Urban Clothing and Hip Hop Clothing » News

Homegrown Outfitters: Keepin’ It Real

SoJones Asmara — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 20:20:50 +0000

Check Homegrown Outfitters’ bold statement t-shirts that jubiliantly celebrate the anticipated legalization of marijuana in the US. Funny in a satirical way, Homegrown Outfitters is a startup streetwear label that focuses on tees with cheeky messages.

The clothing line even got the stamp of approval from some celebs like Nump Trump and Paul Wall who stopped by their booth at annual Las Vegas fashion industry show MAGIC.

Nump Trump shows love for Homegrown Outfitters

Paul Wall reppin' Homegrown Outfitters

You can get Homegrown Outfitters at their official website at www.homegrownoutfitters.org. Prices range from $20–$40. Here are some of SoJones-approved Homegrown Outfitters gear:

New Artist Spotlight: IYAZ

SoJones Asmara — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 20:13:38 +0000

The traditional ways of the music industry are slowly shedding off and wearing out. You know, the times where producers would talent-scout new artists in order to be thrown into the meat grinder of competitive air play and record sales. These days, thanks largely to the internet and social networking sites such as MySpace and Facebook, artists are more savvy and have many more options to get directly to the top without selling out.

Established artists are able to start their own label earlier on, and thus help to nourish newer talents by signing and then promoting an understudy or an apprentice of sorts. Take Jamaican reggae-fusion singer and rapper Sean Kingston who took his fellow island boy, Virgin Islands-based IYAZ, to join him in his recording company. Although IYAZ ignored Kingston at first contact (!?!) via MySpace, Sean managed to convince IYAZ that he meant well and ended up signing the upstart.

In the following video, IYAZ talks exclusively to Karmaloop TV about how he started his journey to stardom by using only a simple laptop and a headset. Truly inspiring!

IYAZ’s single “Replay” is now available via iTunes.

Is Black Friday A Scam??

Angela L. Serrette — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 18:51:11 +0000

Black Friday Sale

Black Friday.

The term is supposed to bring to mind: huge savings, discount codes, take advantage early before they run out.

50%, 60%, 75% off. 2 for 1. Rebates. Gift with purchase. One day in-store shopping passes.

These tempting invites all sound great and exactly what we would expect on Black Friday, which this year falls on November 27, 2009. It’s a tradition. But does Black Friday offer the very best sales? Around Thanksgiving time (November 26) merchants need to move product in order to make room for next season’s merchandise. But are we really getting the best deal on Black Friday? Or is Black Friday a marketing gimmick to get the consumer in the store?

Speaking from personal experience, I’ve always found the very best sales closer to the Christmas Holiday, not just after Thanksgiving. While the promotional ads are enticing, I’ve found prices to better nearer the holiday.

Savvy shoppers know Black Friday is merely the kick-off for the Christmas and Holiday shopping, but not necessarily the best day for bargains. While the promotional codes, sales etc. all look great this is not the best sale of the year. The closer we get to the holiday, the item we love the cheaper it becomes.

This doesn’t mean Black Friday sales shouldn’t be taken seriously. Early shopping means one avoids the crowds who also waited until the last minute. But I’ve always found that the items on sale in November, are marked down again in December. This makes me think that Black Friday is a “shoppers tease” for the benefit of the retailers.

Black Friday Shopping Craze

Retailers need to know what their year-end sales/ profit margins will look like. Black Friday can used to help decide this and also be used as an analytical tool to judge consumer confidence, purchasing power and predict what the season shopping outcome will be.

Don’t get me wrong, Black Friday offers huge savings and the opportunity to buy, wrap and store those gifts early for your loved ones. But I also see Black Friday as a “measuring stick” for year end product/ demand statistics.

Lets just say Black Friday has a double purpose: to excite the consumer into shopping and predict the retail industry potential profit and consumer confidence.

It’s ok, go ahead, have fun shopping on Black Friday. Just keep an eye out for those additional super sales the week before Christmas.

Launch Party for JM Magazine draws Coco, Ice-T, Tyson Beckford

Jacob Breinholt — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 19:42:45 +0000

Ice-T, Coco, and James Mark (Publisher of JM Magazine) at JM Magazine Launch Party, La Pomme, New York City (Photo: Jacob Breinholt)

Last night in New York City Coco, Ice-T, Tyson Beckford and many other fashion and music industry moguls attended the launch party for JM Magazine. JM Magazine is the latest project of Las Vegas based publisher James Mark. Mark started the ball rolling in January of this year. “JM” stands for Just Models. Mr. Mark says that his mission is “for the magazine is to bring a whole new level of sexiness to the public eye.”

Mark’s publicist outlines the magazine as follows:

Publisher James Mark wants readers both male and female to break free from their ordinary life and indulge into a fantasy land filled with extreme glamour. JM Magazine offers an escape through its dynamic world of extraordinary women and insights into their fabulous lives. Its multi-platforms allow readers behind the scenes access to personal interviews, photo galleries, contests, videos, blogs and more. It is all about providing men and women with the facts they crave to know, about the topics and people they desire.

Tyson Beckford, at the NYC JM Magazine launch party (Photo: Jacob Breinholt)

The party was held at La Pomme, a posh and cozy club in the Chelsea neighborhood of New York City. DJ Goldfinger provided the audio enjoyment from the DJ tower. Guests danced and mingled while still images from the inaugural issue of the magazine were projected onto the club walls.

Fitness celebrity Coco was the guest of honor as she will be featured on the cover of the December 2009 issue. Coco’s hubby Ice-T accompanied her to the party, but was seemly maintaining a low profile as not to steal any of the limelight from Coco.

Ice-T and Coco enjoying the NYC JM Magazine launch party (Photo: Jacob Breinholt)

Mr. Mark already has an impressive line up of models for the covers of future issues lined up. The list includes: Vida Guerra, CC Fontana, Monica Leigh, Suelynn Medeiros, Amber Rose, Jessica Rabbit, Kim Lee and Gizel.

Regarding the selection of models that are featured in JM Magazine, Mr. Mark says:

“We like to feature models who gives glamour it’s meaning and who have total sex appeal and are making major moves in the fashion, music and television/film industries showing that along with their beauty comes more, I want to also allow those who are looking to escape their ordinary lives for just a moment and allow them to visit our world of totally glamour and fantasy mixed with sexual appeal and exciting allure taking them on an unforgettable journey.”

For more photos of the JM Magazine Launch Party, feel free to browse the gallery below (All photos by: Jacob Breinholt)

Luxurious Luxirie: Check the Fall and Winter Collections

SoJones Asmara — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 16:49:42 +0000

Popular womenswear brand Luxirie is beloved by celebs like Fergie of the Black Eyed Peas, Rocsi of BET’s 106 and Park and the always fresh Christina Milian. You can see why the Luxirie peeps are so upbeat when talking about their line.

Fergie in Luxirie's Lochness Monster Hoody

106 and Park’s Rocsi in Irie Vandal Hoody

Christina Milian in Luxirie's Valley Girl Track Jacket

Images via Luxirie’s MySpace

Think only the stars got the yummiest threads from Luxirie? SoJones.com visited the brand’s booth in Vegas and took a peek at their Fall/Winter 2009 Collection.

We’re happy to report that Luxirie has a tremendous lineup for the holidays. Peep the video for a preview of the Luxirie jacket with so many compartments; the exact solution when you can’t be bothered with a bag when you’re out partying. Check also the 80’s varsity throwback jacket which fits amazingly well with the current trends. The neon-colored graphics are like, awesome!!

The best thing is that the lineup is already up for grabs at Karmaloop! So get going now, ladies, because we have the feeling they won’t last long. Here are some ideas on what to get:

Luxirie Pierced With Love Jacket in Royal Blue, $94.00

Luxirie Team Lux Varsity Jacket in Pink, $119.00

Luxirie Moto Plaid Hoody, $57.00

Luxirie Cast Skinny Jean in Black with Red Plaid, $65.00

Luxirie Wild Night Chain Dress, $64.00

“Couples Retreat” Movie: A Racist Plot or Marketing Move?

Andre Sanchez — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 16:42:13 +0000

Anyone know who Faizon Love is? What about Kali Hawk?

Answer: They are both featured actors in the new movie “Couples Retreat”. But if you live in the UK, chances are you did not see either in the promotional poster for the movie which was released last month. Why?

Below, on the left, the UK poster. On the right, the poster used in the US.

Which one of these couples does not look like the others? And which couple was chosen to be removed from the UK poster?

I’ve read the comments/explanations behind this:

“…Don’t we have anything more significant to focus our energy on than a movie poster? Seems like people are sitting around, waiting for something to be offended by, while there are more pressing issues in the world that need our attention.”

“…as a Photoshop retoucher for the largest ad agency in the world (a French company) I will tell you this: every single image you see in an ad is manipulated. EVERY SINGLE ONE. Some are more obvious and rankle people but there are all sorts of subtle manipulations going on. A lot of the models you think you know only exist digitally! If you saw them in person you wouldn’t even recognize them, especially celebrity models. So deal with it, there’s nothing new here. What if they were white, would anyone care then? That happens too.”

“Who the __ is Faizon Love? Did you ever think about that they cut him out because he’s not known to anybody in europe? Do you think that if the couple would have been played by Will Smith and Kerry Washington they would have taken them from the poster?”

All of these points are quite valid, but the issue still stands for me: is this really a racist move on Universal? Part of me says no. Think about it: Will Smith is THE BIGGEST ACTOR IN THE WORLD. Sure you can hate and call him the white man’s puppet or believe all those other rumors that float around about him, but believe those Caucasian execs at any studio in the world would make sure to put him at the forefront of any movie poster.

But then another part of me argues this: Even if Faizon wasn’t known to European audiences, why take him out? This comes from the inner “racism/segregation” alarm inside of me that can’t help but look at this a different way… a lot of people (not just black folks) come equipped with this mechanism by the way.

According to a press release, “The studio said it regretted causing offense and has abandoned plans to use the revised poster in other countries. A Universal spokesman said the revised advert aimed ‘to simplify the poster to actors who are most recognizable in international markets’.”

I’m half and half on this, reader, so what do you think? Is this not a big deal, or should Universal check themselves? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments!

Retailers Are Scrambling For Your Money

Angela L. Serrette — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 17:04:17 +0000

The Business of Retail

This holiday season, will you take advantage, or be taken advantage of?

The consumer has always been in control. The economic downturn has re-confirmed this. It’s a simple equation: If consumers don’t shop, retailers go out of business.

With the economy in the state it is in and so many consumers concerned about their financial futures, retailers are scrambling and using all methods to get consumers to buy their products.

For example, catalogues arrive in the mail with special promotional coupons amd other incentives. Retailer flyers will be sent with “in-store” shopping passes, good for specific purchases. The famous in store un-advertised specials. And Twitter updates on all sales!

The retail business is so slow there are early predictions this Christmas season will not be in the black. However only the consumer has time on their side. Retailers need dollars now to survive.

For this reason online retailers are scrambling to encourage consumers to shop. You name it retailers have done it: every day savings, promotional codes, online shopping invites, gifts with purchases. Let’s not forget the early push for next season’s wardrobe which can be seen in all major department store window displays.

But to be honest consumers and retailers are hurting in this economy. But the consumer still has the power to “make or break” a retailer based on shopping habits, Nowadays all of us are trying to save and the fact is, gimmicks no longer work. Consumers are choosier and take longer to make purchasing decisions due to our economic challenges. Retailers on the other hand must find a way to lead us back to the cash register.

Consumer Purchasing Power

Given all of the above factors in play, both economic analysts and consumers will be watching how the biggest shopping days of the year play out in 2009: Black Friday and Cyber Monday.

Black Friday this year falls on November 27, the day after Thanksgiving. It will the first litmus test of how far retailers are willing to go this season in order to gain access to your wallet, and how much consumers will be taking the bait.

Additionally, with less people venturing out due to regular flu and swine flu concerns, it is predicted that even more people will be doing their holiday shopping online.

Stay tuned at SoJones.com: we’ll be publishing Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals and discount codes as they become available.

Will you be hitting the malls on Black Friday? Or will you be staying in to do your shopping online?

An Apple Bottoms Kind of Spring 2010

SoJones Asmara — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 15:21:37 +0000

Juniors fashion label Apple Bottoms offers a range of party gear in their Spring 2010 collection. They’re fun, fresh and stylish, featuring minis, off-the-shoulder dresses, light jackets and casual chic jumpsuits. The womenswear brand which just came out with out with its first Apple Bottoms fragrance, is fronted by rapper Nelly.

Apple Bottoms might want you to party with them next season, but here at SoJones.com we always believe in the saying: “Why put off until tomorrow, the things you can do today?” So here are some Apple Bottoms gear for you, ladies, all picked out for you by SoJones editors and ready to bring it on tonight.

Apple Bottoms Ladie Jean, $79.00

Apple Bottoms Aura Tunic Top, $69.00

Apple Bottoms Foil Sky Dress, $74.00

GQ Magazine’s “Hip Hop Men of the Year”. Do You Agree with their Choices?

Andre Sanchez — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 20:08:49 +0000

One could say these are “the three horsemen” of hip hop right now:

1. Drake

2. Wale

3. Kid Cudi.

And now that men’s fashion rag GQ has put these guys in their Men of the Year” December 2009 issue, do you think they deserve it?

According to GQ, the trio are the current hottest trendsetters in hip hop. The magazine also asserts these three singlehandedly killed gangsta rap!

GQ: Have you been listening to hip-hop this year/ If not, we’ve got good news: The gangster persona is finally dead, and these are the kids who killed it. One song at a time, they build a new era in which duct-taped kilos, exotic firearms, and freaky girls are out and real life is the focus. That can still mean trumped-up egos and battle raps, but it also means family drama, vicious hangovers, and regular chicks who will make good love to you, then stomp out your heart. (Weed? Weed is always in. )

Wale is as famous for his live shows as for the slick-witted lyricism of his debut Attention Deficit. Kid Cudi is the cut up who scored with the stoner anthem “Day N Nite” and his album Man on the Moon. And then there’s Drake, who found himself turning down multimillion-dollar offers after his single “Best I Ever Had” exploded. (It helps that the girls like Drake. A lot.) Drake’s debut, Thank Me Later, is easily the most anticipated album of 2010.

So what do these underdogs think about being cast as gangster slayers? “The dope boy is going to be a fixture of black culture as long as ‘thug’ is a legitimate option alongside ‘job,’” Drake says. “But I’m not going to rap about how much crack I’ve sold.” Cudi also laughs at the idea of talking tough. “Anybody from Cleveland will tell you I wasn’t in the streets,” he says. “Ask them, They’ll say. ‘Scott was the goofy class clown.’ “

Personally, part of me agrees with this sentiment. Drake has made it popular to tell girls you love them when you really don’t, to place acting before rapping, and to be mind- numbingly honest.

Wale hasn’t really made as much noise as Drake, but instead is like that kid in the back of the class who rarely says anything you want to pay attention to, but hangs with the cool kids nonetheless (in this case, people like Lady Gaga and Bun B).

And Kid Cudi is a misunderstood artist who wears his heart on his sleeve and makes songs with about as much depth as the shallow end of the kiddie pool.

Reader, who’s in your top 3 for modern hip hop? Do you think gangster hip hop is a dying breed? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments!

Yums Footwear Gets Tastier with Soulja Boy, White Tee

SoJones Asmara — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 13:36:59 +0000

Yums is known for its signature loud and proud color combos. This season you’ll see designs that are a little more chill but no less stand out. Soulja Boy has been a frontman for the line for a while now, and now his new S.O.D. Money Gang artist White Tee is shilling for Yums as well. White Tee, whose real name is Taylor Leach, was introduced by Soulja Boy at the 2009 MAGIC fashion industry show in Vegas and he’s been reppin’ Yums ever since.

Soulja’s busting over his ‘only white boy on S.O.D.’, as he introduced him: “Right now, I want to introduce you to the newest artist of S.O.D. Money Gang Entertainment. He goes by the name of White Tee, if you ain’t heard of ‘em, you’ve been under a rock. His album is coming. 2009. First single droppin’ at the end of 2008 on iTunes. Get the ring tone.”

Lil Twist and White Tee

Remember the classic white Soulja Boy edition? Ever since its launch, it has been a major hit among sneakerheads because of its sleek look with a slight playfulness on the soles, featuring Soulja Boy’s cartoon. It’s still available and we got the feeling it’s gonna be a Yums classic.

SoJones.com’s editors picked out some hot but tamed-down must have Yums sneakers to wear this season from their low top series.

Yums Soulja Boy Signature Low, $54.99

Yums Smores Low, $43.99

Yums Men’s Cupcake Low, $61.99