Not Just for Sneakerheads...

Nice read from Ball Don't Lie's Kelly Dwyer. Sports aren't going to be a regular topic here at SneakersCultureLife, but I thought this blog was a great example of how sneakers branch out past our "small" sneaker collecting community. Fashionistas, jocks and everyone in between can appreciate an icon and an iconic shoe when one comes around. Cool kicks aren't just for Sneakerheads.

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*

THE table

Tiramisu. yeuup.

Five Guys Burger "with everything"

good?

GOOD

But in the end... (ya, I posted that one.

Kara made me take it down though.)

(Photo Assist Credits: Gabriel Hipol, Kara Pacis -thanks)

2: Friday Night Lights

09.17.2010 - I've never been to a high school football game before. While I was at Independence, I attended church on Friday nights. Plus, the fact that none of my friends played for our school and our team was just overall pretty bad gave me no incentive to ever want to go. That being said, I attended my first high school football game this Friday.

There was excitement in the air as JR and I walked onto Mount Pleasant High School's athletic field. We missed the early JV game, but we made it just in time to see the varsity play under the Friday night lights...

"Hype is something that's not for real. I'm all real."

-Boobie Miles, Friday Night Lights

The boys in our family have always been football fans even though none of us got to play. JR came close, but transfered schools. I never really got into playing sports until I was in college. Mel tried out one year, but due to a combination of circumstances, he didn't end up playing for the team. And it was a similar story for Jether.

Last winter, we started a bit of a casual football mini-league. What started as our Sunday post-afternoon/ pre-night NFL game on the side street next to Vista Verde eventually evolved into a Saturday morning, cleats, flags and cones weekly ritual. We got up early to get the most playing time in before it got too warm. Teams were mixed up according to matchups and we played every Saturday for several months (except when it rained). It was exciting because everyone was dedicated and got really into it. I even planned out a decently elaborate touchdown celebration for when I would hit the end zone every week including: Lebron James' pre-game "powder"; New Year's hat, streamer poppers and blow horn; and the "everyone get in the picture" celebration.

As serious as we were about the game, we never kept score and spread the ball out so everyone got a chance at action. No one got seriously hurt and everyone always had fun. I'd like to hope that those games were part of the reason Jirael and Gabo ended up going out for the team this year -so we could all live our high school football careers vicariously through them.

Nike Blazer High Premium (Tier Zero) White/Black-White

[Nike x Stussy x Neighborhood collaboration]

+ H&M Button/Zip Hoody + TRUE "Just Doing My Job" Tee + Levi's 514 Premium

Even though the actual game concluded with a disappointing end, just being there, hanging out, cheering, heckling, laughing, talking and taking the team's (and band's) struggles in stride made the night. I'm finding out that good times with good people has been a recurring theme in my life recently. Friday was no exception.

{currently in the speakers: Lil Wayne, Jay-Z - NFL Theme (Remix)}

*Bonus Section*

the fans

Aunty Shar came through big time w. the tailgate bag

hot dogs, burgers and veggie chips + Capri Sun to wash it all down!

Cheerios

clockwise from me: Uncle Frank, Gabo, JR, Miko, Nick,

Ammon, Jirael, Mel

(Photo Assist Credits: Joy Anes, Michael Hipol -thanks!)

1: One Love

09.12.2010 - The first out of one-hundred -I had to start things off right. Firsts are a big deal for me. The first time I wear a new pair of shoes, taking out on their maiden voyage if you will, it has to be for something. I wouldn't just wear them randomly to the mall, it would have to be someone's birthday. Or it wouldn't be for just a normal class day, but maybe for a big family event. That being said, which shoes would be the firsts in my journey to one-hundred?

I felt it would only be right if I chose a pair of Ones. But which Ones? Air Forces? No, too typical. Air Trainers? Not enough significance. Air Max? Maybe, but let's look for other options. Jordans? Jordans... I've just had an apostrophe. (I think you mean an epiphany.) Lightning has just struck my brain.

There was no better shoe in the sneaker world to start off a list with than an Air Jordan. And the Jordan I's (1) were the perfect start.

since '85 (foreground). since '83 (background).

I only have two pairs of Jordan I's -both of which I received as a high school graduation present from my mom. Even though I had to wait by myself at Shiekh's in Great Mall to get them (this was back in the day when if you got in line at 6AM you were first; not like today where campouts for multiple days for the most hyped shoes are not uncommon), these shoes are special to me because they always remind me of her.

As you can tell, I'm not lying when I say they hold significant sentimental value -it's the reason I've worn them less than ten times in almost ten years. I wear Jordans for good luck. College midterms and finals, MtG Regionals and PTQs, that sort of thing. I only wore these when I really needed a miracle: Jordan I + my mom is an insane combination of luck summoning power. So when I picked them for my first day on the blog, I knew it was going to be a great day. And a great day it was...

Air Jordan I+ - White/Navy - Silver

+ Old Navy Plaid Button-up + Levi's 501 denim

It wasn't quite first Sunday, but it didn't have to be; it's always a blessing to go to church. It wasn't going to a huge fancy party, but it didn't matter; the small family parties we have are the ones I love the most. And it wasn't an especially busy day, but it's ok; I got everything done that I wanted to get done: go to church, spend time with family, relax and have a great day -check, check annnd check... that's it.

I don't need to wear an awesome pair of shoes for it to be a good day. But when I have a good day and am wearing an awesome pair of shoes, it makes it that much better. If you know what I mean, you know what I mean.

{currently in the speakers: Lupe Fiasco - Daydream}

(1) Jordan shoes are unique in the shoe world as they are numbered in Roman numerals, as opposed to something like Jordan '95 (ie. Air Max '95). This ran from Jordan I until Jordan XXIII (#23, where I predicted they would stop) -they currently use the year system for all new models. Basketball pro models that follow the Roman numeral system today (ie. Kobe, Lebron) derived said system from his Airness. And I'm sure that's not the only thing they emulated from Jordan.

*Bonus Section*

Oysters!

they're all watching the game, but she's always watching me.

cruisin' on a Sunday afternoon

(Photo Assist Credits: Rholinelle Joy DeTorres, Michael Hipol -thanks)

P.S. Lunch to whoever can name the movie from the quote at the end of paragraph two.

P.P.S. Google search is for cheaters.

0: Goodbye Summer

09.06.2010 - This is Day 0 because it technically occurred before I officially started the One Hundred x One Hundred Project. That being said, this post is evidence that I was really putting thought into this before I actually launched it. Unlike many other ideas I've had up to this point, I actually acted on this one. Don't worry, the others aren't lost. They're just... pending.

Last Monday, Labor Day, the family and I caravaned down old Highway 1 to Hearst Castle. Hearst, not the same as Hearse -an error I corrected after breakfast at McDonald's that morning.

If I really planned it out, I wouldn't have used these shoes for the "big debut". I mean, they're called the "Barfs (1)"! But what I did know was that since we were taking a family trip, it would be a great opportunity for photos and I wanted to put together at least a semi-decent outfit. And after I started taking pictures, I knew I wanted to share them. Highway 1 is just prime for photo ops, after all...

view from Pacific Coast Highway "vista point"

This was my first time going to Hearst Castle, but not my first time traveling Highway 1. The reason I remember is because I started feeling car sick towards the middle of the trip. "You know how some people like to eat in the same places? Well [some people] like to barf in the same places." Sorry to gross you guys out, but the reason why I remember that I've been on Highway 1 before was because I remember throwing-up at a very specific General Store pit stop as a kid on a different road trip with my family. So I guess the "Barfs" were more appropriate for this day than I thought. Funny how that works out...

To avoid me re-experiencing my past horrible experience, majority of this voyage consisted of my headphones, my newly formed "Blackberry Hip-Hop" playlist and a lot of sleep. I honestly didn't know what to expect with Hearst Castle. I've heard from various sources that the place is either boring or amazing. After the tour, I decided to settle with the latter. While I know it's not the type of place you want to visit every week or even every year, I can definitely appreciate the history, architecture, art and the overall lavishness of the whole deal. I used to watch MTV Cribs a lot. I started watching it for design ideas for my (future) store -looking for different materials, layouts, etc. I kept watching because, the more I saw what people were building for themselves, the more it inspired me to dream bigger and work harder. I wasn't envious or jealous of them, but rather took the approach of, "What can I do to get there?" Visiting Hearst Castle was like watching an episode of Super MTV Cribs x50 on crack 4G .com. Ya... (Bonus pics after the jump).

Nike Dunk Low SB - Navy/Outdoor Green- Chocolate ["Barfs"]

+ H&M Button-up Hoody + Levi's 501 Selvedge STF

Spending time with family on a nice trip down Barf memory lane, Hearst Castle pimpin it, and a fat dinner at Black Bear Diner in Gilroy topping off the evening -a great day to end an awesome summer. The next time I visit Hearst Castle, it'll be my own take on the place, on my own lot, and all my friends and family will be the guests. Thanks for the inspiration, William.

{currently in the speakers: Kanye West - I Wonder}

(1) Sneakers are often given nicknames, by collectors, based on their color combination, brand collaboration, some pop culture reference related to the shoe somehow, etc. These names range from more obvious ones like Forbes (after Reese Forbes' signature Nike Dunk SBs) and Brazils to some more clever monikers such as the Homers and Jedis.

*Bonus Section*

some dude proposed to his girlfriend in front of the pool

ya, that pool.

gold ceiling. ya.

game room that attaches to the movie theater.

the indoor pool. as if the outdoor one wasn't boss enough.

(Photo Assist Credits: Rholinelle Joy DeTorres, Michael Hipol -thanks)