In tandem with the growing popularity of cycling, brands have began broadening their accessory lines, many now producing bike-friendly products that speak to a previously under-serviced audience. Billykirk have swiftly joined the race to please the cycling crowd, having crafted this all leather bike-frame bag, said to have been inspired by vintage model they uncovered whilst in France. Three silver buckles attach the bag to the frame, with a duo of collar buttons (studs) securing the central flap. The bag comes in a variety of colours, all of which are now available direct from Billy Kirk. -jr

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This E.Tautz camel sweater induces mixed feelings. It’s a great piece of knitwear – chunky, shawl collared, waffle knit. We like it, we want to wear it. Then follows the sadness when we realise that if we’re putting this sweater on it means it’s cold outside, those long summer days are over and we’re probably only in for 5 hours of daylight. Oh well, if we’re going into winter we might as well do it in 100% lambswool style. Find it at Matches. -ld

Swiss company Naef Spiele acquired the license to Bauhaus designs in the 60’s and has been using them ever since to create a range of wooden items incorporating the ‘form follows function’ principles of the legendary school. This particular set, originally designed in 1923 by Josef Hartwig, replaces the usual chess pieces with a series of cylinders, tubes, crosses and blocks. Hand crafted in Switzerland the price tag is on the heavy side but a piece of design history rarely comes cheap.  Quintessentia has it. -ld

Jermyn Street meets Savile Row with this Edward Green for Hardy Amies collection. Described as ‘the meeting of two quintessentially English companies that pride themselves on quality and style’, classic models are given new colourways to match Amies’ AW collection, blues, greys and burgundies to be exact. Produced in Northampton (of course), Green have been creating fine shoes for gents since 1890 and were brought in to manufacture officer’s boots for the British Armed Forces in the 30’s. Not to get too name drop happy, it’s hard to argue with a label whose customers included Cole Porter, Ernest Hemmingway and the Duke of Windsor. Head to Hardy Amies or Matches for a closer look. -ld

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Chapman and 3939 Shop got together to make a bag. However this collaboration was truly a joint effort, as opposed to a ’stamp your name on an already existing product’ situation. We’re all pretty wise to those now. The guys at 3939 took the time to develop this original style themselves. Purple, water resistant body, the front features a fisher net pocket for any items you may want to show off, two small side pockets, black leather trimming, an inside laptop compartment and a handy brass key loop. All hand-crafted in England, this is a limited run so grab it while you can. -ld

Another look after the click.

Tart Optical, one of the big names in eyewear during the 50’s and 60’s, recently made a much-anticipated return to the market. Sticking faithfully to their classic models, the brand has remained true to its design roots. Having graced the faces of Johnny Depp, James Dean, David Lynch and most impressively, Clark Kent in the original Adventures of Superman, they now offer a small selection of their popular frames, including the iconic ‘Arnel’ to the general non-Hollywood public. -ld

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01. Video: R/C car takes hydroplaning to a new level

“Yes, we all remember the classic scene from Speed Zone (also known as Cannonball Run 3 or Cannonball Fever) where the old man is out at the lake teaching his little grandson to skip stones. Just as he’s instructing on how to throw the stone at the correct angle, the training session is interrupted by a red Lamborghini Countach that flies off a short pier, skips across the water and ends up safely on the other side…” (autoblog)

02. Study confirms: Some people are way too invested in their favorite brand

“The study claims that people with high “self-brand connections” were more likely to perceive personal psychological injury when their brand was attacked, while those same people were likely to gloss over or ignore negative news concerning their brand.” (tuaw)

03.T-Mobile announces deal to sell prepaid at Family Dollar, costs more than a dollar

HOTD “A Radio Shack lost is a Family Dollar gained. Now that T-Mobile’s ended its allegiance with The Shack, the carrier’s looking for a few new companies willing to hoist its prepaid service up on a pedestal. Family Dollar, following in the footsteps of 7-Eleven, will be the next business to dole out the LG GS170 blister packs on T-Mo’s behalf. The phones will be sold for $30 and come with a $50 / month plan that consists of unlimited calls, texts, and 100MB data. With such a large emphasis now being placed on its no-contract offerings, we can’t help but wonder if this is the result of T-Mobile making an adjustment in its strategy. Any other companies want a piece of the prepaid pie?” (engadget)

04. Fucked Up – “The Other Shoe” Video (above)

Frenchtrotters gets busy with Veja on a strong collection of sneakers, coming this Fall 2011. The collection features naturally tanned leather and soles made from “wild” Amazonian rubber. Three colorways will br made available: camel, navy and white. END, Oki-ni, Kapok and many others will be stocking it.

More looks after the click.

Our favorite model lays out the new looks for Steven Alan’s Autumn/Winter 2011 collection. The usual Steven Alan “style” remains. Knit cards, work shirts, and dapper takes on the blazer work well. The wool coat with zip closure and waist pulls looks to be a standout. You can always count on Mr. Alan bring a very wearable collection to the men’s scene.

More looks after the click.

New Zealand’s Canterbury are world-renowned for their sports apparel, being one of the most recognised names in rugby, yet few would consider their off-field attire as having such international appeal.

A preview of their A/W 11 line has just surfaced, demonstrating the brand’s eagerness to develop their lifestyle range; inspired by a great spectrum of classic rugby shirting from as early as the 1930s through to the late ’80s. AW11 showcases efforts to translate knowledge of their robust, hardwearing sportswear into a credible menswear range, taking careful note of various facets of style that surround the gentleman’s game of rugby. -jr

More looks after the click.