[ URBAN + TAKE(ØUT) ]

Just when I thought straps on hi-tops would O-ver used, O-bsolete, and be O-ut of the picture, one of my favorite, underrated brands DIET BUTCHER SLIM SKIN revamps the sneaker strap. When hi-tops were getting higher, DBSS  decided…WE OFF THAT! They’ve hit hard with the “W Belts” Sneaker from their S/S ‘10 line. The pics, courtesy of Highsnobiety, speak for themselves.

If you haven’t got the memo by now….we’re knocking on Winter’s door. Before she opens up that bad boy up, it’s essential to have the proper gear on deck.  Now, we’ve been putting people onto all kinds of outerwear titans, but the Massachusetts-based newjacks, Penfield, may be edging out the competition. Their latest collection of 80/20 premium down-filled vests and jackets not only showcases their attention to detail (i.e. pocket placement, material usage, lines and contours) but their full understanding that good quality should be AFFORDABLE. That my friends is a Win-Win.

Check out some of the classic styles available this season from Penfield.

Cole Haan has resurrected the name of its’s long lost co-founder with the COLE ROOD & HAAN line of “roaring-twenties” inspired brogues, wingtips and dress boots and some cool complementary bags.

For ze Urban Graduette…

…and ze Urban Graduates:

Purchase here.

One of the best ways for women to add character to any outfit during the Fall/Winter season is to take FULL advantage of unique accessories. Sure, everyone is gonna have a scarf or a bracelet here and there, but how many ladies will have truly eye-catching pieces? ….riiiiiight…not many.

Insert B-Side by Ken & Dana. Their latest accessories collection features a variety of exotic, vibrant pieces. B-Side recreates the modern accessory by using geometrical shapes and mixing them with fluid, yet textured staples like silk scarves and beaded neckwear. The dopest thing about these accessories is that they actually have VOLUME! Chunky accessories are GREAT complements to fall/winter wears. Kudos to B-Side for being bold in the fall, and kudos to the Graduettes with enough moxie to pull of these accessories.

OPENING TODAY IN NEW YORK (via Crosby St.) is the GUCCI ICON-TEMPORARY pop-up store. This “flash sneaker store” has brought Gucci Creative Director Frida Giannini and DJ Mark Ronson together to design a limited edition collection of sneakers. At each stop on this 18-city international tour a new Gucci Ronson sneaker will be introduced to the world, in addition to exclusive editions of 18 sneaker styles in the Gucci Icon-Temporary collection. The Gucci Ronson sneakers retail between $500-$600, while the Gucci Icon-Temporary sneakers are between $500-$1,400. Each sneaker comes with exclusive packaging and the option of having your initials placed on the leather lace adornments.

Shout out to Bay Area Kicks for the photos.

**UPDATE** — Here are some shots from the pop-up store, courtesy of Nitrolicious

As an Urban Graduette I’ve come to realize two truths.

Fact 1: Men like when we wear their clothes. Fact 2: Every girl wants to wear items of men’s clothing.

It’s not really a secret, sometimes we just want to breath and not have everything so close. And I’ll agree, women do have a thing for an Urban Grad who can bring out his inner Brett Favre and make it his own. But sometimes we just want to be “ruggedly sexy” in our own way.

Hunter Chic isn’t just for the boys anymore. It’s for us women who want to show that clothes can empower us in an appealing way [sans the big shoulder pads of the 80s…gross]. To get the look across successfully there needs to be that mandatory dance between hard and soft; rugged and smooth. The subtle play between opposites that a guy who appreciates a mean shoe game will recognize. Let’s do some fashion addition:

- Ceci Staff writer & F.I.T. student