sneakers. culture. life.: 3 & 4: Combos

09.18.2010 - Two events on one Saturday opens up the opportunity for a One Hundred x One Hundred double-dip. It doesn't (and probably won't) happen too often, so I have to take advantage of these double headers if I want to stay on a good pace. That being said, the baby dedication and date night scheduled for the morning and evening of the 18th set up the exact scenario I need to look for.

Early on, when I was still building my shoe collection, I had a lot more clothes than shoes. Before I went out, I would pick what I would be wearing, then pick the shoes that matched. As my collection grew, the tables turned. Because I had more shoes than clothes and wanted to keep the shoes in good rotation, I had to pick my shoes first and then coordinate the clothes after. When it got to the point when my sneaker collection outgrew my wardrobe, I would only buy new clothes if I knew I already had shoes to match -or else, I would have to buy the shoes to match the new clothes and that would just be a bad cycle, considering I already had too many as it was (1). But I digress...

Part One

The dedication was a lunch affair -a family event with reception at Maggiano's. Combining two of my favorite things, family and food, was a sure-fire great way to start a Saturday. I felt that the "Alohas" would be a nice shoe for the event. The green was highlighted during the day, the hemp weave added unique style and the dark and natural colors toned it down enough that I wouldn't look inappropriately dressed. The sweater I paired with them was a Christmas gift from my sister a few years back. She bought it for me saying, "I knew that you had shoes that matched it already." Fact of the matter was, I didn't. However, it gave me a perfectly good excuse to pick up the Dunks I'd been eyeing.

Aloha

Our table was the only "young adults" table at the event, but it was definitely the right one to be at. Conversation flowed like the free refills on iced tea I was getting all day. Topics ranged from:

- "Snooky said it; it must be true." -Samantha

- Twitter: follow me!

- Astrid wanting to buy a Nate Kaeding jersey (the kicker? really?)

- Niki Minaj and Drake are just Lil Wayne carbon copies, except one is a girl and one sings

- Mainstream hip-hop is incestuous

- "Pork butt" is actually pork shoulder

- Foie Gras (I'm a sucker for foie gras... and french fries.)

- Jirael learning to "get low" when running the football -> Sam's friends met Lil Jon and call him "Lil Johnny"

- Facebook "social etiquette": how soon is too soon to add someone?

- Aunty Sharon loves Justin Bieber

- "I don't know.. if you wanted to make your food more salty. I'm just saying.." -Samantha, in reference to picking your nose

- Lady Gaga -> the meat dress -> the purpose of her "creation" -> the positive affect she has on "outcasts" in society -> the negative affect she has on music as a whole, and subsequently the world

Random. Fun. Great. The weather was awkward all week, but when we got outside, it was nice and sunny -ideal strolling weather.

Nike Dunk Low - Khaki/Baroque Brown -Mean Green ["Alohas"]

[Nike x KicksHawaii collaboration]

+ Gap Zip Cardigan + Levi's 514 Premium

When all was said and done, we left Santana Row in the late afternoon. I had to get home to change for my date!

Part Two

It seems like it's been forever since Kara and I have gone out out for a date date, so I wanted to take her somewhere fun. Golfland? Perfect. Now, what to wear? In this instance, I picked the sweater first due to the activity and outside conditions. For the footwear to match, I dug deep into the archives for a pair of Dunks I haven't worn in over a year. Though they've been with me since 2003, I retired them a while back to try to preserve whatever freshness they had left. Welcome back, old friend.

out of retirement for one night

The story behind this sweater is much different than the last. I've had the Stone/Mesa's for years, but never really had something that matched well. When I found it at a shop in San Diego, I knew it was exactly what I'd been looking for. Later, wanting to give that pair a rest, I purchased different pair of brown and orange Dunks almost solely so I could continue wearing the sweater.

Date night was a lot of fun. Mini golf ended in a tie (a story for the kids) and we capped the night off with a long awaited trip to Five Guys Burgers and Fries in Fremont. If you don't know, cheeseburgers are my favorite food. Though they conveniently package all four basic food groups, that isn't the reason I love them. I love them because they are delicious. =)

Nike Dunk Low Pro - Light Stone/Mesa Orange -Paul Brown ["Stone Mesa's"]

+ LRG Knit Button Hoody + Levi's 514 Premium

I won't drag this out any longer with my take on the experience (check out my Yelp page for that story), but I will say that I really liked Five Guys Burgers and would definitely go back. It's definitely worth trying if you haven't already.

After finishing my first full week of training as a Law Enforcement Clerk, a fun and eventful Saturday was just what the doctor ordered. The string of good times has truly been a blessing, but has reminded me to never take things for granted -enjoy your life and enjoy your loved ones. Peace.

{currently in the speakers: Rick Ross f. Drake, Chrisette Michelle - Aston Martin Music}

(1) Let's be real though. You can never have too many shoes...

*Bonus Section*