Inside Man

Hmm, if you know me, then you know that I’m not really a sneaker head. More of a f-me pump chick (you know the killer high spike sexy shoes – Hey, hey. My toes are decent. I was a dancer and track star so they aren’t perfect) ANYWAYS, I came across Jordan’s newest creation… no, not the Jordan 23’s. They are on a media embargo until Dec 31st at 11:59pm. I’m talking about The Spiz’ikes. Yes, the man Spike Lee (no relation… I don’t think) has been working with Nike for years. For some, this isn't new news, but the release of the latest editions are. The concept is that Nike has taken bits and pieces from all the shoes Spike inspired and jam-packed them into one:

Air Jordan 3 - sole, midsole, and “Spike”/elephant print
Air Jordan 4 - “wings” on the sides of the shoes that hold lace loops

Air Jordan 5 - main silhouette of the shoes as well as netting on the side

Air Jordan 6 - tongue of shoes and lace locks

Air Jordan 9 - back tab

Originally called the Frankenstein, this shoe wasn’t expected to be successful. After seeing some of the colors, I don’t blame them. I personally don’t like the female variation. {pictured above right}

The first round of colorways were white/red/green and then black/red/green. They were also only released on the East Coast as per Mr. Lee’s request. Proving to be a winner, Nike then released the shoes in “True Blue” which is red/white/blue (found for $175 on Nicekicks.com) and “Fire Red” white/cement grey-black/red (found for $295 on Nicekicks.com)

Last week, The O.G. (white and cement grey) dropped. It is available at Nike House of Hoops on 125th for $175, but I’m sure you can find it online. Well, you better jump on them. You know how you sneakerheads do.

Here are other variations of the sneaker:

Kings County

Do the Right Thing {pictured right}

Photo credits: Sneakerfreaker.com; Nicekicks.com; and me!

Until next time…
Be Seen at the Top!

Hookup: Puma Friends & Family

Who doesn't love a hookup? Click on image to enlarge, then print it out. Enjoy...

Indie Trunk Show...

WEAR IT’S AT! THE FALL EDITION is an indie designer trunk show hosted by Tinalee Media & Events, Inc. This exclusive shopping event features our favorite rising-star fashion designers such as unisex label Beeing, uber stylish wovens by Harshita Designs, unique jewelry from Vintage Whimseys and more! While you're there enjoy: complimentary cocktails, great music, and beauty services.

*Must be 21 years or older to enjoy complimentary cocktails. While supplies last.

Featured designers include:
Beeing
Corrente Handbags
Harshita Designs
Myth Boutique
Teya Jewelry
Vuedis
Wye:Wovens

WHEN: Nov. 17 (2-6pm)

WHERE: 500 Fifth Ave., 4th Fl (btwn 35 & 36th St) - NYC

COST: $10 advance / $15 at the door

**Purchase your tickets today!

Click HERE

For more information, contact Tinalee Media & Events at: Contact@tinaleemedia.com or (347) 621-1336

Reebok and Voltron? Who knew?

Well, yes indeed. They have teamed up to bring you the new ish. I remember Voltron. And as I was telling fellow Blogger Khalid, there was a pink member of the Voltron group. I don't remember her name or what exactly she did. I just remember that she was holding it down for the ladies.

Anyway, the point of this entry is to introduce you to Reebok's new Spring line. Wednesday night, some of The Collective crew attended. Most of it was... interesting. They REALLY touched back to the 80's. I mean, they are bringing back the$54.11's hard. I'm talking red with die-cut hearts and satin red and white shoelaces; the Freestyle Tokoyo was black patent leather with the crazy 80's fuschia and metallic blue techno patterns; there was animal print... quite frankly some of it was a hot mess. But they do have a lot in the works. Reebok is partnering with Zune and coming out with a Zune/Reebok package. The Zune will be preloaded with all sorts of cool downloads and what not. As of now, the price will only be $120 for both. When I get more info, I'll let you know. They are also partnering with Kool-Aid and bringing out Kool-Aid inspired clothing. Like, you'll have Mr. Kool-Aid's face plastered on your shirt, sweatshirt and baby-tee. I don't think it was a good look for either the men's or women's collection.

They showed Scarlett Johansson's new collection. She is keeping with the sweatsuit inspired clothing and cutout hearts, but she threw in a few yoga/track inspired pieces as well. I wasn't mad.

As for Voltron, the PR company showed an intro video (only in 1 room so the majority of the folks couldn't see. Hot mess). The self-proclaimed head Voltron Geek was there on hand to answer any of your questions. I kinda liked him. He was sporting his old school Voltron shirt and even able to take it back to the non US released versions of Voltron. Once he went there, he just turned into one of the parents off of Peanuts "waamp-womp-womp-womp". I had no clue what he was talking about. He then began talking about the packaging and how the Voltron shoes come with a fully functional Voltron toy - minus the toxic lead paint. That made me happy. I always like toys.

Below are more pictures. Enjoy!

Voltron Packaging (atop case): Each shoe comes with the Voltron history and a matching toy.

Below: Scarlett Johannson's Line - SJ Orchid Dress. Also comes in Red.

I think it would be cute as you can cinch it in the back creating more of a waistline.

Get your swagger on

(sorry the top got cut off) After attending the GQ turns 50/Maker’s Mark event last night, I felt The Collective should get their swagger on. While the majority of the men at the event weren’t as dapper as I had hoped, a few made me want to twirl my dress. After my one , yes 1, Maker's Mark Manhattan (Neat I may add) they looked better and I didn't feel so glum. But still, at a GQ event, I for sure thought the menfolk would come suited & booted.

Due to their effortless approach to the GQ classic style, I took it upon myself to pull a few things together. Here’s a little fashion inspiration for all you dapper dudes out there. Timepieces, shirts, how to tie a tie (Hey, some people still don’t know and according to the NYTimes today, ties are in – yeah, I know, right?) shoes, etc. Enjoy!

Thomas Pink - Bulldog cufflinks

Steve Madden - Tirano Black Leather







Kenneth Cole - Second Hand watch

Barney's - Brioni Navy

Paisley Tie

How to tie a tie (click on image):

Motorola - 18K Gold Plated RAZR2 V8 Luxury Edition

~Bettina

Be Seen at the Top!