The Sperry Camp Moc & the Spring time lovers.

I snapped a shot of one of my favorite pairs of shoes in my growing collection which just so happened to be a pair of Sperry Camp Mocs I snagged for a cool $15 at Marshall’s. Looking back, I should have bought all 4 pairs on the discount shelf, but I didn’t know I’d wear the hell out of them. Since, I’ve gone though a number of polish jars keeping the one pair I have (and cannot find ANYwhere) clean and primed for everyday wear. With Spring coming, I’m all too ready to rock them with cuffed khakis, no socks, and a few bottles of Andre in the park throwing the frisbee with some good blokes. Sure, that’s a hippie sentiment (cursed be the modern-hippie), but I can see it now: The park, my dog, a few feigned loved interests (cheap thrills, s’pose), good friends, and, Lord knows, passing out on some couch somewhere within walking distance to home. I’ve got a lot on the plate for 2010. Sperry’s new mocs are among them. Why not, right?

PS- Finding a dame to help carry the canoe? Priceless.

To a bright (colored) 2010. University stripes for all.

2010 is going to be the year. Whatever, in fact, that entails is sort of up in the air, but I’ve got big plans and fancy pants to match. On the agenda thus far is a ton more traveling, expanding horizons on a slew of fronts, and living everyday of this gift we call life to the fullest. I garnered quite the collection of ties in 2009 and have put most of them to good use. Among my favorite are the striped few I scored at J. Crew. I know I’m somewhat of a whore for the brand, but when I find a company I like, I stick to it. Not to mention I was able to bring home each one of these for no more than roughly $20 each. It’s all about being in the right place at the right time. Remember, kids, just because something’s not in the sale rack, doesn’t mean it’s not marked down. Scour those tie bins. Treasures to be had, me mateys. Also, girls dig a guy willing to wear a pink tie. I don’t know why…Just trust me.

A Kid at Heart: Johnston & Murphy Brennan Saddle Shoes

Shucks, maybe sometime, you'd maybe like to, uh, shucks.

I’m the first one to admit that when it comes to the opposite sex, I’m not always the Casanova “some” would think I could be. I get a bit flustered, bashful, and can sometimes spit out strings of nonsensical babble the likes of which could be found on any number of freestyle albums or refrigerator magnet poetry. That said, I feel the “kicks rocks” look of the Johnson & Murphy blue and white Brennan Saddles are right up my alley. I first saw the at J&M.com and then had the pleasure of getting hands on with them in Nashville at the corporate offices. It wasn’t until they showed up at my doorstep (a nice gift from my friends at the company) that I got to strap them on my feet, recalling a schoolboy look I had from years gone by. I was no better talking to girls in 6th grade than I am today. Now I’m just of legal drinking age and can drown out the post-failed-flirtation blues. Hey barkeep, is that girl drinking a Manhattan? Send her one on me.

A bit of evil goes a long way: Black Sheep & Prodigal Sons

As I sat down with the guys from ELC Clothing last night at a local Mexican bar, I immediately got the sense that these dudes knew what the hell they were talking about. More so than just fashion, Matt and Fish, the heads, have lived. From retracing the steps of the Spanish Conquistadors atonement trail to working fishing boats in Alaska, the two were full of good stories, ideas, and by the end of our meeting, tacos and hot sauce. They did enlighten me to a slew of companies of with whom they have worked or had connections. Among the many was Black Sheep & Prodigal Sons. When a company comes highly recommended by a folks I respect on a new level, and when said company’s motto is “Purveyors of Dark & Uncommon Goods,” it’s hard not to be impressed. Scouring the pages of their webshop, I came across their stockpins, a limited edition straight razor, scrimshaw pieces, and possibly the bossest of bracelets I’ve seen in my young life. So it is with a huge thanks to Matt and Fish that I now can say, “If I were to meet a girl willing to wear the Mammoth Talon Cuff, I’d most likely marry her on the spot.” Of course, it’d have to be paired properly. Goth robes and/or anything from Hot Topic is absolutely unacceptable. Like I said, a bit of evil goes a long way. Don’t go overboard.

From firefighters to the style-inclined: White’s Boots, handmade for all aspects of life.

I’ll admit, I had no idea White’s Boots existed until a recent trip to Nashville and a chance encounter and chat with Ian at Imogene + Willie. When I saw them on the shelf in the gas station-converted shop/workstation, I inquired as to the price and brand. While the $400+ pricetag, at the time, was out of my range, it’s not that hefty of a purchase when you consider what you’re getting. I did a little research on the company, further than what Ian had told me about them hand making every pair, and also providing firefighters in the Pacific Northwest with boots. Over the course of their pre-Civil War beginnings, the company has moved from Virginia to Idaho and now to Washington state, where they have a 13,000 square foot retail store, which begs the question, “Roadtrip, anyone?” I’d love to get my feet into a pair then get some fresh seafood. Who’s in?