Kid Cudi

The Man on the Moon’s Merch

Kid Cudi

A lot of Kid Cudi’s fans have had some mixed feelings on his recent decision to end his label Dream On, in partnership with his mentor, Kanye West’s Record label, G.O.O.D. Music. But that didn’t stop him from already releasing a new (crappy) album this year. I thought Indicud was a great listen overall (with exception of the chick screaming on “Red Eye”) and also thought it was cool that he did most of his own production for the album. But Satellite Flight: The Journey to Mother Moon is a completely different story whether he produced it or not. Unfortunately, I am desperately trying to stay on board as a fan after this “Doozie” of a project.Space Man

This is just a tragic sight… that suit isn’t going to help anyone get to the moon. He needs to just throw his space-man suit in the garbage. It has to be what’s suffocating his brain from making good music anymore.Kid Cudi Coachella Outfit
And don’t even get me started on this “men’s” crop-top he wore during his Coachella performance last weekend. He looks like he’s running late for jazzercise class.

I think it’s safe to say the only thing that hasn’t completely changed much is his “off-stage” fashion sense. Off-stage, he still keeps his style “simply complex” as I like to call it. His outfits may seem typical at times, but the exclusive and hard-to-find garments and accessory pairings are what make his outfits unique. Yeah that may be just a plain black t-shirt, but it’s probably a french or italian cotton-blend tee that could pay my rent for the next three months. And the Bape letterman jacket over top of it will definitely make you look more than twice.Kid Cudi Old photo of Scott “Kid Cudi” Mescudi trying on his new BAPE Shark Varsity Letterman

 Can We Still Be Fans?

I have promised myself that  I would wait until his next project released until I make my final decision, in hopes he will redeem not only himself but some of his day-one fans as well. I will continue to listen to all his classic material until then. For those of you that are Team Mescudi for life, be sure to fulfill all your Moon-Man Merchandise needs at Dress Code. Let us know what you guys thought of the new album and tell us what direction you think he’s going with his sound in the comments below.

New and Vivid Artwork on Avenged Sevenfold Band Merchandise and T-shirts

If you are an Avenged Sevenfold fan and enjoy the band’s music, Dress Code is your source for purchasing clothing of this iconic metal band. We are an official reseller of this band’s T-shirts, hoodies, backpacks, jewelry, fabric posters and gloves. They include the trademark “Death Bat” logo and other designs for both men and women. There are several products you can choose from, including hoodies, T-shirts, and even onesies for your little ones.  The prices range from $17.95 to $49.95, and come in array of trademarks that are symbolic of the Avenged Sevenfold style, such as the “Spine Climber” and “Flourish” style for men. There are over 32 unique Avenged Sevenfold products for this year, so you can express your love for music through fashion.

Why are we different?

Our goal is to have the latest and original clothing that you won’t find anywhere else. Our online store is stocked with over thousands of graphic T-shirts, shoes, watches, sunglasses, jackets. This includes Avenged Sevenfold merchandise and clothing. In addition, you will be impressed by our knowledgeable sales associates. They can answer any questions that you may have on our products, even on the phone. We can even send pictures in order to help you out on your decisions.

New 2014 Art Styles

The artwork for this year is reminiscent of the iconic band’s music and signature logos. For example, the Avenged Sevenfold’s “end of days”T-shirt as well as the “upside down” T-shirt have very detailed artwork reflecting the “dark monarch” theme. Furthermore, the “end of days” T-shirt has a skeleton king holding a sword sitting on a throne on top of a sea of skull heads. The words “hail to the king” are etched on the bottom. Another cute addition, is the charming “doodle bat” onesie. This onesie has a black background, with multicolored lettering along with the “death bat” design.

The “Death Bat” theme

We also now carry the signature “Death Bat” Avenged Sevenfold logo T-shirt. This is printed on 100% heavy weight soft cotton, which has a deep red color on the wings of the bat, which gives it a very menacing feel. It has white and red lettering, and in the crew-neck style.  You may have noticed that the common theme in the artwork is the Death Bat logo, in an array of styles. This includes the classic death bat logo in a black zip up hoodie for men and women’s T-shirt.

The new age sunglasses juniors T-shirt has a disco death bat logo in pink, with lightning bolts shooting from each side. This T-shirt has a funky, retro feel that will appeal to the female rockers at heart. Another example of the artwork is our “Dear God” T-shirt that has an over-sized gray printed skeleton on the front with the Avenged Sevenfold name at the bottom. On the back of the shirt, you will see the band’s common abbreviation A7X.

If this sounds like your type of clothing, you will be sure to stand out in a crowd, and show off your favorite band in a unique way. Please visit our website to start browsing.

Street Wear Brands to Look for in 2014

Clothing was, of course, initially invented to keep us warm or cool, and protected from the many elements. But as time went on, clothing became a bit of a statement – each piece reflects a person’s style and interest. Many individuals like to sport clothing that represents their favorite musician/band, sports team, television show, and even their university or school of study. The clothes have been essentially crafted clothing to represent them, and the things choose to wear say a lot about how we portray ourselves.

Getting Inspired
When deciding what kind of style fits on, which can be an ever-changing process, people often look to others in the community to generate ideas about one’s own wardrobes. Most rely on street style to get base ideas of fashion, but a sense of style doesn’t only come from a particular fabric, shape or color – and mostly rely on brands to fuel our unique looks.

2014 Trends

Street wear is very important for individuals to look out for in 2014, with over twenty popular brands making their way into stores. Dress Code is an excellent online shop that provides a variety of cool products with even cooler brand names.

Top brands that we carry include C1RCA, Diesel, DL1961, Fossil, Converse, Vans, Han Cholo, Diamond Supply Co., Crooks & Castles, the Imaginary Foundation, Nixon, Macbeth, and much, much more.

About Us
Dress Code, which started out as a small music enthusiast T-shirt shop here in Tucson, now sells thousands of graphic T-shirts, shoes, watches, sunglasses, jackets, and more. We have everything you need to make sure your street style is up to speed.

While we sell many different types of brands and graphic T-shirts, we also sell a large number of band merchandise, with hundreds of options to choose from. Oldies such as The Eagles, Elvis Presley, and Bob Dylan are available, as well as current bands such as Eminem, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, and Imagine Dragons. Here at Dress Code, we have something for everyone.

Let Your Style Change with Us

Wherever you go, street style is always making a big impact. Fashion sense is something that is always changing in individuals, especially as new brands and trends emerge. Current styles are often interlaced with new and upcoming styles to make unique wardrobes, expressing the true personality of individuals. Style is a way of speaking without words – the way you present yourself says a lot about character, personal taste, and sometimes even morals. It is important to keep an eye out for street wear brands when looking for your next influential style.

CRKS

Crooks & Castles Spring/Summer 2014

Crooks S/S ’14

As we saw from the Crooks Gang this past winter, they were real heavy on doing their own “Luxury Brand Rendition” Graphics/Designs. This summer, they hit us with some more of their lux-aesthetics using a variety of Luxury inspired designs mixed in throughout this unique line. Also seen, is a wide range of materials, colors, and patterns used to create their button-ups, Jerseys, and even their sublimated tees. One of my favorite pieces from this Crooks collection is a very necessary staple that should be in everyone’s summer wardrobe, Jerseys! This is a multi-panel mesh football jersey featuring their classic “CRKS” logo screen-printed across the front chest. The logo throws your eyes for a loop, as it’s printed using a reflective ink similar to that 3M Reflector tape we used to rock on our backpacks in grade-school. Complimented with a nice little “3M” Patch sewn at the bottom left of the hem. You’ll be shining and staying cool this summer for sure.CRKS Jersey

Here we see some “steal-spiration” from iconic Luxury Brand, Versace, featured on the Bong Bong Graphic Tee. Crooks has incorporated that “Versace Shield” with their custom Medusa Head logo throughout their brand/ad campaigns for as long as I can remember now. This time however, they bring it to us with an unfamiliar face over top the shield. A painted skull wearing a Jester’s Hat. The front bell on the hat, in the form of their famous chain “C” logo is a great little finishing detail.CRKS So, What Can We Expect Next?

My prediction for next season is that we will keep seeing the luxury-ripped graphics and watch Bucket hats become a top commodity within their brand. Who knows, with their Luxury-minded designs, we might even see their rendition of the rich guy leather sweatpants, but let’s hope not. Be sure to check out the rest of the Spring/Summer 2014 collection and grab your favorites now, available at Dress Code.

CrooksSon of Crooks Sublimated T-Shirt
CRKSCorrupt Knit Tank Top
coachella

Coachella 2014

COACHELLA 2014!

It’s that time a year again folks! The infamous California music/arts festival, better known as Coachella, kicks off first weekend for the 2014 festival this Friday, April 11th. So, congratulations if you were one of the lucky ones that had an extra $375 lying around to get a pass when they went on sale back in January. As much as I’d like to be in attendance myself, I”ll be working to try and save up for a pass to next years festivities. However, I can hook you guys up with some cool band merch to rock at your favorite shows this year and give you a heads up on a few trends happening as well as some of my personal style predictions to keep an eye out for while camping. From Hip-hop to Rock, we’ve got you covered. Let’s get into it!

This year, hip-hop power duo, Outkast will be headlining the first Friday of the festival. Be sure to grab a “Heavy” Tee to wear when you watch  Andre 3-Stacks and Big Boi rock the stage. Complete your festival fit with your favorite bucket hat or safari hat. My prediction is that you can expect to be one of the few people not wearing one this year.

For the rockers looking catch the Foster the People show, or anticipating the Queens of the Stone Age face-melting performance on Saturday, we’ve got a ton of options to choose from. Be sure to bring your dorky, light-up-frame sunglasses with you to rock at these night shows. Or you can always just let the pretty girl you meet/are with at the show wear them. Just make sure she’s not wearing any ugly hipster boots, that’s a no-no.Ugly Boots (Holy boots!)

Really amazing glassesAnd please don’t be “that guy” wearing dream catcher spectacles. Girls don’t dance with dream catchers..

I hope this has helped you make the correct outfit decisions for your trip, and if you just finished reading this and are now re-packing I apologize (not really). If you’re looking for band merchandise for some of your other favorite artists check out the list below of more available artists that will be at Coachella x Dress Code.

Artists: AFI, Afghan Whigs, Cage the Elephant, Kid Cudi, Motorhead, Muse, Nas, Sleigh Bells 

 

 

 

HOLY SHOES!!!

Spring/Summer 2014 Footwear Lineup

Summer Kicks

As you probably already know, we  like to keep it fresh here at Dress Code, and you might also still be trying to decide on a new pair of shoes for the summer. So, we threw together a line-up of some shoes  for both men and women to get you guys right for the summertime.

LADIES

First up for the ladies, we have the all new Converse Chuck Taylor Gladiator thong sandals.

The Gladiator uses  the Converse Chuck Taylor’s classic canvas material to make up the “upper”. Along the ankle are silver rivet studs to match the silver lace eyelets. Perfect for the avid pool partier, and beach-goers.

Vans Sk8-Hi Wedge

We have been seeing a lot of companies coming out with their rendition of the new “wedge sneakers” for women. Although, I think Vans is doing it best right now, using their classic Sk8-Hi silhouette to bring this “hybrid sneaker” to fruition. Using a textured red, black-spotted canvas as the upper, they have a nice little “fur” look to them, complimented with silver eyelets and waxed red laces.

Puma Sky Wedge (Reptile)

 Keeping the Wedges rolling, we have the popular Puma Sky Wedge in their new “Reptile” colorway.  Black nylon tongue, leather ankle straps, with a suede-like material as the upper. Puma then finished off the shoe with a black “croc print” pattern wrapping the entire upper of the Sky Wedge.

MEN’S

Converse All Star Riff Low

This first pair is a perfect summer silhouette. Show your patriotism all summer long with the Converse All Star Riff LowThis shoe’s upper uses an american flag pattern on the classic Chuck Taylor Canvas material with a cream toe-box/tongue. Cut lower than the original CT All Star Lows, the Riff only has two lace eyelets, giving you more of a summer boat shoe look on top of a thin cut vulcanized sole with a comfy foam in-sole. I think the combination of navy piping over the eyelets and tongue, with the cream laces really brings the shoe together.

Vans Old Skool (Guate/Olive Night)

Keeping the color rolling for the summer, we have the very unique Vans Old Skool. It features a multitude of colors, patterns, and materials throughout the shoe. The toe-box, tongue, heel cup, and eye-stays all feature a faded Olive/Grey canvas giving the shoe somewhat of a vintage look. A multi-color Navajo pattern makes up the upper and the sock liner is made up of a premium “peanut butter” colored leather. The brass eyelets and “work boot” laces keep true to the vintage aesthetic of the shoe. The matching “peanut butter” stripe around the out-sole is the perfect finishing touch.

Puma Future Disc Lite Op V2

For the Flashier fellas we’ve got the Puma Future Disc Lite. This wacky running model is one of my personal favorites from Puma right now. Forget your shoe laces. Disc Technology is the future. Small wires connect from the spool to the sides of the rubber “eyestays”. The teal mesh upper is topped with that black and speckled purple rubber “frame” wrapping from the outside arch around the heel to the inside arch for added support. Accent the tongue-pull in purple, with a matching patent leather toe cap, and you’ve got some serious neck-breakers for the summer.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Converse Chuck Taylor

Converse Sizing – Getting the Right Size

Converse Size Guide

This here will be a quick size guide or an insider on Converse’s shoe sizing. I will be touching on all three of their lines, Chuck Taylor’s, CONS, and Jack Purcell. I’m first going to breakdown sizing of the Chuck Taylor.

converse-splash-fall-2015

Chucks:

CT Hi Red

The Chuck Taylor All-Star is one of the most iconic sneakers in history and has been around since my parents’ parents were in Grade School. Originally offered in the hi-top and low top silhouettes, converse has expanded their design ideas within the All-Star a ton. You can now find them in any color you can think of as well as just about any material. From Leather, to aged canvas with a zipper feature, there is a pair to catch the whole family’s attention. What some people may not know, is how the sizing works with them…

Chuck Taylor Sizing:

Converse notes that all of their CT All-Stars are unisex sizing, meaning whatever the size is, they will give you the men’s and women’s size for that specific pair. The official Converse site states they run a half-size larger than your normal shoe. They claim if you are a men’s size 11, you would be a Converse size 10.5. While this seems obvious at first glance, I have discovered exceptions in a number of different sizes offered. For example I’m a men’s size 11 through and through no matter the brand / style shoe. However, for Chucks I don’t wear the recommended 10.5, but a whole size smaller. I actually prefer a size 10 over 10.5 when buying a new pair.

I “interviewed” my Dress Code Family to see what their personal experiences have been with the shoe, and it seems that roughly half go down the recommended half-size, while the rest of us go a whole size down. I also noticed that the people going a whole size down in Chuck Taylor’s are also people that wear larger sizes.

Jack Purcell & CONS Sizing:

Jack Purcell

Aero Jams

Comparing the Jack Purcell to the Chuck Taylor, you would think the only difference between the two is the slightly different toe cap on the JP’s, right? In actuality, Converse states that the Jack Purcell model runs true to size in all models, so you won’t have to worry if you are looking to pick these up instead of some Chucks. The CONS line is where things get tricky. CONS is the lifestyle/skate line within the company, offering a wide variety of silhouettes and styles. For the skate collection, everything runs true to your normal shoe size, but with the lifestyle models such as the CTA Pro or Star Player Mid, you are recommended to go a half-size down. What’s frustrating is the lifestyle line is “assorted” in terms of sizing. Some run a half-size down and some are true to size.

My recommendation:

Anyone looking to get a pair of Converse Brand Shoes, is urged to try them on before purchasing. If you know what size you normally wear and are interested in a pair of Chuck Taylor’s, try both the whole and half size down to see what size YOU like better. For any CONS models you may be unsure about, try them on.

Unable to try on a pair at the store? No worries! Just refer to the Converse Official Site’s unisex size guide. An easy way to check the converse’s recommended shoe guide do the following.

1. Visit  converse.com
2. In the search box type the SKU / Style number of the shoe that you are interested in.
3. On the product page converse will either state the following: “Runs true to size” or “Runs a half-size large.”

 

hats-group-shot

How to Keep Your Hats Looking Fresh

Over the past couple of years I’ve managed to accumulate a pretty big stash of hats. One of my favorite hats right now is the Floral Volley in Black from HUF. Some people at my work might say I have a problem but I can quit at anytime. That’s what I keep telling myself…

Here’s a little thing I wrote up to help you guys keep your hats looking fresh and super dope.

 Volley coalge

Step 1: Preventative Maintenance

First thing you’ll need is a stain and water repellent spray. It’s hard to resist the urge to throw on your brand new hat right away, but you’ve gotta! Spray it first and you’ll love yourself, trust me. This $7 can of spray will give your hat much more life. The bomb thing is that you can even use this on shoes too. Two in one baby!

Febreeze and lids spray

Step 2: Cleaning & Care

Here are the baby steps in case you didn’t know already:

  • Keep your dirty hands off your lids. Come on guys!
  • Use tape or a lint roller to get rid of lint that get stuck on your hat.
  • Treat funky smells with Febreze, the oldest trick in the book.
  • If all else fails and you really wrecked your hat, take it to your dry cleaner and they should be able to help you.

Step 3: Storage

This is the most important step. I hear stories that my dog ate my hat all the time. It’s your fault! Proper storage is key. I use a plastic storage container to keep any dust or bugs from destroying my precious collection. The container helps keep your hats in shape, and keeps the dogs out. Then keep it away from sunlight because that will fade them out (I learnt that the hard way).  Under the bed is a great spot.

More hats

Hope you learned something! If you have any other tips, share in the comments!

converse-black-sabbath

Black Sabbath x Converse Capsule

Heavy Metal Kicks

Black Sabbath is arguably the best Metal Band in history, known as the pioneers of Metal after their induction into the Rock n’ Roll Hall of Fame. And with the band still going strong on tour for their latest studio Album, 13it only made sense to team back up with Converse for the release of their second capsule collection of sneakers.

Details:

Black Sabbath x Converse

The collection is made up of five unique sneakers, three of which are offered in the classic Chuck Taylor All-Star Hi silhouette. The inspiration behind the collection is genius in my opinion. Commemorating their recent reunion for their newest album, 13, as well as the return of their crazy lead singer and living legend, Ozzy Osbourne, Converse uses their forever iconic artwork from their albums being used on the shoes. The die-hard Metal Heads out there might even consider this pack an “archive collection”.

Converse CT Hi Black Sabbath:

CT Hi Black SabbathFirst up, we’ve got their Debut Album that paved the way for their legacy featured on a black CT Hi. The entire upper uses the cover art accompanied by “Black Sabbath” embroidered in white complimenting the tongue, with the same black and white Sabbath logo making up the  canvas sock-liner of the shoe.

Converse CT Hi Never Say Die:

CT HI Paranoid For those of you that want to buy a pair from this collection, but  enjoy simple shoe colorways, The Never Say Die CT Hi is the pair for you. Classic black upper with the  “Black Sabbath” logo from the cover art embroidered again in white, but this time a bit larger across the heel. A collage of black and white photos of the band members is used as the sock-liner.

Converse CT Hi Paranoid:

CT Hi Paranoid

 

Featured on a black CT Hi is the “Paranoid” Album art on the upper of the shoe. Also running parallel down the heel tab it is embroidered in purple. Keeping relevant to the designs and cover art, “Black Sabbath” also is on the tongue of these in that same purple stitching. Be sure to compliment your pair with a Sabbath Band Tee when you finally decide on which pair fits your style.

CT Hi Paranoid Detail

 

 

gstar05

Denim Guide: G-Star RAW

Denim Guide: G-Star RAW

This will be a helpful guide to G-Star Raw Jeans for the designer denim noob or someone that is currently “on the fence” about making their first “big” denim purchase. I’ll go over different designs available, touch on specific fits, as well as the importance of choosing the right fit for you.

The BIG Purchase:

A lot of people don’t understand spending a little extra money on clothing, jeans specifically, and they automatically assume you’re just paying for the name or the designer label. But that couldn’t be any further from the truth. With G-Star, you are getting quality raw denim that lasts just about forever with proper care/treatment.

Before I was talked into getting my first pair of G-Stars in the summer of 2011, I never really focused on the jeans I would pair with outfits, as long as they weren’t uncomfortable. At first I regretted my purchase considering I live on the surface of the sun, Tucson, AZ until my first  winter here came, and I wore them almost everyday and still wear them to this day, relentlessly. So those of you wearing through your pairs of  Levis 511′s in less than a year, this guide was made for you.

Now onto the Fit:

Sadly there are still  too many people out there that don’t understand the purpose of denim coming in different cuts or “fits”. The point of this, simply put, is because everyone’s body shape is different. G-star not only has several different cuts of denim to choose from, but over 100 different designs within those cuts as well. This means that not all “Arc” or “3301″ designs will be cut the same . There’s quite a few variations within each design ranging from super slim to loose. You want to get a pair of jeans that not only is comfortable, but fits you properly, enabling you to get the most wear out of them. I will go over some different styles G-Star offers and also let you in on what is popular in their line right now.

Skinnies:

DEXTER SUPER SLIM

Dexter: This is considered to be one of G-Star’s “low tapered” fits and with a lower price point than most of their line, this is a great “starter” pair. Sits just below the waist and gradually slims or “tapers” down from your thighs towards the cuff. They have a pretty narrow cuff opening for those of you that like to pair vans or runners with your slimmer cut jeans. I’m happy with the pair I’ve had for about 6 months now and was surprised at how well they’ve kept up with me working in them everyday.

ARC 3D SLIM

Arc 3D Slim: Now onto my favorite design and cut, and top seller of theirs too. The Arc 3D Slim! They do sit below the waist, but they’re not your average pair of slim-cut jeans. They’ve got a nice loose fit throughout the thighs, with just enough taper through the knees and cuff. Looking at them before you try them on, you’ll notice the legs actually curve inward on their own. Hence the word “arc”. Diagonal Inseam Hems on the inner knees give them this shape and helps maintain the life of your denim without any extra care from you. The perfect fit for any outfit/occasion in my opinion.

Straight Leg Possibilities:

3301 Straight: G-Star’s take on the Originator using the 3301 design. These will sit at your waist with equal room throughout the legs, and just a slightly smaller cuff opening, helping you maximize your various footwear selections. I’d compare them to Levis classic 501′s in the fit, but using  better quality denim, for sure.

ATTACC LOW STRAIGHT

Low Straight: With the low straight, you’re getting the best of both worlds. Slim in the legs with a low rise like a skinny, but still with a straight fit, keeping almost the exact straight leg appearance as the 3301 straight. A very similar fit to the Levis 514′s.