All posts by Evan Blakney

diamond-supply
Product Reviews

Top 5 Clearance Items From Diamond Supply Co. Right Now

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Diamond Supply Co.

I went ahead and threw together this quick little “sale-guide” of the top five items from Diamond Supply for the fans that are on a budget, looking to score some new gear for summer. I will go over a variety of products available at Dress Code, so no section in your closet will be lacking. Let’s get into it.

1. Trillian 5-Panel

A nice neutral colored hat for maximum outfit pairings. Grey Canvas 5-Panel with Navy diamonds and matching woven label on the front.

2. Victory Swords Tee

Available in multiple colorways all with the same awesome quote running along the bottom edge of the circle. “Wish for others what you wish for yourself.”

3. Ben Baller Un-Polo Raglan

Un-Polo Raglan

 

This limited Collaboration between Diamond and Celebrity Jeweler, Ben Baller is still available. Perfect for those breezy summer evenings.

4. Archangel Tee

archangel tee

 

A nice change of pace from Diamonds usual t-shirt graphics. A shiny diamond as the centerpiece for these lovely ladies to look at.

5. Castillian Sunglasses

A summer necessity unless you’re the human torch. Nice sturdy frames with gold diamonds on the arms. “Get Your Shine On.”

Kid Cudi
Music Groups and Band Merchandise

The Man on the Moon’s Merch

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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.

CRKS
Product Reviews

Crooks & Castles Spring/Summer 2014

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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
Music Groups and Band Merchandise

Coachella 2014

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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!!!
Product Reviews

Spring/Summer 2014 Footwear Lineup

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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 Low. This 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
Brand Knowledge

Converse Sizing – Getting the Right Size

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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.”

 

converse-black-sabbath
Music Groups and Band Merchandise, Product Reviews

Black Sabbath x Converse Capsule

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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, 13, it 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
Brand Knowledge, Product Reviews

Denim Guide: G-Star RAW

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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.

 

 

Brand Knowledge, Music Groups and Band Merchandise

Wu-Tang: More Than Just Merch

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Wu-Tang Clan has more than earned their “staple” in hip-hop culture for generations to come. Though as of late, the Rap super group has been getting a lot more attention from the youth, with their own apparel company, Wu-Tang Brand LTD. What was once known as “Wu-Wear” is now its own self-titled label, bringing you any and everything the average, obsessive Wu-Tang fanatic could ever want.

With 2014 marking the 20th year Anniversary for their multi-platinum album, “Enter the 36 Chambers” their band merchandise has not only gotten more popular, but Wu-tang Brand LTD also has had the help of a few brands in collaboration. Wu-Tang recently collaborated with G-Shock by Casio on a watch as a commemoration. It’s a black DW-6900 with yellow accents. The Wu “W” shows through the backlight when lit. Since the hype has already passed and they have completely sold out of stores, I wish you the best of luck trying to find one. I’m still on the hunt for one myself, since I don’t feel like paying $500+ from some dude on eBay.

g-shock-wu-tang-watch

As Wu-tang Brand LTD is gaining a bigger following and continuing to shell out new products, they also recently teamed up with HUF for a sweet capsule collection including a strapback hat, a football jersey, some socks for all you plant-lifers, and a pair of HR-1 Boots all in classic Wu colorways.

wutang-huf-colab