Even though I submitted a t-shirt of the week yesterday, I have to show this one, mainly because it is quite simply genius! Ask any child under the age of 14 what a video tape is and you are most likely to get a very blank face, it’s all about Blue Ray and MP3 nowadays but not so long ago I fondly remember popping into Woolies (another part of our lives that will never be the same again) and buying that tape that I’ve been saving for all month. Chunky plastic things that had such exciting covers with the brief overview of the plot on the reverse that even though you knew what was on it, you still had to read every mouth watering sentence.

As time has gone by and the VHS and video players alike have gone the way of the dinosaurs, this t-shirt is a fantastic tribute to a very large part of all our daily lives, for those of us around in the 70’s and 80’s of course!

A simple and novel approach that may raise a smirk on the street.

Tee Boy

This week’s nomination is from Quicksilver as part of their usually successful surf branded wear, they’ve started incorporating colour and edgy street looks to their collection. This item in particular is pure and blatant agenda pushing with the design being the label name written over and over fused with bright and funky colour usage. All in all, a great and simple design that for the summer months ahead would look great paired with boardies, combats or jeans, teamed with the usual beaded bracelets and other various surf gear that has been adopted as part of most gent’s summer wear, yes sir we have an ensemble!

On the subject of ensembles and perhaps digressing onto fashion in general; I’m off to see Confessions of a Shopaholic tomorrow. Having already read the entire series of books I’m quite keen to see how it has been translated onto the big screen. With the obligatory references to huge names and fashion designers it is sure to strike a smile on our faces, and having already picked up the soundtrack which contains a variety of not only great talents (Lady Gaga, Natasha Beddingfield, Akon and the Pussycat Dolls) but fantastic track titles geared towards fashion or even the items of clothing themselves (‘Blue Jeans’, ‘Fashion’ ‘Accessory’ to name but a few), definitely a must have for any fashion or music lover.

It strikes me that over the years, a film can even be about a simple thing as clothes, shoes and accessories. Yes perhaps a little materialistic but hey, that’s progress and the human condition for you!

Tee Boy

This week our t-shirt de-jour is one for the girls, or those lads brave enough to wear it!

I have to admit I am a fan of Elmo, as shameful as this revelation is, he is adorable, funny and have you seen a tickle me Elmo?! Hours of fun, well perhaps for me anyway. For those of you that haven’t check out the video below, I dare you not to laugh.

The colour and print of the t-shirt is very much an example of what is popular and on the high street at the moment. Retro images and that distressed t-shirt that I’ve had since the 80’s look is very prominent in both the ladies and men’s looks. Not a bad price and their quality is always very high and durable meaning that this retro top could be kept for years to come and perhaps even become actually retro in age as well as appearance.

Maybe not something to be given as a gift for Mother’s Day (22^nd March in case anyone’s forgotten!) unless your Mum happens to be around her early 20’s and in which case I have no idea how you could possibly be reading this blog or know what your belly button is.

Anyway, I digress; this t-shirt is pink, colourful, fun and would be perfect simply with a pair of jeans for going out with the girls to the cinema or bowling or perhaps slobbing around in your PJ’s watching your favourite guilty pleasure. Whatever the use, let’s face it, in this time of “recession” and all things money and misery it’s nice to see somethin bright and fun that may perhaps bring a little smile to your face.

Here’s to fun and colour, Spring is coming so let’s leave the browns, blacks and greys behind.

Tee Boy

This week’s nomination is an ode to all that is 80’s and retro and especially to the wonder that is the invention of the rubix cube! You will see what I mean when you see the t-shirt in all its glory.

It’s creator, Stussy have been around for 25 years producing colourful, graffiti fuelled edgy clothing that have been worn and loved the world over.

Beginning with one man, a surfboard shaper in Laguna Beach - California that simply decided to emblaze t-shirts with his own personal signature surname in literally his own handwriting, and there you have it; a trend was born. Personally I’m not sure my name ‘Collins’ would be quite as effective printed on hoodies and t-shirts(!), I think not.

Spanning some of the 70’s and 80’s the brand picked up on the crazes of both eras (including Rap, Punk and surf) and continued to do so into the 90’s and here in the new millennium. Picking up new ideas and trends in other countries such as Japan and Europe, their designs are still as relevant and provocative as they have always been.

As for today’s little number, nothing spectacular or never been done before but I just love its colours and, the drawn on look about it and the retro feel. It really does stand out and could quite easily be a true wardrobe keeper to be worn for years to come.

Check them out!

Tee Boy

This week’s nomination isn’t some fantastic out of this world, ultra chic, trendy design, it’s not unique, it’s not even that colourful or interesting. It’s one of those ever wonderful  “I Love…” t-shirts. Yes yawn but hear me out.

The design is flawless, simple and cheap to produce, can be tailored for anyone or anything, this one in particular simply outlines a love of something very close to my heart, nope not the website but my dog. Yes my dog’s name is Google, and as bonkers as that is, it suits him perfectly and no, I have no shame in calling him in the park. I have to admit though, I won’t be contemplating purchasing or wearing one of these, the neighbours may mock.

Despite it being quite a geeky design, this motif has been around for a very long time. Pretty much every major city has a shop in it that will sell a t-shirt or item of clothing that states that the wearer loves either the locality or something related to it. Be it the person’s significant other, a celebrity, even a television program, this design is probably one of the most popular and well known throughout the globe.

Originating with the I heart NY logo that was produced by a graphic designer in 1977, New York to promote tourism in New York State in the USA, the logo has over the years been repeatedly copied, altered to include city names, people and all sorts of weird and wonderful ideas and icons. It has gone worldwide and been translated into numerous languages, President Bush famously wore one whilst visiting the middle east proclaiming in the language that he loved the country, risky move but hey ho.

All in all a timeless design that has managed to capture the world’s heart (get it!).

Tee Boy

In my hunt for the more random and silly t-shirts to be found in this wondrous world of eccentricities and neon street wear, I also want to bring your attention to the more wacky and downright strange apparel that can be located when you look hard enough.

This week we have something a little different, rather than a funky edgy print that is bright and sure to catch the eye of any passer by or would-be fashion conscious shopper, I thought I’d bring your attention to the wonder that is Johnny Cupcakes! an eclectic mix of; well actually I’m not quite sure how you would describe them!

I have no idea what the designer was thinking about when he/she came up with the designs but hats off to them for originality!

My fave at present would be the Praying Mitts design …lord knows (get it?) where the designer was going with this but let’s face it, wear this and you’re sure to get some attention!

The website accommodates both the ladies and the guys, and the guy whom owns the company has an incredible story to tell of his exploites that led him to become such a popular and well known brand in the states. He has managed to keep his brand from the stores to keep his integrity and unique style, you have to give it to him, he has guts! Check out his story and the products this rather interesting company produces.

Happy t-shirt hunting!

Drum roll please!

Amazing retro (can’t believe I’m saying retro when referring to something that isn’t that old!) t-shirt displaying the destruction of the well known hand held phenomenon that is the Game Boy!

A simple enough design, plain t-shirt with an exploding item showing all its components flying away, this type of expressionist design is being used quite a lot at the moment, the advertising world is also using the same idea (Direct Line Insurance and Channel 4 have both done so effectively recently), what I love about this design are the novel elements that are coming from the device, as well as the batteries and inner workings, some references are made to the most famous games featured from Nintendo, you can clearly see the Mario Brothers’ caps flying in the air, or the ladders and barrels from Donkey Kong!

All in all a novel and striking retro t-shirt that would be appreciated by anyone who either loved or still loves their consoles or anyone after something that little bit different!

Check it out!

I made the decision last night to delve into the wider world of t-shirt designs and to explore the strange and unusual things (I sound like a Star Trek episode!) that people are buying; there may be trends towards certain styles and images in certain areas, who knows! I’ve taken it upon myself to find out!

I will also be announcing every week my favourite t-shirt design from the many websites, stores and other random places from around the globe that I come across …judge how you will on my eclectic and diverse tastes, I will scour the land for the most outrageous and interesting items I can find!

This week’s favourite is the “One Hundred” design t-shirt from Ugmonk, a simple white t-shirt with a funky use of numbers and bold colours, the overlapping of the colours makes this design that little bit different, considering buying one myself infact!

Ugmonk was established in 2008 by a designer called Jeff Sheldon; a graphic designer based in USA, specialising in the art of mixing the human qualities of hand drawn art with the sophistication of today’s digital design software.

Who are we to argue, back to basics is the most simple way to get a great result obviously.

Check out the website, there are plenty of funky and edgy designs to be found.