THE WEEKEND:

MUSIC. STYLE. READS & MORE.


Get yourself studied on the "What matters" this weekend. From new tracks to download, styles to learn, reads to flip through and whole lots more, here's your shortlist guide to THE WEEKEND!


>>> Put on loop: Onra's Chinoiseries Pt. 2

BUT WHY?: Onra, the Paris-based hip hop beatmaker is a notorious man I'm glad to name drop once asked for song suggestions. No expert in music, but this one's got the best beats for all those occasions (parties, casual dinners, pounding the pavement and more). His sound, in general makes the word "swagger" an incredibly over-rated term with music that captures a certain cool you'd probably fail to understand. Hence we all settle with "Damn Onra's just soo cool."

No Matter What has put in my head a vision of a Dries Van Noten menswear collection and a 2 minute fashion show. It's that kind of cool. Genius.

He's an artist, I believe and I'm a fan. Chinoiseries Pt. 2 is, for me, a better series than his first one, just cause here he sounds tighter. I've included this exact song for my Salt Sunday Sounds and it's possibly the "sickest" I've heard in ages. 

OTHER TRACKS: Aside from this runway-ready track, Ms. Ho will remind you of a country song mixed in with lots of Chinese instruments that'll mellow down into just pure awesomeness. Warrior's Pride is another track to reserve patience for, as the build up, 20-30 seconds into the song, leads into a steady, head-bopping beat.

THE SANDWICH:

READS. STYLE. PEOPLE. & ART.


GQ's "wait for it, it's gonna be...legendary" cover,  boots worth the hike, a bag I'm dreaming of as we speak and the art exhibit you'll want to visit.


The mid-week sandwich you'd gladly take a bite out of. Welcome to The Sandwich gents!


+ GQ hosts a musical of Survivors

The face, voice and the words of a generation.
Eminem for GQ November 2011

The November 2011 issue of GQ just might be my favorite of all time. While I'm still loving the October issue, hours ago GQ finally released its impressive portfolio of musical geniuses. From Eminem to Debbie Harry, Brandon Flowers to Erykah Badu, Lil Wayne to Keith Richards, their Entertainment issue of Vanity Fair proportions has successfully profiled a whopping 38 artists, all heavy hitters and names in the music industry. Read and brush up on some pop and music culture and history with this issue and ask yourself, why they're called The Survivors. Keep checking out their website as well to watch, read and listen to their interviews. But your best bet is to grab the copy. And did I mention how the cover is awesome?! Yes! It's fucking awesome. Definitely a book and a must-read for GQ, music and magazine fans.

+ The finest wash bag there is...by Mulberry

Mulberry's Large Leather Wash Bag @finercut

My wash bag is a pretty Ralph Lauren one, a charming hand-me-down from my late stylish grandfather. If he handed me this done, I'd freak out. Not that my Ralph Lauren looks like trash (in fact, it's one of the prettiest things I've sene), but this Mulberry leather wash bag is just insanely chic. Their Scotchgrain luggage collection offers you this baby, made of fine leather in cognac and trimmed with a lighter brown strap. Divine is an understatement, fine as well. Had anyone given this to me as a present, I'd never take it out of its box. Too good to be a "wash bag". It's that beautiful. 

+ Inside birds' houses. Art by Lori Blados

Bedroom by Lori Blados @ Curated

Training in college always told us never to say "it's cute" after seeing an artwork. It's rude, it's shallow and most of all, no one should say things are cute. Well, that last part, you could save for other things, just not art. HOWEVER, when I saw the paintings by Lori Blados, it was the first thing that popped in my mind: "Oh how cute, birds have their own human-like houses." Now, I'm punching myself for that. Lori Blados' exhibition runs from September 30 to October 28 in Connecticut at Diane Birdsall gallery, featuring birds that are looking into bird houses that have human elements in them. Trippy to some of us, but it tells you something about reality and how, possibly, there could be other forms of reality we are all unaware of. That's my interpretation of it. But it's better for you to check them out on your own and study...Just don't say it's cute. 

+ Hike away in Visvim

visvim's Serra boots @ HighSnobiety

A hike usually requires more function than fashion, but we all have to thank the fashion gods up above, cause definitely somebody there loves us. Hikers and non-hikers behold the handsome, rough yet neat Serra boots by Visvim. Waxed cowhide uppers and Okayama denim detailing, plus a natural cork footbed, leather welt construction and all the signature visvim detailing, these goodies are great on and off a hike. Hikers, go test the fashionable footwear, cause it'll surely deliver. If you're more like me, I'll wear this for fashion. And fine, probably climb a mountain too...

- Gerard

THE WEEKEND:

STYLE.DRINK.MUSIC + TRIBUTE


What matters now (and possibly for more months to come) are all here. 
THE EDGE is also paying its respects to one of the fashion world's most influential men.


+ STYLE: Ben Nordberg for The Block magazine

Part skater, part coolest kid on the block, Ben Nordberg does well for The Block magazine
@DesignScene

Mandatory, I tell you for skaters to be cool. But young skater Ben Nordberg's spread for The Block magazine brings cool to a whole new level. Well, maybe I'm exaggerating, but it's really this cool. Aside from Nordberg's natural brooding looks and model-worthy frame, the styling is all laid-back, giving much emphasis to subtle prints, a little texture and awesome layers. Check out more of Nordberg's other photos and how The Block does Fall cool. 

+ MUSIC: Mayer Hawthorne's The Walk

Been a fan of Mayer Hawthorne since the day I learned of him. Now, his newest video for The Walk, off his album How Do You Do, reminds you of Mr. & Mrs. Smith. YouTubers might tell you it's far from the Brangelina blockbuster cause, apparently, Mayer Hawthorne and the sexy lady here are "bad shooters", but who the hell cares. The video's awesome, especially all the slow-mo portions. The song's all throwback and cool and is actually quite refreshing to listen to. Make sure you get yourselves a copy of How Do You Do and abuse all your "put on loop" buttons and options, cause this one's worth it. OH, and also drop by YouTube and look for the super smooth version of Just Ain't Gonna Work Out with the legendary Daryl Hall. 

+ DRINK: Hennessy X Theodor Tea Infuser  & Carafe by Mathieu Lehanneur

The collaboration @Viacomit

Two really big names mix together and you've got a for-sure pricey and perfect collaboration. Hennessy cognac meets tea by Theodor is possibly the most refreshing combination you've got waiting for your weekend, downtime sipping. To sweeten the deal, designer Mathieu Lehanneur lends his talent to design the sleek carafe and tea infuser as well. And before you complain about flavors, you've got four here. Now, you could complain about something...A thing this good comes in limited numbers. So better race everyone else to it.

+ THE STYLE LEGEND: Francesco Cominelli

Rest in Peace Francesco 

Vogue Hommes International editor and street style superhero, Francesco Cominelli has sadly passed away last October 7, 2011. Stylish man and incredibly talented Francesco has been most famous to outsiders thanks to his signature mixing and matching style, turning signature pieces into his own. Friend and photographer Jak and Jil blogger Tommy Ton captured the brilliant soul in all his handsome glory and it's best the world remembers him in such simple yet influential and moving photos. Rest in peace Francesco.

- Gerard

THE SANDWICH:

WEAR. WATCH. READ & LISTEN


The mid-week bite brings you the following: a new surfer flick, the 5 albums you ought to download, Patrick Ervell's field coat & Alexander Skarsgaard's pricelessness...All here.


Welcome to your mid-week bite at The Sandwich.


>>> BUCKLEY SINGS GRACE & 4 MORE SOUNDS TO SAVE

Jeff Buckley's Grace one of the five albums featured @Every Guyed

It's his good looks and his warm, whiskey-sounding voice that brings ladies to a trance. Couldn't blame the man, he's talented and raw-sounding, things that are a "Go" for most ladies. His album Grace is an overall powerful sound trip, setting a mood perfect for sobriety and a little romance. So the next time you want to impress a beauty, make sure Grace is on your playlist. Every Guyed has four more albums that are man-approved and are sure to win the ladies. Check them out here

>>> THE M-65 VERSION 2011 

Patrick Ervell Field Coat in Army Tan @SwipeLife

Everything about this M-65 (Field Coat) is handsome: moleskin in tan, four front pockets that close in snaps, a drawstring waist, metal snaps and Velcro fastenings. Patrik Ervell's 2011 version of a menswear classic is grounded, straight-forward and a summary of the things that masculine outerwear should be: sporty, clean, crisp and chic. What I love about coats and outerwear in general is the difference it makes on a look. This utilitarian staple manages a chic cover-up for lazy days, a humbling armor for flashier occasions or a star on its own, fitted and zipped-up during weather battles. I'm placing my money on this.

>>> THE YEAR THE WORLD SURFS

Renegade surfers out on a hunt for three of the finest things any surfer would comb the world for: ladies, waves and great times. Year Zero is a post-apocalyptic vision through the eyes of surf stars, shot in 16mm film with a soundtrack by BLACK MOUNTAIN, this is probably the year the world really starts surfing. A GLOBE production sure to please, everyone should know that this will surely leave an impact. Check out more details at Surfing Magazine

>>> PRICELESS: ALEXANDER SKARSGARD

Designer gym clothes or just down-right cool athletic gear, Alexander Skarsgard's simple yet memorable cover for WONDERLAND @DesignScene

True Blood vampire, Alexander Skarsgard goes all black and simple for WONDERLAND magazine's Priceless issue September/October 2011. Featured on the other cover is Kirsten Dunst, both of which star in the new film Melancholia. While I have only the slightest idea of what this film is about, it has come to my attention that Skarsgard's steady rise to superstardom has gotten the fashion world pretty excited. This man, will be appearing on more magazine covers real soon and it's no point of contention. His model good-looks and stellar acting chops are sure elements for a lasting star and that's priceless indeed.

- Gerard

THE WEEKEND:

WEAR. LISTEN. STYLE & GET.
Rolex's latest offering, DETAILS' guide to the season switch, the musical collaboration of the year (if not the decade) and the bag to buy.
You know what it is gents. That's right.
It's THE WEEKEND!


+ COAST GUARD COOL

Louis Vuitton

Burberry Prorsum  

At DETAILS, what they're talking about now (September 2011 issue) is how to do the switch: from summer basics to fall must-haves and this story shot by Will Davidson captures Whale Beach style and how it's done. Bundle up in easy, cool coats from Fall's biggest names right after a surf and it's an instant transition. You may have your doubts about it, but on photos they look great. Check out more from DETAILS' September 2011 issue here.

+ THE THRONE TO WATCH

Midway last week, Twitter was all about some throne to watch. I had no idea what #WatchTheThrone meant or what it was about, but when I dropped by the Rolling Stone website last week I read an entry about a Jay-Z and Kanye West collaboration, which, as you know, is a high voltage collaboration. And then I heard it on the radio how one of them complained about the other and stuff like that---typical industry drama, and finally confirmed that Watch The Throne is the title of these geniuses' project. Days ago was the debut of their awesome song, Otis featuring Otis Redding's Try A Little Tenderness as the song's cool, vintage base. The video is superb, simple but cool. The ladies are beautiful, Kanye's JakandJil-esque bracelets are killing me, Jay-Z's rhymes are spot on and that car... (mind you, I'm no car fanatic, but I know a beautiful ride when I see one). Gents, should I say more? Listen up now!

+ BAGGED!

Patrick Stephan "Body Bag" @ Selectism

Sheepskin. Oversized. Brown/Black. Awesome interior lining. I'm sold. But really, Patrick Stephan's Body Bag is one of the finest looking bags out there. You could stuff everything inside it and never worry about ruining its looks, cause this one's built to last (despite its plush looks). Doesn't really matter if you go for black or brown cause it looks fantastic either way. And did I mention that cityscape interior? Oh yeah, I already did.

+ THE SUMMER INVESTMENT

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Air-King Precision (1966) @GQ

Combine a fine quality, tri-colored nylon strap with something as precious as a Rolex Oyster Perpetual Air-King Precision (that dates back to 1966) and you get a $3,600 timepiece that sums up a perfect summer anywhere. It does break the bank but when you think about it, it really should. It's a Rolex, a vintage one at that and while you think it's trendy to strap on something like this, you'll realize that every summer gents actually wear timepieces such as this one. So, if you have money to get one, I suggest you get one now.

- Gerard

THE STARTER + THE WEEKEND:

AUGUST 2011
WEAR.CAMPAIGN.GEAR.LISTEN & ARCHITECTURE


Jumpstart one of every year's longer months with the coolest things you could find now. Here's THE EDGE's Starter + Weekend fix to keep you styled, entertained, learned and many more, all for this August.


>>> WEAR: Junya Watanabe's Patched Knit Blazer

Paolo Roldan in Junya Watanabe's patchwork knit blazer

What makes a knitted blazer desirable? Two things: Junya Watanabe and Patchwork. Junya Watanabe's knitted blazer comes in a cool patchwork, finished with suede leather patches for pockets and the quintessential elbow patch. This one passes well for all those lazy days, when fussing over a finely pressed shirt just doesn't cut it. Slip this on over a plain, solid-colored sweater or a plain tee with your favorite chinos or jeans and your footwear of choice (I highly recommend the next item on our Starter+Weekend) and you're off to impress.

>>> WEAR: A.P.C's Fall 2011 Shoes

A.P.C.'s coolest Fall 2011 shoes @ Selectism

If you're baffled as to what your Junya Watanabe blazer deserves for a stylish foundation, A.P.C.'s dependably cool Fall 2011 collection of shoes is your answer to everything. You could find here almost all of the essential footwear a man's wardrobe needs: dressy patent leather shoes, formal slippers, desert boots, bucks and awesome lace-ups. Its simple, chic and no-fail looks and quality will guarantee you stylish points and much bang for your buck. 

>>> LISTEN: MIRACLE WORKER of Superheavy

Really Superheavy. The heavy collaboration courtesy of Mick Jagger @ RollingStone

The people who are responsible for this "worldly" track come from the many genres of the world of music. So it's no wonder that when Mick Jagger, Joss Stone, Dave Stewart, Damian Marley and A.R. Rahman team up for a track, the sound is almost unexplainable but definitely something you'd put on loop for more than just an entire day. Pretty exciting I must say and while I'm a stranger to some of these musical geniuses, it doesn't stop me from liking what I'm hearing. Listen up gents @ Rolling Stone.

>>> ARCHITECTURE: NOBIS HOUSE

Designed by Susanne Nobis. Minimalist Boathouse  in Munich, Germany @ The Cool Hunter

Susanne Nobis designed this for her own family and I'd never move out had I been a Nobis kid. The minimalism here isn't the one we're used to which usually turns cold and almost unlivable in the long run. What I love about the Nobis house is that it's actually a pretty minimalist house that manages a warm, homey feel about it and at the same time is as clean anything minimal could get. Read more and start aspiring for a house like this at The Cool Hunter

>>> GEAR: VANDEYK NIGHTSTREAM BIKE

The Nighstream by Vandeyk  @ HighSnobiety

Vandeyk is really all about great bikes. Period. But it's easy to say that about every other bike brand...That is until you see a Vandeyk bike. Feast your eyes on the Nighstream. A collection of bikes beautifully crafted with a body in black, painted with stripes of awesome hues, reminiscent of neon lights lining a night sky, right? If that's gotten me poetic it only means that it's that good. Check out what Vandeyk has to offer (other than a beautiful look and design) at their website. And while you're at it, get yours asap cause only 25 have been made. 

>>> CAMPAIGN: BOTTEGA VENETA FALL 2011

Nicolas Ripoll for Bottega Veneta @DesignScene

With the beautiful and sexy Isabeli Fontana

The Fall 2011 campaign for Bottega Veneta is one of the season's most interesting  I've seen. Highlighting what Bottega does best, the set and how things are shot---courtesy of photographer  Robert Polidori and art director Doug Lloyd, even the stunning chemistry between the edgy Nicolas Ripoll and the Victoria's Secret model Isabeli Fontana make up a delicious and memorable effort. While the set is obviously a wealthy place, you could see the cool rips on the wallpapers and the quirks etching the surroundings, it encapsulates Bottega's undone regal cool that Maier and the brand have successfully been banking on. Wonderful, great and splendid are unfitting superlatives.

- Gerard

THE STARTER + THE WEEKEND:

PEOPLE. MUSIC. EATS. STYLE. READS. WOMAN & MORE

One of the most stylish, memorable rockstars out there
Mick Jagger

We're doing an American Tribute even when it's way past Independence Day. The Land of the Free deserves much recognition, and that's exactly what's starting this month on THE EDGE's STARTER + WEEKEND.

From surfing essentials to Europe's nod to America to the Stone we're eyeing to Mick Jagger to a British cowboy on Esquire, we're traveling around the world (almost) for this one.


>>> ICON: Mick Jagger

Not only is he the father of super gorgeous Georgia May Jagger, lead of The Rolling Stones, a style God, music legend, he's also this generation's favorite namedrop (check out Maroon 5 feat. Christina Aguilera's Moves Like Jagger and that other---I'm so sorry, annoying, song). 

Check him out doing a face-off with another legend, David Bowie in Dancin' in the Street or watch him tear up the Grammys months ago. 

The man's turning 68 on the 26th but he sure still got lots of swag.

>>> READ: Surf & Sea by John M. Kelly Jr.

Surf & Sea by John M. Kelly Jr. 

After unearthing my first and last copy of Man About Town, 7th issue from last year's Fall/Winter, I realized that the British read's got lots of surfing and Americana featured in the issue. One of which that I really liked was this book Surf & Sea by John M. Kelly Jr. Surfing genius, John M Kelly Jr. is---mostly, the subject of this 4 decade old read. Purchase a copy to learn more about the surfing scene during those times and also get a peak inside the life and times of the inventor of the hydroplane surfboard and all over Renaissance man. I'm not even a surfer but I'm rubbing my chin, thinking of getting myself a copy.

>>> STORE/STYLE: Saturdays

That wall is mine. Suddenly, I'm glad Manila's got hot weather
Saturdays by DJORDYTHINKSTHISISCOOL

GQ grants New York's Saturdays a spot on the magazine's much favorable page GQ Endorses. Called "the coolest store in America right now" Saturdays is stocked with all the best finds a surfing dude (or dudette I guess) would need, from trunks to sneakers to those oh-so-cool tee shirts to surfboards in multiple hues to beach soaps, all of which are most probably touched by Saturdays. They even sell coffee. Beat that. 

>>> MUSIC: The Beach Boys' All Summer Long

You're classic, best bet for a summer soundtrack, with or without a trip to the beach

The Beach Boys will always be an American musical treasure and this 1964 record's a keeper especially this summer time. Not only does it have such an inspiring and stylish jacket, the tracks are groovy, energetic and signature Beach Boys. Go road tripping to Do You Remember & Little Honda, go dancing and surfing to their famous I Get Around or better yet just drown in these beats on your iPods from start to finish. 

>>>  STYLE: GQ Italia's Microfantasie

Microfantasie GQ Italia 

When American staples get an Italian fix, it's bound to be a sure hit (for example Renato Carosone's Tu Vuo Fa' L'Americano). In this story featuring prints in microscopic cool, double-breasted suits to two-button jackets range from pale lilacs to dove gray hues Italian GQ's Microfantasie teaches you a thing or two about putting together a look this sophisticated and neat. There's an American element in it, the glasses, the blonde hair, it almost reminds you of Matt Damon on The Talented Mr. Ripley and then there's the obvious Italian tweaks on the spot-on styling and the pieces and what you get is an intercontinental fair of nothing but pure handsome style.

>>> WOMAN: Emma Stone

Set to star in a multitude of hits in the coming months---including the new Spider-Man, funny woman and  beautiful bombshell Emma Stone is Vanity Fair's cover star for August 2011. Watch the video and you'll realize that despite her Easy A simplicity, there is something dangerous about her that I love. Oh, and to those saying she's the new Lindsay Lohan, what the hell?!

>>> EATS: GQ's San Francisco Feature

The restaurant's cool exterior

Commonwealth's Menu

GQ's July 2011 issue has a round-up of the finest eateries in San Francisco. From the 10 Dishes Not To Miss (which includes Warm Egg Custard at Mission Chinese Food, Young Carrots at Plum, Eel, Feuille de Brick, Creme Fraiche, Lime at Benu and the delectable Foie Gras Bonbon at Commonwealth) to five of San Francisco's got-to-try places. Now the photos will get you starving, so I advise you to fill up before flipping the pages, just so you won't feel that bad.


>>> GEAR/STYLE: WASTE(TWICE) x MOUNTAIN SMITH LUGGAGE

Japan's Waste(Twice) and America's Mountainsmith = cool, cool backpack @HighSnobiety

While great outdoor activities enjoy massive global appeal, it is, for me, a truly American past time. So what better way to explore the wilderness than get straight-up backpacking in this collaborative masterpiece?  Japan's Waste(Twice) and America's Mountainsmith concocted a line of superb nylon/leather backpacks and waist bags that come in awesome colors: hyped-up blue and yellow, sporty red and black or classic black and brown. Stitched to stand the demands of any kind of outdoors adventure, these kids should definitely be on your list must-haves. 

>>> READ/MAN: Daniel Craig on Esquire

The British Cowboy who'll be battling aliens real soon, Daniel Craig on Esquire August 2011

Isn't it fascinating that Cowboys VS. Alien's Cowboy is Mr. Bond? A Brit? The trailer looks awesome---a little weird though, cause, you know, it seems like the movie's a little bit too ambitious, but whatever, and whatever Daniel Craig does seems cool. This man, for me, is the epitome is macho cool, a modern day Steve McQueen. For August 2011, Esquire gets my vote for best magazine cover of the month. The "unfinished" look on it and the blues and browns definitely's got me itching for a copy. And of course, Daniel Craig is one of my favorite bad boys in Hollywood (including Clive Owen) so this issue ought to be a steal for me. Check out the issue the moment it hits newsstands and read up on Craig's interview, IF you get past the swearing. 

-Gerard

THE WEEKEND:

This weekend, we're promoting some cool fun for all of you. Besides, every weekend should be the opportunity to loosen up those ties, kick back and (not really relax but) have some fun!


Here's this weekend's shortlist of things so cool, it'll last you more than this weekend.


+ TIE-ON STYLE

Kanye West wearing Burkman Bros Bracelets via ValetMag

Put on some weight, well, light weight with these Burkman Bros Bracelets made perfectly out of waxed cotton and ready for the hotter days to come. The tribal feel meets surfer dude vibe these tie-ons present make for such interesting stylish additions to outfits, as we see on Kanye West (rocking his bracelets on Coachella) plus it adds doses of awesome to your otherwise plain looks. Start tying one now!

+ PAINTING CULTURE

Cindy biking too close to the edge while filming the Spanish moss on Baldhead island, 2011 by Daniel Peddle

Daniel Peddle, a casting director now turned painter extraordinaire opened his exhibition of fairly impressionistic and beautiful works for the public at New York's NPCAC entitled The Undertow. Its opening last May 5 was crowded with the fashion industry's most interesting people: Philip Lim, Tao Okamoto, Hanne Gaby Odiele and Anita Bitton as only some of the big names present. We could all use some painting culture like the good old days and I'm happy Peddle's got great talent. Check it out for yourself this weekend.

+ ESQUIRE 2.0

The new British Esquire

British Esquire presents its new look and content: Esquire version 2.0.To hit newsstands this week, the Kelly Brook cover will definitely catch your attention (right?). Aside from the vamped up colors and the tighter editing on their pages (that sort of remind me of American GQ), they boast new columns and a "dream team" of writers. Here's to enjoying more of British Esquire and definitely living a more stylish life.

+ L.O.V.E. by ONRA

 Onra - L.O.V.E by Onra 

You know pretty well that I'm no music blogger, so throwing all the references for and of Onra's amazing track would be an impossible feat. But I've been a fan of the man since last year and have never been disappointed. His cool beats and awesome grooves are classy, sophisticated and far from what mainstream party beats produce. His latest demo, L.O.V.E. has been on the loop for days  and I couldn't wait for local clubs to start playing Onra tracks.

- Gerard

THE WEEKEND:

WHAT's GREAT NOW

Posting here on THE EDGE has been pretty rare, and to spike it up and make sure that readers are well-informed and entertained (not to mention to keep you guys coming), I've decided to update this blog with its first THE WEEKEND post, a shortlist of cool things worth the weekend (and more). What's great now is all here on THE WEEKEND.

+ DENIM UPDATE

Arthur Kulkov for GQ's Denim Guide

It's an Amen to jeans that are well-worn and kept for ages...Besides, if there's one thing I've been advocating for it's having a love affair with your clothes and seeing this wear it to a careless ease that new duds try to achieve. Sometimes though, you need to stock up on your denim pile just to widen your options. I'm liking GAP's 1969 in a skinny-fit they call the Dark Star. GAP's just right price and quality won't (ever) hurt your wallet. Drop by your favorite GAP store and get yourself a pair to wear with all those laid-back weekend pieces. Welcome a new pair you'll be loving for a long, long time. Not liking this? Check out GQ's guide for more

+ COOL KICKS

Tretron's "Nylite Canvas" tennis shoes @ Selectism

Take it easy in Tretron's Nylite Canvas tennis shoes, a pair so cool to look at it's impossible never to wear them even on weekdays. Roll up those jeans and go sockless out on the city. Take them to the beach with cotton shorts. Put them to the test on court in your bright, pop-colored Lacoste picques. Or lighten up the mood at a dressy dinner date in these and a lightweight suit, a crewneck shirt and well-cut chinos. I am telling you, the looks and the possibilities are boundless all thanks to a cool pair of tennis shoes.

+ SAIL AWAY w/ PENFIELD

Penfield's Spring/Summer Lookbook @ Swipelife

Sail away in Penfield's nautical, lightweight selections of outerwear, chinos, shorts and button-downs. My favorite is this cream and red jacket, something that will brighten up the sights at the serene seas, and nothing says youth, energy and chic with an awesome punch of red such as this one. There are more things to love that Penfield offers and they're all at Swipelife.

+ THE PLAYLIST

They aren't the freshest crop of songs you could download these days but I assure you they're good to keep on your playlist. Q-tip and Norah Jones' Life is Better is one of the smoothest tracks I've heard. Norah's calm, soulful voice blends well with Q-tip's real, awesome timing and phrasing and the two combined just makes life real better. Plan B I'm starting to like a lot and this one's already part of my "on-the-loop" tracks. Mayer Hawthorne, however, has got to be my biggest addiction this week. Relatively new, his chilling voice and his throwback style has got me wowed. Thin Moon is---if you don't know the man just yet, a good introduction to the world of bluesy, oldschool Hawthorne sound.

- Gerard

THE STARTER:

READS. STYLES. LADIES. CULTURE. GADGETS & MORE.

Check out what THE EDGE's got for you this Holiday!

2010 ought to end with a good STARTER and this month, we've got you handsomely covered with just the right amount of ladies, looks, gadgets, reads and basically all that's hip and relevant now. From Rolling Stone's review of Kanye West's latest album, Olivia Wilde for TRON: Legacy to gift ideas to give yourself and your friends. Here's for head starting the week of the last day of a fantastic year. Enjoy and happy Holidays readers!

Henri Lloyd Culford Roll Knit

>>> SAIL THE SEASONS

Made in its traditional style, the Henri Lloyd Culford Roll Knit sweater has more than just good looks to boot. It promises all the classic and dependable functions of a chunky knit sweater for all the cool instances of every season. Keep this one on top of your list not just cause it's in this season, but because this'll be one of your favorites in the near future.

>>> READING INSIDE

There are so little good interiors magazines around the globe and apartamento is one among them. Selectism approves of its format and from the looks of it, this one will be quite a collector's item when (hopefully not) the rest of the world has forgotten about the magic, power and charm of printed works. But since I'm an advocate of keeping the real thing, if you're a design junkie, get your copy of apartamento's sixth issue and enjoy flipping through its pages.

>>> THE REID ESSENTIALS

Billy Reid, one of today's most prized designers shares with GQ his 10 essentials, things he most definitely couldn't do without. His 1998 Jeep Wrangler serves as their family's all-round vehicle and I'm sure it drives well into those fun, American road trips and adventures. Other essentials include jeans of his own design, a pocket knife, an LSU sweatshirt and other pretty telling things.

Maxx & Unicorn Co. Wallets

>>> DO THE FOLD:

Brooklyn made wallets by Maxx & Unicorn Co. has got bills, credit cards, receipts and everything else that's worth the fold and keep neatly stuffed inside its awesome folded leather that promises to adjust to the bulk of all your treasured foldables and stay superslim while in your pocket. I do have to attest to not smiling about having a lumpy wallet and I think one from them in  a mustard or olive green would do my money problems well. The only thing they couldn't solve is the actual money, but hey, this one's good as gold. 

Amanda Griffin for ROGUE magazine December 2010-January 2011

>>> LEARNING ROGUE:

You might as well roll your eyes and tell me to get over ROGUE magazine: Sorry. It's impossible to get over such an amazing work, especially when your magazine cover's of a beautiful lady like Amanda Griffin (photographed by master lensman Mark Nicdao and styled by editor LA Consing Lopez). The Philippines has ROGUE magazine to place on the international glass table of glossies and I'm thankful and glad to be working for them cause this is Filipino elegance, intelligence and quality at its finest. This month, it's not just Amanda Griffin that's eye-catching here, take a look at the other intriguing headlines that'll prove worthy of an entire day of reading, alone, with a pack of cigarettes and a good drink to keep your studying a pleasurable one.  Welcome to your ROGUE appreciation class and you'll surely enjoy.

Breville Juice & Blend

>>> YOUR OWN DRINK SPECIALIST:

Ever envied those handsome drinks they serve at swanky bars, restaurants and snobby cafes or juice places? Sure they say it's their quality ingredients or their exclusive, super secret recipes that keep their drinks a cut above the rest. I believe it takes a good juicer, mixer, drink machine whatever to rival those that sell for so much. Meet Breville Juice & Blend, the heavyweight machine that promises to deliver all your drink desires and wants like a pro. It's hard looks and expensive price tag are definitely factors to consider, but what it does and how it performs would win you over, especially when it could do your morning juices and your past midnight alcoholic treats like your own drink specialist. 

Olivia Wilde for DETAILS magazine December 2010

>>> A WILDE LEGACY

Olivia Wilde stars as the hot and sexy "cybervixen" Quorra as guide to, well, probably Garrett Hedlund's Sam Flynn, fitting into a tight rubber suit to keep faithful to expectations, requirements and all other masculine requests. That's not to say that she's out there for some unethical ogling, but it's part of TRON: LEGACY's story. Go and catch her this month as the movie screens sometime soon and also read about her candid interview for DETAILS magazine here. 

Florsheim by Duckie Brown

>>> THE SHOE AFFAIR: 

Men have great relationships with their kicks like most women do, it just might not show, but they do. And men appreciate hip things, new things but are always bound to get the classics in mind when shopping for a pair. Thanks to a swell collaboration between old school institution Florsheim and always fashion-bending and trend setting Duckie Brown men who are bothered by the question of now and timelessness has got their woes soothed chic. Check out the candy-colored renditions of timeless style staples like soft pink lace-ups, shiny two-toned spectators in quirky hues and brogues that are quite the attention grabbers. Here's for that shoe affair we all feared would never go calm again.

Noah Mills for French GQ

>>> A FRENCH IN AMERICA

The rough and rowdy Mr. Noah Mills poses for the lenses of Barnaby Roper for a New York editorial under the elegant pages of French GQ. Stylist James Sleaford nails the perfect looks for a classic American winter that's all the craze this season. 

>>> POLAROID DREAMS:

DETAILS magazine---just like all other magazines, has prescriptions of the most stylish things to get and give this Holiday. For their December issue, their editors have rounded up 71 (which is quite a charming number) gifts that are truly worth all the hype and money. What makes this portfolio better are the interesting polaroids shot by Lacey. Check out what DETAILS suggests for this season here. 

My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy by Kanye West

>>> WESTERN FANTASIES

And I quote Rob Sheffield: "It's his best album, but it's more than that--- it's also a rockstar manifesto for a downsizing world. At a time when we all get hectored about lowering our expectations, surrendering our attention spans, settling for less, West wants us to demand more." If that's not enough to get you hooked, the other stellar artists featured in this album proves genre-bending and sky rocketing expectations indeed: Elton John, Bon Iver, Fergie and Chris Rock. The album art and the whole controversy about it's original one is also another "GO BUY" it verification of Kanye's power and talent. And if you're still thinking about what he said about Taylor Swift, start growing up and forget about Kanye West's quirks and just give his work the recognition it needs. I believe this will be pretty historic. 

-Gerard