Air Jordan 8 ‘Suns’($200)

In 1993 the Bulls defeated the Suns in the NBA Championship making history and became one of four teams to ever 3-peat; only for Micheal Jordan to retire that off season. With this amazing feat accomplished the sports world wondered why Jordan would step away when he is clearly at his peak, citing off-court issues as the motive. The Air Jordan 8 was the shoe Micheal wore while he was averaging 41 pts and shooting an amazing 50% from the field on the biggest stage in basketball. In timely fashion (play-off time), Jordan Brand has decided to commemorate the 20th anniversary of this moment in Air Jordan history by releasing it in a Phoenix Suns color-way. In my opinion these shoes almost pay homage to one of Micheal Jordan’s closest friends and fiercest competitors, Charles Barkley.

Sir John A. McDonald approved!!!

Nike Barkley Posite Max ‘Suns’ ($280)

Sticking with the Phoenix Suns theme the newest color-way of the Nike Barkley Posite Max is inspired by Charles Barkley’s playing days in the desert. It combines some of Nikes most loved technology with a Foamposite upper and Air Max cushioning. The Foam upper seems to have what I think resembles ‘Dry lake’ or ‘Cracked Mud’ that you would typically find in a desert setting.

If this particular color-way is not your style you can surely appreciate its great design and its thoughtful, nostalgic details. This is easily my favourite of them all. Charles Barkley is known for having a very brash personality and speaking his mind on many topics. The phrase ‘I’m not a role model’ may be his most notorious sound bite to this day and the shoe designer Marc Dolce did a great job of integrating it into the shoe.

As usual doors open at 10am, so get there early! Don’t sleep!

-Riley
(Photos by Alex Honey)

…That’s my f*!kin’ problem.

Like Dorothy Parker, Belle Starr, and Joan of Arc…

Those are the “bitches” A$AP Rocky is “singing” about right?  If he’s not, then, as a generation immersed in pop-culture, we’ve certainly gotten lost somewhere along the way.  Perhaps we need a reminder, a little refresher course, if you will, on what a real “bad-bitch” is and—SPOILER ALERT!—You won’t find her by clicking on BadGalRiRi’s Instagram page.

Maybe I’m a bit of a lit-geek, but I idolize Dorothy Parker for her bad-ass-ness.  For those of you who aren’t instantly familiar with her name, allow me to introduce you to the American poet, short story writer, critic and satirist.  As the woman who wrote, “A little bad taste is like a nice dash of paprika,” she could probably teach us all a thing or two about adding a little spice to our lives.  On top of that, she could easily drink both you and I under the table.  Speaking of tables, Dorothy Parker was one of the founders of the Algonquin Round Table—A group of New York City Elite.  Praised for her witticisms and sassy attitude, Miss Parker is definitely one of my top “bitches”.

Belle Starr was a “bad bitch” of the western era. An against-the-grain gal, born to break the boundaries set out by society.  Not even A$AP, himself, would have been bad enough for Belle, who spent her time hung-up on Jesse James before settling down with Sam Starr—the bootleggin’ horse thief.  Together, they ran off into the sunset with their pistols…before being busted and sentenced to prison time.  Still, it was a good run.

Joan of Arc might be The Original “bad bitch,” and probably doesn’t need much of an introduction.  However, for those of you who know how bad-ass J.O.A. was, let me shed some light on her live-fast-die-young life. As a 16-year old peasant girl, Joan spent her time petitioning the royal court and then subsequently leading the French army to several W’s before being captured and burned at the stake by the English when she was only 19.  Joan of Arc achieved, conquered, and quite blatantly kicked more ass in her short life time than many of us “bad bitches” ever will.

So sure, let’s all enjoy this moment A$AP Rocky is having—but let’s also give a cheers to the real “bad bitches” of history who actually earned the title.

-Reanne

Okay, first and foremost—I think it’s only fair that I preface this post by sheepishly admitting, I haven’t yet seen the latest rendition of The Great Gatsby and it’s already been in theaters for FIVE WHOLE DAYS.  I know, I know.  In my own defense  I have read Fitzgerald’s masterpiece of a novel—twice—which is probably double the amount of times the majority of moviegoers have indulged in the canonical literature. However, the point I really want to make is this:  It’s going to be a Gatsby summer.

If you’re female, and like me, you’ve probably already google-imaged every single “Daisy Buchanan” outfit and drooled over all of the bejeweling,  cursed your now seemingly inadequate closet, and even tried your hand at DIY-ing your own delicately elegant headpiece (in this case, I pray your nothing like me, because my headpiece wouldn’t even compliment the honey badger).

You’ve also probably imagined what it might be like to gaze longingly into the eyes of Jay Gatsby aka Leo DiCaprio. And if you’re a guy, you’ve imagined you are Jay Gatsby.  Move over Don Draper with your slick hair cut, we’re all (men and women alike) melting over the Gatz’s perfectly coaxed wave.

The bottom line is, we’re in the midst of a “Gatsby Fever,” so why not update our wardrobes to reflect it?  Channel the glamour of the 1920′s and throw out those UGGboots (seriously, throw them out) and white Aldo dress shoes.

Ladies—Think beads, think fringe, think sequins, sparkles, feathers and pearls.  A brooch is no longer synonymous with nanny drab, but instead symbolizes timelessness and style.  Whether subtly pinned to a hat, scarf or purse, or making a statement on an otherwise plain top, the brooch is the perfect accessory to up the ante on any outfit.  Not sure where to find one?  I highly recommend exploring grandma’s jewelry box.

The dapper look of a Gatsby man is made up of hats (think Panama hat, or the boater hat), bow-ties, ascots and chino pants.  It’s said that Gatsby was a man who wore shirts that could bring a woman to tears—So gentlemen, get on your shirt game.  And never underestimate the power of a properly suited vest.

Alas, I leave you with this:

When it comes to fashion and bringing back the style of the 1920′s, Jay Gatsby, himself, said it best, “Can’t repeat the past?…Why of course you can!” (Of course, he might not have been talking about fashion when he said that—but that’s neither here, nor there).

-Reanne