"This Ain't No Malibu"

Brown Sound is a Kerouac-quoting label whose amusing, questionable biography (according to their blog) explains that they are a collaborative project that works with "musicians, situationists, artists, and a moped army." The line offers style and comfort at a reasonable price, with most pieces retailing for under $100.

For their Spring/Summer '08 collection, the team was inspired by Big Sur, one of Kerouac's favorite places (and the title, in my opinion, of his best book). The pieces echo the laid back cool of NoCal, conjuring up images of vagabonding on driftwood-strewn beaches against a backdrop of cliffs, feeling humbled by enormous redwoods while ambling aimlessly through a forest, the smell of campfire mingling with mossy woods and sea, set to the sound of a harmonica or softly strumming guitar. Can you tell I miss California?

Here are my top picks, available at 80's Purple.

Miller Hoodie, $66.


Limekiln Don Henley, $46. Reversible Campfire Jacket (reverses to white and navy checked pattern), $82.


Heather the Weather U-Boat Tee, $38. Treebones Cardigan, $70.
Photo credit: www.brownsoundclothing.com