I have been fooled many times before, receiving a mailer, that store X is having their semi annual sale with lower prices than ever.  To my dismay, I hurry to the store to see a 10% mark down, which essentially just takes away what I would normally pay in tax.  Lucky one of the few truths in the world is back, and as much as I would like to keep it a secret I must share.  This weekend Five Four returns with another Warehouse Sale, where you can find a wide variety of fresh gear at a  true sale price.  Go early, beat the heat, and grab your gear before it’s gone!

Five Four Warehouse Sale | 6.28 -6.29 | 10am – 6pm
2444 Porter St.
Los Angles St, Ca. 90021

If you couldn’t answer the question faster than you read it, your timepiece may be suspect. Last night, the JL boys produced the NOOKA X DDCLAB event in Hollywood at the DDCLAB Los Angeles store. With ever-flowing drinks and rare grooves by Gomez Warren IV, the collaborative event gave invited guests a glimpse of the two brands.

NOOKA, a design company, shared their line of watches that fit as a normal watch with abstract digital displays that make them beyond typical. Having seen a couple of these watches up close, some practice is needed before wearing — as you don’t want to stumble through a response to my initial question. With many styles and colors to choose from, they have pieces for any outfit or occasion. The summer uniform of tees, sneakers and jeans have a new buddy to set a scene off right.

DDCLAB is a product of Roberto Crivello and Savania Davies-Keiller’s design studio DDC USA. This duo is committed to enhancing fashion through emerging technology but never “reinventing the wheel.” So, “The look is the same. It is simple. It is classic. But is now improved. It is fashion technology.” Although my sneakers may be fly, they can’t make me fly — but if it ever happens I know where it will happen first.

Check out the photos LAZO shot at the event and catch your own peek of NOOKA X DCCLAB.

The electricity was out in my office building today. I waited for a bit, but when my manicure was over, I decided to shoot over to Melrose to get fresh. Rent is due soon though, so I couldn’t get too fresh. Just a new black fitted from Crooks & Castles to crown the champ. The 8021 Melrose Ave location, the brand’s flagship store, is modestly cool. Tony Montana-esque Black marble tile, dark wood and concrete provide the backdrop for an assortment of screen printed tees, fancifully embellished hoodies, and fitted hats. In the display case you will find vintage sunglasses, red crocodile wallets, ill gold rope chains, and a Warhol inspired 357 magnum. The brand name considered, I wasn’t suprised by the loaded revolver as much as I was by the music playing in the background. The voice of the smooth operator herself, Sade, floated across the high ceilings at 8121. Gangsta! When I was ready to purchase my fitted I walked over to the display counter where one would expect to see a cash register. Instead, Chris (the marketing director for Crooks) disappeared with my hat and in his place out walked a beautiful woman holding a silver tray. I dropped my Platinum Bank of America debit card (sorry no black card yet) on the tray and she brought it to him. A minute later Chris walked out, shook my hand and handed me my bag. I think their retail experience is a brilliant extension of their brand. Go and see for yourself why “You can’t stop the Crooks.”

Crooks & Castles
8121 Melrose Ave.
Los Angeles, 90046

Though Spring officially started a few weeks ago, our fair Southern Cali weather has flip-flopped between “it never raining” © (Toni, Tone, Tony) and being unexpectedly hot. As I anticipate warm days a head, I am happy that I am not one of those guys who has to wear a suit everyday. With Five Four’s Spring delivery hitting stores, it looks like there is a lot in store for this favored season. Not too hot, not to cold, Spring allows for fresh t-shirts or button-ups and jeans. Five Four has done just that, and with a small preview of their contributions for the season on their blog, you are able to get a glimpse before you hit the mall. If your local retailer is slacking, Five Four’s Online Store is up and running.

Though I admittedly have a long-running history of being addicted to heels, I still recognize that there are few things flyer than a woman whose sneaker game is on point. For the female sneaker heads out there–or those looking to convert–you have a chance to make some additions to your collection this weekend at Kendo LA on Melrose. Tomorrow and Sunday (the 8th and 9th) you will find discounts from 50%-70% off at their March Madness Spring Cleaning Backyard Blowout Sale (lol). Can’t be mad at that.

Visit Kendo LA  for more details.

Kendo
7218 Melrose Avenue
Los Angeles CA 90046
323 934.9450

The good people at LRG have been keeping me and the ankore fam fresh for years. This weekend there will be a warehouse sale down in the O.C. Here is a chance for you to upgrade your wardrobe. Prime time fresh at crack-head prices. Do your self a favor and show up early. Map

LRG / Luxirie Warehouse Sale

14447 Firestone Blvd.
La Mirada, CA, 90638
7:30am-5pm

Not too long ago we highlighted Five Four Clothing for their positive  messages, consistently fresh gear and great marketing. Now you have a chance to come up on loads of great Five Four Gear at their sample sale, just in time for the holidays.  Deals like this only come up every so often so be sure to take advantage and buy your Christmas gifts. Get there early before the goods are gone, and be sure to let them know who sent you.

Five Four Sample Sale
12.8.07 – 12.9.07 | 10am - 5pm

Cash & Credit Cards Excepted (Cash Preferred)

2444 Porter Street
Los Angeles, Ca 90021
www.fivefourclothing.com

We have all used the slang “one” or “one love,” and know that 5 – 4 = 1. Put those two concepts together and you have Five Four Clothing, a company whose clothing designs “reflects a brand without boundaries.” A progressive men’s clothing line–with women’s coming in Fall of 2009–Five Four provides quality apparel, which is sometimes hard to find amongst today’s designers. They also have a campaign called One, where they ask consumers to take just one day out to use alternative forms of transportation, in an effort to preserve our environment.

My man J-Dubb, the marketing director at Five Four, shot us this video to share with you all. Great marketing video, how would you have reacted? They used 54 men, 7 black suburbans and in 1 day Five Four took over Los Angeles.

Youtube Link

A t-shirt, jeans and sneakers are currently the dress code for males of all ages. For some, it’s a casual fit. For others, a work uniform. Either way, this combination of attire has stood the test of time. The only thing that seems to change is the fit style, and which colors are hot.

Currently, you can find a number of brands with plenty of hot pieces; but a stand-out that you can find on Rosewood, just off of Fairfax is called “The Hundreds“. Branded with an exploding bomb, their original styles attract buyers from across the country. Their women’s line, called Tens, offers creative shirts and an array of accessories. If you are lucky, you may find Mos Def or Ms. Badu chillin’ around the way. Check out The Hundreds.

The Hundreds
7909 Rosewood Ave
West Hollywood, CA 90046
Phone: 323.230.7421

Sneakers have always been an important part of my wardrobe. As a very ambitious high school freshman, I remember asking a nice looking senior what she first notices when she looks at a guy; her response was, “I look at his eyes and then I look at his shoes.” The Nike Air Force 1 (AF1’s ) have always played a major role in my repertoire, and have become a staple in urban fashion in the passing years.

With a life span longer than mine, Nike is celebrating over 25 years of the AF1 and will be having a special photo shoot for those who have a love for sneakers. Space is limited so make sure to register, so that you have the chance at being selected for the photo shoot.

Click Here To Register

Who’s Nobody Jones? One of L.A.’s local treasures… and my favorite Boutique, hands- down! A sista is doing big things for herself and the Fashionistas of color in and around Los Angeles, with this colorful, sexy and hip shop! With such events as in-house fashion shows and “Tee Parties” full with discounted brand name denim, one of kind T-shirts and treats like cupcakes to indulge in, owner/designer Odessa Bowden knows how to keep her boutique THE spot to shop! So this Friday, Sept. 28th don’t miss out on yet another exclusive Nobody Jones Hair/Fashion show… Where you “Come for the clothes and Stay for the company”!

Friday, Sep. 28

Doors Open @ 8pm
Location: Nobody Jones Boutique
4703 Crenshaw Blvd. Los Angeles, CA
Phone:323.291.7177

According to Format Online Magazine’s “50 Signs that You are Obsessed with Sneakers,” I am. I am not ashamed of my sneaker obsession, as it’s a safe addiction. Here are my 5 fav signs:

6. You vividly remember each and every shoe regret (a pair you didn’t cop when you had the chance).
31. You can’t afford to, but you buy doubles anyway.
35. You buy clothes based on how they coordinate with your kicks.
37. You not only clean your sneakers regularly, you also have a tool kit (toothbrush, suede brush, sole brush, shoe-cleaner, etc.).
50. Your calendar is marked with release dates, not holidays.

Click here to check out all 50 Signs