Director David O. Russell's follow up to Silver Linings Playbook is the much anticipated American Hustle which we've been waiting for ever since seeing Bradley Cooper being papped with that crazy tight perm. The trailer makes this movie look good, real good almost reminiscent of Blow or Casino with a little Boogie Nights thrown in but grittier and more uncomfortable. The cast is heavy with Amy Adams, Jennifer Lawrence, Jeremy Renner and Christian Bale who looks particularly sleazy and method. Can't wait.
Make no mistake, these beautiful hand etched crystal glasses by Artel that you are looking at are not for those counting the change in their pockets. You will need a healthy bank account to purchase these or a very giving friend but you couldn't find a cocktail collection more beautiful. Available through Artedona.
We came across this minimalist jewellery design from France and are digging the overall simplicity and geometry. We chose the peak ring because we think it looks amazing on its own but would be really cool stacked. They have a great collection, take a look here.
It's no secret that the design element of the moment is the weathered wood look and we are big fans. Personally we hope that appreciation of a natural material never goes away and to help further endorse this trend we bring you Stikwood. An incredibly innovative product focused on providing the beautiful reclaimed wood paneling look with the least amount of waste and fuss. Oh and did we mention that it is real wood and is also simply peel and stick? Check it out here.
It is that time of year again. Right smack dab in the middle of the dog days of summer, and all you favourite suppliers have a fire sale on their current summer inventory to make room for cooler weather clothing. SOPHNET. got the jump on everyone and have just dropped their Autumn Winter lookbook to give you a taste of what you'll be sporting this fall. In keeping with their love of the whole Americana/Heritage vibe, the line has plenty updated and tailored workwear, slim denim, waffle henleys, field coats, cardigans and button-downs. You can see and learn more here. If you're are wondering where you can get you hands on some SOPHNET., if you're close to an Open Ceremony shop they carry it, but you can go to one of our favourite retailers here in Vancouver, that being Haven, and they can ship it to you wherever you are.
What is a Moderat you ask. Well, it's what happens when Modeselektor and Apparat get together and make a funky ass jam that you can dance to. The video treatment for this little ditty is pretty slick too, being a series of sharpie drawings that present a tale of greed and corruption. The track is off of their second album, simple titled "II," which doesn't drop until August 6th but is available for pre-order. Incidentally, a pre-order of the album will automatically download you the track. Available through iTunes.
Back in 2010, a bunch of hardcore motorcycle enthusiasts got together and decided to host a grassroot motorcycle show that would replicate all the days and nights spent kicking tires in the garage, talking with pals about bikes and the endless hours obsessing over what the "One" bike would be if you could build it. They hoped to inspire builders to bring in bikes that weren't just show bikes - but bikes that had unique stories and a reason to exist. The shows brought a whole bunch of rare, weird, old, new and all-around amazing bikes together in one place. The show has grown every year hosted, and is shaping up to be a must attend show for anyone that is in to custom bikes. For us it is a bucket list thing, one day to road trip to with our very own bike build. The above pictured book documents these bikes and builders. It is a hardbound, full-colour, high-quality book worthy of the finest coffee table and/or workbench. You can see more here.
We bought this on a whim (to be honest, we dug the cover art) and after getting two chapters in we had a hard time putting it down. It has easily slid into our top ten favourite books of all time, which is saying something considering it is the authors first published work. It runs the gamut of entertainment, and one could dismiss it as a pulpy entertaining read, but beneath the slick veneer is discussions on virtual relationships, corporate takeover of the internet, privacy issues, and tons and tons of eighties references. It's a post apocalyptic dystopian future book perfect for our times, and is well worth mentioning along such great authors as Orwell, Dick or Bradbury. Available wherever the sell books.
Listened to this like 100 times today. Awesome tune! Very epic in the chorus, and we imagine this will be unbelievably good live. Nice message too. Available now on their new self titled album, available through iTunes.
The New Stereo Console by Symbol Audio brings your music to life, no matter how you play it. Connect up to three devices to the built in amplifier and enjoy the impressive soundstage while streaming audio via bluetooth, spinning records or even just watching some TV. The are some modular storage option for LP's and components that let you customize your console to fit your lifestyle. The LP bin (shown above) holds up to 100 records, and the console allows one to hang up to three bins. LP's not your thing, attach the component storage bin (see pic after the jump) and and hang your flat screen above and you have just installed the sickest home theatre. You can see and learn more here.
Here's a classic little ditty that, put on repeat maybe a half dozen times, got us through our daily commute. Enjoy!
Hawthorne is dedicated to designing and sourcing long wearing goods, tools and accessories for outdoors enthusiasts and semi-nomadic urbanites. This little knife is made to be a do-all companion; at the picnic table cutting cheese, making shavings to start a campfire, sharpening a pencil, or in the kitchen chopping garlic. The knife comes with a leather sheath that can be worn on your belt, hung on your kitchen wall, or tucked in your pack. You can learn and see more here.
We've read an English translation/interpretation of the legend of the 47 Ronin, which we highly recommend, and can't say from an educated point of view that this movie resembles the story we read very little. However, there were a couple of slightly familiar items in the trailer, and truth be told, we're kinda stoked to see this fantastical version of the tale. If the trailer is any indication, it will not disappoint visually, and if the film stays even remotely true to the plot lines of the original legend, it is certain to be a stunner. Out in time for the holidays.
Much like the Nike ID system, Ray-Ban has launched Remix, letting you order a completely custom pair of shades; from frame style, colour and lenses. Not available in all areas yet, but we're certain that demand will one day bring it to your area. You can see and learn more here.
Another catchy-as-hell track from Canadian super-band Mounties. True to form thus far; clever video rife with some great stock footage for 50's and 60's Canadiana. Track currently available on iTunes.
mountiesband.com
In our informed opinion, LA might just be the sickest city on planet earth. There is so much to do, see, experience and eat, that despite having been well over a dozen times, we always do something completely different on every new visit (aside from In 'N' Out Burger of course). As well as we think we know the greater LA area, we know that we've just scratched the surface. Joy Moon, an LA native, has compiled a list of some of the deeper cuts and packaged them in a slick book. Seriously, buy this book and spend a long weekend in LA. You will have so much fun. Available through Amazon.
We have a very creative and ambitious friend who with her equally talented partner have started a new business called Esselle that specializes in tabletop decor, party supplies and vintage accessories. With a distinctly feminine, ethereal and old fashioned aesthetic they showcase everything from Jadeite cake platters to key themed dinnerware, they cover everything to make entertaining that much more stylish. We chose to highlight their Amelia table setting kit that has all the components you need for a perfectly themed party including such items as a table runner, vintage milk glasses, chevron paper straws and the list goes on. Check them out here.
Based on the incredibly sad yet ultimately triumphant true story of Solomon Northup, this new movie follows the tale of a pre-Civil War slave. Born a free man in New York and then duped and kidnapped into slavery this movie boasts a pretty amazing cast with Chiwetal Ejiofor, Michael Fassbender and Brad Pitt to name a few while being directed by Steve McQueen.
How's this for a combining things that we love; our favourite, and arguably the best car in the world teaming up with the benchmark in hard sided luggage (and we love luggage) to produce a near perfect carry-on trolley case. Our favourite subtle homage to the 911 lineage is the cases liner, being a tribute to the cloth upholstery from 60's era cars. Now...if we could just get our hands on one of the 50th anniversary 911's, we'd be all set. You can see and learn more here.
If taking out your SUP during daylight hours isn't an adventure enough for you, how but after the sun has gone down? The NOCQUA 2000 LED lighting system reveals the wonders of being on the water at night in a way that simply cannot be experienced in the daylight hours. The thrill of being on the water under the stars, the connection with the marine life below and a viewing experience like never before. You can see a learn more here.
Ever since Jay-Z's now famous song 99 Problems was released, people have been wondering about what could possibly be bothering this rap mogul. Apparently artist Ali Graham has been solving these mysteries by releasing possible things that may be irking Jay-Z on his tumblr. Our favourite so far is the brain freeze one we are showing here and look forward to the many he has yet to release.
(via Fast Company)
We love the idea of a travel journal that encourages you to keep your memories organized and recorded like this one from Poketo. They put it best "Heavy chipboard cover with a rubber band to secure the notebook. A pocket to save your tickets, receipts and other little memories from your trip. Pre-planning section with a check-list of things to bring. Detailed day by day itinerary. Daily Planner and notes section". Now all of those business cards, napkins and matchbooks that remind you of the best meal of your life while away can be properly stored for future walks down memory lane. Available here.
A new hard charger from one of our all-time favourite bands. Off of their impending new album titled "Lightning Bolt," out October 15th. Pre-order the album now through iTunes and get the above track.
The best vehicle we have ever owned is a Volkswagen Westfalia. We pine for our old Westy like Keith Richards pines for smack...but always wanting to up our game we thinks the above is an aptly named replacement for the long gone Westy. Fully equipped for every comfort-in-the-backcountry contingency, the Sportsmobile Ultimate Adventure Vehicle is not you grandparents mobile home, never to be parked in a RV park. FYI...the cheesy graphics on the side of the rig are promotional only...they come in assortment of nice finishes that don't look like your handing out samples of Juicy Fruit. You can see and learn more here.
We f@#$ing love these sunglasses. Named for Ian Curtis, the iconic front man of Joy Division, and designed in a collaboration with Ghostly International, a community of renaissance people masquerading as a hyper-innovative record label slash art collective. They are cool-to-the-max, and come payday, they are ours. You can see and learn more here.
When we were younger our parents were proud subscribers to National Geographic magazine and we loved sifting through the volumes collected over the years but nothing captured our interest like this photo here. It was haunting and desperate, sad and beautiful and frankly we were too young at the time to fully understand the complexity but that image has always stayed with us. The photographer that captured the Afghan girl, Steve McCurry has released a book of his exceptional photographs encompassing the last 30 years of global travel and the unique street portraits that have gained him such acclaim. Available here.
No email, tweet or Instagram post can really replace good old fashioned paper cards especially when those cards are beautifully crafted with original art. We stumbled upon this Malaysian designer's cards that combine a sort of tribal graffiti feel and we immediately loved them and think you will to. See them here.
Seriously...probably the best addition to your library except for maybe a complete vintage set of Hardy Boy Books. Full of interesting, practical information and knowledge to make one the Cliff Clavin of the great outdoors, and prepared for any wilderness eventuality. You can get them at Best Made Company.
This is not a new track, maybe 3 years old, but it popped up on the iPod today while on random, and we again find ourselves listening to this beautiful song over and over again. Posted here is the acoustic live version with just Mavis and Jeff, and this sparse and one take version is so good you can just imagine how fantastic the slick studio version must be. It's off her 2010 album of the same name, available through iTunes.
In shopping for a new bike helmet, and in an effort to avoid this standard stealth bomber crossed with a basketball shoe look, we found ourselves exploring elsewhere other than the usual suspect bike shops. In our travels through cyberspace, we have come across a nice looking bike helmet that'll protect your melon, won't break the bank, and won't have you you looking the fool. Featuring all the usual safety features and government compliance as the competitors, as well as a precision Swiss made rear dial adjustable harness. You can see and learn more at Walrus.
Not too many words needed to explain why the above is the coolest (no pun intended) beach or picnic cooler you're gonna find. And at only $55, an exceptionally good deal to boot. You can see and learn more here.
The only thing better than reading about food, is reading about food and travel combined. For us, the experience of another country and culture is all wrapped up in the food and drink, something we can attest to, having recently enjoyed some meals and a Bia hơi or two in Hanoi. We also got a nasty case of Ho Chi Min's revenge, but we digress. The mag, available nearly everywhere they sell books, and even a few grocery stores.
It should be no secret that we're Apple fans through and through. However, the last iteration of the iPhone was the pinnacle of anti-climactic, and after playing with our friends new giant Samsung Galaxie, we can now actually see ourselves buying another smart phone. That last statement was all but guaranteed when we saw the above Nokia Lumia 1020. What immediately won us over is the 41 megapixel camera (not a typo). That is a gigantic scale high res image, allowing you to essentially zoom in on any picture from any range and lose very little detail. You can essentially take a close up picture from across the road. That camera, plus an AMOLED screen, 32gb of storage, and wireless charging has this phone out ahead by a mile. Apple...please take note! You can see and learn more here.
Quartz is an armchair designed by CTRL ZAK and Davide Barzaghi, the result of a mathematical series applied to furnishings. The two-dimensional structure in beechwood – pentagons and hexagons – develops three-dimensionally in space thanks to the volumising effect of the stuffing, upholstered with natural fibres. Thus, a comforting, wraparound micro-habitat is created in this grid enriched with geometric shapes. Quartz is a limited edition production, due to the exacting nature of its manufacture. Indeed, each of the “crystals” that create the seating is distinctive. The result is that each and every creation is unique and inimitable. The good news for you is that the chair is currently on sale for the bargain price of $14,000. You can see and learn more here.
Chan-Wook Park's 2003 Korean action thriller Old Boy is one of the most intense movies we have ever seen. It is one of the most twisted movies we have ever seen. It is one of the most violent movies we have ever seen. And it is one of the best movies we have ever seen. In true Hollywood fashion, it is being remade for an American audience (unoriginal bastards that they are). Normally we'd bitch and moan, and then go out of our way to avoid watching it. However, it is being directed by our man Spike Lee...which intrigued us immensely. Second, it stars Josh Brolin and Samuel L. Jackson, which further intrigued us. Then we watched the above Red Band trailer, and our fears of a shitty remake have been quelled further still. However, check your surroundings before watching...NSFW. You've been warned. Drops in October.
Our new favourite Irish band is putting the finishing touches on the demos for their 2nd album, and while doing so have decided that a nice way to bid farewell to their gloriously good first album "Between Buildings, Toward the Sea" would be to give away the track "All the Lights in New York" for free. We have posted it above for your perusal, but free is free, and it is not everyday that a hard working indie gives a piece of their hard work away for nothing. You can find it here. If you like it, pay them the compliment of giving the whole album a good, critical listen. If you like it, buy it. It's available through iTunes. Incidentally, we'll keep you posted once new material is available...hopefully sooner than later.
The New Balance 996 celebrates its silver anniversary this year, and to ring it in the folks at NB have asked for input from some sneakershop/tastemakers from the orient. In that, the folks at BEAMS, Beauty & Youth, Journal Standard and TOMORROWLAND have designed their take on the 996, and each one to be featured in the corresponding collaborators shop. Our pick for the sneaker of the fall in the above by TOMORROWLAND, but we have always been partial to black. As an update for the sneaker, NB is offering them with Revlite technology in the sole, bring the shoe squarely into the 21st century. Dropping August 10th. Hit the jump to see the equally outstanding versions from BEAMS, Beauty & Youth and Journal Standard.
How's this for serendipitous? When researching the above band, as we are absolutely smitten with there 60's garage rock/psych sound, we discovered that they call the very same city home that we do. This post was meant to be. Seriously...these guy's new album titled "Can't Get No", conveniently out today, is a winner through and through. Available on iTunes.
While the closest most city folk get to the great outdoors is getting drunk on a patio, that doesn't preclude one from finding this book both genuinely interesting and ultimately useful. Consider it your primer for the impending zombie apocalypse. You can get yours here.
We're going to flex our geek muscles for a bit here and say that since this is not a complete arrow, a better name would be Fletching Keychain, as that is what the airfoils at the rear of an arrow are called. Boom...full nerd in one sentence. Regardless of the name, it's a pretty slick keychain, and while we picked this keychain in "pumpkin," it also come in vibrant blue and black. Check them out over at Haven.
We can't decide whether the toothpick is a filthy habit, or a practical and eminently cool accessory. However, much like a cigar is a filthy habit, we love ourselves some Colts with wine dipped tip. Knowing our ghetto love for sucking on a Colt, we think we may go a bit up-market with these Single Malt Toothpicks from Daneson. These toothpicks aren't just dipped in any old scotch, but rather infused with single malt No.16, a barrel-aged scotch from a 200 year old distillery from Islay. You can see and learn more here.
For you cheap jerks who can't be bothered to buy a calendar every year, the L'Atelier D'exercices monthly measure keeps track of the date with a little help from you every day. It won't tell you the month, only the day and date but really you should at the very least know if it is July or January. Available here.
We spent the better part of our last weekend catching up with friends and family outdoors. With the sun beating down and the drinks on endless supply, we realized that there is sometimes nothing better or more appropriate in these kind of situations than a variety of backyard games. While we played wiffle ball and some sort of strange yet addictive game called ladder golf, we also love us a great game of Bocce. If you agree and have some extra moula burning a hole in your pocket then spring for this bocce set by Fredericks & Mae, available here.
A glass cube for a fish tank? Real original. We like this better...it's just too bad that it's not available for purchase. Check of Zeus' site here for some other great images of his graffiti inspired installations.
We've never been big fans of the room dominating games table, but we'd happily make room in our place for the above. You can't go wrong with all-black-everything, and on that note, this table does not disappoint. Adding to the aesthetic is the topographic legs; when viewed from the short end of the table, appears as an opaque landscape and when viewed from the long side, all appears impossibly thin. You can see and learn more here.
If you even have a passing fancy for the superior two-wheeled mode of transportation and haven't yet visited the website bikeexif.com, you are completely missing the boat. Chris Hunter, the author of the site and supreme fan and chronicler of all things custom motorcycle, has compiled all the very best, and is about to release a tome worthy of such beautiful machinery. "In the motorcycle scene of 1960's Britain, it was frowned upon to drive a motorcycle as it was produced in a factory. Following in this historical tradition, The Ride focuses on those who are creating customized motorcycles that come as close to one's own vision of how pure riding should be." Cool as f@#$. Book to be released this August, and will be available at wherever they sell fine ass books.
Sometimes we simply like looking at dog photos. What?! You think you're better than us, like you don't succumb to the occasional pet video and ooh and aw over the craziness that people post relating to their pets? Please. Photographer Sebastian Magnani has recently released a batch of portraits depicting owners and their dogs dressed alike. Seriously good, check them out at Fast Company.
3D printing is becoming so commonplace now we can't believe we aren't typing this while 3D printing our dinner. This offering from Denmark is a uniquely beautiful jewellery piece 3D printed in stainless steel infused with bronze weathered and aged to perfection. We also love the leather breastplate shown in this photo, check it all out here.
In the spirit of mentioning our crazy good weather, it appears everyone and their dog is out running for the hills to go camping. So before you go and blindly pack that old musty tent you've been using and abusing for the last 10 years you may want to go and check out the latest in tents from Poler Stuff. We love the Camo tent for 2 (or perhaps for 3 small people) with loads of interior space and the one pole set-up which makes it a cinch on that dark Friday night when you inevitably arrive too late at your campsite to see what you are doing. Check it out here.
A recent extreme heat wave that many of us have been experiencing the last few days has had us ripping off our skinny jeans and constrictive clothing and running to the local shops to find something cool and airy just to get some relief. In our search we came across this Billabong dress that fit the bill perfectly, trendy pattern, tent like structure and dramatic hemline. Available here.
