los angeles

 GQ gives us 10 reasons why LA is the center of the universe . . . and none of them include Hollywood.  Actually it seems like most of this list consists of the whole Abbot Kinney lifestyle, which is totally acceptable to me, it seems to be the nicest spot in LA these days.  There's a Standard Downtown mention in there too.  Anyways click here to check out the list.

(Stole the pic above from Binary . . . just citing my source)

We've seen the "cool guy" barbershop incarnation before, with Franks Chop Shop in NYC. So it was about time that an LA counter part popped up. This is Baxter Finley Barber Shop, located on La Cienega, shares a block with one of our favorite stores, Opening Ceremony. What really caught my eye was the vintage feel to the place, the deer heads, utilitarian use of wood, and animal skin rugs create a warm "no girls allowed" feel to the place. I'll have to hit this place for a trim.

 

I take the 101 freeway just about every single day... including to the dF loft. Today, the LA Times reported that Caltrans is pretty serious about building a park on top of the section of the 101 a half mile east of the 110 freeway, which translates to downtown LA. They hope the park will reunite neighborhoods, now connected only by bridges, which would include Little Tokyo and Chinatown. Pretty ambitious, Caltrans.

THIS is a new art space in LA. I've been checking out their blog since they first launched and I especially love the videos they put up of local musicians that just stop by and play a song for them. I love how homey and down to earth the space feels. I feel like it's a place even I can just come by, hang out, and chill for a little while. THIS will have their official opening with artists, musicians and other creative folks on February 12th. I'm looking forward to it.

The ABC's of LA is back again with another segment, this time focusing on close associate Raymond Roker.

ABCLA: Raymond Roker from Kevin Boston on Vimeo.

A couple months back, Jesse and I swung through the Pac Div den to check out the Church League Champions mixtape, before it was officially released. There were 2 very notable moments of the meeting, first hearing Duke vs. North Carolina for the first time, and second their music video for the self-titled "Pac Div." Just take a look for yourself . . . ill.

If your in LA right now, you definitely know about the insane fires raging (to use a Kid Cudi word) right now. But check out this interesting point of view of the blaze, its a time lapse video that documents the ebb and flow of the smoke clouds. I also like the layer of smog that just never moves.

Timelapse - Los Angeles Wildfire from Dan B. on Vimeo.

 WSJ had an interesting article regarding LA Fashion Week . . . or the lack-there-of.  The bad economy and the internet combined have stuck it to LA's week long show, (a) because no one wants to fly out to see less then a dozen designer's lines and (b) the internet has made marketing directly to the consumer a better use of budget than a run-way event.  Not to mention the lack of corporate sponsors ( IMG, Mercedes, and Smashbox Studios all backed out ).  Well judging from the city's tastes, i think if Tapout and Affliction had shows the entire population of Hollywood guidos and weekend warriors would sustain any sort of fashion week . . . but I don't think you'd see Anna Wintour or Kanye at that show.  Just look at how bummy their website is, smh.  The website alone makes Milan / Paris / NYC all look like better bets.

Check out the whole article here.

 If you're in the LA area for New Year's Eve, you'll want to get on our list and come out to CROWN BAR in West Hollywood.  Our homie Hollywood Holt will be DJing along with ?????, Danny Beck and Ynot?  This is a strict invite/list only for friends/family...  Please get there early as we'll hit capacity - Weds. Dec. 31.

Undefeated always makes good usage of their billboard(s) and the latest project with photographer Neil Leifer has the iconic shot of Jim Brown (in my mind, the best NFL player ever).