On a Golden Streak

I've blogged before about my unhealthy love for sneakers. And my style theme for next season is centered around being a Golden Boy.

So it comes as no surprise that this pair of Puma Black Label shoes turned me on like a light switch. The gold heel against the subtly patterned black mesh creates so much interesting drama that it's like an episode of Downton Abbey. There's a story both upstairs and downstairs.

The gold gives these shoes a sophisticated quality especially against a dark color. The woven print in the mesh creates a point to affirm that these shoes are not run-of-the-mill and should therefore not be worn on a treadmill.

YES
Thank you Puma for making gold metallic sneakers cool and manly.

NO
These shoes won't make you run or walk any faster.

MAYBE
Just like your favorite sports team, you'd committed yourself to another sneaker brand like Nike or Adidas. That must suck for you.

Trendspotting: Marc by Marc Leopard Print Backpack

Saw this leather leopard print backpack on Mr. Porter's site and it got me thinking how this bag artfully combines the feminine touches of leopard with the manly design of a humble backpack.

YES
This is the perfect way to show off that you are the king of the fashion jungle.

NO
This won't get you a date with Katy Perry.

MAYBE
You prefer zebra stripes.

On Your Mark…Get Set…SHOP

Personally, I prefer a quick visit to the gym versus a jaunt at Target at 4 AM in the morning the day before the store even opens for Black Friday.

I fall into the majority of sane people who forgo the bargain-hungry crowds for the casual and impersonal world of online shopping.

Can I touch the fabric or even try it on to make sure it will fit? No.

Is it a hassle to return for the person getting the gift? Yes.

Do you save as much as you do when you line up at the store and make a mad dash to the flat screen TV's and piss-mark on the one that's yours? Probably not.

But I won't get shot at, trampled to death or freeze my ass off outside.

YES
If you want to live, shop online. You can always do a search to see if there's a hidden coupon code to help you save extra for your gift. And if you're like me and most of the people in your life you give gifts to live in a different state, then you're better off shipping it directly to them.

NO
If you have a death wish, love elbowing your way through the crowds and showing off your crazy hoarding side in public, then find your nearest Walmart. But please case the joint before you go. Don't want you to get lost. Eye on the prize!

MAYBE
You don't have a computer and you're in line at Best Buy 5 minutes after finishing your turkey so that next year you can shop online. In this case, you have my blessings. Go get em and make sure to pick up a laptop case too. They're on sale!