Essential #3: Sperry Topsider Boat Shoes

Hey fellas, what's the very first thing you do when you get home after a long day of walking, drinking, studying, or seducing by that matter? Well If the latter applies to you and you've manage to reel in some fish then I'm sure you'll have other things to "do"...BUT for the most of us, the first thing we do is we take off our shoes. After we take off our shoes, we take off those bloody things that are suppose to keep our feet and toes nice and cushiony but in fact restrain them from the freedom that it truly needs. Socks - quite possibly the bane of my existence. And yes my fellow dudes, I know you hate them as much as i do.

But how do we sock-hating folk find the proper footwear that appeals to both our fashion sense and our feet? Flip-flops are one of the solutions, but it certainly doesn't keep them warm for long because once winter or even fall roll around, our feet get cold faster than 50 cent's acting career.

So what is the answer? Boat shoes! Specifically Sperry Topsider brand original boat shoes. Why? Because socks are optional! Matter of fact, they look better without them! They can also be worn all season round, with 75% of the time allowing you the option of no socks - winter obviously doesn't permit that but you can go sockless if you desire.

These are a true American classic placed along side with cardigans, blue oxford dress shirts, and blue jeans.They have been commonly associated with preppy white boys in the past, but that image has been slightly blurred out and replaced with this:

It seems that hip-hop artists and fashionistas out there have made these babies trendy again, with a huge surge off boat shoe-like shoes from brands like Vans, BBC, and Converse releasing their off spin of the Sperry Topsider's original boat shoe model. However, if you're somewhat old fashion like me and enjoy rocking 'originals', then I recommend the Sperry Topsider brand.

I have 2 boat shoes as of right now and I absolutely love them. They're comfortable and oh so versatile - they can practically be worn on any outfit! At about $100 CAD, these shoes are quite the snag when considering the overall versatility and durability of these babies. Grab a pair from any speciality shoe store boutique like Browns or Townshoes, and let your feet free!

Tweed Indeed

Perfect for warming up that big ol' empty head of yours, and also matches great with most of your fall/winter outerwear. Just stick with earth tones when sporting these bad boys and you'll definitely get some heads rolling.

"Oliver Twist" Chic

Don't be fooled by name, but the Jay-Z owned label "Artful Dodger" has put out a boot that reflects the old-fashioned grittiness reminiscent of the 1930s, but still 'clean' enough to be able to be worn with a nice grey suit . However, at $265 USD, this fashion label may live up to its thievish ways. Oliver Twist would not be pleased.

You can pick these bad boys up at select Nordstrom stores and www.endless.com

Essential #2: The V Neck T-Shirt

If there's anyone who truly knows me, they should know for a fact that I LOVE V-NECK TEES. I love them so much that I basically have one v-neck t-shirt for almost every color imaginable.

So why do I love them so much? One word - VERSATILITY and OH BABY I'm all about that. Its the one thing that separates this cut of t-shirts from other cuts like the crewneck tee. Let me explain: crew necks look the best by itself or underneath a hoodie or a jacket, but try making a crewneck shirt one of your undershirts when you're rocking ...let's say a dress shirt... and you'll figure out why they suck - it ruins your color swatch of your outfit! The V-neck tee solves that problem by carefully hiding itself underneath that dress shirt or whatever outershirt you have on, which thereby allows you to expose the MANLINESS underneath - I'm talking about that collarbone skin and oh baby does it attract the ladies ESPECIALLY if you got extra au-natural sweater underneath (I'm not kidding LOL)!

Also, v-necks are friggen comfortable! It gives you the same "breezy-ness" feeling as tank tops do but instead it's a t-shirt! Oh man I can ramble on about the epicness of v-necks, but I'm short on time (this is my 'study break'). The v-neck shown here is a heather grey American Apparel V neck. You can get it for about $22 CAD, and it's HONESTLY the best v-neck out there - no competition whatsoever! Perfect fit, excellent quality, and classic looks.

My only advice to any males out there rocking the v-neck - PLEASE DON'T EVER GET THE DEEP V-NECKS. You'll look like a complete douche...and it's gay.

Disclaimer: I got nothing against gays...only deep v neck shirts worn by any males gay or straight. Please don't rock it. Please.

Essential #1: Levis 510s

I've decided that within the next couple weeks/months or so that I will compile a total of 20 essential items that I cannot quite possibly live without. Such items can be anything from clothing, records to childhood memorabilia. Hopefully I will remember to complete this list, but if I don't...well then...I guess i'll work with what i have.

The first essential item that I have just recently discovered around this September is the ever-so-awesome Levis 510 Super Skinny Jeans. Before the 510s, I've been rocking a bunch of other skinny jeans that just simply didn't cut it. The American Apparel slim slack used to be my go-to skinnys, but the quality of the jeans is simply crap. I swear by after 3 washes, the original color fades to a good two shades down from its original color. I have 3 pairs of these slim slacks and they have all suffered the same fate as the previous slacks - color fades and the pocket stitches slowly tear apart (but not completely).

Levi's 510 has definitely hit the spot in terms of fit and price. The jeans sit a little lower on hips, tapers quite nicely below the knee hugging my calves at an appropriate level of tightness. Also, the selection of washes on the 510s are just incredible! I picked up what looks like a raw denim wash, and I've been wearing it almost everyday. At about $90 CAD, you can pick them up at Urban Outfitters, Holt Renfrew, Levi's store, and I think even at selected Bay department stores. Even if you don't like the super skinny fit, go make your dad (and me) proud by getting yourself an original pair of Levi's jeans!