To tell you the truth, there’s really no definition of an American Apparel girl. Being an “American Apparel girl” is a state of mind-not a fashion statement. There’s no way to become an “American Apparel girl in just tights” overnight. You just are. Unless you’ve got unbelievably long, gorgeous legs, it’s very hard to look like a typical “American Apparel girl”, but you can still try!!! If you happen to be that girl and you happen to live in Amsterdam, send an email to hussein@yesterdaysucks.com with your name, measurements, picture and mobile number, LOL. I am looking forward to add you to my black address book.

American Apparel, thank you. You started this.

I’m excited to announce that homie Guillaume, a 20 year old architecture and design student who got his own sneaker line called ‘Filling Pieces’ is still on his grind and works harder every new season to come up with beautiful versatile footwear with style and comfort. These new models on the pictures above are the latest designs from Guillaume. Each model was created to address specific requests from shops, family, friends and loyal customers. I got some high expectations for the brand. Stay well, strong, wise and happy Guillaume and you will fulfill all your dreams. Oh yeah before I forget, the shoes on the last picture are mine, all mine.

Black History Month is held every October in Britain, and February in USA and Canada.

The aims are to:
- Promote knowledge of the Black History, Cultural and Heritage.
- Disseminate information on positive Black contributions to British Society.
- Heighten the confidence and awareness of Black people to their cultural heritage.

The origins of Black History Month goes back to 1926 when Carter G. Woodson, editor for thirty years of the Journal of Black History, established African Caribbean celebrations in America. It is still celebrated there in February each year. At times like this it reminds me to never give up!! You must continue on. …. It’s taking a dream and doing anything, risking everything, and stopping at nothing to make it a reality. Black History Month is a time to honour people who are strong role models, and thats why I tried to show you some of my big inspirations in life, my role models.

James Jean is the author of a couple of my favourite blogs, The Mod Revival and The Mod Rockers. However it’s amazing that James Jean found a way to take quiet normal clothes and transform it into a casual cool. I have been drawn to simple clothing for many reasons, due to comfort and simple style and it shows a simple style that anyone can aspire to and pull off. Kudos to James Jean and Jake Davis.

Louis Vuitton opened thier first in-store boutique today in a Bijenkorf department store and this beautiful bootique was designed by internationally renowned architect Peter Marino, who also completed the new flagship Louis Vuitton Maison on London’s Bond Street. This is the first Louis Vuitton leased department within a Bijenkorf store and marks the first new Louis Vuitton department store partnership in the Netherlands.

The Louis Vuitton Bijenkorf department store is the second Louis Vuitton location in the Netherlands. The store is 150 square feet and located on Bijenkorf main floor across from the designer watch department and offers a mix of Louis Vuitton leather goods, including designer handbags and luggage, alongside accessories such as Louis Vuitton sunglasses, ties and an extensive selection of women’s designer shoes.

The Bijenkorf department store also sells luxury brands like Viktor and Rolf, Burberry, Marc by Marc Jacobs and See by Chloé. It leaves one thinking what to expect next from the department store.

Bijenkorf Amsterdam
Dam 1
1012 JS Amsterdam

Pictures made by Eugene McFly.
Big shout out to Whizzkid Abderrahmane.

The Velour story started back in 1997 when Per Andersson rummaged through the store of his grandmother’s old ready-to-wear shop, which closed in the mid eighties after 50 years of business. He decided to make use of this asset and opened Nostalgi together with a couple of friends. The shop sold the dead stock clothes together with re-makes, art and design and became a forum for the Göteborg independent scene. It also attracted international attention. Nostalgi’s creative customers inspired the Velour team to take the step towards designing their own clothes in 2002, and the first Velour collection was launched in 2005.

I didn’t have any idea about Velour until one day I spotted a friend with the most amazing pair of Velour chino pants, from that day on Velour went right up at the top of my list!!! As you could also see in my previous post I was at the Velour store a couple of weeks ago to collaborate with the owners of the newly opened store in Amsterdam. It’s no surprise, that during the fitting process I got a glimpse of the new spring/summer collection. Now therefore, I had to show you this fine collection of wearable basics.

Also watch this video that provides a ‘behind-the-scenes’ view on the brand’s collection for this Autumn-Winter.

Aloe Blacc was in Amsterdam last week performing “I Need a Dollar” and other songs from his upcoming album ”Good Things” that are just as noteworthy. Aloe Blacc brought a Soul music sound to Amsterdam that was different from most of what I’ve heard before. Aloe Blacc has been in the game for a while but in the last year he has really skyrocketed in popularity. I guess it got something to do with the catchy theme song for HBO’s tv series, “How to Make it in America”

Pictures made by Tomasz Greber.

Louis Vuitton today unveiled the travel case it has created to hold football’s greatest prize, the FIFA World Cup Trophy. The FIFA World Cup Trophy is the greatest honor in the football world. It’s kept and protected by the FIFA although the FIFA World Cup Winner Trophy travels around the winners of the FIFA World Cup. Thanks to the coming Louis Vuitton protective case, the authentic trophy in the future can travel in a unique and elegant way. It was unveiled today with Patrick Louis Vuitton, Thierry Weil, Naomi Campbell, Antoine Arnault, Pietro Beccari and Yves Carcelle. However, one pity about this gorgeous case is that you can never own one yourself.

Exclusive images of the case after the jump.

As we get closer to the Worldcup, one Nike Stadium store after the other is opening its doors. So far we have seen Milan, Berlin, London and Paris. Today I can give you a first look at the opening of the Nike Stadium Amsterdam, which presents the Piet Parra exhibition. Last week, Nike Stadium Amsterdam opened it’s doors at Precinct 5 to the public with a series of ongoing installations inspired by the Nike Mercurial boot and Tadanori Lee, a player who embodies the Mercurial spirit and style of play. This creative space features installations from Dutch artist Piet Parra and a stage where a multitude of artist’s could work on their pieces within the gallery.

Pictures made by Indra Ismail. 

Espadrilles are casual flat or high-heel fashion sandals originating from the Pyrenees. Ok, I know, Gucci Espadrilles!? But hear me out, here. Most people agree that they should buy shoes that are comfortable and fit their feet. After months of wearing thick socks and boots due to weather elements its time to pamper your toes and feet a little. These shoes are airy and keep my feet cool in the summer and I also hate anything between my toes but these do not bother me at all. But mostly because they really are one of the best things about summer. I mean, just look at them. Now if the sunny weather would just hurry the hell up and get here so I can actually wear them.

Pictures made by Leetography.

Grenson x Tenue de Nîmes – Factory report

Since most of us need something on our feet day today, I’m going to be looking at boots and shoes from time to time here. And I’ve got a damn fine specimen with which to start that trend: Grenson x Tenue de Nimes brogue boots. In November last year Tenue de Nimes visited the Grenson factory in Rushden, Northamptonshire to salute the construction of the first Grenson x Tenue de Nimes shoe. The company developed a black Tenue de Nîmes interpretation of the Grenson classic: the Fred. The shoe is a limited edition high top brogue with a triple layer -blue tone- leather sole. Last week I had a meeting with Menno van Meurs, who’s one of the owners of the unique Tenue de Nimes store. Tenue de Nîmes was amazed by all the stages of English craftsmanship and decided to do a new collaboration with Grenson (this is definitely a scoop). Check out these amazing pics after the jump.

Pictures made by Joachim Baan.

Hans Ubbink and Bart Chabot

Hans Ubbink is notoriously known for his unique creations. A Dutch designer with a twist. A man who sometimes comes across more of a philosopher than a fashion designer and a man who loves to travel. That’s why Hans Ubbink created this beautiful book together with Hu.man Holidays, with fun activities and things to see and do during your holiday. Today’s book launch is just the beginning of the journey.

The book will be available from May 8 at www.HumanHolidays.com

Selwyn Senatori, Royalsteez and Ottograph

Made by Selwyn Senatori

Be sure to be ready for this one! This friday (April 16th) the three Musketeers Selwyn Senatori, Royalsteez and Ottograph will present a show about their favourite subjects: Sex, Art and Rock & Roll. Selwyn Senatori, Royalsteez and Ottograph had only exactly one month to come up with all the work in the show. Will they come up with loads of porn and cheap shots or will their work be subtile and refined? You’ll only know if you’ll be there one of the two days that this show will be available to the public.

The exhibition will be kicked-off in style for press and invites this Friday on April 16th between 18:00 and 21:00. Following up on that will be a party from 21:00 ’till 01:00 with DJ’s Mulat, Zender, Hero de Janeiro and other live acts. Saturday April 17th the exhibition will be open for public from 12:00 ’till 18:00.

Location: Down Town studios 75, Rokin 75, Amsterdam.

So, if you are like me, you are already looking to see where to score your perfect denim shirt for this summer. Here is one I really love, and I just received this package from my homie Morris Kotkamp who brought me this fine Italian denim shirt! Morris Kotkamp is the owner of a company called Il Rosso, the specialist for Italian slim fit (fitted) shirts. He is currently working on some new stuff with my good friend and artist Selwyn Senatori.

I think this il Rosso denim shirt is rad, thanks Morris.

- 100% fine Italian fabrics
- classic, narrow collar

Soon available at il Rosso.

“How to Make It in America” follows two enterprising Brooklyn twenty somethings as they hustle their way through New York City, determined to achieve the American Dream. Trying to make a name for themselves in New York’s competitive fashion scene.

After seeing the first five episodes, I am definitely hooked. This show has definitely become one of my favorite shows of all time. I like to see these guys working towards making it. For me the show is all about the pursuit of their dreams, and the hustle to get there, but not really what will happen if they ever do reach their dreams. And the show definitely fills the void that Entourage left behind and then some!!

Cudi, whose given name is Scott Mescudi, made his acting debut in this HBO tv show

On the Subway

The weather was freaking ridiculously nice today. When I woke up this morning I knew I woke up just a little too late, which made me take a little longer to eat breakfast. I also didn’t pack up my backpack last night, so I had to rush to gather everything this morning. Every time I’m late for school, I take the subway. And no, I don’t leave my bike at home, in Amsterdam you can take a bike for free on the subway system

Picture made by Loubna.

After browsing the Internet today looking for a cheap 3Gs 16GB iPhone I came across this video from 13thWitness™ on Vimeo, you may know him as the photographer rolling around with Maestro knows. As you can see he came across two brothers who had drunk a little too much that night. Yet I must give them great respect for the Lego brooches, I think that the brothers Dee & Ricky do pretty creative things with Lego. Two thumbs up for Dee for wearing his dashiki.

Guillaume, Huzane and Jefferson

Homie Guillaume, is a 19 year old architecture and design student who got his own sneaker line called ‘Filling Pieces’. I think that Guillaume created the ‘Filling Pieces’ sneakers to bridge the gap between sneakers and shoes, by creating versatile footwear with style and comfort. This sneaker will add style to any outfit in any enviroment of any tempo. Guillaume, Huzane and Jefferson hit the streets every day promoting the ‘Filling Pieces’ sneakers.

Loubna and me

For years I’ve said I wanted to get a bike. I always had one growing up, but when I moved to Amsterdam, I had to leave my old bike behind. Now I have a new one, which my mom won at a lottery. This summer I rode that bike everywhere, all over the city. Mostly downtown, though. A big shout out to Loubna who made my summer days much more enjoyable.