Sneakers Are The New Cool Trend in Street Fashion

Sneakers are making a huge come back in the world of fashion right now, especially in street fashion.  Riccardo Tisca just launched a footwear collection in which he collaborated with Nike to design stylish, cutting edge sneakers.  Balenciaga, Valentino, New Balance, Zara, Vans, Isabel Marant, Miu Miu, Converse, Givenchy, Puma, Michael Kors, Jimmy Choo, Marc Jacobs, and even Alexander McQueen are all contributing to this casual sportswear trend.

            It seems as though ever since Chanel had one of their models walk down the runway wearing glitter sparkling sneakers earlier this year, other designers have quickly caught on and made their own version of the new ‘sneaker must have’.  It’s not just high-end fashion designers that are pushing this new trends’ success.  In 2009 Kanye West partnered with Nike to create the Air Yeezys sneaker in 2009, but has just recently switched his partnership from Nike to Adidas and a whole new sneaker line is coming out just this June, influenced by the multiplatinum hip-hop star.  Besides Kanye, Rihanna, Miranda Kerr, Taylor Swift, Kristin Cavallari, and Sarah Jessica Parker are just a few top celebrities that have already been spotted breaking sneakers into their spring wardrobe.  

            I personally am a fan of this new trend.  However, I’m not sure I will find a pair of sneakers I like enough to want to wear with multiple items in my wardrobe for it to be worth the expense of a new pair of shoes.  The thought of my foot being significantly more cushioned and comfortable, compared to squished, cut, and blistered feet caused by ill fitting flats and sandals, sounds extremely pleasant.  That aspect is what mainly makes me tempted to buy into the trend, with a new pair of cute sneakers.  Although, when people think of sneakers we tend to think of our designated workout, athletic sneakers.  This new trend is exploring much more out of the box ideas for sneakers.  Sneakers with wedged heels, laces, zippers, patterns, velcro, high tops, low rise tops, sparkles, studs, and many other stylish details, are being thrown into the sneaker design mix this coming season.  I will be keeping my eyes peeled for that one perfect pair of sneakers that I can comfortably walk my long days in and also look dressed up and complimentary to my wardrobe.

Million-Dollar Bra Vs. The Crown Jewels

Taylor Swift performing at last year's show.
Did we miss a hint?

It’s official! On April 15, 2014, some secret news dropped around the world. The show of all shows is leaving America. That’s right, the Angles are packing ship and headed across the Atlantic Ocean. The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show is leaving New York for only the second time since it’s start in 1995.  

On a Tuesday morning in London, Victoria’s Secret held a confidential event at their New Bond Street Store. The store was so heavily guarded that viewers could only image who was inside. Of course it was non other than two of the hottest ladies we know, Adriana Lima and Candice Swanepoel. Ed Razek, VS chief marketing officer, joined the sexy duo.

Angles:Candice Swanepoel and Adriana Lima 

Looking fiercer than any of us could even attempt, the Angels were excited to be there and seemed rather giddy. Lima announced the move; the sexiest night of the year will heat up London.

This is not the first time the company has thought about a British Invasion. VS has been planning to excite London since 1998 when they first opened there. The news raised multiple questions during the conference. One hot topic being Cara Delevingne, would the British beauty be returning to the glitter runway?

There are so many things to think about! Who will be on the quest list and who will perform? William and Kate might not want to share a steamy night with the rest of the world, but I’m sure Prince Harry wouldn’t mind. Will The Spice Girls make all of our dreams come true? The possibilities are endless.

Will the million-dollar bra give the Crown Jewels a run for their money? I think so!

Victoria's Secret 2014 Fashion Show Moving to London

On April 15, 2014, Adriana Lima and Candice Swanepoel announced at London’s Bond Street Flagship store, that the 2014 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show will be moving across the pond to London, England debuting on December 2, 2014 at Earls Court. With capacity of 17,500 Earls court is the largest event venue in London.

Costing a whopping sixteen million dollars to produce, this year’s show is going to be broadcasted on CBS in over 192 countries. It is said to be the largest show in Victoria's Secret history, and black tie theme.  Locations of past shows include New York City, Miami, Los Angeles, and Cannes.

Models confirmed to be walking in the show this December by chief of marketing, Ed Razek, include Lily Aldridge, Doutzen Kroes and Cara Delevingne. It was also said that Victoria's Secret had been wanting to move the show to London since 1998, but had to wait until the brand was recognized in order to do so. Today there are six stores in London including two Flagships.

Space Ninety 8

Urban Outfitters launches a new concept store in the trendy neighborhood of Williamsburg, Brooklyn.  Located at 98 N. 6th Street, between Berry Street and Wythe Avenue, Space Ninety 8 takes inspiration from the LA retail experience store Space 15 Twenty and brings it to the East Coast.  Space Ninety 8 occupies a four-story warehouse building in the heart of Williamsburg.  The unique space combines retail and dining experiences as well as provides a place to gather.

             Currently in the Market Space are two permanent exhibits called Local Made and Urban Renewal as well as the traveling exhibit Slat Surf. Located near the entryway of the ground level of the warehouse, is the Local Made section.  Local Made will showcase local designers and independent makers  from throughout Brooklyn. Brands such as Brookes Boswell, Dusen Dusen, Cold Picnic, Lynne & Lawrence, Jessica Barensfeld, Lila Rice, High Gloss, Dear God It’s Me Isaac, Horse Cycling and Brooklyn Herborium are just a few of the over 40 designers who’s work will be featured in this space. The Local Made section will function as a pop-in shop type of exhibition and will feature merchandise ranging from apparel to jewelry, ceramics, apothecary, zines, custom bikes and even surfboards. According to it’s website, “Local Made is a collective of the best of tomorrow’s talent in one place. Local Made aims to add new names to its roster and will live as an evolving showcase for new talent in the future.”  The initial pop-up will be a collaboration between Brooklyn-based artist Jason Woodside and Adidas and will be available from April 3 - May 7. 

            The second permanent exhibit in the Market Space, is the vintage designer section called Urban Renewal.  “The Urban Renewal Concept is a line of one-of-a-kind pieces crafted from vintage, deadstock and surplus materials from around the world.” Urban Renewal will also showcase vintage collections from venders such as Spanish Moss, Just Say Native, Raggedy Threads, Bandana Almanac, Scout, Gypsy Hunter and Hym Salvage.  Additionally Salt Surf will be featured in the Market Space and will be available from April 3 – May 2.  Salt Surf is a Brooklyn based surfboard, apparel, and accessories company that makes all of their products domestically.  

            In addition to the usual selection of Urban's womenswear, menswear, and home and tech products, Space Ninety 8 will also be home to The Gorbals Restaurant and Bar. The Gorbals that will soon be bringing the LA restaurant concept to Williamsburg will come complete with rooftop views and outdoor dining. This new space has something for everyone! Weather you are in the mood to wine and dine, go shopping, and check out local designers be sure to check out Space Ninety 8 open now. 

The Latest Fast Fashion Brands to Join the Activewear Trend

The past year has seen an extensive expansion of the new trend of fashionable activewear. Victoria's Secret seemed to be the first mass fashion retailer to kick-off the trend in late 2012, with the international chain's introduction of their activewear collection, VSX. Originally only available in select locations, their activewear quickly found popularity and became available in nearly all locations under a new name of Victoria's Secret Sport. Two years in, the brand's success in activewear is stronger than ever and motivating other specialty retailers to follow suit.

A look from Topshop's Collaboration with Adidas

British retailer Topshop released their activewear collaboration with athletic apparel mecca, Adidas, two weeks ago. The 20 piece collection was a very well-rounded one that included both apparel and footwear in the typical silhouettes of Adidas while incorporating the stylish patterns of Topshop's trendy aesthetic. The collection appears to be a commercial success, with only a limited amount of sizes of 11 pieces left on Topshop's website.
 

Forever 21's Latest Activewear Collection

Forever 21's NBA Collection

Meanwhile, the more affordable fast-fashion store, Forever 21, has recently launched both a trendy summer collection of activewear, as well as a collaboration collection with the NBA consisting of both activewear and loungewear. Teams featured in this collection include popular choices LA Lakers, Miami Heat, and Chicago Bulls along with the Los Angeles Clippers, Boston Celtics, and New York Knicks. Each team featured in the collection has its own style of a bodysuit, crop top, sweatshirt, sportsbra, boyshort, and track short, all available for under $20. Their latest activewear collection boasts a bright and colorful palette of accents to accompany the mostly black and grey leggings and capris. Women who choose to purchase the collection will definitely gain envious looks at the gym while sporting the apparel which includes the current trends of geometric and aztec prints. The activewear tanks also seem to feature these patterns along with stylish design details such as open backs. While fast fashion retailers may have once never been a place you would consider to get your athletic apparel, they are now well on their way to becoming a go to destination for activewear.