If you are looking for cool world cup t-shirts, look no further than Didi. They have t-shirts for most of the major teams. My particular favourite is this USA one, listing all top players as well as the hapless England goal keeper, Robert Green, who fumbled the ball allowing USA to draw 1-1 earlier in the month.

[28/6] Right now it seems like all the shirts are sold out but hopefully they will reprint some more.

What is it about the Ray-Ban that makes everyone from the Men in Black to Sarah Jessica Parker slide a pair up their celebrified noses? And aside from the celebridoodles, a pair of Ray-Bans have become indispensable to the non-famous. Take a stroll around your nearest city and you’ll outcount your fingers by the number of Ray-Banners you see protecting the population from the sun’s glare.This summer the shades that have experienced recurring patterns of slump and revival since their original creation in 1952 are experiencing a large scale return. But what is it about these shades that seems so accessible to everyone? Is it that they suit all faces, is it that they are seen as an investment in quality, or is it simply that

in the

“black suit with the black Ray Ban’s on”

you can

“Walk in shadow move in silence
Guard against extra-terrestrial violence”?

Debatable, but this year Ray-Ban has introduced more than colour to the simple black shades, today we have print. Collaborating with some of the world’s best print makers, Ray-Ban have extended from sunglasses to limited edition posters to publicize their new collection.

Alongside the posters, the rare prints collection is nothing if not exciting. These subway map style shades will make sure you always find your way around. Though if your attraction to the original wayfarer can never be lost, why not try a twist on the classic with an insider flower print.

Subway

Secret Flowers

Don’t be fooled by the sudden shift to sunshine. It’s April remember the….drip, drip, drop little april showers. A sure fire way to encourage the rain to return happens when Brits slip into their flip-flops before April is out. It might well be warm, your feet might be dying to smell the air, you might have seen the most perfect pair of summer sandals, but don’t do it. Not yet. Good things come to those who wait.

In the meantime, while we tread the precarious path between spring and summer, why not wear something effortlessly classic? In keeping with the trend of summer prep, tie yourself in knots with a pair of ever so fashionable oxfords. This classic style of shoe oozes continental charm. The oxfords can be sported by aging bearded professor and sprightly young professional alike. Most attractively however, they make a beautiful, soft “pat pat” noise on the ground, which is far more appealing that the harsh “flip flop” sound. Despite their refined charisma, oxfords don’t have to be conservative. In this pair of ‘Striped Huipile Jazzie’ oxfords by Osborn Shoes, there’s a hint of summer combined with the laces of higher education.

Jazzie

If you’re looking for a pair of lace ups that say, ‘prep’ without saying ‘I tried consciously to achieve this effect’ you might find your perfect match after a ten minute browse on the Zuriick Collection website. Sometimes I have dreams about their shoes. This pair of ‘Shug Low Black Leather’ style oxfords look like they were made for schmoozing. You can almost feel the softy softness of the leather, and you can rest assured that in a few months these guys will have molded around the contours of your feet. It’s amazing how a picture can speak a thousand words.

soft soft soft

Though the oxfords come in many shapes, sizes, styles and textures, nothing beats simple and classic, right? For a pair of traditional oxfords with spring wearability these New York shoe specialists, with an equally special name, have lovingly made a pair of oxfords which boast no special effects, apart from simple style and magnetic charm. The ‘Chelsea Crew “Holland” Tan’ have spring written (invisibly) all over them.

Simple. Classic.

If you find yourself a loose end in LA, but have a cup, some ink, and a brush, then you should make your way to the Sumi Ink Club. Sumi Ink Club is a drawing collection based in LA, established in 2005 by Sarah Anderson and Luke Fischbeck. Their favourite style of drawing is topsy-turvy, detailed and collaborative: on paper using ink. These group drawings are meant to open and fortify social interactions that ‘bleed into everyday life’, welcoming ‘all ages, all humans, all styles’. And now, they’ve expanded from using ink on paper, to print on t-shirts.

Sumi Ink Club’s beautiful designs have been transferred onto the tee, and they are striking to say the least. The design detail is almost on a parallel with an optical illusion – it looks kinetic, but it isn’t, and mexican waves of changing colour on these shirts will definitely get you noticed. When you’re wearing your shades and stalking down the street people will stop you to say ‘wow’. All you will have to say in return is: ‘Sumi’, and maybe do the peace sign with your fingers.

for him

for her

Your look will be made complete with this hot bag they’ve added to the line. The perfect reusable shopping bag. Eco, and chic-o. I like it, lots.

Available here.

What’s the first thing to spring into your mind when I say ‘cavern’? I have to admit that for me, it is Aladdin. You know the big tiger’s head made out of sand, and its gravelly “diamond in the rough” voice, which I’ve often tried unsuccessfully to replicate. That was one cavern to give you technicolor dreams.

But in the fantastical world of caverns: [definition: a cave, or a chamber in a cave, typically a large one], the treasures it can hold all depend on individual taste. For my Father, I am sure the cavern would hold gadgets, for my friend it would definitely hold Snickers bars, and for myself? Well obviously: books….or shoes……too much choice, can I have a combination of both?

For a brand that affiliates itself with chambers of treasure, Cavern Collection has high standards to live up to. This ‘collaboration of ideas’ was born in 2005 by L.A. based artists Adam Tullie and Angeline Rivas. Their designs are focused on a core base of original, hand-drawn offerings. I can hazard a guess that their imaginary cavern would therefore, be filled with pencils and paper.

The designs on their t-shirts really do evoke an impression of graphic originality, native american/egyptian inspirations, and a printed evocation of texture which is fascinating to the eye.

Feathery

Accessories can be found in this Cavern too

Aladdin?

I think you’ll agree, it’s all beautifully Pocahontas.

And if you felt like decorating your home in the same style as your clothes, you sure can with Cavern Collection. My home would have this driftwood, manilla rope chandelier because it would make me feel like life in a tent, a simple life.

So Sahara

Did you see anyone wearing one of these t-shirts during the US Open 2009? You did?! You can not be serious.

Fierce

Johnny Mac, sounds like he could be a type of hamburger at a fast food outlet, actually American former World No.1 tennis champion. He had artistry with a racquet and a lovely volley, but most famously, a raging temper. Ferocious, the beast of the tennis court, no one has yet deuced his on court temper which landed him in a few sticky spots during his career. Most particularly after his public unloving of umpire Ted James in 1981, who he affectionately referred to as “the pits of the world.”

These days Johnny Mac can be found in the commentary box/the BBC’s Wimbledon chat show bit, where he hones his already superb vocal skills of analysis and tennis critique. And thanks to Nike, he can now also be found on your chest…but only if you’re wearing the Nike MacEnroe Ace T-Shirt that is. This red and blue screen print of JM in his dashing sweat bands, wild, Heathcliff-esque locks flowing in the on-court breeze, ready to slam and smack some little green balls and have a few temper tantrums really captures the mid-80s Johnny Mac with style. If you’re planning on playing some post-US open matches, this t-shirt will undoubtedly enhance your performance, by giving your opponent an inner fear and you the ultimate advantage.

I understand that there’s a point in life when you really shouldn’t be reading children’s literature, but Dallas Clayton’s ‘An Awesome Book’ is so….erm….awesome, that I’d be happy to see sharp business men and brain surgeons alike carrying a copy proudly under their arm, and reading it whilst they commute to work/stop for a coffee/wait for a meeting. Maybe this is because there’s more to this colourful children’s book than meets the eye. In fact it’s popularity inspired the creation of the ‘Awesome World Foundation‘ established in 2009 by author Dallas Clayton. For every copy of ‘An Awesome Book’ sold, the charity diligently donate a copy to schools, hospitals, libraries, camps and shelters in both the States and the rest of the world. Aiming to promote children’s literacy one book at a time, these guys seem to be doing a pretty good job.

But what does this have to do with t-shirt design? Well, believe it or not, you can snap up some fantastical kids clothing to go along with the book itself…a very awesome Christmas present in the making I’m thinking. There are two prints to choose from: either ‘rocket-powered unicorns’ or a hand drawn alphabet if your little ones are more into typography than fantasy. And with all these tees each sublimation print is slightly different, so there’s a healthy splash of uniqueness in every garment. Now it really would be awesome if they’d make make them a bit bigger or if I was temporarily shrinkable, but at least the book isn’t age specific…remember that while you’re on your morning commute.

Alphabet tee

Watch this video for a bit of light entertainment/more information.

As the majority of the student population begin the academic year in an oversized hoody and those mouldy old flip-flops left over from Summer, the brainboxes at Harvard University have turned their academic wisdom to the fashion scene. No, it’s not the students who’ve been busy designing a new, preppy, overpriced brand: it’s the University itself. Harvard Yard is a slice of fashion which even the dustiest Professor will soon be aware of. Following in the footsteps of “university” outfitters such as Jack Wills and Franklin & Marshall, Harvard Yard promotes an image that is clean, sharp, unaffordable and intimidatingly intellectual.

Late for Lectures? No one will care if you're a 'Harvard Yard' boy.

Collaborating with the tailored clothiers Wearwolf Group, the colour theme is crimson and green and the style is classic American. Branding yourself as a fashion house and a world-leading Ivy League University could spell disaster for this prestigious establishment as you don’t have to have “MA” after your name to wear these clothes, and more worrying, you don’t need any fashion sense either so long as you’ve got enough money to splurge. The crimson and green might not look as distinguished as Harvard envisage on a balding 65 year old man who always wished he’d gotten the grades to go to Harvard. This ‘men only’ brand effortlessly oozes style, class and the sex appeal of intelligence, so if you drool over expensive university apparel and the untouchable preppiness it evokes then this might just be the clothing line for you. Wonder if it’ll feature in the prospectus?

Ever felt like everyone is looking down on you? Then maybe this t-shirt isn’t the one for you. Altru Apparel’s most recent t-shirt line includes a print which may take you by surprise. It might just be that I am naive in the design stakes, but I’ve never seen anything quite like this on a shirt before. Altru’s ‘Central Park’ t-shirt might be just the thing to keep you entertained on rainy afternoons, as this shirt features a birds-eye view of New York City’s famous park, complete with inhabitants. As Altru suggest: ‘You could spend hours spying on all the people hanging out’, but I’m not one to advocate voyeurism. That said, so far I’ve been able to spot a group having a picnic, an older couple having a natter on fold-up chairs and someone who could possibly be George Clooney…but maybe that was just wishful thinking.

Spot anyone you know?

If you’re prone to bouts of vertigo, then perhaps it would be safer all round if you opted for the ‘Organ’ tee. Another classic photographic tee in greyscale. If you’re an aspiring organist then this design will offer endless practicing opportunities on the move. It’s your very own portable, mute, 2-D instrument. And if you happen to bump into someone who is already a talented organ player (you might find one at church), then you can strike up a beautiful friendship by inviting them to play Bach’s Toccata on your stomach. Just make sure you’re not ticklish first.

One man. Four hands.

Here’s something I’ve not seen before. They say that ingenuity is in simplicity and this t-shirt design by Brooklyn based PASTE is simplicity at it’s most ingenious, or is it? Here Paste’s graphic artist Jason Laurits has designed a t-shirt featuring nothing but a sketch of a…..t-shirt……yes, you heard correctly, on the front. Despite its blatant simplicity, I still can’t get my head around this t-shirt. There are a million questions I could ask: is the t-shirt on the design inspired by the t-shirt itself? Which came first, the design or the t-shirt? Whether you like it or not, the tee on tee is one of the PASTE’s more simplistic designs.

See two tee?

Others include the slightly more adventurous ‘Damn – Girl’ shirt, on which a Jane Austen-style legacy hero casts a flirtatious look at the bee-hind of one of his female companions, and by his comment seems, well what can I say? Rear-ly impressed. Not sure what Austen would have to say about that, but if this indie design soars in popularity perhaps it will be added to the script of the next Pride & Prejudice adaptation, completely changing the characterization of Mr. Darcy for generations to come. I predict outrage. Like it or loath it, you can’t accuse Laurits of failing in his vision to associate his t-shirt line with art, culture and humour.

Damn-Girl

Pinecone + Chickadee might sound like a children’s storybook duo, but they’re actually a t-shirt designing duo from Portland, across the pond in New England. Their studio is formed by a married team: s collaboration between the graphical designer wife Amy, and musician husband Noah. Pinecone + Chickadee silkscreen all their imaginative artwork onto a range of apparel including t-shirts, journals and greeting cards. All their papery goods are made from recycled materials, and even the ink they use is water based and earth friendly; a preservation attitude that is encouraged by looking at the beautiful Maine coastline I’m guessing. Currently, men can choose from designs including giant pandas, a cyclops and this stripy whale and lighthouse shirt. Some of the designs are printed on organic t-shirts, but not all of them, so it’s best to check first if you want to stay super earthy.

Admittedly this whale doesn't look as friendly as Free Willy

For women, the designs are slightly more peaceful and subdued, including this red and black bird design on a long grey shirt and a gold wolf on navy blue, which would incidentally look great with a green shopping bag…hmmm perhaps this handsewn ‘Broccoli’ bag? I can’t help but love it when veg gets promoted through artwork.

Mmmm, broccers

Ever wished that you could have a different head? Maybe you’d like the chiseled features of Michelangelo’s David, the wide-eyed elegance of Audrey Hepburn, the winning smile of Barak Obama, Marylin Monroe’s iconic beauty spot or Elvis Presley’s upper lip? You’re not alone, there are times when I would like another head. At the moment I think I’d opt for a combo of Albert Einstein and Willy Shakespeare to help me with some pesky Literature exams, though that might result in some premature aging. HeadHoods have come up with an original way to get another head, or more accurately, 3 faces. They’ve cleverly styled some regular hoodies by printing some well-known faces onto either side of the hood. The idea behind HeadHoods stemmed from a coffee buzz which just didn’t stop, and now they’re lovingly hand-printed by one man in his Brooklyn studio. The result is quite bizarre but I like it, and from the photos you can see just how unique they look out-and-about.

Here's something you never thought you'd see

HeadHoods have a wide range of faces to choose from, including famous heads and some that are just for fun. Some of my favourites include the gorilla face (perfect for anyone who likes bananas), a crying baby’s head (would work anyone who’s either pregnant or has a bit of a childish temper), and Michael Jackson, back in the day (to remind you that You Are Not Alone).

Hungry Gorilla

They say that as you get older you experience a second childhood. You can see it happening everywhere, we’d rather munch on Party Rings than canapes, wear plimsols instead of lace up shoes and a Sunday afternoon nap is essential. But there’s something new on the scene of childhood revival, in fact it regresses beyond childhood, almost to the womb. It is the baby grow: no longer just for babies.

Jumpin Jammerz are pajama makers like no other. With their range of all in one bedtime suits, the face of sleep time fashion has been radically reinvented. The range is quite impressive, and they cater for every type of sleeper. Do your feet get cold in bed? Then get a bed suit with feet. Alternatively, if your feet get a bit toasty at night, you can opt for a footless suit. Always slipping over on the floorboards? There are suits with fleecy hoods, sticky feet (to minimise the risk of a dangerous slip on a wooden floor), and then there’s even a range with a ‘drop down seat’…well no one said that they’d make you look attractive. 

With these  jim-jams you can authentically experience childhood again: all you need is a jumbo pack of pampers, a warm bottle of milk and a pacifier to complete the look.

20th January 2009, the day of President Obama’s inauguration. A day of history, a day of prestige, a day foregrounded by snap-shots of Obama holidaying in Hawaii…in his bathing trunks. Seeing someone famous minus most of their clothes always seems to spark media attention, and having a good gawp at toned Barack’s bod has only increased his popularity. Wearing a pair of long swim shorts, it seems that we now feel confident America is in capable hands. With a carefully managed image, Obama and his trunks do not disappoint, though I have to admit, I would have felt differently if he’d been snapped wearing Speedos. The big question at the moment is clearly: what should a Presidential pair of trunks say? This question prompted American newspaper, the Huffington Post, to compile a slideshow of shirtless holidaying Presidents for public inspection. Though colourful Bill Clinton’s 1993 green and purple (??) trunks are quite the eye catcher, and Ronald Reagan’s high-waisted whiteys cut a tastefully modest short, I have to say that Obama is looking like the high flier in the swim-pant stakes.

Combined with a toned physique, he’s evidently done more crunches that our very own (and very unlikely to ever be seen in a pair of swimming trunks) Gordon Brown, whose crunches have been altogether more credit related.  Though Californian Governor, and general muscle machine, Arnold Schwarzenegger may have made some light hearted jibes that Obama needs to work on his ‘skinny legs’ with some squats, the new President’s holiday trunk snaps show off that in the minimal clothing fashion stakes, Obama’s navy swim shorts were definitely worth your vote.

Nice to see a President in shorts that aren't too short

Oh Goodie Goodie Two Sleeves! Yes readers, there are more special offers all lined up for this week only. Get your mouse clicking finger at the ready because Goodie Two Sleeves have slashed the prices of their t-shirts for their (not green, not purple, not even red but…) ‘Black Week’ of pre-crimbo sale shopping. Not only that, but if you buy this week you might even win 7 free t-shirts from these generous folks. Black Friday (the day after American Thanksgiving) traditionally marks the first official day of Christmas Shopping, though for my Mother that began way back in August. After Black Friday you’re allowed to release all that pent up Christmas energy…you’re allowed to get Christmassy. Go on…. deck the halls. And to celebrate this week of before Christmas Christmas Sales, Goodie Two Sleeves have whacked a whopping 50% off their shirts as a Black Week celebration of snip-priced shopping. So first things first, select some shirts from their online store to buy. This could in fact be the trickiest part as they have got a lot of amazing tees. I saw a good few that would be ideal Christmas presents. Know someone with a rep for globetrotting? The show-off ‘Represent’ shirt will go down a storm, and the design is very cool.

I've been here and here and here and here and here and here and

Got a friend with a bit of a sweet tooth? Aha, the Gummy Bear shirt! This beast is fierce on the outside but with a bit of a chew it’s a real schweetie, d’aaaaw. Now then, what about Dad? He’s always a tricky one to buy for. Not any more! Thankfully my Pap is rapidly balding, and if yours is too then this shirt could be a perfect present. Make the combed-over scalp in your life proud of his combing because ‘It’s the haircut with a sunroof’. Whoa there, good job…you’ve just got Christmas in your cart. Now head off to the checkout, tap in the Discount code: BACKINBLACK and enjoy seeing the numbers crunch in half. But before you finish, why not get a little treat for yourself. A reward for such a productive and money saving shopping spree maybe? I’ve seen just the shirt, you should be ‘Proud to be Awesome’.

Because let's face it...you are