#shegotgame - Is that (Red) Velvet? Styling the new Air Jordan XI Heiress Collection Sneakers
When you're a small shoe size and a moderate sneaker collector, it's not always to find rare or limited footwear. Often, the dopest pieces aren't even in available in "midget" sizes. I'm a size 4 or 4.5 grade school (GS) which is equivalent to a 5.5 or 6 women's shoe. It might not sound that small, but often the coolest colorways are limited to men's, which many of us in the baby feet community cannot fit into - we're relegated to "shrink and pink" models and often, poorer quality materials.
In late 2014, Jordan Brand announced that they would be doing extended sizing, making GS pairs available to a bigger market, extending the special grade school colorways up to size 11 (or men's 9.5). Then in spring 2016, the Heiress Collection was introduced which features select female specific Jordan models made up in premium materials and exclusive makeups, some that are even turning the heads of male customers who finally know what it feels like to want a shoe that just doesn't come in their size! This has meant that we're finally getting better quality sneakers in small sizes.
One of the shoes that's building that hype is the Air Jordan XI "Night Maroon" or "Red Velvet" colorway done up in, of course, velvet. I was lucky to have one of the first pairs seeded out. Unfortunately, it's been raining since I received the pair so my photographer Simone and I had to improvise with a little hotel room photoshoot to ensure that we kept the shoes safe and got some on-foot looks.
The sneaker is a much higher quality than I'm used to being offered in a grade school size. The velvet is soft to the touch and has sheen without being too shiny or cheap feeling. The rest of the upper is a soft suede-type material, the midsole is white and the outsole is an icy burgundy while the carbon fibre potion is a burgundy and black. The gold details really pop on the maroon color. The gold stitching is on the heel tab and tongue and there are shiny gold lace tips along with a metal Jumpman instead of a stitched one on the upper. All these luxe elements adds up to a higher price tag - $220 USD.
Personally, I really like the shoes. I tend to stick to the Jordan III, I and XII silhouettes as the Xis can be tough to style due to the cut of the shoe. Thankfully I already own a burgundy velvet jacket that just happens to match perfectly with the shoes...along with my maroon hair and lipstick. Can you tell what my favorite color is? Will you be picking up the shoes for yourself or someone else and are they worth the $220? Let me know.
- Shoe: Air Jordan 11 Retro GG “Heiress”
- Colorway: Night Maroon/Metallic Gold-Night Maroon
- Style #: 852625-650
- Release Date: December 17, 2016
- Sizes: 3.5-9.5 Grade School (GS) = Size 5-11 Women's
- Price: $220
- Photographer: Simone Hamilton.
- Jacket: Oak and Fort
- Dress: Alexander Wang
- Tights: Pretty Polly
- Rings: Maison Margiela and H&M
- Shoes courtesy of Jordan Brand PR.
- Shot on location at the Dazzler Hotel Brooklyn.
#shegotstyle - RiRi x Puma on me - #SIX02STYLE
One of the most common questions I get from friends, family and followers is how to dress up comfy clothes and athleisure for everyday wear - and where to shop it. There are so many options when it comes to leggings, sports bras, sweats and kicks it’s pretty easy to get overwhelmed. That’s why I was pretty excited to hear that SIX:02, Footlocker’s women’s only athleisure store, was finally opening a flagship in New York City.
The flagship store is within the new Footlocker 33 store on 33rd street just west of 6th Avenue across from Macy’s. Within the store, there are several mini-boutiques. You’ll find Puma, Jordan and Nike basketball, a New Balance wall with exclusive pieces oft only seen overseas, adidas, a kids section, Under Armour, seasonal sections (right now - Timberland), and of course, SIX:02. What’s different about SIX:02 compared to Lady Footlocker or similar women’s boutique is that its focus is more on fashion, limited and collaboration collections. For example, there are more high-end style brands in their bi-weekly "The Collection" section as well sneaker mainstays like Nike, adidas, Reebok and Puma. The store is also home to in-store activations that are targeted to the millennial woman with giveaways, braiding and nail bars, DJ’s and of course, great gear to shop.
Unfortunately, I wasn’t in New York for the grand opening event that featured a huge re-stock of previous sneakers. Soon after, the Fenty x Puma collection dropped complete with a visit from it’s designer, the iconic Rihanna. Thankfully on my last trip I was able to tour the store and pick up a few different pieces that could be worn at the gym, out with friends and even on date night!
The next few posts are focussing on how I styled pieces from SIX:02 and worked them into my rather limited travel wardrobe (living out of a suitcase for months on end can get rather dire - fashion wise). For the first look, I had to pick up something from the Rihanna Puma “Fenty” line. I’ve had my eyes on a few different pieces since the original collection photos were released, but the price point was steep for my budget. I tried on all sorts of stuff, but my favorite item is the sweatpant with lacing details. They’re surprisingly super comfy given that they’re fleece lined and warm, however making the lacer tighter or looser works like a ventilation system, along with a styling option. There’s a snug inner spandex waistband and a draw string do you can wear the sweats higher on your waist or sag them, given whatever your preference is. I’m wearing an extra small in the photos and usually more of a small in sweats, as I carry my weight in my lower body. The fit is a bit oversized but still flattering. I decided to style the straps hanging as it was a windy day in Bed-Stuy but I also love wrapping the straps around my legs for a sportier take on bondage straps.
I mixed it with a few of my fall staples, a Theory bodysuit and a Helmut Lang mini moto jacket from their sample sale over the summer. I did a shoe swap to show how the look can still be versatile, wearing the white and gum Nike Uptempo that I purchased from the kids section of Footlocker (a grail pair of mine, since I’m a 90’s kid) and my distressed red cow hair booties from Opening Ceremony. Let me know what you think of the look and how you’d like the RiRi collection.
Outfit photos by Simone Hamilton, store photos of SIX:02/Footlocker.
#shegotexclusive - Jordan Brand "Flu Game" Pop Up Images
Nineteen years ago, Michael Jordan further etched himself into basketball lore in game five of the 1997 NBA Finals. His airness put the Bulls on his back scoring thirty eight points, despite being overcome with the flu. The Bulls beat the Jazz in Salt Lake City, putting MJ's team up 3-2. The shoes he was wearing, the Jordan XII in black and varsity red, became known as the "flu games".
Fast forward to today, as Jordan Brand opens their pop-up store in celebration of the historic game. The shop is selling both a retro release of the original "flu games" and the new "gym red" XIIs. Much like similar Jordan Brand pop-ups during All-Star in Toronto and Brooklyn, the shop will feature plenty of customization options for Jordan apparel and a special pin available only in SLC. As a sneaker nerd, basketball fan and XII lover, I'm a fan of the concept and wish I could check it out myself. Instead I'll bring you the next best thing.
Jordan Brand exclusive "Flu Game" pin - available only at the pop up shop
As a member of the Jordan Brand Flight Crew, I was granted early exclusive access to the images from the shop in Utah. See below for the official images and press release. Are you checking out the pop shop this weekend? Let me know!
JORDAN BRAND TO OPEN POP-UP STORE IN SALT LAKE CITY TO CELEBRATE MICHAEL JORDAN’S MEMORABLE PLAYOFF PERFORMANCE
Store To Feature Unique Consumer Experiences to Commemorate Game 5 of the 1997 NBA Finals
WHAT: On June 11, 1997 in Salt Lake City, Michael Jordan battled through and delivered an incredible 38-point performance in Game 5 of the NBA Finals. This Saturday at 2:30PM, Jordan Brand will celebrate the anniversary of MJ’s ability to overcome obstacles in pursuit of the ultimate goal with a pop-up store in Salt Lake City.
This unique consumer experience will feature customization, Jordan Brand product storytelling, a re-broadcast of the 1997 game, local artists, food and performances. Utah basketball and sneaker fans can check out exclusive products like the Air Jordan XII Retro ‘Black/Varsity Red’, the reissue of the shoe MJ wore 19 years ago, as well as a pre-release of the new Air Jordan XII ‘Gym Red’.
On June 11, Jordan Brand encourages fans everywhere to wear their Air Jordan XII Retro ‘Black/Varsity Red’ and share the obstacles they’ve had to conquer with #GreatnessOvercomes.
WHERE: 160 E 200 S Salt Lake City, UT 84111
#shegotgame: Styling the Jordan XII "Melo" GS Sneaker
2016 is shaping up to be a big year for the Jordan XII. Thanks to the the release of new "Master", the upcoming "Flu Games" - those of us with smaller feet got a treat with the "Melo" colourway. Released as a tribute to Melo's days with the Denver Nuggets the shoes feature an all white upper with university blue and gold details.
Originally I was planning to do a shoot at Coney Island inspired by one of my favourite movies, He Got Game. However, thanks to weather, time and a general lack of time and wardrobe (I've been on the road for three weeks) - I figured I'd keep it low-key. I was lucky to get a pair of these direct from Jordan two weeks before the release. I've been pining for a pair since they showed up on the sneaker e-streets months ago. I'm a big fan of the colourway for summer as the bright white is set off nicely by the classic baby blue and touch of gold. Personally, I love the curve of the XIIs mixed with more shapely silhouettes like body hugging skirts and dresses and meatier calves. These are going to be in heavy rotation for me this summer, however it'll be a struggle to keep them clean in the city. Did you pick up a pair and how would you style them? Let me know!
Full outfit details
Jacket: Theory by Olivier Theyskens
Shirt: Aritzia dress cut into top
Skirt: ALC LTD @ Blue and Cream
Sneakers: Jordan Brand XII "Melo" GS courtesy of Jordan Brand/Taylor Strategy
Sunglasses: Celine at Native Ken NY
Nails: Kim Nails Salon Toronto
Photography: Roger Messi
Shot on location in Williamsburg, Brooklyn
#shegotfit: Images of the Puma Fierce sneakers for espnW's We Tried It
In this week's edition of my espnW column "We Tried It", I test out the new Puma Fierce sneaker, endorsed by the instafamous Kylie Jenner. The Fierce sneaker fronted by Jenner is part of the bigger Fierce training program for women. Since the article only has room for a few images, check out a few more below. The full Puma Fierce collection is available now at retailers like Champs Sports. Have you tried out any pieces from the collection, including the sneakers yet? Check out my review and let me know what you think.
Photography: Katherine Roy
Hair cut and styling: Alannah at Dat Salon Toronto
Full outfit details:
Puma Fierce sneaker: courtesy of Champs Sports
Crop top and Leggings: Koral Activewear courtesy of SIX:02