In Sneaker News: Is Apparel Doomed? Whats Goning On? And Why Did Mariah Marry Nick Cannon? LOL
With the economy going down… and then up… and then a little up… and then down again, people don’t have as much money to buy those sneakers, shoes, 22′s, suits shirts and pants. Apparel easily becomes the bastard child when it comes to peoples wallets. I mean, come on; if food prices go up, you still got to each and if gas goes up you still got to go to work and have hot water. So while this may be the Year of the Jordan, maybe, just maybe businesses in the world of clothes and footwear might take a hit.
After reading this article here on how apparel business might have a hard time this year, it looks like analysts are counting out businesses in retail and clothing due to all the reasons mentioned above and then some.
Say Good Bye to the 30 and 45 dollar t-shirt?
As you may or may not know last year was the year of color when it came to sneakers and in order to match, all you really had to do was get a t-shirt. In NYC the hottest t-shirt of 07 was the I Love NY t-shirt. You could get any color even though officially there are only 3 (black, white and pink off the official NYC Visitors site). You also still had the left over Brooklyn t-shirts from 06 still around as well in assorted colors. The question I have is what will happen this year? What will happen to the smaller cothing companies and niche brands? If Mariah married Nick Cannon, owner of PNB, will she be in the poor house? What happens to ALIFE, Todd Smith, Creative Recreation and other clothing and footwear lines?
When will it get better? Maybe after taxes come in for 2009. I do think though, that niche brands might not be in too much trouble cause of brand loyalty and he people they focus on has more discretionary money, but who knows. PNB Nation used to be a brand you could get everywhere, but now it is a highly focused clothing brand. Maybe all brands should think about that.
But it looks like Linens ‘n Things won’t make it that far.
For those getting that 300, 600 and 1200 dollar stimulus package rebates, there are PLENTY of businesses setting up to GET AT THAT PAPER offering 300, 600 and 1200 dollar gift certificates… WOWWOW.
Get Your HighLine Chalk Shoes!!! From the High Line Blog
(from The High Line Blog)
Just when you think that the Nike 360 and the Air Jordan 23 is as far as technology gets (don’t forget the New Balance End Cap… sometimes simple works better) you wake up and browse a bunch of wordpress blogs and see the Chalk Shoe. Talk about a shoe that you can tell where you have been (or just how far you have to go).
Why you ask was this made? Here is a clue:
A group of eighth-grade students from the Lab School will be leading the way… in brightly-colored “chalk shoes.” Brooklyn-based artist Julia Mandle will lead student performers through the streets of the Meatpacking District and Chelsea, in a performance commissioned by Friends of the High Line. As the students shuffle through the neighborhood on their platform-height “chalk shoes,” they will leave a green path on the sidewalks that will lead to the High Line’s future access points.
I wish I knew about this before. I would have definaitly have gone to at least see their handy work. I was actually off that day (last day of my vacation) and I could have easily went and maybe even invited a couple of people. I loved the High Line ever since I realised just how cool it was back in the early 90′s. Trains going through buildings seems to only happen in other cities, but in NYC? Wow! It is a real piece of NY history. Allot of the times I wonder why stuff like that isn’t used for achitectual special spaces instead of just being torn down.
I’m telling you that sometimes, I just do not believe that developers have ANY vision… no imagination. I surely can’t wait to start my real estate business and get my architectural license. I’ll show them a thing or 2 (well I’ll try at least).
You know what, I knew this is a footwear blog, but every once and a while I will post something from or about the High Line. Its just to good to let it die and become a square building… oh and just in case you guys need a reminder, EVERYTHING need to have some originality… what would the Manhattan street grid look like without Broadway? Look at all the spaces Broadway creates. The High Line is no different. NYC has character, don’t destroy it.
Before:
After:
Original, aint it?
Anyway, you can read how the event concluded on The High Line blog and see all the lovely kids doing their part in the pictures taken during and after the event.
On Shape + Color: adidas grün “guerilla gardeners”
(from sneakerfreaker and Shape + Color)
What a cool find. While just browsing the WordPress blogs, I bumped into this blog that is into advertising, art and media (which is funny cause I do have a little fetish for that stuff too) and they mentioned this new thing adidas is doing called grün. Grün is green in German. The adidas grün is supposed to be the environmentally safe sneaker.
Sort of what Nike is doing…
Here is a quote snatched from Shape + Color:
Finally, everything in the “Recycled” line is exactly what it says – shoes and apparel made from 100% recycled plastic soda bottles, rubber, and others materials that otherwise would have sat in a landfill for eternity.
(Source)
So basically, somewhat like the Air Jordan 23 “Considered”, here we have a sneaker that is totally recycled and I will assume biodegradable (or at least some parts are easily re-recycled).
Being that Shape + Color is a blog about advertising, art and media, they also show just how adidas markets the sneaker line. The images of one of their adverts (of which is actually the main story which is the guerilla gardeners) can be seen on Shape + Color.
Very interesting… I am going to have to look into this more and see what Nike does, as well as adidas and other sneaker (and shoe) brands.
On Sale at Finishline.com: Air Jordan Countdown Pack 21 + 2 = Blah…
Jordan has released the next countdown Men’s Collezione Pack 21/2 pack… collezione, what an interesting name. I have to research that a little. This pac, to me, if for those who are real Jordan collectors and maybe for those who really wanted either the AJ2 or the AJ21. For me these are not that great. I like the 21′s (although they cool have looked better) but I am not that into the AJ2′s.
Well, to each his own. You can see more on The Shoe Game.com as well as other sneaker blog sites.
Oh and you might want to take a loo at some Countdown 21+2 cothing they have:
I like the t-shits and hat better than the pack itself.
Hats and Dance Moves: Marvel x New Era Iron Man Fitted
New Era and Marvel as seen on Strictly Fitteds.com
If you have this hat on while your watching the movie, I will be mad at you. Where it anywhere else but at the movie theatre (unless you below the age of 12). I’m just saying; its a cool fitted no doubt, but don’t play yourself and go totally Iron Maned out LMAO.
New Era did it again. This hat posted on the hottest fitted hat site dedicated to fitteds is a pretty cool find. There are three versions of the hat so if your into Iron Man or just like how the hat looks, you have some choices.
But I’m just saying… don’t wear it when you go to the movie. If you do, be real hard about it but its still gonna make you loose some cool points. Get the t-shirt and wear that, ok lol
Oh and while your at it, you can do the Iron Man and take out the wrinkles on that hoooooooo no he didn’t!!!
LOL, I do wonder if this will be the dance of the summer? Thanks to Illseed for telling the world about this video.
On Sale: Jordan Countdown Shoe Bag on Finishline.com
Well hawt darn this is expensive! I don’t know if i would spend that much for a bag that doesn’t do much other than hold a sneaker or 2. I have to admit, when it comes to stuff like this, FinishLine seems to give you your fix. If you want a Jordan backpack that looks allot like the Air Jordan 6, then go and get it (its 160 bucks on Finishline.com). As for the other AJ’s in this, i can barely see them. Here is thee description from the site:
This ultimate Jordan accessory is ready for your laptop or medium sized carry items. Jordan VI shoe bottom details and a stitched, magnetic flap closure with iridescent Jumpman, rubber Jordan-XVII-style eyelets and Jordan XX1 embroidery detail. Removable shoulder straps with brushed metal clips and embroidery detail. Fully lined, with an ergonomic Jordan-VI-themed handle. 61% nylon/39% polyurethane.
AJ 16 eyelets h’uh? lol Well, whether you see it or not its still a fresh looking bag. It costs too much for me though but if my sneaker budget wasn’t exploding, I would probably get it just to have it (I can’t imagine actually taking it out the house).
Rockwell x Alife x Patta RAP Everybody Mid on Individual Sole
Videos and pictures thanks to Individual Sole!
I have to put Alife on my sneaker budget somehow. I don’t know how since its pretty tight with all those Jordans (this is the year of the Jordan after all) but I have to try. I really like the Everybody Mid.
I Just Want To Say This: I Love Baby Phat
These shoes are just freakin hot and for 100 bucks, it aint too bad. I will have to ask one of my girl friends opinion of this but the bottom line for me is that I’m a guy and I know what I want to see on my girl and sthere is something about that cat on the back pocket of those pants that just turns me the hell on.
I love that Baby Phat cat. Simple and curvy and I like my women curvy lol. Its sold at many locations and different types of stores, but I like Dr. Jays the most (at least for online shopping… don’t get me wrong, I go to my Dr. Jays and Jimmy Jazz, but I mostly shop at Macys, Syms, Burlington Coat Factory, The Men’s Warehouse… I’m grown AND sexy, what can I say lol)
This post was made just to say that I like Baby Phat shoes and their pants. The rest of their clothing line is ok, but the shoes come first and the pants a close second. Lets go Baby Phat!!!
Vanessa and Angela Simmons PASRTY Keeps Doing Its Thing
Well, I am impressed. When Pastry first came out I said to myself, “Dude, another freakin sneaker company?” Yes, that is exactly what I said to myself. I could not even imagine them being close to successful. I wasn’t hating on them specifically, but I sure though the market is getting a little crowded. I mean, what’s next? Reverend Run sneakers? (ok, bad example) G-Unit sneakers Sean John sneakers Gucci sneakers Apple Bottom sneakers Timberland sneakers… ok, I think you get my point.
Anyway, Pastry actually is doing it really well. Their casual sneaker line really looks good. I especially like the Fab Cookie Boot (do not know why its called a boot when it obviously is a high top or mid sneaker) and I especially like the names for the different colorways. Double Chocolate Chip? lol Just saying it makes me wanna get this for my girl, whether she likes them or not.
I also like the Cake Runner shoe but do sort of wish it didn’t have “that air thing” at the back. Every shoe and its mother has “that air thing” for cushioning in the heel area. Some sneaker companies get away with it with the design. New Balance has this thing called Abzorb with clear plastic over the cushioning thing and it looks original. I don’t know. Maybe that’s what people want and sneaker companies just give it to them, but I just think they could be more original about it sometimes.
Did I mention they have those sneaker bags, handbags and now are getting into clothing too? (more…)
Nike Womens Outbreak High Retro… now in pink
(pic from Fatlace.com and Yoshi)
I like it. It an odd look but its still interesting enough to get if you a lady of fashion. I like the transparent gum soles. I do wonder how many will get this?
As seen on Fatlace.com and you can also see it on sneakernews.com with more views of the sneaker. Oh and did I mention that the tongue is see-through?
Women Get All The Luck: Nike Womens Blazer Hi This Fall
(from The Shoe Game.com and Yoshi)
This looks so good, I may, for the first time in my adult (or child) male life, get womens sneakers. I am so glad that Nike didn’t go the “pink” way with this or do the soft colors with the colorways.
It looks great all around. The gold and white laces really pop and the materials used for the rest of the sneaker work well. This is a good 8 out of 10 on the scale of 1 to 10.
See more details shot (and to get a look at those laces) head over to The Shoe Game.com. If you want you can also head toward Yoshi (from Fatlace.com).
(from sneakernew.com and nitro:licious)
You can also see more at sneakernews.com. They got great shots of the sneaker too. And for the ladies, I will really try to remember to remind you guys that this will come out. You know you will look great in them lol
I Was Just Thinking About This!!! – Nike Air Max x Nike Air Max Plus TN
HAWT!!! Only available at Footlocker
Guess what I saw on sneakernews.com??? Funny cause I was just wondering a few weeks ago when Nike would do one of those combo jobs with the Nike TN. Do you remember the Nike Air Max TN aka Air Max Plus? I remember the TN’s being a very popular sneaker. Maybe it was the way the colors just popped on most of the colorways or maybe it was because it was another take on the Air Max 95′s… either way, they were popular and the ladies especially loved these sneakers.
Well, it looks like Nike will come up with a nice combo of the Nike Air Max 98 and the Air Max Plus TN’s and I have to say it looks great! But you know what I wish? I really want them to make a combo of the Nike Air Max Plus TN and the Nike Air Max 360. Now THAT would be interesting.
I read somewhere though… not sure where… that the 360′s were not doing too well for whatever reason. I got my pair and they ARE FREAKIN GREAT but I guess that didn’t matter for some reason. I’ll admit that many of the designs for the 360 don’t inspire too much and comes no where NEAR the style of the Air Max TN’s or the Air Max 98′s. If its true that the 360 was not too popular, maybe they won’t do a merge between the 360 and the TN (please use the TN’s upper and the 360 “midsole” thank you lol) but I hope they do.
I don’t know if they are out yet or not. They are certainly not on Footlockers site although sneakernews.com hints that it probably just a store release (by hint I mean all they say is that you should search Footlocker.com for store locations). I haven’t been to the store yet, so I don’t know if they are actually there now or they will be soon.
Either way, I look forward to seeing this up close. For more pictures of the combination of Air Max 97 and Tn sneakers, visit sneakernews.com
Its Gotta Be The Shoes: Biggie Deep Chrome 22′s
You can currently get these shoes for your car at WheelsNext.com They got some cool rims for cars and suv’s over there. I like this one even though I usually go for the full face shoes aka “shields”. Oh and WheelsNext really gives you some detail into the shoe you are trying to get so their isn’t that much guess work (at least you have a good starting point)
There is more to come from the Gotta Be The Shoes category so look out for it.
On Sale: Nike Men’s Zoom Soldier II on Finishline.com
Nike Zoom Soldier II for $109.99
I wasn’t aware of this, but the Lebron Soldier II has just released on Finishline. I don’t like it as much as I liked the first Soldier but it does have some appeal. Looks breathable too and it doesn’t look like there are any areas that will easily fall apart. For more interesting pictures, take a look at what sneakernews.com has posted.
On Flickr: Guns n Roses – Appetite for Destruction Dunk SB by neal_b
Guns n Roses – Appetite for Destruction Dunk SB by neal_b
A picture that seems everybody is clicking from my Flickr feed here is also somewhat liked on Flickr also. While I disagree that its a “awesome shot” I will admit that its a great sneaker and a pretty good subject for a photo. I also like the angle and that it can easily be made into a wallpaper with a little bit of photo shop work.
This shot was part of the Sneaker Pimps Group collection of sneaker shots. Be sure to check out neal_b who also has a pro account so you know he is serious. I especially like this shot!
Found This on Oy Girl: Chocolate Shoes for Real!!!
OMG!!! Real Chocolate shoes from Gayle’s Chocolate
Thank you OY Girl for this one. I do not think I would have found this without my fellow WordPress blogger. This confectionary MASTERPIECE actually looks like a womens high heel shoe. I now know what to get one of my friends lol I think she will love this one (especially after giving up a expensive pair of shoes).
Here is a description of the sweet candy:
And you thought Nordstrom’s was the place for the shoe-obsessed? Clearly this is a designer shoe that is a fit for anyone with a taste for gourmet chocolate. All shoes are handmade and no two are alike. Shoe measures seven inches long, 5-1/2 inches high and includes the poly purse.
Hawt! And they have other shoes too… makes me think is Pastry still makes pastries lol (by the way, I’ll admit, even though I am a guy, that Pastry shoes are hot)
On Sale: Air Force One x Air Jordan – Air Jordan Fusion V on Eastbay.com
The Air Jordan V’s are now on sale at Finishline and on Eastbay. What is on sale is the Black/Varsity Red/White on both sites. What is only available (seemingly) on Eastbay.com is the crazy looking but still fly Black/Cactus/Anthracite of which look like this:
I actually seen these on people’s feet for the past week (don’t know how they got them a week before they were supposed to release lol) and I have to say they look pretty good. I was wondering if they would look good and in fact stated that Jordan was out of his mind for doing most of the colorways for the Fusion V, but they do look good. I’ll admit I was wrong. I though the ONLY color way that would look good was the white red and black that come out in June.
What I thought was also going to release today was the black-blue but I guess I was wrong because I don’t see them anywhere except BNYC Online.
Anyway, if you are also looking for clothing that goes with these particular sneakers, Eastbay has some matching clothes that is produced by Jordan Brand.
Oh and don’t forget the kiddies!!! They get their own colorway much like what has happened with the other Fusions that have come out so far.
What are the other color ways that are supposed to come out you say???
Custom Fitteds: Custom Hat from Jay Cruz on Strictly Fitteds.com
I haven’t done my 25 – 30 readers justice! I have been focusing so much on sneakers that I have totally forgot about what is going on in the fashion areas. Strickly Fitteds.com is a place I stop by weekly (I see I need to stop by there more often) and this post on a custom hat that Jay Cruz created was posted a while ago but I didn’t say anything about it.
Well, let me say something now: This is the fly-est custom hat I have seen in a long time. I don’t know how original it is in concept cause I don’t watch the hat scene like Strictly does, but I LOVE IT!!! Maybe its because I’m from NY and I have a affinity toward anything subway, but I think it looks great and was well done.
On Strictly Fitted, they have more shots of this hat and what seems like a different hat in the post. I’m too slow to realize if they are 2 different hats or not but all the pics only show how fly Jay Cruz is.
Visit Jay Cruz’s MySpace here: www.myspace.com/jaicruz22
Oh and something else I found while browsing Strictly Fitted, I saw this site that shows you just how important picking the right hat with the right sneaker. My Fitteds.com isn’t a site I have ever bought from so I can’t vouch for the site, but it was on Strictly Fitteds so its probably ok. Happy shopping.
LOL: Nike Air Yeezy aka the New Kanye West Sneaker
This is a incredible sneaker day! Nike and Kanye West has teamed up and has made this sneaker. Its been talked about for a while now, but this is the first time an actual picture of the sneaker showed up.
The sneaker has shown up on Nicekicks, sneakernews and Individual Sole sneaker sites.
Other than the news that Kayne is talking about his sneakers, the real news to me is what he is wearing while showing off his sneakers. Man, Kayne West can sure come up with some… interesting… outfits.
Take a close up look at this one!
Well, at any rate the sneaker look pretty good. They also look pretty odd, but nevertheless they are still good looking. Not sure about the name (Air Yeezy??? LMAO) The sneaker seems to have some elements of the Air Jordan III and some other sneakers like the Flight 89 and the Air Revolution (I personally only see the AJIII and the Flight’s but sneakernews.com also sees the Air Revolution so I’ll put that in there too lol). I am sure this sneaker will not be for everybody but it is still history making in my mind… and yes I know it isn’t the first time an artist has gotten a sneaker deal, but for Nike to do it seems wild to me.
This is just crazy… just crazy… Oh what a world!!! lol at the name of these sneakers… Air Yeezy? Good lawd.
EDIT:
Guess what folks? I found out thanks to Sneakerfiles that the glow in the dark (allot of the coments are positive too)!!! Take a look at what it looks like in the dark lol Now I REALLY can’t wait to see these sneakers! Also on Individual Sole, they show the latest images from the Glow In The Dark Tour as well as what some of the artists are wearing on stage.
