Defy Bags
American Made. Durable. Custom.
Defy uses old military canvas, parachute material, rubber, and more, to bring you a collection of bags and accessories that are stylish and built to last. Coming out of Chicago, IL Defy Bags focuses on the highest quality craftsmenship and the reuse of our existing resources.
I want a bag and a lifestyle like that. For more information and to purchase some of their products go to: Defy Bags

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- Rustin Sage Coburn

On Monday, Rustin shared Tellason with you– a denim company that produces stylish, durable jeans that are sourced, cut, & sewn right here in the U.S. of A. In continuation of the “think global, act local” fashion theme, I’d like to share with you “Sidewalks.” We love when friends have new, creative, ideas– and we love to enrich your lives by passing them on!

Chelsey Ann is a Denver local and talented young fashion designer. Sometime late April she’ll be launching Sidewalks: a website that features the street-wear styles of everyday people. The idea is similar to LookBook in that it offers a resource for people to discover new trends in fashion. What differentiates Sidewalks, however, is the photos posted will not be taken of obscure occupants of a distant region. Instead, they’ll be candid shots of YOU, Denver! Chelsey Ann, the creative genius behind the site, is on a mission. She will be sacrificing sleep, privacy [and possibly her liver], to become your personal paparazzi. Chelsey will be taking it to the streets of Denver to catch all of you fashion-forward folks in your best-dress. Then, she’ll post photos of you for the world to see, judge, and impersonate.

That’s not all, though. The best part? After your leather jacket/sun dress/Chuck Taylors combo hits the world wide web, this fashionista will break down the outfit for readers. She’ll offer finely tuned art-school commentary on the styles and provide direct links to similar (if not the same) pieces online! You’ll be able to pick up new unique styles without spending your weekends hanging out in front of City O  City- waiting to stalk the hipster you just saw walk in wearing those ambiguously labeled “perfect jeans.”

Here’s an example of what’s to come:

When I think of solid American made clothing, I think; durable, function, authentic, style…

A few months back I wrote a quick blog post on a great website that features American Made Products. One company in particular really rung true for me, and that was Tellason, which makes denim. I guess it partly has to do with my love affair for denim, and how much work I put into my own denim line with DVLP, but Tellason also truly exemplifies what American made clothing is to me. I respect what these guys are doing.

Milled in North Carolina and made in San Francisco, CA Tellason was started by two friends who have worked in the apparel industry for over 20 years. They focus on doing things the right way through quality products that last, and support or domestic economy. Here is another little video for your enjoyment that helps tell the story of American made denim.

- Rustin Sage Coburn

Well it’s official: It’s Spring. One of the best parts about the state of Colorado is the ridiculous number of days we see sunshine every year (see even MORE awesome things about Colorado here), and we are entering the sunniest stretch. While I’m sure many of you are sad to see the snow melt away, just as many are likely ready for warm weather (I’ll admit- it is nice to venture outside without donning a “Michelin Man” outfit).

One of my favorite parts of the change in season is cruising through the streets of downtown: sun on my face, wind in my hair. And I know– as the temp continues to rise, so does the appeal of your air conditioned auto, but I’m writing you today to remind you of the joy of riding a bike.

Do you remember being a kid, riding around your town or neighborhood? Racing your friends… maybe traffic (what, just me?)… Before you had a drivers license. There was pure elation in those moments.

Too many people think of bicycling as a mere means of transportation, or a form of exercise. Both of these associations carry a negative connotation in society today. And while it’s true, a bicycle can get you from A to B and make you huff and puff, it’s also downright fun. (Although, to state the obvious: you will save precious ozone and denero between point A & B, and you miiiiiight shed some o’ that cottage cheese clinging to your ass in the process. Minor pluses… I suppose…)

Now you may be thinking: “I don’t own a bike and they’re expensive.”
But you don’t have to have the newest, flashiest, 42 speed with cappuccino maker and 7″ handlebar LCD installed. Besides, that shit is gettin’ stolen. A bicycle does not have to be pricey, and it should never be pretentious. It should merely be an expression of yourself. If you want something that can go back and forth from trail to road– get a used mountain bike. If you only plan to bar-hop in the flats of downtown (as fast as your .14 BAC permits)– build a single speed. Then spray paint it. Pick up some tassels. Make it you.

If you’re still not sold on buying something, the geniuses at Denver B Cycle made a bike as easy to get your hands on as a Red Box movie. Rent one.

A final incentive to get pedaling is the notion that the bicycle is the most efficient machine man-kind has ever created. In fact: the energy efficiency of a bicycle has been estimated to be the equivalent of the average car doing 1,600 miles on a gallon of gas. And that’s pretty awesome.

So, now that I’ve planted the seed, water it. See if it grows on you. If it doesn’t, no biggie– your car is still in it’s spot.

- Ches Sheridan Arms

The creative community in Denver continues to grow and thrive, and so do mustaches…

One example of this vibrant creative community is Westword‘s annual music and art festival known as Artopia. For the last four years, they have hired me to produce their fashion show performance. I try to be very careful and selective with the projects I say yes to… and Artopia has been one of those projects that has been very fun and rewarding. Starting last year, I invited the talented Abella Bala to co-produce the show, and together we helped turn the fashion show into a huge performance that has pulled in over 1,200 people each of the last two years. The venue chosen for this fashion experience is the three story City Hall, on 11th and Broadway in Denver. Below is a small photo recap of the evening….photos by Jessica Lambiase

Each year, we bring in a film crew to produce a video that tells the story of the shows theme and is used as the introduction into the fashion performance. This year, we joined forces with the talented Focus 4 Design team to bring you the DARK CITY GLOW video. I would also like to thank, NXT Modeling Agency, Floyd’s Barbershop, V.A.I.N Cosmetics, Jessica Lambiase, and the talented clothing brands/designers; Akomplice, Jiberish, Rae Marie, Trophy, and Denver Bespoke.
Enjoy the video below…

I am always curious about learning better ways to be productive and happier. You often hear people talking about being in the “Zone” or having a good “Flow”. Those moments in life when everything seems to make sense and you feel like anything is possible. In those moments it always feels like I have figured something out and it is so simple. Why can’t I always feel like that?

When you are able to have this “Flow” happen in a group, be it work or play, then it is even more amazing. The things we can accomplish together can change the world. What other studies and research have been done on the effectiveness of working together?

Charles Walker, of St Bonaventure University, wanted to test the idea that activities that lead people to a ‘flow state’ are more enjoyable when they are social, as opposed to solitary. Walker was referring to the concept of ‘flow’ as originally researched by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi (pronounced MEE-hy CHEEK-sent-mə-HY-ee):

from Wikipedia

In his seminal work, Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience, Csíkszentmihályi outlines his theory that people are most happy when they are in a state of flow— a state of concentration or complete absorption with the activity at hand and the situation. The idea of flow is identical to the feeling of being in the zone or in the groove. The flow state is an optimal state of intrinsic motivation, where the person is fully immersed in what he or she is doing. This is a feeling everyone has at times, characterized by a feeling of great absorption, engagement, fulfillment, and skill—and during which temporal concerns (time, food, ego-self, etc.) are typically ignored.

We have all had experiences when things just seem to click — perhaps on a sunny spring day with a few friends snowboarding, concentrating on some project, or during an intense conversation — and we feel more alive, and happy. The emotion most associated with flow is joy. Obviously, we cannot be in a flow state at all times, but just as obvious is the fact that the more often we manage to achieve a flow state the better.

Walker started with the hypothesis that social flow states are more enjoyable to the individuals involved than solitary ones. So based off this research we are happier and more in the “zone” when we are doing social activities. Walker devised a study to compare the level of happiness (‘joy’) in solitary versus social activities. If you have the time is a very interesting read. He found that social activities seem to be inherently more satisfying in both work and recreational activities. It is a good reminder that we are social in our deepest DNA, and that we can accomplish great things when we work together.

Solitary flow can be very enjoyable, but still does not reach the same satisfactory levels as social flow. Walker’s research confirms what many of us already know and strive for: Walking together is better then working alone. Of course it is not always easy to find a good team and the right team, but when you do it can feel like anything is possible.  Jim Collins does a very good job of dissecting this topic in his books. The conditions that lead to high performing teams are the same that lead to social flow:

• high attention among the group to the mental state of the others, also known as social sensitivity
• high level of competence of the team members
• a level of competence equal to the challenge confronting the team
• feedback on tasks and performance is immediate
• tasks are interdependent, requiring complementary participation
• a shared sense of purpose, and close identification with the group
• shared responsibility for accomplishing the group’s goal.

So I challenge us all to not give up on being open and continually learning how to work and play together. Sometimes it feels easier to do things as an individual and on your own terms … and I definitely think there is a lot of value to spending time alone. However when you can be supportive, honest, have open communication, and work hard within a team then I believe all your dreams can come true.

Boom!

- Rustin Sage Coburn

I, like many of you out there, am in the job market. There are many questions that arrise when headed down this road: “Do I have the necessary experience?”… “Will this salary support my lifestyle?”… “Could I get away with ‘dancing’ for a little while longer? You know- have some fun… pay off the school loans…” (<–What? No one else?)

But how many of you have seriously asked yourselves: “Would I be willing to relocate?”

I’ve recently asked myself this question and come to realize: No, given the choice, I would not relocate (for work or otherwise).
The state of Colorado is one of the greatest places in our country.
Sure, if given the opportunity to work our dream job in Fiji, most of us would probably jump ship. But let’s be realistic- 40k a year for a middle-management position in Mianus, CT… no thanks. I’ll keep my anus in Denver.

Some of us, however, get in ruts. We begin to think “the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence.” A common theme in my posts to you has been finding contentment, and in continuation of that theme, I’d like to share with you 10 Reasons Colorado  is GREAT:

1. Colorado ranks as the nation’s fifth-best state for business and careers in the latest annual report by Forbes, posted November of 2011. So stick it out, job hunters!
   
2. Colorado consistently ranks in the top 10 healthiest and slimmest states in the country. There’s so much to do! Plus, walking anywhere west of Denver means going up hill.
3. Denver was named the 13th best city for singles by Forbes.com in 2009. We have the thinnest, most attractive young professionals. Look in the mirror… you’re probably getting laid tonight.
4. Boulder is the most educated city in America. Colorado is one of the most educated states. It’s everywhere online… Google it.
5. Colorado gets over 300 days of sunshine every year– the most clear-sky days of any state.
6. Denver is the top city for bicyclists according to Bicycle Magazine and the Huffington Post. One more reason we’re not fat.
   Moreover, I’d like to share: I have ridden a bicycle on both coasts and in many different states. In California you get flipped off and run off the roads. On the east coast you can’t breath from the smog or people assume you’re poor. Colorado is the only state where drivers will slow down for you and wave. Shit- in Boulder they’ll stop at a convenience store and circle back around with gatorade.
7. We’ve got Colfax. In addition to all the different aswesome “scores” you can make within a single-block radius, Colfax is the longest continuous street in America.
8. The Colorado Rockies. Sure, we’ve had some good baseball years, but I’m talking about our mountains. People from all over the world save for years and spend thousands of dollars to ski and snowboard where we do any day we fancy.
9. Colorado loves good beer and has has more breweries per capita than any other state in the U.S.
10. Denver is the sixth happiest city in the country according to market research performed by the fast-food giant McDonalds.

BONUS: COLORADO HAS YOU! The communities within this fine state are filled with healthy, intelligent, open-minded, friendly people.

 What more could you want from your home?

- Ches Sheridan Arms

Last week I stumbled upon an amazing video from a TED talk, that my friend David showed me.
A little glimpse into our very near future of how we can and will interact with the world around us. Prana Mistry’s invention is very intriguing and raises some thoughtful questions:

• Could this really be a free open source technology for all of us to use?
• Will this better our lives by freeing us from the confines of our computer and desk?
• At what point is human integration with technology taken too far?
• What happens if this technology is purchased by the government or used for evil?

What do you Think?

This photo has nothing to do with my post, really just thought it was a neat shot.

Micheal E. Porter, I am buying you loads of delicious beers or scotch or both. Or a shot and a beer. Or if you prefer fine wines, I enjoy those as well. I hope you drink is all I am saying.

Recently, Michael wrote an article in the Harvard Business Review Blog named Creating Shared Value. Here Mr. Porter, explains that many of the wrongs of capitalism is due to companies outdated approach to creating value for their participants (customers). He argues that businesses over the past few decades have ignored their participants most basic needs. Michael explains this has created a huge gap between business and society, and because of this gap, there is a great opportunity for businesses to bring true value back to participants (consumers) and society as a whole.

In my opinion, this is one of the most inspiring reads in business today. Not because it is based on a nice idea, or because it is an amazing concept, or even because it is a possibility. I think it is so damn inspiring because again, in my opinion, he is absolutely right. Additionally, not only is he right, major brands and businesses are moving in this direction in their operations, business strategy and marketing. Pepsi and GE, a couple of brands you may have heard of, are currently implementing strategy, supply chains and operational programs based around the thought that they MUST create more value for the community, for their participants and for the environment. These businesses believe if they create more shared value, they are increasing their future profits, their future market share and their future brand equity.

Read this selection: “Shared value is not social responsibility, philanthropy, or even sustainability, but a new way to achieve economic success.”  Baller.

I am sooooo tired of hearing from idealistic contemporary hippie (I do realize this is a hugely general statement, and for that I apologize) folks that business is the problem; capitalism is evil. In my somewhat educated opinion, Creating Shared Value is a visceral, even tangible solution. Fuck, it’s beyond a solution, it is an opportunity. Excited.

-Tyler Browning

Today I would like to talk a little about how we can help leave a positive footprint on our planet when building new structures. As humans it is in our very nature to consume. We want to have nice things, to built a life, to own a home… and who am I to disagree.  I think we are going to keep acting like humans, but if we can shift our mindset and put our efforts towards better options we will start to create a better world.  And perhaps decrease our impacts on this planet enough to survive and live on a vibrant happy planet.

Below are some helpful things to consider and hopefully implement before building a house or office.

• Choose Efficient Appliances powered by Energy from Renewable Resources.  Choosing efficient appliances, air conditioners and computers can make a big difference in energy use and carbon emissions from power plants.
• Do Not Use Rainforest Timber.  Our rainforest are dimensioning at a shockingly rapid rate. Click the link to learn about other timber options.
• Reduce & Recycle Construction Waste. Packaging, new material scraps and old materials and debris all constitute potentially recoverable materials.
• Breath Healthily with low V.O.C. in your home. Having clean and pure air is important to healthy living for all of us.
• Grow Food Forest Using Permaculture. Food forests take the idea of growing food like it would naturally grow in the forest, but they are designed and managed ecosystems that are very rich in biodiversity and productivity.

Thank you for your time.

- Rustin Coburn