The legendary heavy metal band Metallica has collaborated with legendary skate shoe company Vans to create a signature collection inspired by the individual band members themselves.

From lead singer James Hetfield’s twist to the classic black hi-top to drummer Lars Ulrich’s snare drum diamond plate pattern on the classic laceless sneaker, this rockin’ collection is for the true Metallica and Vans fan at heart!

Check out the Vans x Metallica collection now!

The legendary rocker meets the legendary sneaker. The Iggy Pop collaboration Vans 106 Vulcanized shoe is much like the punk rock innovator himself—timelessly cool. It’s just the kind of sneaker you can wear to every concert, every dive bar, every day.  It’s just that classic.

The Iggy Pop Vans 106’s  black-on-black exterior evokes Iggy’s style from his early days with the Stooges circa 1968-1970. Brash, punk rock yet utterly timeless.

Get yours HERE before they’re all gone!

We’re seeing a slew of lush and luxurious velvet popping up everywhere this season! Whether it’s with jeans or accessories, adding a dose of velvet to your fall ensembles lends fabulous texture and richness to both evening and daytime looks.

Check out a few of our current faves:

1. Free People Rose Velvet Bustier: We love this underneath semi-sheer blouses or low-cut top to add a bit of “vintage boudoir” style. 

2. Matt & Nat Hendrix Convertible Clutch: Edgy meets luxe with this utterly chic handbag.

3. Vans Viral Skinny Belt: Cinch in your sweater dresses with a pop of rich velvet!

4. Goorin Brothers One Shoe Cloche Hat: Wear this retro-inspired hat with your favorite tweed coats for an ode to the glam ‘20s.

5. James Jeans Twiggy Velveteen: There’s something so positively opulent and upscale about these ravishing velvet skinnies.

6. Cole Haan Morgan Ballet Slipper: Too fabulous to just wear in the house, these plush flats are the epitome of understated luxury.

7. Vince Camuto Single-Breasted Walker Coat: Touches of velvet do wonders in giving this classic coat a distinguished flair.

If you think corduroy is something that belongs back in the ‘70s, think again! Cords are popping up all over the place this fall, from jeans to handbags to shoes. Corduroy has an uncanny ability to embody the fall season, especially when done in rich fall hues like browns and plums.

Here are some of our current favorites:

1. Blank NYC Five-Pocket High Rise Flare Cord:  Infuse a little bit of retro flair with these leg-lengthening high-rise pants. They go perfectly with this season’s platforms shoes!

2. Lucky Brand Montana Avenue Patchwork Tote: We adore the patchwork pattern on this lush and gorgeous bag.

3. Sperry Top-Sider Acklins Boot: There’s something so outdoorsy-cool about these cozy boots.

4. AG Adriano Goldschmied Jegging Cord: The quintessential skinny jeans, done in plush corduroy for fall.

5. Vans Cheer-Reyo Hat: For those days when you just to be out the door, this stylishly plush newsboy cap instantly adds a dose of cool.

6. Levi’s® Sherpa Cord Jacket: This classic jacket is just at home in the city as it is in a quaint log cabin!

As the new school year quickly approaches, those shopping lists start growing just as fast. From school supplies, new clothes, and shoes, it may seem like that list is never ending. Don’t fret! We’ve rounded up some of our back-to-school favorites to get your little ones ready for a stylish school year…all with free and lightning-fast shipping so you have more time to enjoy the last days of summer!

The foundation for a great school wardrobe are cool shoes. We’re big fans of slip-on, laceless sneakers for the obvious reasons. They make for fuss-free on and off, and not to mention, there’s so many awesome ones to choose from.

Here are some cool slip-ons your kids are sure to love for back to school:

1. Skechers Kids Twinkle Toes Shuffles-Flirty Flitters: Your little lady will love how these fancy sneakers light up with each step!

2. Converse Kids Chuck Taylor®All Star® Core: Just like what you used to wear when you were in school!

3. VANS Kids Classic Slip-on Core: The classic skater style really lends a timeless appeal to these tried-and-true sneakers.

4. Lacoste Kids Marcelli C Spi: These sweet and preppy kicks are perfect for the playground.

5. Converse Kids Chuck Taylor®All Star® Clean CVO Slip: A classic redefined. The clean design on these slip-ons are timeless.

Can you believe the new school year is just around the corner? As much as your little ones may not be looking forward to getting back on the school bus again, there’s one thing you can all agree on: shopping for new back-to-school clothes is fun!

Here are some of our favorite casual kids’ clothing to make sure they hit the school playground in style this school year:

BOYS:

DC Kids Grasp Tee: This zombie tee will give your little skater some seriously bold style.

Quiksilver Kids Diplo2 Cargo Shorts: A pair of basic cargo shorts will go a long way through the school year and beyond.

Vans OTW Tee: A cool basic tee with old-school style.

Volcom Kids Monstars Full Zip: He’ll love impressing his friends with this fun zip-up jacket.

GIRLS:

Roxy Kids Breathless Woven Top: Plaid is a must-have for fall!

Splendid Littles Navy Stripe Tunic/Leggings Set: She’ll be totally comfy and stylish in this soft and stylish set.

Splendid Littles White Slub Pullover Top: This lightweight hoodie is a modern basic for your little fashionista.

O’Neill Kids Briar Top: Give her a bit of boho style with this delightful tank top.

Although we love the summertime, we can’t help but be excited about upcoming fall trends for the back-to-school season. Soon enough, it’ll be time to cozy up to woven knits, lush scarves and break out the boots and oxfords once again.

To make back-to-school wardrobe shopping a little bit easier, we’ve broken down some key looks and trends that transition well from summer into fall.

BEACHY BOHO:

Fringe

Maxi dresses

Floppy beach hat

Flat Sandals

Long drop earrings

White-on-white details

HIPSTER:

Bowler hats

Fringed scarf

Vintage-inspired romper

Slouchy boots

DOWNTOWN CASUAL:

Funky fedoras

Maxi cardigans

Lightweight layering tanks

Cut-off shorts

Layering necklaces

Distressed combat boots

LA SCENE:

Fedora hats

V-Neck Tees

Collared shirts

Chino pants

Suede sneakers

RETRO '70s:

Straw hats

Wide leg denim

Feminine camis

Platforms

ROMANTIC RENDEZVOUS:

Colorblock

Cat-eye shades

Neutral platform heels

Day-to-night dresses

BEACH NIGHTS:

Wedges

Open-knit cardigan

Halter dresses

BEACH BANDIT:

Metallic flats

Skinny belt

Aviators

Lightweight oversized hoodie

URBAN GRUNGE:

Engineer buckled boots

Fleece poncho

Distressed skinny jeans

ALL AMERICAN HIPSTER:

Newsboy cap

Woven plaid shirts

Relaxed jeans

Oxfords

CASUAL CHIC:

Open knits and oversized sweaters

Wide leg jeans

Wooden platforms and suede sandals

When I found out I was going to be a father, I immediately began thinking of all the things I would get to do with my son: throw around a football, ride bikes together, teach him to skateboard, and – if I’m being totally honest – shop for clothes.

Fashion is something that, at an early age, didn’t come easy for me. I was born in the '70s when style was more about the hair (maybe?) than the clothes. Memories of outrageously gross corduroy pants and random colored polyester shirts with different patterns on them come to mind. You see, my dad is Scottish. Not like somewhere-in-my-roots-five-generations-ago kind of Scottish. I’m talking about the fresh off the boat, Mike Meyers in So I Married An Axe Murderer, Scottish.  He moved from Dundee, Scotland in 1972 to take a job in California’s Silicon Valley. Not long after, he married my mom who had been living in San Francisco’s Haight District. Am I painting an awesome picture of randomness yet?

Anyway, when you couple my mom’s hippy, beatnik style with my dad’s frugality, it was a perfect recipe for random, which meant my brother and our wardrobes took the biggest hit. We wore everything under the sun, but always the off-brand. If it was going to be a fashion staple for the Burgess boys, it was most likely available at Kmart.

I didn’t really become aware of fashion (or the fact that my clothes didn’t match) until the 7^th grade. In retrospect, 7^th grade – in the '80s — was pivotal in shaping my interest in fashion and my personal style. This was also the year I became aware of girls. At the time, Vans and Sperry Top-Siders were hot. It was all about folding your pants tight at the bottom and rolling them up. Bangs were in – for guys. The skater look was just barely making its appearance. And being a skater myself, I embraced it to the fullest. (My wife is laughing at me right now, because currently, I still wear mostly Vans and Sperrys.)

Those were the '80s. Now it’s 2011 and I’m a father.  My son is 19 months old, and I have ambitions that he will dress with much more style and confidence than I did.  Oliver will have the “it” shoes, whatever they are. Although I can’t lie, I’m hoping the '80s influence remains! I’m not saying that clothes or style are the only components of confidence, but it doesn’t hurt. My wife is really short, so this kid needs all the help he can get!  And to my dad… next time we’re in town, I think a shopping trip is in order!

-Eric Burgess

Fashion Dad

Eric Burgess is a new dad who resides in Seattle, WA. A former buyer of men's and women's apparel and footwear, he's now a digital media strategist and grad student at the University of Washington. He enjoys fashion, digital photography and blogging. Connect with him on his personal blog Fashion Dad or on Twitter.