Editor|Advice — NYE

I know it’s last minute, but hey…better late than never.

Fellas…repeat the golden rule: Keep it simple. Tonight is about celebrating the successful completion of a year, while crossing the threshold into a new one. Let your outfit symbolize the transition.

As I usually suggest, I think it’s essential to wear TAILORED pieces tonight. You want 2010 to run ‘true-to-size’! That means, slacks + blazers (if you can whip double-breasted…do it). As far as shirts go…I like black tuxedo shirts personally (adds a dimension of texture). But whatever you pick — be sure it is CLEAN, PRESSED with a collar that won’t wilt like those cheap roadside roses people sell. (Need examples…see Maxwell & Trey Songz)

Your statement piece tonight will be either of 3 things: your time piece, your shoes, or your neckwear — that is all.

Time piece – Your watch will speak volumes. It’s strong, consistent, dependable — and it serves a vital purpose — just like you will in 2010.

Footwear – Your hard bottoms will represent your ambition in 2010. Cool yet active (hopefully, you’ll be dancing), durable yet flexible, not kickin’ it too much, but definitely handling business.

Neckwear – Your neckwear (including ties, bow ties, ascots, and scarves) is a 2009 reminder. Protect the things that matter, be secure in yourself and your accomplishments, but don’t be afraid to loosen it up for something or someone special.

And with that….Cheers!

Review Session| Dopest Kicks 2009

Let’s get it going! Our year-end review of the 5 Dopest Sneakers of 2009. Now, just to add some qualifiers — we’re talking about SNEAKERS, not designer shoes, not footwear in general — straight up Kicks. Sneakerheads…if you have any sneakers you think we missed, drop us a comment!

1. Space Jams

Grade: A

“Arguably the most classic, yet innovative sneaker to date. They bridged the gap and provided the new generation with an even greater appreciation for the Jordan brand.” – The Couthless Suit

2. Air Yeezy

Grade: A-

“The Yeezys created a strong following…that’s probably only rivaled by the Jordan Brand — difference is…he did it with ONE shoe. Amazing.” –  the FlyyNerd aka Will Walker, Sneakerhead

3. Supra TK Society

Grade: B+

“If the Skytops were the dopest shoe in 2008, these would have to be their cool, tall 1st cousin. TK’s crushed the game with that extended hi-top — had kat’s looking like fly astronauts.” – Italo Brown, Editor

4. Nike SB Blue Lobster

Grade: B+

“They were the BEST PACKAGED sneakers I’ve seen in a while. They went all out with the marketing, and followed all the way through to the ice-chest box they came in. It’s rare to see that much attention to detail — plus, the sneaker is bonkers.” – Big Vic, Sneakerhead

5. Adidas x Jeremy Scott Wings

Grade: B

“Innovative. Artistic. And definitely veered away from the ‘strap’ trend, which was very difficult to do this year. Jeremy Scott has a unique eye and he made sneakerheads respect it.” – Italo Brown, Editor

First|Løøk: Woolrich Woolen Mills F/W 09

When I see Woolrich Woolen Mills two words come to mind, “Industrial Chic.” This line was inspired directly by the “working community” in the town that has developed around the mill. Sturdy garments modeled after American hunting and fishing gear made from original textiles with an emphasis on meshing tradition with modern form characterize this line. The construction is solid but the designs are subtely unique because of Japanese designer Daiki Suzuki. If your into tradition, durability and functionality with a twist then you definitely might wanna invest in some exclusive outerwear from this label.

The Urban Graduette: [gift.him]

FINALLY! For all the graduettes who are in that last minute crunch for gifts…URBAN+TAKEOUT has some “just in time” suggestions to get you right with him for the Holidays. And to two of our favorite graduettes, fabwrldgoodlif and shesgoterown, I hope this does some justice.

There is something we need to make clear from the beginning. Never, never, NEVER give a man a pair of shoes, sneakers, J’s, SB’s, boots, etc. for a gift — Period. I recall my grandmother telling my sister, “Don’t give a man a pair of shoes…cuz he’ll walk right on out your life.” My grandmother has been married for 58 years — I’m just sayin.

With that said, let’s begin:

1. Something Handy – Cotton or Linen Pocket Squares ($15 – $50) http://www.neimanmarcus.com http://www.macys.com

The Goods: A linen or cotton pocket square is extremely versatile. It can accent any suit, or it can be the perfect tool after a meal, a movie, or a party.

What He’ll Think: “The only person I ever knew that had assorted handkerchiefs was my Grandfather. He was a GREAT man. She must think I am too.”

How You Win: Most guys probably never use these — but most guys who are interested in having strong relationships will make the effort to please their woman, i.e. wearing/using what you give them. He get’s fresher — You get to have a subtle impact on his style, one pocket square at a time. FTW!

2. Something Electronic – The Droid ($200)

The Goods: This is arguably the coolest gadget on the market right now. Simple equation: iPhone + Blackberry + crack = The Droid. Any questions?

What He’ll Think: “This sh*t is LIVE!! Baby, I’m gonna be the ONLY kat with this year 2029 futuristic phone! Stunt HARD.”

How You Win: Okay, this is a 2-fold win. 1) You get to shine cuz in the most lowkey of ways, your man is gonna tell everybody, “Yea I got that new Droid…FROM MY GIRL”. Instantly, you be come The COOLest Wifey of the clique. 2) Being that you got him a new phone…you now have leverage to politely imply that you want one too! Just keep hinting…in a month or so…you’ll be good. FTW!!

3. Something BadAss (one word…BADASS) – Marc New York by Andrew Marc ($325 reg. price – Sale price: $189)

The Goods: A Leather Jacket is one of the most coveted items of any man’s wardrobe. Andrew Marc makes sleek designed jackets with very supple leather.

What He’ll Think: “This is BADASS! They not gon’ be ready for me when I break this bad boy out! Oooooh sh*t!”

How You Win: If you’re a seasoned shopper like I am…then you know that the best time to buy outerwear is in the off-season. A leather jacket will be TREMENDOUSLY marked down! On top of that, you’re giving your man possibly the most MANLY gift of all time! Don’t be surprised if tries it on, pops his collar, then grabs your ass — he’s a man…in leather. FTMFW!

4. Something Distinguished – David Donahue Links ($45); or Epaulet Tanner Goods Sterling Silver Tie Bar ($40)

The Goods: Every guy should own at least one pair of links and one tie bar, preferably sterling silver. They make the gentleman look refined. The links are sleek and stylish, not too much, but just enough. The Tie Bar actually comes with 4 interchangeable leather strips that are inserted in the middle part of the sterling bar — now he can match with his shoes.

What He’ll Think: “Okay, I can definitely wear this/these to work. I might have to step my dress shirt game up though.”

How You Win: This is a symbol — As his girl, you are showing that you care about his future. You know his dreams/aspiration, and you understand that the suited man gets/keeps the job. For the Refined Win.

5. Something Custom: A Button-down Dress Shirt, or a Gray/Monotone Blazer…Tailored of-course. ($79 – $225). Suggestion for shirts – Ralph Lauren Purple Label or Thomas Pink.

The Goods: Practically anything from a great dress shirt,  to nice a blazer. Here’s the trick — get his measurements, BEFOREHAND. Look at the one item that you think he looks GREAT in..and use that as your barometer. Get the article tailored (by a professional), wrap it, and watch his mouth drop open at how nicely it fits.

What He’ll Think: “How the hell did you know my size? This fits like that one shirt of mine that I like! Not too tight across the chest, the arms are the right length. Damn, you really did your thang on this one babe.”

How You Win: Well, this falls under that warm, fuzzy, thoughtful category. Guys don’t know how to respond to getting gifts — in fact, their mindset is to just give them, not to accept them. But when you go the EXTRA MILE, not only will he notice, but it  makes him remember why you are the best woman for him. For the Inelastic Win, the Game, the Season, and the Championship! Now bring on that ring!

An Example of what you want the tailored shirt to look like

(See Michael Ealy in merlot Ralph Lauren Black Label Shirt – screen left):

RecessionPrøøf 220: Winter QLOthing

UNIQLO is setting a solid standard for great looks this winter. Ladies, I stronnnngly urge you to peep the overall composition of these outfits!! I know all our readers aren’t in the closest proximity to a Uniqlo store — but you can definitely use their lookbook photos for inspiration. There seems to be an emphasis on color, tailoring, extended knits, and fur accents. (Things that I dig on women….the colored tights, the patina-toned denim, and ivory) Peep game:

The Urban Graduate: [gift.her]

Okay so we get it — Tis the season of GIVING. And for the gift-giving Urban Graduate, this only leaves two options: either complete WIN, or complete and utter FAIL. Never fear, Urban Takeout is here to help you navigate those tricky gifting waters between you and your significant other. Here are some options, courtesy of GQ online:

1. Something Cute – Fujifilm Instax Mini 7S ($85). www.amazon.com

The Goods: The Instax is essentially the new age, japanese rendition of the classic Polaroid camera.

What She’ll Think: “Wow, this is really cute!! It can fit right inside my clutch. My girls are gonna love this!”

How You Win: One word — Attention; she’ll get more attention from her friends and random folks who are fascinated with polaroid technology. It also says, “Babe, I want you to take pics of yourself and give’m to me”. FTW!

2. Something Sophisticated – Riedel Cabernet Decanter ($49). www.glassware.riedel.com

The Goods: Show of hands, how many people knew what a decanter was? SMH — it’s a glass vessel that allows wine to “breathe” before/during/after serving.

What She’ll Think: “Damn babe, this is NICE! My parents have one of these, and it only comes out on special occasions. Thanks!”

How You Win: This is a lay-up fellas! GO FULL ROMANCE — explain that you want to use this in your next intimate candlelit dinner with her (cue the romantic violins and swiftly descending panties). FTW!!

3. Something Useful – Nook ($259). www.barnesandnoble.com

The Goods: This is arguably the hottest commodity on the 25+ gift market right now. Imagine having a complete Barnes and Noble stowed away in your bag — yea, it’s something like that.

What She’ll Think: “This is gonna save me sooo much money! And it’s so much lighter than those books I lug onto the train with me.”

How You Win: Rarely do we get the chance to show our mates that we care about their personal enrichment. This goes above and beyond. Oh, and then there’s the fact that your 1 gift = OVER 10,000 books. How bout them apples! FTW.

4. Something Sexy – T by Alexander Wang ($75). www.alexanderwang.com

The Goods: Great designer + Modern cut basics + Sheer = Epitome of Natural Sex Appeal

What She’ll Say: “Mmm…this shirt is gonna feel GREAT on my body! I can’t wait to wear it TONIGHT (automatic blockbuster night)!”

How You Win: Dude. I don’t wanna spell this one out. Just think…soft, thin, almost see-thru t-shirt. If you can’t win off of this shirt — you might be a lost cause. FTMFW!

5. Something Nostalgic – Sarah Horowitz Parfums ($45). www.sarahhorowitz.com

The Goods: Sarah Horowitz online process allows users to create a bespoke fragrance, via personality questionnaire.

What She’ll Think: “OMG! I finally can have a signature scent made JUST for me! Thank you baby, this is sweet and sooo thoughtful!”

How You Win: Think about how many guys are gonna get duped (by some female saleswoman who you AREN’T dating) into buying fragrances from Sephora, Macy’s, & Victoria’s Secret. This, however, is interactive, it’s unique and original, and at the end of the day, you get cool points for thinking outside the box. Finally, if she smells great….you get to enjoy knowing that you facilitated that. For The Inelastic Win!

Get Familiar: Strap For The First Time

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.