In our current economic state there are a few options on how to deal with the drama.  You can say “Fuck the Recession, Recess Is On,” like the Morgans Hotel Group who believes that “Attitude is Everything” and has created a lifestyle and marketing blog that suggests people should continue to live the good life and partake in life’s simple pleasures. Sharing promotions and specials from some of the nations nicest hotels, restaurants and spas, encouraging everyone to look at the bright side of the dollar down turn.

The other alternative, is to tighten the belt and be smart with spending.  I like to find a happy medium between the two, being mindful of my pockets and staying positive while taking advantage of the low gas prices and special holiday sales.  This weekend Five Four Clothing will have their Warehouse Sale, slashing prices to appeal to those who need extra persuasion to spend.  Catch me there early grabbing up the goods before they are gone.

Five Four Warehouse Sale
12.13 - 12.14 | 9am - 5pm
Porter St, LA 90021

The 2008 Presidential Election has been one of the most historic and interesting campaigns I have seen or read about. With new social networks and media outlets, we have seen the new age campaigning develop right before our eyes.

Over at the Elevated Group we have been working on our Paint the White House Black project, and in the spirit of newspaper, magazine, celebrity and political endorsements I felt it necessary to go on record and officially endorse BARACK OBAMA for the next President of the United States. Being that our project revolves around the Limited Edition T-Shirt and Blog, I wanted to give my rating on the Top 10 Obama T-shirts, from both major and boutique brands. Check out the list below and let me know what you think.

10. Ballin wit Barack ‘08 by Akomplice
Fresh and creative…showing the athletic side of the future president.

9. Air Obama
Taking example from one of the most recognized brands in the world.

8. Obama Knows by Under Crown
Do you remember all the Bo Knows commercials?

7. Must Do It by Everyday Ppl
Simple but fresh…Look like Nike runs the world.

6. Barack the Vote
Rock the Vote enhanced for the proper choice.

5. Progress by Obey
Everyone has seen this print in one way or another.

4. O-Face by Under Crown
Showing the correlation of Obama’s athleticism and McCain’s lack.

3. Why I Vote by Ragamuffin
Powerful piece..I will remember when i head to the polls next week. Check out their other Obama Tees as well.

2. Obama Bumaye by Mighty Healthy
Personal favorite, really looks like he is saying “The election is mine!”

1. Paint The White House Black by Propaganda Champ
You should have known. Elevated Group & Propaganda Champ. Check the Black House Blog for full info.

“Do what you can, with what you have, where you are..”   These are the greeting words read when entering Broccoli City.  A lifestyle brand originating in North Carolina that encompasses a clothing line and blog that allows people to continue to navigate through this world keeping  health and our environment a priority.  My man Book Bag B, has given notice that the new season of Broccoli City T-shirts are on their way, and I figure no better time to give you all an introduction.  Living and working in Hollywood I can definitely agree with BC when they say “Hate is the New Love.” Check the site to see some of the sold out pieces, and also peep the blog content. 

Since its inception in 1972, Nike has been that fast kid on the playground that no one could ever catch up with. And there is no sign of them slowing down.

In May, Nike announced the creation of Nike Sportswear, a lifestyle brand that blends its classic designs with cutting edge technology. While they only have one flagship store at 21 Mercer in New York’s SoHo district, the company is hosting a “getting to know you” period by opening pop-up temporary stores across the world. Their intentions are to create a stronger understanding of the brand and the company’s vision between the consumer and the Nike Sportswear NSW collection.

For Los Angeles residents, your nearest local is the historic Montalban Theater on Vine Street, just south of Hollywood Boulevard.

An experience for sneaker freakers and art enthusiast alike, the collection at The Montalban is the culmination of high art and high fashion, displaying the high end kicks and apparel in such a manner that you forget your in a store and feel more like an exclusive gallery opening. Various displays and videos share the past of the company and its future.

With features such as Cinema Tuesdays, a NikeID Studio and the MAKE SOMETHING!! children’s classes, the Nike Sportswear Collection at The Montalban is definitely something to add to your To-Do List. But hurry, they close shop on October 31st.

This Tuesday, you can check out an much anticipated film RocknRolla with an all star cast.

Nike Sportswear @ the Montalban
1615 Vine Street
Los Angeles, CA 90028
323-483-0089

Store Hours:
Tuesday: Cinema Tuesdays
Wednesday and Thursday: 11am - 9pm
Friday and Saturday: 11am - 10pm
Sunday: 12pm - 8pm

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