Some of our favorite trends right now are those that rekindle a bygone era. Victor Osbourne chapeaus (created by Victor Osborne and Zachary Barnett) take their inspiration from traditional headwear and the decidedly streetwise vibe that pervades New York City. The result? A uniquely vintage-cool sensibility. Visit the duo’s open storefront in Brooklyn for fierce fedoras to set you apart from the crowds.

Drakkar and Eternity aren’t exactly fragrances you want to proudly display on your bathroom counter. Instead, reach for French architect Jean Nouvel’s bottle for L’Homme Yves Saint Laurent. The silhouette calls to mind, among other things, a laboratory test tube, which is fitting for a men’s fragrance that connotes pure physical chemistry with hints of bergamot, ginger and vetiver. A YSL monogram floats inside, putting the brand at the heart of the fragrance.

Brace your bank book. Mobiado has rolled out the ultimate gilded pleasure, The Professional 105 GCB cell phone featuring 24-karat gold plating and sapphire crystals. But what good is frippery without functionality? This super model comes with a two megapixel camera, video camera and music player that supports AAC, eAAC+ and MP3 audio formats.

Band logos are plenty powerful. The mere glimpse of the tongue-and-lips trademark recalls many Rolling Stones concerts of our youth (those were the days). This design book captures 1,000 of the coolest, most influential rock, hip hop, metal, pop, reggae, and country music graphics spanning the 1960s to today. Bonus features include interviews with artists and presenting the extra large graphics over extended gatefolds. It makes a great gift for your music-loving peers.

Technorati Tags: books, Charles & Marie, design, music, Tragically Hip

Our friends at Insound have launched a sleek new website offering some new items that are great for summer. We’re digging this totally retro monster portable iPod Boombox. Go old school by sliding your iPod, iPod Nano or iPod Mini into the so-called cassette deck. It will take you back to the good old days of Thriller and Digital Underground.

Technorati Tags: Charles & Marie, gadget hip, ipod, Tragically Hip

Conceptual artist Dido Velema’s provocative designer gas masks mix fashion with fear. Whether you loathe or love them, the message is loud and clear: Modern man is in a perpetual state of war—with other countries, and with himself since he may never be satisfied, despite his attempts to lavish himself with material objects. Velema uses the Gucci and Louis Vuitton logos on gas masks to call attention to this issue, assuming that enlightenment will help us all “breathe easier.”They’re currently for gallery purposes only, but we certainly won’t be surprised if we see them on the streets one day.

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Live from New York: Puma The Black Store has kindly invited all of C&M’s readers to scope out the latest collection of Puma footwear by the venerable Alexander McQueen, as well as McQueen’s Bones installation inspired by the human skeletal structure. The event takes place from 1 to 5 pm on Saturday, March 29 and you’ll get 25% off your purchases just for attending. What a great way to kick start spring!

Technorati Tags: Charles & Marie, fashion, hotspot, Marie’s closet, Puma, Alexander McQueen, shoes, shopping, Tragically Hip

As you may have already heard, San Diego’s luxurious and decidedly modern Ivy Hotel is now reopened, after having undergone an $80 million makeover led by the designers of the W Hotel Los Angeles-Westwood. Each room spoils visitors with sleek beds made from walnut, travertine-tiled pampering spaces, and leather ottomans. However, the highlight is the rooftop deck at Eden Bar, replete with bar and sparkling pool overlooking the bustling Gaslamp Quarter (quite the place for partying) and Bay.

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Your barbershop should be as exclusive as your choice of nightclub, no? That’s the premise behind Mr: The Barbershop where you’ll be lavished with premium grooming services in a super cool environ that encourages male bonding like no other. You see, in addition to being a pampering powerhouse, Mr. is also a three-level club where you can party with your pals, or your hip grandfather (hey, a trip to the barber is a tradition in some families). Opt for the Player, Hitter or Mogul packages—you’ll emerge looking the part.

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Alife NYC releases a special edition version of their Everybody Mid model. It comes in black, red and white and features embossed full grain leather on the upper. These will be available at all Alife stores, Bodega, Packers, Within, Commonwealth, Wish, Premium Goods, Motive 807 and Huf as of this week.

Technorati Tags: Charles & Marie, fashion, Modern living, Tragically Hip