Jezebel: sneakers

The President-Elect Sneaks By

Dodai — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 14:50:00 EST

[Chicago, November 7. Image via Splash.]

Free People: More Overpriced Thrift Store Crap Masquerading As Vintage Chic

Dodai — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 16:40:00 EDT

God, I hate the new Free People catalog. I hate the faux-cigarette burns or whatever those are on the cover. I hate that there are illustrations of clothes inside. I hate that the weathered, worn, clothes that you'd find on the floor at the Salvation Army often cost over $100. I hate some other stuff, too: Seethe with me, after the jump.

What's ennui selling for these days? Well, when it comes in the form of a cotton/polyester "girlfriend jersey" that seems like it ought to be free as a hand-me-down from your cousin, the answer is $128.

The studded vintage combat boots are $388, which just seems ridiculous, but I guess people want their shoes broken in for them. The "Arizona Eagle" necklace and the "Alaska Eagle" necklace are both "imported." Haha.

I don't know, I just can't get with these "artsy" printed T-shirts at $78 each. I can't decide if they are more hideous when illustrated or when worn with suspenders. I mean $158 bridle leather braces. Sorry.

All of these bags, which look like yard sale rejects, are over $150.

Ugh. Katie Holmes! See what ye hath wrought? I'm sure some of you are psyched about this boyfriend jean trend but I predict bad things for myself and the large-thighed like me.

Dress, $128; belt,$128, splattered dots on the page that make me think of germs and toxic mold: Priceless.

Okay, so remember the boat on dry land trend? Finally, someone's up the creek without a paddle.

I love Chucks. I have lots of Chucks. But when Chucks are sold "vintage" and "studded" and for $168, they're over, right? Right?

Free People [Official Site]

Earlier: Summer At 'Free People': Crafty Crocheted Crap, At Twice The Price Of Thrift Stores!
Free People: Hideous Iron-Curtain Nostalgia Will Set You Back A Few Rubles
Free People, August 2007: Luxuriating Lolitas and $400 Shoes
Free People: Someone Watched The Darjeeling Limited Before Booking This Photo Shoot
Urban Outfitters, Free People & Anthropologie: What's The Difference?

Air Obama

Sadie — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 18:20:00 EDT

If being portrayed on the sole of a shoe and walked on qualifies as a tribute, then artist Jimm Lasser's "Obama Force One" is the ultimate compliment. Also good, we suppose, for those Dems who don't like to wear their opinions on their, um, sleeve. [Men.style]

The Secret To Selling Sneakers Lies Between A Lady's Legs

Dodai — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 14:40:00 EST

To be honest, we don't know what the hell the narrator is saying in this vintage Asics sneaker ad from Japan. And why the company used the spread legs of a young lady to sell its running shoes is beyond us. Is it because guys like the chase? Or are girls supposed to assume they can run from crotchwatchers faster? Can anyone translate? Clip above.

Retro Dirtiness: Asics Sells Running Shoes With Crotch Shots [TV In Japan]

Oldies But Goodies

dodai — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 16:20:00 EST

"Dazzling. Different. Awesome." So begins the copy from this 1988 ad for L.A. Gear sneakers. Are they for sports, or do they just look good? Not even the company seems to know: "The hottest new look in high and low basketball shoes. Built to perform. With sizzling colors..." Well, these ladies sure are working up a sweat hanging at that diner. Surely guzzling those low-calorie beverages will help! (Click the picture for a full-size view.) [All-American Ads Of The '80s]