via (Cool Hunting)

When you’re a jeans and t-shirt guy like me, it doesn’t hurt to have Happy Socks to change things up.

(Via Esquire)

…is taking cues from modern graphic design: gradients and solids with varying levels of transparency.

Laugh now, but I think Dior is onto something.

(Via The Sartorialist)

I just returned from a quick getaway to Ottawa with the lady (via Porter Air, which despite some delays returning, I highly recommend).

Great news upon my return too including the Raptors handedly defeating the (healthy) Houston Rockets, ImageSpark getting warmed-up for it’s launch and my Theory shades arriving; a sweet Christmas gift courtesy of Liz. And it’s sunny enough to give them a test run today.

Combine that all with some great times with the family and rest and it’s been a great holiday.

I also noticed a refresh on Anotherfaceinthecrowd which will keep you entertained while I get my stuff together.

Cheers and Happy 2009 all!

The folks at Nike would probably like to remind you to stay off the roads during bad weather conditions, especially if you’re wearing the new Zoom Nike Kobe iD editions, because you will blind the shit out everyone and cause a traffic pile-up.

Don’t forget, the best present you might get today is the Celtics vs the Lakers at 5pm ET on ABC.

Inquiringmind™ Magazine presents their guide to mens fall fashion – The Fall 2008 Buyers Buyble.

Greg Washington and crew always do a great job of executing any feature on inqmnd but this year I witnessed their hard work up close (lots of late nights at the T+L office). The result is as stunning as some of the price tags on the gear. After all, this isn’t so much a buyer’s guide as it is a style guide, complete with great copy on the history and importance of each piece.

While most style guides tend to be too trendy there are staple pieces in this one, specifically the leather bombers and boots, that are timeless. And even the exceptions — the flannel may be a bit over the top for my taste — are pieces I’m sure I’ll see being sported around Toronto soon.

Kanye West talks to Jil Sander’s Creative Director, Raf Simons, in this month’s issue of Interview Magazine.

There have been rumors of West working with Simons on a new line, which this interview may or may not clarify.

(Photo courtesy of The Sartorialist)

Full disclosure: I own that cardigan.

I’ve been meaning to post about Theory since I came back from my trip to New York earlier this month. Established in New York in 1997, Theory set out to produce comfortable, minimal clothing for women. Their mens line launched in 1999 and their accessories line followed a few years later.

I was first drawn to Theory’s flagship store walking around NYC’s Meatpacking district. Pictured above, the understated building features a retail store on the first floor with corporate offices above. Other stores in London and Tokyo, below, also feature a minimal aesthetic with expansive glass windows and exposed concrete. (With a touch of wood and white paint, you might think you walked into an Apple store).

While the mens line at Theory didn’t immediately strike a chord with me, I soon realized that it wasn’t supposed to. A lot of brands strive to be the stand out piece in your wardrobe but Theory’s goal seems to be creating the comfortable, timeless piece you accessorize overtop of.

Their accessories and eyewear line are also understated but caught my eye because the sunglasses fit me perfectly. Most brands focused on slim-cut, smaller sizes don’t appropriately size their accessories but Theory seemed to pay attention to this detail. (At 5′ 9″, it’s not like I’m going to have a head that’ll fit into an 8″ New Era.) I regret not picking up the eyewear I tried on but I know I’ll be back to visit next time I’m down in New York.

Check out Theory yourself the next time you happen to visit London, Tokyo or NYC. If you do visit, get me these shades, please.