The Classics...

Below are a list of items that will never get old in my book.  I have been backing most of these goods for 15+ years now and will continue to do so until I’m old and shriveled.  Yes, I will be that 60-year-old man sporting Half Cabs, burning incense, wearing oils, scribbling in notebooks and bombing hills on my shred sled. 

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Vans Half Cabs

I’ve been a fan of this shoe since its inception in 1992.  These are arguably the best skate shoes of all-time, not to mention the most stylish. 

Like most early 90s skaters, prior to Half Cabs, I used to chop down my Full Cabs to make mid tops.  I saw that Vans recently released the Full Cab.  How anyone feels comfortable skating in them is beyond me.  High tops never were my cup of tea.

 
I remember back in the day, Mike Carroll always had the dope, hard-to-find Half Cab colorways.  Anyone remember the turquoise pair he’s rocking in FTC Skateshop’s first video, “Finally” (1993)?  I know Vans not long ago re-issued the Turquoise colorway or something close to it, but back then, those things were about as rare as a $3 bill.  Peep the line at Fort Mason (:40) for said shoes.  This video part still stands as one of my all-time faves.  Style for miles.

Standard Windbreaker Jacket (a.k.a. Coach’s Jacket)

When it comes to skating, especially here in San Francisco where the weather changes instantaneously, you can’t go wrong with a classic, solid-color windbreaker jacket.  They’re cheap -- around $20, so it’s not the end of the world if you tear them or fall in some city muck.  

Target and K-Mart used to be loaded with these things back in the day, but nowadays you’re best bet to find one is online.  Jerzees makes a decent one, although the collar isn’t as butterflied as I’d like.

Dickies Traditional Work Pant

Not much needs to be said here other than these pants are superb and compliment the aforementioned Half Cabs and windbreaker jackets quite well.  The khaki, dark brown and navy blue colorways are my personal faves.  You might also catch me in a maroon pair.  Back in the Dr. Dre “The Chronic” days, you could probably also catch me rocking the short-sleeved khaki button up work shirt, looking straight loc’d out.  

Never, I repeat never, pay more than $20 for a pair of Dickies pants.  If you do, you’re getting hustled.  

Egyptian Musk

“I come rough, tough like an elephant tusk…your head rush, fly like Egyptian Musk” -- Ghostface

I used to rock this stuff religiously back in the day, but for some reason stopped wearing it entirely about nine years ago when the city demoed the old Union Square (RIP to one of the best skate spots of all-time), evicting not only the skateboarders, but also all the herb, incense and oil slingers.    

Just recently, I purchased a bottle of the Abdul Kareem brand online for $10 (shipping included) and have been rocking it every so often.  Females love the smell of this stuff (in small amounts).  It’s potent, so don’t douse yourself in it.  I actually think it smells better after its been on the skin for five or six hours or has been diluted a little bit with water.  

Nag Champa

Available at almost every corner store in San Francisco (or any major city for that matter), this is hands down my favorite incense on the market.  A box of 15 sticks in most stores retails for about $2.  Nag Champa has a high concentration of sandalwood, which releases a very heavy, earthy aroma.  I find it to be quite soothing, but others I know can’t stand it.  So think twice before burning this stuff prior to having company over.  I usually fire up a stick or two to set the mood right when I’m putting pen to pad.  Nag Champa coupled with jazz music (if that’s your thing) are two key ingredients for good writing, in my opinion.

Moleskin Notebooks

The fact that Moleskin's are hardcover, fit in your back pocket and have an elastic band affixed to the cover to keep them closed and secure make them, without question, the best notebooks on the market.  Not only that, but two of my favorite authors, Celine and Hemingway, were also fans and avid users of the Moleskin.  I rarely leave the house without one these in my bag or pocket.  I also write 90% of my first drafts in them.  Most office supply stores and stationary shops have these for sale for around $12-$15, but you can find them online, namely eBay, for much cheaper. 

The above is by no means a complete list.  Right off the top, I can tell you Hanes Premium white t-shirts, Swiss Bearings, Levi's 501 Jeans and Sharpie markers are missing from the list.  I just didn't have time to write blurbs on them all.

Please feel free to share some of your favorites.  I’m always looking to be turned on to something new.