“Dear Summer, I know you gon’ miss me, For we been together like Nike Airs and crisp tees…” — Jay-Z’s — “Dear Summer”

“Yeah I got on sneaks but I need a new pair/Cause basketball courts in the Summer got girls there.” — The Fresh Prince — “Summer Time”

When Hip-Hop fans think of hot weather, anthems like “Dear Summer” or “Summertime” end up on most people’s list. The Summer has a bond with fresh gear and the lyrics can back up that argument. But why is that? The artist formerly known as the “Fresh Prince” knew the deal: scantily clad summer bunnies motivate dudes to look sharp. So for the Summer edition, I brought in founder of online lifestyle magazine CtotheJL, Chris Lee, to give his suggestions.

Just a bit of advice before we move forward – Do not, I repeat, DO NOT wear shorts that rest above the knee. Yes, guys wear more fitting clothes lately but this does not apply to shorts. You don’t want to look like Magic Johnson in ’79 bro – not a good look.

And with that we can move forward…

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HATS
1. Diamond Supply Co. Mesh Camo Trucker
2. Mighty Healthy Varsity New Era Fitted Cap
3. Diamond Supply Co. x Maybach Music Fitted Cap
4. Supreme 5 Panel Bandanna Print Cap
5. Crooks & Castles Fedora
6. 10.Deep King of Gears New Era Fitted Cap

My favorite is the Diamond Supply Co. x Maybach Music Group fitted. It had the internet going nuts a few weeks back and is a sure sell out. Who’s really fuckin’ with Ricky Ross?

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TEES
1. Diamond Supply Co. Colder Than Ice
2. Crooks & Castles V-Neck
3. Diamond Supply Co. Rise and Shine
4. Mighty Healthy Cold Getting Dumb
5. 10.Deep Gears & Whiskey

10 Deep’s summer ’09 collection was really strong, their tees were executed perfectly. But I have to admit, I copped a few of the Diamond Supply Co. Summer ’09 tees & they’re straight fire.

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WOVENS/JACKETS/LIGHTWEIGHT HOODIES/CREWS
1. Amongst Friends Gingham Shirt
2. 10.Deep Kissena Jacket
3. Diamond Supply Co. “Un-Polo” Hoodie
4. Diamond Supply Co. x Alchemist Crew
5. 10.Deep Triple Bogey Shirt
6. Amongst Friends AF Only Coat

Diamond Supply Co. and Alchemist are teaming up for a tee and crew neck hoodie release. The Alchemist crew neck is definitely my favorite piece from this section.

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SHORTS
1. Amongst Friends Chino Shorts
2. Diamond Supply Co. Fatigue Shorts
3. 10.Deep AFI Cargo Shorts
4. 10.Deep Basic Check Short

Out of all of them, my favorite piece has to be the 10 Deep shorts. They clearly put together good product. I’ve been wearing them since the beginning of the season.

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DENIM
1. Diamond Supply Co. Raw Denim
2. Diamond Supply Co. Black Denim
3. Diamond Supply Co. Gray Raw Denim

I put all three of the Diamond Supply Co. Slim cut denim. They fit great, and its perfect for a nice skate session or just kickin’ it with the fam.

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SNEAKERS
1. Supra TK Society Patent Gray Leather
2. Nike SB x Concepts Blue Lobster
3. Nike SB Stefan Janoski Pro Model
4. Vans x Parra Eras
5. Nike Sportswear Air Yeezy (All three colors)
6. Nike SB Gino 3
7. Supra Dixon Pro Model

I own all the sneakers I put in this section, so I would say that they are all my favorite kicks. I wouldn’t suggest something I didn’t wear myself and these particular ones are in my current rotation.

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ACCESSORIES
1. In4mation x G-Shock Salman
2. Super Sunglasses
3. Incase HunterGatherer Collection
4. Diamond Supply Co. Hella Slick Skate Wax
5. Amongst Friends AF Web belt
6. Blackberry Tour for Sprint & Verizon
7. Canon T1i Camera
8. Sk8 Dice
9. Amongst Friends Bandanna
10. Diamond Supply Co. Carabiners
11. Nike SB Canvas backpack
12. Diamond Supply Co. Card Holder

Doing the accessories section was my favorite part of this style guide, especially with all the useful items that dropped this Summer. My main pick is the Blackberry Tour. It comes out late July for Sprint and Verizon, and I plan on purchasing it the day it comes out. Pretty much everything in the accessory section, if purchased, would contribute to having fun this summer.

ABOUT: CtotheJL

CtotheJL was started back in 2005 out of a college dorm in Brooklyn. A freshmen in college at the time, founder Chris Lee was deeply rooted in the skate/fashion culture. Using the web as an outlet he created the online magazine to highlight current trends in the scene. With a team of tastemakers and guest bloggers like companies Estate L.A. and Flight Club, the site has built a solid following.

Previously Posted — Your 2009 Spring Style Guide