Casio and NZ brand Lo.wer have teamed up to create a new sheep themed G-Shock collaboration, releasing January 31st in New Zealand and Australia.

- T, take a better look

Lately it seems that New Balance Asia have been pumping out some of the nicer shoes the brand currently stocks. The UNDFTD x Stussy x Mad Hectic 996 is by far my favourite release in a long time indeed and the Nonnative 997.5 isn’t too bad looking either. Our homies at UpThere are going to be releasing these bad boys in incredibly limited numbers on February 4th.

Featuring plush materials and a nice monotone dune colour scheme with bright blue hits, the 997.5 does well to not try and be something it isn’t. There was a time when NB Asia were pumping out solid colourways on models not available outside of Japan, but now it seems through retailers like Laced and Up There we’re gaining access to these once impossible to find treasures.

- t, Full details can be seen at Up There

Well as you may or may not know, Laced has finally opened up in the new spot on the ground level. After months of saying “not too long” to inquisitive customers we can finally say “Here it is! But it’s not quite done…”. Anyway regardless it’s awesome to finally be down in the public eye. To coincide with the new space we decided to update the store logo and drop some fresh new store tee designs. These four are the first guys, created by yours truly. My personal favourite has to be the Bones tee, although all of them are quite dear to me for obvious reasons.

Each tee is limited to just 20 units, and they can be snatched up either online or in-store.

- t, If I spot you wearing one of my designs be assured my head will swell… (the one on my shoulders you pervs!)

Nike has been on a roll with their range of Lunarlon infused runners, and it looks like 2012 is going to be no different. First off for the new year are the LunarEclipse+ 2 and Vapor Trainer. The Eclipse continues the chunky shape of the first version but the side panelling changes mean the whole shoe seems a lot less bulky. Taz rolled with the first version for a while and commented on the comfort, and in this black/red colourway the shoe looks bananas! Definitely a shoe to look out for this year.

The second new model is the Vapor Trainer; taking the opposite path to the Eclipse it is actually based on Nike’s popular football boot the Vapor has a sleek profile without looking too feminine. The inital release colourway is this white/orange which might be a bit tricky to pull off but in the coming months I’m sure there will be a myriad of different versions to choose from. Definitely a winner in my books as well.

- t, Here’s to a great New Year!

This coming Thursday the 22nd, Laced will be releasing the latest collaboration between Asics and Patta. This time the guys from Amsterdam have taken to the Gel Saga, one of the nicest Asics retro silhouettes around. This serves as a follow up to their first Gel Lyte III, this time more focussed on being a winter friendly shoe. The iconic cross pattern is retained, albeit with a more subdued colour palette. Where these shine is in the material choices, with lush nubuck, reflective panels, tough rubberised leather and pony hair. There’s only three stores stocking these and number are really low. Hit up the store at 10am to ensure you have the best chance at getting a pair, and we’ll be in the new spot by then so you can grab a coffee and check out the new fit out!

- t, $180 and limited to one pair each…

It’s been over six months since my last Top Ten and a fair bit has happened since then. I’ve been pretty busy working on various projects, and with the re-opening of Laced‘s (proper) store coming very soon I’ve found some time to compile a wish list of goodies that I’d love to see in my stocking this year round. I’ve made it simple for y’all by including prices and links (where possible) to the items so… no pressure…

- t, hit the jump for the full list

Fancy socks are always good, these new little numbers from Aussie purveyors of fine mens workwear Noir have teamed up with Japan’s Chup to create 3 patterned socks sure to wow anyone that’s within 20 meters of you when you sit down. They’re made in Japan from 100% cotton and available in 26-28cm (around a sz. 9-11).

Available from Up There and Tribe Shoppe, they’re perfect Christmas stocking stuffers for this year!

- t, if anyone wants to buy me either the black or reds I’d be your best friend…

The boys over the other side of the world country at Butter Goods have just dropped their Spring/Summer 2011 range and it keeps true to their simple and effective aesthetic. There’s some nice strong graphics in this range, my particular favourites from this range are the Bad Habits and Big Fish tees and Keeps it Gritty snapback. Hopefully Santa can bring me something for Christmas… In the mean time you can pick up Butter locally through Combined and Sneak & Destroy.

- t, Check out the full range online