Sharp Bikes from Electra
Sometimes we’re so caught up in the constant fast movement of cars and public transportation that a leisurely ride on a bicycle is a welcome break. They also promote benefits of exercise, environmental-friendliness, and – don’t forget – style! Electra Bicycle Company has models that combine form and function at a moderate price range ($399+). Other than their chic bright colors, a distinguishing trait of Electra bikes according to their website is their “Flat Foot Technology” that allows a more “upward, forward-pedaling position…Now, power and efficiency are combined with comfort and control.” Sounds like a great package to us!
Weekly Tracks
Twin Sister; Download track “I Want A House” free
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Brasstronaut; Download track “Slow Knots” free
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Keepaway; Download track “Yellow Wings” free
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Stacking up against the competition
Recently we were privileged to participate in the first (at least to our knowledge) head-to-head review of online MTM shirt makers (or designers, as we prefer to think of ourselves). Magnificent Bastard reviewed the whole process, all the way from entering your measurements to trying on the shirt, for 7 different companies.
We’ll let you read through for the details, but we’re humbled to report that we were crowned the title of “best fit”! Cue applause to our expert tailor for that one.
For everything else, we think the review was pretty accurate – simple measurement inputs, a painless order process, and high quality fabrics and construction. Yes, our shirt customizations and fabric selection are limited – intentionally so. Speaking of fabric selection, we’ll be releasing a few more relatively soon. Previews to come next week.
So, thanks to the guys at Magnificent Bastard, and if you’re looking for some objective reviews on your custom shirting options out there today, head on over for a quick read. And, props to all the other shirt companies – we respect what they’re doing and it’s always interesting seeing their ideas.
Weekly Tracks
No music posting last week just means this week’s music is THAT much better.
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Javelin; Download track “Vibrationz” free
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Wye Oak; Download track “I Hope You Die” free
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Gauntlet Hair; Download track “I Was Thinking” free
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The Apples In Stereo; Download track “Dance Floor” free
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Smooooth jazz… from a super group? Comprised of members from many of the bands we’ve featured here: Solid Gold, Bon Iver, The Rosebuds, plus others.
Gayngs; Download track “The Gaudy Side of Town” free
Hustle Combo
We think our Hustle, the dodger blue gingham shirt, is so versatile it can be worn for almost any occasion. But just in case you’re stumped, here’s one way we’ve envisioned. The cotton blazer is of a great form-fitting cut (something with which MTM shirts are extremely flattering) and with a high single button. Throw in a subtle pocket square, and call it a day. (We aren’t *necessarily* advocating going pantless, we’re just leaving the bottom half to you. However if you are looking to expose some leg, try Farah’s shorts to complete the suit).
Farah Vintage Blazer ($230)
J. Press Linen Pocket Square ($35)
Biased Cut Hustle Shirt ($85)
Weekly Tracks
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My Brightest Diamond; Download track “Inside A Boy” free
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Tanlines; Download track “S.A.W” free
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Plants and Animals; Download track “Tom Cruz” free
Summer canvas totes from Calabrese
Calabrese seems like a young and exuberant tote brand, so it might come as a surprise that it was initially established in 1920 as a tie collection. The founder, Eugenio Calabrese, was an avid tie collector who began designing his own line. In the 1960′s, Eugenio’s son, Sir Francesco, began distributing the ties to top boutiques. Fast forward a couple decades, and today we see a line of modern totes that are both practical and stylish, with their light and durable materials and fun pop colors. We especially like their Lapis Medium Canvas Tote, priced at $173.25. Available at my-wardrobe.com and atoo.co.uk.
Gram footwear – A Swede in Hong Kong
Hong Kong isn’t often perceived as a true fashion capital, but being as big and international as it is, there are always interesting things going on there. It’s a wealthy city, combining cultures from all continents, and its proximity to low cost manufacturers in China and Southeast Asia allows it to maintain a sizable presence on the map in the world of fashion.
Being dually located in New York and Hong Kong ourselves, Biased Cut was fortunate enough to meet the man behind the design at Gram. Though Gram is really a Swedish brand, Alexis Holm spends a lot of time in Hong Kong, close to their manufacturing centers.
Gram, named after the unit of mass, consists of several lines that are each named after the mass of the shoe. The concept is “based on Alexis’s genuine interest for the technical side of design. Form, function, material and construction, all these parameters are part of the canvas on which we paint.”
Intrigued and impressed, we picked up a pair ourselves – the 380g’s. At an entirely reasonable $110, we think these are a great addition to our closet. Check out their more casual lines as well. We purchased ours in Hong Kong but they are available online or in select stores across the US.
Weekly Tracks
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Second time posting these guys… they’re officially that good.
Local Natives; Download track “Airplanes” free
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Download the actual track for much better sound quality.
Annuals; Download track “Loxtep” free
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Oh. Hi, Mel.
Caribou; Download track “Leave House” free
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Cotton Jones; Download track “Gotta Cheer Up” free
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Mon Khmer; Download track “Birthplace” free
Modern-Retro Headphones
These days, we’ve been looking hard for a headpiece that’s not only excellent in quality and price, but also in looks. If we’re going to be submerged in music 24/7, we might as well look sharp in the act. That is precisely Muse’ mission – “make it look good, sound great, but be affordable.” They bring two headpieces to their collection: The Disc Jockey and The Commander. With modern technology, prices below USD$56, and definitive retro undertones, we’d recommend these as great accessories for our weekly track updates.
