SnoozerLoser Studio Visit

SnoozerLoser is made for the girl who you meet once, but remember for the rest of your life. Witty, charming, and beautiful, she's the girl who makes better mixtapes than you and who your friends secretly like more than you.

When I was in New York, Sonia was nice enough to let me drop by her home studio to take a peek at the work she's doing for both the upcoming fall and spring/summer lines. When I arrived, Sonia had wine and delicious chocolate treats from Oro bakery waiting. Good taste in wine and baked goods aside, Sonia is super cool. We chatted about everything from L7's onstage antics, to geology, to where she draws inspiration from.

Having really no background in the arts or design, I am utterly fascinated by the creative process. Getting to see the studio was such a treat. Talking with Sonia and looking around her space, it quickly became apparent that SnoozerLoser is a natural extension of Sonia and her sensibilities. Rather than blabber on about how nice and gracious Sonia is, or how well done SnoozerLoser is, I'll let the pictures do the talking.

Make sure to stop by the snoozerloser store and grab your girl (or girls, grab yourself) something awesome. It's the stuff that makes you look cool without looking like your trying. Thanks again, Sonia.

capsule show, an introduction

The Capsule show was amazing. Partly because it was an opportunity to see clothes that I've only seen on my computer screen. Mostly because the show served as a catalyst for a lot of great people to congregate in the Lower East Side of New York for four great days. Hard working, creative, generous, and kind to a fault; these guys and girls served as a great source of inspiration and energy for yours truly. A great big hello and nice to meet you (and thank you) goes out to Ryan(youhavebrokentheinternet), Max(allplaidout), Jake Davis, Sonia(snoozerloser), James(secretforts), Emil(thehill-side), Chris(folk), Raan(apolisactivism), Rogues Gallery, 3Sixteen, ContextClothing, BillyKirk, SwipeLife, and so, so many more.

Rather than put all the photos I took and my impressions in one huge post, I figured I'd start with my overall impression and then do posts on individual brands over the next few days.

Initially, I was overwhelmed when I walked through the doors. The venue (a once condemned church) was amazing and added a lot of character. The music was a tad too loud, especially since the ostensible purpose was to conduct business and allow designers and reps to talk about their labels. Other than that, the organizers did a great job-free water, booze, and the now ubiquitous energy drink were plentiful and kept everyone in fairly good moods.

Quick impressions: The workwear thing, it definitely is here to stay. Almost every company had at least a chambray shirt or hickory striped something. Best in show goes to Folk.

The opportunity to see these clothes up close really highlighted the quality and care that goes into their design and construction. I feel far more comfortable posting about and recommending them. The fact that the people behind these brands are so warm and inviting makes me even more willing to give them my money.

Stay tuned for spotlights on Folk, Billy Kirk, and my other favorites of the show.

photo safari

I'm back from my foray into the Big Apple. The show was great but really, all the people I got to meet were the best part. This is just a quick post to show you some of what I saw while I was there. Stay tuned for the Capsule review as well as a few more treats.

new york state of mind

It's official. I'm heading to New York City for the (capsule) show. From the 19th to 22nd I'll be running around the city taking photos and looking at clothing I can't afford. That and finally meeting a lot of the creative people behind my daily reads. The show will be my first official event as a member of the 'press'. I'm pretty excited. I'm also excited to see the city and all the great shops and restaurants.

Although I probably won't have time to stop in the museums, this trip, I'll probably try and at least force a few moments in at the MOMA. I grabbed this photo on my last trip when my cousin and I squeezed a trip in. I love this guy and Rothko, so I try and see their work in person whenever I can. Remember, no flashes at the museums.

Of course I'm going to go to Chinatown. I can not resist the inexorable force that pulls me towards Mott street. This is my favorite ice cream spot. We found this place when I was in high school. It was the first time I had green tea and red bean ice cream. I was hooked.

Anyone got any suggestions of must-see shops, bites to eat, or hidden treasures? Want to meet up for a drink or a snack? (is it apparent that I like to eat yet?)-drop me a line!

spot check

The University of Chicago is my alma mater. I begrudgingly admit that it was a great fit for me. A bit of a quirky school, Chicago was home to the first sustained nuclear reaction as well as a hard earned tradition of bookishness and lack of fun. While the whole '...where fun comes to die...' thing is moderately true, I actually had quite a good time in Hyde Park. I know the Life photo archives are tried and true posting fodder, but I couldn't help myself.

These gates lead right into the quad. I quite like the onlooker's jacket.

I'm not exactly sure what the students are protesting against, perhaps nothing at all. All I know is that this placard sums up the general attitude of the typical UofC student.

Typical classroom scene. I couldn't' have a post about nerds and their environments without at least one argyle sweater, right?

Sigh. Chicago doesn't really have any sports teams. I know, I know, they exist, but not really. I didn't go to one game in 4 years. Although supposedly our team invented the shotgun offense. Instead of t-shirts proclaiming the number of Big 10 championships, the Chicago gift shop sells t-shirts bragging about how many Nobel laureates they have.

So if all you guys and girls are telling the truth when you say you love yourself a nerd, head to Hyde Park. It'll break you of that bad habit...

we got it for cheap

Oki-ni is an online shop that does it right. Great stock selection and an easy to navigate website. Now they're having a secret sale-30% off! Just click here to enter the secret section on the site. The sale hasn't been posted on the site yet, so act fast and beat everyone to all the great deals. If any of you pick up the nom de guerre officer's field shirt, I'll personally tell you you're cool.

So, check out the sale and tell them I said gblyss readers get one item free. I dare you.

spot check

Promise, last post about h(y)r. Their online shop just opened its doors and the stock is pretty spot on. You can get all the major wardrobe staples in one stop. Grab one of the few remaining oxfords, a pair of new standards and common projects, and you've got an outfit that is pretty much apropos for anything. Throw in THE duffel or a porter tote and you're killing it. If you pick up the candles, I'm telling you, girls might actually call you.

I think it's awesome that these guys are able to have an online store. Stay smart and support the small shops. You know that if The Shop is successful, the h(y)r crew will for sure be able to keep bringing us awesome stuff. Buy a bunch and tell them I sent you.

spot check

Best spot in Chinatown. Peep the white trousers too. 

Like any good Chinese boy, my first stop in Chicago is always Chinatown. I love how no matter where I am, if there's a Chinatown I can go and feel something instantly familiar. I have family here and they always show me a great time. My favorite restaurant in Chicago's is Lee Wing Wah. You have to try the walnut shrimp, pea shoots, and wok-fried lobster. I tried to take pictures, but with 11 people and delicious food...let's just say it went quickly.

 The aforementioned lobster. Stir-fried in a wok with ginger, it's quite delicious if shellfish is your thing.

 

Fresh veggies.

Discussing chopstick technique with the crew. 

A meal isn't complete for me without rice. I love it. Definitely would be a part of my last meal. 

So if you're ever in Chicago, make sure to head to Chinatown and stop by  Lee Wing Wah. 

Lee Wing Wah 

147 S. China Pl
Chinatown Square
(between Princeton Ave & Wells St) 
Chicago, IL 60616

A bit more of the trip when I get back home...

spot check

The Muji online store just opened and I for one, am pumped. I've always really liked the simplicity and affordability of their products. I've got my eyes on the color pencils and notebooks. And everything else. Again, all you sugar mommas out there, feel free. 

spot check

I've been going to John King Books since I can remember. We used to always go there when I was little-my parents would let my sister and I spend hours looking.  I remember I got a whole collection of Sherlock Holmes, a great survival guide (where I may have gotten the inspiration for my failed bow&arrow making), and a whole trunkful of other gems. The great thing about used bookstores is that the cost for trying anything new out is much lower. There's pretty much a book on every subject you could ever dream of here.  It's seriously one of the coolest places in Detroit. In Michigan. Certainly one of my favorite places ever. 

Four floors of heaven. I spent the better part of my Friday afternoon here browsing through hunting and logging wholesale catalogs from the '50s and '60s- Filson ads, knives, snake proof boots, and over-under shotguns oh my. On my way to check out I remembered to take a few pictures.

 

Take a date here and really get to know her. If she says she doesn't really like to read, I don't know what to say. Blame whoever set you up. Or yourself for asking her. At least you got to know her. 

I ended up grabbing a cool illustrated, abridged copy of The Golden Bough and an Army field manual from the '60s. More about them later. They have a copy of Salinger's complete uncollected short stories for $195 if anyone wants to be my sugar mama. (and a 1st edition Franny&Zooey I may have to go back and get for only 45 bucks)

The store is actually an old warehouse. Complete with original hard wood floors, the building itself is worth the trip. Boasting over 750,000 books, you'll always find a treasure in John King Books . If you can't find it, the friendly staff certainly can.  One of Detroit's finest. Check it out if you get the chance, I promise you'll have a great time. 

spot check

Washington D.C., our nation's capital. I kind of always forget about D.C. whenever I plan a trip. I always think east or west coast, and D.C. kind of gets lost in the shuffle. But a few months ago I finally made a real effort to see more than the Mall and the Smithsonian. Guys, D.C. is pretty dope. It's a great mix of people, art, fashion, and food. If you ignore the stuffies in their Brooks Brothers, it's fun as hell. Generally my vacations involve food and more food. So here we go. 

I know, I know, Ben's Chili is not really a revelation to anyone actually from D.C. or who has read any travel literature on the city. But it is good. And it is kind of landmark. So go there once. Yes, your friends may tease you about going to a tourist trap. But screw those hipster scum. I'm from Detroit and this is official chili and dope show hotdogs. Plus I'm pretty sure it's in Adams-Morgan, which is a cool little neighborhood. Lots of good bookstores and little boutiques. 

This spot is awesome. It was basically across the street from my hotel. I'm half-chinese, so my opinion is totally legit. (or at least half legit?) This honestly is one of  the first organic chinese spots I've seen. Good and it was open later than anything else on the block other than the Mcdonald's.  So tell Mr. Chen I said hi. 

Open City is in Woodley Park too. Directly across the street from my hotel. It's kind of like a hipster version of a motorcycle club. Instead of motorcycles there were a shit load of fixed gears outside. But the coffee is really good and the pastries are top notch. Throw in wi-fi and a friendly waitstaff and I'm down. The fact that they have a really decent breakfast and lunch menu puts it over the top. Go here before or after your trip to the zoo (you have to see the pandas, right?) they're only a few blocks apart. 

Oyamel, in Penn Quarter, is Jose Andres' venture into Mexican food. With a pedigree like Andres' (he trained at el Bulli, probably the best restaraunt in the world) it's no surprise that the food is good. In fact, it is amazing. So good. Hand made guacamole, amazing moles, tacos with ingredients that ranged from grasshoppers to pork rinds. Honestly, you can't beat the food here. Probably some of the best mexican you can get outside of Mexico. Certainly most likely the best mexican in D.C. 

And last but not least, Palena. I normally eschew places with so much hype, but I had to try the so-called best burger in D.C. And honestly, it was really good food. So was everything else on the menu. To be honest, the pate was a bit more of a revelation for me, but you can't really go wrong with a burger that has home-made buns, mayonaisse, and a truffle on top. Plus their frites are really good too. Although the dinner menu is a tad pricey the prix-frixe menu is really reasonable and the burger is totally worth it. Honest. No pic for this place. I figured they get enough play as it is.

So. That's D.C. or I guess that's what I ate in D.C.. It was my first real trip to D.C., so give me a break. Maybe next time I'll be able to focus on other things. But I doubt it.