Nike: Channeling Phoebe Philo

I am thinking of copying Phoebe Philo's look here in this candid of her from March US Vogue looking amazing at the Celine offices. She has always been good at adding some "street" to her fancy look and the contrast is very refreshing.

So while up late doing some online shopping for my daughter (who is actually in need of new sneakers while I, on the other hand, am not.) I spied these new Roshe Run Woven trainers by Nike and thought...can I? I went for the seafoam green, so there is a 75% these are being returned. You never know though. Or I might opt for the all black. I am currently in love with all things woven, especially when it comes to shoes. And I like that these are supposed to be worn without socks.

The Roshe Run Woven comes in a few other colors as well:

New kicks: Nike Dunk Sky Hi

Ok so I bought these over 3 months ago but was reminded that I forgot to write about them when I saw a picture of Naomi Watts this weekend running around the farmer's market in LA wearing them. Since she has quite a few pairs of Isabel Marant wedge sneakers, I was more than a little impressed that she went for the Nike Dunk Sky High. It definitely speaks to the power of a sports brand, and Nike kind of originated the high-top. They have been out for a while but only in more crazy, loud styles like Liberty print or the classic dunk color block in shiny leather.  I love that they are simple in design - important for an uber-trendy item - with matte suede in neutral colors. And of course, comfortable! 

They come in three colors: Filbert (tan), Olive and Black. And they all come with an extra set of laces that are tonal, which for me was very important as I don't really like the contrasting laces. I have both the black and the filbert and I wear them with different things. Word on the street is that there are many new versions of the Nike Dunk Sky High coming out for Spring....stay tuned.

Oh and P.S. they are $120, a much easier commitment for this admittedly VERY trendy item than the $600+ price tag on the IM kicks. (Though I still covet them. Still.)

On sale at Nike and Barneys (who knew!) among tons of other places.

Naomi Watts in LA

Filbert (tan) with blue-purple laces

My black ones with pink-purple laces and also with tonal ones.

Olive with red laces

Isabel Marant Basley boot

To be honest, I can't quite get on board with these. They are moccasins, which for me had a big moment in 2007-2008 and that was it. Yes they have the hidden wedge, it's true. But for $600 I'd rather buy the Betty or the Bobby sneaker and end the torture. 

These remind me of shoes I'd see when I was a shoe buyer: not a sneaker, not a boot....just a sneaker-boot "hybrid". And using the word hybrid to describe a shoe is never a good thing.

They are already sold out on mytheresa.com and I'm sure la garconne is next, so what do I know? Still I have to say, I love the Jenny boot way more than the Basley and I never pulled the trigger on the Jenny, more because of comfort than anything. Also I kind of have a rule against shoes with tassels. So for me, I think I will pass.  

For those who are so inclined, the Basley is $600 and is available in the camel suede and anthracite suede at most IM stores: including Barneys, Bird, Creatures of Comfort, La Garconne, Diani, Heist, and soon at Odessa in Portland, although only in the camel. La Garconne is also carrying it in white. For what it's worth, I think that in an overall look the anthracite actually looks the best. Then it looks more like a boot and less like a moccasin-sneaker...thing.

Isabel Marant - the betty & the boston

I know they are trendy. I know all the celebrities have them, even the B-list ones. I know the trend is almost tired. But I can't. stop. obsessing. coveting. just plain wanting.

They look great dressed up or down, with pants or with dresses and skirts. Personally I love the black but would love the tan suede or the white leather just as much. The boston style with black suede snakeskin detail is the one I would choose if I could have any of them.

the Boston

The hightop Beckett is too much for me and I think one must be either six feet tall or a supermodel or both to wear those.

The Beckett is on the right in two colors

Normally I think anything that is a "hybrid" especially when it comes to shoes is never a good idea. This one though has definitely grown on me the more I have seen it. Not sure if it is BECAUSE i have seen it so much or because it genuinely has great appeal. And having tried them on when I was in NYC - the Betty in black leather at Steven Alan and the Boston at the IM boutique in Soho - I found them really comfortable. And was pleasantly surprised that I could go either way with the size: either the 37 or the 38 (I am a US size 7 shoe), which has not been the case with the Dicker, the Dixie or the Jenny boots. All of which I need a 37.


What I couldn't rationalize however was the price for something so trendy, as I said before, and so unabashedly casual. Sneakers are sneakers. And no matter if they are $600 and from France and make me taller, I don't think I would be wearing them out to dinner either way.

Nevertheless, practicality and reasoning only go so far.  A girl can dream...

The Betty and the Boston by Isabel Marant can be purchased online at la garconne or at Stuart and Wright in Brooklyn.

Emma Watson in the betty in white