#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
shegotstyle: Styling Bo Jackson's Air Trainer SC 1s on his birthday (because I'm a narcissist)
November 30th is a special date. Yes, it is the last day of a somewhat odd, depressing month but more importantly - it's Bo Jackson's birthday. So naturally, I'm going to do the narcissistic stylist thing and showcase myself while attempting to pay tribute to the infamous athlete.
I picked up this pair while in New York during the summer of 2013. I had wanted a pair FOREVER given that Bo Jackson was one of my favorite athletes growing up and that it's such a classic silhouette. The "Auburn" colorway pays tribute to Jackson's time at aforementioned Auburn University where he won a little award called the Heisman Trophy and was a two-time All-American. Jackson is the only athlete to be an All-Star in two sports leagues - the NFL and the MLB (sorry, MJ). The trainer is unique as it's multidiscipline shoe perfect for a freak athlete like Jackson. Also: top five Nike ad campaign ever, especially from a wardrobe/art direction standpoint.
I grew up playing all kinds of sports (terribly) so the shoe's always appealed to me - I'm the kid that won effort awards for trying hard and never quitting or shutting the hell up. However, the silhouette is a bit bulky and high and given that I am also short AND bulky, it's a little difficult to style.
I decided to go with a feminine silhouette using sportier and more urban textiles and designs. The neoprene skirt, made for both the runway and the water (in theory) mixed with bright Auburn-esque lace bodysuit and a different kind of jean jacket is a different way to wear a trainer than say leggings and a tee. Pro tip: the a-line shape of the skirt and the shorter herm while wearing it at my natural waist and a body hugging bodysuit balances me out while making my legs look longer than they are so they aren't dwarfed by serious sneakers. Touchdown, homerun or both? You decide!
Credits
This photo set was shot by my friend Jennifer Toole for Kicks on Fire back in January 2014. You should totally hire her and my make-up artist Bronwen, they're both so great.
- Photographer: Jennifer Toole
- Make-up/Hair: Bronwen Weiderick
- Stylist/"Model": Me
- Shot on location: ...at my apartment.
Wardrobe
- Oak NYC black leather cap
- Olivier Theyskens' Theory bleached blue denim motorcycle jacket
- Kenzo orange lace bodysuit
- La Perla balconette bra
- T by Alexander Wang black pleated neoprene skirt
- Nike Air Trainer SC "Auburn" (grade school sizing) - 2013 drop
- Maison Martin Margiela, H&M, Material Girl, Ralph Lauren, Vintage Chanel necklaces and rings
- Nike gold Fuelband SE
Whisky, Style and Soul - Welcome to the Wiserhood
My name is Megan and I love whisky - but truth be told, I haven't always. I was rather dark liquor averse after going through a rather traumatic (read: vomit everywhere kind of night) with rum as young(er) lass. However, as my palette has refined and my alcoholic consumption has gone from college binge drinking to the occasional drink out with friends once or twice month. I've become a believer in the brown as I hate overly precious, syrupy cocktails and prefer spice over sweet. I love trying new bourdons, scotches - all relatives in the whisky family - either neat or with water or even with ginger ale or lemon tea. I've noticed a larger trend of women in my age demographic drinking whisky and embracing brown liquors outside of rum. Whisky is no longer a drink for purely the country or old men, but for those who have graduated from less sophisticated spirits.
Personally, I've stuck to exploring brands from the Southern United States since I affiliated whiskey and bourbon with majestical places like Kentucky and Tennessee but I've neglected the fact that some of the best and oldest whiskeys come from Canada. My country may be known for our beer consumption and production but we have roots in whisky too!
Believe it or not, Wiser's Canadian Deluxe Whisky was first distilled in 1857 - making it 10 years older than Canada itself. Another Canadian export is of course, comedy. From SCTV to most The Daily Show staffers - we're known for having a rather pronounced funny bone.
Wiser's plays to Canada's cheeky, self-effacing humour in their ad campaigns using regular-looking guys who do little things to make sure they have an uncompromising commitment to quality - and not look like a fool. Take for instance, this man's ingenious way to get out of holding a very precious pink purse.
I dare you not to giggle - or better yet applaud that commercial. Some whiskies and scotches can be a little snobby, so Wiser's makes the beverage a little more light hearted. While the Wiserhood is all made up of men, I respect their collective sense of style and humour. Personally, I'd rather have a fun night with someone that can make me laugh and laugh at himself, than someone who takes his booze far too seriously. Just please, don't make me giggle when I'm drinking as whisky through the nose might sound medicinal - it's not a ton of fun.
Believe it or not, the Wiserhood is growing and looking for more uncompromising, interesting men. The campaign entitled "Wiser's Wants You" allows men to enter a contest through Facebook that eventually leads to a grand prize of a starring role in one of Wiser's silly but smart advertisements.
Now the first step is register and then fill out the form. I was checking out, I have to say that I love that the style choices are as important as the booze! I can only champion the style selections in the contest. It inspired me to take these style cues and include in my own list on the type of man that I'd like to see in the Wiserhood - and perhaps on a date!
First, we have facial hair - a rather divisive category for most women and men. I can't say I'm one for a moustache like the corporal or an overly chiselled chin strap as I feel like it often looks like someone drew an outline for a beard with magic marker but never filled it in. The low yield is the obvious choice for a relaxed take on facial hair as it says "I care" but not "I spend more time grooming than sleeping". Personally, I would have added my own fifth choice - the beard. When a beard is well lined up, sharp and generally well groomed, it elevates a man of from grizzly to great. It's always beard season, my darlings.
Next, we move on to neckwear. I'm not really one for bow ties or the sweater around the shoulders as they can often look too dandy or done up for my taste. I think for a man in the Wiserhood, it's probably best to opt for a well knotted, not overly thick tie or skinny to the point of lollipop head. Or, perhaps - no tie at all. Whisky is not really a button up drink to me.
As for how to drink the over 100 years of Canadian tradition this shouldn't be a rocket science. Drinking whisky in anything other than a tumbler seems uncivilized. A cocktail glass or champagne flute doesn't allow the whisky to open up, especially if you add rocks or some water - how one should properly taste a whiskey. Straight from the bottle isn't recommended after all, Wiserhood wannabe - I don't want your germs all in my drink.
Now, for my own extra tests to see if a man has uncompromising character and style, we must speak about footwear. Outside of a man's smile - shoes are the first thing I take notice of on a man as I think you can tell a lot about a person by their footwear. I'm a sneaker girl so I'd be happy to see a man in a classic pair of kicks, like a Jordan I or III. For a refined evening, a modern wingtip like the Cole Haan LunarGrand is comfortable but polished - bonus points for trying to the metallic hues.
Next, we need to talk accessories as a whole. If you wear a pinky ring, you might be better suited for martini than a glass of whisky and if your nails are on the dirty side, may I suggest rubbing alcohol...to clean your nails - not drink. And please, no watch should have more "ice" than your drink. "Ice" or diamonds on both watches and worn as jewelry are the worst investment you can make, a simple gold chain or watch lasts forever and shows you're in it for the long haul unlike ice which is an immediate red flag. How can you buy me a drink if you're wearing all your money on your wrist? Tsk, tsk.
Finally my last and final tests that would get plenty of "slow claps" is personality! This may seem like an easy one, but a genuine, open personality with a great sense of humour goes so far. Manners, a sweet soul a good laugh and an open bar make up for any style flubs in the long run.
If you think you're worthy of accolades of the Wiserhood, make sure you apply on Wiser's Wants You Facebook page. Call backs will begin in 2014 where 200 entrants will be judged on a casting sheet and judged on a "slow clap" or "no clap" vote. The most uncompromising will be crowned the winner of the contest and become the face of the newest Wiserhood commercial. It's kind of a big deal. Will you be entering? Let me know and I'll be sure to vote for you in the next round!
And finally, I will leave you with these wise words of who I consider an honorary member of the Wiserhood, Ron Burgundy. I suggest such a routine every time you drink you whisky, scotch and bourbon. Cheers.
This is a sponsored post by Wiser's Canada. Please drink responsibly.
DQM's Miami Meat Tee is incredibly appropriate
The new Miami Heat team is a publicity beast of epic proportions and many clothing companies are trying to cash in on the hype. However, my new favorite Heat inspired item dropped well before Bosh, Wade and James decided to unite under Pat Riley. This "Miami Meat" tee comes thanks to Russ Bengtson's epic storage locker of kicks and other basketball paraphernalia (I'm convinced 'Sheed is hiding out there in his trademark cutoff sweatpants). Dave's Quality Meat, better known as DQM, is a shop, brand and collaborative company in New York City, founded by professional skateboarder, Chris Keefe. DQM released the shirt a few years ago, likely when the shop opened in 2003, but there's no word on a re-print of the design. The graphic is simple, clean and almost too appropriate considering everyone wants a bite of the Heat this season. Deep fried pork knee ala Bosh, anyone?
Chris Bosh's Complex (Magazine) Style
Chris Bosh is quickly becoming a publicity machine. Even before Bosh took his own talents to South Beach to form the new trio consisting of Dwyane Wade and LeBron James for the Miami Heat, he was everywhere. There were appearances on Entourage and late night talk shows, sitting court side at the NBA Finals and most recently, he's been flexing his style muscle at New York's Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week before training camp began. He's completely revamped his personal style, reflecting his new imagine in the press. Gone are the dreads, crazy baby momma and ill-fitting garments in his wardrobe. Now, Bosh is all about clean lines both in his hair and in his clothing as well as his petite new fiancé, Adrienne Williams. It's as if when he was in Toronto, Bosh was a boy and now Miami (perhaps thanks to his teammates' influence) has made him into a man.
- Chris Bosh and fiancé Adrienne Williams on HBO's Entourage. Photo credit: Dime Mag/HBO.
Bosh is back on the fashion tip again, this time for Complex Magazine. He played model and muse for a shoot with photographer Dania Graibe in Miami. Bosh has two outfits, one that's all casual basketball gear in Heat red, black and white and the other is a more fashionable look ensemble better suited to off-day fun than on court play. No word when the shoot comes out, as Complex posts all their content online along with a monthly print edition of the magazine. Likely, the full shoot will début in the November issue once the season is underway. What do you think Bosh's look? Should he keep up his new look and play model more often? Check out the video below and let me know what you think.