Forcasters are already saying this will be the coldest winter New York has had in five years. With temperatures steadily droping, we greatfully welcome UGG Australia, as they open their first flagship store in Soho (79 Mercer St between Broome and Spring St). In addition, UGG Australia will be launching its fourth annual Art & Sole collection from December 1 to 14. UGG’s famous sheepskin boots which are worn by many famous celebrities will now also be design by them. Hand-painted boot designs will be created by the likes of Matthew McConaughey, Jessica Simpson, Kelly Ripa and Romero Britto. They will be auctioned off these boots to aid the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, an organization dedicated to finding cures for children with catastrophic diseases through research and treatment.

Uggs is surely a trend that will not die soon and it seems like its a boot that’s more then just style, it gives back. Wear a pair of art designed Uggs this winter and say you care about children but also want to be trendy.

What can you find me wearing when I’m off work these days? UNIQLO! Consider by many as the Japanese version of the Gap, UNIQLO is opening a huge flagship at 546 Broadway between Prince and Spring Street. It’s newly acquired 52,500 square feet; three-level space will make the Soho store the largest UNIQLO in the world.The retailer will be competing with the Gap, Old Navy, A&F, and American Eagle. But, what’s so great about UNIQLO compared to the rest? Simple designs, premium materials and qualities, at a very affordable price. Jeans for $40, tanks for $10, cashmere sweater for under $70! Now that’s what I call a deal in New York.

UNIQLO currently operates a couple stores in New Jersey and two small test temporary stores in Manhattan (Due to close when the flagship store opens). I visited their location on Broome and guess what they are my preferred choice for polos now. That’s right no more Ralph Lauren or Lacosta, at one third the price and a extremely pleasing fit, UNIQLO is now my go to store for casual wear.

All ready the hottest thing in Japan and soon to be in the US

A Bathing Ape (BAPE) is taking the world by storm. It’s a cult brand that has spun off a record label, hair salons, cafes, a toy line, a TV show and clothing. It’s creator Dj Nigo is considered the next self-appointed fashion ambassador for trendy Tokoites. His image sprung from the desire to create not solely a unit business but a lifestyle in the process.

“BAPE is a lifestyle company, including music, hair, even food. Everything you need to live. Tokyo has all sorts of brands. They have a boom period, then they subside. I don’t want my brand to be dragged down, so I need to diversify.”

Nigo Protects BAPE’s direction, ensuring that each unit does not stray away from its ultimite goal of creating that unique lifestyle environment. His methods for success as always been to be unique. By coupling his know-hows in fashion and design editing Nigo has uses marketing nonsense (Limiting supply and creating a buzz) to entice the world in his vision.

“Having experienced the the youth-fashion business in fad-mad Tokyo, Nigo understands that trends don’t last forever. To avoid having his brand “dragged down,” Nigo has methodically planned his expansion to be all-inclusive, with lifestyle-oriented largesse. BAPE now boasts 25 outlets, including a BAPE CUTS hair salon, BAPE café and gallery, a members-only store in Hong Kong, and a brand new boutique in central London, which opened in the Fall of 2002. There is also a record label, APE SOUNDS, which grew out of his collaboration with England’s Mo’ Wax founder, James Lavelle, and BAPE TV (now broadcasting on Space Shower for two hours on the last Sunday of every month). On the horizon: a Tokyo-based BAPE hotel.”

BABE has hitting New York hard with an outlet and café, do remember that this brand is extremely exclusive, where T-Shirts can range from a starting price of $1000 USD. But, look for BABE to TAKE over Street Fashion this Summer as the Number 1 “Most Wanted Gear” for the HipHop and POP Culture.