[ URBAN + TAKE(ØUT) ]

We’re back at it!! I think some of the brands, labels, and manufacturers are followin’ us cuz….the latest gear just seems to have GREEKDOM written all over it. Peep these items and you decide which colorways dominate the look:

Our friends over at iStep put us onto the buzz circulating about the biggest national step competition to ever be hosted, The Sprite Step Off. Well, in the spirit of fraternity/sorority…we had to take it one step further. Here are some looks for competitors and attendees to rock at the competition. Enjoy!

There are days when you want to show your organizational pride in a subtle manner and a pin won’t do it. Opt for a fashionable timepiece instead. Wristwatches can be an understated accessory by day and the key to your ensemble by night. Leave the utilitarian stainless steel band behind and put on a more expressive watch instead. Do remember to keep everything in proportion. Larger pieces are intended for the weekend and larger body frames, so make your acquisitions accordingly.

FROGS ::  A Bathing Ape

POODLES ::&::  CENTAURS :: Nixon

DOGS :: Vestal Zeppelin

RABBITS ::&::  DUCKS ::  Gucci ::&::  Bramford Rolex ID

APES ::  Bell & Ross

- Winston

notesfromafriendstown

Yes!! It’s that time of the year for the Pan-Hel to descend upon Atlanta! There’s something about barbecue grills, deejays, and Greeks strolling that really says…SUMMER SUMMER SUMMERTIME!! So if you plan to be out at Morris Brown College THIS weekend…1) We’ll see YOU there….and 2) PLEEEEEASE have your swagger at 100 thousand trillion (cuz if not…we WILL point you out, and post your pic under ‘Lost my Mojo’). Here’s some help from the u|T|o team:

 (in order of appearance: Rabbits, NPHC, Ducks, Apes, Frogs)

We’re putting some looks together for the fashion-savvy Greeks out there. Here’s the best from around the web:

DUCKS :: POW Bamboo Earrings by Melody Ehsani; We Run the South Tee by Once Upon a Time in NY.

POODLES :: Sex Sells T-Shirt by MTTM; The M.I.A. Denim Jacket by Hellz Bellz.

DOGS :: Asher Roth Tee by UNDRCRWN; Camou Shorts by Deluxe S/S ’09 Collection.

CENTAURS :: VR Stamp Tee by Viktor & Rolf  S/S ’09 Collection; Sentry All Gold Watch by Nixon; Swagg Knuckle Ring by GoodWood.

APES :: The Se7en Tee & The Greater Tee both by Alphanumeric; Converse x Selfridges 100th Anniversary Pantone 109 Sneaker.

As we’ve said time and time again, the Spring is all about COLOR. Greeks, this is your time to shine. When you’re fresh off of a probate, it’s a must to have elite footwork to match those elite letters. Let’s go IN!!

FROGS - (Nike GTS, Reebok TopDown, Sanuk No-Tanline Thongs, Adidas Camou Pack Flip Flop)

DOGS - (Air Jordan 1 Low Phat, Lakers Colorway; NIKE SB Skater Boys 90′s Pack; Adidas Originals Gazelle)

DOVES – (Supra Low Spring 09 Collection; NIKE Air Force 2 Freshwater colorway)

DUCK – (Puma First Round; Marc Jacobs Flip-Flops)

APES – (NIKE SB Premium Blazer Kiss; NIKE Blazer Premium Gold & Black Colorway)

RABBITS – (Supra Muska Skytop Burgundy Pack; NIKE Air Jordan 1 Hare 2)

CATS - (Jack Purcell Blue Canvas)

CENTAURS - (NIKE Terminator Wildwood Woven Pack)

POODLES - (Nike Dunk x Liberty; Adidas Nizza Stripes Consortium; Lacoste Tennis 91 x Croc Mythology, West Africa Pack)

You already know what it is, let’s get it in. The top fashion items from around the web — Frats and Sororities, grab your pads and pens:

The Bag

Obama Tote Bag by Diane Von Furstenburg (Runway for Change). Divas…you need this one on deck.

The Jewelry

Necklace by Gulnur Ozdaglar (made from recycled PolyEtylene Terephtalate bottles). HARD!

The Shoes

Boat Sneaker by Louis Vuitton x Kanye West. I guess this is what he meant when he said, “my Kappa style”.

The Toy

15th Anniversary Giant Baby Milo Plush Toy by A Bathing Ape. Honestly, this is just ill. Black & Gold Members, make it an addition to the collection of apes.

The Outerwear

Wool Overcoat by Burberry. If there was ever an investment to be made, Sigmas…this would be the one.

The Scarf

“Rainer Maria Rilke” Poem Scarf by Edun. If you watched the U2 performance in the Inaugural Concert, Bono had this on (but the reverse colorway). African cotton = that sh*t. Open to all, grab one of these.

Okay, I’mma do the picks of the week a tad differently today — I’m posting only ONE of each type of item. I know, I know, this is truly a challenge, especially since we locate some of the dopest pieces out there. But hey, as Unique Trend Øriginators…we need to operate outside the box, feel me. Follow along:

The Sneaker

The Coraline Dunk by NIKE. Apparently, Coraline is an animated horror film that will be released in early Feb. To commemorate the film, their making these limited edition (1000 pairs) sneakers winnable. I’m lowkey mad at this marketing ploy, but hey, get it how ya live. The colorway is ridiculoso, the materials…sick (it’s got a damn button on it!) – all around, a work of art.

The Jacket

Stadium Jacket by Swagger x Trilly & Truly (Lupe Fiasco). Whenever I see a letterman-style jacket, I get reminded of classic swag. This piece is no different. The Camou Pattern fully contrasts the white leather used on the arms. But most importantly, the designers speak for themselves! CLEARLY, with this on, you will be a Varsity member among JV players.

The T-Shirt

Fingerprint T-shirt by Maison Martin Margiela. I don’t know what it is about this shirt, it’s just so striking. The concept of wearing something as unique as a fingerprint is dope to me. Now, aside from the subtle meaning, the shirt’s materials are among the highest quality ever (highest being japanese handmade). Kinda pricey, but a t-shirt that will last for a while.

The Gear

Les Ateliers Ruby Helmet by Jerome Coste. Okay, I’m pretty sure this won’t apply to everyone’s tastes and pocket space. But honestly, this might be the flyest motorcycle helmet on the market. If you’re not feelin the chrome wit crimson and ruby accents…check ur swagometer — you might be below standard.

The Device

Vintage Mulberry Wool iPhone Sleeve by Wrappers UK. Ladies…..this is incredibly chic. Most people are tacky with their device game — no protective gear at all. Some people are adequate — hard plastic cases, holsters, the works. Very few people are savvy — insert the joint you see above. Which one are you?

The Lady Kicks

Satin Shoes by Lanvin. Okay, I hope I’m not violating the challenge by posting two shoes — but really, these are not “sneakers”. THEY are waaaay more official, and they are constructed of SATIN uppers. How serious of a matter is that!?

The Belt

Leather Bape Belt by A Bathing Ape. Every now and then, you have to let the ostentatious rebel out of the conservative fly box. This belt is the avenue to accomplish that. Quality leather, metal buckle with BAPE imprint, courtesy of Nigo. Apes….you already know this goes hard.

The Bag

Leather Tote Bag by Cole Haan for Assouline Boutique (New York). So, you know the phrase, “Strong enough for a man, but built for a woman”? I think it applies right here. This is a “unisex” bag, but honestly, I think it would be a dope addition to a female’s arsenal. It’s durable as hell, a nice size, really stylish, and versatile. What more could you want? It’s like having a Goyard bag for the price of a Cole Haan Shoe. Nirvana.

Let’s kick 2009 off properly with an [Urban+Take(øut)] post for the DevaSTating Divas. Ladies, we know that Crimson is the preferred color to wrap yourselves in — but don’t be afraid to change the game (as if you didn’t see that coming) by playing with neutrals and monochromatic grays. Check out some of the looks we’ve hunted down:

DeSTined for Leisure (Lacoste + BDG)

* The stressed crewneck sweater…yea, that’s “Blockbuster Movie night” sexy.

Dangerously STunning (ASOS)

* These numbers are TOUGH!! Bow at the small of the back?? That’s just “add-water-and stir-BADness”. And, you can play with the leggings/tights to change the dynamic of the dresses.

Dope-girl STatus (NYC Boutique + Nooka + BDG + Rubber Duck)

*Plaid is apparently the new black. The watch is a low-key shout out to the Ques. And, look at the DUCK on the patent leather oxfords!! That’s just ill.

Detailed STylishly (Lowie + ASOS + Puma)

* Those mittens, absolutely unique. In fact, I’m 100% sure that no one has them, and once you cop them…folks will be jockin hard.

Divine STems (Louboutin + DSquared2)

*Umm….recession…hell, these just might be worth the debt. Beyonce….yea, she rocked the lightning bolt heels about a few weeks back — time for you to be SashaFierce (or whomever your alter ego is).

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??

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.

I think the web just exploded with new pieces from all the top streetwear designers. I’m bout to show yall some pieces that are gonna make Jeff Goldblum look less fly. Have your pencils ready:

Around the Way T-Shirt by Jeepney + NIKE Spring 2009 Collection Dunk Hi. This is a match made in heaven!! The perfect sneaker for the perfect chick! The shirt is extremely official, with the drip effect complementing the simple text. The sneaks….damn. Can you even see the detail?! Ridiculoso! Colorway is awesome — an all around good match.

Google Eyes Crewneck by Alife + NIKE Spring 2009 Collection Tailwind. Look what we have here! Crewnecks and Tailwinds go together like T-Pain and Autotune – a classic combination. First, Alife is a heavyweight authority in streetwear. This design is definitely eye-catching (no pun intended). Complementing the fit, Nike Tailwinds always emit retro-swag. The tonality is sheer dopeness, gray on gray, with red and black accents.

Colette x Virgil Abloh Athletic T-Shirt + NIKE Spring 2009 Collection Dunk Hi. Now, I have been holdin on to this Colette joint for over a month. This is what I would call, a hi-street-end fashion mashup. Colette (a Parisian designer label) hooks up with Virgil Abloh (a young Black designer from the Midwest) to drop this rope-chain-esque tee. THEN, you got the gingham print Dunks to smooth it all out. Pattern meets Posh meets pure freshness.

The Barbarella T-Shirt by Rise Up + NIKE Spring 2009 Collection Dunk Hi. You have to appreciate the intensity of the colors! It really creates a nice look when you place bold hues on a soft pallet. The shirt by Rise Up is extremely underground (available at Karmaloop), and has a Futura-vibe about it — I dig it. Then, the dunks do exactly that….Slamdunks the outfit on home. Start to finish, a good match.

The Each One Teach One Shirt by Alphanumeric + The CoolBreeze Vader by Greedy Genius. You CANNOT get more streetwear savvy than this pair right here. Alphanumeric is my sh*t, I’ve been rockin it since 10th grade. They reemerged with some really fashion-forward concepts, focusing on minimalist concepts. Greedy Genius, in my opinion, is the next Supra-esque phenomenon. They have crazy colorways, architectural yet classic construction, and truly do the hi top sneaker justice.

Brick Logo Tee by Gold Coin + ADIDAS x Jeremy Scott Sneaker Collab (Feb 2009). DAMN. That’s all she wrote! The tee is live as hell cuz it captures subliminal messaging — no gold on it, but you’re definitely thinking about GOLD! THEN, the kicks put the game on pause!! The tongue ALONE is enough to make haters get the “upset-stomach face”. I need these in my life, E-ME-JITLEE. (Bet u didn’t even see the gold lace jewel! Oh, the subtleties..)