Alife x Reebok "Designed in NYC" Series One Sneakers NOW IN STOCK!

On Tuesday we just got in stock the much anticipated Alife x Reebok "Designed in NYC" collaboration sneakers and will be releasing them today, Wednesday, when we open! We got in the 3 models for guys (the ladies ones will be in later this week) which consist of 3 different colors of the ERS 5000 Retro Sport model of Reebok sneakers that were designed by Alife. These shoes are extremely limited (estimated 300 pairs each produced!) and only the top 50 boutiques worldwide got them in stock, and we were lucky enough to be chosen -- so you should know not to sleep on them! Here are the pictures:

Alife x Reebok - ERS-5000 Retro Sport Sneaker (White/Yellow) (Sz. 8.5 - 13)

Alife x Reebok - ERS-5000 Retro Sport Sneaker (Gray/Blue) (Sz. 8.5 - 13)

Alife x Reebok - ERS-5000 Retro Sport Sneaker (Black/Red) (Sz. 8.5 - 13)

Each sneaker also comes with four different pairs of laces so you can mix and match the laces however you like them!

The outside of the sneakers is also all Canvas, which is dope and my favorite material on a shoe. Perhaps the best part is the canvas is coated with Dupont Teflon technology, meaning it is supposed to resist stains and water. I know you are thinking "yeah right" because canvas can get dirty so easily, one spill and its done -- so we decided to put the Teflon to the test haha, check out the video to see if it lived up to its name:


Alife x Reebok Teflon Test from Motivation Boutique on Vimeo.

Burn Rubber Mixtape Release Pictures!

This past weekend was the Burn Rubber Mixtape Release Party at the Blind Pig here in Ann Arbor and of course Indra and I attended since we didnt have to drive an hour for once to get to one of BR's events haha! The party was tight and was basically a big concert with many of Michigan's best hip hop acts performing, and it ended with a dope performance of many of the tracks off of the Burn Rubber mixtape. It is always a good time when we see everyone from BR (whattup!), and I have to thank them for all the love! We saw a lot of familiar faces at the concert and later at our 3AM "dinner" and also met a lot of new faces too. Check out the pictures below and lookout for some video soon once I get a decent video editing program!

Me & Paul

Everyone (that was of age lol) hit the bar before it began...

Cindy, Indra & Ris

Chris, Jorie, Phil, Me & Lo

Indra, Big Sean, & Me

Me & Cliff, Ro, Rick & Dylan from Burn Rubber

Burn Rubber Fam

*Concert Pics*

Ro (Octane) was the host for the night

Fat Boy Chef lead off the show...

Illite did some solo songs next

Buff 1 spit an acapella freestyle

Quest McCody was next

Monica Blaire represented for the ladies!

This guy got the BR chef symbol shaved into his head -- crazy!

Big Sean from Good Music turned it out next (shouts to Lo & JayJohn!)

Marv One of the Fat Killaz tearing it down

Octane & Illite killing it

After that, everyone who was in attendance and featured on the BR mixtape got on stage and they did a bunch of songs off the mixtape..standouts were Tomorrow, Take it to the Stage, and Cliff's song "Intern"

Cliff performing "Intern" - check out the song HERE.

Lo Sport

WDYWT July 29th!

Here is today's edition of WDYWT:

Me (Mike):
Pirates New Era
Alife Dusk Till Dawn Black T-Shirt
Red G-Shock Watch
Hundreds Indigo Spring Classic Denim
Nike Neutral Gray/Black GR Air Force Ones

JD:
Tokidoki New Era
Rogue Status Lies, Lies, Lies T-Shirt
Jeans
Adidas Black/White Shelltoes

Sid:
Rocksmith New Money Black New Era
Rocksmith Kid & Play Black T-Shirt
Jean Shorts
Nike Air Max 90 Black/Azure Premium Plus

Lance:
Sunglasses
3Sixteen Halfton Jumpoff Yellow T-Shirt
Polo Cargo Shorts
Adidas Sneakers

Drew:
New York Yankees New Era
Leaders 1354 Logo T-Shirt
Fluud Watch
Khaki Pants
Alife White Parachute Pack Everybody Mids

3Sixteen Fall Preview!

I posted a few shots from 3Sixteen's Fall look book yesterday, and the full look book was released today at 3Sixteen.com. Check out all of it by clicking on "Collections" on the lefthand side once you are on the site. Below are pictures of what I thought were some of the standout pieces in the collection and of course we will be getting many of them in stock here at Motivation in the Fall!

Here is an explanation of the season and lookbook from 3Sixteen's blog:

Shot in Brooklyn’s Prospect Park, the mood of the Fall collection is meant to mirror the location’s juxtaposition of nature within the city. Premium fabrics and thoughtful craftsmanship abound in the line with the incorporation of traditional menswear details into casual basics, yielding a new hybrid in contemporary fashion. Highlights include the hooded blazer, a piece that combines the best elements of a suit jacket with a traditional fleece hoody - you’ll find lined suit flap pockets and a pocket square adorning the front, paisley lined hood and sleeves, and extra long button-up cuffs. Wool flannel shirts combine classic workwear styling with a refined fit and subtle military details such as the crossed back yoke. The cardigan silhouette boasts custom knit pinstriped fleece, asymmetrical cuffs, and front ticket pocket detailing. Additionally, the well-received Squadron jacket returns in a 330 gram open end fleece body for the colder months ahead. The line begins shipping to retailers worldwide in mid-August.

New Era MLB Fitted Hats NOW IN STOCK!

If you haven't noticed, our collection of streetwear brand New Era collaboration hats is bananas, (we have over 120 in stock!), but there was one thing missing...Major League Baseball New Eras! Well that is all about to change as we have linked up with New Era direct and will have their licensed hats, including the MLB ones, in stock at Motivation! New Era is truly The Originator of the fitted hat and the #1 name in the game so we are pleased to be working with them and excited for future things to come.

Today we just got 3 hats in stock from our initial shipment -- the rest of which should be in stock later this week -- and these 3 hats really can compliment any outfit. You can't go wrong with black on black or white on white. Check them out below and stay tuned for many more MLB and licensed New Eras in stock soon!

New York Yankees Black on Black New Era Hat (7 1/8 - 7 3/4)

Chicago Cubs White on White New Era Hat (7 1/8 - 7 3/4)

New York Yankees White on White New Era Hat (7 1/8 - 7 3/4)

Mishka Summer New Era Hats NOW IN STOCK!

We got all of these summer New Era fitteds in stock from Mishka about 3 weeks or so back but, again, I didn't have the chance to take pictures until today, so here they are! Ill post pictures of the rest of the Mishka summer offerings (tshirts & shorts) that we got in stock later this week!

Mishka - Bear Mop New Era Teal (7 1/8 - 7 3/4)

Mishka - Bear Mop New Era Forest Green (Oakland) (7 1/8 - 7 3/4)

Mishka - Bear Mop New Era Orange (Mets) (7 1/8 - 7 3/4)

Mishka - Brooklyn New Era Black (7 1/8 - 7 3/4)

Mishka - Brooklyn New Era Orange (7 1/8 - 7 3/4)

Mishka - Brooklyn New Era Purple (7 1/8 - 7 3/4)

Mishka - Slash 'Em New Era Black Denim (7 1/8 - 7 3/4)

Mishka - Slash 'Em New Era Navy Denim (7 1/8 - 7 3/4)

Mishka - Slash 'Em New Era Teal (7 1/8 - 7 3/4)

Mishka - Mutiny New Era Black Seersucker (7 1/8 - 7 3/4)

Mishka - Mutiny New Era White Seersucker (7 1/8 - 7 3/4)

Mishka - King George Harris Tweed New Era (7 1/8 - 7 3/4)

3Sixteen Summer Fitted Hats NOW IN STOCK!

We got these in a couple weeks back but I didnt have the chance to take photos until today. Ill post pictures of their summer tshirts and the Sabre Vision collaboration sunglasses that we also got in stock within a few days, for now enjoy these:

3Sixteen - Red Insignia Fitted Hat (7 1/8 - 7 3/4)

3Sixteen - Black Insignia Fitted Hat (7 1/8 - 7 3/4)

3Sixteen Fall Sneak Peak!

Here is a very smaller teaser of 3Sixteen's Fall collection; Part 1 of the collection should be available in-store next month! Lookout for more pictures later in the week when their Fall lookbook is released online!

CLICK PICTURES TO ENLARGE.

WDYWT Art Fair Edition - Part 2!

Here is Part 2 of the Art Fair WDYWT pictures, tomorrow back to the regular daily updates! These photos were taken at some point over the last 3 weeks, and if I forgot your name MY APOLOGIES, but it is so many pictures at once it was bound to happen haha:

Me (Mike):
The Hundreds Purple Adam Bomb New Era
Rogue Status Color of Money White/Blue T-Shirt
White G-Shock
Express Cargo Shorts
Nike Carolina Blue/White Canvas Air Force Ones (2001)

Wasim:
Alife Scratch T-Shirt Yellow
Jean Shorts
Puma High Tops

JD:
Mishka Mutiny White Seersucker New Era
Alife Ol' Alife Red T-Shirt
J.Crew Shorts
Nike Air Max 1 IDs

Carmel:
Dope Couture Gucci Link T-Shirt
Capri Jeans
Sandals

Bob:
Alife Show Love Black T-Shirt
Cargo Shorts
Nike True Blue Air Max 1s

Ashlee:
Hellz Bellz Bad Girlz T-Shirt
Royal Blue Jeans
Alife Everybody High Soda Pack Pepsi Sneakers

Paul:
Crooks & Castles Mascot Blue New Era
Diamond Shine On LA T-Shirt
Jeans
Nike Purple Pigeon Dunk Lows

Lyn:
Harajuku Lovers Line of A Lion Green T-Shirt
Khaki Shorts
Sandals
Kengo:
Stussy New Era
Shemagh
Rocksmith Digital Bikini T-Shirt
Pow! Verbal of Teriyaki Boys Rings
Bape Tote
Jeans
Undftd x Stussy x Hectic New Balances
Cho:
New York Yankees World Champions New Era
Complete Technique Necklace ??
Alife Rainbow White T-Shirt
Jeans
Nike Paul Rodriguez SBs

Jeremy:
Phillies Black/Black New Era
Puzle Creation T-Shirt
Black Shorts
Stealth Air Force Ones

Javon:
Blue Sunglasses
Nht Vsn Countdown Gray/Blue T-Shirt
Jeans
Blue Converse Chucks

Shaloma:
Cardboard Robot Taliban Nights T-Shirt
Jeans
Puma Reptile Highs

Chris:
Rocksmith Allante Reversible Vest Gray
Leroy Jenkins Take the Cake T-Shirt
Jeans
Adidas White/White High Tops

Lino:
Diamond x Black Scale Jewlery Pack T-Shirt
Grey Cargo Shorts
Vans White Halfcabs ?
Gage:
Major x Rogue Status T-Shirt
Cargo Shorts
Nike White/Red Air Force Ones

Jason:
Mighty Healthy x Diamond Collabo T-Shirt
Jean Shorts
Nike Philly Air Force One Supremes

Naomi:
Sunglasses
Dope Couture Kids With Guns Grey T-Shirt
Jean Shorts
Nike White/White Air Force One Highs

Warren:
Gray Detroit Tigers New Era
Crooks & Castles x Diamond 4Cs White/Tiffany T-Shirt
Gray Cargo Shorts
Nike Air Force 1 x Jordan 12 LS Fusion

Thirty:
Denver Nuggets New Era
Black Dickies T-Shirt
White G-Shock
Jeans
Nike White/Black Air Force One Highs

Oseeola:
Staple Highly Edumacted New Era
Staple Pigeon Green T-Shirt
Red G-Shock
Jeans
Red Atso Matsumoto Sneakers

Nikki (Left):
Hellz Bellz Bad Girlz T-Shirt
Jeans
Black/White Rain Boots

Gabrielle (Right):
Hellz Bellz The Battleground Black T-Shirt
Jeans
Green Rain Boots

Nader:
Rocksmith - Crooked R Aqua New Era
Lemar & Dauley Back 2 Back Champs Aqua T-Shirt
Jeans
Nike Glow In The Dark Dunk Highs

Ricky:
Rocksmith - Crooked R Black New Era
Rocksmith - Arsenio T-Shirt
Cargo Shorts
Nike White/Green/Gum Blazer Highs

Paul:
Triumvir F*ck Your Clique Sweatshirt
Orisue Jeans
Nike Todd Jordan Blazer SBs

Jorie:
OG Bulls Starter Cap
Oakley Frogskin Sunglasses
The Hundreds LOVE T-Shirt
Jeans
Jordan Fire Red 3s

Jiro:
Crooks & Castles - Double Cs Black New Era
Cake Lazy Girl Black T-Shirt
Crooks & Castles Browning 5 Pocket Selvage Denim
Jordan Father's Day 1s

Gino:
Mishka Breakout Black T-Shirt
Mishka DA Camo Shorts
Nike Black/White/Purple Dunk Highs
Trey Styles (Athletic Mic League):
Kangol Hat
Sunglasses
Scorpio Chain
Once Upon A Time x Motivation - We Run Michigan T-Shirt U of M Colorway
Jean Shorts
Nike Team Edition SBs

Dj Mo Beatz in Atlanta!

Check out this video from Dj Mo Beatz of his travels and events he spun at in ATL!


ATL from Dj Mo Beatz on Vimeo.

WDYWT: Art Fair Edition - Part 1!

OK yall, WDWYT is back from the dead! Sorry for the delay in posting these pictures but I will be back to normal WDYWT updates now that Im getting these out of the way. It is a bitch editing down and tagging like 100 pictures at once which is why I prefer the daily updates haha...anyways onto Part 1, Part 2 will come tomorrow. These photos were taken at some point over the last 3 weeks, and if I forgot your name MY APOLOGIES, but it is so many pictures at once it was bound to happen haha:

Me (Mike):
Dub Rims New Era
Diamond x Crooks & Castles - 4 Cs Crimson T-Shirt
White G-Shock Watch
Express Cargo Shorts
Nike Crimson Dunk Low SBs

Indra:
Once Upon A Time x Motivation "We Run Michigan" T-Shirt Store Colorway
Express Shorts
Heels

Paul:
Wayfarer Sunglasses
Once Upon A Time x Motivation "We Run Michigan" T-Shirt Store Colorway
Crooks & Castles Victory Backpack
Cargo Shorts
Nike Marshall Amp Dunk High SBs

Joey:
Once Upon A Time x Motivation "We Run Michigan" T-Shirt U of M Colorway
Gray Jeans
Purple Vans Halfcabs
Bryant:
??? New Era
Crooks & Castles - Snakeface Black T-Shirt
Mishka D.A. Camo Shorts
Jordan Black/Ice Blue/Pink Spizikes

Calvin:
Anarchy New Era
Mishka Allover Bear Mop Purple T-Shirt
Jeans
Jordan Grape Vs

Gino:
Crooks & Castles - Flying Guns Black T-Shirt
Red G-Shock Watch
Dark Gray Jeans
Supra TUF Black/Gray/Red Skytops

Phred:
San Fransisco Giants New Era
Crooks & Castles - Insects T-Shirt White/Yellow
Khaki Pants
Nike Hawaii Dunk Low SBs

Chip:
The Hundreds Red/Black Team Snapback Hat
Lemar & Dauley Cross Bones T-Shirt
Red G-Shock Watch
Jean Shorts
Jordan Blackcat IVs

A:
Famous Stars & Straps Red New Era
Rogue Status White/Black Gunshow T-Shirt
Jean Shorts
Adidas Multicolor Forums

Sid:
Japan Only One Drop New Era
Rocksmith x Lemar & Dauley T-Shirt
Jean Shorts
Nike Black/Gold GR Dunk Highs

Sam:
Alife Dr. Revolt I White T-Shirt
Cargo Shorts
Adidas Sandals

Richard:
Dodgers Black/Black New Era
Dope Couture Dope City T-Shirt
Jeans
Jordan Black/Red VIIIs

T:
Crooks & Castles - Cross Bones Aqua T-Shirt
Jeans
Jordan Aqua VIIIs

Nick:
3Sixteen Black/Aqua Signature Fitted Hat
3Sixteen Seafoam Signature T-Shirt
Gray Cargo Shorts
Nike Paul Rodriguez 2 SBs

Miho:
Hellz Bellz Pink Peace Makes Sense T-Shirt
Louis Vuitton Purse
Denim Jumper
Nike Pink GR Air Force Ones

Marvin (Left):
Once Upon A Time x Motivation "We Run Michigan" T-Shirt Store Colorway
Black Shorts
Adidas Training P.T.

J (Right):
Pirates New Era
The Hundreds Counterfeit T-Shirt
Levis Jeans
Vans Sk8-Hi Limited Editions
Bob:
Stussy New Era
Once Upon A Time x Motivation "We Run Michigan" T-Shirt Store Colorway
Khaki Shorts
Nike True Blue Air Max 1s

Mike:
Alife Bugged Out Blue T-Shirt
Jeans
Nike 720 Degrees Dunk Low SBs

Cho:
Stussy New Era
Alife Dr. Revolt II Black T-Shirt
Jeans
Puma Shoes
Yazzy:
Once Upon A Time x Motivation "We Run Michigan" T-Shirt U of M Colorway
Jeans
Moccasins

Cliff (Burn Rubber):
Burn Rubber Camo New Era
LAYOP Black/Black T-Shirt
Burn Rubber Chefs Head Medallion Chain
Red G-Shock Watch
Cargo Shorts
Jordan Black/Red 1s

Teko:
10.Deep Rise of the 10th T-Shirt
Black Cargo Shorts
Jordan Olive 9s

Nader:
White Sox New Era
Kilo Goods K.I.D.S. T-Shirt
Cargo Shorts
Nike Air Pennys

Macey:
Dope Couture Gucci Links T-Shirt
Cargo Shorts
Nike Terminator Lows

Mick Boogie & Terry Urban in HONG KONG!

Motivation fam Jason, Joe, and Lei (whattup!) recently started a clothing line called Sistine and brought Mick Boogie and Terry Urban out to Hong Kong for the launch party about 3 weeks ago. They also did another show in Shanghai, China. Here is a video from the Hong Kong event that includes both of them Djing...the event was obviously sponsored by Absolut Vodka haha. Lookout for Sistine in Motivation sometime later this year!



Also check this (blurry) picture of Mick and wife at a Blackberry VIP event wearing the Dope Couture Thyves tshirt!

Art Fair Wrap Up!

The Ann Arbor Art Fair was last week and although Google unlocked our blog by then, I really didnt have time to post because we were having our "Monster" clearance sale and the store was the busiest it has ever been. 500,000+ people in a small 1 mile radius area will do that haha. The first day was overwhelming, and we had tons of different customers take advantage of the deals, including a bunch of Grandpas updating their wardrobes haha ("I love the quality!"). I have to thank everyone -- especially our regular customers -- who came out and took advantage of the deals! Now heres some pictures I managed to take during some of the slower periods:

This was the view of our store from the front, look for the Motivation sign lol

This was the view down our street, crazy amount of people

All the main downtown Ann Arbor roads were closed to vehicle traffic and there were thousands of booths with artists selling their art.This lady and her husband had the booth in front of our store, not sure what art they did but they had a cool parrot...lol.

Most of our sale racks, we had them all in front of next door too!

Monster deals!

Indra's sister also set up shop and sold her custom silk flower arrangements outside our store to all the old ladies -- we'll teach you how to hustle one day!

Like I said, we had alot of different customers than what we are used to!Everyone below put in a ton of hard work to make sure the sale was a success:

The last day it rained and Ryan had to patch the overhanging outside roof for some leaks

Random father in ugly LRG polo...lol

Dont even ask me why I didn't make it to this event...

Thats a wrap, till next year!

PS Ill be posting a very large WDYWT tomorrow for basically the last 2 weeks!

Burn Rubber Mixtape Release Party This FRIDAY!

This Friday at the Blind Pig in Ann Arbor is the Burn Rubber Mixtape Release Party! It features performances from some of Michigan's finest hip hop acts including Octane & Illite, Big Sean (GOOD Music), Marv One, Black Milk, and many others! We are helping them promote it and sponsor it so make sure you show up since it is a streetwear related event in our backyard finally! The dress code is Sneakers ONLY and the age limit is 18+...for all details see the flyer below and we hope to see you there....

Vote for Dj Mo Beatz @ WJLB FM 98!

Many of you have met Dj Mo Beatz when he has Dj'd our in-store events and seen in person that he is a sick Dj...now we need your help in getting him more airplay at WJLB FM 98! He is a guest mixer there now (WJLB is Detroit's biggest hip hop station) so he spins whenever needed, but click the link below and vote for him so you can hear him on air all the time! You can also download his mix there which kills the rest of the competition!

VOTE FOR DJ MO BEATZ!

Rogue Status New Era Preview!

These Cluster F*ck New Eras (or Cluster F New Eras as they had to be renamed lol) are dropping sometime in the future from Rogue Status. We havent got any info yet, but Id say they will be out this Fall or Winter! The ink is reflective 3M just like many of the Cluster F*ck shirts...

Mick Boogie @ Nike Headquarters!

Mick just got done doing 2 shows at Nike Headquarters in Portland before his show with Dj Benzi this weekend in Detroit. Here is some footage of him and Dj 6th Sense from the events...there is footage of Lebron James, top High School football prospects, some unreleased shoes, and even Mick getting his iphone lasered with his logo!



Him and 6th Sense also did a mixtape for the event, called Just Do It: An Ode to Nike, which also got featured on Hypebeast. There was only 50 copies made, but Im going to see if I can snag some to give out in the store. Below are the covers and just incase I cant get any, you can download it all for free HERE!

Kardinal Offishal ft. The Clipse - Set It Off

Check out this new video from Kardinal & The Clipse...they are all wearing mainly Crooks & Orisue throughout the video. Clipse also killed their verses!

Full Alife x Reebok "Designed in NYC" Sneaker Pictures!

These 6 Alife x Reebok "Designed in NYC" sneakers will be releasing at Motivation sometime later this week or early next week as there was a delay in the shipment for all stores without a Reebok account (not just for us!). Full pictures have leaked though as about 20 of the 50 stores released them last Saturday July 19th, which was supposed to be the official release date.

They are all coated with a Dupont "Teflon" material which resists stains and liquid --- you can pour Coke all over the shoes and it will drip right off! There is also 3M accents on the shoes and each one comes with three pairs of laces.

Here are the 3 ERS-5000 IIs releasing for Men:




Here are the 3 shoes releasing for Women; they are 3 different models, the Ventilator, the Pro Legacy Mid, and the Freestyle High:

Mick Boogie & Dj Benzi TONIGHT!

Come out to D Rock City Nightclub (formerly Plan B) in Detroit to see Motivation co-owner Mick Boogie as well as Motivation fam Dj Benzi spinning a dope party together! Ill most likely be there (even though I'm exhausted from our monster sale), so lookout for pictures within a day or two!

The Monster! Art Fair Clearance Sale!

If you already didn't know, we are having a "Monster" clearance sale during this year's Ann Arbor Art Fair -- it started this Wednesday July 16th and goes until Saturday July 19th! We don't have sales often, and this will be our biggest sale of the year as we will have more than half of the store on sale , with much of it 40 to 75% off!

Check out these deals on the flyer (CLICK TO ENLARGE):



Since it started on Wednesday, we have already sold a ton of stuff but still have a ton of good stuff and sizes left! The Ann Arbor Art Fair is one of the biggest Art Fairs in the world with over a million attendees -- so at these low prices we urge you to not sleep on the deals. We have had a ton of Grandpas sweeping up Crooks & Castles jackets and more (real talk!) at these prices, so don't wait till they are all gone.

Actually, check out this video of what we have on sale -- and this is just the racks outside the store, theres even more on sale in-store! We had 4 more racks than this when we started yesterday and got rid of at least 2 more racks today; we expect most of this to be gone by Saturday, so make sure to come through. Also don't mind my mumbly-ass voice in the video below, hope to see you there!


The Monster! Art Fair Clearance Sale @ Motivation from Motivation Boutique on Vimeo.

I'm (Finally) back!

The kid is back...my blogger account got flagged by a Google spam automatic robot last Friday and had to be reviewed by a human at Google to make sure it was not a spam blog...and during that time they locked me out from posting! They took a whole week to review it (when they said it would only take 2 days!), so my apologies on the lack of updates. I had (and still have) a ton to post, but I just wasn't allowed to post them up in this case...

Ill return to normal updates within the next few days, we have a huge clearance sale going on right now (check out my next post) so not too much time to update, but I will post all the old WDYWTs that I didnt get to post, etc. shortly.

Also, for all those that pre-ordered, we got in the Crooks & Castles x Mosley Tribes Costellano Sunglasses (see below, we do have a few left that werent pre-ordered) as well as new hits from Mishka (check out all the fitteds below!), 3Sixteen (including the Sabre Sunglasses -- both colors!!), and Dope Couture...look for detailed pictures after this weekend!

Dante Marshall video from Big Sean photoshoot!

Alright check this out, photographer Dante Marshall and us are working on an upcoming project and he had Big Sean (see post below this one haha) shoot for us and here is a behind-the-scenes video of how the shoot went down! There is also some shots of the store in the video -- all this was put together by Dante (thank you!). Shouts to Big Sean for the love!


Big Sean from dante marshall on Vimeo.

PS The song playing in the background is the new Big Sean song called Supa Dupa.

WDYWT July 10th!

Here's what some people wore when they came by the shop today -- we also had a special guest come through, recording artist Big Sean! If you follow our blog you already know about him but if not, he is out of Detroit and signed to Kanye's G.O.O.D. Music label/Def Jam! You can check out his myspace HERE and listen to a bunch of his tracks, he also has the Finally Famous mixtape out that you can find floating around the net or we should also have more copies soon.

Also, he has a performance coming up in Ann Arbor at the Burn Rubber Mixtape Release Party July 25th -- more info on that early next week!

Me (Mike):
Once Upon A Time x Motivation We Run Michigan Store Colorway T-Shirt
Red G-Shock Watch
Express Cargo Shorts
Nike GR Dunks

Big Sean:
Bape New Era
10.Deep Buffalo Check Red S/S Shirt
Jesus Piece G.O.O.D. Music Chain
Black/Red G-Shock Watch
Bape Keychain
Louis Vuitton Wallet
Jeans
Jordan Fire Red Vs

Tone:
Pirates New Era
Kid Robot Dunny Drip T-Shirt
Bape Keychain
LRG Cell Phone Holster
Jeans
Nike GR Dunk Highs

Paul:
Burn Rubber New Era Hat
The Hundreds Rampage Purple T-Shirt
Crooks & Castles Victory Backpack
Camo Shorts
Nike Dinosaur Jr. Dunk High SBs

J:
Orisue Big League Crew Seafoam T-Shirt
Levis Jeans
Nike GR Dunk Highs

Alex:
Lemar & Dauley NY State of Mind Orange T-Shirt
Jeans
Nike Safari Quickstrike Air Max One

Gabe:
Rogue Status WTC4 Black T-Shirt
Silver Basketball Shorts
Skate Shoes

The Hundreds Fall & Winter Sneak Peak!

A few photos surfaced on TheHundreds.com of some pieces from their Fall and Winter lines. Check them out below and pay special attention to that hats and footwear!

WDYWT July 9th

Sorry for the late posting, been crazy busy with the release of our first collabo shirt and planning for the Monster Clearance sale! Here is the WDYWT for July 9th and check later tonight for July 10th!

Me (Mike):
Pirates New Era
Crooks & Castles - Cant Stop The Crooks T-Shirt
Red G-Shock Watch (shouts to Burn Rubber!)
The Hundreds Indigo Spring Classic Denim
Nike Dr. Feelgood Dunk High SBs

Dj Graffiti (www.djgraffiti.com):
Once Upon A Time x Motivation We Run Michigan Black T-Shirt
Jeans
(sorry I cut the photo off!)

Alex:
Huf Plantlife Black Snap Back Hat
Headphones & Bookbag
Alife Our Gang Green T-Shirt
Jeans
Nike Black/White Blazer SBs

Anthony:
Alife Dusk Till Dawn Sky Blue T-Shirt
Cargo Shorts
Flip Flops

Drew:
Colorado Rockies New Era
Dope Couture Eazy Purple T-Shirt
Polo Jeans
Polo Sneakers

Shawn:
Diamond x Crooks & Castles 4 C's Black/Tiffany T-Shirt
Nixon Watch
Cargo Shorts
Nike x Diamond Tiffany Dunk SBs (!)

Once Upon A Time In NY x Motivation Collaboration T-Shirt Releasing FRIDAY!

So Ive been teasing you with picture all week haha, but we are proud to announce the release of our first collaboration t-shirt this Friday!

We teamed up with clothing company Once Upon A Time In NY to produce the exclusive "We Run Michigan" t-shirt and they will be releasing tomorrow, Friday July 11th, when we open at 11. Once Upon A Time In NY is the company that makes the original "We Run NY" t-shirts and we are excited to be releasing the exclusive "We Run Michigan" shirts with them. Our Motivation logo and their logo are both featured on the back of the shirt, and the shirts cannot be found anywhere else in the world!

They are available in two colorways (see pictures below) - a store colorway and a University of Michigan colorway. We have the t-shirts available in Men's sizes Small to 3XL and Women's sizes Small to Large. However, they are limited to less than 30 pieces per colorway for the Men and 20 pieces per colorway for Women, so act quickly as some sizes will sell out this weekend. These limited shirts will also never be repressed again, so don't sleep!

Here (finally) are preview pictures of the shirts, hope to see you this weekend!

Crooks & Castles x Billabong Shorts Coming Soon To Motivation!

Crooks x Billabong Board Shorts. One Word: Crack!

New Crooks & Castles Fitted Hats In Stock!

We just got in these 2 hats from Crooks & Castles that are sure to sell quick...the Toy Guns fitteds! They come in two colors that match up perfect with a bunch of their Summer tshirts we already have/had in stock -- Aqua/Black/Silver and Black/Red/White. Check them out below and check out the dope quality and detailing on them including the chain pattern on the inside ribbing!

New Undr Crwn T-Shirts In Stock!

We just got these 2 "quickstrike" Undrcrwn tshirts in stock today, including the much anticipated "There Can Be Only One" 2pac & Biggie tshirt! The other one is a Boston Celtics dynasty t-shirt, which we have extremely limited sizing on because our order was shorted. Also check out the new Undrcrwn tags on the bottom of the shirts, they are always improving on their already high quality products!

Undr Crwn - There Can Be Only One Black T-Shirt (S-2XL)

Undr Crwn - Beantown Dynasty Green T-Shirt (S - XL)

WDYWT July 8th!

Me (Mike):

Once Upon A Time x Motivation Collaboration T-Shirt Navy (blurred till it releases Friday!)
Hundreds Indigo Spring Classic Denim
Nike Orange Canvas 08 Air Force Ones

Ryan:
Crooks & Castles Big Link C Black New Era
Once Upon A Time x Motivation Collaboration T-Shirt Black (blurred till it releases Friday!)
Khaki Shorts
Black/Black Adidas

James:
Black/Black Detroit New Era
Fabricali West Coast Greedy Bear T-Shirt
Cargo Shorts
Nike Dunk 6.0s

Marvin:
The Hundreds Popo Go Nuts T-Shirt
Levis Jeans
Nike GR Dunk Highs

Mos:
Rocksmith Appetite for Mashups T-Shirt
Camo Shorts
Nike Guns & Roses Dunk High SBs

Sid:
Chicago Bulls New Era
Lemar & Dauley 6 Rings Red T-Shirt
Jean Shorts
Nike Black/Red Jordan VIII Dunks

WDYWT July 7th!

Just Me & Ryan today:

Me (Mike):
Pirates New Era
Crooks & Castles - Gucci Bandito T-Shirt
Crooks & Castles - Victory Backpack
Express Cargo Shorts
Nike West Indies 3 Air Force Ones

Ryan:
Crooks & Castles Light Blue Double Cs New Era
Lemar & Dauley Drug Free School Zone T-Shirt
Mishka JK5 Shorts
Alife Black Everybody Mid Parachute Packs

Releasing FRIDAY!

Ryan is modeling our first collaboration t-shirt which will be releasing this Friday July 11th! Want to see the front? You can stop by the store and see us wearing it or check back here tomorrow for more teaser pictures...

Footprints Shoes Blog!

Our friends over at Footprints across the street from us just started a blog. You can check it out at the link below and stay up to date with what new sneakers they have in stock (like the ones pictured above) and more. They have a Nike Indie Energy account and get some Quickstrikes in too, and they also stock Puma, Adidas, Vans, Converse, and alot of other sneakers! Plus their sister store Launch Board Shop is next door downstairs and carries Nike SBs, Vans, LRG, and has everything for all your skateboarding needs. Check out the blog below and support!

Footprints Blog

3Sixteen Spring Fitted Hats!

We got these 4 fitted hats in last week or so from 3Sixteen with the Spring 2 tshirts but I just didn't have the chance to take pictures of them until this week. They are all very high quality (you have to feel the wool on the charcoal ones!) and the embroidery on them is perfect. They each feature embroidered symbols on the back as well. Plus they match up with many of 3Sixteen's shirts as well as some upcoming shirts...check them out below!

3Sixteen - Signature Fitted Hat Charcoal Grey/Red (7 1/8 - 7 3/4)

3Sixteen - Signature Fitted Hat Black/Aqua (7 1/8 - 7 3/4)
*Underbill is Grey*

3Sixteen - Bow & Arrows Fitted Hat Charcoal Grey/Purple (7 1/8 - 7 3/4)
*Underbill is Purple*

3Sixteen - Bow & Arrows Fitted Hat Black/Black (7 1/8 - 7 3/4)

Dante Digital.com / Big Sean Photoshoot

Photographer & Motivation fam Dante Marshall just started a new video blog, check it out at www.dantedigital.com or you can just click the link on the right hand side of our blog. He updates every few days and shows behind the scenes footage of his shoots as well as just footage of happenings and his excursions that take place around southeastern Michigan. He is EVERYWHERE around the area, so check it out!

One of his first posts was behind the scenes at a Big Sean photoshoot that we supplied most of the clothes for. You can check out the video below & there is also some sneak peaks of the pictures at the end!

WDYWT July 2nd - July 4th!

Sorry for the lack of updates lately, my power was out for about 10 hours on July 2nd because of those bad storms we had here in Michigan and then the next 2 days I just didnt have time to update because of the July 4th holiday. So this WDYWT update will include shots from July 2nd, 3rd & 4th...but not 5th because I forgot my camera today!

Me (ill just post myself once!):
Pirates New Era
Crooks & Castles Honor Amongst Thieves Blue T-Shirt
White G-Shock
Express Camo Shorts
Nike Brazil World Cup Air Force Ones

Sid:
Multicolor Snapback Hat
Ice Cream Logo T-Shirt
Jean Shorts
Reebok Ice Cream Boardflip 2 Sneakers

Ahmal:
White Sox New Era
La Coka Nostra x Soul Assassins Collaboration T-Shirt
Black G-Shock
Black Pants
Nike Jordan 12 x Air Force One White/Black Fusions

Drew:
Arizona Diamondbacks New Era
Alife Rainbow White T-Shirt
Cargo Shorts
Alife Everybody Mid White Parachute Packs

Stewart:
3Sixteen Tomahawk Black Fitted Hat
Crooks & Castles Anarchy White T-Shirt
Camo Shorts
Gray New Balance Sneakers

Mike:
The Hundreds Pinstripe Team Snapback Hat
Stunner Shades
Dope Couture Kids With Guns Black T-Shirt
Nike Basketball Shorts
Flip Flops

King:
3Sixteen - Cousins Black/Purple T-Shirt
Purple Basketball Shorts
Nike Charles Barkley Air Force Ones

Chris:
Rocksmith Now U Know T-Shirt
Khaki Shorts
Nike Supreme One Piece White/White Airforce Ones

Jorie:
Mishka Siss'n Em White/Navy/Pink New Era
Acapulco Gold x Janette Slick Rick T-Shirt
White G-Shock Watch
Gap Jeans
Jordan 11 White/Cement Lows

Nathan:
Freshjive Breed Yellow New Era
Israel T-Shirt
White Basketball Shorts
Gray/Orange New Balances

JD:
Cubs New Era
American Apparel Mint V-Neck
American Apparel Jeans
Puma Navy/Red High Tops

The Monster!

More info coming soon....

Motivation will be OPEN on July 4th...

We've had a lot of people ask if we are going to be open the 4th, so just letting you know we will be open till at least 6 or 7PM, if its busy then we will stay open to our regular Friday closing time of 9PM.

Also my power was off last night due to the bad thunderstorms we had here in Michigan so look for yesterdays updates like WDYWT, etc. tonight!

WDYWT July 1!

Good day in the store today to start off the month, plus it was beautiful weather out so that didn't hurt...heres what some of our customers wore today:

Me (Mike):
Crooks & Castles Black Gorgon Bandito T-Shirt
White G-Shock Watch
Express Camo Shorts
Nike Hardboiled Eggs Canvas Air Force Ones

Calvin:
Diamond Iron Maiden Black T-Shirt
Jeans
Nike Air Structures

Nick:
Billionaire Boys Club Logo T-Shirt
Cargo Shorts
Nike Paul Rodriguez 2 SBs

J:
New Haircut
Cake Clothing We Run New Amsterdam T-Shirt
Levis Denim Jeans
Nike GR Dunk Highs (notice the 3M lol)

Marvin:
3Sixteen Blood of Kings Mint/Purple Fade T-Shirt
Coach Wallet
Levis Denim Jeans
Nike GR Dunk Highs

Bob:
10.Deep X Deep New Era
Crooks & Castles Aqua Gorgon Bandito T-Shirt
Jeans
Nike Vivid Blue Air Max 90s

History of Alife Part 1

Mike from Alife sent us a promotional press pack that contained basically a history of the brand Alife and who they've collaborated with and the products/events/people that helped to turn Alife into what it is today. So I decided I will break up the packet into different segments and put them up here over the next few days, so that those who are unfamiliar can {Clinton Sparks} GET FAMILIAR! {/Clinton Sparks}

First thing I have to say to is that "Alife" is pronounced A-Life as in "aye-life", it IS NOT pronounced "uh-life" -- we get random people saying that at least twice a day in the store!

Anyways today I will cover the stores that they now have and their history. They started off as just a retail store/office in 1999 at 178 Orchard Street in NYC. You can see a picture of the space below (click to enlarge).


I found a picture of the actual store too, humble beginnings would lead to one of the most sought after brands in the industry...


Later in 1999 the retail store moved locations to its current location at 158 Rivington Street in NYC. The store sells all Alife products as well as Married to the Mob products for the ladies.


Then in 2001, came the Alife Rivington Club store which is in NYC and also located at 158 Rivington St. The Alife NYC store and the Alife Rivington Club store share the same address, but are two seperate stores. The Rivington Club is a sneaker store and actually has a Nike Tier 0 account, which is the best account Nike gives out. Something like 15 stores worldwide have it! So they get all the limited sneakers there including all the Alife releases. The store also sells its own separate Alife Rivington Club apparel and collaborations, some of which we have in stock at Motivation, and it is getting known as a highly sought after brand-within-a-brand itself!


There are two seperate doors to get into each store (Alife NYC and Alife Rivington Club); the space is split into two long and narrow stores because they dont have the space like we do here in Michigan haha! Whats crazy too is that there is no signage out front except a little plaque (pictured below) and you press a buzzer to get into either store, and the person working buzzes you in...I guess that is one way to keep out the random browsers haha.


Then in 2005 Alife expanded out of the USA and opened their third store with Alife Vancouver in Canada. It has a very clean design and sells Alife products to all those north of the border.


Then in 2007 they opened their forth store in Los Angeles in the Fairfax district where there is now a TON of streetwear flagship stores. This store design is nuts, its like a museum where they have everything behind glass and you just look at what youd like to purchase. You then tell the cashier what you'd like and slide the money to them through a window and get your product. On a sidenote, I LOVE the sign outside of this store, just a big bold ALIFE, wish I could do something like that with Motivation but the city would probably fine us good haha.


Then, later in 2007 Alife did the unexpected and opened their fifth store overseas in Tokyo, Japan! The buildout is clean as f*ck and looks super super high class, nothing but the best here...


So that is all of their stores and that makes 5 Alife stores across the globe. Thats all for today, check back within a few days when I put up History of Alife Part 2!

New Big Sean Track: Supa Dupa

Check out this snippet of the new Big Sean track called Supa Dupa, its dope and leaves you wanting more haha, but youll have to wait for the album! Also you cant miss Dj Mo Beatz on the beginning of the track!

Check out the track HERE.

Also, heres a picture of Big Sean wearing the "Ether" tshirt by Dope Couture (which we will have in stock next week) along with photographer Dante Marshall. Look for some big things soon from Motivation and all three of these parties!

Baron Davis in The Hundreds

You might have seen some pictures of NBA star Baron Davis rocking The Hundreds a few weeks back, and I should have posted them up then, but now that he opted out of his contract with the Warriors and signed with the Clippers he's getting major coverages on all the sports outlets and I happened upon this on ESPN.com!

Baron is wearing the White/Black/Purple Hundreds Team Hat (we still have a few in stock!) and the Hundreds Flat Purple S/S Flannel (we sill have select sizes of the blue one in stock...).

So I guess now with the trade this means Baron will be shopping at THLA instead of THSF?

WDYWT June 30th!

Me (Mike):
Crooks & Castles Neon Gun Black T-Shirt
White G-Shock
Hundreds Indigo Spring Classic Denim
Nike Undftd II Air Force Ones

Indra:
Tokidoki Latte Blue T-Shirt
Jeans
Puma Sneakers

Eric:
Pirates New Era
Hundreds Longsleeve White/Yellow Logo T-Shirt
Camo Shorts
Nike BMP Black/Yellow Jordan 1s

Jiro:
Crooks & Castles Gucci Big Link C New Era
T.I.T.S. Wifey White T-Shirt
Orisue Nazumi Indigo Denim
Nike Father's Day White/Tan Jordan 1s

Stuart:
Crooks & Castles War Halls Grenade Black T-Shirt
Cargo Shorts
New Balance Sneakers