Urban Outfitters - Blog

From Los Angeles

04/26/13 09:51AM

'Steve' by Patrick Pearse

Maybe it's the music—the jazz AND the Freebird—or maybe it's just my fascination with legendary pro skaters, but Patrick Pearse's new video for Desillusion Magazine just makes Steve Olson look SO COOL. He's one of those old school, badass dudes, who lives in Cali, drives a motorcycle and spends his days sitting by the pool (empty ones, duh) not giving a single fuck.

One of greatest things Steve ever did was help create his super cute son Alex, which leads me to the following life plan: marry a skateboarder, move to L.A., have a son and force my husband to teach him to skate instead of play catch like normal dads do. When he goes pro at 16, I'll retire and sit back with my sk8r boi and soak in the sun, waves and cigarette smoke 'til death (or a younger girlfriend) do us part. —Ally

From San Francisco

04/02/13 11:03AM

Nike x Levi's 511 Skateboarding Collection with Omar Salazar

Levi's and Nike have released this quick preview of their upcoming 511 Skateboarding Collection. Rooted in the same marriage of style and sport as the popular Levi's Commuter Series, the line will add skate-centric details to the 511. The video features Nike SB pro Omar Salazar, whose ability to mix old school tricks into an aggressive style fits well with the theme of classic brands continuing to innovate. The 511 khaki is my go-to skate pant, so I'm stoked to see what details this collab brings to the table. -Angelo

From Philadelphia

03/20/13 11:21AM

Roger Skateboards Present: Newark

In collaboration with Exit Skateshop (825 North 2nd St.), Roger Skateboards presents Newark, an art show put together by for friends, by friends. The show will feature work by Roger's Owner and Art Director, Michael Sieben, with art school friends and team riders Bill Pierce and Nate Lacoste (who you may recognize from our Men's catalog last November).

Opening night is this Friday from 7-10PM, so for all of you who shred till you're dead who happen to be hanging around Northern Liberties this weekend (who are you kidding, you know you will be) stop by for a fun night with the boys. See y'all there! —Ally

Michael

Bill

Nate, who just recently went pro with Roger

02/22/13 11:05AM

Employee Side Projects

Over the past few months, Urban Outfitters has supported employee entrepreneurial efforts by creating Side Projects, a chance for employees to show off their amazing talents and get their products featured in local stores. Below were our first round of employees, with more coming throughout the year. Enjoy! -Ally

Zatara Skateboards

UO Sales Associate Andrew Cunningham has spent his time working with wood and building for the last 11 years. Recently, he's been making his own skateboards out of reclaimed wood, turning material that others might pass right by into hand-carved works of art. The reason he started making these decks? "I couldn't find the skateboards that I wanted, so I went out into my parents garage and started making my own." He's been perfecting his craft ever since. You can find his boards in our Santa Monica store (1440 Third St. Promenade).

Scout Vintage Minneapolis

Upper Midwest District Manager John Migala helps run this vintage shop which is described as, "American heritage with a touch of white collar flair referencing utility, work wear and military styles." Focusing on the needs of the quintessential "man," Scout manages to mix the outdoors with low-cost, unique clothing that will have even the most experienced male thifters at a loss for words. Go get some new digs before they run out at our NYC stores at 14th and 6th (526 Avenue of the Americas).

Black Pyramid Vintage

This vintage shop is filled with all of the things you want to fill your closet with but can never find in any stores. If you want some one-of-a-kind outfits (especially with festival season right around the bend), then this is your to-go shop for making you look cooler than you are. Shop BPV by San Francisco Store Merchandiser Laura Cerri and her BFF Jessica Dega at the NYC Broadway Store (2633 Broadway) and in San Francisco (3322 Fillmore St.).

Innocnts

Hollywood Sales Associate Sean Tully (and our former Employee of the Month) is back for more Urban fun with a bunch of new zines, T-shirts and faux wooden spray cans he created in between his surf days at sea. You can find his stuff in San Francisco and on 5th Ave in NYC. Get 'em while they're hot!

'Zines

Looking for some new zines to flip through? Then Portland Sales Associate Sara Golden is your girl. Just browsing through her photographs on Tumblr is like having a little kid on your leg begging you to take her on a trip to Disney Land (yeah, that's my idea of a getaway. Sue me.). Her 'Zines are in San Francisco, Cambridge, MA, and NYC.

Write More. Wrong Less.

You would never guess from employee Kat Mills' cat-filled Tumblr that she makes super gnarly zines. You can buy her satanic kitty zine (and more) here, or check her out in San Francisco and NYC.

Lila Ash

Lila Ash, assistant display artist at UO Space 15Twenty, is an illustrator, sculptor and performance artist from NYC who lives and works in L.A. Her paintings and comics have been exhibited at L.A.'s Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) and are published bi-monthly in L.A. Record Magazine. She is an alum of the painting department at the Rhode Island School of Design, class of 2011.

02/19/13 04:57PM

Baseball Card Vandals

Did you know Major League Baseball spring training just started? Of course not. Why would you? Baseball is mind-numbingly boring, and between spring training and the playoffs, the season takes up like 11 months out of the year. But witty Tumblr Baseball Card Vandals has me at least mildly interested in the sport again. Damn nostalgia. I mean, every boy had baseball cards growing up, and who doesn't love a tasty pun or a solid dick joke? Send the link to your dad. He probably still likes baseball and here's an opportunity to e-bond over America's dreadfully slow, outdated pastime.—Angelo

02/14/13 10:19AM

Get Your Shit Together: 'Better Off Dead' Breakup Ski Style

Valentine’s Day has arrived and your girl just dumped you? Weaksauce. But don’t kill yourself bro! Hey, hey, suicide is no joke, and offing yourself over a girl? That’s doubly ignorant. Unless those things are the subject of an '80s John Cusack comedy, then they’re fine.

Don’t emulate Better Off Dead protagonist Lane Meyer and try (unsuccessfully) to take your own life after getting dropped by your girlfriend. But do take a tip from Lane when he gets his shit together in the second act and decides to get with the hot French exchange student next door and beat the local douchebag in a ski competition. No French cutie in your neighborhood? Well at least you can get over your breakup by crushing a box of Russell Stovers chocolates and watching one of my favorite, most inadvertently stylish and lovably morbid '80s movies.

Sure, everybody loves Say Anything, but before Cusack developed his leading man swagger he was navigating dancing hamburgers, genius siblings and murderous paperboys in this cult classic. At the very least you can distract yourself from the breakup by getting stoked on the dope vintage ski style, which is relevant anyway because there’s probably still three feet of snow in your backyard. -Angelo

From Philadelphia

01/25/13 03:22PM

Trend: Work it Out

We've made it to 2013, and New Year's resolutions are definitely on everybody's minds. A common one is to begin being healthy, and getting into shape. I feel laziness kicking in already, but thought, maybe looking cool while working out will help? Streetwear brands like Adidas, Nike, and New Balance have all been making their way back into the street style scene in a super retro way. Check out our inspiration behind this trend, followed by a few of our favorite items you can wear while you work out that translate into your everyday wardrobe! - Maddie

Get The Look:

The North Face Pemba Fleece Jacket

Some light-weight warmth with a hood for those chilly jogs in the rain.

Deena & Ozzy Cracked Metallic Satchel
Here, we have a seriously nice lookin' metallic bag, that can totally double as your awesome, easy to carry, gym bag.

Camo Bra Top

You'll need something to keep them babies in tight!

Truly Madly Deeply Scoopneck Pocket Tee

With our tees in every color, I don't want to hear, "but wahhhhhh, I have nothing to wear."

Out From Under Bleached Acid Wash Shorts

Anyone working out in these knows not only how to get in shape, but how to look good doing so.

BDG Cuff Track Pant
You'd be shocked to know how well a pair of pants like these can fit into your wardrobe. Wear them with a pair of Converse sneakers, or change it up with leather boots!

Love Me by Curtis Kulig Knit Bike Short
There's nothing more athletic than a pair of classic bike shorts, so why not take it to the next level, in a retro way with this pair of bike shorts paying an homage to '90s street wear.

UO Striped Gym Sock

Run baby, run!

Nike Air Max '90 Sneaker
Instead of your typical pair of sneakers, this pair of Nikes will be comfy for running, and look really awesome paired with denim and everyday clothes, as well as your gym-wear.

Vagabond Edie High-Top Flatform-Sneaker
Here, athleticism takes a chicer turn, with this super cool shoe turned leather-boot combo.

01/22/13 04:48PM

Get It Together: Put Down The Pizza And Get Off The Couch

Quinn Asteak, aka Health Coach Quinn, ditched a career as a fashion stylist to dedicate herself to helping people get their shit together—at least in the kitchen. We turned to her for advice on getting your butt in shape when all your butt really wants to do is eat Combos and watch reruns on TBS.

So, not to sound all 'spicious, but why we should trust in you for our health?

Like a lot of people, I spent the majority of my life dealing with weight issues. You name the diet, I tried it, but nothing worked long term. After years of battling my body I went back to school to study nutrition. There I realized that to make lasting changes, I need to change my relationship with food, not just change the food itself. I’ve now dedicated my life to helping other people do the same thing, and figure out exactly what diet and exercise works best for their unique body. I also co-host an online cooking show.

For someone just beginning, working out can be totally overwhelming. Those machines look like torture device. Zumba sounds like something you'd use to vacuum the rug. Where do you start?

Start by trying a potpourri of potential workout plans. Check out a yoga class in your area, try some boot camp-style videos on YouTube (Amanda Russell has some great videos), or go for a super long, scenic walk in a beautiful neighborhood with your iPod loaded. Figure out what kind of movement you like. We are all built differently, and just like you have your own unique personal style when it comes to clothes, you will develop your own personal style with it comes to diet and exercise. You might find that you need something different when you are stressed vs. chilled. Or that variety is always the key! There are so many options out there from trampolines to hula-hoops, swimming to spinning. Give each a shot to see what feels best. Moving your bod should be fuuunnnn. If it isn’t—you’ll quit.

So once you know what you like, how do you make sure you actually, you know, do it...?

I recommend setting a schedule. Put your exercise agenda in your calendar. You’re not going to bail on girl’s night...so you’re not going to bail on Bikram, Barre or Spin class either, right? So set it in stone so you have no excuses. If you’re really ready to go next level look online for a race or competition in your area and start training. The motivation of knowing that you have to perform on game-day will keep you on track and definitely hold you accountable.

(Meditation can help almost anyone. Almost.)

What about getting your head in shape to go with your body?

OOoooOO this is a good one! Even though I may seem like a total city girl I’m a hippy at heart and love trying new healing modalities when I feel stuck, sore or sad. Acupuncture to me, seems like magic, but a magic to which I can totally subscribe. You can go in with the craziest of ailments and acupuncture always has a cure.

Meditation is another biggie. Just taking 5-10 minutes to quiet your mind and get centered can be life altering. If you’re not ready to do it solo, my girl Gabrielle Bernstein has some amazing guided meditations.

When all else fails, who doesn’t love a massage? Even just 10 minutes at your local nail salon can wipe away, like a week’s worth of stress. I’ll go for a massage whenever I am feeling stressed, run down or feel like I’m getting sick. It’s the best medicine. At the end of the day, it’s all about self-care. Simply stopping, and doing something for yourself is healing beyond words.

Ok now on to food. If I skip the burger and just have a McFlurry, that's ok, right because I'm saving calories?

It’s just instant gratification, and you have to think about how you’ll feel an hour from now. That McDonalds food is going to zap your energy and make you feel all bloated and crappy, right? What your body really craves are nutrients. It’s all about maximum nutrients for the least amount of calories. That’s what going to fill you up and slim you down.

I always try to work backwards. First I think, “What do I really want? What would actually make my body feel amazing?” From there, find the closest thing. Healthy is the new black, and everyone follows a leader. If you take a stand in your group of friends and say that you want to be healthy and have good options, I pinky promise the others will follow suit. And if all else fails, think about the 80/20 rule. Eat the best food possible about 80% of the time and for the other 20% enjoy life!!!

But I am totes broke. Isn't eating healthy expensive? Whole Foods does NOT have a dollar menu.

My top 5 staples for healthy eating are greens, eggs, hummus, sweet potatoes and quinoa. If you can’t find quinoa you could also use brown rice, it just takes longer to cook. But both can be found in the bulk aisle of your grocery store for super cheap. You can mix and match these ingredients in so many ways! Quinoa is a great base to a meal because it’s full of protein and will keep you full…here’s how to make it. Add in a handful of greens and top it off with a dollop of hummus and/or a fried egg and OMG get ready for some healthy mouth heaven. There are so many amazing healthy options, and I'm always posting recipes on my site and blog.

What's something that most people might not know is super bad for them? What about something that's surprisingly healthy?

Surprisingly bad: Things like fruit smoothies and frozen yogurt seem healthy, but they are actually FULL of sugar, which is “health speak” for empty calories. It will set your blood sugar on a roller coaster, which means it will spike, then crash, just making you more hungry! Also, that sliced wheat bread has about a million ingredients in it and most of them are chemical preservatives.

(Of course.)

Another big offender: diet sodas, what they lack in calories they make up for in chemicals. My #1 food tip is to always look at the ingredients and remember: if you can’t read it, don’t eat it.

Surprisingly healthy: You can actually find healthy snacks all over the place if you’re looking! If I’m in a jam, my gas station go-tos are some unsalted almonds, plain popcorn and coconut water. Some foods that have a bad rap are avocados and coconut. They may be high in fat but your body uses it as energy. They’ll make your skin glow and your hair shine.

Any other general tips for shaping up?

One of the biggest tips is: Make sure you are getting enough sleep. This one is MAJOR. When you are over tired you body will cease to produce a hormone called leptin. Its main function is being the messenger from your belly to your brain that says, “I’m full, thanks!” If you’re over tired you’re way more likely to over eat. You are also more likely to reach for those quick energy/zero nutrient foods like sugar and caffeine. So make sure you are getting your Zzzzzs.

(This is Quinn. Doesn't she just radiate health?)

Other than that, you’re heard it before, but I’ll say it again—drink water. In fact, set a timer on your phone and drink a cup every hour. Your skin will be radiant and you’ll be way less likely to reach for a crappy snack. Don’t love water? Add some lemon, lime or mint into the mix for a flavor boost.

Quinn's website

Healthy Cooking Camp

01/07/13 09:46AM

Globe Bantam Graphic ST

Hot babes. Cool printed skateboards. Dudes doing all the tricks. OKAY, so this video isn't 100% female focused, but these Globe Bantam ST graphic cruisers are fuckin' adorable and obviously meant for the skater girl in all of us. Excuse me while I fawn over the pretty floral one, appropriately named "Grandma's Couch."-Ally

From Los Angeles

12/14/12 02:05PM

Surf to Skate Evolution to Revolution - Vol. 1 Book Signing

Tonight in L.A., be sure to stop by Space 15 Twenty (1520 N. Caheunga Blvd) for a book signing of Surf to Skate: Evolution to Revolution - Vol. 1 hosted by book store Hennessey + Ingalls. The book brings together years of skateboard history, mostly focusing on boards from the '50s and '60s, collected by board collectors and authors Jason Cohn and Stanton Hartsfield. There will also be an exhibit featuring skateboards from the '60s, put together by Cohn and Hartsfield's company, Scavenger Brand. What's pretty cool is that this coffee table book is literally shaped like the 'Roller Derby' skateboard, which was the first board to be ever mass produced. I suggest all skateboard enthusiasts attend, and learn more about the history of skateboarding! RSVP here. - Maddie

11/19/12 02:35PM

Three Stripes For The Shorty

I'm really into this Tumblr and its love for the three Adidas stripes. Not only has sportswear been majorly trending lately, but site this shows that it's mainly girls who are owning it. Sorry guys, but this one is for the ladies. -Ally

11/05/12 02:38PM

Classic Tales with Geoff Rowley

In this episode of Classic Tales, pro skater Geoff Rowley recalls that one time he partied with Bam Margera, Lemmy from Motörhead and watched pre-famous Kid Rock play "Bawitdaba."-Ally

10/24/12 09:44AM

Love Letters to Skateboarding Girls: Cara-Beth Burnside

Dear Jeff Grosso, my swellbow thanks you for your Love Letters to Skateboarding Girls series. Hopefully videos like these inspire some of you babes out there to get into skating and get hyped about it! We already run the world, next it'll be the skateboarding world. Sorry I'm not sorry, dudes. -Ally

10/12/12 09:53AM

Nike Graphic Studio

Excuse me while I go wipe the drool from my mouth from scrolling through Nike's Graphic Studio Tumblr. How do they manage to make everything so beautiful? They just do it (har har).-Ally

From Philadelphia

10/05/12 09:54AM

Allen Iverson on his Iconic Signature Shoe "The Question"

There are only a few names in basketball that I even know (like Lam Lam and that douche Kris Humphries because of Keeping Up with the Kardashians) and even less that I have rooted for. However, as a kid, I thought Allen Iverson of the 76ers was a frickin' god. During the 2001 playoffs against the L.A. Lakers, I remember jumping up and down, cheering him on and telling myself I'd marry him one day. That day never came but I'm still crushin' watching AI talk about his iconic signature Reebok shoe "The Question" which are being rereleased today! (via Hypebeast) -Ally

10/01/12 09:33AM

Dank Magazine

Dank is the artsy skateboarding periodical you've likely never seen or heard of if you haven't been looking for it. Something tells me you won't find page after page of advertising filler in here, just great content. Don't speak Norwegian? Worry not, every story is also printed in English. Though no stockists are listed stateside, the magazine can be order from the UK at Flatspot.

From Los Angeles

09/25/12 09:38AM

David Gonzalez: Possessed to Skate

I don't know if it's my inner need to rebel against my Catholic upbringing, or the fact that this dude can just shred like a motherfucker, but I have a major crush on Flip skater David Gonzalez. That long hair, sneaky smirk and badass attitude? Sounds like a recipe for a guy you can never bring home to your parents (but that you'd totally sneak out of your bedroom window in the middle of the night to go see). Watch his Possessed to Skate video on Thrasher to see what I'm talking about. Swoon. -Ally

From Los Angeles

09/14/12 11:25AM

Vans Presents Classic Tales

Vans Presents Classic Tales is my new obsession. Animated and directed by Jim Dirschberger, and illustrated by Jay Howell, these videos feature hilarious stories from some of your favorite Vans team riders. Seriously, the Christian Hosoi one had me cracking up for days. -Ally

From Philadelphia

09/04/12 11:51AM

#UGLYBIKE Commuter Contest

We've teamed up with Levi's to give away Levi's Commuter gear and a Republic bike every day during the month of September.

Want to win? Here's how:

1. Take a picture of your super-ugly bike.

2. Upload it to Instagram with the tag #UGLYBIKE

At the end of the day, the ugly bike with the most likes will win! Check back here to see the winners, and shop the Levi's Commuter Collection.

Read the Terms & Conditions

From San Francisco

08/24/12 09:00AM

Creature X Jay Howell

Jay Howell is by far my favorite artist of the moment. The skateboarding, partying, and full on don't-give-a-shit youth culture vibe of his illustrations make me want to shrink myself down to the size of a joint and join in on all of the fun. His new decks for Creature have me begging my boyfriend to take me to the skatepark. His answer? "No fucking way." Oh well, looks like I'll just to hang one of these on the wall and daydream about doing fakie flips. Buy them here!-Ally