Cipher just launched a few new sneaker designs. My favorite is the Alpha shown above, available in two colors options, a grey suede or perforated black leather. Classy, simple.

At the risk of possibly alienating it’s original laid back and casual customer base, Converse has gained tremendous credibility in high(er) end streetwear in recent years through its well planned and executed collaborations. The most recent pairing has the Nike owned company working with one of Japan’s eminent designers, Number (N)ine. Takahiro Miyashita’s label is no longer (as of last month), which makes this hoorah even more important. Luckily, the rethinking of the Chuck Taylor All Star and One Star models, as well as the Odessa trainer later this year, are an impressive homage to the classic models Miyashita grew up with– featuring premium deer skin with asymmetrical lacing, the designs scream originality and elegance at the same time. The shoes drop March 13th at select retailers. We love them! Via Hypebeast

Gorgeous watch by one of my favorite designers for one of my favorite Japanese brands. Via Daily Icon

Yes please, in all colors. From the Visvim 2010 Spring Summer Collection.

Evisu by Common Projects. Very solid.

The line will consist of two styles: low-top leather sneaker ($165 USD) and high-top leather sneaker ($185 USD). Offered in three-color ways: Navy, White, and Black. Debuting at select premium retailers in Fall 2010.

The Greedy Genius Epi Low. Subtle luxury is brought into every detail from the textured Epi leather, to the perforated nubuck padding on the upper heel. A one piece cupsole is reinforced and styled with full top stitching on the rear and upper panels. The Top-lo deviates from the masses with usage of new materials and a completely fresh mold with new “Gill” panels that extend out above the laces.

I love love love technical gear, especially jackets. Many might find this surprising since I’ve lived in California my whole life and our idea of a storm here is probably a walk in the park on the East coast. Regardless, we’ve been dealing with about 3 weeks of rainstorms here and since I like staying dry and hate carrying an umbrella, I knew I needed a jacket. In the past, i used to get big bulky jackets you’d see in the catalogs of companies the likes of REI and Patagonia, but this year I had a revelation. Since I am such a big fan of layering, why would I opt for a bulky jacket, knowing I’d likely get too hot in the car or office? Instead I went on a search for the a lightweight (maybe even packable) jacket with good water repelling properties and a hood.

I found the grail with the Outdoor Research Fanatic jacket. It weighs just 11 oz and uses Pertext Shield Fabric. I don’t know the difference between it and eVent or Goretex but I do know water beads up right away on contact. The shell is very slim fitting, so don’t expect to wear anything thicker than a hoody underneath. The wrists and waists are both slim, hugging your body, keeping heat and moisture out. The hood is full coverage, but remember to wait until you put it on before fully zipping up. That’s another thing I like – the front goes up a little higher than your chin so you are snug. I’ve been known to go out in a storm with just a long sleeve baselayer or tshirt underneath and this shell on the outside. It’s the perfect accessory and with it’s trivial size and weight, you won’t have to think twice about packing it.

Absolutely fantastic. Every month this guy’s mom takes your old knitted garment and turns it into something new. Sustainable clothing, it’s called Reknit.

For January she’s turning your old sweaters into scarves. They’re available in 2 styles and are $30 each.

The note is great: If your sweater contains only one color, a complementing color will be picked & used for the stripes by my mom.

A couple good looking shirts from the new Merci Beacoup line by Cookies N Cream. Nice.

Cream Of The Crop’s new Scratch & Sniff t-shirts and hoodies are hilarious and a little bit crazy. The bubble gum scented Cream Style is my favorite. (Smells like Bubblicious, is inspired by Lee Quinones‘ graffiti style in the legendary movie Wild Style.) Very cute. Also dig the lego block shirt– hopefully that doesn’t smell of lego plastic though.

The Nike 6.0 Buzz Aldrin Rocket Hero Mavrk Mid 2. To infinity an beyond! Available at select retailers January 1st.

The Mavrk Mid 2 is constructed with a cold-wrap process, which allows the reduction of material in the outsole for a significantly lighter shoe while reducing the use of harmful solvents. The insertion of a true mid-sole offers increased impact absorption while integrated Nike Free inspired flex-grooves on the outsole allow for torsional flex and board-feel for true lightweight performance. A stitchless toe creates a clean finish and amplifies durability.

Wondrous deals revealed every week. This week? All tees are $10. Get to it!

Everything You Need to Know About Sneakers in 1500 Words includes a condensed 150 word history of sneakers, an in-depth list of 40 sneaker books/magazines/movies/blogs/forums, biographies of 10 celebrity sneakerheads, mini-histories of 40 classic sneaker models, and 50 cities to buy sneakers throughout the world.

The 150 words of history are below. At The Shoe Buff they also did a great in-depth list of 40 sneaker books/magazines/movies/blogs/forums, biographies of 10 celebrity sneakerheads, mini-histories of 40 classic sneaker models, and 50 cities to buy sneakers throughout the world.

Rubber-soled shoes (plimsolls) are manufactured. Goodyear launches Keds. Converse revolutionizes basketball. ‘Sneakers’ is coined because the soles are quiet. Converse releases the All Star. All Star’s give way to Chuck Taylors. Adidas produces its first tennis shoe. Converse releases the Jack Purcell. Puma is founded. Phil Knight and Bill Bowerman launch Blue Ribbon Sports. Vans Launches. BRS becomes Nike. Puma develops Velcro. The Nike Swoosh trademark is purchased for $35. Nike introduces Air technology. Nike releases the Air Force One. Michael Jordan endorses Nike. Nike releases the Air Jordan. NBA fines Jordan for violating uniform rules with vibrant sneakers. Spike Lee directs and stars in Mars Blockmon commercial. Run-DMC releases “My Adidas”. Reebok introduces the Pump. Nike introduces the Air Max. Bill Bowerman dies. Nelly releases “Air Force Ones”. Bobbito authors “Where’d You Get Those?”. Nike acquires Converse. Converse re-issues the Chuck and the Jack Purcell. Sneaker Freaker and Sole Collector launch. SneakerPimps begins touring the world. Jordan celebrates its 20th anniversary. Adidas acquires Reebok. Just for Kicks DVD released.

They’re finally available online! Cipher shoes, the new Subterranean shown here ($120). Give the other models a looksie. I love where this brand is going.

Originally inspired by the fluid, dynamic movement of the fathers of the “Beat” generation; the SUB- TERRANEAN is a manifestation of the underground intellectual movement that stirred the American cultural awakening of the 1950’s and beyond. Our newest interpretation gets a sleeker and more aerodynamic upgrade for 2010.

It’s warm and sunny somewhere (certainly not in New York City). Justin Fines shirts would be nice if it were. They’re half off right now!