Denim PC

I've just discovered this cool PC case mod from the Million Dollar PC guys.

See more pics at http://www.million-dollar-pc.com/systems-2009/special/benny/benny-denim.htm

Wesley's jacket

This guy came in my shop wearing this bad ass North Face jacket.

Not sure if it is a legitimate version, but it was pretty cool.

Evolv Approach Shoes

I caught a glimpse of these Evolv approach shoes on UKC after the Outdoor Show, but they really didn't stand out in the grey colourway presented there.  In this colour the shoes really stood out on the GearJunkie blog:

It occurs to me that are few products that are quite as suitable for fashion-function crossover design as approach shoes - seamlessly taking you from the crag to the pub.

Any color you want so long as it is black - Web Exclusive Article - Significance Magazine

A rather good short read explaining why choice is so damn rare in the free market:

Any color you want so long as it is black - Significance Magazine

Fuse-ion, TEVA

Fuse-ion TEVA water shoe is the part of the new S/S '12 range. This shoe joins the ranks of  the fast changing style within Teva's new design attitude such as the Churn. What I mean by that is they no longer seem to be designing shoes for 60 year old dorks. Although there is always a place for the Terra Fi sandal, i'm glad to see a company breaking free from tradition.

The Churn, which came out S/S '11 is a 'water shoe' as well, however it has totally different style to the Fuse-ion. The classic 'skate/pump' look really fits into my wardrobe, much more than something like the Churn and I'm happy to wear these shoes all the time. Actually, since I got them, that precisely what I have been doing.

My first thought when I got them was that I should have gone for half a size up, but after wearing them for 3 weeks now I have began to appreciate their snug fit and hold. The lace up is necessary as they are not an overly soft shoe, however the fold down section at the back makes the easy to slip on if you just popping to the shops or out in garden. For everyday use they are comfortable and looked nifty paired up with skinny jeans or chinos. The range of colours available are bang on trend, but I definitely think i got the best style in brown, grey and orange.

Tech-ness

Fuse-ION refers the Ion Mask which has been added across the shoe. For those of you not in the know, this I plasma technology developed by the British company P2i. Put simply this means instead of just coating the shoe in a water repellent finish which can wear off, the surface of the shoe is binded to water repellent chemical at a molecular level meaning the effectiveness of the Ion Mask lasts a lot, lot, lot longer. And its British.

So this means that the shoe is waterproof? Well, no. its got bits of mesh all over the shoe, but for the most part, moisture, mud and dirt comes away very easily and gives the added bonus of not only keeping your feet dry but also helps keep the shoes clean (always a plus living in the city). I've used the shoes in pouring rain and they stood up pretty well, besides the mesh, were obviously my feet got wet. The point of a water shoe is not to keep your feet totally dry but to allow them to dry out quickly, which these seem to do well.

The other Tech feature to these shoes is the sole. It has two sections, Spider Rubber round the edge and J-Step, both designed to add superior grip. The Spider Rubber is 'grippi-est' rubber TEVA have ever used (apparently) but what is most interesting about the sole is the J-Step. This is the orange bit in the middle of sole which can adapt to many different surfaces and contours. I've tested this out and about and it seems pretty decent, but the best test I had was running across a newly mopped floor at work. Total traction. I didnt slip at all, its a nice feature that sits in the product without being seen. Very O&A.

Drain Frame??

Pocket-Lint.com did a review of these shoes as well, and they said the the shoe contains the Drain Frame technology Teva include in the Churn, but i cant seem to find it anywhere on the shoe, unless they are referring to the two eyelets on each side of the shoes?? Bit lame if they are.

Stylish and Functional

I've used these shoes going for a walk along muddy paths, cycling around town (the reinforced toe fits in the cleats on my bike without being ruined) slack-lining in the park and i've even taken them down the climbing wall and used them for easy bouldering problems. They are an excellent 'all rounder' everyday shoe, perfect for hot conditions, even when it rains a bit and generally doing stuff usual trainers cant hack. If your the sort of person that likes to look stylish but at the same time be ready for action then these are you.

In short... dees Creps am Fresh, ye get me'

Cruiser Jacket Update

Oliver spotted the new version of Nanamica Cruiser Jacket on threetwentyeight. It looks a lot sharper than the last model, and should be at the price of £710. Decent up dates though, such as two Press-studs on the pockets and 'gucci' little clips on rainflap. What a colour as well. Lots of yellow floating around at the moment, everyone seems to have go a bit fisherman friends this summer.

Feeling Foxy? Vulpine launch

Hot on the market today is the new, 'Fox-like' cyling brand, Vulpine. City styled and modern, this is a bold new twist on the already popular styling of brands such as Rapha, which meld style and performance well.










The branding and colourful approach of the Vulpine's website instantly draws you in and identifies the target market without hesitation. The tag line 'clothes for ride and destination' meets the criteria to belong on O&A and they certainly do it well. There is a conscious effort to keep all 'high-vis' additions and a safety aspects tight and not obvious, yet still functional and important. (thumbs up from O&A)

Classically there is a soft-shell piece and of course a merino t-shirt, but my favourite is the Hi-Viz Vest. I really like the styling on the buttons/magnets(?) on the collar. It is also a very nice green colour, it reminds me of the future. Interestingly, they have gone for a Nextec Epic Fabric jacket, over a full waterproof coated piece. I suppose this is the Spring/Summer 12 range, but then again, this is also England. They have remembered to include a small splash guard/ butt flap on their jackets that folds down from inside the jacket to stop you bum getting muddy. It doesnt say if the butt flap is removable? or wipe-able? but still a nice addition non the less.

Congrats, Vulpine, Looking forward to seeing the girls range where I think the brand will really stand out.

oh yeah... nice buttons too.

REPOST: Label Networks - Outdoor Retailer Trade Show Proves Crossover Potential with Action Sports, Technical and Heritage Fashion Trends, Footwear, Accessories

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Yeah, were already blogging about it guys!

but hey, have a look at this great article about outdoor crossover by Label Networks

It discuss some interesting points and brands, however I don't know about referring to these trouser as 'stylish women's wear', its certainly women's wear but that's about it.

Burton and Carhartt

Combination Brands can go one of two ways, and Burton and Carhartt have most definitley done well with this one.

This Boarding jacket, is bang on 'workwear' trend and fits into both brands ranges very well. The shell is a durable canvas feel PU coated fabric with excellent details and finished. Big 'rude boy' pockets for storing your stash, and keeping your hands warm (lined), and the overall simplistic oversized boxy design makes this jacket totally wearable on and off the slopes and carries plenty of cred.

The colour is great and the brown baby cord neckline and facing is smart. I would only pull them up on the fact that it feels like it is made of cotton and, although that adds a great finish, it does let make be ponder why it is there when the environment where the jacket will be used will most like contain snow. I really would hate my neckline to wetted in the cold. I have seen a polyester cord fabric used in a Protest jacket this season, probably would have worked here too. I suppose good boards just don't fall over.

I hope they keep up the partnership for next year, i love the logo.

Icebreaker Mayfair Jacket

A Mystery model here sporting the Icebreaker Mayfair Jacket. This piece has been out for a while, but has slipped me by. Fantastic finishing, heavy weight, 100% merino wool, in either a grey or black, with nice hidden button stand and zip for extra security.