*eBay Alert* The Iconic O.G. 1992 Ralph Lauren Polo "Sit Down" Bear Is Up For Grabs! *DISCLAIMER* It's A Size Small Though ... LOL.)

View The eBay Auction Online Here: Some 5 Foot Tall Nigga Is About To Hit The LOttery!

CHRIS LIVE AKA SHAKER SAYS: In spite of the freezing snow that falls today that threatens to rub deicing salt in the wounds of Winter weary New Yorkers, please believe that Spring IS indeed upon us. How do I know? A little thing called my trusty calendar and the Vernal Equinox! LOL.

In any event, I raise this seasonal issue because I realize that this post may seem a bit out of place given where our weather is currently heading. However, in my defense, allow me to dutifully point out that A) off-season shopping is often the best time to score clothing that would otherwise be in super high demand and B) there is NEVER a wrong time to acquire some truly vintage Ralph Lauren Polo to add to your collection. I know that I normally don't do this, but I like Y.O.U. guys ... plus, I could not and would not dare try to squeeze my lanky ass into this I.T. ... no matter how much I want it for myself ... lol.

Anyway, while gearing up for today's round of fly individual entries into the trusted pages of the Livestyle Almanac, I spotted this O.G. 1992 Ralph Lauren Polo "Sit Down" Bear on everybody's favorite online flea market, eBay. It looks to be in pretty good condition and, being that it is a size small adult, it shouldn't be too hard for a tiny LO enthusiast to snatch this up on the cheap ... lol.

Now, be clear, the iconic Ralph Lauren "Sit Down" Bear has been reproduced a gazillion times, but this is an original 1st edition circa 1992. Basically, if your "Sit Down" Bear doesn't have the red wool threaded "RL 92" (NOTE: Or blue threaded monogram on both the red and ultra rare cream versions) on the bottom front left hand side of the sweater, then Y.O.U. my friend are dealing with a lesser bear ... a mere cub of questionable repute ... lol.

Long story short, if Y.O.U. rock an adult size small OR a medium (NOTE: The linen/cotton blend employed for many of Ralphie's early Teddy knits is quite forgiving, but please be reasonable my nigga ... lol), then Y.O.U. need to keep an eye on this auction b. Happy hunting!

The Limited Edition MCM x TI$A Varsity Jacket = May Induce Bouts Of Hysterial Flyness!

View The eBay Auction Online Here (WARNING: Please, For Your Own Safety, Do NOT Stare Directly @ The Jacket): eBay.Com

CHRIS LIVE AKA SHAKER SAYS: Although this is NOT a brand spanking new item, this über limited edition MCM and TI$A (NOTE: "TI$A" is the affectionately self-aggrandizing acronym "T.az I.s $.o A.rnold". Awwwwwwww) luxe letterman has quickly become the current Granny Smith apple of my ever discerning fashion eye! As the proud owner of various heroin chic varsity jackets I have been looking for new prospects through which to channel my personal "formal basketball player/full-time hustler" aesthetic to the masses. I think that I've found a winner! Well, almost.

While immediately smitten with this cognac leather sleeved beauty and it's clever blending of past and present to update the once mighty M.ichael C.romer M.unchen brand and reinvigorate its iconic initialed logo, the $2,699.99 "Buy It Now" price tag on this eBay auction is a little out of order homie. Taz Arnold has made quite a name for himself peddling thrift store finds @ excessive premiums to gullible Hipsters and feckless Retrosexuals with seemingly bottomless wallets ... and that's cool. I'm just not the 1, the 2 or the 3rd ... lol.

Never fear, I have my ways of circumventing predatory price mark ups. Livestyle friend and my-brother-from-another-mother, Curt@!n$, certainly has a plug to Taz, TI$A and ALL other parties involved with this brilliant collabo and his services will be enlisted. Real rap, I'm down to drop like a stack cash on this bad boy. Feel me? Holla @ ya boy in BK!

The Limited Edition Nike Dunk 6.0 SE DeLorean DMC-12 Release = Run DMC-12 To The Future!

"Inspired by the DeLorean DMC-12, Nike 6.0 Introduces the Limited-Edition DeLorean Nike Dunk, a Fusion of Innovation and Style.

Influenced by the DMC-12’s aerodynamic design and trademark characteristics, Nike reinterpreted the car’s gull-wing doors on the shoe’s bottom eyestay while a matte silver upper recalls the automobile’s brushed stainless steel exterior—and features new no-sew construction.

The graphic window shades on the DMC-12’s rear appear as lines on the heel cup, underlining a DMC logo. Meanwhile, the Belfast stamp on the tongue is a nod to the Irish factory that originally produced the vehicle."

Information Courtesy Of: Inside.Nike.Com


View A Current eBay Auction Listing For These Sneakers Here: eBay.Com

CHRIS LIVE AKA SHAKER SAYS: Sooooooooooooo, apparently, while I was battling my way out of the sweaty death grip of a ferocious 100.3 fever on Thanksgiving Day (NOTE: True story), in what must have been an affected state of delirium, I totally missed the release of these über limited edition Nike Dunk 6.0 SE DeLorean DMC-12 shoes. Whaaaaaaaaaat!? Do Y.O.U. know what that means Livestyle boys and girls? It means that I am now forced to match whits and wallet with commoners and greedy price gouging sellers alike on the world's favorite after market free-for-all: eBay. Smh. If only I could really go "Back To The Future" and cop these DeLorean DMC-12 car inspired gems @ their original $90 price tag when they dropped a few weeks back on Black Friday, November 26, 2010. *Cue Keith Olbermann Voice* "Time marches on!"

GROW UP: The Limited Edition Tudor "Tiger Woods" Prince-Date Chronograph Watch Is Above Par!

Checkout A Current eBay Limited Edition Tudor "Tiger Woods" Prince-Date Chronograph Watch Here: It's Tiger Time!

CHRIS LIVE AKA SHAKER SAYS: I have never claimed to be a know it all. In fact, Livestyle serves as the last refuge for the urban and urbane intellectually curious - I happen to learn much by simply assembling these stellar posts for your viewing pleasure. Additionally, although I am the chief curator of Livestyle and responsible for 99% of the entries published here, I receive generous amounts of help by way of inspiration from my closest friends and even some strangers too ... lol.

My latest revelatory experience of refinement occurred recently whilst cruising around the still brimming with excitement renewed streets of New York City with my big homie/business partner and fellow entrepreneur, China. As a former jeweler specializing in prestige watches he is my go-to guy concerning all high end horological matters and he just put me on to the discontinued Limited Edition Tudor "Tiger Woods" Prince-Date Chronograph Watch.

Astute readers will notice that, today, Tiger Woods is sponsored by TAG Heuer - this relatively rare watch pre-dates that collaboration. Now, for the uninitiated, it is important that Y.O.U. learn about the Tudor watch brand. Although the Tudor watch name is little known outside of exceptional collector's circles and, to my encyclopedic Hip Hop knowledge, has never been dropped in a ballerific song, this storied company sits right next to Rolex on the board of prized watches.

Following his success with Rolex, Hans Wilsdorf launched the Tudor brand in 1946 and the rest is timekeeping history. On the real, quiet as kept, Tudor is basically a Rolex watch; they share the same parts and movements. Ralph Lauren Polo has the unfortunate and damn near worthless CHAPS brand and, well, that's a b-a-d comparison because Tudor watches are valuable and, in some cases, even command higher prices than their popular Rolex brethren.

Anyway, before he won a gang of Masters tournaments, filled his closet with an arsenal of green jackets and stuck his wang in a few too many chicks, Tiger Woods hit the links with Tudor. Originally ringing @ the registers for something in the neighborhood of $600, pieces from this out of production series regularly command $2,000 and better on the open market.

Ignorance is a friend to no one, do NOT let the fact that Tudor aint a poppin' name or that prices for their instruments don't top out @ dizzying financial heights prevent Y.O.U. from appreciating this legendary brand. Oh yeah, Tudor watches aren't sold in the States either. Happy hunting! Holla @ ya boy in BK!

Build-A-Bear Workshop® x Ryan Seacrest Aint Got NOTHING On This Double Dose Of Classic Lo!

Check Out The Current eBay Auction Of My Dreams/Nightmares Here: Wash Your Mouth Out With Soap!



Check Out The Current eBay Auction Of My Dreams/Nightmares Here (Pt. 2: The Revenge!): Heavens To Betsy!

CHRIS LIVE AKA SHAKER SAYS: Livestyle faithful make no mistake - I am an aesthetic elitist whom delights in few Earthly things more than celebrating and, indeed, championing the cult of the genuine and raising an overflowing Veuve Clicquot filled flute to the fall of the lames. Yet, even as I rally against culture vultures and style poachers whose terribly superficial entrée into this esteemed world is barely worth the inflated price printed on their vintage/thrift store or eBay purchased ticket, I must admit that I too have a price. Well, "price" may be the wrong choice of word - however, there are staunch stances that I have taken that, under the right circumstances, I might be willing to compromise. Case In Point: The Ralph Lauren Polo cashmere "Executive" Teddy Bear knit and the Ralph Lauren Polo cream "Polo Crest/Crizzy" knit.

That I would even consider spending upwards of $800 on either of these turtlenecks (NOTE: I hate turtleneck ... anything! Yes, I am proudly circumcised ... lol) lets Y.O.U. know just how powerful these O.G. pieces really are. Whilst new age Polo fans openly weep over the "Snow Beach" pullover made popular by Raekwon in Wu-Tang Clan's classic "Can It Be All Simple" video, it is precisely this iconic visibility that gives that I.T. it's perceived value, rather than it's actual scarcity. Simply put, Y.O.U. tell me how many pristine "Executive" bears and "Crizzy" knits Y.O.U. see ANYWHERE as compared to "Snow Beach" pullovers in the span of a single calendar year. If Y.O.U. come across either 1 of these crispy treats more than Y.O.U. see "Snow Beach" zip-ups for sale, I will personally reach in my pocket and give Y.O.U. a "G" my G ... lol. That's how confident the fuck I am homie.

In the pantheon of Polo heroes there are a good 20 or so cornerstone I.T.'s (NOTE: Such notables as the "Super Uni Crest" sweater, the O.G. "Circle Suicide Ski" goose and/or matching "Flip" vest, the "Cookie" knit with "POLO USA" spellout down the arm, the O.G. 1992 "Sitdown" Teddy Bear knit and the P-Wing "Rings" sweater to name only a few) upon which many a strong collection has been built and the "Executive" Teddy and the Lo "Crest/Crizzy" knits BOTH belong in that rarified class.

Alas, as the dope boy certified fresh "Lo-End Theory" calvacade of stars draws nie, it still turns my stomach and spurns my pride to imagine just how much new jack simpleton collectors have adversely contributed to the ridiculous ballooning of this subprime-market bubble and how I - a nigga who, back in the day, would've either popped the "Lizzy" on these items myself and/or paid the hood standard half-price to a much more proficient booster to "tief" them for me - might be taxed like a common sucker for a cherished portion of my history. Ehhhhh, what Y.O.U. gonna do? We ALL have our "Holy Grail". It is what it is.

BONUS:

Pursuant to the mission, processes, functions and goals of the Livestyle Graduate School Of Flyer Design, it is incumbent upon me as Dean Of Trueness to provide source material to all referenced material associated with a particular entry. Even though, if Y.O.U. are unfamiliar with the Hype Williams directed vehicle for Wu-Tang's "Can It Be All So Simple", Y.O.U. should go fuck yourself ... lol. Don't be worthless. "Sunshine plays a major part in the day time/Peace to mankind/Ghostface carry a black 9 ... nigga" Know the ledge.

UPDATE: In A Ralph Lauren 1989 "Cookie" Long Bill Cap Bidding War There Can Be No True Winners.

If Y.O.U. Must See The Carnage: Vintage Ralph Lauren Polo Cookie Patch Cap Yellow (R.I.P.)

CHRIS LIVE AKA SHAKER SAYS: The eBay auction has ended for the Ralph Lauren 1989 "Cookie" Long Bill Cap without so much as a parrying bid placed by yours truly. Why? How could I allow such an iconic piece of Ralph Lauren history to fall into the hands of some undeserving "Johnny Come Lately" Polo convert? The closing price was $395 ... did my wallet whimper? Bite your tongue.

No, rather than spiral into an extended hyperbolic fit trumpeting my integrity and how paying outlandish prices for items that I and/or my family once owned goes against the very fiber of my O.G. principles, I believe that my feelings would best be expressed by this 1992 classic Hip Hop song by the Double XX Posse included in the "BONUS" section below. Enjoy.


BONUS:

ATTENTION: I Need This Vintage Ralph Lauren 1989 "Cookie" Long Bill Cap x I Don't Care Who Gets Hurt In The Process! Call Me "Mr. Fields".

Check Out The Current eBay Auction Of My Dreams Here: Vintage Ralph Lauren Polo Cookie Patch Cap Yellow

CHRIS LIVE AKA SHAKER SAYS: The success of Livestyle as a brand and as the ultimate contemporary philosophical and cultural agent of change in Hip Hop depends largely on my ability to present to Y.O.U., my audience, a sincere and transparent vision to follow. To that end, I adhere to a strict "full disclosure" policy with regards to all things "fly" - basically, because I like Y.O.U. soooooooooo damn much, I have got to accuarately cue Y.O.U. in on certain things that I would normally not share with mere mortals ... lol.

Whilst I must respect their business acumen and their ability to court clueless consumers, I am none to pleased that many a trust-fund-kid-turned-high-fashion-low-standard-Hipster has taken over my beloved vintage gear game. Oh, Y.O.U. aint know? I does this for real and have been doing so long before The Retro Kids and their Skittles© pack fag friends ever thought about raping the Cross Coloured corpse of late 80's and early 90's commercial Hip Hop fashion. Honestly, if those dimwits knew anything they would be sporting more Fila, Coca Cola and Benetton AND they would be smart enough to realize that ghetto-blaster boom boxes did NOT rock during the blonde streak/flat top era ... but, I digress.

Anyway, instead of paying ridiculously jacked up premiums for vintage clothes from some middle man, I often take my chances rummaging through piles of long forgotten garments @ estate sales in rich communities, thrift stores in rich communities and on the global shopping community that is eBay. Yes, patience is truly a virtue and I have a closet full of 1-of-a-kind finds to prove it!

Am I happy that this über rare Ralph Lauren 1989 "Cookie" Long Bill Cap is already holding @ $182.50 with 4 days left? No. I'll tell Y.O.U. what though, if this baby stays under $500, I might have to go in on this purchase. I mean, paying this price for a hat is considered a cardinal sin by anybody who used to boost from stores and/or catch "vics" on the Franklin Shuttle, but, this is 20 years old and I do have the crisp matching Lo Goose for this champion I.T. supreme. What is a Brooklyn boy supposed to do? LOL. It is what it is.

Christie's Vintage Luggage Auction = Don't Sweat The Antique Technique.

"In a Classicist column last summer we reminisced about the the golden age of motoring when one would embark on an automobile journey with elegant picnic and cocktails cases carefully stowed in the boot of the car. On May 19th we'll get another glimpse into the bygone era of traveling in true style when Christie's London South Kensington branch auctions off an amazing selection of vintage Hermès, Louis Vuitton and Dunhill luggage. With the favorable exchange rates currently in effect it's an enticing opportunity to build a collection with lasting value, while truly timeless luxury items are more appealing than ever.

"Harking back to a golden age of travel, vintage luggage encapsulates the glamor and decadence of a bygone era when journeying to a foreign land involved adventure, romance and style," notes Christie's' Director of Textiles Pat Frost. "These exquisitely crafted pieces evoke a time when the journey was as important as the destination. With iconic names including Louis Vuitton, Dunhill and Hermes leading the field and remaining very collectible they not only functional but design objects in their own right."

Highlights of the sale include two cream colored canvas and leather suitcases by Hermès from the mid-20th century, monogrammed "APW", estimated at about $2,200 - $3,000; two fine black cases by Dunhill and T. Anthony, the first of black leather in semi-circular form with one fitted tray and gunmetal hardware, the second of black fabric with leather strapping, lined in moire with various pockets and gilt hardware, est. at about $1,200 - $1,500; and a monogram hard-side case and cover by Louis Vuitton (above) with a beautiful patina to the the leather handle, est. at about $900 - $1,200."

Information Courtesy Of: Luxist.Com

CHRIS LIVE AKA SHAKER SAYS: Pursuant to our unspoken yet implicitly binding agreement, your continued Livestyle readership entitles Y.O.U. to access my De Beers™ like diamond mine of information and random observations. Lucky Y.O.U.! LOL. Whilst my propensity for high price purchases means that Y.O.U. are regularly subjected to my corner store couture perspective on current offerings of style, occasionally, I dive into my vintage bin of timeless treasures and introduce Y.O.U. to some fucking awesome heirloom jewels. Here's a secret: Particularly for my ladies (although not exclusive to women) estate shopping and eBay scavenging can unearth some great deals on designer labels @, depending on demand, considerably lower prices than what Y.O.U. might pay for items from this season's collections.

Yes, thanks to the internet, the Antique Clothes Show and luggage expo is always in town. I mean, most luxury brands are fantastically tethered to their rich pasts and, as such, base many of their cosmopolitan creations on classic silhouettes. Translation: Your Gucci doctor's bag looked pretty much the same in the 1980's as it does now. What the uninitiated and easily exploited flavor-of-the-minute (NOTE: Technology speeds up everything ... lol) fashionphiles regard as unseemly wear-and-tear is actually viewed by cultured collectors as proof of provenance - a laminated legacy that gives true character to well traveled items.

Now, while Y.O.U. may not be ready to drop a knot on the auction block when world renowned Christie's London South Kensington branch auctions off this amazing assemblage of vintage Hermès, Louis Vuitton and Dunhill luggage, Y.O.U. might wanna hit Grandma up and see what's really good in that long forgotten family attic and/or basement.

BONUS:

Eric B. & Rakim - Don't Sweat The Technique
Uploaded by UniversalMusicGroup

Admit it; Y.O.U. love my style. Where else do Y.O.U. receive a healthy serving of sophistication with a reputable side of Hip Hop from a Brooklyn Iron Chef? Nowhere; that's where ... lol. Y.O.U. heard the 18th Letter Rakim Allah and Eric B., "Don't Sweat The Technique" kid.

Supreme @ London's Dover Street Market.

"London is in for a real treat, Supreme will offer it’s products inside the Dover Street Market starting next month. The first shipment will contain Supreme’s Spring/Summer 2009 collection of jackets, tees, fitteds, button-down shirts, denim, and more. Mark you calender for this one.

Dover Street Market
17-18 Dover Street
London W1S 4LT UK
+44-20-7518-0680"

Information Courtesy Of: Thisislavie.Com


CHRIS LIVE AKA SHAKER SAYS: Although Supreme is famous for liberally borrowing from vintage 1990's pop-culture references, that is precisely what endears them to me. I have fought the good fight against this dope brand for a minute - simply because individuals have co-opted the Supreme label and made ownership of their items an unspoken right of passage for many a "hipster" douche bag looking to fit in - however, I have recently come to terms with my affinity for this awesome company.

The Supreme Spring/Summer 2009 collection released March 5th to London's reigning champion street wear haberdashery, Dover Street Market, has successfully jumped the pond without jumping the proverbial "shark", so to speak. That's right, all New York City nostalgia intact, the good people @ Supreme have dropped yet another limited edition range of t-shirts, hats, jackets and accessories destined for ridiculous price markups on eBay ... lol. Hey, don't hate the player, hate the game ... lol. Good shit.

Helloooooo Ladies: Louis Vuitton 2009 Stephen Sprouse Collection x Welovesprouse.Com Launch.

"TBA tried to stay up late after midnight early Thursday morning with the hopes of seeing the highly anticipated welovesprouse.com wesbite. Between cups of coffee and the occasional cigarette, the anticipation went away temporarily…that was until moments ago - when jaws dropped at such a colorful collection, right then and there recession-bypassing notions came into play. In commemoration of the late NYC artist and designer Stephen Sprouse, Louis Vuitton has launched a massive campaign and site paying homage to an artist that pretty much changed the world of art and fashion. Thanks to the Deitch Projects, LV, & Rizzoli we can all peel back our eyelids and indulge in interesting interviews given by Marc Jacobs, Debbie Harry, Patricia Field along with a list of industry’s elite where can learn all about the man who dominated New York City fashion."

Information Courtesy Of: Trashbagaesthetics.Com

Visit Welovesprouse.Com Online Here: welovesprouse.com


CHRIS LIVE AKA SHAKER SAYS: While I am totally and completely against the current tasteless fashion freak-show of obscenely tight and bright trendoid uniforms that have landed here from the Planet F.A.G., this revival of 1 of Louis Vuitton's most recent and popular collections is certainly an exception to that rule. Why? Well, Y.O.U. might think that it is simply because it is a limited edition Louis Vuitton collection and, as such, should be seen as instantly valuable and is to be gushed over. Y.O.U. would, however, be quite wrong. Alas, have I taught Y.O.U. nothing? Since it's inception, Livestyle has endeavored to bring the best to Y.O.U. across a myriad of interests and, more significantly, seeks to refine your senses and engender a greater appreciation of quality and history with regard to whatever-the-fuck so catches my impeccable eye. With that said, the 2009 Louis Vuitton Stephen Sprouse collection is the perfect homage to the late, great American artist and his signature futuristic style.

As is the case with many art world masters, Stephen Sprouse's prolific collections where only matched by the inconsistency of his business ventures. Hey, sometimes it be like that. Inspired by Andy Warhol, Sprouse mixed 1960's silhouettes with daring splashes of neon colors and graffiti (even collaborating with NYC/art world graffiti enthusiast Keith Haring) producing collections off-and-on for well over a decade.

Sometimes the world has to catch up to Y.O.U. in order to truly appreciate your creations. When he was alive, Stephen Sprouse experienced mixed success and reviews, but, today, his most iconic pieces go for heavy fetti in thrift shops and, of course, on the world's thrift shop, eBay. Anyway, Louis Vuitton has spared no expense in honoring this man with both the collection and the awesome website dedicated to him and his work. Oh yeah, this is also a nice accompaniment to the book on the career of Stephen Sprouse that is scheduled to be released on January 8, 2009.

Now, obviously, these bold looks are not meant to be thrown together for 1 ridiculously loud outfit. Y.O.U. do understand that these pieces are meant to accent your ensemble and bring some great color to an otherwise classy outfit, right? Right. I mean, Y.O.U. have to know that or else Y.O.U. wouldn't be here with me ... lol. What's good ma? This is Livestyle.