A Glam Slam

STYLE CORRESPONDENT BARON DAVIS BREAKS DOWN NBA PLAYOFFS FASHION

HeatherZeller — Mon, 20 May 2013 16:43:38 +0000

NBA fashion remains a dominant topic of conversation, especially throughout the playoffs. Players continue to vie for attention on the style front, producing sartorial winners and losers following each post-game appearance. The league’s ever-evolving fashion landscape has turned players, media and fans into fashion critics.

NBA TV tapped veteran point guard, Baron Davis, to break down some of the most buzzed about style statements thus far. Davis is well-versed in the fashion world, having established himself as one of the league’s trend-setters throughout the years. He’s was also rumored to be working on a documentary, “American Schlub,” focused on the state of men’s style.

Acting as a “Style Correspondent,” Davis discussed a range of bold fashion choices from Dwyane Wade’s floral Versace jacket to Iman Shumpert’s pink linen shirt and backpack. Within the piece, he tracks the evolution of style and how younger players are starting to reflect the looks from former basketball stars. Davis compared Bill Walton’s preppy style to LeBron James’ modern take on the look, which included a denim shirt, cardigan and a pair of thick-rimmed specs. He dubbed Russell Westbrook the “modern day Clyde Frazier,” for pushing limits with his fashion. When discussing why fashion is such a big part of NBA culture, Davis went on to explain:

“It’s all about style and personality. With a lot of guys, they don’t get a chance to talk and be animated so I think that their style is reflected in the way that they dress. A lot of guys may not get to shine in the post-game interviews, it’s kind of new to them, so they want to push the button a little bit. Right now I think the NBA is fashion-forward as far as sports but some of these guys, we’ve got to bring them back.”

Check it out:

2013 FRENCH OPEN FASHION PREVIEW

HeatherZeller — Thu, 16 May 2013 12:58:31 +0000

As athletes prepare to head to Paris for the second Grand Slam of the season, companies have been rolling out new tennis designs. Apparel sponsors have another opportunity to display their latest lines, as players from top to bottom will hit the court and in the new range of fashions. The year’s French Open styling features hues that compliment the famed red clay-court. Pieces offer a combination of comfort and style, with design elements and details that adhere to each players’ personal style and performance preferences.

Check out some of tennis outfits set to debut at Roland Garros:

(photos via Fila; Nike; adidas)

TONY PARKER DEBUTS NEW LIMITED-EDITION TISSOT TIMEPIECE

HeatherZeller — Mon, 13 May 2013 14:33:17 +0000

Tony Parker and the San Antonio Spurs are in the midst of an NBA Playoffs run but outside the game, Parker is among the league’s many stars with an interest in fashion. The Spurs point guard appeared on the cover of Maxim magazine earlier this year, where he showcased his “all-star style” and his affinity for wrist wear. Now he’s debuting a new signature timepiece from luxury watchmaker, Tissot. Parker is among the pro athletes who serve as Tissot brand ambassadors, having first joined the company in 2011. Tissot describes his latest wristwatch below:

“The Tissot PRC 200 Tony Parker Limited Edition 2013 stands for Precision, Robustness and Classic style. This is exactly what is seen as the French national basketball team’s captain makes one of his signature tear drop shots. He shows Precision as he aims for the hoop, while the athlete’s endurance and strength is represented by the Robustness of the piece. As Tony Parker rapidly passes by his opponents to get to the free throw line, you will witness his classic style.”

The Tissot PRC 200 Tony Parker Limited Edition 2013 Quartz Watch features a blend of sporty, casual and sophisticated characteristics. Design details include orange minute track and hands and orange stitching on the black leather band. Personal touches such as a basketball graphic and Parker’s player number 9, are highlighted on the on the dial. The watch is limited to 4,999 pieces and each will feature a case which is finely engraved and a case back with the basketball player’s signature and number which are silk printed.

For fans look to snag Tony’s new watch, it retails for $595 and is available here. Check it out:

NIKE HONORS LEBRON JAMES WITH SPECIAL EDITION “MVP” KICKS

HeatherZeller — Wed, 08 May 2013 18:51:21 +0000

LeBron James became only the second player to win four MVP titles in five years, after snagging his latest trophy. In honor of his historic achievement, the Miami Heat forward added a new pair of signature shoes to his ever-growing collection. His flashy sneaker styles this year have ranged from space-inspired All-Star footwear to Easter designs with a pastel-colored palette. Now Nike has unveiled a special edition LEBRON X MVP shoe.

The colorful kicks feature intricate design details specific to LeBron’s journey throughout this season. According to the brand:

The vibrant LEBRON X MVP shoe fuses the unique colorways and designs of each style in the LEBRON X series, which James debuted in August 2012. The design details, including MVP on the shoe tongue, weave the story of James’s incredible journey over the past year. It’s a path that has seen him striving for excellence by perfecting his shooting efficiency, assists and rebounds to cut through defense effectively as an individual and as a team. Along the way, James has traveled from the courts of London to the hardwood arena of Miami, achieving victory in an extraordinary 27-game winning streak.

The LEBRON X MVP shoe will be available in limited quantities at select retailers in North America and China “soon.” For additional information, visit here. Check out the kicks below:

NBA PLAYOFFS STYLE PLAYBOOK: FEMALE FAN FASHION PICKS

HeatherZeller — Wed, 08 May 2013 18:26:38 +0000

The NBA Playoffs provide a forum for players to showcase their personal style and fans can keep pace thanks to a growing range of fashion-forward gametime options. Like the NFL, the NBA has set its sights on women, doing so through fan fashions. Brands continue to bring the latest trends to arenas and the league has ramped up apparel and accessory options for female fans.

From traditional styles to modern alternatives, from jerseys, tops and tees to jewelry and shoes, team-themed styles for the ladies continue to evolve to reflect current trends. NBA gear now features flattering silhouettes, form-fitting cuts and feminine details, making it easier for women to incorporate the apparel into their everyday wardrobe.

For the sports and style enthusiasts looking for fresh, fashionable pieces to wear during the NBA Playoffs, check out the options below. Items are available at NBAStore.com, BySaraDesigns.com, Sportiqe.com and HerStar.com.

AMAR’E STOUDEMIRE, TIGER WOODS & OTHER SPORTS STARS ATTEND THE MET GALA

HeatherZeller — Tue, 07 May 2013 16:24:42 +0000

The 2013 Costume Institute Gala, often referred to as the Super Bowl of fashion, was held last night at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Each year, the high-profile fashion event is packed with designers, celebrities, musicians and athletes. The theme for the evening, “Punk: Chaos to Couture,” had guests styled in elaborate gowns and bespoke suits, with outlandish hairstyles and flashy accessories to match. On the sports front, this year’s attendees included Met Gala veterans Amar’e Stoudemire, Victor Cruz and Tom Brady, as well as Tiger Woods and Lindsey Vonn. For a closer look inside the night’s festivities, visit here. Check out at the athletes as they hit the Met Gala red carpet in their designer threads:

Amar’e Stoudemire: His team is in the midst of an NBA Playoffs run, but the Knicks forward took a break from basketball to focus on his style game. With the help of his stylist, Rachel Johnson, Stoudemire was outfitted in a custom Calvin Klein Collection tux. In keeping with the “Punk” theme, the ensemble had a rocker vibe, from the leather jacket down to the black chucks. His wife, Alexis, was dressed in Giambattista Valli.

Victor Cruz: Cruz made his second consecutive appearance at the Met Gala. The Giants WR also worked with Johnson and was dapperly dressed in a colorful Lanvin tuxedo with an impeccable fit. Cruz’s girlfriend, Elaina Watley, wore Naeem Kahn.

(photo via vogue.com)

Tom Brady: Like Cruz, Brady added a pop of color to his tux, wearing a bold blue jacket. Gisele’s Met Gala look comes from designer Anthony Vaccarello.

Tiger Woods and Lindsey Vonn: Woods and Vonn made their debut appearance as a couple on the Met Gala red carpet. Woods opted for a simple black tux, a conservative fashion statement in comparison to the other male athletes in attendance. Vonn looked classic and elegant in an ivory gown.

ATHLETES DRESSED UP FOR THE KENTUCKY DERBY

HeatherZeller — Mon, 06 May 2013 19:34:59 +0000

Kentucky Derby spectators sported a diverse range of Southern styles, from outlandish head-toppers for the women to vibrant Spring hues for the men. Sports figures had their Derby Day fashion game in check for this year’s race. They dressed the part in attire that has come to define Kentucky Derby style for men: pastel colors, bow ties, straw hats and seersucker suits. Below is a recap of sportsman and their Derby Day duds:

Matt Schaub: Powder blue suit: check. Straw fedora: check. Pastel accessories: check. Houston Texans QB, Matt Schaub, had all the right ingredients for a Kentucky Derby ensemble.

Owen Daniels: Schaub’s teammate, Owen Daniels, also chose to suit up in Spring colors. A light lavendar seersucker suit, polka dot tie and two tone shoes were perfectly on point for the Kentucky Derby, and made for a memorable outfit.

Bode Miller: Miller likes to have fun with fashion, as evident in his Derby Day wardrobe. He offset a pair of vibrant blue trousers with a camel colored jacket and a pastel pink shirt and tie.

Brad Penny: San Francisco Giants pitcher, Brad Penny, embraced Derby fashion trends adding a light pink shirt and purple tie to balance out his dark suit.

Ken Griffey Jr.: Purple proved to be a popular hue among sports stars. Ken Griffey Jr. took the casual route with his Derby Day duds, but still managed to look polished in a lightweight sweater, gray pants and a matching gray fedora.

Scottie Pippen: Pippen played it safe, a bit too safe, for the Kentucky Derby red carpet. A vibrant tie would’ve added some excitement to the otherwise bland ensemble.

Gary Payton: In contrast to Pippen, Payton was certainly in the Derby Day fashion spirit. He merged a variety of styles from the white vest and pants to the pastel blue shirt to the the bow tie. Extra style points for the shoes.

Rick Pitino: Pitino looked better suited for the sidelines than for the Kentucky Derby. He payed homage to his NCAA Champion Louisville basketball team with a red striped tie.

Pat Riley: Riley and his wife were color-coordinated in tan hues, and his blue shirt played nicely with the blue accents in her hat. Although his suit appears a few sizes too big.

Tom Brady: Brady’s been known to make some serious style statements at the Kentucky Derby. This year’s festivities had him dressed in all-white, with a pop of color via a red and white checked bow tie.

(photo via @TimFindleyJr)

Aaron Rodgers: A solid look from Rodgers. The Green Bay Packers QB sported a classic black tux at the Barnstable Brown Gala.

Clay Matthews: Recently named one of Vanity Fair’s “Top 10 Best-Dressed NFL Players,” Matthews defended his spot on this list. He looked cool and confident in colors that suited his skin tone and a fit that flattered his frame.

Randall Cobb: A metallic silver suit and striped tie was a nice way to mix things up.

Peyton Siva: Like his coach, the Louisville PG paid homage to his school with his extra large red tie. Since it was the Kentucky Derby, Siva could have swapped the dark suit for something lighter. The Barnstable Brown Gala had him looking sharp in a clean and simple black tux.

Narlens Noel: The University of Kentucky basketball player was hard to miss. He upped the cool factor with his Derby Day fashion choices, thanks in part to the hi-top fade and Ray Ban shades.

Steffi Graf: The tennis champ looked lovely in a brightly-colored floral dress and matching pink head-topper.

MISSION ATHLETECARE UNVEILS NEW LINE OF WEARABLE COOLING GEAR

HeatherZeller — Thu, 02 May 2013 18:12:23 +0000

MISSION Athletecare continues to innovate in the cooling category. The company’s newly launched line of EnduraCool Instant Cooling Gear combats a universal issue associated with athletes: overheating. The range of wearable gear, powered by the brand’s patented “Coolcore” technology, includes Cooling Hoodies, Cooling Sleeves, Cooling Skull Caps, Cooling Helmet Liners and Cooling Headwear. As described the brand, the process of activating the cooling technology is as follows:

Athletes simply wet it, wring it out, and allow air to circulate into the fabric. The fabric cools to approximately 30 degrees below the average body temperature in under a minute, and the cooling effects – easily reactivated by re-wetting the fabric (with water or sweat) and re-introducing air flow – last for hours.

MISSION Athletecare’s complete line of performance products are designed specifically for athletes and endorsed by its athlete partners across the sports spectrum. Included on the roster of sports stars aligned with brand are: Serena Williams, David Wright, Dwyane Wade, Reggie Bush, and Ryan Tannehill. Products in the EnduraCool range were engineered with input from these athletes and developed with their demands for wearability in mind. Bush explained the performance benefits:

“Two-a-days in Miami gave me a unique perspective,” offered Bush. “There is a need for better training and game-day cooling solutions. We worked to make sure the new EnduraCool Gear performed better in game and on the sidelines than other products out there. These products make you feel cooler, stay cooler, and keep from being weighed down by equipment that is soaking wet.”

The EnduraCool collection is available at sporting goods retailers nationwide including: Dick’s Sporting Goods, The Sports Authority, Finish Line, Modell’s, Hibbett Sports and Sports Chalet, as well as nationally at Lowe’s Home Improvement. Prices range from $14.99 for the Large Cooling Towel, Cooling Skull Cap and Cooling Helmet Liner, to $43.99 for the Cooling Arm Sleeves. Items are also offered in a variety of bright colors.

For more information and to check out the full product range, visit www.missionathletecare.com. Here’s a preview:

(Large Cooling Towel: $14.99)

(Cooling Arm Sleeves: $43.99)

(Mesh Cooling Hoodie: $19.99)

VANITY FAIR NAMES THE “TOP 10 BEST-DRESSED NFL PLAYERS”

HeatherZeller — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 12:20:37 +0000

Despite the challenges that dressing a large frame can pose, football players have been getting into the fashion game, showcasing sartorial swagger off-the-field. They are among the athletes who are increasingly more attuned to personal style choices, taking full advantage of their time outside their uniforms. They’re hitting red carpets in some seriously stylish ensembles, covering men’s fashion magazines, establishing a Fashion Week presence, and in some cases, trying a hand at clothing design. These stylish endeavors have helped the league’s stars to gain recognition within fashion industry as well.

Vanity Fair first revealed picks for the MLB’s best-dressed in the game and now the magazine has tackled footballers. Check out the publication’s “Top 10 Best-Dressed NFL Players.”

VICTOR CRUZ

Since the New York Giants’ 2012 Super Bowl win, Victor Cruz has quickly climbed the style ranks, garnering attention from the fashion elite. From casual wear to formal wear, he has a keen eye for style. He knows how to work each look, be it a Calvin Klein tux or jeans and Jordans, leaving no detail unturned. The Big Blue WR has befriended top designers and fashion players and he even has his own clothing line, Young Whales. He landed in the #1 spot and according to the magazine, “He tops our list for his smart, tailored approach.”

TOM BRADY

Rarely is there a best-dressed list of athletes that does not include Tom Brady, who has successfully maintained his style icon status. He’s already appeared on Vanity Fair’s “International Best-Dressed” list, one of few sportsman to do so. “From turning heads at the Met Ball in velvet tuxedoes to strolling Boston’s streets in fishermen sweaters,” Brady is always a part of the fashion conversation. His clothing choices even prompt other players, sports media and fans to take on the role of fashion critic.

ADRIAN PETERSON

The Minnesota Vikings RB looks sharp off-the-field, often adding a bit of flash to his ensembles, without being overdone. It’s evident that he appreciates quality clothes and great style, always appearing well put together.

NATE BURLESON

Detroit Lions WR, Nate Burleson, is a “self-proclaimed fashion hound and clotheshorse.” He has a unique sense of style, making fashion statements with colorful suits, bold accessories and an impressive shoe collection. While playing on the Seattle Seahawks, Burleson sparked fashion buzz when wore a custom-tailored suit for every game, in the color scheme of his team’s opponent. Like Cruz, Burleson has his own clothing label called “B-LINE.”

REGGIE BUSH

According to the magazine, “Bush’s style has since matured, as shown here [below, left], when he took a warm-weather approach to formalwear: linen pants, waistcoat, sports coat, and flashy watch.” He seems to have an affinity for three-piece suits and loves to wear a vest.

ROBERT GRIFFIN III

RGIII’s impressive rookie year on-the-field was matched by his fashion efforts off-the-field. He’s a risk-taker, as evident in the powder blue suit he wore to the NFL Draft for his official sartorial debut. The Washington Redskins QB also has a penchant for socks, from Superman-themed footwear to his own signature styles from adidas.

A.J. GREEN

The Cincinnati Bengals WR has described himself as a “fashion freak” and a sneakerhead. He showcased his love of shoes at the NFL Honors, where he sported a wild pair of spiked, leopard Christian Louboutin loafers. Green discussed his fashion sense here.

CLAY MATTHEWS

Matthews is better known for his flowing locks than for his fashion sense, but the Green Bay Packers LB suits up nicely off-the-field.

TIM TEBOW

Tebow has often been lauded as one of the NFL’s best-dressed footballers. He appeared in Vogue magazine in 2012 and attracted attention at high-profile events like the Vanity Fair Oscar Party and the Met Gala Costume Institute Ball for his red carpet styling. The QB and Jockey spokesman tends to favor lightly colored suits and pastel accents on the red carpet.

MARK SANCHEZ

Sanchez typically opts for classic, tailored suits, often keeping his off-field looks understated, yet elegant. He’s been on the heels of Brady in terms of the game’s best-dressed QBs, and a wardrobe full of Hugo Boss suits certainly helps his cause. As the magazine states: “has a scruffy, sexy mien that looks equally appealing in classic suits (like here) as it does in wrinkled flannel or thermal T-shirts.”

NFL DRAFT FIRST ROUND FASHION HIGHLIGHTS

HeatherZeller — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 20:00:15 +0000

Analyzing picks based on their sartorial selections has become commonplace as it relates to the NFL Draft. A lack of fashion expertise and extra large physiques pose challenges for the future NFL stars. Since many are not accustomed suiting up, they rely on help from stylists to create their draft day looks.

When the final fashion count was tallied, Elevee Lifestyle was the clear cut winner in terms of dressing the night’s prospects. The custom clothing company has helped NFL and NBA draftees to elevate their style game for more than a decade. This year was no different, as they outfitted 14 of the first 25 picks.

Last night the draftees hit the stage in a range of tailored suits, check shirts, stripes and uniquely designed pocket squares. But it was the accessories that generated the greatest buzz, thanks to 3-D glasses, Louis Vuitton belts and enviable arm candy. A Glam Slam broke down the NFL Draft’s first round fashion highlights. Check it out:

Eric Fisher (in Elevee): Fisher kept it simple with his suit, but the striped pocket square took it up a notch. Classic yet cool.

Luke Joeckel (in Elevee): Joeckel ranks among the best-dressed of the night. His gray, three-piece suit was neat and well-tailored, flattering his large frame. A blue gingham shirt, matching pocket square and striped tie provided just the right accents for an overall look that was perfectly polished.

Dion Jordan (in Elevee) and Darius Slay: Jordan and Slay were on the same style page, wearing simple suits with bow ties that popped. Both draftees looked sharp in dark suits and crisp white shirts, adding small bursts of color with their bow ties.

(via @nflnetwork)

Cordarelle Patterson (in Alba): The third bow tie of the evening came from Cordarelle Patterson, though it was hardly the focus of his draft day fashion. Patterson pushed boundaries with his accessories, including aviator shades, black suspenders and a colorful Louis Vuitton belt. In a seas of suits, he had memorable sartorial moment pairing a white tuxedo jacket with gray pants.

Tavon Austin (in Elevee): Austin made a bold style statement in burgundy. Choosing a vibrant head-to-toe hue is a certainly a way to stand out among the group. RGIII did it last year, wearing a powder blue suit. Like RGIII, Tavon’s fashion choice was definitely a risk, but he pulled it off really well.

Kenny Vaccaro: Vaccaro opted for a mis-matched three piece suit. The gray vest with black piping seemed like a strange and unneccessary addition to the ensemble. Matching the lining of his jacket to that maroon, polka dot tie was a nice touch.

(via @nflnetwork)

Barkevious Mingo (in Elevee): Mingo, also one of the evening’s best-dressed, took a subtle suit color and jazzed it up with a plaid tie and brightly colored pocket square to match his new Cleveland Browns jersey. He wore the suit well and its flattering fit had him looking like he’d stepped out of the pages of GQ.

Ezekial Ansah: It was hard to focus on anything other than Ansah’s eyewear. He took a cue from the NBA fashion game, wearing pair of thick-rimmed, lenseless specs. To take it one step further, they were actually 3-D glasses, and they’re available at Walmart. The eyewear was questionable, but props to Ansah for his pocket square, a nice nod to Ghana where he was born and raised.

Lane Johnson (in Elevee): Johnson hit the stage is a sharp, well-tailored suit. It made a style statement that was simple yet strong.

EJ Manuel: Manuel wore pink (and lots of it) in honor of his mother, who battled breast cancer. That’s enough to make him a fashion winner.

D.J. Fluker (in Elevee): Fluker was the epitome of cool in a University of Florida themed color way. Additional flair was added with a bracelet and pocket square and the same orange and blue hues.

Eric Reid (in Elevee): Reid, one of the night’s most dapperly dressed draftees, stepped outside the box with his gray, double breasted jacket and blue knit tie. Style points for a look that was clean, elegant and memorable.

Jonathan Cooper (in Elevee): Cooper infused some bright color into his ensemble with that Carolina blue tie and pocket square. The shirt and tie in mixed patterns provided a nice contrast to his plain blue suit.

(via @StyleGirlfriend)

Eddie Lacy: Stripes are definitely a way to make a statement, but this is a bit overdone.

(via @nflnetwork)

Dee Milliner and Sheldon Richardson (in Elevee): The two newest members of the New York Jets shined thanks to their wristwear. This was some impressive bling for both newly drafted players, but the edge goes to Richardson.

(via @TheBigLead)

Geno Smith: The black and white paisley pocket square and the gold necklace. Puzzling.