Blog

An Eye For An Eye: Raen Optics

Joseph Teegardin — Thu, 15 Mar 2012 06:34:15 +0000

If you know me you know that, amongst a lot of other things, I've always been about the shades. You see (get it?), my eyes are just plain lousy. Always have been. They are super sensitive to the sun and nearsighted as hell. I've gotten past it all but it's still a thing you have to deal with, ya know? Because of this, I'm always looking for the best eyewear out there. Whether it's sunglasses, eyeglasses, or a smooth combo - I love options. When it comes to eyewear, though, timeless designs have always been most attractive to me. If you saw a picture of me or met me on any given day, I'd be sporting my everyday optical specs, Ray-Ban Wayfarers. Lately, I've been looking for some alternatives, though. Something with similar characteristics such as classic design, perfect coloring, and high build quality. Enter Raen Optics.

Raen Optics is an independent optics brand with a serious lineup of handcrafted eye pieces - something that ensures their inspired designs are not lost to a generic assembly line and can be individually inspected and insured for quality. Based in Encinitas, California, Raen Optics has a whole array of glasses perfectly suited for a day at the beach or just making sure you see that 'STOP' sign while driving. Their pieces are quite beautiful and, as I came to find out with a pair of Squires (above) that they sent me, quite durable as well, as they are all made from Zyl Acetate Frame. Raen Optics gives off that great boutique feeling - both young and fresh - but without the huge price tag. For the craftsmanship of their pieces, every single one of them is absolutely a bargain in the often ridiculous priced world of eyewear.

If you're in the market for a new set of glasses that have a familiar-but-unique design, beautiful color, and dependable build materials - please, check out Raen Optics and let me (and them!) know what you think.

Special thanks to Joni Parmer at (Raen Optics on Twitter) for the hookup and all the info!

Nike Air Max 90

Joseph Teegardin — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 21:45:15 +0000

Really pumped about my new Nike Air Max 90's in this Neon/Gray/White/Black/Tan color way. I picked them up in Beaverton, OR and can't wait to break 'em in. Pictures don't really even do them justice! They straight up ooze dopeness.

Cole Haan x Nike Lunargrand Leather

Joseph Teegardin — Sat, 25 Feb 2012 19:09:08 +0000

I got too excited over the Cole Haan suede Lunargrands that dropped a few weeks ago. The design and the colorway combos - too perfect. However, that was before I even knew that Cole Haan (a subsidiary of Nike, hence the Lunar sole) was planning something even more luxe - the leather version! The mission is simple: I must cop these. Check out more pictures after the break.

Fresh On The Scene: Red Wing Beckman Moc-Toe Boots

Joseph Teegardin — Sun, 19 Feb 2012 22:08:36 +0000

Just picked up the Red Wing Beckman Moc-Toe Boots over the weekend after eyeing them for quite some time. My Red Wing collection is quite serious now, but really, their boots cannot be beat. Red Wings are an investment that will last you a lifetime.

On a side note, owning a lot of Red Wings (or any major boot) means going through the mostly grueling break-in cycle, for myself, at least. This is not pretty for me - never has been. My feet suck and breaking in boots has meant major pain, limps, blood, blisters, and more - all mostly in the heel area. For me it has nothing to do with the style of boot or the size. A trick I've learned along the way to combat this is simple but effective. Prior to wearing any boot, I gently break it in by kinda giving the heel a good beating with a rubber mallet wrapped in a cloth. It doesn't scratch or leave any marks and always seems to help loosen the heal area much faster than a month of wear. If you're trying to break in a boot, give it a try!

This meme must die.

Joseph Teegardin — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 23:29:40 +0000

Happy Valentine's Day

Joseph Teegardin — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 18:51:59 +0000

Special Delivery from Homage

Joseph Teegardin — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 20:45:12 +0000

Just got a delivery from one of my favorite brands around - Homage . The homies there hooked me up with an Ohio State package and there's some seriously awesome stuff in here. Zubaz? Its about time I had some. And the throwback "Saved By The Bell: The College Years" trading cards? Incredible.

Thanks, Homage team!

After Hours Agenda

Joseph Teegardin — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 18:58:09 +0000

Just got a surprise package from my bro David Marsh - a sweet new shirt from his new label, After Hours Agenda. David's a great dude that's always working on a passion project of some kind. With deep roots in the music industry, David's got a lot of talent, drive, ambition - and the personality to pull it all off. I really think you'd have to be an awful person, yourself, to dislike David.

That said, his latest venture is something I'm really pumped for everyone to hear about. After Hours Agenda is counter culture brand, of sorts. With a clear vision and mentality, AHA is a label that makes no comprises and won't be pigeonholed into a mould of what can and cannot be done. With a debut series of super buttery soft t-shirts featuring eye-catching designs, AHA is coming out STRONG. Definitely check out their lineup and show some support for an independent designer.

Thanks, Rockstar Games!

Joseph Teegardin — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 22:40:56 +0000

Shout out to Rockstar Games New York for hooking me up with some schwag for their upcoming game "Max Payne 3." It feels just like yesterday that I was playing the first "Max Payne" - truly a revolutionary game - and I can't wait to see what their bringing to the table in the third installment, many years later. Rockstar said they'll be continuing to hook me up so stay tuned for that!

Native Shoes

Joseph Teegardin — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 06:05:50 +0000

After becoming familiar with Native Shoes a few months back, I've definitely been hearing about them all the time. I'll be the first to admit that I wasn't crazy about them at first but it's clear that after popping in to my mind here and there, Native Shoes has really grown on me. Their EVA-injected familiar sillouettes are some of the hottest things out right now. After going back and forth on a few pair, I think I've settled with the above combo as my favorite - the 'Jefferson' in the Solid Regatta Blue colorway. What do you think about these and the rest of Native Shoes' styles? Check 'em out here!