As most parents know quite well, one of the most enjoyable items of clothing to purchase for a baby is shoes. There is just something about those tiny colourful athletic shoes and Mary Janes that is irresistible to most people.
But finding baby shoes that are stylish as well as supportive for small growing feet can actually be quite challenging.
The owners of Shoebaby understand how hard it can be to find a baby shoe store with the latest designs. That is why they recently opened their very own online boutique that sells only the cutest and trendiest pre walker baby shoes, infant shoes and much more.
The Australian-owned website is already getting a well-deserved reputation among shoppers who are delighted to find a wide variety of adorable boys and girls baby shoes that not only look great, but are made well and help support developing feet.
In addition to stocking a wide assortment of pre walker shoes, infant and toddler shoes and accessories like baby hats, hairclips and more, the newly-launched Shoebaby also features helpful articles that offer tips on buying pre walker baby shoes.
“Pre Walker Baby shoes ought to always contain a smooth single design so as to provide the baby's toes with more comfort,” the article advised, adding that to provide better comfort for a child’s toes, shoppers should try to find footwear that is made with more mesh materials.
“An extra important factor for pre walker footwear intended for newborns which are learning just to walk are non-slip soles. Needless to say, the main reason for non-slip soles are to prevent a child from slipping or falling and injuring themselves.”
Shopping for baby shoes at Shoebaby is enjoyable; the only hard part will be deciding which pair of shoes to purchase first. The website is extremely user-friendly; shoppers can take their time browsing through the impressive selection of baby shoes. Handy category tabs along the left hand side of the home page make it easy for people to find what they are looking for. A list of popular brands is also featured on the home page; clicking on any of them will take shoppers to everything that is available from a particular manufacturer.
2012年6月28日星期四
2012年6月27日星期三
Lean yet loose collection for Raf Simons
There was a slightly disingenuous feeling in the air at the spring-summer 2013 menswear collection of acclaimed designer Raf Simons.
The 44-year-old Belgian has, of course, recently taken the creative helm of fashion powerhouse Christian Dior, following John Galliano's unceremonious departure last year.
That Wednesday's show was much bigger than last season's, sprawling over two floors, might lead some to think that the added interest wasn't just for the menswear.
But if anyone's attention did wander, it was pulled back by the disturbing syncopated music that opened the collection — an array of lean yet loose silhouettes.
The unsettled feeling in the music lent itself immediately to the garb.
Moody models with long asymmetrical fringes filed out in seven dark, lean and near-identical two button suits.
It would have been a case of deja vu — had it not been for the subtle variations, such as color tone, the positioning of pockets, and sneakers versus patent leather shoes.
As the collection progressed, Simons seemed to loosen up a little, allowing printed elongated T-shirts a dash of color, and on-trend white boxy shirts a floral collar flourish.
The color must have been infectious. The floral prints soon spread their way from collars to cover the entirety of several joyous day coats.
On the happy note this strong collection thus came full circle. The only drawback: the girly touches might not be a big hit with buyers.
The 44-year-old Belgian has, of course, recently taken the creative helm of fashion powerhouse Christian Dior, following John Galliano's unceremonious departure last year.
That Wednesday's show was much bigger than last season's, sprawling over two floors, might lead some to think that the added interest wasn't just for the menswear.
But if anyone's attention did wander, it was pulled back by the disturbing syncopated music that opened the collection — an array of lean yet loose silhouettes.
The unsettled feeling in the music lent itself immediately to the garb.
Moody models with long asymmetrical fringes filed out in seven dark, lean and near-identical two button suits.
It would have been a case of deja vu — had it not been for the subtle variations, such as color tone, the positioning of pockets, and sneakers versus patent leather shoes.
As the collection progressed, Simons seemed to loosen up a little, allowing printed elongated T-shirts a dash of color, and on-trend white boxy shirts a floral collar flourish.
The color must have been infectious. The floral prints soon spread their way from collars to cover the entirety of several joyous day coats.
On the happy note this strong collection thus came full circle. The only drawback: the girly touches might not be a big hit with buyers.
2012年6月26日星期二
After disturbing through an aboriginal aeon of adjustment
Bruce Wade had some big shoes to ample if he fabricated his admission as the Walton boys soccer drillmaster this season.
Wade, who was the Walton girls soccer drillmaster for the antecedent nine years, was replacing Bucky Boozer — who had won six accompaniment championships during his memorable 27-year tenure.
Not alone that, but Wade was aswell inheriting a Walton aggregation that had the bullseye on its aback afterwards acceptable the Class AAAAA accompaniment appellation in Boozer’s final season.
After disturbing through an aboriginal aeon of adjustment, it was business as accepted for Walton beneath its new drillmaster as Wade led the Raiders to the Arena 5AAAAA appellation and a accompaniment quarterfinal berth.
For advancement Walton’s position a part of the accompaniment elite, Wade is the 2012 Marietta Daily Journal/Cobb County boys soccer drillmaster of the year.
“Our seniors absolutely came calm and led the way for us,” Wade said. “We took some aboriginal lumps, but we pulled calm and came out of it stronger than ever. I’m actual advantageous to drillmaster such a abundant accumulation of players.”
With several new and adolescent players in the calendar and adverse a boxy aboriginal schedule, Walton struggled out of the aboideau with three losses in its aboriginal four amateur — accident to closing accompaniment runner-up Centennial, closing Class AAAA accompaniment runner-up Starr’s Mill and closing AAA accompaniment best Woodward Academy.
“We did get off to a apathetic start, but we played able-bodied adjoin three superior teams,” Wade said. “We were still traveling through some adjustments, but we came out of it appealing well.”
Walton proceeded to lose alone two added amateur in the approved division and went on to go best in 5AAAAA play and win the arena in acceptable fashion.
The better win for Wade and his Walton band was a 1-0 accommodation over Lassiter, which was ranked No. 1 in the nation in the ESPN Rise poll traveling into the division — a win which clinched the 5AAAAA appellation for the Raiders.
“It was a big-time win for us,” Wade said. “The boys played a absurd game. It was a boxy game, but we were able to cull off the 1-0 win and I couldn’t be added prouder of the boys.”
Walton’s bid to echo as accompaniment champions came to an end in the quarterfinals as the Raiders absent to Parkview 3-2 in overtime.
“We were assured to get to the finals, but we ran into a acceptable Parkview team,” Wade said. “We had affairs to score, but we didn’t finish. We were aghast not to go aback to the accompaniment finals, but I’m appreciative of our effort.”
Wade will accept some holes to ample traveling into his additional year at the Walton captain in 2013, with the abandonment of midfielder Holden Fender (UCLA), goalkeeper Alex McCauley (N.C. State), apostle J.D. Nouriachi and advanced Grant Cooksey.
However, Wade has top hopes for Walton to advance its aerial branch a part of the accompaniment elite.
“We’re accident superior players like Holden, Alex and J.D., but we accept some superior kids advancing up from our JV team, so things are searching acceptable for next year,” Wade said.
Wade, who was the Walton girls soccer drillmaster for the antecedent nine years, was replacing Bucky Boozer — who had won six accompaniment championships during his memorable 27-year tenure.
Not alone that, but Wade was aswell inheriting a Walton aggregation that had the bullseye on its aback afterwards acceptable the Class AAAAA accompaniment appellation in Boozer’s final season.
After disturbing through an aboriginal aeon of adjustment, it was business as accepted for Walton beneath its new drillmaster as Wade led the Raiders to the Arena 5AAAAA appellation and a accompaniment quarterfinal berth.
For advancement Walton’s position a part of the accompaniment elite, Wade is the 2012 Marietta Daily Journal/Cobb County boys soccer drillmaster of the year.
“Our seniors absolutely came calm and led the way for us,” Wade said. “We took some aboriginal lumps, but we pulled calm and came out of it stronger than ever. I’m actual advantageous to drillmaster such a abundant accumulation of players.”
With several new and adolescent players in the calendar and adverse a boxy aboriginal schedule, Walton struggled out of the aboideau with three losses in its aboriginal four amateur — accident to closing accompaniment runner-up Centennial, closing Class AAAA accompaniment runner-up Starr’s Mill and closing AAA accompaniment best Woodward Academy.
“We did get off to a apathetic start, but we played able-bodied adjoin three superior teams,” Wade said. “We were still traveling through some adjustments, but we came out of it appealing well.”
Walton proceeded to lose alone two added amateur in the approved division and went on to go best in 5AAAAA play and win the arena in acceptable fashion.
The better win for Wade and his Walton band was a 1-0 accommodation over Lassiter, which was ranked No. 1 in the nation in the ESPN Rise poll traveling into the division — a win which clinched the 5AAAAA appellation for the Raiders.
“It was a big-time win for us,” Wade said. “The boys played a absurd game. It was a boxy game, but we were able to cull off the 1-0 win and I couldn’t be added prouder of the boys.”
Walton’s bid to echo as accompaniment champions came to an end in the quarterfinals as the Raiders absent to Parkview 3-2 in overtime.
“We were assured to get to the finals, but we ran into a acceptable Parkview team,” Wade said. “We had affairs to score, but we didn’t finish. We were aghast not to go aback to the accompaniment finals, but I’m appreciative of our effort.”
Wade will accept some holes to ample traveling into his additional year at the Walton captain in 2013, with the abandonment of midfielder Holden Fender (UCLA), goalkeeper Alex McCauley (N.C. State), apostle J.D. Nouriachi and advanced Grant Cooksey.
However, Wade has top hopes for Walton to advance its aerial branch a part of the accompaniment elite.
“We’re accident superior players like Holden, Alex and J.D., but we accept some superior kids advancing up from our JV team, so things are searching acceptable for next year,” Wade said.
2012年6月25日星期一
Sports News from USA Today Adidas apologizes, nixes ‘shackle’ shoe
Adidas will no longer produce the shoes planned for August which drew criticism Monday for what some said evoked slave imagery.
The company said Monday that it was pulling the JS Roundhouse Mids, which were unveiled on Facebook along with the question, “Got a sneaker game so hot you lock your kicks to your ankles?”
Designer Jeremy Scott said on Twitter that the sneakers were inspired by the 1980s doll My Pet Monster. The plush toy inspired a direct-to-video movie and a short-lived animated television series featuring a purple-and-blue monster that broke free of orange chains that resembled those on the sneakers.
Scott has designed adidas shoes with Mickey Mouse and gorilla tongues and shoes with wings. His shoes are typically priced at more than $200. He said the new design was not intended to reference incarceration or slavery.
The shoes drew online criticism, including sharp words from Syracuse economics professor Boyce Watkins, who wrote, “Shackles, the stuff that our ancestors wore for 400 years while experiencing the most horrific atrocities imaginable.”
A statement supplied by adidas said, “Our collaboration with Jeremy Scott has always stood for creativity and originality. Jeremy Scott is renowned as a designer whose style is quirky and lighthearted & his previous shoe designs for adidas Originals have, for example, included panda heads and Mickey Mouse. The design of the JS Roundhouse Mid is nothing more than the designer Jeremy Scott’s outrageous and unique take on fashion and has nothing to do with slavery. Since the shoe debuted on our Facebook page ahead of its market release in August, adidas has received both favorable and critical feedback. We apologize if people are offended by the design and we are withdrawing our plans to make them available to the marketplace.”
The company said Monday that it was pulling the JS Roundhouse Mids, which were unveiled on Facebook along with the question, “Got a sneaker game so hot you lock your kicks to your ankles?”
Designer Jeremy Scott said on Twitter that the sneakers were inspired by the 1980s doll My Pet Monster. The plush toy inspired a direct-to-video movie and a short-lived animated television series featuring a purple-and-blue monster that broke free of orange chains that resembled those on the sneakers.
Scott has designed adidas shoes with Mickey Mouse and gorilla tongues and shoes with wings. His shoes are typically priced at more than $200. He said the new design was not intended to reference incarceration or slavery.
The shoes drew online criticism, including sharp words from Syracuse economics professor Boyce Watkins, who wrote, “Shackles, the stuff that our ancestors wore for 400 years while experiencing the most horrific atrocities imaginable.”
A statement supplied by adidas said, “Our collaboration with Jeremy Scott has always stood for creativity and originality. Jeremy Scott is renowned as a designer whose style is quirky and lighthearted & his previous shoe designs for adidas Originals have, for example, included panda heads and Mickey Mouse. The design of the JS Roundhouse Mid is nothing more than the designer Jeremy Scott’s outrageous and unique take on fashion and has nothing to do with slavery. Since the shoe debuted on our Facebook page ahead of its market release in August, adidas has received both favorable and critical feedback. We apologize if people are offended by the design and we are withdrawing our plans to make them available to the marketplace.”
2012年6月24日星期日
Shopping Women’s Shoes from My Favorite Shoe Store
Want to buy shoes online? Then, this may well be the right time to shop as My Favorite Shoe Store is offering big discounts on several items. In fact, a heavy clearance sale is going on with this particular online shoe store.
Shoes are one of the most favorite fashion accessories for women. They simply love to shop for footwear anytime of the year. Having a large number of shoes is very common for a lady. In fact, some of the renowned lady celebrities do possess 500 – 600 pairs of footwear! There are several middle class woman who have around 80-100 pairs of footwear. It’s natural for women.
They love to shop. Women’s generally love to shop, Aand when it’s about footwear, and they simply cannot resist a sale.
In recent years, purchasing shoes online has become a trend among women. It requires less effort and is considered to be more convenient of a shopping option. This procedure also helps in saving some quality money. Most of the online shoe stores offer heavy discount on different footwear items.
While some of the stores One or the other, some stores offer discounts all throughout the year, while many others offers seasonal discounts. Hence, it becomes easier to search for women’s shoes online. Plenty of e-stores that sell footwear and related accessories for women are available these days. However, it is necessary to search for a store that offers quality discount on their products. Also, reliability and reputation is crucial when shopping from online vendors. This is where My Favorite Shoe Store excels.
About the company: My Favorite Shoe Store is an online shoe store that sells branded footwear at discounted rates. It is direct marketer for leading women shoe brands. S and with this shopping is absolutely safe and reliable. Every product available from at My Favorite Show Store is 100% genuine. In case customers are not satisfied with the shipped product, they can easily return back the product for a full money refund option. The company offers 30 day full money refund guarantee to every product.
Shoes are one of the most favorite fashion accessories for women. They simply love to shop for footwear anytime of the year. Having a large number of shoes is very common for a lady. In fact, some of the renowned lady celebrities do possess 500 – 600 pairs of footwear! There are several middle class woman who have around 80-100 pairs of footwear. It’s natural for women.
They love to shop. Women’s generally love to shop, Aand when it’s about footwear, and they simply cannot resist a sale.
In recent years, purchasing shoes online has become a trend among women. It requires less effort and is considered to be more convenient of a shopping option. This procedure also helps in saving some quality money. Most of the online shoe stores offer heavy discount on different footwear items.
While some of the stores One or the other, some stores offer discounts all throughout the year, while many others offers seasonal discounts. Hence, it becomes easier to search for women’s shoes online. Plenty of e-stores that sell footwear and related accessories for women are available these days. However, it is necessary to search for a store that offers quality discount on their products. Also, reliability and reputation is crucial when shopping from online vendors. This is where My Favorite Shoe Store excels.
About the company: My Favorite Shoe Store is an online shoe store that sells branded footwear at discounted rates. It is direct marketer for leading women shoe brands. S and with this shopping is absolutely safe and reliable. Every product available from at My Favorite Show Store is 100% genuine. In case customers are not satisfied with the shipped product, they can easily return back the product for a full money refund option. The company offers 30 day full money refund guarantee to every product.
2012年6月20日星期三
Fresh New Adidas Skateboarding Shoes In At Pure Board Shop
Pure Board Shop is one of the few Adidas Skateboarding authorized dealers in Maryland.
Adidas Skateboarding has always been about comfort and board control, but these new shoes are on a whole new level. They are the Busenitz and the Campus Vulcs.
Busenitz have always been a staple shoe for skateboarders; known for their long tongue and loads of padding, these shoes are built for the hardest of impacts. New for the Summer, the Busenitz feature a hard foam insert instead of the traditional gel insert. This new material ensures the best board control and feel around.
The Campus Vulcs are on the opposite side of the spectrum. They are the staple vulcanized shoe from Adidas Skateboarding. These shoes are built to last. They feature an industrial strength vulcanized rubber sole with extra padding on the ollie area where the most wear generally takes place. New for the Summer, these shoes are cut narrower to allow for even more percise board control.
Pure Board Shop has stacks of these shoes ready to sell, but they won't be here for long. Both models of shoes promise to be a huge hit among skateboarders everywhere Whether you pick the beefy, impact ready Busenitz, or the Slimmed down, durable Campus Vulcs, you know you are going to get the best and most accurate board control around.
Pure Board Shop opened its doors on May of 2005. Its ease of access and parking makes it a destination shop for riders and urban street ware fans alike. With their mix of products and variety in skate, snow, surf and exclusive streetwear and shoe brands Pure’s customers extend far beyond their Annapolis location. Pure prides itself on making customer service its number one priority, with product knowledge and having the right product mix a close second. The store and the website feature an ever growing brand inventory such as Nike SB, Nike Snowboarding, Adidas Skateboarding, Vans, Diamond, HUF, LRG, RVCA and The Hundreds. The shop also prides itself on having the largest variety of longboard equipment in the area; with brands like LandYachtz, Rayne, Caliber, Cult Wheels, Abec11 and many more. Pure puts on monthly skateboard jams/events in their local skateboard park as well as sponsors many longboard slide jams in the DC Metro Area.
Adidas Skateboarding has always been about comfort and board control, but these new shoes are on a whole new level. They are the Busenitz and the Campus Vulcs.
Busenitz have always been a staple shoe for skateboarders; known for their long tongue and loads of padding, these shoes are built for the hardest of impacts. New for the Summer, the Busenitz feature a hard foam insert instead of the traditional gel insert. This new material ensures the best board control and feel around.
The Campus Vulcs are on the opposite side of the spectrum. They are the staple vulcanized shoe from Adidas Skateboarding. These shoes are built to last. They feature an industrial strength vulcanized rubber sole with extra padding on the ollie area where the most wear generally takes place. New for the Summer, these shoes are cut narrower to allow for even more percise board control.
Pure Board Shop has stacks of these shoes ready to sell, but they won't be here for long. Both models of shoes promise to be a huge hit among skateboarders everywhere Whether you pick the beefy, impact ready Busenitz, or the Slimmed down, durable Campus Vulcs, you know you are going to get the best and most accurate board control around.
Pure Board Shop opened its doors on May of 2005. Its ease of access and parking makes it a destination shop for riders and urban street ware fans alike. With their mix of products and variety in skate, snow, surf and exclusive streetwear and shoe brands Pure’s customers extend far beyond their Annapolis location. Pure prides itself on making customer service its number one priority, with product knowledge and having the right product mix a close second. The store and the website feature an ever growing brand inventory such as Nike SB, Nike Snowboarding, Adidas Skateboarding, Vans, Diamond, HUF, LRG, RVCA and The Hundreds. The shop also prides itself on having the largest variety of longboard equipment in the area; with brands like LandYachtz, Rayne, Caliber, Cult Wheels, Abec11 and many more. Pure puts on monthly skateboard jams/events in their local skateboard park as well as sponsors many longboard slide jams in the DC Metro Area.
2012年6月19日星期二
Watch Out for a Bare Attack
Israeli shoe designers, like other designers in this country, sometimes have to abandon their vision because of the limited supply of certain imported materials. But Maya Levi, the founder and designer of Olive Thomas shoes, demonstrates in her summer collection that when there's no snakeskin in the supply closet, a dash of creativity can be enough to create a textured look.
Levi took the standard cowhide and rather less standard goatskin, which is known for being particularly soft, and cut out shapes in the leather to create a multilayered look for the 15 designs in the collection.
"I have created new textures from the existing leathers," said Levi.
The designer said she was motivated to wield the leather-cutting knife designed especially for her both because she wants to be immersed in "the smallest details" of the shoes and as a way of dealing with what she calls the larger problem: "the limited supply of leathers coming into Israel."
The result is different from Levi's usual line. In a pair of open oxfords in mint green, for example, Levi has superimposed two layers of leather and perforated both layers with small circles that allow a glimpse of the foot and look as though they have been cut by a laser.
The play of transparencies can be seen in other designs as well. Levi's pointy-toed black and red flats, for example, are more delicately perforated, with one layer of leather peeping out from under another layer of a different color and texture.
Another feature of this collection, and a piece of good news for those who like their shoes to have a classically feminine touch, is the return of the heel.
Though some of Levi's shoes can look rather masculine, her current line has several designs with six-centimeter to eight-centimeter heels. A pair of high-heeled sandals in powder pink leather with vertical slits looks quite feminine, without forcing the wearer to totter around on narrow stilettos. The heels are stable and well-built on a slant, allowing for easy and pleasant walking.
That element of comfort is also evident in the soft leather linings that help prevent blisters and discomfort, making a closed-toe shoe feel like a glove for the foot even though it looks narrow.
The collection as a whole is characterized by attention to detail. But this time you won't need to choose between comfortable shoes and beautiful, colorful and innovative heels. In her latest collection, Maya Levi gives us both.
Levi took the standard cowhide and rather less standard goatskin, which is known for being particularly soft, and cut out shapes in the leather to create a multilayered look for the 15 designs in the collection.
"I have created new textures from the existing leathers," said Levi.
The designer said she was motivated to wield the leather-cutting knife designed especially for her both because she wants to be immersed in "the smallest details" of the shoes and as a way of dealing with what she calls the larger problem: "the limited supply of leathers coming into Israel."
The result is different from Levi's usual line. In a pair of open oxfords in mint green, for example, Levi has superimposed two layers of leather and perforated both layers with small circles that allow a glimpse of the foot and look as though they have been cut by a laser.
The play of transparencies can be seen in other designs as well. Levi's pointy-toed black and red flats, for example, are more delicately perforated, with one layer of leather peeping out from under another layer of a different color and texture.
Another feature of this collection, and a piece of good news for those who like their shoes to have a classically feminine touch, is the return of the heel.
Though some of Levi's shoes can look rather masculine, her current line has several designs with six-centimeter to eight-centimeter heels. A pair of high-heeled sandals in powder pink leather with vertical slits looks quite feminine, without forcing the wearer to totter around on narrow stilettos. The heels are stable and well-built on a slant, allowing for easy and pleasant walking.
That element of comfort is also evident in the soft leather linings that help prevent blisters and discomfort, making a closed-toe shoe feel like a glove for the foot even though it looks narrow.
The collection as a whole is characterized by attention to detail. But this time you won't need to choose between comfortable shoes and beautiful, colorful and innovative heels. In her latest collection, Maya Levi gives us both.
2012年6月18日星期一
Sports Stars Try Their Hand at Shoe Design, to Winning Effect
Sports shoes developed in collaboration with famous athletes are proving hot sellers thanks to the stars' reputation and the shoes' high performance. U.S. golfer Tiger Woods, Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt and middle-distance runner Jerry Berringer Simpson of the U.S. are leading examples of such success.
Woods participated in the development of Nike's TW13 golf shoes. He wanted to come up with a pair of lightweight golf shoes and the initial batch quickly sold out. They soon drew considerable attention from golfers around the world.
Woods first suggested the idea to Nike as he thought it would be useful to apply the features of Nike Free shoes, which he wears for running or training, to golf. Nike Golf started developing the TW13 as a pair of golf shoes like sneakers that can be worn on all surfaces that golfers encounter, including short grass, sand, dirt or bumpy roads. Woods began wearing the prototype in real competitions last year.
Usain Bolt, the fastest man on the planet, will be wearing Puma's evoSPEED at the London Olympics next month. The sprinter helped design the shoes that combine flexibility with good air circulation, or "breathability."
Simpson, who won the women's 1,500 m at last year's World Championships in Athletics, was involved in the designing and performance testing of New Balance's Rev-Lite 890V2. Due to their sleek design and vibrant colors, the shoes -- which feature Simpson's autograph on the heel -- have also taken off as a fashion item.
An industry source said, "We expect to see more involvement from sports stars in clothing and shoes."
Woods participated in the development of Nike's TW13 golf shoes. He wanted to come up with a pair of lightweight golf shoes and the initial batch quickly sold out. They soon drew considerable attention from golfers around the world.
Woods first suggested the idea to Nike as he thought it would be useful to apply the features of Nike Free shoes, which he wears for running or training, to golf. Nike Golf started developing the TW13 as a pair of golf shoes like sneakers that can be worn on all surfaces that golfers encounter, including short grass, sand, dirt or bumpy roads. Woods began wearing the prototype in real competitions last year.
Usain Bolt, the fastest man on the planet, will be wearing Puma's evoSPEED at the London Olympics next month. The sprinter helped design the shoes that combine flexibility with good air circulation, or "breathability."
Simpson, who won the women's 1,500 m at last year's World Championships in Athletics, was involved in the designing and performance testing of New Balance's Rev-Lite 890V2. Due to their sleek design and vibrant colors, the shoes -- which feature Simpson's autograph on the heel -- have also taken off as a fashion item.
An industry source said, "We expect to see more involvement from sports stars in clothing and shoes."
2012年6月17日星期日
What you need to stay comfortable
It's often said that summer doesn't start in the Puget Sound region until July 5. If that's true, you've got a few more weeks to get ready for summer running.
It has happened to most runners. You push yourself to go a little farther than planned. Maybe you start less hydrated than you should or the weather heats up quicker than you expected. No matter the cause: you've got many miles to go and no water to drink.
Carry your water with you next time. Nathan Sports makes both handheld and belted options. I can't stand having something around my waist and prefer the small QuickShot variety that holds 10 ounces. But many runners prefer the hands-free approach and extra capacity the belted option offers.
Nathan Sports water bottles can be found at local sporting goods stores as well as Fred Meyer. Handheld bottles cost $12 to $19; belt $30 to $60.
The rule of thumb: if you're going to run over an hour, use a nutritional supplement like a gel. When the temperature rises -- especially if you're not used to the heat -- consider using one before you run, even if you're going only going for 45 minutes. The second rule to remember: find a gel that works and stick to with it. And never, ever try a new gel on race day unless you're willing to tempt your digestive fate.
My favorite: Honey Stinger Gold, which sells for a buck and change per gel. Other popular gels include Clif, Hammer, Gu and PowerBar.
For much of the year around here, you can run in a long-sleeve shirt, especially on early morning runs. Summer's warmer temperatures, however, give us the chance to leave that long-sleeve at home (or tie it around your waist if you can't break the habit).
The perfect tank for running in warm weather should feel like wearing nothing at all. It shouldn't add heat and it definitely shouldn't trap in moisture. REI isn't known necessarily for its running gear, but its Fleet Tank beats most major brands' offerings in my book. It doesn't chafe, is lightweight and loose-fitting, which is great for the heat. The soft fabric also protects your skin from sun with a UPF rating of 50.
With frequently grey skies here, it's easy to think you don't need sunscreen when heading out for a run. Even under the cover of clouds, the sun can cast down harmful rays. So don't forget to slather on the sunscreen.
The important points to remember: apply 15 to 30 minutes before you go outside; use a sunscreen that's water or sweatproof so it stays on long into your run.
I picked up my first pair of Brooks PureConnect shoes at an REI garage sale, thinking these lightweight -- 6.5 ounces -- shoes could be good for short summer runs. Although barefoot and minimalist shoes like these are popular, I doubted I'd be comfortable in a pair for long runs.
My PureConnect shoes were comfortable from the first moment I put them on. All other running shoes feel like running with bricks strapped on my feet compared to these. A step above barefoot shoes, this Brooks line has just enough cushioning to keep my feet from being sore after double-digit runs but not so much that my feet feel heavy or overly constrained.
Runner's World named these the "Best Debut" of a new shoe late last year. And when I bought my second pair at a local running store, I was told the store has a tough time keeping these in stock. The one drawback of these shoes is they only last about 250 to 300 miles, compared to roughly 600 for typical running shoes.
It has happened to most runners. You push yourself to go a little farther than planned. Maybe you start less hydrated than you should or the weather heats up quicker than you expected. No matter the cause: you've got many miles to go and no water to drink.
Carry your water with you next time. Nathan Sports makes both handheld and belted options. I can't stand having something around my waist and prefer the small QuickShot variety that holds 10 ounces. But many runners prefer the hands-free approach and extra capacity the belted option offers.
Nathan Sports water bottles can be found at local sporting goods stores as well as Fred Meyer. Handheld bottles cost $12 to $19; belt $30 to $60.
The rule of thumb: if you're going to run over an hour, use a nutritional supplement like a gel. When the temperature rises -- especially if you're not used to the heat -- consider using one before you run, even if you're going only going for 45 minutes. The second rule to remember: find a gel that works and stick to with it. And never, ever try a new gel on race day unless you're willing to tempt your digestive fate.
My favorite: Honey Stinger Gold, which sells for a buck and change per gel. Other popular gels include Clif, Hammer, Gu and PowerBar.
For much of the year around here, you can run in a long-sleeve shirt, especially on early morning runs. Summer's warmer temperatures, however, give us the chance to leave that long-sleeve at home (or tie it around your waist if you can't break the habit).
The perfect tank for running in warm weather should feel like wearing nothing at all. It shouldn't add heat and it definitely shouldn't trap in moisture. REI isn't known necessarily for its running gear, but its Fleet Tank beats most major brands' offerings in my book. It doesn't chafe, is lightweight and loose-fitting, which is great for the heat. The soft fabric also protects your skin from sun with a UPF rating of 50.
With frequently grey skies here, it's easy to think you don't need sunscreen when heading out for a run. Even under the cover of clouds, the sun can cast down harmful rays. So don't forget to slather on the sunscreen.
The important points to remember: apply 15 to 30 minutes before you go outside; use a sunscreen that's water or sweatproof so it stays on long into your run.
I picked up my first pair of Brooks PureConnect shoes at an REI garage sale, thinking these lightweight -- 6.5 ounces -- shoes could be good for short summer runs. Although barefoot and minimalist shoes like these are popular, I doubted I'd be comfortable in a pair for long runs.
My PureConnect shoes were comfortable from the first moment I put them on. All other running shoes feel like running with bricks strapped on my feet compared to these. A step above barefoot shoes, this Brooks line has just enough cushioning to keep my feet from being sore after double-digit runs but not so much that my feet feel heavy or overly constrained.
Runner's World named these the "Best Debut" of a new shoe late last year. And when I bought my second pair at a local running store, I was told the store has a tough time keeping these in stock. The one drawback of these shoes is they only last about 250 to 300 miles, compared to roughly 600 for typical running shoes.
2012年6月14日星期四
'Team Without Shoes' a real threat at upcoming dragon boat fest
Young and often cash-strapped, the FCRCC Eternal Dragon juniors are known for removing their sneakers before getting into their boat — unable to afford the aqua-socks most paddlers sport — preferring to go barefoot rather than wreck their shoes.
But make no mistake: the scrappy young paddlers — aged 13 to 18 — are considered a real threat at the upcoming Rio Tinto Alcan Dragon Boat Festival, June 15-17. The crew has finished on the podium 19 times since its inclusion in the regatta’s junior division in 1990.
“Some of the other teams envy us because not only have we been very competitive historically but we’re also more dedicated and willing to make a few more sacrifices to gain a few more seconds,” said team manager Judy Chan. “Our race times are often competitive with adult recreational teams, depending on the team I have.”
She might be soft spoken but Chan rules her team with an iron fist. Not only do her kids practise several times a week but in February, she imposed a junk-food ban they religiously follow.
Her tough tactics will hopefully allow the team to finally overcome its nemesis: the Laoyam Eagles of Pemberton.
“Every year we always try our very best but we’re always coming second to them the last 10 years,” said 17-year-old team veteran Rosy Teed. “They are a team of giants. We’re tiny.
“Our thing is practise all year, focus on every tiny detail of our stroke, try to get it perfect. I hope this year we can close that one-second gap.”
This weekend’s competition will also serve as a tune-up for the upcoming Club Crew World Championships in Hong Kong, July 4-8. Thanks to their consistent results and high national seeding, the Eternal Dragons were selected for the first time by Dragonboat Canada to compete at the prestigious 58-country contest, held every two years.
“They’re the only junior team going from Canada this year,” Chan declared proudly.
The team must be on its toes. The Hong Kong contest will be nothing like the races on the calm, protected waters of False Creek.
During practice Monday, the Eternal Dragons had a coach boat speed along in front of them to create a wake, simulating the turbulence of Victoria Harbour in East Tsim Sha Tsui, where a constant traffic of speedboats and barges churn the waters.
“There are a lot of people that flip. They didn’t flip Monday so they were quite proud,” Chan said, noting that those who flip in Hong Kong are also at risk of disease.
“It’s not like False Creek; In Hong Kong you really want to have typhoid and other shots,” Chan said.
Sadly, only half of the team’s 46 paddlers can afford the $2,500 price tag, covering airfare, hotel, regatta fees and the team shirt. Coming as a bit of a shocker, Chan just discovered uniform shorts are also mandatory.
They’ve been holding car washes and recycling juice boxes for the Canadian Blood Services to raise money, but parents have had to kick in, too.
“We’re still trying to scrape it together every which way. It’s been difficult,” Chan said. “Some of the kids’ families are fine with the cost because it’s a once in a lifetime chance for their child. But not everyone can.”
Alexandra Chin, 17, won’t be traveling to Hong Kong, so the Vancouver regatta will be her swan song.
“This is my last year so I really hope we can win this last race at Alcan, beat the Eagles. That might make up a bit for Hong Kong.”
But make no mistake: the scrappy young paddlers — aged 13 to 18 — are considered a real threat at the upcoming Rio Tinto Alcan Dragon Boat Festival, June 15-17. The crew has finished on the podium 19 times since its inclusion in the regatta’s junior division in 1990.
“Some of the other teams envy us because not only have we been very competitive historically but we’re also more dedicated and willing to make a few more sacrifices to gain a few more seconds,” said team manager Judy Chan. “Our race times are often competitive with adult recreational teams, depending on the team I have.”
She might be soft spoken but Chan rules her team with an iron fist. Not only do her kids practise several times a week but in February, she imposed a junk-food ban they religiously follow.
Her tough tactics will hopefully allow the team to finally overcome its nemesis: the Laoyam Eagles of Pemberton.
“Every year we always try our very best but we’re always coming second to them the last 10 years,” said 17-year-old team veteran Rosy Teed. “They are a team of giants. We’re tiny.
“Our thing is practise all year, focus on every tiny detail of our stroke, try to get it perfect. I hope this year we can close that one-second gap.”
This weekend’s competition will also serve as a tune-up for the upcoming Club Crew World Championships in Hong Kong, July 4-8. Thanks to their consistent results and high national seeding, the Eternal Dragons were selected for the first time by Dragonboat Canada to compete at the prestigious 58-country contest, held every two years.
“They’re the only junior team going from Canada this year,” Chan declared proudly.
The team must be on its toes. The Hong Kong contest will be nothing like the races on the calm, protected waters of False Creek.
During practice Monday, the Eternal Dragons had a coach boat speed along in front of them to create a wake, simulating the turbulence of Victoria Harbour in East Tsim Sha Tsui, where a constant traffic of speedboats and barges churn the waters.
“There are a lot of people that flip. They didn’t flip Monday so they were quite proud,” Chan said, noting that those who flip in Hong Kong are also at risk of disease.
“It’s not like False Creek; In Hong Kong you really want to have typhoid and other shots,” Chan said.
Sadly, only half of the team’s 46 paddlers can afford the $2,500 price tag, covering airfare, hotel, regatta fees and the team shirt. Coming as a bit of a shocker, Chan just discovered uniform shorts are also mandatory.
They’ve been holding car washes and recycling juice boxes for the Canadian Blood Services to raise money, but parents have had to kick in, too.
“We’re still trying to scrape it together every which way. It’s been difficult,” Chan said. “Some of the kids’ families are fine with the cost because it’s a once in a lifetime chance for their child. But not everyone can.”
Alexandra Chin, 17, won’t be traveling to Hong Kong, so the Vancouver regatta will be her swan song.
“This is my last year so I really hope we can win this last race at Alcan, beat the Eagles. That might make up a bit for Hong Kong.”
2012年6月13日星期三
When you want to work with a blogger in a way
There’s been some backlash from designers and brands as they question having to pay bloggers from $5,000 up to $50,000 to work with them. Skeptics question whether paying bloggers results in significant return on investment, especially in comparison to a magazine or television ad. Besides, some brands contend, if bloggers are journalists, journalists aren’t paid for writing about a company.
Bloggers argue back that their fees have substantial ROI because blogs can drive millions of page views a month both on their sites and the brand’s Web site. So why shouldn’t they be paid? And while some bloggers are journalists in the true sense, most of them don’t consider themselves journalists on par with those at The New York Times or the The Wall Street Journal. They are more like columnists, expressing opinions about what they see.
“When you want to work with a blogger in a way that you would with any influencer — whether it’s a photographer, a stylist, a designer for your windows, a public endorser of your brand, advertising or a design collaboration — that’s where you have to compensate because you would compensate anyone for those things,” said Karen Robinovitz, co-founder and chief creative officer of Digital Brand Architects, who considers herself the pioneer of “blogger agents.”
She pointed out that if a brand sends a blogger a box of clothes with the intent of having them create four dedicated full looks that they need shot for posts, the talent has to location scout — and is responsible for styling, hair, makeup, photography, art direction, retouching, copywriting and posting.
“That takes a magazine sometimes 20 people to pull off,” Robinovitz said.
The tension between brands and bloggers is resulting from the ever-evolving world of the Web. As brands increase their involvement with bloggers in terms of coverage and projects, the line between what they should be paid for and what they shouldn’t is growing increasingly blurry.
For between $5,000 and $20,000, a brand can work with an influential blogger to host an event (plus airfare, hotel and entertainment, of course) — one that gets upward of a few million page views a month and will cross-promote the brand on the blogger’s site (although the jury is still out on proving ROI from page views, with sales being the only concrete measure). Starting from $20,000 to $25,000 (and up), a company can book a blogger for various weeklong projects during Fashion Week — with some bloggers fetching nearly $50,000 for even longer-term partnerships. In 2010, Bryanboy’s Bryan Grey Yambao boasted that he made more than $100,000 a year from blogging (and got a lot of flack for it) — which by today’s standards seems quite low for a top-tier blogger, especially when one factors in the partnerships with advertising and other heavily integrated projects.
Bloggers argue back that their fees have substantial ROI because blogs can drive millions of page views a month both on their sites and the brand’s Web site. So why shouldn’t they be paid? And while some bloggers are journalists in the true sense, most of them don’t consider themselves journalists on par with those at The New York Times or the The Wall Street Journal. They are more like columnists, expressing opinions about what they see.
“When you want to work with a blogger in a way that you would with any influencer — whether it’s a photographer, a stylist, a designer for your windows, a public endorser of your brand, advertising or a design collaboration — that’s where you have to compensate because you would compensate anyone for those things,” said Karen Robinovitz, co-founder and chief creative officer of Digital Brand Architects, who considers herself the pioneer of “blogger agents.”
She pointed out that if a brand sends a blogger a box of clothes with the intent of having them create four dedicated full looks that they need shot for posts, the talent has to location scout — and is responsible for styling, hair, makeup, photography, art direction, retouching, copywriting and posting.
“That takes a magazine sometimes 20 people to pull off,” Robinovitz said.
The tension between brands and bloggers is resulting from the ever-evolving world of the Web. As brands increase their involvement with bloggers in terms of coverage and projects, the line between what they should be paid for and what they shouldn’t is growing increasingly blurry.
For between $5,000 and $20,000, a brand can work with an influential blogger to host an event (plus airfare, hotel and entertainment, of course) — one that gets upward of a few million page views a month and will cross-promote the brand on the blogger’s site (although the jury is still out on proving ROI from page views, with sales being the only concrete measure). Starting from $20,000 to $25,000 (and up), a company can book a blogger for various weeklong projects during Fashion Week — with some bloggers fetching nearly $50,000 for even longer-term partnerships. In 2010, Bryanboy’s Bryan Grey Yambao boasted that he made more than $100,000 a year from blogging (and got a lot of flack for it) — which by today’s standards seems quite low for a top-tier blogger, especially when one factors in the partnerships with advertising and other heavily integrated projects.
2012年6月12日星期二
The Duchess of Cambridge ‘doesn’t need style advice’
Louboutin’s red-soled shoes are a favourite choice for a host of celebrities from Coleen Rooney to Victoria Beckham, but he insists Kate doesn’t need high fashion to make her interesting.
“She has all the choice in the world,” he told vogue.co.uk. “She’s a very elegant young woman. I wouldn’t give her any advice – she doesn’t need it, let her choose for herself. She’s a big girl now.”
Kate has gained much praise for her contemporary style and has transformed undiscovered brands into household names.
‘The Duchess Effect’ has been credited with giving the UK economy an astonishing ￡2 billion boost with high street brands Reiss, LK Bennett, Zara and even George at Asda having benefitted from the Kate’s outfit choices.
Louboutin’s compliment comes not long after he launched a sharp-tongued attack on women who struggle to walk in his skyscraper heels.
The designer previously told Grazia Magazine that it didn’t matter to him if women were in pain when they wore his shoes but that they should look elegant.“If you can’t walk in them, then don’t wear them,” was his black and white advice.
Addressing the quote in his latest interview with Vogue, Louboutin said he had been misquoted as far as his designs go.
“People say I am the king of painful shoes. I don’t want to create painful shoes, but it is not my job to create something comfortable. I try to make high heels as comfortable as they can be, but my priority is design, beauty and sexiness,” he added. “I’m not against them, but comfort is not my focus.”
Louboutin is currently celebrating his 20th anniversary in fashion and is the subject of an extensive retrospective exhibition at London’s Design Museum.
Not that we needed Louboutin’s blessing to lust over Kate’s style choices!
“She has all the choice in the world,” he told vogue.co.uk. “She’s a very elegant young woman. I wouldn’t give her any advice – she doesn’t need it, let her choose for herself. She’s a big girl now.”
Kate has gained much praise for her contemporary style and has transformed undiscovered brands into household names.
‘The Duchess Effect’ has been credited with giving the UK economy an astonishing ￡2 billion boost with high street brands Reiss, LK Bennett, Zara and even George at Asda having benefitted from the Kate’s outfit choices.
Louboutin’s compliment comes not long after he launched a sharp-tongued attack on women who struggle to walk in his skyscraper heels.
The designer previously told Grazia Magazine that it didn’t matter to him if women were in pain when they wore his shoes but that they should look elegant.“If you can’t walk in them, then don’t wear them,” was his black and white advice.
Addressing the quote in his latest interview with Vogue, Louboutin said he had been misquoted as far as his designs go.
“People say I am the king of painful shoes. I don’t want to create painful shoes, but it is not my job to create something comfortable. I try to make high heels as comfortable as they can be, but my priority is design, beauty and sexiness,” he added. “I’m not against them, but comfort is not my focus.”
Louboutin is currently celebrating his 20th anniversary in fashion and is the subject of an extensive retrospective exhibition at London’s Design Museum.
Not that we needed Louboutin’s blessing to lust over Kate’s style choices!
2012年6月11日星期一
Friday's Most Suprising Stock?
One stock yesterday refused to be trodden down by investors running pell-mell from Wall Street. While most of the market slumped, the Brown Shoe Co. (BWS, $10.99) soared. It climbed 25% on surprising quarterly sales and upbeat guidance.
The St. Louis company is best known for selling moderately priced women’s shoes, mainly through its Famous Footwear stores. For the most part, the company features a number of lesser-known brands, but includes a smattering of big ones, from Dr. Scholl’s elderly orthopedics and to Vera Wang‘s tony handbags. (Did we mention that the product line ranged a bit?) It should not be confused, though, with the similarly named H.H. Brown Shoe Co., a Berkshire Hathaway subsidiary.
The Brown Shoe is midway through a turnaround. The overhaul began last year when CEO Diane Sullivan laid out plans to cut costs and stop a two-year slide in sales. Half the analysts covering the stock rate it as Hold; the others give it an Overweight or Buy rating. Some prudence seems sensible before lacing up and jumping into the stock.
To be sure, Brown Shoe made some progress with its turnaround this past quarter. Excluding one-time items, it earned 23 cents a share, climbing from 16 cents a year earlier. This beat analysts’ expectations of nine cents a share. It raised its full-year earnings forecast on Friday, from 83 cents to 95 cents a share, up from 78 cents to 92 cents.
Needing to trim, expenses in the March period dropped 6.5%. Meanwhile, same-store sales at Famous Footwear rose 2.5%, as the company shuttered poor performing stores; Brown Shoe now sees revenue between $2.57 billion and $2.59 billion, up from $2.55 bullion to $2.58 bullion. Looking ahead, the stock looks cheap, trading at 9.6 times forward earnings.
The stock sports an attractive dividend. An investor today would see a 2.6% yield. That beats the S&P 500′s 2.1% and the 10-year Treasury’s 1.72%. In five years, it more than doubled the cash on its balance sheet, going from $54 million in 2007 to $127 million in 2011. That cash hoard amounts to roughly $3 a share. Still, its free cash flow has been erratic and, at times, non-existent. It posted a loss of $57 million last year after a $68 million gain in 2010.
Like any retailer, its fortune depends on its fashion mix. Unfortunately, the scant amount of well-known brand names in its portfolio hurts. If customers face any reason to cut back, Brown Shoe would be the first to receive the boot from shopping plans.
“The firm has competed admirably with Wal-Mart and Kohl’s for more than a decade, but economic headwinds have driven consumers to the mass channel,” says Morningstar’s Jeremy Cohen. It also competes with other stores like J.C. Penney and Sears Holdings. Cohen likes Brown Shoe’s ability to attract repeat customers, pointing out that nearly half of Famous Footwear’s 2010 sales came from shoppers in the loyalty rewards program. “However, we caution that a tenuous state of spending and perceived weakness in the economy could drive even more of its patrons toward the discount big-box stores,” says Cohen. If the market tumbles too often now, Brown Shoe could trip up.
The St. Louis company is best known for selling moderately priced women’s shoes, mainly through its Famous Footwear stores. For the most part, the company features a number of lesser-known brands, but includes a smattering of big ones, from Dr. Scholl’s elderly orthopedics and to Vera Wang‘s tony handbags. (Did we mention that the product line ranged a bit?) It should not be confused, though, with the similarly named H.H. Brown Shoe Co., a Berkshire Hathaway subsidiary.
The Brown Shoe is midway through a turnaround. The overhaul began last year when CEO Diane Sullivan laid out plans to cut costs and stop a two-year slide in sales. Half the analysts covering the stock rate it as Hold; the others give it an Overweight or Buy rating. Some prudence seems sensible before lacing up and jumping into the stock.
To be sure, Brown Shoe made some progress with its turnaround this past quarter. Excluding one-time items, it earned 23 cents a share, climbing from 16 cents a year earlier. This beat analysts’ expectations of nine cents a share. It raised its full-year earnings forecast on Friday, from 83 cents to 95 cents a share, up from 78 cents to 92 cents.
Needing to trim, expenses in the March period dropped 6.5%. Meanwhile, same-store sales at Famous Footwear rose 2.5%, as the company shuttered poor performing stores; Brown Shoe now sees revenue between $2.57 billion and $2.59 billion, up from $2.55 bullion to $2.58 bullion. Looking ahead, the stock looks cheap, trading at 9.6 times forward earnings.
The stock sports an attractive dividend. An investor today would see a 2.6% yield. That beats the S&P 500′s 2.1% and the 10-year Treasury’s 1.72%. In five years, it more than doubled the cash on its balance sheet, going from $54 million in 2007 to $127 million in 2011. That cash hoard amounts to roughly $3 a share. Still, its free cash flow has been erratic and, at times, non-existent. It posted a loss of $57 million last year after a $68 million gain in 2010.
Like any retailer, its fortune depends on its fashion mix. Unfortunately, the scant amount of well-known brand names in its portfolio hurts. If customers face any reason to cut back, Brown Shoe would be the first to receive the boot from shopping plans.
“The firm has competed admirably with Wal-Mart and Kohl’s for more than a decade, but economic headwinds have driven consumers to the mass channel,” says Morningstar’s Jeremy Cohen. It also competes with other stores like J.C. Penney and Sears Holdings. Cohen likes Brown Shoe’s ability to attract repeat customers, pointing out that nearly half of Famous Footwear’s 2010 sales came from shoppers in the loyalty rewards program. “However, we caution that a tenuous state of spending and perceived weakness in the economy could drive even more of its patrons toward the discount big-box stores,” says Cohen. If the market tumbles too often now, Brown Shoe could trip up.
2012年6月10日星期日
Kanye West is no newcomer to the world of fashion
LOS ANGELES & SAN FRANCISCO, Jun 07, Lines have begun to form at two specific locations of the popular urban contemporary retailer, Shiekh Shoes with their announcement today, that two of their California retail locations in San Francisco and Culver City, CA, will be among the first to carry a limited supply of the Nike Air Yeezy 2 -- designed in collaboration with famed rapper/producer Kanye West.
According to the store manager of Shiekh Shoes's San Francisco flagship store, more than 30 people had lined up by mid-afternoon of June 6, three days in advance of the sale at Shiekh Shoes of the Air Yeezy 2. Apparently many of those on the line are staying overnight and swapping places with friends, so that they have the opportunity to get this coveted sneaker.
Nike is anticipated to release between 3,000 and 5,000 pairs of the Air Yeezy 2, thus making this a very limited edition release. And because the demand will surely exceed the supply everywhere, enthusiasts are already announcing the "sale" of pre-production Air Yeezy 2's, with a selling price of thousands of dollars on eBay.
Kanye West is no newcomer to the world of fashion. He interned with Louis Vuitton and debuted his own shoe line with them during Paris Fashion Week in 2009. In 2010 he began working with Nike to develop his Air Yeezy line. In 2011, he debuted his women's wear label, DW Kanye West, at Paris Fashion Week.
The Air Yeezy 2 comes with hand-skived anaconda textured leather quarter panels and a reptilian-like rear spike, as well as opulent details and references to ancient civilizations: hieroglyphics spell out "YZY" on the shoe's loop strap and the Roman numeral "II" is etched on the leather lace toggle. The Air Yeezy 2 prototype was also tailored to West's own foot, rendering it slimmer than the original.
Shiekh's flagship location in Downtown San Francisco and Shiekh's retail location at Westfield Culver City, California, will be the Shiekh locations that will have the Air Yeezy 2 for sale as of Saturday morning on June 9.
According to the store manager of Shiekh Shoes's San Francisco flagship store, more than 30 people had lined up by mid-afternoon of June 6, three days in advance of the sale at Shiekh Shoes of the Air Yeezy 2. Apparently many of those on the line are staying overnight and swapping places with friends, so that they have the opportunity to get this coveted sneaker.
Nike is anticipated to release between 3,000 and 5,000 pairs of the Air Yeezy 2, thus making this a very limited edition release. And because the demand will surely exceed the supply everywhere, enthusiasts are already announcing the "sale" of pre-production Air Yeezy 2's, with a selling price of thousands of dollars on eBay.
Kanye West is no newcomer to the world of fashion. He interned with Louis Vuitton and debuted his own shoe line with them during Paris Fashion Week in 2009. In 2010 he began working with Nike to develop his Air Yeezy line. In 2011, he debuted his women's wear label, DW Kanye West, at Paris Fashion Week.
The Air Yeezy 2 comes with hand-skived anaconda textured leather quarter panels and a reptilian-like rear spike, as well as opulent details and references to ancient civilizations: hieroglyphics spell out "YZY" on the shoe's loop strap and the Roman numeral "II" is etched on the leather lace toggle. The Air Yeezy 2 prototype was also tailored to West's own foot, rendering it slimmer than the original.
Shiekh's flagship location in Downtown San Francisco and Shiekh's retail location at Westfield Culver City, California, will be the Shiekh locations that will have the Air Yeezy 2 for sale as of Saturday morning on June 9.
2012年6月7日星期四
Reading Bradbury for the 1st time, a fan was born
It was in a sixth-grade English class that I first encountered the work of Ray Bradbury, in a short story called "The Sound of Summer Running." It wasn't the science fiction Bradbury became famous for; the story took place in the real world, and was told through the eyes of a boy longing for new sneakers.
But the way Bradbury captured the angst and dreams of an ordinary kid was captivating to me as a young reader, opening up a whole new and thrilling world of literature.
Until then, I'd mostly read formulaic, plot-driven stories for kids, so forgettable that not one of them sticks in my mind. But from the opening paragraph of "The Sound of Summer Running," I was hooked.
A boy named Douglas sees sneakers in a store window but can't turn away fast enough: "His ankles were seized, his feet suspended, then rushed. The earth spun." It wasn't about aliens or time travel, but about Bradbury's way of using words on a page to turn human emotion almost into three-dimensional figures.
Stuck in his old, dead sneakers, Douglas imagines shoes with "marshmallows and coiled springs in the soles," with the "hard sinews of buck deer." That night he dreams of rabbits running. And the next day, he suggests to a shoe store owner that the owner try on a pair of shoes. Transported by that experience, the old man gives a new pair to Douglas and says the boy can work the cost off through chores.
Douglas puts the sneakers on, his feet "deep in the rivers, in the fields of wheat, in the wind that already was rushing him out of the town."
"Antelopes? Gazelles?" the old man asks.
Douglas nods and vanishes.
No, it wasn't science fiction. But Bradbury didn't need to conjure up the rain on Venus or an exploding space ship to pull readers in. The essence of his books or at least what intrigued me as an adolescent and kept me going back to them throughout my life was Bradbury's ability to put in words what it feels like to be human — whether stranded on a planet light years from earth or standing in a shoe store, staring at the sneakers of your dreams.
But the way Bradbury captured the angst and dreams of an ordinary kid was captivating to me as a young reader, opening up a whole new and thrilling world of literature.
Until then, I'd mostly read formulaic, plot-driven stories for kids, so forgettable that not one of them sticks in my mind. But from the opening paragraph of "The Sound of Summer Running," I was hooked.
A boy named Douglas sees sneakers in a store window but can't turn away fast enough: "His ankles were seized, his feet suspended, then rushed. The earth spun." It wasn't about aliens or time travel, but about Bradbury's way of using words on a page to turn human emotion almost into three-dimensional figures.
Stuck in his old, dead sneakers, Douglas imagines shoes with "marshmallows and coiled springs in the soles," with the "hard sinews of buck deer." That night he dreams of rabbits running. And the next day, he suggests to a shoe store owner that the owner try on a pair of shoes. Transported by that experience, the old man gives a new pair to Douglas and says the boy can work the cost off through chores.
Douglas puts the sneakers on, his feet "deep in the rivers, in the fields of wheat, in the wind that already was rushing him out of the town."
"Antelopes? Gazelles?" the old man asks.
Douglas nods and vanishes.
No, it wasn't science fiction. But Bradbury didn't need to conjure up the rain on Venus or an exploding space ship to pull readers in. The essence of his books or at least what intrigued me as an adolescent and kept me going back to them throughout my life was Bradbury's ability to put in words what it feels like to be human — whether stranded on a planet light years from earth or standing in a shoe store, staring at the sneakers of your dreams.
2012年6月6日星期三
Louboutin in taking a new step into the beauty business
The new Louboutin cosmetics line will enter the luxury beauty market in the summer of 2013 and is being produced by New York-based beauty company Batallure Beauty, an enterprise that specializes in the creative development of beauty brands.
The 49-year-old French fashioner, stated that "the beauty adventure is the natural extension for someone like me, who likes to empower women," according to The Daily Mail.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Louboutin was first inspired by a bottle of bright red nail lacquer to tinge the soles of his giddy high-heel designs. And now, Louboutin is empowering women through an inspiration that came from the bust of Nefertiti at the Neues Museum in Berlin.
The cosmetics line will include "multiple, unspecified classifications," according to The Huffington Post, and by "multiple, unspecified classifications," Louboutin is referring to anything from nail polish to eyeshadow.
Nonetheless, what the designer did confirm to The Hollywood Reporter is that there will be one or more fragrances accompanying the beauty line, fragrances that most likely will include a "leather note."
Louboutin in taking a new step into the beauty business and joins Batallure Beauty's exclusive client list, which also includes Material Girl by Madonna, and Justin Bieber fragrance.
The 49-year-old French fashioner, stated that "the beauty adventure is the natural extension for someone like me, who likes to empower women," according to The Daily Mail.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Louboutin was first inspired by a bottle of bright red nail lacquer to tinge the soles of his giddy high-heel designs. And now, Louboutin is empowering women through an inspiration that came from the bust of Nefertiti at the Neues Museum in Berlin.
The cosmetics line will include "multiple, unspecified classifications," according to The Huffington Post, and by "multiple, unspecified classifications," Louboutin is referring to anything from nail polish to eyeshadow.
Nonetheless, what the designer did confirm to The Hollywood Reporter is that there will be one or more fragrances accompanying the beauty line, fragrances that most likely will include a "leather note."
Louboutin in taking a new step into the beauty business and joins Batallure Beauty's exclusive client list, which also includes Material Girl by Madonna, and Justin Bieber fragrance.
2012年6月5日星期二
"Seth in the City" is not a hit
Here’s a handy guide to etiquette for politicians inviting people to campaign fund-raisers:
It’s quirky but acceptable to ask women to "dress like a star and put on your sexiest shoes."
It’s much more of a problem to have the campaign email employees at work to say their boss would love it if they attended and urged them to invite other staffers to tag along.
So it goes for "Seth in the City," the Wednesday evening fundraiser for District Attorney Seth Williams, modeled on the HBO show "Sex and the City."
Lisette Gonzalez, executive director for Williams’ political action committee last week emailed 34 of his staffers with the rank of deputy or chief, advising them that city ethics rules allow them to attend the fundraiser and contribute to their boss’s bid for a second term in 2013.
"I know for a fact, Seth would love it you could attend and support his event next week," Gonzalez wrote in her email.
That looks like macing -- pressuring public employees for campaign money -- according to Sam Stretton, an attorney for Williams’ campaign.
Gonzalez and Tasha Jamerson, a spokeswoman for the DA, said Williams did not know about or approve the email before it was sent. The email was first reported by The Legal Intelligencer Tuesday.
"You can’t go and put subtle pressure on staff to contribute. That’s illegal," Stretton said Tuesday. "I just think Seth has to realize that he’s in the big-time. He has to get his campaign staff a little better organized."
Gonzalez took the blame, saying Williams set her straight.
"I was hoping that we would get responses and I would surprise him with some of his chiefs and deputies being there," she said. "From here on out, I’m not to send any campaign related material to anybody [with a District Attorney’s office email]."
Gonzalez said she hasn’t seen "a whole lot of staff support" at campaign fund-raisers while lamenting as "sad" the fact that her email was leaked to the media.
The fundraiser invitation says it is black tie optional, adding:
"Ladies, dress like a star and put on your sexiest shoes. Gentlemen, dress to impress!"
Jamerson said First Assistant District Attorney Ed McCann, who received the email, "immediately identified that it was not appropriate" and alerted the staff that they were under no obligation to attend the fundraiser.
It’s quirky but acceptable to ask women to "dress like a star and put on your sexiest shoes."
It’s much more of a problem to have the campaign email employees at work to say their boss would love it if they attended and urged them to invite other staffers to tag along.
So it goes for "Seth in the City," the Wednesday evening fundraiser for District Attorney Seth Williams, modeled on the HBO show "Sex and the City."
Lisette Gonzalez, executive director for Williams’ political action committee last week emailed 34 of his staffers with the rank of deputy or chief, advising them that city ethics rules allow them to attend the fundraiser and contribute to their boss’s bid for a second term in 2013.
"I know for a fact, Seth would love it you could attend and support his event next week," Gonzalez wrote in her email.
That looks like macing -- pressuring public employees for campaign money -- according to Sam Stretton, an attorney for Williams’ campaign.
Gonzalez and Tasha Jamerson, a spokeswoman for the DA, said Williams did not know about or approve the email before it was sent. The email was first reported by The Legal Intelligencer Tuesday.
"You can’t go and put subtle pressure on staff to contribute. That’s illegal," Stretton said Tuesday. "I just think Seth has to realize that he’s in the big-time. He has to get his campaign staff a little better organized."
Gonzalez took the blame, saying Williams set her straight.
"I was hoping that we would get responses and I would surprise him with some of his chiefs and deputies being there," she said. "From here on out, I’m not to send any campaign related material to anybody [with a District Attorney’s office email]."
Gonzalez said she hasn’t seen "a whole lot of staff support" at campaign fund-raisers while lamenting as "sad" the fact that her email was leaked to the media.
The fundraiser invitation says it is black tie optional, adding:
"Ladies, dress like a star and put on your sexiest shoes. Gentlemen, dress to impress!"
Jamerson said First Assistant District Attorney Ed McCann, who received the email, "immediately identified that it was not appropriate" and alerted the staff that they were under no obligation to attend the fundraiser.
2012年6月4日星期一
Marvel Superhero Sneakers
This year is turning out to be one of the most Marvel-ous (sorry) in movie history. First, "The Avengers" set worldwide box-office records; next up is the big-budget "Amazing Spider-Man" reboot, which comes out on July 3rd; and, most importantly, Marvel just announced a collaboration with Reebok for some super superhero-themed retro sneakers. (Okay, so maybe the latter isn't quite as impressive as $1 billion in ticket sales, but it's still pretty cool.)
The lineup of superhero shoes features footwear inspired by, and dedicated to, Captain America, Red Skull, Spider-Man, Venom, Wolverine, Sabretooth, Deadpool, and Chamber, on famous Reebok styles like the '90s Ventilator, Pump Omni HLS, and Pump Fury HLS.
Rhode Island-based artist Anthony Petrie, who had been working with Marvel for a few years to create Spider-Man-licensed shoes, helped bring the line to fruition, stating that he's excited to get some "adult sizes for us grown-up nerds (and nerd-ettes)!"
And that's not just a joke. Nerd-ettes should feast their eyes on the two pairs of shoes designed specifically with the chic geek in mind: The all-white Emma Frost / White Queen (played by January Jones in "X-Men: First Class") Freestyle Hi-Tops, and the all-black Black Widow (played by Scarlett Johansson in "Marvel's The Avengers") sneakers with gold velcro straps.
Each shoe in the Reebok x Marvel collection comes with a unique hang-tag and graphic insoles with original art.
But as impressive as this collection is, it notably omits the Incredible Hulk and Iron Man, among others. Shoes that change color when you're angry? Shoes that have their own power cores? Hopefully, that's all in the works.
You can see a few of the sneakers in the gallery below. To check out the entire collection, head over to Anthony Petrie's Tumblr.
Check out Marvel's "The Avengers" in theaters now, "The Amazing Spider-Man" on July 3rd, and the shoes in stores soon.
Lofton's toughest task will be replacing Vilma as a leader. The middle linebacker is naturally the quarterback of the defense. This Saints group lacks an identity at this point. It's on Lofton to prove he was worth the money (five years for $27.5 million).
Lofton was viewed as a good, but not great player with the Atlanta Falcons. They wouldn't have let him leave in free agency otherwise, much less see him go to their biggest division rival.
Expectations will be high for Lofton in New Orleans. He has to live up to the standards of a franchise legend in Vilma. In many ways, it's on Lofton to hold this Saints defense together.
The lineup of superhero shoes features footwear inspired by, and dedicated to, Captain America, Red Skull, Spider-Man, Venom, Wolverine, Sabretooth, Deadpool, and Chamber, on famous Reebok styles like the '90s Ventilator, Pump Omni HLS, and Pump Fury HLS.
Rhode Island-based artist Anthony Petrie, who had been working with Marvel for a few years to create Spider-Man-licensed shoes, helped bring the line to fruition, stating that he's excited to get some "adult sizes for us grown-up nerds (and nerd-ettes)!"
And that's not just a joke. Nerd-ettes should feast their eyes on the two pairs of shoes designed specifically with the chic geek in mind: The all-white Emma Frost / White Queen (played by January Jones in "X-Men: First Class") Freestyle Hi-Tops, and the all-black Black Widow (played by Scarlett Johansson in "Marvel's The Avengers") sneakers with gold velcro straps.
Each shoe in the Reebok x Marvel collection comes with a unique hang-tag and graphic insoles with original art.
But as impressive as this collection is, it notably omits the Incredible Hulk and Iron Man, among others. Shoes that change color when you're angry? Shoes that have their own power cores? Hopefully, that's all in the works.
You can see a few of the sneakers in the gallery below. To check out the entire collection, head over to Anthony Petrie's Tumblr.
Check out Marvel's "The Avengers" in theaters now, "The Amazing Spider-Man" on July 3rd, and the shoes in stores soon.
Lofton's toughest task will be replacing Vilma as a leader. The middle linebacker is naturally the quarterback of the defense. This Saints group lacks an identity at this point. It's on Lofton to prove he was worth the money (five years for $27.5 million).
Lofton was viewed as a good, but not great player with the Atlanta Falcons. They wouldn't have let him leave in free agency otherwise, much less see him go to their biggest division rival.
Expectations will be high for Lofton in New Orleans. He has to live up to the standards of a franchise legend in Vilma. In many ways, it's on Lofton to hold this Saints defense together.
2012年6月3日星期日
French Open run ends for U.S. teen Sloane Stephens
But there was no sad face for Stephens — the youngest women left in the draw and soon to be the youngest in the top 60 based on ranking projections.
"I have had such a good time," she said after of her run in Paris, her first trip to the last 16 at a major. "And even though every day I have been saying, 'Man, I can't wait to get home to eat my grandpa's curry crab,' I don't want to leave. So it's kind of bittersweet that I'm going home, but I had so much fun."
Sixth-seeded Stosur said "inexperience probably showed through a little bit," but the Australian had high praise for her opponent.
"I think as she matures and gets a little bit older that's all going to really come together," Stosur said of her power, speed and shot-making. "I think she's got a very good future ahead of her."
If Stephens' loss doesn't derail a breakthrough effort, it did knock her out of the Olympics and ostensibly brings to a close the scramble for London Games singles slots.
The rankings cutoff is June 11, the day after the French Open ends, with most players ranked 56 or higher guaranteed a place in the singles draw.
Only four singles and two doubles players per country can be nominated, and based on the projected rankings those players will be (current rankings) No. 5 Serena Williams, No. 36 Christina McHale, No. 53 Venus Williams and No. 63 Varvara Lepchenko.
Top-ranked Liezel Huber and Lisa Raymond should round out the team in doubles.
To earn a place, Stephens had to reach the quarterfinals or advance one round further than Lepchenko here. Lepchenko plays No. 4 Petra Kvitova of the Czech Republic in the fourth round today.
For the U.S. women, the plot thickened considerably in the last three months as Venus Williams, returned to action and Lepchenko and Stephens surged up the rankings. Venus has missed much of the year battling Sjogren's syndrome, an energy-sapping autoimmune disorder.
In March, Vania King looked to be in solid position to make the team, but illness and injury slowed her down (she lost in the second round here), opening the door.
Lepchenko began the season at No. 127 and Stephens was ranked No. 92 before reaching the semifinals of Strasbourg two weeks ago.
All week, the women tried to avoid the topic.
"I don't want to think about (the Olympics) because I don't want to put myself on the team yet," said McHale, 20, earlier this week before losing to defending champ Li Na of China in three sets. "I just want to wait until the tournament ends and see who gets in."
Serena and Lepchenko still need waivers from the International Tennis Federation, which oversees the tournament at the Olympics, to qualify.
Both failed eligibility requirements of making themselves available for Fed Cup duty in two of the previous four years.
Serena was out for 11 months in 2010-11 with injuries and illness, including a hematoma and blood clots. Uzbekistan-born Lepchenko only became a U.S. citizen in September.
"I have had such a good time," she said after of her run in Paris, her first trip to the last 16 at a major. "And even though every day I have been saying, 'Man, I can't wait to get home to eat my grandpa's curry crab,' I don't want to leave. So it's kind of bittersweet that I'm going home, but I had so much fun."
Sixth-seeded Stosur said "inexperience probably showed through a little bit," but the Australian had high praise for her opponent.
"I think as she matures and gets a little bit older that's all going to really come together," Stosur said of her power, speed and shot-making. "I think she's got a very good future ahead of her."
If Stephens' loss doesn't derail a breakthrough effort, it did knock her out of the Olympics and ostensibly brings to a close the scramble for London Games singles slots.
The rankings cutoff is June 11, the day after the French Open ends, with most players ranked 56 or higher guaranteed a place in the singles draw.
Only four singles and two doubles players per country can be nominated, and based on the projected rankings those players will be (current rankings) No. 5 Serena Williams, No. 36 Christina McHale, No. 53 Venus Williams and No. 63 Varvara Lepchenko.
Top-ranked Liezel Huber and Lisa Raymond should round out the team in doubles.
To earn a place, Stephens had to reach the quarterfinals or advance one round further than Lepchenko here. Lepchenko plays No. 4 Petra Kvitova of the Czech Republic in the fourth round today.
For the U.S. women, the plot thickened considerably in the last three months as Venus Williams, returned to action and Lepchenko and Stephens surged up the rankings. Venus has missed much of the year battling Sjogren's syndrome, an energy-sapping autoimmune disorder.
In March, Vania King looked to be in solid position to make the team, but illness and injury slowed her down (she lost in the second round here), opening the door.
Lepchenko began the season at No. 127 and Stephens was ranked No. 92 before reaching the semifinals of Strasbourg two weeks ago.
All week, the women tried to avoid the topic.
"I don't want to think about (the Olympics) because I don't want to put myself on the team yet," said McHale, 20, earlier this week before losing to defending champ Li Na of China in three sets. "I just want to wait until the tournament ends and see who gets in."
Serena and Lepchenko still need waivers from the International Tennis Federation, which oversees the tournament at the Olympics, to qualify.
Both failed eligibility requirements of making themselves available for Fed Cup duty in two of the previous four years.
Serena was out for 11 months in 2010-11 with injuries and illness, including a hematoma and blood clots. Uzbekistan-born Lepchenko only became a U.S. citizen in September.
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