the end of an era
BY LAUREN BLACK
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Today marks my last week moonlighting as a sneakerhead (with an exciting new role to come!), and if there’s anything I’ve learned during my time at Highsnobiety, it’s literally just which sneakers to buy next. My proximity to the market — with an up-close look at which brands sell first, what model becomes too ubiquitous, and each colorway that gets left behind — has helped me refine a short list of shoes I'd actually buy, amidst all the hype. All that hype hasn't changed me, though, as I couldn’t resist the feminist urge to pair shoes designed for men with outfits made for hot girl walks. Whether your hgw style is more Aimé Leon Dore, Alo, or Amazon, sneakers are for everyone.
The adidas Samba.
You can imagine my satisfaction when the adidas Sambas, which I snagged earlier this spring, were just dubbed fashion's latest It sneaker. The sleek, soccer-inspired silhouette is a refreshing alternative to your Air Force 1s for more than just a walk around the block.
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SNEAKERS Adidas, $100, Available here BODYSUIT Similar here SHORTS Girlfriend Collective, $58 BAG Urban Outfitters, $45 CLIP Amazon, $10 for 2 SUNGLASSES Arnette, $94 NECKLACE Stone & Strand, $175Â
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The New Balance 2002R.
Between the 550, 2002R, 530, 990, and 327, New Balance simply cannot stop with the hits (and won't be slowing down anytime soon, thanks to Aimé Leon Dore founder Teddy Santis' debut as creative director this year). Like everyone else, I want the 550s, but I also want to be different, so I'm betting instead on getting ahead of the 2002R revival.
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SNEAKERSÂ New Balance, $150Â ONESIEÂ Aritzia, $78Â SHIRTÂ Zara, $40Â BAGÂ Baggu, $49Â HATÂ Getty, $23Â NECKLACESÂ LeMel, $50, $72, and $365
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The General Release ASICS.
While the best colorways eventually sell out, ASICS usually has sleeper hits you can get your hands on — the Gel-Kayano 14 and Gel-1130 being my frequent favorites. Not to mention, they're a proper workout shoe and seriously breathable for summer.
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SNEAKERSÂ ASICS, $85Â SPORTS BRAÂ WeWoreWhat, $29Â SKIRTÂ WeWoreWhat, $39Â BAGÂ The RealReal, $340Â HEADPHONESÂ Apple, $479Â SUNGLASSESÂ Nike, $230Â NECKLACESÂ Adinas Jewels, VariesÂ
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The Salomon XT-6 FT.
To round out my sneaker collection with more color choices, I'm looking to Salomon's most beloved model. Built for trail running, but perfectly acceptable for urban terrain and my trek back from the grocery store.
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SNEAKERSÂ Salomon, $200Â SPORTS BRAÂ Everlane, $35Â SHORTSÂ Everlane, $40Â SWEATSHIRTÂ Anine Bing, $179Â TOTEÂ JJJJound, $95Â SUNGLASSESÂ & Other Stories, $29Â EARRINGSÂ Mejuri, $48 and $38
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The Merrell Hydro Moc.
Obviously not a sneaker, but choosing your preferred foam sandal is an important addendum to the conversation. I'd like to think I'm more of a Merrell girlie than a Croc or YEEZY follower, but in reality, I went for the Amazon option long ago.
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SANDALSÂ Merrell, $60Â TANKÂ SKIMS, $36Â SWEATSÂ H&M, $25Â BAGÂ Luar, $235Â HATÂ HO HO COCO, $50Â NECKLACESÂ LeMel, $72Â WATCHÂ Casio, $27Â
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On My Mind.
A few more of my favorite learnings from Highsnobiety:Â Brands aren't companies but universes. "streetwear" redeemed luxury & the mass market is up next, there's no such thing as an ethical consumer, and we've entered the age of Hot Pink Fury (which is a far better name than barbiecore, by the way).
In My Cart.
Ordering a large black L.L. Bean Boat & Tote and thinking I could carry it around New York all summer was a mistake (it's heavy because it's honestly too well-constructed). I wanted a second chance to order a smaller, colorful version, and now I have the perfect excuse: jumping on board the ironic Boat & Tote monogram trend. I'm thinking a little red Prada number, no?