The Rise of the High-Tops

Get your feet into these Pumped Up Kicks…

I’ve previously mentioned the rise of the ‘Sport Luxe’ trend, due to adorn many high street and designer stores from Spring onwards. With this, we see the comeback of hi-top trainers.

French fashion designer, Isabel Marant has released a bekket hi-top collection, which feature a concealed 2-3 inch wedge. These have become hugely popular within the fashion blogasphere and with celebrities alike. Even the one and only ‘independent woman’, Beyoncé has adorned the famous footwear in her recent video for soulful tune ‘Love On Top’, if only the serious dance moves came with them.

 

The colourful trainers have spread worldwide, adding a sporty edge to any outfit to keep you on trend for SS 12′. Team them with a pair of printed leggings if you’re going for a daring fun look, or tone them down with a simple pair of skinny jeans for a more unassuming fashion statement. On the top half, grey marl works perfectly. Remember the attention is on your feet so be sure to keep the rest casual. Hi-tops should always be dressed down with an ‘off-duty cool’ attitude.

Celebrity Style Spot:

Kate Bosworth

Anne Hathaway

Miranda Kerr

    

A form of trainer is fast becoming the “it” shoe of the season. Unheard of, some might say. But I’m not complaining, for how often do looking stylish and feeling comfortable at the same time mix? However, if you, like me, are a student on a budget these Isabel Marant’s may only be a dream to you as they’re priced between $600-$700. That’s a hefty dent in the student loan!

Something else has caught my eye though, and they’re a little more in our price range, between £65-80. Hallelujah! These affordable alternatives, I reveal are the beautiful Nike Blazers. My attention was first drawn to the shoes after I caught sight of Liberty’s collaboration with sporting superbrand Nike Sportswear. The Blazer’s are the third outcome of the two major brand’s collaboration. The combination of Liberty’s signature vintage prints on their fabrics, complements the classic Blazer’s purposely ‘worn’ style to produce footwear of pure genius.

Available at: Liberty, Nike and Office.

After careful consideration of how to wear the stunning Liberty Blazers, I reluctantly decided against them. For the practicality of everyday wear I opted for the simpler, classic Nike Blazers. It was a struggle choosing between the Abyss Blue/Sail and the Gym Red/Sail but in the end, the Red won. I bought them last week, have worn them every day since and have gained a lot of compliments,  I could not recommend them any more.

 

Here’s a short film I made based around Nike Blazers. ‘How do you wear yours?’

 


GG


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Trend Report: Sport Luxe

It's 2012, and in London we mean business...

Alexander Wang S/S 12

Sportmax S/S 12

Marc Jacobs S/S 12

It’s 2012 and with the London Olympics nearing, it comes as no surprise that Sport Luxe is the trend to watch for SS 12'. A versatile style that can be taken from running track to club dance floor, with only a simple swap of accessories. We might not all be in training for marathons or the big games, but it doesn’t mean we can’t all dress the part. After all, that's the sporting spirit, isn’t it? Think modern silhouettes, acid brights, chic jumpsuits, exposed zips…and that's just the beginning!

When the news leaked of Stella McCartney being appointed Creative Director for Team GB’s outfits (naturally sponsored by Adidas), it became clear that in London, we mean business. Haute couture and the Olympic games; a winning combination to define a whole season of fashion. "The Ultimate Mix of Sport and Style". The predictable has occurred, from catwalk to high-street, sporting inspiration in SS 12' clothing everywhere is undeniable.

Here are a selected few items from Stella McCartney's collection at Adidas that are available for the public to purchase and feel a part of the experience:

 



However, if the gym's not your place of preference but you want to work the season's key trend, then there are many more versatile pieces of sporting inspired clothing floating around many high-street stores and online retailers. Take inspiration from the collections I have put together and get a sense of how to fit the trend around your personal style:

Topshop

Draw stings on skirts and dresses are a running theme through many a Topshop item, as well as runner shorts and printed leggings. A look of simplicity is made aware in the various coloured hoodies, boxy jumpers, crop tops and even joggers in the Jersey range.

ASOS

ASOS has truly pushed the boat out in embracing the trend by releasing a whole "SS/12' Game On" collection of neo sporting articles. Laden with flashes of acid brights,  snippets of mesh detailing, scuba-zips, racer-front vests and heeled hi-top trainers;

 

 

So, for all you fashion fanatics out there, now its your turn. Whether heading to a class of legs, bums and tums or a night clubbing with the girls, there is no excuse to shy away from this season's biggest trend. A look that will truly suit every age, shape and style woman.

Sport Luxe; fashion AND practicality, what more could you want?


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