RED EYED N BLUE

a lot of time on this blog is spent discussing the wonder of living here. possibly too much. I really can’t help it. And in case I’m not convincing enough, here’s Gothamist’s list of 100 Reasons Why Brooklyn Lives Up to the Hype. 

TOM’s one-for-one shoe project has been so successful over the past few years that they’ve developed a new product: sunglasses. While the frames themselves are nothing new, the project is really great. Buying a pair of sunglasses will give someone in a Nepal, Tibet or Cambodia medical treatment, glasses of their own, or eye surgery. TOM’s has been super successful so far, and I hope it continues with this new project. Way to use your influence and success to help others. 

NYC’s first hydroponic roof garden, Gotham Greens, founded in 2009 in Greenpoint, has started its first harvest this month! Bok choy, lettuces, basil, arugala and more, will be available at local businesses and farmer’s markets soon! Yay local veggies! Great work guys!

I get a lot of people asking for recommendations as to where they should buy their first fixed gear/single speed bike. I’m going to start sending people over to State Bicycle Co.’s site. These dudes rock, they’re based out of AZ, and are creating straight forward, clean rides in outrrrrrageous color combos (which only last about 4 months each before they’re retired, talk about keeping it fresh!) while hooking you up with all the accessories you may need depending on how you want to ride. With each bike being priced out at $430, this is an excellent deal. All the rides come with a flip flop back hub; for handlebars, you can choose from bullhorns, drop bars, riser, or short risers with Oury grips; you can choose brakeless, with brakes, or front or back only brakes; toe clips or Hold Fast straps, so many options to really customize your ride! I’m impressed. I think I know where I’ll be headed for my next whip.

(the Marino here is my personal fave…)

“After his recent gig shooting British model Agyness Deyn for a fashion spread in Elle, James Franco, who I have no idea how to describe anymore, has moved on to a more abstract venture. Namely, invisible art.” -nerve

baha. Franco has teamed up with some other weirdos to found MONA, Museum of Non-Visible Art. Lovely. Pieces range from $20 to over $10,000. And just to reiterate here…they are invisible. You can help support this ridiculous project here.

One of my favorite graffiti artists SWAMPY just had a show over in SF entitled “In My Room”. Head over to the fecal face blog to check out the pictures from this amazing show, false walls and everything. 

                        Fader breaks down Bon Iver’s new album by the numbers

Michael Hsiung. Haha.

vancouver went up in flames last night. On a positive note, THE BRUINS WON THE STANLEY CUP FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE 1972 AND IT’S THE BEST THING EVER!

Captain Chara hoists the cup. Congratulations boys. See you guys at the Parade!

               RedEyed Top 3 Customizable (this is a word) Messenger Bags

1) R.E.load Based in Philly, these guys have been handcrafting bags since the 90’s and they are absolutely stunning. They don’t sacrifice form or function, with incredibly well crafted bags sporting some of the sickest limited edition designs you’ll see on the market (such as “Lil Gold Tooth” shown above). Great big selection of colorways and styles, and although its an investment (200 bucks for the good stuff), it’s certainly worth it.

2) Seagull Hailing from Columbus, Ohio (wha?) these guys skip the fancy stuff to deliver you a hardcore, stand-up product. They’ve got a really wide range of styles and construction techniques, and they’re putting out some really funky bags! Started by a guy in a basement with a good idea in 2003, this company is growing and gaining respect quickly. Customize one of these bad boys today, they don’t mess around

3) Vaya Bags. I cannot possibly say enough good things about this company. A women-owned business (hell yeah) of a brooklyn based boston trasnplant (hell yeah!) who uses ONLY recycled materials like bike tubes, old sails and truck bed tarps (hell yeah!) to make a sick custom bag for you for around a hundred bucks (HELLYEAH!). Just met these people at the Renegade Crafts Fair in Williamsburg this weekend, and they are smart, dedicated and headed for success. Help support this awesome business!