick 2-Pack