Model Call...

I am getting ready to start production for the Skinny Up Denim Ad campaign. If any one wants to be a part of it send pictures of yourself to tim@upagainstthewall.com. Im looking for models of all types. I am going to do the shoot in a manner similar to the layouts in Vice Mag/American Appearal/Terry Richardson, if you know how these shoots are...great...love to have ya. If you don't, please check out the style of them first. (all models must sign releases and must be over the age of 18 or have a signed release from partent or legal guardian) . Note the pic of Ed the intern. Ed is back at school, where I assume things are going double well. Lu23

Hezba-love.

Keffiyeh, shemagh, yashmag, ghutra, hatta, peace scarves, anti-war scarves, and even Kanye's scarf. Why the hell not. But when it comes down to the nitty gritty, the real questions are, Are the scarves anti war? Is it pro-terrorist? Or is it just a fashion accessory? Well, in the Middle East, it has useful and aesthetic functions. In the desert is protects the face from the sun and blowing sand. During a night living in the desert, it's used to keep the head warm.

I for one bought this to keep warm & add a little "omph," if you will, to my outfit. My first time wearing one of these babies was the most traumatizing events of my life in 2006. I went to a local hotspot called the Mission in San Francisco to hang out with the homies or whatever, and we went to go Hookah.

A middle eastern pastime time which involves tobacco, coal, and a tube. It was this awesome authentic arab-esque place owned and operated by real middle easterners! How surreal & dope right? Well, little did I know my friends and I were refused service, and I was scorned for wearing this scarf. Why? Apparently, I am pro-Palestinian and a supporter of terroism. Another trip in the city, another index finger of shame, waving back and forth. So, now I'm a Neo-Nazi & an Anti-Jew. Again, wore my stinking scarf to a big hippie hey day on the Haight, & now I'm part of the revolution.

I now wear them with confidence, because I now know that I am pro terrorist/anti Jew/a revolutionist, and the next person to ask me "How do you wear these things," will get the most fashion foward variation of wearing this square cloth. (See attached picture). PEACE!

Matt N
Assistant MacArthur 18

(Editor's note - If you can't detect the sarcasm that Matt is using when he refers to himself as Neo-Nazi and so on...well you missed the point. In fact I was banned from a girlfriend's house way back in the high school days for the same attitude toward the scarf. At least her mom let me debate the issue, her dad called me a bunch of names and tossed me out until I took it off. I showed up the next day wearing a kilt...he was cool with that. LU23.. oh... and Matt...good luck on your next encounter with the TSA....they love that kinda shit.)

What are you rocking today...

#20 strikes again. I see you Portia.

Portia @ UATW Annapolis
Top: by Christian Audigier
Jeans: by Joes (honey)
Shoes: by Puma

Mike T @ UATW Annapolis
Hat: by Okutani
Glasses: by Shutter Shades
T-Shirt: by FUCT

The DC District is holding it down right now..... What's good Left Coast, MI-YAYO, the 7 cities.....

JD

X-RAY DENIM

X-Ray brings the public a full wardrobe of designer menswear. This Manhattan based company has become known for its intense attention to detail: from fashion-forward concepts, to remarkable embroidery, innovative washes and designs.

The collection is distinguished by the craftsmanship and care given to each individually treated item. X-Ray is a favorite among style-conscious men, who care not only about the look, but also the fit, texture and over-all artistry of their clothing.

X-Ray's can be found in novelty retail stores and designer boutiques, as well as in magazines and fashion shows, and on film and television. We have become a
favorite among buyers, in part, because we receive new samples every two weeks. Buyers can guarantee on always seeing something new and original when they enter our showroom. At X-Ray, no two styles have the same fit. We pride ourself on our attention to detail, concentrating on the unique ways material falls, feels and fits. CHECK OUT X-RAY at UP AGAINST THE WALL @ VCC, Iverson, PG Plaza, Military Circle and Foxhills.

The originators of style over @ Annapolis..

Big shouts out go to Doyle and the crew down at Annapolis.

Here we see them doing what they do best...... Stay consistent!!

Paapa:
Crooks and Castles crew neck sweatshirt
Prps Jeans
Creative Recreation Boots

Doyle:
10 Deep Cardigan
Dissizit x DJ Crook Kate Moss Loves La Coka Nostra Tee
Edwin Japan Rainbow Selvedge jeans
Alife x Barneys everybody high

Mike T:
Stussy Hoody
Lrg Jeans
Nike CB34 Flannel

Lets keep it going....

Lucky

AokixWESC

WeSC [WeAretheSuperlativeConspiracy] roots in skate, art and music culture, with several musicians repin WeSC as WeActivists, the company certainly know the importance of good sounding headphones. WeSC recently released a new collection of headphones for nearly every music lover, from simple in-ear buds to DJ Pro sets.
WeSC CEO and co-founder, Greger Hagelin has this to say “Many Weactivists work with music, which is an important part of the WeSC life-style. Because of this, it seemed natural for us to create something that would help accommodate this aspect of life. Creating something new for our collection, that people do not expect, is part of our process. Our headphones are both fashion and tech. From the streets to the clubs, to the subway and hills, we are very pleased with them.”
WeSC headphones are available in 5 different models, in a variety of colour ways, in-sync with each seasonal collection. They also collaborated with DJ Steve Aoki on a pro model called the “DJ Steve Aoki Pro”. AVAILBLE AT UATW DADELAND
> WeSC

The Free-ness, The Free-mess

Look how much music is available to the masses these days. But there's a catch, that garbage shoved down your throat by the rich corporate types is just 2% of the overall landscape. It's like a giant iceberg with only a terd covered tip jutting out from the surface...the rest is pure and delicious. I personally know over 100 musicians, (many through UATW) who would jump in your ear hole and make your head bounce better than anything that defecates from the FM dial. I found this one site, www.discobelle.net, that underground people that post their stuff on. It's a mix of hip-hop, street and club. All music is free. Another is www.mp3unsigned.com, where artists post MP3 for play and download. You can even tell them what you think of their talent. Discobelle is more of a blog, while mp3unsigned is more of a giant catalogue that yo can search by genre. The last site that you should know (and a favorite here at the home office) is www.pandora.com. It's been out for a few years now and plays stuff based on what you like. You name an artist or group, and it exposes you to songs that have elements in common with what you are into. Either way you have to have something pounding thourgh your new WESC headphones. So check out the sites...or not. LU23

Sweet Daily Candy...

Our friends at Daily Candy have given props to UATW Skinny Denim. The article reads:

Hello and welcome to Joy of Painting. Our topic today is color. All your favorite pretty hues.
Let’s start with a canvas of smooth, over-dyed sateen twill with a little stretch. Sure, give it a rub. Feels so good to the touch.
Then let’s taper our masterpieces from top to bottom for a perfect skinny fit. And maybe add a stroke of low-rise. Nothing too much — butt cleavage is a stain on your work.
Now here’s where it gets truly exciting. On the palette, we have happy shades of purple, turquoise, red, fuchsia, black, and mustard. And, of course, a dark blue denim.
The works of art are made by and available exclusively from our favorite denim experts at Up Against the Wall.
Remember: Colors are your friends. Don’t be afraid to be bold.
After all, there are no mistakes. Only happy accidents.

If you don't know Dailycandy.com, shame, shame, shame. The cover every thing that matters for the locals of major cities from LA, to Hotlanta, to London, to DC, to Boston....hell all over the place. LU23

DC Managers Summit.

The home office had the pleasure of hosting the DC Metro Store Managers yesterday. Here they are looking fetching in the men's buying department. LU23

Just another day....

Here's the latest installment of consistency 101... These are a couple of photos from the fly staff of store #11. Lets see some more store pictures, I mean we are the flyest company out here, so lets show it off...

Until next time, I'm out.

Lucky Lefty

Maple Decks

Next time you walk in to Commander Salamander, hit the right, towards the DJ booth, & check out the new Limited Edition Canadian Maple Decks.

The series is Jeremy Fish's latest collab with Upper Playground. Only 500 were produced and of course we have all 3 styles!

UP AGAINST THE WALL LYNNHAVEN HAS THEM TOO. We wouldn't disrespect the VB, home of all that is east coast skate.

Shani's gotz her ownz....

Check out Foxhills Store Manager Shani at her blog. http://coponthesettee.blogspot.com is the spot to see her picks for music, art and fashion. I spent a hour or so browsing it. Give it a peep, with over 240 entries...you're bound to find something.

Who's the flyest......

What's up world, I wanted to restart who's the flyest person in our company.... and what's a great way to start this than to post what we're rocking on a daily basis. I definitely think that even though Waldorf isn't an extremely fashion-forward area, our staff is a problem... We're out to prove something..... Let's get it....

Lucky Lefty

LRG-SHOCKING

WHOA!!! WHAT?!?!? Someone has decided to do a colab with G-SHOCK... G-Shock got together with LRG to produce an ultra-limited (500 pieces) watch that will hit ten select accounts next week and retail for $250. NYC heads can scoop it up first at the Complex Platinum Club store, out of towners will have to hunt LRG premium accounts for it. White rubber’s the new bling, get with it or get lost. (Credit to Chris-P for the find, credit to http://www.complex.com/blogs/2007/12/27/lrg-x-g-shock/ for the text, credit to LU23 for being me.

My Backpack > Your Backpack

Levi's and Porter are set to release a new series of bags and accessories. The collection features classic Porter styles such as the Boston bag, Tote Bag and Day Pack. Each bag is constructed of denim to keep in theme with the Levi's collaboration. The products will release on January 8th at Levi's Store. Previous products between the two brands included a pack which included wallets, bags and a ring seen here.-Hypebeast (from Chris-P of Wheaton14)

All your bases are belong to Us !!!!!!

Washington DC - Local news is reporting that Up Against the Wall has been awarded the coveted "Retailer of the Month" as voted on by the style professors at Blac Label Clothing. "This monthly award is so prestigious that they only give out 12 or so a year." commented marketing whore, Tim Nicholson at the award party he held for himself in is cubicle, alone with a half bottle of Wild Irish Rose Blueberry. "I mean, next month they'll give it to some schmo'...but he'll be known as 'Mr. February'...'number 2'...'second fiddle'...JANUARY IS NUMBER ONE...WE F*%#IN' ROCK!!!" at which point he slumped to the floor and didn't move for 4 hours. Congratulations to UATW. Check the irreverent posting at http://www.blaclabelpremium.com/FeaturedRetailer.aspx

~~~~~LU23~~~~~

PS. If you don't know the meaning of the title "All your bases..." good for you. It means you had a social life as a young person.

Know You Know it's Hot.

First Kanye, now Paris. These Blinder Glasses are HOT! Catch them at Up Against The Wall. Who would've thought glasses that look like blinds would be HOT!

Delma Says:

Wasn't sure if this is what you had in mind for the blogs but here goes. Feel free to post for all managers!!
I enjoy reading the blogs on the website. In my short time working at PG Plaza, here are some of things I've noticed:
** Shutter Shades are big. The kids were in here big time during the holidays trying to get a pair in any color. Anytime a group of kids walked by our cash wrap, at least one of them would say: "Yo, they got the Kanye shades in here!" Good idea to drop those during the holiday season!!

**Blac Label is also big in the area. I personlly think its taking over for Ed Hardy with kids from 15 to 20. They are getting shirts and hats all the time. I haven't seen too many buying the jeans, but that's not to say they aren't; I just haven't sold a pair!

**North Face and Spyder outerwear is important here. The Steep Techs sell fast, and people are always asking when we are getting more. And folks were all over the Spyder fleeces! Which leads to a question: Will we have Spyder outerwear for women in the future?

**Scarves are being sold! Particularly the Peace scarves that we have. That is a trend in the Metro area, and people have a good selection to choose from with the colors that we have in the store. It's a good way to make an outfit stand out, and they can keep you warm (it helped me out a lot on New Year's Eve in the cold!)

**Women are still on their accessory game! Door knocker earrings, gold rope chains, and big colorful rings are in. I think it's a good way for a woman to accent their outfits!

Thats all for me right now! Looking forward to some fresh UATW blogs for 08!....Thanks

Delma-----PG PLAZA #10

Street Art-o-matic.

You know how I love the street art. Why? Because by definition, it is always 100% honest. To be a real artist I think you have to:

a. not care about the money,

b. be passionate about the work

c. have some guts when it comes to creative direction

d. express the art in a way that it is encountered by as many people as possible

e. not take yourself too seriously.

Street artists match all these criteria. Sure some like Shepard Fairey and Banksy make good coin doing it, but that's not why they started doing it. So that's why I love the street art. Also because they poke fun at, and criticize the parts of society that piss me off: Out of control military industrial complex mega corps

, big business heaping transfatty swill into our mouths, extreme religious types, and so on. All the people who live at the expense of other people- get a public lashing on the walls of the world, which is fine with me. Lastly, it makes fun of ourselves. So with out further ado, here are the best street art posts of 2007. As decided by someone or other. LU23