From Launching 3's to Launching T's

I haven't had the opportunity to blog in close to a month- not that I haven't had plenty to speak on, time permitting. I definitely wanted to check in with a post in support of a friend and fellow Hamptonian, who hipped me to a new clothing line that was developed by a former University of Michigan basketball player. But this is not your typical clothing line.

David Merritt, 23, has launched an emerging apparel company "built to challenge the youth on a socially conscious platform". The former captain of the Michigan basketball team is the brainpower behind the company I Miss You, Inc-- and the IMU Brand, which states that its mission is spreading happiness while giving back and appreciating those experiences and people who make us who we are. His marketing approach is equally as unique, as he has taken to creating weekly video blogs (via Youtube) to share his journey and valuable experiences. He is also utilizing the Facebook and Twitter networking sites as tools to directly reach the youth which lead to over 30,000 viewers tuning into to the the official video launch of the IMU campaign, entitled It's About Time, featuring Steve Breaston of the Arizona Cardinals.

Kudos to this young man! As many hurdles as one may come across delving into the world of fashion, it's a beautiful thing to see that there is a positive message targeted at the youth on a level that they can grasp. I can't help but root for this line, and I want to send a very special thanks to Ms. Brooke Ellis for bringing me up to speed! For additional information, check out his website http://www.imutheinsideout.com/ or follow IMU on twitter @IMUTheInsideOut and become a fan of IMU at facebook.com/TheIMUBrand.

"Our shirts are an outside representation of inside beliefs, inside feelings, inside values - so it's from the inside out. We're just not selling a shirt. This is a challenge." - David Merritt

-LT

Kanye's Louis Vuitton Kicks Have Already Sold Out

Photo courtesy of Louis Vuitton

In case you were wondering/trying to get your hands on Kanye's LV sneakers, you won't be able to get them anytime soon! If you are hard pressed, you can sign up for for the "wish list" in case some become available. The Mr. Hudson costs $840, while the Jasper goes for $990 to $1,140 And the Don goes for $870 to $960.

Nike 2009 Fall Dynasty Preview

Check out these hot high top Nike Dynasty sneakers coming out later (Fall) this year. The high top comes in a black colorway with a red swoosh Nike logo and an ankle strap. This is just Fall preview so keep posted for more details.

They Know Me In Japan!

...Maybe...

This is a short video I took with my phone one afternoon on Melrose Ave in L.A. I was outside of FatBeats with my good friend Cas, a designer from Hard 8 Clothing. We were approached by a Japanese photographer who wanted to take our pictures for a Japanese fashion mag. This would have actually been a dope experience if I had actually seen the photos in the magazine! I kinda shrugged in the video because we really couldn't communicate with lady because she "no speak english". So I don't know the publication it was featured in or anything. So...a big "konnichiwa" to my peeps in Japan.



P.S. Everybody that knows Cas, be sure to get on him a little bit for this! see below:

"Gilt-y" Pleasures...A Recession Special

In our current economic state there are a few options for how to deal with the drama. You can say "f*** the recession, recess is on" like the Morgans Hotel Group who believes that “Attitude is Everything" and has created a lifestyle and marketing blog that suggests people should continue to live the good life and partake in life’s simple pleasures. Sharing promotions and specials from some of the nations nicest hotels, restaurants and spas, encouraging everyone to look at the bright side of the dollar down turn.

The other alternative, is to tighten the belt and be smart with spending. I like to find a happy medium between the two, being mindful of my pockets and staying positive while taking advantage of the low gas prices and special holiday sales. Gilt Groupe (like bluefly) is a fashion forward website dedicated to boosting sales by slashing prices to appeal to those who need extra persuasion to spend. You do need to have a referral to become a member of this site, so I am attaching a link that will allow to receive a referral to your email.



Gilt Group Referral (click here)