Issue 5 - Are Turf Cleats an Untapped Sneaker Trend?
Plus, "I need a fucking BRIDESMAID DRESS."
Would it be weird for me to wear indoor turf cleats as everyday shoes? This is a question I asked myself in BQ Sports Inc. in Greenpoint, a neighborhood treasure, when I spotted these Umbros.
Indoor turf cleats look good, they’re comfy, and nobody wears them off the field. Why? Everyone is wearing jerseys but not the corresponding footwear? Especially since I bought a pair of Samba LT’s that are imitating the cleat style and they cost twice as much as what I’m seeing here. Look at these and these.
I will be going back to get a pair. Turf cleats are the untapped sneaker for everyday wear and I will be the brave soul to pioneer this style (I don’t actually know if people are already doing this and I’m just late).
Things I like:
This selfie my dad took at Bottega Veneta.
Looking for:
My friend Ellie has really good style and she’s looking for something specific.
Here’s some of the mood board:
She needs a bridesmaid dress, it can be any shade of green but preferably of the sage, olive or forest variety. This wedding is in San Diego in May, when the average temperature is about 20°C during the day, for the Americans that’s 69°F. She wants me to avoid “anything that accentuates the armpit area,” adding that she “knows that sounds vague but sometimes dresses look good on me and sometimes they don’t it depends on where it hits and the material.” I actually relate to that deeply. It should be noted that Ellie has a strong yet effortless cool girl vibe.
I separated this search into 3 categories, each of which represent a distinct approach to how you shop for wedding attire.
Brand new—This is usually the more expensive and obvious choice, because these are pieces that are in stores now for full price (or on sale if you’re lucky). There are multiple sizes, and you can return it. Depending on whether or not you like the style and color the bride chose, this could be a dress you keep forever. This is more of an investment for your FTW (full time wardrobe).
Vintage—In this case you need to strike quickly because when it’s gone, it’s gone. You’re gambling on the fit but you are likely playing less, which you can put towards tailoring if it doesn’t fit perfectly. Nobody else will be wearing your dress.
Fast fashion—I normally avoid this but sometimes you just need to find a dress and it’s okay, not every choice we make has to be responsible. It’s cheaper and easier to find. If you buy it on the resale market you’re saving it from a landfill.
Here are some highlights from each category.
Brand new
I want to start with Norma Kamali. Everything she makes is flattering, appropriate, and comfortable. I think all 4 of these dresses are really nice and would do the trick. Colors are right on target, and yes I know the Diana Gown is everywhere (I have it in black) but I don’t care, it’s like wearing sweatpants. The dresses below range from $275-375.
We go to a khaki-er place with these two options from SSENSE; the first from BEC + BRIDGE for $290, the other from Rick Owens for $915. 🥵 Just because you never know, this Ottolinger dress is really fun and looks comfy. Probably a little too radioactive for this occasion.
Finally, this is probably a mood board violation, but I love Tyler McGillivary’s Thistle Dress.
Vintage
For those of you who love a bedazzled, fairy-like look, Nocturne is a brand Sue Wong created in 1999 and every dress is good. Here’s two I found, one for $340 and the other for $400.
Finally, this might be a little over the top but hear me out. Mandalay has THE most gorgeous little going out tops and ensembles, it’s all extreme Y2K fairycore stuff. This set is sending me.
Fast Fashion
Let’s get the Reformation girls out of the way. I believe Ellie ended up buying the first one (it has a nice open back), and the second is a nice neutral option.
This dress from Rihoas is only $42 (!!!!!!!!) and really nice tbh.
Wild card items: this Rachel Gilbert sparkly boob moment and this beyonddd Oscar de la Renta gown from 2009.
I’ve almost purchased cleats several times… the click clack of cleats on a sidewalk? Intoxicating.