Nike Love

On the runway, fall 2008 New York collections: feather and fur details, open backs, lovely jewel tones (think eggplant, aubergine and mustard), one-shoulder dresses, toned-down & cranked-up bubble skirts, more menswear, the return of leather pants, 1940's styling, fur trim, and head accessories like thin headbands, hats, and modest chignons. The bun is back.

On my feet, fall 2008 New York collections: Nike kicks. To those who are well-acquainted with my former shoe habits, this will come as a complete shock. Since waaay back, nothing, neither rain, sleet nor snow, stopped me from donning stilettos. My devotion to heels knew no limits, and never could I be tall enough. But now I've got a little sneaker obsession and am digging it.

Here's why:

Pretty! And they make me happy when I look down on my fluorescent yellow laces. Yes, I'm young again. I can't promise that these Nike lo dunks will immediately take 10-20 years off your age, but it sure as hell feels like it when you're wearing them. Super comfortable, they saved me during tedious hours of fashion show waiting.

And here's why:

Sitting in the office (yes, I have big feet), in the elevator going to fashion week...I'm glad Melissa from Foot Locker talked me into these black and shiny pink Nike "lasistas." Why? Because they matched my press pass, serendipitous! These shoes also fulfill a desire I've had for a long time: owning a pair of track shoes like I had in high school. Sleek, streamlined and springy on the feet, they make you feel like hurdling. If only they had spikes, might've helped me manage pushy papparazzi...

Both available at Lady Foot Locker on 34th Street, the lo dunks (technically they are called "Dunk Lo") are $74.99 and the lasista's are now $49.99.

Lady Foot Locker, 120 W. 34th between 6th & 7th

Make It Official

Can we make Valentine's Day the kind of holiday where we don't have to go to work the next day? And while we're at it, if your city wins the Superbowl, Monday should be an automatic holiday. Let's state our case to the officials. Which reminds me, it's a good time to visit our official friends at Foot Locker on 34th Street. Because Valentine's Day is tomorrow and I'm sick and tired of seeing all those roses/candy/chocolates get bought up just for one day and then what? Gone for the rest of the year. Unlike what? Shoes! Now that I'm a convert, thanks to Footlocker's fashion week supply (soon to be blogged), I've got sneaks on my mind.

Ok, it goes against all I believe in to recommend holiday-themed attire, but to fight this impulse in others is an utter waste of time. I know this as I am descended from a long line of holiday sweatshirt adorners. For those of you in love with sufferers of this tragic malady, go to Lady Foot Locker on 34th for:

• Nike Air Max 90, Vandal, and Dunk Lo, all available in shades of red and (gasp!) pink.
• Converse Chuck Taylor All Star in pink. These I actually recommend as you can conveniently pair them up with black and work them into your Go-Go's retro look.
• Adidas Superstars, be-speckled with RED AND PINK HEARTS. If these don't cure your beloved, she's a lost cause.

Of course if you're buying for your man, there will be no pink hearts involved (except the ones you draw on his card). He'll prefer something from Foot Locker next door, like:

• Fila Helmsman, classy patent leather hi. It's a running shoe or a casual kick.
  
• Nike Zoom LeBron V. Have we talked about my big LeBron crush? Don't tell Andre Leon!
• K-Swiss Ariake, it sounds high tech, it is high tech, I just want it cause it's K-Swiss!

Happy freaking Valentine's Days, all you well-shod lovers.

Foot Locker & Lady Foot Locker, 120 W. 34th Street between 6th & 7th